NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Electricity sector changes create more ways to save

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Kiwi households and businesses will be able to save more on their electricity bills as a result of changes announced by the Electricity Authority (EA) today, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.

    “The changes today are welcome developments for consumers who are not getting a fair deal at present from the energy market,” Mr Watts says.

    “First, solar is getting another big boost – energy companies must now pay households with rooftop solar and battery who export their electricity to the grid at peak times a fair price for that electricity – this will help reduce power bills and encourage more solar installations and electricity generation.

    “The large energy companies will also need to offer time of use plans by 30 June 2026 to provide better options for customers to save money by moving their electricity use from peak periods.”

    Mr Watts says these simple solutions will help Kiwis with the cost-of-living impacts driven in part by rising electricity costs. 

    “New Zealand needs more electricity generation to power our economy, and Kiwis rightly expect abundant and affordable energy, which this government is taking action to deliver.

    “The Government is working on a review of the electricity sector, with a focus on ensuring Kiwis get a fair price and aren’t hit in their pockets, and on addressing energy shortages.”

    “The new rules announced today will give New Zealanders more ways to reduce their costs and will incentivise uptake of solar and battery systems, as well as drive power prices down over the long term. Ensuring energy companies pay a fair price for consumers exporting electricity to the network is one of the single best ways to help boost solar uptake to date.

    “I want to see more New Zealanders benefitting from the smarter use of electricity. For this to happen, the electricity sector must appropriately reward consumers for the benefits they provide when they shift their power use away from peak times. 

    Mr Jones says that as our electricity market evolves, these small-scale systems will play an increasingly important role in enabling peak morning and evening demand to be met with local supply. 

    “With new, fairer rebates in place, there will be better opportunities for people to receive income from solar electricity they sell back to the grid.” 

    The Task Force was established by the Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission, with MBIE as an observer in August last year in response to the winter power crisis. 

    The Task Force is focused on enabling new generators and independent retailers to enter, and fairly compete, in the market as well as providing more options for consumers.

    “I thank the Task Force members and the Authority for their work in reaching these decisions. There is more work to do, and I look forward to further Task Force decisions in coming weeks,” Mr Watts says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defra Secretary of State at UK Water Reception

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Defra Secretary of State at UK Water Reception

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs delivered a speech at the UK Water Reception hosted at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre

    This is a moment for Government and industry to join together to unlock the potential of our water sector and grow our economy in every region of this country.

    We need water for economic growth.

    Communities can’t function without it. Water is essential for every household and business across the country. We need it to grow the food that feeds our families. To build 1.5 million new homes, hospitals, schools and roads. To cool power stations that supply our electricity and the data centres to run our IT systems. 

    Water flows through our breathtaking countryside, boosting our tourism and leisure industries.

    The public were not aware at the time of the last general election, this country was facing water rationing within ten years.  There was not enough water to meet the growing demands of our population. As David just said, no new reservoirs had been built in 30 years.

    Water infrastructure was outdated and crumbling. Leaking pipes wasted valuable water supplies. Record levels of sewage polluted our waterways.

    [Political section removed]

    In just one year, we’ve introduced tough new measures to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. Including ringfencing customers’ money so it can only be spent on what it was intended for: upgrading and improving water infrastructure.

    Our Water Special Measures Bill became law in February, giving the regulators new powers to hold water companies to account.

     And Sir Jon Cunliffe, the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, will soon complete the biggest review of the water sector in a generation to ensure we have a robust regulatory framework to clean up our waterways, build the infrastructure we need for a reliable water supply, and restore public confidence in this vital economic sector.

    He will publish his full findings next week, and the Government response will follow quickly afterwards.

    This strong action has laid the groundwork for the sector to move forward.

    Today is the start of a new partnership between the water sector and government.

    Turning the page on the past to begin a new chapter of growth and opportunity.

    The water sector is a priority for economic growth.

    We’ve worked together and secured £104 billion pounds of private sector investment in the water sector over the next five years.

    That’s the biggest private sector investment into our water sector in its entire history, and the second biggest investment in any part of the economy over the lifetime of this parliament – and getting this investment right matters.

    It will build and upgrade infrastructure in every region of the country – cutting sewage in half by 2030 and cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas.

    So, parents don’t have to worry about letting their children splash about in the water. So, we can experience the majesty of national treasures like Lake Windermere. Or enjoy a moment of calm by going for a swim in nature.

    It will fund nine new reservoirs and nine large-scale water transfer schemes, and reduce leaks from water pipes.

    So families – like those in Guildford –   don’t have to rely on bottled water when their water supply is disrupted. So businesses don’t lose profits when they’re forced to shut because the taps have run dry. So farmers can keep growing food in the face of increasingly unstable and unpredictable weather patterns.

    This vast investment will fuel economic growth.

    Over the next 5 years, it will create 30 thousand good, well-paid jobs in every corner of the country.

    Jobs that are rooted in the communities they serve.

    Money to upgrade roads, schools and hospitals. Encouraging businesses to invest in the area. Attracting more visitors to support rural tourism.

    This investment will make sure we can build 1.5 million homes this Parliament, construct major infrastructure projects to support the green energy transition, and power new industries such as data centres that can unlock the UK’s AI potential.

    This is what we mean when we talk about the Government’s Plan for Change.

    We must work together to make sure that £104 billion is spent in the best way to secure the improvements we want to see, and in the timescales we want to see them.

    Earlier this year, my colleague the Water Minister Emma Hardy and I toured the country to see how this investment will be spent.

    Around Cambridge, one of the UK’s fastest growing economies, investment in water infrastructure will support 4500 new homes, community facilities such as schools and leisure centres, and office and laboratory space in the city centre.

    On the River Avon, Wessex Water are investing £35 million pounds to expand the Saltford Water Recycling Plant, increasing their wastewater treatment capacity by 40% to meet rising demand, and creating local jobs near Bath.

    And in Hampshire, work’s begun on the Havant Thicket Reservoir, the first reservoir to be built in the South East since the 1970s and when it’s full, this will supply water to around 160,000 people and, during construction, it will generate more than £10 million a year to the South East economy,  with construction jobs and apprenticeships.

    We need to get spades in the ground in every region.

    I’ve set up a Water Delivery Taskforce to bring together Government, regulators, and water industry representatives, to ensure water companies complete their planned investments on time and on budget – providing value for money for customers.    

    The Taskforce will make sure we have the water, wastewater and drainage needed for the new developments and infrastructure that will drive long-term economic growth.

    Energy and Utility Skills estimate 43,000 people will be needed to take up jobs in the water industry over the next five years.

    That’s good, skilled, well paid jobs such as bioresources technicians, hydraulics specialists, engineers, construction workers, and surveyors.

    It’s imperative we have the skilled workforce in place.

    Because without it, all this investment will not be possible.

    That’s why we’re here today. To work together to ensure the industry and supply chain have the capacity to meet our shared ambitions for a successful, growing water sector underpinning a successful, growing economy.

    This demands a whole Government approach.

    Torsten Bell, the Minister for Pensions, and Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, will both be here today, will give more details on how we plan to do this via our employment and skills programmes.

    And I’m delighted that later today I’ll sign our ‘Water Skills Pledge’ with Alison McGovern, the Minister for Employment – affirming our commitment to ensuring the water sector has the skills and workforce it needs to succeed.

    We will work together to show people that a career in the water industry and its supply chain is something they can be proud of for a lifetime.

    Something that gives you new skills, exciting challenges and can set you up for life – wherever in this country you live.

    These are jobs that make a difference. Making sure people have a reliable, clean water supply, protecting our food security, cleaning up our waterways – and stimulating economic growth in every part of the country to raise living standards and wages and improve people’s lives.

    This is a fresh start, a moment to build new partnerships and set the direction for the water sector of the future.

    We are working together to bring about the change that people in this country voted for last year. It’s an exciting time for the water industry, and I’m proud to stand alongside you as we chart the journey forwards to success.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Proposes Bold Reforms to Modernize Hospital Payments, Strengthen Transparency, and Put Patients Back in Control

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    CMS Proposes Bold Reforms to Modernize Hospital Payments, Strengthen Transparency, and Put Patients Back in Control

    Proposed rule advances administration’s vision to “Make America Healthy Again”

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System proposed rule (CMS-1834-P), introducing a series of patient-focused reforms that would modernize payments, expand access to care, and enhance hospital accountability. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Proposes Bold Reforms to Modernize Hospital Payments, Strengthen Transparency, and Put Patients Back in Control

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    CMS Proposes Bold Reforms to Modernize Hospital Payments, Strengthen Transparency, and Put Patients Back in Control

    Proposed rule advances administration’s vision to “Make America Healthy Again”

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System proposed rule (CMS-1834-P), introducing a series of patient-focused reforms that would modernize payments, expand access to care, and enhance hospital accountability. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Republicans own the health care crisis that they’ve created

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

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

    July 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu held a press conference on the failure of House Republicans to protect health care and lower costs.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thank you for joining us. Pleased as always to be joined by Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, Ted Lieu. Good morning. Republicans spent the last week lying about their vote to throw 17 million Americans off of health insurance. They’re so terrified of voter backlash that they’re charting new frontiers in dishonesty and political chutzpah. Rob Bresnahan says the Big Ugly Law will be the largest deficit reduction in 30 years, when it actually explodes the deficit by $4 trillion. Gabe Evans, on the other hand, has twisted himself into knots claiming that there are no Medicaid cuts, because, technically, health care spending will continue to rise—he’s hoping that the one in three voters in Colorado who he represents won’t notice losing their health care. Derrick Van Orden wants his voters to believe that somehow he managed to secure more money for BadgerCare even though he voted for $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid—prompting the Governor of Wisconsin to call him out for lying.

    Here’s the truth: Republicans own the health care crisis that they’ve created. People will get sick, hospitals will close—like we’ve seen in places like Curtis, Nebraska—and nursing homes will shut down. And they’re doing all of this so they can give billionaires tax breaks and make private jets fully tax-deductible. They’re the same rich and well-connected elites that they’re protecting by keeping the Epstein files under lock and key after campaigning to release them. It’s shameful—and House Democrats will make sure that they’re held accountable. Now I’ll turn it over to Vice Chair Ted Lieu. 

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. Donald Trump, when he campaigned, promised on day one he would end inflation and lower costs. Donald Trump lied to the American people because we now know that inflation has continued to increase under his policies and that of Republicans. The most recent inflation report shows that inflation increased to 2.7 percent above expectations and core CPI increased to 2.9 percent. We call on Trump and Republicans to focus on lowering costs instead of things like the Big Ugly Bill, that are kicking millions of people off health care.

    I’ve also noticed that there’s been an uptick in activity around Epstein files recently. I just want to remind the American people that in February of this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged the existence of Jeffrey Epstein’s client list. In fact, she said that Jeffrey Epstein’s client list is, ‘sitting on my desk right now.’ Where is that client list? What is Attorney General Pam Bondi hiding? She needs to release the Epstein files as soon as possible. I talked about the Epstein files under the Biden Administration; I’m talking about it under the Trump Administration. This is a case of the powerful protecting the powerful. We need to have those files released. I also note that the Epstein files that have already been released show that Trump is all over the files. He’s in multiple pictures with Jeffrey Epstein. There’s multiple videos of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein. There are plane logs of Trump on Epstein’s plane. There are statements by Trump about Epstein. There are court pleadings of alleged victims of Epstein naming Trump. So, we need to have these Epstein files released.

    I also want to talk a little bit about Ukraine. The only way we get Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table is to defeat Russian troops on the battlefield. I support President Trump’s decision to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine. I support President Trump’s decision to say that he’s going to backfill Europe’s military equipment when Europe sends military equipment to Ukraine. That is how we’re going to get Putin to the negotiating table by letting Putin know that he cannot win this war. With that, I yield back.

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: River Valley Community Bancorp Announces 2nd Quarter Results (Unaudited)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    YUBA CITY, Calif., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — River Valley Community Bancorp (OTC markets: RVCB) with its wholly owned subsidiary, River Valley Community Bank (collectively referred to as the “Bank”), today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The full earnings release can be found on the Bank’s Investor Relations website at Investor Relations – River Valley Community Bank.

    The Bank remains highly rated with BauerFinancial, and Depositaccounts.com and serves its customer base through its offices located at:

    • 1629 Colusa Avenue, Yuba City, CA
    • 580 Brunswick Rd, Grass Valley, CA
    • 905 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA
    • 904 B Street, Marysville, CA
    • 401 Ryland Street, Ste. 205, Reno, NV (Loan Production Office)
    • 1508 Eureka Rd., Ste. 100, Roseville, CA (Loan Production Office)
    • 2901 Douglas Blvd., Ste. 140, Roseville, CA – Opening in 3Q2025!

    The Bank offers a full suite of competitive products, services, and banking technology. For more information please visit our website at www.myrvcb.com or contact John M. Jelavich at (530) 821-2469.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 514

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 514
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    350 PM CDT Tue Jul 15 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northern Kansas
    Western and Central Nebraska
    Southeast South Dakota

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 350 PM until
    1100 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 80
    mph likely
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop along a
    front this afternoon into the evening and grow upscale into a linear
    cluster. Large hail will be the primary severe hazard this
    afternoon before storms increase in coverage and congeal into one or
    two linear clusters. Severe gusts will become the primary severe
    hazard during the evening as this activity moves east-southeast
    across the Watch area.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 85
    statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles east northeast
    of Chamberlain SD to 20 miles south southeast of Mccook NE. For a
    complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
    update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 513…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 70 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    28025.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 514 SEVERE TSTM KS NE SD 152050Z – 160400Z
    AXIS..85 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    35ENE 9V9/CHAMBERLAIN SD/ – 20SSE MCK/MCCOOK NE/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 75NM E/W /70ESE PIR – 18SSE MCK/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..70 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 28025.

    LAT…LON 43959696 39919883 39910204 43950038

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 514 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Mod (60%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: White River Bancshares Co. Announces Annual Cash Dividend of $0.50 Per Diluted Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — White River Bancshares Company (OTCQX: WRIV) (the “Company”), the holding company for Signature Bank of Arkansas (the “Bank”), today announced its Board of Directors declared an annual cash dividend of $0.50 per share. The dividend will be payable on August 29th, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 18th, 2025.

    “We sincerely thank every shareholder for your trust and investment in our community bank. I’m proud that our 2024 performance enables us to reward our shareholders through both earnings growth and our annual cash dividend,” said Gary Head, Chief Executive Officer.

    About White River Bancshares Company

    White River Bancshares Company is the single bank holding company for Signature Bank of Arkansas, headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bank has locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, Rogers, Brinkley, Harrison and Jonesboro, Arkansas. Founded in 2005, Signature Bank of Arkansas provides a full line of financial services to small businesses, families and farms. White River Bancshares Company (OTCQX: WRIV), trades on the OTCQX® Best Market.  

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements about future events. These forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions of management of the Company and the Bank and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions or the negative of those terms. Our ability to predict results of future events and the actual effect of future plans or strategies are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those predicted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or that could affect the outcome of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates; the economic health of the local real estate market; general economic conditions; credit deterioration in our loan portfolio that would cause us to increase our allowance for loan losses; legislative or regulatory changes; technological developments; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the quality or composition of our loan and securities portfolios; demand for loan products in our market areas; deposit flows and costs of capital; competition; retention and recruitment of qualified personnel; demand for financial services in our market areas; and changes in accounting principles, policies, and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    Contact: Scott Sandlin, Chief Strategy Officer
      479-684-3754

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with H2A Complete II Inc., a Mississippi company, to address evidence that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it unfairly tipped the scales to hire H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for agricultural employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with H2A Complete II Inc., a Mississippi company, to address evidence that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it unfairly tipped the scales to hire H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for agricultural employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with H2A Complete II Inc., a Mississippi company, to address evidence that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it unfairly tipped the scales to hire H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for agricultural employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ambassador Chen Mingjian Meets with Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Salum Othman

    Source: APO


    .

    On July 11, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Chen Mingjian met with Lieutenant General Salum Othman, Chief of Staff of Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces in Dar es Salaam. They discussed bilateral military relations and committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with H2A Complete II Inc., a Mississippi company, to address evidence that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it unfairly tipped the scales to hire H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for agricultural employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with H2A Complete II Inc., a Mississippi company, to address evidence that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it unfairly tipped the scales to hire H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for agricultural employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with H2A Complete II Inc., a Mississippi company, to address evidence that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it unfairly tipped the scales to hire H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for agricultural employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Reaches New Settlement to Protect U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with H2A Complete II Inc., a Mississippi company, to address evidence that the company violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it unfairly tipped the scales to hire H-2A visa holders over U.S. workers for agricultural employment opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How to approach going to the cinema like a philosopher

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alain Guillemain, PhD Candidate in Philosophy, Deakin University

    Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, and values. One “does philosophy” when they respond to such questions in ways that engage critical thought and inquiry.

    Many of us will often respond philosophically to the world around us without even realising it. We may do this, for instance, when we reflect on various aspects of culture and the arts.

    But does going to the cinema really amount to doing philosophy? While you may have never thought about it this way, this is exactly what one famous French philosopher named Gilles Deleuze (1925–95) argued.

    Deleuze’s movement-image

    Deleuze presents a philosophical approach to cinema that treats films not merely as entertainment, but as a medium for thinking and creating philosophical concepts.

    This creation of philosophical concepts is what he and his collaborator, Felix Guattari, prize as “doing philosophy” in their 1991 book What is Philosophy?.

    For Deleuze and Guattari, the creation of concepts is not entirely mental. It is an embodied process that involves engaging the senses – which is what cinema demands of both filmmakers and viewers. To that end, filmmakers and film viewers can both be seen as special kinds of philosophers.

    Deleuze suggests cinema is not simply leisure or culture. In his 1983 book Cinema 1: The Movement-Image, he highlights how cinema is a philosophical practice made possible though “movement-images” – cinematic images which can actively shape our perception and experience of the world.

    Great film directors can create concepts through movement-images, just as great philosophers do so through language.

    Good cinema demands viewers engage using all their senses, resulting in an embodied experience.
    Kumiko Shimizu/Unsplash

    Deleuze identified three categories of movement-images: perception-images, affection-images and action-images.

    The perception-image frames the world from a particular point of view, usually to establish context for an action. For example, at the start of a scene, the camera might pan across the contents of a room before resting on the protagonist.

    The affection-image is the cinematic expression of pure emotion. Affection-images can evoke empathy, such as when we see a character’s face overcome with sadness in a close-up. These images usually sit between perception and action images.

    The action-image embodies action and reaction within a defined situation, and usually links perception and affection images. In the horror genre, this may be the “jump scare” that suddenly reveals a killer, after a long buildup of tension.

    Deleuze’s time-image

    In his 1985 book Cinema 2: The Time-Image, Deleuze extends his film philosophy from that of movement-images to include time-images.

    The time-image is one where the experience of time is prioritised over narrative. For instance, a time-image may make use of long takes, empty spaces and irrational cuts to depict time directly onscreen, rather than represent time through props.

    Through masterfully crafting movement-images and time-images, directors can (knowingly or unwittingly) create the opportunity for audiences to think about philosophical concepts and themes.

    For example, in the trailer for Get Out (2017), director Jordan Peele uses a range of movement-images and time-images to convey the concepts of racism, trauma, social isolation and social stratification.

    Multiple closeups of main character Chris Washington’s face looking alarmed produce affection-images (a type of movement-image) that engage the viewer’s emotions.

    Peele also strategically uses time-images to intensify the themes being conveyed, such as when Rose’s mother clinks the spoon on the teacup, both moving Chris back in time and freezing him in real time.

    For Deleuze, it is these embodied, affective experiences that are the fundamental conditions for thought. By allowing the film to be sensed and felt, and by transmuting these feelings into the domain of thought, the cinemagoer can become philosophically engaged.

    Repetition is another element that can bear philosophical fruits, according to Deleuze. The more one repeats a film, whether by re-watching, or repeating certain sequences, the more they allow themselves to be affected by it in different ways. This opens up different avenues for thought.

    How to engage philosophically with films

    Cinemagoers need not be familiar with Deleuze’s ideas to engage philosophically with a film. The only thing required is an openness to the film. But if you do want to consciously approach your next viewing like a philosopher, you might consider the following steps:

    1. Feel as you watch. Open yourself up and allow cinematic moments to affect you on an emotional and bodily level, even if this is unpleasant or uncomfortable.

    2. Allow for multiple interpretations. Resist the temptation to fall into black and white thinking about which characters are “good” or “bad”. Remain open to different readings of the film.

    3. Reflect on what you felt. Allow what you experienced in your body guide your thoughts afterwards. For instance, if you experienced shock, rage, or confusion, ask yourself why.

    4. Gently arrive at some conclusions based on your multiple readings of the film. Allow for perspectives that both contribute to and challenge your worldview.

    5. Consider watching the film again, and repeating the above steps. This will likely help you feel and think new things that further enhance your understanding of the film, and your worldview.

    Ruari Elkington has received funding from The Queensland Government Dept of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), Screen Queensland, The Embassy of France in Australia and Cinema Association Australasia

    Alain Guillemain 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. How to approach going to the cinema like a philosopher – https://theconversation.com/how-to-approach-going-to-the-cinema-like-a-philosopher-259277

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHILADELPHIA – Shapiro Administration to Tour Philabundance Community Kitchen, Site of L&I’s Summer Employment Program Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities with Meaningful Work

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    July 16, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA

    ADVISORY – PHILADELPHIA – Shapiro Administration to Tour Philabundance Community Kitchen, Site of L&I’s Summer Employment Program Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities with Meaningful Work

    Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker will tour the Philabundance Community Kitchen to spend time with more than a dozen young adults who are gaining real-world work experience while also making a difference in their community. The students are employed through MY Work, a summer program for high school students with disabilities created by L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to match students with job opportunities and work experience in their local municipalities.

    Secretary Walker will also volunteer with the students as they help make sandwiches, pack meals, and label boxes as part of Philabundance’s LunchBox 2025 program, which is providing 40,000 lunches and 20,000 breakfasts to local children this summer to meet the meal gaps for students who typically rely on meals at school and are currently home for the summer with no access to school lunches.

    Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget calls for an additional $5 million investment in OVR, which helps people of all ages with disabilities find employment through personalized services such as vocational counseling and guidance, goal setting, training, and job placement. The proposed investment would play a key role in helping OVR continue to offer the MY Work program, as well as many other crucial services.

    WHO:
    Secretary Walker
    leaders from Philabundance
    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.
    West Park Cultural Center

    WHEN:
    July 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM

    WHERE:
    Philabundance Community Kitchen
    2224 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19133

    RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP to dlipress@pa.gov with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHILADELPHIA – Shapiro Administration to Tour Philabundance Community Kitchen, Site of L&I’s Summer Employment Program Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities with Meaningful Work

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    July 16, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA

    ADVISORY – PHILADELPHIA – Shapiro Administration to Tour Philabundance Community Kitchen, Site of L&I’s Summer Employment Program Empowering Young Adults with Disabilities with Meaningful Work

    Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker will tour the Philabundance Community Kitchen to spend time with more than a dozen young adults who are gaining real-world work experience while also making a difference in their community. The students are employed through MY Work, a summer program for high school students with disabilities created by L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to match students with job opportunities and work experience in their local municipalities.

    Secretary Walker will also volunteer with the students as they help make sandwiches, pack meals, and label boxes as part of Philabundance’s LunchBox 2025 program, which is providing 40,000 lunches and 20,000 breakfasts to local children this summer to meet the meal gaps for students who typically rely on meals at school and are currently home for the summer with no access to school lunches.

    Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget calls for an additional $5 million investment in OVR, which helps people of all ages with disabilities find employment through personalized services such as vocational counseling and guidance, goal setting, training, and job placement. The proposed investment would play a key role in helping OVR continue to offer the MY Work program, as well as many other crucial services.

    WHO:
    Secretary Walker
    leaders from Philabundance
    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.
    West Park Cultural Center

    WHEN:
    July 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM

    WHERE:
    Philabundance Community Kitchen
    2224 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19133

    RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP to dlipress@pa.gov with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 13: Alberta wildfire update (July 15, 3 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement Ahead of 80th Anniversary of Trinity Test

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test:
    “Tomorrow marks 80 years since the Trinity Test — eight decades of pain, loss, and injustice for the victims still living with the fallout of nuclear testing and uranium mining.
    “For over a decade, our Congressional Delegation has worked alongside courageous advocates to fight for justice. Thanks to this tireless work, Congress passed a historic expansion and extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, finally recognizing more of the families harmed by the federal government’s actions.
    “As we reflect on the lasting harm caused by these tests and the government’s negligence, we must renew our commitment to the people still suffering today. That means doing everything we can to help them access the compensation they deserve. Together, we will keep fighting to make sure no one is left behind.”
    Since being elected to Congress, Senator Luján has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen the RECA program, introducing RECA legislation in every Congress and twice passing it through the Senate.
    Last week, Senator Luján led a bipartisan push and urged the Trump administration to swiftly provide detailed guidance for claimants to access the RECA program following its recent expansion and extension by Congress.
    More information for New Mexico Downwinders can be found here.
    More information for New Mexico uranium workers & on-site participants can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Wildfire Update – July 15

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 15, 2025

    As of 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 15, there are 50 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, four are categorized as contained, 12 are not contained, 18 are ongoing assessment and 16 are listed as protecting values.

    Forty firefighters from Australia have arrived to assist with the wildfire efforts and another forty will be joining from Mexico later this week. This is in addition to the assistance that arrived last week from Quebec through two CL-415 aircraft and 100 wildfire personnel.

    “Saskatchewan is grateful to everyone who has helped with the unprecedented wildfire season,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “Thank you to everyone local and abroad for the immense support in the air and on the ground.”

    Over the past several months our province has received aircraft support from Quebec, British Columbia and Alaska, as well as wildland firefighters and personnel from Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, Oregon, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, South Dakota and the United States Forest Service.

    Nine communities are currently under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval, Jans Bay, Patuanak/English River First Nation as well as priority individuals from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Northern Village of Pinehouse, Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse and Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Cole Bay/Canoe Narrows. 

    Any evacuees should register through the Sask Evac Web Application and then call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have their needs assessed and for additional assistance. Individuals who need help registering through the application can call the 855 Line for assistance. 

    Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross should call 1-800-863-6582.

    As a reminder, there is a fire ban in place in the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River. The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District within the boundary.

    A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage.

    The latest wildfire information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca.

    Review the current fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young Futures Hubs to launch offering vulnerable young people lifeline

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Young Futures Hubs to launch offering vulnerable young people lifeline

    Vulnerable young people who are at risk of being drawn into gangs, violence or knife crime will be given the help they need when the first Young Futures Hubs get up and running later this year. 

    • First wave of Government’s Young Futures Hubs to launch later this year
    • The new hubs will bring together vital community-focused services under one roof to help teenagers who face being dragged into violence and at risk of mental health challenges
    • Latest step in the Government’s pledge to halve knife crime and open up opportunity for all, part of the Plan for Change

    Vulnerable young people who are at risk of being drawn into gangs, violence or knife crime will be given the help they need when the first Young Futures Hubs get up and running later this year. 

    Sitting at the heart of the Government’s Plan for Change, these hubs will help create opportunity for all and keep our streets safe. They will bring together vital local services in the local community, providing support ranging from well-being and mental health to careers advice. 

    The hubs will help all teenagers thrive, in particular, those who face being dragged into criminal gangs or young people at risk of mental health challenges.

    Backed by a £2m cash injection eight hubs will launch this year, targeted in areas with high levels of knife crime and antisocial behaviour and offer a lifeline to vulnerable young people. It is expected that 50 Young Future Hubs will be launched over the next four years.

    The Prime Minister set out these plans while attending a summit hosted by His Majesty The King at St James’s Palace and attended by Idris Elba OBE to discuss youth opportunity. Members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, set up at Downing Street last year, also attended the event. 

    The event was an opportunity to discuss what more must be done to offer community-led support to young people, in particular those who are vulnerable, stopping them from taking the wrong path.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “My government was elected on a pledge to tackle knife crime, and we have hit the ground running by banning dangerous weapons and bringing in laws to clamp down on illegal online sales. 

    “We are determined to do more to prevent vulnerable young people from turning to violence in the first place and open greater opportunities. As part of the Plan for Change, we will open up Young Futures Hubs across to country to stop teenagers from being dragged into crime and find a better future.”  

    To make sure young people get the help they need, before getting caught up in criminal activity, the Government will also pilot new multi-agency Prevention Partnership Panels to proactively identify and refer vulnerable teenagers – who may currently be falling through the net – to a range of different support services much earlier, including the Young Futures Hubs. More than twenty panels will be up and running in the coming months, across the areas of the country that collectively account for more than 80% knife crime, with many more to follow.

    This is the latest measure taken by the government to cut knife crime and keep our streets safe, part of its Plan for Change. 

    Since coming into office last year, the Government has brought forward the strongest controls on dangerous knives, implementing bans on zombie-style knives and ninja swords and announced plans to toughen up online sales, including sanctions for tech executives who fail to remove illegal knife crime content from their platforms.

    In September, the Prime Minister also launched the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, bringing together campaign groups, families of people who have tragically lost their lives to knife crime, young people who have been impacted and community leaders. 

    The Prime Minister will reconvene this group later in the year to update on the progress the Government has made during its first year in office.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper:

    “Knife crime devastates families and communities across the country, and too many young lives have already been lost. That’s why we’ve set out an unprecedented mission to halve knife crime in a decade and why we are working tirelessly with our coalition to tackle the scourge of serious violence on our streets. 

    “We are bringing in some of the toughest measures to date, curbing access to weapons being sold online and getting them off the streets, but we also need to make sure that the right prevention structures are in place to stop young people being drawn into violent crime in the first place. 

    “Today’s Youth Opportunities Summit is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when government, communities, and campaigners come together with a shared purpose.”

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    “Too many young people are being let down – left without the support they need when they should be building bright futures. Young Futures Hubs will help change that, providing mental health support, mentoring, careers guidance, and activities that help young people thrive, ensuring no one is left behind.

    “This is our Plan for Change in action – clearing barriers to opportunity while creating safer streets. With our National Youth Strategy coming later this year, we’re putting young people back in the driving seat of their own futures, offering the support they deserve with the opportunities they need.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Highlights DEA Drug Seizures for First Half of 2025, Successful Operations Over the Last Several Weeks

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    WASHINGTON — Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi highlighted the great work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to get illegal drugs off our streets and protect innocent Americans from addiction, overdose, and drug-related crime and violence. Since January 20, 2025, DEA has seized approximately 44 million fentanyl pills, 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, nearly 65,000 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 201,500 pounds of cocaine, and made over 2,105 fentanyl-related arrests.

    “Our DEA agents are doing historic work to keep our communities safe from deadly drugs like fentanyl and dismantle the cartels selling them,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I want to remind all Americans to exercise extreme caution: a pill can kill.”

    “DEA is hitting the cartels where it hurts—with arrests, with seizures, and with relentless pressure. From meth labs in California to fentanyl pills disguised as pharmaceuticals seized at our border, these operations are saving American lives every single day,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy. “We are not slowing down. We are dismantling these networks piece by piece—and we won’t stop until the last brick of their empire falls.”

    Over the last several weeks, DEA has conducted a number of successful operations across the United States including:

    • In Lexington County, South Carolina,  DEA, in coordination with its state and local partners, seized over 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of methamphetamine, a firearm and arrested one trafficker.
    • In Gainesville, Georgia, DEA, and its state and local partners intercepted over 705 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a truckload of cucumbers and arrested two traffickers.
    • In Minneapolis, Minnesota, DEA and its federal and local partners seized 889 pounds of methamphetamine, one handgun and arrested three traffickers.
    • In Kern County, California, DEA and its local partners shut down a major methamphetamine conversion lab, seizing over 240 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 151 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, and arrested five traffickers.
    • In Fresno, California, DEA and its federal, state and local partners seized 24 pounds of carfentanil disguised as real prescription pills— the largest single seizure to date of carfentanil in Northern California.
    • In Galveston, Texas, DEA, in close coordination with its federal partners at CBP, helped uncover over 1,700 pounds of methamphetamine—worth more than $15 million dollars—hidden inside a vehicle.
    • In Austin, Texas, DEA, in coordination with its FBI, state and local partners, seized 783 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a refrigerated truck carrying blueberries.
    • In a single coordinated takedown spanning Indiana, Kentucky, and Arizona, DEA, working alongside its federal, state and local partners, DEA seized 59 illegal firearms, possessed by serious violent felons—along with 74 pounds of methamphetamine, 11 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of cocaine, cash, and conducted 23 arrests.
    • In Miami, Florida, DEA in coordination with its FBI partners, seized over $10 million dollars in cryptocurrency, directly linked to the Sinaloa cartel.
    • In El Paso, Texas, DEA, with the assistance of its federal partners at HSI and U.S. Border Patrol, seized 115 pounds of methamphetamine from a drug-laden vehicle outfitted with a GPS tracker.
    • In Omaha, Nebraska, DEA and its local partners seized machinegun conversion devices, AR-style pistols and fentanyl pills in a raid that dismantled a multi-state poly-drug operation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement Regarding Tenure of Erica Williams at the PCAOB

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Today I accepted Erica Williams’ offer to resign as chair and a board member of the PCAOB and thanked her for her service. I am grateful she has agreed to stay on until July 22nd. We look forward to advancing our oversight responsibilities of the PCAOB as it continues its important work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: StromEase 25 mg/ml Eye Drops, Solution for Dogs and Cats – SPC change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    StromEase 25 mg/ml Eye Drops, Solution for Dogs and Cats – SPC change

    Change to the information provided on adverse events in the Summary of Product Characteristics for StromEase 25 mg/ml Eye Drops, Solution for Dogs and Cats.

    Following monitoring of pharmacovigilance data, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for StromEase 25 mg/ml Eye Drops, Solution for Dogs and Cats has been updated.

    Section 4.6 has been amended to clarify that irritation or inflammation of the eye and/or its adnexa have been reported in very rare cases, especially blinking of the eyelids or even closure of the eye, eye redness or conjunctival oedema, particularly in dogs.

    The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:

    • very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))

    • common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)

    • uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)

    • rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)

    • very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).

    Any veterinary medicinal product which is authorised for marketing in the United Kingdom will have its Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) available on our Product Information Database.

    No medicine is 100% risk free, the SPC includes information on what adverse events have been known to occur following administration of a particular product, these can be found in either section Adverse events (3.6) or Adverse reactions (4.6).

    All updates to SPCs other than template changes, are published in the medicine updates section of VMD Connect.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cannock Road resurfacing to start next week

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Crews will be busy in Cannock Road from Thursday 24 July with work taking place at night, between 7pm and 5am, to minimise traffic disruption.

    The first section will be resurfaced from the Stafford Street junction to Nine Elms, along with fresh road markings. It is expected to be finished by Friday 8 August, weather permitting.

    The Park Lane junction of Cannock Road will be resurfaced and relined between 7pm and 5am, from Monday 11 August to Friday 15 August.

    It follows improvements made to roads across the city in recent weeks with more to come. The council has also made a commitment to repair more than 7,500 potholes this year.

    Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We know Cannock Road needs resurfacing and that work will be taking place soon giving this main route into the city a much needed facelift.

    “Fixing roads and tackling potholes is a priority for the council and we have a programme of work being put into action.

    “Like councils up and down the country, we can’t do everything all at once.

    “The Local Government Association estimated the backlog of road repairs stands at about £17 billion and could take more than a decade to fix.

    “In Wolverhampton we are following a data led, informed strategy to identify where improvements can have the greatest impact, reducing the need for urgent repairs on our roads in the long run.”

    The council is responsible for maintaining 480 miles of roads and nearly 800 miles of footpaths.

    Highways maintenance is funded through the council’s £9.7 million capital programme for 2025 to 2026.

    Earlier this year the council also welcomed an extra £2 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) to help fix even more potholes.

    You can search your road via Causeway one.network to see updates on planned work, road closures and traffic diversions.

    Report a pothole by downloading our Love Clean Streets app at Report a pothole or via the website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Privacy Commissioner says better passwords will help fight hackers

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says New Zealanders need to improve how they’re using passwords.

    His warning comes because he’s concerned about the increased risk of privacy breaches caused by privacy spraying. That’s where hackers find one password and then try it on other accounts to see if it will work to open those as well. People recycling passwords for multiple accounts are falling victim. 

     “Our strong suggestion is for people to have a different password for each account they have. Making a password unique means if one account is hacked then there’s no chance it can also be used to open other accounts and create even more damage”, Mr Webster says.

    “Having unique passwords is a great way to make a hacker’s job far harder.”

    There are several other things people can do to help protect their personal information. Using a password manager to store all your passwords is a good fix and there are many different options, many of which are free. 

    People can also use long and strong passwords and change them immediately if they’ve been hacked. Turning on two-factor identification is another good layer of protection. 

    “Having your information breached on one account is bad enough, but by using a dedicated password and adding extra security steps you can help prevent hackers accessing other accounts and causing even more harm.

    Personal information has value, so the more protection you have in place the better. Any step people can take to deter hackers is a good step to take and unique passwords are an excellent start.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The pros and cons of a Universal Basic Income in London

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Basic Income Earth Network, an advocacy organisation, defines a basic income as “a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement.”1

    There is currently one active Universal Basic Income (UBI) trial in the UK: the Welsh Government commissioned a 3-year trial running from July 2022, involving 500 care leavers receiving a monthly payment of £1,600.2

    The London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet tomorrow to understand the benefits and drawbacks associated with a Universal Basic Income (UBI) in London, and evaluate how far a UBI would be effective in addressing some of the most acute problems faced by Londoners.

    The two panels are split to hear from one set of guests that are supportive of the idea of UBI, with the second panel made up of guests who take a more sceptical view.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1:

    • Professor Elliott Johnson, Vice Chancellor’s Fellow in Public Policy, Northumbria University
    • Dr Otto Lehto, Postdoctoral Researcher, New York University
    • Professor Guy Standing, Professorial Research Associate, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
    • Dr Will Stronge, Chief Executive, The Autonomy Institute

    Panel 2:

    • Anna Coote, Principal Fellow, New Economics Foundation
    • Dr Joe Chrisp, Research Associate, Institute of Policy Research, University of Bath
    • Professor David Piachaud, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics
    • Dr Matthew Thompson, Lecturer in Urban Studies, University College London, University of London

    The meeting will take place on Wednesday 25 June 2025 from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 30 June

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Tuesday 1 July

    New London Fire Commissioner

    Fire Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    On his first day as London Fire Commissioner, Jonathan Smith will answer questions from the Fire Committee.

    The Committee will ask the Commissioner about what his plans are for the London Fire Brigade, as he starts his new role, and how he intends to deliver a modern and effective fire service for London. The guests are:

    Panel 1: 10-10.45

    • Steve Hamm, CEO, Institution of Fire Engineers
    • Professor José Torero, Professor of Civil Engineering and Head of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at University College London, Grenfell Tower Inquiry (GTI) expert witness
    • Suzanne McCarthy, Chair, Fire Standards Board

    Panel 2: 11-11.45

    • Martin Forde KC, Independent Chair, LFB Advisory Panel on Culture
    • Dave Shek, Executive Council Member for London, Fire Brigades Union
    • Deborah Riviere-Williams, Chair Unison, LFB Unison Branch

    Panel 3: LFC & DMF 12-12.45

    • Jonathan Smith, London Fire Commissioner (as of July 1 20205)
    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 2 July

    Neighbourhood policing

    Police and Crime Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    37 per cent of young people said their trust in the police had decreased over the last year, according to a 2024 survey.

    The Police and Crime Committee will meet to begin its investigation into neighbourhood policing, specifically looking at the effectiveness of how the teams engage and maintain relationships with young people. The guests are:

    • Carly Adams Elias, Director of Practice, Safer London
    • Rhys Barfoot, Youth Involvement Manager, London Youth
    • Katya Moran, Director, Youth Justice Legal Centre
    • Shelli Green, Team Leader, Prevention & Diversion Team, Young Hackney

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 2 July

    Men’s mental health

    Health Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    As part of its investigation into men’s mental health, the Health Committee will hear from guests who have lived experience of challenges with mental health. The guests are:

    Panel 1: 14:00 – 15:25

    • Guests with lived experience

    Panel 2: 15:30 – 17:00

    • Dr Tom Coffey OBE, Mayoral Health Advisor
    • Dan Barrett, Director, Thrive LDN & Good Thinking, and Co-Director, PHI-UK Population Mental Health Consortium
    • Karen Bonner MBE, Regional Chief Nurse, NHS England (London region)
    • Dr Billy Boland, Regional Clinical Director for Mental Health, NHS England (London region)

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Thursday 3 July

    Transport for London & Oxford St Mayoral Development Area

    All Assembly meeting – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    Assembly Members will ask how Transport for London (TfL) is delivering for London, and what its priorities and challenges are for 2025/26.  The guests are:

    • Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, in his capacity as Chair of Transport for London (TfL)
    • Andy Lord, Commissioner of TfL

    From 1pm, the Assembly will consider the Mayor’s proposal to designate a Mayoral Development Area (MDA) for Oxford Street, and whether or not to reject the proposal.  Guests to be confirmed.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –