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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey and Rep. Simon Announce Legislation to Prohibit Discrimination in Jury Service Based on Disability and Age

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF) | One Pager (PDF)

    Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12) today announced the reintroduction of the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that would prohibit discrimination in federal jury service based on disability or age. Federal law currently prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status,” but not on account of disability or age.

    The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act would add protections to federal law for age and disability to prevent the discriminatory exclusion of capable jurors. This legislation would ensure that disabled jurors who are at least 18 years of age and are able to perform their duties with reasonable accommodations—including deaf and blind individuals who may use sign language or braille—would not be disqualified on the basis of disability. Twenty-eight states, including Massachusetts and California, have enacted laws that prohibit the exclusion or disqualification of people with a disability from state jury service. Meanwhile, eleven states have laws that prohibit age-based discrimination for state jury service.

    “Every American adult deserves the chance to fulfill their sacred civic duty and serve on a jury, no matter their age or disability,” said Senator Markey. “Our legislation creates equal opportunity for jury service and ensures that federal juries across the nation fully represent the diversity of our communities. Discrimination in jury selection stands in the way of achieving justice and fairness in our legal system. I am proud to lead this bill with Representatives Simon and continue to protect the rights of seniors and Americans with disabilities.”

    “The discrimination, exclusion, and disqualification of disabled and elderly jurors from our federal courts based on outdated stereotypes and assumptions prevents our judicial system from embodying the ideals of justice and equality for all.” said Representative Simon. “As the first congenitally blind Member of Congress, I believe we must bring the voices of the disability community to the policy-making table and that our stories must be reflected in our policies. I thank Senator Markey for his partnership on our legislation that would ensure equal access and opportunity to participate our judicial system for all members of our community regardless of their ability or age.”

    The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and in the House of Representatives by Nikema Williams (GA-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Dave Min (CA-47), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Summer Lee (PA-12).

    The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act is endorsed by American Association for Justice, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Bar Association, American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, American Geriatrics Society, Bay State Council of the Blind, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Disability Rights California, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), Epilepsy Foundation, Gerontological Society of America, Hearing Loss Association of America, Justice in Aging, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National Disabilities Rights Network, National Federation of the Blind, National Organization on Disability, Paralyzed Veterans of America, SOLVE ME/CFS, the Arc of the United States, United Spinal Association, and VisionServe Alliance.

    “No American should be denied the right to serve on a federal jury because of their age or physical disability, and it’s a cornerstone of democracy that juries be reflective of the communities in which they serve,” said Linda Lipsen, CEO of the American Association for Justice. “AAJ strongly supports the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, and we thank Senator Markey and Congresswoman Simon for their leadership on this important issue.”

    “Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our legal system, and diverse and representative juries are essential to fair deliberations and just outcomes. Diverse juries, with representation from all groups, not only promote community confidence in verdicts, but actually lead to better decision making. Jury service should be accessible to all members of our communities. NACDL is proud to support legislation that helps move us closer to that goal,” said Andrew S. Birrell, President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

    “A true jury of one’s peers must reflect the full diversity of our communities,” said Claire Stanley, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind. “People who are blind or have low vision cannot be left out of the judicial process. They deserve the same opportunity and share the same responsibility to serve on a jury of their peers.”

    “AFB applauds the reintroduction of this important bill that ensures that people who are blind or have low vision are allowed to carry out their civic duty to serve on juries alongside their peers. Recognizing that most people become blind later in life, we appreciate that this bill prohibits age-related discrimination as well as disability discrimination, and we look forward to a time when all people are able to participate fully in the judicial system without prejudice,” said Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer at American Foundation for the Blind.

    “Many Deaf and hard of hearing people have participated in jury duty. This bill will ensure consistency across the nation, ensuring that those individuals are not excluded from performing their civil obligations,” said Interim CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins of the National Association of the Deaf.

    “People with disabilities have served successfully as jurors in state courts for many years, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws. It is long past time for our federal jury system to catch up and end discrimination that prevents people with disabilities from serving as federal jurors,” said Jennifer Mathis, deputy director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

    “The right to serve on a jury is a fundamental component of civic engagement and equal justice under law. Yet far too often, people with disabilities are excluded from jury service based on outdated assumptions and discriminatory practices. We commend Senator Markey and Representative Simon for introducing this critical legislation, which affirms that disability and age should never be barriers to full participation in our democracy,” said Eric Buehlmann, Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).

    “Jury service is a fundamental part of free and equal citizenship. This bill ensures that people with disabilities are not denied the right to serve on a jury because of outdated assumptions about what we can or cannot do. The disability community looks forward to bringing its wealth of experiences and perspectives to federal juries across the country,” said Eric Harris, Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.

    In July 2023, Senator Markey and then-Representative Anna Eshoo (CA-16) reintroduced the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) to amend the CVAA due to the proliferation of emerging technologies since 2010. The CVTA would strengthen standards for television programming and emergency communication; expand accessibility requirements, including closed captions and audio descriptions, to online platforms and video conferencing services; and equip the federal government with the ability to improve the accessibility of emerging technologies. In 2022, Senator Markey and then-Representative Katie Porter (CA-45) introduced the Disabled Jurors Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of disability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Luján Slam FCC’s Partisan Approval of Paramount, Skydance Merger

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Merger approval comes 2 days after Paramount settles with Trump for $36 million 

    Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted today to approve a merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.

    “The FCC’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger reeks of the worst form of corruption. The timing speaks for itself: Paramount settled with Trump for $36 million on Tuesday and the FCC approved the merger on Thursday. While we’re glad that the Commission took a vote on the deal, as we have repeatedly called for, the partisan vote is a dark day for independent journalism and a stain on the storied history of the Federal Communications Commission. The stench of this transaction will linger over the Commission for years.”

    Senators Markey and Luján have aggressively pushed back on the Trump administration’s efforts to attack news organizations and intimidate the media. On July 18, Senator Markey wrote to Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, demanding answers on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” specifically requesting whether anyone in the Trump administration asked for the show to be cancelled. On July 10, Senators Markey and Luján wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty, urging the FCC to hold a full Commission vote on the Paramount and Skydance merger. In May 2025, Senators Markey and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to take a vote on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey and Rep. Kamlager-Dove Announce Legislation to End Solitary Confinement in Federal Detention Facilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Over 120,000 people are held in solitary confinement in the United States

    Bill Text (PDF)

    Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) today announced the reintroduction of the End Solitary Confinement Act, legislation that would end solitary confinement in federal prisons, jails, and detention centers, with limited exceptions. This bill would create minimum standards for incarceration, including by requiring that facilities give detainees access to out-of-cell interaction and recreation and by capping the length of solitary confinement at four hours.

    Solitary confinement has many different names, including “restrictive housing” in Massachusetts. Individuals held in solitary confinement can be isolated in a small, concrete, windowless cell for 22 hours or longer. Placement in solitary for any length of time, whether days or even hours, can cause severe, long-term harm. Individuals held in solitary confinement may suffer serious adverse effects on their mental and physical health, including an increased risk of suicide, heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Solitary confinement is also disproportionately inflicted on Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as on vulnerable populations, including persons with preexisting mental health illnesses.

    “Solitary confinement is a cruel and unnecessary practice that has no place in our country. This practice isn’t rehabilitation, it’s torture,” said Senator Markey. “Forcing people, including those from vulnerable groups, into small, cramped, concrete prison cells without human interaction for hours, days, weeks, and even months on end is inhumane. I am proud to introduce this legislation, alongside Representative Kamlager-Dove, to move us closer to ending solitary confinement, once and for all.”

    “Solitary confinement is torture, period,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “This outdated practice, dating back to the 1800s, does nothing to promote rehabilitation. Research consistently shows it causes severe mental health issues, intensifies existing barriers to recovery, and disproportionately harms incarcerated Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We must abolish solitary confinement entirely—and I’m proud to lead the charge with this bill that will finally end its use in the United States.”

    Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore).

    This legislation is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Constitutional Rights, Vera Institute of Justice, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Unlock the Box Campaign, the #HALTsolitary Campaign, and Zealous.

    Specifically, the End Solitary Confinement Act would:

    • End solitary confinement in federal prisons, jails and other detention settings with limited exceptions, including a 4-hour maximum for emergency de-escalation;
    • Protect vulnerable populations, including elderly individuals and pregnant persons, from placement in solitary confinement;
    • Ensure detainees have meaningful access to out-of-cell time, group programming, and basic needs and services;
    • Impose strict due process protections, including access to representation and neutral decision-makers;
    • Create oversight and enforcement mechanisms, including mandatory reporting, a private cause of action, oversight by a community monitoring body, and enhanced media access; and
    • Incentivize states and municipalities to adopt similar bans on solitary confinement.

    Senator Markey has worked consistently to reform prison practices and provide resources to formerly and currently incarcerated people. Senator Markey and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Fair Chance Jobs Month Resolution in May 2025, to ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals have a fair chance at securing good-paying, stable employment. In February 2024, Senator Markey sent a letter to then-Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to make good-paying clean energy jobs accessible to currently and formerly incarcerated people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lowy Institute keynote speech – Navigating Australia’s Trading Future

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather today, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

    Good afternoon everyone and thank you to the Lowy Institute and Executive Director, Dr Michael Fullilove, for the opportunity to speak today.

    Australia is a trading nation.

    From the first known trading networks between indigenous Australians in northern Australia and the Makasar of Indonesia; to the Australian wool which helped clothe the world in the early 20th century; to the energy and mineral resources that have helped societies across the globe develop their economies.

    For centuries, we have relied on our ability to export as we have built the robust and modern economy from which we all benefit today.

    However, until recently, most Australians did not have cause to pay much attention to international trade.

    But that has changed in recent years.

    The imposition of trade impediments by the Chinese Government on $20 billion worth of Australian exports highlighted the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket.

    Upon my appointment as Minister for Trade and Tourism in 2022, working alongside Prime Minister Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong, we worked calmly and methodically to resolve these blockages for Australian businesses.

    Our patient and calibrated approach to stabilising the bilateral relationship with China – without compromising our core interests and values – was vital in achieving the removal of these impediments.

    This means that our world class wine, beef, lobster and many other products are now back on the tables of Chinese consumers, benefiting Australian businesses and local jobs.

    This turnaround could not have been achieved without personal engagement – I have now met my Chinese counterpart, Commerce Minister Wang Wentou, ten times.

    Our government has also taken steps to deepen our economic ties with our nearest neighbours and increase opportunities with new partners further abroad.

    We have worked hard to strengthen our relationships in Southeast Asia, boosting two-way trade and investment with our closest region and reached Australia’s first free trade agreement in the Middle East, when we signed the Australian-UAE agreement late last year.

    I look forward to visiting Abu Dhabi again soon to turbo-charge business and investment.

    Getting our products into the UAE is like getting it into the Woolies warehouse, if you can get it there, you can then get it to all the surrounding countries in the Middle East.

    I am proud of what our Government has achieved in the past three years, with solid foundations laid for continuing the work of building stronger and deeper trading relationships with international partners.

    The diversification of our trade networks will open new opportunities for Australian exporters to ship their goods to the world and bring down the cost of living for Australians.

    Of course, diversification doesn’t mean selling less to our largest trading partners, it means selling more to new partners.

    As the Treasurer laid out in his recent address to the National Press Club, the Albanese Labor Government has organised its economic policy for the second term around three priorities:

    • productivity;
    • economic resilience; and
    • budget sustainability.

    Trade and investment support all three of these priorities.

    Trade drives productivity through competitive innovation, spurred by global competition.

    Trade enhances economic resilience by diversifying markets and supply chains.

    And, trade contributes to budget sustainability by increasing revenues through exports and economic growth.

    Nearly a third of Australia’s economic output is supported by trade.

    One in four Australian jobs relate to trade.

    And foreign investment provides the capital to build for the future, and access to global talent, new ideas, best practices and cutting-edge technologies.

    Business craves certainty to enable long-term investment and planning.

    For the past eight decades that certainty has been based on the institutions forged from the wreckage of World War Two – from trade agreements that have allowed the free flow of resources and capital, and the rules based order which has allowed for an even playing field, ushering in an unprecedented period of global economic growth.

    But, these institutions and norms we worked so hard to build are being questioned and the rules we wrote are being challenged.

    One of the chief designers of the global trading system, the United States, is now questioning the benefits of open, rules-based trade.

    The Trump Administration is seeking to expand domestic manufacturing and influence the policies of trading partners.

    Australia is a medium-sized open economy that is highly integrated with the global economy.

    We rely on being able to send our produce, resources and human capital to the world to sustain the high standard of living which we enjoy today.

    What we risk seeing is a shift from a system based on shared prosperity and interdependence to one based solely on power and size.

    We cannot risk a return to the ‘law of the jungle’.

    If our trading partners’ growth slows, without doubt we will suffer.

    The costs to consumers and businesses of a global economic slowdown will be felt for generations, and the shockwaves of inflation will worsen.

    Even before the imposition of tariffs by the current US Administration, several other forces have been reshaping global trade for some time.

    Firstly, heightened geostrategic competition is increasing the intersection of national security and economic prosperity, made more complex by the rapidly evolving technology that is enabling both extraordinary new growth and adding to the global competition.

    Secondly, the widespread use of industrial policy to support key sectors as nations seek to rebuild industrial bases and sovereign manufacturing capability and ensure technological dominance.

    And thirdly, the transition towards net zero emissions.

    These forces demand a more strategic, coordinated approach to trade policy.

    An approach that balances openness with resilience and long-term competitiveness.

    In 2025, we’re no longer in a “set and forget” world.

    We can no longer afford to take the rules that underpin a stable trading system for granted.

    So, how will the Albanese Labor Government navigate these challenges to best position Australia in a turbulent global economy?

    We will be guided by five key principles.

    The first principle is that free and open markets are essential to Australia’s prosperity.

    Imposing tariffs of our own would drive up the costs for Australian families and businesses.

    This position was backed up by the Productivity Commission in its most recent Trade and Assistance Review released earlier this month.

    Our markets will remain open, and we will stand by our trade agreements. In fact, we will make them even stronger.

    Our second principle is that world trade should be governed by rules and not by power alone.

    We will always stand up for Australian industry and Australian jobs.

    By fighting for a level playing field for our businesses and workers.

    And by providing the right support to ensure our exporters are not locked out of the opportunities we have fought hard for.

    The third principle is that of cooperation.

    We have and will continue to take a good faith approach to trade negotiations – which means engaging with a genuine desire to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and uphold the rules-based order which has benefited so many.

    The fourth principle is that we will not leave those affected behind – Australian businesses, workers or the broader community.

    As the Prime Minister has said, no one held back, no one left behind.

    We will work hard to ensure that the benefits of trade are shared widely, which is why the Albanese Government is putting so much effort into inclusive trade policies, including our First Nations trade agenda.

    That agenda has already had some big wins – a new international treaty recognising First Nations’ traditional knowledge, and a chapter specifically relating to first nations trade in our UAE agreement, which is the first time this has happened in any Australian trade agreement.

    The final principle is that we will not compromise our fundamental values and interests.

    Like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and our biosecurity system.

    To be clear, the announcement yesterday of the outcome of the technical assessment of beef from the United States is the culmination of a decade of science and risk-based import assessments and evaluations.

    Australia is the land of the ‘’fair go’, we value social justice, fairness, inclusion and equality.

    Programs like the PBS, which are at the heart of the health and wellbeing of our country, will never be up for negotiation under an Albanese Labor Government.

    And while we believe in free and fair trade, we will not trade away parts of our core identity.

    With these principles in mind, our government will continue to advance a trade policy which delivers for all Australians.

    During the election campaign we committed to initiatives that would provide support to businesses impacted by protectionist trade measures.

    This included strengthening our anti-dumping regime to help create a level playing field by addressing unfair trade.

    In addition, we put $50 million dollars on the table to work closely with key industry peak bodies, supporting businesses to find and access new market opportunities and we will provide $1 billion in zero interest loans to firms.

    We also committed to establishing a Strategic Reserve for critical minerals so we can make sure Australia can respond to trade and supply disruptions from a position of strength with our key partners.

    And we will put Australian businesses at the front of the queue for government procurement and contracts.

    This is in addition to implementing our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy2040 and our Roadmap for Economic Engagement with India.

    And by backing local manufacturing through the Future Made in Australia policy, we will continue to invest in the skills, technology and renewable energy to make more things here, creating jobs and opportunities for Australians.

    Of course, our ability to compete abroad depends on how productive we are at home.

    Which is why the Government has such an ambitious domestic productivity reform agenda.

    And that agenda depends, in turn, on the quality of our trade and investment connections to the world.

    As I alluded to earlier in my remarks, trade diversification will continue to be a key focus.

    We are fortunate to already have a strong network of 18 free trade agreements with 30 partners, covering almost 80 per cent of the value of our two-way trade.

    But there is unfinished business.

    I am committed to concluding a deal with the European Union, the missing piece in the puzzle of Australia’s network of FTAs, with a market of over 450 million consumers.

    Having met recently with my European counterpart I know there is a genuine desire to reach an outcome.

    But it will require a Team Australia approach both internationally and domestically with stakeholders, including business and farmers.

    And I am committed to expanding our trade deal with India, the world’s most populous nation with a rapidly growing middle class.

    Just these two new agreements bring in almost 2 billion new consumers for Australian products.

    The good news is that my Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, and I have a shared vision to boost two-way trade and investment.

    There is new energy in regional trade agreements.

    We are here to work with the region to back this trend.

    As Chair of the CPTPP in 2025, Australia is seeking to expand the membership and deepen its high standard rules.

    And closer to home, in the Pacific region, I want to ensure the gains from trade are spread throughout our neighbourhood.

    Many Pacific island partners tell us they want to participate more fully in global supply chains. I want our friends like Fiji and PNG to be part of our regional trading network that has worked so well for us.

    One of the key ingredients in development and poverty alleviation in Southeast Asia has been a story of opening up to trade.

    That’s why so many of our neighbours are backing regionalism in trade as a response to the current turbulence.

    Because backing these norms of rules and openness backs our region’s strength and vitality.

    We will leverage the G20, OECD and APEC to build support for continued openness around the world, acting as a calm and considered voice for trade across the world.

    Underpinning these bilateral and regional deals is the World Trade Organization, through which most global trade still flows according to its rules.

    Our message to the world is simple: we will continue to respect the rules and be a partner you can count on.

    Shaping the rules of the road is in our DNA.

    We were a founding member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1948 and played a major role in the Uruguay Round negotiations which led to the creation of the WTO.

    Now we face a major challenge in global trade – a time when Australia can play its part as a calm and considered international partner, leveraging our relationships to support free and fair trade.

    The meeting of the world’s trade ministers in Cameroon in March next year must tackle the big issues of WTO reform – how we make decisions, make new rules, and enforce those rules.

    We have got to bring new agreements like the one we have helped create on E-commerce, into the WTO rulebook.

    We must also make progress on agriculture, where there has been a tilted playing field for far too long.

    Australian businesses, workers and consumers are on the front line of this new era of global trade policy.

    That is why we will back business with real, practical support to assist Australian exporters to seize the new opportunities created by our trade deals.

    The Government is committed to genuine consultation – to ensure that our approach both reflects our community’s experience and meets our nation’s expectations.

    Taking an economy wide approach has allowed us to navigate these last few months of tariff disruption successfully.

    It is only with that same approach that we can navigate through the period of uncertainty ahead.

    And ensure that Australia isn’t just a passive witness to our circumstances – but instead shapes them – as we have at key points before in our history.

    The new trading landscape we face is difficult, and challenging.

    But we have to have the courage of our convictions.

    We know that open, rules-based trade and investment works.

    An outward looking trade and investment policy is central to this Government’s ambitions for our economy.

    From our earliest days, Australia has always been a trading nation.

    Our businesses, our people and our communities benefit from it.

    And we will continue to be a successful trading nation if we can both lift our performance at home and shape our circumstances abroad.

    With a genuine Team Australia approach, I am confident we are up to that task.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China win first athletics gold, Walaza claims 200m gold at Universiade

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

    Long jumper Shu Heng leaped 8.09 meters to claim China’s first track and field gold medal, while South Africa’s teenage sprinting sensation Bayanda Walaza won his second gold in as many days Thursday at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games.

    Shu Heng of China competes during the men’s long jump final at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Bochum, Germany, July 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

    Shu improved on his leading mark of 8.07 meters from the fourth round by two centimeters in his final attempt to win the event, 13cm shy of his 8.22m gold-winning performance at the Asian Athletics Championships in May.

    Japan’s Koki Fujihara finished second with 8.00m, edging Germany’s Luka Herden by four centimeters.

    “Every international competition helps strengthen my confidence. Winning the Asian championship boosted me mentally, and now winning at the University Games further paves the way and reinforces my confidence for bigger stages ahead,” said Shu.

    Another Chinese athlete, Xing Jialiang, the top qualifier in men’s shot put, earned silver with a throw of 20.08m, just 17cm behind South Africa’s Aiden Smith, who took gold. Italy’s Riccardo Ferrara claimed bronze with 17.91m.

    Walaza, 18, a Paris 2024 Olympian, was third fastest out of the blocks and surged past Spain’s Adria Alfonso Medero in the outer lane to win the men’s 200m final from lane seven. Walaza clocked 20.63 seconds to Medero’s 20.70, with South Korea’s Lee Jae-song taking bronze in 20.75.

    Walaza’s time was an improvement on his 20.93 in the heats and 20.76 in the semifinals earlier in the day.

    “It’s wonderful to say that I’m the fastest in all of the universities around the world. It’s a great honor to be here and to win this,” Walaza said after the race.

    “I arrived in Germany with not a lot of training under my belt, but I quickly convinced myself that I am a warrior and a fighter.”

    The reigning world U20 champion also won the men’s 100m on Tuesday in 10.16 seconds, edging Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (10.22), whom he had previously defeated in last year’s junior world final in Peru.

    Italy led the night’s medal haul with three golds from women’s track events.

    In the women’s 200m, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Vittoria Fontana ran a personal best of 22.79 seconds to take gold, bettering her previous mark of 22.97.

    Eloisa Coiro won the women’s 800m in 1:59.84 ahead of Switzerland’s Veronica Vancardo (2:00.08) and Spain’s Garcia Tena (2:00.12).

    Alice Muraro added Italy’s third track gold with a personal best of 54.60 in the women’s 400m hurdles. Michelle Smith of the U.S. Virgin Islands earned silver in 55.65 and Hungary’s Sara Mato took bronze in 55.92.

    Turkish Ozlem Becerek won the women’s discus with a season-best 61.15m. Sweden’s Ana Lindfors took silver at 58.80 and Germany’s Antonia Kinzel secured bronze with 58.43.

    Israel claimed its first athletics medal of the meet as Jonathan Kapitolnik won men’s high jump with a 2.27m clearance. Totsuki Abe delivered Japan’s first athletics gold by winning the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.47 seconds.

    Poland picked up two golds on the night. Filip Ostrowski won the men’s 1,500m in 3:46.10, and the Polish team captured the 4x400m mixed relay title with a season-best 3:15.18.

    In table tennis, China’s Zhao Shang swept past Huang Yu-jie of Chinese Taipei 4-0 to win women’s singles. Vladimir Sidorenko defeated Maksim Grebnev 4-1 in the men’s singles final between individual neutral athletes, concluding the table tennis competitions.

    In men’s basketball, Brazil and the United States advanced to Saturday’s final. Brazil edged host Germany 83-78, while Team USA overcame Lithuania 72-64.

    “When we’re making a bunch of mistakes and we’re down, we all come together and smile and stay positive and keep working hard. I am blessed from God to be in this position I am in,” said U.S. forward Daniel Skillings Jr., who had a game-high 17 points.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japan outlast Türkiye to reach Women’s VNL semifinals

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

    Japan secured a place in the semifinals of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) after edging past Türkiye 3-2 (25-21, 16-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-9) in a thrilling quarterfinal on Thursday in Lodz, Poland.

    Japan captain Mayu Ishikawa led her team with 19 points, including 17 kills and two aces. Opposite Yukiko Wada and outside hitter Yoshino Sato each added 15 points. For Türkiye, opposite Melissa Vargas posted a match-high 22 points, while outside hitter Yaprak Erkek contributed 17.

    Japan, the 2024 VNL silver medalist, took the opening set 25-21. The Turkish side responded with a dominant second set, powered by Erkek’s nine points, to level the match with a 25-16 win.

    Guided by Turkish head coach Ferhat Akbas, Japan regained control in the third set. Sato’s three well-placed spikes helped secure a 25-20 win and a 2-1 advantage.

    Türkiye fought back again in the fourth set, edging Japan 25-22 to force a decider.

    In the fifth set, Japan jumped out to a 7-4 lead and maintained control. Ishikawa delivered two crucial spikes and followed with an ace to close the set 15-9, booking Japan’s place in the semifinals.

    “We’re very happy to have won such an important match,” said Japanese setter Nanami Seki in a post-match interview with the official tournament website. “We knew it would be tough, so we focused on our side and tried to play our best. Now we have a chance to win a medal, and we will fight for it.”

    Japan will face Brazil in Saturday’s semifinal. The South American powerhouse defeated Germany 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-14) later Thursday. Opposite Rosamaria Montibeller led Brazil with 13 points, while Germany’s Lina Alsmeier scored 11. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement on the Signing of the Recissions Package

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
    “Trump and Senate Republicans have betrayed the American people by ramming through another damaging bill that harms our national security, undermines our ability to keep Americans safe, slashes vital programs to support working people – all so they can fund their tax cuts for the wealthiest few. These are reckless cuts.
    “Republicans and Democrats had come together to allocate these tax dollars for programs that are in the country’s best interest, and it’s a disgrace that Republicans have once again ceded their responsibilities in order to rubber stamp Donald Trump’s unpopular agenda. There are plenty of ways to cut down on wasteful spending, but what this Administration is doing is fiscal malpractice, not fiscal responsibility.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: City Cast Las Vegas Podcast: Why Sen. Rosen Says Trump’s Bill Is Screwing Over Las Vegans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    LAS VEGAS, NV – This week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined the City Cast Las Vegas podcast for a conversation about the devastating impacts that Donald Trump’s extreme tax-and-spending “Big Beautiful Bill” will have on Southern Nevada. With the help of Republicans in Congress, Trump pushed through a bill that will gut access to health care, cut funding for hospitals and food assistance programs, and even harm Nevada’s gaming industry. 
    City Cast Las Vegas: Why Sen. Rosen Says Trump’s Bill Is Screwing Over Las Vegans
    Below are quotes from Senator Rosen throughout the episode:

    On the cuts from the Republican law: “Hospitals are closing, kids are getting kicked off of Medicaid, seniors are getting kicked out of nursing homes, people aren’t going to get their school lunches and food, the list goes on and on. And the real plot twist is this: billionaires get more money.”
    On hospital funding cuts: “UMC is our level one trauma center, our public university hospital. They’re going to lose 45-50 million dollars. What does that mean? Well, it’s a Level One Trauma Center. God forbid you get in an accident and you go there, there will be less doctors, less nurses, less services. 45-50 million bucks is a big hit on a community hospital.”
    On SNAP cuts: “One in five kids in Nevada is food insecure. One in five. That’s a pretty high number. We think about school lunch and breakfast programs, and we think about their families and how over 130,000 Nevadans get SNAP. In the wealthiest nation in the world, kids will go hungry and families will go hungry, all to give money to Trump’s billionaire buddies? It’s despicable.”
    On new Republican tax on gambling: “This doesn’t only hurt Nevada, it hurts everyone… It’s going to hurt our gambling industry all across the nation.”
    On No Tax On Tips: “I put myself through college as a waitress. I know how hard it is to live on tips. Something that people don’t understand is that tips are variable. You could work a shift and not make enough money for the day. What we wanted to do was introduce the no tax on tips bill on its own so that Republicans in the House couldn’t tie it to Medicaid and snap cuts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Capital Region Members of Congress Release a Joint Statement on the Trump Administration’s Plan to Relocate USDA Agencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the department that would shut down several facilities in the National Capital Region and relocate thousands of employees across the country. U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA), and Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D-VA-08), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-4), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-8), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), and Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07) released the following statement:

    “This is a betrayal of American farmers, and an attack on the federal workforce that will severely damage services that the American people depend on. We are disappointed but not surprised that the Trump administration is continuing its attacks on the federal workforce, this time through wasting taxpayer dollars to relocate key USDA facilities. Let us be clear: these haphazard, unlawful relocations do not save taxpayer dollars or improve agency efficiency. We’ve seen this tactic before, and we know that it only results in brain drain, crushed morale, and cuts to vital programs American farmers depend on. We will continue to stand up for the dedicated federal workers who provide critical services to our nation as they navigate these relocations, mass firings, and the administration’s continued attacks on the civil service.”

    During the first Trump administration, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) relocated both the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO. A GAO study of these relocations found that these relocations had significant impacts on both agencies’ staffing and productivity, including:

    • The loss of over a third of each agency’s permanent full-time staff following the announcement of the relocation in 2018.
    • A significant loss of experience, with staff with more than two years of experience declining from 83% of both agencies’ combined workforces in 2018 to 27% in 2021.
    • Declines in productivity, with ERS issuing fewer key reports and NIFA taking over a month longer to process and fund competitive grants in 2019.

    GAO also found that USDA did not follow many leading practices for agency relocations, including a failure to consult with its employees at any point during the process and the exclusion of several key variables, including employee attrition, in its economic analysis to support the relocations. Both agencies have made positive improvements in these areas under the Biden administration, but the damage has already been done and many experienced, dedicated federal workers were essentially removed from their jobs.

    In March 2025, the members introduced the COST of Relocations Act, led by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), to fight back against President Trump’s relentless effort to relocate federal agencies and decimate their workforces. The legislation would require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress in order to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agency’s mission.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for Dawson County Storms

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration

    for Dawson County Storms

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has sent a request to President Donald J. TrumGov. Pillen Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for Dawson County Stormslier in the summer.

    The June 29th and 30th severe thunderstorms brought exceptionally high winds and heavy rain, which caused significant damage to public property and infrastructure, including millions of dollars of damage to NPPD infrastructure.

    Federal funding approval would help cover costs to repair damaged infrastructure and assist with recovery efforts.

    Earlier this week, Gov. Pillen issued a disaster declaration for Dawson County and directed the Nebraska Adjutant General, Major General Craig W. Strong – who also serves as State Disaster Coordinator – to activate appropriate State emergency plans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/24/2025 Blackburn, Warner, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect American Taxpayers from Stolen Tax Refund Checks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the bipartisan Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, which would allow American taxpayers who have their paper checks from the U.S. Department of Treasury lost or stolen in the mail to receive their payment by electronic deposit:

    “An outdated IRS policy is leaving Tennesseans vulnerable to having their tax refund checks repeatedly lost or stolen in the mail,” said Senator Blackburn. “When those refunds don’t arrive on time, it puts real strain on hardworking families. The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act would allow taxpayers to receive a direct deposit from the Treasury Department rather than another check a criminal could intercept.” 

    “With check fraud costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, it makes no sense for the federal government to keep reissuing vulnerable paper checks after they have already been stolen or gone missing,” said Senator Warner. “This bipartisan bill offers a smart, secure fix by letting taxpayers opt for direct deposit so they can get their money faster and more safely.”

    The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). 

    This legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is sponsored by Representatives David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.).

    BACKGROUND

    • Tax refund theft is on the rise, with two postal workers charged in May in connection to a $63 million scheme to steal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refund checks. 
    • Criminals take stolen IRS refund checks and sell them on the dark web. One investigation found 4,000 to 5,000 stolen checks for sale every month.
    • The total loss for American taxpayers for stolen mail is hundreds of millions of dollars.
    • Currently, if an IRS refund check is stolen, a taxpayer can only be issued a replacement paper check. This leaves the taxpayer vulnerable to having their refund check stolen again.

    THE RECOVERY OF STOLEN CHECKS ACT

    The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act would require Department of the Treasury to establish a secure, streamlined process that allows eligible taxpayers to receive their replacement refunds electronically via direct deposit, helping reduce the risk of theft, delays, and fraud.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces bill to open door to homeownership for American families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today introduced the Build Now Act, which would incentivize new home construction by tying federal funds to cities’ rates of homebuilding. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, joined Kennedy in introducing the bill.

    “In my book, homeownership shouldn’t be a pipe dream for the average American family. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with me. Government overregulation has brought homebuilding to a grinding halt and left ordinary people twisting in the wind as existing home prices went through the roof. I’m proud to introduce the Build Now Act to discourage pointless roadblocks and incentivize cities to help make the American Dream possible again,” said Kennedy. 

    “Americans are suffering under sky-high housing prices caused by a worsening housing shortage. The Federal government should use the tools at our disposal to reward communities that are taking bold action to build more housing and reduce families’ biggest monthly expense. It’s time for Congress to act—and this bipartisan proposal is a call to action to communities across the country to build housing now,” said Warren.

    The United States today faces a housing crisis. Since 2021, the annual income needed to qualify for a mortgage has increased by 60%, driving the median age of a first-time home buyer to a record-high 38 years old.

    By May 2025, new home construction rates had collapsed to their lowest level since the pandemic. On an annual basis, new home construction has fallen nearly 5%. 

    Currently, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) provides annual grants to states, cities and counties irrespective of their rate of homebuilding.

    The Build Now Act would:

    • Require HUD to remove 10% of CDBG funding from cities that fail to improve their rate of homebuilding above the national median.
    • Order HUD to proportionally reallocate those CDBG funds to cities that exceeded the national median rate of homebuilding. Under the Build Now Act, cities with the highest rates of growth would receive larger shares as funds are reallocated.
    • Allow metropolitan areas two years to start building homes before HUD determines their level of CDBG funding.

    The bill would not apply to cities where the median home value is below the national median or cities that issued an emergency disaster declaration in the last year.

    In his role on the Senate Banking Committee, Kennedy has championed the cause of making homeownership easier for families, raising the issue frequently during recent hearings:

    • In Jan. 2025, Kennedy questioned then-HUD Secretary nominee Scott Turner about the failures of previous affordable housing policies. During this hearing, he suggested an approach that would incentivize localities to allow more new home construction without affording excessive power to the federal government.
    • At a hearing one week later, Kennedy outlined a potential “carrot-and-stick” system that would spur new home construction while allowing local governments to determine their exact means of doing so.
    • In Feb. 2025, Kennedy questioned then-Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency nominee Bill Pulte on the consequences of Americans borrowing large amounts of money to buy homes, noting that “we’ve got a house of cards here.”

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 25, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Jul 25, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Fri Jul 25 00:59:42 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 250059

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0759 PM CDT Thu Jul 24 2025

    Valid 250100Z – 251200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF
    KS/NORTHWEST OK NORTHEASTWARD INTO THE LOWER GREAT LAKES…AND ALSO
    ACROSS THE HIGH PLAINS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Locally damaging thunderstorm wind gusts remain possible tonight
    from parts of Missouri into the lower Great Lakes region. Isolated
    hail and strong to severe gusts are also possible across parts of
    the central and northern High Plains.

    …Parts of MO into the lower Great Lakes…
    A loosely organized MCS has developed across parts of northeast MO
    this evening. This system may continue moving east-northeast along a
    surface boundary tonight, aided by very rich downstream moisture and
    moderate buoyancy (as observed in the 00Z ILX sounding). While this
    system has largely remained subsevere thus far, and low/midlevel
    flow is forecast to remain relatively modest, locally damaging gusts
    cannot be ruled out as it approaches parts of central/northern IL
    and northwest IN later tonight.

    Farther east, convection has generally weakened or moved into
    Ontario from southern lower MI this evening. Strong storms remain
    over parts of southeast Ontario, and these storms may approach parts
    of western NY with isolated strong to locally damaging gusts before
    subsiding.

    …Central/northern High Plains…
    Widely scattered strong to locally severe storms may continue
    through at least dusk across parts of the central and northern High
    Plains, within a moderately unstable environment. Effective shear of
    25-35 kt will support potential for hail with the strongest discrete
    cells, while isolated strong to severe gusts also remain possible,
    especially if any notable outflow consolidation occurs later this
    evening.

    ..Dean.. 07/25/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1775

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1775

    Mesoscale Discussion 1775
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0813 PM CDT Thu Jul 24 2025

    Areas affected…portions of northeast Missouri into west-central
    Illinois

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely

    Valid 250113Z – 250245Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…5 percent

    SUMMARY…A couple of damaging gusts may occur with a
    cold-pool-driven MCS over the next few hours. A WW issuance is not
    expected.

    DISCUSSION…A cold-pool-driven MCS has recently organized into a
    quasi-bowing structure oriented roughly normal to the 20-30 kt
    effective bulk shear vectors. Surface observations suggest 10-20 F
    surface temperature deficits behind the main line. Given modest
    forward propagation of the MCS noted into a favorable airmass
    characterized by 2500+ J/kg MLCAPE, a couple of damaging gusts
    cannot be ruled out along locally stronger surges of the cold
    pool/convective leading line. Nonetheless, the severe threat will be
    isolated at best, so a WW issuance is not expected.

    ..Squitieri/Mosier.. 07/25/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…ILX…LSX…

    LAT…LON 40029196 40149090 39838994 39348977 39039008 38939041
    38969103 38989145 38989182 39059223 40029196

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH

    Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Fri Jul 25 02:05:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Fri Jul 25 02:11:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Milan agree deal with Flamengo for Emerson Royal

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

    Flamengo has reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign right-back Emerson Royal, according to media reports in Brazil.

    Jude Bellingham (R) of Real Madrid vies with Emerson Royal of AC Milan during the UEFA Champions League football match between Real Madrid and AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

    The 26-year-old will arrive in Rio de Janeiro for a medical on Saturday, having agreed in principle to a deal running until December 2028, local press said on Thursday.

    Flamengo reportedly agreed to pay nine million euros to release the defender, who had three years remaining on his Milan contract.

    Emerson made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Italian Serie A club following his August 2024 move from Tottenham.

    He is set to be the second signing for Flamengo since Brazil’s mid-season transfer window opened on July 10, joining former Spain international midfielder Saul.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Criticizes VA Nominee for Harmful “Ready, Fire, Aim” Contract Terminations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach it’s taking to contract and staff reductions at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). In his exchange with John Bartrum, Nominee to be Under Secretary for Health, King reasoned that it is virtually impossible to make dramatic, across-the-board reductions with thought, care and precision while protecting care for veterans because of the speed in which the reductions are happening.
    Senator King began, “I’ve done a little examination, this is full of contracts for nursing services, nursing home services you mentioned prosthetics, probably a dozen prosthetics contracts being canceled. It is hard for me to believe that all of these are unnecessary contracts. $13 billion worth of contracts. It worries me is that there seems to be a pattern of ready, fire, aim at Veterans’ Affairs. You started with hiring freeze applying to everybody, then, oh no, it doesn’t apply to medical people. That was a good decision, but it should not have been, it shouldn’t have been made in the first place. Then it was 83,000 people are going to be fired by the end of the year, now it is 30,000, not fired, but we are going to downsize by 30,000. And I just wonder if upon review, I can’t believe all 16,000 of these contracts, and then the email, of course, lists three or four ones that we would all say, okay, those probably aren’t necessary but prosthetics contracts, nursing contracts, nursing home contracts, it really bothers me. Mr. Bartrum, you mentioned we don’t have a good staffing model. That may well be true, but I think you should start with the staffing model and then decide what the right size of the staff is. Not start with 30,000 or a month ago, it was 83,000 and work backwards. Do you see what I’m saying? Analyze the staff, do the staffing model, determine what you need and then make those decisions instead of starting with what amounts to a quota, and reverse engineering. Give me some thoughts about that.
    “Senator King, I don’t disagree with the way using analytics to determine what you need for staffing, building to the staffing, which is why my earlier comment was, I really want to work on our staffing and what the staffing should be. On your question about the contracts, a lot of those we also found that we had multiple contracts in multiple areas for similar things and we could also consolidate into more regional and national contracts. Where you see some contracts that might be terminated on the list, there may be additional contracts expanded out or scope changed to renegotiate it into a regional contract because you have the same contractor in some cases providing service in certain areas,” Bartrum replied.
    Senator King replied, “It is hard for me to believe in the time we have had in the last few months, this list of 16,000 contracts has had the kind of careful review that, I will predict, that a month or two from now there will be another memo saying, well, there are a bunch of contracts we are not going to cut or eliminate. I want to see more planning before the decisions are made that could so significantly affect veteran care.”
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.
    Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” Senator King also recently joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees, and participated in a special investigative SVAC hearing to question witnesses who were terminated due to DOGE cuts. In May, Senators King and Blumenthal wrote again to Secretary Collins demanding an explanation for DOGE cuts to cancel contracts at VA that would impact health care for Maine veterans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Does artificial intelligence help uni students learn smarter or just faster?

    Source:

    25 July 2025

    New research from the University of South Australia has revealed that tertiary students’ learning habits are deeply connected to how they engage with generative artificial intelligence tools.

    Surveying 435 students from Australia and Canada, the study investigated how confidence, motivation, and effort regulation influence perceptions of AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT.

    Researchers found that self-regulated learning skills play a significant role in whether students adopt AI as a meaningful learning aid or merely a quick solution for academic tasks.

    The findings show that university students who use AI for academic purposes benefit more than those using it for work or personal tasks. They also show that student who feel confident in their abilities are more likely to use Ai to benefit their learning.

    Lead researcher, UniSA’s Associate Professor Negin Mirriahi, says that the way students approach AI tools reflects their broader learning strategies.

    “Some students see AI as a shortcut, using it to finish assignments more quickly, but our research suggests that those with strong self-regulation skills actually harness it for deeper learning,” Assoc Prof Negin Mirriahi says.

    “It’s not just about speed; it’s about how students engage with knowledge.

    “When students feel confident in their capabilities, they are more likely to engage with and effectively use technological tools.”

    The study highlights a distinction between students who use AI for university studies and those who engage with it for non-academic purposes such as work or entertainment.

    Those using AI for learning were more likely to find it useful, reinforcing the connection between structured self-regulation and effective AI adoption.

    Assoc Prof Mirriahi says the findings should inform how universities integrate AI into education.

    “Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education, and our study shows that students who are motivated and confident in their learning benefit the most from AI tools,” she says.

    “The challenge for universities is to ensure AI fosters independent thinking rather than becoming a crutch for students who lack self-regulation.

    “We need to help students develop the skills to critically engage with AI, not just rely on it for convenience.”

    The researchers say that universities should model AI use in classrooms, demonstrating ways that students can engage with the technology to strengthen their critical thinking and independent learning.

    “We need to see more engagement with AI in university environments, so that teachers can demonstrate how AI can benefit student learning,” Assoc Prof Mirriahi says.

    “This might include showcasing how AI can generate ideas, explain complex concepts, or even critique their work.

    “Importantly, through direct and guided engagement, students will learn how they can confidently and responsibly engage with AI to enhance their learning experiences, without cheating.”

    Study co-author, UniSA’s Associate Professor Vitomir Kovanović, says that while AI adoption is increasing, there is a risk that some students may rely on it superficially, rather than using it to refine study skills and deepen understanding.

    “The concern isn’t just whether students use AI, it’s about how they use it,” Assoc Prof Kovanović says.
    “If they approach AI critically and actively evaluate its responses, they can enhance their learning.

    “But if AI simply becomes a shortcut to completing tasks, we may see gaps in how students develop their problem-solving skills.”

    Assoc Prof Kovanović says that universities should focus on fostering self-efficacy and effort regulation in students.

    “Students who have confidence in their learning abilities and persist through challenges tend to find AI genuinely useful,” he says.

    “Universities must equip students with strategies to use AI effectively so that it enhances their critical thinking, rather than replacing it.

    “AI is already embedded in education, and it’s only going to become more prevalent. Our responsibility is to ensure students are equipped with the right strategies to navigate it effectively.”

    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

    The full paper is available here: Mirriahi, N., Marrone, R., Barthakur, A., Gabriel, F., Colton, J., Yeung, T. N., Arthur, P., & Kovanovic, V. (2025). The relationship between students’ self-regulated learning skills and technology acceptance of GenAI. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology.

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

    Contacts for interview:  Associate Professor Negin Mirriahi E: Negin.Mirriahi@unisa.edu.au
    Associate Professor Vitomir Kovanović E: Vitomir.Kovanovic@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin Introduces Bill to Combat Microfiber Pollution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    July 24, 2025

    Bicameral Legislation Would Prevent Microfibers from Our Clothes Entering Our Waters & Bodies

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Fighting Fibers Act, which would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) to require the installation of a microfiber filtration system on new washing machines to address microfiber pollution and health impacts from clothing. A companion bill in the Senate was introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

    Scientists estimate millions of tons of microfibers from clothing enter our water systems and oceans every year, making textiles the largest known source of microplastic pollution. Synthetic microfibers, found in clothing containing polyester, shed while being washed due to the friction and turbulence in the washing machine. Once in our waters, microfibers absorb and release toxins that harm wildlife and ultimately contaminate the food that we eat.

    The Fighting Fibers Act would require washing machines sold in the U.S. to include a filter that would prevent microfibers in clothing from shedding into wastewater and eventually contaminating rivers, lakes, and oceans.

    “Microfibers pose a serious threat to our waterways, oceans, and food supply and can ultimately end up in our bodies leading to serious health complications. Preventing them from entering our ecosystems is important to health and safety,” said Rep. Levin. “This bill provides a simple, targeted solution that offsets the environmental and health impacts of microfibers by stopping them in laundry cycles before they can enter our waters and bodies. I thank Sen. Merkley for his partnership on this bill, and I look forward to advancing it through the legislative process.”

    “When it comes to plastics, most of us have been taught the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The sinister reality is the three Bs: buried, burned, and borne out to sea, as dangerous chemicals poison our soil, air, and water,” said Sen. Merkley. “Microplastic pollution harms human health and our environment, and the Fighting Fibers Act is a simple fix to help consumers address the pollution from their clothes that is driving our global plastics crisis.”

    “Microfibers are the most common type of microplastic pollution in our ocean and environment and have made their way everywhere from our drinking water to our blood streams. The scale and urgency of this crisis demand immediate action, and adding microfiber filters to washing machines is a common-sense and cost-effective solution available today to address this crisis. We applaud Senator Merkley and Representative Levin for championing the Fighting Fibers Act of 2025 to protect our ocean and our communities from dangerous microplastics,” said Dr. Anja Brandon, Director, Plastics Policy, Ocean Conservancy.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Foreign Affairs Funding Measure That Weakens National Security By Slashing Critical Foreign Assistance Efforts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in Committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations bill that would our nation’s foreign affairs programs and agencies by 22%  

    This measure funds (or should fund) U.S. foreign policy efforts, including the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. contributions to the United Nations and its agencies and more.  

    The bill historically provides for international diplomatic presence and outreach as well as foreign assistance in public health, basic education, educational and cultural exchanges, climate change and more. The bill’s proposed FY 2026 discretionary funding level is $46.2 billion. This is a decrease of $13 billion (22 percent) from the FY 2025 enacted level.  

    “While this measure did fund many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I had to vote against it because on balance it weakens our global leadership when the world most needs our continued full engagement,” said Case.

    Case spoke in Committee in opposition to the measure, saying it would “split our alliances, partnerships and friendships and cast our country as an unreliable partner”, allowing the People’s Republic of China to fill voids left by U.S. disengagement. His remarks are here.

    The bill continues the Trump administration’s gutting of U.S. foreign assistance across a broad array of efforts, including: 

    ·         Codifying the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development. 

    ·         Cutting international humanitarian aid by 42% in activities previously funded under International Disaster Assistance and Migration and Refugee Affairs.  

    ·         Cutting U.S. bilateral economic assistance by 21% in activities previously funded under Development Assistance, Economic Support Fund and other accounts.  

    ·         Creating a $1.7 billion transactional slush fund for the Trump administration called the “America First Opportunity Fund” with no effective congressional oversight.  

    However, Case did welcome support in the bill for various of his requests related to Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific, especially $16.7 million for the East-West Center in Honolulu.

    “As we continue to focus on the growing influence of the PRC in the Indo-Pacific, our national security interests must also include diplomatic engagement and assistance to promote peace and diplomacy in the region,” said Case. “Continued funding for our East-West Center and other world-leading institutions in Hawai‘i supports our country’s standing in an area widely seen as the most dynamic and critical on earth.” 

    “For all seven of my years on Appropriations, I have ranked full funding for the Center at the top of my annual requests to my committee because I believe not only in the Center’s invaluable work but in what it represents for Hawaii’s central role in the Asia-Pacific and in the broader benefits that bring high-quality … jobs to our overall economy,” he said.

    “Though we still have a long way to go this appropriations year, I’m grateful that my House colleagues have again favorably considered my request, especially when the President’s budget proposed zero funding for the Center.” 

    Other bill provisions requested by Case include:

    ·         $1.8 billion for the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which promotes peace, prosperity and democracy in the region. 

    ·         $175 million for the Pacific Islands region, the same as FY 2025 enacted levels.  

    ·         $3 million for the Advancing Port Enhancement and Customs Security program in the Pacific Islands.  

    ·         Funding for Pacific Islands exchange programs, with a focus on partnering with universities in Pacific locations.  

    ·         Funding for small grants programs to assist local communities across the Pacific Islands.  

    ·         Funding for a Flexible Microfinance Facility for the Pacific Islands, launched by the Development Finance Corporation with the Department of State. 

    ·         Report language supporting funding for free and open media in the Pacific.  

    ·         Funding for trade capacity-building activities in the Pacific Islands. 

    ·         Report language supporting the Peace Corps’ expansion in the Pacific. 

    ·         Funding for a demand-driven initiative to diversify trade opportunities in the Pacific Islands.  

    ·         Language requiring a report on ways to strengthen U.S. trade and investment with the Pacific Islands.  

    ·         Funding for unexploded ordinance removal in the Pacific Islands, including Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.  

    ·         Language requiring a strategy for faith-based engagement for assistance in the Pacific Islands.  

    The bill further includes funding for several foreign policy programs supported by Case, although some at unacceptably low levels. Among them are: 

    ·         $411 million for the Peace Corps, a decrease of $20 million from FY 2025. 

    ·         $411 million for peacekeeping operations, the same as FY 2025. 

    ·         $562.3 million to support international peacekeeping activities, a decrease of $838 million. 

    ·         $701 million for educational and cultural exchange programs, which include the Fulbright programs, a decrease of more than $40 million. 

    ·         $310 million for contributions to international organizations, a decrease of $1.2 billion. 

    ·         $1.5 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a decrease of $200 million. 

    ·         $915 million for maternal and child health programs. 

    A summary of the bill is available here.  

    This is the ninth of twelve separate bills developed and approved by the Appropriations Committee that would fund the federal government at some $1.6 trillion for FY 2026 commencing October 1st of this year. The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Clayton

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in St. Louis County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and wildfires occurring March 14–15 and also for those affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 16.

    Beginning Friday, July 25, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Clayton to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    ST. LOUIS COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center

    Mid-County Branch Library

    7821 Maryland Ave.

    Clayton, MO  63105

    Opens at 9:00 a.m., Friday, July 25

    Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Fridays – Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    The following locations are also open and continue to serve survivors:

    THE INDEPENDENT CITY OF ST. LOUIS

    Business Recovery Center

    St. Louis Community College

    Harrison Education Center

    3140 Cass Ave., Rm. #104

    St. Louis, MO  63106

    Mondays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    ST. LOUIS COUNTY

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center

    St. Louis County Library

    Florissant Vallet Branch

    Quiet Room

    195 S. New Florissant Rd.

    Florissant, MO  63031

    Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Fridays – Saturdays, 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    For SBA declaration MO 21094 for the March storms, interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

    For SBA declaration MO 21129 for the May storms, interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

    Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Although the deadline to return applications for physical property damage due to the March storms has passed, there is a grace period of 60 days the SBA will accept applications beyond the July 22 deadline. The grace period will end on Sept. 20, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage due to the May storms is Aug. 11, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to New Mexico Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued July 22, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to New Mexico small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding and landslides beginning June 23.

    The disaster declaration covers the New Mexico county of Lincoln which is eligible for both Physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Small businesses and PNP organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA EIDLs: Chaves, De Baca, Guadalupe, Otero, Sierra, Socorro and Torrance.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs including faith based impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs and 2.813% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nearly $25 Million for Maine Housing Projects Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $24,675,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Maine housing infrastructure projects in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

    “Maine continues to face a severe affordable housing shortage,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would help to improve the quality and safety of affordable and emergency housing throughout the state. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

    This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.

    Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:

    Auburn Area Infrastructure for Workforce Housing

    Recipient: City of Auburn

    Project Location: Auburn, ME

    Amount Requested: $8,000,000

    Project Purpose: To expand the infrastructure needed for housing and economic development.

    Down East Community Hospital Workforce Housing

    Recipient: Down East Community Hospital

    Project Location: East Machias, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,190,000

    Project Purpose: To support housing units for hospital workforce.

    Maine Woods Housing Initiative

    Recipient: Northern Forest Center

    Project Location: Greenville, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,500,000

    Project Purpose: To support affordable housing in Piscataquis County.

    Indian Township Passamaquoddy Housing Initiative

    Recipient: Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township

    Project Location: Indian Township, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,985,000

    Project Purpose: To support affordable housing in Indian Township.

    York County Workforce and Senior Housing

    Recipient: Sanford Housing Authority Development Corporation

    Project Location: Springvale, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,500,000

    Project Purpose: To develop workforce and senior housing.

    York County Community College Workforce and Student Housing

    Recipient: York County Community College

    Project Location: Wells, ME

    Amount Requested: $6,500,000

    Project Purpose: To construct housing for year-round use.

    In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Fund Key Transportation and Housing Programs in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for Maine in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

    The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 27-1, provides $400 million in defense funding and $99.8 billion in nondefense funding.

    “Strengthening local economies throughout Maine starts with prioritizing and improving our infrastructure and transportation network. This legislation would build on previous investments, providing funding to enhance safety, move people and products more safely and efficiently, and create jobs across the state. It would also maintain existing rental assistance for more than 4.6 million households throughout the United States and invest in programs aimed at tackling homelessness,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

    Since joining the Appropriations Committee in 2009, Senator Collins has helped to secure more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine.

    Bill Highlights:

    Local Projects: Nearly $135 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine. This includes more than $46 million for six MaineDOT projects.

    Department of Transportation:

    • Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation Funding: $350 million for a competitive rural bridge rehabilitation and replacement program, of which Maine is guaranteed to receive at least $32.5 million and is eligible for up to $55 million.
    • BUILD Grants: $250 million for BUILD grants, a program championed by Senator Collins to provide federal assistance for vital transportation projects across the country. Maine has received more than $393 million since the program, previously known as TIGER and RAISE, was established in 2009.
    • Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grants: $100 million for discretionary CRISI grants to support projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.
    • State Maritime Academies (SMAs): $143 million for SMA Operations, which includes $115 for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessels program and associated SMA shore-side infrastructure improvements, benefitting Maine Maritime Academy.
    • Ports and Shipyards: $75 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program to support improvements to ports and $30 million for the Small Shipyard Grant program to support capital improvements and workforce training in shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries. Maine shipyards that have benefitted from the Small Shipyards Grant program include Rockland Marine Corporation, Washburn & Doughty, and Front Street Shipyard.
    • Aviation Improvement Program (AIP): $4 billion, which includes $25 million in discretionary supplemental AIP funding, which has benefited airports in Bangor, Presque Isle, Old Town, and Wiscasset in prior years. This also includes $25 million for a new discretionary rural airport grant program that targets those airports who have typically received a smaller amount of entitlement money based on their annual AIP formula amounts. Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport would be eligible to receive funds from this new rural airport program.
    • Essential Air Service (EAS): $513.6 million to support all existing EAS communities, including Augusta, Hancock County-Bar Harbor, Presque Isle, and Rockland.

    Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

    • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): $3.1 billion for the CDBG program, which helps state and local governments promote economic development and job creation.
    • HOME Investment Partnerships Program: $1.25 billion for the HOME program, which provides critical funding for the development of new affordable housing.
    • Youth Homelessness: $107 million for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration program and $25 million for Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers for youth exiting foster care and at risk of homelessness.
    • Aging-in-Place Home Modifications for Seniors: $30 million for home modification grants to enable low-income seniors to “age in place” and remain in their own homes. The bill addresses several barriers to greater participation, including streamlining environmental reviews, adjusting the cost per property cap to account for increased labor and materials costs, and encouraging rather than requiring the use of occupational therapists.
    • Housing for the Elderly: $972 million for the Housing for the Elderly (Section 202) program, of which $122 million is for the development of new HUD-assisted senior housing properties.
    • Housing During Substance Abuse Recovery: $30 million for states to provide individuals in recovery with stable, temporary housing. This includes more than $1 million for transitional housing support for addiction recovery programs in Maine.
    • Lead Hazard Reduction Grants: $295.6 million to remediate lead-based paint hazards, helping communities protect children from the harmful effects of lead-based paint poisoning in homes.

    This funding and language advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than $4 Million for North Pond and Unity Pond Restoration Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $4,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to improve the water quality of North Pond and Unity Pond in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

    “Maine’s lakes and ponds play an important role in communities throughout the state, offering recreational, fishing, and birding opportunities for locals and visitors,” said Senator Collins. “This funding aims to address frequent algae blooms and improve water quality, helping to ensure these natural resources will be available for all to enjoy for generations to come. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

    This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.

    Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:

    North Pond Water Quality Restoration

    Recipient: Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance

    Project Location: Somerset and Kennebec Counties, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,350,000

    Project Purpose: To remediate algae blooms in North Pond.

    Unity Pond Water Quality Restoration

    Recipient: Friends of Lake Winnecook

    Project Location: Waldo County, ME

    Amount Requested: $2,000,000

    Project Purpose: To remediate algae blooms in Unity Pond.

    In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warnock Leads Bipartisan Push to Address Physician Workforce Shortage

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock introduced the bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 with Senator Boozman to increase the number of physicians in communities across the country

    The legislation would increase the number of Medicare funded residency positions by expanding the number of available slots

    143 counties in Georgia are designated as a “Health Professional Shortage Area” by the federal government. 10 Georgia counties had no physicians in 2024

    Over one third of practicing Georgia physicians said they completed their residency in Georgia, showing that increasing residency slots in Georgia will increase the number of doctors that practice in the state

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. The legislation would help address the nation’s doctor shortage by increasing the number of Medicare funded residency positions by 14,000 over seven years. The legislation would also make progress toward providing the necessary primary care and specialty physicians necessary to meet the country’s workforce needs.

    “Our state faces a critical shortage of primary care and specialty physicians, preventing many Georgians from accessing health care services in their community,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Where you live shouldn’t determine the type of medical care you receive, and I will not stop working to help our hospitals hire and retain the health care workforce that Georgians deserve.”

    “There is an urgent, demonstrated need to strengthen our health care system by combating the alarming shortage of providers, particularly in rural areas,” said Senator Boozman. “Lifting the outdated cap on residency positions supported by Medicare can expand the supply of physicians while helping ensure access to quality care and treatment in more communities nationwide. I am proud to work in a bipartisan way on this important medical workforce solution that also supports better health outcomes.”

    The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 will address the United States’ impending physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. As a large portion of the physician workforce nears traditional retirement age, there is a critical need to educate and train more physicians to ensure there are enough medical professionals to care for patients across all communities. The legislation prioritizes increasing the number of graduate medical education (GME) positions in states with hospitals in rural and underserved areas, hospitals training physicians in excess of their cap, hospitals affiliated with a historically Black medical school, new or expanding medical schools, and hospitals that serve areas designated as health professional shortage areas.

    As a lifelong advocate for public health, Senator Warnock has advocated tirelessly for greater investment in Geogia’s health care workforce. In 2022, Senator Warnock helped secure federal funding for GA-STRONG, a proposal that provides funds to teaching hospitals across Georgia to help hire, train, and retain more health care workers. In 2023, Senator Warnock secured $500,000 for Emory University’s Nursing Program through annual appropriations process. Most recently, Senator Warnock published a report, “Healthy People, Healthy Economy” that outlines the risk of placing bureaucratic red tape between working people and their healthcare.

    The legislation is supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA). A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL-07) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

    Read the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 HERE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warnock, Ossoff Urge DOJ to Investigate Conditions at Bibb County Jail

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) urged the Department of Justice to open a federal investigation into conditions at the Bibb County Jail in Macon, Georgia.

    Senator Reverend Warnock and Senator Jon Ossoff: “given the extremity of the reported health, safety, and civil rights concerns that persist in the jail, we urge the DOJ to conduct a full and thorough investigation into conditions at this jail and whether the rights of any individuals who work at or are incarcerated at these facilities may have been violated.”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) urged the Department of Justice to open an investigation into conditions at the Bibb County Jail in Macon, Georgia. The Senators are demanding action following recent reports of health, safety, and civil rights concerns at the facility. In recent years, multiple inmates have been killed or injured in outbreaks of violence at the jail, including a 22-year-old inmate who was stabbed to death at the facility in June.

    “The reports emerging from Bibb County Jail are disturbing. On June 4, 2025, Breele Jahiem Johnson, 22, was stabbed to death. Multiple other inmates were injured in the same incident. Unfortunately, violence at this facility is not rare. In April, an inmate had boiling water thrown on his face, causing severe burns. In May 2024, an inmate died after being tasered by officers. Just last week, another inmate was stabbed and had to be taken to a local hospital. Since 2020, four individuals have died by suicide. The pattern of violence at this facility is troubling.” the Senators wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We have been encouraged by local officials’ recent efforts to address Bibb County Jail conditions. However, given the extremity of the reported health, safety, and civil rights concerns that persist in the jail, we urge the DOJ to conduct a full and thorough investigation,” the Senators added. 

    The effort builds on Senator Warnock’s previous work to ensure humane conditions in prisons in Georgia and across the nation. In February of 2024, Senator Warnock led his colleagues in successfully urging the Justice Department prioritize the investigation into Fulton County Jail following multiple deaths at the facility in recent years. In 2025, the Justice Department entered a consent decree over the conditions at Fulton County Jail.

    Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    We are writing you today to request that the Department of Justice (DOJ) open an investigation into conditions at the Bibb County Jail in Macon, Georgia.

    Throughout our time in office, we have conducted oversight and taken action to expose and address civil and human rights abuses in prisons and jails, including in federal, state, and local institutions across Georgia. The reports emerging from Bibb County Jail are disturbing. On June 4, 2025, Breele Jahiem Johnson, 22, was stabbed to death.1 Multiple other inmates were injured in the same incident. Unfortunately, violence at this facility is not rare. In April, an inmate had boiling water thrown on his face, causing severe burns. In May 2024, an inmate died after being tasered by officers. Just last week, another inmate was stabbed and had to be taken to a local hospital. Since 2020, four individuals have died by suicide.6 The pattern of violence at this facility is troubling.

    Living conditions at the Bibb County jail are also unacceptable. After touring the jail, the president of the Georgia NAACP stated that the “cracked walls, broken plumbing, poor lighting and unsanitary conditions create an environment no human should be subjected to.” According to others, rodents and waste are regularly seen in the hallways.

    We have been encouraged by local officials’ recent efforts to address Bibb County Jail conditions. However, given the extremity of the reported health, safety, and civil rights concerns that persist in the jail, we urge the DOJ to conduct a full and thorough investigation into conditions at this jail and whether the rights of any individuals who work at or are incarcerated at these facilities may have been violated. Our offices are ready to assist your work in any capacity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 07.24.2025 Cruz, Cornyn Bill to Make Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Signed Into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after their Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act, which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas, to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Refuge, was signed into law by President Trump.
    Sen. Cruz said, “I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues in Congress and to President Trump for signing into law the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act. This bill will rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s memory. Jocelyn was murdered by illegal aliens, an unspeakable crime that should have never occurred. We have a duty to commemorate her life alongside her family.”
    Sen. Cornyn said, “Last year, Jocelyn Nungaray’s life was stolen from her by dangerous illegal immigrants who were wrongfully let into the country by the Biden-Harris administration, and today we ensure her life and legacy are never forgotten. I want to thank President Trump for swiftly signing my legislation to permanently rename of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s honor and was proud to join today’s White House bill signing ceremony.”
    Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) led this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    BACKGROUND
    On June 17, 2024, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered in Houston, Texas. Two illegal aliens who were allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been charged with her murder. Jocelyn loved animals and, given the close proximity of her hometown of Houston, it is fitting that the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge be renamed in her honor.
    Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the 39,000-acre refuge is a sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and plays a vital role in coastal conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. Now, it will also stand as a solemn tribute to Jocelyn’s memory and a symbol of the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American communities. On March 4, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14229 to officially change the name from Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. On March 7, 2025, the refuge was officially renamed after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s implementation order was signed. This law will ensure that this renaming cannot be overturned by a future administration by codifying the refuge’s new name into law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xu Huiyan shines at Aquatics Worlds, eyes Olympic future

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

    At just 19 years old, Xu Huiyan has already emerged as one of China’s brightest stars in artistic swimming.

    At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, she delivered a standout performance, earning three gold medals and one silver – including China’s first-ever world title in the women’s solo technical event.

    Ahead of the championships, Xu’s momentum had sparked speculation from World Aquatics about how many golds she might claim in Singapore. The answer, so far, is remarkable.

    Xu Huiyan in action during the women’s solo technical preliminary at the 2025 World Aquatic Championships. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

    Xu has competed in nine events over seven days, including preliminary rounds – a grueling schedule by any standard. Despite the demanding timeline, she continued to contribute to her team while excelling individually.

    She helped China capture two gold medals in team events and also added a silver in the women’s solo free. On Thursday morning, she competed in the team acrobatic preliminaries, helping China secure the top spot heading into the final.

    Reflecting on her solo technical gold, Xu said: “It feels pretty emotional, because something I hoped for but hadn’t dared to think about before is now a reality before me.”

    Still, she sees room to improve. “In the solo free event, there are still things I can improve on, whether it’s in terms of completion or connectivity.”

    Xu said competing in team events actually enhances her solo performances.

    “Doing the team event helped me feel freer, move more freely,” she explained. “The depth of the field in the team event isn’t that much different from the solo event, so doing that did help.”

    However, head coach Zhang Xiaohuan noted that some compromises were made to prioritize team success.

    “In fact, the preparation and training for the solo events were geared toward supporting the team events,” Zhang said. “Sacrifices were made in the solo competitions. Coach Tu Jun and Xu worked very well together, utilizing their spare time for solo training.”

    Even on days with back-to-back finals, Xu delivered high-caliber performances. Zhang praised her leadership and dedication.

    “She takes the initiative on everything – from the music selection to the choreography and artistic impression… she does all of that,” Zhang said. “I’m very glad we’ve found an excellent swimmer to help the Chinese team.”

    Xu’s rise has been rapid. She debuted at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, earning bronze in the solo technical and placing fourth in the solo free. Two months later, she claimed three golds at the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Beijing, sweeping both solo events and the team technical.

    Her success continued at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming Junior Championships in Peru last August, where she won gold in the solo technical, team free, and team technical events.

    In 2025, her winning streak showed no signs of slowing. She secured individual titles at the World Cup in Canada in May, and then at the Super Final in Xi’an in June, she took home five gold medals from six events.

    “The past year has been a grueling one in training for me. It’s been a lot of growth,” Xu said.

    “I needed to work on my artistic impression – that was something I was lacking last year. My growth is completely linked to my team and my coaches. I get a lot of support from so many people who work behind the scenes.”

    “Competing in more events also means I got more opportunities to test myself,” she added.

    Coach Zhang highlighted the magnitude of her progress.

    “As a young athlete, Xu went from a bronze and a fourth place in Doha to the achievements she’s already had here in Singapore – all within just a year,” Zhang said. “She is only 19 years old and has already achieved a breakthrough here, doing something we’ve never achieved before. She’s already made one of our dreams come true.”

    Looking ahead, Zhang sees even greater potential.

    “As one of China’s top artistic swimmers, Xu can still elevate her performance – particularly in achieving more fluid extensions and refining the delicate precision of her leg movements. She has the potential to be even better.”

    For Xu, there’s still much to strive for. This is only her second World Championships, and she has her sights set on the Olympic Games.

    “I still need to work harder on my path of growth,” she said.

    Xu will compete in her 10th and final event of the competition – the team acrobatic final – on Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Historic ICJ climate ruling ‘just the beginning’, says Vanuatu’s Regenvanu

    By Ezra Toara in Port Vila

    Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Ralph Regenvanu, has welcomed the historic International Court of Justice (ICJ) climate ruling, calling it a “milestone in the fight for climate justice”.

    The ICJ has delivered a landmark advisory opinion on states’ obligations under international law to act on climate change.

    The ruling marks a major shift in the global push for climate justice.

    Vanuatu — one of the nations behind the campaign — has pledged to take the decision back to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to seek a resolution supporting its full implementation.

    Climate Change Minister Regenvanu said in a statement: “We now have a common foundation based on the rule of law, releasing us from the limitations of individual nations’ political interests that have dominated climate action.

    “This moment will drive stronger action and accountability to protect our planet and peoples.”

    The ICJ confirmed that state responsibilities extend beyond voluntary commitments under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.

    It ruled that customary international law also requires states to prevent environmental and transboundary harm, protect human rights, and cooperate to address climate change impacts.

    Duties apply to all states
    These duties apply to all states, whether or not they have ratified specific climate treaties.

    Violations of these obligations carry legal consequences. The ICJ clarified that climate damage can be scientifically traced to specific polluter states whose actions or inaction cause harm.

    As a result, those states could be required to stop harmful activities, regulate private sector emissions, end fossil fuel subsidies, and provide reparations to affected states and individuals.

    “The implementation of this decision will set a new status quo and the structural change required to give our current and future generations hope for a healthy planet and sustainable future,” Minister Regenvanu added.

    He said high-emitting nations, especially those with a history of emissions, must be held accountable.

    Despite continued fossil fuel expansion and weakening global ambition — compounded by the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement — Regenvanu said the ICJ ruling was a powerful tool for campaigners, lawyers, and governments.

    “Vanuatu is proud and honoured to have spearheaded this initiative,” he said.

    ‘Powerful testament’
    “The number of states and civil society actors that have joined this cause is a powerful testament to the leadership of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and youth activists.”

    The court’s decision follows a resolution adopted by consensus at the UNGA on 29 March 2023. That campaign was initiated by the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change and backed by the Vanuatu government, calling for greater accountability from high-emitting countries.

    The ruling will now be taken to the UNGA in September and is expected to be a central topic at COP30 in Brazil this November.

    Vanuatu has committed to working with other nations to turn this legal outcome into coordinated action through diplomacy, policy, litigation, and international cooperation.

    “This is just the beginning,” Regenvanu said. “Success will depend on what happens next. We look forward to working with global partners to ensure this becomes a true turning point for climate justice.”

    Republished from the Vanuatu Daily Post with permission.

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its historic climate ruling in The Hague on Tuesday. Image: VDP

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –