NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Chris Bowen on why it’s ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Energy and climate issues are front and centre for both sides of politics. The government is struggling with pushback from some regional communities against the rollout of transmission lines and wind farms. At the same time, it will soon have to produce its 2035 target under the Paris climate agreement.

    Meanwhile, the opposition is fractured over whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

    We’re joined on this podcast by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

    Bowen remains upbeat about the energy transition:

    I think it’s going well. We can always do more, and there’s always more effort needed, and the job is far from done. But when you consider what we’ve achieved over the first three years, I would say pleased but not yet satisfied. We are, by and large, on track for our 43% emissions reduction. Just in the last couple of days, [we saw] some excellent figures about the amount of new renewable electricity connected to the grid.

    So all this is a very significant turnaround from 2022, but I’m far from mission accomplished. There’s still a lot more to do. This is the biggest economic transition our country has undertaken, and you don’t sort of do three years’ work and put your feet up. This is a constant effort, and that’s an effort on which I’m entirely focused.

    Just now, Bowen is also focused on preliminary work for Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Economic Reform Roundtable in August.

    Bowen announces he’ll be hosting two roundtables of his own, feeding into the broad August 19-21 meeting:

    I’ll be holding two roundtables, one on electricity and one on climate adaptation which is going to be an increasing focus of this government and future governments because tragically the world has left it too late to avoid the impacts of climate change. We can hopefully avoid the worst catastrophic impacts of more than 1.5 and two to three degrees.

    On Australia’s bid to host COP in 2026, Bowen says Australia has the votes against the other contender, Turkey, but the decision-making process is informal:

    So one of the things about the process to decide COPs I’ve learnt is it’s quite opaque and there’s no particular timeline and no particular rules to the ballot. I will say, I’ve said before, we’ve got very strong support. So it’s not a matter of going out and getting more votes.

    But there’s no agreed time or process for a ballot. It’s meant to work on a consensus, sort of an old world, sort of gentlemanly approach to say whoever loses will withdraw.

    Despite the delay, Bowen says Australia will be ready if the bid is successful:

    Having said that, the last COP, the one last year, in Azerbaijan, I accept Azerbaijan is a very different country to Australia, but they found out a year in advance as well. And logistically, physically, they put on a very good COP, that can be done. And I know the Premier of South Australia is a very, very enthusiastic supporter of hosting the COP.

    On the Coalition potentially dropping its commitment to net zero by 2050, Bowen calls the target “the basic bare minimum of action”:

    It’s what the IPCC has recommended as what is absolutely necessary to avoid […] the worst catastrophic impacts of [climate change]. To be debating net zero 2050 in Australia this year is like debating whether the sun should come up. It’s the most basic framework. It’s nowhere near enough.

    I think it’s got strong support, and it’s retaining that. I mean, the election result shows that. That we were told to get on with it. Keep going basically.

    I’ll just say this. At least Peter Dutton had net zero as a policy objective. I mean, Sussan may be indicating maybe she won’t. I used to say Peter Dutton would be the worst prime minister for climate than Tony Abbott, and I was correct at the time, but now it’s starting to look like Sussan Ley would be even worse.

    Michelle Grattan 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. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Chris Bowen on why it’s ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31 – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-chris-bowen-on-why-its-a-little-frustrating-bidding-for-cop-31-261763

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Highway safety blitz catches speeding drivers

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Highway safety blitz catches speeding drivers

    Thursday, 24 July 2025 – 11:11 am.

    Tasmania Police issued 24 drivers with speeding infringements during a four-hour road safety blitz on the Bass Highway on Wednesday.
    Officers from Western and Northern Road Policing Services conducted the joint operation on the highway, between Westbury and Latrobe, between 8am and noon.
    Police detected 24 speeding offences, including five drivers travelling 20km/h to 30km/h over the posted speed limit. There was also one unregistered and uninsured vehicle.
    Western District Acting Inspector Martin Parker said the higher range speeding offences were committed near the Paramatta Creek weigh bridge, where the speed limit had been reduced to 80km/h due to officers from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator conducting operations at the weigh bridge.
    “It is concerning that motorists are disregarding highly visual speed reduction signs when the weigh bridge station was operating,” Acting Inspector Parker said.
    “The speed limit had been reduced to allow NVHR officers to safely conduct their work and the safe flow of traffic in the area, when trucks are exiting and re-entering the highway.”
    Tasmania Police is committed to continuing road safety activities with the aim to reduce crashes on our roads, particularly serious and fatal crashes.
    One death or serious injury is one too many and has the potential to severely impact the community.
    Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported to police on 131 444 or call triple zero (000) if the behaviour is life threatening. Reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated robberies and ram raids – Darwin Northern Suburbs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four youths following multiple aggravated robberies and a ram raid in the northern suburbs overnight.

    Around 10:35pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a woman had allegedly been threatened with an edged weapon and had her silver Mitsubishi ASX stolen outside her residence on Aralia Street.

    It is alleged that victim was sitting in her parked vehicle when she was approached by two youths, one of which threatened her with an edged weapon and demanded the keys to the vehicle. They subsequently fled the scene in the Mitsubishi ASX.

    The victim was not physically harmed during the incident.

    Around 12:05am, the JESCC received a report that three youths entered a residence on Carnoustie Circuit before being confronted by the occupants. The offenders then threated the occupants with a machete and demanded money and vehicle keys before fleeing the scene in a Mitsubishi ASX.

    The offenders subsequently drove to a shopping complex on Yanula Drive where they allegedly used the stolen vehicle to ram through the rear gate of the premises and cause significant property damage before fleeing the scene.

    A short time later, the stolen Mitsubishi, occupied by three youths, was allegedly used to ram the roller door of a bottle shop on Baroalba Street, Leanyer. Once inside the group stole a quantity of alcohol and fled the scene.

    Police later observed the stolen vehicle travelling towards Darwin City on Tiger Brennan Drive. A pursuit was initiated, however, was terminated shortly after the stolen Mitsubishi attempted to ram the police vehicle. At this time, it was identified that two female youths were also occupied the offending vehicle.

    CCTV operators later observed the offenders abandon the vehicle on Voyager Street, Stuart Park. A large quantity of alcohol was located inside the vehicle.

    General duties officers, Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit deployed to the area and arrested two females aged 13 and 14, and two males aged 14 and 17. The fifth offender remains outstanding.

    At the time of arrest, one of the offenders was armed with a large machete and another was in possession of a bottle of alcohol believed to have been stolen during the ram raid.

    Three of the youths have been charged in relation to the offending:

    • A 17-year-old male has been charged with multiple property related offences, weapons offences, aggravated robbery, ram raid and traffic offences.
    • A 14-year-old male was charged with multiple aggravated robbery offences, property offences, ram raid, going armed in public and traffic offences.
    • A 14-year-old female was charged with Drive/use motor vehicle without consent, Possess stolen property and armed with offensive weapon.

    The 13-year-old female will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

    Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25196901. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Royal Darwin Show – Operation Home Safe

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force, in partnership with the Department of Housing, Larrakia Nation and the City of Darwin, will launch a coordinated operation, Operation Home Safe, to assist visitors returning home following the Royal Darwin Show.

    The show is a major event that brings families together from many vast and remote locations from across the Northern Territory. We encourage people to enjoy the show and all it has to offer, but to also plan for a safe return home.

    Superintendent Kirsten Engels said, “Everyone enjoys the Royal Darwin Show as it’s a fantastic celebration for families and more. Returning safely home to family and friends is also important.

    “Every year, extended stays in Darwin following the event can result in people sleeping rough or living in overcrowded housing. This multi-agency operation will involve patrols and engagement teams supporting and assisting showgoers where we can, to help people return home.”

    The operation’s focus includes:

    • Supporting children to return to school in their home communities
    • Encouraging people to return home to access medical appointments and support services
    • Promoting stability, safety, and wellbeing for families

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global sharpshooters gather to target real counter-terrorism scenarios

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

    After the fierce firing of bullets, some discussions and ceremonies, the Sharp Blade-2015 International Sniper Competition concluded on July 19 at a training base of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

    For five days, more than 50 teams of snipers from over 20 countries including China, Russia, South Africa, Kazakhstan and Spain tested their skills and combat readiness in the fourth edition of the event.

    Selected by the armed police force, as well as by the People’s Liberation Army’s Ground Force, Navy and Air Force, 24 Chinese soldiers participated in the competition, which included 12 subjects under the categories of precision basics, typical scenarios, comprehensive combat and long-range challenges.

    Many of the subjects were designed to mimic real counter-terrorism scenarios. The infiltration and sniping competition required snipers to eliminate “enemy” sentries 300 meters away in stealth, kill fleeing enemies, strike the main target, resist enemy reinforcement and exfiltrate.

    “Completing seven missions within 20 minutes along a 1.1-kilometer route, snipers have to constantly shift between dynamic and static aiming,” said Zhang Hao, head referee of the competition. “They have to reasonably allocate their stamina and energy, and cooperate with teammates, which is a huge test for them.”

    Adding that the competition designers had set some targets in-between valleys, Zhang said the event also involved tests of the snipers’ nerves and decisiveness, as just a slight change in the wind might drastically influence the bullet’s trajectory.

    Hosted by the People’s Armed Police Force, the biennial competition fosters international exchanges and friendship among soldiers, promotes combat readiness, and helps enhance their capabilities in peacekeeping missions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Yarlung Zangbo hydropower project has no adverse impact on downstream areas: spokesperson

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

    Aerial photo taken on March 24, 2020 shows the scenery along the Yarlung Zangbo River after a snowfall in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in southwest China is conducive to disaster prevention and mitigation across the entire basin and will not have adverse impact on downstream areas, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Guo told a daily press briefing that the project is a matter within China’s sovereign jurisdiction, and is aimed at accelerating the development of clean energy, significantly improving local people’s wellbeing, and actively addressing climate change.

    China has always adhered to a highly responsible attitude in the development of transboundary rivers and has rich experience in hydropower project development, Guo said, adding that the planning, design and construction of this project strictly follow China’s highest industry standards.

    As comprehensive project construction is carried out, ecological and environmental protection measures will be taken, such as avoiding multiple key ecologically sensitive regions while retaining the original ecosystem to the greatest extent possible, he added.

    The spokesperson also said that China has carried out cooperation with relevant downstream countries in areas such as hydrological information sharing, flood control and disaster mitigation, and conducted necessary communications regarding the hydropower project.

    China will continue to step up cooperation with downstream countries for the benefit of the people by the river, Guo said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s public security authorities safeguard high-quality development over 14th Five-Year Plan period

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

    A telecom fraud suspect is escorted by Chinese police officers at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s public security organs have helped facilitate the nation’s high-quality development by resolutely safeguarding public safety during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a senior Chinese public security official said on Wednesday.

    “China is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world,” Qi Yanjun, vice minister of public security, said at a press conference on public security during the 2021-2025 period.

    “China has maintained one of the lowest incidence rates of fatal criminal cases, the lowest rate of criminal offenses, and the fewest cases involving firearms and explosives in the world,” Qi noted.

    World’s safest country

    During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, public security authorities have focused on safeguarding the safety and well-being of the public, continuously intensifying efforts to combat criminal offenses, leading to a steady decline in the overall number of criminal cases nationwide, senior police officer Jiang Guoli said at the press conference.

    China has consistently ranked among the countries with the lowest homicide rates globally, with a rate of 0.44 per 100,000 people in 2024, said Jiang, who is the political commissar of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) criminal investigation bureau.

    China has maintained a hard stance on gang-related crime. Chinese police have dismantled over 590 mafia-style organizations and over 8,900 other criminal gangs to date during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, according to Jiang.

    More than 105,000 gang-related criminal cases have been solved nationwide since 2021, he said, stressing that law enforcement agencies have maintained a zero-tolerance policy on organized crime — particularly for complex, high-profile cases.

    He noted that law enforcement authorities have also focused on the root causes of organized crime, utilizing long-term crime prevention and social governance mechanisms.

    “By disrupting the cycle in which disorder fosters crime and crime evolves into organized gangs, authorities aim to eliminate the conditions that allow such groups to thrive,” Jiang said.

    In the field of transportation, the number of major traffic accidents resulting in three or more deaths during the 14th Five-Year Plan period declined significantly — 34 percent — compared to the 2016-2020 period, Qi said.

    He highlighted that public security organs across the country have since 2021 intensified their identification and rectification of safety loopholes in sectors such as road traffic, railways and civil aviation, aiming to protect the people’s safety and property to the greatest possible extent.

    Telecom fraud crackdowns

    China launched harsh crackdowns on telecom and online fraud during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, effectively protecting the people’s lawful interests.

    Chinese police resolved 1.739 million such cases and arrested 366,000 related individuals, including 3,442 major financiers and core members of criminal groups, Jiang said.

    Police and relevant government departments intercepted 12.41 billion scam calls and 10.93 billion fraudulent text messages over the past five years, he noted.

    He said that during the same period, Chinese police deepened law enforcement cooperation with their international counterparts, dispatching work groups to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia to boost joint operations targeting telecom fraud.

    “These efforts led to the dismantling of over 2,000 overseas fraud centers and the capture of more than 80,000 individuals,” he added.

    Enhancing autonomous driving regulation

    Responding to a question on autonomous driving, Wang Qiang, director of the MPS traffic management bureau, said that China will tighten its regulation and management of intelligent driving, as the intelligent driving systems currently installed in vehicles have not yet achieved true autonomous driving.

    “The driver remains the ultimate party responsible for operating the vehicle,” Wang said.

    He stressed that if a driver takes their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road while the vehicle is in motion, they pose a serious risk to traffic safety and their actions could result in civil liability, administrative penalties and criminal prosecution.

    To strengthen the regulation and management of intelligent driving, police will support the refining of laws and regulations to clarify manual control in vehicle autonomy from Level 0, which indicates no driving automation, to Level 2, which indicates partial driving automation, Wang said.

    China will also encourage vehicle manufacturers to continuously improve the reliability of assisted driving systems, and to establish relevant safety technology standards, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN says Gaza aid operations under severe strain

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

    Palestinians wait to receive food in the Al-Rimal neighborhood of central Gaza City, on July 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Access to supplies for distribution to hungry Gazans and security risks for aid workers are putting relief operations under severe strain, UN humanitarians said on Wednesday.

    Relief workers face significant security risks. Supply crossings remain unreliable and critical supplies are routinely delayed or blocked. The amount of aid that has been entering Gaza is a trickle compared to the immense needs, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

    “Israel must enable safe and unimpeded aid delivery, allow the entry of critical equipment and fuel, open all crossings, and restore movement along key supply routes,” OCHA said. “Humanitarian staff must be able to operate safely, people must be allowed to move freely, and supplies, including from the private sector, must reach all parts of Gaza.”

    The office said if the conditions are met, the United Nations will urgently prioritize providing food, water, shelter, medical care and protection to the civilians of Gaza who have faced unimaginable hardships for far too long. The world body stands ready to seize the opportunity of a ceasefire to significantly scale up humanitarian operations across Gaza, as it did during previous pauses in hostilities, the office said.

    OCHA warned that the hunger crisis in Gaza has never been so dire, with aid organizations reporting that as mass starvation spreads across the strip, aid workers and those they serve are wasting away.

    The office said its partners report aid workers are fainting from hunger and exhaustion. Despite catastrophic conditions, aid workers continue to deliver life-saving assistance, wherever and whenever possible.

    However, the office said that to sustain operations, including nutrition programs, the Israeli authorities must facilitate the delivery of much more aid into and across all areas of the Gaza Strip without delay.

    The humanitarians said that hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed and cannot cope with the influx of patients, including those injured by hostilities, due to a lack of supplies and fuel.

    OCHA said that local health authorities reported that in the past few days, several of their health facilities were shut down due to lack of fuel. More hospitals, including Al Shifa, are at risk of shutting down within the next few days.

    Humanitarian partners reported that people with disabilities have no food, no assistive devices and no health care. Measures must be taken to protect civilians, including the tens of thousands of people who are older or are living with disabilities.

    UN humanitarians said the Israeli authorities are the sole decision-makers on who, how and what enters the strip, adding that logistical challenges are immense.

    To collect supplies that have reached any of the fenced-off and heavily guarded Israeli crossings around Gaza, drivers need multiple access approvals, and a pause in bombing for the iron gates to open, said OCHA.

    UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher told the Security Council last week that movement requires navigating an obstacle course of coordination with Israeli forces, through active hostilities, traveling on damaged roads, and often being forced to wait at holding points or pass through areas controlled by criminal gangs.

    “All too often, civilians approaching UN trucks are shot at,” OCHA said. “Collecting supplies safely requires reliable assurances that troops would not engage or be present along convoy routes.”

    Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon, speaking at the Security Council, announced restrictive measures against OCHA staff.

    Israel will no longer grant automatic visas to OCHA’s international staff. Visas will now be limited to one-month terms, said Danon.

    Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that any punitive measures will only add to the obstacles preventing humanitarians from reaching people facing hunger, displacement and deprivation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Half a century on, China-EU ties require collaboration rather than division

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

    Flight MU845 headed for Paris is set to depart Nanjing Lukou International Airport in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, late July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU), a milestone in a relationship that has matured through dialogue, cooperation and mutual benefit.

    As the international landscape grows increasingly fraught, the anniversary offers a timely reminder: China is a critical partner to Europe, not a systemic rival.

    That distinction matters. Despite occasional disagreements, the relationship between China and Europe is underpinned by a wide range of shared interests, including trade, climate, and global governance. These areas of common ground should not be eclipsed by isolated points of friction.

    From just 2.4 billion U.S. dollars in trade in 1975 to nearly 785 billion dollars in 2024, China-EU economic ties have become one of the most vibrant engines of global growth. Tens of thousands of freight trains have linked Chinese cities with over two dozen European countries. Investment flows have steadily expanded. Tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges are flourishing. Such a relationship is not adversarial but essential.

    Admittedly, like all major economic players, China and the EU do not agree on everything. But disagreement does not equal confrontation. In fact, it is through dialogue that differences can be managed, and mutual interests enhanced.

    Some in Europe express concerns over so-called trade imbalances and follow Washington’s talk of “de-risking” and “de-coupling from China.” But such concerns often miss the broader picture.

    The EU has long benefited from its trade with China, not only through exports of goods but through the access its businesses enjoy in a vast and evolving market. From luxury brands and automobiles to pharmaceuticals and engineering, European firms have built a strong presence in China.

    Moreover, trade is not merely about goods. Services such as education, travel and tourism, where Europe enjoys clear advantages, have formed a growing and vital part of bilateral exchanges. Chinese tourists, students, and business travelers have made meaningful contributions to Europe’s economy and cultural life.

    China and Europe also share common principles. Both advocate for multilateralism, a UN-centered international system, and a multilateral trade regime with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. Both support multipolarity and globalization. Both are committed to tackling climate change and development deficits — real challenges that demand cooperation, not confrontation.

    China, which does not seek dominance in global affairs, has never imposed its choices on Europe, nor has it blamed the EU for its domestic challenges. On the contrary, China has consistently supported a strong, united and strategically autonomous Europe. China firmly believes that Europe is a critical pole in a multipolar world and a key partner in promoting a more inclusive and just global order.

    China’s pursuit of high-quality development aligns naturally with Europe’s goals of a green transition and renewed competitiveness. Despite differences on certain issues, China’s door to Europe remains open. It will continue to expand cooperation in areas ranging from green development to digital innovation, and from AI governance to upholding a free and open world economy.

    The significance of China-EU ties extends far beyond bilateral interests. Whether in green supply chains, creating joint technological standards, or climate governance, each area of cooperation sends a signal of hope and stability to a world in flux.

    As global climate change think tank E3G rightly pointed out, China and the EU are clean-tech powerhouses and agenda-setters in global climate policy. Allowing geopolitical tensions or trade frictions to derail this cooperation would be a serious strategic mistake.

    The relationship needs more trust, not suspicion; more bridges, not barriers. This requires a return to the original spirit of China-EU engagement based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared progress.

    As former EU official Gerhard Stahl noted, framing China as a “systemic rival” has done more to fuel misunderstanding than to foster constructive engagement. China, one of Europe’s most important partners, offers long-term predictability and enormous opportunity. The prospects for China-EU relations are brighter than ever. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sri Lanka to join China-ASEAN Expo in September as special partner

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

    The Port Access Elevated Highway project is pictured in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Sri Lanka will join as a Special Partner Country for the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) scheduled for Sept. 17-21 in Nanning, capital city of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the expo secretariat confirmed on Wednesday.

    A high-level Sri Lankan government delegation led by senior diplomatic officials will attend the event. National key enterprises, including port companies and spice companies, will participate to deepen economic and trade ties with China and ASEAN.

    Sri Lanka will hold a national image exhibition, product display and national promotion event during the expo.

    Introduced at the 11th CAEXPO, the Special Partner Country mechanism invites Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states or Belt and Road participating countries outside China and ASEAN. This makes the expo a platform to boost exchanges and create business opportunities between China, ASEAN and beyond. Sri Lanka previously held the role at the 13th CAEXPO.

    China-Sri Lanka cooperation currently spans infrastructure, energy, port development and other sectors, helping strengthen bilateral economic and cultural ties.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese automakers unveil new models at Indonesia auto show

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

    This photo taken on July 23, 2025 shows products of Chinese auto brands during the exclusive media day of GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese automakers on Wednesday unveiled new electric vehicle (EV) models in Indonesia, as demand for EVs continued to grow across the Southeast Asian country.

    At the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), held in Tangerang, Banten province, Chinese automaker BYD launched its Atto 1 model, known as Seagull or Dolphin Mini in China.

    People visit the booth of Chinese auto brand BYD during the exclusive media day of GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia, July 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “This is the first Atto 1 in Southeast Asia. We’re offering it in two variants: Dynamic and Premium,” said BYD Indonesia Operations Director Nathan Sun during the launch.

    Meanwhile, Wuling introduced a new multi-purpose vehicle designed for both family and business use, called the Cortez Darion.

    People visit the booth of Chinese auto brand Wuling during the exclusive media day of GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia, July 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Cortez Darion will be available in two versions: a plug-in hybrid and a full battery electric vehicle.

    The 2025 GIIAS officially opened on Wednesday, with public days scheduled from July 24 to Aug. 3.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China completes preliminary design of 4th-generation commercial fast reactor

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

    China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has announced that it had finished the preliminary design of the country’s first fourth-generation 1-million-kilowatt commercial fast reactor, called CFR1000.

    The announcement was made at a symposium on advanced nuclear energy development held in Fuzhou, capital of east China’s Fujian Province, on Tuesday.

    Confirmation of this progress came as the country continues to seek the development of greater green energy capabilities to power its economy amid a spate of efforts to improve its energy mix and meet its dual carbon targets.

    Zheng Yanguo, CNNC’s deputy chief engineer, said the CFR1000, with an installed capacity of 1.2 million kilowatts, demonstrates full alignment with the requirements of fourth-generation technology for enhanced safety, sustainability and economic performance.

    Fast reactors, also known as fast neutron breeder reactors, utilize fast neutrons to sustain nuclear fission and generate heat for power generation. Recognized globally as a key fourth-generation advanced nuclear energy system, fast reactors offer advantages in terms of fuel utilization, waste reduction and safety.

    Among the six reactor types categorized internationally as fourth-generation technologies, three are fast reactors, which are sodium-cooled, gas-cooled or lead-cooled. Of these, sodium-cooled fast reactors are considered the most mature and promising thanks to their high breeding ratio, strong capacity to transmute long-lived radioactive waste, and inherent safety features.

    With more than 400 reactor years of operational experience worldwide, sodium-cooled fast reactors are the most developed of the fourth-generation technologies, offering a strong foundation for commercial application.

    Experts say the successful development of the CFR1000 marks a major step forward in China’s efforts to ensure energy security, promote green and low-carbon development, and lead the global advancement of next-generation nuclear energy.

    China views fast reactor development as a crucial step in its “thermal reactors, fast reactors, fusion reactors” three-stage nuclear energy development strategy, Zheng said. China’s first experimental fast reactor was successfully connected to the grid in 2011.

    Over the past more than 10 years, China has independently developed a full range of core and supporting technologies, and established a complete industrial chain for large-scale fast reactors, Zheng said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China power into women’s basketball final at Universiade

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

    China defeated Poland 71-67 after overtime to reach the women’s basketball final at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games on Wednesday.

    China will face the United States, who edged Hungary 73-71 in the other semifinal, for the championship on Friday.

    Chinese guard Tian Yuanyuan emerged as the hero, scoring all seven of her points in overtime after the two teams were tied 62-62 at the end of regulation.

    China’s small forward Chen Yujie shot nine of 14 for a game-high 24 points, including four of five from beyond the arc. Center Liu Yutong and power forward Tang Zhiting added 14 points apiece.

    Poland’s shooting guard Magdalena Szymkiewicz led her side with 13 points, while 2.01-meter center Kamila Borkowska contributed 12.

    China started strong, jumping out to a 15-7 lead after Liu, Chen and Tang hit back-to-back 3-pointers, prompting Poland’s coach to call a timeout with four minutes left in the first quarter.

    Poland responded with a 26-11 run to take a 33-26 halftime lead.

    China surged back in the third quarter with an 11-0 run to go ahead 37-33 midway through the period. Poland answered with a 10-0 run of its own, capped by two free throws and a layup from Anna Winkowska, to take a 48-45 lead into the fourth.

    Li Xingnuo opened the final quarter with a 3-pointer to level the game at 48-48. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, tying at 58-58 with 1:50 to play.

    Szymkiewicz gave Poland a 60-58 lead with two free throws, but China responded with four straight points on a pair of layups. Poland’s Julia Piestrzynska attacked the basket to tie it 62-62. After Li’s missed 3-pointer, the game went to overtime.

    Poland managed just three points in the extra period, falling behind 69-65 with 18 seconds remaining. A timeout and late foul strategy couldn’t prevent China from sealing the 71-67 win.

    “We have tired legs after yesterday’s hard-fought quarterfinal win against Japan, so you could see we only scored a few points in the second quarter,” said Chinese coach Zhao Xuetong.

    “In the halftime break, I told the players to play as we planned and don’t think much about the result. To tell the truth, we have already reached where we expect before the Games,” added Zhao. “Reaching the last four is OK for us, so everyone is relaxed mentally.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Schumer, Duckworth, Murray, DeLauro Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Increase Access to Fertility Treatment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Patty Murray (D-WA), along with U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) reintroduced the bicameral Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act, legislation that would require more health insurers to provide coverage for infertility treatment, as well as fertilitypreservation services for individuals who undergo medically necessary procedures that may cause infertility, such as chemotherapy.

    “Everyone’s path to parenthood is different, and the decision to pursue fertility treatments is deeply personal,” said Senator Booker. “Nobody should have to choose between financial stability and the opportunity to have a family. On top of that, people who find themselves at the daunting intersection of a cancer diagnosis and fertility challenges should have access to affordable fertility services. This legislation would require more insurance plans to cover fertility treatments so that Americans no longer face barriers to care when deciding to start a family.”

    “While Republicans have tried to brand themselves as the pro-family party, Senate Democrats are putting forward actual solutions to help the millions of Americans grappling with the financial and medical realities of safely growing their families,” said Leader Schumer. “Infertility can – and does – affect so many in our communities, and while Republicans continue their relentless attacks on reproductive rights, I will keep fighting to protect access to affordable health care and am proud to support this legislation which offers hope and opportunity to many with this deeply personal decision.”

    “Millions of Americans depend on IVF to build a family—and yet, this treatment is too often out of reach for so many because of exorbitant, out-of-pocket costs,” said Senator Duckworth. “If Donald Trump really wants to deliver on his campaign promise to ensure IVF is covered for those who rely on it, he’d call on Republicans to support our bill that would expand coverage for so many more Americans. Otherwise, all the pro-IVF talking points are just more empty promises from people who have proven time and again they have no interest in actually taking any meaningful action to protect IVF access.”

    “Infertility is a painful struggle for millions of people in America, and the steep cost of infertility treatment like IVF prevents many of them from growing their families—that’s just wrong. The Access to Fertility Treatment and Services Act would require more insurance plans, including TRICARE and the VA coverage our veterans and their families rely on, to cover infertility treatment without raising insurance costs or copays. We should be doing everything we can to support families and make it easier to have and raise children in America, and our legislation is one important step in that direction,” said Senator Murray.

    “When people don’t have insurance coverage for fertility care, they are forced to make impossible choices between paying for treatment or affording essentials,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The emotional and physical toll of trying to build a family is already heavy. We should not add a crushing financial burden on top of it. This bill ensures that all families have the insurance coverage they deserve. Americans should have the opportunity to grow their families without sacrificing their basic needs.”

    “Every day providers encounter patients who need medical treatments like IVF to build their families, but have to forego, delay, or stop treatment because they cannot afford it,” said Sean Tipton, ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer. “While ASRM has championed progress on state-level IVF mandates, we firmly believe that access to health care should not depend on your zip code. For this reason, we remain grateful to Sen. Booker and Rep. DeLauro for their tireless leadership on the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act. It is well past time for Congress to pass this critical legislation and achieve access to family building care for all Americans.”

    “Every day, millions of Americans face heartbreaking and unnecessary barriers to building their families, simply because they can’t afford the out-of-pocket medical costs. Access to fertility treatment should not depend on your income, your zip code, or your employer. The ‘Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act’ is a critical step toward ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dream of having a family. On behalf of RESOLVE and the family-building community, I thank Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for their steadfast leadership in championing equitable access to care,” said Danielle Melfi, President & CEO, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

    Despite the prevalence of infertility – a reported one in six couples have challenges conceiving – coverage for treatment options is limited. In 2024, nearly half of large employers voluntarily offered fertility benefits and 97% of those offering benefits reported no significant increase in costs to their medical plans.

    Specifically, the Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act would:

    1. Require most private health insurance plans, as well as plans offered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Medicaid, TRICARE, ERISA, and the VA, to provide coverage for treatment of infertility without raising insurance or copayment costs.
    2. Ensure these plans cover fertility preservation services for individuals who undergo a medically necessary procedure that may cause infertility.

    The bill is endorsed by the following organizations: Alliance for Fertility Preservation, Endocrine Society, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, National Women’s Political Caucus, American Society for Reductive Medicine, Resolve, MomsRising, In Our Own Voice: National Black, Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National partnership for Women and Families, Invisible Project, Human Rights Campaign, Families USA, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, Service Women’s Action Network, Guttmacher, ACOG, and AllPaths Family Building.

    The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Schumer, Duckworth, Murray, DeLauro Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Increase Access to Fertility Treatment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Patty Murray (D-WA), along with U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) reintroduced the bicameral Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act, legislation that would require more health insurers to provide coverage for infertility treatment, as well as fertilitypreservation services for individuals who undergo medically necessary procedures that may cause infertility, such as chemotherapy.

    “Everyone’s path to parenthood is different, and the decision to pursue fertility treatments is deeply personal,” said Senator Booker. “Nobody should have to choose between financial stability and the opportunity to have a family. On top of that, people who find themselves at the daunting intersection of a cancer diagnosis and fertility challenges should have access to affordable fertility services. This legislation would require more insurance plans to cover fertility treatments so that Americans no longer face barriers to care when deciding to start a family.”

    “While Republicans have tried to brand themselves as the pro-family party, Senate Democrats are putting forward actual solutions to help the millions of Americans grappling with the financial and medical realities of safely growing their families,” said Leader Schumer. “Infertility can – and does – affect so many in our communities, and while Republicans continue their relentless attacks on reproductive rights, I will keep fighting to protect access to affordable health care and am proud to support this legislation which offers hope and opportunity to many with this deeply personal decision.”

    “Millions of Americans depend on IVF to build a family—and yet, this treatment is too often out of reach for so many because of exorbitant, out-of-pocket costs,” said Senator Duckworth. “If Donald Trump really wants to deliver on his campaign promise to ensure IVF is covered for those who rely on it, he’d call on Republicans to support our bill that would expand coverage for so many more Americans. Otherwise, all the pro-IVF talking points are just more empty promises from people who have proven time and again they have no interest in actually taking any meaningful action to protect IVF access.”

    “Infertility is a painful struggle for millions of people in America, and the steep cost of infertility treatment like IVF prevents many of them from growing their families—that’s just wrong. The Access to Fertility Treatment and Services Act would require more insurance plans, including TRICARE and the VA coverage our veterans and their families rely on, to cover infertility treatment without raising insurance costs or copays. We should be doing everything we can to support families and make it easier to have and raise children in America, and our legislation is one important step in that direction,” said Senator Murray.

    “When people don’t have insurance coverage for fertility care, they are forced to make impossible choices between paying for treatment or affording essentials,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The emotional and physical toll of trying to build a family is already heavy. We should not add a crushing financial burden on top of it. This bill ensures that all families have the insurance coverage they deserve. Americans should have the opportunity to grow their families without sacrificing their basic needs.”

    “Every day providers encounter patients who need medical treatments like IVF to build their families, but have to forego, delay, or stop treatment because they cannot afford it,” said Sean Tipton, ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer. “While ASRM has championed progress on state-level IVF mandates, we firmly believe that access to health care should not depend on your zip code. For this reason, we remain grateful to Sen. Booker and Rep. DeLauro for their tireless leadership on the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act. It is well past time for Congress to pass this critical legislation and achieve access to family building care for all Americans.”

    “Every day, millions of Americans face heartbreaking and unnecessary barriers to building their families, simply because they can’t afford the out-of-pocket medical costs. Access to fertility treatment should not depend on your income, your zip code, or your employer. The ‘Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act’ is a critical step toward ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dream of having a family. On behalf of RESOLVE and the family-building community, I thank Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for their steadfast leadership in championing equitable access to care,” said Danielle Melfi, President & CEO, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

    Despite the prevalence of infertility – a reported one in six couples have challenges conceiving – coverage for treatment options is limited. In 2024, nearly half of large employers voluntarily offered fertility benefits and 97% of those offering benefits reported no significant increase in costs to their medical plans.

    Specifically, the Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act would:

    1. Require most private health insurance plans, as well as plans offered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Medicaid, TRICARE, ERISA, and the VA, to provide coverage for treatment of infertility without raising insurance or copayment costs.
    2. Ensure these plans cover fertility preservation services for individuals who undergo a medically necessary procedure that may cause infertility.

    The bill is endorsed by the following organizations: Alliance for Fertility Preservation, Endocrine Society, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, National Women’s Political Caucus, American Society for Reductive Medicine, Resolve, MomsRising, In Our Own Voice: National Black, Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National partnership for Women and Families, Invisible Project, Human Rights Campaign, Families USA, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, Service Women’s Action Network, Guttmacher, ACOG, and AllPaths Family Building.

    The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Reintroduces Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act, legislation to nurture innovation in our entrepreneurs and help bring manufacturing jobs back home by increasing access to capital for small manufacturers seeking to scale up their operations.
    Lack of access to capital pushes emerging entrepreneurs to produce their advanced manufacturing technologies abroad in other nations that provide financing opportunities for scaling manufacturers. Not only does this migration drain the United States of innovative manufacturing capabilities, it also causes us to lose out on high-paying, high-skilled manufacturing jobs that accompany the commercialization of new ideas. We must do more to keep these jobs and opportunities for innovation here at home.
    “Decades of bad trade deals and offshoring have hollowed out domestic manufacturing, and we must start giving American businesses the tools they need to build, create jobs, scale, and stay competitive—at home,” said Senator Booker. “If we continue to fall short in this space, our competitors will fill the vacuum and America will lose out on these engines for innovation and job growth. This legislation will help our manufacturing sector thrive and bring good-paying jobs home by providing resources for manufacturers, entrepreneurs and small businesses to innovate on a larger scale.”
    Nearly half of the American workforce is employed by small businesses. As of 2024, small businesses employ 45.9% of the U.S. workforce, approximately 59 million people, and have long served as engines of job creation and innovation. To survive in today’s increasingly competitive economy, entrepreneurs often must expand quickly, growing on their own or in collaboration with larger firms to help scale-up their innovations into commercialized products which often require highly complex, advanced manufacturing capabilities that demand more time and capital to scale than nonproduction firms. However, our nation’s financing mechanisms have not kept up with this changing landscape and make it difficult for these companies to find the capital needed to demonstrate viability of their technology at a commercial scale.
    The Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act would:
    Establish a new federal investment program under the SBA to provide matching capital (leverage) to private investment funds supporting U.S.-based manufacturing scale-up projects.
    Create a licensing and selection process for “participating investment funds” with rigorous criteria including track record, capital raised, and experience in manufacturing.
    Authorize up to $1 billion per year in SBA leverage, capped at $500 million per fund, with a required minimum of $250 million in private capital per participating fund.
    Funds must invest in “qualifying manufacturing projects” that build first commercial production facilities or scale novel manufacturing technologies, with limitations on investment concentration and leverage use.
    Implement strong oversight through regular audits, reporting, independent valuations, and provisions for fund discipline and SBA enforcement.
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement Mourning Passing of Mrs. Lee Porter, New Jersey’s “Mother of Fair Housing”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

    “My heart is heavy with the news of Mrs. Lee Porter’s passing. She was a beloved pillar of our community and a true champion for all New Jerseyans. I was blessed to call her a friend, teacher, and mentor.

    “Mrs. Lee Porter was a visionary community organizer and a beacon of hope for countless families, including my own. Like most, I first got to know her as the ‘Mother of Fair Housing,’ when she changed the trajectory of my entire life.

    “Dedicating more than fifty years to nurturing our shared communities, Mrs. Lee Porter rightfully believed that we are at our best if––and only if––we uphold the principles of equality and justice. Mrs. Lee Porter’s legacy is one of deep compassion and conviction, and it is one that I will aspire to fulfill with the same zeal and care with which she lived her life. I extend my sincerest condolences to Mrs. Lee Porter’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing of her.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Variety Op-Ed: “Elizabeth Warren on Colbert ‘Late Show’ Cancellation: Is the Paramount Trump Payoff a Bribe?”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    July 23, 2025
    “The Paramount payoff is part of a corrupt pattern of Trump exploiting the power of the presidency both to profit personally and to punish his perceived enemies.”
    “The moment we turn a blind eye to these deals is the moment we start to lose our democracy.”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) published an op-ed in Variety making the case that the Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s cancellation may be another one of Donald Trump’s attempts to get big corporations to buy his favor and bow down before him.
    Senator Warren has been leading the charge to determine if Paramount is bribing President Trump in exchange for approval of its multi-billion-dollar megamerger with Skydance, and has fought relentlessly across the board against President Trump’s corruption.
    Read the full op-ed here and below:
    Variety – Elizabeth Warren on Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Cancellation: Is the Paramount Trump Payoff a Bribe?July 23, 2025
    President Donald Trump and CBS parent company Paramount want you to think that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was canceled for “purely financial” reasons. Really?
    During the 2024 election, Donald Trump sued CBS, making claims CBS called “meritless.” Legal experts could see from a mile away that Trump’s claims were bogus. Paramount seemed ready to fight the allegations, and it looked like they’d win that fight handily. Then Trump took office in January 2025.
    From the first moments of his presidency, Trump quickly made it clear that he was happy to use his executive power to enrich himself. He was eager to hand out favors — for the right price — and threaten punishment for those who pushed back. There’s a reason that billionaire CEOs paid millions of dollars to get front-row access to his inauguration.
    This is where questions about a Paramount payout to Trump come in. Right now, Paramount is trying to merge with Skydance, another huge media company. This deal is worth $8 billion – and, by the way, it could raise prices for millions of viewers. But here’s the kicker: this merger can only go through if it’s approved by the Trump administration.
    Instead of fighting Trump on his “meritless” lawsuit, Paramount settled, handing $16 million to Trump’s presidential library. This looks like bribery in plain sight, and that’s exactly what Stephen Colbert said on his show: “This kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: it’s ‘big, fat bribe.’” Three days later, Paramount-owned CBS canceled Colbert’s show. And Trump didn’t waste a moment before celebrating the news.
    Was it a coincidence that CBS canceled Colbert just three days after he spoke out? Are we sure that this wasn’t part of a wink-wink deal between the president and a giant corporation that needed something from his administration? If CBS made this decision for “purely financial” reasons, why the timing? And why did Trump say “I hope I played a major part in” getting Colbert fired? These are fair questions, and ones that I have asked Paramount and Skydance.
    The Paramount payoff is part of a corrupt pattern of Trump exploiting the power of the presidency both to profit personally and to punish his perceived enemies.
    ABC News handed over $15 million to Trump’s presidential library in a settlement for another questionable defamation lawsuit. Trump was even more direct with Mark Zuckerberg, reportedly telling him that the price for being “brought in the tent” of the new Trump administration was to settle another doubtful lawsuit. Zuckerberg immediately bowed down, ending Meta’s fact-checking program and dumping $22 million into the Trump library. And Trump is running the same play again: immediately after Paramount folded, Trump sued the Wall Street Journal over an article that exposed details about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
    As Trump works to dampen any criticism in the media, he has also launched attacks on other independent institutions. In his first few months in office, Trump has aggressively threatened both universities and law firms in an effort to force them to bend to his will. The pattern is the same: Trump threatens to bring down the weight of the federal government on a single institution, and, too often, the targets feel they have no option but to bow down to an all-powerful Trump.
    And for everyone in the free press, the academic world and the legal system, Trump has delivered his message with ruthless bluntness: If you criticize him, you could be forced to pay dearly.
    The wealthy and well-connected have long had outsized influence in Washington, but Donald Trump is the most corrupt president in American history. He is using that corruption to gain control over independent organizations and people who might hold him to account. Every threat, use of intimidation, and potential bribe undermines our democracy as it moves Trump closer to absolute control.
    I recently introduced my Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act to close at least one bribery loophole. This bill would block anyone from dumping tens of millions of dollars into a president’s library slush fund while that president still sits in the Oval Office. It would mean Paramount couldn’t funnel nearly $16 million to Trump’s library while it seeks favors from his administration. It would mean Qatar couldn’t “gift” Trump a $400 million private jet destined for some future library. This is a basic, common-sense reform that would help ensure that the government works for the American public, not just for people willing to pay for presidential favors. But that’s just Step One.
    Trump and his billionaire friends may think they can turn the power of the federal government into a tool they can deploy to make themselves richer while the rest of us stand quietly by. But we understand that the moment we turn a blind eye to these deals is the moment we start to lose our democracy.
    In the coming weeks, months, and years, all of us must show Trump that we see his march toward authoritarianism and we will not be silenced. Democrats need to embrace the fight against corruption as a top priority. Republicans need to grow a spine and get behind common-sense anti-corruption measures. All Americans need to speak up. Because yes, it’s a shame that CBS canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but it is a threat to all of us that the top late-night show in the country may have been canceled in order to curry favor with a wannabe king.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: In Foreign Relations Subcommittee Hearing, Ranking Member Rosen Highlights Urgent Need to Strengthen Middle East Partnerships and Combat Iran

    US Senate News:

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

    Watch the full opening statement HERE.
    WASHINGTON, DC – During the first hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, & Counterterrorism, Ranking Member Jacky Rosen (D-NV) stressed the urgent need for a coherent U.S. strategy in the Middle East that strengthens regional integration, restores stability, and counters a nuclear Iran. Senator Rosen called on the Trump Administration to work closely with Congress, particularly following recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, and criticized cuts to our diplomatic workforce and foreign assistance, warning they undermine national security. Emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and development, she advocated for expanding the Abraham Accords, supporting Israel’s qualitative military edge, increasing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and preventing terrorist resurgence throughout the region. 
    Below is Senator Rosen’s opening statement:
    Thank you, Chair McCormick, for holding today’s important hearing – like you said, this is the subcommittee’s first since you and I were named Chair and Ranking Member, respectively. I am incredibly excited about the work we will be able to do together to support U.S. interests across a broad swath of the globe – from the Middle East and North Africa to Central and South Asia.
    And I want to thank you as well to our witnesses for taking the time to offer your insights today. 
    I’d like to build upon your remarks, Senator McCormick, because as you illustrated the Middle East is at a critical juncture, full of risks, as well as opportunities. How we engage in the region in the coming weeks and months has the potential to alter its trajectory for decades to come. 
    In just the last few weeks, we have seen hostilities between Israel and Iran, we’ve seen increased Houthi attacks on maritime commerce in the Red Sea, skirmishes between Israel and Syria, and a lack of progress in ending the war in Gaza, bringing ALL of the hostages held by Hamas home, and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
    But since the beginning of the year, we have also seen the decline of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities, Assad’s regime crumble in Syria, Hezbollah be diminished to a shell of its former self in Lebanon, and the significant weakening of Hamas.
    To help set the Middle East on a path towards peace and prosperity, we not only have to deter our adversaries from engaging in harmful actions, we must also work to advance our interests by implementing a coherent strategy and assistance plan for the region. 
    So let me be clear – Iran can never be allowed to acquire or develop a nuclear weapon. I am hopeful our targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear program earlier this summer will pave the way to a negotiated agreement that makes this a reality. It is critical the Administration works hand in glove with Congress on what comes next.
    We must also ensure that terror groups, especially Iranian proxies, cannot operate freely and threaten stability in the Middle East. And so on that end, I have led bipartisan efforts to freeze Iranian assets, tighten and renew sanctions, and integrate air and missile defenses throughout the region. But we must do more to bolster regional stability to deny extremist groups the instability on which they thrive.
    An integrated Middle East of like-minded partners and allies is essential to advancing our interests, which is why we must widen and deepen the Abraham Accords, including through economic integration and other people-to-people bonds that provide tangible benefits to the region. 
    In Gaza, Hamas remains an impediment to peace and poses a threat to both Israelis and Palestinians. We must continue to support Israel as it works to free the hostages, defeat Hamas, and protect itself against future threats. And we also must allow for more humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and do everything possible to prevent the loss of innocent lives and to support a negotiated end to the war.
    In Syria and Iraq, we cannot cede ground where the U.S.-led coalition has made significant progress in eliminating the ISIS threat. To consolidate our military gains, we need to ensure that terrorists are held accountable for their horrific crimes. But we also must make sure that there is a thoughtful plan for reintegration and rehabilitation of individuals from Al Hol and Al Roj camps. If we fail to reintegrate these populations, it will be at our peril.
    This leads me to my last point. Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis once said “if you don’t fully fund the State Department, then I will need to buy more ammunition.” Diplomacy and foreign assistance is vital to the future of this region. 
    When people don’t have access to food or jobs, terror groups recruit them. When children don’t have access to education, they are more easily radicalized. 
    As this Administration slashes our diplomatic corps, expert civil servants, and foreign assistance programs, we are undeniably less safe and less prosperous. 
    To set the region on the right path, we can’t be afraid to leverage our military strength. But we certainly must also leverage our diplomatic and foreign assistance tools.
    I thank you for being here and I look forward to discussing this with you all further today.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King to Witness: Electric Bills in Maine are Rising, Storage and Transmission Solutions Should Be Pursued

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Angus King (I-ME) spoke about the rising costs of electric bills in Maine and the path forward to address these rising costs via transmission upgrades and battery storage for renewable energy sources. In his exchange with Rob Gramlich, the President of Grid Strategies LLC, King highlighted that while battery storage capabilities exist today, the demand is only growing greater. King also shared that by simply upgrading existing transmission lines, the United States can lower the cost of home energy in places like Maine.

    Senator King began, “The word transmission has come up numerous times a day and how important it is and what an important part it is of this discussion. Unfortunately, this morning, the Department of Energy terminated a loan program for a major interregional transmission system in the Midwest. So, here we are talking about how important transmission is, and here is the Department of Energy – and it was not a grant, it was a loan guarantee program. I just think the timing is somewhat ironic.

    “We all know that solar and wind are intermittent. We understand that [and] everybody knows that. I was in the hydro business, that is also intermittent. It doesn’t always rain. As well as wind, biomass and large-scale conservation. What is really happening is really dramatic in terms of energy storage,” Senator King continued. “If you have adequate energy storage, solar and wind are baseload, because you have something to make up the difference. I used AI … to check on where we are on batteries. As of five minutes ago, the U.S. added a record 10.4 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage in 2024, marking a 66% increase from the prior year. In 2025, the EIA anticipates a record-setting year with another 18 gigawatts of utility scale battery storage on the grid. Looking ahead, the EIA forecast the U.S. battery storage will nearly double, reaching 65 gigawatts by the end of 2026.

    Senator King continued, “In other words, the battery industry is no longer a fantasy or a distant dream. It is happening right now in a very substantial scale. As you point out come Mr. Gramlich, it saved the day in Texas and California, and is already working, the idea of integrating batteries with solar and wind. Let me talk for a minute though about transformation. Mr. Gramlich, this is what worries me, it used to be an electric bill in Maine was 25% transmission and distribution and 75 source of energy. It is now about 50/50 and transmission is getting more and more expensive. Everybody knows we have to rebuild the grid. My concern it’s going to be done in an expensive way that will add dramatically to ratepayers’ cost. Mr. Gramlich, you are nodding. I take it you agree. The record doesn’t show nodding.

    Gramlich responded, “Absolutely. We are doing transmission in sometimes the most expensive way possible now and we can change that.”

    As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. Senator King has also been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving energy storage technologies and development and worked to include significant storage investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Most recently, Senator King reiterated the importance of an “all of the above” energy policy strategy during an ENR hearing considering the nominations of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Latest UAVs, counter-UAVs showcased in China 2025-07-22 16:51:05 On Monday, the theme day event on unmanned and counter-unmanned land combat systems in the military trade market held by the China North Industries Group (Norinco Group) kicked off in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

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

      BEIJING, July 22 — On Monday, the theme day event on unmanned and counter-unmanned land combat systems in the military trade market held by the China North Industries Group (Norinco Group) kicked off in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The latest equipment such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and counter-UAVs were all showcased.

      The theme day event was divided into dynamic performance and static display. The dynamic part displayed aerial “offensive and defensive” operations such as reconnaissance, informed planning, penetration and attack, etc.The exhibition area displayed unmanned and counter-unmanned equipment including UAVs, airborne munitions, loitering munitions. In addition, the wheeled gunnery with an unmanned turret that can automatically load and fire, the tank with an onboard UAV system and a radio jamming system, were also showcased.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan’s customs closure operation fuels global trade growth

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

    The island-wide independent customs operation is a crucial step in a broader strategy to establish Hainan as a premier high-level Free Trade Port by 2050. Let’s delve into the specifics of this operation and examine the significant achievements of the Hainan Free Trade Port over the past seven years.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economics – Tariffs and uncertainty likely to dampen medium-term inflation pressures – Reserve Bank of NZ

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    24 July 2025 – Global tariffs and economic uncertainty are likely to mean less inflation pressures in New Zealand and a pullback in business investment and household spending, RBNZ Chief Economist Paul Conway says.

    However, the economy is currently supported by high export prices and lower interest rates, he says.  

    In a speech delivered to Business New Zealand in Wellington today, Mr Conway says that as a small, open economy, we are heavily influenced by global developments.

    “Being tied in with the global economy helps us prosper. It also means that when something big happens offshore, such as the imposition of tariffs, its ripple effects impact the New Zealand economy,” he says.

    The US has made a decisive shift towards a more trade protectionist stance, which is a major change in the global trading environment with significant implications for the global economy, Mr Conway says.

    Tariffs may make global supply chains less efficient and could nudge up the cost of imports. This is why tariffs are expected to add to inflation pressures in the US.

    But for New Zealand, the main impact is likely to be weaker global growth, which could reduce demand for our exports and lower import prices. Import prices could fall further as other countries redirect their exports away from the US. This is expected to reduce inflation pressures here.

    At the same time, uncertainty is elevated, making it harder for households and businesses to plan.

    “When businesses aren’t sure what’s coming, they hold off hiring and delay big investments. Households tend to respond to increased uncertainty by putting off big sp

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Workers on the move: job mobility is easing back to pandemic levels but employers still affected

    Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

    Workers on the move: job mobility is easing back to pandemic levels but employers still affected

    Linda


    News and updates
    While mobility picked up following the pandemic, it has recently returned to a level similar seen through most of the 2010s. Read more.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – ABC Melbourne Mornings with Justin Smith

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    JUSTIN SMITH, HOST: Yesterday the Albanese Government announced legislation around child care, introduced the legislation into Parliament. The main part of this is the threat to withdraw funding from centres that do not come up to standard. The Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Victorian Senator Jess Walsh, is in our Canberra studio. Minister, good morning.

    SENATOR DR JESS WALSH, MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND MINISTER FOR YOUTH: Good morning, Justin. Thanks for having me.

    SMITH: With this new plan, how would that have prevented what we’re now talking about?

    WALSH: Well, this has been a really distressing time, Justin, for families in Victoria, families of the children who are affected. Really, all parents of children who have their kids in early childhood education are watching on and they want strong action. So we have introduced legislation into the first sitting of our new Parliament to cut Commonwealth funding from those providers who do put profit ahead of child safety. This is a big lever that we have in the Commonwealth. We fund early learning centres through the Commonwealth Child Care Subsidy. This legislation will allow us for the first time to withdraw that subsidy from those providers who consistently and persistently fail to put child safety first.

    SMITH: OK. This has come up, though, because of what, particularly in Victoria, as you’re a Victorian Senator, what we’ve seen in the last three weeks. So, for that reason, you’re introducing this legislation. So how is that going to prevent what we’ve been talking about and what we’ve been seeing? How will it change that? How will it stop that?

    WALSH: Yeah, Justin, we announced this legislation some months ago and it certainly is in response to concerns about quality and safety in early childhood education. We know that the vast majority of providers do the right thing. We know that the vast majority of our dedicated, passionate early childhood educators do the right thing. But there is a small number of repeat offenders who this legislation is targeted at. It allows us to withdraw funding from those providers, it allows us to stop them expanding, and it allows us to take a range of actions against them, right from issuing them with show-cause notices, imposing conditions on their services, and again right through to withdrawing funding.

    SMITH: No, no, I understand. I understand. And respectfully, forgive me for interrupting, but I will have to ask the same question again. How is that going to prevent what we’re talking about? If somebody is working in the industry, they have got red flags against them but there are no charges and then they pop up at another child care centre, with the proposals that you’re now putting in place, how is that going to prevent that?

    WALSH: Yeah, thanks Justin. So, there’s two big pieces of work going on here and I hope you’ll let me go through them because –

    SMITH: Sure.

    WALSH: It’s really important, Justin. So, there’s our Commonwealth legislation, we have a big lever, being the funding and I’ve taken you through that. At the same time the Commonwealth States and Territories are working together shoulder-to-shoulder on a big package of reform – a strong and significant package of child safety reform. And that goes to some of the other things that are being discussed right now, including the first ever nationwide register of early childhood educators. You’re right that there have been flags raised about this alleged offender in Victoria. What we need is a nationwide register of early childhood educators that allows us to see those flags. And that register needs to be integrated with working with children checks. And yes, this individual, this alleged offender, had a working with children check. And it needs to be integrated with other information that we have about substantiated complaints and conduct against individuals. And that’s what we’re working towards. That register will raise those flags.

    SMITH: Yep.

    WALSH: It will allow us to track that behaviour, Justin, and provide information to regulators around the country about action that needs to be taken.

    SMITH: Just on that register, before you move on to anything else, the Productivity Commission recommended that last year. How long is that going to take to get up and running?

    WALSH: So, we’re working on it right now. As you’ve said, the Victorian Government is also working on these matters as well. They’ve announced their own register. We’re having discussions with them about making sure that it will be harmonised into the nationwide register. I think people want us to work together and we are. We do know that early childhood educators and providers cross borders and we need one strong national harmonised approach where we can see where our early childhood educators are working and where every regulator across the country can see those red flags.

    SMITH: How long will it take for the register to get up and running?

    WALSH: So, Justin, I don’t have an answer to that this morning. We’re meeting again in a couple of weeks, and we’ll announce the plans for the register then. We had an urgent ministers meeting – an urgent stand-alone meeting of Education Ministers focused on this issue at the end of June. At that meeting we put this nationwide register right on our agenda. We’re working on it. We’re coming back together in August, and we’ll have more to say then.

    SMITH: OK. You can understand, and I don’t mean to be disrespectful when I say this, but you understand that people listening to this, parents who are listening to this now, have a fear that what is being announced and what’s being introduced into Parliament is a bit of window dressing and that it’s not actually going to make any changes. You would understand that fear?

    WALSH: Justin, I met with three mums yesterday who had the courage to come up to here in Canberra and talk about their experiences. They were parents of children who had been abused in early learning settings historically, and I listened to their stories and their stories will stay with me and drive the action that we are taking. If there was one simple thing, Justin, that we could do, everyone would do it – the Commonwealth, States and Territories. There are many actions that need to be taken. I think everyone’s been really honest in this that not enough has been done up until now, but there is a real determination to do more. At the Commonwealth level, we have this lever of our funding, and we are sending a clear message to providers to lift their game or leave the sector. And we are working shoulder to shoulder with the States and Territories around a strong and significant package of reform.

    SMITH: I guess there –

    WALSH: Not enough has been –

    SMITH: I’m sorry. Finish, please.

    WALSH: Not enough has been done, Justin. I think everyone can see that. Everyone is clear about that. But we are all working together at a Commonwealth, State and Territory level and we are all driven by our understanding of the experiences that families are having right now and the fears that they have.

    SMITH: With the withdrawal of funding, who is going to police that? Who will make the spot checks? Who will do the reports and make a call on whether a centre is up to scratch or not?

    WALSH: So the Secretary of my Department is already looking at the data that we have. We know that there’s a small group of providers that consistently and persistently breach our national quality standards. We’re also looking at serious incidents, we’re looking at complaints, and we know which providers are of concern. It’s important to say, Justin, that if there are serious and imminent concerns, child care centres can be shut down immediately, and that does happen from time to time. This legislation is about the Commonwealth having the power for the first time to remove funding from those providers who are doing the wrong thing. And we also want it to send a message to the sector to lift their investment in quality and safety now.

    SMITH: It’s 14 to 9. We’re with Jess Walsh, who is the Early Childhood Education Minister in the Albanese Government. Minister, I’m sorry, I’ll have to ask that – I will have to ask you that question again. Who makes the decision? Who polices it? Who does the spot checks?

    WALSH: The Commonwealth is responsible for setting the standards, and the States and Territories for enforcing those standards with boots on the ground. It’s the States and Territories who have the regulators.

    SMITH: OK.

    WALSH: And we are of course all working together. We are hearing from the State regulators that this stick, if you like, that we have will help them do their job as well.

    SMITH: Does that not place us back into a problem that we’ve had, which is that the State and the Commonwealth are working, not working separately but they are separate entities and as you’re going to be relying on the States to gather this data to make the call on these child care centres, but each State seems to have a very different way of approaching child care? How is that all going to be pulled together nationally?

    WALSH: Well, the Commonwealth and the States do have different responsibilities, Justin, but we have one responsibility and that is to keep children safe in early learning and to give parents the confidence that their children are safe too. The regulators do provide information. We want to make sure that that information is shared nationally. And what we are doing this week with the legislation that we introduced yesterday is making sure that we can use the Commonwealth lever that we have, to withdraw funding from those providers who do put profit ahead of child safety. And there is one thing I want to add, Justin, to reassure parents. The vast majority of providers are meeting and exceeding our standards. Over 90 per cent of providers are meeting and exceeding standards. And the vast majority of educators out there are doing the very best job that they can do every day. There’s over a million families out there in Australia who are getting quality early education. This is a real problem that we’re seeing in terms of the distressing events that are occurring in Victoria, and more needs to be done about that. That’s why we’re focused on this legislation and bringing together a strong and significant package of child safety reforms.

    SMITH: Okay. Is the, you talk about standard, is the Allan Government up to standard?

    WALSH: Well, I think the Victorian Government, as with all governments around the country, have acknowledged that not enough has been done to date, and that more needs to be done. And we’ve acknowledged that at a Commonwealth level as well. Again, it’s why we’ve introduced this legislation in the first sitting of this Parliament because it’s such a big priority for us to keep children safe. It’s why we’re working shoulder to shoulder with the States on this package of reform. Of course, there is a review underway in Victoria, and we await the results of that review.

    SMITH: Thank you for your time, Minister.

    WALSH: Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Swirling nebula of two dying stars revealed in spectacular detail in new Webb telescope image

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Pope, Associate Professor, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Macquarie University

    The day before my thesis examination, my friend and radio astronomer Joe Callingham showed me an image we’d been awaiting for five long years – an infrared photo of two dying stars we’d requested from the Very Large Telescope in Chile.

    I gasped – the stars were wreathed in a huge spiral of dust, like a snake eating its own tail.

    The coils of Apep as captured by the European Space Observatory’s Very Large Telescope.
    ESO/Callingham et al., CC BY

    We named it Apep, for the Egyptian serpent god of destruction. Now, our team has finally been lucky to use NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to look at Apep.

    If anything could top the first shock of seeing its beautiful spiral nebula, it’s this breathtaking new image, with the JWST data now analysed in two papers on arXiv.

    Violent star deaths

    Right before they die as supernovae, the universe’s most massive stars violently shed their outer hydrogen layers, leaving their heavy cores exposed.

    These are called Wolf-Rayet stars after their discoverers, who noticed powerful streams of gas blasting out from these objects, much stronger than the stellar wind from our Sun. The Wolf-Rayet stage lasts only millennia – a blink of the eye in cosmic time scales – before they violently explode.

    Unlike our Sun, many stars in the universe exist in pairs known as binaries. This is especially true of the most massive stars, such as Wolf-Rayets.

    When the fierce gales from a Wolf-Rayet star clash with their weaker companion’s wind, they compress each other. In the eye of this storm forms a dense, cool environment in which the carbon-rich winds can condense into dust. The earliest carbon dust in the cosmos – the first of the material making up our own bodies – was made this way.

    The dust from the Wolf-Rayet is blown out in almost a straight line, and the orbital motion of the stars wraps it into a spiral-shaped nebula, appearing exactly like water from a sprinkler when viewed from above.

    We expected Apep to look like one of these elegant pinwheel nebulas, discovered by our colleague and co-author Peter Tuthill. To our surprise, it did not.

    The ‘pinwheel’ nebula of the triple Wolf-Rayet star system WR104.
    Peter Tuthill

    Equal rivals

    The new image was taken using JWST’s infrared camera, like the thermal cameras used by hunters or the military. It represents hot material as blue, and colder material in green through to red.

    It turns out Apep isn’t just one powerful star blasting a weaker companion, but two Wolf-Rayet stars. The rivals have near-equal strength winds, and the dust is spread out in a very wide cone and wrapped into a wind-sock shape.

    When we originally described Apep in 2018, we noted a third, more distant star, speculating whether it was also part of the system or a chance interloper along the line of sight.

    The dust appeared to be moving much slower than the winds, which was hard to explain. We suggested the dust might be carried on a slow, thick wind from the equator of a fast-spinning star, rare today but common in the early universe.

    The new, much more detailed data from JWST reveals three more dust shells zooming farther out, each cooler and fainter than the last and spaced perfectly evenly, against a background of swirling dust.

    The Apep nebula in false colour, displaying infrared data from JWST’s MIRI camera.
    Han et al./White et al./Dholakia; NASA/ESA

    New data, new knowledge

    The JWST data are now published and interpreted in a pair of papers, one led by Caltech astronomer Yinuo Han, and the other by Macquarie University Masters student Ryan White.

    Han’s paper reveals how the nebula’s dust cools, links the background dust to the foreground stars, and suggests the stars are farther away from Earth than we thought. This implies they are extraordinarily bright, but weakens our original claim about the slow winds and rapid rotation.

    In White’s paper, he develops a fast computer model for the shape of the nebula, and uses this to decode the orbit of the inner stars very precisely.

    He also noticed there’s a “bite” taken out out of the dust shells, exactly where the wind of the third star would be chewing into them. This proves the Apep family isn’t just a pair of twins – they have a third sibling.

    An illustration of the cavity carved by the third star companion in the Apep system.
    White et al. (2025)

    Understanding systems like Apep tells us more about star deaths and the origins of carbon dust, but these systems also have a fascinating beauty that emerges from their seemingly simple geometry.

    The violence of stellar death carves puzzles that would make sense to Newton and Archimedes, and it is a scientific joy to solve them and share them.

    Benjamin Pope receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Big Questions Institute.

    – ref. Swirling nebula of two dying stars revealed in spectacular detail in new Webb telescope image – https://theconversation.com/swirling-nebula-of-two-dying-stars-revealed-in-spectacular-detail-in-new-webb-telescope-image-258314

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Chairs EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Hearing, Discusses Regulatory Reforms, Safe Routes to School

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, held a hearing on the development of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. The hearing focused specifically on three bipartisan bills Cramer led with colleagues on the EPW committee:

    • S.1733, the Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act, which increases the percentage of funds a state Department of Transportation (DOT) can transfer between formula categories from 50% to 75% percent. This change gives state DOTs more flexibility to direct funds to high-priority infrastructure projects allowing them to make investments better reflecting local needs.
    • S.1167, the Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act, which cuts red tape for State DOTs by streamlining asset management reporting requirements. Specifically, it eliminates annual asset management compliance reports allowing state DOTs to spend more time maintaining and improving roads and bridges instead of filing redundant paperwork.
    • S.1828, the Safe Routes Improvement Act, which requires each state DOT to designate a Safe Routes to School Program coordinator. The intent is to enhance program accessibility for communities in North Dakota and nationwide.

    [embedded content]

    ***Click here for audio. Click here for video.***

    In his opening statement, Cramer said: “As we look toward reauthorization, I’m focused on advancing practical, bipartisan policies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Aid-highway program.

    “As I like to say, without well-maintained routes like Interstate 94, which is made possible because of formula funding, durum wheat from North Dakota would never become pasta in New York or Los Angeles. North Dakota is low population state, but the number one producer of many commodities. Our roads can’t be relegated to gravel and expect interstate commerce to thrive. The formula system works and this committee has demonstrated a strong commitment to it over the years.

    “Greater flexibility for states is precisely the goal of the Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act, which I was happy to partner with Ranking Member Alsobrooks on. It’s a great idea and I’m glad we’re working on it. Her forward-thinking approach on this issue is refreshing. The concept with our legislation is remarkably simple, a lot of good things are, but very important. States know their needs better than any bureaucrat in Washington.

    “I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill done and to ensure the highway program is more responsive to the needs of our constituents.”

    Cramer introduced Chad Orn, who serves as the Deputy Director for Planning at the North Dakota Department of Transportation, saying “Chad knows firsthand how critical transportation infrastructure is to everyday life in North Dakota. He literally works every day to ensure our roads and bridges meet the needs of communities across the state. I couldn’t ask for a better voice to bring a boots on the ground perspective to this hearing.”

    He also introduced Marisa Jones, the Managing Director for the Safe Routes Partnership. In the last highway bill, Cramer and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) expanded the Safe Routes to School Program to include high school students. Earlier this year, Cramer introduced the Safe Routes Improvement Act to further enhance the Safe Routes to School Program. In her introductory remarks, Ms. Jones highlighted specific examples of how several North Dakota communities have utilized the Safe Routes to School program to advance projects. “Let’s look at North Dakota to see examples of how Safe Routes to School works in small towns and rural states. Gwinner, with population 924, built sidewalks to connect the Southside neighborhood to the school. Even Medora with just 155 residents completed a Safe Routes to School project connecting the high school to Main Street. And Minot, which I concede is a big city for North Dakota, but it’s been working on Safe Routes for 15 years, guided by a district-wide plan and building sidewalks to schools annually, funded through the transportation alternatives program.”

    [embedded content]

    ***Click here for audio. Click here for video.***

    Cramer first asked Orn and Samantha Biddle, the Maryland Deputy Secretary of Transportation, about specific suggestions for accelerating the delivery of infrastructure projects. Both witnesses highlighted a need to allow more projects to qualify for an expedited environmental review process. This goal aligns with the intent of the One Federal Decision which was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and championed by Cramer.

    “We need to raise the rates on that for value engineering, and then the definition of a major project,” said Orn. “That’s another thing. Even here in North Dakota, we’re right up against, the definition of a major project, which, when I first started at DOT, I and I never, ever thought we would be anywhere near what cost a major project but just sheer cost of projects we’re right there.”

    “Just being, you know, realistic about kind of how far we are able to stretch these dollars and then how that does also apply to the permitting landscape, I think, is a needed adjustment in thinking through those sorts of things,” responded Biddle. 

    Cramer then discussed the Safe Routes to School Program. He asked Jones to explain how communities, especially in rural areas, can learn more about the program and ultimately access funds to move forward with safety projects.

    “There’s more funding available, but it means that in a small rural community where they might not have full time staff at all, and maybe the mayor is also the grocery clerk,” responded Jones. “They don’t have the capacity or awareness, sometimes to pursue [this] funding. And so this is exactly why we need statewide routes to school coordinators to help communities, first of all, raise their awareness that this is an opportunity, and then help them navigate federal funding, apply for grants, and build projects that save lives. And we see the return on that investment in rural states in states all across the country […]These are projects that children and families love, local elected officials, love these projects. These help build economic development, improve safety, get kids physically active, and help get kids to school and time and ready to learn.”

    Cramer concluded the hearing by asking witnesses about solutions to address work zone safety challenges. “As big a hurry as we are to get a highway maintained or built or fixed, we’re also often in too big a hurry to get to wherever our destination is and don’t pay it close enough attention to the hazard of workers right on the very highway we’re driving on,” said Cramer. “Maybe you could if you have any thoughts or suggestions legislatively that we should be looking at for improvement of worker safety?”

    Biddle explained how in Maryland, “We implemented legislation, through the state of Maryland, that introduced a tiered fine structure and also allows us to expand our implementation of work zone cameras. I always say that I hope we don’t earn a single dollar through these programs, because it’s not about generating revenue. It’s about protecting our workers and saving lives.”

    Orn outlined the agency’s commitment to safety and the importance of working closely with local partners. “We have a real good relationship with our AGC, our American General Contractors, so we do work with them, and [a] work zone is important, but we don’t want to see a bunch of restrictions on them,” replied Orn. “We still want flexibility to be able to work with our contractors and our partners on the work zone safety. And if we hear any feedback, we make corrections. We fix it. We listen to them because we know it’s critical with that. A few examples of stuff that we did in North Dakota as Samantha led to, we also just raised our fines within work zones, almost doubled them in the state, and that’s going to go an effect on August 1, the state legislature does that. And another thing we do, and we’ve been doing for years and years and years, is we provide overtime dollars to our highway patrol, so then that they can patrol the work zone.”

    Below is the opening statement of Chair Cramer, as delivered.

    “This is a good hearing and a good day to discuss the road ahead for us. We’re going to discuss proposals to improve America’s transportation infrastructure. It’s an important conversation, on the EPW Committee, we’ve already begun to work to craft surface transportation reauthorization legislation for next year.

    “Senator Alsobrooks and I were just visiting about how the last one passed out of the committee unanimously. Beginning work early, working together, having good witnesses helps us get to a similar goal next year.

    “I commend Chairman Capito for her leadership in getting the reauthorization process started early and look forward to working with her, Ranking Member Whitehouse, Ranking Member Alsobrooks, and of course my fellow committee members to get a comprehensive, bipartisan bill across the finish line next year. 

    “I also want to thank our witnesses today for being here. We appreciate your time and the insight that you bring to this conversation.

    “As we look toward reauthorization, I’m focused on advancing practical, bipartisan policies to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of the Federal Aid-highway program. Just last week, as I said, the full committee held an excellent hearing with state and local leaders, including Governor Kelly Armstrong where we talked about lessons learned in past bills and what improvements we can make. Some programs like the Bridge Formula program are a high priority for all states. Governor Armstrong spoke in strong support of it and it’s no surprise that his Department of Transportation is echoing the same strong support in your testimony today.

    “But there are areas where we can improve. In recent months, I’ve introduced three bills, which I believe are all central to this effort. Each reflects direct input from states and is about getting better outcomes, without increasing the cost to the taxpayers.

    “From the start, however, I need to emphasize the importance of preserving and strengthening formula funding. As I like to say, without well-maintained routes like Interstate 94, which is made possible because of formula funding, durum wheat from North Dakota would never become pasta in New York or Los Angeles, and wouldn’t that be too bad. North Dakota is low population state, but the number one producer of many agricultural commodities. Our roads can’t be relegated to gravel and expect interstate commerce to thrive. The formula system works and this committee has demonstrated a strong commitment to it over the years.

    “In terms of reforms, I think we need to take a serious look at reducing the regulatory burden on states and cutting red tape within the highway program. My bill with Senator Kelly, the Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act, does just that. It’s a small fix but it supports a much bigger goal of cutting through the bureaucracy so that every dollar goes further.

    “Another key principle is providing more flexibility for states to make investment decisions that better reflect local needs. Greater flexibilities for states is precisely the goal of the Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act, which I was happy to partner with Ranking Member Alsobrooks on. It’s a great idea and I’m glad we’re working on it. Her forward-thinking approach on this issue is refreshing. The concept with our legislation is remarkably simple, a lot of good things are, but very important. States know their needs better than any bureaucrat in Washington. North Dakota and Maryland’s constituents have very different transportation needs. It turns out, when Washington gets out of the way, states know exactly what to do and deliver real results. Both Ranking Member Alsobrooks and I served in state and local government, and I think both of us would agree, the best partnerships with the federal government were those where we could be the most nimble to meet a constituent’s needs. I always tell federal witnesses and nominees: please, do not impose federal mediocrity on our state’s excellence. This bill embodies that basic principle and I look forward to hearing from both our state witnesses on this point.

    “Safety, however, must also be at the forefront of everything we do. Specifically, making it safer and easier for kids to walk and bike to school. I introduced the Safe Routes to School Improvement Act with Senator Markey to do just that. This builds on bipartisan work that we did with Senator Cortez Masto in the last highway bill that expanded the Safe Routes to School program to include high schools. This bill would enhance access to the program for communities in North Dakota and nationwide by requiring states to have a specific point of contact to help local communities navigate the program and understand what exactly they are eligible to apply for. This will improve infrastructure like sidewalks and street crossings so that children who walk or bike to school are safer in that process.

    “Lastly, this committee must do more to accelerate project delivery. There is a lot to be said on this, but I’d just note the One Federal Decision (OFD) framework was a strong concept under the last bipartisan infrastructure bill, but it hasn’t delivered the results we hoped for. As part of reauthorization, at minimum, we should revisit the OFD and make real improvements.

    “I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill done and to ensure the highway program is more responsive to the needs of our constituents.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito: The One Big Beautiful Bill is a Family Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The One Big Beautfil Bill, which was signed into law on July 4th, makes historic investments in the American family, expands access to childcare, and reaffirms Republicans’ commitment to protecting life at every age.

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill is a family bill through and through. By expanding the child tax credit, setting up savings accounts for newborns, and making it easier for employers to provide childcare, Republicans are delivering on our promise to strengthen and support American families. The childcare provisions in the OBBB are especially important for West Virginians because more than 25,000 children under the age of 6 need childcare and don’t have it. By putting more money back into West Virginians’ pockets and expanding access to childcare, more children and families will thrive,” Senator Capito said.

    West Virginia Wins: 

    • Enhances the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), a tax credit that helps working parents offset the cost of childcare.
    • Establishes workforce Pell, which will allow students across West Virginia to utilize the Pell Grant to obtain certificates and credentials through short-term programs, something Senator Capito has long advocated for.
    • Improves the Employer-Provided Child Care (45F), which supports businesses that want to help provide childcare for their employees.
    • Expands the Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAP), which are flexible spending accounts that allow for working parents to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for childcare expenses.

    What Others Are Saying:

    “Efforts to improve and expand child care-related tax credits are a vital and long-overdue step forward for families and children,” said First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling. “The updated tax credits, including the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), are aimed at relieving some of the financial pressure child care costs put on families. Together, CDCTC, with the enhanced Employer-Provided Child Care Credit (45F), and Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) will help to address the affordability and accessibility of child care while ensuring that employers can be part of the solution. We commend Senator Capito for her leadership, and are grateful to lawmakers in both the House and Senate who championed this issue and helped to ensure it was part of the final reconciliation package.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 10,000 to get family and sexual violence training

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Better, and more, training to help staff support in family and sexual violence responses are being rolled out across frontline services, with the goal of reaching 10,000 workers in the next two years. 

    Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says, “this will ensure victim-survivors receive best practice support, and will empower staff to safely recognise, refer, and respond to family and sexual violence.”

    “This training is an important part of our response to family and sexual violence. I am proud of our progress against the second Te Aorerekura Action Plan, it shows the benefits of a multi-agency response and the dedication of government departments to best supporting victim-survivors.” 

    Other progress against the Action Plan includes:

    • The Ministry of Justice has delivered training to over 800 members of its court-related workforce. Ongoing training is expected to reach up to 500 people per year.
    • The Department of Corrections has given essential-level family violence training to more than 4,700 of its staff.
    • In 2024, Police redesigned the course for new recruits to include two weeks’ family violence training. Over 550 Police recruits received training in that first year, and over 850 recruits are expected to receive training by the end of 2025. 

    “The Action Plan sets out a number of key actions to be achieved, including training 10,000 frontline workers in family violence and sexual violence over two years.

    “These goals are bold. Achieving them will require strong cross-agency collaboration and re-enforced commitment to this focus area as a priority. 

    “This boldness is needed to improve the support provided to victim-survivors and will empower these frontline workers to undertake their roles with the greatest care,” says Mrs Chhour. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New investment to drive AI and biotech innovation

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is investing $24 million in smart, practical science that will help New Zealanders live healthier lives and support the development of sustainable food industries.

    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti today announced two major research programmes in partnership with Singapore, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) tools for healthy ageing and biotechnology for future food production.

    “Science and innovation are critical to building a high-growth, high-value economy. That’s why we’re investing in research with a clear line of sight to commercial outcomes and real public benefit,” Dr Reti says.

    “This Government is focused on backing the technologies that will deliver real-world results for New Zealanders – not just in the lab, but in our hospitals, homes, and businesses.

    “Whether it’s supporting older Kiwis to live well for longer or developing smarter food production systems, these projects are about practical applications of advanced science to solve problems and grow our economy.”

    Funded through the Catalyst Fund, designed to facilitate international collaboration, the investment will support seven joint research projects over the next three years, deepening New Zealand’s research ties with Singapore and building capability in AI and biotechnology.

    The AI programme, delivered alongside AI Singapore, directly supports the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy – a plan to use AI to safely and effectively boost productivity and deliver better public services.

    “Our AI Strategy is about encouraging the uptake of AI to improve productivity and realise its potential to deliver faster, smarter, and more personalised services, including in healthcare,” says Dr Reti.  

    “These projects will help develop tools that support clinicians and improve care for our ageing population. Our collaboration with Singapore, a country well advanced in their use and development of AI, will help grow Kiwi capability to explore future practical uses of AI.”

    The biotechnology programme will focus on turning scientific research into scalable food solutions, including alternative proteins and new food ingredients, in partnership with Singapore’s A*STAR.

    “These partnerships are about future-proofing our economy and our communities — tackling global challenges with New Zealand science at the forefront,” Dr Reti says.

    Notes to the Editor:

    The Leveraging AI for Health Ageing programme will partner with AI Singapore (AISG) and will fund three projects which apply AI to improve health outcomes for older adults, particularly in cognitive health and personalised care:

    • AI-Assisted interRAI Assessment – University of Otago will enhance aged care assessments by integrating AI to improve efficiency and personalisation.
    • AI-Driven Risk Score for Dementia – University of Auckland will build an AI tool to help clinicians identify individuals at high risk of progressing to dementia.
    • AI-Augmented Cognitive Health Monitoring – Victoria University of Wellington will develop a remote monitoring platform using speech analysis, cognitive games, and caregiver input.

    The Biotech in Future Food Research Programme will partner with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and fund four groundbreaking projects:

    • Algae-Based Future Foods – Cawthron Institute will develop processing methods for two algae species suited to commercial development in both countries.
    • Hybrid Meat Production – University of Canterbury will design a novel, scalable approach to producing affordable hybrid meat.
    • Bio-Fermented Functional Foods – University of Auckland will create next-generation food ingredients from bacterial cellulose and mushroom mycelium.
    • Black Soldier Fly Bioproducts – Scion will explore the use of insect larvae to develop bioactive compounds and protein sources for human and animal nutrition.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –