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Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Law Students and Graduates Recognized with 2025 Awards

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The faculty of UConn School of Law has recognized the many and varied achievements of its students and graduates with an array of prizes and awards.

    The recipients, announced at the end of the academic year, are honored for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, which may include grades, class participation, clinical work, leadership, and community involvement. Many awards offer a financial component, while others provide books, certificates, memberships, and other gifts.

    The 2025 awards and recipients are:

    The Honorable Herbert Barall Family Law Award
    • Megan Ann Phillips ’25
    Established by friends and family of Judge Herbert Barall and awarded to a graduating student who has excelled in the study of family law and has shown a commitment to family law.

    The Honorable M. Joseph Blumenfeld Award
    • Casey Krieger ’25
    Established by friends of U.S. District Judge M. Joseph Blumenfeld and awarded to a student who has rendered outstanding service to clients in a clinic program.

    The Elihu Burritt Award
    • Devon Murphy ’25
    Awarded to the student with the highest academic average achieved at a semester abroad program sponsored by the UConn School of Law.

    The Robert S. Carey, Jr., JD ’76 Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company Foundation (CATIC) Foundation Award in Real Property
    • Jennifer O’Brien ’25
    Awarded for outstanding work in real property law.

    The Clark-Janis International Award
    • Johanna Weber ’25
    Established by Professor Mark Janis and his wife, Janet Janis, in honor of their parents, Martha and Allan Clark and June and Henry Janis, and given to an international student for superior academic achievement.

    The Clinical Legal Education Association Certificate of Recognition
    • Whitney Krispin ’26
    Awarded for outstanding performance in a clinical program.

    The Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Externship Student Award
    • Sarina Bhargava ’25
    Awarded to a student for outstanding performance in an externship.

    The Connecticut Bar Association Labor and Employment Section Award for Excellence in Employment Law
    • Ian Russell ’26
    Awarded for outstanding achievement in the field of labor and employment law.

    The Connecticut Bar Association Real Property Section Memorial Award
    • Riley Morrill ’26
    Given to the student who has contributed substantially to the development of a sound body of law in the field of real property.

    The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Award
    • Thomas Daniel Pelletier ’25
    Given to a student who, in the judgment of the faculty, has written the best paper addressing a problem in municipal law or another aspect of municipal government, or has completed an internship or service project in municipal government in Connecticut and demonstrates the greatest contribution to excellence in local government.

    Excellence in Taxation Award in Honor of Professor Pomp
    •     James Hallinan ’25
    Donated by Thomas Holmgren Class of 2013 to an outstanding student in taxation in recognition of Professor Pomp’s national reputation as the leading scholar, expert witness, and oral advocate in State and Local Taxation.

    The Maxwell Friedman Award
    • Elinor Schneider ’25
    Presented to a student for outstanding achievement in commercial subjects.

    The Thomas F. Gallivan, Jr. Memorial Award
    • Jackson Reis ’26
    Presented by the Law School Alumni Association for outstanding scholastic achievement in property law in honor of the late Thomas F. Gallivan, a lecturer at the Law School.

    The Hon. F. Herbert Gruendel ‘84 Award for Excellence in Moot Court 
    • Sophia Holt ’25
    • Joshua Maddox ’25
    Awarded to a student who has completed at least two years of study, meeting the following criteria: (a) Competed in a moot court competition at UConn Law or elsewhere. (b) Demonstrated commitment to the strength of the moot court experience at UConn Law by membership on the Moot Court Board or in other ways, and (c) Demonstrates promise as an appellate advocate.

    The Milton W. Horwitz Award
    • Bridget Casey ’25
    Awarded to a student who has excelled in the 1L Torts course and who demonstrates a dedication to the highest standards of morality and integrity of the profession.

    The Insurance Law Center JD Award
    • Lindie Gibbs ’25
    Presented to a graduating student who has excelled in the study of insurance law or rendered outstanding service to the Connecticut Insurance Law Journal or to the Insurance Law Society.

    The Insurance Law Center LLM Award
    • Daniel Delgado Jaramillo ’25
    Given to the student receiving a Masters of Laws (LLM) in Insurance Law who best exemplifies the law school’s commitment to scholarship in insurance law and service to the community.

    Olimpiad Ioffe Award
    • Taylor Spalding ’25
    Established by friends of Professor Olimpiad Ioffe to recognize a graduating student who has excelled in the study of comparative law or Eastern European law.

    Fleming James Jr. Award
    • Drake Freiberg ’25
    Established in honor of the late Professor Fleming James Jr. to recognize an upper-level student who has excelled in the study of labor law.

    Kathryn Mikolinski ’17 Memorial Award for Criminal Law
    • Sydney Fernandez ’25
    Awarded in memory of Kathryn Mikolinski ’17 to a graduating student who demonstrates excellence in the study or practice of criminal defense law or who best exemplifies dedication to protecting the rights of criminal defendants.

    The Distinguished Alumni Professor Kent Newmyer Award in American Legal History
    • Adelina Miceli ’25
    Established in honor of Kent Newmyer to recognize a student who demonstrates excellence in the study of American legal history.

    Joseph F. Noonan Memorial Award
    • Joy Hamer ’25
    Established in memory of Joseph F. Noonan ʼ48 to recognize a student who combines outstanding legal scholarship with a commitment to public service.

    The Alvin Pudlin Memorial First Amendment Fund Award
    • Aishah Stovall ’25
    Awarded to a student who advances the understanding and appreciation of the rights secured by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

    The Judge Robert Satter Award
    • William Fallon ’25
    Awarded in memory of Judge Robert Satter for contributions through a student’s efforts or written work to the advancement or preservation of civil liberties in America.

    George and Lorraine Schatzki Award
    • Grace Brunner ’25
    Awarded by fellow graduates Aaron and Sandra Gersten in honor of Dean George Schatzki to a student for outstanding service to the school.

    Paul Schneider LLM ’18 and Bryan Garcia Human Rights and Social Justice Award
    • Luis Salazar ’25
    • Zoe Allison ’25
    Awarded to two students with demonstrated achievement in and dedication to the area of domestic and/or international human rights and a commitment to advancing human rights and social justice.

    Thomas J. Staley Award
    • Amanda Hoey ’26
    Awarded in honor of Thomas J. Staley to a student for distinction in the study of labor law.

    William F. Starr Fellowship Award
    • Chelsea Connery ’24
    Established in honor of the late Professor William F. Starr to recognize the student in the previous year’s graduating class with the highest grade point average.

    William F. Starr First Year Award
    • Jackson Reis (Day Division) ’26
    • Drew David Derubeis (Evening Division) ’27
    Established in honor of the late Professor William F. Starr to recognize the students who achieved the highest grade point averages in last year’s day and evening divisions.

    Edward L. Stephenson Memorial Award
    • Malachi Bridges ’26
    Established in honor of the late Professor Edward L. Stephenson and awarded to a student for outstanding scholastic achievement in civil procedure.

    Terry J. Tondro Award
    • Savannah-Nicole Villalba ’27
    Awarded in honor of the late Professor Terry J. Tondro to a student for excellence in the study of land use, historic preservation, affordable housing or urban revitalization.

    UConn School of Law Award for Exceptional Achievement in Scholarship
    • Patrick Cline ’27
    • Tierney Kovacs ’27
    • Michela Zaccardelli ’27
    Awarded to three students for exceptional achievement in scholarship.

    UConn School of Law Award for Outstanding Service to the Law School
    • Brice Ashford ’25
    Awarded to a graduating students for outstanding service to the law school community.

    UConn School of Law International Award
    • Monica Mantilla Villamizar ’25
    Awarded to an international student receiving a Masters of Laws (LLM) in U.S. Legal Studies who best exemplifies the Law School’s commitment to distinguished scholarship in international studies and dedicated service to the community.

    UConn School of Law Pro Bono Award
    • Bridget O’Neil ’25
    Presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to pro bono work that benefits persons of limited means.

    Cornelius W. Wickersham Jr. Award
    • Alex Davenport ’25
    Given by the Federal Bar Council in honor of Cornelius W. Wickersham, Jr. for excellence in the study of constitutional law.

    Women Law Students Award
    • Lauren Moran ’25
    Awarded by WLSA to honor and support a University of Connecticut law student who is using legal skills to serve the community by promoting the interest of women.

    The 2025 awards were coordinated by a committee working at the request of Dean Eboni S. Nelson in consultation with faculty members in each subject area. The committee members were Professors Richard Pomp (Chair), Mathilde Cohen, Miguel de Figueiredo, Nadiyah Number, Jenny Kim, Alexandra Lombardi, Lisa Perkins, and Jessica de Perio Wittman, as well as Assistant Dean Christina Mohr.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: California wildfire plan to ban most plants within 5 feet of homes overlooks some important truths about flammability

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Max Moritz, Wildfire Specialist, University of California Cooperative Extension; Adjunct Professor at the Bren School, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Photos after the Los Angeles fires in January 2025 show many yards where vegetation didn’t burn while neighboring houses did. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

    One of the most striking patterns in the aftermath of many urban fires is how much unburned green vegetation remains amid the wreckage of burned neighborhoods.

    In some cases, a row of shrubs may be all that separates a surviving house from one that burned just a few feet away.

    As scientists who study how vegetation ignites and burns, we recognize that well-maintained plants and trees can actually help protect homes from wind-blown embers and slow the spread of fire in some cases. So, we are concerned about new wildfire protection regulations being developed by the state of California that would prohibit almost all plants and other combustible material within 5 feet of homes, an area known as “Zone 0.”

    Photos before and after the 2025 Palisades Fire show thick green vegetation between two closely spaced homes. The arrow shows the direction of the fire’s spread.
    Max Moritz; CAL FIRE Damage Inspection photos, CC BY

    Wildfire safety guidelines have long encouraged homeowners to avoid having flammable materials next to their homes. But the state’s plan for an “ember-resistant zone,” being expedited under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom, goes further by also prohibiting grass, shrubs and many trees in that area.

    If that prohibition remains in the final regulation, it’s likely to be met with public resistance. Getting these rules right also matters beyond California, because regulations that originate in California often ripple outward to other fire-prone regions.

    Lessons from the devastation

    Research into how vegetation can reduce fire risk is a relatively new area of study. However, the findings from plant flammability studies and examination of patterns of where vegetation and homes survive large urban fires highlight its importance.

    When surviving plants do appear scorched after these fires, it is often on the side of the plant facing a nearby structure that burned. That suggests that wind-blown embers ignited houses first: The houses were then the fuel as the fire spread through the neighborhood.

    We saw this repeatedly in the Los Angeles area after wildfires destroyed thousands of homes in January 2025. The pattern suggests a need to focus on the many factors that can influence home losses.

    Shrubs in Zone 0 of a home did not ignite during the Eaton Fire, despite the home burning.
    Max Moritz

    Several guides are available that explain steps homeowners can take to help protect houses, particularly from wind-blown embers, known as home hardening.

    For example, installing rain gutter covers to keep dead leaves from accumulating, avoiding flammable siding and ensuring that vents have screens to prevent embers from getting into the attic or crawl space can lower the risk of the home catching fire.

    However, guidance related to landscaping plants varies greatly and can even be incorrect.

    For example, some “fire-safe” plant lists contain species that are drought tolerant but not necessarily fire resistant. What matters more for keeping plants from becoming fuel for fires is how well they’re maintained and whether they’re properly watered.

    How a plant bursts into flames

    When living plant material is heated by a nearby energy source, such as a fire, the moisture inside it must be driven off before it can ignite. That evaporation cools the surrounding area and lowers the plant’s flammability.

    In many cases, high moisture can actually keep a plant from igniting. We’ve seen this in some of our experimental work and in other studies that test the flammability of ornamental landscaping.

    With enough heat, dried leaves and stems can break down and volatilize into gases. And, at that point, a nearby spark or flame can ignite these gases and set the plant on fire.

    Plant flammability testing shows how quickly twigs, grasses, plants and leaves will burn at different moisture levels. The images on the right are from an experiment at the University of California’s South Coast Research and Extension Center to test flammability of a living but overly dry plant.
    Max Moritz (left); Luca Carmignani (right)

    Even when the plant does burn, however, its moisture content can limit other aspects of flammability, such as how hot it burns.

    Up to the point that they actually burn, green, well-maintained plants can slow the spread of a fire by serving as “heat sinks,” absorbing energy and even blocking embers. This apparent protective role has been observed in both Australia and California studies of home losses.

    How often vegetation buffers homes from igniting during urban conflagrations is still unclear, but this capability has implications for regulations.

    California’s ‘Zone 0’ regulations

    The Zone 0 regulations California’s State Board of Forestry is developing are part of broader efforts to reduce fire risk around homes and communities. They would apply in regions considered at high risk of wildfires or defended by CAL FIRE, the state’s firefighting agency.

    Many of the latest Zone 0 recommendations, such as prohibiting mulch and attached fences made of materials that can burn, stem from large-scale tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. These features can be systematically analyzed.

    But vegetation is far harder to model. The state’s proposed Zone 0 regulations oversimplify complex conditions in real neighborhoods and go beyond what is currently known from scientific research regarding plant flammability.

    Green lawns, trees and shrubs were still visible after the Eaton Fire burned homes in Altadena, Calif., in January 2025.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    A mature, well-pruned shrub or tree with a high crown may pose little risk of burning and can even reduce exposure to fires by blocking wind and heat and intercepting embers. Aspen trees, for example, have been recommended to reduce fire risk near structures or other high-value assets.

    In contrast, dry, unmanaged plants under windows or near fences may ignite rapidly and make it more likely that the house itself will catch fire.

    As California and other states develop new wildfire regulations, they need to recognize the protective role that well-managed plants can play, along with many other benefits of urban vegetation.

    We believe the California proposal’s current emphasis on highly prescriptive vegetation removal, instead of on maintenance, is overly simplistic. Without complementary requirements for hardening the homes themselves, widespread clearing of landscaping immediately around homes could do little to reduce risk and have unintended consequences.

    Max Moritz has nothing to disclose.

    Luca Carmignani has nothing to disclose.

    – ref. California wildfire plan to ban most plants within 5 feet of homes overlooks some important truths about flammability – https://theconversation.com/california-wildfire-plan-to-ban-most-plants-within-5-feet-of-homes-overlooks-some-important-truths-about-flammability-257109

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Visit to France to advance Australia’s trade interests

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    This week, I will travel to France to lead Australia’s delegation to the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting and meet with counterparts to advance Australia’s trade interests and advocate for the rules-based trading system.

    The OECD Ministerial Council Meeting is an opportunity to discuss cooperation on open markets, the digital economy, and the building of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

    On the sidelines of this meeting, Australia will host the annual informal gathering of World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministers. The meeting will provide an opportunity to build momentum for WTO reform and reinforce the importance of an open, rules-based global trading system.

    Australia will also host a meeting of Cairns Group Ministers to discuss how we can advance agricultural reform that brings us closer to a level playing field in agricultural trade.

    I look forward to meeting with a number of my counterparts, including EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič.

    The EU is the second-largest economy in the world, with a GDP of approximately AUD31 trillion in 2025. Concluding a free trade agreement with the EU is a priority, but we have been clear that a deal needs to deliver meaningful market access outcomes, including for Australian agriculture.

    MIL OSI News –

  • India and Japan strengthen maritime ties with focus on shipbuilding, green ports, and smart islands

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant step toward deepening maritime cooperation, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Vice Minister for International Affairs, Terada Yoshimichi, in Oslo, Norway. The discussions, aimed at fostering stronger maritime relations between India and Japan, covered key areas such as shipbuilding, port digitization, green port initiatives, maritime training, and the transformation of India’s Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands into Smart Islands.

    The ministers explored opportunities for Japanese investment in Indian shipyards, with a focus on collaborations involving leading Japanese companies like Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Sonowal highlighted India’s interest in joint ventures with these firms, particularly for greenfield projects like Imabari Shipbuilding’s initiative in Andhra Pradesh. He also invited Japan’s maritime giants—NYK Line, MOL, and K Line—to explore investment opportunities in India’s burgeoning maritime sector.

    “Japan’s expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair is globally recognized, and we see immense potential for collaboration,” said Sonowal. “Our strong bilateral ties and India’s growing maritime industry present a unique opportunity for Japanese shipyards to invest in India, while collaboration on port digitization and green port initiatives will enhance the sustainability of our maritime logistics network.”

    The meeting also emphasized sustainable technologies and disaster-resilient infrastructure, with both sides discussing the development of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep as Smart Islands. Leveraging Japan’s expertise in island development, the collaboration aims to integrate renewable energy, smart mobility systems, and digital infrastructure while prioritizing ecological conservation and regional maritime security.

    Vice Minister Terada expressed Japan’s keen interest in expanding maritime collaboration, particularly in shipbuilding and seafarer training. “India and Japan share an intimate relationship, and we are very interested in the maritime sector,” he said, noting positive discussions on mutual cooperation. Japan, already a key partner in India’s railway infrastructure, is now looking to strengthen its presence in the maritime domain.

    A key focus of the talks was the upskilling and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan. With over 154,000 trained seafarers, India is well-positioned to support Japan’s maritime workforce. Sonowal proposed structured training programs by Japanese maritime leaders to enhance the skills of Indian engineers and workers, further solidifying bilateral ties.

    The ministers also discussed India’s ambitious National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, aimed at showcasing the country’s rich maritime legacy. Sonowal invited Japan to partner in this project and expressed hope for an early MoU to formalize the collaboration. Additionally, he extended an invitation to Vice Minister Terada for the India Maritime Week 2025, to be held in Mumbai from October 27-31, 2025, to explore further opportunities for investment and innovation in the maritime sector.

    The talks underscored the deep Indo-Japanese partnership, rooted in shared values of democracy, freedom, and cultural ties. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional maritime security and economic integration through frameworks like the Quad and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). Sonowal highlighted India’s alignment with Japan-led initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT).

    “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is transforming its maritime sector through initiatives like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” said Sonowal. “With Japan’s partnership, we aim to scale new heights, targeting five trillion yen (₹3.2 lakh crore) in investments by 2027 for a sustainable and mutually beneficial future.”

  • MIL-OSI Global: California plan to ban most plants within 5 feet of homes for wildfire safety overlooks some important truths about flammability

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Max Moritz, Wildfire Specialist, University of California Cooperative Extension; Adjunct Professor at the Bren School, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Photos after the Los Angeles fires in January 2025 show many yards where vegetation didn’t burn while neighboring houses did. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

    One of the most striking patterns in the aftermath of many urban fires is how much unburned green vegetation remains amid the wreckage of burned neighborhoods.

    In some cases, a row of shrubs may be all that separates a surviving house from one that burned just a few feet away.

    As scientists who study how vegetation ignites and burns, we recognize that well-maintained plants and trees can actually help protect homes from wind-blown embers and slow the spread of fire in some cases. So, we are concerned about new wildfire protection regulations being developed by the state of California that would prohibit almost all plants and other combustible material within 5 feet of homes, an area known as “Zone 0.”

    Photos before and after the 2025 Palisades Fire show thick green vegetation between two closely spaced homes. The arrow shows the direction of the fire’s spread.
    Max Moritz; CAL FIRE Damage Inspection photos, CC BY

    Wildfire safety guidelines have long encouraged homeowners to avoid having flammable materials next to their homes. But the state’s plan for an “ember-resistant zone,” being expedited under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom, goes further by also prohibiting grass, shrubs and many trees in that area.

    If that prohibition remains in the final regulation, it’s likely to be met with public resistance. Getting these rules right also matters beyond California, because regulations that originate in California often ripple outward to other fire-prone regions.

    Lessons from the devastation

    Research into how vegetation can reduce fire risk is a relatively new area of study. However, the findings from plant flammability studies and examination of patterns of where vegetation and homes survive large urban fires highlight its importance.

    When surviving plants do appear scorched after these fires, it is often on the side of the plant facing a nearby structure that burned. That suggests that wind-blown embers ignited houses first: The houses were then the fuel as the fire spread through the neighborhood.

    We saw this repeatedly in the Los Angeles area after wildfires destroyed thousands of homes in January 2025. The pattern suggests a need to focus on the many factors that can influence home losses.

    Shrubs in Zone 0 of a home did not ignite during the Eaton Fire, despite the home burning.
    Max Moritz

    Several guides are available that explain steps homeowners can take to help protect houses, particularly from wind-blown embers, known as home hardening.

    For example, installing rain gutter covers to keep dead leaves from accumulating, avoiding flammable siding and ensuring that vents have screens to prevent embers from getting into the attic or crawl space can lower the risk of the home catching fire.

    However, guidance related to landscaping plants varies greatly and can even be incorrect.

    For example, some “fire-safe” plant lists contain species that are drought tolerant but not necessarily fire resistant. What matters more for keeping plants from becoming fuel for fires is how well they’re maintained and whether they’re properly watered.

    How a plant bursts into flames

    When living plant material is heated by a nearby energy source, such as a fire, the moisture inside it must be driven off before it can ignite. That evaporation cools the surrounding area and lowers the plant’s flammability.

    In many cases, high moisture can actually keep a plant from igniting. We’ve seen this in some of our experimental work and in other studies that test the flammability of ornamental landscaping.

    With enough heat, dried leaves and stems can break down and volatilize into gases. And, at that point, a nearby spark or flame can ignite these gases and set the plant on fire.

    Plant flammability testing shows how quickly twigs, grasses, plants and leaves will burn at different moisture levels. The images on the right are from an experiment at the University of California’s South Coast Research and Extension Center to test flammability of a living but overly dry plant.
    Max Moritz (left); Luca Carmignani (right)

    Even when the plant does burn, however, its moisture content can limit other aspects of flammability, such as how hot it burns.

    Up to the point that they actually burn, green, well-maintained plants can slow the spread of a fire by serving as “heat sinks,” absorbing energy and even blocking embers. This apparent protective role has been observed in both Australia and California studies of home losses.

    How often vegetation buffers homes from igniting during urban conflagrations is still unclear, but this capability has implications for regulations.

    California’s ‘Zone 0’ regulations

    The Zone 0 regulations California’s State Board of Forestry is developing are part of broader efforts to reduce fire risk around homes and communities. They would apply in regions considered at high risk of wildfires or defended by CAL FIRE, the state’s firefighting agency.

    Many of the latest Zone 0 recommendations, such as prohibiting mulch and attached fences made of materials that can burn, stem from large-scale tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. These features can be systematically analyzed.

    But vegetation is far harder to model. The state’s proposed Zone 0 regulations oversimplify complex conditions in real neighborhoods and go beyond what is currently known from scientific research regarding plant flammability.

    Green lawns, trees and shrubs were still visible after the Eaton Fire burned homes in Altadena, Calif., in January 2025.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    A mature, well-pruned shrub or tree with a high crown may pose little risk of burning and can even reduce exposure to fires by blocking wind and heat and intercepting embers. Aspen trees, for example, have been recommended to reduce fire risk near structures or other high-value assets.

    In contrast, dry, unmanaged plants under windows or near fences may ignite rapidly and make it more likely that the house itself will catch fire.

    As California and other states develop new wildfire regulations, they need to recognize the protective role that well-managed plants can play, along with many other benefits of urban vegetation.

    We believe the California proposal’s current emphasis on highly prescriptive vegetation removal, instead of on maintenance, is overly simplistic. Without complementary requirements for hardening the homes themselves, widespread clearing of landscaping immediately around homes could do little to reduce risk and have unintended consequences.

    Max Moritz has nothing to disclose.

    Luca Carmignani has nothing to disclose.

    – ref. California plan to ban most plants within 5 feet of homes for wildfire safety overlooks some important truths about flammability – https://theconversation.com/california-plan-to-ban-most-plants-within-5-feet-of-homes-for-wildfire-safety-overlooks-some-important-truths-about-flammability-257109

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Debunking 5 myths about when your devices get wet

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rachel Plotnick, Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Studies, Indiana University

    Consumer technologies get wet as a regular part of everyday life. Shuvro Mojumder/Unsplash , CC BY-SA

    Nearly everyone has encountered the unthinkable: Your smartphone landed in the toilet. Or you forgot to take off your smartwatch before jumping into the pool. Or maybe you meant to take those earbuds out of your pocket before running the laundry. What now?

    Internet forums are chock-full of advice to dry out that drenched device, but problematic myths about liquid protection and repair make it hard for consumers to separate fact from fiction.

    I’m a researcher who studies how technologies play a part in people’s everyday practices and experiences. My new book, “License to Spill: Where Dry Devices Meet Liquid Lives,” explores the wet-dry boundary in how people perceive and treat their electronic devices.

    Here are five common myths about getting devices wet:

    Myth 1: My device turned back on! It’s fine

    While it’s a relief to see your technology rise from the dead, what you can’t see are subtle processes occurring inside, like corrosion. The breakdown of your device’s metal parts due to moisture often happens over time, in a period that can take place days, weeks or months after the offending incident.

    That’s why even humidity from moist climates or your steamy shower can make a long-term impact, despite the fact that everything booted up right away after a splash or dunk.

    Myth 2: My ‘waterproof’ device can tolerate any kind of wetness

    The term “waterproof” is a controversial one – so controversial, in fact, that the Federal Trade Commission has strict rules about using the term in advertising, once even banning it from ad copy selling wristwatches.

    Given the vagueness of the term, it’s better to examine different water resistance standards, such as ingress protection, or IP, ratings and MIL-SPEC, or ISO in the case of watches, and to read the fine print about what those standards actually cover.

    Myth 3: My device has a great IP rating, so it’s been tested under real-world conditions

    Companies often advertise IP ratings as a way to entice consumers to purchase their products, but it’s important to know that these ratings are based on contact with fresh water. If you’re worried about Jacuzzi suds or that tipped-over can of beer, there’s no guarantee that a manufacturer has tested your device in these – often sticky – situations, and an IP rating won’t account for them.

    Myth 4: I’ve got some rice in the kitchen. I can fix this myself!

    It’s natural to panic and seek out the quickest household solution when a spill or dunk happens, and a cup of rice is still a commonly sought-out option.

    However, the rice hack doesn’t work very well, and rice particles can enter the device to cause even further damage. Aside from bringing your device to a professional repairer, you’re better off immediately powering down your product, removing its battery and plug if you can, and letting all the components dry over a day or two.

    Myth 5: Well, this device is broken, but I’ve got a warranty to replace it

    While you’re pulling your product from its watery grave, you might find relief in the fact that it came with a warranty. Not so fast.

    Most traditional consumer technology limited warranties don’t cover liquid damage. These days, you usually need to purchase an add-on warranty, often called Accidental Damage from Handling. Beware, though: Even those policies may limit how many wetness “incidents” or “events” you’re allowed per year.

    Air flow is the best way to dry a device that’s taken a dunk. Don’t expose your device directly to rice, cat litter or other particles.

    Keeping it realistic

    Water resistance features on devices like laptops, tablets, smartphones and smartwatches have recently improved, but the deck is still often stacked against consumers who must wade through the hype of advertising claims, mystifying classification systems and penalizing policies.

    That’s why it’s critical for manufacturers to think carefully and ethically about how their products are designed, marketed and serviced. In terms of design, water resistance is no longer a niche feature meant solely for industrial workers or outdoor adventurers. While it’s unrealistic to expect a device that’s designed to resist every hazard, it’s also unreasonable to ask consumers to tiptoe around the products that provide them with access to critical resources and social support.

    It’s important for manufacturers to avoid promising consumers the Moon. Samsung Australia, for instance, paid AU$14 million in penalties for exaggerating its phones’ protection for swimming. It’s certainly fun to watch commercials with Lil Wayne spray a smartphone with champagne or see him dunk it in a fish tank, but if manufacturers are advising against these practices, then they shouldn’t be romanticizing them.

    Sure, it’s probably common sense that your phone shouldn’t take a bath in champagne. Yet life is constantly happening around – and with – our devices, from the shower and the kitchen to the gym and the beach. This means that fairer policies around repair, like those promoted by the right-to-repair movement, and warranties should stop treating consumers like they’re “bad” users.

    After all, we’re each just one splash away from crying over spilled milk.

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

    – ref. Debunking 5 myths about when your devices get wet – https://theconversation.com/debunking-5-myths-about-when-your-devices-get-wet-257205

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democratic Members call on Appropriators to protect ILAB funding, American workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    WASHINGTON – Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Ranking Member Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), co-chair of the Child Labor Prevention Task Force and Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), co-chair of the Labor Caucus, led 68 of their colleagues in calling on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies to protect Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) funding in fiscal year 2026 funding bill.

    ILAB promotes a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards and combating international child labor, forced labor and human trafficking.

    “ILAB plays a critical role in helping U.S. workers compete in a global economy,” the members wrote. “No other U.S. government agency has the expertise and mandate to effectively carry out this mission. We urge you to provide no less than the FY25 enacted level for ILAB so the Bureau can continue its mission to improve the working conditions and rights of workers around the world.”

     In addition to Sánchez, Omar, Scholten and Horsford, the letter was signed by Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Nev.), Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), André Carson (D-Ill.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Suzi LeVine DelBene (D-Wash.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), Chuy García (D-Ill), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), John Mannion (D-N.Y.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.C.), Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Bradley Schneider (D-Ill.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.).

     Full text of the letter is available is available HERE and follows:

     

    May 22, 2025

     

    The Honorable Robert Aderholt

    Chair

    Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,

    Education, and Related Agencies

    House Committee on Appropriations

    H-310, The Capitol

    Washington, DC 20515

     

    The Honorable Rosa DeLauro

    Ranking Member

    Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,

    Education, and Related Agencies

    House Committee on Appropriations

    1036 Longworth House Office Building

    Washington, DC 20515

     

    Dear Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro,

    As the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies develops its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill, we write to ask for your support in funding the Department of Labor (DOL)’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). We request no less than the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level for ILAB to ensure that it can continue to carry out its congressionally mandated mission. We also urge you to encourage ILAB to continue allocating balanced funding for programs that address labor rights and promote freedom of association, as well as exploitative child labor and forced labor internationally.

    As you know, ILAB’s mission is to promote a fair global playing field for workers in the United States and around the world by enforcing trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. ILAB works to ensure that fully enforceable labor standards are at the core of our trade agreements and programs, and that trade partners’ laws and practices align with those commitments. The need to continue increasing these capacities across international supply chains and in workplaces around the world remains evident.

    The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2014 found that limited resources have prevented DOL from more proactively monitoring trade partner compliance under 14 U.S. free trade agreements with 20 countries and monitoring of trade preference programs with about 120 countries (GAO 15-160). As a result, GAO found that DOL “systematically monitor[s] and enforce[s] compliance with FTA labor provisions for only a few priority countries.” Moreover, GAO also found that ILAB lacks sufficient capacity to carry out the timely investigation of formal submissions regarding violations of trade agreements. The requested funding aims to continue to remedy the weaknesses identified by GAO and to address the historical imbalance in the allocation of ILAB programming activity.

    We also want to stress our support for ILAB’s work enforcing the USMCA. Through the novel Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM), ILAB has taken labor enforcement actions and worked to ensure compliance of our USMCA partners, especially Mexico, with the commitments of the agreement. Further, ILAB’s labor attaché program is crucial in monitoring working conditions on the ground and ensuring trading partners uphold internationally recognized labor rights and comply with labor-related trade obligations. We hope ILAB will continue to spend at least $30 million annually of USMCA appropriated funds on worker organizing and union capacity building in Mexico. 

    USMCA’s implementing legislation included $180 million for ILAB over four years to support unprecedented reform of the labor justice system in Mexico, worker-focused capacity building, and other implementation efforts in addition to $30 million over eight years for ILAB to monitor compliance with USMCA labor obligations. Given this four-year annual appropriation expired in December 2023 and the increased workload for ILAB expected with the upcoming 2026 USMCA review, we stress the importance of robust funding for ILAB.

    We also reject attempts to cut ILAB’s program funding and reaffirm the critical role that ILAB plays in ensuring our trade relationships strengthen and uphold worker rights around the world. Gutting ILAB does not put America first. It undermines American workers, distorts markets in favor of unscrupulous businesses and regimes, strips our trade and customs officials of critical enforcement tools, and accelerates a global race to the bottom on workers’ rights. ILAB is one of the only U.S. government entities with the infrastructure, expertise, and on-the-ground partnerships necessary to effectively counter forced labor

    ILAB must continue to fulfill the various aspects of mission—enforcing our trade commitments, strengthening labor standards, and combating international child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. Accordingly, we request inclusion of the following language in the committee report that will accompany the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill:

    Of amounts appropriated to the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), the Secretary is directed that the amount allocated in grants to promote labor rights and freedom of association, and to build the capacity of independent trade unions and countries to enforce labor rights and to promote a more level playing field for U.S. workers shall be at least equal to the amount allocated in grant funding for combatting child labor. ILAB is directed to continue its work on three key reports including DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor; the List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor; and the List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor.

    ILAB plays a critical role in helping U.S. workers compete in a global economy. No other U.S. government agency has the expertise and mandate to effectively carry out this mission. We urge you to provide no less than the FY25 enacted level for ILAB so the Bureau can continue its mission to improve the working conditions and rights of workers around the world.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Sincerely,

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    2 June 2025

    The Press Launch of the ONeills Foyle Cup took place on Friday at St Joseph’s Boys’ School Westway, Derry – a most appropriate venue as St. Joseph’s are not only the present holders of Northern Ireland Under 18 Schools’ Cup but also host the Manchester United Foundation and the Stephen Gerrard 17-19 Academy, organised by Derry City F.C. on their school campus. 

     School Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane, in introducing the large attendance at the launch, said: ‘It is a huge pleasure to support the Derry & District Youth F.A., organisers of the ONeills Foyle Cup and I  commend the work done by this organisation, not just for the kids of this city and district but for all the kids who have had a memorable experience of competing in the event over the thirty plus years of its existence, since  its humble beginnings in 1992.’ 

     The St. Joseph’s Principal continued: ‘I am delighted to hear that no fewer than 950 teams will compete in the 2025 event, resulting in over 20,000 actual participants creating lifelong memories and I’m even more delighted that our school premises will host some of the 3,300 fixtures scheduled this year!’ 

    John Murphy, on behalf of ONeills Sports, Title Sponsors, spoke proudly of what sponsorship of the Foyle Cup meant to his organisation. 

    ‘We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the ONeills Foyle Cup, a tournament that captures the very best of youth football, community spirit, and international connection. 

    ‘With 950 teams competing this year from places as far afield as South Africa, Australia, the USA, Canada, Spain, Finland, and across the UK and Ireland, the ONeills Foyle Cup is a powerful reminder of how sport brings people together. At ONeills, we’re committed to supporting young athletes from the grassroots up, and this event truly reflects our passion for helping them grow in confidence, skill, and love for the game. We hope every player, coach, and supporter has a fantastic tournament experience and enjoys every moment on and off the pitch.” 

    The Deputy Mayor of Derry Strabane District Council, Darren Guy expressed his delight in how the event delivers for the city and district. 

     ‘I am proud to attend the formal launch of the 2025 Foyle Cup. The tournament is rightly regarded as one of the biggest and best celebrations of youth football in Europe and is a place where players, coaches and supporters make lifelong memories. 

    ‘As a Council, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament each year and provide playing pitches for games as part of our commitment to bring high level sporting events to our City and District.  We believe sport can play a key role in promoting friendship, team skills and social cohesion. Good luck to all the teams as they finalise their preparations for what will be an unforgettable week of football in July.’ 

    Chief Executive Officer of Derry Credit Union, Joan Gallagher also expressed delight in being invited to sponsor the mini soccer events during the Foyle Cup week and spoke of the excitement the whole city, – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, experience during the week of the tournament. A fantastic week for the city and district and we are so proud to be supporting this wonderful, exciting, colourful event.  

    Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer at Choice Housing, praised the organisers, not just on the success of the event in terms of numbers registered but more  importantly, the tremendous work that has been done on a cross-community basis, actively promoting good relations and friendliness and welcome afforded to all visitors which is synonymous with the city and district. 

      

    ‘It is most pleasing to see how the Foyle Cup has grown into such a large international event and how much support the event has from local communities, schools, colleges, Ulster University and Northwest Regional College. 

      

    ‘The impact of the Foyle Cup is significant, from its contribution to the local economy to the impact it has on young people’s lives, their communities and the positive community relations that it builds. As a housing association, Choice is committed not only to building quality affordable homes but contributing positively to the communities that we operate in, this partnership is a prime example of this. 

      

    ‘I wish the organisers continued success this year and, in the years, ahead.’ 

      

    Special Guest of Honour, Rory Holden, a player who participated in the Foyle Cup for many years with his local team, Top of the Hill Celtic, said he was ever thankful to the organisers and his own junior club, for without the effort of so many, it is doubtful if he would be having the enriching experience of  playing with his own professional club, All Saints from Wales, having played in Champions’ League and Europa league competitions this year. 

    ‘This event continues to thrive, grow and delivers for all our youth – boys, girls and those with sports disabilities. It is a real pleasure to be here to celebrate the success of this superb tournament.’ 

    Philip Devlin, Foyle Cup committee member, in taking charge of the live draw, advised all that details of the draw were available on the tournament website www.foylecup.com and he expected that fixtures for the full week would be on site within 36 hours of launch.  He also thanked all teams for their support and co-operation and wished them well in the tournament, from July 21-26. 

    Diolain Ward, of Foyle Cup committee member, concluded the launch event. 

    ‘Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to be here this evening. In particular, I would like to thank our sponsors – Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, ONeills, Derry Credit Union, Choice Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College.  Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rory Holden for spending some of his much-valued time at home, with us, this afternoon and I wish him, on behalf of the member clubs of the Derry & District Youth Football Association, even more success in his football career.’ 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: RBC iShares Expands iShares Core Offering with Launch of New ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, RBC iShares expands its iShares Core exchange traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of two iShares ETFs (each an ‘iShares Fund’ and collectively, the ‘iShares Funds’).

    The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (XTOT) will provide investors with broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, covering large-, mid-, small-, and micro-capitalized companies. The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF will also be available in a U.S.-dollar denominated class (XTOT.U).

    “We are pleased to expand our suite of low-cost, diversified core ETFs with the addition of the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF. This new ETF offers investors a convenient way to access broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, making investing in global markets easier and more affordable for Canadians,” said Steven Leong, Head of Product at BlackRock Canada.

    The iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF (XSMB) will provide investors with exposure to a broadly diversified range of Canadian domiciled bonds with maturities between 1 and 10 years, which may include any or all of federal, provincial, corporate (including certain qualifying asset-backed securities) and municipal bonds.

    “Canadians continue to embrace fixed income ETFs as efficient tools for building resilient, well-diversified portfolios. With this launch, we are excited to provide access to a broad portfolio of Canadian government and corporate bonds with 10 years remaining to maturity or less. This exposure allows investors to generate income while offering a source of portfolio stabilization amid volatility,” added Mr. Leong.

    The iShares Funds are listed in the table below and are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) today; the iShares Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

    Fund Name Ticker Annual
    Management
    Fee    1
    iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF XTOT,
    XTOT.U    		 0.07%2
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB 0.15%

    RBC iShares aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. RBC iShares is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

    For more information about RBC iShares, please visit https://www.rbcishares.com.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    About RBC
    Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

    About RBC Global Asset Management
    RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds, PH&N Funds and RBC ETFs are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.) and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada. The RBC GAM group of companies, which includes RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) manage approximately $710 billion in assets and have approximately 1,600 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

    RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under license. © 2025 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    1 As an annualized percentage of the iShares Fund’s daily net asset value.
    2 If applicable, BlackRock Canada or an affiliate is entitled to receive a fee for acting as manager of each iShares ETF in which this iShares Fund may invest (an “underlying product fee” and together with the management fee payable to BlackRock Canada, the “total annual fee”). As the underlying product fees are embedded in the market value of the iShares ETFs in which this iShares Fund may invest, any underlying product fees are borne indirectly by this iShares Fund. BlackRock Canada will adjust the management fee payable to it by this iShares Fund to ensure that the total annual fees paid directly or indirectly to BlackRock Canada and its affiliates by this iShares Fund will not exceed the percentage of the NAV set out above. The total annual fee is exclusive of HST. Any underlying product fees borne indirectly by this iShares Fund are calculated and accrued daily and are paid not less than annually.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jody Webster, Professor of Marine Geoscience, University of Sydney

    marcobriviophoto.com

    In the 20th century, global sea level rose faster than at any other time in the past 3,000 years. It’s expected to rise even further by 2100, as human-induced climate change intensifies. In fact, some studies predict a rise of up to 1.6 metres and possibly more due to the rapid melting of the Antarctic ice sheets.

    These changes will have huge impacts on coastal ecosystems around the world, including coral reefs. To understand these future impacts, it can be useful to understand similar events from history.

    Our new research, published today in Nature Communications, does just that. It reveals how the Great Barrier Reef in northern Australia responded to a dramatic rise in sea level some 13,000 to 10,000 years ago.

    A hotly debated event

    Several “meltwater pulse events” have been documented in the past. These occur when ice sheets disintegrate in a catastrophic fashion, resulting in a rapid surge in global sea levels.

    One of these events, known as “meltwater pulse 1B”, remains hotly debated. It occurred roughly 11,500 years ago.

    Early evidence from reef cores in Barbados suggested a sharp sea-level rise of approximately 14 metres between 11,450 and 11,100 years ago, with rates of roughly 40 millimetres per year.

    Remarkably, this rate is about ten times faster than the current global rise.

    However, this record conflicts with others, including from Tahiti and now from the Great Barrier Reef, which suggests a more gradual rise in sea levels.

    Learning from geological archives

    Somewhat paradoxically shallow-water reef systems can “drown” because corals, and other reef organisms, depend on light for photosynthesis. If the water gets too deep too fast, the reef will no longer keep up with the rise and it will drown.

    But drowning can also occur due to other factors, such as increased temperature, sediment and nutrients, which can also add extra environmental stress to the reef – again making it more difficult to grow vertically and keep up with sea level rise.

    Cores gathered from drowned fossil coral reefs preserved along the continental shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef contain crucial information about historic corals, coralline algae and microbial reef structures known as microbialites. They offer a unique geologic time machine to better understand how past periods of rapid global sea level rise affected reef growth.

    These geological archives also provide important clues about how ice sheets behaved in response to rapid global warming.

    In 2010, an expedition of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program used a geotechnical drill ship to sample below the seafloor and reconstruct the growth and demise of the Great Barrier Reef over the past roughly 30,000 years. Five distinct stages were identified in response to major global climatic and oceanographic disturbances.

    In this new study, we focused on a key reef stage called Reef 4. It formed between 13,000 and 10,000 years ago, just prior to the start of the modern reef as we know it.

    We refer to this reef as the “proto-Great Barrier Reef”. Once a shallow-water barrier reef system, it now exists in a fossilised form at roughly 50 metres water depth and is now the home to deeper reef communtites in the mesophotic zone 30 to 150 metres below the surface.

    The RV Great Ship Maya was used to recover fossil reef samples from the Great Barrier Reef in 2010.
    G.Tulloch/European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling/Integrated Ocean Drilling Program

    An impressive ability to keep pace

    Our study shows the Great Barrier Reef didn’t drown during meltwater pulse 1B. In fact, it continued to thrive with clear evidence of healthy, shallow-water reef assemblages (living in waters less than ten metres deep) persisting right through the rise in sea levels.

    The reef not only survived but continued to grow upwards at rates between 4–6 millimetres per year. This rate of growth is comparable to modern healthy reef growth rates, demonstrating an impressive ability to keep pace.

    We also calculated that the maximum possible sea-level rise during meltwater pulse 1B was between 7.7 and 10.2 metres over roughly 350 years. This equates to between 23 and 30 millimetres per year, but was likely less.

    This is less than the Barbados estimate, and more consistent with observations from Tahiti where no sharp sea-level jump was found.

    Importantly, this indicates that even the upper sea level rise bounds are within the survival limits of resilient reef systems such as the Great Barrier Reef – especially when environmental stressors, such as ocean warming, ocean acidification and sedimentation are low.

    UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressed utmost concern about the current state of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Darkydoors/Shutterstock

    Limits to a reef’s resilience

    Although the Great Barrier Reef survived sea level rise roughly 11,000 years ago, the world was very different back then.

    Coral reefs faced less stress from human impacts. And ocean temperatures were rising more slowly.

    But today’s reefs are already struggling, with UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressing “utmost concern” about the state of the Great Barrier Reef in particular.

    This is due to warming, acidification and pollution. And these additional challenges decrease reefs’ ability to cope with rapid sea-level rise.

    Our findings suggest abrupt sea-level jumps of more than 11 metres are unlikely to occur without major instabilities in ice sheets. The fact that such collapses likely didn’t happen during meltwater pulse 1B offers some reassurance. But we’re in uncharted territory now, particularly with the Antarctic ice sheet displaying early signs of instability.

    Our study also shows the Great Barrier Reef has been remarkably resilient, adapting to changing sea levels and continuing to grow even as the ocean rose rapidly. This resilience, however, had limits. Ultimately, the reef we examined drowned roughly 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of environmental stressors, including increased sediment flux. At this time the shallow water reef ecosystem migrated landward to form the modern Great Barrier, leaving behind only deeper, mesophotic reef communities.

    The lessons from the past are clear: reefs can adapt to environmental changes but there are limits.

    Protecting modern reefs will require more than understanding their past. It means reducing emissions and limiting other environmental stresses such as sediment and nutrient runoff where possible.

    Jody Webster receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.

    Juan Carlos Braga receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Spanish Government.

    Marc Humblet receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

    Stewart Fallon receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.

    Yusuke Yokoyama receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Japan Science and Technology Agency.

    – ref. Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer – https://theconversation.com/will-surging-sea-levels-kill-the-great-barrier-reef-ancient-coral-fossils-may-hold-the-answer-257830

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating Canberra’s volunteers

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Pearl is one of Domestic Animal Services’ dedicated volunteers.

    In brief:

    • National Volunteer Week in the ACT runs from 19-25 May.
    • This article shares some of Canberra’s volunteer stories.

    National Volunteer Week runs from 19-25 May. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate volunteers in Australia.

    Volunteers make a positive impact on Canberra and its people.

    No matter what you enjoy doing, there’s a way to help. This could be working with people or caring for animals or plants.

    Meet some of Canberra’s volunteers.

    Pearl, Domestic Animal Services volunteer

    Pearl has been volunteering with Domestic Animal Services for six years.

    ‘It’s the best way to start the day! I usually walk dogs around the gorgeous bush trail first thing in the morning. It’s so beautiful to be surrounded by nature, wildlife and of course the gorgeous dogs in the morning sunshine,’ she said.

    Since 2020, Pearl has spent countless hours at the shelter improving the wellbeing of dogs searching for their forever home.

    ‘Some dogs come in very timid and seeing them grow into happy and confident dogs makes me so grateful I get to be a part of the work Domestic Animal Services do for these animals,’ Pearl said.

    Learn more about volunteering with Domestic Animal Services.

    Adrian Manning, ACT State Emergency Service volunteer

    Adrian had just turned 18 when he decided to volunteer for the ACT State Emergency Service.

    ‘Volunteering for the ACT State Emergency Service was something completely different. Not only was I able to help my community, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and trades, and that training has actually helped me in my paid roles in life,’ Adrian said.

    ‘It’s very rewarding to be able to assist the community. We sign up to help people, and whether it’s in Canberra or Queensland, it doesn’t really make a difference,’ he said.

    Find out more about volunteering for the ACT Emergency Services Agency.

    Manar, Co-founder of HelpingACT

    Manar is the co-founder of HelpingACT. The charity aims to support Canberra’s most vulnerable through access to food and necessities.

    He believes volunteering is a key to ensuring community services can be delivered efficiently.

    ‘If you’re nervous, start with volunteering that does not demand much from you and then go in deeper when you are more comfortable. My life is richer because of volunteering, and despite the hours I spend volunteering, I don’t see that as a cost. It has brought me in contact with wonderful people and made me stretch my capabilities,’ Manar said.

    Learn more about HelpingACT.

    Casey, volunteer at the National Arboretum, MIEACT and WaterWatch

    Casey started volunteering to make a difference. She had always had grand ideas of environmental and societal change, and decided she wanted to be at the forefront of this change.

    ‘Volunteering has taught me to take initiative, and it gives me hope. Time is a valuable resource. By volunteering, you can give your time and energy to something you view as important. Volunteering has many benefits. It helps you. It helps others. It helps the world,’ Casey said.

    Find out more about volunteering on the Volunteering ACT website.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: MoonFox Data Releases New Report: Pop Mart’s Emotional Consumption Model Drives Global Expansion and Record Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Shenzhen, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — [Shenzhen, China] – [June 1, 2025] – MoonFox Data, a leading provider of market intelligence and data analytics, today released its latest report, “Pop Mart Business Decoded: Measuring the Value of Emotional Consumption.” The report reveals how Pop Mart, a pioneer in the pop toy industry, has leveraged emotional consumption and IP innovation to achieve record-breaking growth and global expansion in 2024 and 2025.

    The year 2025 is undoubtedly a landmark year for Pop Mart. At the end of March, the company released financial results that drew wide attention across the industry: Pop Mart’s 2024 revenue exceeded RMB 13 billion, a fivefold increase since its listing on the HKEX in 2020. Just before the Labor Day holiday, the Pop Mart app topped the U.S. App Store shopping chart for the first time, with American consumers queuing overnight to purchase new releases. Despite tariff pressures, its new products continued to see rapid growth overseas…

    16 years after its founding, Pop Mart’s ambition to “become a global super IP” is gradually materializing. What was once a trend-led toy store has transformed into a spiritual refuge for young people. So how exactly has Pop Mart captured the hearts of youth both in China and abroad? And what challenges lie ahead?

    I.        A Look Back: Repeated Comebacks in Brand Development

    1. In the Early Stages, Focused Track and Model Innovation Drove Growth

    Founded in 2010, Pop Mart began as an offline “trendy variety store” and struggled to survive amid the rise of e-commerce. In 2015, the founder drew inspiration from Japan’s blind box trend and introduced the popular Hong Kong pop toy BabyMolly to the Chinese mainland market. Pop Mart also secured domestic distribution rights for Japan’s Sonny Angel, successfully pivoting from a variety store to a curated pop toy store.

    However, in the following year, the termination of several IP licensing agreements forced the company to pivot again. Pop Mart began aggressively seeking collaborations with original designers to acquire copyright partnerships. In 2016, it launched its own IP blind box product, the Molly Zodiac Series, which became a growth driver. At the time, Pop Mart’s pop toy model of fast product rotation, bulk sales, and the blind box mechanism was a novelty that disrupted the traditional toy market. From then on, Pop Mart shifted from an offline retail distributor to an IP operator, with Molly becoming its signature icon.

    2. After Going Public: Diversification to Break the Revenue Ceiling

    Pop Mart entered the overseas market in 2018 and continued its steady revenue growth after its 2020 IPO. However, from 2020 to 2022, its gross profit margin declined continuously. By 2022, Pop Mart hit a growth bottleneck, with negative product reviews on social media indicating weakening consumer interest in blind boxes.

    In 2022, Pop Mart’s gross profit margin dropped by 4%, and operating profit fell by 49%. Domestically, revenue declined not only due to pandemic-related disruptions to offline store sales, but also because of a slump in online channel performance.

    Table 1: Pop Mart Annual Revenue and Profit Changes (2018 – 2024)

    Year Revenue Gross Profit Operating Profit Gross Profit Margin Revenue Growth Gross Profit Growth Operating Profit Growth
    2018 0.51 billion 0.3 billion 0.13 billion 57.9 % 225 % 296 % 2951 %
    2019 1.68 billion 1.09 billion 0.6 billion 64.8 % 227 % 266 % 348 %
    2020 2.51 billion 1.59 billion 0.72 billion 63.4 % 49 % 46 % 20 %
    2021 4.49 billion 2.76 billion 1.15 billion 61.4 % 79 % 73 % 60 %
    2022 4.62 billion 2.65 billion 0.58 billion 57.5 % 3 % -4 % -49 %
    2023 6.3 billion 3.86 billion 1.23 billion 61.3 % 36 % 46 % 111 %
    2024 13.04 billion 8.71 billion 4.15 billion 66.8 % 107 % 125 % 238 %

    Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

    Table 2: Pop Mart Annual Online and Offline Revenue Changes (2020 – 2024)

    Year Online Channel Revenue YoY Offline Channel Revenue YoY
    2020 0.95 billion 77 % 1.33 billion 35 %
    2021 1.9 billion 100 % 2.14 billion 61 %
    2022 1.92 billion 1 % 2.22 billion 4 %
    2023 1.68 billion -12 % 3.85 billion 74 %
    2024 4.15 billion 147 % 7.6 billion 97 %

    Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

    In 2023, as offline economic activity rebounded, Pop Mart’s diversified business strategy began to show results. Its commitment to deepening overseas markets and refining IP operations laid the foundation for a strong performance in both 2024 and 2025.

    On one hand, the brand’s overseas expansion has become a key secondary growth driver. While revenue from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas markets accounted for only 9.8% of total revenue in 2022, this proportion rose to 38.9% by 2024. Pop Mart has expanded its network of international concept stores across Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, growing the total number of overseas stores to 130.

    Table 3: Number of Pop Mart Physical Stores in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (2020 – 2024)

    Year Number of Stores Number of Robot Shops New Countries Entered Overseas Theme Stores
    2020 1 No statistics South Korea
    2021 7 9 Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries
    2022 43 120 UK, New Zealand, USA, Australia
    2023 80 159 France, Malaysia, Thailand, Netherlands
    2024 130 192 Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Italy, Spain Louvre Theme Store (Paris)
    K-POP Theme Store (South Korea)
    CRYBABY Theme Store (Thailand)

    Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

    Table 4: Pop Mart’s Revenue of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (2021 – 2024)

    2021 – 2024 Annual Revenue of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas
    Year Revenue Proportion Growth Rate
    2021 1.9 4.10 % 156 %
    2022 4.5 9.80 % 137 %
    2023 10.7 16.90 % 138 %
    2024 50.7 71.30 % 374 %
    2021 – 2024 Revenue Breakdown by Channel of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (RMB 100 million)
    Year Offline Channel Online Channel Wholesale & Other Channels
    2021 0.1 0.4   1.4  
    2022 1.5 0.9   2.1  
    2023 6.4 1.6   2.7  
    2024 30.7 14.6   5.4  
    2024 Regional Revenue Distribution of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas (RMB 100 million)
    Region Revenue Proportion Growth Rate
    Southeast Asia 24 47.40 % 619 %
    East Asia & Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan 13.9 27.40 % 185 %
    North America 7.2 14.30 % 557 %
    Europe, Oceania & Others 5.5 10.90 % 311 %

    Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

    On the other hand, the company has shifted its focus from pursuing rapid product launches and expanding the number of IPs to prioritizing IP quality. The period from 2020 to 2022 marked a critical phase of supply chain upgrades for Pop Mart, including greater supply chain flexibility, digital transformation of warehousing and logistics, the establishment of self-owned factories, and overseas warehouse construction, all of which laid a strong foundation for future growth. Around 2023, Pop Mart began transforming its overseas business model by bypassing intermediary distributors and transitioning to a DTC (Direct-to-consumer) approach. This shift significantly improved the company’s ability to reach global consumers quickly. As a result, e-commerce revenue from overseas independent platforms surged in 2024.

    Table 5: 2024 Pop Mart’s Online Revenue in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Markets

    Online Channel Revenue (RMB 1 million) Proportion Growth Rate
    Pop Mart Official Website 531 36.50 % 1246 %
    Shopee 324 22.30 % 656 %
    TikTok 262 18.00 % 5780 %
    Other Online Channels 338 23.20 % 389 %

    Data Source: Company financial reports, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

    II.        Building Deeper Connections with Consumers: Accelerating IP Universe Development Through User Value Alignment

    1.        From the “Lipstick Effect” to a Lifestyle Brand: Cultivating Long-Term Consumption Habits

    Pop Mart has mastered the art of the blind box model. Before the product launch, intensive marketing campaigns are carried out, with each figurine being given a complete backstory. However, the blind box purchasing model extends the time it takes for consumers to have their expectations met. The unboxing experience after purchase creates delayed gratification and a sense of emotional reward. Meanwhile, the inherent consumer instinct to collect or complete a series further drives repeat purchases. While the inclusion of “hidden” editions creates an illusion of “scarcity”, adding perceived collectible value while stimulating consumer desire to purchase.

    With low individual costs, intricate design, rapid product updates, and wide variety, consumers often become “loyal fans” without realizing it. Generation Z, who value emotional expression and self-exploration, are willing to pay for emotional fulfillment. Character-driven dolls and figurines have become tools for self-solace. Meanwhile, the use of social media further transforms blind boxes into a form of social currency. From celebrities and macro influencers to niche KOLs and even KOCs of WeChat Moments, posting about figurines, unboxing videos, and product swaps has spurred enthusiasm and imitation among fans.

    Meanwhile, Pop Mart has deepened its IP development, expanding beyond toys into lifestyle products. For example, its original IP “HIRONO” features a rebellious child character whose lonely and aggrieved expressions still convey a defiant spirit, an image that has won over many fans. By 2025, the IP had evolved to its seventh generation, with related merchandise extending beyond blind boxes to include a wide range of products such as apparel, home goods, and digital accessories. In addition to blind boxes, “HIRONO” has expanded to apparel, home goods, and tech accessories. It also engages users emotionally through animated shorts, offline sculptures, and art exhibitions.

    Table 6: Revenue Contribution of “HIRONO” IP

    Revenue in 2024 Revenue Share Revenue in 2023 Revenue Share YoY Growth
    0.73 billion 5.60 % 0.35 billion 5.60 % 106.9 %

    Data Source: Company financial reports & public data, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

    2.        From Emotional Value to Cultural Identity: Brand Consumption as a Form of Self-Expression

    In 2025, American consumers queued overnight for LABUBU from the classic IP “THE MONSTER”, known for its mischievous grin and dark aesthetic, a sharp contrast to Pop Mart’s other characters. Initially positioned as a “forest sprite”, LABUBU saw modest success until a 2024 rebranding introduced plush-skinned vinyl dolls that went viral in Thailand and later gained traction in China.

    Today, LABUBU is not only a crowd favorite at Pop Mart’s themed parks but also a global “symbol of subculture”. The character’s sharp teeth, heterochromatic eyes, and dark style wrapped in soft textures challenge mainstream beauty standards, echoing youth subculture’s desire to break norms. On global social media platforms, celebrities like LISA, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa have been seen with LABUBU dolls, while fans engage in remakes and cosplay to express individuality.

    Table 7: Revenue Contribution of “THE MONSTER” IP

    Revenue in 2024 Revenue Share Revenue in 2023 Revenue Share YoY Growth
    3.04 billion 23.30 % 0.37 billion 5.80 % 726.6 %

    Data Source: Company financial reports & public data, compiled by MoonFox Research Institute.

    Through diversified operations and refined strategies, Pop Mart is steadily constructing an IP universe that meets consumer needs in socialization, emotional expression, and self-identity.

    Its in-house IP operations are now more finely segmented by target audience and product type, with distinct strategies for blockbuster development. For high-end consumers and international markets, Pop Mart strengthens its collaborations with cultural IPs across various fields, collaborating with cultural IPs, such as Chinese intangible heritage artists and British pop artists, producing limited editions (primarily under the MEGA line) that emphasize collectability and cultural expression. For mass-market consumers, collaborations between original IPs and fast fashion, coffee and beverage brands, and anime/gaming franchises have become routine, integrating Pop Mart products into daily life. Overseas, store design increasingly incorporates local cultural elements, offering immersive experiences, such as Korea’s K-POP theme store and France’s Louvre theme store, and launching regional co-branded limited editions to lower the threshold for cross-cultural interaction among consumers from different regions.

    On the operational front, the growth of figurine revenues has slowed in recent years. To adapt, the company has launched new product lines, including Molly Beans, plush toys, and the MEGA series. In 2024, plush and MEGA categories accounted for 35% of revenue and showed rapid growth, now forming a major revenue pillar. In physical retail, Pop Mart is expanding from pure retail to experiential offerings. Beyond traditional stores and vending machines, more themed parks, pop-up stores, and curated art exhibitions are being introduced to enhance customer engagement.

    III.        Cracks beneath the Billion-RMB Myth

    The booming pop toy industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with multiple players racing to innovate on both product and concept. As consumer aesthetics continue to evolve, this intensifies pressure on leading brands. TOPTOY, a pop toy chain under MINISO founded in 2020, has rapidly expanded into lower-tier cities with its more affordable pricing and iconic IP offerings. By the end of 2024, TOPTOY had opened 276 retail stores nationwide, generating over RMB 980 million in annual revenue. Meanwhile, classic international IPs are enjoying a resurgence in the Chinese market. In 2024, merchandise related to Harry Potter, the Disney 100th Anniversary, and Chiikawa surged in popularity, posing a growing challenge for the breakout success of original IPs. Backed by this trend, MINISO has leveraged the influence of established IPs to drive both revenue and brand recognition. The 2024 financial report shows the total revenues exceeding RMB 17 billion, a 22.8% YoY increase.

    Turning the lens back to Pop Mart itself, managing the lifecycle of original IPs, and the handoff between older and newer IPs, remains a critical challenge for pop toy companies to build their “super IPs”. Pop Mart has been launching original IPs for over a decade. Iconic characters such as Molly, LABUBU, and THE MONSTER have recently reignited consumer interest through new product categories and refreshed designs. At the same time, many emerging IPs have gained visibility and emotional resonance with post-2000s and even younger generations. As Pop Mart’s portfolio of original IPs continues to expand, more of these properties will face the challenge of prolonged life cycles in the future. Maintaining innovation and consistently creating hit products that resonate with the evolving preferences of young consumers will become a long-term challenge for the brand’s development.

    Overall, Pop Mart has successfully pioneered a business model that monetizes emotional value, anchoring its revenue growth in rich content and cultural significance. Its strong in-house production capabilities and DTC strategy have accelerated its reach among global consumers. While recent revenue surges are not a fleeting phenomenon, they do not come without risk. Looking ahead, Pop Mart must continue to enhance its content innovation capabilities to keep its IPs vibrant. Only by maintaining a careful balance between innovation and legacy, and between emotional appeal and cultural expression, can the brand sustain high growth and realize its long-term ambition of becoming a “super IP” powerhouse.

    About MoonFox Data

    As a sub-brand of Aurora Mobile, MoonFox Data is a leading expert in data insights and analysis services across all scenarios. With a comprehensive, stable, secure and compliant mobile big data foundation, as well as professional and precise data analysis technology and AI algorithms, MoonFox Data has launched iAPP, iBrand, iMarketing, Alternative Data and professional research and consulting services of MoonFox Research, aiming to help companies gain insights into market growth and make accurate business decisions.

    About Aurora Mobile

    Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) established in 2011, is a leading customer engagement and marketing technology service provider in China. Its business includes notification services, marketing growth, development tools, and data products.

    For Media Inquiries:
    Contact: zhouxt@jiguang.cn | Website: http://www.moonfox.cn/en

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s latest emissions data reveal we still have a giant fossil fuel problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Lovell, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, UNSW Sydney

    According to Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the latest emissions data show “we are on track to reach our 2030 targets” under the Paris Agreement. In 2024, Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions were “27% below 2005 levels”. That’s great news, right?

    Well, yes and no. Australia continues to rely on changes in land use to compensate for emissions released into the atmosphere.

    In other words, Australia’s plants are considered to be taking more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere now than in 2005. Their efforts are captured in the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which is the single largest reason for the significant reduction in Australian emissions.

    Without accounting for land use, Australia’s emissions have only decreased 3% since 2005, not 27%.

    If Australia is serious about reducing emissions and tracking towards net zero by 2050, we need to tackle a series of inconvenient truths about fossil fuels. Fossil fuels feed into almost every aspect of our lives, not just cars and power plants. There are substitutes, but they are not easy to source – and they don’t come cheap.

    How fossil fuel exports drive up emissions here and overseas

    Australia is one of the world’s biggest fossil fuel exporters. The coal, oil and natural gas we export is either burnt or combined with our sizeable iron ore exports to produce iron. But the greenhouse gases are released overseas, so they don’t count in Australia’s emissions data.

    This is in line with our international commitments under the Paris agreement. But there is an argument to be made that even though Australia doesn’t burn those exports, we should acknowledge our central role in contributing to global emissions. We may need to account for these in future reporting.

    Australia’s export emissions are likely to be triple that of our domestic emissions. These emissions have been increasing consistently over the last decade.

    But the process of extracting fossil fuels and preparing them for export does show up in Australia’s domestic emission figures, through what’s called “fugitive emissions”. These fugitive emissions are the unavoidable leaks that occur when we pull fossil fuels out of the ground, store, transport and process them.

    In the year to 2024, fugitive emissions accounted for 10.6% of our emissions, which is far greater than emissions from industrial processes (6.8%).

    Disturbingly, recent analysis suggests fugitive emissions could be drastically underreported. Because these emissions are tricky to measure, they are often estimated on an average basis. This means reported values do not accurately reflect true releases.

    When it comes to fugitive and export emissions, Australia is not on track to meet 2030 targets. Recent export-focused fossil project approvals such as the North West Shelf gas project suggest we might even be backtracking.

    Chris Bowen on Insiders, Sunday June 1, 2025 (ABC News)

    The transition to renewables

    Closing dirty old coal-fired power stations and replacing them with renewable energy such as solar and wind power does cut emissions. The reduction in emissions from the electricity sector, down 23.7% on 2005 levels, is good news. But the difference is still small enough that seasonal variations from Tasmania’s hydro power plants can distort the annual figures.

    At least there is a plan in place for the energy transition. Big, slow wheels are in motion.

    Unfortunately the reality is we will need much, much more renewable energy in the future. Up to three times the current capacity of the National Electricity Market will be needed to cover future domestic energy requirements across electricity and other sectors out to 2050.

    Significantly more would be required to generate enough additional green energy to also produce green value-added commodities.

    Australia’s clean energy challenge

    Discussions around transitioning from fossil fuels typically overlook how deeply they are embedded in our everyday lives.

    Not just the fuel we use in our cars, but the roads we drive on. Not just the electricity we use to power our hospitals, but the steel used to build them and the pharmaceuticals we rely on.

    Globally, around 13% of fossil fuels are not burned but used to make these key chemicals. What’s the alternative?

    Clean electricity is the key.

    Electricity can be used to make hydrogen from water through electrolysis. This hydrogen can then replace fossil fuels in manufacturing – making products such as green steel and ammonia for fertiliser.

    When combined with non-fossil sources of carbon, hydrogen can also be turned into renewable fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel. It can be used to synthesise green versions of petrochemicals used in industrial processes such as ethanol, propylene and ethylene, which are currently sourced from fossil fuels.

    This takes energy. Lots of it. Fortunately Australia has all the ingredients needed for a booming green industry – one that’s much broader than just renewable electricity.

    Currently, it costs more to produce these chemicals without using fossil fuels. That’s why some companies and state governments have been pulling back from their investments in green hydrogen.

    Most people talk about green hydrogen in the context of energy storage or export. But it can also enable the transition away from fossil fuels in other sectors. The technology exists to make these chemicals and products, without the emissions and it’s slowly but steadily moving closer toward price parity.

    If we can nail this switch to fossil-free alternatives to petrochemicals, Australia would be able to add value onshore, rather than exporting raw materials. For example, we could export iron, not iron ore. Methanol or ammonia, not hydrogen. Export the jumper, not the wool.

    Heavy industry driven by renewables?

    On Sunday, Bowen said he found some areas of the 2024 emissions figures “encouraging, like industrial emissions, way down and lower than 2021”.

    Unfortunately, this result was partly due to a decline in manufacturing. Onshore manufacturing capability has been steadily decreasing, despite increased fossil fuel extraction.

    Unless we ramp up green manufacturing – replacing fossil fuel exports with much needed renewable products and fuels – we will continue to bear responsibility, if not direct accountability, for large, exported emissions as well as onshore fugitive emissions.

    And no amount of changes to land use can account for that.

    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. Australia’s latest emissions data reveal we still have a giant fossil fuel problem – https://theconversation.com/australias-latest-emissions-data-reveal-we-still-have-a-giant-fossil-fuel-problem-257907

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia

    Poland’s presidential election runoff will be a bitter pill for pro-European Union democrats to swallow.

    The nationalist, Trumpian, historian Karol Nawrocki has narrowly defeated the liberal, pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, 50.89 to 49.11%.

    The Polish president has few executive powers, though the office holder is able to veto legislation. This means the consequences of a Nawrocki victory will be felt keenly, both in Poland and across Europe.

    With this power, Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party, will no doubt stymie the ability of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform-led coalition to enact democratic political reforms.

    This legislative gridlock could well see Law and Justice return to government in the 2027 general elections, which would lock in the anti-democratic changes the party made during their last term in office from 2015–2023. This included eroding Poland’s judicial independence by effectively taking control of judicial appointments and the supreme court.

    Nawrocki’s win has given pro-Donald Trump, anti-liberal, anti-EU forces across the continent a shot in the arm. It’s bad news for the EU, Ukraine and women.

    A rising Poland

    For much of the post-second world war era, Poland has had limited European influence.

    This is no longer the case. Poland’s economy has boomed since it joined the EU in 2004. It spends almost 5% of its gross domestic product on defence, almost double what it spent in 2022 at the time of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Poland now has a bigger army than the United Kingdom, France and Germany. And living standards, adjusted for purchasing power, are about to eclipse Japan’s.

    Along with Brexit, these changes have resulted in the EU’s centre of gravity shifting eastwards towards Poland. As a rising military and economic power of 37 million people, what happens in Poland will help shape Europe’s future.

    Impacts on Ukraine

    Poland’s new position in Europe is most clearly demonstrated by its central role in the fight to defend Ukraine against Russia.

    This centrality was clearly demonstrated during the recent “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Kyiv, where Tusk joined the leaders of Europe’s major powers – France, Germany and the UK – to bolster support for Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

    However, Poland’s unqualified support for Ukraine will now be at risk because Nawrocki has demonised Ukrainian refugees in his country and opposed Ukrainian integration into European-oriented bodies, such as the EU and NATO.

    Nawrocki was also backed during his campaign by the Trump administration. Kristi Noem, the US secretary of homeland security, said at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland:

    Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you have an opportunity to have just as strong of a leader in Karol if you make him the leader of this country.

    Trump also hosted Nawrocki in the Oval Office when he was merely a candidate for office. This was a significant deviation from standard US diplomatic protocol to stay out of foreign elections.

    Nawrocki has not been as pro-Russia as some other global, MAGA-style politicians, but this is largely due to Poland’s geography and its difficult history with Russia. It has been repeatedly invaded across its eastern plains by Russian or Soviet troops. And along with Ukraine, Poland shares borders with the Russian client state of Belarus and Russia itself in Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised enclave on the Baltic Sea.

    I experienced the proximity of these borders during fieldwork in Poland in 2023 when I travelled by car from Warsaw to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, via the Suwalki Gap.

    This is the strategically important, 100-kilometre-long border between Poland and Lithuania, which connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO and the EU to the south. It’s seen as a potential flashpoint if Russia were ever to close the gap and isolate the Baltic states.

    Poland’s conservative nationalist politicians are therefore less Russia-friendly than those in Hungary or Slovakia. Nawrocki, for instance, does not support cutting off weapons to Ukraine.

    However, a Nawrocki presidency will still be more hostile to Ukraine and its interests. During the campaign, Nawrocki said Zelensky “treats Poland badly”, echoing the type of language used by Trump himself.

    Poland divided

    The high stakes in the election resulted in a record turnout of almost 73%.

    There was a stark choice in the election between Nawrocki and Trzaskowski.

    Trzaskowski supported the liberalisation of Poland’s harsh abortion laws – abortion was effectively banned in Poland under the Law and Justice government – and the introduction of civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ couples.

    Nawrocki opposed these changes and will likely veto any attempt to implement them.

    While the polls for the presidential runoff election had consistently shown a tight race, an Ipsos exit poll published during the vote count demonstrated the social divisions now facing the country.

    As in other recent global elections, women and those with higher formal education voted for the progressive candidate (Trzaskowski), while men and those with less formal education voted for the conservative (Nawrocki).

    After the surprise success of the liberal, pro-EU presidential candidate in the Romanian elections a fortnight ago, pro-EU forces were hoping for a similar result in Poland, as well.

    That, for now, is a pipe dream and liberals across the continent will now need to negotiate a difficult relationship with a right-wing, Trumpian leader in the new beating heart of Europe.

    Adam Simpson 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. Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women – https://theconversation.com/pro-trump-candidate-wins-polands-presidential-election-a-bad-omen-for-the-eu-ukraine-and-women-257617

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Thailand claims two titles at Singapore Badminton Open

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

    Thailand secured two championships on Sunday at the Singapore Badminton Open, with Kunlavut Vitidsarn winning the men’s singles crown and the mixed doubles pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran also triumphing.

    Kunlavut Vitidsarn returns a shot during the men’s singles final match between Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand and Lu Guangzu of China at the Singapore Badminton Open 2025 in Singapore, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Second-seeded Kunlavut dominated the men’s singles final, defeating China’s Lu Guangzu 21-6, 21-10 in just 37 minutes. The victory marked Kunlavut’s fourth title of the season and is set to propel him to the world No. 1 ranking in the men’s singles when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) releases its latest standings next week. He will also become the first men’s singles player born after 2000 to achieve the top ranking.

    Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran (R) of Thailand react after scoring during the mixed doubles final match against Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet of China’s Hong Kong at the Singapore Badminton Open 2025 in Singapore, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Earlier, Thai mixed doubles stars Puavaranukroh and Paewsampran captured their title by defeating Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong, China, 2-0 in the final.

    Chen Yufei of China celebrates after winning the women’s singles final match against Wang Zhiyi of China at the Singapore Badminton Open 2025 in Singapore, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s Chen Yufei claimed the women’s singles title, defeating compatriot Wang Zhiyi in straight sets for her fourth championship of the season. Notably, Chen ended the 27-match winning streak of reigning Olympic gold medalist An Se-young of South Korea in the quarterfinals. Since returning to competition in February following a three-month study break in Australia, Chen has regained her form and extended her own winning streak to 22 matches.

    In doubles action, South Korean pairs secured one gold and one silver medal. Kim Hye-jeong and Kong Hee-yong won the women’s doubles title by defeating Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi 21-16, 21-14. However, Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik beat Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae 15-21, 21-18, 21-19.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Body found in bin at Bellerive

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Body found in bin at Bellerive

    Monday, 2 June 2025 – 5:56 pm.

    Police have door knocked homes and businesses in the Bellerive area this afternoon looking for information that might help their investigations into the discovery of a man’s body in an industrial-sized garbage bin.
    The body of a 45-year-old man was discovered about 9am on Monday (June 2) by a garbage contractor, with the bin located at the rear of a business in Percy Street.
    Uniform officers from Bellerive Station, members of the South East Criminal Investigation Branch and Forensics have been gathering evidence at the scene and surrounds. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage.
    Police have confirmed the man was last seen alive about 7pm on Saturday, by members of his family.
    “Investigations are at an early stage, but right now the scene suggests this could be a case of death by misadventure or alternatively, foul play, or possibly a combination of both,” Detective Inspector David Gill said.
    “At this time there is no evidence of any injuries to the man and an autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
    Police have appealed for anyone with information about movements in the Percy Street area from Saturday night to Monday morning to contact them on 131 444 or report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Assault worker – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police have arrested a 44-year-old female and a 25-year-old male in relation to an incident that occurred in Alice Springs on Saturday evening.

    Around 7:20pm, police received reports of a disturbance occurring at a licensed premises on Todd Street after a group were asked to leave.

    During the altercation, it is alleged that members from the group assaulted 2 employees before damaging property within the premises.

    Police attended a short time later and a 44-year-old female and a 25-year-old male were arrested nearby.

    The female has been charged with:

    • Assault on Police
    • Offensive Behaviour in a Public Place
    • Fail to Leave Licensed Premises
    • Damage to Property

    The male has been charged with:

    • Breach of Bail
    • Assault a Worker – Victim Suffers Harm
    • Assaults on Worker
    • Fail to Leave Licensed Premises
    • Threats of Injury or cause Detriment
    • Offensive Behaviour in a Public Place
    • Damage to Property
    • Disorderly Behaviour in Police Station

    Both alleged offenders were remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25147763. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is retinol? And will it make my acne flare? 3 experts unpack this trendy skincare ingredient

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laurence Orlando, Senior Lecturer, Product Formulation and Development, Analytical Methods, Monash University

    Irina Kvyatkovskaya/Shutterstock

    Retinol skincare products suddenly seem to be everywhere, promising clear, radiant and “youthful” skin.

    But what’s the science behind these claims? And are there any risks?

    You may have also heard retinol can increase your risk of sunburn and even make acne worse.

    For some people, retinol may help reduce the appearance of fine lines. But it won’t be suitable for everyone. Here’s what you need to know.

    What is retinol?

    Retinol is part of a family of chemical compounds called retinoids. These are derived from or related to Vitamin A, a nutrient essential for healthy skin, vision and immune function.

    All retinoids work because enzymes in our skin convert them into their “active” form, retinoic acid.

    You can buy retinol in creams and other topical products over the counter.

    These are often promoted as “anti-ageing” because retinol can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even out skin tone (for example, sun spots or acne scars).

    It also has an exfoliating effect, meaning it can help unclog pores.

    Stronger retinoid treatments that target acne will require a prescription because they contain retinoic acid, which is regulated as a drug in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and Australia.

    How is retinol used in skincare?

    One of the most common claims about retinol is that it helps to reduce visible signs of ageing.

    How does this work?

    With age, the skin’s barrier becomes weaker, making it more prone to dryness, injury and irritation.

    Retinol can help counteract this natural thinning by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocytes – cells that form the outer skin layer and protect against damage and water loss.

    Retinol also stimulates the production of collagen (a key protein that creates a scaffolding that keeps skin firm and elastic) and fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and support skin structure).

    It also increases how fast the skin sheds old cells and replaces them with new ones.

    Over time, these processes help reduce fine lines, fade dark spots and even out skin tone. It can also make skin appear clearer.

    While effective, this doesn’t happen overnight.

    You may have also heard about a “retinol purge” – a temporary flare of acne when you first start using topical retinoids.

    Studies have found the skin may become irritated and acne temporarily worsen in some cases. But more research needs to be done to understand this link.

    The idea of a retinol purge is popular on social media.
    TikTok, CC BY-NC-ND

    So, is retinol safe?

    At typical skincare concentrations (0.1–0.3%), side effects tend to be mild.

    Most people who experience irritation (such as redness, dryness, or peeling) when starting retinol are able to build tolerance over time. This process is often called “retinisation”.

    However, retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation (known as photosensitivity). This heightened reactivity can lead to sunburn, irritation and an increased risk of hyperpigmentation (spots or patches of darker colour).

    For this reason, daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) is strongly recommended while using retinol products.

    Who should avoid retinol?

    Teenagers and children generally don’t need retinol unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, for example, for acne treatment.

    People with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema (dry, itchy and inflamed skin) and rosacea (chronic redness and sensitivity) may find retinol too irritating.

    Using retinol products alongside other skincare treatments, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, can over-exfoliate your skin and damage it.

    Importantly, the active form of retinol, retinoic acid, is teratogenic (meaning it can cause birth defects). Over-the-counter retinol products are also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

    Choose and store retinol products wisely

    Since retinol is classified as a cosmetic ingredient, companies are not required to disclose its concentration in their products.

    The European Union is expected to introduce new regulations that will cap the concentration of retinol in cosmetic facial products to 0.3%.

    These are precautionary measures aimed to limit exposure for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, given the risk of birth defects.

    It’s therefore recommended to use products that clearly state the retinol concentration is between 0.1% and 0.3%.

    Retinol is also a notoriously unstable molecule that degrades with exposure to air, light or heat.

    Choosing a product with airtight, light-protective packaging will help with potential degradation problems that could lead to inactivity or harm.

    What’s the safest way to try retinol?

    The key is to go low and slow: a pea-sized amount of a low-concentration product (0.1%) once or twice a week, preferably at night (to avoid UV exposure), and then the frequency and concentration can be increased (to a maximum of 0.3%) as the skin adjusts.

    Using a moisturiser after retinol helps to reduce dryness and irritation.

    Wearing sunscreen every day is a must when using retinol to avoid the photosensitivity.

    If you experience persistent redness, burning, or peeling, it’s better to stop using the product and consult your doctor or a dermatologist for personalised advice.

    Laurence Orlando is affiliated with the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists.

    Professor Ademi currently serves as a member of the Economics Sub Committee of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee within the Department of Health, Australia which assesses clinical and economic evaluations of medicines submitted for listing on the PBS. She leads the global economics initiative for the Lp(a) International Task Force and Member of Professional Advisory Board of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Australia. Zanfina Ademi receives funding from FH Europe Foundation to understand the population screening for LP(a), globally. Received funding from National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund not in relation to to this work, but work that relates to health economics of prevention and cost-effectiveness.

    Zoe Porter 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. What is retinol? And will it make my acne flare? 3 experts unpack this trendy skincare ingredient – https://theconversation.com/what-is-retinol-and-will-it-make-my-acne-flare-3-experts-unpack-this-trendy-skincare-ingredient-256074

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: A joint mine shaft rescue for Labrador ted

    Source:

    Credit: Ethan Brown, Trentham Fire Brigade

    A team effort in the west today (2 June) saw local Trentham Fire Brigade members work with CFA’s Oscar 1 rescue team to safely rescue a dog from an eight-metre-deep mine shaft.

    Having wandered off from their owners’ property on Thursday afternoon, Labradoodle Penny and Labrador Ted were found on Pronk Track in Trentham at around 11.43am this morning, with Penny above the mine and Ted sadly within it.   

    While extensive social media posts were placed online to help locate the dogs over the weekend, and hopeful sounds of barking were heard in the distance by neighbours, the pair were still unable to be located.

    Trentham Fire Brigade Captain David Wheeldon said it wasn’t until today that the neighbours fortunately crossed paths with Penny and Ted on their walk and called Triple Zero.

    “When we arrived, as you would expect, Penny was quite agitated, but luckily one of our firefighters knew the owners because they lived next door to them,” David said.

    “We were able to get a hold of them to come down before Bendigo’s Oscar 1 crew started the rescue process.

    “Throughout the morning, we were providing Ted with plenty of food and water.

    “The members of Oscar 1 descended down the 8m shaft to safely extricate Ted and hand him back into the arms of his owners at around 2.53pm, happy, healthy and well.”

    While on scene Trentham Fire Brigade members worked with Forest Fire Management Victoria to track their location with pink ribbon and red taped a number of open mine shafts nearby to prevent future incidents.

    Hepburn Shire Council were also on scene for wellbeing support.

    • Credit: Ethan Brown, Trentham Fire Brigade
    • Credit: Ethan Brown, Trentham Fire Brigade
    • Credit: Ethan Brown, Trentham Fire Brigade
    • Credit: Ethan Brown, Trentham Fire Brigade
    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Operation FROME Wrap up 2025

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have concluded Operation FROME, a high-visibility road safety operation along some of the Territory’s most remote areas between 6am Thursday 22 May to 6am Saturday 24 May 2025.

    The operation, led by the Territory Road Policing Division, was developed to reduce the incidence of serious and fatal crashes through enforcement, education, and engagement, while targeting the movement of illicit substances and alcohol into the Northern Territory.

    Operation FROME involved a coordinated effort with officers from the Northern Command, Southern Command, Southern Investigations, Northern Investigations, Dog Operations Unit and the Drug and Organised Crime Division, delivering roadside enforcement and engagement at strategic locations including Timber Creek, NT/QLD Border and south of Alice Springs, in cooperation with Queensland Police.

    Operational outcomes included:

    • 1974 breath tests conducted, with 1 positive result for drink driving.
    • 297 drug driver tests, resulting in 30 positive detections.
    • 4 arrests and 22 Notices to Appear in court.
    • 48 Traffic Infringement Notices issued, and 11 vehicles defected.
    • 16 Drug Infringement Notices issued.
    • Drugs, alcohol, and cash seized included: 3.22kg of cannabis, 2.3g methamphetamine, 22g cocaine, 1.5g MDMA, 1.1g ketamine, 2.5kg of kava, 1 litre of alcohol, $31,428 in cash, and 3 imitation firearms (2 replica pistols and 1 replica AR-15)

    The Territory Road Policing Division Superintendent Richard Magree said, “Overall we were very pleased with the majority of drivers, particularly commercial operators. It is, however, disappointing to see some individuals continuing to drive under the influence of drugs and attempting to traffic illicit substances across our borders.

    “Driving under the influence remains a leading causal factor in fatal crashes across the Northern Territory. Police will continue to target this behaviour through operations like FROME.

    “This remote operation is another reminder that Territory Road Policing can be anywhere at any time, and we continue to urge all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to the Fatal Five.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Aggravated assault – Nhulunbuy

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police are calling for information in relation to an altercation that occurred in Nhulunbuy early Saturday morning.

    Around 12:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a security officer had allegedly been stabbed during an altercation with a male in the carpark of a lodge on Westal Street.

    It is alleged the male was previously banned from the location and when security officers approached him and asked him to leave an altercation occurred resulting in injuries to the male and the security officer being stabbed with a pair of scissors.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the male allegedly punched one of the officers in the face.

    Both the security officer and the male were conveyed to Gove District Hospital for treatment with non-life-threatening injuries. The police officer did not require medical treatment.

    Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500055868. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Eugene Doyle: Writing in the time of the Gaza genocide

    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle

    I want to share a writer’s journey — of living and writing through the Genocide.  Where I live and how I live could not be further from the horror playing out in Gaza and, increasingly, on the West Bank.

    Yet, because my country provides military, intelligence and diplomatic support to Israel and the US, I feel compelled to answer the call to support Palestine by doing the one thing I know best: writing.

    I live in a paradise that supports genocide
     I am one of the blessed of the earth. I’m surrounded by similarly fortunate people. I live in a heart-stoppingly beautiful bay.

    Even in winter I swim in the marine reserve across the road from our house.  Seals, Orca, all sorts of fish, octopus, penguins and countless other marine life so often draw me from my desk towards the rocky shore.  My home is on the Wild South Coast of Wellington. Every few days our local Whatsapp group fires a message, for example:  “Big pod of dolphins heading into the bay!”

    I live in Aotearoa New Zealand, a country that, in the main, is yawning its way through a genocide and this causes me daily frustration and pain.  It drives me back to the keyboard.

    I am surrounded by good friends and suffer no fears for my security. I am materially comfortable and well-fed. I love being a writer. Who could ask for more?

    I write, on average, a 1200-word article per week. It’s a seven days a week task and most of my writing time is spent reading, scouring news sites from around the world, note-taking, fact-checking, fretting, talking to people and thinking about the story that will emerge, always so different from my starting concept.

    I’m in regular contact with historians, ex-diplomats, geopolitical analysts, writers and activists from around the world and count myself fortunate to know these exceptional people.

    This article is different, simpler; it is personal — one person’s experience of writing from the far periphery of the conflict.

    I don’t want to live in a country that turns a blind or a sleep-laden eye to one of the great crimes against humanity. I have come to the hurtful realisation that I have a very different worldview from most people I know and from most people I thought I knew.

    Fortunately, I have old friends who share in this struggle and I have made many new friends here in New Zealand and across the world who follow their own burning hearts and work every day to challenge the role our governments play in supporting Israel to destroy the lives of millions of innocent people. To me, these people — and above all the Palestinian people in their steadfast resistance — are the heroes who fuel my life.

    Writing is fighting
     Most of us have multiple demands on our time; three of my good writer friends are grappling with cancer, another lost his job for challenging the official line and now must work long hours in a menial day job to keep the family afloat. Despite these challenges they all head to the keyboard to continue the struggle.  Writing is fighting.

    There’s so little we can all do but, as Māori people say: “ahakoa he iti, he pounamu” – it may only be a little but every bit counts, every bit is as precious as jade.

    That sentiment is how movements for change have been built – anti-Vietnam war, anti-nuclear, anti-Apartheid — all of them pro-humanity, all of them about standing with the victims not with the oppressors, nor on the sideline muttering platitudes and excuses.  As another writer said: “Washing one’s hands of the struggle between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” (Paolo Friere)  Back to the keyboard.

    My life until October 7th was more focussed on environmental issues, community organisation and water politics.  I had ceased being “a writer” years ago.

    One day in October 2023 I was in the kitchen, ranting about what was being done to the Palestinians and what was obviously about to be done to the Palestinians: genocide.  My emotions were high because I had had a deeply unpleasant exchange with a good friend of mine on the golf course (yes, I play golf). He told me that the people of Gaza deserved to be collectively punished for the Hamas attack of October 7th.

    I had angrily shot back at him, correctly but not diplomatically, that this put him shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nazis and all those who imposed collective punishment on civilian populations.  My wife, to her credit, had heard enough: “Get upstairs and write an article!  You have to start writing!”

    It changed my life. She was right, of course.  Impotent rage and parlour-room speeches achieve nothing. Writing is fighting.

    ’40 beheaded babies survived the Hamas attack’
     My first article “40 Beheaded Babies Survived the Hamas Attack” was a warning drawn from history about narratives and what the Americans and Israelis were really softening the ground for. Since then I have had about 70 articles published, all in Australia and New Zealand, some in China, the USA, throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and on all sorts of email databases, including those sent out by the exemplary Ambassador Chas Freeman in the US and another by my good friend and human rights lawyer J V Whitbeck in Paris.

    All my articles are on my own site solidarity.co.nz.

    As with historians, part of a writer’s job is to spot patterns and recurrent themes in stories, to detect lies and expose deeper agendas in the official narratives.  The mainstream media is surprisingly bad at this.  Or chooses to be.

    Just like the Incubator Babies story in Iraq, the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in Vietnam, reaching right back to the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana in 1898, propaganda is often used as a prelude to atrocities.  The blizzard of lies after October 7th were designed to be-monster the Palestinians and prepare the ground for what would obviously follow.

    The narrative of beheaded babies promoted by world leaders, including President Biden, was powerfully amplified by our mainstream media; journalists at the highest level of the trade spread the lies.

    I have to tell you, it was frightening in October 2023 to challenge these narratives.  Every day I pored through the Israeli news site Ha’aretz for updates. Eventually the narrative fell apart — but by then the damage was done. Thousands of real babies had been murdered by the Israelis.

    Never before have so many of my fellow writers been killedFollowing events in Palestine closely, it still comes as a shock when a journalist I have read, seen, heard is suddenly killed by the Israelis. This has happened several times. When it does I take a coffee and walk up the ridiculously steep track behind my house and sit high above the bay on a bench seat I built (badly).

    That bench is my “top office” where I like to chew thoughts in my mind as I see the cold waves break on the brown rocks below.  High up there I feel detached and better able to ask and answer the questions I need to process in my writing.

    Why does our media pay little attention to the killing of so many fellow writers?  Why don’t they call out the Israelis for having killed more journalists than any military machine in history? Why the silence around Israel’s  “Where’s Daddy?” killing programme that has silenced so many Palestinian journalists and doctors by tracking their mobile phones and striking with a missile just when they arrive back home to their families?  Why does “the world’s most moral army” commit such ugly crimes? Where’s the solidarity with our fellow journalists?

    Is it because their skin is mainly dark?  Is that why, according to Radio New Zealand’s own report on its Gaza coverage, New Zealanders have more in common with Israelis than we do with Palestinians? RNZ refers to this as our “proximity” to Israelis. They’re right, of course: by failing to shoulder our positive duty to act decisively against Israel and the US we show that we share values with people committing genocide.

    Is this why stories about our own region — Kanaky New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands and so on, get so little coverage? I have heard many times the immense frustration of journalists I know who work on Pacific issues. The answer is simple: we have greater “proximity” to Benjamin Netanyahu than we do to the Polynesians or Melanesians in our own backyard. Really?

    Such questions need answers. Back to the keyboard.

    Solidarity
     I try not to permit myself despair. It’s a privilege we shouldn’t allow ourselves while our government supports the genocide.  Sometimes that’s hard.

    There’s a photo I’ve seen of a Palestinian mother holding her daughter that haunts me.  In traditional thobe, her head covered by her simple robe, she could easily be Mary, mother of Jesus. She stares straight at the camera. Her expression is hard to read. Shock? Disbelief? Wounded humanity?  Blood flows from below her eyes and stains her cheek and chin. Her forehead is blackened, probably from an explosive blast. She holds her child, a girl of perhaps 10, also damaged and blackened from the Israeli attack.  The child is asleep or unconscious; I can’t tell which.  The mother holds her as lovingly, as poignantly, as Mary did to Jesus when he came down from the cross.  La Pietà in Gaza.

    Why do some of us care less about this pair? Where is our humanity that we can let this happen day after day until the last syllable of our sickening rhetoric that somehow we in the West are morally superior has been vomited out.

    I’ll give the last word to another writer:

    “Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

    Eugene Doyle is a writer based in Wellington. He has written extensively on the Middle East, as well as peace and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. He contributes to Asia Pacific Report and Café Pacific, and hosts the public policy platform solidarity.co.nz.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Decades of searching and a chance discovery: why finding Leadbeater’s possum in NSW is such big news

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Distinguished Professor of Ecology, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University

    Until now, Victorians believed their state was the sole home for Leadbeater’s possum, their critically endangered state faunal emblem. This tiny marsupial is clinging to life in a few pockets of mountain ash and snow gum habitat in the Central Highlands of Victoria.

    But a few days ago, seven grainy photos taken by a trail camera in New South Wales revealed something very unexpected: a Leadbeater’s possum hundreds of kilometres away in the wet forests of Kosciuszko National Park.

    For decades, we and other researchers have sought proof this possum existed in these forests. Now we have it. This is a moment of celebration. But it also signals the importance of well-resourced biodiversity surveys in uncovering our most threatened species and large national parks for conserving them.

    While this newly discovered population reduces the risk of extinction, it doesn’t change the decline and risk of extinction of its Victorian relatives – or the steps needed to safeguard them.

    These photos from Kosciuszko National Park are the first proof that Leadbeater’s possum has a NSW population.
    NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, CC BY-NC-ND

    Detected entirely by chance

    In 2024, New South Wales threatened species ecologists Fred Ford and Martin Schulz set about looking for an entirely different species, the endangered smoky mouse. To find it, they set up a wide array of camera traps throughout wet forest areas of Kosciuszko National Park. A year later, they collected them and trawled through millions of photos.

    Among all these images (including of smoky mice), there were seven which stunned them. A camera deployed near Yarrangobilly Caves captured a tiny possum scampering through leaf litter, holding its distinctive club-shaped tail erect. The possum looks around the monitoring site, showing its back and face stripes and heart-shaped face.

    Experts at The Australian National University and Zoos Victoria verified the photos, setting the ecology world abuzz.

    A trail camera near Yarrangobilly Caves in Kosciuszko National Park captured the sighting.
    Destinations Journey/Shutterstock

    A hunch confirmed

    While we are delighted at this remarkable discovery, the detection is not a complete surprise.

    Over three decades ago, this article’s lead author searched for Leadbeater’s possum around Yarrangobilly and many other parts of Kosciuszko National Park, guided by a bioclimatic model suggesting the cool wet forests in Kosciuszko National Park should suit the possum.

    But detection cameras were not available then, and this possum is notoriously hard to spot. It’s tiny, nocturnal and spends its waking hours dashing through the dense understory of some of the world’s tallest forests looking for nectar, sap and insects.

    Species experts from Zoos Victoria and Deakin University have also scouted parts of Kosciuszko National Park over the past decade, identifying potentially promising habitat.

    In 2010 we got confirmation the possum had once occurred in the area, when jaw bones were identified among bones regurgitated by owls on the floor of a nearby cave.

    But other bones from the cave floor date back an estimated 140–200 years. The bones were far from proof of a living population.

    The possum’s existence remained an open question until these photos.

    What does this mean for this possum?

    We don’t know anything about this newly discovered Leadbeater’s possum population in NSW, other than the fact that it exists. Given the distance from the Victorian populations, we suspect that they may be genetically distinct.

    In theory, the existence of a separate population 250 km away from the Victorian populations cuts the risk a single megafire or other catastrophe could push the species to extinction.

    But while welcome, the discovery doesn’t reduce the need to urgently protect surviving Victorian populations, which remain highly threatened by bushfire, climate change, predation by cats, and the legacy of logging and land clearing.

    In Victoria, some populations have dwindled as low as 40 animals and inbreeding is now a concern.

    The possum typically relies on large old trees with hollows where it can breed and den. But these trees have substantially declined in Victoria over the past 150 years. Leadbeater’s possum also needs smaller trees for feeding and movement.

    Surveys across the historical range of the species in Victoria since 2017 have failed to find any other hidden populations. Most surveys have found the habitat highly degraded from logging and fire.

    The discovery won’t alter the possum’s critically endangered status at this stage, nor the ongoing work to support it.

    In welcome news, the NSW Environment Minister announced the possum’s state conservation listing will be fast-tracked.

    Of surveys and parks

    Why did it take so long to find the possum? The main reason: a lack of resources preventing targeted investigations.

    Even basic inventories of species have not been done across many of Australia’s important conservation areas.

    Without well conducted surveys and monitoring, we are left overly reliant on chance detections for critical information. There could be other populations of imperilled species waiting to be rediscovered.

    Properly managing our growing number of threatened species shouldn’t be based on luck. It should be enabled by adequate resources for threatened species recovery teams to discover, map, protect and manage threatened species and their habitat.

    Increasing federal spending on the care of nature to 1% of the budget would go a very long way to closing these gaps.

    Trail cameras, call playback and environmental DNA sampling mean we can now survey large and remote natural areas with relatively little effort for long periods of time.

    Big parks are essential

    Kosciuszko National Park supports much more than Australia’s highest mountains. The huge park spans 690,000 hectares, much of it forest.

    Many of our most imperilled species are hard to detect. Protecting extensive areas of good-quality habitat boosts the survival chances for these species, even if we don’t yet have proof of life.

    With so little high-quality habitat left in Australia, proper protection through new national parks (including in Victoria) is vitally important for the possum and many other species.

    Passive protection isn’t enough either – adequate funding is critical to stop the environmental condition of parks from declining, due to threats like invasive species and extreme fires.

    The world still contains wonder

    These seven photos have given ecologists and nature lovers a real boost to their spirits. As detection techniques improve, what else is out there waiting to be found?

    The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Leadbeater’s possum experts Dan Harley, Arabella Eyre, John Woinarski and Brendan Wintle to this article.

    David Lindenmayer receives funding from the Australian Government and the Victorian Government. He is a Councillor with the Biodiversity Council and a Member of Birds Australia.

    Darcy Watchorn works for Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit zoo-based conservation organisation. He is a member of the Ecological Society of Australia, the Australian Mammal Society, the Society for Conservation Biology, and the Royal Society of Victoria.

    Jaana Dielenberg was employed by the now-ended Threatened Species Recovery Hub of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program, which conducted research on the Leadbeater’s possum in Victoria. She is a Charles Darwin University Fellow and is employed by the University of Melbourne and the Biodiversity Council.

    – ref. Decades of searching and a chance discovery: why finding Leadbeater’s possum in NSW is such big news – https://theconversation.com/decades-of-searching-and-a-chance-discovery-why-finding-leadbeaters-possum-in-nsw-is-such-big-news-257957

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: West Lakes man arrested after grow houses discovered

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A West Lakes man was charged with serious drug offences following an investigation into the cultivation of cannabis at multiple residential properties across the western suburbs.

    Between 27 and 28 May 2025, Western District CIB detectives and police officers searched six properties in Woodville South, Seaton, Flinders Park, West Croydon and Ridleyton and found cannabis grow houses.

    Five of the properties were found to have an electrical diversion.

    As a result of the searches, a combined total of 305 cannabis plants, 30 kilograms of dried cannabis and a trafficable quantity of cocaine was located. A large quantity of prescribed equipment was also seized.

    A 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts of cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, trafficking in a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, trafficking in a controlled drug, possess prescribed equipment and five counts of diverting electricity.

    He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 10 September.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Men charged with drug offences

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two men have been arrested for drug charges and money laundering following the search of a western suburbs home over the weekend.

    On Saturday 31 May, Western District Detectives searched a property at Ridleyton where they located approximately 2.5kg of methamphetamine, and approximately 400grams of ecstasy and more than $50K in cash.

    A 55-year-old man and a 27-year-old man both from Ridleyton, were arrested and charged with two counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, two counts of trafficking in a controlled drug and money laundering.  Both men were refused police bail and will appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Monday 2 June).

    CO2500022524

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Zheng, Sabalenka book quarterfinal meeting at Roland Garros

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

    Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles 4th round match between Liudmila Samsonova of Russia and Zheng Qinwen of China at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has set up a quarterfinal clash with top seed Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open.

    Less than a year after her historic Olympic triumph on the Paris clay, the Chinese sensation recorded her best result at Roland Garros, reaching the quarterfinals with a 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-3 victory over Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova on Sunday.

    The Australian Open finalist battled for nearly three hours to secure the win.

    The first set stayed on serve through six games before the players exchanged breaks in the next four. Tied at 5-5 in the tiebreak, Zheng held her nerve, striking a patient inside-in forehand winner and forcing Samsonova to net a shot to close out the grueling 76-minute set.

    Samsonova responded strongly in the second, breaking Zheng twice and serving out the set. Zheng struggled with the Russian’s wide angles and squandered seven break point opportunities.

    Regrouping in the final set, Zheng broke Samsonova in the sixth game when the Russian sent a backhand down the line long.

    Serving for the match at 5-3, the 22-year-old Zheng fell behind 0-30 but reeled off four straight points, sealing victory after a forehand error from Samsonova.

    “I am super happy, honestly,” Zheng said. “There are not many words that can describe my emotions, because I’ve been trying every year, and that’s the real first time for me to be in quarterfinals in Roland Garros.”

    Sabalenka continued her consistency at the majors with a 7-5, 6-3 win over American 16th seed Amanda Anisimova to reach her third straight French Open quarterfinal.

    Sabalenka won her first six meetings with Zheng, including the 2024 Australian Open final. However, Zheng earned her first victory over the Belarusian last month – on clay – in Rome.

    “It’s always tough matches against her,” Sabalenka noted. “She’s a great player. Of course, I expect a great battle, and I’m super excited to face her in the quarterfinals, and I want to get my revenge. I want to get this win after Rome, so I’m happy to face her in the quarters.”

    Four-time winner Iga Swiatek had to dig deep to extend her 24-match winning streak in Paris, overcoming No. 12 seed Elena Rybakina 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.

    “It means a lot,” said the fifth-seeded Pole. “I think I needed that kind of win to feel these feelings that I’m able to win under pressure, and even if it’s not going the right way, you know, still turn the match around to win it.”

    Swiatek will next face Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who outplayed Italian fourth seed Jasmine Paolini 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1.

    On the men’s side, reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz clinched a hard-fought 7-6 (8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over American Ben Shelton after three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to reach his fourth straight quarterfinal in Paris.

    “Today I fought against myself, against the mind,” second seed Alcaraz said. “I just tried to calm myself. In some moments I was mad, I was angry with myself. Talking not really good things, but I am really happy to not let those thoughts play against me. I tried to calm myself down, and I tried to keep going. That is what I tried.”

    The Spaniard will next face Tommy Paul, after the 12th seed defeated Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

    Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti brushed aside Holger Rune of Denmark 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to set up a last-eight meeting with American Frances Tiafoe, who overcame Daniel Altmaier of Germany 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man further charged over indecent assaults

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A 59-year-old man from the eastern suburbs has been further charged with indecent assaults on three women.

    The man was arrested in January and charged over an alleged sexual assault that occurred in January in the western suburbs.

    Following investigations, the man was arrested last week and charged with three counts of indecent assault.  It will be alleged these indecent assaults occurred while he was working as a massage therapist in the western suburbs.

    He was bailed to appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 8 July.

    Investigations are continuing.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Votes in Favor of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House Republican Reconciliation bill, also known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which will codify President Trump’s agenda:

    “Last November, we were given a clear mandate by 77 million Americans who voted for change. The American people overwhelmingly voted for a secure border, the resurgence of American energy dominance, strong national security, an extension of the Trump tax cuts, and a more efficient federal government that roots out fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Now, today, in passing this Reconciliation bill, House Republicans have codified President Trump and the American people’s full agenda,” said Congressman Cole.

    “This legislation will deliver resources to secure our border and complete the border wall, make generational investments in America’s defense, and unleash our domestic energy potential, which will lower costs, create jobs, and protect national security. It will provide permanent tax relief for families, workers, and mom-and-pop businesses by making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent and protecting the average taxpayer from a 22 percent tax hike,” said Congressman Cole.

    “Despite the lies that dishonest Democrats engaging in fearmongering are spreading, the One Big, Beautiful Bill will actually strengthen, secure, and sustain Medicaid by reestablishing Medicaid as a program that provides vital healthcare to vulnerable Americans and stopping the subsidization of illegal immigrants and capable adults who are just choosing not to work. Therefore, this is not Republicans cutting Medicaid. It is common-sense policy that will simply root out waste, fraud, and abuse within the program,” said Congressman Cole.

    “I am proud to have voted for the Republican Reconciliation legislation today, as it fulfills the promises we made to the American people, and I encourage the United States Senate to help us to deliver the result that the majority of Americans voted for,” said Congressman Cole.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Congratulates 2025 OK-04 Congressional Art Competition Winners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma’s Fourth District:

    Lillian Dai of Norman, Oklahoma has been named the first-place winner. Dai attends Norman North High School and studies art under her teacher, Sheila Hunter. For the Congressional Art Competition, Dai submitted a piece titled “Outside World,” which is a colored pencil drawing of a girl troubled by her mundane responsibilities and reminded of her own exhaustion merely by the things in her room. The drawing will be brought to Washington, D.C. and hang in the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.

    “I am thrilled to congratulate Lillian on being selected as the Fourth District’s overall winner for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Cole. “Her colored pencil drawing is unique, intriguing, and very colorful. It is clear that Lillian is very talented, and I am sure she has a bright future in the arts ahead of her.”

    When asked about her artwork, Dai said, “My artwork for the Congressional Art Competition is inspired by the common emotions and feelings that both I and my peers at high school typically feel as we take on harder classes and have increased responsibilities. It is not uncommon for us to spend late nights working. Exhaustion mingles with imagination, as we dream of a new environment or situation that will allow us a break. The indigo shadows envelop her form, reminding her of the work she needs to put in to accomplish her dreams, but for a moment the illumination of the fantastical scenery in her cup gives her the chance to daydream the world outside her room.”

    “Lillian has made significant strides in the art world during her high school career. This year, she garnered notable recognition by winning two silver keys, a gold key, and a gold medal for her exceptional drawings in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition. In addition to her recent achievements, Lillian secured second place in last year’s Congressional Art competition and is proud to represent Oklahoma’s 4th district this year. As her mentor, I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting Lillian in preparing for various art competitions and exhibitions. She shows a remarkable understanding of composition and color; her colored pencil pieces take many dedicated hours to complete. I eagerly anticipate her continued growth as an artist in her upcoming senior year,” said Hunter, Norman North High School Art Teacher.

    In addition to naming Lillian the winner, two runner-up winners were named through a “People’s Choice” contest online, which was conducted through Congressman Cole’s social media channels and website with votes collected over the course of a week. Out of the 1,112 votes cast, artwork by Katelyn Estes and Emily Shields received the most. Both students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Cole’s Oklahoma office for the next year.

    “Every year, so many accomplished high school students from across the Fourth District submit beautiful pieces of artwork to my office for consideration for the Congressional Art Competition. While only one piece can make its way to D.C., I think it is only right to recognize the other gifted artists by holding the People’s Choice competition. Congratulations to Katelyn and Emily for being selected as this year’s second and third-place winners. I am excited to have their beautiful art hanging in my Oklahoma office for the next year,” said Congressman Cole.

    Katelyn Estes, the second-place winner, resides in Stratford, Oklahoma and attends Stratford High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Shea Meyer. For the contest, she submitted a piece titled “All Sass, All Heart,” which is a pencil drawing of a barrel horse turning around barrel with the rider partly visible.

    “This drawing was inspired by my barrel horse, Jaz. She gives everything she has every time we race, and I wanted to reflect that in this piece – along with the bold, sassy personality that makes her who she is. That’s why I titled it All Sass, All Heart – Jaz,” said Estes.

    “Katelyn is a great student. She works hard and takes any advice that I give to her and applies it to her work. She not only works in class, but she works on projects at home, especially when she is trying to get something done for a show or contest. I wish I had a class full of students like her. I am very proud of all she has accomplished so far, and I look forward to what she will do in the future,” said Meyer, Stratford High School Art Teacher.

    Emily Shields of Purcell, Oklahoma is the third-place winner. She attends Purcell High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Jon Corea. For the Congressional Art Competition, Shields submitted artwork titled “Before the Storm,” which is an acrylic painting of a wild stallion observing the “calm before the storm” sunset in the Wichita Mountains while standing in a valley of Indian Paintbrushes.

    When asked about her artwork, Shields said, “I was inspired by all of the incredible western paintings I see with the massive, golden storm clouds on the horizon. Those paintings always invoke such a sense of foreboding in me while also being breathtaking. I also wanted to include a homage to Oklahoma and my mother who loves Indian Paintbrushes. Overall, this painting was one of the first I have encouraged myself to see through to the end, and I am pleasantly satisfied with the results.”

    “Emily is a remarkably talented and driven young artist. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the intense focus she brings to each piece she creates. Whether she’s working with bold colors, intricate details, or exploring new techniques, Emily consistently produces work that is thoughtful, expressive, and technically strong. Her creativity and commitment to improvement have always impressed me, and I continue to be amazed by the quality and originality of her artwork,” said Corea, Purcell High School Art Teacher.

    For information on the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole, Davids Announce Congressional Native American Caucus Vice Chairs for the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro , Zac Donley

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS), announced the new Vice Chairs of the Caucus. Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) will serve as the Republican Vice Chair and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) will serve as the Democrat Vice Chair.

    After selecting the Vice Chairs, the Representatives released the following statements:

    “I am excited to welcome Representatives Begich and Stansbury to the leadership team of the Congressional Native American Caucus. With their help, Congresswoman Davids and I will be able to better educate and inform Members of Congress on the unique issues concerning Native Americans and the constitutional rights of tribes. I look forward to all working together on this vital mission, which will improve the lives of tribes across the country” said Congressman Cole.

    “It’s an important moment for the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus as we welcome Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Nick Begich as new Vice Chairs. Their dedication to Tribal communities and commitment to bipartisan collaboration will help us continue advancing policies that respect Tribal sovereignty and improve the lives of Native people across the country,” said Congresswoman Davids.

    “I am honored to be selected as a Co-Vice Chair of the Native American Caucus. Representing Alaska – home to over 200 federally recognized Tribes – I recognize the importance of advocating for the voices of Alaska Natives in Congress and many of the challenges tribal communities face. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance lasting solutions that reinforce self-determination and well-being for Native Americans across the nation,” said Congressman Begich.

    “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair for the Native American Caucus. It is our duty to ensure that the United States partners with and upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. This bipartisan caucus is integral to that work and the fight to protect and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities across the country. I look forward to continuing to do this work in the 119th Congress,” said Congresswoman Stansbury.

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    MIL OSI USA News –