A coalition of mostly Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging a move by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to withhold about $6.8 billion in congressionally approved federal funding for K-12 schools.
Attorneys general or governors from 24 states and the District of Columbia sued in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget threw schools nationwide into chaos by unconstitutionally freezing funding for six programs approved by Congress.
The freeze extended to funding used to support the education of migrant farm workers and their children; recruitment and training of teachers; English proficiency learning; academic enrichment; and after-school and summer programs.
The administration also froze funding used to support adult literacy and job-readiness skills.
The government was legally required to release the money to the states by July 1, the lawsuit said. Instead, the Education Department notified states on June 30 that it would not be issuing grant awards under those programs by that deadline. It cited the change in administration as its reason.
An OMB spokesperson at the time cited an “ongoing programmatic review” of education funding and said initial findings showed what he termed as a misuse of grant funds to “subsidize a radical leftwing agenda.”
OMB also raised objections to the use of the grant money to support scholarships for immigrant students and lessons that involved LGBTQ themes.
The Democratic-led states said the sweeping funding freeze has disrupted school systems, resulting in summer school and after-school programs being canceled or put at risk and the halting of other initiatives with little time for school districts to fill in the holes left in their budgets.
The states say the administration violated the U.S. Constitution by disregarding Congress’ sole authority over spending and ran afoul of federal administrative law by freezing the funds without any reasoned explanation.
The states also say the administration failed to abide by procedures of the Impoundment Control Act, which bars the executive branch from unilaterally refusing to spend funds appropriated by Congress unless certain steps are followed.
The lawsuit follows a series of other cases Democratic-led states and others have filed challenging the administration’s sweeping efforts to freeze or terminate federal funding for programs out of line with Trump’s agenda.
A coalition of mostly Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging a move by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to withhold about $6.8 billion in congressionally approved federal funding for K-12 schools.
Attorneys general or governors from 24 states and the District of Columbia sued in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget threw schools nationwide into chaos by unconstitutionally freezing funding for six programs approved by Congress.
The freeze extended to funding used to support the education of migrant farm workers and their children; recruitment and training of teachers; English proficiency learning; academic enrichment; and after-school and summer programs.
The administration also froze funding used to support adult literacy and job-readiness skills.
The government was legally required to release the money to the states by July 1, the lawsuit said. Instead, the Education Department notified states on June 30 that it would not be issuing grant awards under those programs by that deadline. It cited the change in administration as its reason.
An OMB spokesperson at the time cited an “ongoing programmatic review” of education funding and said initial findings showed what he termed as a misuse of grant funds to “subsidize a radical leftwing agenda.”
OMB also raised objections to the use of the grant money to support scholarships for immigrant students and lessons that involved LGBTQ themes.
The Democratic-led states said the sweeping funding freeze has disrupted school systems, resulting in summer school and after-school programs being canceled or put at risk and the halting of other initiatives with little time for school districts to fill in the holes left in their budgets.
The states say the administration violated the U.S. Constitution by disregarding Congress’ sole authority over spending and ran afoul of federal administrative law by freezing the funds without any reasoned explanation.
The states also say the administration failed to abide by procedures of the Impoundment Control Act, which bars the executive branch from unilaterally refusing to spend funds appropriated by Congress unless certain steps are followed.
The lawsuit follows a series of other cases Democratic-led states and others have filed challenging the administration’s sweeping efforts to freeze or terminate federal funding for programs out of line with Trump’s agenda.
A coalition of mostly Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging a move by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to withhold about $6.8 billion in congressionally approved federal funding for K-12 schools.
Attorneys general or governors from 24 states and the District of Columbia sued in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, arguing that the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget threw schools nationwide into chaos by unconstitutionally freezing funding for six programs approved by Congress.
The freeze extended to funding used to support the education of migrant farm workers and their children; recruitment and training of teachers; English proficiency learning; academic enrichment; and after-school and summer programs.
The administration also froze funding used to support adult literacy and job-readiness skills.
The government was legally required to release the money to the states by July 1, the lawsuit said. Instead, the Education Department notified states on June 30 that it would not be issuing grant awards under those programs by that deadline. It cited the change in administration as its reason.
An OMB spokesperson at the time cited an “ongoing programmatic review” of education funding and said initial findings showed what he termed as a misuse of grant funds to “subsidize a radical leftwing agenda.”
OMB also raised objections to the use of the grant money to support scholarships for immigrant students and lessons that involved LGBTQ themes.
The Democratic-led states said the sweeping funding freeze has disrupted school systems, resulting in summer school and after-school programs being canceled or put at risk and the halting of other initiatives with little time for school districts to fill in the holes left in their budgets.
The states say the administration violated the U.S. Constitution by disregarding Congress’ sole authority over spending and ran afoul of federal administrative law by freezing the funds without any reasoned explanation.
The states also say the administration failed to abide by procedures of the Impoundment Control Act, which bars the executive branch from unilaterally refusing to spend funds appropriated by Congress unless certain steps are followed.
The lawsuit follows a series of other cases Democratic-led states and others have filed challenging the administration’s sweeping efforts to freeze or terminate federal funding for programs out of line with Trump’s agenda.
Egypt’s foreign minister said on Monday that the flow of aid into Gaza has not increased despite an agreement last week between Israel and the European Union that should have had that result.
“Nothing has changed (on the ground),” Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told reporters ahead of the EU-Middle East meeting in Brussels on Monday.
The EU’s top diplomat said on Thursday that the bloc and Israel agreed to improve Gaza’s humanitarian situation, including increasing the number of aid trucks and opening crossing points and aid routes.
Asked what steps Israel has taken, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar referred to an understanding with the EU but did not provide details on implementation.
Asked if there were improvements after the agreement, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told reporters that the situation in Gaza remains “catastrophic”.
“There is a real catastrophe happening in Gaza resulting from the continuation of the Israeli siege,” he said.
Safadi said Israel allowed the entry of 40 to 50 trucks days ago from Jordan but that was “far from being sufficient” for the besieged enclave.
EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of Monday’s meeting that there have been some signs of progress on Gaza aid but not enough improvement on the ground.
Israel’s continued military operations and blockade have left the entire population of 2.3 million people in Gaza facing acute food insecurity, with nearly half a million at risk of famine by the end of September, a joint United Nations report said last month.
The official tally of storm-related deaths across Texas rose to 131 on Monday as authorities warned of yet another round of heavy rains 10 days after a Hill Country flash flood that transformed the Guadalupe River into a killer torrent.
A National Weather Service flood watch forecasting heavy downpours of up to half a foot of rain was posted until Tuesday morning for a wide swath of central Texas extending from the Rio Grande east to San Antonio and Austin.
The advisory included Kerr County and other parts of Texas Hill Country along the Guadalupe still recovering from the July 4 flood disaster, which ravaged the county seat of Kerrville and a riverside Christian summer camp for girls in the nearby town of Hunt.
Riverfront residents as well as search teams still combing the banks of the waterway were advised to seek higher ground until the latest danger had passed. The search for additional victims along the Guadalupe was likewise suspended due to flood concerns on Sunday.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday said storms had claimed at least 131 lives in Texas since July 4, the bulk of those deaths in and around Kerrville, up from 120 reported on Friday.
He said 97 people were still listed as missing in the greater Kerrville area, down from the 160-plus who authorities said were unaccounted for last week.
About a third of the Kerr County fatalities are children, most of whom perished at Camp Mystic when floodwaters raged through the girls-only summer retreat before dawn on July 4.
Authorities have not rescued anyone alive since the day of the floods, when more than a foot of rain fell in less than an hour in the heart of a region known as “flash flood alley,” sending a deadly wall of water down the Guadalupe River basin.
Abbott said state lawmakers would investigate the circumstances of the flooding, disaster preparedness and emergency response to the flooding at a special legislative session set to convene later this month.
The high casualty toll, ranking as one of the deadliest U.S. flood events in decades, has raised questions about the lack of flash-flood warning sirens in Kerr County and vacancies left at National Weather Service offices amid staffing cuts under the Trump administration.
Indonesian rescuers were searching for 11 people missing after a boat capsized in bad weather off the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra province, the local search and rescue agency said on Tuesday.
Seven people had been rescued after the incident, which happened on Monday at around 11 a.m. (0400 GMT), the rescue agency said in a statement.
Of 18 people on board, 10 were local government officials. The boat had departed Sikakap, a small town in the Mentawai Islands, and was heading to another small town, Tuapejat.
Two boats and dozens of rescuers were deployed to find the missing people on Tuesday.
Boats and ferries are a regular mode of transport in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, and accidents are relatively common due to bad weather as well as lax safety standards that often allow vessels to be overloaded.
A ferry sank earlier this month near the island of Bali. Of the 65 people on board, 18 died, 30 survived and 17 remain missing.
Mitchell Starc delivered the fastest five-wicket haul in test history on Monday as Australia crushed the West Indies by 176 runs in the third test in Kingston, Jamaica to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
In his 100th test, Starc took 15 balls to wreck the West Indies top order and leave the home side’s run chase in tatters, before returning for his sixth wicket after Scott Boland became Australia’s 10th bowler to take a test hat-trick.
West Indies were bowled out for 27, the second-lowest total in test history after New Zealand’s 26 against England in 1955.
Starc shattered the previous record for a “five-for” by four balls, surpassing Ernie Toshack (1947), Stuart Broad (2015) and Boland (2021), who needed 19 deliveries to achieve the feat.
“You talk about 100 tests and skill and fitness … but I think today showed the real Mitchell Starc – what he can bring to a team. Which is, out of nowhere, tear an opposition apart and win a game for you,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins.
The drama began on the first delivery of West Indies’ second innings, when Starc enticed John Campbell to nick an outswinger to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.
Debutant Kevlon Anderson shouldered arms to a ball that jagged back and struck his pad four balls later, before Brandon King edged on to his stumps as the hosts found themselves three wickets down with no runs on the board.
Starc, named player-of-the-match and series, then trapped Mikyle Louis lbw to become the fourth Australian to reach 400 test wickets alongside Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon.
Two balls later, he trapped Shai Hope lbw and finished with figures of 6-9.
At tea, the West Indies stood at a precarious 22-6, needing 182 runs for victory and staring down the barrel of cricket’s ultimate embarrassment, with five runs needed to avoid the lowest-ever total.
And the drama was far from over.
Boland dismissed Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican to claim a hat-trick that left West Indies at 26-9, level with New Zealand’s record.
“He is amazing, isn’t he?” Starc said of 36-year-old Boland, who has 62 wickets from 14 tests at an average of 16.53.
“He would have played so many more tests in another team.”
In the end, it was a narrow escape for West Indies as they added another run before Starc returned to bowl Jayden Seales.
Earlier, Australia were dismissed for 121, their lowest score against West Indies in 30 years, with Alzarri Joseph completing career-best figures of 5-27 and Shamar Joseph 4-34.
That was little consolation for West Indies captain Roston Chase, who said being bowled out for less than 30 was “quite embarrassing.”
“Obviously we’ve been putting ourselves in positions to win games and then we (are) just laying down and not putting up a fight in the last batting innings,” he said.
“It’s quite heartbreaking, because I think we did it in all three tests, and we’re not really learning from our mistakes.”
Heated exchanges between England and India players made the Lord’s test more exciting and challenging, India captain Shubman Gill said after England took a 2-1 lead in the series with a dramatic 22-run win on Monday.
Tension flared between the teams during the intense third test, with Gill sarcastically clapping England batters for unnecessary delays, and India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj roaring in the face of England opener Ben Duckett after taking his wicket.
Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee for his aggressive behaviour.
“You’re giving everything, mentally, physically. There would be times when there would be a little bit of heat from both sides. But I think that’s what makes it so exciting, more challenging,” Gill told a news conference.
“At the end of the day, there’s a lot of admiration within the two teams. Both the teams try their best to win.”
Gill said staying calm under pressure would be crucial going forward in the five-match series.
“The longer the match goes, shows how well both the teams are balanced. It’s just a matter of which team keeps their calm and composure longer,” he said.
Heated exchanges between England and India players made the Lord’s test more exciting and challenging, India captain Shubman Gill said after England took a 2-1 lead in the series with a dramatic 22-run win on Monday.
Tension flared between the teams during the intense third test, with Gill sarcastically clapping England batters for unnecessary delays, and India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj roaring in the face of England opener Ben Duckett after taking his wicket.
Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee for his aggressive behaviour.
“You’re giving everything, mentally, physically. There would be times when there would be a little bit of heat from both sides. But I think that’s what makes it so exciting, more challenging,” Gill told a news conference.
“At the end of the day, there’s a lot of admiration within the two teams. Both the teams try their best to win.”
Gill said staying calm under pressure would be crucial going forward in the five-match series.
“The longer the match goes, shows how well both the teams are balanced. It’s just a matter of which team keeps their calm and composure longer,” he said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The decline in the prices of commercial residential homes in China’s 70 large and medium-sized cities continues to ease on a year-on-year basis in June, official data showed on Tuesday.
In the four first-tier cities, namely, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, new home prices dropped 1.4 percent from a year earlier, with the pace of decline narrowing by 0.3 percentage points from May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Notably, Shanghai, the country’s economic hub, recorded a 6 percent year-on-year increase in new home prices last month, the NBS said.
Second- and third-tier cities saw new home prices fall by 3 percent and 4.6 percent year on year in June, with the declines narrowing by 0.5 and 0.3 percentage points, respectively.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The decline in the prices of commercial residential homes in China’s 70 large and medium-sized cities continues to ease on a year-on-year basis in June, official data showed on Tuesday.
In the four first-tier cities, namely, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, new home prices dropped 1.4 percent from a year earlier, with the pace of decline narrowing by 0.3 percentage points from May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Notably, Shanghai, the country’s economic hub, recorded a 6 percent year-on-year increase in new home prices last month, the NBS said.
Second- and third-tier cities saw new home prices fall by 3 percent and 4.6 percent year on year in June, with the declines narrowing by 0.5 and 0.3 percentage points, respectively.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s value-added industrial output grew at a faster pace in June, up 6.8 percent year on year, as the world’s second-largest economy stepped up efforts to support growth despite challenges both at home and abroad.
The growth accelerated from a 5.8 percent rise in May, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.
In the first six months of this year, China’s industrial output increased by 6.4 percent compared to the same period last year, according to NBS data.
The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises, each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.8 million U.S. dollars).
A breakdown of the data showed that the manufacturing sector’s value-added output increased by 7 percent year on year during the January-June period, while that of equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing expanded by 10.2 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively, according to the NBS.
The production of 3D printing equipment, new energy vehicles, and industrial robots surged 43.1 percent, 36.2 percent and 35.6 percent year on year during the period, respectively.
Tuesday’s data also showed that the country’s GDP grew by 5.3 percent year on year in the first half of 2025. Retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country’s consumption strength, expanded 5 percent year on year during the period, while fixed-asset investment rose 2.8 percent.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Power generation by China’s major electricity production enterprises increased 1.7 percent year on year in June 2025, official data showed Tuesday.
Total power output of these firms reached 796.3 billion kilowatt-hours last month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
A breakdown of the data revealed that solar power output had soared 18.3 percent year on year, while that of nuclear power had expanded by 10.3 percent.
The output of thermal power and wind power increased 1.1 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively, year on year, NBS data confirmed.
In contrast, hydropower output shrank 4 percent year on year in June, the NBS data showed.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.3 percent year on year in the first half of 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Tuesday.
China’s GDP reached around 66.05 trillion yuan (about 9.24 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first half, NBS data showed.
In the second quarter, the country’s GDP expanded 5.2 percent year on year, according to the NBS.
The tertiary industry expanded 5.5 percent year on year in the first half, outpacing a 3.7 percent increase in the primary industry and a 5.3 percent increase in the second industry.
On a quarterly basis, China’s economy expanded 1.1 percent in the second quarter, according to the NBS.
Since the beginning of the year, China has accelerated the implementation of a more proactive macroeconomic policy. The economy has made steady progress despite pressures, with significant economic indicators performing better than expected, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the bureau, at a press conference on Tuesday.
In the first six months of this year, China’s industrial output increased by 6.4 percent compared to the same period last year, with equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing sectors posting rapid growth.
The consumer market maintained an upward trend during the period, with retail sales of consumer goods expanding 5 percent year on year in the first half. The pace is 0.4 percentage points faster than the growth recorded in the first quarter.
Fixed-asset investment continued to grow during the first six months, marking a 2.8 percent year-on-year increase. In particular, investment in the manufacturing sector saw notable growth.
The job market remained generally stable, with the surveyed urban unemployment rate averaging 5.2 percent in the first half, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the first quarter.
The country’s per capita disposable income reached 21,840 yuan during the January-June period, marking a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase in nominal terms, or 5.4 percent after deducting price factors, according to the NBS.
Commenting on the economic performance in the first half, Sheng described it as “highly valuable,” marked by continued progress and a positive trend built on overall stability.
“This is a hard-won achievement, especially given the sharp changes in the international environment and increased external pressures since the second quarter,” Sheng added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China has stepped up efforts to develop technology, green, inclusive, pension, and digital finance to better support the real economy. During the first five months of 2025, outstanding loans in these five areas reached 103.3 trillion yuan (US$14.41 trillion), up 14% year on year, according to official data released Monday.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xi meets heads of foreign delegations attending SCO council of foreign ministers meeting
Xinhua | July 15, 2025
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met in Beijing with foreign ministers and heads of standing bodies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) who are in China to attend the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of SCO Member States.
Following legislation passed by Nauru’s parliament last month to establish an authority to regulate virtual assets including cryptocurrency, the government has appointed highly respected Australian banking and financial markets executive Brian Phelps as its inaugural CEO.
In announcing the appointment, President of Nauru David Adeang said Mr Phelps’ vast experience will ensure the Command Ridge Virtual Asset Authority (CRVAA) will have a foundation of integrity and impact, champion innovation, and promote Nauru as a trusted digital jurisdiction.
He reinforced the government’s goal of attracting businesses that bring investment, job creation, and financial innovation to the nation.
“We must be innovative in our quest for economic resilience and a higher standard of living for our people, while prioritising international best practices and the highest levels of governance and compliance,” Mr Adeang said.
“This ensures investors and foreign platforms can have great trust in Nauru.
Mr Phelps has worked extensively with regulators, industry bodies and government, and served for 21 years as General Manager, Broking and Markets at CommSec, Australia’s largest online stockbroking firm and subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank.
He has also been a committee member of the Australian Financial Markets Association.
The CRVAA will provide a licencing scheme to allow virtual asset service providers to register and offer their services using Nauru as a base.
It is tasked with ensuring cybersecurity standards, monitoring financial transactions and enforcing compliance with international anti-money laundering and financial transparency protocols.
Mr Phelps said he was attracted to the role because the regulatory authority would be transformational to Nauru.
“This can reshape and strengthen Nauru’s economy over the long term, and create sustainability for future generations of Nauruans.”
He said the benefits to Nauru will go far beyond cryptocurrency and virtual assets.
“I see us attracting international companies to invest in Nauru and opening up new employment pathways as Nauruans build new skill sets.
“It’s a very exciting initiative.”
Mr Phelps said the opportunities were endless and include potentially transforming Nauru into a hub for AI and other leading technology.
Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes today’s announcement of public consultation on the proposed Fuel Security Plan by Associate Minister of Energy Shane Jones.
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the proposed plan is a constructive opportunity to build on New Zealand’s already high-performing fuel security settings.
“New Zealand has a robust, well-functioning fuel supply system. Our current system, based on importing refined fuels, rather than crude, gives us more flexibility and resilience than when we imported crude into Marden Point, a single point of failure.”
Carnegie says the proposed Fuel Security Plan announced today is about building towards a longer-term strategic direction for New Zealand’s fuel security.
“The risks we face today are not the same as five years ago. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and our security planning must change with it.
It’s critical that the Government balances our high-functioning fuel imports system with any domestic production. We will seek to ensure the final plan does this in a way that minimises costs for consumers.”
Fuel resilience must continue to be balanced with affordability and practical implementation, Carnegie says.
“It’s important to be clear-eyed: New Zealand will always rely on imported fuels. Domestic alternatives like biofuels will only ever supplement, not replace, imported fuels.
We have to weigh the cost of resilience. Emerging technologies often come at a premium, and we need to think critically about how much we’re willing to pay for the insurance for domestic production”
Carnegie says the best insurance policy remains New Zealand’s diversified network of experienced fuel suppliers.
“This consultation is an opportunity to make innovative, cost-effective improvements to an already strong system.
We look forward to engaging with the Government to find the lowest-cost, most effective options to build on our current level of resilience, without duplicating effort or adding unnecessary cost.”
Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes today’s announcement of public consultation on the proposed Fuel Security Plan by Associate Minister of Energy Shane Jones.
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the proposed plan is a constructive opportunity to build on New Zealand’s already high-performing fuel security settings.
“New Zealand has a robust, well-functioning fuel supply system. Our current system, based on importing refined fuels, rather than crude, gives us more flexibility and resilience than when we imported crude into Marden Point, a single point of failure.”
Carnegie says the proposed Fuel Security Plan announced today is about building towards a longer-term strategic direction for New Zealand’s fuel security.
“The risks we face today are not the same as five years ago. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and our security planning must change with it.
It’s critical that the Government balances our high-functioning fuel imports system with any domestic production. We will seek to ensure the final plan does this in a way that minimises costs for consumers.”
Fuel resilience must continue to be balanced with affordability and practical implementation, Carnegie says.
“It’s important to be clear-eyed: New Zealand will always rely on imported fuels. Domestic alternatives like biofuels will only ever supplement, not replace, imported fuels.
We have to weigh the cost of resilience. Emerging technologies often come at a premium, and we need to think critically about how much we’re willing to pay for the insurance for domestic production”
Carnegie says the best insurance policy remains New Zealand’s diversified network of experienced fuel suppliers.
“This consultation is an opportunity to make innovative, cost-effective improvements to an already strong system.
We look forward to engaging with the Government to find the lowest-cost, most effective options to build on our current level of resilience, without duplicating effort or adding unnecessary cost.”
Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes today’s announcement of public consultation on the proposed Fuel Security Plan by Associate Minister of Energy Shane Jones.
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the proposed plan is a constructive opportunity to build on New Zealand’s already high-performing fuel security settings.
“New Zealand has a robust, well-functioning fuel supply system. Our current system, based on importing refined fuels, rather than crude, gives us more flexibility and resilience than when we imported crude into Marden Point, a single point of failure.”
Carnegie says the proposed Fuel Security Plan announced today is about building towards a longer-term strategic direction for New Zealand’s fuel security.
“The risks we face today are not the same as five years ago. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and our security planning must change with it.
It’s critical that the Government balances our high-functioning fuel imports system with any domestic production. We will seek to ensure the final plan does this in a way that minimises costs for consumers.”
Fuel resilience must continue to be balanced with affordability and practical implementation, Carnegie says.
“It’s important to be clear-eyed: New Zealand will always rely on imported fuels. Domestic alternatives like biofuels will only ever supplement, not replace, imported fuels.
We have to weigh the cost of resilience. Emerging technologies often come at a premium, and we need to think critically about how much we’re willing to pay for the insurance for domestic production”
Carnegie says the best insurance policy remains New Zealand’s diversified network of experienced fuel suppliers.
“This consultation is an opportunity to make innovative, cost-effective improvements to an already strong system.
We look forward to engaging with the Government to find the lowest-cost, most effective options to build on our current level of resilience, without duplicating effort or adding unnecessary cost.”
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
RAMALLAH, July 15 (Xinhua) — Israeli troops killed a young Palestinian man near the northern West Bank town of Jenin on Monday, the Ramallah-based Health Ministry said.
“The Palestinian Authority for Civil Affairs informed us of the killing of 20-year-old Yousef Walid Abdullah Sheikh Ibrahim from the town of Kafr Rai as a result of Israeli shelling near Jenin,” the press release said. It noted that the Israeli military had taken away the body of the deceased.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Monday that “IDF troops found an armed terrorist near the community of Maoz Zvi,” a settlement in the northern West Bank. “The soldiers opened fire on the terrorist and killed him,” the statement said. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
WASHINGTON, July 15 (Xinhua) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with its plan to dismantle the Education Department, staying a preliminary injunction issued by a U.S. District Judge in May.
In an emergency decision by a vote of 6-3, the Supreme Court overturned a district judge’s order reinstating the mass-fired employees.
On May 22, U.S. District Judge Meng Zong in Boston ordered the reinstatement of nearly 1,400 Education Department employees affected by the mass layoffs. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The State University of Management took part in a joint open meeting of the Presidium of the National Accreditation Council for Business and Management Education (NASDOBR) and the Council for Professional Qualifications in Management and Law.
The SUM was represented at the event by Rector Vladimir Stroyev, Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov and Academic Director of the SUM Higher School of Business and Technology, Vice-President of the Russian Association of Business Education Vladimir Godin.
The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Alexander Zhukov; Chairman of the Presidium of NASDOBR, Vice-Rector of RANEPA Sergey Myasoedov; Vice-President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Murychev; Deputy Chairman, Head of the Executive Committee of Delovaya Rossiya Nonna Kagramanyan, Chairman of the Council of the Moscow City Branch of OPORA RUSSIA Dmitry Nesvetov, and General Director of the National Agency for Qualifications Development Alexey Vovchenko.
The participants considered issues of NASDOBR activities in accreditation of MBA business education programs and preparation for pilot accreditation of the DBA program “Doctor of Business Administration”, development of professional and public accreditation of higher education programs, and intensification of work on development of business education in the regions.
The results of the work of the specialized sections of NASDOBR and RABO at the Caucasus Investment Forum and the International IT Forum with the participation of BRICS and SCO countries were summed up. The high demand for business education programs in the regions was noted, especially in terms of developing management competencies and increasing labor productivity.
In addition, those gathered discussed the expansion of the powers of the Council for Professional Qualifications in Management and Law: the creation of educational programs, their professional and public accreditation, and the formation of a system for independent assessment of qualifications in this area.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 15 — The cargo craft Tianzhou-9 successfully docked at the rear docking port of Tianhe, the core module of China’s space station Tiangong, on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Such process was conducted at 8:52 a.m. (Beijing Time) after the Tianzhou-9 entered its orbit and completed its status setting, according to the agency.
The Shenzhou-20 crew members onboard the space station will enter the cargo craft and transfer the payloads as scheduled.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki began his visit to Hainan Province by meeting officials there and touring the Hainan Chronicles Museum along with the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform.
Mr Chan first met Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Hainan Provincial Committee Party Secretary and Chairman Li Rongcan in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province.
Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future.
He stressed that Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island.
Afterwards, he departed for Wenchang to meet CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee Secretary Wang Peng.
Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.
The Chief Secretary visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science & Research Study Tour under the Strive & Rise Programme.
While there, he engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace.
He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions.
Mr Chan added that he believes the experience of joining the meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.
MOFA extends sympathies following severe flooding in central Texas
Date：2025-07-07 Data Source：Department of North American Affairs
July 7, 2025 No. 231
The central region of the US state of Texas was recently hit by catastrophic flooding, causing major devastation. More than 80 people are confirmed to have died, including dozens of children, while an unknown number of people remain missing. Flood warnings currently remain in place across certain parts of the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston to ascertain whether any Taiwanese nationals had been affected. It also instructed the office to convey condolences and sympathies to the government of Texas on behalf of the government of Taiwan and emphasize that Taiwan would be glad to offer assistance.
According to information currently available to TECO Houston, no Taiwanese nationals have been identified among the dead, injured, or stranded as a result of the flooding. MOFA and TECO Houston will closely follow developments, maintain contact with the relevant Texan agencies, and provide assistance if needed. (E)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on July 7 attended the opening of the 2025 International Law Association-American Society of International Law Asia-Pacific Research Forum, where he addressed more than 50 noted international scholars from over 20 nations.
In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been promoting the policy of integrated diplomacy, which aimed to deepen partnerships with like-minded countries based on the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. He explained that Taiwan had proactively leveraged its diplomatic strengths—consolidating diplomatic ties, expanding its alliance of friendly nations, and integrating the resources of the public and private sectors with the goal of having Taiwan continue to be a Taiwan of the world.
Noting the extreme turbulence of international relations and the severe geopolitical challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, Minister Lin said that in recent years, China had repeatedly challenged the rules-based international order, gravely undermining democracy, the rule of law, human rights, freedom, and even fair trade. He observed that the world’s leading states had gone on alert and that an increasing number of countries had acted by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait, underscoring that the Taiwan Strait constituted international waters and demonstrating the great importance that they attached to the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Lin also pointed out that China had long sought to pressure Taiwan in the international arena, enacting the Anti-Secession Law in 2005 and 22 guidelines on punishing independence in 2024, among other legal warfare tools. He said that China had inappropriately distorted UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, seeking to weaponize the text and transform it into a tool to suppress Taiwan’s international participation and provide cover for an armed invasion. He stated that China had used the resolution as justification for its false claims that Taiwan was a part of China and that the Taiwan Strait was China’s internal waters, adding that such claims were clearly contrary to the facts and to democratic values.
Minister Lin noted that in response to China’s efforts to distort UNGA Resolution 2758, last year the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, the European Parliament, and the parliaments of Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic passed resolutions clearly opposing China’s misrepresentations. He said that senior US officials had also publicly expressed a similar position and that the international community had gradually gained an accurate understanding of Resolution 2758—that it neither mentioned Taiwan nor precluded Taiwan’s international participation.
Looking back on history, Minister Lin remarked that following the Second World War, the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which was binding under international law, had supplanted the political statements contained in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. He also pointed out that the People’s Republic of China had never governed Taiwan. He said that since the mid-1980s, Taiwan had experienced political liberalization and democratization, leading to the completion of its first direct presidential election in 1996. At that point, he said, the central executive and legislative representatives of government of the Republic of China were all elected by the people of Taiwan—and since then, the Republic of China government had been the sole legitimate government exercising effective rule over Taiwan and representing Taiwan internationally. He added that this underscored the cross-strait status quo that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China existed as equals, with neither being subordinate to the other. He said that the Republic of China (Taiwan) had experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016—that had consolidated the democratic system and helped create a clearer sense of national identity, reflecting the Taiwanese people’s pursuit of and desire for freedom and democracy.
Minister Lin went on to explain that, in response to dramatic changes in the international geopolitical landscape and the threat of authoritarian expansion, President Lai Ching-te had issued 17 national security measures. He said that China’s vaulting ambition had alerted the international community to the fact that Taiwan was not subordinate to the PRC. He observed that this had upended China’s cross-strait framework, making the issue of democratic Taiwan and authoritarian China not merely a regional matter, but a question the countries of the world must address together.
Minister Lin emphasized that the more secure Taiwan was, the more secure the world would be, and that the stronger Taiwan grew, the more secure the world’s democracies would be. He reiterated that Taiwan was a Taiwan of the world and said that the Republic of China (Taiwan), as a democratic nation and a force for good in the world, had demonstrated that it was part of the global village through the continued application of democratic processes and through its international participation.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Lin said that Taiwan would continue to be at the forefront of the global battle against authoritarian expansionism, adding that Taiwan would work with like-minded countries to defend the values of freedom and democracy and ensure regional peace, security, and prosperity. (E)
Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Baptiste
Date：2025-07-09 Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs
July 9, 2025 No. 234
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on July 7 for a delegation from the Republic of Haiti led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste and his wife. Minister Lin welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Taiwan government and expressed his anticipation that, based on the deep friendship between the two nations, bilateral exchanges and cooperation would continue to expand.
Minister Lin noted that Taiwan and Haiti had maintained diplomatic relations for 69 years and that the two sides had enjoyed fruitful collaboration in a wide range of areas, including food security, medical care, public health, and education. He added that such cooperation had benefited the people of Haiti and earned considerable recognition from the international community.
Furthermore, Minister Lin thanked the Haitian government for voicing support for Taiwan on the international stage, such as at the World Health Assembly and the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He said that the people and government of Taiwan deeply appreciated Haiti’s long-term and staunch backing of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
In his remarks, Minister Jean-Baptiste thanked Minister Lin for his warm hospitality. He also took the opportunity to express, on behalf of the people and government of Haiti, gratitude to all sectors of Taiwan for providing humanitarian and food assistance over the years and participating in projects that benefited women, children, and other disadvantaged groups in Haiti. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he looked forward to gaining a better understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development during his visit so as to further deepen the close collaborative relations between the two countries.
Minister Lin, Minister Jean-Baptiste, and the other guests at the luncheon exchanged views on Haiti’s current political and social situation, as well as bilateral cooperation. Minister Lin expressed Taiwan’s willingness to continue to work with the Haitian government to help Haiti restore social stability, advance economic prosperity, and bolster national development. (E)
Australians have long been some of the highest users of herbal and nutritional supplements that claim to boost mood or ease depression. These include omega-3s (found in fish oil), St John’s wort, probiotics and vitamin D.
In fact, among Australians with depression, these supplements are more popular than prescription medicines.
But do they actually work? And how do they compare to other treatments? A new review has assessed the evidence from 209 studies – here’s what it found.
Do these supplements work?
The new study aimed to assess the international evidence available for common over-the-counter products for depression in adults aged 18–60.
Despite their widespread popularity and availability, the study found there is surprisingly little research on these therapies, compared with psychological therapies and prescription antidepressants.
Only a few products had a relatively large body of evidence suggesting they were effective at treating symptoms. These were omega-3 supplements, St John’s wort, saffron, probiotics and vitamin D.
However, most products had only a single trial examining their use.
The researchers noted there was promising evidence for some herbal and nutritional supplements, where multiple studies did exist. These included folic acid, zinc, Rhodiola, lavender and lemon balm. But there is not enough evidence yet to recommend them, so more studies would be needed.
What does other research say?
These findings appear to support previous research assessing supplements for depression.
In 2024, the Australian government’s review of natural therapies also found moderate evidence that several herbal medicines can relieve symptoms in mild to moderate depression. These include curcumin (from turmeric), saffron and St John’s wort.
It also found moderate evidence St John’s wort was as effective as conventional antidepressants.
However, the major caveat is that much of the existing evidence relates to mild to moderate depression.
Mild to moderate depression usually means few symptoms beyond the minimum required for diagnosis (such as loss of pleasure and depressed mood). Major depression involves five or more symptoms along with significant distress and impact on day-to-day function.
While some products were found to have some effect in major depressive disorders – probiotics, for example – there is little evidence to suggest they’re effective where a large number of symptoms exist.
Dose and quality varies
The dose and quality of over-the-counter products can also vary significantly, which can make it difficult to identify appropriate products or assess which ones work.
In the United Kingdom, official advice for health-care practitioners acknowledges there is evidence St John’s wort can help with less severe forms of depression. But it also advises caution in recommending it, given how much the dose, preparation and quality can vary between different herbal products.
In Australia, guidelines for psychiatrists treating mood disorders such as depression note that good evidence exists for using omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils). But they highlight that there only seems to be a benefit when the product has 60% or more eicosapentaenoic acid (one of the main types of omega-3).
Whether folate supplements are effective for depression can depend on their form, which active ingredient is used, and how well the body can absorb it.
There may be other nuances in other supplements that we need more research to understand.
Are there any risks or downsides?
The study also concluded these products present few safety issues, whether used alone or in combination with other treatments. This is the reason most remain available over the counter.
However, herbal medicines and dietary supplements also contain chemicals that can work like drugs and interact with other medications.
For example, the way St John’s wort works on neurotransmitters (the body’s chemical messengers) is similar to many prescription antidepressants.
So taking it alongside antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome, a condition which can lead to fever and seizures in extreme instances. In rare cases, you may experience similar side effects to taking antidepressants.
For instance, some studies suggest omega-3 supplements used in addition to standard antidepressant therapy resulted in the best outcomes. But more research is needed to explore this link.
How do they stack up against other therapies?
Pharmaceutical medications, such as antidepressants, and talk therapies remain the gold standard in Australian guidelines for mood disorders. They are the most studied interventions for these disorders, which means we have the most evidence for how well they work.
However, emerging evidence is developing for other therapies too.
Lifestyle interventions to improve diet and exercise have been shown to be as effective in addressing symptoms of depression as receiving psychological treatment alone.
Nutrients are the building blocks of many body processes, and some nutrient deficiencies themselves (such as iron and B12) can cause depressive symptoms. So their potential role of nutritional supplements is perhaps unsurprising.
However, research – including our own – increasingly demonstrates eating nutrient-rich foods (rather than taking supplements) can be enough to improve symptoms in mood disorders such as depression.
The Australian government’s review of natural therapies also found the evidence for non-pharmacological treatments, such as yoga, was more certain than for herbal medicines and nutritional supplements in treating depression.
It’s also important to note that depressive symptoms rarely present alone. They can be secondary to other underlying health conditions (such as hypothyroidism) or present with other conditions.
Investigating and addressing these potential root causes and improving general health is essential in managing symptoms.
What are the key takeaways?
Some herbal and nutritional supplements do appear to have a potentially beneficial effect for less severe forms of depression. But for many of these therapies there is still not enough evidence to offer definitive recommendations.
While the Therapeutic Goods Administration regulates the safety and quality of supplements, there is still variation in product quality, dose and how well the body can absorb it.
If you’re thinking of using herbal or nutritional supplements, it’s important to consult a health professional, such as a GP, naturopath or even a psychologist.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Jon Wardle is Foundation Director of the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine and the Maurice Blackmore Chair of Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University, which undertakes training and research in nutritional and herbal therapies. He has received funding from multiple foundations and agencies to conduct research on nutritional and herbal medicines, including the National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund. He was part of the both the National Health and Medical Research Council Natural Therapies Working Committee and the Department of Health Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel which supported Professor Kidd in conducting the reviews mentioned in this article. However, this article represents his personal academic opinion and does not represent the opinions of either of these organisations.
Carrie Thomson-Casey is affiliated with both major psychology professional associations the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi). Carrie is also the past convenor and now treasurer of an APS interest group Psychology and Integrative Mental Health.
Carrie is an author of one of the papers Jon has cited.
Jessica Bayes has received funding from several organisations to conduct research exploring diet and mental wellbeing, in addition to research investigating nutritional supplements. Jessica has also authored some of the articles referenced here.
