NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 26, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 26, 2025.

    ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia towfiqu ahamed/Getty Images When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”. What exactly

    ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care. But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair

    Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed

    Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasmine Titova, PhD Candidate, CQUniversity Australia When tennis legend Serena Williams retired in 2022, she stated: If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Many

    Papua New Guinea police blame overrun system for prison breakouts
    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Police in Papua New Guinea say the country’s overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody. Chief Superintendent Clement Dala made the comment after 13 detainees escaped on Tuesday in Simbu Province, including eight who were facing murder charges. Dala said an auxiliary policeman who

    Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaimie Monk, Research Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Phil Walter/Getty Images New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market means low-income families face big constraints on their accommodation options. This involves often accepting housing that is insecure, cold, damp or in unsuitable neighbourhoods. But little is known about

    From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Yes, Victoria’s efforts to wean households off gas have been dialled back. But it’s still real progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trivess Moore, Associate Professor in Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University MirageC/Getty On the question of gas, Victoria’s government faces pressure from many directions. The Bass Strait wells supplying Australia’s most gas-dependent state are running dry. Gas prices shot up in 2020 and have stayed high.

    From HAL 9000 to ME3AN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Remote cave discovery shows ancient voyagers brought rice across 2,300km of Pacific Ocean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hsiao-chun Hung, Senior Research Fellow, School of Culture, History & Language, Australian National University Ritidian beach, Guam. Hsiao-chun Hung In a new study published today in Science Advances, my colleagues and I have uncovered the earliest evidence of rice in the Pacific Islands – at an ancient

    500,000 Australians live with mental illness but don’t qualify for the NDIS. A damning new report says they need more support
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney stellalevi/Getty Half a million Australians are living with moderate to severe mental illness, but they don’t qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and cannot access the support

    ‘I’m not going to give up’: how to help more disadvantaged young people go to uni and TAFE
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucas Walsh, Professor and Director of the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, Monash University Oliver Rossi/ Getty Images On Wednesday, Education Minister Jason Clare hailed an increase in the numbers of Australians starting a university degree. In 2024, there was a 3.7% increase in Australian

    New climate reporting rules start on July 1. Many companies are not ready for the change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Baird, Senior Lecturer , University of Tasmania PaeGAG/Shutterstock A new financial year starts on July 1. For Australia’s large companies, that means new rules on climate-related disclosures come into force. These requirements are the culmination of years of planning to ensure companies disclose climate-related risks and

    Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato The winter school holidays will mean families across Aotearoa New Zealand will be looking for indoor activities to entertain children. With millions of visitors each year, museums focused on the country’s history will inevitably play host to

    Philly psychology students map out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Zillmer, Professor of Neuropsychology, Drexel University Rittenhouse Square Park in Center City made it onto the Philly Happiness Map. Matthew Lovette/Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What makes you happy? Perhaps a good night’s sleep, or a wonderful meal with friends? I am the director

    Macron invites all New Caledonia stakeholders for Paris talks
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2. The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually

    Opposition starts on challenge of crafting (yet another) energy policy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The opposition is commencing the challenging task of framing a new energy policy, including deciding whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Liberal leader Sussan Ley, appearing at the National Press Club, announced a Coalition

    Election flows reveal nearly 90% of Greens preferenced Labor ahead of Coalition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Minor party preference flows for the federal election have been released, with Labor winning Greens preferences by 88.2–11.8, while the Coalition won One Nation preferences by 74.5–24.5.

    Australia’s native bees struggled after the Black Summer fires – but a world-first solution brought them buzzing back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kit Prendergast, Postdoctoral Researcher, Pollination Ecology, University of Southern Queensland Kit Prendergast (@bee.babette_performer) After a devastating bushfire, efforts to help nature recover typically focus on vertebrates and plants. Yet extreme fires can threaten insects, too. After the Black Summer fires of 2019–20, I embarked on world-first research

    Wild swings in the oil price make the Reserve Bank’s job harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra It looks, at least for now, as though tensions in the Middle East are easing somewhat. It appears much less likely Iran will try to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which flows about a fifth of

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

    Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care.

    But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair treatment during pregnancy and birth. This can include racism, neglecting cultural aspects of their care, or using health care poorly designed to accommodate their needs.

    We found similar themes in research involving more than 1,400 Indigenous women, Elders, fathers, family members and health workers from locations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Greenland and Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).

    Many Indigenous families felt disrespected. They said hospital staff often didn’t understand their cultures or give them basic rights during their maternity care, such as being listened to, included in decision-making, or giving informed consent.

    As a result, some families felt hesitant to seek care in mainstream hospitals. As one Indigenous woman told us during recent Australian research submitted for publication:

    I’m dreading birthing in such a system.

    But there are alternatives.

    What can hospitals do?

    There is a clear need to improve birthing services and cultural safety in mainstream hospitals with a focus on respecting the beliefs, practices and traditions of all families, including Indigenous ones.

    For example, many Indigenous families view childbirth as a communal event with extended family support. But hospital policies that limit the number of support people often disregard these important cultural practices.

    Indigenous families also need to get the type of health care they trust and feel comfortable with. Ideally this might involve staff with sound cultural knowledge and who can support families clinically in a culturally safe way.

    Aboriginal patient liaison officers are sometimes available in hospitals or health services. But there are not often enough, they have to service entire facilities, and they provide cultural support not clinical patient care.

    Indigenous families may also want to access a specific type of care. One example is “continuity of care”, where the same midwife or a small team of midwives, supports the family through the whole pregnancy. Ideally, these midwives should be Indigenous or, if not, be trained in supporting Indigenous families with respect and understanding.

    What is ‘birthing on Country’?

    For Indigenous women living in rural and remote areas, being sent away from home to give birth in a city hospital can be really hard.

    Sometimes women and families are evacuated from their home communities and have to stay for weeks or months in temporary accommodation in the city, both before and after birth, or if their baby is born pre-term and needs extra care. This temporary accommodation can be far from the hospital.

    All this takes place in unknown cities and towns, without family support, and sometimes away from their other children cared for by the community back home.

    This makes it harder for mums who need extra support, and can get in the way of starting breastfeeding and bonding with their baby.

    Again, there is an alternative. For many Indigenous families, giving birth is not just about having a baby. It’s also a spiritual and cultural event that strengthens their identity and connection to Country. A “birthing on Country” model of care, which respects Indigenous traditions and knowledge, reinforces that.

    This is midwife-led care designed for and with Indigenous communities. It doesn’t mean you have to birth in rural and remote spaces, but it is a model of care that focuses on culture, and can also be implemented in the city.

    Ideally, families would see the same midwife or team of midwives and use the “birthing on Country” model.

    What else can we do?

    Maternity services can be led by Indigenous people, which many women prefer. But Indigenous staff make up about 3.1% of the Australian health workforce.

    So it is crucial to engage non-Indigenous staff in building relationships and to support Indigenous families in their right to receive culturally safe care.

    This can start with better training for staff, not only to understand and respond to an Indigenous person’s individual needs, but to know when and how to speak up, call out or report racist or disrespectful behaviour.

    This is everyone’s problem

    A health system you can trust should be safe for everyone. If some people feel unsafe or face discrimination when getting care, this not only affects them, it affects everyone.

    For instance, when Indigenous women avoid or delay going to the hospital because of past bad experiences or discrimination, it can lead to health problems that could have been prevented.

    This not only harms the women, it puts more pressure on the public health system, which affects us all.

    By talking about these issues, we hope all Australians begin to care about the safety of all women during pregnancy and birth.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead – https://theconversation.com/im-dreading-birthing-in-such-a-system-what-indigenous-women-globally-think-of-birth-care-and-what-theyd-like-to-see-instead-256877

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

    Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care.

    But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair treatment during pregnancy and birth. This can include racism, neglecting cultural aspects of their care, or using health care poorly designed to accommodate their needs.

    We found similar themes in research involving more than 1,400 Indigenous women, Elders, fathers, family members and health workers from locations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Greenland and Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).

    Many Indigenous families felt disrespected. They said hospital staff often didn’t understand their cultures or give them basic rights during their maternity care, such as being listened to, included in decision-making, or giving informed consent.

    As a result, some families felt hesitant to seek care in mainstream hospitals. As one Indigenous woman told us during recent Australian research submitted for publication:

    I’m dreading birthing in such a system.

    But there are alternatives.

    What can hospitals do?

    There is a clear need to improve birthing services and cultural safety in mainstream hospitals with a focus on respecting the beliefs, practices and traditions of all families, including Indigenous ones.

    For example, many Indigenous families view childbirth as a communal event with extended family support. But hospital policies that limit the number of support people often disregard these important cultural practices.

    Indigenous families also need to get the type of health care they trust and feel comfortable with. Ideally this might involve staff with sound cultural knowledge and who can support families clinically in a culturally safe way.

    Aboriginal patient liaison officers are sometimes available in hospitals or health services. But there are not often enough, they have to service entire facilities, and they provide cultural support not clinical patient care.

    Indigenous families may also want to access a specific type of care. One example is “continuity of care”, where the same midwife or a small team of midwives, supports the family through the whole pregnancy. Ideally, these midwives should be Indigenous or, if not, be trained in supporting Indigenous families with respect and understanding.

    What is ‘birthing on Country’?

    For Indigenous women living in rural and remote areas, being sent away from home to give birth in a city hospital can be really hard.

    Sometimes women and families are evacuated from their home communities and have to stay for weeks or months in temporary accommodation in the city, both before and after birth, or if their baby is born pre-term and needs extra care. This temporary accommodation can be far from the hospital.

    All this takes place in unknown cities and towns, without family support, and sometimes away from their other children cared for by the community back home.

    This makes it harder for mums who need extra support, and can get in the way of starting breastfeeding and bonding with their baby.

    Again, there is an alternative. For many Indigenous families, giving birth is not just about having a baby. It’s also a spiritual and cultural event that strengthens their identity and connection to Country. A “birthing on Country” model of care, which respects Indigenous traditions and knowledge, reinforces that.

    This is midwife-led care designed for and with Indigenous communities. It doesn’t mean you have to birth in rural and remote spaces, but it is a model of care that focuses on culture, and can also be implemented in the city.

    Ideally, families would see the same midwife or team of midwives and use the “birthing on Country” model.

    What else can we do?

    Maternity services can be led by Indigenous people, which many women prefer. But Indigenous staff make up about 3.1% of the Australian health workforce.

    So it is crucial to engage non-Indigenous staff in building relationships and to support Indigenous families in their right to receive culturally safe care.

    This can start with better training for staff, not only to understand and respond to an Indigenous person’s individual needs, but to know when and how to speak up, call out or report racist or disrespectful behaviour.

    This is everyone’s problem

    A health system you can trust should be safe for everyone. If some people feel unsafe or face discrimination when getting care, this not only affects them, it affects everyone.

    For instance, when Indigenous women avoid or delay going to the hospital because of past bad experiences or discrimination, it can lead to health problems that could have been prevented.

    This not only harms the women, it puts more pressure on the public health system, which affects us all.

    By talking about these issues, we hope all Australians begin to care about the safety of all women during pregnancy and birth.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead – https://theconversation.com/im-dreading-birthing-in-such-a-system-what-indigenous-women-globally-think-of-birth-care-and-what-theyd-like-to-see-instead-256877

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s new consumption patterns drive domestic demand upgrade

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

    Pet owners are splurging on smart litter boxes, blind boxes are flying off shelves overseas after going viral in China, and new tea drinks are becoming the go-to choice for young people.

    With continuously optimized retail efficiency and the rising spending power of young consumers, China’s consumption sector has witnessed a notable shift toward new channels and product categories.

    At the 2025 Haihe International Consumption Forum in north China’s Tianjin Municipality on Tuesday, heated discussions on such topics as ways to ignite new engines for domestic demand came under the spotlight.

    Participants noted that new consumption — characterized by behaviors and methods driven by new technologies — has become an important force in meeting people’s needs. This has unleashed consumption potential and boosted economic development, thereby activating new growth drivers for China’s economy.

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping the consumption landscape on both supply and demand sides. Thierry Delmarcelle, chief strategy and innovation officer of Deloitte Asia Pacific, said at the event that AI can boost consumption and accelerate China’s transition toward becoming a consumption-driven economy.

    For example, the penetration rate of Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) — an important AI application scenario — in passenger vehicles is expected to reach 20 percent by the end of this year.

    In March, China unveiled an action plan to boost consumption, prioritizing it as a key economic task for 2025. The plan proposed an “AI Plus” initiative to promote the integration of AI and spending.

    The automotive industry is undergoing a sweeping intelligent transformation. Changan Automobile has announced it will halt its development of non-intelligent new products. BYD has equipped more than 20 new energy vehicle models with intelligent driving systems. And Li Auto’s intelligent driving systems logged a total mileage of about 3 billion kilometers in 2024.

    This consumption upgrade wave driven by new spending patterns is not only evident in high-value, durable goods like automobiles, but also in subtle changes in everyday consumption scenarios.

    Roger Hu, managing director and partner of Boston Consulting Group, noted during the forum that China’s shopping habits are breaking into clear layers, with consumption scenarios for similar products becoming increasingly diversified.

    “For example, a consumer drinks eight cups of water a day. Among these, there is water for staying alert, water for relaxing, and water for socializing to bridge distances,” Hu said, adding that given China’s massive consumer base, meeting the demand for “each cup of water” represents an opportunity in market segmentation for consumption.

    Wang Pu, co-founder of drink brand Chi Forest, said that significant consumer attention to Chinese brands and growing demand for healthy consumption have motivated companies to upgrade their technologies and products.

    Chi Forest launched a new product in 2023 that uses traditional Chinese medicine ingredients to meet consumer demand for both taste and health benefits. “Sales of this product exceeded 100 million yuan (about 14 million U.S. dollars) within four months of its launch, making it one of our fastest-growing new products,” Wang said.

    New consumption patterns such as those related to the green economy, the culture and tourism economy, and the debut economy have gradually become new engines driving spending, with supportive policies accelerating across regions.

    Wang Yagang, deputy director general of the Tianjin municipal bureau of commerce, said that Tianjin is accelerating its cultivation of landmark debut economy clusters. Since last year, the city has hosted over 400 related events, and it will soon introduce policies to support the debut economy.

    Zhu Keli, founding dean of the China Institute of New Economy, noted that from the consumption perspective, the debut economy effectively transforms consumer curiosity into purchasing power.

    “As new business forms and models like the debut economy continue to grow, the role of new economic drivers will become increasingly prominent, serving as indispensable sources of momentum to promote the high-quality development of China’s economy,” Zhu said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dortmund advance with a 1-0 win over Ulsan

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

    Borussia Dortmund secured a place in the last-16 of the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win over South Korean side Ulsan HD, a victory which was more comfortable than the final score suggests.

    Daniel Svenssen put the German side ahead in the 36th minute of a first half which was completely dominated by the German side in front of the virtually deserted stands of the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

    Borussia had 20 shots in the first half, with eight of those on target, but they were frustrated time after time by Ulsan’s South Korean international goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-Woo.

    The opening goal finally arrived after a mistake in playing the ball out from defense which allowed the impressive Jobe Bellingham to win possession and set up Svenssen to finally score with a left-foot shot.

    It should have been 2-0 soon afterwards but Jo made a stunning save to deny Serhou Guirassy’s header.

    Ulsan looked to press higher up the field in the second half and Borussia goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was called into action for the first time in the game, although he wasn’t forced to make a difficult save.

    Yan Couto had a great chance to double Borussia’s lead in the 82nd minute, but once again Jo produced a flying save to deny his bouncing left-foot shot.

    Carney Chukwuemeka also went close to a second for Borussia in the closing minutes but while his effort was blocked his team never faced serious pressure in the final moment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Unanimously Passes Sullivan Resolution Commemorating 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    06.25.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) and co-chair of the U.S. Senate Korea Caucus, today celebrated the unanimous passage of his Senate resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and recognizing important lessons from the war, particularly the imperative of maintaining military readiness in defense of the United States and its allies.

    [embedded content]

    “On the 75th anniversary of the Korean War—the ‘Noble War,’ we should all remember the brave Americans who fought, died and sacrificed to keep another country free, the Republic of Korea, one of our strongest allies today,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Commemorating the Korean War is also important for recognizing the lessons we learned that are still relevant today. In 1945, America was the greatest, most lethal military in the history of the world. We had just won World War II. We conquered the Nazis. We conquered Imperial Japan. We were the biggest, most fearsome military in history. Five years later, at the outbreak of the Korean War, because of weak civilian and military leadership, we were not ready. Unfortunately, thousands of young Americans in the summer of 1950 were killed in action, because they weren’t ready to fight. We can never let this happen again.”

    Below is the full text of Senator Sullivan’s resolution.

    Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the critical importance of maintaining military readiness in defense of the United States and its allies.

    Whereas June 25, 2025, marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the brutal three-year conflict known as the Korean War, which began when the armed forces of North Korea launched a full-scale invasion of the Republic of Korea;

    Whereas the United States, under resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, responded to that unprovoked aggression and mobilized more than 1,700,000 United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, and led a unified United Nations Command to fight in defense of freedom and security on the Korean Peninsula;

    Whereas more than 103,000 Americans were wounded, and 36,574 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending the security of the Republic of Korea, while more than 7,500 remain unaccounted for;

    Whereas the Korean War has long been referred to as the ‘‘Forgotten War,’’ which fails to recognize the significance of this noble chapter in American history, as well as the sacrifice and valor of American service members;

    Whereas the defense of the Republic of Korea by United States and allied forces allowed for the development of the modern Republic of Korea into a robust market economy, a vibrant democracy, a strong ally of the United States, and a bedrock contributor to regional stability and the global community;

    Whereas the Republic of Korea endured immense hardship during the war, suffering 137,899 soldiers killed, 450,742 injured, and more than 30,000 missing or captured, in addition to almost 1,000,000 civilian casualties, yet demonstrated extraordinary resilience and resolve in the face of destruction and invasion;

    Whereas the United States-Republic of Korea alliance, formed with the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea on October 1, 1953, is a mutual commitment to the other’s defense, in accordance with constitutional processes, in the event of an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties;

    Whereas the hard-learned lessons of the Korean War underscore the ongoing need for strategic, operational, and tactical readiness across all branches of the military in an increasingly dangerous global environment; and

    Whereas the words engraved on the Korean War Veterans Memorial—‘‘Freedom is not free’’—remain a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty and the importance of military preparedness: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate—

    (1) commemorates the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and honors the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the United States Armed Forces and allies who fought to defend the people of the Republic of Korea from being conquered by thecommunists of North Korea, the People’s Republic of China, and the Soviet Union;

    (2) recognizes the Republic of Korea as a vital treaty ally and linchpin of peace, security, trade, and democratic values for Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region;

    (3) acknowledges the enduring legacy of the Korean War in shaping United States defense policy and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region;

    (4) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to maintaining a strong, modern, and fully prepared military force capable of deterring aggression and defending national security interests;

    (5) urges continued investment in training, equipment, and support for members of the United States Armed Forces to ensure military readiness across all domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber; and

    (6) calls upon all people of the United States to remember the Korean War not as the ‘‘Forgotten War,’’ but as the ‘‘Noble War,’’ an endeavor that preserved freedom for millions and exemplified the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the United States Armed Forces.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: SH22, Karaka

    Source: New Zealand Police

    One person is in a critical condition and two others are trapped in vehicle following a two car crash on Karaka Road (State Highway 22) around 2.25pm.

    Road closures are in place on SH22 and motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible. 

    Karaka Road is now closed between Blackbridge Road and the Glenbrook roundabout, with diversions in place north of the crash at the Karaka Road and Great South Road junction also.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and will attend the scene.

    Police advise motorists to expect delays in the area this afternoon.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Future Close-Up global youth exchange program gets underway

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

    Young delegates from 14 countries and regions, including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia and Brazil, pose for a group photo with organizers of the 2025 Future Close-Up at the youth exchange program’s launch ceremony on June 24. 

    On June 24, the 2025 Future Close-Up global youth exchange and visit program kicked off at the headquarters of Chinese Internet giant Tencent in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Themed Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao: Driving High-Quality Development in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), this year’s event brings together young delegates from 14 countries and regions including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia and Brazil to explore innovation across the region and China’s approach to regional cooperation, and gain a deeper understanding of the forces driving the country’s high-quality development.

    Future Close-Up was collaboratively launched in 2023 by China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for the Americas (CICG Center for Americas) and Tencent’s Marketing and Public Relations Department.

    From June 23 to 30, the participants will travel to Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hengqin and Guangzhou in Guangdong, as well as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, for exchange activities.

    Members of this year’s Future Close-Up are influential figures in their fields, including entrepreneurs, scientists, scholars and opinion leaders. This edition of the program will feature a forum on urban innovation and cultural exchange in the GBA, offering international youth a platform to deepen their understanding of the region’s innovation ecosystem and facilitating mutual learning between urban cultures.

    At the launch ceremony, Zhang Jun, General Manager of Tencent’s Marketing and Public Relations Department, said he believes the event can connect people from different regions and cultural backgrounds. “With this vision in mind, we launched the Future Close-Up program, which has brought together over 100 young people from 35 countries and regions over the past three years,” Zhang added.

    “Future Close-Up has always been about opening a window for young people around the world to a more meaningful understanding of China. At the same time, their participation helps us broaden our appreciation for the diversity of global cultures,” said Tao Xing, the Future Close-Up program representative from the CICG Center for Americas, at the ceremony.

    “This year, we have invited international youth to visit the vibrant GBA. We hope you will embrace the journey with open minds, observe with curiosity, reflect on what you encounter and gain a uniquely personal experience of China,” he continued.

    The young delegates also shared their excitement and expectations for their upcoming journey.

    Torry Ko, Senior Strategy Manager for the Asia-Pacific region at Australian tech company MOLOCO, said he was especially interested in learning how leading firms like Tencent are tapping into the strengths of the GBA to fuel their rapid growth. “China’s tech industry is at the forefront globally,” he said.

    “I first came to Shenzhen 16 years ago, when I was studying in China. It’s incredible to see how much the city has changed. I am looking forward to learning more about the innovation driving China’s ongoing reform and development,” Ko added.

    Iuliia Bautdinova, a finance and communications analyst at multinational aerospace corporation Airbus from Russia, said she was drawn to Future Close-Up after hearing strong recommendations from previous participants. “My expectation is to get to know how people live here and what they do when they work with the future,” Bautdinova said. She is eager to take a closer look at the GBA’s renowned electronics and information industry and its ongoing development.

    Hugo Fontanel from France is interested in China’s digital transformation. The omnichannel lead at British multinational pharmaceutical company ViiV Healthcare expects “to learn more about the economic development of China, especially in the tech industry.” He also looks forward to meeting more international youth who share a passion for cross-cultural exchange and adventure.

    After the launch ceremony, the delegates visited Tencent’s digital exhibition hall, where they delved into the company’s innovations in AI, cloud computing and smart city technologies through immersive experiences. They also toured Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd. to explore its research and development achievements in the medical device field.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac proposes changes to support 12-month prescriptions

    Source: PHARMAC

    Pharmac has released a proposal today to support 12-month prescriptions for community medicines through changes to the Pharmaceutical Schedule and Special Authority Approvals.

    These changes support the Government’s proposed amendments to the Medicines Regulations 1984, which will allow prescribers to write prescriptions for up to 12 months.

    Pharmac’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Performance Michael Johnson says the proposed changes are designed to make it easier for people to access their medicines while maintaining safe and effective dispensing practices.

    “These changes mean people may not need to arrange for a new prescription as often, while still collecting their medicines at regular intervals,” he says.

    “Pharmac is proposing updates to the Schedule Rules and Special Authority Approvals to align with the new legislation. This includes allowing funded medicines to be prescribed for up to 12 months and adjusting how repeats are dispensed under Special Authority.”

    Currently, if a Special Authority medicine is first dispensed before the expiry date, any remaining repeats on a prescription are funded – even if dispensed after the expiry date. Under the proposal, only dispensings made before the Special Authority expiry date would be funded.

    “This change is necessary to prevent prescription repeats from being dispensed for up to eleven months after the Special Authority funding approval has expired,” says Johnson.

    Pharmac is also proposing to extend approval periods for some Special Authority medicines to ensure the full course of treatment can be dispensed before the approval expires.

    “We want to make sure these changes work well for everyone – people using medicines, prescribers, pharmacists, and software providers,” says Johnson.

    “We’re especially interested in what support or resources might be needed to help with the transition.”

    Consultation is open until 5 pm on 25 July 2025. Feedback can be shared via Pharmac’s feedback form or by emailing consult@pharmac.govt.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Asset Recovery Unit seizes vehicles and cash in Gisborne

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have seized four motorbikes, two vehicles, and over $80,000 in cash following a number of search warrants in Gisborne.

    Earlier this week, Gisborne Police with the assistance of Hasting’s Police Asset Recovery Unit, executed three search warrants in the area for property believed to be obtained through illicit funds, connected to the methamphetamine supply chain in the region.

    During the search, Police located around $81,000 in cash, a Holden ClubSport, a Ford Ranger, and multiple Harley Davidson and Honda motorcycles.

    Central Asset Recovery Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer says by targeting illicit benefits obtained by drug offending, denies offenders the success of their offending and removes their ability to expand their offending.

    Gisborne Police will continue to hold people to account for supplying drugs as we see first-hand the harm it causes to our community.

    Detective Sergeant Eric Hunter says this operation will have a direct impact on the local methamphetamine supply chain.

    “Our partnership with the Asset Recovery Unit is proving very beneficial for the community and we will continue to work with them to target organised crime in Gisborne.”

    Police urge anyone who may have information about illicit drugs or unlawful offending to please contact us.

    Information can be reported through 105 online or via phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Government delivers funding boost for community health organisations

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 20/06/2025

    More than $2.4 million in targeted funding will support ACT community organisations to continue delivering critical health and wellbeing services across the Territory.

    The one-off funding injection will assist ACT Health Directorate funded non-government organisations to address increasing costs and demand for services.

    Minister for Health and Mental Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to backing the sector during a time of growing need.

    “Canberra’s community organisations are essential partners in supporting people’s health and wellbeing, particularly those doing it tough,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “This additional funding recognises the increasing costs these organisations are facing, and ensures they can continue delivering the supports so many Canberrans rely on every day.

    “We’ve worked closely with the sector to understand the pressures on the ground and provide funding that responds directly to those challenges.”

    A wide range of services and supports will benefit from the funding, including chronic illness care, mental health, perinatal support, trauma counselling, and after-hours medical care.

    Organisations receiving funding in 2025 include:

    • Capital Region Cancer Relief (ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support)
    • Arthritis ACT
    • Asthma ACT
    • Diabetes Australia
    • Epilepsy ACT
    • Haemophilia Foundation
    • RSI Overuse Association
    • Community Services #1 and Capital Region Community Services consortium
    • Australian Breastfeeding Association
    • Kidsafe ACT
    • Women’s Health Matters
    • Canberra After-hours Locum Medical Service
    • Companion House
    • Directions Health Services
    • Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services
    • Clybucca Dreaming
    • Palliative Care ACT
    • Wellways
    • Marymead CatholicCare – Stepping Stones
    • ASHM

    This latest funding builds on the ACT Government’s ongoing work to strengthen commissioning practices across the health and community sectors, ensuring services are aligned with community needs, sustainable over time and responsive to change.

    “We remain committed to a partnership approach with community organisations and consumers, grounded in evidence, collaboration and a shared goal of better outcomes for Canberrans,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., Indonesian navies commence Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Indonesia 2025

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SURABAYA, INDONESIA — The United States Navy, the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL) and the Indonesian Marine Corps commenced Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2025 on June 23, at TNI-AL 2nd Fleet Command in Surabaya.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

    Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care.

    But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair treatment during pregnancy and birth. This can include racism, neglecting cultural aspects of their care, or using health care poorly designed to accommodate their needs.

    We found similar themes in research involving more than 1,400 Indigenous women, Elders, fathers, family members and health workers from locations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Greenland and Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).

    Many Indigenous families felt disrespected. They said hospital staff often didn’t understand their cultures or give them basic rights during their maternity care, such as being listened to, included in decision-making, or giving informed consent.

    As a result, some families felt hesitant to seek care in mainstream hospitals. As one Indigenous woman told us during recent Australian research submitted for publication:

    I’m dreading birthing in such a system.

    But there are alternatives.

    What can hospitals do?

    There is a clear need to improve birthing services and cultural safety in mainstream hospitals with a focus on respecting the beliefs, practices and traditions of all families, including Indigenous ones.

    For example, many Indigenous families view childbirth as a communal event with extended family support. But hospital policies that limit the number of support people often disregard these important cultural practices.

    Indigenous families also need to get the type of health care they trust and feel comfortable with. Ideally this might involve staff with sound cultural knowledge and who can support families clinically in a culturally safe way.

    Aboriginal patient liaison officers are sometimes available in hospitals or health services. But there are not often enough, they have to service entire facilities, and they provide cultural support not clinical patient care.

    Indigenous families may also want to access a specific type of care. One example is “continuity of care”, where the same midwife or a small team of midwives, supports the family through the whole pregnancy. Ideally, these midwives should be Indigenous or, if not, be trained in supporting Indigenous families with respect and understanding.

    What is ‘birthing on Country’?

    For Indigenous women living in rural and remote areas, being sent away from home to give birth in a city hospital can be really hard.

    Sometimes women and families are evacuated from their home communities and have to stay for weeks or months in temporary accommodation in the city, both before and after birth, or if their baby is born pre-term and needs extra care. This temporary accommodation can be far from the hospital.

    All this takes place in unknown cities and towns, without family support, and sometimes away from their other children cared for by the community back home.

    This makes it harder for mums who need extra support, and can get in the way of starting breastfeeding and bonding with their baby.

    Again, there is an alternative. For many Indigenous families, giving birth is not just about having a baby. It’s also a spiritual and cultural event that strengthens their identity and connection to Country. A “birthing on Country” model of care, which respects Indigenous traditions and knowledge, reinforces that.

    This is midwife-led care designed for and with Indigenous communities. It doesn’t mean you have to birth in rural and remote spaces, but it is a model of care that focuses on culture, and can also be implemented in the city.

    Ideally, families would see the same midwife or team of midwives and use the “birthing on Country” model.

    What else can we do?

    Maternity services can be led by Indigenous people, which many women prefer. But Indigenous staff make up about 3.1% of the Australian health workforce.

    So it is crucial to engage non-Indigenous staff in building relationships and to support Indigenous families in their right to receive culturally safe care.

    This can start with better training for staff, not only to understand and respond to an Indigenous person’s individual needs, but to know when and how to speak up, call out or report racist or disrespectful behaviour.

    This is everyone’s problem

    A health system you can trust should be safe for everyone. If some people feel unsafe or face discrimination when getting care, this not only affects them, it affects everyone.

    For instance, when Indigenous women avoid or delay going to the hospital because of past bad experiences or discrimination, it can lead to health problems that could have been prevented.

    This not only harms the women, it puts more pressure on the public health system, which affects us all.

    By talking about these issues, we hope all Australians begin to care about the safety of all women during pregnancy and birth.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead – https://theconversation.com/im-dreading-birthing-in-such-a-system-what-indigenous-women-globally-think-of-birth-care-and-what-theyd-like-to-see-instead-256877

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia

    towfiqu ahamed/Getty Images

    When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”.

    What exactly is it, is it toxic, and can you use it for anything?

    The importance of desiccants

    That little sachet is a desiccant – a type of material that removes excess moisture from the air.

    It’s important during the transport and storage of a wide range of products because we can’t always control the environment. Humid conditions can cause damage through corrosion, decay, the growth of mould and microorganisms.

    This is why manufacturers include sachets with desiccants to make sure you receive the goods in pristine condition.

    The most common desiccant is silica gel. The small, hard and translucent beads are made of silicon dioxide (like most sands or quartz) – a hydrophilic or water-loving material. Importantly, the beads are porous on the nano-scale, with pore sizes only 15 times larger than the radius of their atoms.

    Silica gel looks somewhat like a sponge when viewed with scanning electron microscopy.
    Trabelsi et al. (2009), CC BY-NC-ND

    These pores have a capillary effect, meaning they condense and draw moisture into the bead similar to how trees transport water through the channelled structures in wood.

    In addition, sponge-like porosity makes their surface area very large. A single gram of silica gel can have an area of up to 700 square metres – almost four tennis courts – making them exceptionally efficient at capturing and storing water.

    Is silica gel toxic?

    The “do not eat” warning is easily the most prominent text on silica gel sachets.

    According to health professionals, most silica beads found in these sachets are non-toxic and don’t present the same risk as silica dust, for example. They mainly pose a choking hazard, which is good enough reason to keep them away from children and pets.

    However, if silica gel is accidentally ingested, it’s still recommended to contact health professionals to determine the best course of action.

    Some variants of silica gel contain a moisture-sensitive dye. One particular variant, based on cobalt chloride, is blue when the desiccant is dry and turns pink when saturated with moisture. While the dye is toxic, in desiccant pellets it is present only in a small amount – approximately 1% of the total weight.

    Indicating silica gel with cobalt chloride – ‘fresh’ on the left, ‘used’ on the right.
    Reza Rio/Shutterstock

    Desiccants come in other forms, too

    Apart from silica gel, a number of other materials are used as moisture absorbers and desiccants. These are zeolites, activated alumina and activated carbon – materials engineered to be highly porous.

    Another desiccant type you’ll often see in moisture absorbers for larger areas like pantries or wardrobes is calcium chloride. It typically comes in a box filled with powder or crystals found in most hardware stores, and is a type of salt.

    Kitchen salt – sodium chloride – attracts water and easily becomes lumpy. Calcium chloride works in the same way, but has an even stronger hygroscopic effect and “traps” the water through a hydration reaction. Once the salt is saturated, you’ll see liquid separating in the container.

    Closet and pantry dehumidifiers like this one typically contain calcium chloride which binds water.
    Healthy Happy/Shutterstock

    I found something that doesn’t seem to be silica gel – what is it?

    Some food items such as tortilla wraps, noodles, beef jerky, and some medicines and vitamins contain slightly different sachets, labelled “oxygen absorbers”.

    These small packets don’t contain desiccants. Instead, they have chemical compounds that “scavenge” or bond oxygen.

    Their purpose is similar to desiccants – they extend the shelf life of food products and sensitive chemicals such as medicines. But they do so by directly preventing oxidation. When some foods are exposed to oxygen, their chemical composition changes and can lead to decay (apples turning brown when cut is an example of oxidation).

    There is a whole range of compounds used as oxygen absorbers. These chemicals have a stronger affinity to oxygen than the protected substance. They range from simple compounds such as iron which “rusts” by using up oxygen, to more complex such as plastic films that work when exposed to light.

    Some of the sachets in your products are oxygen absorbers, not desiccants – but they may look similar.
    Sergio Yoneda/Shutterstock

    Can I reuse a desiccant?

    Although desiccants and dehumidifiers are considered disposable, you can relatively easily reuse them.

    To “recharge” or dehydrate silica gel, you can place it in an oven at approximately 115–125°C for 2–3 hours, although you shouldn’t do this if it’s in a plastic sachet that could melt in the heat.

    Interestingly, due to how they bind water, some desiccants require temperatures well above the boiling point of water to dehydrate (for example, calcium chloride hydrates completely dehydrate at 200°C).

    After dehydration, silica gel sachets may be useful for drying small electronic items (like your phone after you accidentally dropped it into water), keeping your camera dry, or preventing your family photos and old films from sticking to each other.

    This is a good alternative to the questionable method of using uncooked rice, as silica gel doesn’t decompose and won’t leave starch residues on your things.

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

    – ref. ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work? – https://theconversation.com/do-not-eat-whats-in-those-little-desiccant-sachets-and-how-do-they-work-258398

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Majority Witnesses from PSI Hearing Submit Hundreds of Studies, Thousands of Citations Documenting COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    Minority witness submits 19 pro-COVID-19 vaccine citations after official hearing record closed 

    WASHINGTON – On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the official record closed for the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations’ hearing entitled, “The Corruption of Science and Federal Health Agencies: How Health Officials Downplayed and Hid Myocarditis and Other Adverse Events Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccines.” Prior to its closure, the Majority’s witnesses submitted hundreds of documents — including peer-reviewed studies — and thousands of citations about COVID-19 vaccine adverse events to accompany their testimonies. These records provide substantial support for the witnesses’ claims regarding the serious health risks associated with the COVID-19 vaccines. 

    At the Subcommittee’s May 21, 2025 hearing, Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) released a Majority staff interim report and over 2,400 pages of records detailing the failure of Biden health officials to properly warn the public of the risks of myocarditis and related heart inflammation conditions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The hearing featured testimony from Dr. Peter McCullough, Dr. Jordan Vaughn, Dr. James Thorp, Dr. Joel Wallskog, and Mr. Aaron Siri, all of whom were invited by Chairman Johnson to speak about COVID-19 vaccine adverse events.

    “Any of you who have cited some study or some opinion back it up, and we’ll include it in the hearing record. We’ll have this hearing record [] stay open for 15 days. So, I’m really encouraging people, send me that science,” Chairman Johnson stated to all witnesses at the hearing.

    Later, Chairman Johnson told Hawaii Governor Josh Green, the Minority’s witness at the hearing, “I’m begging you, please provide the studies, the citations that prove that the injection actually reduced severity of symptoms, prevented deaths. Give us those studies, so we can throw those into the hearing record and compare them to other studies[.]” Governor Green responded, “It will not be difficult, Senator, there’s so many.”

    In addition to the 33 pages Governor Green enclosed in his written statement for the hearing, Governor Green submitted 19 links to studies and articles to support his claims about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. The governor’s submission to the record was made one week after the hearing record officially closed.   

    Chairman Johnson allowed Governor Green’s late submission to be included in the official record so that the public can compare the evidence that the governor presented in support of the COVID-19 vaccines to the multitude of documentation indicating the clear health risks associated with the injections.

    Documents and citations that the Majority’s witnesses entered into the record can be viewed here. Governor Green’s submission to the record can be viewed here.

    A video showing Chairman Johnson asking witnesses for citations can be viewed here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Devastate Local Public Radio, TV Stations Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Rescissions package that Senate Republicans are debating—and House Republicans passed—would rescind every dollar of federal support for 1500+ local public radio and TV stations nationwide 

    Sweeping cuts would hit rural stations hardest, force layoffs nationwide, and even jeopardize lifesaving emergency alerts people count on 

    Washington, D.C. – Ahead of a hearing on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescissions request with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how the request to zero out $1.1 billion in funding Congress has already appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) would hurt communities nationwide who count on the programming offered by the over 1500+ public radio and TV stations the funding supports.

    1500+ STATIONS ACROSS AMERICA SET TO LOSE CRITICAL SUPPORT IF PACKAGE PASSES 

     [Full map and CPB data available here] 

    The rescissions package requested by President Trump that the House of Representatives passed in full earlier this month would rescind two years of advance funding Congress has provided for CPB to support public media in fiscal years 2026 and 2027—ripping away support that over 1500 public radio and TV stations all over the country rely on to keep broadcasts on air and deliver impartial news and critical updates that people count on every day.  

    For 50+ years, Congress has provided advance appropriations for CPB to help insulate stations’ programming decisions from politics—and to provide them with the certainty they need to keep the lights on. 

    ALL 50 STATES TO LOSE OUT SIGNIFICANTLY 

    Every state in the country is set to lose critical funding for local public radio and TV stations if the CPB funding is rescinded.  

    FUNDING ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK 

    State  Funding 
    Alabama  $5,408,997  
    Alaska  $12,023,34  
    Arizona  $7,424,661  
    Arkansas  $3,187,528  
    California  $57,105,735 
    Colorado  $7,655,017  
    Connecticut  $3,017,018  
    Delaware  $133,048  
    District of Columbia  $18,275,757 
    Florida  $24,944,99  
    Georgia  $6,558,857  
    Hawaii  $4,292,969  
    Idaho  $3,341,916  
    Illinois  $12,818,816 
    Indiana  $9,388,508  
    Iowa  $4,723,772  
    Kansas  $3,989,434  
    Kentucky  $6,627,021  
    Louisiana  $6,530,752  
    Maine  $2,895,498  
    Maryland  $6,357,641  
    Massachusetts  $22,549,33  
    Michigan  $11,818,761  
    Minnesota  $17,228,752 
    Mississippi  $2,824,520  
    Missouri  $8,677,805  
    Montana  $2,837,807  
    Nebraska  $6,297,290  
    Nevada  $3,881,471  
    New Hampshire  $1,795,240  
    New Jersey  $2,282,024  
    New Mexico  $5,841,697  
    New York  $42,556,210  
    North Carolina  $8,236,216  
    North Dakota  $2,564,579  
    Ohio  $13,341,101  
    Oklahoma  $3,485,600  
    Oregon  $7,468,534  
    Pennsylvania  $14,492,945  
    Rhode Island  $1,082,244  
    South Carolina  $3,488,714  
    South Dakota  $3,038,524  
    Tennessee  $7,365,199  
    Texas  $17,719,507  
    Utah  $7,103,835  
    Vermont  $2,043,510  
    Virginia  $99,465,449  
    Washington  $10,106,644  
    West Virginia  $1,790,242  
    Wisconsin  $8,498,812  
    Wyoming  $1,870,865 

    The totals above detail the funding each state received in fiscal year 2024—the latest full year of data available. [CPB DATA] 

    LIFESAVING EMERGENCY ALERTS IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY 

    When disasters and other threats strike, public radio and TV stations nationwide not only provide critical updates to those affected who may be cut off from other communications channels, they also play an instrumental role in delivering emergency alerts. 

    Since 2013, public TV stations have helped the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system deliver emergency alerts to people’s cell phones via the stations’ own transmitters when cell companies’ connections fail. In 2024, over 11,000 alerts were issued by federal, state, and local authorities via the PBS WARN system. 

    Similarly, the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS), which is managed by NPR, helps send presidential emergency alerts to local public radio stations nationwide—allowing critical communications to reach people, even when the internet or cellular connections fail.  

    Here are just a few recent examples of how CPB-funded stations and systems have helped disaster survivors: 

    • When wildfires ravaged southern California earlier this year, public media stations provided real-time updates and information to over 18 million people—and issued 100+ geo-targeted Wireless Emergency Alerts, like fire weather warnings, evacuation warnings and orders, and curfew notices. 
    • When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, one local public radio station provided essential real-time updates and news as internet and cell services were down. 
    • When severe floods swept across central and eastern Kentucky this year—causing people to lose power and internet connections—local public radio let people know the latest weather reports, evacuation orders, where to take shelter, and how to apply for aid. 

    Zeroing out all CPB funding will seriously jeopardize stations’ ability to continue serving critical, lifesaving alerts and cut resources specifically provided to maintain and strengthen these emergency alert systems. 

    RURAL COMMUNITIES HIT HARDEST 

    Nearly half of all CPB grantees serve rural communities—and these rural stations are disproportionately reliant on CPB funding to keep their broadcast on air. Federal funding supports an average of 17% of rural stations’ revenue versus 9% for non-rural stations.  

    In total, 120 rural stations rely on federal funding for at least 25% of their revenue—and over 30 stations count on it for at least half. Some stations in the most remote parts of the country depend on federal support for even more of their revenue and could be forced to immediately shut down operations if CPB is defunded. 

    If this support is ripped away, stations will be forced to cut back on programming, lay off staff, and even take their broadcasts off the air.  

    “Should the Senate go along with the House and claw back this funding,

    we’re going to see probably a third of our public radio stations go dark.” 

    — Ed Ulman, CEO of Alaska Public Media 

    “We are in a rural area, so a lot of areas don’t have cellphone service.  

    A lot of people do rely on the radio to get much of their information.”  

    — Station Manager at KGVA 88.1 in Montana 

    EDUCATIONAL TOOLS FOR KIDS DEFUNDED 

    Rescinding all CPB funding would rip away federal investments in all manner of educational programming for kids. CPB grants support local programming across the country to educate young Americans about civics, provide educational tools and programming, and much more. Rescinding the funding would also cut off all federal support for PBS LearningMedia, a free digital learning website accessed by more than 1.4 million users each month, which supports teachers and helps students learn and understand new and complex concepts. 

    AMERICANS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT THIS FUNDING 

    A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that by a two-to-one margin, the American people overwhelmingly favor continuing federal funding for NPR and PBS, which receive support via CPB grants.  

    CUTTING THIS SUPPORT WILL DO NOTHING TO TACKLE OUR NATIONAL DEBT 

    Eliminating support for these stations will do next to nothing to address our annual deficit or growing national debt. The $1.1 billion Congress has already provided for two years of funding for public media represents less than 0.16% of all federal spending in fiscal year 2025 alone.  

    If President Trump and congressional Republicans want to tackle the deficit and our national debt, they can start by not passing their so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which will add $4 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vought Refuses to Rule Out More Illegal End-Runs Around Congress & Refuses to Detail How Trump Will Execute Cuts If Rescissions Bill Passes—Murray Urges Congress to Reject Package in its Entirety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray questioning Director Vought***

    ***WATCH and READ: Senator Schatz’s testimony***

    ***FACT SHEET: Rescission Package Would Devastate Local Public Radio, TV Stations Across America***

    ***FACT-FICTION: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Gut Bipartisan Foreign Policy Investments***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescission request—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, underscored in how Republicans passing the package would devastate local public radio and TV stations nationwide, gut investments Congress has made to support longstanding bipartisan foreign policy objectives, and undermine the bipartisan annual appropriations process.

    Senator Murray and her colleagues pressed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought on all manner of details on the request and this administration’s actions, and Senator Murray specifically pressed Vought on his plans for future rescissions requests, lack of details about the current rescission package, and his plans to illegally withhold even more funding.

    Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) also provided testimony on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescission request.

    [KEY TAKEAWAYS]

    Throughout the hearing, Director Vought faced bipartisan pushback over the sweeping cuts in the package, his refusal to provide detail about what exactly the administration will cut if the package passes, and his insistence on justifying the proposed cuts with a highly-selective list of previously funded projects despite the fact that this administration now has discretion over how funding is allocated—and President Trump himself signed a majority of the funding into law himself.

    Among much else, Director Vought:

    • Refused to rule out doing an end-run around Congress through his illegal notion of a “pocket rescission.”
    • Refused to rule out doing an end-run around Congress through an illegal scheme to request sweeping deferrals under the Impoundment Control Act, run out the clock, and then unilaterally impound funding.
    • Refused to commit to getting out the funding that the Government Accountability Office has determined he is illegally impounding.
    • Repeatedly lied about this administration’s and his own office’s actions—even going so far as to absurdly claim: “We have not impounded any funding.” This despite the fact that the Government Accountability Office has now twice ruled he has illegally impounded funds in its first investigation findings (not to mention courts across America)—and despite the fact that at the very same hearing, Vought insisted impoundment is an option on the table.
    • Refused to spell out exactly how the Trump administration will cut specific programs if the rescissions package passes.

    [MURRAY’S OPENING REMARKS]

    “After Congress failed to pass full-year bills in the FY25, it is so important we pass full-year spending bills that deliver the investments that our communities need. And this hearing today asks a very important question: will Congress stand up and protect its constitutional power of the purse—and will this Committee band together to finally say, ‘enough is enough,’ and show bipartisanship still matters? Or will we, for the first time ever, pass an entirely partisan rescissions package and jeopardize the bipartisan work? I hate to be blunt—but that question is at the heart of this first rescissions request, which would gut bipartisan investments in foreign assistance, reliable local news, and high-quality educational programming,” said Senator Murray in her opening remarks. “I have offered to the Chair and others in this room to do what this Committee has always done: consider bipartisan rescissions in our bills through the annual process, which is the right way to do it. …. If President Trump and Director Vought get their way—and Republicans pass this package—they will not only gut the heart of compromise that this Committee is built around, but zero out longstanding bipartisan investments.”

    [TRUMP’S PLANS FOR MORE RESCISSION PACKAGES]

    Senator Murray began her questioning by emphasizing that Congress passes funding bills after bipartisan negotiations, and partisan rescissions packages that cut up bipartisan spending deals undermine that bipartisan negotiation process: “When I cut a deal with Chair Collins, or Senator Graham, or any of my Republican colleagues, there may be parts of it I do not like or they do not like—but we know what we agreed to and passed into law is something we can count on. And that is absolutely essential to getting the 60 votes to make this Appropriations process work. But what we are here today talking about is one party rescinding funding provided with 60 votes with just a simple majority. And if that becomes the new normal for how this body operates, that is going to make Appropriations bills extremely hard to negotiate. So, as we consider this package, this committee deserves to understand the whole picture of this administration’s plans before making a decision on this request.”

    Senator Murray asked, “So, if this package passes, do you intend to send more rescission requests to Congress?”

    Director Vought declined to rule the possibility out, stating, “Senator, that’s up to the President. It’s certainly an option that I’ve stated publicly that we will strongly consider but that’s up to the President. And you know, we will take that on a week-by-week basis. But there is more honestly than $9.4 billion that we have identified. There’s $163 billion in fiscal year 26 that we have identified for less spending than prior budgets.”

    “So, these were bills that this Committee approved on a bipartisan basis, how many packages are you talking about? And what they are?” pressed Senator Murray.

    “Again, we have—no decisions on those have been made. But we do want to see how successful this effort is,” said Director Vought, in part.

    Senator Murray said: “Correct, and I will just remind all of us that the Appropriations Committee worked on those in a bipartisan way. They were not partisan packages that were sent up. So, what I’m hearing you answer me is that there will be more. You don’t know how many more but there will be more so this Committee and this Congress could spend a lot of time going forward on requests for cuts if this package passes.”

    [VOUGHT REFUSES TO RULE OUT “POCKET RESCISSIONS,” MASS DEFERRALS]

    Senator Murray continued by pressing Director Vought on his plans to continue illegally impounding funds already appropriated by Congress, “Director Vought, when asked about this request, you have said that no matter how Congress acts on this request, impoundment is still ‘on the table.’ And, in an acknowledgement of how unpopular your cuts to bipartisan priorities are, you even publicly said you may well try to do an end-run around Congress by requesting rescissions in the last 45 days of the fiscal year, and then pretending that even if Congress fails to approve them, you can rescind those funds anyway. So, let me tell you: that is not how the law works. The President does not have a line-item-veto—much less a retroactive line-item veto. Your notion of this ‘pocket rescission’ defies common sense—and by the way the plain text of the law.”

    Senator Murray asked, “Director Vought, will you commit to this Committee that you will not attempt to do an end-run around Congress with this so-called ‘pocket rescission’—something members on both sides of this dais have made clear is outright illegal?”

    Director Vought refused to commit to not attempt the tactic, instead defending its potential use: “Senator, there’s a lot of mischaracterizations into my previous comments. I would just say that we believe that we have, under the law, numerous options with regards to how to achieve savings including rescissions that are timed at the end of the fiscal year. General Accounting Office has articulated that earlier in the life of the Impoundment Control Act.”

    “This should be a yes or no, and what I hear from you is all kinds of word salad to make sure you are letting us know that you intend to do things that are outside the intent of the law,” pushed back Senator Murray.

    “And it has also been reported that you are considering sending Congress a massive ‘deferral’ package under the ICA in an attempt to run out the clock and avoid legal scrutiny of this administration’s illegal freeze before ultimately impounding the funds at the end of the fiscal year,” Senator Murray said. “Can you commit to this Committee that there be no deferral package?”

    “We certainly are aware of the deferral provisions in the Impoundment Control Act. There are specific statutory requirements there. That if we are in a situation where funds may meet those definitions. They are certainly on the table but again we have made no decisions. The President has not made any decisions with regard to those different tools that exist. And so I’m here to talk about one package and there’s been one decision on one package, $9.4 billion,” responded Director Vought.

    “Director Vought, I just want to be clear to all of us about what’s going on here: you are actually telling Congress, in total disregard for Congress’s Article 1 powers, you and the president will just impound or rescind funds that you don’t agree with on your own,” said Senator Murray. “And Congress, I will say to all of my committee, should not stand that from this President or any President in the future. And I think that’s really important as we consider this. ”

    [REFUSAL TO PROVIDE DETAILS ON HOW ADMIN WILL MAKE CUTS]

    Senator Murray ended her questioning by addressing the complete lack of information that the Trump administration has provided about how it will seek to make the sweeping cuts it proposes: “Director Vought, to justify the $8.3 billion you propose in foreign assistance, you’ve argued that these funds were used by the Biden Administration for ‘woke’ programs or things not aligned to Trump priorities. That’s not how this works. Whatever the Biden Administration may or may not have done, most of what you are proposing, as has been talked about here, to rescind is Congress provided this Administration in the FY25 CR—the same CR that President Trump signed into law in March. And while Congress has provided instructions for target countries, and sectors, and purposes, this administration has flexibility to determine how best to meet those bipartisan objectives. So, you are waving around a tiny, cherry-picked list of past initiatives funded by those accounts. It’s irrelevant when the simple fact is you and this administration now determine how those funds are being provided by Congress and are specifically put to use. And yet, conveniently, you have not spelled out for this Committee and the public what you plan to cut if this package passes, even if you ask us to vote on it.”

    “So, will you tell us specifically, and I’m going to ask you two questions, tell us specifically which global health programs—malaria, TB, polio, funding for GAVI—are you going to cut?” inquired Senator Murray.

    Director Vought replied, “We have two main reductions in global health.”

    Senator Murray pressed, “Can you tell us specifically on any of those today?”

    “We have $500 million for family planning and $400 million to PEPFAR,” said Director Vought, again not noting specific programs or initiatives he plans to cut.

    Senator Murray continued, “But you’re not going to tell us what programs—ok. Will you tell us specifically where—the Philippines, Pacific Islands, Jordan—you’re planning to undermine American interests?”

    Director Vought replied: “Of course not. We have been very clear in all the administration’s priorities that all of our commitments in regard to Jordan and Egypt are maintained,” Director Vought said in part.

    “I assume you are unwilling to share which humanitarian crises this administration plans to walk away with, which is what we would be voting on—and that is critical information,” said Senator Murray.

    [MURRAY’S CLOSING STATEMENT]

    In closing, Senator Murray said:

    “Thank you very much Chair Collins for holding this hearing. This really is an important discussion with really enormous stakes for our communities, with local news that they rely on, whether they’ll go dark. For the world, will America keep its commitments and continue leading on the global stage? And for this Committee, will we keep focused on bipartisan funding bills or will we give that up to spend our time on a wave of partisan rescissions?

    “I’ve made really clear where I stand. I want us to keep working together to write bipartisan bills that allow us to be a strong voice for our constituents. That’s going to prove very difficult, and maybe even impossible, if this body goes down the path Trump is now calling for, a path that would let partisan rescissions rip up our bipartisan agreements.

    “I hope my colleagues will join me in rejecting this destructive request outright, and ensuring decisions about what we fund, and even potential rescissions, are made by us through the annual appropriations process.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vought Refuses to Rule Out More Illegal End-Runs Around Congress & Refuses to Detail How Trump Will Execute Cuts If Rescissions Bill Passes—Murray Urges Congress to Reject Package in its Entirety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray questioning Director Vought***

    ***WATCH and READ: Senator Schatz’s testimony***

    ***FACT SHEET: Rescission Package Would Devastate Local Public Radio, TV Stations Across America***

    ***FACT-FICTION: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Gut Bipartisan Foreign Policy Investments***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescission request—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, underscored in how Republicans passing the package would devastate local public radio and TV stations nationwide, gut investments Congress has made to support longstanding bipartisan foreign policy objectives, and undermine the bipartisan annual appropriations process.

    Senator Murray and her colleagues pressed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought on all manner of details on the request and this administration’s actions, and Senator Murray specifically pressed Vought on his plans for future rescissions requests, lack of details about the current rescission package, and his plans to illegally withhold even more funding.

    Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) also provided testimony on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescission request.

    [KEY TAKEAWAYS]

    Throughout the hearing, Director Vought faced bipartisan pushback over the sweeping cuts in the package, his refusal to provide detail about what exactly the administration will cut if the package passes, and his insistence on justifying the proposed cuts with a highly-selective list of previously funded projects despite the fact that this administration now has discretion over how funding is allocated—and President Trump himself signed a majority of the funding into law himself.

    Among much else, Director Vought:

    • Refused to rule out doing an end-run around Congress through his illegal notion of a “pocket rescission.”
    • Refused to rule out doing an end-run around Congress through an illegal scheme to request sweeping deferrals under the Impoundment Control Act, run out the clock, and then unilaterally impound funding.
    • Refused to commit to getting out the funding that the Government Accountability Office has determined he is illegally impounding.
    • Repeatedly lied about this administration’s and his own office’s actions—even going so far as to absurdly claim: “We have not impounded any funding.” This despite the fact that the Government Accountability Office has now twice ruled he has illegally impounded funds in its first investigation findings (not to mention courts across America)—and despite the fact that at the very same hearing, Vought insisted impoundment is an option on the table.
    • Refused to spell out exactly how the Trump administration will cut specific programs if the rescissions package passes.

    [MURRAY’S OPENING REMARKS]

    “After Congress failed to pass full-year bills in the FY25, it is so important we pass full-year spending bills that deliver the investments that our communities need. And this hearing today asks a very important question: will Congress stand up and protect its constitutional power of the purse—and will this Committee band together to finally say, ‘enough is enough,’ and show bipartisanship still matters? Or will we, for the first time ever, pass an entirely partisan rescissions package and jeopardize the bipartisan work? I hate to be blunt—but that question is at the heart of this first rescissions request, which would gut bipartisan investments in foreign assistance, reliable local news, and high-quality educational programming,” said Senator Murray in her opening remarks. “I have offered to the Chair and others in this room to do what this Committee has always done: consider bipartisan rescissions in our bills through the annual process, which is the right way to do it. …. If President Trump and Director Vought get their way—and Republicans pass this package—they will not only gut the heart of compromise that this Committee is built around, but zero out longstanding bipartisan investments.”

    [TRUMP’S PLANS FOR MORE RESCISSION PACKAGES]

    Senator Murray began her questioning by emphasizing that Congress passes funding bills after bipartisan negotiations, and partisan rescissions packages that cut up bipartisan spending deals undermine that bipartisan negotiation process: “When I cut a deal with Chair Collins, or Senator Graham, or any of my Republican colleagues, there may be parts of it I do not like or they do not like—but we know what we agreed to and passed into law is something we can count on. And that is absolutely essential to getting the 60 votes to make this Appropriations process work. But what we are here today talking about is one party rescinding funding provided with 60 votes with just a simple majority. And if that becomes the new normal for how this body operates, that is going to make Appropriations bills extremely hard to negotiate. So, as we consider this package, this committee deserves to understand the whole picture of this administration’s plans before making a decision on this request.”

    Senator Murray asked, “So, if this package passes, do you intend to send more rescission requests to Congress?”

    Director Vought declined to rule the possibility out, stating, “Senator, that’s up to the President. It’s certainly an option that I’ve stated publicly that we will strongly consider but that’s up to the President. And you know, we will take that on a week-by-week basis. But there is more honestly than $9.4 billion that we have identified. There’s $163 billion in fiscal year 26 that we have identified for less spending than prior budgets.”

    “So, these were bills that this Committee approved on a bipartisan basis, how many packages are you talking about? And what they are?” pressed Senator Murray.

    “Again, we have—no decisions on those have been made. But we do want to see how successful this effort is,” said Director Vought, in part.

    Senator Murray said: “Correct, and I will just remind all of us that the Appropriations Committee worked on those in a bipartisan way. They were not partisan packages that were sent up. So, what I’m hearing you answer me is that there will be more. You don’t know how many more but there will be more so this Committee and this Congress could spend a lot of time going forward on requests for cuts if this package passes.”

    [VOUGHT REFUSES TO RULE OUT “POCKET RESCISSIONS,” MASS DEFERRALS]

    Senator Murray continued by pressing Director Vought on his plans to continue illegally impounding funds already appropriated by Congress, “Director Vought, when asked about this request, you have said that no matter how Congress acts on this request, impoundment is still ‘on the table.’ And, in an acknowledgement of how unpopular your cuts to bipartisan priorities are, you even publicly said you may well try to do an end-run around Congress by requesting rescissions in the last 45 days of the fiscal year, and then pretending that even if Congress fails to approve them, you can rescind those funds anyway. So, let me tell you: that is not how the law works. The President does not have a line-item-veto—much less a retroactive line-item veto. Your notion of this ‘pocket rescission’ defies common sense—and by the way the plain text of the law.”

    Senator Murray asked, “Director Vought, will you commit to this Committee that you will not attempt to do an end-run around Congress with this so-called ‘pocket rescission’—something members on both sides of this dais have made clear is outright illegal?”

    Director Vought refused to commit to not attempt the tactic, instead defending its potential use: “Senator, there’s a lot of mischaracterizations into my previous comments. I would just say that we believe that we have, under the law, numerous options with regards to how to achieve savings including rescissions that are timed at the end of the fiscal year. General Accounting Office has articulated that earlier in the life of the Impoundment Control Act.”

    “This should be a yes or no, and what I hear from you is all kinds of word salad to make sure you are letting us know that you intend to do things that are outside the intent of the law,” pushed back Senator Murray.

    “And it has also been reported that you are considering sending Congress a massive ‘deferral’ package under the ICA in an attempt to run out the clock and avoid legal scrutiny of this administration’s illegal freeze before ultimately impounding the funds at the end of the fiscal year,” Senator Murray said. “Can you commit to this Committee that there be no deferral package?”

    “We certainly are aware of the deferral provisions in the Impoundment Control Act. There are specific statutory requirements there. That if we are in a situation where funds may meet those definitions. They are certainly on the table but again we have made no decisions. The President has not made any decisions with regard to those different tools that exist. And so I’m here to talk about one package and there’s been one decision on one package, $9.4 billion,” responded Director Vought.

    “Director Vought, I just want to be clear to all of us about what’s going on here: you are actually telling Congress, in total disregard for Congress’s Article 1 powers, you and the president will just impound or rescind funds that you don’t agree with on your own,” said Senator Murray. “And Congress, I will say to all of my committee, should not stand that from this President or any President in the future. And I think that’s really important as we consider this. ”

    [REFUSAL TO PROVIDE DETAILS ON HOW ADMIN WILL MAKE CUTS]

    Senator Murray ended her questioning by addressing the complete lack of information that the Trump administration has provided about how it will seek to make the sweeping cuts it proposes: “Director Vought, to justify the $8.3 billion you propose in foreign assistance, you’ve argued that these funds were used by the Biden Administration for ‘woke’ programs or things not aligned to Trump priorities. That’s not how this works. Whatever the Biden Administration may or may not have done, most of what you are proposing, as has been talked about here, to rescind is Congress provided this Administration in the FY25 CR—the same CR that President Trump signed into law in March. And while Congress has provided instructions for target countries, and sectors, and purposes, this administration has flexibility to determine how best to meet those bipartisan objectives. So, you are waving around a tiny, cherry-picked list of past initiatives funded by those accounts. It’s irrelevant when the simple fact is you and this administration now determine how those funds are being provided by Congress and are specifically put to use. And yet, conveniently, you have not spelled out for this Committee and the public what you plan to cut if this package passes, even if you ask us to vote on it.”

    “So, will you tell us specifically, and I’m going to ask you two questions, tell us specifically which global health programs—malaria, TB, polio, funding for GAVI—are you going to cut?” inquired Senator Murray.

    Director Vought replied, “We have two main reductions in global health.”

    Senator Murray pressed, “Can you tell us specifically on any of those today?”

    “We have $500 million for family planning and $400 million to PEPFAR,” said Director Vought, again not noting specific programs or initiatives he plans to cut.

    Senator Murray continued, “But you’re not going to tell us what programs—ok. Will you tell us specifically where—the Philippines, Pacific Islands, Jordan—you’re planning to undermine American interests?”

    Director Vought replied: “Of course not. We have been very clear in all the administration’s priorities that all of our commitments in regard to Jordan and Egypt are maintained,” Director Vought said in part.

    “I assume you are unwilling to share which humanitarian crises this administration plans to walk away with, which is what we would be voting on—and that is critical information,” said Senator Murray.

    [MURRAY’S CLOSING STATEMENT]

    In closing, Senator Murray said:

    “Thank you very much Chair Collins for holding this hearing. This really is an important discussion with really enormous stakes for our communities, with local news that they rely on, whether they’ll go dark. For the world, will America keep its commitments and continue leading on the global stage? And for this Committee, will we keep focused on bipartisan funding bills or will we give that up to spend our time on a wave of partisan rescissions?

    “I’ve made really clear where I stand. I want us to keep working together to write bipartisan bills that allow us to be a strong voice for our constituents. That’s going to prove very difficult, and maybe even impossible, if this body goes down the path Trump is now calling for, a path that would let partisan rescissions rip up our bipartisan agreements.

    “I hope my colleagues will join me in rejecting this destructive request outright, and ensuring decisions about what we fund, and even potential rescissions, are made by us through the annual appropriations process.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Move to improve: Exercise eases depression and anxiety in kids

    Source:

    26 June 2025

    With more than three-quarters of children and teens experiencing depression or anxiety, parents are desperate for effective solutions. Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that something as simple as regular exercise could be a powerful intervention to support young people’s mental health.

    In the largest meta-meta-analysis of 375 clinical trials involving more than 38,000 young people, UniSA researchers found that when children took part in structured exercise programs, their symptoms of depression and anxiety improved. Specifically, the study found that:

    • Anxiety improved most through low-intensity, resistance exercises, such as light weights or gentle circuit activities.
    • Depression improved most through moderate-intensity, mixed-mode and resistance training, including circuits that combine aerobic and strength programs, particularly in programs lasting less than three months.

    The biggest improvements in depression symptoms occurred in programs lasting fewer than 12 weeks, suggesting that benefits can emerge relatively quickly – especially for children aged 12 and over.

    No significant differences were seen among the frequency of exercise sessions per week.

    Children with depression and ADHD also showed the greatest improvements from exercise.

    Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Ben Singh says the findings present parents with a non-invasive, low-cost solution to combat poor mental health in kids.

    “Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health issues affecting children and teenagers worldwide,” Dr Ben Singh says.

    “Evidence-based treatment guidelines often recommend cognitive behaviour therapy and antidepressants as first-line interventions, yet 40-60% of children don’t receive treatment or fail to gain sufficient benefits, so we clearly need alternatives.

    “Exercise is a low-cost, widely accessible strategy that could make a real difference to children’s mental health. And while people know that exercise is generally good for your health and wellbeing, there is little evidence that shows how exercise works for kids nor the types of exercise that might work better than others.

    “Our study draws together global evidence to show that gentle, light-intensity exercise is highly effective in reducing anxiety in children and teens, while medium-intensity programs that combine resistance and aerobic training – like circuits with weights – can counteract depression.

    “Importantly, it demonstrates how exercise is an effective, accessible, lifestyle intervention that can immediately improve mental health issues in children, without first defaulting to medicines.”

    Senior researcher, UniSA’s Prof Carol Maher says the findings reiterate the importance of exercise for mental health.

    “Exercise should be a core part of mental health care for children and teens, whether at school, in the community, or clinical settings,” Prof Maher says.

    “Short, structured programs that include strength training or a mix of activities seem especially promising, but simply exercising, even for short amounts of time will deliver benefits.

    “And for parents, rest assured – you certainly don’t need to fork out money for a gym membership or training program; play-based activities, games, and sport are all valuable forms of movement that can support mental wellbeing.

    “The key message is simple: get active and keep active. Even short bursts of movement can make a real difference to a child’s mental health and wellbeing – especially for those who are struggling”.

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

    Contact for interview:  Dr Ben Singh E: Ben.Singh@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Stats NZ email platform – add to your ‘safe sender’ list

    New Stats NZ email platform – add to your ‘safe sender’ list

    26 June 2025

    We are moving to a new email platform soon and future emails with your Stats NZ release notifications will come from publishing@communications.stats.govt.nz 
     
    Please add this address to your ‘approved/safe sender’ list to avoid missing your release notifications.  
     
    Contact us at publishing@stats.govt.nz with any questions.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Jewel thieves busted after offloading loot

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A pair of alleged burglars discovered there is no distance Police won’t cover when it comes to holding people accountable for their crimes.

    Auckland Central Police have been investigating a burglary at a High Street jewellery store on 30 May.

    “Enquiries carried out by our staff revealed the alleged offenders used a rented vehicle to leave the scene,” Auckland City Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend says.

    “Further enquires carried out identified two individuals who reside in Ōpōtiki as being allegedly involved in the burglary.”

    With the offender’s identified, the Auckland Central Tactical Crime Unit were able to establish the property had been taken into pawn shops in Rotorua.

    “In total they have pawned 17 items of the stolen jewellery at a second-hand dealer, which we have been able to recover,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

    “It’s another great result in Auckland Central in holding retail crime to account.

    “We are sending a clear message that this type of brazen offending will not be tolerated.

    A man and woman were arrested in Ōpōtiki this week and are before the Whakatāne District Court.

    A 30-year-old female will appear on 1 July charged with receiving stolen property and being in a stolen vehicle.

    A 27-year-old male was remanded in custody to appear on 17 July, charged with the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and two counts of burglary.

    ENDS

    Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES NAMES 50 GLOBAL FINALISTS IN 2025 MAYORS CHALLENGE Including Lower Hutt

    Source: Bloomberg Philanthropies

    Finalists from 33 countries will receive $50,000 and support to test breakthrough ideas for improving life in cities – In January 2026, 25 winning cities will receive $1 million each to bring their idea to life.

    New York, NY – (June 25, 2025) – Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the 50 finalists of its latest Mayors Challenge, a competition to spur local government innovation that improves lives in cities around the world. The sixth Challenge elevates municipalities that have proposed the boldest ideas to bolster essential municipal services.

    From Boise to Belfast, Ansan to Addis Ababa, Toronto to Taipei, the 50 finalists, selected from more than 630 applications, hail from 33 countries and represent over 80 million residents. Their ideas aim to increase public transit ridership, lower household energy costs, expand urban green space, speed service response, strengthen sanitation, improve youth safety, safeguard water supply, and more.

    Each finalist city will receive $50,000 to prototype their idea. They will also participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in July to hone and test their concepts with feedback from experts and fellow peers. In January 2026, the 25 city halls with the most promising ideas will each be awarded $1 million and operational assistance to bring their proposals to life.

    “Local government is where people meet policy—and where government improves lives and builds trust,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “That’s why municipal innovation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about solving hard problems under pressure, often with imperfect tools and finite resources. These Mayors Challenge finalists stand out because they’re not just thinking creatively—they’re designing solutions that reckon with the complexity of implementation and the urgency of their residents’ needs. Their proposals reflect a new standard for public sector achievement: ambitious, yes, but also grounded, disciplined, and ripe for real impact.”

    The 630 ideas submitted to the Mayors Challenge reflect some of the greatest public service challenges facing cities today—as well as the creativity that animates local governments across the globe. A third of U.S. and Canada applicants, for example, devised solutions addressing housing and shelter. Nearly half of the applicants from Africa proposed upgrades to waste collection and management. One out of five applicants from the Asia-Pacific region focused on cleaner water, air, and infrastructure, and 22 percent of European applicants sought ways to reduce poverty or enhance social inclusion.

    The 50 finalist ideas were selected for their originality, potential for impact, and credible vision for delivery. Artificial intelligence was featured in the plans of a number of finalists, including South Bend, Indiana, which envisioned a cutting-edge 311 system that anticipates complaints for non-emergency issues, such as potholes, allowing officials to address problems before a resident report. More analog innovations also rose to the top: In Yonkers, New York, city officials proposed a powerful new hyper-local civic brigade to help older neighbors age happily and healthfully in place.

    The 50 finalist cities are:

    • Abha, Saudi Arabia
    • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    • Ansan, South Korea
    • As-Salt, Jordan
    • Barcelona, Spain
    • Beaverton, U.S
    • Beira, Mozambique
    • Belfast, United Kingdom
    • Benin City, Nigeria
    • Boise, U.S.
    • Boston, U.S.
    • Budapest, Hungary
    • Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
    • Cape Town, South Africa
    • Cartagena, Colombia
    • Cauayan, Philippines
    • Choma, Zambia
    • Cuenca, Ecuador
    • Detroit, U.S.
    • Fez, Morocco
    • Fukuoka, Japan
    • Ghaziabad, India
    • Ghent, Belgium
    • Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, India
    • Helsinki, Finland
    • Honolulu, U.S.
    • Kanifing, Gambia
    • Kyiv, Ukraine
    • Lafayette, U.S.
    • Lower Hutt, New Zealand
    • Maceió, Brazil
    • Marseille, France
    • Medellín, Colombia
    • Mexico City, Mexico
    • Naga, Philippines
    • Ndola, Zambia
    • Netanya, Israel
    • Nouakchott, Mauritania
    • Pasig, Philippines
    • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • San Francisco, U.S.
    • Seattle, U.S.
    • Seoul, South Korea
    • Sialkot, Pakistan
    • South Bend, U.S.
    • Surabaya, Indonesia
    • Taipei, Taiwan
    • Toronto, Canada
    • Turku, Finland
    • Yonkers, U.S.

    In this round of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, more funding will be distributed and more cities will be assisted than in the previous five Challenges which each selected between five to 15 winners. 

    “Local government and mayors’ offices are the beating heart of innovation and change in our urban environments,” said Professor Lesley Lokko OBE, Founder and Chair of the African Futures Institute and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “It has been an honour to join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ advisory committee for the organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge, an initiative dedicated to empowering and supporting city makers around the world. I look forward to working with these 50 finalists as they advance in this extraordinary competition—strengthening their ideas which each represent the inventiveness citizens everywhere should expect from their governments—and the future of what municipal delivery has the power and potential to be.”

    “For more than a decade, Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided unprecedented support to drive local government innovation in cities across the country and around the world,” said Admiral Michael G. Mullen, President & CEO of MGM Consulting and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “The organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge will invest in the future of urban delivery from the ground floor of communities—and I am thrilled to join its advisory committee and work with these finalist cities on accelerating their ideas – from safeguarding water supply to carving out community spaces to integrating AI to improve student routes, and more.”

    The new Mayors Challenge builds on more than 10 years of work led by Bloomberg Philanthropies to discover, nurture, and drive innovation in cities. The awards to date across five previous rounds of competition have provided 38 winning cities with funding and technical assistance to realize their ideas for addressing civic issues. By supporting the replication of the most successful winning ideas, Bloomberg Philanthropies has expanded the impact of the Mayors Challenge to 337 other cities globally, reaching over 100 million residents around the world.

    “Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided invaluable support for cities to develop and implement innovative solutions that improve the lives of residents in ways they can feel,” said Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit, Michigan. “Detroit is honored to be among the 50 municipalities selected from over 630 applications for the organization’s Mayors Challenge. As a finalist, we will work with renowned experts and peers to advance our proposal to create a powerful, single entry that connects currently scattered information – such as inspection dates, taxes, and utilities – on all 400,000 Detroit properties to revolutionize how owners can access this vital information, as well as how our city plans and provides its most essential services.”

    “Seoul is honored to be selected as one of the 50 finalists for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge competition,” said Mayor Oh Se-hoon of Seoul, South Korea. “As a finalist, we will further our proposal to launch powerful educational campaigns and new support systems that will protect youth safety and prevent online child exploitation through the development of an AI-based mobile app that detects risks and alerts parents – while working alongside other cities to set a new standard for the future of urban policy.”

    “City halls deliver the most fundamental public services—from reliable public transport to affordable housing, clean water, sustainable environments, emergency response, and more,” said Mayor Gergely Karácsony of Budapest, Hungary. “Recognizing their potential and reach, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge rewards and equips those with the most inventive ideas to lead transformations of the essential programs their communities rely on. We are honored that Budapest is one of the 50 finalists selected to further our idea to build a city-run food processing plant that can turn surplus fruits and vegetables from local markets into nutritious meals for schools and senior homes.”

    “It is an honor to be selected as a finalist for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge,” said Mayor Sunita Dayal of Ghaziabad, India. “As we pursue our idea to improve our environment alongside bolstering our workforce – converting organic waste into white rooftop paint and compost to cool homes, green parks, and lower emissions while providing new job opportunities – we have a unique opportunity to incubate innovation that will move our communities forward.” 

    “Thank you to Bloomberg Philanthropies for seeing our vision to improve the quality of life for seniors across our city,” said Mayor Mike Spano of Yonkers, New York. “We are honored to be among 50 finalists selected for the prestigious global Mayors Challenge competition. As a finalist, we will look to create a fully sustainable model for community engagement – marshaling public and private partners as well as residents and students – coupled with innovative technology and tools to enable many more to age safely and gracefully in place.” 

    With the expansion of the Bloomberg Cities Idea Exchange, future Mayors Challenge-winning ideas and other locally led solutions supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies will have new potential to scale—serving as models and catalysts for how governments solve problems across the globe. 

    To learn more about the 50 finalist proposals, visit mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org

    About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
    Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org,

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Resume Processing DACA Applications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 25, 2025

    Over 100,000 initial applications are pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both D-Ore., today joined Senate colleagues to urge U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to immediately resume processing DACA applications

    “Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status,” the lawmakers wrote to Acting Director Angelica Alfonso-Royals.  “Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.” 

    The DACA program has been paused since 2021 after a Texas judge ruled that the federal government must stop processing applications. Earlier this year, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals limited that ruling to apply to Texas only, allowing the Trump administration to resume processing applications until the courts come to a final decision. The senators strongly urged Acting Director Alfonso-Royals to resume processing DACA applications, emphasizing that over 100,000 initial applications are currently pending with USCIS.

    “Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately,” the senators wrote.

    The letter was led by Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and John Hickenlooper, D-Colo. Along with Wyden and Merkley, the letter was also signed by Senators Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Coons, D-Del., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Andy Kim, D-N.J., Angus King, I-Maine, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Mark Warner, D-Va., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

    The text of the letter is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opens in Beijing 2025-06-26 08:44:38 Themed “Innovation, Cooperation, Development, Together for a Shared Future,” the event features discussions and exchanges on innovations in health services and administration, improvements in combat casualty care, and other topics.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The sixth Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opened on Wednesday in Beijing, bringing together the heads of military health departments and medical experts from more than 20 countries, as well as representatives of five international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of Military Medicine.

      Themed “Innovation, Cooperation, Development, Together for a Shared Future,” the event features discussions and exchanges on innovations in health services and administration, improvements in combat casualty care, and other topics.

      The congress aims to enhance regional public health security capabilities, collaboratively promote pragmatic cooperation and innovative development in military medicine, and promote the construction of a global community of health for all.

      It also features exhibitions related to combat casualty care, training injury prevention, traditional medicine, and medical equipment.

      The medical equipment exhibition zone highlights dual-use technologies and equipment, while other sections make use of interactive demonstrations and immersive experiences to showcase the Chinese military’s medical capabilities and traditional medicine expertise. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Second phase of China’s largest offshore gas field goes operational

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

    An aerial drone photo taken in April, 2025 shows the Deep Sea No. 1 energy station, in south China’s island province of Hainan. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Wednesday the full operation of the second phase of its flagship gas field in the South China Sea, marking the completion of the country’s largest offshore natural gas development to date. The progress brings the gas field, named Shenhai Yihao or Deep Sea No. 1, to its designed production capacity of 4.5 billion cubic meters annually, according to CNOOC, the largest offshore oil and gas producer in China. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]

    BEIJING, June 25 — China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Wednesday the full operation of the second phase of its flagship gas field in the South China Sea, marking the completion of the country’s largest offshore natural gas development to date.

    The progress brings the gas field, named Shenhai Yihao or Deep Sea No. 1, to its designed production capacity of 4.5 billion cubic meters annually, according to CNOOC, the largest offshore oil and gas producer in China.

    The gas field boasts proven geological reserves of over 150 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Production of phase-one project commenced in June 2021.

    Natural gas extracted from the field is transported to coastal terminals in Hong Kong, Sanya in Hainan, and Zhuhai in Guangdong, supplying key economic regions while integrating into the national gas pipeline network.

    The second phase of the project represents the country’s most challenging deepwater gas development so far, as it operates under the highest temperatures and pressures ever encountered in domestic offshore exploration. Additionally, it is China’s deepest gas development, functioning at water depths exceeding 1,500 meters and well depths surpassing 5,000 meters.

    Project manager Liu Kang said the production infrastructure and technical expertise established through the project will help future complex deepwater oil and gas exploration, enhancing the role of marine resources in supporting national energy supply.

    This photo taken in April, 2025 shows the Deep Sea No. 1 energy station in south China’s island province of Hainan. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]
    This photo taken in March, 2025 shows a night working scene of the offshore gas production platform cluster in south China’s island province of Hainan. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]
    A frogman checks the underwater structure of the second phase of Shenhai Yihao, or Deep Sea No. 1, in south China’s island province of Hainan, in May, 2025. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Americans more cautious on spending amid tariffs

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

    Mark Reynolds, 48, a marketing professional outside of Washington, D.C., said he and his family used to take a lot of trips once the lockdowns were lifted after the COVID-19 pandemic — to Asia, Europe and in the United States.

    Over the last four years he and his family took about five trips a year. “We’ve cut that to two trips per year,” he told Xinhua.

    He has also canceled an expensive gym membership and cut his time with a personal trainer in half, and is now focusing on retirement savings.

    Since U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs in April, Americans have become increasingly cautious about opening their wallets.

    Consumer spending rose by a sluggish 0.2 percent in April, down from a 0.7 percent rise in the month prior, amid Americans’ concerns over how tariffs would impact the economy, according to data released last month by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

    Many Americans seek to increase their savings, after splurging for several years after the pandemic. The personal savings rate rose to 4.9 percent in April from 4.3 percent in March, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

    Since taking office, Trump has announced a slew of sweeping tariffs, including a general 10 percent duty on all goods coming into the United States. That has caused some products to go up in price.

    Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a non-resident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua that he expects Americans to continue making cutbacks.

    “Late payment rates on credit cards are high, and many households are buying food on short-term credit, housing sales are weak. All these indicate the financial problems average Americans are facing,” Hufbauer said.

    Sharon Erdhart, 68, a retiree in the U.S. state of New Jersey, said she shops at cheaper supermarkets even though she has to drive outside of her area a little further.

    “I don’t dine out anymore because of price increases. I have curtailed my credit card use,” she told Xinhua.

    U.S. retail sales declined 0.9 percent in May, exceeding the 0.6 percent drop that economists had forecast, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    Accounting firm KPMG’s recent consumer pulse report showed that in response to tariffs, “50 percent are cutting back on purchases, and 49 percent are actively seeking deals and discounts.”

    “We’re seeing a more selective and cost-conscious summer travel season,” said Duleep Rodrigo, KPMG’s consumer and retail leader.

    Joe Chance, a retired security professional in Philadelphia, told Xinhua he continues to take his family on vacation, but is taking bargain airlines now.

    “They don’t get movies or anything on board even like meals, but it’s cheap,” he said.

    Meanwhile, discount stores, such as Dollar Tree, Walmart, and TJX Companies — the firm that owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls — have been gaining steam in the retail sector.

    Shoppers are opting toward lower prices, and consumers are more likely to seek bargains on goods ranging from beauty products to clothing.

    Hufbauer said he expects discount stores to do well in this environment.

    Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told Xinhua: “Wage growth seems to have slowed, so that will slow spending and cause people to look to discount stores.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Auckland stun Boca, Chelsea progress at Club World Cup

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

    Benfica secured top spot in Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup with a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, as Chelsea advanced from Group D and Auckland City stunned Boca Juniors with a 1-1 draw. Flamengo, already assured of a place in the last 16, drew 1-1 with Los Angeles FC in Orlando.

    In Charlotte, an early goal from Norway international forward Andreas Schjelderup inflicted Bayern’s first blemish of the tournament.

    Liam Delap (R) of Chelsea vies with Yassine Meriah of Esperance De Tunisie during the Group D football match between England’s Chelsea and Tunisia’ Esperance de Tunisie at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Philadelphia, the United States, on June 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

    Schjelderup timed his run to perfection to sweep home a first-time effort from 12 yards after compatriot Fredrik Aursnes crossed from the right wing.

    Bayern enjoyed almost three quarters of the total possession but rarely threatened against a disciplined and compact Benfica defense.

    The result left the Lisbon-based club a point ahead of the Bundesliga champions, who also advanced to the tournament’s next stage.

    “I think this was a very fair and important win, historic really,” Benfica manager Bruno Lage said. “We were as straightforward and assertive as we should be and I think we were very effective in delivering our strategy.”

    Benfica will meet Chelsea in Charlotte on Saturday while Bayern Munich faces Flamengo in Miami the next day.

    In Nashville, Christian Gray struck a second-half equalizer as Auckland City clinched its first point of the tournament against Boca Juniors.

    The Argentine outfit went ahead when Lautaro Di Lollo’s header from a corner hit the left post before ricochetting in off goalkeeper Nathan Garrow.

    But Gray equalized by latching onto a Jerson Lagos corner with a low header beyond Agustin Marchesin.

    Garrow repeatedly denied Boca with a series of sharp saves as the semi-professional team from New Zealand bowed out on an encouraging note.

    Boca finished third in Group C, joining fourth-placed Auckland City in exiting the competition.

    “I’m from a small town, a long way from here and a lot different to this environment. So it is somewhat of a dream,” Gray said after the match, explaining that he would go back to his job as a school teacher upon returning to New Zealand.

    “We’ve had some tough results, but I’m just happy for the team and the boys. I think we deserve it,” the 28 year-old added.

    In Philadelphia, Chelsea secured its passage to the knockout phase with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance in Group D.

    Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a looping header into the far corner after Enzo Fernandez’s floating free-kick.

    Argentina international midfielder Fernandez was again the provider as his lofted pass released Liam Delap, who shook off two defenders before calmly slotting a low finish past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.

    The Premier League side made it 3-0 in second-half stoppage time when Tyrique George’s long-range shot slipped through Ben Said’s gloves and rolled into the back of the net.

    The result meant Chelsea finished second in Group D with six points, three ahead of the eliminated Esperance.

    In Wednesday’s other fixture, a late Wallace Yan strike earned Flamengo a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC in Orlando.

    Denis Bouanga broke the deadlock against the run of play when he ran onto Timothy Tillman’s long free-kick before nutmegging goalkeeper Agustin Rossi with a composed finish.

    Wallace leveled two minutes later for the Brazilian club as he bulldozed his way into the box after Jorginho’s pass and lashed low past Hugo Lloris.

    Despite the result, Flamengo topped Group D with seven points while Los Angeles – which entered the match without hope of progressing – finished last, six points further back.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou,

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed and 267 injured while seeking aid at the US-Israel “humanitarian” centres.

    *

    Three killed and 7 injured by settler pogrom on the town of Kafr Malik, northeast of Ramallah; setting fire to houses and cars, and protected by soldiers. Israeli forces shot and killed 15-year-old Rayan Houshia west of Jenin as they retreated from resistance fighters, after using a civilian home as military barracks; also invading several towns across the West Bank, firing teargas into al-Fawar refugee camp south of Hebron, sound-bombs near the Jenin Grand Mosque in the north, and arresting several Palestinians.

    Al Quds/Jerusalem’s old city faced low visitor numbers even after restrictions were lifted by the Israeli occupation. Jerusalem Governate reported 623 homes and facilities demolished by Israel since October 2023.

    *

    Palestinian political prisoner Amar Yasser Al-Amour was released after 2.5 years without charge or trial in Israeli prisons. Thousands remain detained illegally in this way. Another freed prisoner Fares Bassam Hanani mourned his mother who passed away while he was imprisoned. Mohammad al-Ghushi, also freed, was taken to hospital to have his kidney removed due to torture and medical neglect he faced in Israeli prisons.

    *

    The unexpected ceasefire between Israel, America, and Iran appears to be holding for now. Iranian officials say the US “torpedoed diplomacy” and have passed a bill to halt cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dogged determination gets results

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Man’s best friend, a trusty dog owner and some speedy Police work potentially prevented car thefts in an East Auckland suburb early this morning.

    A Greenlane resident who was woken by his dog barking around 3.45am investigated immediately.

    “His trusty pooch had alerted him to two people outside his home apparently scoping out parked cars with a torch,” Inspector Jim Wilson, Auckland City East Area Commander, says.

    But by the time Police arrived the pair were on the move and fled despite being signalled to stop.

    “Police monitored the vehicle from a distance until The Police Helicopter arrived overhead to monitor the situation.”

    The car was successfully spiked but kept going onto nearby Great South Road, and Police observed it driving on the wrong side of the road.

    Inspector Wilson says a dog unit was deployed when the driver finally abandoned the vehicle at Garland Road and took off on foot. 

    “He was apprehended nearby and received minor police dog bites and was given medical treatment,” Inspector Wilson says.

    “A passenger remained in the vehicle and was arrested without incident.”

    The 38-year-old driver is appearing in the Auckland District Court, charged with failing to stop, driving in a dangerous manner, possessing cannabis and possessing

    an offensive weapon.

    “Fortunately, it appears no vehicles in the street were successfully broken into and it goes to show the importance of vigilance,” Inspector Wilson says.

    “After a busy night it’s left two smart dogs catching up on some much-needed sleep.”

    Police remind the public to report suspicious activity as soon as possible by calling 111.

    ENDS

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasmine Titova, PhD Candidate, CQUniversity Australia

    When tennis legend Serena Williams
    retired in 2022, she stated:

    If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family.

    Many elite athletes end their sporting careers prematurely to have children, with the physical burden of pregnancy one of many barriers.

    Despite these barriers, a growing number of elite athletes are proving motherhood and elite sport are compatible and even complementary – but they need better support.

    Responding to this need, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today announced new recommendations in this space, which are the most comprehensive of their kind globally.

    Just seven years out from Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, this clearer new policy could give confidence to countless Australian athletes who are determined to become parents as well as striving for the podium.

    The push for more support

    Women can train safely during and after pregnancy but it is often practical challenges – like a lack of contract security, ranking and categorisation protection and limited access to parenting facilities – that prevent them from continuing in their sport.

    In Australia, Olympic sprint kayaker Alyce Wood, marathon runner Genevieve Gregson and water polo player Keesja Gofers have gone on to reach personal bests and career-highs after having children. These athletes have highlighted the challenges and gaps they faced along the way, despite organisational support for athlete mums improving in recent years.

    Alongside others athlete mums, they are now advocating for better support systems.

    This call to action has become increasingly urgent as women’s sport experiences unprecedented growth through increased visibility, investment and professionalisation.

    Research driving change

    Our CQUniversity research team partnered with the AIS and the Queensland Academy of Sport to develop national evidence-based recommendations to guide sporting organisations in how to support pregnant and parenting athletes.

    Underpinning these recommendations was a comprehensive series of studies spanning four years.

    The project began by exploring global findings to understand the barriers and enablers faced by elite athletes during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting.

    Our research found elite athletes encounter more than 30 unique barriers during these critical windows, including:

    • challenges planning pregnancy around sporting competitions
    • the physical impacts of pregnancy and childbirth
    • training considerations
    • the logistics and cost of caring for an infant while travelling.

    Central to these findings was sporting organisations’ lack of pregnancy and parenting policies.

    A subsequent review found only 22 out of 104 (21%) national sporting organisations had at least one policy detailing support for pregnant and parenting athletes.

    Listening to athletes and staff

    To better understand the gaps, our research team met with more than 60 elite women athletes, support staff (like coaches and health professionals) and organisational staff across 25 sports.

    We investigated the experiences and needs of elite athlete mothers and those planning children.

    We discovered the vast majority were unhappy with the level of pregnancy and parenting support provided by sporting organisations.

    They cited a lack of clear frameworks and women’s health education, prevailing stigma, discrimination and limited access to parenting facilities as key barriers.

    As one athlete shared:

    No one ever talks about it [starting a family] in my environment. It feels like a taboo topic because it’s kind of expected that it’s something you think about after sport. Like, your priority should be training and performing.

    Another athlete described:

    I’ve got a lot of friends who have also tried [returning after children] and have just not wanted to return because of the environment and lack of [organisational] support […] you have to go back to club level and then work your way back up to state and national level without any help or support.

    This input helped shape the AIS recommendations, which are the most comprehensive of their kind globally.

    They comprise of 19 policy recommendations and 89 practice recommendations (practical, actionable steps for sporting organisations to follow).

    The guide is also the first to include a suite of resources including pregnancy and return-to-sport plan templates, checklists, frameworks and helpful resources to support implementation.

    With the adoption of these recommendations, athletes will be able to:

    • disclose pregnancy on their own terms (excluding required medical clearances and safety precautions)
    • develop and regularly review a comprehensive, individualised plan guiding them through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting, in collaboration with relevant staff
    • take time away from their sport during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum without facing financial or ranking/categorisation implications
    • have continued access to facilities, services and relevant professionals during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum
    • maintain their preferred level of engagement with the sporting organisation while taking parenting leave.

    Sporting organisations adopting the recommendations should:

    • implement accessible pregnancy policies
    • educate athletes and staff on reproductive health
    • provide essential parenting facilities like designated breastfeeding and childcare spaces.

    The recommendations mark a significant step forward for women’s sport, directly addressing longstanding barriers. They will ensure women athletes receive the same basic rights and privileges standard for parents in most Australian workplaces.

    Jasmine Titova received funding from the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Government’s Research Training Program.

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

    – ref. Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both – https://theconversation.com/parenthood-or-podium-its-time-australian-athletes-had-the-support-to-choose-both-257725

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –