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  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Canada’s new drug pricing guidelines are industry friendly

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joel Lexchin, Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management, York University, Canada

    Drug pricing in Canada just got more industry-friendly.

    Canadian drug prices are already the fourth highest in the industrialized world. Now, with the release of new guidelines for the staff at the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) at the end of June, the situation is poised to potentially get even worse.

    The review board is the federal agency that was set up 1987 to ensure that the prices for patented drugs are not “excessive.”

    Comparing prices

    Up until now, one of the criteria the PMPRB used in making the decision about what was an excessive price was to compare the proposed Canadian price for a new drug with the median price in 11 other countries. The median is the 50 per cent mark; in other words, the price in half of the other countries was below what’s proposed for Canada, and the price in the other half was above the proposed Canadian price. Under the new guidelines, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, the Canadian price can be up to the highest in those other 11 countries.

    Right now, the median price in the 11 countries Canada is compared to is 15 per cent below the price of patented drugs in Canada. The highest international price, which will be the new standard, is 21 per cent above the median Canadian price, meaning Canadian prices for new drugs will be significantly higher than they otherwise would have been.

    Sometimes a drug is not available in any of the 11 other countries when it comes onto the Canadian market. In that case, the company can price the drug at whatever level it wants and keep it at that price until it comes up for its annual price review. The executive director of the PMPRB told the Globe and Mail that this would incentivize drugmakers to bring their products to the Canadian market first.

    Incentivizing drug companies may be a reasonable idea, but that’s not part of the mandate of the PMPRB. As laid out in Section 83 of the Patent Act, its mandate is to ensure drug prices aren’t excessive.

    Additional therapeutic value

    In the past, one of the factors that the PMPRB took into account in determining if prices were excessive was the additional therapeutic value of a new drug compared to what was already on the market. The lower the value, the lower the price. In this regard, the PMPRB was advised by its Human Drug Advisory Panel, an independent group of experts.

    The ranking of new drugs against existing ones was also of significant value to Canadian clinicians. It helped them to decide on the best treatment option for their patients and countered the hype about new drugs that came from the manufacturers.

    Since the new guidelines have abandoned looking at therapeutic improvement of new drugs, that leaves only one remaining Canadian source for that type of information, the Therapeutics Letter, a bimonthly publication targeting identified problematic therapeutic issues in a brief, simple and practical manner.

    Complaints about prices can be made by federal, provincial and territorial health ministers and by senior officials who are authorized to represent Canadian publicly funded drug programs. “Other parties who have concerns about the list prices … are encouraged to raise their concerns with their relevant Minister(s) of Health or Canadian publicly-funded drug program (sic).” This advice is cold comfort for people working low-wage jobs who aren’t covered by provincial and territorial drug plans and don’t have any access to their health minister.

    If there is an in-depth review of a new drug’s pricing — a preparatory step to determine whether there should be a formal hearing to investigate if the price is excessive — it is only the manufacturer that is allowed to submit information to the PMPRB. Clinicians who prescribe the drug, patients who take the drug, and organizations and individuals that pay for the drug do not have that same right.

    Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs are already threatening to drive up drug prices and make prescription drugs inaccessible to many Canadians. Higher drug prices will also almost certainly affect Canada’s already limited pharmacare program. Higher prices for new drugs will make an expanded pharmacare plan more expensive and less appealing to the federal government. The new PMPRB guidelines help ensure higher drug prices and no pharmacare expansion.

    Between 2022-2025, Joel Lexchin received payments for writing a brief for a legal firm on the role of promotion in generating prescriptions for opioids, for being on a panel about pharmacare and for co-writing an article for a peer-reviewed medical journal on semaglutide. He is a member of the Boards of Canadian Doctors for Medicare and the Canadian Health Coalition. He receives royalties from University of Toronto Press and James Lorimer & Co. Ltd. for books he has written. He has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in the past.

    – ref. Canada’s new drug pricing guidelines are industry friendly – https://theconversation.com/canadas-new-drug-pricing-guidelines-are-industry-friendly-261062

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Dealing with wildfires requires a whole-of-society approach

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kevin Kriese, Senior Wildfire and Land Use Analyst, Centre for Global Studies, University of Victoria

    As the summer heat intensifies, people across Canada are facing the full brunt of wildfire season. Communities are being evacuated and properties are being destroyed as fires grow in size.

    Over the past decade, wildfires in Canada have broken numerous records, including the area burned in the largest single fire in recent history.

    More frequent fires are unsettling communities, causing rapid changes to ecosystems and having a negative impact on society and our economy.

    Increased wildfire risk is driven by a variety of factors, including more extreme fire weather (high temperatures, low humidity and powerful winds) made worse by climate change, fire deficits, the accumulation of fuels like trees and other organic materials on the landscape and changing land-use and settlement patterns.

    Our new research from the POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project at the University of Victoria explores how beneficial fires — fire that maximizes ecological benefits and minimizes risks to communities — can help build wildfire resilience.

    What are beneficial fires?

    Fire is a natural, necessary and inevitable part of many ecosystems in Canada. Historically, wildfire created a mosaic of diverse ecosystems and habitat conditions, which supported healthy watersheds and contributed to the cultures and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples.

    Beneficial fire typically includes Indigenous cultural burning, prescribed fire and managed wildfire. These fires are managed for their ecological, cultural and community benefits, while minimizing adverse effects.

    One reason we’re seeing more catastrophic fires now is because of a history of widespread wildfire suppression, which can allow fuels to accumulate. When fuels accumulate, the risk from wildfire increases.

    In certain places and contexts, suppression remains the appropriate approach. It will continue to play a critical role in keeping communities safe and conserving ecosystem services like clean water and special places. But suppression alone is not viable or desirable. Instead, a suite of proactive actions from a variety of stakeholders is required.

    In British Columbia, Indigenous communities are returning cultural burning to their territories. A burn by the ʔaq̓am First Nation, with support from the BC Wildfire Service and local fire departments, was credited with helping save lives and homes from the St. Mary’s wildfire in summer 2024.

    Later in 2024, portions of a wildfire near the Wet’suwet’en community of Witset were allowed to burn while firefighting efforts focused on the part of the fire that threatened the community. This approach protected the village of Witset while still allowing the fire to create ecological benefits.

    Despite increasing awareness that some fires are beneficial, community opposition to cultural and prescribed fires — as well as to letting wildfires burn — persists. This opposition stems from a longstanding fears of fire and the very real threats posed to communities, people and property.

    A whole-of-society approach

    Until people feel safe from wildfire, the ability to return fire to the landscape will be limited and pressure for maximum suppression will likely continue. However, when people feel safe in their homes and communities, they may be more likely to accept more beneficial fire on the landscape.

    Risk reduction programs, such as FireSmart, take a holistic approach to wildfire resilience and include practical measures proven to reduce property loss.

    Homeowners who live near fire-prone ecosystems (referred to as the wildland-urban interface) can take simple actions, such as removing flammable material within 1.5 metres of buildings, while communities can plan effective evacuation routes.

    Experience in other jurisdictions indicates that voluntary measures, like FireSmart, are more effective when combined with mandatory minimum standards for fire-resistant building construction, vegetation management and landscaping.

    Reducing risk and increasing beneficial fires requires co-ordinated action from a diverse array of parties. For example, creating home-hardening requirements demands updated provincial building codes and local government plans that consider wildfire resilience.

    When a diverse array of entities is required to work towards a common goal, co-ordination and collaboration are vital and a whole-of-society approach is required. This type of approach fosters innovation, local agency and broader accountability — ultimately resulting in better outcomes on the ground.

    There are calls for this approach at national and international levels. Recent examples include the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy and the G7 Kananaskis Wildfire Charter.

    Diverse actions needed

    Crown governments have historically worked in a top-down wildfire management model: provincial and territorial governments are in charge and select partners, such as industry, have been engaged to carry out specific actions.

    We are beginning to see a shift to greater sharing of responsibilities, partnerships, recognition of Indigenous authorities and increased local action. For example, B.C. has committed to “integrate traditional practices and cultural uses of fire into wildfire prevention and land management practices and support the reintroduction of strategized burning.”

    As Canadians face another intense wildfire season, in which we’ve already experienced loss of life and property, meaningful action across all of society is essential.

    Provincial governments must work in collaboration with Indigenous, local and federal governments, as well as industry, civil society, practitioners, local experts and communities.

    Individuals can take action to reduce the risk to their homes by managing the vegetation around their homes and using more fire-resistant building materials. Communities can engage in risk reduction and resilience planning. And governments at all levels can facilitate changes in how we manage our landscape to increase beneficial fires.

    Taken together, these diverse actions across all of society will be crucial for protecting people and ecosystems as we all learn to live with fire.

    Kevin Kriese is a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

    Andrea Barnett receives funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

    Oliver Brandes receives funding from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the BC Real Estate Foundation.

    – ref. Dealing with wildfires requires a whole-of-society approach – https://theconversation.com/dealing-with-wildfires-requires-a-whole-of-society-approach-260568

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: British Columbia commercial rockfish harvester fined $25,312 for multiple violations

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 24, 2025

    Prince Rupert, British Columbia – On the Pacific Coast, the rockfish fishery is managed carefully to ensure the long-term sustainability of 37 species caught in British Columbia’s marine waters. Rockfish are extremely susceptible to over-fishing due to their slow growth rates, low reproductive cycle and high-mortality when brought to the surface. As a result, all rockfish species caught in the commercial groundfish trawl fishery must be retained, accurately recorded, and reported to ensure that fishers do not exceed their quota.

    On July 9, 2025, in Prince Rupert provincial court, Roger Atchison, onboard captain and co-owner of the commercial fishing vessel Savage Eagle, pled guilty to multiple violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act. Mr. Atchison released over 9,000 pounds of rockfish and failed to keep accurate and complete records of his fishing activities. These actions are violations of the conditions of his licence and occurred between October 18 and October 23, 2023, after his vessel left Prince Rupert to engage in commercial fishing in the Hecate Strait.

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) protects and conserves marine resources, and enforces the Fisheries Act. As part of DFO’s work to disrupt and prevent illegal activity, the Department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call DFO Pacific Region’s toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Construction starts on new BC Cancer centre in Kamloops

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby –

    “As a long-time registered nurse who has spent years on the front lines of health care, I’ve seen how critical it is for patients to receive care close to home, especially when facing something as life-altering as cancer. The Kamloops BC Cancer centre is more than just a building; it’s an investment in the lives, strength and dignity of patients and their families. It means fewer long, exhausting trips away from loved ones, and more moments spent in the comfort of home, surrounded by support.”

    Sylvia Weir, president and CEO, Interior Health –

    “The BC Cancer centre marks a significant advancement in cancer care for the community and surrounding region, and Interior Health is proud to play a key role in making this project a reality. When complete, thousands of patients and families will have access to increased services and support, advanced technology and radiation care closer to home. The expansion of the community oncology network clinic and pharmacy, and an additional MRI will also result in shorter wait times, improved patient care and an enhanced working environment for staff.”

    Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew, interim chief medical officer and executive vice-president, BC Cancer/PHSA –

    “Today marks a significant milestone in expanding access to cancer treatment for patients and families in Kamloops and surrounding communities. The new BC Cancer centre at Royal Inland Hospital will be designed to meet the growing demand for cancer care in the future, while upholding our strong commitment to high quality, patient-centred and culturally safe care.”

    Sarah Roth, president and chief executive officer, BC Cancer Foundation –

    “This is a major step forward in delivering the world-class care BC Cancer is known for to more communities in the Interior. Supported by a BC Cancer Foundation $5-million fundraising campaign, progress on the upcoming BC Cancer centre in Kamloops brings new hope to patients and their families who deserve timely access to treatment without the added burden of travel.”

    Brenda Partridge, Kamloops resident and patient –

    “As someone who has received life-saving care at BC Cancer, it comforts me to know a new cancer centre is coming to Kamloops. Cancer treatment is exhausting in every way, and having more treatment options close to home will help patients and their families during this difficult journey.”

    Mike O’Reilly, chair, Thompson Regional Hospital District –

    “So many families are affected by cancer in some way, and for decades, families in the Thompson-Nicola region have had an added burden of travelling many hours for treatment. With three new LINAC machines in Kamloops, our residents will receive radiation treatment much closer to home. Additionally, we congratulate EllisDon on this contract award and look forward to their quality work.”

    Heidi Coleman, CEO, Royal Inland Hospital Foundation –

    “Behind every cancer diagnosis is a story of strength, fear, resilience and hope. With three new LINAC radiation machines slated for the site, patients in our community can now heal closer to home, surrounded by their loved ones. Congratulations to EllisDon on being awarded the contract. We’re proud to continue working with a team known for delivering excellence in health-care infrastructure.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Guthrie Votes to Fully Fund Department of Defense

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026.

    “After four years of failed Democratic leadership diminishing our standing on the world stage, peace through strength is back. Under the leadership of President Trump and House Republicans, our United States military is stronger than ever, equipped, and ready to defend our nation against any threat,” said Congressman Brett Guthrie.“As a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, I know firsthand that peace is best preserved through a strong U.S. military! This bill invests billions into the men and women who volunteer to keep our nation safe and ensures that American industries can manufacture the necessary tools to accomplish the mission.”

    Background:
     H.R. 4016 builds upon Republicans’ agenda of investing in our military strength to restore America’s standing as a deterrent to those who attempt to spread chaos and destruction. By allocating $831.5 billion for the Department of Defense, Congress is sending a clear message to the world: America is back.
    Specifically, this legislation:

    • Includes an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
    • Invests in youth development and workforce programs that prepare our next generation soldiers and businesses including Apex Accelerators, Starbase, the National Guard Youth Challenge, and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Programs.
    • Allocates $36.9 billion for 28 ships including six battle force ships 
    • Dedicates $1.5 billion for the Maritime Industrial Base to invest in critical areas including supplier capacity and capability, strategic outsourcing, workforce training, and technology and infrastructure.
    • Enhances investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft.
    • Allocates approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
    • Delivers increases for the State Partnership Program operations and personnel costs for both the Army National Guard and Air National Guard.

    More information about the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026 prior to adoption of amendments can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Rep. Jim Costa Secures $35.4 Million for Head Start Programs in Fresno and Tulare Counties

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced $35.4 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support Head Start and Early Head Start services in Fresno and Tulare counties. These programs provide critical early childhood education, healthcare, and family support services to families across the San Joaquin Valley.“Every child deserves a fair shot, no matter their zip code or family income. I’ve always fought to protect Head Start because it gives kids the tools to succeed,” said Congressman Costa. “This funding means more children will walk into kindergarten ready to learn, and more families will have access to reliable, affordable childcare they can count on.”BACKGROUNDHead Start is a federally funded program administered by HHS that promotes school readiness for children from birth to age five. It provides comprehensive services, including early education, health screenings, nutrition assistance, and parental support to underserved families across the country.Research consistently shows that children who participate in Head Start programs are more likely to start school on track and succeed in later academic settings. As part of its latest funding cycle, HHS awarded the following grants to support local operations:

    Fresno County: $23.7 million for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC)
    Tulare County: $11.6 million for the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE)

    These grants will support ongoing program operations, staff retention, classroom improvements, and expanded access to services for eligible families in the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arterial Cannula Recall: Edwards Lifesciences Removes Arterial Cannula due to Risk of Wire Exposure

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.
    Affected Product

    Product Family
    Model Number
    UDI-DI

    OptiSite Arterial Perfusion Cannula
    OPTI16
    00690103180558

    OptiSite Arterial Perfusion Cannula 
    OPTI18
    00690103180565

    Peripheral Femoral Arterial Cannula
    FEMII016A
    00690103031232

    Peripheral Femoral Arterial Cannula
    FEMII016AS
    00690103168341

    Peripheral Femoral Arterial Cannula
    FEMII018A
    00690103031256

    Peripheral Femoral Arterial Cannula
    FEMII018AS
    00690103168358

    What to Do
    Do not use the identified affected products listed in the table above.

    On May 16, 2025, Edwards Lifesciences began sending all affected customers a “Field Corrective Action #192” letter recommending the following actions:

    Search your inventory for and remove the affected product.
    Share this notice with appropriate clinical staff at your site.
    Ensure no patient follow-up or notification is necessary.
    Work with your Edwards enableCV (eCV) Representative to return affected product and receive a credit.
    Distributors should notify all customers who have purchased the affected product by sending the customer notification they received.

    Reason for Recall
    Edwards Lifesciences has identified occurrences in which a 3mm to 4mm section of wire, from the wire-reinforcement coil at the cannula tip of the OptiSite Arterial Perfusion Cannula devices, was found to be exposed (released from the cannula body). Since some Femoral Arterial Cannula models are made of the same components as the impacted OptiSite Arterial Perfusion Cannula, Edwards has included those Femoral Arterial Cannula models as affected product to be removed from use.
    Risks to the patient of using the affected product with exposed wire include major tissue damage, puncturing the artery which could cause bleeding, inadequate perfusion, and hemolysis.
    As of May 20, 2025, Edwards Lifesciences has not reported any serious injuries or deaths associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    The Edwards Lifesciences arterial perfusion cannulae are indicated for adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. They are intended to provide arterial perfusion of oxygenated blood in the extracorporeal circuit for up to six hours.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact their Edwards eCV Representative or Edwards Customer Service at FCA_ECV@edwards.com or 888-943-2783.
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    07/24/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Orders UK Firms, Residents from China, Oklahoma to Pay $19M in CFTC Fraud Case

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced today the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington has resolved all claims the CFTC filed in its September 2024 complaint against Qian Bai and Chao Li, both residents of the People’s Republic of China, their co-conspirator Lan Bai, a resident of Oklahoma, as well as Aipu Limited and Fidefx Investments Ltd., which were both United Kingdom private limited companies. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8987-24].
    The court found that the defendants, while acting as a common enterprise, operated fraudulent websites that purported to allow customers to trade for over 18 months and fraudulently solicited and misappropriated at least $3,630,849 from at least 34 customers in connection with the sale of agreements, contracts or transactions in leveraged or margined retail commodity transactions, off-exchange retail foreign currency contracts, and commodity futures contracts.
    On July 14, the court entered an order against Lan Bai requiring her to pay, jointly and severally, a $699,534 civil monetary penalty and restitution of $233,178 to defrauded victims for her role in the fraudulent scheme. 
    On May 22, the court entered a default judgment against Qian Bai, Li, Aipu Limited, and Fidefx, which requires them to pay, jointly and severally, a $13,863,170 civil monetary penalty and restitution of $4,621,056. The default judgment also imposes permanent injunctions against them and bans them from trading in any CFTC-regulated markets, entering into any transactions involving commodity interests, and registering with the CFTC. 
    Previously, the CFTC and Lan Bai entered into a consent order which imposes a permanent injunction against her and bans her from trading in any CFTC-regulated markets, entering into any transactions involving commodity interests, and registering with the CFTC.
    The CFTC cautions that orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets. The CFTC will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of customers and to ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable.
    Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Karen Kenmotsu, George H. Malas, Michael Amakor, Chrystal Gonnella, Timothy J. Mulreany, and Paul G. Hayeck. 
    * * * * * *
    CFTC’s Fraud Advisory
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection fraud advisories, including Avoid Forex, Precious Metals, and Digital Asset Romance Scams, which warns users of online dating and social media platforms about an increase in scams that lure victims into sending their money to fraudulent websites that claim to trade foreign currency exchange (forex) contracts, precious metals contracts, and/or digital assets. 
    The CFTC also strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC at NFA BASIC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity.
    Report suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers are eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: School Districts Submit Smartphone Restriction Plans

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today highlighted more momentum for New York’s implementation of distraction-free schools this fall, as approximately 300 school districts statewide have now submitted their plans for bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in advance of the State’s August 1 deadline. School districts are continuing to share their distraction-free policy with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). As districts finalize their policy in advance of the deadline, they can continue to utilize the resources seen on the Distraction-Free Schools page on Governor Hochul’s website for distraction-free schools, which provides a policy FAQ, external informational toolkit and other resources.

    “Our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York will be ready to implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions on the first day of school,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m pleased that most school districts across the state have either already implemented or are finalizing their distraction-free policy — and my team continues to provide the resources and tools to ensure school districts publish their policy by the August 1 deadline.”

    This new requirement will take place in the 2025-26 School Year and applies to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

    This month, Governor Hochul has held roundtable discussions with school district administrators, teachers and other stakeholders from New York City and the Capital Region to highlight their plans for implementing bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions when school resumes this fall. With NYC Public Schools being the nation’s largest school system, teachers and administrators, unions, school safety officers and students spoke about their plans for this upcoming school year, alongside New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos.

    In a conversation with the Governor and Melinda Person, President of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), Albany City School District, Schenectady City School District, Utica City School District and East Greenbush Central School District shared their highlights as they have finalized their distraction-free policy in advance of the State’s August 1 deadline.

    State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am pleased that approximately 300 school districts across New York have submitted considered, bell-to-bell cell phone restriction plans. The bell-to-bell cell phone restriction and the plans submitted demonstrate a real commitment to creating learning environments that put students’ academic focus and mental well-being first. Importantly, each district has worked to craft a policy that meets the unique needs of their own school community. I commend school leaders, educators, and families for coming together to support students and take meaningful action to reduce distractions and improve outcomes in our classrooms.”

    State Senator John Liu said, “This milestone of approximately 300 school districts submitting plans for keeping phones out of school shows that New York schools are moving swiftly to implement distraction-free policies. This rapid momentum puts us on a fast track for a statewide bell-to-bell phone restriction and moves us one step closer to safer, healthier, and academically engaging learning environments.”

    Governor Hochul’s cellphone policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:

    • Prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
    • Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
    • Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
    • Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
    • Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
    • Prevents inequitable discipline

    Governor Hochul’s policy clarifies that students will have authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

    Additionally, the Governor’s policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

    Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents, and students. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:

    • Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
    • Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
    • Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
    • Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
    • Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
    • An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
    • Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Challenges Trump Administration’s Withholding of AmeriCorps Funds

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 23 attorneys general and two states, expanded its ongoing legal challenge of the Trump Administration’s attempt to gut AmeriCorps by adding the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as a defendant for withholding tens of millions of dollars in funding for critical service programs. In June, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition secured a court order that reinstated hundreds of AmeriCorps programs that were unlawfully cancelled and barred AmeriCorps from making similar cuts without formal rulemaking. Despite this order, OMB is withholding vast sums intended for outstanding service programs, threatening their survival and the wellbeing of those who depend on their services. Because of the Trump Administration’s withholding of these critical resources, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition today filed an amended lawsuit that adds OMB as a defendant and brings new legal claims against the agency. 

    “AmeriCorps represents the best of who we are, what we can be, as a nation,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Last month, I secured a court order stopping the illegal dismantling of AmeriCorps – ensuring these selfless servicemembers can continue to serve our communities while litigation continues. But now, President Trump is trying a different, yet similarly, illegal tactic to withhold funding. We’re going back to court to block this latest maneuver – and we’ll keep fighting to ensure this invaluable program continues.”   

    AmeriCorps, an independent federal agency that engages Americans in meaningful community-based service, provides opportunities for more than 200,000 Americans to serve their communities every year. AmeriCorps supports national and state community service programs by funding and placing volunteers in local and national organizations that address critical community needs. Organizations rely on support from AmeriCorps to recruit, place, and supervise AmeriCorps members nationwide. 

    In 2024, more than 6,150 California members served at least 1,200 locations, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans’ facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations. AmeriCorps invested more than $133 million in federal funding to California that same year to support cost-effective community solutions, working with local partners on the ground to help communities tackle their toughest challenges. This includes programs like:

    • Prevent Child Abuse California, which hosts 65 AmeriCorps members who provide academic assistance, life skills, and financial literacy to hundreds of foster youths across 15 counties. 
    • Partnership for Veterans and People Experiencing Homeless, which hosts 25 AmeriCorps members that provide housing services, job placement, and case management to veterans and homeless individuals in Santa Barbara County.
    • Reading Partners California, which hosts 80 AmeriCorps members who recruit and manage approximately 1400 volunteers to provide one-on-one literacy tutoring to students at 58 low-income elementary schools.

    In the amended complaint, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition allege that OMB has unlawfully withheld from plaintiff states well over $38 million in support intended for specific AmeriCorps programs, across multiple funding streams. For example, OMB appears to have withheld tens of millions of dollars intended for AmeriCorps Senior Companion Programs and Foster Grandparent Programs in plaintiff states, programs that pair low-income seniors with children in need of mentorship and support or with other seniors in need of companionship and care. The Administration has also withheld approximately $5 million intended for plaintiff state service commissions, which was needed to provide training and technical assistance to service members across the country. And while AmeriCorps decided to fund numerous programs in plaintiff states with over $33 million in highly competitive grants for the next service year, OMB is preparing to withhold these funds from distribution as well.    

    The coalition establishes that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its withholding of AmeriCorps funds, violating both the Administrative Procedure Act and the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution. Congress created AmeriCorps and appropriated funding to support public service, and neither OMB nor AmeriCorps hold authority to defy Congress by refusing to distribute funds to worthy service programs.   

    In filing the amended complaint, Attorney General Bonta and the attorneys general of Maryland, Delaware, and Colorado lead the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, as well as the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. 

    A copy of the amended complaint is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Warns of New Nuclear Arms Race, Urges U.S. to Spearhead New Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty 

    US Senate News:

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

    Welch calls on the U.S. to negotiate a successor to the New START Treaty 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week took to the Senate Floor to urge the United States to reaffirm its commitment to pursue a world free of nuclear weapons. Senator Welch warned the threat of a new nuclear arms race is looming with the imminent expiration of the New START Treaty. 
    “In the 1980s, thanks to negotiators in both countries, the United States and Russia curtailed an unrestrained nuclear arms race that led to the deployment of staggering numbers of increasingly destructive weapons that could not rationally be justified for deterrence or any other purpose. The START Treaty and New START were historic achievements—bipartisan achievements,” said Senator Welch. “I would like to think that President Trump was serious when he spoke of the need for the U.S., Russia, and China to stop building more nuclear weapons. But even modest steps to reduce the chance of a catastrophic mistake or miscalculation resulting in the use of nuclear weapons should be among our highest national priorities.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 

    On the 80th anniversary of the Trinity test, Senator Welch joined Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in introducing a resolution urging the United States to lead the world to halt and reverse the nuclear arms race. 
    Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Reaffirms Its Rejection of Using Food, Starvation of Civilians as Weapon of War

    Source: Government of Qatar

    New York, July 24

    The State of Qatar has reiterated its rejection of the use of food and the starvation of civilians as a weapon of war, calling on the international community to compel Israel to allow the safe, sustained, and unobstructed entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, to be distributed by international humanitarian organizations.

    This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the UN Security Council quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question‌ (MEPQ), held at UN Headquarters in New York.

    Her Excellency emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond description, amid widespread famine, the collapse of infrastructure and the healthcare system, the spread of disease, and a death toll surpassing 58,000, including nearly 18,000 children.

    She affirmed the State of Qatar strong condemnation of Israel ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas, stressing that the forced displacement of Palestinians in any form constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

    Her Excellency also stated that Qatar has made sincere efforts, in coordination with Egypt and the United States, to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. She noted that past diplomatic efforts had yielded tangible results through previously reached agreements, and that current mediation efforts are ongoing to bridge the gap between the parties and secure an urgent agreement.

    She further condemned the statements made by Israel Minister of Justice regarding the annexation of the West Bank, describing them as a continuation of illegal settlement policies and a flagrant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2334. She also denounced the approval of new settlement construction and the attacks carried out by settlers as part of an ongoing series of crimes against the unarmed Palestinian population. She called for urgent international action to protect civilians and to ensure accountability for those responsible.

    Her Excellency conveyed Qatar condemnation of attempts by the Israeli occupation to alter the religious and historical status of holy sites, including the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli officials and settlers, the closure of the Jerusalem Fund, and the transfer of authority over Al Ibrahimi Mosque to a Jewish religious council.

    She said Qatar warned of the risks of regional spillover due to the conflict and condemned Israel attacks on Syria, reaffirming its support for the Syrian Arab Republic sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for stability and development.

    She also reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s principled and unwavering support for Lebanon, its unity and territorial integrity, and called for the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from all Lebanese territory, urging all parties to uphold the ceasefire agreement.

    Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar welcome of the upcoming United Nations High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution to be co-chaired next week by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic. Qatar hopes the conference will yield tangible results and clear international commitments, serving as a foundational step toward full UN membership for the State of Palestine.

    Her Excellency concluded by reaffirming Qatar principled and consistent stance in support of a just and sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue, based on international legitimacy and ensuring the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. She stressed that Qatar will spare no effort in facilitating and supporting efforts toward achieving this goal. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Innovation Saskatchewan Issues Request for Proposal for West Galleria Redevelopment Project to Advance Research Strategy Priority Sectors

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 24, 2025

    Innovation Saskatchewan has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to support the construction of the West Galleria Redevelopment project at its Research and Technology (R+T) Park in Saskatoon.  

    The project will transform the west wing of the Galleria building into a purpose-built space for scaling companies in priority sectors identified in Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy agriculture, life sciences, energy and mining and critical minerals. It aims to accelerate commercialization, strengthen the innovation pipeline and support companies on the path to manufacturing.  

    “Saskatchewan is an established hub for innovation,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. “We are building on the strengths and opportunities to support our priority sectors’ needs to scale and succeed. This project is about investing in spaces that help Saskatchewan companies scale, collaborate and drive economic growth.”  

    Scaling companies in these sectors often face longer development timelines and more complex growth challenges compared to other early-stage, innovating companies due to the physical infrastructure required for testing, validation and production. These factors can slow innovation and deter investment.  

    By identifying specialized space and shared infrastructure, Innovation Saskatchewan aims to help close this gap, reduce risk for scaling companies and help innovators focus on delivering global solutions.  

    “We are adapting our R+T Parks to meet the unique and evolving needs of the ecosystem,” Innovation Saskatchewan CEO Kari Harvey said. “This redevelopment aligns with Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy and will create the infrastructure needed to elevate our province’s leadership in research and technological innovation.”  

    The West Galleria Redevelopment project was a key initiative of the agency’s 2024-25 Budget and directly supports Saskatchewan’s 2030 Growth Plan goal to triple the growth of the tech sector.  

    The project will leverage approximately 44,000 square feet of space and is anticipated to accommodate five to eight scaling companies and will include specialized facilities like a shared laboratory and pilot plant that are critical but largely inaccessible to priority sector companies at this growth stage.  

    The RFP outlines details relating to criteria, process, timelines and other relevant information, and can be found at www.sasktenders.ca. 

    The submission deadline is Aug. 21, 2025 at 2 p.m. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – MBIE facing legal action over attempt to curb flexible work including working from home arrangements – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The PSA has just filed legal action with the Employment Relations Authority over MBIE’s disregard of existing flexible work arrangements including working from home which are protected under the PSA’s collective agreement with the Government department. 
    The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has recently introduced a new Flexible Work Policy to align with the Government’s directive to restrict flexible work arrangements for public service workers including reducing days working from home. This directive is also itself subject to legal action by the PSA.
    “Cracking down on flexible work is the wrong approach from employers in 2025,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “Working from home and flexible work are generally a win-win for employers and employees, that’s why we are asking MBIE to stick with current flexible work arrangements and look for more ways to enable flexibility which we know is particularly valuable for women, people with disabilities and everyone with caring responsibilities.
    “The PSA originally raised objections to MBIE’s flexible work guidance in June 2025 and then tried to resolve this dispute through mediation, but this failed. MBIE hasn’t been willing to backdown, leaving the PSA with no choice but to take this step to protect the rights of MBIE staff included in existing agreements.
    “The collective agreement binds MBIE to supporting flexible work, so its new policy is simply unlawful. We are seeking a determination from the ERA that MBIE is violating the ‘flexible by default’ approach which forms part of its collective agreement with members.
    “Employees at MBIE have a right to flexible work arrangements which suit their individual circumstances unless there is a good business reason not to. Now MBIE is saying working from home and other arrangements must be re-negotiated, their position is that all new arrangements are to be reviewed every six months with the aim of reducing the number of days worked from home.
    “MBIE wants to meet individually with employees to tell them they need to make a new flexible work request which will be considered under the more restrictive policy,” said Fitzsimons.
    “MBIE can’t just change existing agreements which are protected under the collective.
    “This is a backward step, going against all international evidence and tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Utah Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud Schemes

    Source: US State of California

    Defendant Impersonated Federal Agent, Attorney, and Others to Perpetrate $3.5M Fraud

    A Utah man was sentenced yesterday to 108 months in prison for wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2018 through 2020, Santiago Garcia Gutierrez (Garcia), of Salt Lake City, defrauded a single victim out of more than $2.8 million by falsely representing that he was a confidential informant with the Department of Homeland Security. He also falsely represented that he could acquire, at discounted prices, exotic cars, planes, and vessels that had been seized by the U.S. government through forfeiture. Garcia falsely induced the victim to use him as an intermediary to receive the money that the victim believed was then being used to purchase what turned out to be non-existent luxury assets. To convince his victim the scheme was legitimate, Garcia contacted the victim on numerous occasions via text message from multiple phone numbers, falsely claiming to be a confidential government informant, federal agent and, at times, Garcia’s own attorney.

    In addition, from 2019 through 2024, Garcia  defrauded eight additional victims across the country. To execute these other frauds, Garcia falsely induced victims to invest money into federal oil wells in which he had an ownership interest, promising large returns on investment. The victims never realized any profits, however, because Garcia diverted the investment funds for his own benefit. To effectuate these schemes and lend them legitimacy, Garcia again assumed the identity of his attorney. In total, Garcia defrauded these victims of more than $900,000.

    Finally, Garcia did not pay royalties to the federal government on the sale of oil extracted from the wells, despite knowing that he had a duty to do so.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr. for the District of Utah ordered Garcia to pay $3,795,930.60 in restitution to the victims of his crimes, and to forfeit $2,853,789.27.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah, and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office and the EPA investigated the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Richard M. Rolwing and former Trial Attorney Erika Suhr of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Utah Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defendant Impersonated Federal Agent, Attorney, and Others to Perpetrate $3.5M Fraud

    A Utah man was sentenced yesterday to 108 months in prison for wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2018 through 2020, Santiago Garcia Gutierrez (Garcia), of Salt Lake City, defrauded a single victim out of more than $2.8 million by falsely representing that he was a confidential informant with the Department of Homeland Security. He also falsely represented that he could acquire, at discounted prices, exotic cars, planes, and vessels that had been seized by the U.S. government through forfeiture. Garcia falsely induced the victim to use him as an intermediary to receive the money that the victim believed was then being used to purchase what turned out to be non-existent luxury assets. To convince his victim the scheme was legitimate, Garcia contacted the victim on numerous occasions via text message from multiple phone numbers, falsely claiming to be a confidential government informant, federal agent and, at times, Garcia’s own attorney.

    In addition, from 2019 through 2024, Garcia  defrauded eight additional victims across the country. To execute these other frauds, Garcia falsely induced victims to invest money into federal oil wells in which he had an ownership interest, promising large returns on investment. The victims never realized any profits, however, because Garcia diverted the investment funds for his own benefit. To effectuate these schemes and lend them legitimacy, Garcia again assumed the identity of his attorney. In total, Garcia defrauded these victims of more than $900,000.

    Finally, Garcia did not pay royalties to the federal government on the sale of oil extracted from the wells, despite knowing that he had a duty to do so.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr. for the District of Utah ordered Garcia to pay $3,795,930.60 in restitution to the victims of his crimes, and to forfeit $2,853,789.27.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah, and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office and the EPA investigated the case.

    Senior Litigation Counsel Richard M. Rolwing and former Trial Attorney Erika Suhr of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Colorado River Day, Hickenlooper, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Snowpack Monitoring, Help Manage Water

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and John Curtis introduced the bipartisan Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 to help better predict and measure water supply to manage drought in the West, including on the Colorado River. Tomorrow, July 25th, is Colorado River Day, which celebrates the day when the river was officially renamed to the Colorado River in 1921.
    “You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” said Hickenlooper. “Snowmelt is Colorado’s largest reservoir. Leveraging advanced snow monitoring tech will give us more accurate water predictions and unlock a better understanding of how to make the most of our water in an era of extreme drought.”
    “In the West, water is everything—our economy, our communities, and our way of life depend on it,” said Curtis. “This bill brings 21st century tools to one of the oldest challenges we face: knowing how much water we’ll have and when. By reauthorizing this program, we’re embracing new technology like airborne snow surveys and advanced modeling to give our water managers the clarity they need to prepare, allocate, and respond.”
    More than 80% of Colorado’s annual surface water supply comes from snowmelt runoff. Accurate measurements of snowpack are necessary to have a clear picture of the snowmelt that feeds rivers and streams across the West.
    The bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program which provides grants to advance emerging snow monitoring technology that improve water supply predictions.
    Specifically, the bill would:
    Reauthorize BOR’s Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program through 2031
    Increase authorization from $15 million over five years to $32.5 million over five years
    Update language in existing authorization to emphasize water supply forecasting activities that inform interstate water management decisions
    Yesterday, Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd’s companion legislation advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
    As governor, Hickenlooper helped negotiate the 2019 Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan, which helped protect critical levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead and ensured continued compliance with the 1922 Colorado River Compact. In the Senate, Hickenlooper convened the bipartisan Colorado River Caucus to help address the Colorado River crisis.
    The bipartisan Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 is supported by American Rivers, the Southwestern Water Conservation District, Colorado River District, Denver Water, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Water Congress, Colorado Municipal League, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, the National Ski Areas Association, the Family Farm Alliance, the National Audubon Society, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
    Full text of the bill available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At least 33 people were injured in an airstrike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KYIV, July 24 (Xinhua) — At least 33 people, including three children, were injured in a Russian airstrike on Thursday in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city in the northeast of the country, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said on Telegram.

    According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russian army dropped two aerial bombs on Kharkiv, one of which fell near a residential building, and the second on the territory of a civilian enterprise, which led to a fire.

    Rescuers, police and doctors are working at the sites of the strikes. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Flash: 9 more Chinese cities accredited as international wetland cities, China maintains world lead in number of such cities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Xinhua | 24.07.2025

    Keywords: China

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: 9 more Chinese cities accredited as international wetland cities, China maintains world lead in number of such cities Flash: 9 more Chinese cities accredited as international wetland cities, China maintains world lead in number of such cities

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: CPPCC National Committee Chairman Calls on CPPCC Members to Participate in Economic Consultations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on Thursday called on CPPCC members to actively participate in consultations on key economic issues.

    Wang Huning, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while chairing the 39th meeting of the chairman and vice-chairmen of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

    He called on CPPCC members to focus their consultations on key areas such as planning the goals and tasks of socio-economic development for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), developing new productive forces in line with local conditions, and building a unified national market.

    Wang Huning also pointed out the importance of understanding the goals of building modern cities that are people-centered and deepening research related to key tasks of urban governance.

    The meeting reviewed and approved the work report of the CPPCC National Committee for the first half of 2025, as well as the revised draft regulations on handling proposals from CPPCC National Committee members. The documents will be submitted for consideration at the 13th session of the Bureau of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

    On Thursday morning, Wang Huning also presided over the annual theoretical meeting of the chairman and vice chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee.

    The CPPCC National Committee chairman said it is necessary to focus on the major tasks of the Party and the state, combining wisdom and strength.

    Wang Huning called on policy consultants from various fields to deepen their research on key issues in their fields and put forward targeted and practical policy proposals. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kazakhstan Increases Oil Refining to 8.8 Million Tons in January-June 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Almaty, July 24 (Xinhua) — Three leading oil refineries in Kazakhstan increased oil refining to 8.83 million tons in the first six months of 2025, which is 685 thousand tons more than in the same period of 2024, the press service of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) reported on Thursday.

    According to KMG, during the reporting period, about 6.84 million tons of light oil products were produced, including gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel, which is 893 thousand tons /4.44 percent/ higher than last year’s figure.

    The total refining depth at the three refineries reached 89.61 percent, and the yield of light oil products was 77.53 percent. At the same time, the combustion of process fuel and the volume of irrecoverable losses were reduced by 0.78 percent, or 7,333 tons.

    The modernization of the Caspi Bitum refinery was also completed in the first half of the year. The plant’s capacity now allows it to process up to 1.5 million tons of oil and produce 750 thousand tons of bitumen per year. In the two months since its launch after modernization, the plant has processed over 216 thousand tons of oil and produced more than 78 thousand tons of bitumen. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tajikistan and Mongolia Expand Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ALMATY, July 24 (Xinhua) — Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh signed a number of cooperation documents following talks in Dushanbe, the Asia-Plus news agency reported on Thursday.

    U. Khurelsukh arrived in Tajikistan on Wednesday on a state visit. As part of the visit, an economic forum of the two countries and a number of cultural events were organized.

    Following the talks, the leaders of the two countries signed a Joint Statement on the further development and strengthening of friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation, as well as 10 other cooperation agreements in areas such as water resources, security, innovation and humanitarian development.

    The Tajik side proposed to develop and adopt a cooperation program and a specialized roadmap for joint actions for the coming years, as well as to establish a Council of Entrepreneurs of Tajikistan and Mongolia. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: 9 More Chinese Cities Accredited as International Wetland Cities, Maintaining World Lead in Number of Wetland Cities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, July 24 (Xinhua) — Nine more Chinese cities were accredited as international wetland cities on Thursday during the opening of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in the Zimbabwean resort town of Victoria Falls, bringing the total number of such cities in China to 22, the highest in the world. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Royal Canadian Navy to Pay Off Kingston-class vessels

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 24, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    In the fall of 2025, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will begin paying off the Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs).  

    The term “paying off” refers to the British practice of paying a crew their wages once a ship has completed its voyage. In the RCN, the tradition continues with the term paying off referring to the formal ceremony where the naval jack, ensign, and commissioning pennant are hauled down, the crew departs a ship for the last time, and the ship is then no longer referred to as His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS).

    This fall, eight of the twelve Kingston-class ships will be paid off during formal naval ceremonies to recognize and celebrate their long and distinguished service. These ceremonies will take place in Halifax for HMC Ships Shawinigan, Summerside, Goose Bay, Glace Bay and Kingston. Ceremonies in Esquimalt, B.C. will be held for HMC Ships Saskatoon, Whitehorse and Brandon.

    The RCN’s four remaining operational Kingston-class vessels will consolidate under Canadian Fleet Atlantic in Halifax, N.S. As such, HMCS Moncton will remain based in Halifax, HMC Ships Yellowknife and Edmonton recently transferred to the east coast, and HMCS Nanaimo will transit to Halifax later this year. This will support current operational commitments, and efficient maintenance and crewing of the remaining Kingston-class vessels and the broader RCN fleet.   

    While looking forward to the introduction of new, modern warships to its fleet, the RCN has a robust plan in place to facilitate this transition, while maintaining excellence in training and operational capability. There is no loss of capability for the RCN as a result of the divestment of the Kingston-class – their missions and tasks will be redistributed to other existing ships and assets, and taken on by new platforms, capabilities and systems being introduced by the RCN.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador’s ICAC Task Force Arrests Cassia County Man for Child Exploitation

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Attorney General Labrador’s ICAC Task Force Arrests Cassia County Man for Child Exploitation

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced that investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested Theodore Prevost on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, for alleged sexual exploitation of a child.
    “My office and ICAC unit remain committed to protecting families, educating parents, and keeping children safe online,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Anyone in Idaho who uses the internet to exploit minors will be found and held accountable by our ICAC investigators.”
    Forty-eight-year-old Theodore Prevost has been charged with four counts of distribution and two counts of possession of visual representations of a child through computer-generated imagery. Further charges are potentially pending.  The Idaho ICAC Unit was assisted by the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, the Rupert Police Department, affiliates from the Meridian Police Department, and Idaho Falls Police Department.  Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.  The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children. Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India-UK relations enter new era with landmark deals on trade, tech and security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his official visit to the United Kingdom from July 23-24. The meeting, held at the British Prime Minister’s country residence, Chequers in Buckinghamshire.

    The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks, covering the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

    During the talks, the two sides welcomed the signing of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement is expected to boost trade, investment, economic collaboration, and job creation in both countries, taking the strategic partnership to a new level.

    In a key development, the two countries also agreed to negotiate a Double Contribution Convention, which will support professionals and service industries by reducing operational costs and promoting competitiveness. Prime Minister Modi also proposed deeper cooperation between India’s GIFT City-India’s first international financial services centre-and the UK’s financial ecosystem.

    The two leaders adopted the India-UK Vision 2035, a roadmap for the next decade that aims to enhance cooperation in the areas of economy, technology, innovation, research, education, defence, climate action, health, and people-to-people ties.

    The finalisation of a Defence Industrial Roadmap was also welcomed. It aims to promote joint design, development, and production of defence products for domestic use and global markets. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing defence partnership and regular engagement between the armed forces.

    Underlining the importance of emerging technologies, the Prime Ministers agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Technology and Security Initiative (TSI). The TSI, which completed one year, focuses on areas such as telecom, critical minerals, AI, biotechnology, semiconductors, health technology, advanced materials, and quantum research.

    In the education sector, the leaders hailed the growing collaboration under India’s New Education Policy (NEP). Notably, Southampton University became the first foreign university to open a campus in India, in Gurugram, on June 16. Several other UK universities are expected to follow suit.

    The two Prime Ministers also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in the UK across various fields, calling them a “living bridge” between the two countries.

    Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Starmer for his support and solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism and agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation to counter extremism and radicalisation. PM Modi also sought the UK’s assistance in bringing economic offenders and fugitives to justice.

    The leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global developments, including in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Starmer to visit India at a mutually convenient time and thanked him for the warm hospitality.

    The following documents were signed/adopted by the two sides during the visit:

    ● Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement [CETA]

    ● India-UK Vision 2035

    ● Defence Industrial Roadmap

    ● Statement on Technology and Security Initiative

    ● MoU between Central Bureau of Investigation, India and National Crime Agency of UK

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two women sentenced for cocaine smuggling24 July 2025 Two women have today appeared before Jersey’s Royal Court and been sentenced for attempting to import cocaine into the Island, with a street value of £21,000. Stephanie Louise Dean, aged 42 from Tipton,… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    24 July 2025

    Two women have today appeared before Jersey’s Royal Court and been sentenced for attempting to import cocaine into the Island, with a street value of £21,000. 

    Stephanie Louise Dean, aged 42 from Tipton, was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment, and Jaye Eleanor Henry, aged 28, from Stourbridge, was given a 384-hour community service order. 

    They arrived in the Island on Wednesday 16 April 2025 having travelled from Portsmouth on the Stena Vinga ferry. When questioned by Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers, the women explained that they were in Jersey for one night, having booked their travel the day before and would be staying at the Savoy Hotel. Dean and Henry stated that they had been driven from Birmingham to Portsmouth to catch the ferry. 

    During a search of their baggage several swabs were taken which gave positive indications for cocaine with both women admitting to cocaine use the previous weekend. Officers became suspicious that the women were importing drugs internally and they were subsequently arrested. Dean then stated to officers: “I have to come clean; I have got something on me”. She later produced a condom-wrapped package containing 83.74 grams of cocaine with a purity of 84%. 

    During interview Dean said she was unaware what the package actually contained, thinking it was cannabis, but agreed to import the drugs into Jersey to clear her drugs debt of between £800 and £900, that she owed to a man named “Bubba”. 

    Henry was found not to be carrying any drugs but stated that the individual who had driven them to Portsmouth had tried to pass her the package which she refused and was given to Dean. She stated that Dean was getting paid £2,000 to import the drugs and that she would receive spending money for travelling with her. Phone messaging indicated that Henry was aware of the package and was to be paid for the importation. 

    Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “Our officers continue to disrupt the importation of controlled drugs at our borders and whilst these two women were clearly not the organisers of the importation, Dean was the courier of the drugs and Henry a willing accomplice with both women being paid for their roles.”

    Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional AI Caucus Democrats’ Statement on President Trump’s AI Action Plan and AI Executive Orders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus Chair Don Beyer (D-VA), Vice Chair Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Democratic Members of the Caucus Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Rob Menendez (D-NJ) today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan and executive orders on AI:

    “We are deeply concerned about the impacts of President Trump’s AI Action Plan and the executive orders announced yesterday. 

    “The President’s Executive Order on “Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government” and policies on ‘AI neutrality’ are counterproductive to responsible AI development and use, and potentially dangerous. To be clear, we support true AI neutrality—AI models trained on facts and science—but the administration’s fixation on ‘anti-woke’ inputs is definitionally not neutral. This sends a clear message to AI developers: align with Trump’s ideology or pay the price. We have already seen private technology companies rewarded for catering to the Administration, including the Administration awarding a wildly inappropriate $200 million Pentagon contract for Elon Musk’s Grok AI despite that platform’s recent history of racist misinformation, antisemitism, and support for Adolf Hitler – which were prompted by the very ‘anti-woke’ training this order envisions.

    “We are also alarmed by the absence of regulatory structure in this AI Action Plan to ensure the responsible development, deployment, or use of AI models, and the apparent targeting of state-level regulations. As AI is integrated with daily life and tech leaders develop more powerful models, such as Artificial General Intelligence, responsible innovation must go hand in hand with appropriate safety guardrails.  In the absence of any meaningful federal alternative, our states are taking the lead in embracing common-sense safeguards to protect the public, build consumer trust, and ensure innovation and competition can continue to thrive. We are deeply concerned that the AI Action Plan would open the door to forcing states to forfeit their ability to protect the public from the escalating risks of AI, by jeopardizing states’ ability to access critical federal funding. And instead of providing a sorely needed federal regulatory framework that promotes safe model development, deployment, and use, Trump’s plan simultaneously limits states and creates a ‘wild west’ for tech companies, giving them free rein to develop and deploy models with no accountability. 

    “Finally, we are concerned about the implications of the Executive Order on ‘Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure’ for energy costs, demand on the grid, and the environment. AI training and inferencing have already driven up energy demand in the U.S, with ratepayers seeing higher utility prices due to the development of data centers. Trump recently signed partisan legislation that will significantly undercut clean energy projects, driving up costs and leaving us more reliant on dirty, polluting energy sources – trends which this plan will worsen considerably. At a time when Trump himself has increased the need for energy efficiency in AI development and deployment, this plan will do the opposite while increasing harm on the environment.

    “While there are policies in the Action Plan that we agree with, including support for AI-driven science, improving AI evaluations and providing testing resources, and putting our American workforce first, we are deeply concerned about the partisan policies included in the Action Plan and Executive Orders that poison what should have been a good-faith, non-partisan effort. We will closely monitor the implementation of these policies, and will continue to advocate for the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Statement on Trump Administration Investigations into George Mason University

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the Department of Justice and Department of Education launched investigations into George Mason University for allegations of racial discrimination and antisemitism:

    “Less than a month after demanding the removal of former University of Virginia President James Ryan, the Trump Administration now sets its sights on George Mason University, the largest public research higher education institution in Virginia.

    “These investigations hijack existing civil rights laws to advance this Administration’s extreme agenda to undermine local governance of educational institutions, reshape them in its ideological image, and undo the progress made to open educational opportunities to more people. The Trump Administration has already sought to defund and dismantle the Department of Education entirely, a move that undermines the Department’s core mission to ensure every student, regardless of background, receives a safe and quality learning environment and education.

    “These attacks don’t just distract and drain resources that could be used for cases of genuine civil rights violations, but take a deeply concerning step towards stripping away the independence and academic freedom entitled to our higher education institutions. I fear for the future of Virginia’s education system.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 4th District County Fair Season Beginning Soon!

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    EATON, CO—With the month of July underway, the County Fair Season is approaching quickly in the 4th Congressional District with events, performances, and contests taking place across the Eastern Plains. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert offered the following statement on the start of County Fair season, with dates and informational websites for all 21 county fairs listed below:

    “Our amazing County Fairs highlight the importance of community, the talents of our ag sector workers, and the excitement of a summer season in the 4th District. I encourage all 4th District constituents to make a plan to attend their local County Fair to see everything our district has to offer. From live concerts and rodeos featuring cowboys and Mutton Bustin’ to entrepreneurs selling their crafts and our young 4-H and FFA leaders showing off their livestock, our county fairs have something for everyone to enjoy. Even if the fair food isn’t MAHA-approved, I hope everyone in the 4th District gets to spend a day at their County Fair!”

    State Representative Dusty Johnson added, “County fair time – one of my favorite times of the year – is just about here! It’s a time to showcase the projects of our hardworking 4-H and FFA youth and come together as a community to celebrate our rural way of life.”

    Dates and websites for 4th District County Fairs:

    Cheyenne County Tumbleweed Fair, July 11-19

    El Paso County Fair, July 12-19

    Weld County Fair, July 19-28

    Kit Carson County Fair, July 19-26

    Phillips County Fair, July 22-27

    Eastern Colorado Roundup (Washington County Fair), July 22-27

    Crowley County Days, July 22-26

    Sedgwick County Fair, July 23-27

    Arapahoe County Fair, July 24-27

    Logan County Fair, July 24-August 3

    Douglas County Fair, July 25-August 3

    Morgan County Fair, July 25-31

    Elbert County Fair, July 26-August 3

    Baca County Fair, July 26-August 2

    Bent County Fair, July 26-August 2

    Yuma County Fair, July 29-August 4

    Adams County Fair, July 30-August 3

    Lincoln County Fair, July 30-August 9

    Larimer County Fair, August 1-5

    Sand & Sage Round-Up (Prowers County Fair), August 2-9

    Kiowa County Fair, September 11-13

    MIL OSI USA News –