NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating Canberra’s volunteers

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Pearl is one of Domestic Animal Services’ dedicated volunteers.

    In brief:

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

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

    Volunteers make a positive impact on Canberra and its people.

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

    Meet some of Canberra’s volunteers.

    Pearl, Domestic Animal Services volunteer

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

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

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

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

    Learn more about volunteering with Domestic Animal Services.

    Adrian Manning, ACT State Emergency Service volunteer

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

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

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

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

    Manar, Co-founder of HelpingACT

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

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

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

    Learn more about HelpingACT.

    Casey, volunteer at the National Arboretum, MIEACT and WaterWatch

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

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

    Find out more about volunteering on the Volunteering ACT website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat’s Statement on House Republicans’ Passage of The GOP Tax Scam

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on House Republicans’ passage of their GOP Tax Scam:

    “The only winners following the Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are the billionaire donors who will get massive new tax breaks and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes. This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people,” said Espaillat. “Once again Donald Trump has proven where his loyalties lie – with the extremely wealthy like his buddy Elon Musk. Donald Trump has no problem taking from poor to give to the wealthy.

    “These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, from lack of health care, and from lack of housing.  This bill fails to uphold the values of our nation and is misaligned with the interests of working families — while making grocery bills and health care more expensive for tens of millions of Americans who rely on this assistance.”

    Earlier this week, Rep. Espaillat denounced the GOP Tax Scam in remarks on the House floor, which may be watched here. House Democrats utilized every available tool to stop passage of the GOP Tax Scam and every single Democrat voted against its final passage. During yesterday’s Rules Committee hearing, Espaillat and more than 100 Democrats offered more than 500 amendments – to delay passage of the bill for more than 20 hours. 

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    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat Denounces Trump’s Budget Bill Cuts to Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) spoke on the House floor to deliver scathing remarks denouncing the Trump administration’s budget bill and its devastating impact to working families in New York’s 13th congressional district and in communities around the nation.

    Video of Rep. Espaillat’s remarks may be watched here. 

    The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat *as prepared for delivery*:

    “More than half of the residents in New York’s 13th congressional district rely on Medicaid to receive primary and emergency health care. Almost four million residents in New York City rely on Medicaid. About three million of New York City residents are enrolled in the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Program, which allows coverage of prescription drugs and certain over the counter medications. 

    “After promising the American people that Medicaid would be safe from cuts, Republicans spent several hours marking up a bill that would devastate Medicaid enrollment rates. To pay for the tax cuts for the wealthy, the bill would require harsh work requirements for Medicaid recipients that would terminate coverage for millions of low-income Americans.  Additionally, the bill would increase copays for Medicaid recipients which would significantly limit access to vital care services. It would also penalize states that have made the choice to use provide state-funded health care coverage to undocumented children and mixed status families.  

    “Not only does this hurt the undocumented families that have relied on this health care for years, but it also infringes on states to do what they believe is best with their own state funding. Republicans also introduced a $300 billion cut to food stamps, which would impact the 300,000 people in my district who rely on the benefit to eat. Thirty-five percent of these recipients are children.

    “Though Social Security cuts were not explicitly included in reconciliation conversations, the Trump administration and DOGE have repeatedly attempted to limit this program by trying to close social security offices, staff reductions, and reduced phone line access. These changes would impact the nearly 120,000 constituents in my district, particularly seniors, who rely on approximately $164 million in monthly benefits.

    “Republicans have gone back on their promise to the American people. These changes would devastate the lives of millions of Americans. We must stand up to these attacks. I yield back.”    

     

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    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat Introduces Resolution to Posthumously Bestow Congressional Gold Medal Honor to Charles B. Rangel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    Recognition Marks Highest Civilian Award for Appreciation and Distinguished Service to the Nation

    NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announces resolution to posthumously award the esteemed Congressional Gold Medal to former Congressman Charles B. Rangel, his predecessor to represent New York’s 13th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. 

    “Congressman Charles B. Rangel served our nation with distinction and honor, fighting for the American people and delivering for the constituencies of Harlem, El Barrio, Washington Heights/Inwood, and the Northwest Bronx, which he represented in Congress for nearly 50 years,” said Espaillat. “A renowned feat, impactful in his service and commitment to our nation and dedication to all whose lives he touched along the way.

    “As a founder of the esteemed Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and lifelong public servant with an illustrious record, I am proud to soon introduce, with the support of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, legislation that would further recognize Congressman Rangel, the Lion of Lenox Avenue, with this unique honor in recognition of his indelible mark on American policy and our nation’s history.”  

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    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Passing of Charles B. Rangel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel:

    “It is with a heavy heart I share news of the passing of my dear friend, a beloved leader, and stalwart of our community, Congressman Charles B. Rangel.

    Through our numerous conversations and collaborations over the years, his guidance, support, and faith helped propel legislative initiatives like the Second Avenue Subway that expanded during his tenure and the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, which I helped establish as a lasting tribute to his legacy as a champion of creating pipelines for future generations.

    Congressman Rangel was an iconic figure and a devoted patriot as a veteran of the Korean War; as a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); the Lion of Lenox Avenue for his love and loyalty to Harlem; an institution through his many endowments of service to erect namesake programs like the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program,  the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, and the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service. 

    Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion, and commitment to upholding the values of our nation. I will miss him dearly and am grateful for our time together, his mentorship, and most importantly, friendship we developed over the years.”

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    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Honors Fallen Service Members at Memorial Day Ceremony

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Maggie Hassan (NH) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) at a Memorial Day event at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery to honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

    “Today at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, we paused to honor and pay our respects to all the brave service members who lost their lives defending our country since its founding,” said Congressman Pappas. “Every fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine is forever part of our American family, and we must never waiver in honoring them and their families. It is a tremendous price paid by some so that our freedoms and way of life can be enjoyed by all. Thank you to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, NH DAV, and all of the partners who helped host this important event.”

    “It was an honor to be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery today to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our security and freedom,” said Senator Shaheen. “Generations of Granite Staters have answered the call to serve, and I join with everyone across our state in remembering our fallen heroes.”

    “I was honored to attend this morning’s Memorial Day ceremony at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery honoring the heroes who gave up everything so that others could live in freedom,” said Senator Hassan. “We owe service members – both those who are with us and those who we have lost – our freedom and our very way of life. We each must live our lives honoring what they died for, defending our Live Free or Die values and fighting for freedom at home and abroad.”

    “America is the land of the free because of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of the American people — past, present, and future,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “Thank you to New Hampshire Disabled American Veterans for bringing together fellow citizens — veterans, military families, servicemembers —  from across New Hampshire today on the hallowed ground of our State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen to honor truly honorable Americans: our fallen heroes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Marks Start of Pride 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress, issued the following statement to mark the start of Pride Month on Sunday:

    “During Pride, we come together as a community to celebrate living as our full authentic selves and stand together against hate and the ongoing efforts to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students, families, and individuals across our country. No one should be a second-class citizen in the United States, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their community and to live free from discrimination and the harm it brings. As a gay person growing up, I wasn’t always sure there would be a place for me. But Granite Staters welcomed me for who I am, and I could not be more proud to serve them in Congress and fight for equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in New Hampshire and across the country.”

    “In light of the challenges our community continues to face, I want to say to every person who may find themselves wondering what the future holds for them: you are seen, you are supported, and you deserve the chance to be yourself. So be proud of who you are. We must continue to work to create a positive environment that respects everyone and protects personal freedoms. That is how we will continue to change our nation and world for the better.”

    Pappas serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and is New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress. In his role as Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus, he has helped to introduce and pass the Equality Act through the House of Representatives and enact the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Pappas also leads the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act, which would ban the use of panic defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal courts; the SERVE Act, which would guarantee and protect VA benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under discriminatory policies; and led successful calls for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reassess policy that blocked members of the LGBTQ+ community from donating blood.

    In response to President Trump’s Executive Order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, Pappas has been an outspokenadvocate for trans servicemembers, including leading an appropriations request to prohibit any funding for the Department of Defense to implement the ban, and he is a cosponsor of the Fit to Serve Act, legislation to prohibit discrimination in the Armed Forces on the basis of gender identity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Godiva Festival opens volunteer opportunities for 2025

    Source: City of Coventry

    Join the crew for Godiva Festival and apply to be a volunteer for 2025.

    This week is national Volunteers Week and Godiva Festival, one of the UK’s most anticipated music festivals which is held annually in Coventry, is thrilled to announce a range of exciting opportunities to volunteer at the event.

    Godiva Festival is back in the stunning War Memorial Park, Coventry, from 4-6 July.

    Be among the team of local volunteers supporting the event crew across a wide range of roles and experiences that could include: 

    • Front of House: welcoming and supporting spectators.
    • Street Theatre Escorts: accompanying roaming street performers.
    • Family Field Team: guiding families, supporting performances, arts and crafts activities.

    Across the weekend, War Memorial Park will play host to Coventry’s flagship event with a line-up packed with genres that music lovers and families can enjoy from pop to rock and 2-tone to hip hop.

    Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Events, said: “This is a great opportunity for residents to get involved in the flagship summer festival in Coventry. There are lots of exciting volunteering roles from “meeting and greeting” festival goers as they arrive to supporting performers, all the while promoting Coventry as the welcoming city it is.

    “It has been shown that volunteering is great for health and social wellbeing and with the incentives including free access to the festival, this is a lovely opportunity to be part of something really special.”

    David Boughey MBE, EnV said: “The annual Godiva Festival certainly ranks high amongst the highlight moments over the years that the volunteers and I come away from thinking “Wow! What a weekend!” We are really looking forward to welcoming new and existing team members again this year who will be providing their time, energy and support to help make Godiva Festival 2025 great for everyone who visits!”

    In addition to the range of health and social benefits volunteering brings, some incentives on offer for Godiva Festival Volunteers can include access to the festival, complimentary lunch pack and festival site parking and a truly unique experience at a large-scale event working with EnV, a Queen’s Award-winning social enterprise for volunteering.

    Pete, Godiva Festival Volunteer Team Leader in 2024, said: “Being a Godiva Festival Volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an exciting event for Coventry. It is great to welcome all the visitors as well as help and support across lots of activities for all the family. I enjoy being able to make a difference! Taking part in events with EnV is like joining a big, supportive family but with the extra plus knowing you are supporting the city.”

    Applicants must be 18 or over.

    Find out more and apply online.

    The Godiva Festival volunteer programme is being managed and coordinated by EnV (Coventry) CIC.

    Godiva Festival is proudly delivered by Coventry City Council. BBC CWR is the official media partner. Music Smart sponsors the Godiva Calling competition, and Coventry College sponsors the Family Field. 

    For Godiva Festival Volunteer enquiries and questions, you can contact the EnV Volunteer team at env.volunteers@env.uk.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden statement on courts’ rulings over Trump tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement in response to court rulings today regarding emergency tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act: 

    “While the executive and judicial branches debate the limits of executive authority, one thing is clear: The decades-old free-trade consensus is a failure. It has been great for Wall Street and multinational corporations, but a disaster for American workers, American industry and manufacturing communities across our country. We traded good jobs and an ability to make things ourselves for foreign investment and cheap goods produced overseas.

    “There is no question that Congress has the authority to step in and start to reverse the damage. First, we should pass the BUILT USA Act, my bill to rebalance trade and reinvigorate American manufacturing with a 10 percent global tariff — the foundation of the president’s tariff agenda. Then, we can turn our attention to rewriting the deeply flawed U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) and renegotiating our trade relationship with China, which has consistently undermined our workers and our nation’s economic strength with unfair trade practices.

    “It’s time for Congress to do its job.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In face of layoffs, Golden co-sponsors Protect our Parks Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) this week announced the introduction of H.R. 3555, the Protect our Parks Act of 2025, to ensure the country’s 63 national parks and hundreds of other sites managed by the National Park Service (NPS) are adequately staffed. 

    “If there’s one thing Mainers know, it’s the value of the great outdoors. As we approach the busy summer season, Congress must act to ensure our treasured national parks have the resources they need to meet their mission,” Golden said. “Prior generations ensured the federal lands managed by the National Park Service were protected for us. Now it’s our turn to step up and guarantee their future for our grandchildren.” 

    Golden is an original co-sponsor of the bill, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to ensure adequate staffing within the NPS for the overall safety and wellbeing of visitor safety and natural and cultural resource protection.

    It orders the reinstatement of any individuals terminated as part of the Administration’s mass firings, beginning on January 20, 2025, providing staffing levels necessary to keep critical federal projects moving — including those funded by the Great American Outdoors Act; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; Inflation Reduction Act; and Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. 

    Golden is a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. In a May committee vote, he opposed the House GOP’s plan to slash $279 million from the NPS. He has a long track record of support for America’s parks system. 

    “Our national parks are invaluable treasures, preserving America’s natural and cultural heritage,” said Eric Stiles, president and CEO of Friends of Acadia. “Ensuring national parks are fully staffed is crucial for conservation, the visitor experience, and the success of vital projects. The Protect Our Parks Act calls for the reinstatement of dedicated personnel and safeguards key investments like the Great American Outdoors Act. Friends of Acadia applauds Congressman Jared Golden’s leadership in co-sponsoring this bill, ensuring these cherished places remain protected and accessible for future generations.”

    “Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters thanks Congressman Golden for cosponsoring the Protect Our Parks Act,” said Brian Hinrichs, executive director of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. “At this critical time, we value his leadership in voicing the need for the National Park Service to be fully staffed and funded. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument not only protects a treasured landscape, but serves as an economic driver in the community, especially when full hiring is permitted and critical projects can move forward.”

    Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is home to Acadia National Park — one of the ten most visited national parks in the United States — and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. With annual visitation numbers continuing to increase, these public lands need significant infrastructure investments. In the 118th Congress, Golden helped pass the Great American Outdoors Act to address maintenance backlogs at places such as Acadia and to establish permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

    Full text of the bill can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Craig, Senators Klobuchar and Smith, Gov. Walz, Statewide and Local Officials Break Ground on US 169 Interchange Project

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    JORDAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-02), Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Governor Tim Walz joined statewide and local officials to break ground on the US 169 & Highway 282/County Highway 9 Interchange Project in Scott County. 

    The project was funded, in part, by an $8 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant, which was granted to Scott County and their project partners – the City of Jordan and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) –through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rep. Craig and Senators Klobuchar and Smith played an integral role in securing the RAISE grant.

    “The federal, state and local partnership of this project, in particular, is incredibly critical,” said Rep. Craig in her remarks. “I remember the first time I visited down here, I looked at the possibilities and all I saw was economic opportunity for the state of Minnesota and for the Jordan area with this project, so it has been a true honor to work with so many mayors here to be able to get this across the finish line.”

    Once completed, the project will replace the last signalized highway intersection within 50 miles of the Twin Cities with an interchange, creating a 75-mile stoplight free zone to improve a key interregional corridor in Minnesota that is essential for commuters, local residents and business owners. 

    This will also include a grade-separated interchange at TH-282/County Highway 9 and a bridge over the Union Pacific rail line, as well as a roundabout, a multi-use path and underpass of US 169, floodway improvements, stormwater improvements, and frontage roads. 

    In 2021, Rep. Craig wrote a letter to former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg advocating for the RAISE grant application and in 2022, Rep. Craig secured $1.12 million for the City of Jordan US 169 Multi-Use Trail Underpassthrough the annual funding bill. 

    You can view Rep. Craig’s full remarks here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Craig, Hinson Lead Bipartisan Call to Expand Homegrown Biofuels Production

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) led 26 of their bipartisan colleagues in calling on the Administration to expand annual Renewable Volumes Obligations for biomass-based diesel in their upcoming rulemaking for 2026.

    In a letter to President Donald Trump, the Members urged the Administration to support a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by adopting timely, robust blending requirements in the upcoming “Set 2” rule establishing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and beyond.

    “Even before you took office, the EPA was months behind meeting the statutory deadline to set RVOs, which only exacerbated market instability,” the Members wrote. “Domestic biofuel production facilities have already idled, and further delays in action could result in additional closures, putting Americans out of work and disrupting key markets for farmers.”

    “Congress established the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to provide certainty and encourage investment in biofuels to the benefit of American families, the economy, and U.S. energy security,” the Members continued. “A strong Set 2 will benefit our constituents by lowering prices at the pump, creating and maintaining U.S. biomanufacturing jobs, and driving economic growth. A strong RVO will also support market growth for farmers at a time when global markets are experiencing uncertainty.”

    The EPA’s Renewable Volume Obligations for 2023 – 2025 were significantly lower than industry production trends, leading to a collapse in the value producers can receive in the renewable fuels market. Those poor market conditions led several biodiesel plants across the country to shut down last year. Higher RVOs will support market growth for farmers at a time when global markets are experiencing uncertainty.

    In Congress, Rep. Craig has worked across the aisle for years to promote homegrown biofuels. Last month, following her push, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 nationwide this summer. 

    Earlier this year, she introduced her bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to make year-round access to E15 permanent nationwide – expanding market access for Minnesota farmers and lowering costs for drivers at the gas pump. And in February, she led a bipartisan letter to newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the Agency to prioritize biofuels as part of the Administration’s energy agenda.

    The full text of the letter can be found HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    CHICAGO – Today, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) announced that the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District is Carmen Casillas, a senior at Reavis High School and resident of Burbank, Illinois. Carmen’s mixed media piece, titled “La Artista,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning students’ artwork from across the country.

    “La Artista” uses thick acrylic paint to create a textured, clay-like surface, inviting viewers to feel the joy and creativity that come from making art. The woman in the piece is depicted with colorfully painted skin, symbolizing how art transforms us both inside and out. A traditional, stylized apron in the painting pays tribute to the artist’s Mexican heritage, underscoring how culture and creativity shape identity and expression over time.

    “I never cease to be amazed by the talented young artists in our community who submit their work for  the Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman García. “Carmen’s piece, La Artista, is vibrant and deeply personal—it honors her heritage, celebrates the creative spirit, and reminds us that art has the power to shape who we are. I’ll be very proud to see it every time I walk to vote in the Capitol.”

    “What inspired me to create this was exploring the artist within, and showing how colors and feelings collide while making my artworks in clay or paint,” said Carmen C. “This piece is also inspired by my family’s Mexican heritage, which has had a significant impact in my life, while celebrating its traditional culture and artworks.”

    To view pictures of Carmen and her winning piece, click here.

    About the Competition

    Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in congressional districts nationwide. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Winners are honored locally and at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Their artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: View of night sky in Heilongjiang, NE China

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

    View of night sky in Heilongjiang, NE China

    Updated: June 2, 2025 16:57 Xinhua
    This photo taken on June 2, 2025 shows a view of aurora in Heihe City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on June 2, 2025 shows a view of aurora in Hailin City, Mudanjiang City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on June 1, 2025 shows a view of aurora in Fujin City, Jiamusi City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on June 1, 2025 shows a view of aurora in Qiqihar City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This stitched photo taken on June 1, 2025 shows a view of aurora and the Milky Way in Fujin City, Jiamusi City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on June 2, 2025 shows a view of aurora in Shangzhi City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This long exposure photo taken on June 1, 2025 shows an astronomy enthusiast watching the sky in the Wangkui County, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on June 2, 2025 shows a view of aurora in Huachuan County of Jiamusi City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers release Tianshan watershed streamflow dataset

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

    Chinese researchers have released a streamflow dataset of Tianshan Mountains watersheds, the key source region of Central Asian rivers.

    The study, led by researchers from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the journal Scientific Data.

    The dataset compiles daily streamflow data for 56 watersheds and monthly data for 89 watersheds in the Tianshan Mountains. The researchers reconstructed streamflow observations by integrating data from both domestic and international monitoring stations.

    The study revealed an overall increasing trend in Tianshan streamflow, which was particularly prominent between 1990 and 2019. Spatially, it showed higher streamflow in the west and south, and lower streamflow in the east and north.

    Due to scarcity of data and complex hydrological conditions in the Tianshan region, long-term and complete streamflow data are still lacking, said Li Shuai, first author of this study.

    “This is the first comprehensive and long-term streamflow modeling and data reconstruction effort at the watershed scale in the Tianshan Mountains,” said Li.

    The dataset fills the gap in the availability of comprehensive streamflow data for smaller basins in the Tianshan Mountains, and provides essential data for managing water resources and assessing the impact of climate change in the region, according to the study. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday box office revenue hits 400M yuan

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

    As of 12:47 p.m. on Monday, China’s box office revenue for the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday had surpassed 400 million yuan (about $55.67 million), a significant increase compared to the same period last year, according to box office tracker Maoyan.

    A still image from “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” [Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures]

    The summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” the eighth installment in the long-running Hollywood action franchise, leads the holiday box office chart. As of 12:47 p.m., the film had grossed about 165.31 million yuan during the holiday period.

    As this year’s Dragon Boat Festival coincides with the International Children’s Day, the holiday lineup features a variety of family-friendly animated films that have captivated audiences nationwide.

    The second to fourth spots of the holiday box office chart were dominated by animated films, including Japanese animated film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Art World Tales,” domestic animated adventure “Endless Journey of Love,” and Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch.”

    The Dragon Boat Festival — also known as the Duanwu Festival — falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it was celebrated on May 31, and the holiday continues from May 31 to June 2. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mongolia, Turkmenistan sign cooperation documents

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

    Mongolia and Turkmenistan have signed several cooperation documents to enhance bilateral ties, according to the Mongolian presidential office website on Monday.

    The documents, which include a joint statement on further development of cooperation between Mongolia and Turkmenistan, as well as memorandums of understanding on cooperation in health, education, science, media, culture and light industry, were signed in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia.

    Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Ulan Bator on Sunday evening for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-supported shelter offers hope, care to Pakistani orphans

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

    Muhammad Shahab has been living with his sister at the Islamabad China-Pakistan Youth One Heart Step and Cure Home (ICOSH), a compassionate shelter made possible through the generous support of the Chinese people, and has found strength, comfort and courage to dream of a brighter future.

    An orphan with no relatives, Shahab lost his mother, who bravely fought oral cancer. In her final days, she entrusted ICOSH with her children, a gesture that speaks volumes about the trust and love she felt for this place.

    “This home means everything to us. The Pakistani staff treats us with kindness and care, and Chinese friends visit us every week to see how we are doing. They ensure we have access to quality education, nutritious meals, and a safe, loving environment. ICOSH is more than a home, it is our protection, our hope, and our family,” the 11-year-old, who has been living in the home for about a year, told Xinhua.

    Established in 2023 by the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation and the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC), ICOSH began with the mission of assisting critically ill Pakistani patients seeking treatment in the capital. Today, it has grown into a haven offering temporary shelter for disabled and seriously ill children, as well as full-time residence for 21 orphans, including Shahab.

    Shahab’s late mother, who stayed at the compassionate home for several months, deeply appreciated the care she received and asked the center’s administration to look after her children after her passing, according to Sobia Adnan, the Pakistani director of ICOSH.

    “She was a seriously ill patient who entrusted her children to us based on her own experience here,” Sobia said. “It reflects the deep trust that people have in ICOSH.”

    She added that all orphans at the center have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, like Shahab and his sister, who witnessed their mother’s passing after a battle with cancer. Beyond meeting their basic needs, ICOSH places strong emphasis on the emotional well-being of the children.

    To support this, volunteer teachers visit the children in their rooms, fostering a nurturing and understanding environment where they can heal and thrive, she added.

    Since its establishment, ICOSH has provided care and assistance to 130 children who stayed temporarily while receiving treatment for various illnesses, before leaving once cured, Sobia said.

    The resident orphans attend local schools, with their education fully funded by Chinese support. In the future, based on their interests and talents, these children may be sent to China for higher education after completing their college education in Pakistan.

    “The center is a ray of hope for poor, underprivileged children who would have faced life’s hardships alone if the Chinese people had not extended their hand and offered them warmth,” she added.

    Speaking to Xinhua, Ma Bin, the head of the CPYEC, said the center embodies the deep friendship between the Pakistani and Chinese peoples.

    Since its inception, ICOSH has upheld the principle of “people-to-people communication,” offering shelter, medical care, and educational support to impoverished families and orphans.

    “Every recovered child and every smiling face tell the heartfelt story of China-Pakistan friendship. Love knows no borders, and good deeds have no boundaries. To support these beloved Pakistani children, many Chinese enterprises in Pakistan, with the backing of the Chinese embassy, have joined forces in this public welfare initiative, creating a strong relay of charitable efforts,” he said.

    “This collaboration not only empowers the development of vulnerable families but also helps the Belt and Road Initiative’s vision of people-to-people connectivity take root. We believe that even more social forces will join this caring mission in the future,” Ma added.

    As the partnership between Pakistan and China continues to strengthen, initiatives like this shelter stand as powerful symbols of solidarity and hope, Shiffa Butt, a volunteer at the home, told Xinhua.

    “Through sustained support and shared commitment, countless vulnerable children are being given the chance to rebuild their lives, pursue education, and dream of a brighter tomorrow, demonstrating the enduring impact of friendship beyond borders,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 8 injured in Colorado ‘targeted terror attack’

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

    Eight people were injured Sunday in “a targeted terror attack” in Boulder, Colorado, authorities said.

    The suspect was identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, said Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver office, on Sunday evening at a news conference.

    Boulder police confirmed Sunday night that eight people, namely four women and four men, were injured in the attack. Officials initially told news outlets that six victims had been taken to hospitals.

    The 45-year-old suspect was allegedly heard yelling “Free Palestine” while using a “makeshift flamethrower” during the attack. He was also reportedly heard yelling “They are killers” and “How many children you killed.”

    Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said at a news conference that Boulder dispatch received several calls reporting an incident at the county courthouse in downtown Boulder at approximately 1:26 p.m. local time (1926 GMT).

    Police officers found several victims suffering from burns and other injuries upon arriving at the scene.

    An organizer with Run For Their Lives, a group that holds weekly walks to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held in Gaza — told local television station KUSA that a man was waiting with bottles when they arrived at the historic courthouse near 13th and Pearl Streets.

    The suspect threw the bottles, burning multiple people, including a woman who was severely injured and had to roll on the ground to extinguish the flames, according to the report.

    One of the victims is a Holocaust survivor, said the report.

    In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said, “We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.”

    White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor Stephen Miller said in a social media post that the terror attack was committed by “an illegal alien.”

    Fox News reported that Soliman is an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa after entering the United States, citing Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sources.

    CNN reported authorities are working to determine whether the suspect may have suffered mental health issues.

    “He’s shirtless, screaming, used rudimentary (explosive) devices, and stuck around to be arrested,” a source told CNN.

    Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack as a “heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community” in a statement.

    “Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s westernmost border port goes 24/7 to boost Central Asia trade

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

    The Irkeshtam port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region launched a trial of 24-hour freight clearance operations on Sunday, making it the second land port in the region and the first in southern Xinjiang to adopt such a system. This move is aimed at enhancing trade logistics between China and Central Asia, according to the local immigration inspection station.

    As China’s westernmost land port, Irkeshtam serves as a critical gateway to Kyrgyzstan and a hub for Central and West Asia, with rising cross-border activity and robust transport demand.

    To support the round-the-clock operations, the Irkeshtam immigration inspection station optimized staffing through shift rotations and implemented “on-arrival inspection” for freight vehicles, which strikes a balance between security and efficiency.

    Jiang Zhidong, chairman of the Kashgar-based Xinjiang Jiujiuxi International Trade Co., Ltd., said that the system will significantly boost cargo efficiency, cut logistics costs, further energize port operations and unleash foreign trade potential.

    Statistics show that port traffic has surged this year at Irkeshtam, with the station handling over 105,800 trips and 98,500 vehicles by Sunday, up 80 percent and 79 percent year on year, respectively. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Daniel Cash, Reader in Law, Aston University

    For governments, a credit rating is more than a financial signal. It is a verdict that can influence the cost of borrowing, access to markets and, ultimately, the ability to provide for their citizens.

    Rating decisions are made behind closed doors in a private process that isn’t open to assessment or scrutiny.

    For African countries, this opacity can be especially damaging. When rating decisions lack transparency, it’s impossible to challenge potential biases or inconsistencies in methodology that put developing economies at a disadvantage. The result is higher borrowing costs that drain resources from healthcare, education and infrastructure investment.

    Africa’s new credit rating agency has the chance to change this. The African Credit Rating Agency is an initiative under development by the African Union and its partners. It is more than a new entrant; it is an attempt to rethink how financial authority is earned, exercised and scrutinised. The new agency plans to introduce transparent governance structures that could revolutionise rating methodology.

    As a researcher who has looked closely at the working of rating agencies, I believe this opportunity to bring transparency to financial governance isn’t just about better ratings. It’s a step towards economic sovereignty.

    Success for the African Credit Rating Agency shouldn’t be measured by whether it displaces the “big three” rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch). The real question isn’t whether an African agency can compete, but rather whether it can show the world how to rate credit differently.

    A flawed process

    The three big agencies do publish their methodologies – their criteria and risk models. This creates an illusion of transparency. Yet the final judgments emerge from committee meetings that produce no public record, no accountability, and no right of meaningful appeal.

    These rating committees typically comprise five to 10 analysts who meet in closed sessions to make each sovereign rating decision. S&P, Moody’s and Fitch each operate internal rating committees for every sovereign rating decision. The deliberations, dissenting views, and specific reasoning behind final votes remain confidential. Only a brief summary is provided with a rating decision.

    Research has shown that credit rating agencies are more accurate at assessing the creditworthiness of advanced economies than developing economies. There have also been studies on the discrepancy between what is expected when the public methodologies are applied and what the agencies actually rate. These studies have been done for economies like Hong Kong and China, but no equivalent research has yet been undertaken for African sovereigns.

    This discrepancy exposes an accountability void. When methodology-based predictions miss the mark, we must question what happens in those committee rooms. Especially when African nations are being assessed by analysts stationed continents away, with limited understanding of local economic and political realities.

    The African Credit Rating Agency could make three changes to the way ratings are done:

    • through public deliberations

    • by forming hybrid committees

    • with technological intervention.

    First, it could release committee transcripts within 30 days of each decision. This would give markets and governments unprecedented insight into rating rationales. This isn’t radical – central banks already publish meeting minutes, and courts publish opinions with dissenting views.

    Second, it could pioneer panels that include not only rating analysts, but regional economists, sectoral specialists, and even civil society observers. All with recorded votes. This diversified expertise would disrupt “group think” while capturing nuances of African economies that traditional agencies overlook.

    I have examined this idea from the perspective of injecting climate and sustainability-related expertise into credit rating committees. I believe this is a crucial step to take to evolve the concept of the credit rating committee.

    Third, the agency could use artificial intelligence to analyse patterns across committee discussions, flagging potential regional biases or inconsistent methodology application. It might be able to use secure digital ledgers to create unchangeable records of decisions.

    Why the big three keep it closed

    The industry thrives on privacy – protecting proprietary methodologies and shielding decisions from external challenge. And the natural oligopoly (a market dominated by a few large players due to high entry barriers, reinforced by market preference for predictability) helps it stay that way.

    The sovereign credit ratings of the three big agencies are built on quantitative and qualitative factors. But research shows that sovereign ratings are subjected to qualitative understandings. This puts developing economies at a disadvantage when agencies demonstrate pro-western biases because they lack data or knowledge.

    The impact of a credit rating downgrade for a sovereign borrower is usually multifaceted. Research shows that a single-notch downgrade can raise borrowing costs by more than 100 basis points, equivalent to an extra US$100 million annually on a US$10 billion bond.

    Investors prefer fewer, stronger signals rather than many competing views. So there’s little incentive for established players to change. The African Credit Rating Agency, as a new entrant, can offer something the incumbents won’t: governance innovation that serves both markets and nations.

    Radical openness will shake markets, at least at first. Committee members might face political pressure. Transparency alone doesn’t guarantee fair outcomes.

    But the world already demands transparency from central banks and constitutional courts. Why accept anything less from institutions that shape sovereign destiny?

    Next steps

    By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. The financial architecture serving them must evolve towards systems that recognise the continent’s unique strengths.

    Opening the rating committee to view represents more than technical reform – it’s about shifting who holds power in global finance. If it does this, the African agency won’t just deliver better ratings; it will model how global finance can be governed more justly.

    – Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how
    – https://theconversation.com/africas-new-credit-rating-agency-could-change-the-rules-of-the-game-heres-how-257138

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Uzbekistan finalizes WTO accession talks with Britain

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

    Uzbekistan has finalized World Trade Organization (WTO) accession talks with Britain, Azizbek Urunov, special representative of the president of Uzbekistan on WTO issues, said on Saturday.

    Urunov announced the completion of bilateral negotiations with Britain on LinkedIn. “Since then we have gone through internal procedures to sign the Protocol on the margins of the 10th Working Party meeting in Geneva on June 12, 2025,” he wrote.

    Britain is the 24th country to finish bilateral market access negotiations with Uzbekistan, he added, noting that “a few more WTO members are left for the entire completion of bilaterals.”

    According to his press office, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on May 14 reviewed Uzbekistan’s efforts and gave specific instructions to accelerate and systematically organize the accession process.

    “As part of the bilateral track, negotiations have been held with 33 countries on market access, of which talks with 24 countries have already been successfully concluded,” the press service said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tokyo stocks end lower amid concerns over changing U.S. tariffs

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

    Tokyo stocks retreated Monday amid growing concerns over the flip-flops in U.S. tariff policies following President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariff rates on steel and aluminum.

    Japan’s benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended down 494.43 points, or 1.30 percent, from Friday at 37,470.67.

    The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 24.28 points, or 0.87 percent, lower at 2,777.29.

    On the stock market, sentiment was dampened over fears of a global economic slowdown after Trump said Friday that he will raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent from 25 percent imposed by his administration earlier this year.

    The benchmark Nikkei index briefly lost more than 500 points as heavyweight semiconductor-related shares faced selling after declines by their U.S. counterparts late last week. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Enhances Ammunition Safety Skills of Kyrgyz Defence Personnel through Study Visit to Austria

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE Enhances Ammunition Safety Skills of Kyrgyz Defence Personnel through Study Visit to Austria

    Participant involved in the study on mobile lab usage. Vienna, 20 May 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    From 19 to 23 May 2025, four technical specialists from the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic took part in a study visit to Austria, focused on the use of mobile laboratory equipment for the chemical analysis of ammunition propellants. The visit was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in co-operation with the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic and with the support of the Austrian Armed Forces.
    During the visit, participants received both theoretical and hands-on training on operating Level 1 chemical laboratories equipped with QPAK (Qualitative Propellant Analysis Kit) systems, widely used by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence. They also visited the Division for Explosives, Materials, Petrols, Oils, and Lubricants (POL) Technology within the Defence Technology Agency of the Austrian Armed Forces Logistics School.
    The programme included guided tours of specialized laboratories in explosives, chemicals, materials testing, and POL, where participants learned about testing procedures, safety protocols, and modern analytical tools. Daily practical exercises allowed participants to apply their knowledge and improve their technical competence in chemical testing of ammunition components.
    This initiative builds on the OSCE’s earlier support to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defence through the donation of QPAK equipment. With the newly acquired skills, Kyrgyz defence specialists are now better equipped to conduct safe and effective chemical testing of ammunition, contributing to improved stockpile management and enhanced national security.
    The study visit is part of the OSCE’s ongoing efforts to support risk reduction and promote safe and secure ammunition storage practices in line with international standards.
    **This initiative is part of an ongoing series of activities within the extra-budgetary project “Improvement of SALW and CA Life-Cycle Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic,” supported by Austria, France, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strengthening Personal Data Protection Across Kyrgyzstan: Over 1,000 Officials Trained with OSCE Support

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Strengthening Personal Data Protection Across Kyrgyzstan: Over 1,000 Officials Trained with OSCE Support

    Participants during the training on Enhancing Personal Data Protection. (OSCE) Photo details

    The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in close partnership with the State Agency for Personal Data Protection under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, has helped raise national awareness and improve institutional knowledge in the field of personal data protection.
    Over the past three years, more than 1,000 public and municipal officials across the country have taken part in these efforts. Participants included representatives of local governments, district administrations, mayor’s offices, healthcare and education institutions, and school management bodies.
    The training sessions focused on:

    Understanding national laws on personal data protection
    Learning practical methods for secure data management
    Preventing data leaks and cyber threats

    As Kyrgyzstan continues to expand digital services, protecting sensitive information has become more important than ever. The rise of cybercrime and digital fraud means that both institutions and citizens face greater risks. That’s why building the capacity of public officials to handle data responsibly is essential for protecting privacy, increasing trust in digital tools, and boosting the country’s digital resilience.
    Participants also learned about:

    The national Register of Personal Data Holders (developed with OSCE support)
    Safe internet use and basic cyber hygiene
    Privacy protection in public service delivery
    Key elements of the draft Digital Code of the Kyrgyz Republic

    Importantly, the initiative promoted inclusive participation — with more than 50% of trainees being women, reflecting the OSCE’s commitment to gender equality in all its capacity-building efforts.
    This work forms part of the OSCE’s wider support to good governance, digital security, and the protection of individual rights in the Kyrgyz Republic.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Skills England priorities 2025 to 2026

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Skills England priorities 2025 to 2026

    A letter from Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, to the joint chief executives of Skills England.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Skills England priorities 2025 to 2026

    PDF, 127 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    A letter from Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, to the joint chief executives of Skills England, setting the priorities for Skills England for 2025 to 2026.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour accused of moving the goalposts on NHS waiting times – but “still managed to miss them”

    Source: Party of Wales

    Latest NHS performance data shows Labour Government in Wales missing targets on countless measures.

    Latest NHS activity and performance summary released today (Thursday, 22 May 2025) for March and April 2025 has shown the Labour Government in Wales have missed a vast series of targets aimed at reducing waits in the Welsh NHS.

    One significant target missed is the First Minister’s target to reduce two year waits to 8,000 by the Spring of 2025, a target set after missing the Welsh Government’s initial target of eradicating two year waits by March 2023. The Welsh Government have been accused of “moving the goalposts and still missing” by Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor.

    A series of other historical targets are still being missed by the Welsh government. These include:

    • Target: No one waiting for longer than a year for their first outpatient appointment by the end of 2022 (a target established in the planned care recovery plan).
      • Reality: the number of pathways waiting longer than one year for their first outpatient appointment was 71,000
    • Target: maximum wait for access to specified diagnostic tests is 8 weeks, and maximum wait for access to specified therapy services is 14 weeks – to be achieved by Spring 2024.
      • Reality: 35,200 patient pathways were waiting longer than the target time for diagnostics and 4,000 patient pathways waiting longer than the target time for therapies.
    • Target: No patients waiting longer than one year in most specialities by Spring 2025
      • Reality: Of the total pathways, 155,800 were waiting more than one year

    The Government has also missed a series of rolling targets, including:

    • Target: 65% of red calls (immediately life-threatening, someone is in imminent danger of death, such as a cardiac arrest) to have a response within 8 minutes.
      • Reality: Only 50.9% of red calls arrived within 8 minutes
    • Target: 95% of new patients should spend less than 4 hours in emergency departments from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge.
      • Reality: Only 67.7% of patients spent less than 4 hours in emergency departments
    • No patient waiting more than 12 hours in emergency departments from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge.
      • In April, 10,186 patients waited 12 hours or more in emergency departments.
    • Target: 95% of patients waiting less than 26 weeks from referral.
      • Reality: Only 55.2% of patients have been waiting less than 26 weeks.
    • Target: No patients waiting more than 36 weeks for treatment from referral.
      • Reality: 268,400 patient pathways had been waiting more than 36 weeks (34.0%)
    • Target: At least 75% of patients should start treatment within 62 days (without suspensions) of first being suspected of cancer.
      • Reality: Only 63.5% of pathways started their first definitive treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer.

    Plaid Cymru have criticised the Labour Government’s mismanagement of the NHS over the last 26 years of power, accusing them of running the Welsh NHS into ‘the ground’, by ‘constantly’ missing targets with ‘no real sign of change’.

    Plaid Cymru spokesperson on Health, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: 

    “Hundreds of thousands of people on waiting lists, over 8,000 of those waiting over two years. The fact that any Government is trying to claim that as a win, is a sign of how far down the road of Labour mismanagement we are.

    “A record of constant failure and missed targets – that is the record of this Labour Government when it comes to our NHS. A record of people waiting too long, not getting the service they deserve – a record of failure.

    “Even after moving the goalposts from their original target of eradicating two-year waits in 2023, Labour have still managed to miss their targets. Not only that, but on every single performance indicator – Labour have missed their targets.

    “An NHS run into the ground, and waiting lists as long as this simply isn’t as good as it gets for Wales, our NHS can be so much more than this. With a new government with a credible plan for our NHS, a plan to reduce waiting lists and reform our NHS for the future. That is what Plaid Cymru offers in 2026.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Forgotten assets to help families and young people thrive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Forgotten assets to help families and young people thrive

    First ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy unlocks £440 million funding

    • First ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy unlocks £440 million funding for people and communities who need it most – redirecting money from long-unused accounts to important social causes
    • Money will get young people involved in music, drama and sport, plus give thousands of vulnerable households access to affordable loans, delivering opportunity through Plan for Change
    • Financial institutions including JP Morgan and AON welcomed to No11 today, as Chancellor and Culture Secretary encourage them to participate in the Scheme and support local communities

    Families struggling with sudden costs and young people in deprived areas will get vital help, as £440 million from forgotten assets is put to work in communities across England through the first-ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy.

    This includes £132.5 million to give young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods new chances to take part in music, sport and drama to build skills for the future, improve their employment opportunities and ensure access is no longer the preserve of a privileged few. 

    A further £132.5 million will benefit those in financially vulnerable circumstances, providing them with the affordable credit and support they need to manage their money well. This will mean that people facing money worries will have a safety net for when things go wrong – from a broken fridge to an unexpected car repair – instead of leaving them at the mercy of loan sharks.

    Local charities and community groups will also get extra funding, so they can run projects like food banks, youth clubs, and community events. This support will help bring people together, tackle loneliness, and make neighbourhoods safer and friendlier for everyone.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed major financial institutions including JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group and other industry champions into No11 Downing Street today, highlighting the tangible difference this money can make to local communities and encouraging future participation to support these important causes.

    Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said:

    “From supporting young people and enhancing financial inclusion to driving social investment, this transformational funding will reach some of the most disadvantaged areas across the country and have a real impact on people’s lives as we deliver our Plan for Change. 

    “Made possible thanks to the ongoing support of our industry partners, I’ve been delighted to speak to financial institutions today as we look to bring in new sectors to support growth and drive opportunity across England.”

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: 

    “We’re turning forgotten assets into fresh opportunities by unlocking £440 million that would otherwise be sitting idle to help young people realise their potential, and ensure vulnerable families aren’t excluded from the financial products they need. Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing communities and boosting opportunities to deliver growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”

    Chris Cummings, CEO of the Investment Association said: 

    “We look forward to the further expansion of the Dormant Assets Scheme to the investment and wealth management sector. The Scheme has the potential to deliver real positive change to communities across the UK and our industry both warmly supports the initiative and is committed to exploring participating at the earliest opportunity.  

    “The Dormant Assets Scheme is an important opportunity for our industry to come together with government and deliver a positive, measurable social and environmental impact.”

    The Dormant Assets Scheme has successfully released £1 billion to date to support thousands of frontline organisations and individuals in some of the most disadvantaged communities across the country. Funding has been channelled into a range of initiatives including tackling youth homelessness, supporting charities with the cost of living and breaking down barriers to financial inclusion to help vulnerable groups.

    The £440 million package announced today represents a significant uplift with an estimated £90 million over previously announced figures set to become available through the Scheme in England by 2028.

    Allocations set out in the Strategy will drive forward the growth and opportunity missions in the government’s Plan for Change, with full distributions to include: 

    • £132.5 million for young people with funding going to services, facilities and opportunities to provide them with the skills and resources needed to succeed 
    • £132.5 million for financial inclusion and education, equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to build financial security
    • £87.5 million for social investment to strengthen the financial resilience of the voluntary sector, including £12.5 million reaching organisations that support youth outcomes
    • £87.5 million for community wealth funds, which will empower local people to make decisions about their communities, creating stronger neighbourhoods.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Dormant Assets scheme redirects money from long-unused financial accounts to social causes, while preserving the original owners’ right to reclaim their funds. 
    • The Dormant Assets Strategy sets out this government’s bold vision for the pioneering Dormant Assets Scheme, unlocking funds to support the communities who need it most and is available to view here. 
    • The Strategy for the Scheme is centered around three long-term objectives: 
      • Achieving long-term systems change through innovative programmes.
      • Protecting the integrity of the Scheme and its funding.
      • Becoming the best practice standard mechanism to deal with dormancy.
    • The Strategy reaffirms the importance of the collaboration between government and the financial services sector to make a success of the Dormant Assets Scheme

    • Last year, the government committed between the four named causes of the Scheme – financial inclusion, youth, social investment and community wealth funds – to break down barriers and drive growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    • Participants in today’s roundtable included representatives from JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group, alongside industry champions from across banking, investment, wealth management, insurance and pensions sectors.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston City Council Partners with LitterLotto to boost recycling

    Source: City of Preston

    02 June 2025

    Preston City Council has partnered with LitterLotto to give residents the chance to win up to £1,000 every week while encouraging correct recycling at home and on-the-go.

    The free LitterLotto app uses AI technology to identify the type of waste being disposed of and directs residents to the correct bin. Its ‘AtHome’ feature also offers bin collection reminders, recycling advice, and allows easy reporting of issues like fly-tipping and graffiti.

    Residents simply need to download the app, register for an account, and use their phone’s camera to scan the item they wish to dispose of. Every correctly recycled item earns virtual coins to spend in the LitterLotto Coin Store and an entry into the national £1,000 prize draw.

    Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety at Preston City Council, said:

    “Preston City Council are always looking at new and innovative ways to improve recycling. LitterLotto is a brilliant opportunity to improve recycling habits in Preston while rewarding residents for doing the right thing. By using the LitterLotto app, we can all help reduce contamination in our recycling bins and keep our streets clean, and the chance to win a cash prize is a great added bonus.”

    Even without downloading the app, residents and visitors to Preston can enter prize draws when recycling on-the-go using the new on-street recycling bins in the city centre. These bins are labelled with a QR code, and anyone can enter with just an email address. The bins are located at Market Street, Earl Street, Friargate and Ribblesdale Place.

    This initiative comes in response to concerns about contaminated recycling across the city, where incorrect items such as cartons, coffee cups, and plastic bags are frequently placed in recycling bins. The Council hopes the app will help clarify what can and can’t be recycled.

    As part of Volunteers’ Week celebrations, registered volunteer litter pickers will receive double entries and double virtual coins for their efforts in keeping Preston clean. This reward scheme will be trialled for 12 months until June 2026, with the potential to extend if successful.

    For more information and to download the app, see Bin it to Win it with LitterLotto .

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Family Fun Galore at the Lord Mayor’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic!

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    What a fantastic day at the Lord Mayor’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Palace yesterday (Sunday 01 June).

    Over 200 people gathered at the Palace Demesne for a fun-filled afternoon of teddy bear-themed games, face painting, bouncy castles, and soft-play in the Belfast Playbus. Children enjoyed meeting friendly teddy bear mascots and relaxing on their picnic blankets!

    A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this special event, which has helped Lord Mayor Councillor Sarah Duffy raise £885 for her chosen charity, Women’s Aid Armagh Down.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –