NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Fed holds rates – markets turn to Powell’s successor amid Trump rant – deVere Group

    Source: deVere Group

    June 18 2025 – The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady—resisting mounting pressure from President Trump to cut—and investors are now preparing for what may come next: a pro-Trump successor at the helm of the world’s most powerful central bank.

    Global financial advisory giant deVere Group says the central bank’s decision is the right one, warning that cutting too soon could have backfired badly and pushed long-term borrowing costs higher, not lower.

    Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Trump wants a full-point rate cut to offset the damage from his own tariffs. But if the Fed delivers prematurely, markets will punish that kind of political submission. Long yields could spike, and the cost of capital could rise across the board.”

    May inflation data shows some easing—headline CPI dipped to 2.4% and core to 2.8%—but it is not enough for the Fed to justify a move. Wage growth remains resilient, household consumption is firm, and services inflation is still uncomfortably sticky.

    “The Fed is right to stay on hold,” says Nigel Green. “The disinflation trend is fragile, the tariff shock is still working its way through, and rate cuts in this environment would send the wrong message.”

    Tensions hit a new peak on Wednesday morning, just hours before the central bank’s decision, when President Trump launched a personal attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell during an impromptu press briefing on the South Lawn of the White House.

    Speaking beside a new row of flagpoles unveiled as part of a symbolic national display ahead of what the president described as a “potential war with Iran,” Trump again blamed the Fed for slowing the economy and accused Powell of incompetence.

    “We’re doing well. Well as a country, if the Fed would ever lower rates, you know, we’d buy debt for a lot less,” he told reporters. “Do you ever have a guy that’s not a smart person and you’re dealing with him and you have to deal? He’s not a smart guy.”

    deVere points to sharp movements in the yield curve as a warning sign. The 2-year/30-year spread is now at its widest since early 2022. Investors are demanding more compensation to hold long-dated Treasuries amid growing concern about inflation credibility, surging debt issuance, and the creeping politicisation of the Fed.

    “What we’re seeing now is a re-pricing of long-term risk,” says Green. “If the Fed signals it’s willing to bow to political pressure, it damages its ability to anchor expectations—and yields will move accordingly.”

    The decision to hold comes against the backdrop of Trump’s increasingly aggressive demands for looser monetary policy and his influence over the next central bank leadership decision. Powell’s term

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Fed holds rates – markets turn to Powell’s successor amid Trump rant – deVere Group

    Source: deVere Group

    June 18 2025 – The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady—resisting mounting pressure from President Trump to cut—and investors are now preparing for what may come next: a pro-Trump successor at the helm of the world’s most powerful central bank.

    Global financial advisory giant deVere Group says the central bank’s decision is the right one, warning that cutting too soon could have backfired badly and pushed long-term borrowing costs higher, not lower.

    Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Trump wants a full-point rate cut to offset the damage from his own tariffs. But if the Fed delivers prematurely, markets will punish that kind of political submission. Long yields could spike, and the cost of capital could rise across the board.”

    May inflation data shows some easing—headline CPI dipped to 2.4% and core to 2.8%—but it is not enough for the Fed to justify a move. Wage growth remains resilient, household consumption is firm, and services inflation is still uncomfortably sticky.

    “The Fed is right to stay on hold,” says Nigel Green. “The disinflation trend is fragile, the tariff shock is still working its way through, and rate cuts in this environment would send the wrong message.”

    Tensions hit a new peak on Wednesday morning, just hours before the central bank’s decision, when President Trump launched a personal attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell during an impromptu press briefing on the South Lawn of the White House.

    Speaking beside a new row of flagpoles unveiled as part of a symbolic national display ahead of what the president described as a “potential war with Iran,” Trump again blamed the Fed for slowing the economy and accused Powell of incompetence.

    “We’re doing well. Well as a country, if the Fed would ever lower rates, you know, we’d buy debt for a lot less,” he told reporters. “Do you ever have a guy that’s not a smart person and you’re dealing with him and you have to deal? He’s not a smart guy.”

    deVere points to sharp movements in the yield curve as a warning sign. The 2-year/30-year spread is now at its widest since early 2022. Investors are demanding more compensation to hold long-dated Treasuries amid growing concern about inflation credibility, surging debt issuance, and the creeping politicisation of the Fed.

    “What we’re seeing now is a re-pricing of long-term risk,” says Green. “If the Fed signals it’s willing to bow to political pressure, it damages its ability to anchor expectations—and yields will move accordingly.”

    The decision to hold comes against the backdrop of Trump’s increasingly aggressive demands for looser monetary policy and his influence over the next central bank leadership decision. Powell’s term

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study comparing evidence on intermittent fasting and traditional calorie reduction diets for weight loss

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The BMJ compares the evidence around intermittent fasting and calorie restriction for weight loss. 

    Prof Maik Pietzner, Chair in Health Data Modelling, Queen Mary University of London’s Precision Health University Research Institute; and co-lead of the Computational Medicine Group at Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, said:

    “The study is well executed, and results are presented in a balanced way reflecting the results of the analysis.  The press release is also well written and is in line with the evidence in the field, that any strategy reducing calorie intake results in a proportional weight loss, either at each meal (CER) or by skipping meals (intermittent fasting).  The missing additional benefit on cardiovascular risk markers of any intermittent fasting schemes aligns with our study that indicated that much longer periods fasting would be needed to change those.  However, we’ve seen that even those reverse quickly to levels seem before the intervention.

    “One point to stress might be the rather moderate level of weight loss achieved with any intervention and the missing long-term follow-up in terms of weight maintenance and reduction in the onset of major diseases.  For example, all dietary regimens, including the different forms of intermittent fasting, are unlikely to be sustainable.  A fact also indicated by the decline in adherence in most studies.

    “In brief, eating less leads to weight loss, irrespective on how you do it.  Aspects that are missed but would have been of interest, are any effects on muscle mass, which is a major concern for current pharmacological interventions on obesity.”

    Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:

    “This meta-analysis of mainly small trials helps to give a general sense of the benefits of intermittent fasting, even if some of the included trials were suboptimal.  Overall, the results do not surprise as there is nothing magical about intermittent fasting for weight loss beyond being another way for people to keep their total calorie intake lower than it would be otherwise – this helps people maintain a lower weight than they would normally.  Hence, it becomes another lifestyle option for weight management.  Whether it is sustainable over the longer term is worth to examine, whereas for those who need to lose much more weight, other options are now clearly available.”

    Dr Amanda Avery, Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nottingham, said:

    “This systematic review has compared the weight loss achieved by people in clinical trials who have undertaken intermittent fasting compared to the more traditional dietary approaches to losing weight which involve a continuous reduction in energy (calorie) intake (CER).  Systematic reviews are considered gold standard in research hierarchy and a meta-analysis allows a deeper understanding of the results – meta-analyses statistically interpret the overall findings for us.  This systematic review involved a novel network meta-analysis which is an advanced statistical technique that enables comparisons of multiple interventions including those that have not been compared in head-to-head trials.

    “Given that nearly 100 clinical trials were included in this systematic review, although some with a small number of participants, this research probably provides as good an insight as we are going to find as to whether intermittent fasting (IF) is as effective as traditional dietary approaches to weight management involving a consistent reduction in calories on a daily basis.

    “The authors have carefully considered most of the factors that could affect the interpretation of the findings – the first being that there is no definition for what we mean by IF and a number of different approaches to IF such as time restricted eating, alternate day fasting and the 5:2 approach.  The second factor that makes interpreting the findings difficult is that there are different approaches to achieving CER and the support and resources that people are offered to reduce their daily energy intake may affect how successful they are in losing weight and maintaining weight loss.  Compliance to any intervention will make a difference and people are individuals – one approach may work for one person but not for another.

    “Some of the studies included in the review had a very short intervention period – that is the time when participants were following the different approaches to losing weight.  The authors did conclude that more emphasis should be put on interventions that have been conducted over a longer period of time.  Perhaps as we may have expected, for the studies that had been conducted for 24 weeks or more, it was found that there was no difference between IF and CER in the weight changes seen – but at least they were both more effective compared to no dietary intervention.

    “The pros and cons of IF and CER have been debated for some time now.  This review can hopefully end the debate with the conclusion that if someone choses IF and overall a nutritionally balanced diet is still achieved then it could be used as one of the options to support weight loss with the more traditional dietary approaches still remaining as key strategies – alongside appropriate support.  The majority of the participants in the included studies had higher BMIs and an associated health condition and thus the findings are appropriate for many people who would benefit from weight management.  However I would like to emphasise that IF is not recommended during pregnancy.”

    ‘Intermittent fasting strategies on body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials’ by Zhila Semnani-Azad et al. was published in the BMJ at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 18 June 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-082007

    Declared interests

    Prof Maik Pietzner: “Professor Pietzner has received funding from industry partners (SomaLogic Inc.) to attend conferences unrelated to this work.  No other conflict of interest.”

    Prof Naveed Sattar: “NS has consulted for and/or received speaker honoraria from Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Afimmune, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carmot Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Hanmi Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Menarini-Ricerche, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Metsera, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Roche; and received grant support paid to his University from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Roche.  No shares in any medical areas.”

    Dr Amanda Avery: “Besides my academic position at the University of Nottingham, I also hold a position at Slimming World as Consultant dietitian in the Nutrition, Research & Health Policy team. 

    I have no other conflicts of interest to declare.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Farmers’ market program delivers another bountiful harvest

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People in British Columbia will continue to have improved access to nutritious, locally grown foods through the B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program. 

    “As the weather warms up and more people take advantage of British Columbia’s amazing farmers’ markets, we are helping people and families on lower incomes access fresh and nutritious foods grown in their communities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program promotes healthy eating and gives people an opportunity to connect with and support local farmers and producers.”

    The B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is operating in more than 90 communities throughout the province, reaching families, seniors and pregnant people from more than 8,500 households.

    “We all want people to be able to access nutritious, healthy food in their communities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Our funding will help more people, including seniors and families, put fresh food on the table, while also investing in local agriculture.”

    Delivered by the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM), the B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program is a healthy-eating initiative that strengthens local food systems throughout the province by providing an additional source of income for B.C. farmers during the market season. With funding from the Province, the program provides coupons to community partners supporting people and families with lower incomes. Coupons can be used to buy fresh, nutritious and locally grown food at more than 100 participating B.C. farmers’ markets.

    “This program helps people on a low income get fresh and nutritious food grown by local farmers,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “I’m so thankful farmers in B.C. participate in this program, helping to build community and sharing the bounty of their hard work.”

    This year, the Province is providing the program with $4.25 million. Households enrolled in the program can receive as much as $27 a week in coupons to use at participating farmers’ markets for as long as 16 weeks. The coupons can be used to buy fresh produce, nuts, eggs, dairy products, herbs, vegetable and fruit plants, honey, meat and fish. To receive the coupons, participants register with community partners, which distribute the coupons to those eligible. However, the 2025 program is currently at capacity for this year and is no longer taking applications.

    “The B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets is grateful and proud to have delivered this beloved program for many, many years,” said Heather O’Hara, executive director, BCAFM. “Through the program, we reach diverse people and communities in all corners of the province every year. In 2025, we know people want to taste B.C. like never before at our incredible farmers’ markets.”

    Farmers’ markets are a central part of many communities in B.C. Every year, they generate more than $232 million for local economies, helping farmers, small businesses and communities thrive. Support for farmers’ markets strengthens local food systems and helps foster the sector’s resilience and self-reliance.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Ministry of Health has been funding the B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program since 2012.
    • In 2024, the program supported 8,609 participants through 235 community partners in 94 B.C. communities.
    • Each year, almost five million people visit B.C. farmers’ markets, which are a gateway to experiencing the culture, flavours and food of the province.
    • BCAFM is a registered B.C. non-profit society that strengthens farmers’ markets, supports B.C. farmers and educates the public about choosing healthy, B.C.-grown products.
    • The group is committed to nurturing a secure food system and ensuring the viability of farming for the future.

    Learn More:

    For more information about the B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, visit: https://bcfarmersmarket.org/coupon-program/how-it-works/

    To locate a participating farmers’ market in your community, visit the B.C. Farmers’ Market Trail: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com

    To learn more about government supports for B.C. farmers, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025AF0001-000001

    To discover how you can enjoy more B.C. food and beverages, visit: https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As fires burn across the state, Trump’s illegal Guard deployment is already leaving firefighting crews short-staffed

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 18, 2025

    What you need to know: President Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles has already left crews fighting fires across the state short-staffed.

    SACRAMENTO – As multiple fires burn across the state today, a critical firefighting resource is short-staffed due to President Trump’s illegal federalization of California’s National Guard troops. 

    CAL FIRE crews responding to the Monte Fire in San Diego have had to fill in gaps left by an understaffed California National Guard (CalGuard) Joint Task Force Rattlesnake team. 

    Task Force Rattlesnake is made up of over 300 California National Guard members, who work at the direction of CAL FIRE to help fight and prevent fires. More than half of that team has been diverted to Los Angeles as part of President Trump’s illegal federalization of the Guard. 

    Thanks to recent historic investments, CAL FIRE has been able to step up with robust resources to protect communities but Task Force Rattlesnake’s understaffing and recent federal cuts create unnecessary strain. 

    “We’re actively seeing the dangerous results of pulling the National Guard’s Task Force Rattlesnake off of critical firefighting missions. Thanks to our investments, our CAL FIRE crews are stepping in to help fill the gaps and protect communities — but know this: Donald Trump is endangering Californians because of his reckless and authoritarian takeover of our National Guard.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The National Guard impact is on top of the Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the state. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year. 

    California’s unprecedented wildfire readiness 

    Despite the President’s dangerous recklessness, the state stands ready to protect communities. As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that from the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.

    Late last month, the Governor announced $72 million for projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk. Additionally, 20 new vegetation management projects spanning nearly 8,000 acres have already been approved for fast-tracking under the Governor’s new streamlining initiative.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires, and Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation signed in March to fast-track forest and vegetation management projects throughout the state. Additionally, to bolster the state’s ability to respond to fires, Governor Newsom recently announced that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations, adding to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. 

    New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate. A full list of California’s progress on wildfire resilience is available here.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 18, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring June 2025, as “LGBTQ+ Pride Month.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONThis month – and every month – California supports and celebrates the…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for the City of Malibu to assist in recovery from the December 2024 Franklin Fire that caused significant damage to the local area and threatened the lives of thousands. The emergency…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 16 Superior Court Judges: six in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; one in San Diego County; two in San Francisco County; three in Santa Clara County; one in San…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National Australia Bank pays $751,200 in penalties for alleged breaches of Consumer Data Right Rules

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) has paid penalties totalling $751,200 after the ACCC issued it with four infringement notices for alleged contraventions of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) Rules.

    The infringement notices relate to alleged failures by NAB to disclose, or accurately disclose, credit limit data in response to four separate requests made by different CDR accredited providers on behalf of consumers.

    The CDR is an economy-wide data sharing program that empowers Australians to leverage the data businesses hold about them for their own benefit.

    For the CDR to be effective it is critical that the data which a consumer has consented to be shared is accurate, up-to-date, complete and in the required format. 

    “Poor data quality prevents consumers from experiencing the full benefits of the CDR. When banks or energy retailers don’t provide accurate data, consumers can’t take advantage of CDR products and services to compare products, find better deals, manage their finances or make informed decisions about product switching,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    In this case, a failure to provide accurate information in relation to credit card limits impacted the service a number of fintechs provided to consumers, including some fintechs who offer mortgage broking tools using CDR data. These tools are designed to provide consumers with faster, simpler and more secure loan applications which better leverage their own data. 

    NAB’s payment of these penalties is the highest amount paid for alleged contraventions of the CDR Rules to date. NAB cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation and has rectified the data quality issues identified.

    Data holders in the banking sector have had several years to understand and implement their CDR obligations. As the CDR continues to mature, data quality within the CDR remains a priority conduct area for the ACCC. In the second half of 2024, CDR participants reported to the ACCC that over 530,000 consumers successfully used CDR products and services across the banking and energy sectors, representing an increase of 135 per cent from the previous six months. During the same period, approximately 582 million consumer data requests were made. 

    “All CDR participants are reminded that failure to comply with the CDR rules will result in scrutiny by the ACCC and may result in enforcement action,” Ms Lowe said.

    Notes to editors

    The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the CDR rules.

    The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain provisions of the CDR rules.

    More information on the obligations of data holders can be found in the Compliance guide for data holders.

    At the time of the alleged conduct the penalty amount for each infringement notice was fixed at $187,800 for a listed corporation. Since 7 November 2024, the penalty has been increased to $198,000 for each infringement notice.

    Background

    CDR gives consumers the right to safely transfer data about themselves from data holders to accredited persons, potentially to access new products and services, including better deals on everyday products and services.

    CDR is an economy-wide reform that is being rolled out sector by sector. The CDR has been rolled out to banking (from July 2020) and energy (from November 2022), with the non-bank lending sector to follow from mid-2026.

    The transfer of consumer data occurs between data holders and accredited persons, or accredited providers. The Australian Government has designed and oversees the system to ensure it is safe and secure for consumers. Accredited providers must go through a rigorous process to become accredited by the Data Recipient Accreditor (currently the ACCC) to provide services to consumers using CDR data. A list of current providers (along with further information about CDR) is available on the CDR website.

    The ACCC, together with its co-regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, is responsible for ensuring CDR participants, including accredited providers and data holders, comply with their CDR obligations.

    The Treasury leads CDR policy, including development of rules and advice to government on which sectors CDR should apply to in the future. Within Treasury, the Data Standards Body develops the standards that prescribe how data is shared under CDR.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maxwell Frost Introduces Legislation to Expose Human Rights Abuses in Immigration Detention System – SUDEM Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    June 18, 2025

    Watch the Orlando Press Conference Here

    ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY),introduced the Stop Unlawful Detention and End Mistreatment (SUDEM) Act, legislation that would expose widespread human rights violations in America’s immigration detention system and shine a light on the secretive practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    Across the country and in Florida, ICE detention centers have become synonymous with secrecy, abuse, and due process violations. From documented toxic exposures and medical neglect at Glades County Detention Center, to whistleblower-confirmed racial harassment and excessive force at Baker County, to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions at Krome North — a disturbing pattern has emerged: human beings are being subjected to cruelty and neglect, often without public knowledge or legal transparency.

    “Donald Trump and Republicans have turned our immigration system into a taxpayer-funded kidnapping operation,” said Rep. Frost. “People are being disappeared into a system that operates in the shadows — without public accountability, without basic human dignity, and often without legal justification. The SUDEM Act is about pulling back the curtain. This bill won’t fix everything, but if Donald Trump and his allies think these policies are defensible, then they shouldn’t be afraid to tell the public exactly what they’re doing. If they’re proud of it, they’ll report it. If they’re ashamed, they need to end it.”

    “I just saw inhumane, overcrowded conditions inside Krome Detention Center in Miami, where detainees recently died. Yet ICE refuses to release data on who is being held and why,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Nearly half the people in Krome have no criminal record. Now, Trump wants to cram hundreds of thousands of lawful TPS and humanitarian parole recipients into these facilities while DHS shuts out essential watchdogs that defend civil rights and due process everyone deserves. I’m proud to help lead this legislation to restore transparency and humanity to Trump’s lawless policies that tear apart families and terrorize our communities.”

    “The secrecy surrounding this administration’s immigration policy is the stuff of dictatorship, not democracy,” said Rep. Espaillat. “When masked ICE agents are playing fast and loose with the law and elected officials are being arrested for visiting detention facilities for lawful oversight and accountability, including at Delaney Hall in Newark, 26 Federal Plaza in my district, and the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles—Congress must act. The American people demand answers and have a right to know who is being detained and why. We are introducing this legislation to reaffirm our call to action to know about the mothers, children, and even legal immigrants who are filling these detention facilities. If the Trump Administration is adamant they are following the will of the American people, then they should have no problem letting the American people and the world know what is happening behind the scenes at these facilities. The Stop Unlawful Detention and End Mistreatment (SUDEM) Act aims to uncover the truth and hold those responsible for the unlawful detention of innocent individuals accountable for their actions.”

    The legislation comes amid a growing push by the Trump Administration to expand ICE detention — including a proposed $45 billion in new funding — and as states like Florida move to deputize their entire jail systems in an effort to help ICE detain even more people.

    The SUDEM Act would require all ICE-operated and ICE-affiliated facilities to publicly disclose key data, including:

    • Who is being detained — where, when, and why.

    • The legal authority and evidence behind each detention.

    • Demographic data — age, nationality, and legal status.

    • Facility-wide reporting on use of force, disciplinary actions, transfers, and deportations.

    The SUDEM Act is part of Rep. Frost’s continued efforts to advance human rights and demand transparency in federal immigration enforcement.

    The bill has been endorsed by Public Citizen, CASA, LULAC, Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC), HOPE Community Center, Orlando Center for Justice, and the Hispanic Federation.

    “The Trump administration has tread into unlawful and alarming detention practices under the guise of immigration reform. The administration has unleashed an overly-zealous enforcement team, known as ICE, that is arresting and detaining scores of people, oftentimes using unnecessarily violent tactics. The abuses of enforcement power the nation has witnessed by ICE is unrivaled by any previous administration, Democratic or Republican. Rep. Frost’s Stop Unlawful Detention and End Mistreatment Act is a sorely-needed effort to rein in these abuses,” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen.

    “Orlando Center for Justice proudly supports Representative Maxwell Frost’s bill to establish a transparent, publicly accessible immigration detention database. As an organization that defends the rights of immigrants, we believe accountability and access to information are essential to ensuring due process, protecting civil liberties, safeguarding human dignity, and keeping our communities safe,” said Gisselle Martinez, Esq., Legal Director for Orlando Center for Justice, Inc. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China once again calls on G7 to stop interfering in its internal affairs – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — China once again calls on the Group of Seven (G7) to recognize the global development trend, abandon the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, stop provoking conflicts and confrontation, and do more for the interests of the international community, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular briefing on Wednesday.

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a G7 summit chairman’s summary released on June 17 local time that participants stressed the need for constructive and stable relations with China, calling on China to avoid “market distortions” and “overcapacity,” and expressed serious concern about China’s “destabilizing activities” in the East China Sea and South China Sea and the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

    Commenting on the above document, Guo Jiakun noted that the G7 summit participants once again resorted to manipulating issues related to China. According to him, the G7 countries made irresponsible statements on Taiwan, the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and falsely accused China of “excess production capacity” and “market distortions.”

    “This is interference in China’s internal affairs and a violation of the basic norms of international relations. The Chinese side firmly opposes this and has made stern representations to the relevant parties,” Guo Jiakun said.

    The main factor undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait today is the activities of separatists advocating “Taiwan independence” and the interference of external forces, the official representative noted. According to him, if the G7 countries truly care about peace in the Taiwan Strait, they should strictly adhere to the one-China principle, clearly oppose “Taiwan independence,” and support China’s reunification.

    Guo Jiakun pointed out that the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea is generally stable at present. He called on the G7 to respect the joint efforts of regional countries to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, maintain peace and stability, and stop using maritime issues to sow discord among regional countries and increase tensions in the region.

    The Chinese diplomat said the allegations of “market distortions” and “excess production capacity” were completely untrue. As Guo Jiakun emphasized, the G7 countries resort to such claims to justify their trade protectionism, and in fact, to contain and suppress China’s industrial progress, politicize and weaponize trade and economic issues. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Discusses Israeli-Iranian Conflict with Omani FM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday said Israel’s attack on Iran was a violation of international law and norms of international relations, an encroachment on the sovereignty and security of the Iranian state, and an undermining of peace and stability in the region.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement in a telephone conversation with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud al-Busaidi, which was initiated by the Omani side. The Chinese diplomat noted that China has always advocated peaceful resolution of any disputes.

    Wang Yi stressed that the top priority at present is to achieve a ceasefire and end the conflict. He pointed out that China supports the joint statement on the Israel-Iran conflict issued by 21 Arab and Islamic countries including Oman, and hopes that they will unite and continue their efforts to promote peace talks.

    China will also maintain communication and coordination with Oman and other regional countries and play a constructive role within platforms such as the UN to help end the conflict and restore peace in the Middle East, the Chinese Foreign Minister said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two Iranian centrifuge production facilities attacked – IAEA

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    VIENNA, June 18 (Xinhua) — Two centrifuge production facilities in Iran, the TESA complex in Karaj and the Tehran Nuclear Research Center, were hit, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday.

    As stated in the agency’s publication on the X social network, both facilities had previously been monitored and inspected by the IAEA in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

    It is noted that one building was damaged in the center in Tehran, while two buildings were destroyed in Karaj.

    On June 13, the IAEA called for an end to attacks on nuclear facilities. “Nuclear facilities should never be attacked, regardless of the context and circumstances,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said at a meeting of the organization’s board of governors.

    “Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as for peace and security in the region and around the world,” the IAEA chief emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW YORK, June 18 (Xinhua) — The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday left its target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent, as robust economic growth bolsters the Fed’s wait-and-see approach.

    The Fed decided not to change its base rate for the fourth time in a row.

    “While fluctuations in net exports weigh on the data, recent data suggest that economic activity continues to expand at a strong pace,” the Fed said in a statement.

    According to the regulator’s assessment, the US maintains a low unemployment rate, stability in the labor market, and slightly elevated inflation.

    “Uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished but remains high,” the statement said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Review: BRICS Cooperation Space Constantly Expands – SPIEF Participants

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    St. Petersburg, June 18 (Xinhua) — The cooperation space between the BRICS countries is constantly expanding, especially after the expansion of the association began in 2024. This was stated on Wednesday by participants of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) at the session “BRICS and Partners: Creating a Joint Business Future.”

    Director of the Beijing-Moscow International Trade and Economic Center Ma Shuang noted that China has a long-term strategy for building relations with the BRICS countries. Among the areas that have the greatest potential for joint investment and opening up new markets, she named information technology and the Internet.

    Vice President of the India-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Lebohan Zulu stressed that the main barrier to increasing cooperation among BRICS countries is the legacy of the unipolar world system, which is expressed in the dominance of one currency in the world market, and the insufficient development of international transport and logistics networks. In her opinion, work in these areas, as well as the development of e-commerce platforms, can open up a huge number of prospects and opportunities for BRICS members and partners.

    According to Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Global Rus Trade and Chairperson of the Russian Part of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, the expansion of the association has demonstrated broad interest in it among countries around the world. She believes that education and the involvement of more and more women in entrepreneurial activity are relevant areas for the development of cooperation in BRICS. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Joins Agriculture Secretary Rollins to Announce Efforts to Fight New World Screwworm

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

    EDINBURG, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) participated in a press conference with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller, and several Members of Congress to announce a five-pronged plan to combat the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS).

    This follows Congressman Gonzalez’s efforts to mitigate the spread of NWS. He previously joined 21 other members of Congress in sending a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee requesting $300 million in funding to establish a NWS sterile fly facility in the United States. Congressman Gonzalez also cosponsored H.R. 3392, the Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act, which authorizes $300 million for the same project.

    NWS is a devastating pest that causes serious and often deadly damage to livestock, wildlife, pets, and in rare cases, humans. While NWS has been eradicated from the United States for decades, recent detections in Mexico as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, about 700 miles away from the U.S. border led to the immediate suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border on May 11, 2025.

    “The return of the New World Screwworm is a glaring potential threat to South Texas ranchers, wildlife, and communities as a whole,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “If it reaches our country, this pest could wreak havoc on our economy and food supply chain. It must be eradicated. I look forward to working with USDA and other partners on innovative solutions right here at Moore Air Base to ensure the safety of our agricultural industry and South Texans’ wellbeing.”

    “The United States has defeated NWS before and we will do it again,” said Secretary Rollins. “We do not take lightly the threat NWS poses to our livestock industry, our economy, and our food supply chain. The United States government will use all resources at its disposal to push back NWS, and today’s announcement of a domestic strategy to bolster our border defenses is just the beginning. We have the proven tools, strong domestic and international partnerships, and the grit needed to win this battle.”

    “I’m proud to partner with decisive leaders such as USDA Secretary Rollins and our Texas congressional delegation in combating the New World Screwworm. This is a significant threat, and it’s critical we stay ahead of it. Texas has historically been at the forefront of American agriculture, and we are prepared to assist Secretary Rollins and the USDA in protecting our livestock, economy, and food supply. I look forward to implementing a robust, effective plan to protect Texas agriculture from this dangerous pest,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller.   

    For more information on USDA’s Five-Pronged Plan, please visit their page.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter helps secure Critical Funding for Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter helps secure Critical Funding for Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport

    Carter helps secure Critical Funding for Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport

    Washington, June 18, 2025

    SAVANNAH- Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today announced $11.4 million in Department of Transportation grants for the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

    Combined, the three grants provide $1.3 million to update the existing airport master plan, $3.7 million to construct a new taxiway, and $6.4 million to expand the existing general aviation apron.  

    “The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a crown jewel of Georgia’s First Congressional District. These funds will help the airport improve its already stellar operations, connecting the world to our beautiful coast and providing best-in-class service for all passengers,” said Rep. Carter.

    “It is great to hear that we will be receiving these three grants to help pay for necessary airfield infrastructure projects at our airport as we continue to grow. These grants will help us facilitate aircraft movements to our new air cargo complex and our expanding Business/General Aviation campus in the Southeast Quadrant of the airport,” said Greg Kelly, A.A.E., Executive Director, Savannah Airport Commission

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New day stay unit at Starship Children’s Hospital will increase capacity

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Simeon Brown today officially opened the new Athlae Lyon Day Stay Unit at Starship Children’s Hospital, marking a major milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of New Zealand’s largest children’s hospital.
    “Starship plays a critical role in caring for our most vulnerable children, not just from Auckland but from right across New Zealand. It provides lifesaving care and specialist services that families depend on during some of the most challenging times they will face,” Mr Brown says.
    “This new, purpose-built medical day stay unit is a significant step toward delivering the modern, fit-for-purpose health services that children and their families deserve. 
    “It offers a dedicated, child-friendly space for procedures that don’t require an overnight stay – such as infusions, allergy testing, medical reviews for chronic conditions, and sleep studies. The bright, welcoming environment is designed to support a positive experience for both patients and their families.”
    The new unit replaces a much smaller area that accommodated just three procedure chairs, nearly tripling capacity to six chairs along with two flexible rooms that can be used for sleep studies or as isolation spaces when infection control is required.
    “Shifting appropriate procedures to this new day stay unit will help hospital teams work more efficiently, allowing more children to receive timely care with fewer delays caused by inpatient bed shortages – leading to shorter wait times and improved access to essential treatments for children and their families.
    “At the same time, freeing up inpatient beds will ensure those requiring acute or planned overnight care have access to the space they need – enabling the hospital to use its capacity more effectively, improving care for all patients.
    “I know that hospital visits can be stressful for children and their families. This new unit is designed with their wellbeing in mind, helping to ease that stress through a more supportive environment, and providing smarter, more efficient care – ensuring every child receives the right treatment, at the right time,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – RBNZ Bulletin: Reflections on 35 Years of Flexible Inflation Targeting – Lessons from the RBNZ Research Conference

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

    19 June 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua hosted a research conference on 6-7 March 2025 commemorating “35 Years of Flexible Inflation Targeting – Challenges and Opportunities”.

    This Bulletin summarises the key themes and insights that emerged during the conference.

    The conference marked a significant historical milestone. Reflecting on the decades leading to inflation targeting, Governor Christian Hawkesby described how New Zealand experienced high and volatile inflation when monetary policy was set under the direction of the Government, not an independent central bank.

    Reforms undertaken from 1988 set out, in the words of the then Minister of Finance, Roger Douglas, to “ensure that future politicians don’t interfere with the primary objective of the Reserve Bank”.

    In March 1990, when the Minister of Finance and the Reserve Bank Governor signed the first Policy Targets Agreement (PTA), the Reserve Bank of New Zealand became the first central bank to have a numerical target for inflation specified in its monetary policy mandate. (ref. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f7a74960f1&e=f3c68946f8 )

    Against this backdrop, 35 years after the first PTA, the research conference aimed to understand the inflation targeting experience across central banks, the challenges, and the opportunities to refine monetary policy frameworks and strategies in the post-pandemic world.
     
    Read the Bulletin: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=78cd896bea&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GDP increases 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Gross domestic product: March 2025 quarter

    GDP increases 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter – media release

    19 June 2025

    New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter, following a 0.5 percent increase in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Activity increased in the March 2025 quarter across all three high-level industry groups: primary industries, goods-producing industries, and services industries.

    “At a more detailed industry level, nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing,” economic growth spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said.

    The rise in manufacturing was led by an increase in the production of machinery and equipment. This was reflected in increases for components of both investment and exports associated with this type of manufacturing output.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Rwandan genocide perpetrator charged with immigration fraud following ICE investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DAYTON, Ohio – A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in an indictment that was unsealed June 13, charging a Dayton man with lying on his applications for a green card and United States citizenship by concealing his past role as a leader and perpetrator of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

    According to court documents, Vincent Nzigiyimfura, 65, was a prominent businessman and shop owner in Rwanda in 1994 when the genocide began. He allegedly used his wealth and leadership position in Rwandan society to organize violence against and killings of Tutsis, the minority population persecuted in the genocide.

    “ICE HSI is committed to pursuing justice for victims of genocide by ensuring that those who committed atrocities in foreign lands cannot hide in Ohio or any other community in the United States,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “No one wants a war criminal as their neighbor and these allegations paint a grim picture of the horror Nzigiyimfura inflicted on the Tutsi people. His indictment and arrest is a step toward justice for those victims.”

    “The indictment alleges this defendant facilitated the killings of Tutsis during the Rwandan genocide and then lied about it on immigration applications in the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris for the Southern District of Ohio. “This egregious conduct will not be tolerated.”

    “As alleged, Vincent Nzigiyimfura directed and encouraged murders during the genocide in Rwanda and then lied to U.S. authorities to start a new life in this country,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The United States is not a safe haven for human rights violators. Those, like the defendant, who commit immigration fraud to hide their violent pasts will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    As alleged in the indictment, Nzigiyimfura directed groups of armed Hutus – the majority population – to kill Tutsis. He allegedly set up roadblocks during the genocide to detain and kill Tutsis, including a roadblock directly in front of his home, where Tutsis were allegedly killed at his direction. Nzigiyimfura also allegedly participated in killings. According to court filings, the defendant was subsequently convicted in absentia by a Rwandan court for genocide.

    Court documents detail that Nzigiyimfura applied for a visa to enter the U.S. and was granted lawful permanent resident status in 2008. In 2014, he submitted an application for naturalization. Nzigiyimfura allegedly lied to U.S. immigration officials in his immigration applications, including by falsely denying any involvement as a perpetrator of the Rwandan genocide.

    Nzigiyimfura was arrested June 12 and charged with one count of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalization fraud. If convicted as charged, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

    ICE HSI Detroit is investigating this case, with assistance from the interagency Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    Established in 2009, the HRVWCC furthers the government’s efforts to identify, locate, and prosecute human rights abusers in the U.S, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. Currently, HSI has more than 180 active investigations into suspected human rights violators and is pursuing more than 1,945 leads and removals cases involving suspected human rights violators from 95 different countries. Since 2003, the HRVWCC has issued more than 79,000 lookouts for potential perpetrators of human rights abuses, and stopped over 390 human rights violators and war crimes suspects from entering the U.S.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney George Painter of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are representing the United States in this case.

    Members of the public who have information about potential former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the ICE tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or the online tip form. They can also email HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Appoints Judge Coffey to Liquor Control Commission

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Appoints Judge Coffey to Liquor Control Commission

      

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of J. Michael Coffey to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, representing the 2nd Congressional District. His appointment, while immediate, is subject to confirmation next year by the Nebraska Legislature.  

    Coffey is a former district court judge in the 4th Judicial District, which consists of Omaha. He retired in June 2023 after nearly 25 years on the bench. Prior to his appointment to the court, Coffey was a practicing attorney in Omaha.  He earned his juris doctor from the Creighton University School of Law.

    Members of the Liquor Control Commission serve six-year terms. Each person represents a different congressional district in Nebraska.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Delegation Introduces Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    06.18.25

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), introduced S.2098/H.R.3620, the Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025. Within two years of enactment, the bill would transfer ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse in downtown Anchorage from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Southcentral Foundation (SCF). The SCF is an Alaska Native tribal health organization designated by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and eleven federally recognized Tribes to provide healthcare services to beneficiaries of the Indian Health Service under a self-governance compact. This transfer would provide stronger support for SCF’s mission in providing healthcare and related services to Alaska Native people by allowing SCF to secure financing, replace their current facility, expand services, and create jobs.

    “For more than 40 years, Southcentral Foundation has provided vital health care services in Alaska by supporting the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellness of Alaska Natives and American Indians,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m glad to lead this bill alongside Senator Sullivan and Congressman Begich to help SCF improve and grow its behavioral health care services, which is a top priority in Alaska. By transferring ownership of this land to SCF, we are supporting self-determination, improving access to culturally relevant services, and prioritizing the health and well-being of Alaskans.”

    “Southcentral Foundation serves the behavioral health care needs of thousands of Alaska Native people, including through initiatives like Quyana Clubhouse, which incorporates cultural values and traditions into the treatment of individuals with severe mental health challenges,” said Senator Sullivan. “Transferring ownership of the Quyana Clubhouse will empower Southcentral to build on the success they’ve had in creating an innovative and welcoming place for individuals with persistent mental health concerns. I’m glad to introduce legislation with Senator Murkowski and Congressman Begich to facilitate this important land transfer.”

    “Southcentral Foundation has long been a trusted provider of healthcare for Alaska Native communities,” said Congressman Begich. “This legislation delivers land title status needed to secure investment for modernized healthcare facilities – facilities that will allow Southcentral Foundation to address treatment more comprehensively for those suffering from persistent and severe mental illness. This bill paves the way for improved local solutions, and I am proud to lead this effort in the House.”

    “I appreciate the work of the entire Alaska delegation on this important legislation,” said Southcentral Foundation President and CEO, April Kyle. “Transferring the parcel of federal land where SCF currently operates the Quyana Clubhouse will clear the way to build a new facility that expands capacity and adds Intensive Case Management programs for people with chronic mental health and substance use challenges. This land transfer will allow SCF to better assist this population and provide services needed for all to thrive in the community.”

    Additional Information:

    • The Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025 has received official letters of support from: 
    • On Wednesday, June 11, 2025 the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs held a legislative hearing on four bills, including H.R. 3620.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Senator Mullin Blasts Democrat Hypocrisy in Hegseth Hearing, They ‘Should Be Ashamed’ for the Last Four Years

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    RELEASE: Senator Mullin Blasts Democrat Hypocrisy in Hegseth Hearing, They ‘Should Be Ashamed’ for the Last Four Years

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, slammed Democrats for their hypocritical lines of questioning towards Secretary Pete Hegseth at today’s hearing to examine the Department of Defense’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2026.

    In his remarks, Senator Mullin addressed Senate Democrats’ refusal to hold the Biden administration accountable for anything the last four years, including the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and the cover-up of Joe Biden’s cognitive decline. Highlights below.

    Sen. Mullin’s full remarks can be found here.

    On the Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan:

    “Talk about accountability, I wonder who was held accountable for the disastrous withdrawal out of Afghanistan, where 13 soldiers died and we left thousands of Americans behind underneath Secretary Austin’s lead. Did one person get held accountable during that time? I don’t know of anybody that got held accountable for Afghanistan withdrawal.”

    On the Democrat cover-up of President Biden’s cognitive decline:

    “History is history. Look back at it, if you want to or not. But keep in mind every time you’re pointing fingers here, you got three fingers pointing back at you.”

    “Because the previous administration you guys 100% turned a blind eye to and did nothing to hold them accountable, nothing. So don’t sit up here on the dais and pretend like you’re trying to hold the administration accountable now, because you didn’t for four years.”

    “You literally covered up for a commander in chief that was absent. Absent minded and absent leadership. And you guys did absolutely nothing, even your left-leaning media is saying it was the worst cover up possibly in political history. Yet nothing from you guys. You all should be ashamed of yourself. Literally, you should be ashamed of yourself.”

    On the difference between a failing Biden administration and a roaring Trump administration:

    “Let’s talk about the turmoil to which my colleagues on the other side of the dais wants to talk about. Let’s talk about that turmoil. Underneath Secretary Austin, who was a general by the way, you had the lowest morale measured in our military history, you had retention absolutely disastrous, you had recruitments that wasn’t even meeting lowered standards that you guys lowered.”

    “But let me see the contrast. We have the highest morale that’s been measured in decades in the military. We have recruiting numbers that are exceeding expectations that we’ve had. We have our enemies that fear us once again, and our allies that love us because they can trust us, but that’s not the narrative, Secretary Hegseth, that our Democrat colleagues want to draw.”

    On the Trump administration cleaning up the mess of the last four years:

    “You want to talk about, war powers, or the fact that during our reposturing in the Middle East against Iran, which would have never taken place if our colleagues on the other side would have held the administration accountable while they were giving billions of dollars back to Iran, and knowing good and well during the briefings that they were actually trying to develop a nuclear weapon, but we turned a blind eye to that.”

    “And now the mess that was created by the Biden administration, this administration, underneath the Trump administration and the leadership of Secretary Hegseth, is simply trying to clean up.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consultation on ECE licensing criteria open

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Ministry of Education are now consulting on changing, merging, or removing approximately three-quarters of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) licensing criteria. 
    “Earlier this year the ECE Sector Review instigated 15 changes to modernise and simplify regulations,” Mr Seymour says. 
    “The changes to the ECE regulations show the power of a sector review. The Ministry for Regulation went in and listened to the people who actually run, work at, and use early childhood education. They found people encircled by multiple regulators enforcing out of date rules, and proposed solutions. 
    “The biggest complaint arises from the calcified, high stakes licencing criteria – 98 of them – that can each have a centre shut down with little to no notice. We are consulting on changing, merging, or removing approximately three-quarters of them. 
    “Some of the proposals being consulted on include more digital information distribution, more clarity, and Removing duplication of regulations that are covered by other authorities.
    New licensing criteria will be gazetted by the end of September. Consultation on changes to these is open until 24 July. You can have your say here: Have your say – Ministry of Education.
    “By the end of next year ECE providers will be governed by a regulatory system which ensures regulations are focused on what matters – providing safe, high-quality care and education as the changes are rolled out over the coming year,” Mr Seymour says.
    “ECE providers will no longer be burdened with 98 separate licensing criteria, many of which were arbitrary or outdated. 
    “By mid next year, graduated enforcement tools will be used to respond to breaches of the remaining licensing criteria. The only enforcement tools previously available were too blunt a tool for managing minor breaches and allowing early intervention. There will no longer be high-stakes open-or-shut rules that create anxiety and strained relationships for regulators and centre operators alike.”
    Graduated enforcement will give the regulator a range of enforcement measures. They will be able to respond proportionately to breaches, changing the sector’s culture from a punitive approach to promoting quality.
    “The changes to the licensing criteria represents a major shakeup of the sector’s outdated system. Consultation will make the new licensing criteria great for children, parents and ECE service providers,” Mr Seymour says.
    “There is huge demand for ECEs from families across New Zealand, however numbers show supply isn’t keeping up. That is why we are committed to making changes which will allow the industry to expand and provide more high-quality services for families and their children. 
    “In the meantime, recent amendments to the pay parity opt-in scheme aim to provide some relief to ECE services.
    “In a high-cost economy, regulation isn’t neutral. It’s a tax on growth. Every completed review makes it easier to do business, access services, and innovate in New Zealand. The ECE review is the first of many examples of what smarter regulation looks like in action.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Taking the handbrake off productivity through transport rule reform

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is progressing a bold work programme to increase productivity and efficiency through comprehensively reforming New Zealand’s land transport rules, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

    “Land transport rules set out how different sectors of the transport industry must operate. They impact all road users – from the suburban mum or dad who has to get a Warrant of Fitness every year no matter how new or well-maintained their car, to the truckies who’ve been loaded up with compliance costs due to rules long since made redundant through advances in technology,” says Mr Bishop. 

    “Right now the rules system is overly cumbersome to update and creates a substantial administrative burden for New Zealand businesses trying their best to operate safely, legally and efficiently. 

    “The rules are full of nonsensical or outdated requirements. For example, the Road User Rule doesn’t currently permit e-scooters to use cycle lanes or young children to ride their bikes on the footpath. Several rules require hard copy letters to be posted instead of sending emails, which last year alone resulted in 14 million hard copy letters, reminders, and labels being posted at a cost to the taxpayer of $16.8 million. While some of these letters will still need to be printed and posted, the rules reform programme will make it possible for many of these services to be modernised.

    “Earlier this year, I started work to update one of the land transport rules by consulting on proposals to reduce how often private motorhomes and vintage cars and motorcycles need to renew their Warrant of Fitness (WOF) or Certificate of Fitness (COF). 

    “Now we’re taking that same common-sense approach to other transport rules through a comprehensive programme of work to reform and update them, with most decisions expected to be made over the next 18 months.”

    The Land Transport Rules Reform Programme includes seven streams of work:

    1. Reducing the frequency of vintage vehicle and motorhome WOF and COF inspections, as previously announced.
      1. Considering additional safety requirements for vehicle imports including a possible phased introduction.
      2. Reviewing WOF/COF frequency and inspection requirements for light vehicles.
      3. Simplifying heavy vehicle driver licencing, weight thresholds, and freight permitting to improve efficiency and productivity for the freight sector.
      4. Enabling digital driver licences and, digital alternatives to WOF/COF/rego stickers, allowing NZTA to electronically collect, store and send regulatory notices, enabling online theory tests, and simplifying identification requirements for NZTA customers.
      5. Improving lane use and use of traffic control devices, and minor system improvements, which will include enabling e-scooters in cycle lanes and children to ride bikes on footpaths, minimum overtaking gaps when passing cyclists, horses etc, and requiring vehicles to give way to buses exiting bus stops.
      6. Overhauling the vehicle regulatory system to make it more efficient, effective and adaptable, including simplifying and refocusing import requirements and streamlining recognition of overseas standards.

    “The work delivers on commitments in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport and the Road Safety Objectives document to review the vehicle regulatory system to improve safety, reduce regulatory burden, and ensure our domestic rules are fit for purpose, investigate our warrant of fitness system to more effectively and efficiently target risk, and investigate new safety requirements for vehicles entering the fleet”, says Mr Bishop.

    “The programme includes some longer-term pieces of work that will not be complete within the 18 months, such as overhauling the vehicle regulatory system to reduce complexity and better align with other jurisdictions’ requirements. Another longer-term piece of work will be reviewing the Vehicle Dimension and Mass rule because requirements have not kept up with changes in the international automotive industry.

    “Our Government wants to remove pointless inefficiencies – things that we do simply because we’ve always done it that way. It’s not good enough to force New Zealand businesses to comply with outdated rules simply because it’s too hard to update them. Removing or updating rules that are no longer relevant and that have little real benefit will mean we can focus on driving our economy forward.”

    Notes to Editor: 

    A fact sheet laying out the Land Transport Rules Reform Programme is attached. 

    Public Consultation:

    Public consultation will begin in October 2025 on:

    • Additional safety requirements for imports
    • Changes to WOF and COF inspection requirements and frequency for light vehicles, and
    • Changes to freight permitting requirements.

    This is expected to be followed by consultation in early 2026 on:

    • Possible changes to licence weight thresholds
    • Enabling a digital driver licence, digital documents, and e-servicing
    • Improving lane use and use of traffic control devices.

    Initial consultation on overhauling the vehicle regulatory system is planned for mid-2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025–26 ACT Budget: what’s in it for Belconnen

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    New public toilet facilities will be installed, funded by the Australian Government.

    There will also be a new all-abilities playground built in Florey.

    Local playground improvements

    The play facilities in the Umbagong District Park will be upgraded.

    There will also be a playground upgrade in McKellar.

    Improved sports and recreation facilities

    The Belconnen Netball Association facility in Charnwood will receive improvements, including:

    • expanded courts
    • upgraded parking
    • upgraded toilet facilities.

    Charnwood skatepark will also be upgraded.

    Female-friendly changeroom upgrades will be carried out at playing fields in:

    • Kaleen (both Turon Street and Ashburton Circuit).

    This work is part of ACT-wide investment in inclusive sports facilities.

    Revitalised local shops and community precincts

    There will be upgrades to Charnwood shops, one of Belconnen’s busiest neighbourhood shopping areas. This work will help improve access and refresh public spaces.

    The ACT Government will keep working with the owners of Kippax Fair to deliver Stage Two of the West Belconnen upgrade. This will help revitalise the area.

    School upgrades in Fraser and Melba

    The Budget will support upgrades to the Fraser Primary School oval. These will improve its condition and safety for school and community use.

    There is also support for the master planning, design and construction of priority upgrades at Melba Copland Secondary School.

    A new medical imaging service

    Belconnen residents will also benefit from a new medical imaging outpatient service. This will be established at the Belconnen Community Health Centre.

    The new service will ensure more people in Belconnen can access diagnostic imaging services closer to home. It will improve care and reduce pressure on hospital-based imaging.

    Belco projects already underway

    These investments build on major investments underway in Belconnen. They include:

    • a new early childhood and primary school in Strathnairn
    • upgrades at Belconnen public schools
    • planning for a new Northside Hospital
    • planning for upgrades at CIT Belconnen upgrade
    • planning for a new Canberra Stadium in the Bruce Health, Education and Sports Precinct.

    Ongoing public transport improvements

    Public transport in the region will also keep improving, with:

    • more frequent R2 services between Belconnen and Fyshwick
    • a new West Belconnen Rapid Service, with a supporting park and ride facility.

    A more liveable, inclusive and connected Belconnen

    These investments have been shaped by community feedback.

    They are designed to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of Belconnen residents.

    Read more like this:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Colleagues Reintroduce Older Americans Act To Empower American Seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, joined nine of her colleagues to reintroduce the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act. This legislation renews funding for the OAA and strengthens services for American seniors.

    The OAA has provided vital nutrition, social, and health services to millions of seniors since its passage in 1965. Last reauthorized in 2020, OAA expired in the 118th Congress. The previous OAA reauthorization passed the Senate unanimously last year.

    This legislation would reauthorize OAA programs through fiscal year 2030 and make improvements to promote innovation and flexibility, strengthen program integrity, and better support family caregivers and direct care workers. The bill also takes steps to better serve Tribal seniors and those with disabilities in their communities. 

    “The OAA has been a lifeline for American seniors since its passage over half a century ago,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This landmark legislation helps our nation’s seniors thrive by supporting programs that provide nutrition assistance, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation services, caregiver support, disease prevention services, long-term care, and more. One in six older Americans are served by programs funded by the OAA. We owe it to seniors to strengthen and continue funding these programs so they have the support they need to age with dignity and respect. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, I am firmly committed to getting this bill passed with bipartisan support.”

    Senator Gillibrand was joined on this legislation by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee; Bernie Sanders (I-VT), ranking member of the HELP Committee; Rick Scott (R-FL), chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging; Lisa Murkowski (R-AK); Tim Kaine (D-VA); Ben Ray Luján (D-NM); Ed Markey (D-MA); Markwayne Mullin (R-OK); and Susan Collins (R-ME).  

    “The Older Americans Act is crucial in helping American seniors live healthy and independent lives in the settings they choose,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation strengthens these programs, ensuring they meet the needs of older Americans now and in the future.” 

    “The Older Americans Act provides federal funding for many essential services for our nation’s seniors including activities to combat loneliness and isolation, job training, protections from abuse, rides to the doctor’s office and grocery store, preventing disease, helping older adults live at home, and supporting our nation’s caregivers,” said Senator Sanders. “Not only does the Older Americans Act save lives and ease human suffering, it saves money. We can choose to continue to waste billions of dollars on emergency room visits and unnecessary hospital stays, or we can provide older Americans with the resources and the services they need to live healthier, more secure, and more dignified lives. In my view, it is our responsibility not simply to reauthorize this legislation and maintain the status quo. It is our responsibility to expand the Older Americans Act so that every vulnerable senior in America can receive the services that they need.”

    “I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation to strengthen support for America’s older adults and reaffirm our commitment to helping them enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence. As Chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I understand how essential it is that the more than 59 million older Americans in communities across our nation have access to critical services made possible through the Older Americans Act like nutrition, in-home care, and caregiver support. I was proud to lead a bipartisan resolution recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month, and am determined to work alongside my colleagues to see the Older Americans Act quickly reauthorized. Our seniors have spent their lives building and serving this country, and this bill is one way we ensure they continue to be supported, respected, and valued,” said Senator Scott.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Improvements will close Kensington Highway 1 westbound exit for two months

    Pavement repairs are planned for the Highway 1-Kensington Avenue interchange, as the Ministry of Transportation and Transit completes crucial safety improvements along this busy route.

    Starting Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the westbound offramp from Highway 1 to Kensington Avenue and one northbound lane on Kensington Avenue will remain closed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the end of August while repair work is underway.

    The ministry is undertaking this work to address pavement settlement issues that have resulted in bumpy conditions for motorists along the Kensington Avenue interchange. Full closure is necessary to allow crews to safely complete the repairs.

    Drivers can use Gaglardi Way or Willingdon Avenue for north/south travel off Highway 1 westbound during the closure period. Travellers are encouraged to plan ahead and add additional travel time to reach their destinations and take alternative routes to avoid anticipated congestion.

    The ministry is working closely with the City of Burnaby, residents, businesses and organizations in the Kensington Avenue area to minimize disruptions while work is underway.

    People are asked to take extra care while travelling in the area. Drivers are reminded to obey all safety signage. For the most up-to-date traffic information, check: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Corps Of Engineers, City Of Vermilion, And Erie Metroparks Celebrate Completion Of West Pier Repair And Start Of East Pier Repair

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Port Clinton, Ohio — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, City of Vermilion, and Erie Metroparks celebrated the completion of construction on a multi-year repair of Vermilion Harbor’s West Pier and start of the final phase of repairs of its East Pier. The combined $23 Million investment in these projects is critical to safe navigation on the Great Lakes, the local and regional economy, and protection for residents and visitors of Vermilion. Photo and video of the project site and the completion event are available by clicking here. 

    “The completion of repairs on the Vermilion Harbor West Pier represents a historic investment in our region’s infrastructure, and our people,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “This project enhances safety for inter-lake and international trade while also protecting our precious Lake Erie. A thriving Lake Erie is essential for the prosperity of northern Ohio and the entire Great Lakes Region. I am grateful to see the major federal funding I secured support the US Army Corps of Engineers in this critical endeavor. I am honored to join the Corps and local leaders today to see the final improvements for the West Pier, and I look forward to seeing the completion of the East Pier this fall.”

    “Congratulations to the City of Vermilion, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, and Erie Metroparks on completing the West Pier repairs and beginning vital construction of the East Pier. Strengthening this infrastructure will allow for continued economic growth in the region and create a safe community for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said US Senator Jon Husted (R-OH).

    “The Corps of Engineers brought significant dedication and expertise to this investment in Great Lakes infrastructure, ensuring it was delivered on time and within budget for the nation, the region, and the people of Vermilion,” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, USACE Buffalo District commander. “Once all repairs are complete, Vermilion’s piers are sure to protect boaters, people, and the local economy for decades to come, just as they’ve done for nearly 190 years.”

    “Through the piers pass Vermilion’s very active recreational boat traffic. The friends and families that visit us on those watercraft help fuel our economy. Many keep coming back year after year to dock in our town. My sincere thanks to Congresswoman Kaptur and the US Army Corps of Engineers for helping keep our waterways safe and attractive for everyone,” said City of Vermilion Mayor Jim Forthofer. 

    “The Board of Park Commissioners and I are grateful for the funding provided by Congresswoman Kaptur, and for the Army Corps of Engineers’ diligence in completing the project on time. The repair of the Vermilion Harbor West Pier is critical to the safety of mariners, beach goers, and the Vermilion community. After years of planning and partnering with Mayor Forthofer, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and the Vermilion community, Erie MetroParks is excited to mobilize and complete construction at Wakefield MetroPark this year,” said Erie Metroparks Executive Director Melissa Price.

    West Pier Repair

    Repairs to 1,100 feet of the West Pier were completed with multiple projects started in 2021 and completed in June 2025. The most recent project focused on the south reach of the pier. The repair included installation of steel sheet pile with voids filled between the existing seawall and new sheet pile, as well as grading, hydroseeding, and tree planting in the adjacent Wakefield Metropark.

    Previous repairs to the West Pier from the beach to the north wrap included removing stone that had settled on the lake side of the pier, placing new granular material, and resetting the cap stones to their initial elevations.

    East Pier Repair

    Repairs to the 600 feet of the East Pier are scheduled to take place from July 7 through January 2026 under a $6.5 million awarded to Michigan-based Great Lakes Dock and Materials, L.L.C., located in September 2024. The repair will include removal of existing stone on both the beach side and channel sides of the pier; installation of sheet pile, tie rods, walers; backfilling with granular material; and reusing the removed stone to create a fresh cap on the top of the pier. The site will be restored to its original condition following construction.

    A repair to 200 feet of the northern end of the East Pier was completed in 2021 with more than 2,000 tons of stone and concrete installed.

    Repairs to Vermilion’s piers are 100% federally funded under operations and maintenance.

    About Vermilion Harbor

    Vermilion Harbor is in Erie County, Ohio, on the south shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Vermilion River, about 37 miles west of Cleveland and 21 miles east of Sandusky. Vermilion Harbor is a small-craft harbor originally authorized by the River & Harbor Act and constructed in 1836 by the federal government for commercial purposes. Vermilion Harbor is comprised of a channel approach from the lake and the lower 3,600 feet of the Vermilion River. Protective structures consist of east and west laid up stone over timber crib piers with a total length of 1,792 feet and a cellular steel sheet pile detached breakwater with a length of 864 feet. Boating trip and annual craft spending at Vermilion Harbor generates an estimated $6.9 Million in revenues to accommodations, restaurants, retail, boat repair, and other services and industries and supports more than 44 full-time equivalent jobs, $3.3 Million in labor income, $4.4 Million in the gross regional product, and $7.3 Million in economic output in the local impact area.

    About The US Army Corps Of Engineers And USACE Buffalo District

    The Buffalo District delivers world class engineering solutions to the Great Lakes Region, the Army and the Nation to ensure national security, environmental sustainability, water resource management, and emergency assistance during peace and war. For 250 years, the US Army Corps of Engineers has been at the forefront of the nation’s engineering excellence, responding when called. From constructing fortifications during the Revolutionary War, to building the infrastructure that saw America’s strength grow militarily and economically, USACE’s mission has always been to deliver engineering solutions for our nation’s toughest challenges. Learn more about the USACE 250th anniversary by clicking here or going to www.usace.army.mil/Home/250th.

    Photo and video of the project site and the completion event are available by clicking here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — School’s out for Summer: Introducing New Interns at HVO!

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch — School’s out for Summer: Introducing New Interns at HVO!

    As another school year ends, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) welcomes two new summer interns: Kamalani Poepoe and Ruth Gale. With an ongoing eruption at the summit Kīlauea, now is the perfect time for these interns to contribute to ongoing work to better understand eruptions in Hawaii. 

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates.

    USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory summer 2025 interns Kamalani Poepoe (left) and Ruth Gale (right). Kamalani is pictured earlier this year on the rim of Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during one of the fountaining phases of the summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu. Ruth is pictured standing on the rim of one of two volcanic pit craters in Idaho, known as Crater Rings, which formed within the past two million years. USGS photo. 

    Kama is currently an undergraduate at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo with a major in geology and minor in astronomy. She is participating in geoscience research at HVO through the Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Sciences (PIPES). This is Kama’s second year as a PIPES intern at HVO and her knowledge in the world of geoscience continues to grow. 

    In her first summer with the observatory, Kama explored the field of petrology, analyzing lava samples erupted during the June 2023 eruption at Kīlauea volcano to gain a better understanding of how and why Kīlauea continues to erupt. This summer, Kama is using her petrology analysis techniques to study eruptions at Kīlauea’s summit between 2020 and 2023. 

    Kama continues to grow her geoscience toolbox, working with a seismologist at HVO to integrate earthquake data recorded during these eruptions to more uniquely constrain how and where magma was sourced during these events. Kama is being mentored by scientists Kendra Lynn (petrology) and Ninfa Bennington (seismology) at HVO, and Lis Gallant (physical volcanology) at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Geology Department. Her summer experience will include work in the geochemistry lab, learning basic computer programming skills, and aiding in eruption response at Kīlauea’s summit. 

    Ruth Gale recently completed her undergraduate degree at Pomona College, California, with majors in math and geology, and a minor in physics. This fall, Ruth will head to the Stanford University to work on a PhD that integrates the fields of fluid mechanics, petrology, and geodesy to understand the mechanisms that lead to lava fountaining at active volcanoes. 

    Geodesy uses surveying tools such as Global Positioning System and/or satellite radar to measure subtle changes in the shape of the Earth’s surface. These data are used to model underground Earth processes such as magma migration and storage. During her summer at HVO, Ruth will be expanding her skills in the field of geodesy by studying the ongoing and dramatic lava fountaining episodes at Kīlauea’s summit. 

    Specifically, Ruth will analyze Global Positioning System (GPS) data from HVO’s permanent stations at Kīlauea summit to look for subtle changes in deformation associated with lava fountaining. Ruth is interested in understanding what portions of the magma storage reservoir at Kīlauea are providing the material being erupted during these lava fountaining events. She aims to answer the question: what can we learn about the structure of magma storage at Kīlauea from these fountaining episodes? Her summer will include computer programming and analysis focused on this topic as well as assisting the deformation team with field activities such as maintaining HVO’s permanent GPS network. 

    HVO staff look forward to working with Kama (again!) and Ruth as they pursue their research questions. Between their research and the ongoing eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea, these HVO interns will be busy.  We wish them an insightful summer of science as they enter this period learning and growth at HVO!

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.

    Episode 25 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater occurred on June 11, with approximately 8 hours of fountaining from the north and south vents. Summit region inflation since the end of episode 25, along with persistent tremor, suggests that another episode is possible and could start between June 18-20. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    Two earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M2.9 earthquake 12 km (8 mi) SSE of Volcano at 7 km (4 mi) depth on June 13 at 2:56 p.m. HST and a M3.4 earthquake 11 km (7 mi) SSW of Volcano at 31 km (19 mi) depth on June 12 at 1:58 p.m. HST.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Secures Sterile Fly Facility in Hidalgo County to Combat New World Screwworm

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)


    WASHINGTON –     Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced $8.5 million to establish a New World Screwworm sterile fly facility at the Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County. As the threat posed by the New World Screwworm moves northward, the facility will be crucial in producing and distributing sterile flies to prevent potential outbreaks in the U.S.

    “If we do not take action now, the New World Screwworm will devastate Texas livestock and wildlife. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for swiftly accepting my proposal to establish this critical facility in Hidalgo County. I am committed to working alongside the Administration to put Texas farmers and ranchers first and safeguard our agriculture industry.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

    “The United States has defeated NWS before and we will do it again. We do not take lightly the threat NWS poses to our livestock industry, our economy, and our food supply chain. The United States government will use all resources at its disposal to push back NWS, and today’s announcement of a domestic strategy to bolster our border defenses is just the beginning. We have the proven tools, strong domestic and international partnerships, and the grit needed to win this battle.” – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins

    Background:

    The New World Screwworm is a highly destructive parasitic fly that infests the flesh of livestock and wildlife. The parasite has been detected in Veracruz, Mexico, approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border. As more cases arise, the threat and concerns of northward spread grow.
     
    Last week at the House Agriculture Committee hearing with Secretary Rollins, Rep. De La Cruz advocated for Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County to be considered as a site to help combat New World Screwworm. In May, De La Cruz sent a letter to the Secretary requesting that Moore Air Base be considered for a new sterile fly facility to help combat this parasite. The Congresswoman has also led legislative initiatives, including the New World Screwworm Preparedness Act, to ensure Texas agriculture is prepared to combat the threat.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Secures Sterile Fly Facility in Hidalgo County to Combat New World Screwworm

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)


    WASHINGTON –     Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced $8.5 million to establish a New World Screwworm sterile fly facility at the Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County. As the threat posed by the New World Screwworm moves northward, the facility will be crucial in producing and distributing sterile flies to prevent potential outbreaks in the U.S.

    “If we do not take action now, the New World Screwworm will devastate Texas livestock and wildlife. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for swiftly accepting my proposal to establish this critical facility in Hidalgo County. I am committed to working alongside the Administration to put Texas farmers and ranchers first and safeguard our agriculture industry.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

    “The United States has defeated NWS before and we will do it again. We do not take lightly the threat NWS poses to our livestock industry, our economy, and our food supply chain. The United States government will use all resources at its disposal to push back NWS, and today’s announcement of a domestic strategy to bolster our border defenses is just the beginning. We have the proven tools, strong domestic and international partnerships, and the grit needed to win this battle.” – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins

    Background:

    The New World Screwworm is a highly destructive parasitic fly that infests the flesh of livestock and wildlife. The parasite has been detected in Veracruz, Mexico, approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border. As more cases arise, the threat and concerns of northward spread grow.
     
    Last week at the House Agriculture Committee hearing with Secretary Rollins, Rep. De La Cruz advocated for Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County to be considered as a site to help combat New World Screwworm. In May, De La Cruz sent a letter to the Secretary requesting that Moore Air Base be considered for a new sterile fly facility to help combat this parasite. The Congresswoman has also led legislative initiatives, including the New World Screwworm Preparedness Act, to ensure Texas agriculture is prepared to combat the threat.

    MIL OSI USA News –