Category: DJF

MIL-OSI Australia: How good money habits make cents for mental health

Source:

04 June 2025

Maintaining regular savings habits and paying off credit card debt on time are two stable financial behaviours that significantly lead to improved mental health, University of South Australia finance experts have found.

New UniSA research has revealed that stable financial habits can significantly contribute to improved mental health, which in turn can lead to higher productivity and employment. This was found to be true across all socioeconomic demographics.

Researchers explored data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey database, comprising the socioeconomic status, physical and mental health, labour market dynamics, family conditions and life experiences of more than 17,000 Australians aged 15 years and over from 2001 to 2021.

Upon examining the data, researchers found that people who practised stable financial behaviours, such as regularly saving money and paying off credit card payments on time, reported increased mental health as well as vitality, social functioning and general wellbeing.

UniSA Professor of Applied Economics Rajabrata Banerjee says while the link between financial behaviours and mental health is already known, research into patterns of consistent behaviour and the impact on mental health was lacking.

“We already know that having high debt and low savings has a negative impact on mental health, but we wanted to learn more about the positive financial behaviours – such as how regularly someone saves or pay off their debt – that may reduce financial strain and cause less worry about money and better mental health,” he says.

“Considering Australians are already facing cost-of-living pressures, and the ongoing mental health crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to investigate what part positive financial behaviours can play in significantly altering mental health.

“We found that people who are saving and regularly putting money aside have the best mental health. Those who don’t save at all had the worst mental health. In terms of paying off credit card debt, the same principle applies.”

To examine the effect of cost-of-living pressures, the study also investigated whether financial burden was a factor that influenced regular savings and debt behaviours. Financial burden was measured by the cost of utilities like electricity, gas and water, adjusted based on how close someone is to retirement.

“The study found that sharp increases in utility prices placed a greater financial burden on younger people, who typically have low savings and high debt. This burden further strains their finances and negatively impacts their savings and debit behaviours and mental health,” Prof Banerjee says.

“The study also found that the positive impact of savings behaviour on mental health was stronger for men than women, indicating that, in Australia, financial management is still dominated by men, therefore resulting in a greater impact for that group.”

However, the study found that stable financial behaviours led to good mental health irrespective of whether an individual is from a higher or lower socioeconomic background, signifying that even saving a small amount when expenses are high, can lead to better mental health.

Prof Banerjee says financial hardship can be a profoundly disheartening experience that can have a detrimental effect on someone’s mental health as well as their long-term economic interests.

“When individuals are financially strained, they often can’t save as much or invest, so they miss out on growth and meeting those goals they might have set for the future. People can also become reliant on borrowing to meet their basic needs, and this can lead to high interest payments and continuous debt cycles,” he says.

“That’s why healthy financial behaviour is important to build stability and long-term security, allowing goal achievement, independence and access to opportunities, as well as reduced stress and good mental health.”

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

Contact for interview: Raj Banerjee, Professor of Applied Economics, UniSA E: rajabrata.banerjee@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communication Officer, UniSA M: +61 417 361 403 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

MIL OSI News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Te Puke

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has died this morning, following a crash on No 3 Road, Te Puke last night.

Police were called to an address in Te Puke this morning after a man was located deceased. It was later discovered that he was involved in a crash last night.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash and the death are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: New tools to fight retail crime welcomed

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is welcoming a report which shows facial recognition technology is an effective way of combatting retail crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“The Privacy Commission today announced it has found the live facial recognition technology model trialled by Foodstuffs North Island, is compliant with the Privacy Act.

“It found the technology is effective at reducing harmful behaviour towards retailers, especially serious violent incidents.

“This is great news for businesses that are considering using the technology as a means to protect their livelihoods.

“The report notes that privacy concerns must be carefully safeguarded.

“I expect our Ministerial Advisory Group will continue to look at this technology as an option to be used more widely and engage with the sector on it.

“I’ll be encouraging the MAG to take this report into serious consideration.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police Commissioner welcomes report from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner

Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has welcomed an Office of the Privacy Commissioner report into the trial of facial recognition technology by a major supermarket chain, saying such technology is a valuable tool for fighting crime.

“I welcome the OPC’s comments about the potential benefits of facial recognition technology and the finding that, in the case of the Foodstuffs trial, it was effective at reducing incidences of serious repeat offending.”

“The value of technology such as facial recognition is that it is fair and accurate. It has an important role to play in policing.

Facial recognition technology is valuable for deterring, detecting and resolving crime. While there are many benefits to using technology it is crucial to have appropriate guidance in place.”

“I welcome the clear guidelines from the OPC on how retailers can use it effectively and the safeguards that are required. It offers useful guidance on whether its use is appropriate, what the privacy risks are and how those can be minimised.”

Commissioner Chambers said the use of facial recognition technology as a crime prevention tool was a decision for retailers to make for themselves and their businesses.

“Police is supportive of retailers using tools like this to enhance safety for their staff and communities, as long as it is done lawfully and ethically.

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to better use technology to help achieve positive outcomes.

One of the biggest opportunities we have as a country is to embrace technology when it comes to fighting crime.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Welch’s Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Advances in the Agriculture Committee

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today celebrated the advancement of his bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to support America’s students and dairy farmers. This bipartisan bill which is co-led by Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-Kan.), would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, and lactose-free milk.
“Milk provides growing kids with key nutrients they need. Dairy is also an important part of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers. This bill helps provide our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the support of the Agriculture Committee on this bipartisan legislation, and look forward to bringing this bill to the Senate floor.”
Senator Welch has led bipartisan efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy industry. Senator Welch recently joined Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and 15 of his Democratic colleagues in introducing the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, legislation to release illegally withheld funding for all contracts and agreements previously entered into by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This bill would require the USDA to pay farmers all past-due payments as quickly as possible to prevent them from having to shut down their operations.
In March, Senator Welch and 30 Senators called on Secretary Rollins urging USDA to support local food for schools and local food system grant programs. Senator Welch introduced several bills in the 118th Congress to support Vermont’s dairy, organic, and specialty crop farmers; strengthen rural development and infrastructure; increase energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption; improve access to nutrition; strengthen our local food systems and expand markets; and make our communities more resilient to flooding. These bills were included in Senate Democrats’ draft Farm Bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard to participate in public events, establish security zone for Portland Rose Festival

Source: United States Coast Guard

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District PA Detachment Astoria
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Astoria
Office: (503) 861-6380
After Hours: (206) 220-7237
PA Detachment Astoria online newsroom

06/03/2025 05:04 PM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore. – Coast Guard crews are scheduled to participate in multiple events throughout the Portland area for the annual Portland Rose Festival from June 4-8.

MIL Security OSI –

MIL-OSI Security: FBI’s Fugitive Task Force Returns Man Who Was Extradited From Mexico for 2013 Murder

Source: US FBI

A Mexican man wanted for a 2013 murder in Los Angeles was returned to the United States from Mexico over the weekend by members of the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force.

The man, Luis Alberto Gutierrez Tejeda, 33, a Mexican national whose most recent U.S. address was in Sylmar, was arrested last year in Guadalajara, Mexico, by authorities there who were working with the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Mexico City and the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force in Los Angeles. Since his arrest, Tejeda has been incarcerated in Mexico awaiting formal extradition to the United States.

Tejeda was wanted for a 2013 murder in the Arleta neighborhood of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley during which the victim was shot while in his vehicle. Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who are investigating the homicide, identified Tejeda as the shooter responsible.  Once it became known that Tejeda fled the United States, LAPD Detectives contacted the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force and requested assistance in locating and apprehending Tejeda.  The FBI obtained a federal warrant charging Tejeda with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

Tejeda was taken into custody by Mexican authorities in October 2024. In May, the Fugitive Task Force received notification that the Mexican Attorney General would relinquish custody of Tejeda to American authorities on May 30, 2025. Tejada was escorted by task force members to Los Angeles on Friday and was turned over to the custody of the LAPD. The federal UFAP charge is expected to be dismissed.

The FBI’s Fugitive Task Force in Los Angeles is a collaborative effort involving the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to apprehend fugitives, including those who’ve fled from Los Angeles and those who flee to Los Angeles from other jurisdictions. The task force works to locate and arrest individuals who are wanted for various crimes, including violent crimes, and often collaborates with Mexican authorities to return fugitives to the United States. Mexican authorities and the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Mexico City provided considerable assistance, as did the Department of Justice – Office of International Affairs.

MIL Security OSI –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio delivers remarks at the American Compass Fifth Anniversary Gala – 8:00 PM

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio delivers remarks at the American Compass Fifth Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 3, 2025.

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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCwq4Pa0G3M

MIL OSI Video –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Adjusting Imports of Aluminum and Steel into the United States

Source: US Whitehouse

class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

1. On January 11, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on the Secretary’s investigation into the effect of imports of steel mill articles (steel articles) on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862) (section 232). The Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that steel articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.

2. In Proclamation 9705 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), and Proclamation 9980 of January 24, 2020 (Adjusting Imports of Derivative Aluminum Articles and Derivative Steel Articles Into the United States), I concurred with the Secretary’s findings that steel articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9705, and derivative steel articles, as described in clause 3 of Proclamation 9980, are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and I decided to adjust the imports of those steel articles and derivative steel articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from most countries. In Proclamation 10896 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), I decided to adjust the imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries.

3. On January 19, 2018, the Secretary transmitted to me a report on the Secretary’s investigation into the effect of imports of aluminum articles on the national security of the United States under section 232. The Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that aluminum articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.

4. In Proclamation 9704 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), and Proclamation 9980, I concurred with the Secretary’s findings that aluminum articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9704, and derivative aluminum articles, as described in clause 3 of Proclamation 9980, are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles by imposing a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from most countries. In Proclamation 10895 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), I decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries.

5. In Proclamation 10896 and Proclamation 10895, I instructed the Secretary to continue to monitor imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles, and aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles, respectively, and to review the status of such imports with respect to the national security of the United States. The Secretary has done so and has advised me accordingly.

6. After considering current information newly provided by the Secretary, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary to increase the previously described steel and aluminum tariffs to adjust the imports of steel and aluminum articles and their derivative articles so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security. In my judgment, the increased tariffs will more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminum in the United States market and thereby undercut the competitiveness of the United States steel and aluminum industries. Although the previously imposed steel and aluminum tariffs have helped provide critical price support in the United States market, they have not yet enabled these industries to develop and maintain the rates of capacity production utilization that are necessary for the industries’ sustained health and for projected national defense needs. I have determined that increasing the previously imposed tariffs will provide greater support to these industries and reduce or eliminate the national security threat posed by imports of steel and aluminum articles and their derivative articles.

7. Accordingly, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to increase the tariff rate for imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles, and aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles, from 25 percent ad valorem to 50 percent ad valorem effective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025. I have also determined that it is necessary and appropriate to modify the way in which the tariff measures described in Executive Order 14289 of April 29, 2025 (Addressing Certain Tariffs on Imported Articles), apply to steel articles and derivative steel articles, and aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles, to ensure the effectiveness of the tariff changes described in this proclamation and the alignment of policy priorities between this proclamation and Executive Order 14289. I have further determined that it is necessary and appropriate to allow for the implementation of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal of May 8, 2025 (EPD), and to accordingly provide different treatment, as described below, for imports of steel and aluminum articles, and their derivatives, from the United Kingdom.

8. Section 232 authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.

9. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

Now, Therefore, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232; the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); section 301 of title 3, United States Code; and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:
(1) As set forth in Annexes I and II to this proclamation, as of 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, the tariffs proclaimed by Proclamation 9704, as amended; Proclamation 9705, as amended; Proclamation 9980, as amended; Proclamation 10895; and Proclamation 10896 are modified to increase the respective tariff rates from an additional 25 percent ad valorem to an additional 50 percent ad valorem.
(2) The modifications to the HTSUS made by clause 1 of this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
(3) Any imports of articles set forth in Annex II to this proclamation that were admitted into a United States foreign trade zone under “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41 before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, shall be subject upon entry for consumption made on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, to the provisions of the tariff in effect at the time of the entry for consumption.
(4) Any article set forth in Annex I to this proclamation, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, that is subject to a duty imposed by this proclamation and that is admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after June 4, 2025, may be admitted only under “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, and will be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading.
(5) Effective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, Executive Order 14289 is amended by revising section 3(a)(ii) to read as follows: “(ii) An article subject to tariffs pursuant to the actions listed in section 2(d) or 2(e) of this order shall not be subject to additional tariffs on that article pursuant to the actions listed in section 2(b) or 2(c) of this order.” As set forth in Annex III of this proclamation, this amendment shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
(6) Notwithstanding any prior proclamation or Executive Order, the non-aluminum, non-steel content of all aluminum and steel articles and derivative articles shall be subject to tariffs pursuant to Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), as amended, and any other applicable tariffs. The additional ad valorem duties described in clause 1 and clause 7 of this proclamation shall apply only to the steel content of articles in Chapter 73 of the HTSUS and only to the aluminum content of articles in Chapter 76 of the HTSUS. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall issue authoritative guidance mandating strict compliance with declaration requirements for steel and aluminum content in imported articles and outlining maximum penalties for noncompliance, including that importers who submit underreported declarations may be subject to severe consequences, including but not limited to significant monetary penalties, loss of import privileges, and criminal liability, consistent with United States law.
(7) Notwithstanding clause 1 of this proclamation, the applicable rates of duty for articles of the United Kingdom that would otherwise be applicable pursuant to Proclamation 9704, as amended; Proclamation 9705, as amended; Proclamation 9980, as amended; Proclamation 10895; and Proclamation 10896 shall remain at 25 percent ad valorem. On or after July 9, 2025, the Secretary may adjust the applicable rates of duty and construct import quotas for steel and aluminum consistent with the terms of the EPD, or he may increase the applicable rates of duty to 50 percent if he determines that the United Kingdom has not complied with relevant aspects of the EPD.
(8) The Secretary shall continue to monitor imports of the articles and derivative articles described in Annexes I and II to this proclamation, and shall, from time to time, in consultation with any senior executive branch officials the Secretary deems appropriate, review the status of such imports with respect to the national security of the United States. The Secretary shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the Secretary’s opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President under section 232. The Secretary shall also inform the President of any circumstances that, in the Secretary’s opinion, might indicate that the duty rate provided for in this proclamation, or any proclamation issued pursuant thereto, is no longer necessary.
(9) No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this proclamation.
(10) The Secretary may issue regulations and guidance consistent with this proclamation, including to address operational necessity.
(11) The Secretary, in consultation with the United States International Trade Commission and CBP, shall determine whether any modifications to the HTSUS are necessary to effectuate this proclamation and may make such modifications through notice in the Federal Register if needed.
(12) CBP may take any necessary or appropriate measures to administer the tariffs imposed by this proclamation.
(13) Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                               DONALD J. TRUMP

MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Increases Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
Source: US Whitehouse
COUNTERING TRADE PRACTICES THAT UNDERMINE NATIONAL SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation to increase the tariff to 50% on steel and aluminum.
- President Trump is taking action to protect America’s critical steel and aluminum industries, which have been harmed by unfair trade practices and global excess capacity.
- President Trump is raising the tariff on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, with the higher tariff set to go into effect on June 4, 2025.
  
  Tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the United Kingdom will remain at 25%, with possible changes or quotas starting July 9, 2025, depending on the status of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal.
  
  The steel and aluminum tariffs will apply only to the steel and aluminum contents of imported products, whereas the non-steel and non-aluminum contents of imported products will be subject to other applicable tariffs.
- President Trump is cracking down on false import declarations by requiring strict reporting of steel and aluminum content, with tough penalties like fines or loss of import rights for violators.
- President Trump is exercising his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to adjust imports of steel and aluminum to protect our national security.
  
  This statute provides the President with authority to adjust imports being brought into the United States in quantities or under circumstances that threaten to impair national security.
RESTORING FAIRNESS TO STEEL AND ALUMINUM MARKETS: President Trump is taking action to end unfair trade practices and the global dumping of steel and aluminum.
- Foreign nations have been flooding the United States market with cheap steel and aluminum, often subsidized by their governments.
- A report from the first Trump Administration found that steel import levels and global excess were weakening our domestic economy and threatening to impair national security.
  
  The report found that excess production and capacity has been a major factor in the decline of domestic aluminum production.
- While the domestic steel industry briefly achieved 80% capacity utilization in 2021, subsequent trade pressure has depressed domestic production. In 2022 and 2023, capacity utilization fell to 77.3% and 75.3%, respectively. High import volumes from sources exempt from Section 232 tariffs were a major factor in depressing domestic production volumes.
- For aluminum, there was an increase in the capacity utilization rate between 2017 and 2019, from 40% to 61% during that period. But since 2019, the aluminum capacity utilization has once again seen a steady decline, falling from 61% to 55% between 2019 and 2023.
- The United States does not want to be in a position where it would be unable to meet demand for national defense and critical infrastructure in a national emergency.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: President Trump’s decision to close existing loopholes and exemptions will strengthen United States’ steel and aluminum industries.
- In his first term, President Trump imposed Section 232 tariffs to protect the American steel and aluminum industries from unfair foreign competition.
- The steel tariffs that President Trump implemented led to thousands of jobs gained and higher wages in the metals industry.
  
  These tariffs were hailed as a “boon” for Minnesota’s iron ore industry, with state officials crediting tariffs for bolstering the local economy.
  
  Steel and aluminum imports drastically decreased under President Trump, falling by nearly a third from 2016 to 2020.
  
  The tariffs led to a wave in investment across the United States, with more than $10 billion committed to build new mills.
- Earlier this year, President Trump restored and strengthened Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, widely celebrated by the American steel and aluminum industries.
- Now, President Trump is once again being praised by our steel and Aluminum industries for his decision to raise tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum even higher and protect American workers.
TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that contrary to public rhetoric, tariffs can be an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives.
- A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first Administration found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy,” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
- A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China, effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.
- According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first Administration “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and only had a temporary effect on overall price levels.
- An analysis from the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
- Former Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
- A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Leads House Democrats in Demanding Federal Budget Fully Fund Public Broadcasting

Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

Funding Request Comes Amid Trump Administration’s Continued Attacks on Public Journalism

Goldman is Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Public Broadcasting Caucus

Read the Letter Here

Washington, D.C – Co-Chair of the Congressional Public Broadcasting Caucus Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), alongside Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA–07) led 103 of their House Democratic colleagues in writing to the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Aderholt and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro to request the federal government’s budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year fully fund public programming, including $535 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s (CPB) two-year advance, level funding of $31 million for the Department of Education’s Ready To Learn grant program, and level funding of $60 million for public broadcasting Interconnection system.

The letter comes as the Trump administration continues to attack public journalism’s editorial independence and crack down on public broadcasting nationwide. This month, the administration issued an unlawful Executive Order directing CPB to cease all funding for NPR and PBS, which support local TV and radio news outlets across the country. Goldman’s letter highlights the critical role that CPB plays not only in ensuring all Americans have access to trusted and reliable news, but also emergency response tools for state and local municipalities and educational programming for kids of all ages.

“Without federal support for public broadcasting, many localities would struggle to receive timely, reliable local news and educational content, especially remote and rural communities that commercial newsrooms are increasingly less likely to invest in. In states such as Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Texas, rural public radio stations are often the only weekly or daily news source in their communities. Even in places with other daily or weekly news sources, those outlets may not be directing resources toward original or locally based stories, leaving it to public stations to fill the gap,” the Members wrote.

CPB-funded public media reaches nearly 99.7% percent of the American population, and its funding funds over 1,500 public television and radio stations across the country, supporting approximately 20,000 local jobs. The members also emphasize the load-bearing role that the CPB-funded public broadcasting infrastructure plays in individual states’ emergency response.

“Between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, nearly 8,500 Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) were issued by federal, state, and local authorities and transmitted over the PBS Warning, Alert, and Response Network (PBS WARN) system. Additionally, National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Radio Satellite System enable local public radio stations to issue text and image alerts and other information to mobile phones, “connected car” smart dashboards, HD radios, and online streams. In fact, NPR has been named as a resource in at least 20 states’ emergency plans,” the Members continued.

Founded in 1967 as a private, non-profit corporation, the CPB’s structure shields its content decisions from political influence and is compelled by law to uphold “strict adherence to objectivity and balance.” In addition to emergency response systems and local journalism, federal funding for CPB also enables public broadcasting to support educational content that parents nationwide rely on to help their children learn, averaging 16 million monthly users and more than 350 million monthly streams across digital platforms, allowing people at all income levels and from all parts of the country to access consistent, high-quality, educational content for free.

“We urge you to continue your support for our nation’s local public broadcasting stations with level funding of $535 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s two-year advance, level funding of $31 million for the Ready To Learn grant program, and level funding of $60 million for public broadcasting Interconnection,” the Members concluded.

Read the letter here or below:

Dear Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro:

Thank you for the strong bipartisan support that the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee has provided to our local public broadcasting stations through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the Ready To Learn program, and public media’s interconnection system. As you craft the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill, we request that you maintain this legacy and continue to support strong funding for these critical programs.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Objectivity and balance and diversity of thought in public broadcasting are essential to serving the public interest and preserving the public’s trust. That’s why in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, Congress authorized the creation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation wholly independent of the federal government, to steward the federal government’s investment in public media. This structure shields content decisions from political influence and the statute compels CPB to uphold “strict adherence to objectivity and balance in all programs or series of programs of a controversial nature.”

For more than 50 years, Congress has provided funding for the CPB with strong bipartisan support. Since 1976, Congress provides such funding as a two-year advance appropriation, serving as a firewall that protects public media’s independence from politically motivated interference. It makes possible the long-term planning required to ensure public media’s educational and public affairs programming meets the highest academic and journalistic standards and has become the bedrock for CPB’s longstanding public-private partnership in service to all Americans.

Federal funding for the CPB is the foundation of public media’s national-local, public-private partnership. Distributed according to a statutory formula, CPB’s administrative expenses are capped at 5% and approximately 70% of all CPB’s two-year advance are distributed to eligible public media stations. CPB funds more than 1,500 public television and radio stations across the country, supporting approximately 20,000 local jobs, and representing the only locally licensed, controlled, and directed media in America. With CPB funding, public media reaches nearly 99.7% percent of the American population living in rural, small town, and urban communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four commonwealths and territories. Every $1 of federal funding contributing to that programming, generates $7 from local sources — a tremendous return on the taxpayer investment.

This federal funding is critical to the work of all local public broadcasting stations to provide essential services and programming to local communities; enable local journalism that address current issues in an objective, fair, and balanced manner; facilitate local public safety and emergency alert services, and support educational services to millions of students, teachers, parents and caregivers. Unlike commercial media, public media operates under a unique statutory mandate to serve the public interest, focusing on educational and cultural enrichment and public safety, not profit.

Without federal support for public broadcasting, many localities would struggle to receive timely, reliable local news and educational content, especially remote and rural communities that commercial newsrooms are increasingly less likely to invest in. In states such as Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Texas, rural public radio stations are often the only weekly or daily news source in their communities. Even in places with other daily or weekly news sources, those outlets may not be directing resources toward original or locally based stories, leaving it to public stations to fill the gap.

We request level funding of $535 million for CPB’s two-year advance.

Public Safety

Covering nearly 99 percent of the U.S. population, public broadcasting stations play an irreplaceable role as an emergency response tool that states and localities depend on.

Public television stations provide critical redundancy through the PBS Warning, Alert, and Response Network (PBS WARN) which sends geo-targeted Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages issued by more than 1,600 local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal authorities from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cellular carriers, all along public media infrastructure. Between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, nearly 8,500 WEAs were issued by federal, state, and local authorities and transmitted over the PBS WARN system. Additionally, National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Radio Satellite System enable local public radio stations to issue text and image alerts and other information to mobile phones, “connected car” smart dashboards, HD radios, and online streams. In fact, NPR has been named as a resource in at least 20 states’ emergency plans, for example, in Florida, “The National Test will be relayed to the three Primary Entry Point stations in Florida: WOKV (690 AM) – Jacksonville, WFLF (540 AM) – Orlando, WAQI (710 AM) – Miami.” Natural disasters do not stay within the lines of human-drawn state borders – that is why it’s imperative that federal emergency communications coordinated through the CPB-funded PBS WARN and Public Radio Satellite System are able to get comprehensive information to those at risk in real time.

In addition to transmitting emergency alerts, public radio stations provide flexible, live coverage of emergencies and connect lifesaving information to first responders and residents during unfolding events. During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, even as many other news sources lost power and internet, Blue Ridge Public Radio remained online in the Asheville, North Carolina area and delivered hourly local updates and statements from public officials to the more than 500,000 people impacted by power outages in the region. In Florida, a network of 14 public media stations across the state began coverage of Hurricane Helene a week before its major landfall, granting residents direct access to real-time weather alerts and updates across all platforms and apps. In Texas, Houston Public Media was able to utilize its over-the-air signal to connect first responders and residents in the Gulf Coast region with lifesaving information during the May Derecho and Hurricane Beryl last year.

Without public media, the federal and state governments would have to decide between funding replacement emergency alerting systems or forgo ensuring that all residents have access to life-saving information. For rural communities, large expanses and low population density would raise substantial financial barriers.

Education

Public broadcasting networks also support educational content that parents nationwide rely on to help their children learn, averaging 16 million monthly users and more than 350 million monthly streams across digital platforms. Public media is committed to providing education services to all Americans. Public broadcasting allows people at all income levels and from all parts of the country—rural and urban—to have access to consistent, high-quality, educational content for free.

Through a unique partnership among the U.S. Department of Education, CPB, and PBS, the Ready To Learn program funds the development of educational television and digital media targeted at preschool and early elementary school children and their families. More than 100 studies have demonstrated that this program’s research-based content builds and improves the early literacy and math skills for children, ages two to eight. For the majority of American children (60% in 2020) who don’t have the means or opportunity to attend preschool, Ready To Learn content provides an essential “school readiness” experience.

We are requesting level funding of $31 million in FY 2026 to continue the impact of Ready to Learn created content and the scope of local station outreach to the kids, families, teachers, and schools that need it most.

Community Connection

Local public broadcasting stations are some of the last locally controlled and locally operated media in the country, especially in more rural and remote areas. The local focus of the stations builds civic leadership, strengthens the fabric of our local communities, and ensures that invaluable culture and unique local voices are preserved for generations to come.

For example, West Virginia Public Broadcasting partners with educators and local libraries in Boone County to deliver high-quality early childhood education to area children, setting them up for future success. The station also produces its broadcast music program, Mountain Stage, showcasing local and regional music that is distributed by NPR for a national audience. Across the country, South Dakota Public Broadcasting is streaming state legislative meetings, making state government accessible to every South Dakotan. These services serve state interests, often saving states money by offering higher quality services at lower costs.

Interconnection

All of these services depend on public broadcasting’s interconnection system – the satellite and digital infrastructure and supporting operations that provide every local public media station across the country with access to programming from national, regional, and independent content providers and the capability to share their local content with others. This system ensures that cellular customers can receive geo-targeted emergency alerts and warnings, enabling public media to be the fail-safe for reliable public safety services, even when power grids and internet services are down. 

Level funding of $60 million in FY 2026 for the interconnection system is essential to support its system-wide infrastructure while also efficiently address growing needs in the system, including: cybersecurity, content delivery networks, and data management, among others.

We urge you to continue your support for our nation’s local public broadcasting stations with level funding of $535 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s two-year advance, level funding of $31 million for the Ready To Learn grant program, and level funding of $60 million for public broadcasting Interconnection.

Thank you for your consideration and attention to this important request.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Carter statement on President Trump’s rescissions package being sent to the House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter statement on President Trump’s rescissions package being sent to the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today released the following statement on President Trump’s rescissions package that was sent to the House of Representatives, which calls for $9.4 billion in savings identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to be codified into law:

“DOGE has done an excellent job identifying waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Now, it’s time for us in Congress to do our part to ensure that government efficiency becomes the law of the land. On behalf of President Trump and for the American people, we must get this done quickly and restore both fiscal responsibility and government integrity. I urge Senators Warnock and Ossoff to support this package, as President Trump was given a mandate by the people they supposedly represent to do exactly this.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Arkansas Ranks #1 for Election Integrity

Source: US State of Arkansas

Up from #8 in the Heritage Foundation’s nationwide ranking

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas now ranks #1 in the nation for election integrity according to the Heritage Foundation’s Election Integrity Scorecard. The State ranked #8 at the beginning of the year and rose in the ranks after a successful session in which Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders prioritized safe and secure elections for Arkansas voters.

“My goal this session was simple: make it easy to vote and hard to cheat,” said Governor Sanders. “I was proud to work with my friend, Secretary of State Cole Jester, to make Arkansas ballot boxes the safest and most secure in America and end petition fraud to protect our Constitution. Today’s announcement shows that all our hard work paid off.”

“As Secretary of State, I have said from day one we would have the most secure elections in the country. I’m proud of the work my team has completed implementing new procedures and technology. None of this would be possible without the great work of Governor Sanders and the men and women of the Arkansas legislature,” said Secretary of State Cole Jester.

“Heritage has long been the gold standard for ranking states for election integrity and security,” said Senator Kim Hammer (District 16). “Legislators, Governor Sanders, and Secretary of State Cole Jester have worked together as a team, on behalf of Arkansans, to help achieve the number one ranking in election integrity and security in the nation! We must continue our work to protect our number one ranking from those who want to take us backwards. Arkansans can feel confident that our elections are secure. Let’s work together to maintain this ranking.”

“Arkansas should never sacrifice election integrity for convenience,” said Senator John Payton (District 22). “We must fulfill our responsibility to get it right. I believe the commonsense changes made this year are true to these principles.”

“Arkansas’ rise to #1 in the nation for election security is a significant achievement and a clear reflection of the strong conservative leadership and very intentional work done by the legislature,” said Senator Matt McKee (District 6). “The foundation of America’s constitutional republic relies on our ability to hold free and fair elections. While others work to undermine our republic, Arkansas has fought back to set a national example for how states can secure the electoral process and hold elections the people can trust.”

“There can be no doubt — we take election integrity seriously in Arkansas,” said Rep. David Ray (District 69). “It should be easy to vote and hard to cheat, and this new ranking is a testament to the hard work that we’ve done the past few years to fortify our election laws.”

“The Presidential elections of 2016 and 2020 showed both parties can challenge results,” said Rep. Carlton Wing (District 38). “The Legislature and Secretary of State’s office worked hard to pass laws to restore confidence in the electoral process. Arkansas now leads the nation in assuring our citizens that all legal votes must be counted and only legal votes should count. Today’s announcement demonstrates our efforts are setting a national standard in election integrity.”

“In recognizing the dedication of the Republican-led legislature, the Heritage Foundation has propelled Arkansas to the pinnacle of election security rankings, from #8 to #1 in the nation,” said Rep. Howard Beaty (District 95). “As Arkansas House Majority Leader, I take pride in these outstanding results, reflecting our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the democratic process.”

“Protecting the integrity of our elections starts long before ballots are cast,” said Rep. Kendon Underwood (District 16). “By strengthening safeguards in the petition process and cracking down on fraud and abuse, we’ve sent a clear message: every step in our democratic process must be uncompromised and trustworthy. Arkansas now stands as the national leader in election integrity because the security of our elections is a responsibility we take seriously every day.”

Governor Sanders’ accomplishments in this legislative session include Act 240, Act 241, and Act 218, which strengthened protections on Arkansas’ ballot amendment process so that bad actors cannot influence and change the Natural State’s Constitution. The Governor also signed Act 998 and Act 999 to protect Arkansas elections from hostile foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea and ban foreign entities from funding state and local ballot measures.

Additionally, Governor Sanders is fully in support of the Citizens Only Voting Amendment, which will appear in front of voters next election and mandate that only U.S. citizens can vote in Arkansas elections.

The Natural State received perfect scores on Voter ID Implementation, Access of Election Observers, Verification of Citizenship, Identification for Voter Assistance, Vote County Practices, Restrictions on Same-day Registration, Restrictions on Automatic Registration, Restrictions on Private Funding of Election Officials or Government Agencies, and Restrictions on Ranked Choice Voting.

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being Publishes First Report

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being Publishes First Report

Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being Publishes First Report
lsaito
Tue, 06/03/2025 – 16:53

Raleigh, NC

Governor Josh Stein’s Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being, established by an executive order in April 2025, recommends that North Carolina school systems establish policies that eliminate the use of personal communication devices, including cell phones, from the start to the end of the school day. To support school systems as they develop and implement local policies to make schools cell phone-free, the Advisory Council today published its Best Practices Guide for North Carolina Public Schools Units (PSUs) Establishing Personal Communication Device Policies.

“When students can spend their school day focused on their learning and engaged with friends and teachers, they have the opportunity to learn better and fully engage with others,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud that North Carolina is taking the lead in helping schools improve student academic achievement, well-being, and safety by working to address cell phones in schools.”

“North Carolina’s children deserve to learn in environments that support their growth—not just academically, but emotionally and socially,” said Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, Advisory Council Co-Chair. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen a persistent and troubling decline in student mental health, and we owe it to our children to respond with the clarity and urgency this moment demands. The guide developed by our Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-Being provides school systems with evidence-based tools to build more focused classrooms and healthier schools. It reflects our commitment to swift, thoughtful action—and I’m excited to see how local leaders will use it to make the right decisions for their students and communities.”

“On average, teenagers use their smartphones for more than four hours per day, receiving more than 230 notifications per day,” said Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, Advisory Council Co-Chair. “We know that the increased use of personal communication devices during the past 15 years has also coincided with a drastic deterioration of student mental health. This plan outlines a whole-of-community approach that includes students, teachers, school administrators, and parents in creating an environment where youth can put down their phones for eight hours a day to focus on academic success, mental well-being and building interpersonal relationships.”

“As North Carolina Teacher of the Year, I see every day how powerful learning can be when students are fully engaged,” said 2024 NC Teacher of the Year Heather Smith, Advisory Council Co-Chair. “When we remove distractions like personal communication devices during instructional time, we’re not just enforcing a rule—we’re creating space for deeper focus, stronger relationships, and better outcomes. The advisory council recommends that school systems establish a policy that eliminates the use of personal communication devices from the beginning to the end of the school day. This recommendation is about prioritizing student success, supporting teachers, and making classrooms places where every moment counts.”

Governor Stein commissioned the best practices guide as the Advisory Council’s first priority to support school systems in creating healthy learning environments that increase academic achievement and student well-being. The guide is intended to support school systems in implementing a personal communication device policy by providing relevant topics of consideration.

The Advisory Council’s guide draws on research on how personal communication devices, including cell phones, are affecting children. Nearly all teenagers have their own smartphone, using them for nearly four and a half hours and receiving 237 notifications per day. As cell phone usage has increased over the last 15 years, student mental health has deteriorated. Between 2009 and 2019, the number of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness has increased by 40%; those considering attempting suicide increased by 36%; and the amount creating a suicide plan increased by 44%. The Advisory Council also garnered feedback directly from students to inform its recommendations.

In Executive Order 13, Governor Josh Stein established the Advisory Council with a mission of advancing North Carolina’s commitment to safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools. The Council will propose and implement solutions to promote school safety and improve students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. It will continue to develop recommendations, provide guidance to state agencies, work with local communities, and share best practices.

The Advisory Council is co-chaired by Sydney Batch, Senate Democratic Leader; William L. Lassiter, Deputy Secretary of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Public Safety; and Heather Smith, a Haywood County teacher and the 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Jun 3, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai Visits Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center
jawerner
Tue, 06/03/2025 – 16:30

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai today visited two state operated healthcare facilities, Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center (NTC) and Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center (ADATC), dedicated to providing critical specialized care to people in eastern North Carolina.

Secretary Sangvai’s first stop was Longleaf NTC in Wilson, one of three state operated healthcare facilities which serves adults with chronic and complex medical conditions that co-exist with neurodevelopmental, and/or neurocognitive disorders and/or a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental illness. He was joined by State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt; Deputy Secretary for Licensing and Facilities Karen Burkes; Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Chief Psychiatrist Dr. Carrie Brown; and Longleaf NTC leadership. During the visit, they toured a resident hall and two recently completed renovation projects in the kitchen and outdoor verandah.

The facility faces several challenges including staffing shortages and retention, particularly with nursing positions. Currently, the overall staffing vacancy rate is more than 43% with over 200 open positions. Longleaf NTC relies heavily on contract staffing to support staff shortages, and long-term investments are needed to help further support the workforce.

“The health care workforce in North Carolina is vital to the health of our communities,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Together we will work toward solutions, like increased pay and retention efforts, to fill these critical positions and ensure people continue to receive the care they need.”

Leadership also highlighted successes including the facility’s return to normal operations after taking in residents of Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center who were displaced during Hurricane Helene.

Secretary Sangvai then toured and met with staff at Walter B. Jones ADATC in Greenville, one of two substance use disorder treatment centers operated by the NCDHHS Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities (DSOHF). They visited a newly opened residential unit, cafeteria and Opioid Treatment Center at the facility.

Walter B. Jones ADATC leaders cited hiring and recruitment challenges among their top concerns, including the inability to offer competitive wages. Currently, the staffing vacancy rate is more than 38% with over 55 open positions. These workforce challenges limit the facility’s operating capacity which is currently at 35 beds out of 42 total.

“State operated healthcare facilities are the backbone to providing critical and complex services to some of the most vulnerable people in North Carolina,” said Secretary Sangvai. “If we want to create a healthier North Carolina, we must retain positions to attract and maintain staff and providers in these vital facilities.”

Current North Carolina House and Senate budget proposals eliminate hundreds of NCDHHS positions. Any reductions in the workforce at NCDHHS DSOHF facilities would limit the ability to staff and operate more beds and could permanently reduce the number of patients able to be served if it becomes law.

Jun 3, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Federal Prison for Aiding and Abetting a Murder

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Ziyon Thompson, 21, of Baltimore, Maryland was sentenced to 22 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the murder of Miguel Soto-Diaz, on May 8, 2022. Thompson was charged with using a firearm resulting in death during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

MIL Security OSI –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Man Sentenced For Possession And Transfer Of A Destructive Device

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Shane Allen Gibson (45, Jacksonville) to two years and six months in federal prison for possession of a destructive device and transfer of a destructive device to a convicted felon. Gibson pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025.

MIL Security OSI –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Says Senate Should Dump House Proposal to Force Millions Off Health Coverage & Endanger Struggling Rural Hospitals

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
06.03.25
Cantwell Says Senate Should Dump House Proposal to Force Millions Off Health Coverage & Endanger Struggling Rural Hospitals
In WA, Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” would compromise health coverage for over 270k people
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for a press conference at the Capitol calling on their Republican colleagues to reject the devastating cuts to Medicaid included in the budget bill that barely passed the House of Representatives last month.
“If this bill is enacted — reversing the gains of the Affordable Care Act — it will increase our uncompensated care cost. One estimate: $42 billion alone in 2026 of uncompensated care, and $278 billion in uncompensated care increases over a 10-year window,” Sen. Cantwell said.
“The result in declining revenue would have adverse consequences for at-risk hospitals and rural communities. We have all heard from our rural hospitals warning us about this. How is it that our Republican Senate colleagues are not listening to those rural hospitals?”
She continued: “Do our Republican colleagues not care about delivery of health care in our rural community and the spillover effect it has to their economies? This is not scare tactics. This is a bill, if enacted, [that] will not result in savings. It will result in an increase in the uninsured. It will result in financial stresses on our system, and it will increase costs on all of us. And yes, it will cost lives.”
Video of today’s press conference is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a reconciliation bill containing over $700 billion in cuts and significant changes to Medicaid, the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington state, covers over 1.9 million Washingtonians. On May 2, Sen. Cantwell released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state’s highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities. In February, she released a snapshot report that demonstrated how cuts would harm health care access in Washington state, and she followed up with a report in March that dove into impacts on the Puget Sound region.
Highlights of those snapshot reports include:
In Washington state, WA-04 (Central Washington) and WA-05 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid (Apple Health). In District 4, 70% of children are on Medicaid.
In the Puget Sound, children in Seattle’s blue-collar strongholds would feel the deepest pain from Medicaid cuts. More than half of children in Burien, SeaTac, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton, and Rainier Valley depend on Medicaid.
In an exclusive new survey of 68 WA nursing homes, 67 of 68 would cut services if Medicaid were cut by 5% or more, and 65% would consider closing.
Over the past three months, Sen. Cantwell also took a tour around the state to hear from folks who would be directly impacted by cuts to Medicare. Doctors, patients, and health care providers in Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Wenatchee warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.
On May 21, Sen. Cantwell joined Washington state health care professionals for a virtual press conference to highlight statewide alarm and opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts. That same day, 23 Republican members of the Washington state legislature sent a letter to the entire Washington state federal Congressional delegation, urging the delegation to “protect Medicaid funding for Washington State.”
A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to defend Medicaid from cuts is HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Ricketts Lead Bipartisan Senate Delegation to Shangri-La Dialogue to Reaffirm U.S. Iron-Clad Commitment to Indo-Pacific Partners & Allies

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
May 29, 2025
[SINGAPORE] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) are leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Singapore to this year’s International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue, which is one of Asia’s premier global international security and defense summits, to reaffirm the United States’ strong bipartisan commitment to our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Their arrival in Singapore comes immediately after Senator Duckworth completed a successful visit to Taiwan where she voiced her support for the Taiwanese people and our partnership with them. While in Singapore, the Delegation plans to meet with a number of defense and foreign affairs officials representing several of our partners in the Indo-Pacific region to discuss her efforts to increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including strengthening our cultural, economic and military partnerships across the region.
“I’ve always believed that if America wants to remain a global leader, we have to show up and support our partners and allies—and that means our leadership in the Indo-Pacific must continue for the long term,” said Senator Duckworth. “The United States has long been a major Pacific power but, if we abandon our Indo-Pacific partners, we’d be leaving a vacuum that the PRC both can—and likely will—take advantage of, making it harder for America to compete with China and weakening our standing on the global stage all while giving our adversaries and competitors an easy path to overtaking us. So I’m proud to be back for this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, where Senator Ricketts and I will be working to strengthen our relationships with several of our Indo-Pacific partners and send a strong, bipartisan message to our allies—and our competitors—that the United States is here for the long haul.”
“Increasing aggression from Communist China continues to threaten peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. In the Senate, I am working with my colleagues to make sure all aspects of our government are ready to respond to Beijing’s malign influence and hostilities in the region,” said Senator Ricketts. “What we’re seeing from America’s friends in the Indo-Pacific is a renewed emphasis on strengthening their defense capabilities. I’m looking forward to participating in this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue with Senator Duckworth. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners to deter Communist China’s aggression and counter its threats to our collective interests.”
While in Singapore, the Duckworth-Ricketts Delegation intends to meet with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Singapore Minister of Defence Chan Chun Sing, Republic of Korea Defense Minister for Policy Cho Chang-rae, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, German Deputy Defense Minister Dr. Nils Schmid, Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phuntham Wechayachai, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, UK Ministry of Defense Minister of State Lord Coaker, Commander of United Nations Command (UNC) Xavier Brunson and more.
This trip comes after Duckworth successfully led a bipartisan delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue alongside U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) last year. Duckworth is a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Indo-Pacific nations and improving security in the region—which she has done while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was signed into law, Duckworth successfully secured a modified version of her Access to Care for Overseas Military Act to improve medical readiness in the Indo-Pacific. This provision established a program to accredit foreign medical facilities to help ensure our nation’s servicemembers as well as their families have access to quality patient care throughout the Indo-Pacific region—where they often must travel long distances to receive care—both during peacetime and in the event of a conflict abroad.
In 2023, Duckworth led an official visit to Japan and Indonesia as part of her continuing efforts to strengthen ties and reinforce support between allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and the United States. And last summer, Duckworth led another official visit to the Indo-Pacific region again, visiting Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines to meet with government and business leaders and discuss opportunities that would increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as economic investments, regional stability and national security.
In 2022, Duckworth traveled to South Korea and Taiwan where she met with business, government and trade leaders, which helped lead to a joint venture between Illinois’s ADM and South Korea’s LG Chem, as well as a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans. In 2021, Duckworth, Sullivan and Coons also travelled to Taiwan to announce that the United States’ would donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan as part of President Biden’s plan to provide vaccines to our global partners in need. Duckworth also successfully included a modified version of her Strengthen Taiwan’s Security Act in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to help Taiwan strengthen its military defenses. In 2019, Duckworth led a bipartisan delegation to Japan and Singapore. In 2018, Duckworth visited South Korea and Japan.
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MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider IRS Commissioner

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nomination of Billy Long to be Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner.
As prepared for delivery:
“We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nomination of Congressman Billy Long to be Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“As we have done with other nominees, the meeting this morning will provide Members with the opportunity to offer remarks on Congressman Long’s nomination. We will recess briefly following Member statements and then proceed to this morning’s nominations hearing. We will notify Members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote on Congressman Long’s nomination.
“At his hearing, Congressman Long outlined his vision to transform the IRS through systems modernization, a renewed focus on efficiency and a much-needed change in IRS culture.
“If confirmed, I look forward to working with him to ensure the IRS focuses on helping American taxpayers to better understand and meet their tax responsibilities, and that it enforces the law with integrity and fairness to all.
“I was encouraged to hear Congressman Long clearly commit that ‘the IRS will not, [and] should not, be politicized on my watch.’
“I’d also like to thank Congressman Long for his time working through the Finance Committee’s rigorous nomination process, in addition to responding to a large amount of questions for the record. At his hearing, and in his written responses, Congressman Long clearly affirmed that all of his tax consulting work was as an independent contractor for Capitol Edge Strategies. He never performed work for White River or anyone else regarding Native American tribal tax credits.
“With respect to the contributions to his Senate campaign, Congressman Long stated time and again that he followed Federal Election Commission (FEC) guidelines.
“In sum, Congressman Long is uniquely suited to instill needed change at the IRS and I will vote in favor of his nomination. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Chagos islands: how Mauritius can turn a diplomatic triumph into real economic growth
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Dev K (Roshan) Boojihawon, Associate professor of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham

The decades-long Chagos islands dispute has finally entered a new chapter. The UK officially agreed to return the sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius.

The Indian Ocean islands are strategically situated near key shipping lanes and regional power hubs.

Mauritius was granted independence from British colonial rule in 1968. But not the Chagos islands, which had been part of Mauritius but became a new colonial territory. The residents of the largest island in the archipelago, Diego Garcia, were forced off the land. This was used as a base to support US military operations.

Read more:
Mauritius’ next growth phase: a new plan is needed as the tax haven era fades

Now Mauritius has regained control over the islands while leasing Diego Garcia to the UK for a 99-year period for US$136 million a year. This gives the UK (and its ally the US) access to a vital maritime corridor for global trade and power projection.

But now that the deal has been signed, there’s a more pressing question. Can Mauritius use it as the foundation for justice and economic progress?

As scholars of strategic economic development we often focus on Africa and Mauritius in particular. We believe the agreement marks an important geopolitical moment. It rights a colonial wrong, honours international justice and cements Mauritius’s global standing.

It also presents an opportunity to fund inclusive development and sustainability initiatives for Mauritius. It could boost investments in education, health and infrastructure. It could also support the resettlement of displaced Chagossians, and advance marine conservation, renewable energy and climate resilience programmes in the archipelago.

Aerial view of Diego Garcia and the Chagos archipelago.
NASA/Wikimedia Commons

The real challenge facing the Mauritian government is how to turn a diplomatic triumph into tangible national progress. We argue that what’s needed is a forward looking and inclusive strategy.

The development challenge

Reparations can offer short-term financial relief. But without visionary planning, there’s a risk of these funds being absorbed into recurrent government spending. Or used for symbolic programmes with limited structural and socio-economic impact.

The real value lies in what Mauritius does next. Investment in strategic sectors such as the blue economy, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and sustainable tourism is the key.

Investment should strengthen partnerships with regional neighbours, international donors, and strategic allies like the US, China and India. Mauritius must position itself as a forward-looking state with global relevance.

Read more:
How the US and UK worked together to recolonise the Chagos Islands and evict Chagossians

The reparations should be treated as seed funding to invest in its own future. This means using the funds to drive bold, long-term transformation. The country needs to build a more resilient, innovative and globally competitive economy.

Mauritius is heavily reliant on offshore services and short-term fiscal gains. It is vulnerable to slow diversification, rising youth unemployment, climate-related risks, lagging digital and technological progress, and growing global scrutiny of its financial sector.

To remain competitive in the current volatile global context, the country must develop more broadly.

3 steps to take

1. Investment

Mauritius has historically relied on external financial inflows like tourism revenue, offshore finance and foreign aid. By channelling funds into capacity-building, skills development and innovation ecosystems, the country can cultivate a self-sustaining economy. This would position it better to seize opportunities in the green economy, digital transformation and knowledge-intensive industries.

More specifically, it needs to:
- secure investment in green energy, AI-digital infrastructure and high-tech manufacturing
- offer tax incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to attract foreign direct investment in these sectors
- establish public-private partnerships to develop innovation hubs and research centres focused on emerging technologies
- launch workforce development programmes to upskill the labour force.
2. Economic diplomacy, alliances and regional leverage

The government should forge stronger partnerships with the UK and the US. Key areas include defence, cybersecurity, climate and sustainability innovations and regional logistics infrastructure.

It needs strong ties as power blocs shift and competition over strategic resources and trade routes grows.

Joint military exercises and intelligence sharing could improve forces’ ability to help each other. Investing in advanced cyber defence capabilities, for instance, can help counter emerging digital threats, such as data breaches affecting financial services and e-governance systems.

These steps would bolster national security and reinforce Mauritius’ position as a reliable partner.

The resolution of the Chagos dispute provides an opportunity for Mauritius to use its geopolitical position. It could expand trade, diplomatic influence and strategic partnerships across Africa, Asia and beyond.

Being located between Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia places it along major maritime trade routes.

Mauritius enjoys political stability, democratic governance and strong legal framework. It is well placed to help resolve regional disputes over maritime boundary conflicts, fishing rights, and freedom of navigation. These involve countries like India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar, and even China and the US.

It can also lead in developing shared logistics and resupply hubs to support regional trade, disaster response and maritime security operations.

3. Chagossian justice

Mauritius must make the Chagossian community part of its next national success story. Including them in economic plans is a legal, moral and strategic necessity.

Steps should include:
- incorporating Chagos representatives in economic discussions and decision-making processes
- establishing programmes for Chagossian cultural preservation and economic development
- giving Chagossians a voice in shaping the future of their ancestral lands.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Chagos islands: how Mauritius can turn a diplomatic triumph into real economic growth – https://theconversation.com/chagos-islands-how-mauritius-can-turn-a-diplomatic-triumph-into-real-economic-growth-257774
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Even if Putin and Zelenskyy do go face-to-face, don’t expect wonders − their one meeting in 2019 ended in failure

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Anna Batta, Associate Professor of International Security Studies, Air University

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrive at the Elysee Palace in Paris in 2019. Ian Langsdon/Pool Photo via AP

Delegations from Ukraine and Russia met for a second time in Istanbul in a month on June 2, 2025. Missing, again, were the country’s two leaders.

For a fleeting moment ahead of the first meeting in mid-May 2025, there existed the faintest prospect that Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine would join, sitting down in the same room for face-to-face talks.

But it didn’t happen; few expected it would. On that occasion, Putin refused Zelenskyy’s offer of face-to-face talks in Istanbul.

Even though neither leader met in the Istanbul summits, they have met before.

In Paris in 2019, the two men sat down together as part of what was known as the Normandy Format talks. As a scholar of international relations, I have interviewed people involved in the talks. Some five years on, the way the talks floundered and then failed can offer lessons about the challenges today’s would-be mediators now face.

Initial hopes

The Normandy Format talks started on the sidelines of events in June 2014 commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The aim was to try to resolve the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatist groups in the country’s Donbas region in the east. That conflict had recently escalated, with pro-Russian separatists seizing key towns in the Donetsk and Luhansk after Russia illegally annexed the peninsula of Crimea in February 2014.

The talks continued periodically until 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Until that point, most of the discussion was framed by two deals, the Minsk accords of 2014 and 2015, which set out the terms for a ceasefire between Kyiv and the Moscow-armed rebel groups and the conditions for elections in Donetsk and Luhansk.

By the time of the sixth meeting in December 2019, the only time Zelenkyy and Putin have met in person, some still hoped that the Minsk accords could form a framework for peace.

Under discussion

Zelenskyy was only a few months into his presidency. He arrived in Paris with fresh energy and a desire to find peace.

His electoral campaign had centered on the promise of putting an end to the unrest in Donbas, which had been rumbling on for years. The increasing role of Russia in the conflict, through supporting rebels financially and with volunteer Russian soldiers, had complicated and escalated fighting, and many Ukrainians were weary of the impact of internally displaced people that it caused.

By all accounts, Zelenskyy went into Paris believing that he could make a deal with Putin.

“I want to return with concrete results,” Zelenskyy said just days before meeting Putin. By then, the Ukrainian president’s only contact with Putin had been over the phone. “I want to see the person and I want to bring from Normandy understanding and feeling that everybody really wants gradually to finish this tragic war,” Zelenskyy said, adding, “I can feel it for sure only at the table.”

One of Putin’s main concerns going into the talks was the lifting of Western sanctions imposed in response to the annexation of Crimea.

But the Russian president also wanted to keep Russia’s smaller neighbor under its influence. Ukraine gained independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. But in the early years of the new century, Russia began to exert increasing influence over the politics of its neighbor. This ended in 2014, when a popular revolution ousted pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and ushered in a pro-Western government.

More than anything, Russia wanted to arrest this shift and keep Ukraine out of the European Union and NATO.

Those desires – Ukraine’s to end the war in Donbas, and Russia’s to curb the West’s involvement in Ukraine – formed the parameters for the Normandy talks.

And for some time, there appeared to be momentum to find compromise. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the 2019 Paris talks had broken years of stalemate and relaunched the peace process. Putin’s assessment was that the peace process was “developing in the right direction.” Zelenskyy’s view was a little less enthusisastic: “Let’s say for now it’s a draw.”

Talking past each other

Yet the Putin-Zelenskyy meeting in 2019 ultimately ended in failure. In retrospect, both sides were talking past each other and could not reach agreement on the sequencing of key parts of the peace plan.

Zelenskyy wanted the security provisions of the Minsk accords, including a lasting ceasefire and the securing of Ukraine’s border with Russia, in place before proceeding with regional elections on devolving autonomy to the regions. Putin was adamant that the elections come first.

The success of the Normandy talks were also hindered by Putin’s refusal to acknowledge that Russia was a party to the conflict. Rather, he framed the Donbas conflict as a civil war between the Ukrainian government and the rebels. Russia’s role was simply to push the rebels to the negotiating table in this take – a view that was greeted with skepticism by Ukraine and the West.

As a result, the Normandy talks stalled. And then in February 2022, Russian launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Way forward today?

The nascent negotiations between Ukraine and Russia that began in Istanbul in May 2025 represent the first real attempt to bring high-level delegations of both sides together since 2019.

Many of the same challenges remain. The talks still revolve around the issues of security, the status of Donetsk and Luhansk, and prisoner exchanges – that last point being the only one in which common ground appears to be found, both in 2019 and now.

But there are major differences – not least, three years of actual direct war. Russia can no longer deny that it is a party of the conflict, even if Moscow frames the war as a special military operation to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine.

And three years of war have changed how the questions of Crimea and the Donbas are framed.

In the Normandy talks, there was no talk of recognizing Russian control over any Ukrainian territory. But recent U.S. efforts to negotiate peace have included a “de-jure” U.S. recognition of Russian control in Crimea, plus “de-facto recognition” of Russia’s occupation of nearly all of Luhansk oblast and the occupied portions of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Another major difference between the negotiation process then and now is who is mediating.

The Normandy negotiations were led by European leaders – German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Macron of France. Throughout the whole Normandy talks process, only Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia were involved as active participants.

Today, it is the United States taking the lead.

And this suits Putin. A constant issue for Putin of the Normandy talks was that Germany and France were never neutral mediators.

In President Donald Trump, Putin has found a U.S. leader who, at least at first, appeared eager to take on the mantle from Europe.

But like the Europeans involved in the Normandy talks, Trump too is encountering similar barriers to any meaningful progress.

Members of Ukrainian and Russian delegations attend peace talks on June 2, 2025, in Istanbul.
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Getty Images

The Istanbul negotiations on May 16, 2025, were less productive than many people hoped. A proposed 30-day ceasefire agreement didn’t come to fruition; instead the parties agreed on a prisoner-exchange deal. Follow-up talks on June 2 ended after barely an hour, according to Turkish officials. Again, one point agreed on was a prisoner swap.

The Paris peace talks, too, led to a prisoner exchange – but little more. It appears that getting the leaders of Ukraine and Russia to agree on anything more ambitious is as elusive now as it was when Putin and Zelenskyy met in 2019.

The views expressed in this article represent the personal views of the author and are not necessarily the views of the Department of Defense or of the Department of the Air Force.

– ref. Even if Putin and Zelenskyy do go face-to-face, don’t expect wonders − their one meeting in 2019 ended in failure – https://theconversation.com/even-if-putin-and-zelenskyy-do-go-face-to-face-dont-expect-wonders-their-one-meeting-in-2019-ended-in-failure-257093

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: ‘That was rude’: why the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her was ripe for TikTok memes

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer, School of Music, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

A few snippets of musicalised dialogue from the cast album of the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her – with music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and a book by Marco Pennette – have recently become trending sonic memes on TikTok.

In all sorts of situations, users are lip synching to audio clips of Broadway star Jennifer Simard, in the character of Helen Sharp (played by Goldie Hawn in the 1992 cult film on which the musical is based), saying things like “That was rude. That was pretty fuckin’ rude” and “She stole my life. She made me cuckoo. She’s why I spent four years locked in that health spa.”

Musical theatre fans love a good meme (scholar Trevor Boffone has written a whole book about the phenomenon) and Death Becomes Her is primed to create a lot of them: a show featuring two divas (played by Simard and Megan Hilty as Madeleine Ashton, Meryl Streep’s role in the movie) based on a cult film about divas begs to be shaped and reshaped by fan culture.

Helen and Madeleine are longtime rivals who both take a magic potion that makes them immortal. This leads them to find increasingly extravagant ways to try and do away with each other, with the help of Helen’s put-upon husband Ernest (Christopher Sieber), a plastic surgeon who reluctantly falls into the role of restoring their bodies after each “accident”.

Some of Hilty’s clips have also been TikTok-ified (notably Tell Me, Earnest) but Simard is winning the numbers game. Her “That was rude” clip alone has 321,000 videos and counting.

Finding the patter

There seem to be two main reasons for the attraction of these clips. First is Simard’s delivery of the words. Simard is a longstanding Broadway star and an expert at musical comedy timing.

Second is the rhythmic quality of the dialogue. Not fully sung, these bits are spoken in mostly strict rhythm over orchestral accompaniment. That they have become such earworms demonstrates it is not only melody that burrows into the brain, but also rhythmic contour.

There is a long history of this style of speak-singing in musical theatre, notably popularised in the late 1950s by Robert Preston in The Music Man and Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady.

Neither of those actors was a strong singer, but both had excellent timing and were able to deliver spoken lines above music with a strong sense of musicality.

Simard is an excellent singer with a very wide range, but the comic role of Helen – ever the underdog to her rival famous actress Madeleine – lends itself to this style of heightened speech.

Most effective rhythmically, and the most popular excerpt, is the “That was rude” meme, where Simard begins slowly without accompaniment; the bass comes in on “rude” and sets a groove for the rest of the short excerpt.

This one has been used in every possible situation, from responses to nasty notes left on people’s cars to complaints about incorrect drink orders. Some of the TikTokers refer to Simard in on-screen text, but this one seems to have become popular outside any specific reference to the show, in a truly viral moment.

Ripe for the lip-sync

The lengthiest of the trending excerpts is the one that begins with “We talked about killing her before”, which sets off a monologue about Helen’s plan to do away with Madeline once and for all.

This is a tour de force for Simard’s comic timing, as it begins in free rhythm and then gradually takes on a more consistent beat. TikTokers are tending to use this one primarily as a demonstration of their lip-syncing skills, as opposed to the other shorter clips that are applied in different ironic situations.

This trend also shows the continuing importance of the cast album in musical theatre culture. The majority of TikTokers probably have not seen the show, currently only playing on Broadway with high ticket prices. Yet the cast album (easily available on all the main streaming sites) gives access.

The fact these clips come from a cast album also more easily allows fans to create their own visuals around it. Unless they actually saw the show they only have production photographs and short publicity clips (and the occasional shaky bootleg or slime tutorial) to go on in terms of what it looks like.

Audio from a source like the soundtrack of the Wicked movie has not led to so many lip-sync videos because the visual track is so readily accessible; as a film, Wicked’s visuals define its audio while a cast album can more easily work the other way round.

Beyond Broadway

I saw Death Becomes Her on Broadway in January and enjoyed it. It’s a fun show full of special effects and comic bits. The score is serviceable (it’s not Sondheim), but it is catchy – very important for its use in these TikTok trends – and well performed by Simard and the rest of the cast.

This whole phenomenon demonstrates that the current cultural sphere of “Broadway” extends well beyond the street itself. This has been the case at least since the rise of the cast album in the 1950s (My Fair Lady’s was the best-selling LP of 1956), but now the reach is intensified by social media spaces like TikTok; you don’t have to have actually seen Death Becomes Her to experience it.

Gregory Camp 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. ‘That was rude’: why the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her was ripe for TikTok memes – https://theconversation.com/that-was-rude-why-the-new-broadway-musical-death-becomes-her-was-ripe-for-tiktok-memes-257550

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 4, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Suspected people-smuggling gang arrested in nationwide crackdown
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Suspected people-smuggling gang arrested in nationwide crackdown

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry of hundreds of migrants in dawn strikes by Immigration Enforcement across the UK
A suspected organised crime boss and his associates have been arrested for allegedly facilitating hundreds of Botswana nationals into the UK illegally, as part of a surge in law enforcement activity to take down people-smuggling gangs.

In the early hours of Tuesday 3 June, five men and one woman were arrested in strikes across the country in Cheltenham, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Bradford. The lead suspect, a 37-year-old Botswana national, was arrested in Cheltenham on suspicion of assisting and planning the illegal entry of other migrants from Botswana into the UK.

The suspected criminal gang is believed to have facilitated the entry of more than 200 Botswana nationals into the UK illegally over a two-year period, leading them into a life of fraud and exploitation. Once in the country, it is believed they assisted in submitting false asylum claims using fake documents in order to fraudulently legalise the migrants stay in the country. They are also believed to have assisted the migrants with illegal employment in care homes, working with the most vulnerable without adequate training or medical expertise.

Officers acted on intelligence that suggested the lead people smuggler was exploiting the individuals he lured here under false pretences, forcing them to do unpaid work.

Organised criminal gangs often use cruel tactics to control their beneficiaries, with victims often subject to debt bondage at the hands of the gangs who trap them in unsafe situations in order to fill their pockets.

The arrests come as part of the latest initiative under this government’s Plan for Change to bear down on the criminal gangs profiting at the expense of vulnerable individuals and restore order to the asylum system. Since the election almost 30,000 people with no right to be here have been returned – a 12% increase compared to the same period 12 months ago. Illegal working visits and arrests are also up by more than 40%

This government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will go further than ever before to protect the UK’s borders and strengthen the wider immigration and asylum system, including protecting it against abuse from criminal gangs. New counter terror-style powers will be introduced to smash the smuggling gangs before they have a chance to act.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis said:

I want to commend the dedication and professionalism of our criminal investigators and Immigration Enforcement officers for these significant arrests. Their tireless efforts have disrupted criminal networks that profit from exploiting vulnerable individuals and undermining our immigration system.

This operation demonstrates that we will use the full force of the law against those who facilitate illegal entry into the UK for exploitation. Our enforcement teams work day and night to protect our borders and communities from harm, and this successful operation is testament to their commitment.

The government remains resolute in our approach to tackle illegal migration and the criminal enterprises that enable it, and through our Plan for Change will continue to restore order to the asylum system that collapsed in recent years.

Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations lead, Phillip Parr said:

This is one of our highest priority investigations due to the scale of the threat, the number of people believed to be involved, the immense harm these victims are potentially at risk of, and the amount of financial gain the suspects stand to make.

I’m immensely proud of my team’s coordinated and targeted approach in this operation. We’ve not only disrupted this criminal network but also safeguarded potentially hundreds of individuals from further exploitation and harm. This operation demonstrates the power of partnership working in tackling complex organised crime.

There is no place for those who profit from human misery, and we will continue to use all available powers to pursue and prosecute those involved in these despicable crimes.

This government is tightening UK visa controls and building a more sustainable workforce, reducing reliance on overseas workers, as set out in the immigration white paper in May. The strategy contains new financial measures, penalties or sanctions, including for sponsors of migrant workers or students where there is evidence of abuse. New measures already in effect require care providers in England to prioritise recruiting international care workers who are already in the UK and seeking new employment.

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Published 3 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 4, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: In the trade wars, there are lessons for the US from Brexit. Australia and our trading partners should take note
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide

General_4530/Getty

While the Trump administration’s on-again, off-again trade wars wreak havoc on the business plans of the world’s exporters, the risks to the global economy continue to grow.

The self-inflicted scale of disruption to global trade patterns is enormous. Yet there are echoes with the United Kingdom’s experience of Brexit, both for the United States economy now and its trading partners worried about their trading futures.

Fortunately, while it is painful, Trump’s push toward economic isolationism brings opportunities for other trading nations to strengthen their ties.

This is especially the case in our Indo-Pacific region, where Australia is looking to new trade partners and deepening existing ties.

The economic consequences of Brexit

The UK economy is relatively diminished since 2016, when David Cameron, as Prime Minister, called the Brexit referendum on whether to leave the European Union.

A study of UK businesses found three key impacts in the three years before formal Brexit took place in 2020:
1. the UK’s decision to leave the European Union generated major, sustained, uncertainty for the business community. Since business invests and trades, that was highly consequential
2. anticipation of Brexit gradually reduced investment by about 11% between 2016 and 2019
3. Brexit reduced UK productivity by between 2% and 5%.
A new report establishes that since 2020, when formal Brexit took place, the UK is experiencing its worst trade slump in a generation. This decline contrasts with growing trade in other industrial nations, indicating the COVID pandemic was not to blame.

Harsh lessons in bargaining power

The EU did not change to suit the UK. Rather, because of the EU’s influential role in regulation known as the “Brussels effect”, the UK must realign with EU standards to win back market access.

For decades, the UK had ceded its trade bargaining capacity to Brussels. It was always on the back foot as its inexperienced negotiators locked horns with seasoned EU trade diplomats.

The British also learned that outside the EU, their relative trade bargaining power, as well as foreign policy prestige, was much diminished. Many countries focused on dealing with the EU without the UK’s involvement.

Overall, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that Brexit hastened the UK’s inexorable transformation from “Great” to “Little” Britain.

MAGA echoes

The Brexiteers were motivated by free trade and the belief EU trade policies prevented the UK from more liberalisation.

Trump’s decision to disentangle the US from world trade is motivated by protectionist desires, in the mistaken belief blocking imports will “Make America Great Again”.

Like the Brexiteers, Trump will find business confidence will diminish and the US economy will be worse off. Data this week showed US manufacturing contracted for the third straight month in May amid tariff-induced supply chain delays.

Just like the UK, US economic decline relative to its trading partners will accelerate.

Obviously, a huge difference between British folly and US hubris is that the US has market and geopolitical power in most of its bilateral negotiations, whereas the UK did not.

Yet, whereas the Trump administration assumes the US is the more powerful party in all reciprocal tariff negotiations, it is now learning that some major trading powers (China, the EU, India), and even some middle powers (Canada, Mexico, Australia), will not simply roll over when faced with overt coercion.

Moreover, as Great Britain learned to its cost, the US will find its soft power rapidly diminishing, and foreign policy objectives more difficult to attain. US allies, while in some cases in need of weaning themselves from over-dependence on the US military umbrella, are now actively hedging their security bets.

What should trading partners do?

There is an opening for Australia to seize the moment with new trade partnerships, and by deepening existing relationships.

We have a golden opportunity in our chairmanship of the 12-nation Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership group this year.

This high-standards, deeply liberalising, trade agreement is a gold standard template to anchor our global trading partnerships. Members include Canada, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and the UK and representatives will be meeting in Brisbane next week.

Specifically, Australia, our trans-Pacific partners and the EU need to agree to work collaboratively to converge on modern trade rules and support for free trade. Then take those accords into the World Trade Organization to strengthen and revitalise the institution, with or without the US.

In addition, we need to quickly conclude both the stalled bilateral free-trade agreement with the EU, and the second phase of our trade agreement with India. This would cement two huge new markets of sufficient existing (EU) and potential (India) scale to rival both the US and Chinese markets.

Finally, we need to double down on our existing trade partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, anchoring on the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This will bolster ASEAN-centrality in regional trade arrangements and balance both US withdrawal and China’s advance into the region.

While this will not be easy, the effort has to be made and needs to start now.

Peter Draper 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. In the trade wars, there are lessons for the US from Brexit. Australia and our trading partners should take note – https://theconversation.com/in-the-trade-wars-there-are-lessons-for-the-us-from-brexit-australia-and-our-trading-partners-should-take-note-257555
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 4, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: With a government review underway, we have to ask why children bully other kids
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marilyn Campbell, Professor, School of Early Childhood & Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

The federal government has launched a “rapid review” to look at what works to prevent bullying in schools.

Led by mental health experts, the review will underpin a new national standard to respond to bullying. This follows the death of a young Sydney school student last year.

It also comes as the Queensland government rolls out a A$33 million anti-bullying plan in the state’s schools.

As schools, parents and governments look at what more can be done to prevent bullying, we have to ask why children bully other kids.

If we understand the motives, we can help these children change their behaviour – and achieve their goals or have their needs met in other ways.

Read more:
What can you do if your child is being bullied?

What lies behind bullying?

Research tells us children broadly bully for social reasons. For example, a 2022 study showed children can bully to gain social status among peers – to be seen as powerful, tough or cool. Or they can bully to maintain status as part of an in-group. Perhaps another child is seen as a “threat” to that status.

Children can also bully for revenge for perceived insults. Or for entertainment – making a joke at another student’s expense.

Research shows motivations can also differ depending on the type of bullying. For example, face-to-face bullying seems to involve more children who bully for social dominance, while those who cyberbully do it more for entertainment and “fun”.

In a 2014 study, Marilyn Campbell and colleagues asked different groups about their perceptions of why young people engaged in cyber-bullying. Parents said children did it out of revenge for being bullied themselves, teachers said students did it for fun, and students thought others cyber-bullied because of peer pressure.

This highlights how complex understanding children’s motives can be.

Read more:
Why do kids bully? And what can parents do about it?

Children may not bully for long

We should be careful about thinking of all students who bully as long-term “bullies”.

Most children who bully try the behaviour and stop when it does not get them what they want, just as many children who are victimised are not bullied for long.

Though of course, even being bullied for a short time can still be damaging and traumatic for the student on the receiving end.

This could suggest there is a developmental phase in bullying as most bullying occurs between children in Year 6 through to Year 10.

However, there are those students who persistently bully others and these are the students whose behaviour remains a problem despite interventions and prevention approaches.

Who is more likely to bully?

There are certain personality types who are more likely to persistently bully others. These include:
- students with defensive personalities. This means they think very highly of themselves and actively seek attention but can’t take criticism
- students with narcissistic personalities, who are likely to become aggressive when their egos are threatened
- students who are emotionally unstable.
But research is mixed on the question of self-esteem. Some researchers say children who bully have high self-esteem, yet others have found they have low self-esteem.

There are many reasons why a child might develop the personality traits that would lead them to bully.

Physical abuse in childhood can play a role. There is an association between a child being exposed to domestic violence at home and then bullying their peers.

Parenting can also be a factor. For example, being overvalued but not well disciplined by parents can lead to higher traits of narcissism and a greater likelihood a child will bully.

What can we do?

Children who persistently bully may require targeted and nuanced approaches. Current approaches emphasise restoring positive relationships, rather than punishments or sanctions.

One approach is individual motivational interviewing. Here a school counsellor shows young people they can achieve their goals by other means. This encourages perpetrators to see there are more benefits in not bullying than in bullying. For example, “I want to be popular. But if I bully, I also make other kids scared of me and not want to hang around me.”

More broadly, schools can also teach explicit programs on social and emotional learning.

Read more:
Schools today also teach social and emotional skills. Why is this important? And what’s involved?

These programs focus on emotional intelligence and emotional literacy, enabling students to recognise and manage their emotions, understand the perspectives of others and have positive relationships with peers.

Schools which respect the diversity of students, are also better placed to address bullying. If all students have opportunities to participate in learning, it will develop their sense of belonging to their school community. This not only decreases rates of bullying but supports students who have been victimised.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Marilyn Campbell receives funding from the Australian Research Council and other government grants. .

Shannon O’Brien 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. With a government review underway, we have to ask why children bully other kids – https://theconversation.com/with-a-government-review-underway-we-have-to-ask-why-children-bully-other-kids-257643
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 4, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs. Here’s how we can do better
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney

Matthew Ashmore/Shutterstock

On ABC’s 4 Corners this week, psychiatrists and nurses have warned New South Wales’ mental health system is in crisis. They report some patients with severe mental distress are waiting two to three days in emergency departments for care.

The program highlighted chronic failures in NSW’s mental health system, but the shortfalls are being felt across the nation.

Just over 7% of the nation’s health budget is spent on mental health. But together with alcohol and drug issues, mental health accounts for around 15% of the nation’s burden of disease.

Problems in mental health go beyond under-funding: it’s also about how the resources we do have are spent.

So how did we get here? And what can we do to fix it?

It wasn’t supposed to be like this

Back in the 1980s, psychiatric deinstitutionalisation promised to replace treatment provided in the old psychiatric institutions with mental health services and care in the community. Too often, these institutions failed to promote recovery, and delivered improper care and even abuse.

Many of these institutions were indeed closed. But the shift in mental health care over the past 40 years has not been from asylums to the community, but rather to the mental health wards of Australia’s general public hospitals and the emergency departments (EDs) which operate in them.

Hospitals are expensive and often traumatic places to provide mental health care. We know this from frequent statutory inquiries and reports.

Deinstitutionalisation aimed to treat patients in the community rather than hospital.
Shutterstock

For presentations to EDs, all the indicators are heading in the wrong direction. More people are seeking care for their mental health in EDs, they are arriving sicker (according to their triage category) and they wait longer for care.

Hospitals account for more than 80% of total state and territory spending on mental health. In 2022–23, A$6.5 billion of the states and territories’ total spend of $8bn on mental health was directed towards hospital-based care. Just $1bn was provided outside hospitals.

Evidence indicates community-based care can reduce reliance on EDs for mental health care.

Yet community mental health services now often comprise little more than a phone call to check if a client is taking their medication. Of the 9.4 million community mental health service contacts in 2022–3, 4 million lasted less than 15 minutes.

Mental health clinical staff spend just 20% of their time with consumers.

What are the solutions?

The solutions are already at hand, but haven’t been pursued or scaled up. These include:
- multidisciplinary models such as assertive community treatments, which provide mixed specialist clinical and psychosocial support in the community, in people’s homes
- service models the Australian College of Emergency Medicine have proposed as alternatives to hospital ED care. These include safe havens, mental health nurse liaison services and dedicated homelessness teams. These services can provide the care required to divert patients away from hectic emergency departments, in calmer, more therapeutic spaces
- NSW programs such as the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative provide community based, clinical and psychosocial support to people with severe mental health needs. This program reduced admissions due to mental health by 74% over two years
- Adelaide’s Urgent Mental Health Care Centre, which operates as an alternative to EDs and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This clinic was designed in collaboration with the community, including people with a lived experience of a mental health crisis, and offers a welcoming, safe environment
- Step-Up Step-Down services, which can effectively meet the needs of some of “the missing middle”. These are people whose mental health needs are too complex for primary care but not assessed as a big enough risk to themselves or others to “qualify” for hospital admission.
Community-based care for mental illness and social support can reduce reliance on EDs.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Funding support for psychosocial services remains tiny. It accounts for about 6% of total spending on mental health care by states and territories.

As a result, almost half a million Australians with either severe or moderate mental health needs are currently unable to access necessary psychosocial care. This impacts their recovery.

It also leaves clinical services without a viable “psychosocial partner”. So people needing mental health care might be able to get a prescription, but are much less likely to receive assistance with unstable housing, employment support or help getting back to school.

Working together

There is already concern to address identified workforce shortages and psychiatrists’ pay disputes.

The next round of mental health planning must also discuss and clarify the complementary roles in mental health care, as people with more complex mental health needs typically benefit from multidisciplinary, team-based care. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health professionals, nurses, peer workers, social service providers, GPs, justice, school and housing services and others such as drug and alcohol services. Who is best placed to plan and coordinate this care?

Reducing our over-reliance on hospital-based mental health care and EDs needs agreement by all Australian governments to explicitly prioritise the principles of early intervention, community-based mental health care and hospital avoidance in mental health.

These steps, together with more personalised approaches to treatment and better accountability, will help us achieve systemic quality improvement in mental health care.

Read more:
Police aren’t properly trained for mental health crises – but they’re often the first responders. Here’s what works better

Sebastian Rosenberg 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. People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs. Here’s how we can do better – https://theconversation.com/people-with-severe-mental-illness-are-waiting-for-days-in-hospital-eds-heres-how-we-can-do-better-257971
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 4, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Senior public servants think GenAI will boost productivity – but are worried about the risks
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney

Many bold claims have been made about Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its capacity to improve productivity and generate workplace efficiencies.

A recent Microsoft survey found 24% of private sector leaders have already deployed GenAI across their organisations. Many are considering laying off staff and replacing them with GenAI systems.

But how much appetite does the public sector have for using artificial intelligence, which doesn’t come without risks?

Our new research explores attitudes in Australian bureaucracy to using GenAI in policy work. Given governments are expected to work in ethical, transparent and responsible ways, we wondered if public servants are more wary of adopting this technology.

No single view

We asked senior bureaucrats from 22 state, territory and federal government agencies about their views on GenAI. We focused on what this might mean for the future of decision-making, policy development and public services.

They expressed a range of views on the transformative potential of GenAI. Some were enthusiasts who saw the potential to conduct government work faster and more reliably.

One interviewee remarked:

Why improve the candle when you could use a light bulb?

Others were less enthusiastic, arguing the technology is overhyped. Critically, they see GenAI as fundamentally inappropriate for use in public policy work and inherently risky on several fronts. These include:
- the tendency for AI to hallucinate, where tools see patterns in data that do not exist in reality, making outputs inaccurate or wrong
- the risk of biases in existing datasets, such as the underrepresentation of some groups or people
- the sensitive nature of government data that might be compromised by AI programs.
Regardless of their specific views on GenAI, public servants consistently told us two things.

First, they do not believe artificial intelligence will replace workers. Instead, they are confident these tools will augment their work by freeing them from routine and repetitive tasks. This would allow them to focus on high-value tasks, such as engaging with the public.

Second, the current use of GenAI is largely focused on administration tasks that do not draw on sensitive client data or interact directly with the public.

Robodebt hangover

One of the consequences of the Robodebt scheme is the pace and scale of the adoption of automated tools.

Many interviewees explained public sector organisations are still very cautious about using GenAI technology as a result of the scandal.

One interviewee told us the majority of the problems with Robodebt were at a human level, which highlights the importance of individuals

taking their duties, both professionally and ethically, seriously, and interrogating what they get out of AI systems.

Close attention is also being given to the influence of human decision-making in the development of machines that use GenAI.

Incremental change

Our research suggests public service agencies are largely taking a careful and measured approach to applying GenAI in policy work. Senior public servants perceive the public is wary of how governments use these tools. Rebuilding credibility in relation to technology oversight and implementation is imperative.

Public servants described most of their use of GenAI as purposeful experiments. Clear outcomes are set for the use of these tools and evaluation processes are in place to monitor whether they achieve them.

This is seen as important because public sector organisations need to know whether these tools do what they promise – deliver value for money and help guard against any unforeseen risks.

Unauthorised use

Some recent scandals show how GenAI tools can be risky when misused. In response, some public service agencies have banned freely available GenAI models such as ChatGPT and only allow access to officially authorised programs such as Copilot.

But this does not mean public servants are not using the technology.

Several interviewees told us they were aware of colleagues using unauthorised programs to enhance their productivity. Personal devices are often engaged to bypass system restrictions. Concerns were expressed public servants might not be receiving guidance on how to use these tools carefully and safely.

New reality

GenAI technology is being asked to perform tasks that require human intelligence and to do these tasks more quickly. However, our findings point to a strong need to align these tools with Australian government values that frame expectations for responsible use of GenAI.

The public service faces a dilemma. Is this an opportunity for innovation in government policy work by tapping into the potential transformative impact of GenAI programs, as promised in other sectors? Or, is a more cautious approach needed to generate trust, both in the technology, and in public sector organisations to use them appropriately?

Elon Musk’s recent work in the Trump administration may suggest the latter. The experience highlighted the significant consequences of tech industry influence and the use of AI tools under the remit of maximising government efficiency.

The Australian public has high expectations of government to solve problems such as the housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures. A combination of machine and human intelligence may offer the power needed to tackle these complex economic and social issues. However, not all agencies have yet decided to flip the switch.

Our research highlights the mix of views among senior public servants towards GenAI. Whether it transforms the public service or simply speeds up business as usual will depend not on the technology itself but on how boldly, carefully, and transparently governments choose to use it.

Helen Dickinson receives funding from Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund and Australian Government.

Dr Jade Hart receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Kathryn Henne receives funding from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council and Google Academic Research Awards program.

Vanessa McDermott 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. Senior public servants think GenAI will boost productivity – but are worried about the risks – https://theconversation.com/senior-public-servants-think-genai-will-boost-productivity-but-are-worried-about-the-risks-256566
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 4, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: A two-state solution is gaining momentum again. Does it have a chance of success?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University

As Israel’s devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was thought to be “dead”. Now, it is showing signs of life again.

French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly pressing other European nations to jointly recognise a Palestinian state at a UN conference in mid-June, focused on achieving a two-state solution. Macron called such recognition a “political necessity”.

Countries outside Europe are feeling the pressure, too. Australia has reaffirmed its view that recognition of Palestine should be a “way of building momentum towards a two-state solution”.

During Macron’s visit to Indonesia in late May, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a surprising pledge to recognise Israel if it allowed for a Palestinian state.

Indonesia is one of about 28 nations that don’t currently recognise Israel. France, Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea are among the approximately 46 nations that don’t recognise a Palestinian state.

The UN conference on June 17–20, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, wants to go “beyond reaffirming principles” and “achieve concrete results” towards a two-state solution.

Most countries, including the US, have supported the two-state solution in principle for decades. However, the political will from all parties has faded in recent years.

So, why is the policy gaining traction again now? And does it have a greater chance of success?

What is the two-state solution?

Put simply, the two-state solution is a proposed peace plan that would create a sovereign Palestinian state alongside the Israeli state. There have been several failed attempts to enact the policy over recent decades, the most famous of which was the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s.

In recent years, the two-state solution was looking less likely by the day.

The Trump administration’s decision in 2017 to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy there signalled the US was moving away from its role as mediator. Then, several Arab states agreed to normalise relations with Israel in the the Abraham Accords, without Israeli promises to move towards a two-state solution.

The Hamas attacks on Israel – and subsequent Israeli war on Gaza – have had a somewhat contradictory effect on the overarching debate.

On the one hand, the brutality of Hamas’ actions substantially set back the legitimacy of the Palestinian self-determination movement in some quarters on the world stage.

On the other, it’s also become clear the status quo – the continued Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank following the end of a brutal war – is not tenable for either Israeli security or Palestinian human rights.

And the breakdown of the most recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the return of heavy Israeli ground operations in May and reports of mass Palestinian starvation have only served to further isolate the Israeli government in the eyes of its peers.

Once-steadfast supporters of Israel’s actions have become increasingly frustrated by a lack of clear strategic goals in Gaza. And many now seem prepared to ignore Israeli wishes and pursue Palestinian recognition.

For these governments, the hope is recognition of a Palestinian state would rebuild political will – both globally and in the Middle East – towards a two-state solution.

Huge obstacles remain

But how likely is this in reality? There is certainly more political will than there was before, but also several important roadblocks.

First and foremost is the war in Gaza. It’s obvious this will need to end, with both sides agreeing to an enduring ceasefire.

Beyond that, the political authority in both Gaza and Israel remains an issue.

The countries now considering Palestinian recognition, such France and Australia, have expressly said Hamas cannot play any role in governing a future Palestinian state.

Though anti-Hamas sentiment is becoming more vocal among residents in Gaza, Hamas has been violently cracking down on this dissent and is attempting to consolidate its power.

However, polling shows the popularity of Fatah – the party leading the Palestinian National Authority – is even lower than Hamas at an average of 21%. Less than half of Gazans support the enclave returning to Palestinian Authority control. This means a future Palestinian state would likely require new leadership.

There is almost no political will in Israel for a two-state solution, either. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not been shy about his opposition to a Palestinian state. His cabinet members have mostly been on the same page.

This has also been reflected in policy action. In early May, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan for Israel to indefinitely occupy parts of Gaza. The government also just approved its largest expansion of settlements in the West Bank in decades.

These settlements remain a major problem for a two-state solution. The total population of Israeli settlers is more than 700,000 in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank. And it’s been increasing at a faster rate since the election of the right-wing, pro-settler Netanyahu government in 2022.

Settlement is enshrined in Israeli Basic Law, with the state defining it as “national value” and actively encouraging its “establishment and consolidation”.

The more settlement that occurs, the more complicated the boundaries of a future Palestinian state become.

Then there’s the problem of public support. Recent polling shows neither Israelis nor Palestinians view the two-state solution favourably. Just 40% of Palestinians support it, while only 26% of Israelis believe a Palestinian state can “coexist peacefully” alongside Israel.

However, none of these challenges makes the policy impossible. The unpopularity of the two-state solution locally is more a reflection of previous failures than it is of future negotiations.

A power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland was similarly unpopular in the 1990s, but peace was achieved through bold political leadership involving the US and European Union.

In other words, we won’t know what’s possible until negotiations begin. Red lines will need to be drawn and compromises made.

It’s not clear what effect growing external pressure will have, but the international community does appear to be reaching a political tipping point on the two-state solution. Momentum could start building again.

Andrew Thomas 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. A two-state solution is gaining momentum again. Does it have a chance of success? – https://theconversation.com/a-two-state-solution-is-gaining-momentum-again-does-it-have-a-chance-of-success-257890

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 4, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Curious Kids: can spiders swim?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leanda Denise Mason, Vice Chancellor Research Fellow in Conservation Ecology, Edith Cowan University

A great raft spider (_Dolomedes plantarius_). Salparadis/Shutterstock

Can spiders swim?

Waubra Preschool students, Victoria, Australia

What a great question!

Most spiders don’t swim by choice. But they sure can survive in water when they need to. From floating like a boat, to paddling like a rower, to carrying their own scuba bubbles, spiders have developed brilliant ways to deal with water.

Let’s dive into the science in some more detail, and look at how spiders handle getting their paws wet, with examples from our local bush.

Spiders can run across water

Water has surface tension – this acts like a kind of invisible skin that can hold up small, light objects.

Many spiders are tiny and have water-repellent hairs on their legs, so they can stand or run on water without sinking.

For example, fishing spiders wait at the water’s edge and scuttle across the surface to grab insects, tadpoles or even small fish.

If prey escapes underwater, this spider can even hide beneath the water’s surface briefly, then come back up.

Spiders can hold their breath underwater for days

Spiders don’t have gills, so they can’t get oxygen from water like fish do. But they have evolved clever strategies for staying alive if they stay in the water for a long time.

For example, the Australian Sydney funnel-web spider often falls into backyard swimming pools. People might see one and think it drowned, but it can actually survive underwater for hours by holding its breath much longer than a human could.

That’s because it breathes much more slowly than we do. Like many spiders, it has both tracheae (tiny air tubes) and book lungs (they look like a book with many pages) for breathing. Some spiders can close these and become watertight, to hold their breath for a long time.

Some trapdoor spiders have been recorded only taking a breath every six minutes.

Do not burst their bubble

Some spiders take the air with them like a scuba diver.

On the Great Barrier Reef coast, a little intertidal spider called Desis bobmarleyi actually lives part of its life under seawater. At high tide, it hides in a silk-lined air pocket in coral or shells. It uses the long hairs on its legs and body to trap a bubble around itself so it can breathe underwater between the tides. When the tide goes out, this spider comes out to hunt on the wet reef.

And in other parts of the world, there’s the famous diving bell spider, the only spider that spends its whole life entirely underwater.

It weaves an underwater silk web that it fills with air – like an underwater house. This spider can stay underwater for more than a day at a time by letting its air-bubble vessel actively pull oxygen from the water.

Can you spot Desis bobmarleyi among the corals?
coenobita/iNaturalist, CC BY

Flood proofing, trapdoor spider style

Some spiders sit tight and make their homes flood-proof. Remember those trapdoor spiders we mentioned? Trapdoor spiders live snug in burrows underground with a silken lid on top (like a little trapdoor).

In areas that get sudden heavy rains, a trapdoor spider might build its burrow with a raised entrance – a bit like a chimney – so water flows around or over it rather than straight in.

Some Australian trapdoor spiders in the outback clay pans have been found to build thick muddy silk doors that fit perfectly like a bath plug into the surrounding soil. The water just goes straight over the top.

Even if water does get in, some trapdoor spiders can seal their bodies and essentially hold their breath. They don’t swim in their flooded burrows, but they can wait out a flood without drowning.

Some trapdoor spiders have been recorded only taking a breath every six minutes.
Dr Leanda Mason

What to do with a soggy spider

If you ever find a spider struggling in water – say in a swimming pool or even in a bucket – you can help as long as you’re careful.

First, always ask an adult before trying to assist a spider. Nobody has died in Australia in 60 years from spider venom. But some (such as the Sydney funnel-web) can still be fatal, so you must be sure not to touch or provoke it.

A good way to save a spider in a pool is to use a net or a scoop with a long handle. Gently lift the spider out and put it on the ground away from the water. The spider might look dead at first, but don’t be surprised if it “comes back to life” as it dries out – just like trapdoor spiders do.

And remember: never poke a spider with your bare hands, even if it seems lifeless. Spiders such as funnel-webs can still bite underwater or right after being rescued, and they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. So, play it safe and use tools or ask an adult or a spider expert to help.

If anyone is bitten, get an adult to seek medical attention immediately.

Next time you’re exploring nature (or even looking into the toilet), keep an eye out for our eight-legged friends and how they interact with water. You might spot a little spider boat captain or an air-bubble diver right in your backyard.

Leanda Denise Mason 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. Curious Kids: can spiders swim? – https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-can-spiders-swim-257832

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 4, 2025