NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 429

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 429
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    340 PM CDT Tue Jun 17 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southern Kansas
    Northern Oklahoma
    Northeast Texas Panhandle

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 340 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are expected to rapidly develop this
    afternoon along an axis from the northeast Texas Panhandle into
    southeast Kansas. Supercell thunderstorms are expected with a risk
    of very large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 70 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 110 miles west southwest of Alva OK
    to 10 miles southeast of Chanute KS. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 428…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 28030.

    …Hart

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 429
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    340 PM CDT Tue Jun 17 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southern Kansas
    Northern Oklahoma
    Northeast Texas Panhandle

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 340 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are expected to rapidly develop this
    afternoon along an axis from the northeast Texas Panhandle into
    southeast Kansas. Supercell thunderstorms are expected with a risk
    of very large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 70 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 110 miles west southwest of Alva OK
    to 10 miles southeast of Chanute KS. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 428…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 28030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 429 TORNADO KS OK TX 172040Z – 180300Z
    AXIS..70 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    110WSW AVK/ALVA OK/ – 10SE CNU/CHANUTE KS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 60NM N/S /32WSW MMB – 26NNW OSW/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 28030.

    LAT…LON 37160049 38589535 36559535 35130049

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 429 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    High (70%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Restore Lethality in the U.S. Military

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the Restoring Lethality Act, which eliminates the existence of DEI-related requirements within the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Senator Tuberville has been leading the charge to eliminate Biden-era woke policies from the Pentagon and ensure the military is solely focused on lethality and readiness. Last year, Senator Tuberville successfully killed all DEI funding from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and this bill would ensure it stays dead.

    “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris treated the Pentagon like a trial run for their latest DEI initiatives,” said Senator Tuberville.“Thankfully, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are working around the clock to eradicate this poisonous ideology from the military, but there’s still more to be done. We have to make sure zero taxpayer dollars go towards this divisive propaganda that distracts from the core mission of the military: to protect the security of the United States.”  

    MORE:

    Tuberville Fights for Alabama, Strengthens Military as NDAA Passes Committee

    Tuberville, Schmitt Introduce Legislation To Dismantle DEI

    Tuberville Supporting Elimination of DEI, Restoration of Lethality in Armed Forces

    Tuberville Introduces Bill to Boost American Manufacturing, Remove Woke DEI Requirements from CHIPS Act

    Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Protect Women’s Sports at Military Service Academies 

    Tuberville: “We need a military that is 100% focused on protecting our country and enhancing national security.”

    ICYMI: Tuberville op-ed: Pete Hegseth Isn’t the Hero We Deserve, But the Hero We Need

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Central Asian countries agree to promote people-to-people exchanges

    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

    ASTANA, June 17 (Xinhua) — China and Central Asian countries have agreed to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges, a joint initiative to that effect was adopted on Tuesday.

    China and the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – expressed their willingness to improve the connectivity of roads and railways, upgrade relevant infrastructure and supporting facilities, and create favorable conditions for the cross-border movement of people and goods.

    All parties expressed their intention to launch more direct flights between China and Central Asian countries, strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism, and launch the international cultural and tourist train “China – Central Asia”.

    The six countries intend to expand bilateral student exchanges and continue to establish and strengthen sister city ties at the provincial/regional and city levels.

    In addition, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have declared their readiness to accelerate the modernization of border checkpoint infrastructure. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Central Asian Countries Committed to Strengthening Multilateral Trading System – Declaration

    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

    ASTANA, June 17 (Xinhua) — China and Central Asian countries on Tuesday expressed their commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system based on the rules of the World Trade Organization.

    Six countries – China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – expressed their commitment to this in the Astana Declaration issued following the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit.

    The parties agreed to maintain the conformity of international trade rules with the requirements of the times and to promote the liberalization and simplification of trade and investment procedures.

    The parties stressed the need to support open, inclusive, sustainable, resilient, diversified and reliable global supply chains.

    They also identified six priority areas for cooperation: unimpeded trade, industrial investment, connectivity, green resources, agricultural modernization and facilitating people-to-people exchanges. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Democrats Defend NIH Grants Against Trump Administration’s Unlawful Termination

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, the Litigation and Response Task Force led 152 House Democrats in filing an amicus brief challenging the Trump Administration’s illegal and devastating cuts to life-saving medical research grants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The brief defends Congress’s Article I authority to appropriate federal funds and speaks up for every American who relies on crucial life-saving biomedical and public health research conducted at universities, medical schools, research hospitals, and other scientific institutions across the country. 

    House Democrats’ amicus brief was filed in the consolidated cases Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. NIH, Association of American Medical Colleges v. NIH, and Association of American Universities v. Department of Health and Human Services, all currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. These cases challenge the Trump Administration’s unlawful and unconstitutional efforts to reduce indirect cost reimbursements for projects funded by the NIH.

    In early February, the Trump Administration arbitrarily slashed the NIH reimbursement rate for indirect research costs. Without fair reimbursement for indirect costs, more than 300,000 scientists and researchers at 2,500 institutions that receive NIH funding will face devastating impacts, and Americans could be left without access to lifesaving and life-extending treatments. The ramifications would also ripple through global collaboration and the development of our future scientific leadership and workforce, limiting our ability to enhance health and reduce illness and disability in the future.

    The full brief is available HERE.  

    The effort was led by Task Force Co-Chair Joe Neguse and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Ranking Members of the Appropriations and Energy and Commerce Committees, Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Frank Pallone. 

    See what they had to say below: 

    “The unconstitutional decision by the Trump administration to gut the NIH should shock the conscience. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally destroying our public health infrastructure and canceling research programs—including pediatric cancer research—in order to hand massive tax breaks to billionaires,” said Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “Congress appropriated these funds and only Congress has the power to claw them back. House Democrats will continue to push back on this blatant disregard of science and the Constitution, and I thank Reps. Neguse, Raskin, DeLauro and Pallone and the Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group for their leadership.”

    “The Trump Administration’s reckless and illegal cuts to NIH grants, funded through congressionally appropriated dollars, not only violate Congress’s Article I powers, but also represent an affront to Americans across the country who are left reeling without access to lifesaving and life-extending treatments. This directive has upended critical medical research at our nation’s leading labs, hospitals, research centers, and scientific institutions—and has immediate consequences, including canceled clinical trials and patients losing access to treatments,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse. “In filing this brief, House Democrats are pushing back against the harm being inflicted on everyday Americans and reinforcing the constitutional authority of Congress.”

    “Trump’s latest attack on science is dangerous, cruel, and unconstitutional,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin. “By slashing NIH grant funding appropriated by Congress, the Trump Administration is jeopardizing lifesaving research conducted by scientists across the country and all the patients who depend on it. He’s also trampling Congress’s clear constitutional authority over federal spending. As president, Trump’s job is to faithfully execute the laws enacted by Congress, not rewrite them and not impound them. Therefore, NIH funds must be delivered exactly as directed by Congress. I’m proud to join my colleagues in defending both the Constitution and the future of essential American biomedical progress.”

    “Once again, President Trump and OMB Director Russ Vought are acting in direct violation of the law. In this case, they are causing irreparable damage to ongoing research to develop cures and treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, ALS, Diabetes, Mental Health disorders, opioid abuse, genetic diseases, rare diseases, and other diseases and conditions affecting American families. The Trump Administration is stealing critical funds promised to scientific research institutions funded by the NIH, despite an explicit legal prohibition against this action. By taking an axe to our efforts to find cures to diseases and disorders that are tearing apart families across the country, President Trump and Russ Vought are risking lives and putting the United States on a path to decline,” said Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro. 

    “The Trump Administration’s NIH grant funding cuts are not only illegal, they’re also incredibly harmful to the American people,” said Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. “Stealing these funds that support research will further interrupt clinical trials and patient care, delay medical research for new cures and treatments, and undermine America’s scientific research institutions. Democrats are fighting to ensure this critical funding is restored and to protect Americans’ access to lifesaving treatment and innovations.”

    Background on the Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force:

    The Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force first took the unprecedented step of filing a trial court amicus brief to defend American consumers from predatory lenders and bad actors. They were successful in this case after a federal judge blocked efforts to dismantle the CFPB, citing the group’s argument multiple times throughout the 112-page ruling. The Task Force was also able to effectively prevent the Trump Administration from dismantling the Department of Education, filing another such brief that led to a federal court demanding the immediate rehiring of unlawfully terminated staff. House Democrats have so far filed nine amicus briefs in cases against Administration lawlessness. 

    For more information on House Democrats efforts to protect Americans against the unlawful actions of the Trump Administration, visit litigationandresponse.house.gov. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, Murkowski, Whitehouse, and Moylan Reintroduce Legislation to Support Coastal Communities Impacted by Ocean Acidification

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

    Today, U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and James Moylan (R-Guam), alongside Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act. This legislation provides resources for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collaborate with local and tribal entities to research and monitor ocean acidification. 

    “We’re seeing the effects of ocean acidification in real time—from threatening lobster populations in the Gulf of Maine to eroding coral reefs in tropical waters. We now know that parts of our oceans have reached dangerous acidification levels earlier than expected, threatening entire ecosystems.” said Congresswoman Pingree, ranking member of the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee. “Coastal communities like those in Maine are on the frontlines of this crisis, and our bipartisan Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act ensures they won’t face it alone. This bill gives coastal communities the science, tools, and support they need to build resilience and protect ocean industries that support millions of jobs. I was proud that my colleagues in the House passed this crucial bill last Congress, it’s long past time Congress sends this bill to the President’s desk.”

    “As an island territory in the heart of the Pacific, Guam is on the front lines of climate and oceanic change. Ocean acidification threatens not just our marine ecosystems, but also our cultural traditions, local fisheries, and food security,” said Congressman Moylan. “This legislation is about giving coastal communities like ours the tools and partnerships we need to understand and respond to these growing challenges. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to ensure a healthier ocean for future generations.”

    “The impacts of ocean acidification on our coastal communities cannot be understated, particularly on our blue economy,” said Senator Murkowski, Co-Chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. “This legislation takes a holistic approach to understanding ocean acidification, encouraging experts from every walk of life to work together and ensure that our oceans stay healthy.” 

    “The oceans are in trouble.  Ocean acidification caused by carbon pollution is harming marine ecosystems and coastal industries like aquaculture,” said Senator Whitehouse, Co-Chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. “Our bipartisan legislation will assist in monitoring changes to the oceans and help us better understand how to protect Rhode Island’s blue economy from acidifying waters.” 

    Our oceans play a critical role as a natural carbon sink, absorbing around a third of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities each year. As a result, global oceans have become more acidic by approximately 30% since the Industrial Revolution and could experience increases up to 150% by the end of the century—creating challenging growing conditions for marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells. 

    This legislation would direct NOAA to collaborate with and support state, local, and tribal entities that are conducting or have completed ocean acidification vulnerability assessments. The bill strengthens partnerships between NOAA and a wide range of stakeholders involved in ocean acidification research, such as indigenous groups, coastal communities, state and local resource managers, fishery management councils and commissions, and the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).

    The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act passed the House in the 118th Congress. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Saying yes to housing growth

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealanders have an opportunity to help shape the new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) through public consultation on removing unnecessary barriers to housing growth, says Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.
    “New Zealand’s house prices are among the most expensive in the developed world – a direct result of our current planning system making it too hard for our cities to grow up and out.
    “Fixing our housing crisis involves fixing the fundamentals of our housing market – freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers, improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth, and providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.
    “Next year we’ll replace the RMA with a new planning system that makes it easier to plan and deliver the housing and infrastructure New Zealand needs.
    “The new planning system is an enormous opportunity to create a planning system that enables and encourages housing growth.
    “Last year I announced the Government had committed to six major legislative changes to help free up land for housing and let our cities grow:

    The establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councils
    New rules making it easier for cities to expand outwards at the urban fringe
    A strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD)
    New rules requiring councils to enable a greater mixed-use zoning across our cities.
    The abolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirements
    New provisions making the Medium Density Residential Standards optional for councils.

    “The discussion document I’m releasing today provides further detail on how these changes will operate in practice, and how they’ll integrate into the government’s resource management reforms. Feedback through the consultation process will be used to shape the development of the new planning system.
    “The NPS-UD was a good starting point for strengthening housing growth in cities, but the government is committed to going further to help create competitive urban land markets and abundant development opportunities. The discussion document proposes a range of changes to strengthen the existing rules.
    “As I indicated last week, the government is no longer proposing to make the MDRS optional for councils. This is because most councils (with three exceptions) have already changed their plans to include the MDRS, and so it would be inefficient and a waste of time and money to make them potentially change their plans in 2025 and 2026 when the new resource management system will go live in 2027.
    “Bespoke legislative solutions have been designed for Auckland and Christchurch, reflected in the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill recently reported back to Parliament. In Auckland’s case, it allows the Council to withdraw their existing plan change (PC78) and replace it with a new one, which provides the same level of capacity (or greater) in PC78, as well as strengthened density provisions around City Rail Link stations.
    “The discussion document canvasses a range of important issues, including future development strategies and spatial planning, housing growth targets, responsive planning and rural-urban boundaries, intensification, enabling a mix of uses across urban environments and minimum floor area and balcony requirements.
    “I encourage New Zealanders to share their views on these important issues by making a submission.”
    Public consultation on the Going for Housing Growth discussion document opens today at www.hud.govt.nz/haveyoursay and will run until 17 August 2025. This is early non-statutory consultation and public feedback on will be used to shape the development of the new resource management system.

    Editor’s note: 

    A fact sheet on the Going for Housing Growth discussion document is attached.
    The Going for Housing Growth consultation is separate from the concurrent consultation on three packages of proposed changes to national direction. The national direction changes would come into effect under the existing RMA before transitioning into the new planning system while the Going for Housing Growth consultation is focused on shaping the new planning system.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Jason Anavitarte Elected Senate Majority Leader

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (June 17, 2025) — The Georgia Senate Republican Caucus today elected Senator Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) as Majority Leader of the Georgia State Senate. He will assume the role immediately, serving as the principal legislative strategist and floor leader for the Senate Republican Caucus heading into the remainder of the 2025–2026 legislative biennium.

    “I am deeply honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “The people of Georgia, and the 31st Senate District, elected a Republican majority to lead boldly, govern responsibly, and protect our values. I come from a blue-collar family, and I carry those roots with me every day. Hardworking Georgians across West Georgia and beyond are counting on us, and I intend to meet this moment with focus, discipline, and a commitment to improving lives across our state. As we move through the remainder of the legislative interim, I’m ready to get to work.”

    Anavitarte, who previously served as Majority Caucus Chair, brings years of leadership experience to the role. Since joining the Senate in 2021, he has championed legislation to expand school choice, strengthen public safety, support teachers, protect kids and lower taxes.

    A former member of both the Doraville City Council and the Paulding County Board of Education, Anavitarte made history early in his career as one of the youngest Hispanic officials elected in the state. He currently represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Paulding and Polk counties.

    # # # #

    Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Environmental Justice Initiatives Remain Legal and Necessary

    Source: US State of California

    Today’s guidance provides clarity and affirms the legality and necessity of environmental justice initiatives in the face of the federal government’s attacks

    OAKLAND— California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 12 attorneys general in issuing a multistate guidance affirming the necessity and legality of environmental justice initiatives. The guidance clarifies that despite the Trump Administration’s recent efforts to mislabel and undermine these critical efforts, public and private entities can still lawfully engage in environmental justice work to ensure a healthy environment for all people to live, play, work, learn, and worship in.  

    “Making it harder for Americans to breathe safe air and drink clean water is not ‘making America great or healthy again.’ Yet, the Trump Administration continues to undermine protections aimed at helping every American, no matter their zip code, to breathe safe air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy environment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I, alongside attorneys general nationwide, are making it crystal clear with today’s guidance that the Administration does not have unilateral legal authority to dismantle policies and laws that protect our communities. We assure the public – including local governments, community-based organizations, individuals, and businesses – that environmental justice initiatives remain lawful and critically important. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to work with advocates, local leaders, and partners across the country to ensure that no community is left behind in our fight for a healthier, more just future.”

    Efforts to Advance Environmental Justice Remain Essential  

    Environmental justice – which has its roots in our country’s civil, economic, labor, and immigrants’ rights movements – aims to ensure that every person has equal access to clean air, clean water, safe and healthy food, a healthy and sustainable environment, and protection from the impacts of climate change.

    At the California Department of Justice, we believe that every Californian should have the opportunity to live in a healthy and safe environment. However, low-income communities and communities of color suffer disproportionate exposure to pollution and corresponding health impacts from that exposure. Due to the legacies of racial segregation, redlining, and disinvestment, persistent environmental and public health disparities are still prevalent today.

    These excessive environmental and public health burdens are also exacerbated by climate change, which is causing environmental dangers that lead to greater instability, economic hardship, and shortened life spans. Environmental justice initiatives aim to overcome these disparities, developing solutions to persistent harms and advancing public health, safety, well-being, and prosperity across communities. 

    Recent Federal Actions Do Not Impact the Legality of Environmental Justice Efforts 

    Since day one, the Trump Administration has issued Executive Orders and memoranda that aim to reverse course on environmental justice as a longstanding federal policy. The Administration has terminated environmental and climate justice programs and grants, discontinued environmental enforcement actions, and called for legal challenges to state environmental justice and climate laws. These actions distort the meaning and attempt to cast doubt on the legality of environmental justice work. 

    The President cannot change or dismantle laws passed by Congress, nor can his Executive Orders or agency memoranda alter the protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution and federal and state laws. In fact, civil rights and environmental laws support public and private efforts to advance environmental justice, as does the U.S. Constitution. 

    Through this guidance, the States assure private and public entities that they stand ready to implement and enforce the nation’s laws to advance environmental justice and will continue working in collaboration with communities and organizations to support and defend these efforts across the country. 

    Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing this guidance, which was co-led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New York, are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. .  

    To learn more about the California Department of Justice’s environmental justice, health, and equity efforts, please click here.

    The Office of Community Awareness, Response and Engagement (CARE) invites you to join a virtual CARE Community Briefing featuring California Attorney General Rob Bonta about the  Environmental Justice Guidance. Please click here to register.  

    A copy of the guidance can be found here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General attends G7 Summit, welcomes Canada’s commitment to defence spending

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

    Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.

    In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General attends G7 Summit, welcomes Canada’s commitment to defence spending

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

    Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.

    In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Sanders, Democrats Introduce No War Against Iran Act As Military Strikes Continue in the Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 17, 2025

    Warren: “Congress decides when our country goes to war, not the President or the Netanyahu government.”

    Text of Bill (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and colleagues in introducing the No War Against Iran Act, legislation to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran absent specific Congressional authorization. Israel’s military strikes against Iran risk tanking diplomatic efforts that were already underway, further destabilizing the Middle East for its civilians, and drawing the United States into yet another military conflict. The bill contains an exception for self-defense as enshrined in the War Powers Act and applicable U.S. law.

    “The Constitution is clear: Congress decides when our country goes to war, not the President or the Netanyahu government,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump administration must prioritize de-escalation to prevent this spiraling into a war that jeopardizes U.S. troops and destabilizes the Middle East.”

    “Netanyahu’s reckless and illegal attacks violate international law and risk igniting a regional war. Congress must make it clear that the United States will not be dragged into Netanyahu’s war of choice,” Senator Sanders said. “Our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of war and peace exclusively to the people’s elected representatives in Congress, and it is imperative that we make clear that the President has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress.”

    “Another war in the Middle East could cost countless lives, waste trillions more dollars and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, and more displacement,” Senator Sanders continued. “I will do everything that I can as a Senator to defend the Constitution and prevent the U.S. from being drawn into another war.”

    “Instead of bringing wars to an end, Trump is facilitating them — leading to civilian deaths and threatening American lives in the region. Only the Congress has the constitutional power to declare war, and President Trump must not drag us further into this conflict without Congressional approval,” Senator Van Hollen said.

    “Our Constitution and laws give Congress, not the President, the exclusive powers to authorize military force and declare war. Congress must reassert that authority so that we are not drawn into a catastrophic regional war that would further imperil the safety of American citizens and forces, the stability of Middle East, and the lives of innocent civilians,” Senator Markey said.

    The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).

    “Our taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund another reckless, open-ended conflict instigated by Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Senator Welch said. “War has badly damaged this region. Millions of civilians face acute hunger and need lifesaving aid in Gaza right now. Netanyahu just upended U.S.-led negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear program in favor of recklessly escalating tensions. Congress needs to listen to the American people, as our founders intended, before getting involved.”

    “As strikes between Israel and Iran continue, we need de-escalation and restraint from all sides. Trump’s reckless decision to abandon the JCPOA nuclear agreement, cheered on by Netanyahu, helped bring us to this dangerous moment. This bill makes clear: the President cannot launch another war in the Middle East without Congressional authorization. It’s long past time for Congress to reassert its constitutional role and prevent another disastrous conflict,” Senator Merkley said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Sanders, Democrats Introduce No War Against Iran Act As Military Strikes Continue in the Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 17, 2025

    Warren: “Congress decides when our country goes to war, not the President or the Netanyahu government.”

    Text of Bill (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and colleagues in introducing the No War Against Iran Act, legislation to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran absent specific Congressional authorization. Israel’s military strikes against Iran risk tanking diplomatic efforts that were already underway, further destabilizing the Middle East for its civilians, and drawing the United States into yet another military conflict. The bill contains an exception for self-defense as enshrined in the War Powers Act and applicable U.S. law.

    “The Constitution is clear: Congress decides when our country goes to war, not the President or the Netanyahu government,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump administration must prioritize de-escalation to prevent this spiraling into a war that jeopardizes U.S. troops and destabilizes the Middle East.”

    “Netanyahu’s reckless and illegal attacks violate international law and risk igniting a regional war. Congress must make it clear that the United States will not be dragged into Netanyahu’s war of choice,” Senator Sanders said. “Our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of war and peace exclusively to the people’s elected representatives in Congress, and it is imperative that we make clear that the President has no authority to embark on another costly war without explicit authorization by Congress.”

    “Another war in the Middle East could cost countless lives, waste trillions more dollars and lead to even more deaths, more conflict, and more displacement,” Senator Sanders continued. “I will do everything that I can as a Senator to defend the Constitution and prevent the U.S. from being drawn into another war.”

    “Instead of bringing wars to an end, Trump is facilitating them — leading to civilian deaths and threatening American lives in the region. Only the Congress has the constitutional power to declare war, and President Trump must not drag us further into this conflict without Congressional approval,” Senator Van Hollen said.

    “Our Constitution and laws give Congress, not the President, the exclusive powers to authorize military force and declare war. Congress must reassert that authority so that we are not drawn into a catastrophic regional war that would further imperil the safety of American citizens and forces, the stability of Middle East, and the lives of innocent civilians,” Senator Markey said.

    The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).

    “Our taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund another reckless, open-ended conflict instigated by Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Senator Welch said. “War has badly damaged this region. Millions of civilians face acute hunger and need lifesaving aid in Gaza right now. Netanyahu just upended U.S.-led negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear program in favor of recklessly escalating tensions. Congress needs to listen to the American people, as our founders intended, before getting involved.”

    “As strikes between Israel and Iran continue, we need de-escalation and restraint from all sides. Trump’s reckless decision to abandon the JCPOA nuclear agreement, cheered on by Netanyahu, helped bring us to this dangerous moment. This bill makes clear: the President cannot launch another war in the Middle East without Congressional authorization. It’s long past time for Congress to reassert its constitutional role and prevent another disastrous conflict,” Senator Merkley said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren to Hegseth: Gutting Military Weapons Testing Office Could Violate the Law, “Will Cost Service Members’ Lives and Waste Taxpayer Dollars”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 17, 2025

    “This decision jeopardizes the safety and military effectiveness of every weapons program overseen by [the weapons testing office].”

    “Your reported refusal to publicly release or provide Congress any study justifying this change raises questions about whether such a study even exists.” 

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, wrote to the Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD), Pete Hegseth, criticizing his drastic cuts to the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) Office, which provides oversight and testing of weapons to ensure they will be safe to operate and effective in combat. 

    “For over 40 years this office has provided critical oversight over U.S. weapons programs…I urge you to reverse this decision, which will cost service members’ lives and waste taxpayer dollars, immediately,” said Senator Warren. 

    The independent testing office was created in response to concerns that the military services were failing to adequately test weapons and that Congress was not receiving the information necessary to conduct oversight over weapons programs. In May 2025, Secretary Hegseth issued a memo directing DOT&E to “immediately eliminate any non-statutory” functions of the office, reducing the office’s staff by 74 percent and slashing its budget by almost 80 percent. 

    “I am concerned that these reductions would violate the law, cutting so deep that the office would no longer be able to meet its statutory functions,” wrote Senator Warren. 

    Since its creation, DOT&E has made sure that urgently needed equipment is safe and effective. At the beginning of the Afghan surge, then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said “75 percent of all casualties were due to” improvised explosive devices (IEDs). DOT&E’s testing of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles helped save more than 2,000 American lives. In another instance, DOT&E’s testing revealed a defect in the Marine Corps’ Enhanced Combat Helmet “presented a serious risk of injury or death” and risks of snapping the necks of lightweight pilots ejecting from an F-35.

    The results of ignoring or forgoing DOT&E’s testing can be deadly for service members. In 2000, DOT&E found that the V-22 Osprey “was not operationally suitable, primarily because of reliability, maintainability, availability, human factors, and interoperability issues.” Despite the office’s warning, the Pentagon continued to fly the aircraft, which eventually killed 64 service members, including two Massachusetts constituents, Air Force Staff Sergeant Jake Galliher and Marine Corps Captain Ross A. Reynolds.

    Past testing by DOT&E has also revealed that Army battlefield communications were vulnerable to hacking and that DoD’s “cyber posture remains at risk.” 

    “If the cuts are made, it remains unclear whether decisions about which programs to prioritize for oversight will be made based on objective criteria or by program managers who would hide significant program failures from Congress and the public,” Senator Warren continued. 

    To date, Secretary Hegseth has not publicly released or provided any study or review justifying the cuts to DOT&E, raising concerns about whether such a study exists.  

    Senator Warren asked Secretary Hegseth to provide the following by July 2, 2025: any study or analyses justifying the cuts, a list of DOT&E’s current oversight list, whether the office will continue its cyber assessment program, whether the Golden Dome project should be excluded from oversight, and whether the Pentagon required DOT&E staff to meet with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren to Hegseth: Gutting Military Weapons Testing Office Could Violate the Law, “Will Cost Service Members’ Lives and Waste Taxpayer Dollars”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 17, 2025

    “This decision jeopardizes the safety and military effectiveness of every weapons program overseen by [the weapons testing office].”

    “Your reported refusal to publicly release or provide Congress any study justifying this change raises questions about whether such a study even exists.” 

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, wrote to the Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD), Pete Hegseth, criticizing his drastic cuts to the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) Office, which provides oversight and testing of weapons to ensure they will be safe to operate and effective in combat. 

    “For over 40 years this office has provided critical oversight over U.S. weapons programs…I urge you to reverse this decision, which will cost service members’ lives and waste taxpayer dollars, immediately,” said Senator Warren. 

    The independent testing office was created in response to concerns that the military services were failing to adequately test weapons and that Congress was not receiving the information necessary to conduct oversight over weapons programs. In May 2025, Secretary Hegseth issued a memo directing DOT&E to “immediately eliminate any non-statutory” functions of the office, reducing the office’s staff by 74 percent and slashing its budget by almost 80 percent. 

    “I am concerned that these reductions would violate the law, cutting so deep that the office would no longer be able to meet its statutory functions,” wrote Senator Warren. 

    Since its creation, DOT&E has made sure that urgently needed equipment is safe and effective. At the beginning of the Afghan surge, then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said “75 percent of all casualties were due to” improvised explosive devices (IEDs). DOT&E’s testing of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles helped save more than 2,000 American lives. In another instance, DOT&E’s testing revealed a defect in the Marine Corps’ Enhanced Combat Helmet “presented a serious risk of injury or death” and risks of snapping the necks of lightweight pilots ejecting from an F-35.

    The results of ignoring or forgoing DOT&E’s testing can be deadly for service members. In 2000, DOT&E found that the V-22 Osprey “was not operationally suitable, primarily because of reliability, maintainability, availability, human factors, and interoperability issues.” Despite the office’s warning, the Pentagon continued to fly the aircraft, which eventually killed 64 service members, including two Massachusetts constituents, Air Force Staff Sergeant Jake Galliher and Marine Corps Captain Ross A. Reynolds.

    Past testing by DOT&E has also revealed that Army battlefield communications were vulnerable to hacking and that DoD’s “cyber posture remains at risk.” 

    “If the cuts are made, it remains unclear whether decisions about which programs to prioritize for oversight will be made based on objective criteria or by program managers who would hide significant program failures from Congress and the public,” Senator Warren continued. 

    To date, Secretary Hegseth has not publicly released or provided any study or review justifying the cuts to DOT&E, raising concerns about whether such a study exists.  

    Senator Warren asked Secretary Hegseth to provide the following by July 2, 2025: any study or analyses justifying the cuts, a list of DOT&E’s current oversight list, whether the office will continue its cyber assessment program, whether the Golden Dome project should be excluded from oversight, and whether the Pentagon required DOT&E staff to meet with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Affirms that Impunity, Accountability Encourages Israel to Commit Further Violations, Crimes against Palestinians

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Geneva, June 17, 2025

    The State of Qatar affirmed that impunity and accountability have encouraged Israel to continue committing further violations and crimes against Palestinians.

    It called on the international community to take the necessary measures to stop these crimes, ensure accountability for those responsible, and compel Israel, the occupying power, to comply with international law and ensure the restoration of all the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, in particular the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and fully sovereign State of Palestine on the borders of Jun. 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

    This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during her participation in the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, Item 2, within the framework of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council.

    Her Excellency said that the report cited the seizure, theft, and destruction of Palestinian Islamic and Christian cultural and religious sites by the Israeli occupation forces and Israeli settlers, and the deliberate and unjustified targeting of educational facilities, particularly in the Gaza Strip, as well as UNRWA schools, despite being regularly informed of the coordinates of these schools and the lack of any evidence of military targets in these facilities. Her Excellency said that these actions were a heinous crime and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva affirmed that this racist and criminal Israeli approach aimed to genocide the Palestinian people, displace them, and deprive Palestinian children and youth of their right to education, expand the scope of Israeli settlements, and undermine the identity and existence of the Palestinian people and their historical connection to the State of Palestine.

    Her Excellency also welcomed the members of the International Commission of Inquiry and thanked them for their efforts.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have you seen Mya?

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of 17-year-old Mya.

    The teenager has been reported missing to Police from the North Shore area.

    She was last seen in the Takapuna area at around 1.45am on 17 June.

    Police have been working with Mya’s family and conducting enquiries across areas she is known to frequent.

    Those areas include Hauraki, Manly and Red Beach.

    There are ongoing concerns for Mya’s wellbeing and our priority is to locate her to ensure she comes back to family.

    Anyone who sees Mya or has information on her whereabouts should contact Police on 111.

    People can also update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250617/6276.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Padilla, Reed, Huffman, Pallone, Castor Lead Charge to Block Trump’s Dangerous Offshore Drilling Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jack Reed (D-RI) along with U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA), U.S. House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) led 40 Democratic Colleagues in the Senate and House to submit formal comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), opposing any new or expanded offshore oil and gas leasing in the Trump administration’s proposed updates to the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas leasing program. 

    In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers warned that more offshore drilling would threaten our national security, coastal communities, marine life, and local economies – all while handing more giveaways to an industry already sitting on millions of acres of unused leases. They urged the agency to exclude any new leasing in the final program. 

    “New or expanded oil and gas leasing poses risks to the health and livelihoods of our constituents, jeopardizes our tourism, fishing, and recreational economies, and threatens the marine life that inhabits our coastlines” the members wrote. “New, unnecessary lease sales will lock in decades more of pollution and climate impacts from an industry that already holds more than 2,000 offshore leases covering more than 12 million acres of federal water, of which only 469 leases are currently producing oil and gas. The United States is already the number one producer of oil and gas in the world. There is no need for increased leasing, especially when oil and gas companies continue to impose environmental and climate consequences, public health risks, and billions of dollars in cleanup costs on the American people.”

    Members also reminded the Secretary of the long-standing legal restrictions that prevent the administration from offering lease sales in protected areas. 

    “We remind the agency that it cannot offer sales in areas permanently protected under Section 12(a) of OCSLA, including areas off the Atlantic coast, the Pacific off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and portions of the Arctic Ocean, including the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea planning areas. In 2017, during his first term, President Trump attempted to reverse President Obama’s Arctic and Atlantic withdrawals, but Judge Sharon Gleason for the District Court of Alaska determined that Section 12(a) does not give the president authority to revoke prior withdrawals. President Trump does not have the authority to reverse the Obama and Biden withdrawals, and his Executive Order of January 2025, which attempts to do so, is unlawful,” the members continued.

    During his first term, the Trump administration proposed 47 lease sales over five years, covering nearly every U.S. coastline. Fortunately, this program was never finalized due to litigation and strong bipartisan opposition. But now, with the Biden administration’s leasing plan under review and Secretary Burgum signaling that protections may be on the chopping block, lawmakers are raising the alarm once again.

    At a budget hearing last week, Secretary Burgum refused to commit to protecting Florida’s Gulf Coast from new oil and gas leasing, saying only that “the administration may be considering opportunities.” This region has long been protected by both bipartisan legislation and administrative withdrawals – protections that are now under threat. 

    To read the full text of the letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kananaskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize that quantum technologies – which include computing, sensing and communications – have the potential to bring significant and transformative benefits to societies worldwide. Significant R&D breakthroughs over the past decade mean that these technologies are now poised to create economic and social benefits in sectors such as finance, communication, transport, energy, health and agriculture while addressing global challenges. They could also have far-reaching implications for national and international security, as they enable new defence capabilities and threaten current data protection systems. 

    We acknowledge that achieving quantum technologies’ full potential will require international collaboration between governments, researchers and industry to mobilize investments and optimize resources; advance research and commercialization; secure supply chains; facilitate access to infrastructure, talent and markets; align adoption with shared interests and values; and create a trusted ecosystem to manage risks and unleash innovation. 

    To this end, we commit to: 

    1. Promote public and private investment in quantum science and technology R&D, responsible innovation and commercialization; and support partnerships between researchers, industry and other stakeholders to accelerate commercialization and attract private investment.
    2. Promote the development and adoption of beneficial applications of quantum technologies in a variety of sectors, including those developed by small and medium sized enterprises.
    3. Support opportunities for all stakeholders to meaningfully participate as creators, stakeholders, leaders and decision-makers at all stages of the research, development and implementation of quantum technologies.
    4. Support initiatives, exchange best practices and promote workforce development policies for all, including women as well as communities left behind by globalization, to equip individuals with the skills needed for new jobs in the quantum sector. These include apprenticeships; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and computer science education; and mentorship.
    5. Support an open and fair market environment and trusted ecosystem among like-minded partners through measures such as international exchanges between academia and industry, preventing the leakage of sensitive technologies, protecting intellectual property rights, and promoting greater interoperability.
    6. Promote trust in quantum technologies through public and international dialogues, based on scientific expertise and aligned with democratic values, freedom and fundamental rights, recognizing that, at this early stage of innovation, a global regulatory framework is not yet appropriate.
    7. Increase understanding of risks associated with quantum technologies across different sectors; secure quantum supply chains; ensure the security and integrity of research; and promote the timely adoption of quantum-resilient security measures and solutions for protecting data and communications networks.
    8. Intensify collaboration between trusted national measurement institutes, including via the NMI-Q initiative, to drive forward essential measurement and testing work amongst likeminded partners.
    9. Collaborate through a G7 Joint Working Group on Quantum Technologies, with industry, experts and academia to inform cooperation on research, development and commercialization including through voluntary joint calls for projects between different members; advance policy dialogues on approaches to innovation and adoption; and assess the potential societal impacts of these technologies as they progress towards commercial and defense applications. 

    In this International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, we will work together and with likeminded partners to make concrete progress on this agenda.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Leaders’ Statement on Countering Migrant Smuggling

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, reaffirm our commitment to prevent and counter migrant smuggling through the G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and the 2024 G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants. We are determined to enhance border management and enforcement and dismantle the transnational organized crime groups profiting from both migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

    Migrant smuggling often has links to other serious criminal offences, including money laundering, corruption and trafficking in persons and drugs, that threaten the safety of our communities. It can expose vulnerable smuggled persons to grave and life-threatening risks, including physical abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, extortion, labour exploitation, and forced labour and criminality. 

    Through the G7 Coalition, we have made concrete progress on strengthening the operational and investigative capacities of our law enforcement agencies in the fight against migrant smuggling; and enhancing international cooperation between police, judicial, prosecution and border services.

    We task our Interior and Security Ministers to double down on the following areas of the G7 Action Plan this year: 

    • Adopt a “follow the money” approach, exploring innovative solutions that leverage financial intelligence and information-sharing to identify criminal actors; use administrative or judicial processes to hold these criminal actors accountable, seize their assets and strip them of their profits;
    • Boost prevention with countries of origin and transit through strengthening border management capacities and by raising awareness of the risks;
    • Collaborate with social media companies to agree on voluntary principles to prevent organized crime groups from exploiting online platforms to advertise, coordinate, and facilitate migrant smuggling operations;
    • Engage with transport operators to prevent the facilitation of irregular migration, including the weaponization of migrants to undermine stability or as a hybrid warfare tactic.

    We will explore, consistent with our legal systems, the potential use of sanctions to target criminals involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking operations from countries where those activities emanate.

    We will continue to leverage synergies with other global and regional initiatives aimed at fostering international cooperation.

    We support the continuation of policies for legal migration that members assess to be in their respective national interests. As we work to prevent migrant smuggling and human trafficking, we remain committed to countering all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants, ensuring protection of the most vulnerable, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons. In so doing, we will meet our respective international human rights commitments. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Leaders’ Statement on Transnational Repression

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, are deeply concerned by growing reports of transnational repression (TNR). TNR is an aggressive form of foreign interference whereby states or their proxies attempt to intimidate, harass, harm or coerce individuals or communities outside their borders. 

    TNR undermines national security, state sovereignty, the safety and human rights of victims, and principles of international law. It has a chilling effect in our countries. TNR often impacts dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, religious minorities, and those identified as part of diaspora communities.

    We condemn all acts of TNR including but not limited to those involving: 

    • Threats or acts of physical violence such as harassment, assault, abduction or assassination;
    • Misuse of cooperation with other foreign states, international bodies and intergovernmental organizations, in order to detain, forcibly return, or repress targets, such as leveraging extraterritorial law application and counterterrorism and investigative tools;
    • Forced return by confiscating passports, invalidating documents, or denying consular services;
    • Digital transnational repression, such as doxing and sexualized smear campaigns particularly targeting women, to induce compliance, silence, threaten, discredit, or retaliate;
    • Misuse of spyware and cyber tools to engage in surveillance, and to enable physical targeting and tracking, hacking, or cyber harassment; and
    • Direct or implicit threats against family members. 

    We also remain seized of threats by foreign states and their proxies to our citizens outside our borders, such as arbitrary detention.

    We recognize the important role played by all partners, including civil society, academia and the private sector, in countering this threat. We welcome the recommendations for action emanating from the G7 multistakeholder Dialogue on Transnational Repression, hosted in Ottawa in February 2025, to develop concrete strategies for protecting those who are targeted.

    Building on the 2018 Charlevoix commitment on defending democracy from foreign threats, and these recommendations, we, the Leaders of the G7, commit to foster a common understanding of TNR, raise awareness, and promote accountability to increase the costs for those who engage in acts of TNR. As part of these efforts, we intend to: 

    • Build global understanding of the threat and its corrosive impact, including on human rights and democracy; this includes reporting on TNR as an important vector of foreign interference in G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) public reports, and strengthening engagement with likeminded partners and engaging more broadly in relevant multilateral fora.
    • Develop a TNR Resilience and Response Framework that includes: measures to boost G7 cooperation to counter TNR; a compendium of operational, diplomatic, policy, legislative, and community engagement best practices; and information sharing around the latest techniques, trends and vectors of TNR observed globally, drawing on wider initiatives such as the Pall Mall process related to cyber intrusion capabilities.
    • Launch a Digital TNR Detection Academy through the G7 RRM to build collective capacity to detect TNR online; the Academy will provide G7 and partners with the technical skills and tools for identifying and responding to the latest technology-enabled threats.
    • Support those who may be targets of TNR as well as members of civil society who are actively working to counter the threat, including through initiatives like the Canada-UK Common Good Cyber Fund, and by acting in solidarity with other states affected by TNR.  

    We will redouble our efforts to keep our communities safe, to defend human rights, including the freedom of expression online and offline, and to safeguard our sovereignty.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kananaskis Wildfire Charter

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, are deeply concerned that the world has experienced record-breaking wildfires across every forested continent over the past decade, often overwhelming available national resources and requiring governments to request assistance from other countries. These increasingly extreme wildfires are endangering lives, affecting human health, destroying homes and ecosystems, and costing governments and taxpayers billions of dollars each year.

    We resolve to boost global cooperation to prevent, fight and recover from wildfires by taking integrated action to reduce the incidence and negative impacts of wildfires and ensure our readiness to help each other, and partners, when needed.

    We will take steps to prevent and mitigate the occurrence of wildfires by:

    • Adopting a whole of society approach, including different levels of government, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, international and non-governmental organizations, academia, and the private sector, to share knowledge and drive research on reducing risks.
    • Implementing mitigation and adaptation actions, grounded in scientific research and local knowledge, that reduce the risk of extreme wildfires, such as sustainable forest management, nature-based solutions, Indigenous land management practices including cultural or controlled burning, and adopting fire risk reduction measures around communities, buildings, and infrastructure.
    • Raising awareness of the different causes of wildfires and measures to prevent them, including to reduce the number of wildfires started accidentally or maliciously.

    We will strengthen global capacity to prepare for and respond to wildfires when they happen by:

    • Leveraging research, tools and technology that forecast, identify, and monitor wildfires, such as fire danger rating systems, geospatial technologies, and systems to provide early warnings when wildfire moves towards inhabited areas or infrastructure.
    • Collaborating on data collection and information sharing to better understand and respond to wildfires and their impacts, including on different population groups.
    • Building our shared capacity to mitigate and respond to the impacts of wildfire exposure on human health and well-being.
    • Enhancing interoperability, through sharing best practices and where relevant, developing common protocols, capabilities, and procedures related to wildfire response, including on training.
    • Exploring ways to improve timely access to basic firefighting equipment and capabilities that help meet country-specific needs.

    We will rebuild for resilience to recover from wildfires by:

    • Identifying areas for active restoration efforts versus those where natural regeneration works best, taking actions that support biological diversity and restore nature and deploying nature-based solutions to strengthen resilience and reduce risks.
    • Rebuilding with wildfire-resilient infrastructure, including strengthening the wildland-urban interface through resilient urban design, landscape, and infrastructure planning.
    • Encouraging research to better understand local conditions to support and scale-up ecological restoration, finding best methods for sustainable forest management to help prevent and mitigate wildfires, including in rapidly shifting conditions, and using community-based, whole of society approaches that incorporate local and, where opportunities exist, Indigenous practices, and increased participation by women.

    We will seek synergies with work underway at the G20. Interested signatories will also work through forums like the United Nations Global Fire Management Hub. We will align with commitments to halt and reverse deforestation and forest and land degradation by 2030 globally.

    Together, we will achieve a stronger and more coordinated global approach to wildfire resilience.

    We welcome the endorsement of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter by the Leaders of Australia, India, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and South Africa.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize that critical minerals are the building blocks of digital and energy secure economies of the future. We remain committed to transparency, diversification, security, sustainable mining practices, trustworthiness and reliability as essential principles for resilient critical minerals supply chains, and acknowledge the importance of traceability, trade, and decent work in contributing to our economic prosperity and that of our partners.

    We have shared national and economic security interests, which depend on access to resilient critical minerals supply chains governed by market principles. We recognize that non-market policies and practices in the critical minerals sector threaten our ability to acquire many critical minerals, including the rare earth elements needed for magnets, that are vital for industrial production. Recognizing this threat to our economies, as well as various other risks to the resilience of our critical minerals supply chains, we will work together and with partners beyond the G7 to swiftly protect our economic and national security. This will include anticipating critical minerals shortages, coordinating responses to deliberate market disruption, and diversifying and onshoring, where possible, mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling.

    We are launching a G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, building on the Five-Point Plan for Critical Minerals Security established during Japan’s G7 Presidency in 2023 and advanced by Italy in 2024. The Action Plan will focus on diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation.

    We are committed to action in the following areas:

    Building standards-based markets 

    We recognize that critical minerals markets should reflect the real costs of responsible extraction, processing, and trade of critical minerals, while ensuring labour standards, local consultation, anti-bribery and corruption measures and addressing negative externalities, including pollution and land degradation.

    We will develop a roadmap to promote standards-based markets for critical minerals, in collaboration with industry, international organizations, resource producing nations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, unions, and civil society. The roadmap will establish a set of criteria that constitute a minimum threshold for standards-based markets, strengthening traceability as a necessary measure. As part of these efforts, we will evaluate potential market impacts.

    We task relevant ministers to produce this roadmap, setting out milestones to be met in fulfilling this commitment, before the end of the year. 

    Mobilizing capital and investing in partnerships 

    We recognize the need to work together to increase investment in responsible critical minerals projects within the G7 and around the world. Immediate and scaled investment is required to secure future supply chains and ensure promising mining and processing projects overcome barriers such as delays in permitting and approvals processes, market manipulation, and price volatility. 

    Critical minerals are an opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships and drive economic development, innovation and shared prosperity. We will continue to work with emerging market and developing country partners to develop quality infrastructure, such as economic corridors. We will address investment barriers and support policy and regulatory reforms that improve the investment climate of our partners and empower entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries, including through the G20 Compact with Africa. Our approach will support local economic growth, build community trust, and reduce investment risks, creating the necessary conditions to attract responsible private capital. 

    We will continue to support the development of responsible critical minerals projects through direct partnerships with each other and by promoting private sector investment. We encourage our export credit agencies and development finance institutions (DFIs) to identify more opportunities for collaboration. We also welcome the work of the G7 DFIs to enhance coordination on critical minerals projects as an important step.

    To build on this momentum, we encourage multilateral development banks, as well as private sector lenders, to make further capital available for investment in standards-based critical minerals projects, including through innovative financing. We also encourage them to leverage existing financing mechanisms to de-risk projects, maximize and mobilize private capital, and increase the resilience and security of global critical minerals supply chains. 

    We are committed to deepening our cooperation with mineral-rich emerging market and developing country partners. We will help build their capacity; foster local value creation; create opportunities for all; promote responsible mining practices; combat gender-based violence in the mining industry; support the improvement of artisanal mining; and diversify global critical minerals value chains. 

    In this spirit, to promote responsible mining-related activities in emerging mining nations, we welcome the G7 Finance Ministers commitment to strengthen the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership. Interested G7 members will also support initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership and its MSP Forum, and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development.

    Recalling our commitment to promote debt sustainability and transparency, we acknowledge the challenges faced by developing countries with mounting debt levels, including to finance infrastructure. We will promote debt sustainability through transparent and fair development finance, and we will support countries facing debt challenges including near-term liquidity challenges. We call on all international providers of finance to do the same. This includes working within the G20 to improve the implementation of the Common Framework.

    Promoting innovation

    We have rich public and private innovation ecosystems with untapped potential to address strategic technology and processing gaps essential to bringing critical minerals to market. 

    We will intensify our collaboration to fill targeted innovation gaps in critical minerals research and development, with a focus on processing, licensing, recycling, substitution and redesign, and circular economy. We will work with partner organizations to showcase new technologies and production processes.

    We look forward to the upcoming Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals, to be chaired by the United States in Chicago, in September 2025, in order to advance this work. 

    We welcome the endorsement of the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan by the Leaders of Australia, India, and the Republic of Korea. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Leaders’ Statement on AI for Prosperity

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize the potential of a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence (AI) to grow prosperity, benefit societies and address pressing global challenges. To realize this potential, we must better drive innovation and adoption of secure, responsible, and trustworthy AI that benefits people, mitigates negative externalities, and promotes our national security. We will power AI now and into the future. And we will work with emerging market and developing country partners to close digital divides, in line with the United Nations Global Digital Compact. 

    We must seize the potential of AI in our public sectors to drive efficiency and better serve our publics. We also recognize that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including microenterprises, are the backbone of our economies, driving growth and creating jobs. In 2024, we committed to work together to help SMEs adopt and develop new technologies, including AI, to accelerate broad-based growth. We also committed to fully leverage the potential of AI to enable decent work while addressing challenges for our labour markets. We reiterate the importance of operationalizing Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) through trustworthy, cross-border data flows, and affirm its value in enabling trusted AI development and use. We recognized the transformative impact of AI for the cultural and creative sectors, including challenges to business models and job security, and opportunities to boost innovation. 

    We recognize that increased AI adoption will place growing pressure on our energy grids, produce negative externalities and have implications for energy security, resilience and affordability. At the same time, AI can be harnessed to promote energy innovation and bolster the resilience and reliability of our energy systems. 

    We hear the concerns of emerging market and developing country partners about the challenges they face in building resilient AI ecosystems, including the risks of disruption and exclusion from today’s technological revolution. 

    To fully realize the potential of AI for our publics and our partners, we commit to: 

    Work together to accelerate adoption of AI in the public sector to enhance the quality of public services for both citizens and businesses and increase government efficiency while respecting human rights and privacy, as well as promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability. 

    • To this end, Canada as G7 presidency is launching the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge and will host a series of “Rapid Solution Labs” to develop innovative and scalable solutions to the barriers we face in adopting AI in the public sector.
    • We will leverage our existing government AI expertise to establish a G7 AI Network (GAIN) to advance the Grand Challenge; develop a roadmap to scale successful AI projects; and create a catalogue of open-source and shareable AI solutions for members. GAIN will collaborate to ensure that AI solutions in government have measurable and real benefits for our communities.
    • We task relevant Ministers to explore strategic investments for accelerating public sector AI adoption in transformative ways, including for large language models and digital infrastructure. 

    Promote economic prosperity by supporting SMEs to adopt and develop AI that respects personal data and intellectual property rights, and strengthen their readiness, efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. 

    • We launch the G7 AI Adoption Roadmap, which provides clear, actionable pathways for companies to adopt AI and scale their businesses. Through this Roadmap, we commit to: sustain investments in AI adoption programs for SMEs, including supporting access to compute and digital infrastructure; publish a common blueprint for AI adoption by SMEs underpinned by proven use-cases from G7 economies; deepen our cooperation on talent exchange to integrate AI skills within businesses looking to scale; and develop tools that grow business and consumer confidence and trust in AI adoption including by leveraging the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process. We will collaborate with international partners, like the Global Partnership on AI, to advance this work.
    • We will build resilient future workforces by preparing workers for AI-driven transitions. To do so, we will advance implementation of the 2024 G7 Action Plan for a human-centered adoption of safe, secure and trustworthy AI in the world of work, including by developing a voluntary compendium of best practices.
    • We will drive economic growth, address talent shortages, and ensure equal opportunity, by encouraging girls, as well as members of communities left behind by globalization, to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and increasing women’s representation in the AI talent pool at all levels. 

    Meet the energy challenges of AI and harness its potential for advancements in energy efficiency and innovation. 

    • We will cooperate on innovative solutions to address energy challenges across our economies, including for AI and data centres, that support our respective national and international commitments. We will also support innovation that improves the energy and resource efficiency of AI models and optimizes data centre operations. We will advance AI solutions to unlock energy innovation and breakthrough discoveries, including optimization of energy use, and adopt AI to help build secure, resilient, and affordable energy systems and supply chains. We will strive to identify solutions that mitigate negative externalities and generate benefits for people and preserve our natural resources. We will cooperate on knowledge-building and sharing with trusted international partners and promote AI skills and talent development in the energy sector.
    • We task relevant Ministers to advance these commitments by delivering a workplan on AI and energy, before the end of this year, including working with international and industry partners to provide ongoing data analysis.

    Expand mutually beneficial partnerships with emerging markets and developing country partners to increase access to AI for everyone. 

    • We will harness trusted and secure AI technology to promote growth and enable partners to tackle the unique challenges they face. To do this, we will leverage our combined expertise, resources and networks to bridge gaps in AI infrastructure and capacity, invest in locally led AI-enabled innovations, and voluntarily collaborate with local universities to share knowledge and access to AI on mutually agreed terms.
    • We will deliver this by aligning our efforts through initiatives including AI for Development, AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Current AI, FAIR Forward, Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, AI for Public Good, and others. Interested G7 members plan to strengthen the AI for Development Funders Collaborative. 

    ANNEX: G7 AI ADOPTION ROADMAP 

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize the promise of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to unlock competitiveness and deliver unprecedented prosperity for the firms, organizations and countries that integrate them into their business processes. We seek to further promote secure, responsible, and trustworthy AI that benefits people, mitigates negative externalities, and promotes our national security. We will do this through advanced AI research, world-class commercial applications, and deep business and policy expertise. We plan to create the conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises—the engine of our economies— to access, understand, and adopt AI in ways that drive value and productivity. 

    This roadmap outlines our shared vision and practical steps to help our SMEs move from uncertainty to opportunity—to shift from being AI-aware to being AI-powered. Building on the 2024 Italian Presidency’s report on Driving factors and challenges of AI Adoption and Development among companies, especially micro and small enterprises, we commit to: 

    Accelerate AI Readiness and Competitiveness 

    We intend to double down on AI adoption efforts that connect research to practical applications, helping businesses—especially SMEs—integrate AI technologies that drive productivity, growth and competitiveness. We recognize the need to respect intellectual property rights in enabling these efforts. While we have already taken steps to promote AI adoption, scaling these efforts remains essential, including access to computing resources, expertise, and partnerships to move from AI experimentation to impact. We intend to promote AI adoption programs that, in particular, focus on: 

    • Commercialization support for SMEs and startups, including access to advanced computing infrastructure connectivity and computing resources, facilitating effective use of open and closed source AI models, business mentorship, and targeted support to bridge the gap between academic breakthroughs and industry implementation in order to bring AI-enabled products and services to market;
    • Cross-sector collaboration to facilitate adoption, connecting businesses with AI solutions providers, national AI research institutes, academia, innovation hubs, and clusters to accelerate deployment of AI across the economy;
    • Practical use case development, including easy to implement and existing solutions, showcasing successful applications of AI across sectors and by SMEs to demonstrate return on investment and stimulate wider industry demand; and
    • AI literacy and skills development, ensuring businesses—especially SMEs—have access to the tools and skilled workforce needed to adopt AI confidently and effectively. 

    Develop an AI Adoption Blueprint 

    We intend to deliver an AI Adoption Blueprint that equips governments and businesses with practical tools, evidence-based policy options, and real-world examples to accelerate SME AI integration. This will be a solutions-focused resource, informed by expert-driven, collaborative research activities and workshops, in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and drawing on empirical G7 AI trends, adoption initiatives, and frontline SME experiences. The Blueprint will: 

    • Present actionable policy recommendations that governments can choose to implement to lower barriers and build enabling ecosystems for SME AI adoption; and
    • Provide case studies of successful AI integration, offering concrete examples that businesses across sectors and countries can choose to replicate. 

    Expand G7 Talent Exchanges 

    We intend to expand G7 cross-border talent exchanges to connect AI expertise with businesses—including SMEs—accelerating adoption and building a future-ready workforce. We expect to encourage a focus in our initiatives that matches sectoral expertise with the AI competencies needed for impactful adoption. We look to further our cooperation on talent exchange to connect emerging AI research and commercialization expertise from across our world-class talent pool with real-world business needs. To do so, we plan to: 

    • Support AI-focused talent exchanges, including with students from G7 members, specifically targeting Al adoption projects, to bridge research with practical application, developing high-level expertise in critical areas; and,
    • Connect SMEs with AI skilled workers so that they have access to AI capabilities and tools to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness. 

    Unlock AI opportunity through trust-building 

    We plan to build on progress achieved under the Japanese and Italian presidencies and leverage the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process (HAIP) to foster trust. As AI adoption accelerates, trust remains essential—especially for smaller firms deploying powerful technologies—to provide assurance to customers. We will now translate shared principles into concrete tools for SMEs, with the aim of enabling responsible AI deployment across all sectors and business sizes in a manner that fosters consumer trust and unlocks market opportunities. We will: 

    • Lead multi-stakeholder efforts to identify opportunities and challenges in deploying AI, aligned with the Hiroshima AI Process, in collaboration with SMEs, AI developers, international standards-setting organizations, and Global Partnership on AI members;
    • Publish a toolkit to identify and explain relevant resources for AI deployers; and
    • Raise awareness of the HAIP Code of Conduct Reporting Framework that the OECD is implementing. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CSAF and CMSAF visit MacDill AFB

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: CSAF and CMSAF visit MacDill AFB

    U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi hosted an all-call for Airmen at MacDill Air Force Base, highlighting the base’s vital contributions to force readiness, talent development and global power projection.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GROW NC Visits McDowell Tech to Highlight State-Funded Emergency Tuition Grants and Scholarships for Students

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: GROW NC Visits McDowell Tech to Highlight State-Funded Emergency Tuition Grants and Scholarships for Students

    GROW NC Visits McDowell Tech to Highlight State-Funded Emergency Tuition Grants and Scholarships for Students
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), met with students and administrators from McDowell Technical Community College to highlight the state’s emergency grant and scholarship programs to help college and university students impacted by Hurricane Helene. So far, more than 45,000 scholarships and grants were awarded to Helene-impacted students and students at Helene-impacted schools.

    “After Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, students faced a major disruption to their studies,” said Matt Calabria, Director of GROW NC. “The students I met today from McDowell Tech showed tremendous resilience. We’ve sought to do everything we can to help alleviate some of the financial burdens on students through state-funded emergency grant and scholarship programs.”

    “This investment didn’t just help individuals—it strengthened our entire campus community to Learn, Grow, and Dream, ensuring that local employers can continue to count on a skilled, resilient workforce,” said Dr. James “J.W.” Kelley, McDowell Technical Community College President. “The impact of this support will be felt for years to come in the lives of our students and the vitality of our region.”

    The emergency and tuition grant funding programs were designed to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the North Carolina Community College System, UNC System, and private universities and colleges. More than $48 million in state funds were directed to scholarships and emergency grants, with nearly half of those funds supporting community college students.

    Thousands of community college students like those at McDowell Tech were able to stay enrolled and continue pursuing their degrees and certificates because of these grants.

    Grants and Scholarships for Western NC Community College Students

    • At least 20,725 community college students from western North Carolina or studying in the region received a total of nearly $23 million in grants and scholarships
    • These funds helped students enrolled in the North Carolina Community College System cover costs related to tuition, fees, and emergency expenses impacting their ability to remain enrolled. 
    Jun 17, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Continues to Hold Price Gougers Accountable, Files Charges Against LA Real Estate Agent

    Source: US State of California

    LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a Southern California real estate agent for price gouging two families who were evacuated in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. The investigation by the California Department of Justice revealed that after the Emergency Order was in place, the defendant increased the rental price by over 30% — including to tenants who eventually signed a lease. These increases exceeded the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396. The charge carries a potential penalty of a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail.  

    “Today, we’ve announced another price gouging charge, this time against a real estate agent for price gouging two families in the wake of the Pacific Palisades Fire. Profiting off Californians’ pain though price gouging is illegal and I will not stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge current or prospective tenants to share their stories directly with local authorities like the LA City Attorney or LA District Attorney, or our office by visiting oag.ca.gov/LAfires or calling our hotline at (800) 952-5225.”

    As part of Attorney General Bonta’s work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ has also sent more than 750 warning letters to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has opened active investigations into price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency.

    California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. 

    Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.

    TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:

    1. Visit oag.ca.gov/LAfires or call our hotline at: (800) 952-5225.
    2. Include screenshots of all correspondence including conversations, text messages, direct messages (DMs), and voicemails
    3. Provide anything that shows what prices you were offered, when, and by whom.
    4. If you’re on a site like Zillow, you can also send screenshots of the price history and a link to the listing. 
    5. Include first and last names of the realtors, listing agents, or business owners you spoke to. Be sure to include phone numbers, email addresses, home and business addresses, websites, social media accounts.
    6. Don’t leave out any information that can help us find and contact the business or landlord.

    Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.

    A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Josh Brecheen Reintroduces Patriotism Not Pride Act

    Source: US Congressman Josh Brecheen (2nd District)

    Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

    “Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

    “Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added.

    Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

    Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

     Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

    “Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

    “Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added. 

    Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

    Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna. 

    ###

    , Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

    “Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

    “Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added. 

    Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

    Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna. 

    ###

    , Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

    “Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

    “Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added. 

    Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

    Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna. 

    ###


    Washington, D.C. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    June 17, 2025 – Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

    “Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

    “Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added. 

    Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

    Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

     Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

    “Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.


    “Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added. 


    Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

    Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna. 

    ###

     Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

    “Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

    “Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added. 

    Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

    Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger

    “Being able to move energy from times of surplus to times of need is a real asset,” says Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. “What you need to run a reliable, clean, affordable electricity system is a diversified set of supply resources but also demand resources.” Read more.
    The post Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Labor Market Challenges and Policy Reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic: Kyrgyz Republic

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    This SIP reviews the labor market constraints to growth and development in the Kyrgyz Republic, including gender-specific constraints. It is motivated by the high annual population growth rate of 2 percent, which implies 50,000 new labor market entrants per year. The review canvasses broadly recent additions to the relevant economic literature and databases. The SIP finds that significant informality, low worker productivity, a skills mismatch, and the gender gap in labor participation undermine improvements in, and the efficient allocation of, the labor force. The paper suggests a sharper focus of more flexible labor market policies, a more cost-effective education system, and better social safety nets.

    Subject: Employment, Expenditure, Gender, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, Labor, Labor costs, Labor force, Labor market policy, Labor markets, Unemployment benefits, Women

    Keywords: Agricultural sector, Education, Employment, Gender, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, Growth, Labor costs, Labor force, Labor Market, Labor market policy, Labor markets, Labor Productivity, Structural Reforms, Unemployment benefits, Women

    MIL OSI Global Banks –