NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Erdoğan of Türkiye: 25 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM meeting with President Erdoğan of Türkiye: 25 June 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke with the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in The Hague earlier this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke with the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in The Hague earlier this afternoon.

    The leaders began by discussing the perilous situation in the Middle East. The leaders welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and agreed that negotiations must lead to the next vital step forward. 

    Discussing the conflict in Gaza, the leaders agreed that there needed to be an urgent acceleration of aid and an end to the intolerable situation.

    Turning to the situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked President Erdoğan for his support to the Coalition of the Willing planning and thanked him for Türkiye’s role in peace talks.

    The leaders also welcomed the strengthening military cooperation between the two countries, and agreed on the importance of making progress in free trade agreement talks.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you Mr Vice President and Special Rapporteur for your report on your visit to the UK in February last year under the previous Government. I have listened carefully to your comments this morning.

    Tackling violence against women and girls, both domestically and internationally, is a top priority for the UK.

    Special Rapporteur, we note that you highlighted several positive elements of the UK’s domestic response, including:

    • robust legislation covering sexual violence, domestic abuse and modern slavery and human trafficking;
    • criminal offences covering female genital mutilation and forced marriage;
    • measures taken to prevent and improve employers’ responses to workplace harassment;
    • an expansive definition of domestic abuse, which includes emotional abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour and economic abuse and recognises that children can be victims of domestic abuse;
    • measures to tackle technology-facilitated violence, particularly the Online Safety Act 2023; and
    • the strength of civil society organisations.

    Nevertheless, we recognise that there are several areas for improvement that are relevant to the Special Rapporteur’s comments on the UK, such as:

    • ensuring the sustainable provision of services for women affected by violence and abuse;
    • ensuring children under the age of 16 receive effective safeguarding and support when they experience teenage relationship abuse; and
    • ensuring more comprehensive and richer data is collected about these crimes and the individuals who commit and experience them.

    We must also ensure sustainable and long-term resources for the implementation of policies and legislation across the four nations of our United Kingdom. Three devolution settlements – one each for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – stipulate matters that are the responsibility of the UK Parliament and others that are the responsibility of the devolved legislatures. It is right that approaches can be tailored to the specific needs of each nation. Nevertheless, the four governments can and will work together to ensure a coherent and effective framework for the safety and security of people across our United Kingdom.

    Mr Vice President,

    The manifesto on which our current Government was elected last summer included the ambition to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade – an ambitious aim that requires a transformative approach across government, public services, the private sector and charities.

    Since last year’s election, the Government has introduced several important measures to improve protection for victims of violence against women and girls and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. These include:

    • the rollout of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in selected areas and the introduction of “Raneem’s Law” strengthening the police’s response domestic abuse by embedding specialists in emergency service control rooms in specific areas;
    • a new package of measures to tackle stalking, including a review of legislation and introducing statutory guidance to set out the process by which the police should release information identifying online stalkers to their victims; and
    • £13 million for a new National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection, to improve the policing response.

    This year, our Government will publish a new strategy which will set the strategic direction and concrete actions to deliver on that Manifesto pledge to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade. This will be underpinned by an evidence-based theory of change to ensure that our approach is informed by the best available evidence.

    Finally, while I have the floor, we note your latest thematic report, Special Rapporteur. We are not going to make a separate statement in relation to that report but I would like to express our support to the joint statement Colombia will deliver today on the use of established terms such as gender-based violence.

    Thank you both.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada renews support to protect the world’s children against infectious diseases

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 25, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Vaccines are one of the world’s most effective, evidence-based health interventions. This is true no matter where in the world a child lives. Each year, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provides immunizations for more than half the children born into the world, saving millions of them from life-threatening diseases like human papillomavirus (HPV), malaria, measles and polio.

    Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), concluded his participation in Gavi’s pledging conference held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 25, 2025.

    At the conference, Secretary Sarai reiterated Canada’s renewed commitment to global immunization efforts through its previously announced pledge of $675 million over the next five years (2026-2030), for Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

    Gavi’s work has significant implications for global economic growth and health security and is projected to create more than $100 billion in economic benefits for supported countries over the next 5 years. Canada’s support will help Gavi provide life-saving vaccines to at least 500 million more children, preventing over 8 million deaths, protecting the world against future pandemics and disease outbreaks, as well as strengthening health systems and global health security. It will also support exciting innovations, including the rollout of the groundbreaking new malaria vaccine, as well as practical, climate-smart solutions, such as installing more than 20,000 solar-powered fridges and freezers to ensure life-saving doses stay cold in remote areas.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary Sarai met with key leaders in global health, including representatives from implementing countries and heads of major organizations. These included Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, and Bill Gates. They discussed the future of global health efforts and the importance of sustained collaboration and innovation, to protect the progress made so far. Secretary Sarai also reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast commitment to Gavi and to making vaccines more accessible as the cornerstone of global health security.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Taking carbon capture to new heights

    Alberta’s government is investing $5 million from the TIER fund to help launch the world’s first direct air capture centre.  

    Alberta is a global leader in environmentally responsible energy production and reducing emissions, already home to two of the largest carbon capture, utilization and storage facilities operating in North America, and seeing emissions decline across the economy.

    Most of the current technologies used around the world focus on facilities and worksites. Direct air capture offers a potential new way of removing greenhouse gas emissions straight from the air. If successful, the potential is huge.

    Through Emissions Reduction Alberta, $5 million is being invested from the industry-led TIER program to help Deep Sky in the design, build and operation of the world’s first direct air capture innovation and commercialization centre in Innisfail. This funding will help Alberta keep showing the world how to reduce emissions while creating jobs and increasing responsible energy production.

    “We don’t need punitive taxes, anti-energy regulations or nonsensical production caps to reduce emissions. Our approach is to support industry, Alberta expertise and innovation by helping to de-risk new technology. Direct air capture has some potential and is being looked at in other jurisdictions, so it’s great to see companies choosing Alberta as a place to invest and do business in.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    “Alberta companies are leaders in developing carbon capture and storage technology. Deep Sky has the potential to take the next major step in decarbonization through direct air capture. These advancements and investments through the TIER fund are a major reason why global demand is increasing for our responsibly produced energy products.”

    Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

    “Investing in Deep Sky supports Alberta’s global leadership in emissions reduction. This project accelerates cutting-edge carbon removal technologies, creates jobs and builds a platform for innovation. By capturing legacy emissions, it complements other climate solutions and positions Alberta at the forefront of a growing carbon removal economy.”

    Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta

    “We are thrilled to be supported by the Government of Alberta through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s investment to help deliver a world first in carbon removals right here in Alberta. This funding will be instrumental in scaling direct air capture and creating an entirely new economic opportunity for Alberta, Canada and the world.”

    Alex Petre, CEO, Deep Sky

    Deep Sky is helping establish Alberta as a global leader in carbon removal – an emerging field that is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. The new centre is located on a five-acre site and will feature up to 10 direct air capture units, allowing multiple technologies and concepts to be tested at once. Starting this summer, Deep Sky Alpha’s units will begin pulling in air, trapping carbon dioxide, transporting it by truck, and safely storing it underground at an approved site in Legal.

    This new technology will give Alberta’s oil and gas, energy and utilities, cement and heavy industry, and agriculture and agri-tech sectors new technologies to reduce emissions, while creating local jobs and reinforcing Alberta’s position as a global leader in responsible energy development. 

    Quick facts

    • Deep Sky aims to capture 3,000 tonnes of emissions each year and estimates creating 80 construction jobs, 15 permanent jobs, and more than $100 million in local economic benefit over the next 10 years, including regional development in rural communities.
    • Research shows that carbon capture technology is safe and effective. Careful site selection and rigorous monitoring serve to ensure the injected carbon dioxide remains sequestered thousands of metres below the surface, with no impact on fresh water, plants or the soil.
    • Provincial funding for this project is delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Continuous Intake Program, funded by Alberta’s industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system.

    Related information

    • Emissions Reduction Alberta
    • Deep Sky

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. HILL SEEKING FALL INTERNS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

    REP. HILL SEEKING FALL INTERNS

    WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2025

    The office of Congressman French Hill (AR-02) is looking for interns for the Fall 2025 term in both my DC and Little Rock offices.

    If you’re interested, here’s what you need to know:

    • Interns will work in a fast-paced environment, gaining valuable exposure and knowledge of the legislative process and the U.S. Congress while helping central Arkansans.
    • Intern responsibilities include answering constituent phone calls, assisting staff with administrative tasks, conducting legislative research, and assisting with correspondence.
    • Interns should have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
    • Successful interns will be detail-oriented self-starters, take and listen to direction, and be willing to work both independently and as part of a team
    • Applicants should have a working knowledge of current events and policy topics as well as a willingness to assist with daily office tasks. Arkansas ties strongly preferred.
    Internships are open to college and graduate students as well as recent graduates. The office offers paid and unpaid internships depending on availability.
    To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to AR02.Applications@mail.house.gov indicating which location you are applying for. Applications should be submitted by June 30 but will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

    If you have any questions, you can contact the office for additional information at (202) 225-2506.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA welcomes Philippine announcement concerning visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA welcomes Philippine announcement concerning visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals

    Date：2025-06-19
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 19, 2025No. 214The Philippine government indicated on June 19 that Taiwanese passport holders would be granted visa-free entry to the Philippines for stays of up to 14 days beginning July 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes this announcement.Improving the convenience of Taiwanese nationals traveling overseas for business or tourism and promoting interactions and exchanges between Taiwan and friendly countries are among the key priorities for MOFA and Taiwan’s overseas missions. At a reception to mark Philippine Independence Day on June 13, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung announced on behalf of the Taiwan government that visa-free treatment for Philippine nationals would again be extended for an additional year. The Philippines will now grant visa-free entry to Taiwanese nationals on the principle of reciprocity, facilitating the deepening of exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, and tourism.This fruitful outcome follows years of active coordination and negotiation between both governments and was made possible through the joint efforts of relevant government departments, the people of Taiwan, and MOFA’s concrete implementation of integrated diplomacy. Minister Lin recognizes the Philippine government’s pragmatic promotion of Taiwan-Philippines relations.MOFA reminds Taiwanese nationals to abide by local laws and regulations while in the Philippines and to be mindful of personal safety. In case of an emergency, Taiwanese nationals can call the emergency hotline of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines at +63-917-819-4597 or ask friends or relatives in Taiwan to call MOFA’s emergency hotline at 0800-085-095. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin accompanies European press delegation to experience Taiwan’s culture, promotes Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin accompanies European press delegation to experience Taiwan’s culture, promotes Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe

    Date：2025-06-20
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 20, 2025  
    No. 216  

    On the afternoon of June 19, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung took a delegation of journalists from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to visit the cast of Zeelandia, a Taiwan original musical. Minister Lin spoke about Taiwan’s leading technology and rich culture and expressed hope that the cultural activities being held as part of the 2025 Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe would help the nations of Europe see a side of Taiwan other than technology.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had partnered with the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum (NPM) to put together the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. In September and November, pieces from the NPM collection would be exhibited in the Czech Republic and France, respectively, he stated, while other performing arts activities would be held across Europe. Minister Lin continued by expressing hope that this would help European nations better understand Taiwan’s rich culture. He stressed that while Taiwan was a technology island, it was also a culture island that married cultural assets with a creative spirit, which would be highlighted by the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. 
     
    The minister then explained that the events were being held under the banner “From Tech to Culture, Taiwan Leads the Future,” while the logo for the event was inspired by Roman columns and bore the word Taiwan symbolizing an IC design. Minister Lin said that this was an expression of how Taiwan and Europe were inextricably linked via cultural exchanges. 
     
    Musical cast members then led Minister Lin and the visiting journalists in singing a traditional Siraya song to experience for themselves the beauty of Taiwan’s culture. The musical Zeelandia takes as its backdrop Fort Zeelandia in the 17th century. The performance tells the story of how the cultures of Han, Siraya, and Dutch people came together, underscoring the unbreakable cultural and historical bonds linking Taiwan and Europe. The musical is being performed from June 20 to 29 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center. 
     
    In the future, MOFA will continue to promote cultural diplomacy to highlight Taiwan’s core values of freedom, openness, and inclusion. It will use culture as a bridge linking Taiwan to the world’s democracies, so as to jointly encourage the greater cultural flowering of free and democratic societies. (E) 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA welcomes Brunei Darussalam announcement concerning visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA welcomes Brunei Darussalam announcement concerning visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals

    Date：2025-06-24
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 24, 2025No.218The government of Brunei Darussalam indicated on June 23 that, beginning that day, holders of a Taiwan passport valid for six months or longer would be granted visa-free entry into Brunei Darussalam for stays of up to 14 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes this announcement.Brunei Darussalam’s visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals will further deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanges in such fields as tourism, trade, culture, and education. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses appreciation for the Brunei Darussalam government’s pragmatic measures to enhance Taiwan-Brunei Darussalam relations.Since August 2016, Taiwan has been endeavoring to offer visa-free entry to travelers from Thailand, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam and actively seeking to secure similar treatment from these three New Southbound Policy partner countries based on the principle of reciprocity. Following a sustained campaign by MOFA and its missions abroad, Thailand (from July 15 last year), the Philippines (from July 1 this year), and Brunei Darussalam (from June 23 this year) have now accorded visa-free entry to Taiwanese nationals. These achievements can be attributed to the combined efforts of relevant government departments and the people, as well as Taiwan’s active implementation of integrated diplomacy. Improving the convenience of overseas travel for Taiwanese businesspeople and tourists is a key goal of MOFA and its overseas missions. Looking ahead, MOFA will continue to strive to obtain visa-free treatment from even more countries. In the meantime, MOFA reminds Taiwanese nationals traveling in Brunei Darussalam to respect local customs and culture, abide by local laws and regulations, and be mindful of personal safety. In case of an emergency, Taiwanese nationals can call the emergency hotline of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam at +673-895-6338 or ask friends or relatives in Taiwan to call MOFA’s emergency hotline at 0800-085-095. (E)
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to EU-Canada summit joint statement stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to EU-Canada summit joint statement stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Date：2025-06-24
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 24, 2025  

    President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 23 in Brussels for the 20th European Union-Canada summit. In a joint statement released afterward, the two sides declared that security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions was increasingly interconnected and reaffirmed a shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, including in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait. The two sides added that they would continue working with regional partners to uphold a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and affirms this expression of staunch support for cross-strait security and stability by the European Union and Canada. 
     
    This follows on the release of joint statements after the G7 foreign ministers meeting and G7 leaders’ summit in March and June, respectively. These statements also expressed support for cross-strait peace, thus demonstrating that maintaining a peaceful, stable Taiwan Strait is an international consensus. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners around the world to defend the rules-based international order and ensure the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and Taiwan Strait.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to UK National Security Strategy 2025 conveying concern over peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to UK National Security Strategy 2025 conveying concern over peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

    Date：2025-06-25
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 25, 2025  

    The UK Cabinet Office issued National Security Strategy 2025 on June 24 following a comprehensive review of relevant issues, including the China audit, that was launched by the Labour government after it assumed office. The strategy noted the centrality of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait in global trade and supply chains and underscored the importance of regional stability to the United Kingdom. It also indicated that there was a risk of escalation around Taiwan and reiterated that issues regarding Taiwan should be resolved peacefully through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. It further stated that the United Kingdom did not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo and that the United Kingdom would continue to strengthen its cooperative relationship with Taiwan in a wide range of areas based on shared democratic values.
     
    The day the national security strategy was issued, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy briefed the House of Commons on the China audit and the government’s China policy, emphasizing that the United Kingdom’s long-standing position on Taiwan remained unchanged and that it would continue to deepen its vibrant ties with Taiwan in such domains as trade, education, and innovation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes these statements.
     
    Following the release of the Strategic Defence Review on June 2, the national security strategy serves as another integrated policy document of the UK government. In addition to reaffirming the United Kingdom’s staunch position on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the strategy once again highlighted the fact that there is a high degree of international consensus on cross-strait peace and stability and that Taiwan plays an indispensable role in the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and the world.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Island Community Explores Pathways To Strengthen Energy Reliability

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy to Communities Program Helped Edgartown, Massachusetts, Plan for a Microgrid To Support Municipal Buildings in Emergencies

    There is no bridge to the island of Martha’s Vineyard from mainland Massachusetts: If you want to get there, you have to take a ferry or plane. The island’s remote nature does not discourage tourists from visiting the small town of Edgartown—its population balloons from 5,000 to 25,000 during the warm summer months. But it does present problems for addressing power outages year-round.

    When the tourists pack up their beach umbrellas and head back home, hurricanes and nor’easters are soon to follow. Without easy access to mainland resources, residents need independent, resilient energy sources to weather such storms.

    “Our long-term plan is to make our municipal facilities sufficiently resilient so that we won’t have to worry about power during emergencies,” said Edgartown Energy Committee Associate Alan Strahler. Strahler has been working with the committee since 2017 to identify projects to enhance energy efficiency and resilience. “Our goal is to provide up to seven days of local independent operation of emergency facilities during power outages in both winter and summer.”

    To reach this goal, Edgartown plans to develop microgrids at town buildings. In a microgrid, the buildings can be powered by solar photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage, grid power, or a backup generator. The microgrid normally selects the cheapest energy source, but when grid power goes out, it operates independently using the remaining energy sources.

    In pursuing this plan for its community, Edgartown sought expertise from researchers through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy to Communities (E2C) program. E2C’s Expert Match offers a three- to four-month technical assistance program that pairs communities with researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories to help them address near-term energy goals.

    “Edgartown wants to create its first microgrid designed to support town buildings in power outages,” said Amanda Krelling, a researcher with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and lead for Edgartown’s Expert Match support. “Microgrids would create more security and safety for their residents while they potentially have to wait for someone off of the island to come fix the outage.”

    Generating Options Tailored to Community Needs

    The community applied to E2C Expert Match with a microgrid location in mind: the Edgartown Highway Department and its adjacent campus.

    “We wanted to understand how we could describe a project that would be worth the investment and have the proper benefits in terms of energy generation, resilience, and savings from a quantitative perspective,” Strahler said.

    The campus consists of five buildings, ranging from 300 square feet to 10,000 square feet. Krelling began the analysis process with collection and review of available building data, including utility bills, building materials, satellite imagery, and even roof color.

    “Roof color can affect energy consumption. Light-colored roofs reflect more solar radiation and dark-colored roofs absorb more,” Krelling said. “So, it is an important detail to consider when you are modeling electric loads for buildings.”

    The highway garage building is one of several buildings that can accommodate solar panels on the Edgartown Highway Department campus. Photos from Edgartown Highway Department

    The building data that Krelling collected helped her calibrate models for the Distributed Energy Resources Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM). DER-CAM describes changes in building energy loads through different generation options and allows users to optimize the portfolio, size, and placement of distributed energy resources based on specific goals.

    Using DER-CAM, Krelling created generation options based on four strategies, moving from lowest generation potential to the highest. The first strategy, with a PV capacity of 27 kilowatts and no battery storage, focused solely on meeting electrical loads during power outages and reducing energy cost during normal conditions. Strategy two, with 84 kilowatts of PV capacity and 62 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity, and strategy three, with 270 kilowatts of PV capacity and 40 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity, could each support independent building operation during both power outages and normal conditions. Strategy four maximized the total solar PV installation area available with a PV capacity of 429 kilowatts and battery capacity of 39 kilowatt-hours and generated excess energy to be sold to provide town income.

    “Developing solar on an island isn’t always easy because of the limited space. You have to look at the use case of the location and how you can align it with the solar project,” said Edgartown Energy Committee Associate Erich Mettler, who has a professional background in development and operation of utility-scale solar projects. “The Expert Match team did a good job of looking at those different use cases and actually finding ways to make the facility work better.”

    Providing Crucial Insight for Decision-Making

    DER-CAM modeling provided projections for energy generation, cost, and revenue for all four generation strategies, laying out how each could potentially work for the community. This data ultimately gave Edgartown the information they needed to pursue next steps for the microgrid, including studies to further explore and outline the technical feasibility and design. While Expert Match does not directly assist communities with the process of applying for grants, the analysis provided can contribute to a successful application—as it did for Edgartown.

    “We used this information in a grant application for an engineering study of the possible microgrid, and we wound up getting it,” Strahler said, referring to a $30,500 grant received through DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. “I really think one of the reasons we got it is because Expert Match had done all the homework for us. It was a wonderful education and joy for me working with the team, getting the results, and seeing how the modeling worked.”

    The energy generation projected in these strategies also provides an avenue for the community to continue building up the site with additional capabilities, such as an electric vehicle charging station. Further analysis through Expert Match showed that the microgrid’s energy resources could even accommodate a heat pump for space heating of the main building without significantly diminishing the microgrid’s renewable energy output or altering the electric load.

    “It is a very enriching experience to work with these communities,” Krelling said. “Even though this was only an initial analysis, you can see how excited they are about this idea. Our work gave them insight into how they can move forward.”

    The Edgartown energy committee hopes that the lessons learned from this project will go on to benefit the five other towns of Martha’s Vineyard.

    “The island has several energy committees, and if this is successful, I hope that they would look at doing projects similar to this,” Mettler said. “I think this effort can elevate thinking about ways to be more efficient in our energy usage in our community.”

    Expert Match applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about all of E2C’s program opportunities and apply on the E2C Expert Match webpage.

    E2C connects community-based groups, local governments, utilities, and other organizations with national laboratory experts to close the gaps between communities’ energy ambitions and real-world deployment. The technical assistance offered through E2C can offer meaningful insights around energy decision-making to help communities achieve resilient, abundant, reliable, secure, and affordable energy systems that embody local and regional priorities. For example, E2C analysis can provide insights on the costs and benefits of electric vehicles, geothermal systems, or capturing and storing solar energy. Such analysis provides community-specific information on the funding and support needed to bring energy projects to fruition.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: High-Performance Computing Advanced More Than 425 Energy Research Projects in 2024

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    In 2024, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) completed the full buildout of Kestrel, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s newest high-performance computing (HPC) system. This new supercomputer now boasts roughly 56 petaflops of computing power to accelerate progress in energy research, including through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to open new avenues in energy research, materials science, forecasting, and other areas.

    NREL’s Advanced Computing Annual Report for FY 2024 showcases the significant contributions of advanced computing. Kestrel powered more than 425 energy innovation projects across 13 funding areas to support American innovation in the energy landscape.

    One highlight in the report describes how Questaal—a suite of electronic structure software designed to answer basic questions about chemical and solid-state systems at the atomic level—solves quantum physics equations and simplifies computationally intensive processes while retaining high fidelity. Questaal’s high fidelity enables it to resolve many properties where prior theories have been inadequate, showcasing the ability to answer key science questions in a wide range of studies of chemical and materials systems. Read more in the highlight: Questaal Software Resolves Complex Physics, Helping Researchers Solve Complex Problems.

    Another key project highlighted in the annual report focuses on developing cost-effective methods for breaking down plant cell walls to gain a deeper understanding of biomass at a molecular level.

    Funded by the Bioenergy Technologies Office, researchers used a multidisciplinary approach to study how polymers are structured in Populus wood. They then used Kestrel to create molecular models of the lignocellulosic biopolymer assemblies. The models helped researchers identify which biopolymer interactions are responsible for the chemo-mechanical resilience of biomass. Read more in the report highlight: First Macromolecular Model of Woody Plant Cell Walls Will Improve Biomass Conversion.

    Learn more about these projects and others in the Advanced Computing Annual Report highlights or download the full report to learn how advanced computing contributed to important DOE research.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Affirms Hospitals Must Provide Access to Emergency Abortion Care

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James co-led 21 other attorneys general in a letter reminding hospitals of their obligation to provide emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). In a letter sent to the American Hospital Association on the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Attorney General James and the coalition advised hospitals that their obligation to comply with EMTALA’s emergency abortion care requirement has not changed despite the federal administration’s recent decision to revoke a prior guidance document.

    “When a pregnant patient shows up at an emergency room in need of help, they should never be turned away,” said Attorney General James. “Our hospitals have a legal responsibility to ensure they are providing life-saving care to all patients in need – including emergency abortion care when necessary. It is critically important that providers be aware of this obligation, so that we avoid further tragedy and save as many lives as possible.”

    Since it was enacted in 1986, EMTALA has required Medicare-participating hospitals to provide access to abortion care when it is the treatment necessary to stabilize a pregnant patient with an emergency medical condition. On May 29, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded guidance that had been issued in 2022 in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The 2022 guidance addressed EMTALA’s requirements to provide access to emergency abortion care, but it also did not change EMTALA’s statutory mandates.

    In the letter, Attorney General James and the coalition explain that the administration’s rescission of the 2022 guidance in no way alters hospitals’ legal obligations under EMTALA. The attorneys general highlight that EMTALA has always required hospitals to provide access to abortion care if it is the treatment necessary to stabilize pregnant patients with an emergency medical condition, even if the state in which they operate has passed laws limiting abortion access. Emergency medical conditions that require stabilizing abortion treatment can include, but are not limited to, ectopic pregnancy, hemorrhaging, preeclampsia, and other significant life-threatening conditions.

    The attorneys general assert that the Trump administration cannot change the law unilaterally through a guidance rescission, and EMTALA continues to remain in full force and effect throughout the country. The attorneys general also explain that continued compliance with EMTALA’s requirements is critical because of the devastating harms that result from denying abortion care to pregnant patients in emergency medical situations. The letter points out that the denial of this essential care increases the risk of death for pregnant patients and can cause irreparable harm, including hysterectomy, fertility loss, kidney failure, brain injury, and limb amputation.

    With this letter, Attorney General James and the coalition are reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that hospitals comply with the law and their commitment to protecting pregnant patients across the country.

    Joining Attorney General James in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Improving Resiliency in Westchester County

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced $21 million to support flood protection and vital resilient infrastructure projects in Westchester County that will help prevent flooding in communities along Blind Brook. The projects will fix inadequately sized stream crossings by replacing two undersized bridges and restore portions of the stream to a more natural, stable condition to help better prepare for future extreme weather events in flood prone areas.

    “Communities in Westchester are all too familiar with the devastating and deadly effects of storm surges and flash flooding. That’s why New York is investing in projects that improve resiliency, advance sustainability and protect our residents from severe weather driven by climate change,” Governor Hochul said. “Providing funding and resources to help local governments get shovels in the ground for these projects is a top priority, and we’ll continue working together to modernize our infrastructure and provide common sense solutions that best position our communities for the future.”

    The $21 million provided through the ‘Restoration and Flood Risk’ category of the historic $4.2 billion Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 will support the replacement of two Westchester County-owned bridges that cross Blind Brook in Rye. Westchester County will design the Playland Parkway and Oakland Avenue bridges with significantly larger spans to address current and future hydrologic flows anticipated from climate change. The bridges will be designed to allow better flow during heavy rainfall, alleviating flooding upstream.

    In addition, Westchester County will ‘daylight,’ or uncover, a channeled portion of the East Blind Brook in Rye Brook using natural stream design techniques and expand floodplain areas with nature-based solutions, including the creation of a properly sized, multistage channel and floodplain, installation of grade control structures and scour protection measures along the restored channel to prevent channel incision and protect upstream infrastructure, and installation of native plantings.

    In Westchester, DEC is undertaking comprehensive stream studies in flood prone areas at no cost to municipalities. The studies will help protect public health and safety, habitat, and natural resources by improving community resilience to extreme weather events driven by climate change. In addition to Blind Brook, studies of the Bronx and Hutchinson Rivers, Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers, and Beaver Swamp and Grassy Sprain Rivers have all been completed.

    Through Resilient New York, flood studies are also being conducted across the state, resulting in the development of flood and ice jam hazard mitigation alternatives to help guide implementation of mitigation projects.

    In addition, DEC is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Mamaroneck and other partners in neighboring municipalities along the Long Island Sound to implement similar projects that improve resilience, protect New Yorkers, and safeguard vital community infrastructure from future flooding.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Communities across New York State are facing the increasingly devastating impacts of extreme weather and flooding driven by climate change, with low-lying Westchester County towns along waterways like Blind Brook particularly vulnerable to tidal surge flooding. Through Governor Hochul’s leadership and historic investments from the Environmental Bond Act and State resources, New York is leveraging our state and local partnerships to help build more resilient communities, reduce flood risk, and restore natural resources.”

    Representative George Latimer said, “This is great news for Westchester County as we all work to plan for future extreme weather events driven by climate change. It is critical that we invest in aging infrastructure to meet the current challenges due to rain events and flooding, and plan for future risks. This is an important investment in my backyard, and I thank Governor Hochul and her team for recognizing th

    State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am so pleased that Westchester County will receive $21 million from the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 for flood mitigation investments identified by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Blind Brook Watershed Study. This study was conducted shortly after the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida on the communities of Harrison, Rye Brook, Port Chester and Rye, as well as other communities in Westchester, and identified infrastructure investments to mitigate and reduce the likelihood of damage from future floods and additional resiliency efforts to meet the challenges of climate change. This funding will enable essential updates to key bridges and other portions of the Blind Brook watershed, reducing likely water flow during storms and ensuring safe travel for New Yorkers. DEC has been an extraordinary partner in our efforts to actively address flooding in Westchester, and I would personally like to thank them for their determination to anticipate that future storms will threaten serious damage to our region. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for allocating this funding for Westchester. In addition, I express my gratitude to every New Yorker who voted in favor of this ballot proposition in 2022, which made this funding possible.”

    Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “Governor Hochul and DEC have focused on the flooding challenges we face here in Westchester County and the resiliency needs throughout the state. The Environmental Bond Act included a major focus on storm mitigation and these Blind Brook projects are the types of infrastructure work we need to better protect lives and property. We are pleased to welcome DEC Commissioner Lefton to the Sound Shore for this announcement and to thank DEC for their ongoing commitment to Westchester flooding issues. DEC’s Resilient NY Streams Study Program has provided analysis of six stream areas in our county that is a valuable tool for local governments and state agencies in prioritizing projects such as those announced today. This work is assisting the planning for projects in the communities across the Sound Shore.”

    Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Westchester County is deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation for this transformative investment in our infrastructure and our future. These projects will not only help protect families and neighborhoods along Blind Brook from devastating flooding, but also advance our shared commitment to building a more resilient, climate-ready Westchester. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment the Environmental Bond Act was designed to support.”

    On Nov. 8, 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the Environmental Bond Act ballot proposition to make $4.2 billion available for environmental and community projects. The Bond Act supports new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. State agencies, local governments, and partners can access this historic funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs.

    The projects announced today complement other State investments and opportunities to protect communities from flood damage. In May, Governor Hochul announced more than $78 million in funding available through the Water Quality Improvement Project Program and $22 million in Climate Smart Community grants, which both support projects that include flood risk reduction.

    Applications for these latest rounds of funding are due by July 31, 2025. In April, the Governor also announced $60 million in Environmental Bond Act funding for the next round of Green Resiliency Grants. The program supports vital stormwater management and resilient infrastructure projects in flood-prone communities across New York State. Applications for this program are due by Aug. 15, 2025. To learn more about resources available for resilient Bond Act-supported projects, visit

    environmentalbondact.ny.gov.

    New York’s Commitment to Water Quality
    New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. With an additional $500 million for clean water infrastructure in the 2025-2026 enacted State Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. The budget also maintains a strong commitment to environmental conservation with a $425 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). This funding bolsters a wide array of vital programs, including land acquisition for habitat and open space preservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, and water quality improvement projects.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Releases 2024 Hate Crime Report, Highlights Continued Efforts to Combat Hate in California

    Source: US State of California

    Amidst increase in reported hate crimes, urges agencies across California to recommit themselves to taking action 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the 2024 Hate Crime in California Report and highlighted information and resources to support ongoing efforts across the state to combat hate. Reported hate crime events in California have increased by 2.7% from 1,970 in 2023 to 2,023 in 2024. In particular, reported hate crimes against our LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities have increased, and too many communities continue to be unacceptably targeted by hate. Amidst this increase in reported hate crime offenses and events, Attorney General Bonta urges local partners and law enforcement to review the resources highlighted today and to recommit themselves to taking action.

    “There is absolutely no place for hate in California. Transparent and accessible data is a critical part of understanding where we are and how we can end hate crimes in our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Everyone has a part to play as we continue to fight intolerance in California, and I urge leaders up and down the state to review the data and resources available and recommit to standing united against hate. The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across California to keep our communities safe.” 

    The California Department of Justice has collected statewide data on hate crimes since 1995. Under California law, a hate crime is a criminal act committed in whole or in part because of a victim’s actual or perceived disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with someone with one or more of these characteristics. If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, notify local law enforcement and consider taking the following steps:  

    • If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and if needed, seek medical attention.
    • Write down the exact words that were used and take note of any other relevant facts.
    • If safe to do so, save all evidence and take photos.
    • Get contact information for other victims and witnesses.
    • Reach out to community organizations in your area that deal with hate crimes or incidents.

    Hate crimes are distinct from hate incidents, which are actions or behaviors motivated by hate that may be protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. Examples of hate incidents include name-calling, insults, and distributing hate material in public places. If a hate incident starts to threaten a person or property, it may become a hate crime. Hate crimes can be reported to the California Civil Rights Department’s CA v. Hate online portal at any time in 15 languages or by calling the CA v. Hate hotline at (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and talking to a trained civil rights agent in over 200 languages. Outside of those hours, people can leave a voicemail or call 211 to report a hate incident and seek support from a professional trained in culturally competent communication and trauma-informed practices. 

    Historically, hate crime data has generally been underreported and the California Department of Justice recognizes that the data presented in its reports may not adequately reflect the actual number of hate crime events that have occurred in the state. Caution should be used when comparing 2024 hate crimes data to prior years, as not all agencies were able to submit a full year of data for 2024. For more information, please reference the “Understanding the Data, Characteristics and Known Limitations” section in the report. 

    Some of the key findings from the 2024 Hate Crime in California Report include: 

    • Reported hate crime events increased 2.7% from 1,970 in 2023 to 2,023 in 2024.
    • Hate crime offenses increased 8.9% from 2,359 in 2023 to 2,568 in 2024.
    • The number of victims of reported hate crimes increased 8.2% from 2,303 in 2023 to 2,491 in 2024. 
    • Reported hate crime events involving a racial bias decreased 0.6% from 1,017 in 2023 to 1,011 in 2024. 
    • Anti-Black bias events remained the most prevalent, despite a 4.6% decrease from 518 in 2023 to 494 in 2024. 
    • Anti-Asian bias events decreased 4.8% from 125 in 2023 to 119 in 2024. 
    • Reported hate crime events involving a religion bias increased 3% from 394 in 2023 to 406 in 2024. 
    • Anti-Jewish bias events rose from 289 in 2023 to 310 in 2024, an increase of 7.3%.
    • Anti-Islamic (Muslim) bias events fell from 40 in 2023 to 24 in 2024. 
    • Between 2023 and 2024, hate crime events motivated by sexual orientation bias increased by 12.3% from 405 in 2023 to 455 in 2024, anti-transgender bias events increased by 12.3% from 65 in 2023 to 73 in 2024, and anti-LGBTQ+ bias events increased by 13.9% from 2023.
    • From 2023 to 2024, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution increased from 679 in 2023 to 818 in 2024. Of the 818 hate crimes that were referred for prosecution, 506 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city attorneys for prosecution. Of the 506 cases that were filed for prosecution, 327 were filed as hate crimes and 179 were filed as non-bias motivated crimes.

    In California, it is considered a hate crime if you are targeted because of your actual or perceived nationality, including your immigration or citizenship status. Earlier this year, Attorney General Bonta released updated guidance and resources on hate crimes for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the victims of these crimes in preparation for a potential increase in violence against immigrants as a result of President Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric. These resources include an updated law enforcement bulletin on laws prohibiting hate crimes, a hate crimes rapid response protocol for the deployment of DOJ resources, guidance to prosecutors to help strengthen hate crimes prosecution enforcement, and a fact sheet to help Californians understand their rights and protections under hate crime laws. These, and other resources can be found on oag.ca.gov/HATECRIMES.  

    Attorney General Bonta launched the Racial Justice Bureau, which, among other things, supports the California Department of Justice’s broader mandate to advance the civil rights of all Californians by assisting with new and ongoing efforts to combat hate and bias. Beginning in 2021, the Attorney General began proactively engaging with local city leaders in the biggest cities in California through roundtables in San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, Riverside, Long Beach, Santa Ana, San Jose, Stockton, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Irvine. More broadly, the Attorney General is deeply committed to responding to the needs of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities and, in July 2021, also launched the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement to work directly with community organizations and members of the public as part of the effort to advance justice for all Californians.

    DOJ’s Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement will host a virtual Community Briefing on Wednesday, July 30th at 1pm PT to share highlights and findings from the report. People interested can register here: https://doj-ca.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_vDq6h0e1TbKG3D-DWByjfQ#/registration

    Members of the public can further explore the most recent hate crime data on OpenJustice.

    The 2024 Hate Crime in California Report can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Conservation Champion Steve Rinella Calls Zinke’s Actions Heroic

    Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Steve Rinella published an article in The Free Press defending public lands and opposing any public land sales in the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Included in the article is direct praise for Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke and his fight to keep public lands in public hands.

    “Last month, a provision was inserted into the House’s version of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill mandating that the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service sell a half-million acres of public land in Nevada and Utah. That proposal was eventually removed (heroically, in my view) thanks to Ryan Zinke, a second-term Republican congressman from Montana, who campaigned on a promise to keep ‘public lands in public hands.’”

    Read Rinella’s full article here.

    Steve Rinella is a popular podcaster, conservationist, outdoorsman, and business owner. He is the founder of MeatEater, Inc., and outdoor lifestyle brand located in Bozeman, MT. Alongside Zinke, Rinella also recently received the James D. Range Conservation Award, the top honor for conservation given by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

    Congressman Zinke has been the loudest voice protecting public lands in Congress and has been solid in his staunch opposition to any large-scale public land sales being included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” He is also the author and sponsor of the “Public Lands in Public Hands Act,” originally introduced in the 118th Congress and reintroduced in the 119th Congress, which would ban the sale of most public lands and require congressional approval for disposal of publicly accessible federal land tracts over 300 acres and for public land tracts over 5 acres if accessible via a public waterway. Congressman Zinke is the co-chair and co-founder of the Public Lands Caucus. 

    Read more about Congressman Zinke’s success stripping public land sales out of the House reconciliation bill here.

    Read more about Congressman Zinke’s Public Lands in Public Hands Acthere.

    Read more about the Public Lands Caucus here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luttrell Co-Leads the GOLDEN DOME Act

    Source:

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) is an original cosponsor of the GOLDEN DOME Act of 2025, legislation aimed at fortifying the United States’ missile defense capabilities in the face of growing global threats. It was introduced the U.S. House of Representatives today.

    “America’s enemies are getting bolder and more capable. This legislation will help keep our skies secure and ensure our children grow up under the shield of American strength, not foreign aggression,” said Congressman Luttrell. “Texas is leading the way on missile defense, hypersonics, and AI and this investment in the cutting-edge work happening in our backyard supports President Trump’s plan to protect this country with unmatched strength.”

    The GOLDEN DOME Act directly supports President Trump’s Golden Dome for America Initiative, established through his January 27th Executive Order, by modernizing and expanding our nation’s missile defense systems—including cutting-edge technologies like hypersonics, artificial intelligence, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and advanced radar capabilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Trump signals willingness to send Ukraine more Patriot missiles after meeting Zelenskiy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he would consider supplying Ukraine with more of the Patriot air-defence missiles Kyiv relies on to defend itself from mounting Russian strikes, after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart on Wednesday.

    Both leaders said the 50-minute meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit in The Hague was a positive step in a war now in its fourth year, and which Trump described as “more difficult than other wars”.

    Trump, during a press conference, said the weapons are “very hard to get” but that “we are going to see if we can make some of them available.”

    The U.S. leader also left open the possibility of providing more military aid to Kyiv, which has struggled to fend off grinding Russian advances on the battlefield in recent months.

    Trump had previously shown no signs of resuming the donations of weaponry to Ukraine against Russia’s invasion that his predecessor Joe Biden had instituted.

    Zelenskiy described the meeting as “long and substantive”, saying it covered “all the truly important issues”.

    “We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace,” he wrote on X. “We spoke about how to protect our people.”

    Trump added that he would speak to Vladimir Putin again soon, saying the Russian president “really has to end that war”.

    Zelenskiy has worked to rebuild relations with Washington after a disastrous White House meeting in February with Trump, whose overtures to Russia in recent months have concerned officials in Kyiv.

    (Reuters)

  • Amit Shah releases ‘The Emergency Diaries’, traces PM Modi’s underground role during Emergency

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday released a book titled “The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader”, chronicling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s experiences and involvement during the 1975-77 Emergency.

    The launch, held in the capital on the occasion of ‘Savidhan Hatya Diwas’, was attended by several senior leaders, including Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

    Describing the Emergency as “a dark chapter in Indian democracy”, Shah said the book offers a glimpse into Modi’s life as a 25-year-old underground worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who participated in the resistance movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan and Nanaji Deshmukh.

    “The book details how Modi went into hiding, adopting multiple disguises — as a saint, a Sardarji, a hippie, an incense stick seller, a newspaper vendor — to avoid arrest and continue mobilising support,” Shah said. “He distributed secretly printed newspapers in markets and among students and women, reached out to families of those jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), and helped arrange medical support.”

    Shah claimed the Emergency was imposed to protect dynastic politics and silence dissent, and framed Modi’s role as an early symbol of resistance to authoritarianism. “That same youth who went door-to-door to protect democracy is today strengthening its roots as Prime Minister,” he said.

    According to the Home Minister, the book is divided into five chapters — covering media censorship, state repression, the role of the Sangh and Jana Sangh, stories of Emergency victims, and the eventual return to public participation in governance.

    He urged young people to read the book, stressing that it would help them understand how a generation of activists resisted what he called “dictatorial ideas” and preserved the democratic framework.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Arctic Marine Response Station in Rankin Inlet open for the season

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 25, 2025

    Yellowknife, Northwest Territories – The Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic Marine Response Station (AMRS) in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, is now operational for the season.

    The AMRS, formerly known as the Inshore Rescue Boat North station, originally opened in 2018 and was the first Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue facility in the Arctic. The station is crewed primarily by Indigenous crewmembers, hired and trained by the Canadian Coast Guard. It represents a significant milestone under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, which is improving marine safety in Arctic waters, in collaboration with Indigenous communities. 

    In Rankin Inlet, the AMRS is an important part of the marine emergency preparedness and response system, working together with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Inuit communities, and other northern organizations to increase maritime safety in Arctic waters. 

    The AMRS crews are highly trained and equipped to respond to distress calls such as, but not limited to, medical emergencies, overdue boaters, vessels aground, vessels taking on water, and disabled vessels.

    In western Hudson Bay, marine emergencies can be called into the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll-free at 1-800-267-7270.

    The AMRS will close for the season on November 5, 2025.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: First Nations and Métis Organizations Receiving more than $107 Million in Gaming Payments in 2025-26

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 25, 2025

    Saskatchewan’s First Nations and Métis organizations are set to receive $107.4 million in gaming payments for the 2025-26 fiscal year with the strong performance of Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) casinos, SaskGaming casinos and the PlayNow.com online platform.

    Announced in the 2025-26 Provincial Budget, this reflects the province’s ongoing commitment to support economic, social, educational and cultural initiatives within Indigenous communities across the province.

    “The Gaming Framework Agreement ensures continued investment for First Nations and Métis communities, supporting vital programs and cultural initiatives throughout Saskatchewan,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz said. “This is an increase of nearly $16.3 million over the 2024-25 budget, which will go into programs that help make Saskatchewan stronger.”

    The Ministry of Government Relations oversees the distribution of these funds in accordance with The 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and The Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act. Payments are allocated to the First Nations Trust, Community Development Corporations and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund. 

    In the 2025-26 Provincial Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan committed $284.9 million in targeted funding for First Nations and Métis organizations, programs and supports. 

    For additional details about this year’s investments in First Nations and Métis communities, visit: saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Student Aid Applications Now Open for Post-Secondary Students

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 25, 2025

    The 2025-26 Saskatchewan Student Aid applications are now available for students pursuing post-secondary education this fall. 

    Students interested in taking advantage of Saskatchewan Student Aid can fill out an online application to be assessed for a variety of provincial and federal grants and loans. They can also apply for several other student aid programs including scholarships, bursaries, grants and student loan forgiveness.

    “The Saskatchewan Student Aid Fund helps students access post-secondary education from their first year through to joining Saskatchewan’s workforce,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to investing in financial support to enable students to complete their post-secondary education and build rewarding lives and careers in Saskatchewan.”

    In 2025-26, the province will provide $46.5 million in direct financial support to over 24,000 students. This includes $34.4 million in loans and grants and $12.1 million in scholarships and bursaries.

    Through both Canada and Saskatchewan Student Grants and the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship, students could receive up to $5,850 in non-repayable funding.

    In addition, the Saskatchewan Student Grant for Students with Dependants is available to lower income students who qualify for student aid. They may receive up to $950 in additional funding per dependant per year.

    Sky Southwind, 2025 Business Diploma graduate:

    “Accessing financial aid made a huge difference in my education journey. I was grateful to have so many options for support, including scholarships and awards, that helped me cover my every day and unexpected expenses while studying full time. The support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and motivated me to show up, work hard, and overcome challenges. I am proud of what I accomplished so far and truly grateful for the help that kept me on track to build a strong foundation for my future.”

    Post-secondary graduates who live and work in Saskatchewan can also benefit from the newly expanded Graduate Retention Program, which now provides up to $24,000 in tax credits. Since 2008, the Graduate Retention Program has benefited more than 85,000 graduates.

    By accessing the Saskatchewan Student Aid Fund, students are making a valuable investment in themselves and their futures, paving the way for personal and professional growth.

    To learn more about student aid, visit: Saskatchewan.ca/student-aid.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California enters final phase of construction on world’s largest wildlife crossing

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 25, 2025

    What you need to know: Today marked the start of the final phase of work on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing – a monumental wildlife preservation effort in Southern California.

    LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the final phase of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing has begun. What is soon to be the world’s largest wildlife crossing will connect open space on both sides of US Highway 101 in Agoura Hills and is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

    “Today, the state is beginning the final phase of construction for what will soon be the largest urban wildlife crossing in the world – all thanks to the visionary work of state, federal, and private partners. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will soon protect Los Angeles’ native wildlife and over 300,000 drivers daily, as well as provide a cutting-edge model for urban wildlife conservation.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing before phase two

    The final phase of this project includes extending the wildlife crossing over a two-lane local road. The work involves significant earthmoving, restoration of natural hydrology, protection of heritage oak trees, and coordination with multiple agencies to relocate essential utilities along the freeway corridor.

    The first phase of construction was completed this year and included over 26 million pounds of concrete, 82 bridge girders, vegetated sound walls, habitat rock features, and living soils to support native plant growth. Caltrans and partners laid 6,000 cubic yards of living soil across the bridge structure in preparation for planting this fall, which will include over 50 native species and restore the wildlife habitats both on the crossing and in surrounding open-space areas.

    The public is invited to follow along with construction on the bridge in real-time through its dedicated webcam. 
     

    How we got here

    On Earth Day 2022, Governor Newsom participated in the groundbreaking for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing – a public-private partnership of monumental scope leveraging the expertise and leadership of dozens of organizations and institutions to protect and restore wildlife habitats in Southern California.

    Wildlife crossings are essential to building a network of interconnected conserved lands and waters that protect and restore biodiversity while also supporting transportation infrastructure.

    The habitat connectivity provided by wildlife crossings is critical to the success of California’s 30×30 targets and allows people and nature to thrive together.

    Building wildlife and transportation infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: President Trump’s unlawful deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles has slashed California’s National Guard fentanyl and drug interdiction force by 32% — undermining public safety and weakening border fentanyl seizure operations….

    Jun 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is providing $15 million in new apprenticeship funding for youth for new high-paying opportunities that do not require a traditional education or four-year degree. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that 29 youth…

    Jun 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: Three years after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom warn that Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” would defund Planned Parenthood and strip millions of Americans — especially low-income women —…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Sunday to Announce Charges in Central Pa.-Based ‘Chop Shop’ Operation

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 26, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – Attorney General Sunday to Announce Charges in Central Pa.-Based ‘Chop Shop’ Operation

    WHAT:
    Attorney General Dave Sunday will announce charges in a high-level, central Pennsylvania-based “chop shop” and fraud organization. The organization deployed a number of different schemes to defraud and steal, including the theft of rental vehicles that were then dismantled and retitled for black market sales.

    Attorney General Sunday and Pennsylvania State Police will discuss the charges, how the sophisticated criminal organization operated, and how their crimes impacted Pennsylvanians.

    WHO:
    Dave Sunday, Attorney General of Pennsylvania
    Captain James A. Reinard, Pennsylvania State Police
    Other partners TBD

    WHEN & WHERE:
    1 P.M., Thursday, June 26, 2025

    Office of Attorney General
    16th Floor, Strawberry Square
    Harrisburg, Pa. 17120

    MEDIA RSVP:
    Credentialed media must RSVP to press@attorneygeneral.gov. Media may arrive beginning at 12:30 P.M. (You are required to check in with security on first floor.)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Secure Close to $34 Million to Support Nevada’s Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced that the Department of the Interior (DOI) has awarded $33,801,823 to Nevada counties under the Payments of Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. PILT payments support government services – including firefighting, law enforcement, road construction, and public education – primarily in rural counties.

    “Nevada’s rural communities rely on PILT funding to complete projects and carry out critical services,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am pleased to announce this funding – close to a million more than last year – to ensure local governments across the Silver State can continue to deliver for families that call our rural counties home.”

    “I’m committed to making sure that Nevada receives its fair share of federal funding to help support local law enforcement, bolster public education, and fund critically-needed infrastructure repairs,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped secure more than $33 million in PILT funding this year to support rural communities across Nevada so they can afford essential services that benefit our state and help Nevadans succeed.”

    PILT payments are federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to non-taxable federal lands within those governments’ boundaries. PILT payments help local governments carry out vital services including firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations. The payments are made annually for tax-exempt federal lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (all agencies of the DOI), the U.S. Forest Service (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture), federal water projects, and some military installations. A full breakdown of the FY2025 PILT payments by county is available here.

    Senator Cortez Masto is fighting to expand the PILT program for low-population counties to secure even more funding for Nevada’s rural communities in the future. In March, she introduced the bipartisan Small County PILT Parity Act, which would allow counties with populations under 5,000 to receive increased PILT payments to create parity with larger counties where per capita funding increases as population decreases. In Nevada, five counties would qualify for increased funding under that bill: Esmeralda, Eureka, Lincoln, Mineral, and Storey.

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen are champions for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. They have also ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, they secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. Cortez Masto also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas. Cortez Masto has led legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Our support to Ukraine remains unwavering: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Our support to Ukraine remains unwavering: UK statement to the OSCE

    Speaking at the Annual Security Review Conference, Head of Security Policy Department, Jason Rheinberg, outlines why the UK remains committed to the OSCE and its principles.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. I am pleased to be here at the OSCE, particularly on the fiftieth anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Then, just as now, the Organisation and the Decalogue are foundation stones of strategic stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

    Let me begin by reiterating the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year, remains the most serious threat to European security in decades. It is a blatant violation of the UN Charter and the core principles of this Organization – principles that every singe one of us has committed to uphold.

    Despite the immense human and economic toll, Ukraine continues to resist. And I salute their bravery. Ukraine has also shown it is committed to peace: Ukraine has agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire, as proposed by the US. Russia has failed to agree to the same and has instead ramped up its attacks on civilians in Ukraine – including yesterday’s ballistic missile strikes on the Dnipro region, which killed at least 20 civilians and injured nearly 300 others. Hitting nurseries, apartment blocks and bakeries, as we heard earlier today from the Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister.

    Here in Vienna, the UK continues – week in, week out – to hold Russia to account at the Permanent Council and Forum for Security Cooperation. We challenge the lies used to justify this illegal war and expose the brutality with which it is being waged.

    As Chair of the Security Committee, the UK has also continued the good practice of using meetings to support Ukraine and its neighbours in dealing with the impacts of this war. Our workplan covers policing, border security, child protection and empowerment, critical infrastructure and cyber resilience. And it serves as a platform for sharing perspectives, best practice, and establishing a common security picture.

    And listening to the interventions of our distinguished colleagues from Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, we call on Russia to withdraw all of its forces from the internationally recognised territory of both States.

    Meanwhile, we are also responding to a broader and increasingly complex threat landscape. Many of the transnational threats we face are intensifying:

    Malign hybrid activities – including information manipulation – are intensifying.

    Cyber threats, in some cases enabled by AI, are targeting critical national infrastructure.

    Organised criminals – more sophisticated than ever – are smuggling drugs, weapons, cultural property, and people across borders.

    And the threat from terrorism and violent extremism has not diminished. The Islamic State Khorasan Province is growing in strength. At the same time, extreme right-wing groups are proliferating in online spaces.

    Three key themes permeate these challenges: they highlight the wide-ranging impact of emerging technologies; they do not respect borders; and they demand a coordinated, and cross-dimensional response.

    Mr Chair, the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security has therefore never been more relevant. We must remain vigilant to the full spectrum of threats facing our region; of which, Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine remains the most urgent and serious.

    Our Leaders mandated the OSCE to continue politico-military dialogue even in the hardest of times because they saw – and see – it is essential to manage risk, reduce misunderstanding and avoid miscalculation for the benefit of all our citizens. The OSCE has an extensive acquis and toolkit to do this work. But it relies on political will to be effective.

    The UK has that will. We remain committed to the OSCE and to the principles that underpin it. We believe in the potential of this Organization to do much more to support peace, security, and cooperation. We need the will of all States to be able to do that.

    And we are looking forward to continuing these conversations at the Helsinki Plus 50 forum later this summer. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recognising the legacy of the ‘Tinker Experiments’

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister announces formal apology for historical policies.

    First Minister John Swinney has told Parliament that policies historically applied to Gypsy/Traveller individuals and families were unacceptable and has formally apologised to those communities.

    Responding to the publication of research into how Gypsy/Traveller communities were affected by the so-called ‘Tinker Experiments’, Mr Swinney said that while the policies are no longer in effect, and pre-date the Scottish Parliament, they caused significant and lasting trauma to families.

    Unjust attitudes and practices resulted in children being removed from Gypsy/Traveller families and families being forced to live in substandard accommodation and degrading conditions.

    Extending a formal apology to those affected, Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government is whole-heartedly committed to ensuring mistakes are not repeated in its current and future work.

    The First Minister said:

    “It seems clear to me that stark prejudice and lack of cultural awareness led to a series of unfair and unjust policies. Policies that resulted in children being removed from families, and families  being forced to live in substandard accommodation and degrading conditions.

    “The trauma that this has caused to individuals, families and groups, including those who regard themselves as ‘victims of Tinker Experiments’, is significant and lasting.

    “So, as First Minister, I want to say this directly to Gypsy/Traveller communities: The ‘Tinker Experiments’ should not have happened. It was wrong. And we recognise how much it is still hurting so many. And more than anything else I want to say this. On behalf of Scotland, we are sorry.”

    Background:

    Links:

    First minister’s statement

    Archival research conducted to explore 20th century policies affecting Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland

    Historical policies impacting Gypsy/Traveller communities, colloquially known as “The Tinker Experiment(s)” – Scottish Government’s response

    Lived experience testimonies of policies affecting Nackens (Scottish Gypsy Travellers), Gypsy/Travellers and Scottish Travellers

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Targeting funding at frontline services

    Source: Scottish Government

    Financial strategy and action plan published.

    Savings rising to £2.6 billion in 2029-30 will ensure funding can be targeted at frontline services such as the NHS, social security, action to eradicate child poverty and other priorities.

    Under the five-year Medium Term Financial Strategy and Fiscal Sustainability Delivery Plan the Scottish Government will:

    • increase value for public money, with affordable and sustainable investment plans set out through a Scottish Spending Review in December
    • improve efficiencies and productivity across the public sector by using more technology and automation while improving collaboration between public bodies
    • reform public services, doing more with available resources and prioritising people with the greatest need
    • reduce the public sector workforce by an average of 0.5% every year until 2030 while protecting frontline services
    • invest in preventative measures to reduce demand on services such as health, social care and justice

    The strategy and action plan also include measures to support sustainable, inclusive economic growth and ensure a strategic approach to tax policy that considers longer term impacts and competitiveness.

    Finance Secretary Shona Robison said:

    “With the world facing profound economic uncertainty this Medium Term Financial Strategy is being published in deeply challenging circumstances. Those challenges have been exacerbated by the actions of the UK Government, whose decisions continue to have serious consequences for the delivery of our public services.

    “Managing the impact of Westminster austerity is all too familiar. In spite of this we continue to invest in the people of Scotland, supporting a better paid public sector, delivering high-quality public services and providing welfare support that is not available in other parts of the UK. And we have done this while delivering a balanced budget every single year.

    “Fiscal sustainability is about more than balancing the books – it’s about delivering value, driving reform and making strategic choices that support long-term growth. By focusing on efficient public spending, modernising services, growing our economy and taking a strategic approach to tax, we can build a stronger, fairer Scotland.”

    Background

    Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025

    Fiscal Sustainability Delivery Plan 2025

    Medium-Term Financial Strategy: Ministerial statement – gov.scot

    The Scottish Government’s seventh Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) provides the economic, funding and spending outlooks for the financial years 2025-26 to 2029-30. It also presents the Government’s fiscal strategy to deliver sustainable public finances within the current constitutional settlement.

    A Fiscal Sustainability Delivery Plan (FSDP) is published alongside the MTFS this year, bringing together the actions across government to deliver fiscal sustainability. 

    The FSDP actions include:

    • a Scottish Spending Review that will set a savings target of between £300 million and £700 million a year over the five years
    • improving efficiency and productivity while reforming public services, with savings growing from £600 million to £1.5 billion a year over the five years
    • reducing the public sector workforce by an average of 0.5 per cent every year until 2030, with savings growing from £100 million to £700 million a year

    Exact savings figures will vary on an annual basis.

    These figures incorporate the total £1 billion reduction in corporate functions over five years as set out in the Public Service Reform strategy.

    A framework for the Scottish Spending Review forms part of the MTFS. The review will set out multi-year allocations on capital and resource funding, and will be published alongside the next Budget in December.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council identifies surplus sites to support new housing in the city

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 25th June 2025

    Land and buildings owned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council have been reviewed to help pick out areas where new homes could be built.

    As a result, the council has identified a number of surplus sites across the city that can now be put forward for consideration in terms of future development – for potential new homes or other purposes – as part of the forthcoming public consultation on Local Plan.

    Following a cabinet meeting yesterday (Tuesday, 24th June), 11 sites have been deemed surplus to requirements and will be put forward for consultation.

    They are a mix of vacant commercial buildings, former council service properties and industrial land. This includes the former Ball Green High School site, which has been vacant since closing in 1988.

    Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’re reviewing the land and property we own across the city to identify areas that could support the building of new homes and other purposes.

    “The council currently owns around 500 buildings and pieces of land, all of which cost a significant amount to maintain – and many are no longer needed. Reviewing these sites is an important part of our plans to save money, run more efficiently and unlock new opportunities for communities.

    “We want to make better use of brownfield land and provide more homes for local people, and we are committed to listening to the views of residents and other stakeholders before making any decisions about the future of these sites.”

    Once a site is declared surplus to requirements it does not mean a decision has been taken on its future use. The council is considering a number of options for each of the sites including regeneration, disposal or letting out its assets.

    After the public consultation on the Local Plan, planned to start later in 2025, council officers will use the feedback from residents, developers and other groups to investigate different uses for the land and property to best meet the council’s priorities for the city.

    The full list of sites is contained in the cabinet report: Committee Report

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Central Park Ponds update – June 2025

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Here are the first pictures of work restarting on the Central Park Ponds Project.

    On Monday, new contractor WBM Groundworks started to bring in all necessary equipment onto site ahead of getting spades back into the ground next week.

    Their first job will be on the playing pitches above the north pond. Work will focus on the relocation of surplus soil and the installation of land drainage before imported permeable soil blend is laid. After that, it’s seeded and the rest of the planting around this pond will be completed.

    These works are likely to take around 12 weeks with some flexibility for the weather but the area will remain fenced off until the new grass is established.

    Because of our ambition to keep all of the excess earth and spoil in the park, the works to replant Reservoir Field will take place after the pitches have been finished.

    These monthly updates on the progress of the scheme will continue but we will also be providing further updates on construction milestones as and when they are complete.

    It’s been a long time coming but we finally have some progress. We look forward to updating you further in the coming weeks.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –