NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Brigades of CFA – Portland Fire Brigade

    Source:

    Portland Fire Brigade’s early foundations were laid with a public meeting notice that was published in the Portland Guardian newspaper in 1856.

    Council Chairman, William Learmonth, called for a meeting to be held at Portland’s Mac’s Hotel, with the purpose of forming a volunteer fire brigade. The need for a brigade was, in part, due to the fact that they needed people to operate the fire appliance they had recently obtained from England. The engine required at least eight people to pull and operate.

    The brigade was officially formed in 1858, and its first fire station is still standing today on the grounds of Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church on Julia Street.

    Portland, on Victoria’s southwest coast, is a vibrant deep-sea port town and home to one of the country’s largest aluminium smelters. The various port operations present unique challenges for the brigade and requires members to be trained in a mix of skills.

    Away from the port, the landscape of District 4 consists of dense coastal scrub, tree plantations, native forest and farmland. Again, this requires a mix of skills, including strong working relationships with Forest Industry Brigades and, at times, the Country Fire Service across the border in South Australia.

    These days, Portland is a co-located brigade with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), and its current station, now in its third iteration, sits on Percy Street in the heart of the town.

    • Public meeting notice in the Portland Guardian newspaper – 1856
    • Original Portland Fire Station and fire engine
    • Original Fire Station as it looks today
    • Portland’s current station on Percy Street
    Submitted by Alison Smirnoff

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Disability and aged care support platform amends unfair contract terms

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Online services platform Mable Technologies Pty Ltd (Mable) has admitted to breaching the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by using unfair contract terms when connecting people seeking care support to independent support workers.

    Support services facilitated through Mable include social support, domestic support, nursing services and allied health services. Clients using the platform include participants on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the elderly and other people requiring support.

    Mable admitted the breaches of the ACL in a court-enforceable undertaking accepted by the ACCC.

    The unfair contract terms were in place between 9 November 2023 and 22 August 2024. These terms included the potential for Mable to receive a minimum penalty fee of $5,000 from clients and support workers in particular circumstances. For example, a support worker who leaves the Mable platform would be liable to pay the penalty fee if, within 12 months of leaving, they continued their care arrangement with a client they were introduced to through the platform.

    The terms also provided for a client’s ‘service log’ (similar to an attendance record or timesheet) to be automatically deemed approved unless the client disputed it within 24 hours. Other terms allowed Mable to change some of its fees and terms without reasonable notice. Mable also included terms which sought to limit its liability for claims and losses.

    “We were concerned Mable’s unfair contract terms potentially disadvantaged its clients, about half of whom are NDIS participants, as well as the support workers operating as sole traders or small businesses,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “Contractual relationships with consumers and small businesses should be fair and more powerful parties should not stipulate terms which are unfair or limit existing rights. This is especially concerning where the clients are people experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage.”

    Mable has cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation, amended its website and terms of use and offered a court-enforceable undertaking to address the ACCC’s concerns.

    The undertaking prohibits Mable from entering into particular terms with its clients and support workers, and to clearly and prominently communicate significant terms to clients and support workers. It also requires Mable to establish and maintain an ACL compliance program.

    “We were concerned that the terms, which Mable has admitted were unfair, were so weighted in Mable’s favour that they created a significant imbalance in the contractual rights and obligations between Mable and its clients and support workers,” Ms Lowe said.

    “We remind businesses who have not yet reviewed their contracts and removed or amended unfair terms that we are continuing to monitor the disability and aged care sector and will take appropriate action when warranted,” Ms Lowe said.

    Businesses can view information about changes to the unfair contract terms laws on the ACCC’s website.

    Further information for NDIS participants is available on the ACCC website.

    A copy of the undertaking is available at Mable Technologies Pty Ltd.

    Background

    Mable is an online platform provider for assisted care services. It operates a two-sided online platform that connects people looking for care support with independent support workers. Support services provided through Mable include social support, domestic support, nursing services and allied health services.

    From November 2023, changes to the ACL prohibit businesses from proposing, using, or relying on unfair contract terms in standard form contracts with consumers and small businesses.

    Note to editors

    Each year, the ACCC announces a list of Compliance and Enforcement priorities. These priorities outline the areas of focus for the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement activities for the following year.

    As part of the 2025/26 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities, the ACCC is prioritising improving compliance by NDIS providers with their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.

    Enforcement activities in relation to unfair contract terms in consumer and small business contracts are another 2025/26 Compliance and Enforcement Priority.

    The ACCC recognises that consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage can be disproportionately affected by breaches of the law. Addressing conduct that impacts this cohort of consumers is always an ACCC priority. 

    In December 2023, the government established the NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce comprising the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the NDIA. The Taskforce was established to address concerns that NDIS participants were being charged more for goods and services than other people, and to address potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Corning sex offender sentenced to 35 years in prison on new child pornography charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ryan M. Newman, 34, of Corning, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 420 months in prison and 15 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that Newman was convicted of child pornography crimes by New York State in 2012, sentenced to serve a local jail term and 10 years’ probation, and required to register as a Level 3 Sex Offender, which is someone considered to be at high risk of re-offending and a threat to public safety.

    In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Snapchat that a user had uploaded a video of child pornography. NCMEC sent the tip to the New York State Police, who executed a search warrant on Newman’s person and residence in 2022. The search determined that Newman uploaded the child pornography video to Snapchat and possessed other child pornography on his electronic devices. Newman remained out of custody following the 2022 search warrant by the State Police. In April 2024, the FBI Corning received a tip that pornography involving a child in the Corning area, was distributed to an undercover agent in Illinois. Subsequent investigation determined that Newman sexually abused the child and produced the child pornography. Newman was taken into custody by the FBI and Corning Police.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Corning Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the Corning Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kenzie Spaulding.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts Rochester and Jamestown man for role in narcotics conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Johnny B. Mays aka Blaze, 40, of Rochester and Jamestown, NY, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more heroin, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and five kilograms or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Mays conspired with Joseph S. Zaso, co-defendant Quentin L. Yancey, and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against Quentin Yancey.

    Mays was arraigned before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing an Assault Rifle at Gas Station

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Bradley, age 36, of Syracuse, was sentenced yesterday to 14 months in prison following his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Bradley admitted that, on September 9, 2024, he possessed a loaded assault rifle in his vehicle, which was parked at a gas station in East Syracuse. Bradley inadvertently fired the rifle several times, but did not strike anyone. As a result of his prior felony conviction for criminal mischief, Bradley could not lawfully possess a firearm.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to begin following the term of imprisonment and ordered Bradley to forfeit the rifle he possessed.

    U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “When Bradley fired the rifle in the parking lot, he put the lives of everyone at that gas station in danger. Thanks to the quick thinking of the gas station employees and the fast response by law enforcement, no one was harmed.”

    ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller said, “This case is a powerful reminder of the danger posed when illegal firearms end up in the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them. We thank our partners at the Manlius Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York for their work in holding this individual accountable. This shows the impact of Project Safe Neighborhoods and our collective commitment to reducing violent crime.”

    ATF and the Manlius Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Amsterdam Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Over 3 Kilograms of Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jose Carrero, age 36, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

    On November 4, 2024, DEA agents arrested Carrero after observing him place three kilograms of cocaine into the trunk of his car.  He had $1,704 in cash on his person, and a search of his home led to the recovery of an additional 296 grams of cocaine and $70,000 in drug proceeds. 

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, Amsterdam will be free of this major drug dealer for years.”

    DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “Today’s sentencing reflects the hard work and commitment the DEA and our law enforcement partners have in targeting those individuals poisoning our communities. We will continue to target those individuals responsible for pushing illicit narcotics into our communities.”

    United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Carrero to serve 4 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  Carrero administratively forfeited the $70,000 in drug money in his apartment as well as the $1,704 found on his person.

    The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Taiwan separatists not allowed to profit from mainland: Spokesperson

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

    The Chinese mainland will never tolerate any individuals profiting from the mainland while supporting “Taiwan independence,” a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

    Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, was responding to recent remarks from Taiwan’s die-hard separatist Shen Pao-yang about punitive measures taken by the mainland against companies linked to him.

    Noting the mainland’s firm stance on the matter, Zhu said there can be no tolerance or leniency for die-hard secessionists or companies associated with them. “Punishment is imperative,” she said.

    Secessionist acts, she warned, ultimately backfire, harming not only others but also those who commit these acts. “There is no escaping the law.”

    Media reports have said that aside from Shen, other politicians from the Democratic Progressive Party have also profited from the mainland through their family members. They have been widely criticized for their duplicity.

    “The public is clear-eyed,” the spokesperson said. “People can tell right from wrong.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU, Spain, UK, Gibraltar reach deal on future border-free agreement

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

    People walk on the street in Gibraltar, March 30, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Senior officials from the European Union (EU), Spain and the United Kingdom (UK), along with Gibraltar representatives, reached an agreement in Brussels on Wednesday on the core aspects of a future EU-UK treaty concerning Gibraltar, aimed at removing border barriers and promoting regional prosperity.

    “The future Agreement is without prejudice to the respective legal positions of Spain and the United Kingdom with regard to sovereignty and jurisdiction,” said a joint statement.

    The goal of the future agreement is to secure the prosperity of the region by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, according to the statement.

    This will be done while preserving the Schengen area, the EU single market, and custom union.

    Regarding the circulation of people, checks at the crossing point between Gibraltar and Spain’s La Linea will be removed for people who cross daily to go to work. Dual checks will be carried out at Gibraltar port and airport.

    Regarding goods, a strong cooperation between both custom authorities and lifting checks on goods will lead to a custom union between the EU and Gibraltar.

    Other areas to be covered by the future agreement include State aid, taxation, labour, environment, trade and sustainable development, anti-money laundering, transport, environment, cohesion and employment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Stars light up China’s summer cinemas as market seeks rebound

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

    Actress Zhang Ziyi poses during a photocall for the film “She’s got no name” at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    After a notable box office boost over the Duanwu Festival holiday — powered by Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” — and with a wave of high-profile films like star-studded “She’s Got No Name” joining the schedule, China’s summer movie season, running from June 1 to Aug. 31, is heating up alongside the weather.

    With the Aug. 8 release of Guan Hu’s “Dongji Island” announced on Wednesday, the three-month window — seen by industry observers as China’s most important movie period second only to the Spring Festival holiday — now boasts a lineup of more than 70 domestic and foreign films, ranging from crime thrillers and historical features to animated fantasies and Hollywood imports.

    But beneath the packed schedule lies an urgent question: which ones will be this year’s runaway hits? It’s more than a popularity contest. After a 44 percent drop in 2024’s summer takings from the year prior, the Chinese film market is looking to the season for signs of resilience and perhaps revival. That rebound, if it comes, may hinge on whether one or several high-performing films can once again galvanize the public and drive momentum across the board.

    Some in the industry see “She’s Got No Name,” set for release on June 21, as the season’s first real momentum builder. “If ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,’ which opened on May 30, served as a soft launch,” film critic and Shandong-based cinema manager Dong Wenxin told Xinhua, “then ‘She’s Got No Name,’ packed with stars, may be the one to spark the summer’s first real surge.”

    Directed by Peter Chan and starring Zhang Ziyi, Jackson Yee, Zhao Liying and Lei Jiayin, the highly anticipated noir-tinged thriller is based on a sensational 1945 murder in Shanghai. A sharp re-edit of the 150-minute Cannes version that drew polarized responses last year, the upcoming release runs 96 minutes, now promoted as the first installment of a two-part series. Anticipation remains high: Chan spent eight years on the script, rebuilt historic Shanghai alleyways for the shoot, and framed the story through the lens of gendered violence.

    Dong sees the next major box office surge arriving in late July, driven by the release of period comedy “The Lychee Road” on July 25 and historical feature “731,” currently titled “731 Biochemical Revelations” in English, on July 31. In an interview with Xinhua, Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, also expressed particular interest in the two titles, as well as “Dongji Island.”

    The Zhao Linshan directed “731,” which stars Jiang Wu and Wang Zhiwen, revisits the horrific World War II-era human experiments conducted by Japan’s Unit 731, documenting a painful chapter of history while portraying the Chinese people’s heroic resistance. Leading all summer titles in advance interest with over 600,000 “want to see” clicks on film platform Maoyan, the film could emerge as a cultural flashpoint for both its emotionally charged subject and patriotic undertones.

    Also grounded in history, “Dongji Island,” starring Zhu Yilong, recounts the true story of Chinese fishermen rescuing over 300 British prisoners of war in October 1942, after the Japanese transport ship “Lisbon Maru” was torpedoed and left to sink, despite being secretly packed with more than 1,800 prisoners. The same events were previously explored in Fang Li’s critically acclaimed 2024 documentary, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru.”

    Comedy remains a genre with mass appeal. Based on a popular novel by Ma Boyong, “The Lychee Road” is directed by comedian Da Peng, who also stars in the lead role. The film follows a Tang Dynasty (618-907) official tasked with the near-impossible mission of transporting fresh lychees — typically perishable within days — on a grueling 2,500-km journey from Lingnan in southern China to the capital, Chang’an. His desperate ingenuity in overcoming the logistical challenge becomes a sharp satire of bureaucratic absurdity.

    Rao said the film’s source material already boasts a strong fan base, and its TV drama adaptation has helped warm up audiences ahead of the theatrical release. “Comedy films are almost a necessity during summer,” he added, noting the film’s box office potential.

    Also among the anticipated local releases are the mystery drama “Malice,” written and supervised by Chen Sicheng, known for his commercial instincts and previous hits in the suspense genre; an animated fantasy from Light Chaser Animation adapted from the Qing Dynasty short story collection “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio;” “The Stage,” a big-screen adaptation of the comedy of the same name by comedian Chen Peisi; and the animated drama “Nobody,” which adapts an episode from the acclaimed “Yao-Chinese Folktales” animation series.

    Hollywood titles, despite their waning allure in China, remain an essential piece of the competitive puzzle this summer. “Jurassic World Rebirth” (July 2) brings back dinosaurs and picks up the story after the events of 2022’s “Jurassic World: Dominion.” The franchise’s popularity in China, where each of the three previous entries surpassed 1 billion yuan (139 million U.S. dollars) in box office takings, makes it one of the few American titles with breakout potential.

    Other high-profile imports include “How to Train Your Dragon” (June 13), “F1 The Movie” starring Brad Pitt (June 27), and James Gunn’s “Superman” (July 11).

    Voicing “cautious optimism” over the summer box office, Rao said the Chinese film market is undergoing structural changes, and that only films with truly “hardcore” cinematic elements, the kind that can only be fully appreciated in a theater for their uniquely immersive audiovisual power as a modern technological art form, can effectively draw large audiences.

    From 2017 to 2019, China’s summer box office each surpassed 16 billion yuan, with 2023 setting an all-time seasonal high of 20.62 billion yuan. But 2024 saw a steep drop to 11.64 billion yuan.

    “Based on the current slate, this summer is unlikely to reach the heights of 2023 or the pre-pandemic years,” noted industry blog Yingshi Fengxiangbiao. “Still, if a breakout hit surpassing 3 billion yuan emerges, the season could yet outpace last year.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Spotlight Forum, Cortez Masto Highlights Struggles Small Businesses Face Due to Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    FTPs for TV stations is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) hosted a Spotlight Forum titled “Costs, Chaos, Corruption: The Household Impact of Trump’s Tariffs” to examine how President Trump’s tariff policies fuel economic instability, raise costs on working families, and harm the travel and tourism sector. During the forum, Cortez Masto asked small business owners to describe the impacts of the tariffs on their individual businesses.

    Senator Cortez Masto highlighted the concerns she has heard while traveling across Nevada – the effects on tourism, the rising costs for families, and the squeeze that small businesses across the state are feeling. 

    “Let me ask you, because I think…some of this is also getting lost, not only the additional costs that you are incurring because of these tariffs [but] the additional opportunities,” she said to Preston Martin, CEO of Bicycle Technologies International who was planning to open a 29,000 square foot warehouse in Reno and had to cancel the contract because of additional costs brought on by tariffs. “What we also are missing out on here are the jobs that are created, the opportunity to put people to work. Mr. Martin, if you were able to open that warehouse in Reno, how many people would you have employed in Nevada?” she asked.

    Martin confirmed in his response that he would have been able to increase his workforce in Nevada by 50 percent.

    “Our policies should be congressionally-driven in the sense that we want to grow this economy and create jobs,” the Senator continued. “And the policies are just the opposite…People want a good life. They want less stress. They want to be able to work. They want a good economy. They want everybody to thrive. And that’s where our policies should be, but this [trade] policy is not there.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families and Nevada small businesses. Last week, Cortez Masto led the Nevada delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reverse his blanket tariffs that have had harmful impacts on Nevada. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed U.S. Trade Representative Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to publicly investigate how Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will impact the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chloe Wilkins, Associate Lecturer and PhD Candidate, Solar Physics, University of Newcastle

    nelo2309/Shutterstock

    If you live in the southern hemisphere and have been stopped in your tracks by a recent sunset, you may have noticed they seem more vibrant lately. The colours are brighter and bolder, and they linger longer in the sky.

    Why are sunsets “better” at some times of the year compared to others? We can use science to explain this.

    There are many ingredients for a “good” sunset, but the main three are clear skies, low humidity, and the Sun sitting low in the sky.

    In winter, sunsets sometimes look much more vivid that in summer – and yes, temperature plays a role.
    Jeremy Bishop/Unsplash

    From light to colour

    To understand why we get such vibrant sunsets in the colder months of the year, we first need to know how colours appear in the sky.

    All visible light is actually energy that travels in waves; the length of those waves determines the colour that our eyes see.

    Although sunlight might look white to us, it’s actually a mix of different wavelengths of light that make up all the visible colours – from fiery reds and oranges (longer wavelengths) to deep blues and purples (shorter wavelengths).

    The wavelength of light determines the colour we see. At shorter wavelengths, the colours are purple and blue, while at longer wavelengths they are red and orange.
    DrSciComm/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    These individual colours become visible when sunlight is “scattered”, which is precisely what happens when it passes through the invisible gas molecules in Earth’s atmosphere – mostly nitrogen and oxygen.

    When sunlight hits these molecules, it’s absorbed and shot back out (scattered) in different directions. Blue and violet light is scattered more strongly than red and orange light – this is also why the sky looks blue during the day.

    The path of the Sun

    In the middle of the day when the Sun is high in the sky, sunlight travels a more direct path through the atmosphere.

    The path of the Sun’s light through the atmosphere is longer at sunset than it is at noon.
    The Conversation

    But when the Sun is closer to the horizon, the path is less direct. This means that during sunrises and sunsets, sunlight travels through more of Earth’s atmosphere. And more atmosphere means more scattering.

    In fact, during sunsets, the blue and violet light encounters so many oxygen and nitrogen molecules that it is completely scattered away. What we’re left with is the longer wavelengths of light – the reds and oranges. In other words, more atmosphere means more fiery sunsets.

    But why are sunsets especially magnificent during winter? One reason is the Sun’s position in the sky during different times of the year.

    The Sun travels a longer and higher path in the sky in summer compared to winter. This affects the duration of sunsets.
    The Conversation, Shutterstock

    Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours, giving us day and night. But this axis isn’t perfectly “upright” relative to the Sun – it’s tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is why we have seasons. The southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun around the start and end of the calendar year (southern summer), and away from the Sun around the middle of the year (southern winter).

    Because of this tilt, the Sun sits lower in the sky during winter, which is why the days are shorter. And because the Sun sits lower, it spends more time near the horizon as it rises and sets. That’s why winter sunsets often seem to last longer.

    Earth has seasons because its axis is tilted. The axis always points in the same direction as our planet orbits the Sun.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    The quality of the air

    Humidity and air quality also play a big role when it comes to vibrant winter sunsets.

    In winter, humidity is typically much lower than in the warmer summer months, meaning there’s less moisture in the air. Humid air often contains tiny water droplets, which can scatter incoming sunlight. This scattering is slightly different to how the oxygen and nitrogen molecules scatter light – here, even red and orange light can be affected.

    When humidity is high, the extra scattering by these small water droplets can cause sunsets to appear softer or more washed out.

    Even on a clear summer’s night, the sunset will appear more muted if the air humidity is high.
    Doug Bagg/Unsplash

    In drier winter air, with fewer of these water droplets in the way, sunlight can travel through the atmosphere with less interference. This means the colours can shine through more vividly, making for crisper and more vibrant sunsets.

    If you’re looking to a catch a spectacular sunset, you’ll want to wait for a nice, clear winter’s evening. Cloud cover and air pollution can block the sunlight and mute the colours we see.

    So the next time you find yourself wrapped up in a warm jumper at dusk, be sure to look up – there could be a spectacular light show playing out just above you.

    Chloe Wilkins 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. Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation – https://theconversation.com/why-are-sunsets-so-pretty-in-winter-theres-a-simple-explanation-258192

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Bill Protecting Americans from Foreign-Directed Crimes Passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate advanced Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan’s (D-N.H.) Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors Act (DETERRENCE) Act, which increases criminal penalties for individuals who commit, or attempt to commit, violent crimes in the United States on behalf of foreign governments.
    The bill’s passage comes after two Eastern European organized crime leaders were convicted in March 2025 of targeting an American journalist in a murder-for-hire scheme on behalf of the Iranian government. Additionally, a recent report detailed how the Iranian government ordered an operative to assassinate President Donald Trump before the 2024 election.
    “America will not allow foreign adversaries, like Iran, to finance violent crimes on our soil,” said Senator Ernst. “Peace through strength is back and that includes right here at home. I look forward to the House swiftly passing this commonsense bill to create severe consequences for those who wish to harm our citizens.”
    “It is a direct assault on our national security when foreign adversaries recruit criminals to commit violence on American soil,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen criminal penalties on gangs and criminals who engage in violent behavior on behalf of a foreign government. The Senate has sent a clear message that such behavior will be met with severe consequences, and I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly pass this bill to strengthen our national security.” 
    The DETERRENCE Act now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 500 kV power transmission project completes Huaihe River crossing in east China

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

    500 kV power transmission project completes Huaihe River crossing in east China

    Updated: June 12, 2025 08:56 Xinhua
    A drone photo shows staff members working on a power transmission line in Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, June 11, 2025. The 500 kV power transmission project from Xiangjian to Ludao in Anhui Province successfully completed the Huaihe River crossing on Wednesday. The two 193-meter towers on both sides of Huaihe River have realized a tremendous crossing distance of 1,578 meters. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows staff members working on a power transmission line in Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows staff members working on a power transmission line in Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows staff members working on a power transmission line in Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows staff members working on a power transmission line in Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows staff members working on a power transmission line in Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows staff members working on a power transmission line in Fengyang County, east China’s Anhui Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests: Aggravated Robbery, Pukekohe

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Three offenders will appear in court over an aggravated robbery at a Pukekohe jewellery store last Friday.

    Counties Manukau Police have been investigating after a group allegedly entered the Michael Hill Jewellers King Street branch at around 5.45pm on 6 June.

    Detective Inspector Karen Bright, of Counties Manukau CIB, says a vehicle of interest was identified at a Henderson petrol station at around midnight last night.

    “West Auckland police responded quickly to Lincoln Road and with the assistance of the Police Eagle helicopter stopped the vehicle,” she says.

    “Three occupants of the vehicle aged between 15 and 20 were arrested.”

    Detective Inspector Bright acknowledges the careful coordination of all Police staff involved in last night’s operation.

    “We’re incredibly pleased with the progress made by the enquiry team over the past six days.

    “Police take this sort of aggravated offending seriously and work to hold offenders to account as swiftly as possible.”

    Police acknowledge the community for information provided to the enquiry team in the past week.

    Those arrested, aged 15, 17 and 20, will appear in the Manukau Youth Court today, charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful takes motor vehicle.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Kava seizures – Ramingining

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Police Force has charged a 38-year-old male following the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of Kava in Ramingining on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

    Police conducted a traffic apprehension on a vehicle along the Ramingining goat track in which it initially stopped before taking off as the officers exited the police vehicle. Approximately 20 minutes later, the police observed the same vehicle crashed on the side of the road, abandoned.

    Upon approaching the vehicle, kava was seen in the backseat, therefore police executed a lawful search resulting in the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of kava.

    The male was located and subsequently arrested at Darwin airport, while attempting to flee interstate.

    He was charged with Possess commercial quantity kava Supply commercial quantity kava and Enter on Aboriginal Land without Permit. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 18 June 2025.

    Investigations remain ongoing.

    Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs into remote communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Chloe Wilkins, Associate Lecturer and PhD Candidate, Solar Physics, University of Newcastle

    nelo2309/Shutterstock

    If you live in the southern hemisphere and have been stopped in your tracks by a recent sunset, you may have noticed they seem more vibrant lately. The colours are brighter and bolder, and they linger longer in the sky.

    Why are sunsets “better” at some times of the year compared to others? We can use science to explain this.

    There are many ingredients for a “good” sunset, but the main three are clear skies, low humidity, and the Sun sitting low in the sky.

    In winter, sunsets sometimes look much more vivid that in summer – and yes, temperature plays a role.
    Jeremy Bishop/Unsplash

    From light to colour

    To understand why we get such vibrant sunsets in the colder months of the year, we first need to know how colours appear in the sky.

    All visible light is actually energy that travels in waves; the length of those waves determines the colour that our eyes see.

    Although sunlight might look white to us, it’s actually a mix of different wavelengths of light that make up all the visible colours – from fiery reds and oranges (longer wavelengths) to deep blues and purples (shorter wavelengths).

    The wavelength of light determines the colour we see. At shorter wavelengths, the colours are purple and blue, while at longer wavelengths they are red and orange.
    DrSciComm/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    These individual colours become visible when sunlight is “scattered”, which is precisely what happens when it passes through the invisible gas molecules in Earth’s atmosphere – mostly nitrogen and oxygen.

    When sunlight hits these molecules, it’s absorbed and shot back out (scattered) in different directions. Blue and violet light is scattered more strongly than red and orange light – this is also why the sky looks blue during the day.

    The path of the Sun

    In the middle of the day when the Sun is high in the sky, sunlight travels a more direct path through the atmosphere.

    The path of the Sun’s light through the atmosphere is longer at sunset than it is at noon.
    The Conversation

    But when the Sun is closer to the horizon, the path is less direct. This means that during sunrises and sunsets, sunlight travels through more of Earth’s atmosphere. And more atmosphere means more scattering.

    In fact, during sunsets, the blue and violet light encounters so many oxygen and nitrogen molecules that it is completely scattered away. What we’re left with is the longer wavelengths of light – the reds and oranges. In other words, more atmosphere means more fiery sunsets.

    But why are sunsets especially magnificent during winter? One reason is the Sun’s position in the sky during different times of the year.

    The Sun travels a longer and higher path in the sky in summer compared to winter. This affects the duration of sunsets.
    The Conversation, Shutterstock

    Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours, giving us day and night. But this axis isn’t perfectly “upright” relative to the Sun – it’s tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is why we have seasons. The southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun around the start and end of the calendar year (southern summer), and away from the Sun around the middle of the year (southern winter).

    Because of this tilt, the Sun sits lower in the sky during winter, which is why the days are shorter. And because the Sun sits lower, it spends more time near the horizon as it rises and sets. That’s why winter sunsets often seem to last longer.

    Earth has seasons because its axis is tilted. The axis always points in the same direction as our planet orbits the Sun.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    The quality of the air

    Humidity and air quality also play a big role when it comes to vibrant winter sunsets.

    In winter, humidity is typically much lower than in the warmer summer months, meaning there’s less moisture in the air. Humid air often contains tiny water droplets, which can scatter incoming sunlight. This scattering is slightly different to how the oxygen and nitrogen molecules scatter light – here, even red and orange light can be affected.

    When humidity is high, the extra scattering by these small water droplets can cause sunsets to appear softer or more washed out.

    Even on a clear summer’s night, the sunset will appear more muted if the air humidity is high.
    Doug Bagg/Unsplash

    In drier winter air, with fewer of these water droplets in the way, sunlight can travel through the atmosphere with less interference. This means the colours can shine through more vividly, making for crisper and more vibrant sunsets.

    If you’re looking to a catch a spectacular sunset, you’ll want to wait for a nice, clear winter’s evening. Cloud cover and air pollution can block the sunlight and mute the colours we see.

    So the next time you find yourself wrapped up in a warm jumper at dusk, be sure to look up – there could be a spectacular light show playing out just above you.

    Chloe Wilkins 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. Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation – https://theconversation.com/why-are-sunsets-so-pretty-in-winter-theres-a-simple-explanation-258192

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 11th, 2025 Heinrich Highlights Harmful Impact of DOGE Cuts to the Department of the Interior, Slams President Trump’s Interior Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — In his opening statement, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member on the U.S. Energy and Natural Resources Committee, grilled the U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over the Trump Administration’s budget request for the Department of the Interior, which will further gut the Department already reeling from chaos and mismanagement by the “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE.

    VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers opening remarks on the Department of Interior’s Fiscal 2026 budget request before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, June 11, 2025.

    “Mr. Secretary, when you were going through the confirmation process, I believed that you would be a responsible steward of our public lands, conservative, of course, but responsible. And with your experience in the private sector and as a governor, I believed that you could rein in the sometimes reckless tendencies of DOGE, at least within the Department of Interior,” said Heinrich in his opening statement. “We’re never going to agree on everything, but I thought we could agree that our public lands are the greatest heritage of our nation, and we have a responsibility to hand them down to the next generation, well-stewarded.

    Heinrich continued, “This budget request will not resource your department to responsibly steward our lands and waters. The proposal for the Interior Department operations next year includes a 30 percent cut across programs. It’s no exaggeration to say that this would cripple the Department as we know it.”

    A video of Heinrich’s opening remarks is here.

    A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:

    We are here today to talk about the budget proposal of a department that is, quite frankly, not resourced to meet its mission.

    Parks are cutting hours and services for visitors. Ranger tours are cancelled. Toilets are overflowing and trashcans sit unemptied.

    Permits are languishing on empty desks. Energy projects are delayed or cancelled.

    Contracts slowly wind their way through a byzantine bureaucracy that was invented overnight.

    The senior leadership positions at the department are mostly vacant.

    Roughly 100 park superintendent positions are vacant. Five of the seven regional director positions for the National Park Service sit empty.

    At the Bureau of Land Management, about a third of senior leadership positions are vacant, including both deputy directors and the director position itself.

    And the front-line staff is in no better shape.

    After promising to hire 7,700 seasonal employees to serve Americans visiting their national parks this summer, the Park Service has managed, at least according to public reports, to hire only half that. Memorial Day is gone. The 4th of July just around the corner.

    And all of this has occurred before this budget request is put place.

    Mr. Secretary, when you were going through the confirmation process, I believed that you would be a responsible steward of our public lands, conservative, of course, but responsible. And with your experience in the private sector and as a governor, I believed that you could rein in the sometimes reckless tendencies of DOGE, at least within the Department of Interior.

    We’re never going to agree on everything, but I thought we could agree that our public lands are the greatest heritage of our nation, and we have a responsibility to hand them down to the next generation, well-stewarded.

    This budget request will not resource your department to responsibly steward our lands and waters.

    The proposal for the Interior Department operations next year includes a 30 percent cut across programs.

    It’s no exaggeration to say that this would cripple the department as we know it.

    The cut to the Park Service is paid for by getting rid of most park system units.

    The National Park System would have to lose more than 350 of its 433 units to swallow that kind of a proposed cut.

    And yet, the Department has still not told us which units those might be.

    Any hope for a speedier permitting system from the BLM is gone, with a proposed 35 percent cut to that agency.

    Anyone who needs a recreation permit, a right-of-way, or a grazing lease will be left waiting. That is not efficiency.

    The 35 percent cut to the Bureau of Reclamation puts critical water infrastructure at risk of failing to safely deliver water to farmers, fish, and people.

    The proposal completely eliminates the WaterSMART program that provides resources to local, often rural communities and water users to conserve water and to make efficiency improvements to their water infrastructure, thereby reducing conflicts over this scarce resource.

    The nearly 40 percent cut to the U.S. Geological Survey would kneecap the scientific research we need to understand how our natural world is changing in the face of a changing climate

    And the major reduction to the Natural Hazards program would leave communities more vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanos, and landslides.

    The proposal also completely eliminates the biological resources program at USGS, which could mean abandoning bird flu monitoring, closing the most advanced wildlife disease lab in the United States, and discontinuing research efforts for climate adaptation.

    The USGS migratory bird research also directly informs the Fish and Wildlife Service’s bag limits for migratory bird hunting seasons. Eliminating this research would hobble the management of migratory bird hunting seasons.

    One of the seven pillars of the North American model of wildlife conservation, the foundation of wildlife management in the United States, is scientific management. We cannot manage wildlife without wildlife science.

    The budget proposal also overturns the bipartisan work of this committee in 2020 to pass the Great American Outdoors Act signed into law by this president.

    Instead of supporting reauthorization of this great accomplishment, this budget robs the Land and Water Conservation Fund in order to pay for deferred maintenance projects.

    And lastly, but most importantly, this budget request, if implemented, would cause irreparable harm to Indian Country.

    With 30-plus percent cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, this budget represents a dereliction of every treaty obligation this country has to tribes and their members.

    This proposal even cuts the BIA’s Public Safety account, belying any claim that this administration might try to make that it cares for the safety of people of Indian Country.

    Mr. Secretary, you promised to prioritize the needs of Indian country in your time leading this department, but this budget simply doesn’t give you the resources to be able to effectively accomplish that.

    I think we need to do better, which I say out of respect for you and our shared values.

    It is often said a president’s budget requests that they’re “dead on arrival” on Capitol Hill.

    For the sake of the shared landscapes that we hold in trust for our grandchildren. I hope that’s the case for this budget.

    I yield back my time.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 11th, 2025 Heinrich: ‘Republicans are going to own increased energy prices’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Democrats are going to make increasing energy prices an issue for Republicans in the next election cycles, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Martin Heinrich said Tuesday.

    President Donald Trump promised to bring down energy prices during his campaign, but congressional Republicans are threatening to cut incentives for renewable energy and battery projects. The lack of new electricity generation projects plus rising demand from AI data centers and greater volumes of natural gas for export threaten to increase electricity bills for U.S. consumers, the New Mexico Democrat said during the POLITICO Energy Summit.

    “We’re in a constrained supply environment and an increased demand environment,” Heinrich said. “People’s electricity bills all over the country are going to go up. What I can guarantee you is in the next election and the election after that Republicans are going to own increased energy prices.”

    Natural gas prices could rise 25 percent next year as LNG exports rise faster than drillers can produce the resource, Bank of America analysts wrote. And tech companies are building data centers that consume huge amounts of electricity.

    Republicans are trying to rescind government support for new solar and wind power projects in their reconciliation bill. Meanwhile, power plants fed by nuclear energy and natural gas can take years to build.

    “If you’re not building renewables and storage over the next five years, you’re only artificially increasing the cost of electricity everywhere,” Heinrich said. “I don’t think consumers are going to stand for that. There’s going to be an enormous political price to pay for that. People will see it and feel it in their electricity bills.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith: Trump is Halting Biden’s Red Tape Factory

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

    Washington, DC — Today Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced proposal of a rule withdrawing from the Biden administration’s Clean Power Plan 2.0.

    “The Biden power plant rules were a step backward for American energy, undermined grid reliability, and threatened to inflate costs for Nebraskans who get about half our state’s electricity from coal. I was pleased when President Trump signed an executive order requiring EPA to reconsider these overreaching regulations earlier this year, and Administrator Zeldin is right to eliminate them. Putting a stranglehold on energy productivity was never the answer. Halting production at EPA’s red tape factory will restore American energy abundance.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Businessman Aaron Coupe sentenced to a further 3 years

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    Businessman Aaron Coupe:

    • was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months for managing companies while prohibited under the Companies Act and concealing property worth more than $1.7 million from the Official Assignee.
    • during his second bankruptcy, breached restrictions and took part in the management of businesses through actively managing several construction projects.

    Jailed businessman Aaron Coupe was further sentenced at Auckland District Court on Friday 6 June 2025 to 3 years and 9 months for taking part in the management of businesses while bankrupt and concealing property worth more than $1.7 million from the Official Assignee.

    Mr Coupe was jailed for 4 years and 5 months in January 2025 for managing companies while prohibited under the Companies Act and the latest sentencing will see him serve up to 8 years and 2 months in total.

    During his second bankruptcy in 2022, Mr Coupe breached the restrictions imposed on him by taking part in the management of businesses through actively managing construction projects in Tuakau, Wiri and Auckland.

    Under the alias ‘Aaron McGregor’, his birth name, Mr Coupe overtly sought out projects to manage and directed payments for these projects into an account under his mother’s name. Mr Coupe did not disclose an interest in this account to the Official Assignee.

    In court, Judge Kathryn Maxwell said Mr Coupe’s “arrogance is incomprehensible”.

    “We’re also dealing with a maximum penalty that is arguably inadequate,” Judge Maxwell said.

    “You have barely taken a breath since you started offending in 2013.”

    This is the most recent prosecution taken against Mr Coupe by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), following original charges that were laid in 2014 for offending that arose from his conduct during his first bankruptcy in 2010.

    He was sentenced in 2016 to 12 months’ home detention, 200 hours’ community work, and $75,100.68 reparation. The convictions also meant he was banned from being a director of or involved in the management of a company for 5 years.

    Despite his prohibition, and without seeking an exemption to the imposed prohibition from the Court, Mr Coupe took part in the management of 5 companies causing substantial financial losses and significant emotional distress to his business partners, stakeholders, and creditors.

    Business Registries Investigations and Compliance Team Manager Vanessa Cook says it was important that Mr Coupe was held to account for his ongoing offending.

    “The sentence reflects the harm that Mr Coupe caused through his failure to comply with conditions imposed on him, not only by being adjudicated bankrupt, but also by the Court,” Ms Cook says.

    “By intentionally evading the measures that were put in place to protect the public, Mr Coupe was able to deceive people into engaging in business with him, enabling him to conceal $1.7 million that could have been paid to his creditors.

    “It’s important that responsibility is accepted by those whose behaviour causes significant harm to the community and MBIE would like to thank all the witnesses who came forward to assist in ensuring that Mr Coupe’s unscrupulous behaviour was stopped.”

    Prohibited directors can be found by searching on the Companies register:
    Searching the Companies Register(external link) – New Zealand Companies Office

    Individuals who are currently adjudicated bankrupt can found by searching on the insolvency register:
    Search the insolvency register(external link) – New Zealand Insolvency and Trustee

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Backing New Zealand’s native forest champions

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation.

    “This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,” Mr McClay says.

    “This is practical, long-term investment in our land that delivers environmental and economic benefits while supporting farm profitability.”

    With 59 entries this year, the awards show what’s possible when innovation meets local knowledge — from farmers and lifestyle block owners to iwi and forestry companies.

    “Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, stabilising hillsides and safeguarding waterways.

    “These winners prove native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver real results.”

    Award Winners:

    • Lifestyle Block Owner: Paul and Katherina Quinlan, Northland — pioneers of sustainable tōtara timber management.
    • Mana Whenua: Kapenga M Trust, Bay of Plenty — blending mātauranga Māori and science to grow native forests and create jobs.
    • Trees on Farms: Ian Brennan, Waikato — integrating natives for ecosystem health and income through continuous cover forestry.
    • Forestry Company: Tasman Pine Forests, Nelson/Tasman — restoring native forests, controlling wilding pines, and protecting native species.
    • Catchment/Community: Wai Kōkopu, Bay of Plenty — retiring erodible land and improving estuary health while supporting profitable farming.

    Each winner received a handcrafted trophy made from native timbers — a symbol of their commitment to New Zealand’s land and future.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in the Independent City of St. Louis to Help Businesses Impacted by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in the Independent City of St. Louis to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 16.

    Beginning Thursday, June 12, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center in St. Louis to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    THE INDEPENDENT CITY OF ST. LOUIS
    Business Recovery Center
    St. Louis Community College
    Harrison Education Center
    3140 Cass Ave., Rm. #104
    St. Louis, MO  63106

    Opens at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12

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

    The following Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) location is also open and continues to serve survivors:

    ST. LOUIS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    St. Louis County Library
    Florissant Valley Branch 
    Quiet Room
    195 S. New Florissant Rd.
    Florissant, MO   63031

    Mondays – Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    Fridays – Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

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

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

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

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

    SBA representatives will also provide help to business owners and residents at disaster recovery centers when they are opened in the impacted area.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62 for nonprofits, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

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

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to Missouri Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued June 9, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Missouri small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring May 16.

    The disaster declaration covers the Missouri counties of Scott, St. Louis, and the Independent City of St. Louis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

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

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW residents urged to get vaccinated as flu levels rise

    Source: Australian Green Party

    NSW Health is urging the community to book in now for their flu vaccine, as cases rise across the state.
    The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows more than 3,100 people in NSW testing positive for influenza in the week ending 7 June, an increase of 10.6 per cent compared with the previous week, and following weekly increases since 10 May 2025. Most people with flu don’t have a test, so these are just a small proportion of all people who have had influenza recently.
    Health Protection NSW Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said influenza is now circulating at moderate levels in the community.
    “Getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months and over,” Dr McAnulty said.
    “With flu on the rise and school holidays fast approaching, we are strongly encouraging people to book in for their flu vaccine now, which is widely available through pharmacists and GPs. Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease.
    “Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death.
    “Complications can occur in anyone but are most likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.”
    The flu vaccine is free for:

    children aged six months to under five years
    pregnant women
    Aboriginal people aged six months and over
    anyone aged 65 and over
    people with serious health conditions

    NSW Health also continues to remind the community there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:

    staying up to date with their vaccinations
    staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
    avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
    consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
    making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness
    practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

    If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage the community to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour advice. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.
    ​

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Man Indicted for Distributing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Zachary Silas Brandner, 28, of the District of Columbia, was charged by indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, with allegedly distributing multiple videos of child pornography to an undercover police officer. Last week, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui ordered Brandner held without bond.

                The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro of the District of Columbia, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven V. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                According to the affidavit, on April 1, 2025, Brandner interacted with another individual on multiple online messaging platforms. During the course of that conversation, Brandner distributed videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including the abuse of an infant. Law enforcement agents also obtained evidence indicating that Brandner was interacting with at least one other individual about his interest in child sexual abuse material.

                This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Janani Iyengar.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  

    25mj93

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 8th Cashmere and Wool Exhibition will open in July

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    The 8th China (Ordos) International Cashmere & Wool Expo will be held from July 18 to 20, 2025 in Dongsheng District, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

    Ordos City is a world-famous agglomeration area of cashmere industry, with more than 360 cashmere enterprises, with an annual processing capacity of 50% of the country and 33% of the world. The market value of Ordos Group is more than 100 billion yuan. This group also took the lead in drafting international cashmere standards.

    This year, the exhibition will attract leading international brands from the UK, France, Italy and other countries, as well as domestic leading enterprises. More than 200 exhibitors are expected to take part in the exhibition.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Medtronic Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Newport™ HT70 and Newport™ HT70 Plus Ventilators and Certain Related Newport™ Service Parts

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    June 11, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    June 11, 2025
    Product Type:
    Medical Devices
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Device & Drug Safety – Potential Defect

    Company Name:
    Medtronic
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Newport™

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Newport™ HT70 and HT70 Plus ventilators and certain related service parts

    Company Announcement
    Customers are being asked to remove the affected devices from use and replace with an alternate means of ventilation
    June 11, 2025 — In May 2025, Medtronic issued a voluntary recall notification to global customers related to specific Newport™ HT70 and HT70 Plus ventilators and certain related Newport™ service parts. The FDA recently designated this voluntary action by Medtronic as a Class I recall.
    With this recall, Medtronic is advising discontinuation of clinical use of the affected devices. Investigation into customer complaints identified two separate capacitors on one of the ventilator’s controller Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), that, in case of failure, may result in:

    The ventilator shutting down during use, or
    The shutdown alert alarm failing to sound effectively.

    The following table identifies the item name, manufacture date and use by date:
    No instances of both capacitors failing on the same PCBA board have occurred, nor are they anticipated to occur.
    If a ventilator fails and does not provide adequate ventilation, the patient may not be able to breathe on their own, leading to low oxygen levels, high carbon dioxide levels, and potentially severe consequences like brain injury or death. There have been 63 medical device reports (MDRs) associated with this issue, including two serious injuries and one death. HT70 and HT70 Plus ventilators are intended for use by home users, as well as for infant and pediatric patients who may be at higher risks of injury or death due to unanticipated ventilator failures.
    Customer recommendations
    Customers should remove the affected devices from use and replace with an alternate means of ventilation. Medtronic is not correcting these issues on affected ventilators or service parts and will no longer service affected ventilators identified in this notification. Customers with questions should contact Medtronic Customer Service at 800-962-9888. Adverse events or product quality concerns with this product should be reported to the FDA and Medtronic:

    Refer to the customer notification and the patient letter for additional information.
    The Newport™ HT70 family of ventilators is intended to provide continuous or intermittent positive pressure mechanical ventilatory support for individuals who require mechanical ventilation through invasive or noninvasive interfaces. Specifically, the Newport™ HT70 family of ventilators is applicable for infant, pediatric, and adult patients greater than or equal to 5 kg (11 lbs) in hospital, sub-acute, emergency department, and home care environments as well as for transport and emergency response applications. The Newport™ HT70 operator’s manual can be found here.
    Medtronic will continue working directly with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies around the world on this voluntary recall. In February 2024, Medtronic announced its decision to exit its ventilator product lines, including the Newport™ ventilators. The company continues to serve the needs of its customers and their patients worldwide, and honor existing ventilator contracts, as they wind down the business over the coming years.
    Contacts:Helga RadioPublic Relations+1 (612) 270-4999
    Ryan WeispfenningInvestor Relations+1 (763) 505-4626
    Identifying Affected Product  (see image below)

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Medtronic Customer Service
    800-962-9888

    Media:
    Helga Radio Public Relations
    +1 (612) 270-4999

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    06/11/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thursday’s Forecasted High Temperatures

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers to stay safe this summer during periods of elevated temperatures. Higher than normal temperatures are forecast for New York City for tomorrow, June 12. The National Weather Service HeatRisk index forecasts potential heat risks for the New York City area which will impact most individuals sensitive to heat. In addition to the heat risks, an Air Quality Health Advisory is being issued for Thursday for the Long Island, New York City Metro, and Lower Hudson Valley regions due to fine particulate matter pollution caused by wildland fires in Western Canada.

    “With summer almost here, New Yorkers should make plans to stay cool and safe, and sensitive groups should take steps to especially avoid potential health issues from high temperatures, humidity, and air quality,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to be prepared for periods of warmer weather, including making a preparedness plan and knowing the location of local cooling centers.”

    New York State provides resources on the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website to help residents stay cool and to help prepare for extreme heat ahead of the summer season. In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today released preliminary urban heat island maps to help communities plan and adapt to extreme heat in the future.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Governor Hochul, DEC, and our partnering agencies are working together to help protect the air we breathe, educate the public on how to prepare and stay healthy, and ensure resources are available to address extreme heat and other harmful climate impacts. DEC’s updated heat maps are the latest step in helping New Yorkers in disadvantaged communities and statewide better understand heat threats, inform climate solutions, support actions to address urban heat islands, and protect public health.”

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on people’s health, especially older people. Take steps to stay cool ahead of the hot weather including installing air conditioners and locating cooling centers in your area that will be open. People should also familiarize themselves with the symptoms and treatments for heat-related illnesses. During high heat drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned space and out of the sun, monitor your local forecast and check in on friends and neighbors who live alone or may be at risk.”

    New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, “Our New York State Park pools, beaches and spraygrounds are gearing up to help people cool off in the summer heat. Remember to always keep safety in mind for yourself and your loved ones while enjoying a day at the beach or the pool.”

    Air Quality Advisory

    An Air Quality Health Advisory for PM2.5 is being issued for tomorrow, June 12, 2025, for the Long Island, New York City, and Lower Hudson Valley regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

    New Yorkers are encouraged be “Air Quality Aware” and check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. Information about exposure to smoke from fires can be found on DOH’s website.

    Staying Safe During Higher Temperatures

    The dangers of hot temperatures can affect everyone, regardless of age, physical shape, or existing health conditions. The body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature during extreme heat and, without taking proper measures, this can lead to heat-related illness or even death. Governor Hochul recently announced a suite of actions to help New Yorkers stay cool during extreme heat events this summer.

    Pools and beaches at New York State Parks are available for swimming, dependent on location. Prior to making a trip, visitors should call ahead to the park they plan to visit or  check the New York State Parks website  for any updates as weather and water conditions may affect swimming status. Park status updates are also available on the free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

    New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, “Our New York State Park pools, beaches and spraygrounds are gearing up to help people cool off in the summer heat. Remember to always keep safety in mind for yourself and your loved ones while enjoying a day at the beach or the pool.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As extreme heat events and air quality issues become more frequent due to climate change, it’s important that people know what resources are available to help them stay safe. Poor air quality can pose serious health risks, especially for people with asthma and heart conditions. New Yorkers can visit airnow.gov for the latest air quality forecast. Be alert for signs of heat related illness, like dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life threatening. I also encourage everyone to keep an eye on one another and take action if you think someone is experiencing heat or air quality related illness.”

    Learn more about heat related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Department of Health website here.

    The New York state Department of Health’s interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard allows the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

    Information about what the public can do during hot weather and how to  locate cooling centers  can be found on  DOH’s Extreme Heat website.

    For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts,  visit the National Weather Service website.

    To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the DEC website.

    Implementing the Extreme Heat Action Plan

    DEC today released preliminary Urban Heat Island maps to help communities better understand, plan for, and adapt to extreme heat exposures on the neighborhood level. DEC worked in partnership with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and the Davey Tree Expert Company to help identify, model, and map urban heat islands, assess extreme heat impacts and responses, and support climate actions to address urban heat island effects and extreme heat, particularly where New Yorkers are disproportionately burdened by the impacts of climate change.   

    Links to the maps, as well as additional information and data, can be found on DEC’s Extreme Heat Action Plan webpage  and posted at nys-heat.daveyinstitute.com/hottest-hour. Over the next year, more comprehensive heat exposure maps will be developed and released. Unlike the preliminary maps showing the single hottest hour based on past data, the final maps will incorporate both historical and future data based on climate change projections. The project advances a key action in the Extreme Heat Action Plan and advances a 2022 law signed by Governor Hochul directing DEC to study the impacts of disproportionate concentrations of extreme heat in disadvantaged communities across the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Air quality advisory for the Portland metro area due to smog [Aviso sobre la calidad del aire]

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ortland, Ore. – Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday, June 9 for the Portland metro area due to elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog. DEQ expects the air quality advisory due to smog for the Portland metro area to last until 10 p.m. Monday, June 9.

    ** Información en español aquí **

    DEQ expects ozone pollution to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.

    DEQ urges residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution during this time. Recommendations include:
    • Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling or other alternative transportation.
    • Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
    • Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
    • Postpone yard work that uses gas-powered equipment.
    • Postpone painting and aerosol spray projects.

    Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems. Consult your health care provider if these symptoms worsen.
    Ozone forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas-powered engines and chemicals in paints and aerosols. These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze.
    Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during afternoons and early evenings. Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day.
    Check current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on a smartphone.

    Media contacts:
    • Oregon DEQ: Chris Varley, Public Affairs Specialist, chris.varley.@deq.oregon.gov, 503-933-0514
    • Local and Tribal contacts

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Raises Concerns on Genetic Data Privacy at Senate Judiciary Hearing On 23andMe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
    WATCH KLOBUCHAR’S FULL QUESTIONS HERE
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, raised concerns about what will happen to the genetic data collected by 23andMe following the company’s bankruptcy during a hearing titled “23 and You: The Privacy and National Security Implications of the 23andMe Bankruptcy.” 
     “It is my belief that the privacy policies [of 23andMe] aren’t meeting the privacy needs of consumers during bankruptcy. That’s why I’ve worked with Senator Cornyn. I appreciate his leadership, and Grassley to give consumers control over their genetic data with our bill, Don’t Sell My DNA Act,” said Klobuchar.
    Testifying at the hearing was Joe Selsavage, Interim CEO at 23andMe; I. Glenn Cohen, Professor of Law, Harvard Law School; Brook Gotberg, Professor of Law, BYU Law; Adam Klein, Director, Strauss Center for International Security and Law.  
    A rough transcript of Klobuchar’s questions is available below. Video is available HERE.
    Klobuchar: Thank you. I think I’ll start by following up with Senator Blackburn’s good questions. And by the way, thank you, Mr. Klein, for mentioning the need for a general privacy bill, which we badly need.
    So, on this deletion issue, it’s my understanding that 1.3 million consumers asked 23andMe to delete their genetic data. Many faced technical issues. So, how long is the backlog right now, and what are you doing to make sure all the requests are fulfilled?
    Joseph Selsavage: Senator, the good news is that today, there is no backlog, that we are current on all of the deletion requests. What did occur, you know, is when we filed for bankruptcy. And you know, many state attorneys general requested, or suggested, to consumers that they delete their data at 23andMe. We did receive a significant amount of deletion requests. We quickly added additional staff, and you know, basically were able to reduce that backlog. 
    Klobuchar: Will you commit to ensuring that consumers will retain their right to have their genetic data deleted after the bankruptcy sale is completed, by making deletion rights a condition of the sale?
    Selsavage: Both of the bidders, and you know, the bankruptcy sale of 23andMe, both Regeneron and TTAM Research Institute, have agreed to adopt the policies of 23andMe, the privacy policy.
    Klobuchar: So the answer is yes?
    Selsavage: So, you know the answer is yes. 
    Klobuchar: Okay, during the bankruptcy process, how has 23andMe insured consumers could decide how information is used and for what purposes? That’s what your, that’s what your website has promised consumers.
    Selsavage: Our consumers consent, not only to a terms of service, a privacy policy, there are also separate consents for our customers to, if they so choose, to engage in research at 23andMe. And yet, and then a separate consent to allow us to engage with research with third parties. And you know, we make sure that customers have the right to actually opt in. We don’t default those. Customers are actually clicking ‘yes’ to indicate that they want to conduct or enable their data to be used for research purposes. Many customers understand these are important for understanding disease and genetic conditions, and life-saving medical treatments. 
    Klobuchar: Thank you. Professor Cohen, it’s my belief that the privacy policies aren’t meeting the privacy needs of consumers during bankruptcy. That’s why I’ve worked with Senator Cornyn. I appreciate his leadership, and Grassley to give consumers control over their genetic data with our bill, Don’t Sell My DNA Act. Why is it so important that we require consent from the consumer before their genetic data is sold to another company with which they have no prior relationship? 
    Professor I. Glenn Cohen: People are engaged in a trust relationship. You know, if my father gave me access to his medical records and said, “Son, I want you to look at this and be careful with this.” And I went ahead and said, “Let me give it to somebody else” without asking my dad, you’d look askance at what I was doing. The same thing is happening here. They’re essentially transferring data and transferring a trust relationship to a new entity, and people have the right to know who they’re dealing with and a right to consent to it.
    Klobuchar: Do you believe that the right to control one’s personal genetic information should take precedence over maximizing returns for creditors in a bankruptcy proceeding? 
    Cohen: Well, I think that it would be nice for the creditors to get paid. Senator, in this instance, I think this information is so sensitive and so important, it’s really important to protect people’s information. 
    Klobuchar: Okay, thank you. And Professor Gotberg, do you believe that the current Consumer Privacy Ombudsman system in bankruptcy proceedings is sufficient to protect consumers’ most sensitive information?
    Professor Brook Gotberg: So, the Consumer Privacy Ombudsman is appointed to help the court in weighing the costs and the benefits of any particular sale of assets. If you permit personal consumer data to be sold outside of bankruptcy, it’s permissible inside of bankruptcy as well. And so the Consumer Privacy Ombudsman is just trying to weigh what would be the negative effects of that sale. Without an understanding of the price of privacy, so to speak, that’s a very hard balancing act to perform. To my knowledge, there’s been no final litigation to determine what the damages would be for an individual to have their privacy violated in that way. So it makes it really hard for the Consumer Privacy Ombudsman to have an effective role there. 
    Klobuchar: Okay, and sort of to end where I began with Mr. Klein’s point. Why is it so important that Congress enact a comprehensive privacy law? 
    By the way, the same companies that were lobbying against one, because I’m also on the Commerce Committee, say, 10 years ago, now want one because of the patchwork of laws that we now have in our states. Which is very predictable, which I hope people will realize that we should need some AI rules of the road in place and tech rules of the law in place. And it’s just the worst that people just think they can lobby against things, and then all of a sudden they’re like, “oh no.” So, tell me why we need a privacy law and how that would have helped here.
    Gotberg: So, a greater predictability for companies when they’re entering into agreements with consumers would be, is always beneficial. So if companies know what the legal limitations are, then they can take that into account, and creditors can take that into account whether an asset will be available before lending to the, to the debtor. So it’s important to have that law in place inside and outside bankruptcy.

    MIL OSI USA News –