Category: AM-NC

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – 3.54% rates rise adopted
Source: Northland Regional Council

Northland Regional Council rates will rise 3.54 percent for the 2025/26 financial year – considerably less than a 5.79% increase previously forecast – under an Annual Plan adopted by councillors recently.

Council Chair Geoff Crawford says the increase – which accounts to an increase of $19.19c per rates bill on average over the next year – was originally forecast to be more than two percent higher under the council’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP).

However, due to a combination of factors including efficiencies, savings and surpluses available to offset spending and funding shortfalls, councillors were pleased to be able to approve a lower rates rise.

“We know that many people are finding things difficult financially in the current climate and have worked hard to keep our rates increase as low as possible.”

Chair Crawford says the following changes are included in the Annual Plan:

Covering reduced cruise ship income ($491,961)

Funding for Gold Clam response ($500,000)

Covering reduced rent gains ($143,250)

Covering increased inflation ($420,000) of operational expenditure

Funding for Sea Cleaners and Native Bird Recovery Centre ($30,000)

“The combined changes, made up of both spending and funding shortfalls, comprised a total of $1,585,211 of operational spend to overall rates take for the 2025/25 financial year.”

“However, this is offset, and rates reduced further, by around $2.3M of funding made up of previous LTP initiatives that are now redundant, budgetary reserves including surplus savings from the previous year, and unallocated funding.”
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar Relaunches National Security Task Force To Ensure America Remains Leader Of The Free World

Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – June 24, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar re-launched the Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force co-chaired by Reps. Jason Crow (CO-06), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Derek Tran (CA-45). The National Security Task Force will continue to engage experts and convene Members to reassert America’s role as the leader of the free world and develop policy solutions to complex challenges threatening both our national security and Democracy abroad.

“House Democrats are committed to keeping the American people safe, protecting American interests and ensuring America remains the leader of the free world,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. “The American people want a steady hand at the wheel and the Members leading the National Security Task Force will draw on their patriotism, expertise and commitment to service to provide the leadership that Donald Trump and Rubberstamp Republicans lack the courage and moral clarity to deliver. Donald Trump failed to deliver on his promise for peace and Congress must conduct rigorous oversight of the Trump Administration’s foreign policy, including the President’s decision to unilaterally strike Iran without Congressional authorization.”

“My time in the Army taught me the essence of servant leadership. Servant leaders lead by example, jumping out of the plane first and eating last. Sadly, this is not the leadership we are seeing from President Trump. Instead, this administration’s reckless actions are making us less safe. As the co-chair of the House Democrats’ National Security Task Force, I will work to protect America’s national security and hold the Trump administration accountable,” said Rep. Jason Crow.

“America needs fighters in the United States Congress who will cut through the chaos, lead with a can-do spirit, and deliver on strengthening our national security and keeping the American people safe,” said Rep. Maggie Goodlander. “That’s what this Task Force is all about, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

“Under Donald Trump and Secretary Hegseth, we’ve seen national security turned into a political prop — with chaos at the Pentagon, the sidelining of experienced military leaders, and decisions that put partisan loyalty ahead of America’s safety,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “This reckless approach threatens the strength of our military and the security of our nation. My experience in the Navy as a helicopter pilot taught me what real leadership looks like and what we’re seeing from this Administration falls far short of that standard. That’s why I’m honored to serve as co-chair of the Democratic National Security Task Force so we can hold Trump accountable and ensure our military serves the American people, not a political agenda.”

“I joined the Army Reserves when I was 18 to give back to the country that had given me so much,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “I bring that devotion to service with me to Congress, especially to protect our national security. I am proud to help lead the House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force and ensure we protect our country’s standing as a leading global democracy. Growing Russian aggression toward Ukraine and China’s rapid expansion into the Indo-Pacific are defining issues of our time. I’ll continue to hold this Administration accountable and ensure that our national security priorities reflect the best interest of the American people.”

About the Task Force on National Security Members
Former Army Ranger and Bronze Star recipient, Rep. Crow grew up working class and enlisted in the National Guard to help pay his way through college. After graduating, Rep. Crow joined the active-duty Army and served in the Army’s storied 82nd Airborne Division and in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Before taking the oath to represent New Hampshire in the People’s House, Rep. Goodlander served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve for over a decade.

Rep. Sherrill is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and served in the United States Navy for nearly a decade. She graduated from the first class of women eligible for combat roles, flew as a Sea King helicopter pilot leading missions across Europe and the Middle East, and was later a Russian policy officer.

Rep. Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 to give back to the country that welcomed his refugee parents and allowed them to build a foundation that helped him thrive. He served for eight years and was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to Announce Largest Investment in State Museum History

Source: US State of Pennsylvania

June 25, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to Announce Largest Investment in State Museum History

Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Andrea Lowery, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), will hold a press conference to announce a historic investment that will fundamentally transform the State Museum of Pennsylvania and redefine how Pennsylvanians connect with their past.

This significant multi-year project, representing the single largest investment in the museum since its opening in 1964, will usher in a new era of enhanced visitor experiences and crucial infrastructure upgrades. This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the future of one of Pennsylvania’s premier cultural institutions.

WHO:
Andrea Lowery, Executive Director, PHMC
Greg Kirk, Deputy Secretary for Capital Programs, DGS
Senator Patty Kim
Representative Nathan Davidson

WHEN:
WEDNESDAY, June 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM

WHERE:
State Museum of Pennsylvania
3rd Street Entrance [Allegheny Room]
300 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120

RSVP: Press who are interested in attending please RSVP to jlosiewicz@pa.gov.

Media Contact: Jay Losiewicz, 717-705-8639

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Gloucester County Man Convicted of Distributing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Gloucester County man was found guilty by a jury on June 11, 2025, for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Ian Dudley, 39, of Williamstown, New Jersey, was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, contrary to 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) and (b)(1)(C), in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; and with six counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and/or fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and (b)(1)(C); before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2025.

According to the evidence presented at trial:

From June 2023 through October 2023, Dudley conspired with Joseph Watson and others to distribute crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl in Camden County and Gloucester County. During the course of the conspiracy, Dudley sold approximately 17.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and approximately one ounce of fentanyl to an undercover federal agent.

The counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and two of the counts of distribution of methamphetamine carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Four of the counts for distribution of methamphetamine and/or fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of L.C. Cheeks, Jr., with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph McFarlane and Josephine Park in Camden.

###

MIL Security OSI –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Since DHS Immigration Enforcement in Los Angeles Began, Border Crossings Continue to Plummet

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Apprehensions and gotaways are almost 50% lower since operations in LA started

WASHINGTON – Since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began removing worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from sanctuary city Los Angeles, apprehensions and gotaways at the U.S. Southern border plummeted nearly 50% from May to June. Sanctuary cities are no longer a safe haven, and we have made the message clear: We will hunt down criminal illegal aliens and remove them from our communities.

On June 6, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started an operation removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Despite the rhetoric from politicians, riots, and wide-scale assaults on enforcement officers, DHS is continuing to make Los Angeles and the Southern border more secure.

The data speaks for itself: From June 1 -22 of this year, apprehensions totaled 5,414 while just one month ago in May, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions were 9,577. Since the beginning of June, gotaways totaled only 986, compared to 2,123 in May. This is nearly a 50% decrease since operations started.

The difference in these stats from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration is staggering. From February 1 to June 22 of this year, apprehensions totaled only 37,518, while just one year ago nearly 600,000 apprehensions were made during the same time. Gotaways showed a similar decrease with 11,867 between February and June in 2025, compared to over 94,007 during the same time in 2024.

“Secretary Noem is delivering on President Trump’s promise to secure the border by removing murders, pedophiles, and drug traffickers from Los Angeles,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “In less than a month since we started LA enforcement operations, apprehensions and gotaways at the Southern border halved. The world is hearing our message: If you come here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you. We will not be deterred by the rioters and politicians in our mission to secure America and its border. Migrants are turning back because they know the reality is they will ultimately leave in handcuffs.”

MIL Security OSI –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: On Third Anniversary of Dobbs, Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Restore Abortion Access Nationwide

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Women’s Health Protection Act comes as the Trump admin and Congressional Republicans move to restrict a woman’s right to choose, push backdoor national abortion ban
WASHINGTON – Today, on the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus to introduce the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025, which would guarantee access to abortion nationwide.
In June of 2022, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision revoked the national right to an abortion, overturning 50 years of legal precedent established by Roe v. Wade. The ruling stripped abortion access and essential reproductive health care from millions of Americans.
“Three years ago, the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision shredded 50 years of precedent, erasing women’s freedom to make their own health decisions,” said Hickenlooper. “Americans overwhelmingly support Roe’s protections. Let’s return those rights back where they belong.”
“Three years ago today, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court overturned fifty years of legal precedent,” said Bennet. “Since then, maternal mortality rates have grown consistently in states where access to abortions are restricted or banned. Passing the Women’s Health Protection Act will save lives. We must ensure that women can make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. I will continue to fight for access to reproductive health care in Colorado and across the United States.”
Since the Dobbs decision, 19 states have implemented near-total abortion bans, leaving one in three American women without access to safe, legal abortion care. The Trump administration and congressional Republicans have continued targeting Americans’ reproductive rights and undermining millions of women’s access to abortion care. The House-passed Republican budget bill kicks 16 million people off their health insurance and defunds Planned Parenthood – threatening the closure of 200 health centers nationwide and putting access to vital reproductive care for millions of families at risk.
The Women’s Health Protection Act would establish federal rights for patients and providers to protect abortion access and create federal protections against medically unnecessary restrictions that undermine Americans’ access to health care. If passed, this legislation would restore the right to trusted, safe abortion care for all Americans.
Full text of the bill available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Accountability Reporting for NATO Freeloaders

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
WASHINGTON – As NATO convenes today, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation addressing inadequate burden sharing among the United States’ allies and NATO member nations.
The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act and the NATO Burden Sharing Report Act would incentivize delinquent nations to contribute their fair share for defense measures by requiring the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to compile annual reports on allied nations’ defense contributions and their ability to fulfill commitments. U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) cosponsored both pieces of legislation.
“America has shouldered the burden of NATO freeloaders for decades,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Year after year, our so-called allies shirk their commitments while we pay for the conflicts raging in their backyards. By imposing annual reporting requirements, my legislation will identify delinquent allies – promoting accountability and putting them on notice to pay their fair share.”
“Our NATO allies expect the U.S. to be the sugar daddy and the world’s policeman while they sit back and let us do the heavy lifting. President Trump was right, it’s time for them to pull their own weight. Congress must stop giving blank checks to our allies and start demanding accountability. That’s why I’m pushing for the NATO Burden Sharing Report Act and the Allied Burden Sharing Report Act, to show the American people exactly who’s paying the bills and who’s shirking their share,” said Sen. Paul.
Background:
NATO allies committed to spending 2% of their annual GDP on defense measures over a decade ago, but many have failed to deliver – instead allowing the U.S. to carry the burden of European security. Even as conflict in Ukraine continues in their own backyards, a significant portion of NATO members remain delinquent on their defense commitments. It is unreasonable for the U.S. to continue subsidizing the security of a peripheral theater, while allies neglect to carry their fair share.
As the alliance convenes today, President Donald Trump has rightfully demanded greater burden sharing and higher defense spending. As the Summit opens, Senator Lee is introducing two pieces of legislation to support this burden sharing agenda. The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act and NATO Burden Sharing Report Act require regular reporting on allies’ contributions to the common defense.
These bills promote burden sharing accountability, removing any doubt as to who the delinquent allies are and equipping Congress with the information it needs to perform necessary oversight.

The Allied Burden Sharing Report Act:
Requires DOD to prepare an annual report on the defense spending of all 59 U.S. allies – including:
Annual defense spending of each allied nation, both as a nominal figure and percentage of GDP
Activities of each allied nation that contribute to military or stability operations in which the Armed Forces of the U.S. are a participant or could be called upon per the obligations of a cooperative defense agreement of which the United States is a signatory
Any limitation placed by an allied nation on the use of such contributions
Any actions undertaken by the U.S. or by other countries to minimize such limitations
The NATO Burden Sharing Report Act:
Applies only to NATO member countries and includes all of the above reporting requirements plus:
A description of each member’s hard vs. soft power contributions for Ukraine
Defense industrial base health and comparative advantages
Size and structure of armed forces
Any areas where the country would be fully reliant on allied assets
FMS deliveries or contracts in the previous year
Any change in defense spending over the previous year and anticipated future spending

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Welch Welcomes Release of 14 Political Prisoners in Belarus

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today welcomed news that Belarus has freed 14 imprisoned opposition activists following a meeting between Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka. Among those freed are top opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski, husband of Belarusian political activist Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
“Since the 2020 presidential elections, Belarusian authorities have arrested thousands of protestors, opposition figures, journalists, and civil society members. Hundreds remain behind bars subject to harsh conditions, including accusations of torture from credible human rights organizations. In particular, I remain concerned about the arbitrary detention of activist and opposition leader, Maryia Kolesnikova. Serious concerns have been raised about her health and treatment in a penal colony.
“These releases are a welcome first step. I am grateful that the Trump Administration facilitated this action and urge U.S. officials to continue to prioritize human rights in future discussions with Belarusian officials. The release of political prisoners must remain at the forefront in bilateral negotiations. I will continue to engage with the Trump Administration on the parameters of these and future discussions and urge Belarus to release all remaining political prisoners, including Maryia.”
Senator Welch has advocated for bipartisan cooperation to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus and around the world. Last Congress, Senator Welch spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the story of Maryia Kalesnikava, a leading member of the Belarusian political opposition calling for free and fair elections in Belarus, who was apprehended in 2020 by officials driving an unmarked vehicle and taken to the Belarus border where they attempted to forcibly deport her to Ukraine. In November, Senator Welch met with political and human rights advocates, including Maryia’s sister, Tatsiana Khomic to discuss ways to help secure the release of Maryia and other political prisoners in Belarus.
Senator Welch also joined Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) to meet with Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to discuss efforts to push back against Belarus’s authoritarian leadership. Senator Welch also led his colleagues in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to preserve the staff and programs administered by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) amid the Department’s proposed reorganization.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: BC Coroners Service shares April 2025 unregulated drug-toxicity data
Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) finds that 165 people died from unregulated toxic drugs in April 2025.

In 2025, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 77% were male.

April marks a return to more than 160 deaths attributed to unregulated drug toxicity reported to the BC Coroners Service after six consecutive months of reporting fewer than 160 deaths a month.

By health authority in 2025, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities (185 and 155 deaths, respectively) making up 57% of all such deaths during 2025.

Consistent with reporting throughout the public-health emergency, fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the most common substance detected in expedited toxicological testing. More than three-quarters of decedents who underwent expedited testing in 2025 were found to have fentanyl in their systems (68%), followed by methamphetamine (51%) and cocaine (48%).

It is important to note that data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.

Additional key findings in 2025 include:
- the number of unregulated drug deaths in April 2025 equates to approximately 5.5 deaths per day;
- the cities experiencing the highest number of unregulated drug deaths so far in 2025 are Vancouver, Surrey and Greater Victoria;
- the highest rates of deaths reported were in Northern Health (46 deaths per 100,000 individuals) and Interior Health (35 per 100,000 individuals);
- 47% of deaths reported occurred in a private residence, compared with 21% outdoors; and
- smoking continues to be the primary mode of consumption of unregulated toxic drugs, with 64% of investigations indicating the decedent smoked their substances.
Learn More:

April 2025 Drug Toxicity Deaths:
https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiM2JlNDY1MTItYjBiNS00NWNiLWJlZjAtNzAzNzQ3ZTYwMzg3IiwidCI6IjZmZGI1MjAwLTNkMGQtNGE4YS1iMDM2LWQzNjg1ZTM1OWFkYyJ9

Youth Unregulated Drug Toxicity Deaths, 2019-23:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/youth_unregulated_drug_toxicity_deaths_in_bc_2019-2023.pdf

BC Coroners Service Death Review Panel: An Urgent Response to a Continuing Crisis:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/death-review-panel/an_urgent_response_to_a_continuing_crisis_report.pdf

BC Ministry of Health mental-health and substance-use supports:
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

BC Centre on Substance Use: https://www.bccsu.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Bacon Leads Bipartisan Bill to Help Postpartum Women

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Leads Bipartisan Bill to Help Postpartum Women

Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) alongside Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), reintroduced H.R. 4074, the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act. This legislation seeks to improve maternal postpartum health by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on the coverage of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (PHPT) for postpartum mothers under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act.

Quality postpartum care for mothers is vital for their long-term health and well-being, but many women suffer from pelvic floor disfunction and diastasis recti abdominis, conditions that can be severely painful. This is treatable with Pelvic Health Physical Therapy; however, many women are unaware of the therapy available to them. When working with a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, women receive a treatment plan to improve muscle control and mobility, aid in tissue repair and recovery from cesarean sections.

“As a husband, father, and grandfather, I recognize the importance of supporting postpartum women,” said Rep. Bacon. “Our care for women should extend to postpartum recovery, to ensure that they are living without pain or discomfort, especially when the therapy available is highly effective.”

“Far too often, women’s postpartum health concerns are overlooked or dismissed, despite the serious and lasting impact they can have on quality of life,” said Rep. Trahan. “The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act is a commonsense step toward making Pelvic Health Physical Therapy more accessible for new mothers, especially those who rely on Medicaid. By ensuring that women receive the care and support they need after giving birth, we’re investing in stronger families and healthier communities.”

H.R. 4074 would be a step towards making quality postpartum care available to all women. With approximately three million births in the United States every year, there are three million women who could benefit from Pelvic Health Physical Therapy in their recovery.

The bill is supported by health care professionals and physical therapists, including the American Physical Therapy Association.

“APTA Pelvic Health is proud to continue our collaboration with Congress in advancing the recognition of pelvic health physical therapy for women during both prenatal and postnatal care,” said Kim Parker-Guerrero, PT, DPT, president-elect of the academy. “This important legislation will ensure new mothers have access to the vital education and support needed to engage with pelvic health physical therapy, helping to prevent issues that might arise without early intervention and care.”

“I’m excited for the reintroduction of the perinatal bill, H.R. 4074,” said Gail Zitterkopf, PT, DPT, government relations chair for APTA Pelvic Health. “This grassroots-inspired bill will positively impact and enhance lives through ensuring pelvic health physical therapy for those who are pregnant.”

The text of the legislation can be found here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Titus, Van Drew Introduce Legislation to Expand Accessible Transportation Options for Individuals with Disabilities
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02) reintroduced their Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA). This bipartisan legislation establishes a one-stop pilot program to help paratransit riders avoid excessive wait times between multiple trips, streamlines the process for submitting accessibility complaints, and assists local communities with identifying gaps in transportation accessibility.

“True community living is not possible without the ability to easily move from one location to another,” said Congresswoman Titus. “I’m proud to build upon the Americans with Disabilities Act so we can eliminate lingering barriers to adequate and accessible transportation.”

“This bill is about making paratransit work better for the people who rely on it,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Right now, the system is too rigid and does not reflect how people actually live their lives. These individuals already deal with enough challenges, and this bill is a commonsense fix that can really make their day a little easier. I am proud to join Congresswoman Titus to push for a smarter, more flexible system that actually works for the people it is meant to serve.”

The Disability Access to Transportation Act includes:
- Findings that highlight the ongoing need to improve access to and modernize transportation systems for those with disabilities;
- The creation of a new one-stop paratransit pilot program authorized at $75 million annually through FY29, which will allow for a brief stop on a multi-legged paratransit trip to prevent long wait times between having to book individual trip segments. This will allow people with disabilities to perform activities like stopping at a bank or pharmacy or dropping children off at daycare without needing to book two separate trips that could each take up to 90 minutes. The pilot program also prioritizes projects that use real-time tracking and on-demand scheduling technologies;
- Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to finalize minimum standards for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way, and requires the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a rulemaking to implement those standards;
- Streamlines the accessibility complaint reporting process at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); and
- The creation of an accessibility data pilot program to improve data collection and identify gaps in services to aid in transportation planning.
The bill has been endorsed by the United Spinal Association; Access Ready Inc.; American Council of the Blind; Family Voices; Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund; Paralyzed Veterans of America; and Cure SMA.

“Paratransit is clunky, outmoded, and outdated. In an era of on-demand ride hailing, it’s clear that reforms are needed to take advantage of technological innovation,” said Steve Lieberman, Senior Director of Advocacy & Policy for United Spinal Association. “The Disability Access to Transportation Act would provide an opportunity for people with disabilities to be able to drop off their dry cleaning on their way to work, or pick up a prescription on the way home. We hope that all members of Congress support this sensible, bipartisan legislation.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ideology and Politics – Food quality and safety will suffer if meat inspection service is privatised as Govt proposes – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government wants to privatise its high-quality meat inspection service ignoring the impact it will have on food quality and safety in announcements being made to meat inspectors.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is proposing to allow meat processing companies to carry out more of their own meat inspection work with reduced oversight from AsureQuality, the Government’s meat inspection service. AsureQuality employs some 650 meat inspectors who carry out meat inspection on 27 million animals at 65 meat processing facilities every year.

Hundreds of highly qualified and experienced AsureQuality meat inspectors could face the axe, with many forced to transfer to the private sector with lower wages and poorer conditions.

“This is all about privatising a trusted and valuable service which ensures New Zealand consumers can buy safe, high-quality meat with confidence,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“The work of meat inspectors ensures that disease and defects in products are identified and that meat is fit for human consumption.

“Independent meat inspectors are more rigorous because they have no vested interest in the end product and will not cut corners to increase company profits. Our overseas markets and consumers here at home will miss out if we lose the independence of our meat inspection services.

“This is just more of the same deregulation agenda we are seeing across health and other parts of the public service.

“History tells us who wins from deregulation, business. This proposal is all about boosting the profits of meat companies while dismantling a proven, efficient and independent government owned service that keeps New Zealanders safe from diseased and contaminated meat.

“Meat inspectors also play a critical role in underpinning New Zealand’s global reputation for excellence in all we export.

“Why put all that at risk?

“The Government’s priorities are again clear – it scrapped pay equity, making underpaid women pay for tax cuts for business in the Budget and it’s doing the same here, forcing meat inspectors to take a cut in wages to boost the bottom line of meat companies.

“This government has no shame in its reckless pursuit of ideology over the consequences for New Zealanders as we again fail to learn the lessons from the past.”

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: On Third Anniversary of Dobbs Decision, Attorney General Bonta Co-leads Letter Reminding Hospitals of Their Obligation to Provide Emergency Abortion Care

Source: US State of California

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in sending a letter to the American Hospital Association reminding hospitals of their ongoing obligation to comply with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Every hospital in the United States that operates an emergency department and participates in Medicare is subject to EMTALA. Under the law, emergency departments are required to provide all patients who have an emergency medical condition with the treatment required to stabilize their condition, including abortion care. On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded guidance that it issued in 2022 “to remind hospitals of their existing obligation to comply with EMTALA”. CMS’s rescission of this guidance does not change federal law or the obligations EMTALA imposes. Put simply, all hospitals must continue to follow EMTALA, including with respect to the provision of emergency abortion care.

“When a medical emergency happens, patients must be assured that they can access life-saving care when they go to the hospital – that includes emergency abortion care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Despite the Trump Administration’s attempt to sow confusion and fear among providers, EMTALA remains the law of the land and its obligations are clear: Hospitals must continue to provide emergency abortion care to prevent serious harm to patients’ health. Furthermore, states like California and many others have analogous state law protections, which we take very seriously. At the California Department of Justice, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every hospital continues to follow the law, and we stand ready to work together with our sister states to ensure that every pregnant patient across the country receives the necessary and lifesaving healthcare that federal and state law require.”

Since 1986, EMTALA has mandated that hospitals provide critical and necessary healthcare in emergency medical situations. Under EMTALA, all Medicare-participating hospitals with an emergency department must provide pregnant patients access to abortion care to prevent serious harm to the patient’s health, serious impairment to bodily function, or serious dysfunction of an organ or body part. EMTALA requires these hospitals to provide access to abortion care if it is the treatment necessary to stabilize pregnant patients with an emergency medical condition. Emergency medical conditions can include, but are not limited to, ectopic pregnancy, traumatic placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, hemorrhaging, amniotic fluid embolism, and hypertension. Critically, the requirements of EMTALA apply regardless of whether a hospital is in a state that purports to limit or ban abortion care.

For decades, the federal government has properly interpreted the requirements of EMTALA to protect access to abortion care under the statute. Across federal administrations of both parties, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has enforced EMTALA against hospitals who fail to provide abortion care when necessary to provide stabilizing care for a patient experiencing an emergency medical condition. Nothing about CMS’s rescission of its 2022 guidance changes the statutory text of EMTALA, which requires abortion care in specified circumstances. Nor does the rescission of the guidance supersede numerous judicial opinions interpreting EMTALA to require the provision of emergency abortion care. The Trump Administration itself has acknowledged as much in a letter sent to healthcare providers on June 13, shortly after the rescission of CMS’s 2022 guidance. In the letter, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., made clear that “the law has not changed.” And while that letter needlessly attempted to sow confusion by focusing on protections for a pregnant patient’s “unborn child,” nothing about the rescission of the guidance changes the fact that EMTALA’s requirement to provide stabilizing care is based on the medical condition of the pregnant patient, not the fetus. Hospitals in all states therefore must continue to comply with EMTALA and provide access to abortion care when it is the medical treatment necessary to stabilize a pregnant patient, regardless of state laws purporting to prohibit or limit access to abortion care.

Continued compliance with EMTALA’s requirements is critical in light of the severe harms that result from denying stabilizing abortion care to pregnant patients in emergency medical situations. Denying stabilizing abortion care can cause irreparable harms, including hysterectomy, fertility loss, kidney failure, brain injury, and limb amputation, forcing patients to live with significant disabilities and chronic medical conditions. Delaying such stabilizing care, meanwhile, increases the risk that lifesaving interventions might not work, risking the lives and health of pregnant patients. For example, a recent maternal morbidity study after the enactment of Texas’ six-week abortion ban found the rate of serious maternal morbidity was 57% when using observation-only care, nearly double the rate that resulted when following the standard protocol of terminating the pregnancy to preserve the pregnant patient’s life or health.

The real-world consequences of denying or delaying stabilizing abortion care for pregnant patients with an emergency medical condition are catastrophic. After Texas’s six-week abortion ban went into effect, sepsis rates rose 50% statewide and increased by 63% in hospitals that waited to provide abortions or other interventions to miscarrying patients. In Texas, a young mother experiencing a miscarriage died of an infection after being forced to delay abortion care for 40 hours until doctors, fearful of prosecution under Texas’s abortion ban, could no longer detect fetal cardiac activity. And HHS found as recently as May 2025 that a hospital violated EMTALA when a pregnant woman nearly died after being denied abortion care for her ectopic pregnancy, resulting in permanent damage to her reproductive organs. The devastating consequences of denying medically necessary abortion care to pregnant patients are a stark reminder of the importance of EMTALA’s requirements—and the importance of ensuring continued compliance with those requirements. The law is clear: Hospitals subject to EMTALA have an obligation to provide timely abortion care when necessary to stabilize a patient experiencing an emergency medical condition.

In sending the letter, Attorney General Bonta is joined by the Attorneys General of New Jersey, New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

A copy of the letter is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Deborah’s Story of Cancer, Faith, Determination and Survival

Source: US State of Connecticut

In December 2022, Deborah noticed a strange pain in her lower left mouth. Known for being meticulous about her dental hygiene, she immediately went to her dentist, who prescribed antibiotics and diagnosed her with periodontal disease. Trusting the process, she underwent deep scaling and a bone graft. But the pain never truly left, and her jaw continued clicking.

While navigating her own health concerns, Deborah was also focused on her husband’s recent melanoma diagnosis and care at UConn Health with Drs. Hao Feng and Hillary Newsome. Still, something didn’t feel right with her own condition. On a return visit to the dentist, with gums now bleeding and showing white patches, a biopsy was finally ordered.

That biopsy changed everything.

Referred by Newsome to Dr. Danielle Scarola, a board-certified otolaryngologist who was then practicing at UConn Health. Deborah received her diagnosis: squamous cell carcinoma in the left oral cavity. From that point on, everything moved at lightning speed.

She met with her surgical team the very next day, and just a couple weeks later underwent a nearly 10-hour surgery. “It was one of the worst experiences of my life,” she said. “I had a catheter, a feeding tube, swelling, a graft in my mouth, the pain was excruciating.” She stayed in the hospital for six days.

Despite the pain and shock, Deborah recalls every doctor and nurse as “amazing.” She leaned on her strong faith, believing there was a reason this had happened. “I didn’t follow the typical protocol,” she said. “The cancer caught me off guard. My mistake was not pushing for a biopsy earlier, but I never thought it could be cancer.”

Pathology revealed tiny cancer cells in her jawbone. Even though her lymph nodes were clear, her care team at UConn Health didn’t take any chances.

She met with Dr. Robert Dowsett, Dr. Upendra Hedge and the multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer team in the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center who walked her and her family through an elaborate education about this cancer and its management along with the importance of post-operative treatment to further reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. This intensive treatment plan: 33 radiation sessions, weekly chemotherapy and check-ups was ably supported by twice-weekly fluid and electrolyte replacement, and care from speech therapists, a dietician, an oncology APRN, a palliative/supportive care APRN, and a social worker.

One nurse looked at her and asked, “Are you ready for this?”

Her answer: “I’m not ready, but I’ll do whatever I need to do.”

“I was so overwhelmed,” Deborah said. “I went home, laid in bed, and prayed.”

She began treatment on October 25, 2023, surrounded by a circle of love and support. Her husband, children, daughters-in-law, sisters, nieces, friends, and neighbors were always by her side. In the infusion room, she was surprised by the sound of laughter. “I remember thinking, ‘How can they laugh? They’re being treated for cancer.’ But once I started, I understood. Laughter became a relief. It became medicine.”

During treatment, Deborah began journaling. She never referred to her cancer by name—only “IT.” Her writing became an outlet for anger and frustration. One of the hardest parts was being immune-compromised and unable to spend time with her grandchildren.

The tumor is now gone.

Today, Deborah is walking outside again, going to the gym, and adjusting to eating on one side of her mouth. She remains grateful to the entire UConn Health team. “Every time I had a question, they were there. I can’t express enough how appreciative I am. They saved my life.”

She still undergoes regular scans and feels anxious each time. “It’s always on my mind,” she admits. Her care team affectionately called her a “rockstar.”

“In my eyes,” she said, “I’ll only be a rockstar if I never have to go through this journey again.”

Deborah believes that sharing her journey can offer hope and guidance to others facing cancer, and while she feels called to help in this way, she has chosen to remain anonymous.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Bioplastic breakthrough: sustainable cooling film could slash building energy use by 20%

Source:

25 June 2025

An illustration of the bioplastic metafilm developed by UniSA and Zhengzhou University researchers, proposed as a next-generation material for sustainable cooling

An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could slash global energy consumption without using any electricity, according to a new study published today.

The bioplastic metafilm – that can be applied to buildings, equipment and other surfaces – passively cools temperatures by as much as 9.2°C during peak sunlight and reflects almost 99% of the sun’s rays.

Developed by researchers from Zhengzhou University in China and the University of South Australia (UniSA), the new film is a sustainable and long-lasting material that could reduce building energy consumption by up to 20% a year in some of the world’s hottest cities.

The material is described in the latest issue of Cell Reports Physical Science.

UniSA PhD candidate Yangzhe Hou says the cooling metafilm represents a breakthrough in sustainable materials engineering that could help combat rising global temperatures and hotter cities.

“Our metafilm offers an environmentally friendly alternative to air-conditioning, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions,” says Hou, who is also from Zhengzhou University.

“The material reflects nearly all solar radiation but also allows internal building heat to escape directly into outer space. This enables the building to stay cooler than the surrounding air, even under direct sunlight.”

Notably, the film continues to perform even after prolonged exposure to acidic conditions and ultraviolet light – two major barriers that have historically hindered similar biodegradable materials.

Constructed from polylactic acid (PLA) – a common plant-derived bioplastic – the metafilm is fabricated using a low-temperature separation technique that reflects 98.7% of sunlight and minimises heat gain.

“Unlike conventional cooling technologies, this metafilm requires no electricity or mechanical systems,” says co-author Dr Xianhu Liu from Zhengzhou University.

“Most existing passive radiative cooling systems rely on petrochemical-based polymers or ceramics that raise environmental concerns. By using biodegradable PLA, we are presenting a green alternative that offers high solar reflectance, strong thermal emission, sustainability, and durability.”

In real-world applications, the metafilm showed an average temperature drop of 4.9°C during the day and 5.1°C at night. Field tests conducted in both China and Australia confirmed its stability and efficiency under harsh environmental conditions. Even after 120 hours in strong acid and the equivalent of eight months’ outdoor UV exposure, the metafilm retained cooling power of up to 6.5°C.

Perhaps most significantly, the simulations revealed that the metafilm could cut annual energy consumption by up to 20.3% in cities such as Lhasa, China, by reducing dependence on air conditioning.

“This isn’t just a lab-scale success” says co-author Professor Jun Ma from the University of South Australia.

“Our film is scalable, durable and completely degradable,” he says.

“This research aims to contribute to sustainable development by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exploring feasible pathways to improve human comfort while minimising environmental impact.”

The discovery addresses a major challenge in the field: how to reconcile high-performance cooling with eco-friendly degradation.

The researchers are now exploring large-scale manufacturing opportunities and potential applications in buildings, transport, agriculture, electronics, and the biomedical field including cooling wound dressings.

‘A structural bioplastic metafilm for durable passive radiative cooling’ is published in Cell Reports Physical Science and is authored by Yangzhe Hou, Yamin Pan, Xianhu Liu, Jun Ma, Chuntai Liu and Changyu Shen. DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102664

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Contacts for interview:

Researchers:

Yangzhe Hou E: yangzhe.hou@unisa.edu.au;

Prof Jun Ma E: jun.ma@unisa.edu.au

Prof Xianhu Liu E: Xianhu.Liu@zzu.edu.cn

Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

Other articles you may be interested in

MIL OSI News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Leads California GOP Delegation in Urging Governor Newsom to Suspend the Gas Tax Increase

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) led the entire California Republican delegation in urging Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend the state’s upcoming gas tax increase on July 1, 2025. According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gas as of today is $3.22, but in California, the average price is $4.65 per gallon.

“California already has the highest gas prices in the nation, and instead of providing some relief, Governor Newsom continues to make it worse,” said Congressman Valadao. “Central Valley families can’t afford to pay an extra 66 cents per gallon every time they fill up—and they shouldn’t have to. It’s time for Governor Newsom and the Democratic supermajority in Sacramento to finally suspend the gas tax, stop these harmful price hikes, and ease the burden on working families instead of adding to it.”

For the last three years, Congressman Valadao has led efforts to suspend the annual July 1st gas tax increase to provide much-needed relief to California families. The lawmakers also urged a pause to the implementation of a California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) update, which is expected to increase gas prices by an additional 65 cents per gallon.

Congressman Valadao was joined in the letter by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Darrell Issa (CA-48), Young Kim (CA-40), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Vince Fong (CA-20), and Ken Calvert (CA-41).

“At a time when Californians are already paying $1.44 more per gallon than the national average, the last thing they need is another gas tax hike and a costly new mandate from unelected CARB officials,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “The state is adding another 1.6 cents to the gas excise tax. CARB’s rule changes could drive prices up by as much as 65 cents more per gallon. We’ve warned the Governor repeatedly that this approach is destructive to California’s economy. He continues to ignore this reality. Refusing to change course will only worsen California’s future prospects.”

“Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation, and they’re set to increase dramatically,” said Rep. Kiley. “It won’t be long until we are paying an absurd $8 per gallon. The higher fuel cost and demand to import fuel will raise prices for virtually everything else people need to buy. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic legislature need to put policies in place immediately to prevent people from feeling even more financial stress than they already are.”

“California is already home to the highest gas prices of any state in the nation – the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and gas tax only add more pain at the pump for hardworking families,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I will continue to urge Governor Newsom to suspend the burdensome gas tax and provide relief for Californians.”

“Once again, unelected regulators at CARB are pushing policies that ignore the economic realities facing California’s working families and small businesses,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Our state already has the highest gas prices in the nation, and these new burdens will only make the situation worse. Californians—and my constituents—deserve relief, not more costly mandates.”

“With Californians already getting crushed by some of the highest gas prices in the nation, Sacramento Democrats have forced yet another gas tax hike on hardworking Californians,” said Rep. Fong. “Families and businesses are struggling under the weight of rising costs, and now state legislators are asking them to pay even more to clean up their budget mess. Californians deserve real relief. Instead of piling on more taxes, we should prioritize infrastructure investment, use existing funds responsibly, and support in-state energy production to lower prices at the pump.”

“Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the country due to the radical policies enacted by California Democrats,” said Rep. Calvert. “The last thing California families need is yet another tax increase raising the price of gasoline even higher.”

Read the full letter here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Leads California GOP Delegation in Urging Governor Newsom to Suspend the Gas Tax Increase

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) led the entire California Republican delegation in urging Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend the state’s upcoming gas tax increase on July 1, 2025. According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gas as of today is $3.22, but in California, the average price is $4.65 per gallon.

“California already has the highest gas prices in the nation, and instead of providing some relief, Governor Newsom continues to make it worse,” said Congressman Valadao. “Central Valley families can’t afford to pay an extra 66 cents per gallon every time they fill up—and they shouldn’t have to. It’s time for Governor Newsom and the Democratic supermajority in Sacramento to finally suspend the gas tax, stop these harmful price hikes, and ease the burden on working families instead of adding to it.”

For the last three years, Congressman Valadao has led efforts to suspend the annual July 1st gas tax increase to provide much-needed relief to California families. The lawmakers also urged a pause to the implementation of a California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) update, which is expected to increase gas prices by an additional 65 cents per gallon.

Congressman Valadao was joined in the letter by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Darrell Issa (CA-48), Young Kim (CA-40), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Vince Fong (CA-20), and Ken Calvert (CA-41).

“At a time when Californians are already paying $1.44 more per gallon than the national average, the last thing they need is another gas tax hike and a costly new mandate from unelected CARB officials,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “The state is adding another 1.6 cents to the gas excise tax. CARB’s rule changes could drive prices up by as much as 65 cents more per gallon. We’ve warned the Governor repeatedly that this approach is destructive to California’s economy. He continues to ignore this reality. Refusing to change course will only worsen California’s future prospects.”

“Californians are already paying the highest gas prices in the nation, and they’re set to increase dramatically,” said Rep. Kiley. “It won’t be long until we are paying an absurd $8 per gallon. The higher fuel cost and demand to import fuel will raise prices for virtually everything else people need to buy. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic legislature need to put policies in place immediately to prevent people from feeling even more financial stress than they already are.”

“California is already home to the highest gas prices of any state in the nation – the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and gas tax only add more pain at the pump for hardworking families,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I will continue to urge Governor Newsom to suspend the burdensome gas tax and provide relief for Californians.”

“Once again, unelected regulators at CARB are pushing policies that ignore the economic realities facing California’s working families and small businesses,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Our state already has the highest gas prices in the nation, and these new burdens will only make the situation worse. Californians—and my constituents—deserve relief, not more costly mandates.”

“With Californians already getting crushed by some of the highest gas prices in the nation, Sacramento Democrats have forced yet another gas tax hike on hardworking Californians,” said Rep. Fong. “Families and businesses are struggling under the weight of rising costs, and now state legislators are asking them to pay even more to clean up their budget mess. Californians deserve real relief. Instead of piling on more taxes, we should prioritize infrastructure investment, use existing funds responsibly, and support in-state energy production to lower prices at the pump.”

“Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the country due to the radical policies enacted by California Democrats,” said Rep. Calvert. “The last thing California families need is yet another tax increase raising the price of gasoline even higher.”

Read the full letter here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Looking back on Tuesday 24 June, the start of the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague

Source: Government of the Netherlands

News item | 24-06-2025 | 23:00

The 2025 NATO Summit officially opened today in The Hague. Heads of government, ministers, experts and defence industry representatives as well as young people, academics and opinion leaders came together at various locations to discuss security, cooperation and innovation. Below is an overview of the day’s main events.

Enlarge image
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

NATO Public Forum – live on YouTube

The two-day NATO Public Forum began today and is being broadcast live online for everyone to watch. Participants from the Netherlands and around the world, including heads of government, ministers, young people, academics and opinion leaders discussed the themes of this year’s Summit and developments in the world that affect our security.
On Wednesday 25 June the Forum will again be broadcast live on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ YouTube channel under NATO Public Forum Live. More information about the programme is available at www.natopublicforum.org.

Meeting between defence ministers and industry

The NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum also took place today. Ministers, experts and business leaders from NATO countries came together to discuss how the defence industry can quickly be scaled up and strengthened. The goal is a stronger, sustainable and future-proof defence industry.

Meeting between NATO, EU and Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and the EU and Ukraine met for talks in The Hague.

President Zelenskyy visits House of Representatives and Prime Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the House of Representatives, where he addressed members of parliament. In the morning, he had a special meeting with Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the Catshuis. This visit was not part of the official summit programme.

Royal dinner at Huis ten Bosch Palace

On Tuesday evening, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima hosted heads of state and government from NATO countries for an informal dinner. Leaders from Australia, New Zealand and Ukraine were also present, as was South Korea’s national security director and the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council.

Enlarge image
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Working dinners for ministers of NATO countries

Foreign ministers met for a working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council. At the same time, defence ministers convened for a working dinner of the North Atlantic Council. Both meetings took place at World Forum in The Hague and were preceded by a joint reception.

The 2025 NATO Summit will continue on Wednesday 25 June at the World Forum in The Hague.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: REP. HILL INTRODUCES RISE ACT TO SPUR FASTER ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOBS

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) introduced the Revitalizing Investment, Savings, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Act, which he co-leads with Rep. Steube (R-FL). The RISE Act will unlock capital, boost investment, and stimulate economic growth and innovation for all Americans by limiting the capital gains tax rate to 15%.

Rep. Hill said, “To build a stronger, more prosperous future, we need policies that unlock capital, reward risk-taking, and drive real growth for all Americans. That is exactly what the RISE Act delivers. My bill restores the proven, bipartisan capital gains tax rate that encourages long-term investment in Main Street businesses and drives innovation across our country. With greater access to capital, startups can turn ideas into reality, small businesses will expand and hire, and hardworking Americans will have more opportunity and higher wages.”

Rep. Steube said, “American businesses rely on investment to grow and thrive. Yet, our current tax code burdens entrepreneurs and startups by taxing federal long-term capital gains at nearly 24%, creating a costly barrier to investment. Investing in America should never be a high-risk, expensive gamble. True long-term prosperity and economic security start when Washington unlocks more capital for U.S. industries. Our bill will cap the federal long-term capital gains tax rate at 15%, empowering investors to fuel economic growth and create good-paying American jobs.”

Background:
The RISE Act would limit the capital gains tax rate to 15% for all Americans. This is the top rate that was in effect from 2003 to 2012 and has historically enjoyed bipartisan support. Currently, federal capital gains taxes reach nearly 24% when including the 3.8% Medicare surtax—nearly five percentage points above the OECD average. Combined with state taxes as high as 14%, America’s total rates significantly discourage the business investment needed for economic growth.

High capital gains tax rates increase the cost of capital and reduce overall investment in the economy. When businesses receive more funding to grow, productivity and innovation increase—boosting wages, raising living standards, and keeping prices low for consumers.

The RISE Act builds on bipartisan precedent: President Obama preserved the 15% top rate in 2010 with overwhelming Democratic support, President Bush lowered the top rate to 15% in 2003 and extended the rate in 2006, and President Clinton signed legislation in 1997 to reduce capital gains taxes with significant Democratic backing.

The RISE Act is endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union, National Venture Capital Association, and Americans for Tax Reform.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Import Alerts for Certain Olympus Medical Devices Manufactured in Japan – Letter to Health Care Providers

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

June 24, 2025
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting health care providers about import alerts for certain medical devices manufactured in Japan by Olympus Medical Systems Corporation (Olympus) and its subsidiaries. Despite extensive and ongoing efforts to address compliance issues, FDA continues to have concerns related to outstanding Quality System regulation violations by Olympus. Therefore, the FDA has issued import alerts to prevent future shipments of certain devices from entering the United States, including specific models of:

Ureterorenoscopes, which are used to perform various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within the urinary tract
Bronchoscopes, which are used to perform various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the respiratory tract
Laparoscopes, which are used to perform various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the abdomen and pelvis
Automated endoscope reprocessors, which are used to reprocess various endoscopes

Recommendations
The FDA recommends that health care providers:

Be aware of the FDA import alerts for certain medical devices manufactured in Japan by Olympus Medical Systems Corporation (Olympus) and its subsidiaries, under which the devices will be refused entry into the U.S.:

Import Alert 89-04 for failure to meet quality system regulation requirements at Aizu, an Olympus manufacturing site in Japan

Refer to the table below for model numbers and Unique Device Identifiers (UDI) for the devices included in the import alerts.

Be aware that the import alert does not apply to related products (such as replacement parts, connectors, or single use consumables) used with the devices subject to import alert.

If you are currently using devices subject to the import alert, you may continue using these devices if you are not experiencing any problems with the devices.

Follow the labeling and reprocessing instructions to properly clean and reprocess the devices, including accessory components.
Do not use damaged devices or those that have failed a leak test, as they could be a potential source of contamination.
Develop schedules for routine inspection and periodic maintenance in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Discuss the benefits and risks associated with procedures involving these devices with your patients. The FDA does not recommend that procedures be canceled or delayed without discussion of the benefits and risks between the health care provider and patient.
Complete prompt reporting of adverse events to help us identify and better understand the risks associated with these devices.

Background
The FDA has issued warning letters and import alerts where the FDA has determined that certain facilities were not in compliance with current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) requirements and various reporting requirements, including for recalls that the FDA identified as the most serious type of recall.
FDA Actions
The FDA has taken several actions related to quality system requirements and compliance concerns with Olympus.
The FDA is continuing to engage with Olympus to accelerate corrective actions related to ongoing violations and minimize risk to patients, and may take further action as appropriate. FDA takes seriously its role in assuring patients that medical devices are safe and effective.
The FDA will continue to keep health care providers and the public informed if new or additional information becomes available.
Unique Device Identifier
The FDA established the unique device identification system (UDI) to adequately identify medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use.

List of Olympus Devices Subject to Import Alert

Device Name
Version or Model
Device Identifier (DI) Number

Bronchofiberscope
BF-PE2
04953170062988; 04953170339974

Bronchofiberscope
BF-TE2
04953170063008

Bronchovideoscope
BF-1T150
04953170288968

Bronchovideoscope
BF-1TQ170
04953170342943

Bronchovideoscope
BF-P150
04953170288876; 04953170308178

Bronchovideoscope
BF-Q170
04953170342912

Endoeye Flex 3D Deflectable Videoscope
LTF-190-10-3D
04953170434938

Endoeye Flex Deflectable Videoscope
LTF-S190-5
04953170310355

Endoscope Reprocessor
OER-PRO
04953170258589

Endoscope Reprocessor
OER-MINI
04953170331619

Endoscope Reprocessor
OER-Elite
04953170404047

Endoscope Reprocessor
OER-AW
Not Available

Evis Exera Bronchofibervideoscope
BF-MP160F
04953170289064

Evis Exera Bronchofibervideoscope
BF-XP160F
04953170340116

Evis Exera Bronchovideoscope
BF-3C160
04953170340031

Evis Exera Bronchovideoscope
BF-XT160
04953170340147

Evis Exera II Bronchovideoscope
BF-1T180
04953170339325

Evis Exera II Bronchovideoscope
BF-1TQ180
04953170339349

Evis Exera II Bronchovideoscope
BF-P180
04953170339288

Evis Exera II Bronchovideoscope
BF-Q180
04953170339301

Evis Exera II Bronchovideoscope
BF-Q180-AC
04953170340086

Evis Exera III Bronchofibervideoscope
BF-MP190F
04953170395581

Evis Exera III Bronchovideoscope
BF-P190
04953170434983

Evis Exera III Bronchovideoscope
BF-XP190
04953170342134

Evis Exera Pleuravideoscope
LTF-160
04953170340284

HD Endoeye Laparo-Thoraco Videoscope
LTF-VH
04953170287015

Laparoscope
LTF-V3
Not Available

Laparoscope
LTF-VP
Not Available

Laparoscope
LTF-VP-S
Not Available

OES Bronchofiberscope Olympus BF Type N20
BF-N20
04953170442667

OES Bronchofiberscope
BF-1T60
04953170339264

OES Bronchofiberscope
BF-3C40
04953170339219

OES Bronchofiberscope
BF-MP60
04953170308277

OES Bronchofiberscope
BF-P60
04953170339196

OES Bronchofiberscope
BF-XP60
04953170339240

OES Uretero-Reno Fiberscope
URF-P5
04953170340307

Rhino-Laryngo Fiberscope
ENF-P4
04953170059032

Rhino-Laryngo Videoscope
ENF-V4
04953170411380

Rhino-Laryngo Videoscope
ENF-VH2
04953170411427

Rhino-Laryngo Videoscope
ENF-V3
04953170411366

Rhino-Laryngo Videoscope
ENF-VH
04953170411403

Rhino-Laryngo Videoscope
ENF-VQ
04953170411441

Rhino-Laryngo Videoscope
ENF-VT2
04953170411472

Rhino-Laryngofiberscope
ENF-XP
04953170059018

Rhino-Laryngofiberscope
ENF-GP
04953170078231

Rhino-Laryngofiberscope
ENF-T3
04953170411526

Tracheal Intubation Fiberscope
LF-DP
04953170340192; 04953170136856

Tracheal Intubation Fiberscope
LF-GP
04953170061998

Tracheal Intubation Fiberscope
LF-TP
04953170136825

Uretero-reno fiberscope
URF-P7
04953170403811

Uretero-Reno Fiberscope
URF-P7R
04953170403835

Uretero-Reno Videoscope
URF-V2
04953170343582

Uretero-Reno Videoscope
URF-V2R
04953170343612

Uretero-Reno Videoscope
URF-V3
04953170435119

Uretero-Reno Videoscope
URF-V3R
04953170403392

Uretero-Reno Videoscope
URF-V
04953170340321

Visera Cysto-Nephro Videoscope
ENF-V2
04953170411342

XENF-DP Rhino-Laryngofiberscope
ENF-PGP
Not Available

Reporting Problems to the FDA
The FDA encourages health care providers to report any adverse events or suspected adverse events experienced with medical devices manufactured by Olympus:

By promptly reporting adverse events, you can help the FDA identify and better understand the risks associated with medical devices.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this letter, contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE).
Additional Resources

Content current as of:
06/24/2025

Regulated Product(s)

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Navigating Utility-Scale Energy Procurement Just Got Easier
Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

A New NREL Tool Can Help Public and Private Energy Buyers Make Informed, Cost-Effective Decisions

For commercial, industrial, academic, and public-sector organizations, navigating large-scale electricity procurement has never been more complex—or more critical.

Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Procurement Analysis Tool (PAT) can help energy buyers cut through the complexity with data-driven insights tailored to their needs.

PAT is a web-based platform that supports early-stage planning and screening for off-site electricity procurement. The free tool empowers users to explore and compare utility-scale energy options across the United States. With its guided interface, users don’t need to be energy experts to get started.

With NREL’s new Procurement Analysis Tool, energy buyers can explore customized, utility-scale electricity options. Graphic by NREL

“Our goal with PAT is to make it easy for organizations to understand their options—whether they’re new to the process or have years of experience,” said NREL analyst Jeff Cook, who co-led the development of the tool. “Its easy-to-use interface walks users through a series of questions and identifies actionable, cost-informed energy procurement strategies that reflect their operational needs and priorities.”

PAT’s key features include:
- Scenario planning: Run simulations across multiple sites to compare energy solutions.
- Procurement options: Explore procurement options based on preferred load-serving entities.
- Technology insights: Access data on energy technologies and resource regions. PAT currently includes renewable energy technologies but has the ability to accommodate any energy technology in the future.
- Personalized results: Fine-tune your energy procurement options with filter questions to match your specific goals.
- Downloadable resources: Export resources with technology details for your next steps.
A Planning Edge for Energy Buyers Across the Market

Large-scale electricity procurement can be daunting. For many organizations—especially local governments, public institutions, and commercial buyers—without in-house expertise or technical support, it can be difficult to understand which options are available regionally, what technologies make sense locally, and how different procurement strategies compare.

“While a variety of mature tools are available for analyzing on-site energy options, there are very few tools available to evaluate off-site procurement options,” said NREL analyst Sushmita Jena, who co-led the development of the tool. “We built PAT not only to fill this gap but also to be as user-friendly as possible—ensuring it’s easy to understand and navigate.”

Through a secure, self-service interface, users enter basic information about their facilities and energy use, along with a few key preferences. In return, the tool delivers customized recommendations based on real-world market data and user-specific priorities.

Following its beta release in 2022, the NREL team improved PAT’s features based on broad stakeholder input, and the tool is already used by 180+ early adopters across counties, cities, and corporations. Its flexible design supports a wide range of potential users, including:
- Commercial and industrial buyers
- Federal, state, and local governments
- Colleges, universities, and campuses
- Electric service providers
- Regulators and public utility commissions.
Technical Foundation, Practical Results

PAT integrates several of NREL’s best-in-class datasets and modeling platforms, including the Annual Technology Baseline, Renewable Energy Supply Curves, Cambium, and the System Advisor Model. These tools provide the backbone for PAT’s regional cost estimates, resource assessments, and performance modeling.

With this technical foundation, PAT enables users to explore practical questions such as:
- What energy procurement options are available in my region?
  PAT shows options like power purchase agreements (PPAs) or utility programs available in a user’s location based on utility service areas and market structure.
- How do energy procurement options align with my objectives?
  The tool matches energy options to user priorities such as cost, targets, and technology preferences.
- How do different procurement strategies compare in cost and impact?
  The tool compares costs across technologies and procurement models to support informed decisions.
Try PAT Today—and Attend an Upcoming Webinar To Learn More

PAT is ready to help organizations take their first step toward informed electricity procurement. Visit the PAT website and create a free account to get started.

Register now

A free NREL webinar at 10 a.m. MT on July 22, 2025, will provide an overview of PAT’s features, walk through common use cases, and offer live Q&A with the development team.

Learn more about NREL’s energy analysis research, and sign up for NREL’s energy analysis newsletter.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Video games can help trans players feel seen and safe. It all starts with design

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Toups Dugas, Associate Professor of Human-Centred Computing, Monash University

Shano Liang

There is a comfort in finding and being yourself. Video games offer opportunities for this comfort. They allow people to exist in safe spaces, to develop community, and to explore the self – as well as the potential self.

Our recently published study explores how video games can elicit feelings of gender euphoria for transgender people. This could be a result of a player developing a connection with a character they feel represented by. Or, they may simply appreciate the experience of a world in which they exist as their actual gender.

Far from just providing an escape, our research shows video games can play a major role in fostering inclusion for trans people, and in promoting the joy of being trans.

Why gender euphoria matters

Much of the discourse around transgender and gender diverse identities is damage-centred. People have come to understand transness through a medicalised lens that emphasises gender dysphoria.

Gender “dysphoria” refers to a person’s feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction with their experience of gender, whether it’s their body, how others treat them, or how they present themselves to the world. For further reading, we recommend The Gender Dysphoria Bible (an online community resource), or Susan Stryker’s book Transgender History.

Gender “euphoria” refers to feelings of excitement, completeness and affirmation that come when someone truly experiences their gender identity. For cisgender people, gender euphoria is often unremarkable. But for transgender people, discovering this feeling – especially in a hostile world – can be profound and lifesaving.

In Cyberpunk 2077, Claire’s car interior displays the trans pride flag, signalling to the player that her identity is not a secret, nor a source of shame.
Michelle Cormier/Monash University, CC BY-SA

While gender “euphoria” is an old term used by the trans community to understand the potential for happiness, researchers have only recently begun studying it.

As a group of longtime gamers and trans people, we knew of many games that offered this experience to us. And as researchers and game designers, we had the tools to tease apart these games to understand what makes them meaningful.

Our study contributes language and a framework for analysing gender euphoria in video games. We hope it will help with developing games that are more inclusive and meaningful for trans players.

A reflexive thematic analysis

We used a qualitative research method called reflexive thematic analysis, which involves drawing from one’s own experiences as a source of data that frames the analysis.

We developed a list of games that were known for trans themes, and/or authored by trans designers, and/or which we had personally found comfort in playing. The list included both indie and mainstream games, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Anna Anthropy’s dys4ia, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Celeste.

While analysing the games, we looked at the art, narratives, choices offered to players, and how characters were represented.

We also identified various “themes” relating to trans experiences which were common among the games. We organised these themes into the categories of design, dynamics and experiences, building on prior design theory.

A three-pronged framework

Design elements are what the game maker creates, such as the main story, or how you can manipulate a character. Certain games can be designed in a way that normalises transgender people, such as by offering a range of gender expressions for players, or by allowing trans identity disclosure during play.

In the game Celeste, the trans pride flag behind Madeline’s computer, and the pill bottle beside her bed, are intentional design choices that help the player understand Madeline’s identity.
Michelle Cormier/Monash University, CC BY-SA

The dynamics of a game refer to how it unfolds as a result of the design and players’ decisions. Dynamics, for instance, might address how players come to discover a trans character, or how they might encounter pain and healing through the story.

And experiences are the emotions players feel as a result of playing, such as the excitement of finishing a level, or sadness over the loss of a beloved character. For trans players, gender euphoric experiences centre on the self and how it relates to the broader world.

Although it has some issues with trans representation, the game Cyberpunk 2077 is a good example for understanding how we sorted our themes into these three categories.

The character Claire Russel is designed as a woman street racer, whose trans identity is not made explicit. The player’s interactions with Claire create certain dynamics, after which her character confides she is transgender. This offers the player the experience of having comfortable interactions with a transgender character, and of understanding how the character relates to the larger game world.

During an emotionally charged scene, Claire speaks candidly to the player about her past.
Michelle Cormier/Monash University, CC BY-SA

Unexpectedly, we found expressions of pain (including gender dysphoria) were an important aspect of some of the trans-inclusive games we analysed.

The games created gender euphoric experiences for players by acknowledging the painful parts of the transgender experience, and then providing opportunities to resolve or live through them.

Moving towards trans-inclusivity

Of course, there is more to do. While our reflexive analysis centred trans-femme experiences, there is a range of gender identities out there. More work is needed to see what other designs, dynamics and experiences should be on offer for trans players.

Gender euphoria is a salve to the unnecessary pain the world brings to trans people. It is therefore a worthy design goal – not just in video games, but in all kinds of interactive systems.

If we want trans joy in the world, we will have to design for it.

Phoebe Toups Dugas is affiliated with Monash University and is undertaking volunteer work with Transgender Victoria.

Michelle Cormier is affiliated with Monash University and is managing a community project for Transgender Victoria as a volunteer.

– ref. Video games can help trans players feel seen and safe. It all starts with design – https://theconversation.com/video-games-can-help-trans-players-feel-seen-and-safe-it-all-starts-with-design-257901

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

Louis Le Brun, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

Talk to anyone today, and they will probably have something to say about how expensive life has become. While the rate of inflation has slowed, prices for many goods and services are still much higher than pre-pandemic.

Cost-of-living crises are not new. They have occurred at various times and places throughout the millennia.

If we look at cost-of-living pressures in ancient Greek and Roman times and how people back then dealt with them, we can learn something about how to face our own issues.

‘The price of land has gone up’

The cost of living was a conversation topic in antiquity, especially the price of land and food.

The Roman writer Pliny the Younger (circa 61–113 CE) in one of his letters remarked to his friend about the rising cost of real estate:

Have you heard that the price of land has gone up, particularly in the neighbourhood of Rome? The reason for the sudden increase in price has given rise to a good deal of discussion.

The ancient Greek scholar Athenaeus, who lived in Naukratis, in Egypt, around 200 CE, wrote a long book called The Learned Banqueters, depicting a dinner party.

The characters at this dinner party often complain about the price of food and goods. For example, one character complains about the price of fish:

I don’t think I’ve ever seen fish more expensive. Poseidon, if you got 10% of what’s spent on them every day, you’d be far away the richest god there is!

People often said that fish was exorbitantly expensive and thought fish sellers were trying to rip them off.

In fact, the poet Antiphanes (circa 408–330 BCE) complained “there’s no group more abominable” than fish sellers and money lenders.

How to lower costs?

Ancient people were well aware that a cost-of-living crisis can cause political disturbances.

As the Roman poet Lucan (39–65 CE) wrote:

the causes of hatred and mainsprings of political popularity are determined by the price of food.

So, how did ancient leaders deal with this sort of problem?

One solution was for the ruler to cover the cost of inflation.

For example, the Athenian statesman Demosthenes (384–322 BCE) mentions a problem with the price of grain that was solved by boosting imports:

When grain earlier advanced in price and reached sixteen drachmae per medimnus, we imported more than ten thousand medimni of wheat, and measured it out at the normal price of five drachmae a medimnus.

Alexander Severus helped trim the cost of meat.
Creative commons, CC BY

Another solution was to put extreme regulations on the market.

For example, the Roman emperor Alexander Severus (ruled 222–235 CE) was once faced by a group of angry citizens.

They demanded a reduction in the price of beef and pork, which had become unaffordable.

Alexander Severus “did not proclaim a general reduction in prices”, says the anonymous biographer who recounts this anecdote. Instead, the emperor

ordered that no one should slaughter a sow or a suckling pig, a cow, or a calf. In two years or even in little more than one year, there was such an abundance of pork and beef that while a pound previously cost eight minutili, the price of both these meats was reduced to two and even one per pound.

The city is so expensive

The Greek writer Plutarch of Chaeronea (46–119 CE) records a story about the famous philosopher Socrates (circa 470–399 BCE), who lived in Athens.

One day, according to Plutarch, a friend of Socrates complained to him about “how expensive the city was”:

Chian wine costs a mina, a purple robe three minae, a half-pint of honey five drachmas!

In response, Socrates took his friend by the hand and told him to search for bargains or for cheaper items, saying:

A sleeveless vest for ten drachmas! The city is cheap!

Socrates’ point was that even in expensive times it’s still possible to find bargains to save money. You just have to look harder for them and lower your standard of living. It can be difficult to do that, but it’s necessary.

Socrates also gave out employment advice for people who were struggling.

According to Socrates’ friend, the historian Xenophon of Athens (430–350 BCE), when a poor veteran came to Socrates complaining about lack of money and asking how to cope with expenses, Socrates told him to

take up some kind of work at once that will assure you a living when you get old.

Socrates thought making sure you still have money when you
are old is more important than fully enjoying your current job. You will likely have to put up with things you don’t like to achieve security.

From ancient to modern

Most ancient people would probably have said that during a cost-of-living crisis it’s best to be patient, live simply, and wait for better times to come.

As Pliny the Younger (circa 61–113 CE) once wrote in one of his letters, “my income is small or precarious, but its deficiencies can be made up by simple living”.

If politicians cannot solve the problems, then it is up to us to cope with them as best as we can.

Konstantine Panegyres does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed – https://theconversation.com/the-ancients-also-had-to-deal-with-a-cost-of-living-crisis-heres-how-they-managed-257896

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA Launches Management System Advisory Service to Support the Introduction of Nuclear Power, Conducts First Mission to Saudi Arabia

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

An IAEA team of experts visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conduct the first IAEA Management Systems Advisory Service (IMSAS) mission. (Photo: DNEC).

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted its first-ever management systems advisory service in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 19 to 22 May 2025.

The IAEA Management Systems Advisory Service (IMSAS) was established to support newcomer countries in developing robust and effective nuclear infrastructure, in response to findings from the Agency’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions that highlighted inconsistencies in the implementation of management systems among countries embarking on new nuclear power programmes.

As part of the IAEA’s broader commitment to support countries in introducing nuclear power in their energy mix, IMSAS helps nuclear organizations develop and maintain management systems appropriate to the current phase of the nuclear power programme. A management system is a set of interrelated or interacting elements — including organizational structure, responsibilities, resources, and processes — established to achieve organizational objectives in an efficient and effective manner.

Saudi Arabia is embarking on a nuclear power programme as part of its strategy to transition towards a diversified energy sector and building national capabilities in advanced energy technologies, all as part of its Vision 2030. In support of this plan, Saudi Arabia is following the IAEA’s Milestones Approach and actively cooperates with the IAEA through a coordinated Integrated Workplan to support its nuclear infrastructure development.

In November 2024, Duwayhin Nuclear Energy Company (DNEC), which is designated as the owner/operator for the first nuclear power plant, requested the IAEA to conduct the IMSAS mission to review whether the current management system in DNEC is appropriate and adequate to support its current and planned activities.

During its review, the IMSAS team – comprised of four external experts from Hungary, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as three IAEA staff members – reviewed documentation and conducted technical discussions with the DNEC in Riyadh.

“The IMSAS team found that DNEC has a well-developed management system that effectively supports the organization in carrying out its current and future activities. We commend DNEC on the efforts undertaken to date to develop its management system, which will help support the safe and effective implementation Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power programme,” said Liliya Dulinets, Section Head of the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section.

In its draft final report, issued at the closing session, the mission team identified four good practices by DNEC. These included the development of its management system using a structured, project-based approach that ensures effective planning and coordination; the clear documentation of governance and management frameworks, which provides staff with a solid understanding of roles and responsibilities; and the transition to a fully electronic management system to enhance accessibility and usability.

Two recommendations and four suggestions were also noted. These included opportunities for improvement related to enhancing the consistency of the management system documentation, formalizing the approach to process development, and elevating the level of ownership of the management system within the organization.

“Our objective in requesting the mission was to have the IAEA conduct a cold-eye review of how we manage our day-to-day operations, particularly our management system,” said Khalid Al Gazlan, DNEC CEO. “The results of the mission were excellent, and the recommendations and suggestions provided will greatly support our continuous improvement efforts. We remain committed to cooperating with the IAEA through the Integrated Work Plan across all phases of our project, to ensure the establishment of a competent Owner-Operator; we thank the IAEA and the IMSAS team for this constructive and productive mission. This mission was a testament that the Kingdom is moving confidently towards building a sustainable civil nuclear program, supported by national competencies and strong international partnership.”

The final mission report will be provided to DNEC within three months.

About IMSAS

IMSAS was established to support the review of management systems in countries embarking on new nuclear power programmes. It provides a structured approach for the self-assessment of the management systems of the regulatory body and owner/operator organization, as well as an independent review conducted by IAEA and international experts.

IMSAS missions help organizations develop and maintain effective management systems consistent with the current phase of the nuclear power programme. It assists these organizations in aligning their management systems with IAEA standards and international good practices to support the implementation of current and planned activities. Additionally, IMSAS enables the identification of strengths and weaknesses through a combination of self-assessment and independent review, providing recommendations for improvement and highlighting good practices.

The IAEA offers its Member States a wide array of review services. For the introduction of nuclear power, the Agency’s peer review service include, for example, the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) and the Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Service for Nuclear Power Programmes (SEAS).

MIL OSI NGO –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Daines, colleagues to Trump admin: New trade deals can benefit American farmers, energy producers and manufacturers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and 53 other lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recognizing the Trump administration’s efforts to secure deals with foreign countries that level the playing field for American farmers, energy producers and manufacturers.

The letter specifically highlights the momentum for engaging in trade negotiations that President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on implementation of certain tariffs presents and notes the potential for agreements that lower trade barriers on American goods.

“We write to you to express our strong support for ongoing trade negotiations to level the playing field for American producers and manufacturers. President Trump’s decision to pause the implementation of certain reciprocal tariffs creates momentum to secure meaningful and enforceable agreements for U.S. agricultural producers, energy producers, and manufacturers,” the lawmakers began.

“International trade is fundamental to the continued success and vitality of U.S. industry, particularly agriculture. Many of the commodities grown in the U.S. are dependent on access to export markets, including grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, and livestock products,” they added.

“Certain barriers may require long-term negotiations. However, we are confident in your ability to utilize this 90-day pause to come to agreements that can benefit all American industries while providing opportunity for continued dialogue,” the members of Congress continued.

“We applaud the President for seeking to renew American leadership in global trade and secure meaningful market access for American industries. We look forward to working together on a trade policy agenda that strengthens American industry, agriculture, and rural communities,” they concluded.

Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) and 43 members of the House of Representatives also joined the letter.

The full letter is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Making the UK the best place to do business: Modern Industrial Strategy set to deepen global collaboration
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story

Making the UK the best place to do business: Modern Industrial Strategy set to deepen global collaboration

English

Español de América Latina

Modern Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business, delivering on the Plan for Change.
UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy

Strategy developed in partnership with business, marking a new era of collaboration between government and high growth industries.

New Industrial Strategy to unlock billions in investment and support 1.1 million new well-paid jobs over the next decade. *New Global Talent Taskforce and £54m fund will attract world-class researchers, top talent and their teams to the UK.

Electricity costs for thousands of businesses to be slashed by up to 25%.

The plan focuses on 8 high growth sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services and Life Sciences, where there is potential for faster growth.

The modern Industrial Strategy unveiled today, Monday 23 June, sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business.

It includes targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.

Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. The includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.

Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.

Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce. The Taskforce and a £54m Global Talent Fund will support top talent to relocate to the UK.

Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.

Reducing planning timelines and cutting costs for developers, by hiring more planners, streamlining pre-application requirements and combining environmental obligations, removing burdens on businesses as well as accelerating house building.

Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.

Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more.

Upskilling the nation with an extra £1.2 billion each year for skills by 2028-29, and delivering more opportunities to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors including new short courses in relevant skills funded by the Growth and Skills Levy and skills packages targeted at defence digital and engineering.

Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

Five sector plans have been published in tandem:

Advanced Manufacturing

Backing the Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.

Clean Energy Industries

Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.

Creative Industries

Maximizing the value of the UK’s Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.

Digital and Technologies

Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as cyber security in Northern Ireland, semiconductors in Wales and quantum technologies in Scotland.

Professional and Business Services

Ensuring the UK’s Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long-term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

Regarding the launch of the New Industrial Strategy, British Ambassador to Chile, Louise de Sousa, said:

The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy is our ten-year plan to strengthen infrastructure, reduce costs for businesses and simplify regulation.

With a highly skilled workforce and unrivalled global business connectivity, the UK provides an ideal location to scale, invest and grow business, by accessing the G7’s lowest corporation tax and a generous R&D tax.

This being and internation strategy from the start, the plan will provide local businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators the stability and ease needed to make long-term investment decisions, which, in turn will help strengthening the already strong economic ties between UK and Chile.

The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

Further information

If you want to know more about this matter, please contact the Communications Office.

For more information about the activities of the British Embassy in Santiago, follow us on:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Flicker

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China calls on SCO member states to deepen cooperation in law enforcement and security

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong on Tuesday called on member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to deepen practical cooperation in law enforcement and security and promote the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future.

Wang Xiaohong made the relevant statements at the 20th meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the SCO member states, where he delivered a keynote speech. The minister noted that China is ready to make a new, even greater contribution to security and stability in the region and around the world together with all member countries.

Wang Xiaohong recalled that the Global Security Initiative put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping advocates a new type of security path that involves dialogue instead of confrontation, partnership instead of alliances, and win-win instead of zero-sum. China stands ready to actively implement this initiative together with all member states, fully promoting the “Shanghai spirit,” the minister emphasized.

During the meeting, Wang Xiaohong put forward a five-point proposal, calling on SCO member states to, first, adhere to genuine multilateralism and propose solutions to global problems; second, stand together in both calm and dangerous times, and avoid interference from extra-regional forces; third, focus on common concerns and strengthen regional counter-terrorism capabilities; fourth, improve cooperation mechanisms and strengthen a common platform to combat new types of transnational crime; fifth, deepen exchanges and mutual learning, generating experience for building a human security community. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Mongolia and Uzbekistan signed a package of documents on cooperation

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

ULAN BATOR, June 24 (Xinhua) — Mongolia and Uzbekistan have signed a package of documents on further development of bilateral relations and cooperation, the press service of the President of Mongolia said on Tuesday.

Documents, including a joint declaration on the establishment of comprehensive partnership relations between Mongolia and the Republic of Uzbekistan and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of mineral resources, were signed in Ulaanbaatar.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, arrived in the capital of Mongolia on Tuesday afternoon for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.

This is the first state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Mongolia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll in Iran from Israeli strikes exceeds 600 – Health Ministry

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

TEHRAN, June 24 (Xinhua) — The death toll from Israeli strikes on Iranian territory over the past 12 days has reached 606, with 5,332 injured, Iranian Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi said on Tuesday.

He said the past 24 hours had seen “the most horrific attacks and acts of aggression” by Israel since the airstrikes began on June 13, killing 104 people and wounding 1,342.

The Israeli Health Ministry has reported 28 deaths and 3,238 wounded on the Israeli side since the start of the conflict.

On Monday evening, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between the two sides would go into effect on June 24 at around 04:00 GMT.

Although Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, within hours of it beginning both sides reported truce violations, vowing to strike back at each other. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Iran ready to resolve issues at negotiating table — president

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

TEHRAN, June 24 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that his country is ready to resolve issues within the international framework and at the negotiating table.

According to a statement published on the website of the presidential office, M. Pezeshkian reported this during a telephone conversation with the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

According to M. Pezeshkian, Iran expects the UAE to convey to the US that the Islamic Republic is only seeking its legitimate rights and is in no way seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The President stressed that the Iranian side is capable of responding to Israeli attacks, while expressing hope that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel will be maintained.

He also expressed his country’s readiness to deepen relations with the UAE and stressed the importance of regional stability.

“We consider the people of the UAE and other countries in the region to be our brothers and respect the territorial integrity of all states. We believe that we will be able to develop the region exclusively through stability and peace, and, of course, in the absence of foreign interference,” M. Pezeshkian said.

The UAE President, in turn, stated that self-defense is a natural right of all states, emphasizing that Iran, the UAE and other countries in the region will always remain neighbors to each other. “We must understand how we can guarantee a better future for our peoples through bilateral relations,” Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted.

He expressed the UAE’s support for Iran in the face of current challenges. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 25, 2025