Category: Education

MIL-OSI China: Italian students showcase passion for Chinese through cultural performances

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Phoenix-themed dances, recitations of ancient Chinese classics, and dubbing performances of the Chinese anime Ne Zha… On Tuesday, dozens of Italian students at a boarding school in Rome showcased their passion for the Chinese language and culture through a variety of performances.

The event, titled “Celebrating the Spring,” was hosted by the international high school Rome Convitto Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II, which offers science-related courses in Chinese and a long-term study-in-China program. This annual gala provides a platform for students to demonstrate their progress in Chinese and express their unique talents.

Rosso Sgroi, a fifth-year high school student, played the role of the Monkey King in a short play. His fluent Chinese and lively performance earned hearty laughter and applause from the audience. He shared that he is deeply fond of China’s Wuxia culture, or martial hero fiction, and classical Chinese literature.

“I have passed HSK 6 (the highest level of the standard Chinese proficiency exam) and applied to several universities in China,” he told Xinhua. “I hope to major in aerospace there because China has made remarkable advancements in the aerospace industry in recent years. Studying this technology in China will be crucial for my future.”

Rome Convitto Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II introduced its Chinese program in 2009. Since 2010, more than 1,500 students have visited China through summer camps. In 2014, the school established a long-term study program in China. Over the years, the school has cultivated many students who not only possess strong Chinese language skills but also exhibit remarkable cross-cultural communication abilities and a global perspective.

Li Xiaoyong, Charge d’Affaires ad interim at the Chinese Embassy in Italy, said in his address that the spirit of the Italian explorer Marco Polo — his courage to explore the world, his openness to embracing diverse cultures, and his warmth in forging friendships with strangers — is needed today, more than ever.

“The school’s Chinese program has demonstrated a clear long-term vision since its inception, as we have witnessed Chinese becoming an increasingly significant language in today’s world,” said Federico Masini, president and director of the Confucius Institute at La Sapienza University in Rome, in his speech ahead of the gala.

Along the high school corridor, a captivating array of Chinese-related paintings, calligraphy, posters, and photographs is displayed on the walls, most of which are student works.

The school has a Chinese library that offers a collection of books and study materials for both teachers and students. Activities such as learning martial arts and the Chinese tea ceremony are popular among the students, fostering a rich Chinese cultural atmosphere among the young Italians.

“Some may argue that globalization is no longer relevant today, but the continued interest of many young Italians in learning Chinese and studying in China is a strong testament to the ongoing influence of globalization,” Masini told Xinhua in an interview.

He expressed hope that more Italian and European students would visit and study in China, further enriching cultural exchanges and skill development between Chinese and European youth.

MIL OSI China News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Renters miss out on real relief from housing subsidy – UoA study

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

As more New Zealanders rent and rents continue to climb, new research shows government support is failing to ease housing stress.

New Zealand’s accommodation supplement is doing little to improve affordability for renters, according to a recent study. (ref. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5100405 )

Although rental subsidies offer some relief, the study authors say they’re not significantly closing the affordability gap between lower- and higher-income groups.

In contrast, the researchers show that mortgage subsidies work more effectively, helping to level the playing field between low- and high-income homeowners.

Associate professor Edward Yiu and Dr William Cheung from the University of Auckland’s Business School compare the rent-to-income ratio and mortgage -to-income ratio of Auckland households receiving the accommodation supplement with those that don’t.

They compare households within the same income bracket, and using data from 2019 to 2023, show that rental subsidies do little to improve affordability.

“While rental subsidies offer some help, they fall short of creating comparable affordability,” says Yiu.

Renters receiving the supplement pay more than renters who don’t

Renters receiving the supplement spent more of their income on rent than those not getting it across all five income brackets the researchers analysed.

Studies in other countries have shown that landlords may raise rents in response to subsidies, leading to higher rental costs for people on rent support payments, says Yiu. “This could be why renters receiving the accommodation supplement are paying more in Aotearoa.”

In 2023, in the middle-income bracket, renters on the accommodation supplement were spending 35.65 percent of their income on rent alone, compared to 25.85 percent for those not on support payments.

When excluding the accommodation supplement from household income, the rent-to-income ratio of households receiving the supplement jumps to 39.15 percent. This indicates that while government support provides some relief, it’s ineffective in bringing rent-to-income ratios down to a more affordable level, says Yiu.

“We’re facing a bit of a dilemma when it comes to rental subsidy policy. Raising subsidy levels could provide immediate relief but it might also contribute to rent inflation.”

Housing affordability is a critical challenge in New Zealand, with many low-income households struggling to meet housing costs.

“While the accommodation supplement is intended to support households with rent and mortgage costs, our findings suggest it’s not providing effective relief for renters,” says Cheung.

Mortgage supplement levels the playing field for homeowners

Homeowners receiving the mortgage supplement experience significantly lower mortgage payments than those who don’t, according to the study.

In 2023, households collecting the supplement paid $32,000 annually in mortgage repayments compared to $39,250 for homeowners (in the same income bracket) not receiving the supplement.

“Mortgage subsidies effectively level affordability between low-income and higher-income homeowners,” says Yiu.

This, he argues, suggests homeownership support payments offer more consistent and lasting affordability benefits than rental subsidies.

“The limited effectiveness of rental subsidies suggests a need to rethink the role of the accommodation supplement in assisting low-income renters.

“A shift toward policies that support transitions to homeownership, such as shared equity schemes or targeted mortgage support, may provide more sustainable affordability outcomes. A direct provision of public rental housing could also be a potential solution.”

The Accommodation Supplement is one of New Zealand’s primary social housing support programmes. It provides weekly financial assistance to lower-income households struggling with housing costs.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China alerts students to risks of studying in certain US states

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

China’s Ministry of Education on Wednesday released an overseas study alert urging Chinese students to assess security risks and raise their awareness of precautions if they consider studying in certain U.S. states.
The alert was issued after the U.S. state of Ohio passed a higher education bill recently that includes negative provisions related to China and imposes restrictions on educational exchange and cooperation between Chinese and U.S. higher education institutions, the ministry said.

MIL OSI China News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Patty Murray, Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Federal Funding for Birth Control, Reproductive Health Care Services
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Plans to Freeze Tens of Millions in Title X Family Planning Funds for Planned Parenthood, Other Organizations

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Tina Smith (D-MN), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act, a bill that would safeguard funding for Title X – the country’s only federal program dedicated to providing family planning and preventive health services, including birth control, cancer screenings, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive health care – following attacks on the program by the Trump Administration last week. Title X clinics serve 4 million people annually, and in 2023 alone, more than 1.5 million visits to Planned Parenthood health centers were made possible by the program. The bill is co-led in the House of Representatives by Representative Sharice Davids (D, KS-03), Judy Chu (D, CA-28) and Dina Titus (D, NV-01).

“For more than 50 years, Title X funding has helped women across the U.S. get cancer screenings, contraception, pregnancy tests, STI treatment, and so many other services that are critical to helping women—especially women with the tightest budgets—stay healthy and plan their futures,” said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to co-lead the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act—this legislation would give Title X reliable annual funding to provide reproductive health care to more people, meeting a growing need for these vital services. As the Trump administration does everything they can to attack Title X and rip away women’s ability to receive basic health care, Democrats will keep fighting back to protect a woman’s right to make her own decisions about her body and her future.”

“We are at a time when Americans’ reproductive freedoms are under attack from extremist Republicans – which makes the Title X Family Planning Program more important than ever,” said Senator Smith. “Title X funding provides American women with access to critical reproductive health services. I invite my Republican colleagues who claim to champion family planning services to join us in supporting this commonsense legislation that will protect women’s access to life-saving services and birth control, pregnancy counseling, infertility services, and more.”

“The Title X program saves lives by making sure people have access to affordable cancer screenings, STI testing, birth control, and pregnancy tests,” said Senator Warren. “While the Trump administration puts women’s health at risk, Democrats are fighting back.”

The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act is even more crucial as the Trump Administration recently froze millions of dollars in already-appropriated Title X funding, impacting 16 organizations across several states. Planned Parenthood affiliates have lost access to as much as $3 million annually — resources they rely on to serve tens of thousands of patients each year. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the freeze could impact access to care for up to 1.25 million people, many of whom are low-income, people of color, or live in medically underserved communities.

“In Kansas and across the country, people are being turned away from the only places they can afford to get basic, lifesaving reproductive care — all because the Trump Administration is playing politics with their health,” said Representative Davids. “This bill protects trusted providers and ensures access to cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing, no matter your income, where you live, or how you vote.”

“The Trump Administration is denying women across Nevada and the U.S. the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and their families’ futures,” said Representative Titus. “By fully funding family planning services, we can protect their rights to access lifesaving preventive care, birth control, and other reproductive health services at a time when these freedoms are under constant attack.”

Specifically, The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act would:
- Guarantee stable, annual funding for Title X
  
  $512 million annually for 10 years, addressing the current funding shortfall and ensuring access to essential services.
  
  $50 million in mandatory funding for clinic construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
- Protect providers like Planned Parenthoodfrom being excluded, as seen under the Trump Administration’s so-called “domestic gag rule.”
  
  Reinstate regulations prohibiting discrimination against providers who offer Title X services, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
- Provide information related to prenatal care, delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination — unless a patient opts out of receiving information on certain options.
Senator Murray has consistently fought to strengthen and preserve the Title X program, and was a vocal critic of the first Trump Administration’s Title X gag rule and countless other efforts to undermine reproductive health care. Early in 2019, Senator Murray released a memo highlighting some of the negative impacts of the rule and comments from patients, providers, city and county officials, and religious organizations submitted in opposition. Senator Murray is also a longtime leader in the fight to protect and expand access to reproductive health care and abortion rights, and she has led Congressional efforts to fight back after the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Murray has introduced more than a dozen pieces of legislation to protect reproductive rights from further attacks, protect providers, and help ensure women get the care they need; Murray has led efforts to push for passage of these bills on the floor multiple times. Murray also led her colleagues in raising the alarm about the threat a second Trump administration poses to reproductive rights and abortion access in every state, as outlined in Project 2025.

The full text of the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act is HERE.
MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Current major party policies fall short for Indigenous communities. Here’s a better path forward

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bartholomew Stanford, Senior Lecturer of Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Education and Research Centre, James Cook University

Since the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023, the Indigenous Affairs portfolio has not featured prominently in policy debates at the national level.

As the election campaign continues, there’s yet to be much substantive discussion about how to improve the lives of First Nations people.

But what do we know about Indigenous policy under a continuing Albanese Labor government, or a new one led by Peter Dutton?

And more importantly, what does the evidence suggest the government, regardless of persuasion, should do with the Indigenous Affairs portfolio and areas where Indigenous policy needs reform to meet international standards?

What’s happened since the referendum?

The government has all but walked away from the Uluru Statement from the Heart since the referendum.

The statement was the result of unprecedented, widespread consultation with Indigenous people nationwide in 2016 and 2017.

Anthony Albanese committed to implementing the statement in full. It includes two other principles in addition to the Voice to Parliament: a Truth-Telling Commission and Treaty.

But the government appears to have no appetite for these matters at the moment. The failure of the referendum is also something the prime minister would likely want to distance his government from in the re-election bid.

After the referendum in October 2023, the government made a significant change in direction from Indigenous rights to economic initiatives for Indigenous communities. In December of that year, the government began public consultations to investigate how to strengthen the Indigenous Procurement Policy.

In February 2025, the government announced reforms to the policy. It committed to new procurement targets, with an intention of reaching 4% of all Commonwealth procurement being from Indigenous businesses by 2030.

There have been criticisms of this policy and the Indigenous business sector however, with concerns about Indigenous identity fraud and misuse of the policy.

What has Labor pledged?

Labor has committed to a continuation of efforts to close the gap. This is despite clear deficiencies within the policy to address socioeconomic disadvantage and the growing incarceration rates of Indigenous Australians.

The government has flagged the potential for more economic based policies instead of returning to the prior focus on Indigenous rights, recognition and truth-telling.

Labor has also committed to more Indigenous engagement at the international level. This is mostly through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s First Nations Ambassador initiatives, Indigenous foreign policy and public diplomacy.

What about the Coalition?

The Liberal and National parties are using the referendum outcome as a barometer to gauge the public’s attitudes towards Indigenous affairs. They are largely opposed to increased Indigenous rights and recognition.

This has already started at a state level. The Queensland Liberal National Party, for instance, walked back their support for a state treaty just a week after the referendum result.

The federal Coalition has since been vocal about curtailing Indigenous recognition and placing greater scrutiny on Indigenous funding and programs.

Peter Dutton has expressed an interest in removing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at government press conferences. He also wants to scrap the First Nations ambassador role.

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jacinta Nampijinpa Price wants the Coalition to audit government spending on Indigenous programs. She also wants a royal commission into sexual abuse in Indigenous communities.

Read more:
A royal commission won’t help the abuse of Aboriginal kids. Indigenous-led solutions will

It’s safe to assume the Coalition will have no interest in revisiting any aspects of the Uluru Statement.

Dutton has indicated, however, that a referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition could be reconsidered, if it had bipartisan support.

But he seems very uncertain on this issue. It’s unclear if he or the Coalition would even support this.

The direction of conservative politics in Australia is following trends happening in New Zealand. Indigenous rights there are very much in the crosshairs of policy debate and political attack.

The missing policy pieces

So what does the evidence say about what politicians should be doing to improve outcomes for First Nations people?

The first thing to do is come up with a plan. We, as a nation, must move past the referendum result and present a clear roadmap for addressing Indigenous rights and ongoing marginalisation.

Second, work on implementing the Uluru Statement remains unfinished. Truth and Treaty can still be acted on. The recognition so resoundingly called for in the statement remains elusive.

And if not a Voice to Parliament, government needs to work with First Nations people to determine a path forward for legislating a representative Indigenous national body that both sides of politics will support.

The Closing the Gap policy needs also needs massive overhaul. Of the 19 targets, only five are on track to be met.

The Productivity Commission, which monitors the progress on the targets, has said the program will fail “without fundamental change”.

Some improvements have been made, but closing the gap in life expectancy and addressing the over-representation of Indigenous people in incarceration continue to be areas of vital concern.

Finally, Australia has not yet lifted Indigenous policy to international standards. The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has existed since 2007. Australia officially endorsed it in 2009.

But, according to the Law Council of Australia, legal recognition of the declaration, and the rights it accords, is only recognised in a “piecemeal manner”.

This means there is no comprehensive or consistent legal provision for Indigenous rights in Australia.

And with no Treaty, there are limited safeguards for Indigenous cultures, creating further uncertainty which perpetuates and exacerbates Indigenous disadvantage.

Bartholomew Stanford receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. Current major party policies fall short for Indigenous communities. Here’s a better path forward – https://theconversation.com/current-major-party-policies-fall-short-for-indigenous-communities-heres-a-better-path-forward-253331

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 10, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Tools like Apple’s photo Clean Up are yet another nail in the coffin for being able to trust our eyes

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University

Apple Clean Up highlights photo elements that might be deemed distracting. T.J. Thomson

You may have seen ads by Apple promoting its new Clean Up feature that can be used to remove elements in a photo. When one of these ads caught my eye this weekend, I was intrigued and updated my software to try it out.

The feature has been available in Australia since December for Apple customers with certain hardware and software capabilities. It’s also available for customers in New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The tool uses generative artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse the scene and suggest elements that might be distracting. You can see those highlighted in the screenshot below.

Apple uses generative AI to identify elements, highlighted here in red, that might be distracting in photos. It then allows users to remove these with the tap of a finger.
T.J. Thomson

You can then tap the suggested element to remove it or circle elements to delete them. The device then uses generative AI to try to create a logical replacement based on the surrounding area.

Easier ways to deceive

Smartphone photo editing apps have been around for more than a decade, but now, you don’t need to download, pay for, or learn to use a new third-party app. If you have an eligible device, you can use these features directly in your smartphone’s default photo app.

Apple’s Clean Up joins a number of similar tools already offered by various tech companies. Those with Android phones might have used Google’s Magic Editor. This lets users move, resize, recolour or delete objects using AI. Users with select Samsung devices can use their built-in photo gallery app to remove elements in photos.

There have always been ways – analogue and, more recently, digital – to deceive. But integrating them into existing software in a free, easy-to-use way makes those possibilities so much easier.

Using AI to edit photos or create new images entirely raises pressing questions around the trustworthiness of photographs and videos. We rely on the vision these devices produce in everything from police body and traffic cams to insurance claims and verifying the safe delivery of parcels.

If advances in tech are eroding our trust in pictures and even video, we have to rethink what it means to trust our eyes.

How can these tools be used?

The idea of removing distracting or unwanted elements can be attractive. If you’ve ever been to a crowded tourist hotspot, removing some of the other tourists so you can focus more on the environment might be appealing (check out the slider below for an example).

But beyond removing distractions, how else can these tools be used?

Some people use them to remove watermarks. Watermarks are typically added by photographers or companies trying to protect their work from unauthorised use. Removing these makes the unauthorised use less obvious but not less legal.

Others use them to alter evidence. For example, a seller might edit a photo of a damaged good to allege it was in good condition before shipping.

As image editing and generating tools become more widespread and easier to use, the list of uses balloons proportionately. And some of these uses can be unsavoury.

AI generators can now make realistic-looking receipts, for example. People could then try to submit these to their employer to get reimbursed for expenses not actually incurred.

Read more:
Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud

Can anything we see be trusted anymore?

Considering these developments, what does it mean to have “visual proof” of something?

If you think a photo might be edited, zooming in can sometimes reveal anomalies where the AI has stuffed up. Here’s a zoomed-in version of some of the areas where the Clean Up feature generated new content that doesn’t quite match the old.

Tools like Clean Up sometimes create anomalies that can be spotted with the naked eye.
T.J. Thomson

It’s usually easier to manipulate one image than to convincingly edit multiple images of the same scene in the same way. For this reason, asking to see multiple outtakes that show the same scene from different angles can be a helpful verification strategy.

Seeing something with your own eyes might be the best approach, though this isn’t always possible.

Doing some additional research might also help. For example, with the case of a fake receipt, does the restaurant even exist? Was it open on the day shown on the receipt? Does the menu offer the items allegedly sold? Does the tax rate match the local area’s?

Manual verification approaches like the above obviously take time. Trustworthy systems that can automate these mundane tasks are likely to grow in popularity as the risks of AI editing and generation increase.

Likewise, there’s a role for regulators to play in ensuring people don’t misuse AI technology. In the European Union, Apple’s plan to roll out its Apple Intelligence features, which include the Clean Up function, was delayed due to “regulatory uncertainties”.

AI can be used to make our lives easier. Like any technology, it can be used for good or bad. Being aware of what it’s capable of and developing your visual and media literacies is essential to being an informed member of our digital world.

T.J. Thomson receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is an affiliated researcher with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society.

– ref. Tools like Apple’s photo Clean Up are yet another nail in the coffin for being able to trust our eyes – https://theconversation.com/tools-like-apples-photo-clean-up-are-yet-another-nail-in-the-coffin-for-being-able-to-trust-our-eyes-253942

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 10, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Location-sharing apps are enabling domestic violence. But young people aren’t aware of the danger

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Maria Atienzar-Prieto, PhD Candidate, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University

The Conversation/Snapchat

Location-sharing apps are shaping how we connect and communicate – especially among younger people. Snap Map, a popular feature within Snapchat, is widely used by teens and young adults to stay in the loop and facilitate real-time meet-ups with friends and partners.

Meanwhile, Life360 markets itself as “Australia’s number one family safety app”. It offers parents peace of mind through continuous, sophisticated location tracking.

These apps determine a person’s real-time location primarily with GPS technology that’s already in a phone. The convenience and sense of security they provide might be appealing to many people. But they can also enable stalking and other forms of coercive control.

The recent inquest into the murder of Lilie James starkly highlighted these risks. However, our research on young people’s perceptions of technology-facilitated abuse has shown many of them are not aware of the danger.

A meticulously planned murder

In October 2023, James, a 21-year-old water polo coach, was killed by her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend, Paul Thijssen, in a bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney.

James had been in a brief relationship with Thijssen. But she ended it when he became obsessed.

The coronial inquest revealed Thijssen had meticulously planned the murder. He had also used a range of coercively controlling behaviours in the lead up to his crime. For example, he physically stalked James by driving past her home on multiple occasions.

He also tracked James’s location on Snapchat to monitor her whereabouts and asked a mutual friend to keep “an eye on her” during a party she attended.

The court also heard about Thijssen’s use of abusive digital behaviours as a pattern of coercive control across his previous relationships.

Not a sign of love and care

A friend of James and Thijssen misinterpreted his tracking of her location as a sign of love and care. Young people are generally at risk of making similar mistakes, as our recent research highlights.

As part of Maria’s PhD thesis, the research included surveys with more than 1,000 respondents and follow-up focus groups with 28 young people (aged 16–25). We asked these young people about their perceptions of technology-facilitated coercive control in dating relationships.

Every young person who participated in the focus groups had either used location-sharing apps in their own relationships or knew someone who had. This reflected a high level of normalisation regarding the use of location sharing between dating partners.

Many participants underestimated the risks associated with these behaviours.

In fact, most young people in our study misinterpreted tracking a partner via Snapchat, the “Find My” app and Life360 as a protective behaviour and a sign of care and trust.

There is a high level of normalisation regarding the use of location sharing between dating partners.
Tom Wang/Shutterstock

It starts at home

According to the young people in our study, initial experiences with location tracking often start in the family home.

In an attempt to ensure their children’s safety, parents are increasingly adopting tracking apps to monitor their children’s movements.

Our findings suggest the widespread use of location sharing within families normalises its adoption outside the home. This can lead to a greater acceptance of surveillance among young people in friendships and romantic relationships.

This observation is unsurprising when considering research from November 2024 by the eSafety Commissioner on broader community attitudes towards location sharing. It found one in ten Australians believe it is “reasonable to expect to track a partner using location-sharing apps”.

Young people in our research were able to identify common red flags of harmful location tracking – for example, obsessively monitoring a partner’s whereabouts. But they described how the normalisation of location sharing makes it challenging for them to “opt out” of sharing their location with friends and partners.

Location sharing is perceived as a demonstration of commitment in young relationships. Therefore, when someone in a relationship decides to stop sharing their location, it is seen as a sign of distrust or a breach of shared dating norms. And it may lead to displays of anger, as seen in the example of Thijssen’s earlier controlling relationships.

Apps such as Snapchat include location-sharing features.
Diego Thomazini/Shutterstock

Negotiating digital boundaries early on

Location sharing is often normalised in the family context without informed conversations about the associated risks in other relationships. But opting out of location sharing with friends or partners requires the skills and confidence to have such conversations.

The Australian Government is investing A$77.6 million in respectful relationships education. This will be delivered in partnership with states, territories and non-government school sectors.

However, for this initiative to be successful, both parents and young people should be educated about digital behaviours. These behaviours include location sharing in various contexts, such as with family members, partners and friends.

Parents need to be informed about the potential risks associated with location sharing and its normalisation. Beyond learning how to use parental controls to ensure their children’s online safety, it is equally important that parents are equipped with skills to have informed conversations with their children about the risks associated with these features.

Young people also require skills to navigate difficult conversations about their own digital boundaries.

Solely relying on more education around the risks and protective measures related to location sharing, such as online stalking or increasing awareness of privacy controls, will not achieve this. We must equip young people with crucial knowledge and skills to recognise the need for, and negotiate, digital boundaries early on in their relationships.

Setting boundaries in response to experiences of technology-facilitated coercive control may require additional safeguards, including the awareness and support of family and friends.

Where technology-facilitated coercive control behaviours persist or escalate, national helplines and local domestic violence services can offer vital support, information and referral pathways.

The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Silke Meyer receives funding from Australia’s Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and state government funding for research into domestic, family and sexual violence.

Maria Atienzar-Prieto does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Location-sharing apps are enabling domestic violence. But young people aren’t aware of the danger – https://theconversation.com/location-sharing-apps-are-enabling-domestic-violence-but-young-people-arent-aware-of-the-danger-253932

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: House Republicans Shoot Down Peters’ Amendments to Eliminate Phony Math from Republican Budget and Boost NIH Funding

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) filed two amendments to the Republican budget blueprint, which extends $4.5 trillion in temporary tax cuts that add to the national debt and cuts vital programs like Medicaid to offset the cost. His first amendment would strike a provision that allows Republicans to pretend that extending these tax cuts skewed toward the wealthy costs nothing. Non-partisan experts at the Committee for a Responsible Budget have estimated that this Republican gimmick alone could explode the national debt by an additional $3.4 to $4.6 trillion. His second amendment would stop Republican attempts to cut the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget and instead boost it by billions of dollars. Republicans on the House Rules Committee refused to consider Rep. Peters’ amendments.

“As Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of living for American households, Republicans in Congress double down on a reckless budget that blows up the national debt at the expense of hard-working Americans,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “I’ve stood with some of my Republicans colleagues to call out our national debt in the past, but now these same people are poised to dramatically increase it. My amendment would have forced Republicans to face the truth: their budget is cruel and not at all fiscally conservative.”

“Countless families around the country are desperate for cures to Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other diseases that depend on government funded research,” said Rep. Peters. “It is both cruel and wasteful to stop these clinical studies and trials as be forced to throw out their data. New cures to these diseases will save the government money in the long run as we move patients from expensive long-term care to healthy lives. We should invest more, not less in NIH and other basic scientific research.”

Representative Peters is the author of the Fiscal Commission Act, legislation to establish a bipartisan, bicameral, and open-doored commission to tackle our nation’s long-term debt, help us avoid automatic and across-the-board cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and secure a more prosperous future for our children. This approach stands in stark contrast to the partisan bill Republicans are advancing, which will only make our debt problems worse.

San Diego is home to one of the country’s largest life sciences ecosystems, including world-class public and private research institutions and private companies that turn discoveries into therapies and cures. Rep. Peters’ district receives nearly $1 billion in NIH grant funding every year, more than any other district in California.

In February, the Trump Administration announced a cap on all NIH grants for expenditures like lab space, utilities, IT, and equipment. These investments are integral to the work researchers do, and the proposed cuts will result in an estimated $800 million cut in funding in California alone. The NIH funding cap will devastate the development of life-saving research, inhibit patient access to life-saving treatments and clinical trials, and cede American dominance in biomedical research to our foreign competitors like China and Russia for years to come. In response, Rep. Peters led a letter demanding the Trump Administration preserve NIH funding. In March, Rep. Peters brought Dr. James B. Brewer, MD, PhD, medical professor and chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego, as his guest to the President’s Joint Address to Congress to highlight the devastation of these cuts. While federal courts have blocked the President’s across-the-board cuts, the administration is already looking for other ways to cut NIH grant funding.

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Children speak out: What tamariki and rangatahi really want from a safer internet – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

Almost 1,000 children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand have had their say on online safety in a new survey conducted by Save the Children and Netsafe – and the results send a clear message: children want to be heard and informed, as well as protected.

The survey, launched in the lead-up to New Zealand Children’s Day in March, asked tamariki and rangatahi aged 6 to 18 about their experiences in the online world, what makes them feel safe, and what they want adults – including parents, teachers, decision-makers, and tech companies – to know.

The survey findings were launched at Parliament this morning at an event in association with Netsafe, TikTok and Save the Children, with youth and online safety experts, industry representatives, and Members of Parliament in attendance.

Key findings show that:

– 64% of children feel safe online, but many say that safety depends on guidance from parents and knowing how to avoid harm.

– Advertising and harmful content are top concerns, with more than 750 children calling for greater control over ads and stronger protection from harmful material.

– Children want tech companies to step up – from limiting live chat in games, improving reporting systems, and taking faster action to remove harmful content.

– Age-appropriate design matters – children across all age groups called for better age restrictions to keep younger users safe, and to prevent adult users from accessing children’s games.

– Education, not just restriction is key – many young people said they want to be taught how to recognise and respond to online risks, rather than just having content blocked or being excluded as users.

Save the Children New Zealand’s Director of Advocacy and Research, Jacqui Southey, says the findings show the value of listening directly to children’s experiences.

“Children are not just passive users of the internet – they are legitimate digital citizens with real insights. Their voices highlight both the joys and risks of the online world, and their advice must be taken seriously,” she says.

“This survey clearly shows that while many children feel safe online, they’re also navigating a world full of challenges – from harmful content to adult strangers in online games and unwanted advertising. They’re asking for more support, more tools, and more respect for their ability to understand and shape their digital experiences.”

Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says the insights will help guide online safety strategies going forward.

“We often talk about making the internet safer for kids, but we don’t ask them what that actually means. These findings shift the conversation. Tamariki and rangatahi are telling us exactly what they need – and it’s time we listened.”

The survey responses came from a wide range of age groups and locations, with strong participation from girls (67% of respondents) and young people living in urban areas (81%). Social media use increased with age, while younger children were more engaged with online games and streaming platforms.

One young person (aged 15-17) put it simply: “Please filter out content that is likely to harm the well-being of children and teenagers. A lot of stuff online – once you see it, you can’t unsee it.”

Save the Children and Netsafe are encouraging decision-makers to use the findings to inform safer online environments that uphold children’s rights to participation, protection, and provision.

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Nominations now open for 2025 Porirua Civic Awards
Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua City Council is calling for nominations for the city’s highest honour. The Porirua Civic Awards recognise locals who have made a significant contribution to the Porirua community by their personal leadership, inspiration, sacrifice or commitment to a cause.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says volunteers are at the heart of our community with many working tirelessly behind the scenes on a wide range of activities. “Porirua Civic Awards give us a chance to recognise and thank individual volunteers for their efforts and encourage them to keep up the good work achieving positive outcomes for Porirua city,” she says. “Porirua is a city with a fantastic network of volunteers. If you know someone who’s made a difference in your community, nominate them today!” This year’s Civic Awards have an additional category, service to sport. The full list of categories, and some of the criteria, is outlined below:

Community service: Consistently demonstrates qualities of compassion and service to a community organisation or a variety of volunteer activities

Cultural & art affairs: Improvement and enhancement of participation in cultural affairs, including heritage, music and the arts

Educational service: Improvement and enhancement of the educational and social development of others including children and/or youth

Environmental: Taking a leadership role in improving and/or revitalising the environment

Health & wellbeing: Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community

Service to sport: An individual honoured for exceptional commitment and dedication, who has significantly contributed to a club, association or sport and has gone the extra mile for an extended period of time

Youth service: For young people aged 15-25 who have carried out outstanding voluntary service. The emphasis should be on how actively involved the young person has been in their community.

Nominations close on 19 May, with Council considering nominations on 12 June. Recipients will be notified later in June, before a Civic Awards event on 22 July. “Nominations are also open for the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, which celebrate volunteer groups that make a valuable contribution to our city, and to our region,” says Mayor Baker.

For more information or to nominate someone for a Civic Award, visit poriruacity.govt.nz/civic-awards https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/mayor-councillors/awards-porirua/civic-awards/
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Amo Shares Rhode Islander’s Story to Defend Medicaid from Planned Republican Cuts
Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

Al of East Providence shared his fears at Amo’s town hall last week about the possible impact of Republican’s budget plans
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01), a member of the House Budget Committee, once again slammed the latest Republican budget resolution, which threatens devastating cuts to critical programs. In his remarks, Amo spoke about the story of Al, a 74-year-old resident of East Providence who relies on Medicaid and Medicare to make ends meet.

“Despite the overwhelming majority crying out for everyday Americans over the whims of billionaires, clearly Republicans don’t care about the facts or figures. So maybe they’ll listen to my constituent Al,” said Congressman Gabe Amo, a member of the House Committee on Budget, on the House Floor. “Al is a 74-year-old resident of an assisted living facility in East Providence. He is petrified that Republican cuts will force him on the street. Al needs Medicare and Medicaid to make ends meet. Even with assistance, he lives on $120 a month — $30 a week. It’s not fear mongering to say Republican plans would hurt Al.”

Watch Congressman Amo’s remarks HERE

BACKGROUND
Congressman Amo serves on the House Committee on the Budget to fight for budget priorities that reflect Rhode Island values and the needs of working families across the country. The committee is also the first step in the reconciliation process the Republican House majority is using to push the Trump Tax Scam 2.0 — a plan that could cut key programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

On February 25, 2025, Congressman Amo took to the House Floor to slam the Republican budget resolution that threatens devastating cuts to critical programs.

On February 24, 2025, Congressman Amo submitted two amendments to the House Committee on Rules to protect SNAP and affirm that Medicaid is a critical program for more than 306,000 Rhode Island residents.

On February 19, 2025, Congressman Amo visited the Barrington Peck Center for Adult Enrichment where he spoke about his support for critical programs like Medicare and Medicaid. There, Congressman Amo discussed his work on the Budget Committee to protect these programs from Republican cuts.

On February 20, 2025,Congressman Gabe Amo joined Dean Ashish Jha of Brown University’s School of Public Health to reaffirm his support for funding health care facilities that provide comprehensive primary care to medically underserved communities, as well as his work to protect critical funding for medical research and public health programs under threat due to cuts by the Trump administration.

During the House Budget Committee markup on February 13, 2025, Congressman Amo offered two amendments to support protecting and extending Medicare’s solvency as well as protect SNAP, the Community Eligibility Provision, the School Breakfast Program, and the National School Lunch Program.

The Republican budget resolution directs specific committees to achieve spending cuts or increases. Republicans leaked menu of options includes:
- At least $880 billion in cuts for the Energy and Commerce Committee, which could target Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium assistance, and repeal Inflation Reduction Act policies.
- At least $330 billion in cuts for the Education and Workforce Committee, which could target student loan programs, income driven repayment, and Pell grants, Head Start, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
- At least $230 billion in cuts for the Agriculture Committee, which could target SNAP.
- At least $50 billion in cuts for the Oversight Committee, which could target government employee retirement benefits and changes to federal workforce.
- At least $10 billion in cuts for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which could target restricting Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, Essential Air Service, increasing the “tonnage tax” on cargo, and raiding the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
- At least $1 billion in cuts for the Financial Services Committee, which could target the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and funding for financial regulators.
- At least $1 billion in cuts for the Natural Resources Committee, which could include expanded oil and gas leasing and the repeal of Inflation Reduction Act policies.
- Up to $4.5 trillion in new spending for the Ways and Means Committee, which could include tax cuts for the top one percent, repeal of Inflation Reduction Act policies, cuts to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Social Services Block Grant, cuts in Medicare payments to providers, and cuts to ACA premium assistance.
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MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy blasts NYC public school system for promoting antisemitic toolkit: “Still in disbelief”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) questioned why the New York City public school system published an antisemitic newsletter that encouraged students to attend a “rage week” against Israel in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor.

Key excerpts of the speech are below:

“I’m still in disbelief. . . . The New York public schools publish a monthly newsletter. It is called the Office of Student Pathways Newsletter. . . . In the latest newsletter they blasted out, they had one of those bullet points that they made in the newsletter that is kind of—when you look at it on the internet, it is kind of pale blue. You can click on it, and it sends you to another site.

“The bullet point on the newsletter that the public schools of New York sent out was called: ‘Guidelines for teaching about genocide.’ And if you clicked on this phrase in the newsletter, it sent you to another site. Do you know what the site was? ‘Stop Gaza Genocide Toolkit.’ The administration of the New York public schools, the largest in the country, is sending this out to its teachers and its students and to the world. If you take a look and you say, ‘What is in this toolkit, this Stop Gaza Genocide Toolkit?’ It contains the biggest bunch of antisemitic rot you can imagine.”

. . .

“But then the article goes on to say that it has been discovered that a similar version of the toolkit—this oversight—was published in the newsletter in the prior month. It was in the Oct.-Nov. 2024 newsletter. That document called on all the teachers and all the students in the New York public schools—and everybody else reading the newsletter—it called on them to participate in ‘rage week’ and ‘resist genocide’ by mobilizing on Saturday, Oct. 5, for a ‘day of action’ ahead of the anniversary of Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. That was the date of the terrorist attack on Israel, which apparently the administration of the public schools wants to celebrate.”

Watch Kennedy’s speech here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delivering a world-leading education system

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking further steps to deliver a world-leading education system by introducing the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) to Parliament.
“We have an unrelenting focus on lifting student achievement and attendance so parents can have confidence their child has the foundations to succeed. This Bill will help achieve that by ensuring schools prioritise achievement, giving parents more time to respond to planned union strike action, and ensuring initial teacher education, teacher discipline and competence processes are fit for purpose,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
Proposed changes to the Act include:

amending school board objectives, including making educational achievement the paramount objective for school boards;
removing the Minister’s power to issue a statement of national education and learning priorities (NELP);
requiring unions to give seven days’ notice of strike action (up from three days);
strengthening Government’s role in Initial Teacher Education;
strengthening the Teaching Council’s disciplinary and competence processes in the Act;
requiring boards to have Attendance Management Plans;
requiring each university council to have a statement on their approach to freedom of expression.

“These changes are critical to progressing our student achievement and attendance objectives, developing the workforce of the future, and establishing a knowledge rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning,” Ms Stanford says.
The Bill makes several other amendments that help maintain the health of the education system, including changes to provisions on issuing principal eligibility criteria, the requirement to charge schools an International Student Fee, and the allocation of National Student Numbers to researchers.
“Today marks another significant step towards achieving the Government’s attendance goal. By 2030 we want 80 per cent of students are present more than 90 per cent of the term,” Associate Minister David Seymour says.
“The basic premise of our flagship Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) is that no child is left behind. The Bill will support the STAR by making it mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan in place by Term 1 of 2026. This means every day at school is important, and interventions will follow if absences build up. This could mean consequences for the most uncooperative parents. I would like to acknowledge the work of the 67% of schools who have already in engaged in some form of STAR.
“Almost every aspect of someone’s adult life will be defined by the education they receive as a child. If we want better social outcomes, we can’t keep ignoring the truancy crisis. This Government has set itself bold targets to address attendance, and it’s a bold approach that is needed for the future,” Mr Seymour says.
“Freedom of expression and academic freedom are fundamental to the role of universities as critic and conscience of society. While some universities have taken a strong approach to these issues, others are not doing enough to protect the freedom of expression rights of staff and students. This proposal strengthens the protection of freedom of expression within universities,” Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti says.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Poor oral health linked with body pain and migraines in women – UoS

Source: University of Sydney

New research from the University of Sydney has revealed poor oral health is significantly associated with higher instances of migraines, abdominal and body pain in women.

Published in Frontiers in Pain Research, the world-first study identified specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions, suggesting a potential relationship between the oral microbiome and the nervous system.

The findings highlight the importance of good oral health to potentially mitigate pain and improve overall wellbeing, prompting further exploration into the role of oral microbiota in chronic unexplained pain conditions. This includes fibromyalgia, a condition experienced by 67 percent of the study participants.

“This is the first study to investigate oral health, oral microbiota and pain commonly experienced in women with fibromyalgia, with our study showing a clear and significant association between poor oral health and pain,” said lead investigator Associate Professor Joanna Harnett from the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

“Our findings are particularly important to fibromyalgia which, despite being a common rheumatological condition, is often under recognised,” said first author and PhD candidate in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sharon Erdrich.

“Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, and headaches including headaches, as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems.”

How the research worked

The research examined associations between self-reported oral health, the oral microbiome, and various pain presentations in a group of New Zealand women with and without fibromyalgia.

Oral health was assessed using the WHO oral health questionnaire and evaluated against body pain, headaches, migraines, and abdominal pain using validated instruments, including the Short-form 36 (which measures quality of life), the International Headache Society headache survey and the functional bowel disorder severity index. Strong associations were evident between oral health scores and pain and each of these were associated with specific microbes found in the mouth, which were assessed using advanced genomic technology.

Participants with the poorest oral health were more likely to suffer from higher pain scores: 60 percent were more likely to experience moderate to severe body pain, and 49 percent were more likely to experience migraine headaches. Lower oral health was a statistically significant predictor of frequent and chronic migraine.

Four oral microbial species from the Dialister, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas and Solobacterium genera were significantly associated with pain after age, BMI and added dietary sugars were considered.

A weak but significant inverse correlation with diet quality and oral health was also found, though the researchers note this has yet to be investigated in detail.

The Australian Dental Association recommends regular oral hygiene appointments and dental health checks, in addition to twice daily teeth brushing and flossing.

Declaration

Ethical review and approval of the study protocol and procedures was granted by the New Zealand Health and Disability Committee. The study was registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Written consent was obtained from all participants prior to undertaking the requirements of the study.

Research:
Erdrich, S. et al, xx, 2025 (Frontiers in Pain Research). DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2025.1577193

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance

Source: The White House

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose. The commercial shipbuilding capacity and maritime workforce of the United States has been weakened by decades of Government neglect, leading to the decline of a once strong industrial base while simultaneously empowering our adversaries and eroding United States national security. Both our allies and our strategic competitors produce ships for a fraction of the cost needed in the United States. Recent data shows that the United States constructs less than one percent of commercial ships globally, while the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is responsible for producing approximately half.
Rectifying these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes securing consistent, predictable, and durable Federal funding, making United States-flagged and built vessels commercially competitive in international commerce, rebuilding America’s maritime manufacturing capabilities (the Maritime Industrial Base), and expanding and strengthening the recruitment, training, and retention of the relevant workforce.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to revitalize and rebuild domestic maritime industries and workforce to promote national security and economic prosperity.

Sec. 3. Maritime Action Plan. (a) Within 210 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) the APNSA deems appropriate, shall submit a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to the President, through the APNSA and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) to achieve the policy set forth in this order.
(b) The OMB Director, in coordination with the APNSA, shall be responsible for all legislative, regulatory, and fiscal assessments related to the MAP.
(c) The MAP shall, to the extent permissible and consistent with applicable law, including the Buy American Act (41 U.S.C. 8301–8305), reflect actions taken pursuant to sections 4 through 21 of this order.

Sec. 4. Ensure the Security and Resilience of the Maritime Industrial Base. Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall provide to the APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP an assessment of options both for the use of available authorities and resources, such as Defense Production Act Title III authorities, and for the use of private capital to the maximum extent possible to invest in and expand the Maritime Industrial Base including, but not limited to, investment and expansion of commercial and defense shipbuilding capabilities, component supply chains, ship repair and marine transportation capabilities, port infrastructure, and the adjacent workforce. The Secretary of Defense shall pursue using the Office of Strategic Capital loan program to improve the shipbuilding industrial base. As part of their assessment, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall:
(a) identify key maritime components in the supply chain that are essential for rebuilding and expanding the Maritime Industrial Base and that should be prioritized for investment;
(b) ensure that their recommendations of public and private investments are made according to a clear metric, derived in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, of return on invested capital for the United States taxpayer and to the economic and national security of the United States; and
(c) ensure that their recommendations take into consideration the projected increases to commercial and defense capabilities, the projected growth in economic activity, and the projected benefits for taxpayers and the workforce.

Sec. 5. Actions in the Investigation of the PRC’s Unfair Targeting of Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors. (a) With respect to the actions, if any, that the USTR determines to take consistent with the USTR’s notice of public hearing entitled Proposed Action in Section 301 Investigation of the PRC’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance, 90 Fed. Reg. 10843 (February 27, 2025), the USTR shall:
(i) coordinate with appropriate agencies to collect additional information, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, in support of administering such actions; and
(ii) coordinate with the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to take appropriate steps to enforce any restriction, fee, penalty, or duty imposed pursuant to such actions.
(b) Based on the USTR’s determinations arising out of its Section 301 investigation into the PRC’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, the USTR shall also consider taking all necessary steps permitted by law to propose the following actions:
(i)   tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes manufactured, assembled, or made using components of PRC origin, or manufactured anywhere in the world by a company owned, controlled, or substantially influenced by a PRC national; and
(ii) tariffs on other cargo handling equipment.

Sec. 6. Enforce Collection of Harbor Maintenance Fee and Other Charges. In order to prevent cargo carriers from circumventing the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) on imported goods through the practice of making port in Canada or Mexico and sending their cargo into the United States through land borders, and to ensure the collection of other charges as applicable, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all necessary steps, including proposing new legislation, as permitted by law to:
(a) require all foreign-origin cargo arriving by vessel to clear the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) entry process at a United States port of entry for security and collection of all applicable duties, customs, taxes, fees, interest, and other charges; and
(b) ensure any foreign-origin cargo first arriving by vessel to North America clearing the CBP process at an inland location from the country of land transit (Canada or Mexico) is assessed applicable customs, duties, taxes, fees (including the HMF), interest, and other charges plus a 10 percent service fee for additional costs to the CBP, so long as the cargo being shipped into the United States is not substantially transformed from its condition at the time of arrival into the country of land transit (with the discretion for such decisions to be determined by CBP).

Sec. 7. Engage Allies and Partners to Align Trade Policies. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the USTR, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce, shall engage treaty allies, partners, and other like-minded countries around the world with respect to their potential imposition of any actions taken pursuant to sections 5 and 6 of this order. The USTR shall deliver an engagement plan and progress report on these engagements to the President.

Sec. 8.  Reduce Dependence on Adversaries through Allies and Partners. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, shall recommend to the APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP all available incentives to help shipbuilders domiciled in allied nations partner to undertake capital investment in the United States to help strengthen the shipbuilding capacity of the United States.

Sec. 9. Launch a Maritime Security Trust Fund. In conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget, the OMB Director shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, develop a legislative proposal, which shall be described in detail in the MAP, to establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund that can serve as a reliable funding source to deliver consistent support for MAP programs. This proposal shall consider how new or existing tariff revenue, fines, fees, or tax revenue could further the goal of establishing a more reliable, dedicated funding source for programs support by the MAP.

Sec. 10. Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program. In conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget and consistent with the findings of the report required under section 12 of this order, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a legislative proposal to the APNSA and the OMB Director, which shall be described in detail in the MAP, that establishes a financial incentives program with broad flexibility to incentivize private investment in the construction of commercial components, parts, and vessels; capital improvements to commercial vessel shipyards; capital improvements to commercial vessel repair facilities and drydocks through grants; and Federal Credit Reform Act-compliant loans and loan guarantees. Such proposal may augment or replace existing programs with similar purpose including the Small Shipyard Grant Program and the Federal Ship Financing (Title XI) Program.

Sec. 11. Establish Maritime Prosperity Zones. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall deliver a plan to the President through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP that identifies opportunities to incentivize and facilitate domestic and allied investment in United States maritime industries and waterfront communities through establishment of maritime prosperity zones. The proposal shall: (a) model these maritime prosperity zones on the opportunity zones established pursuant to section 13823 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-97, 131 Stat. 2054), which I signed into law during my first Administration;
(b) include stipulations for appropriate regulatory relief in the establishment of such zones; and
(c) provide for zones that are outside of traditional coastal shipbuilding and ship repair centers and are geographically diverse, including river regions as well as the Great Lakes.

Sec. 12. Report on Maritime Industry Needs. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the heads of other agencies as appropriate, shall deliver a report to the OMB Director and APNSA for inclusion in the MAP that inventories Federal programs that could be used to sustain and grow the supply of and demand for the United States maritime industry. The report and inventory shall include:
(a) any Federal programs that provide financial and regulatory incentives for United States shipping, shipbuilding, and shipbuilding supply chains, including the training of shipbuilders and United States-credentialed mariners;
(b) Maritime Administration programs such as the Tanker Security Program, Cable Security Fleet, Maritime Security Programs, Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program, Title XI, Assistance to Small Shipyards, Port Infrastructure Development Program, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), and programs that support the State Maritime Academies;
(c) existing domestic cargo preference laws, including the Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904, as amended, (10 U.S.C. 2631) and the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, as amended, (46 U.S.C. 55304), and whether and how they can be used to ensure that United States cargo is transported on United States-built and flagged vessels, including a review of the existing waiver process and all current waivers to ensure they are consistent with the promotion of American domestic shipping;
(d) other available means that could further support the industry, including modifications of existing programs, establishment of new programs, and tax and regulatory relief; and
(e) in coordination with the National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget, the costs and benefits of increased cargo preference rates, including on liquid cargo carriers, tankers, and military useful vessels, and options for increasing cargo preference compliance and directing open market procurement of shipping to meet urgent military needs for maritime vessels.

Sec. 13. Expand Mariner Training and Education. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall deliver a report to the President through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP with recommendations to address workforce challenges in the maritime sector through maritime educational institutions and workforce transitions.
(a) In preparing their report, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult, as needed, with industry stakeholders including private industry and labor organizations.
(b) The report shall:
(i)    include the current number of credentialed mariners and estimate the additional credentialed mariners required to support the policies described in this order;
(ii)   analyze the impact of establishing new and expanding existing merchant marine academies as a means of educating, training, and certifying the additional credentialed merchant mariners estimated under subsection (b)(i) of this section;
(iii) identify any requirements for credentialing mariners that are unnecessary, insufficient, or unduly burdensome and provide recommendations for reform;
(iv)   inventory existing educational and technical training grants and scholarships to colleges and vocational-technical training institutions for critical shipbuilding specialties and other maritime studies, and provide recommendations for enhancement; and
(v)    assess the United States Coast Guard credentialing program applicability to United States Navy Active Duty and Reserve sailors to increase opportunities for sailors to transfer into the Merchant Marine with validated skills.
(c) Consistent with the findings of the report and in conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget, the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall deliver a legislative proposal to the APNSA and the OMB Director that:
(i)    reflects the recommendations of the report required under this section;
(ii)   establishes national maritime scholarships to send promising maritime experts abroad to learn cutting edge techniques and subjects, such as innovative maritime logistics, clean fuels and advanced nuclear energy, human-machine teaming, and additive manufacturing and other advanced technologies; and
(iii) offers scholarships to maritime experts from allied countries to teach at United States institutions.

Sec. 14. Modernize the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
(a) The Secretary of Transportation shall:
(i) within 30 days of this order consistent with applicable law and available appropriations, take action to hire the necessary facilities staff and reprogram budgetary resources needed to execute urgent deferred maintenance projects and any other mission critical repair works at the USMMA;
(ii) take immediate action to finalize a long-term master facilities plan (LMFP) for the modernization of the USMMA campus and submit such plan to the APNSA and OMB Director for concurrence; and
(iii) within 90 days of the concurrence described in subsection (a)(ii) of this section, in consultation with the Department of Government Efficiency, submit a 5-year capital improvement plan (CIP) consistent with the LMFP to the APNSA and OMB Director that includes capital project budgets, schedules, and sequencing, as well as an inventory of deferred maintenance items necessary to sustain campus operations through completion of the CIP.
(b) All actions taken pursuant to this section shall be detailed in the MAP.

Sec. 15. Improve Procurement Efficiency. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the National Science Foundation shall develop a proposal for improved acquisition strategies processes for United States Government vessels and submit such proposal to APNSA and the OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP. The proposal shall: (a) have as its objective providing American shipbuilders with market forecasting needed to justify investments in infrastructure, workforce, and intellectual property to meet United States demand;
(b) include reforms recommended by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security related to:
(i) staff structure and innovations in acquisition strategies that will improve Federal vessel procurement; and
(ii) reductions of the layers of approval needed to execute, build, and improve the vessel acquisition process, including by utilizing commercial acquisition and modular design practices that reduce complexity and prevent frequent changes to ship designs;
(c) identify for elimination excessive requirements, including the number of Government reviews and onerous regulations that add to ship design and acquisition delays; and
(d) consider use of broad industry standards and American-made readily available parts and components to drive up production volume while shrinking the iterative design process, which historically has led to delays and cost increases.

Sec. 16. Improve Government Efficiency. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Department of Government Efficiency shall begin a separate review of the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security vessel procurement processes and deliver a proposal to the President, through the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes.

Sec. 17.  Increase the Fleet of Commercial Vessels Trading Internationally under the flag of the United States. Within 180 days of the date of this order, in conjunction with the formulation of the President’s Budget and consistent with the findings of the report required under section 12 of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, deliver a legislative proposal to the APNSA and OMB Director for inclusion in the MAP that:
(a) is designed to ensure that adequate cubed footage and gross tonnage of United States-flagged commercial vessels can be called upon in times of crisis, while limiting the likelihood of Government waste;
(b) provides incentives that will:
(i)   grow the fleet of United States built, crewed, and flagged vessels that serve as readily deployable assets for national security purposes; and
(ii) increase the participation of United States commercial vessels in international trade; and
(c) enhances existing subsidies to include coverage of certain construction or modification costs in a manner designed to enhance incentives for the commercial shipping industry to operate militarily useful ships that trade internationally under the flag of the United States.

Sec. 18. Ensure the Security and Leadership of Arctic Waterways. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall develop a strategy that identifies the vision, goals, and objectives necessary to secure arctic waterways and enable American prosperity in the face of evolving arctic security challenges and associated risks, and deliver it to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP.

Sec. 19. Shipbuilding Review. Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a review of shipbuilding for United States Government use and submit a report to the President with recommendations to increase the number of participants and competitors within United States shipbuilding, and to reduce cost overruns and production delays for surface, subsurface, and unmanned programs. This report must include separate itemized and prioritized lists of recommendations for the United States Army, Navy, and Coast Guard and shall be included in the MAP.

Sec. 20. Deregulatory Initiatives. Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct a review of their regulations, and implementation thereof, across all components pertaining to the domestic commercial maritime fleet and maritime port access to determine where each agency may be able to deregulate within the framework of Executive Order 14192 of January 31, 2025 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation), to reduce unnecessary costs and clear barriers to emerging technology and related efficiencies. Each agency will submit a report of its findings to the OMB Director and to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP.

Sec. 21. Inactive Reserve Fleet. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review and issue guidance on the funding, retention, support, and mobilization of a robust inactive reserve fleet. This review and guidance shall be delivered to the APNSA for inclusion in the MAP.

Sec. 22. Coordination. Unless otherwise specified in this order, the plans, reports, reviews, and recommendations that are required to be submitted to the President by this order shall be developed through interagency coordination in accordance with National Security Presidential Memorandum 1 of January 20, 2025 (Organization of the National Security Council and Subcommittees), or its successors.

Sec. 23. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 24. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    April 9, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Addressing Risks Associated with an Egregious Leaker and Disseminator of Falsehoods

Source: The White House

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

Miles Taylor was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of Federal service, but instead prioritized his own ambition, personal notoriety, and monetary gain over fidelity to his constitutional oath. While serving as an administrative staff assistant at the Department of Homeland Security, Taylor stoked dissension by manufacturing sensationalist reports on the existence of a supposed “resistance” within the Federal Government that “vowed” to undermine and render ineffective a sitting President. He illegally published classified conversations to sell his book under the pseudonym “Anonymous,” which is full of falsehoods and fabricated stories. In so doing, Taylor abandoned his sacred oath and commitment to public service by disclosing sensitive information obtained through unauthorized methods and betrayed the confidence of those with whom he served. Where a Government employee improperly discloses sensitive information for the purposes of personal enrichment and undermining our foreign policy, national security, and Government effectiveness –- all ultimately designed to sow chaos and distrust in Government — this conduct could properly be characterized as treasonous and as possibly violating the Espionage Act, and therefore makes such employee ineligible for access to national secrets.

In his former position, Taylor relied upon various colleagues to facilitate his unethical laundering and release of sensitive Government data to advance his false narratives. It is therefore against America’s interests to allow those associated with Taylor to access our Nation’s secrets.

Accordingly, I direct the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and all other relevant executive department and agency (agency) heads to immediately take all action as necessary and consistent with existing law to suspend any active security clearances held by Miles Taylor, in addition to individuals at entities associated with Taylor, including the University of Pennsylvania, pending a review of whether such clearances are consistent with the national interest.

I further direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with any other relevant agency heads, to take all appropriate action to review Miles Taylor’s activities as a Government employee. This review should identify any instances where his conduct appears to have been contrary to suitability standards for Federal employees, and where his conduct appears to have involved the unauthorized dissemination of classified information. Upon completing this review, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall prepare a report to be submitted to the President, through the Counsel to the President, with recommendations for appropriate remedial or preventative actions to be taken to protect America’s interests.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bill Bateman, Associate Professor, Behavioural Ecology, Curtin University

William Edge/Shutterstock

There are an estimated 1 billion domesticated dogs in the world. Most are owned animals – pets, companions or working animals who share their lives with humans. They are the most common large predator in the world. Pet cats trail far behind, at about 220 million.

We are all too aware of the negative effects of cats, both owned and feral, on wildlife. Feral dogs too are frequently seen as threats to biodiversity, although dingoes can have a positive role. By contrast, our pet dogs often seem to get a free pass.

This is, unfortunately, based more on feelings than data. Our beloved pet dogs have a far greater, more insidious and more concerning effect on wildlife and the environment than we would like to be the case.

In our new research, we lay out the damage pet dogs do and what can be done about it.

Dogs are predators. They catch many types of wildlife and can injure or kill them. Their scent and droppings scare smaller animals. Then there’s the huge environmental cost of feeding these carnivores and the sheer quantity of their poo.

We love our pet dogs, but they come with a very real cost. We have to recognise this and take steps to protect wildlife by leashing or restraining our animals.

The predator in your home

Dogs are domesticated wolves, bred to be smaller, more docile and extremely responsive to humans. But they are still predators.

Pet dogs are responsible for more reported attacks on wildlife than are cats, according to data from wildlife care centres, and catch larger animals.

Pet dogs off the leash are the main reason colonies of little penguins are nearing collapse in Tasmania.

In New Zealand, a single escaped pet dog is estimated to have killed up to 500 brown kiwis out of a total population of 900 over a five-week period.

Once off the leash, dogs love to chase animals and birds. This may seem harmless.
But being chased can exhaust tired migratory birds, forcing them to use more energy. Dogs can kill fledglings of beach-nesting birds, including endangered birds such as the hooded plover.

The mere presence of these predators terrifies many animals and birds. Even when they’re on the leash, local wildlife are on high alert. This has measurable negative effects on bird abundance and diversity across woodland sites in eastern Australia.

In the United States, deer are more alert and run sooner and farther if they see a human with a leashed dog than a human alone.

Several mammal species in the United States perceived dogs with a human as a bigger threat than coyotes.

Dogs don’t even have to be present to be bad for wildlife. They scent-mark trees and posts with their urine and leave their faeces in many places. These act as warnings to many other species. Researchers in the US found animals such as deer, foxes and even bobcats avoided areas dogs had been regularly walked compared to dog exclusion zones, due to the traces they left.

Beach-nesting birds such as hooded plovers are vulnerable to off-leash dogs, who can easily trample eggs, kill hatchlings or scare off the parents.
Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock

Keeping dogs healthy and fed has a cost

The medications we use to rid our pet dogs of fleas or ticks can last weeks on fur, and wash off when they plunge into a creek or river. But some of these medications have ingredients highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates, meaning a quick dip can be devastating.

Researchers have found when birds such as blue tits and great tits collect brushed-out dog fur to line their nests, it can lead to fewer eggs hatching and more dead hatchlings.

Then there’s the poo. In the US, there are about 90 million pet dogs, while the UK has 12 million and Australia has 6 million.

The average dog deposits 200 grams of faeces and 400 millilitres of urine a day. This translates to a tonne of faeces and 2,000 litres of urine over a 13 year lifespan. Scaled up, that’s a mountain of waste.

This waste stream can add to nitrogen pollution in waterways, alter soil chemistry and even spread diseases to humans and other wildlife. More than 80% of the pathogens infecting domesticated animals also infect wildlife.

Dogs largely eat meat, meaning millions of cows and chickens are raised just to feed our pets. Feeding the world’s dogs leads to about the same emissions as the Philippines and a land use “pawprint” twice the size of the UK.

No one likes thinking about this

People love their dogs. They’re always happy to see us. Their companionship makes us healthier, body and mind. Many farms couldn’t run without working dogs. We don’t want to acknowledge they can also cause harm.

Dogs, of course, are not bad. They’re animals, with natural instincts as well as the domesticated instinct to please us. But their sheer numbers mean they do real damage.

Many of us have a large dog-shaped blind spot. Little Brutus wouldn’t have done something like that, we think. But Brutus can and does.

Choosing to own a dog comes with responsibilities. Being a good dog owner means caring not just for the animal we love, but the rest of the natural world.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage – https://theconversation.com/good-boy-or-bad-dog-our-1-billion-pet-dogs-do-real-environmental-damage-252726

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Running on empty: Poor nutrition increases injury risk for female athletes

Source:

10 April 2025

Proper nutrition is crucial for enhancing athletic performance, supporting recovery and overall health. Now, a new study from the University of South Australia reveals that proper nutrition is also key to reducing risk of injury, especially for females.

In a systematic review of nearly 6000 runners, researchers examined the link between diet and exercise-related injury among adult distance runners. The study found that lower energy and fat intakes were strongly associated with a higher risk of injury in female runners.

The study also found that a low-fibre diet increased the likelihood of bone stress injuries in both female and male runners.

Specifically, injured female runners consumed 450 fewer calories (~1900kJ) and 20 grams less fat per day than uninjured counterparts. Both injured female and male runners had three grams less fibre in their diet per day, compared to those who remained injury free.

Interestingly, runners’ intakes of protein, carbohydrates, alcohol, and calcium, did not influence injury risk.

Sports dietitian and UniSA researcher, Erin Colebatch, says nutrition plays a crucial role in reducing injury risk.

“Distance running is a popular activity for many people, helping them stay healthy and keep fit. Yet about 50% of adult runners sustain running-related injuries,” Colebatch says.

“Nutrition is key to optimising athletic performance, providing the energy, recovery support, and injury prevention needed to maintain both endurance and overall health.

“Many long-distance runners underestimate their energy needs. When they don’t fuel their bodies properly, they increase their injury risk.

“Recognising the impact of diet on injury risk helps minimise it.”

Senior researcher, UniSA’s Dr Alison Hill, says clinicians need to support female runners to achieve sufficient energy and fat intakes while guiding all runners to optimise their fibre consumption.

“When runners don’t consume enough energy, their body’s needs go unmet, which over time can lead to issues like skeletal demineralisation, loss of lean body mass, fatigue, and stress fractures,” Dr Hill says.

“While this research offers valuable insights for runners of all levels, additional studies are necessary to explore how these findings apply to a broader range of athletic abilities.”

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

Contacts for interview: Erin Colebatch E: erin.colebatch@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Dr Alison Hill E: Alison.Hill@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

Other articles you may be interested in

MIL OSI News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Banks Continue Push to Protect American Institutions from Foreign Control
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) in cosponsoring the Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act. This bill requires universities to disclose gifts they receive from foreign adversaries, regardless of the amount of the gift or contract. This bill aligns with President Trump’s America First agenda by preventing foreign money and influence from infiltrating our higher education institutions.

Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118^th Congress.

“The Chinese Communist Party wants to brainwash our kids and destroy our country — not on my watch,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The CCP has made it clear their plan of action is to infiltrate our education system and indoctrinate our kids. It is astounding that we have allowed universities to get away with taking money from a country that hates us. I was glad to see Troy University in Alabama close its CCP-backed Confucius Institute, and hope other universities will follow their lead. Transparency about how China is funding our schools is not only vital to our national security — our kids’ futures depend on it.”

“Americans deserve to know if universities are accepting money from our enemies like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea. This bill delivers that transparency and stops hostile nations from hiding their influence on our campuses,” said Sen. Banks.

Sens. Tuberville and Banks were joined by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) in cosponsoring the legislation.

Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) is leading the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Read full text of the legislation here.

BACKGROUND:

Key Provisions of the Safeguarding American Education from Foreign Control Act are:
- Requiring Disclosures – Universities Must Report:
  
  All gift disclosures from foreign sources associated with a covered nation (Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea)
  
  Reports from Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
  
  Investigations enacted by the Department of Education
- Guaranteeing transparency by ensuring the Department of Education transmits disclosure reports to the FBI, ODNI, and Department of State
- Enforcing accountability by allowing the FBI and the ODNI to request the DOJ bring forward action for inability to comply with disclosure requirements
According to the Americans for Public Trust, China donated more than $175 million to American universities last year.

In August 2023, Sen. Tuberville joined 19 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration’s Department of Education (ED) expressing outrage for allowing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to infiltrate U.S. classrooms through Confucius programming. Confucius programming establishes a partnership between schools, universities, or nonprofits and a Chinese government entity. Expansion of Confucius Classrooms in the United States is a top priority for the Chinese government. A report released in July 2023 shows over 143 United States schools across 34 states and the District of Columbia have received CCP-related funding. Additionally, the report shows the CCP has ties to 20 school districts near United States military bases. Read the letter here.

In February 2023, Sen. Tuberville let Troy University know that future funding opportunities would be in jeopardy if they did not end their Confucius Institute program. He was pleased when Troy announced they were closing the program.

Since assuming office in the U.S. Senate in 2021, Sen. Tuberville has led and supported numerous efforts to protect American resources, farmland, investments, intellectual property, and national security from the growing threat of Communist China.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: In Meeting with Chicago Head Start Provider, Duckworth Underscores How Trump and Elon Musk are Exploding Costs for Illinois Children and Families

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
April 09, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with leadership from Chicago Commons Association, Chicago’s second-largest Early Head Start and Head Start provider to discuss how recent cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will massively increase the cost of living for hardworking Illinois families, while harming the development of children. After unleashing Elon Musk—an unelected, unaccountable and unstable billionaire—to dismantle investments that help middle-class families get ahead, the Trump Administration last week announced the closure and termination of all staff at the Office of Head Start’s Region 5 office in Chicago, which providers like Chicago Commons rely on for training, technical assistance and help in approval to access funding. Chicago Commons operates four early education centers and provides Early Head Start and Head Start services in 15 additional Chicagoland neighborhoods. A photo from today’s meeting can be found on the Senator’s website.
“Despite running on the promise that he would lower costs for middle-class Americans, Donald Trump’s extreme cuts to federal services and funding hurt the same families he swore he’d protect,” said Duckworth. “Donald Trump’s agenda is out of touch and harmful to our kids, which is why I’m working closely with Governor Pritzker, Senator Durbin, Illinois Head Start Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl and local leaders and providers like Chicago Commons to repair the damage he’s already done and support this important program that helps middle-class families across Illinois.”
Today, Duckworth called on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., for answers about the closure of five regional Head Start offices across the country, including the Region 5 office in Chicago. Last week, Duckworth joined 27 of her Senate Democratic colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s mass firings of federal employees at the Office of Head Start and the Office of Child Care, demanding Kennedy immediately reinstate these employees. The sweeping firings of staff from these critical HHS offices will severely restrict access to child care for working families and limit the federal government’s ability to administer and conduct oversight of nearly $25 billion in federal investments in early childhood programs.
Duckworth has been outspoken in pushing back against Trump’s illegal funding freeze that continues to inflict needless chaos, confusion and financial pain on Head Start programs and the middle-class families they serve throughout Illinois. Last month she hosted Illinois Head Start Association Lauri Morrison-Frichtl will be her guest to President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. Earlier this year she joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, parents, teachers and staff at Two Rivers Head Start in Elgin to highlight the financial setbacks for Head Start programs in Illinois.
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MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Hirono in Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Rights of Public Sector Workers to Join Unions, Bargain Collectively

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
April 09, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in reintroducing the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. This comes at a critical time, after President Trump’s recent executive order ended collective bargaining for more than one million federal workers.
“Our public sector workers deserve the same right to organize as private sector workers, work in a safe job that pays a livable wage and be able to save for a secure retirement,” said Duckworth. “As Donald Trump works to hollow out the backbone of our public sector, I’m proud to help Senator Hirono and my colleagues introduce this legislation that would protect these hardworking Americans by finally enshrining their right to unionize into law and enabling them to advocate for the wages and working conditions they rightfully deserve.”
“Public sector workers – our teachers, firefighters, nurses – keep our communities safe, healthy, and educated. They deserve the same freedom to organize and collectively bargain as those who work in the private sector,” said Durbin. “I am cosponsoring the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to ensure that those who serve our communities are not denied basic labor rights.”
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions—regardless of state law. Unlike private sector workers, there is currently no federal law protecting the freedom of public sector workers to join a union and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits and improved working conditions.
Specifically, this bill would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve both working conditions and the communities in which they live and work. The legislation provides public service workers with the freedom to:
Join together in a union selected by a majority of employees;
Collectively bargain over wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment;
Access dispute resolution mechanisms;
Use voluntary payroll deduction for union dues;
Engage in concerted activities related to collective bargaining and mutual aid;
Have their union be free from requirements to hold rigged recertification elections and
File suit in court to enforce their labor rights.
Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Hirono, this legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The full text of the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
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MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester join in introducing bill to fully fund special education

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.) joined in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fifty years ago, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunity. This law was an historic step forward, but since its passage Congress has failed to provide the funding it promised. The legislation is cosponsored by over 30 members in the Senate and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives and is endorsed by 60 organizations.
Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per student expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. Under full funding, Maryland alone would have received $671.6 million. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act made a promise to children with disabilities and their families that they would be provided a free, public, and individualized education––but our government has never fulfilled this promise,” said Senator Coons. “While Trump and DOGE are taking illegal steps to dismantle the Department of Education and slashing billions of dollars in education-related research and programs, we must not retreat and forget our promise to Delaware’s kids.”
“Every student deserves to have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their disability status,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “At a time when the Trump administration is doing all they can to make it harder for people to get the resources and services they need, I am proud to support this legislation on behalf of students with disabilities and their families in Delaware and across the nation. I look forward to working with Senator Van Hollen and our colleagues to finally honor our commitment and fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.”
“Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families – but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Our government works best when it serves its people – especially our most vulnerable communities. 50 years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support our children with disabilities and ensure they had access to an appropriate education – we built up our children, gave them protections and supports. Yet for years, IDEA has been underfunded, creating burdens for districts and threatening access to services for students and families. This President and his callous Administration is intent on tearing things down instead of building them up. Now, more than ever, we need to fully fund IDEA,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“Our legislation makes necessary investments in programs that students with disabilities across the country depend on to access high-quality education that meets their individual needs. President Trump’s destruction of the Department of Education has made it all the more clear: we must fully and permanently fund special education services so that every student—no matter where they live—has the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“Decades after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law, the federal government has still not fully funded the law to help ensure children with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the classroom,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our legislation would help make long overdue investments in special education that would help support children with disabilities, their families and the educators who serve them.”
“Our nation’s children are our future, and we must ensure that every child has access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs. It is critical that we honor our commitment to properly fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” said Senator Durbin. “That is why I am joining my colleagues in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure students with disabilities are receiving access to high-quality services and education, which they are entitled to under law.”
“I am proud to cosponsor the IDEA Full Funding Act, which will ensure that our government upholds its responsibility to give every child with disabilities access to educational opportunities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “All students deserve a high-quality education and school systems with the resources to support them. This bill will help Congress fulfill its promise to fund special education programs, making sure that we meet our obligation to give every child the best chance at success.”
“We promised families we’d have their backs, and for decades, we’ve fallen short on that promise. Because IDEA hasn’t been fully funded, parents and teachers have been working overtime to make up for the missing resources their students desperately need,” said Senator Fetterman. “Making IDEA whole is how we guarantee students with disabilities get the support they need to thrive in school. I’m proud to join my colleagues in championing this legislation amid continued threats to public school students and educators.”
“As Donald Trump continues working to illegally dismantle the Department of Education, securing funding for crucial resources like IDEA is more important than ever,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation so Congress can finally fulfill its commitment to fully fund the IDEA for the first time since its passage in 1975. This investment in IDEA will help ensure that every student with disabilities in this country can receive the quality education they deserve.”
“Students with disabilities, like any student, deserve access to a high-quality public education,” said Senator Kaine. “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a crucial component of making that ideal a reality, but the IDEA is underfunded, leaving Congress’ promise of equal opportunity to students with disabilities unfulfilled—and as a former Mayor and Governor, I’m acutely aware of how federal underfunding of the IDEA puts tremendous pressure on local and state budgets. It’s imperative that we fully fund the IDEA to help schools offer the education, services, and supports that help students thrive.”
“As Trump and Musk continue their assault on public education, Congress must act to ensure every student has equal access to learning across our country,” said Senator Kim. “Educators and parents across my state of New Jersey are terrified about what comes next for essential programs like IDEA while Trump dismantles the Department of Education. This legislation is critical to help secure schools the resources they need to support students with disabilities’ education and futures.”
“A half a century ago, Congress enshrined into law the right of students with disabilities to access free and quality public education. Yet, every year, Congress fails to appropriate the funding necessary to fulfill that promise and guarantee that all students are not only integrated into our education system, but thrive in it. And now, President Trump and Secretary McMahon are attacking federal education funding and our entire public school system,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must fully fund the IDEA so that disabled students can thrive, families can be assured their children will receive world class education, educators have the resources they need to provide that education, and communities aren’t left scrambling to fill federal funding gaps.”
“Across Nevada, I have heard from the parents of children with disabilities, and all they want is for their children to have the same opportunities as any other child,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The government has already committed to fund the IDEA program, yet it has consistently failed to do so. This legislation fulfills the government’s promise and provides essential funding for schools across the Silver State.”
“All students, regardless of ability, deserve access to a quality education. Yet, President Trump’s cruel dismantling of the Department of Education is putting millions of students with disabilities at risk of losing essential IDEA funding. The IDEA Full Funding Act upholds our commitment to offer every student a chance at the American dream by working to close longstanding opportunity gaps in our education system. This investment serves our students, supports our educators, and strengthens our economic future,” said Senator Padilla.
“Every student in Nevada deserves equal access to high quality public education, but the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education is taking away resources and protections for children with disabilities,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m helping to introduce this bill to make sure Congress fully funds the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and provides equal opportunity for every child to have a shot at accessing quality education. I’ll keep fighting back against all attempts to cut funding from our children’s education.”
“Every child across America deserves access to quality education and a chance to succeed,” said Senator Shaheen. “For too long, Congress has fallen short of its promise to students with disabilities by failing to provide adequate funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Our legislation will right that wrong and help ensure schools have adequate resources to give students in New Hampshire and across the nation the education they deserve.”
“A good education has the power to transform lives, and Congress needs to fully fund the educational resources that support children with disabilities and their families. Every child deserves a quality education and the chance to meet their full potential in life. At a time when support for special education is threatened, I join my colleagues in insisting that Congress deliver on its promise to fund these vital services so that every student has access to a quality education,” said Senator Schiff.
“It’s time for Congress to finally fulfill our promise to deliver quality public education to every student across the country. As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their senseless attacks on public education, it’s more important than ever to stand up for all students no matter their disability or zip code,” said Senator Warner.
“As a former special education teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how this funding is transformational for students with disabilities. It means our schools have elevators to help with mobility, provides aides that help students communicate, and tailored programs to best meet their learning needs,” said Senator Warren. “With public education under attack, I am deeply grateful for Senator Van Hollen’s leadership in the fight to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).”
“While we’ve made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “All children – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor – should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families. Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”
The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.-15), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.-08), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), and Mike Bost (R-Ill.-12), and cosponsored by over 60 additional members of the House.
This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT),American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, and The Arc of the United States.
The bill is also supported by: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Psychological Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, EDGE Consulting Partners, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, First Focus Campaign for Children, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Learning Disabilities Association of America, NAESPA (National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators), National Association for Music Education, National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), National Association of Private Special Education Centers, National Association of School Psychologists, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Society, National PTA, National Rural Education Association, National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Teach For America, The Advocacy Institute, and The New Teacher Project (TNTP).
You can read the full text of the bill here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First-ever MHRA analysis of UK clinical trial applications finds new opportunities to drive medical breakthroughs for patients
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

First-ever MHRA analysis of UK clinical trial applications finds new opportunities to drive medical breakthroughs for patients

New analysis of the current clinical trial landscape in the UK shows clear opportunities to shape the future of medical research and patient care.
The first-ever analysis of the UK clinical trial landscape by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the University of Liverpool reveals the UK is a global leader in clinical research – and sets out key opportunities to deliver even more life-changing treatments for patients.

Published today in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the report offers the most detailed picture yet of the UK’s clinical trials landscape. It finds strong innovation – but also a concentration of research in certain disease areas, and opportunities for increased representation of certain patient groups.

A roadmap for stronger, more inclusive research

The MHRA is using the insights to build upon the country’s world-leading clinical research and deliver its new clinical trials regulations to create a more efficient, streamlined and adaptable regulatory framework. Working in partnership with patients, the NHS, industry and academia, the MHRA will support increased research into underrepresented conditions, improve diversity in trial participation, and attract further global investment in innovation.

Professor Andrea Manfrin, lead author of the study and MHRA Deputy Director, Clinical Investigations and Trials, said:

“Clinical trials are the backbone of medical progress, essential for developing new medicines and advancing our understanding of diseases. This analysis shows clearly where the UK is leading – and where we need to work with our stakeholders to go further. By working together with patients, the NHS, industry, and researchers across the life sciences ecosystem to identify and maximise these opportunities, we can ensure clinical trials are faster, fairer, and more inclusive. Better trials mean better, more effective treatments, reaching NHS patients as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, co-author of the study at the University of Liverpool, said:

“The analysis from the MHRA clinical trials database shows the richness of UK clinical trial activity involving medicines. Importantly it also provides a baseline which can be used to increase future UK clinical trial activity, which is important for improving both patient outcomes and economic investment.”

With the global clinical trials market expected to nearly double to over £80 billion by 2032, insights from the analysis will help shape policies that can bring innovative, new medicines to patients, attract investment, accelerate medical innovation, and expand trial access for UK patients.

Key findings from the MHRA and University of Liverpool’s analysis of all 4,616 clinical trials submitted between 2019 and 2023:

The UK is a hub for pioneering research, with one in eight trials testing treatments in humans for the first time. There is strong commercial investment in UK trials, with 85% industry sponsored. A smaller share (15%) comes from universities, hospitals, and charities.

Cancer trials dominate, making up nearly a third of all studies, but other major diseases lag behind. Heart disease – the world’s biggest killer – receives just 5.2% of research focus. Trials for conditions such as chronic pain, respiratory conditions and mental health disorders were among the least common, despite their major impact on public health.

Both sexes were included in most trials (90%), however male-only trials (6.1%) were nearly twice as common as female-only studies (3.7%). Pregnant and breastfeeding women were represented in 1.1% and 0.6% of trials, respectively, which could impact treatment suitability for these groups.

Cutting-edge treatments, such as gene and cell therapies, represent a growing clinical area but make up only 3.4% of trials, despite their potential to transform care for patients with limited treatment options.

Partnership working to strengthen UK clinical research

The report sets a baseline to track progress and inform future funding, policy and regulation. The MHRA is already working with partners across the life sciences sector to increase research and streamline approvals in areas of unmet need through the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP); improve diversity in trial participation through the development of joint guidance with the Health Research Authority (HRA) so trials reflect the populations they aim to serve; and support more advanced therapy trials through collaboration with researchers via the Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs).

These initiatives form part of wider clinical trials reform, including new legislation we are committed to implementing that will streamline how clinical trials are run in the UK. Backed by the MHRA and healthcare system partners, the changes aim to protect patient safety, boost global investment, and cut unnecessary red tape – helping bring new treatments to patients faster.

As the government pushes forward the development of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10 Year Health Plan, these findings come at a crucial time. They can be used to shape policies that ensure clinical trials deliver maximum benefit for patients, the NHS and the wider economy.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said:

“The government is determined to make Britain a world leader in life sciences, developing groundbreaking treatments focused on the conditions that matter most to patients.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re laying the foundations for a modern, resilient health system that delivers, which is why the Prime Minister announced £520 million investment this week to turbocharge medical research.

“By driving forward research and expanding access to clinical trials, we can ensure patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments quicker, while creating high-quality jobs and attracting global investment.

“Strengthening the trial environment will help ensure we have an NHS fit for the future – one that harnesses innovation to improve outcomes for patients.”

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

“As home to a thriving life sciences sector and the NHS, the UK is uniquely placed to host the trials and research that are taking the fight to a host of devastating health conditions. But as this data shows, we can go further and move faster through targeted investment, and smart regulation.

“We are committed to doing precisely that – through this year’s record £13.9 billion funding for R&D in life sciences and beyond, as well as the efforts of our new Regulatory Innovation Office. We must make sure that trials of new medicines are available to everyone to take part.”

Matt Westmore, Health Research Authority Chief Executive:

“Health and social care research should be done with, and for, everyone.

“We know that trials that involve a diverse group of participants help provide a better understanding of how effective a treatment is for different groups of people. In turn this helps us support efforts to address health inequalities.

“We are pleased to be working alongside the MHRA to develop new guidance designed to make it easier for researchers to ensure they are designing trials that are more representative of the people it is for and about.”

Lawrence Tallon, MHRA Chief Executive, said:

“This first-of-its-kind analysis builds on our important work to strengthen clinical research in the UK. We are committed to implementing a flexible and risk-proportionate regulatory approach for clinical trials, which accelerates patient access to potentially life-saving medicines without compromising safety.

“We’re making the UK one of the best places in the world to run clinical trials, with combined review approval times with the Health Research Authority now at 60 days or less for all trials. These changes not only benefit patients today but are laying the groundwork to accelerate innovation and deliver life-changing treatments to patients faster.”

The MHRA will continue tracking progress and working with its partners to ensure the UK remains a world leader in medical research, keeping patient safety at the heart of clinical trials.

Notes to editors

Publication: Andrea Manfrin et al. (2025) ‘Analysis of 4616 clinical trial initial submissions received by the MHRA between February 2019 and October 2023’ British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. DOI: 10.1002/bcp.70061.

This analysis includes all 4,616 initial clinical trial submissions of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs) received by the MHRA Clinical Trials Unit between February 2019 and October 2023. Other types of studies, such as non-CTIMPs, are not under the MHRA’s remit. For further information, please refer to the publication.

Patients, the NHS and the Life Sciences sector set to benefit from new clinical trials framework being laid in parliament today – GOV.UK

Commercial clinical trials in the UK: the Lord O’Shaughnessy review – GOV.UK

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

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Published 10 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Pressley Joins Neal, Massachusetts Delegation Demanding Answers on Sudden Closure of HHS Regional Office in Boston
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined Congressman Richard E. Neal, Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) – in demanding answers from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. after the abrupt shuttering of the entire HHS Regional Office (RO) in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 2025.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “It is impossible to overstate the lasting consequences this reckless action will have on every single person in this region—whether the families who rely on Region 1 employees dutifully overseeing child care licensing systems to ensure they deliver quality care to our children, or the coordination these civil servants conduct with state survey agencies to make sure all our nursing homes meet federal safety standards. Through steadfast commitment to the programs they oversee, employees of ROs provide a service to all of us whether we know it or not.”

The HHS Boston RO employs hundreds of workers who serve Americans from Maine to Connecticut. As the economic catastrophe caused by Trump’s Tariff Tax devastates communities and businesses across the country, the administration continues to make senseless layoffs, adding even more individuals to the ranks of the unemployed. These job losses will have trickle-down effects on other businesses in the area during an already challenging time.

The Boston RO specializes in health care innovation, partnering with drug companies, biotech groups, and other innovators to ensure gaps in research are being filled and the cures of tomorrow come to fruition. Eliminating the Boston RO will both deny the people of New England access to public health officials with expertise in our local communities and halt innovation in its tracks, with ramifications felt by the whole country for generations to come.

The ROs are also on the front lines of fighting fraud, waste, and abuse alongside local law enforcement, as well as the vanguard coordinating responses against disease and outbreaks. Its closure will leave our communities and our programs less safe.

The lawmakers continue, “It could open our region to massive risks of fraud and abuse of our vital federal programs. And it could provide the pathway for another pernicious disease to sweep the nation, absent vital on-the-ground detection and coordination among public health experts. We do not take lightly this attack on the health of our constituents and the unceremonious termination of thousands of experts living in our communities who make us all safer.”

The Boston Regional Office property is desirable real estate and appeared on an early list of properties Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) group wished to “auction off”, raising questions about whether this action has ulterior motives – enabling Trump acolytes to cash in on real estate deals while ordinary Americans suffer from loss of services. The Trump Administration has shown a complete disregard for Americans’ needs, closing Social Security offices and curtailing customer service. This RO closure is just another effort to make it more difficult for our constituents to access the health and safety protections they count on the federal government to provide.

The lawmakers are demanding detailed answers as to the basis of this decision, its effect on constituent health, and how HHS will continue serving individuals in the region. They request answers to the following questions by April 18:
- Please provide a list of each division within the Boston RO that was eliminated, a description of its core functions, a summary of staff expertise, program staff caseloads for each overseen program at the time of closing, and all documentation justifying the Department’s decision to close each division within the RO.
- Please provide the Department’s analysis of the impact this regional closure will have on costs and health outcomes for the 15 million residents of New England, as well as the local economy.
- Please provide a detailed analysis of how the remaining five ROs will take over the responsibilities of the Boston RO, including total caseloads, in beneficiaries served and dollars managed, for the staff taking over New England responsibilities, and any anticipated hirings or training to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.
- Please provide a detailed analysis of anyways responsibilities of the Boston RO which will be absorbed by HHS headquarters, including the current and new responsibilities of any headquarters staff assuming responsibilities and any anticipated hirings to offset the caseload inundation and loss of regional expertise.
- Please provide a detailed analysis of the anticipated additional wait times for services previously provided by staff at the Region 1 RO, such as the approval of Medicaid State Plan Amendments, enrollments of new providers into Medicare, surveys of nursing homes, child care licensing inspections, state plan approvals, and cost allocation agreements.
- Please explain the Administration’s plan for the now-vacant real estate that previously housed the Boston RO.
Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress speaking out against Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s unprecedented assault on our democracy and federal agencies, and she has been a steadfast advocate for protecting the essential services that federal workers and agencies provide.
- On April 9, 2025, Rep. Pressley led lawmakers in sending a letter to Trump’s trade official demanding he resign from holding multiple positions with clear conflicts of interest that would further harm federal workers.
- On March 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s executive order to end collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
- On March 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley led Massachusetts lawmakers in a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sharply criticizing and demanding answers about the impact of the Musk-Trump Administration’s mass firings of federal workers in Massachusetts.
- On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley spoke out against the U.S. Department of Education’s mass layoffs of over 1,300 workers, which effectively guts the agency.
- On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley voted against Republicans’ shameful government budget bill, which would harm vulnerable families and provide a blank check for Elon Musk and Donald Trump to continue their unprecedented assault on our democracy. She later issued a statement condemning its final passage in the Senate.
- On March 11, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined 13 of her colleagues on a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers and the immediate release of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, whose illegal abduction is an attack on his constitutional right to free speech and due process.
- On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley walked out of the House chamber in protest during Donald Trump’s presidential joint address to Congress.
- On March 4, 2025, Rep. Pressley welcomed Claire Bergstresser, an Everett constituent, dedicated public servant, AFGE union member, and former HUD worker who was unjustly terminated as part of Musk and Trump’s assault on federal agencies as her guest to the presidential joint address to Congress.
- On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley led 85 lawmakers in a letter urging the Office of Special Counsel to immediate reinstate and expand protections for all unfairly fired federal workers.
- On February 28, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined over 200 Democrats in filing an amicus brief defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before a U.S. District Court.
- On February 26, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed what true government efficiency looks like and denounced Elon Musk and Donald Trump for utilizing DOGE to gut the essential services that keep people safe, fed, and housed.
- On February 25, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley condemned Elon Musk’s abuse of government efficiency through the fraudulent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- On February 25, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she railed against Republicans’ cruel budget resolution that would slash Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion.
- On February 20, 2025, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
- On February 13, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley emphasized the critical role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in safeguarding consumers and sharply criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk for halting the critical work of the agency.
- On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied with Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, and advocates to protest Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s unlawful takeover of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- On February 11, 2025, in a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley criticized the Trump-Musk administration for halting the critical work of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) with crypto scams on the rise.
- On February 10, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming the Trump Administration’s harmful cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding to support hospitals, universities, and research institutions conducting lifesaving research.
- On February 10, 2025, as Trump and Musk threaten to dismantle the essential work of the U.S. Department of Education, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful floor speech to affirm the role of public education in American democracy.
- On February 6, 2025, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful rebuke of Republicans’ efforts to gut diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and eliminate essential services for vulnerable communities.
- On February 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied outside the U.S. Department of Treasury to protest Elon Musk’s unlawful assault on federal agencies and our democracy.
- On January 30, 2025, Rep. Pressley slammed Donald Trump for blaming the tragic plane crash at Reagan National Airport, which killed over 60 people, including some families from Massachusetts, on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
- In January 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Trump’s illegal freeze on federal grants and loans and its harmful impact on vulnerable communities.
- On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech condemning Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.
- On January 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues to reintroduce the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, a bill to repeal an outdated law that has been used to target innocent immigrants without due process rights.
- On January 22, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s harmful executive actions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
###

MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 12)

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

1. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Articles 162 and 264 of Part Two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”

The bill proposes not to impose value added tax on funds received by an energy sales organization authorized to carry out the purchase and sale of electrical energy (capacity) for the purpose of supplying electrical energy (capacity) in the territories of new constituent entities of the Russian Federation until January 1, 2028.

2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of budget monitoring and other issues of organizing the budget process)

The draft law is aimed, among other things, at implementing certain instructions of the President of Russia in terms of organizing control over the inclusion in state (municipal) contracts, agreements, contracts (contracts) of provisions on treasury support in cases established by the budget legislation of the Russian Federation.

3. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses”

The bill is aimed at establishing administrative liability for violations of the provisions on treasury support.

4. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 107057-7 “On Amendments to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation”

The draft amendments were developed in connection with the need to create a mechanism for legal regulation of state registration of the housing stock.

5. On the allocation to the Ministry of Construction of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision of subsidies from the federal budget to the budgets of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Zaporizhia region for the purpose of co-financing the expenditure obligations of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation arising from the implementation of measures to build apartment buildings, the developers or owners of which have not been determined

The draft order is aimed at ensuring the completion of construction and commissioning of multi-apartment residential buildings in the territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic and Zaporizhia Oblast, the developers or owners of which have not been identified.

6. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 2516–1 of the Federal Law “On the Procedure for Leaving the Russian Federation and Entering the Russian Federation”

The development of the bill was dictated by the need to create favorable conditions for increasing the number of foreign citizens entering the country for tourism, business, humanitarian and guest purposes, while maintaining the proper level of migration control and national security requirements.

7. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 810019-8 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Fisheries and Conservation of Aquatic Biological Resources””

The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying certain provisions of the bill concerning the procedure for re-registering and terminating agreements for the use of fishing areas.

8. On amending the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 15, 2018 No. 682 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation)

The draft resolution is aimed at bringing the powers of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia into line with Article 179.1 of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation.

9. On the allocation by the Ministry of Education of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision, within the framework of the state program of the Russian Federation “Development of Education”, of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Arkhangelsk Region for the purpose of co-financing the expenditure obligations of the Arkhangelsk Region arising from the construction of schools

The adoption of the Government order will help resolve a socially significant issue for the Arkhangelsk region in terms of increasing the availability of general education in the region.

10. On the allocation to the Ministry of Transport of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation of budgetary appropriations for the provision of one-time financial assistance in the form of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Saratov Region in order to reimburse the expenses incurred by the budget of the Saratov Region arising from the implementation of measures to update public transport

The draft order provides for the allocation of funds to provide financial assistance to the budget of the Saratov region in order to reimburse part of the costs incurred in the acquisition of two-section trams.

Moscow, April 9, 2025

The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: PPTA Te Wehengarua Farewells Melanie Webber

Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

E te mareikura, e Melanie, ngā huruhuru o te whare o Te Wehengarua

Nā te ngākau aroha koe i ārahi kia tāea ai e tātou o Te Wehengarua kia eke panuku. Nā tōu rangatiratanga i ea ai te whakatauki “Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua”

Hoki atu koe ki ōu tūpuna, ki ōu maunga, ōu awa, ōu whenua tupuna moe mai ai, okioki mai ai, moe mai rā. Nāia ko ngā roimata e heke ana, nāia ko ngā tangi e rere ana, engari, kei konei tonu koe, kei ngā kūrae tonu o mahara.

Moe mai rā e te mareikura

Melanie, our Senior Vice President, the wings of our PPTA whare. Your loving heart guided us all to rise to any occasion. Your leadership gave sight to us who followed and those who followed provided you with insight and inspiration.

Return to your ancestors, to your ancestral mountains, to your ancestral rivers, to your ancestral lands. For these are our many tears, hear our many cries, but know, you are still with us in the corners of our hearts and minds.

Rest in peace

Kia ora,

It is with deep sadness that I write to let you know that Melanie Webber, PPTA Te Wehengarua Senior Vice President, has died.

Melanie was PPTA Te Wehengarua President in 2021-22, the culmination of many years of branch, regional and national activism and commitment.

In her presidency, Melanie led members through an incredibly difficult period, as COVID-19 set in, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland was placed in what seemed like an endless lockdown, and COVID vaccinations were mandated for teachers.

True to form, Melanie led members through this extremely challenging period with conviction, courage and honesty – and a good dose of her brilliant humour.

These characteristics, along with an amazing grasp of detail and the big strategic picture, endeared her to the many political, educational and union leaders with whom she built very constructive working relationships.

Melanie’s ability to explain complex issues in ways that people could understand easily meant that she was often the first port of call for the media. Whether she was having a robust exchange with Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB, explaining an issue to a Morning Report presenter, or getting just the right sound bite across on the TV news, Melanie always did secondary teachers proud.

Her late entry to secondary teaching – from a very successful career as a television producer for many years – imbued Melanie with a particularly fiery zeal and passion. She absolutely loved secondary teaching and its ability to make a real difference in the lives of rangatahi. She was committed to doing everything she could to improve conditions for teachers and students.

Melanie was incredibly proud of her school Western Springs Ngā Puna o Waiōrea. She absolutely loved its commitment to Te Tiriti and the co-governance role. Melanie was deeply inspired by her colleages dedication to upholding these values and often spoke with admiration of the way they embodied partnership and respect.

Melanie played an especially important role in the early stages of the curriculum refresh and the NCEA review, working tirelessly in a range of forums to ensure that teachers’ voices and concerns were heard and acted on.

Melanie’s amazing mahi, political astuteness and razor-sharp intelligence, paved a very smooth path for me as her successor. I will be forever grateful.

She was a true epitome of that saying, ‘It’s not so much what life deals, but how you handle it’. The world is a poorer place without Mel and we will miss her so very much.

Memorials for Melanie are being finalised, and we will let you know the details as soon as we can.

Arohanui

Chris Abercrombie
President, PPTA Te Wehengarua

Last modified on Thursday, 10 April 2025 09:14

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mountain America Credit Union Partners with Show Up for Teachers to Launch $40,000 Grant Program

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANDY, Utah, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain America Credit Union is proud to announce its partnership with Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up for Teachers initiative with the launch of Show Up for Teachers Grants. This program through the Mountain America Foundation will award $40,000 in grants with forty educators each receiving $1,000 to spark classroom innovation and boost student success. This marks the first year of the partnership between Mountain America Credit Union and Show Up for Teachers, furthering their joint mission to support educators.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

“We are honored to partner with Utah First Lady Abby Cox and are in awe of her dedication to educators. These grants further showcase our commitment to empowering teachers and supporting our schools,” said Sharlene Wells, senior vice president of public relations and organizational communications at Mountain America Credit Union. “By investing in education, we are investing in the future of our communities and supporting those who shape the minds of the next generation.”

The Show Up for Teachers Grants are designed to support teachers by providing financial resources. Candidates will be evaluated based on their dedication to education, creativity in teaching methods, and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. To be eligible, applicants must be teachers in Utah. Membership with Mountain America is not required to apply.

Online applications opened Monday, April 7, 2025, and will close Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.

“Collaborating with Mountain America Credit Union on the Show Up for Teachers Conference gives us a wonderful opportunity to provide our educators with the resources they need to bring innovation into their classrooms,” Cox said. “The grants will not only fuel creativity and enhance learning but also demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting educators in our communities. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on education and help our teachers succeed in their vital roles.”

The annual Show Up for Teachers Conference will take place on July 10, 2025, at the Mountain America Expo Center. At the event, Mountain America will be recognizing grant recipients. Educators can interact with Mountain America at their booth during the event, where there will be activities and prizes.

For more information and to apply for the Show Up for Teachers Grants, visit macu.com/showup.

About Mountain America Credit Union
With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.

The MIL Network –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland University of Technology to offer new psychology training

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says that the government’s work to strengthen New Zealand’s mental health and addiction workforce continues to build momentum, announcing today that the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is joining the work to develop the training for the new associate psychologist role.
“Demand for mental health and addiction services continues to grow. Unfortunately, despite this demand, we have many psychology students graduating each year with undergraduate degrees that are unable to progress to work in mental health, due to limited intake into training programmes that lead to registered psychology roles,” says Mr Doocey.
“I’m delighted that AUT will be helping to develop training for a role that will offer many more psychology students the opportunity to go on to build careers in mental health and support more people to receive timely support.
“I’m committed to growing our mental health and addiction workforce so more New Zealanders receive the support they need, when they need it. This Government is doing that by investing in a range of initiatives that will enable us to continue to build our workforce, expand capacity, and ensure we have a training pipeline.
“Since announcing the role, there has been some misconceptions and concerns that are necessary to clear up.
“Psychologists will continue to play a vital part in this workforce. We have been hard at work to support universities to grow psychologist numbers by investing to increase the number of new psychology internships from 40 to 80 per year by 2027.
“The creation of the new associate psychologist role is designed to support, not replace the existing psychology workforce. They will work under supervision of a psychologist, within mental health or addiction services.
“Working with aspects of care that have been defined as less complex within a multi-disciplinary team, this will allow existing registered psychologists to focus on the more complex work they’re trained for.
“Undergraduate students who have already completed a major in psychology may be eligible to go on to complete a one-year postgraduate diploma to become a qualified associate psychologist. This offers psychology students a new pathway option that will see more people gaining the qualifications they need to and retain more people in the mental health and addiction workforce.”
Last month Minister Doocey announced that the University of Canterbury were the first to be selected to develop the Government’s new associate psychologist training programme.
“Together, the two universities are working to prepare a curriculum to train the first intake of students in 2026. It will be exciting to see the first graduates joining the workforce in 2027,” Mr Doocey says.
“Last year I announced New Zealand’s first targets for mental health and addiction, including the target to train 500 new mental health and addiction health professionals every year. The mental health and addiction workforce plan aims to deliver on that target through a broad range of initiatives, including better utilisation of the Peer Support workforce and increasing the number of psychology internships. The creation of innovative new roles such as associate psychologists is another way we are strengthening the mental health and addiction support available.”
Note for editors:

AUT will be working alongside the University of Canterbury to develop the training programme for the qualification, with guidance from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB) who are developing the scope of practice, competencies and accreditation process for the role.
NZPB will also advise on a final title for the role, so the name “associate psychologist” is being used as a placeholder.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Waste Time and Taxpayer Money with Vanity Bill as Economy Crashes

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

April 09, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, as the stock market was thrown into chaos and Americans are struggling to make ends meet, the House Natural Resources Committee Republicans held a markup on legislation designed to distract from this administration’s pandemonium and stroke the President’s ego. The markup featured pushing a Gulf of Mexico renaming stunt – all while families across America face rising costs, real crises, Trump Tariff whiplash, and shrinking retirement accounts thanks to the economy Republicans wrecked.

[embedded content]

“President Trump’s reckless tariff plan has driven our markets into turmoil. The S&P 500 is officially in bear market territory, the Dow is cratering and for the average American teachers, firefighters, truck drivers, their 401ks and retirement savings are crumbling before their eyes, and that’s without getting into the higher prices that we’re all starting to see. These tariffs go into effect starting today. Is the majority doing anything about this looming economic catastrophe that absent decisive intervention will profoundly harm every sector of our economy and numerous programs under this committee’s jurisdiction? Obviously, no. Republicans in this Congress are just too busy renaming things like the Gulf of Mexico,” Ranking Member Huffman said during the markup. “The many issues that we’re neglecting today are not abstract problems, they’re immediate threats to our constituents’ safety, heritage, and livelihoods, and they’re entirely avoidable problems… caused by an administration that is going entirely unchallenged by this Republican Congress. Elon Musk is dismantling the Social Security Administration after calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme just a few days ago.

“Americans are not asking us to rename places in this moment, they’re asking us to lower costs to protect their savings, to fight for their future. They’re asking us to confront and mitigate the real and immediate threats of drought and wildfire. They’re asking us to stop the absolute chaos coming out of this administration. We urgently need congressional leadership to tackle the most pressing problems in America, and instead we are here with distractions and culture war sideshows. We owe the American people better, much better than this.”

Republicans voted against multiple Democratic amendments, including:

Ranking Member Jared Huffman’s amendment to restore the name “Denali” to North America’s highest peak.
Rep. Darren Soto’s amendment to permanently withdraw the eastern Gulf of Mexico from oil and gas leasing.
Rep. Julia Brownley’s amendment to ensure the Secretary of the Interior certifies that the Department will not authorize any oil and gas lease sales in Atlantic and Pacific planning areas.
Rep. Debbie Dingell’s amendment to require the protection of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

BACKGROUND

A full list of amendments offered by Committee Democrats can be found below.

H.R. 276 (Greene) Gulf of America Act of 2025

**H.R. 276 (Greene) Gulf of America Act of 2025**
Amendment #1 by Dexter	Clarifies that nothing in this bill authorizes the federal government to engage in retribution or censorship against a news organization that refers to the gulf as “Gulf of Mexico”
Amendment #2 by Huffman	Adds that the term “Gulf of America” was first coined by Stephen Colbert in reference to the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster
Amendment #3 by Huffman	Strikes “Gulf of America” and inserts “Gulf of Ignorance”
Amendment #4 by Huffman	Adds that references to Planet Earth shall be considered references to “Planet Trump”
Amendment #5 by Soto	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the President permanently withdraws the Eastern Gulf of Mexico from oil and gas leasing
Amendment #6 by Velázquez	Strikes “Gulf of America” and inserts “Gulf of Helene”
Amendment #9 by Ansari	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that President Trump’s trade war will not increase costs for American families and businesses
Amendment #11 by Rivas	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior provides an economic policy assessment of the bill to determine its effects on food prices, GDP, job creation, and unemployment.
Amendment #12 by Velázquez	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until CBO certifies that renaming the gulf would not increase the deficit or increase spending.
Amendment #13 by Gray	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that they will not reduce or redirect funding for the Bureau of Reclamation in drought-vulnerable states
Amendment #15 by Dexter	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that the Department’s Office of the Inspector General is fully funded at the requested FY25 level
Amendment #27 by Brownley	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Department of the Interior conducts a public comment period on the proposed name change
Amendment #28 by Brownley	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that the Department will not authorize any oil and gas lease sales in Atlantic and Pacific planning areas
Amendment #31 by Brownley	Strikes “Gulf of America” and inserts “Gulf of America Should Rejoin the Paris Agreement”
Amendment #34 by Randall	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources certifies that the 119^th Congress will not direct or authorize the sale of public lands to raise revenue in a reconciliation bill
Amendment #36 by Brownley	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the NOAA extreme weather funding, positions, and offices are restored
Amendment #38 by Brownley	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources certifies that IRA funds supporting Gulf states will not be rescinded
Amendment #49 by Huffman	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that the name “Denali” has been restored to North America’s highest peak

H.R. 845 (Boebert) Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025

**H.R. 845 (Boebert) Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025**
Amendment #1 by Dexter	Adds that the bill shall not take effect until the Secretary of the Interior certifies that workforce reductions will not hinder the ability of the Fish and Wildlife Service to carry out monitoring and conservation actions
Amendment #2 by Hoyle	Adds that the final rule will not be subject to judicial review unless the Secretary of the Interior finds that the gray wolf population has declined more than 10 percent in one year.
Amendment #6 by Huffman	Strikes Sections 2 and 3 and requires the Secretary of the Interior to publish a nationwide recovery plan for the gray wolf.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey Joins Sen. Hirono, Rep. Norcross in Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Rights of Public Sector Workers to join Unions, Bargain Collectively

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Washington (April 8, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee today joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ) in reintroducing the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. This comes at a critical time, after President Trump’s recent executive order ended collective bargaining for over a million federal workers.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing everything in their power to kill public sector unions and deny public servants their fundamental right to organize and collectively bargain. Their union busting is disgusting,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must pass the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to guarantee public service workers their rights and empower them to fight for better wages and working conditions. Public servants deliver for the American people every day, and we must deliver for them.”
“Public sector workers teach our children, protect our safety, and keep our communities moving forward—they deserve the right to organize,” said Senator Hirono. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will help ensure that that millions of public sector workers across our country have the federal protections they deserve as they fight for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions. Private sector workers are already guaranteed the right to organize under federal law, it should be common sense that public sector workers are afforded those same rights. As President Trump works to gut our public sector workforce, this bill is crucial to protect workers’ freedom to organize and bargain collectively. I’m proud to lead this important legislation with Representative Norcross to help ensure that every public employee has their voice heard in the workplace.”
“I know the power of collective bargaining because I’ve lived it,” said Congressman Norcross, a former union electrician, member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “I spent decades at the negotiating table standing up for working families—fighting for fair pay, safer jobs, and better benefits like health care and retirement. This bill ensures public-sector workers across the country have that same right to a voice on the job and a seat at the table.”
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions—regardless of state law. Unlike private sector workers, there is currently no federal law protecting the freedom of public sector workers to join a union and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions.
“Unions built the middle class,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “At a time when our President has unleashed brazenly illegal attacks on unions, we need legislation to protect our public service employees – those who keep us safe, who ensure our communities can function, and who are teaching our next generation. They deserve fair benefits and wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize – and we won’t stop fighting until they get it.”
“The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act ensures that teachers, nurses, child welfare workers, firefighters, and so many others who serve our communities are afforded the same right to join a union as workers in the private sector,” said Senator Blumenthal. “All workers deserve the free and unhindered opportunity to organize and collectively bargain for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.”
“As the granddaughter of union steelworkers and Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor, I know the power workers have when they stand together,” said Senator Blunt Rochester, member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “At a moment when the Trump administration is indiscriminately firing federal employees across government, it is past civil servants have the protections and benefits that private sector workers do: the right to organize. I look forward to working with Senator Hirono and Congressman to get the bicameral Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act across the finish line. We are standing up for public servants across the nation.”
“Public sector workers bear a huge responsibility within our communities, whether it’s teaching our children, responding to emergencies, or providing vital services that keep our society running,” said Senator Booker. “Public servants should have the same right to advocate for higher pay or safer working conditions as everyone else in America. The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act will ensure all workers have the opportunity organize, collectively bargain, and thrive in our economy.”
“Public servants ask nothing more than the chance to serve our communities and our nation. They are our neighbors and often our heroes: teachers and 911 operators and police officers,” said Senator Coons. “This legislation protects their right to unionize so they can seek fair salaries and safe workplaces, just like everyone else. When public servants join together and elect a path forward, we ought to respect that choice. I’m proud that the bill we put forward today will do just that while creating better opportunities for public servants and their families in Delaware and across the country.”
“Our public sector workers deserve the same right to organize as private sector workers, to work in a safe job that pays a livable wage and to be able to save for a secure retirement,” said Senator Duckworth. “As Donald Trump works to hollow out the backbone of our public sector, I’m proud to help Senator Hirono and my colleagues introduce this legislation that would protect these hardworking Americans by finally enshrining their right to unionize into law and enabling them to advocate for the wages and working conditions they rightfully deserve.”
“Public sector workers – our teachers, firefighters, nurses – keep our communities safe, healthy, and educated. They deserve the same freedom to organize and collectively bargain as those who work in the private sector,” said Senator Durbin. “I am cosponsoring the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act to ensure that those who serve our communities are not denied basic labor rights.”
“From the firefighters and police officers who keep us safe to the educators who teach our kids, public sectors employees serve Arizonans every day. They deserve our support in return,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to back this bill to ensure that public sector employees have the same rights and protections as any other worker.”
“Public sector workers are the backbone of our communities, ensuring that essential services are provided with dedication and care,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Unionization and collective bargaining are not just rights—they are a recognition of the value of these critical public servants. The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would help ensure that millions of public sector workers have a voice in their working conditions, pay, and benefits, giving them the same federal rights as their private sector counterparts. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation so that every worker can organize and fight for fair treatment.”
“Unions, including public-sector unions, have provided critical advocacy and support for many workers,” said Senator Kaine. “I am proud to cosponsor this crucial legislation to protect millions of American workers’ right to unionize and bargain for better wages and working conditions.”
“All workers deserve the right to collectively bargain and have their voices fully heard on the job,” said Senator Kim. “As President Trump continues to vilify public service and go after workers’ rights, it is as important as ever that congress pass legislation like this to defend them, empower their voice, and have their backs as they simply demand the fair pay and benefits working families across our country deserve.”
“Every worker in this country should have the opportunity to speak up for themselves on the job. This includes the teachers shaping our kids’ futures, the first responders keeping us safe, and the healthcare and social workers who are there for us when we need them most,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to introduce legislation that ensures the folks essential to our communities have the right to organize and fight for fair wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions.”
“As the son of a union mechanic, I know unions make a difference in standing up for workers and their families by ensuring they have a safe workplace and good pay for their work,” Senator Merkley said. “While the Trump Administration threatens the rights of America’s public sector workers to organize and receive fair treatment in the workplace, we’re pushing to make sure these workers receive just treatment and fair pay for a hard day’s work.”
“Trump has already stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their collective bargaining rights, and even more public sector workers could be next. Unions built the middle class, and they’re still the best tool for workers to fight for better pay and fair treatment. This legislation would make sure our teachers, firefighters, and more than a million Americans who serve their communities have a seat at the negotiating table,” said Senator Murphy.
“The nearly 20 million public sector workers across our nation deserve the fundamental right to organize and fight for a fair contract and better working conditions. Yet, the Trump Administration has repeatedly tried to strip away this right and attack public service workers’ ability to unionize,” said Senator Padilla. “From public school teachers who educate our children to first responders on the frontlines of emergencies in our communities, we must guarantee the right for workers to join a union and collectively bargain nationwide.”
“Working men and women deserve the freedom to negotiate for fair wages and improved working conditions in the communities they serve. This bill is about basic fairness,” said Senator Reed.
“Nevada’s police officers, teachers, firefighters, and other public servants work tirelessly to serve our communities, and they absolutely deserve the right to bargain for better wages and working conditions,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m proud to help introduce a bill to protect their right to join a union and collectively bargain amid attacks from the Trump Administration. I’ll always stand up for Nevada’s public servants.”
“Donald Trump is dead set on illegally dismantling workers’ rights to organize and advocate for higher pay, benefits, and workplace safety,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Public employees dedicate themselves to serving their communities each and every day, and they deserve the opportunity to join a union. Democrats stand with working Americans and will continue to fight until the right to organize is fully protected.”
“Americans have a fundamental right to come together to bargain with their employer for fair wages and better working conditions,” said Senator Smith. “By protecting the rights of public employees to organize and advocate for themselves, we will put the power back in the hands of workers and strengthen the middle class.”
“American workers’ right to organize is ingrained in our democratic principles, but for state and local government employees, this right is not a given. These public servants deliver vital services for our communities – and we’re fighting to ensure they have the freedom to organize and be treated fairly, no matter where they live,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Our hardworking civil servants dedicate their careers to teaching our kids, making sure our buses run on time, protecting our communities, and so much more. They should have the freedom to collectively organize and fight for good pay and working conditions,” said Senator Warren. “This bill protects the rights of these workers in every state to unionize and fight for what they deserve.”
“Public servants are at the heart of our country and are essential to the functioning of our communities. The work of public employees–from our teachers to health care professionals to firefighters–is invaluable, and they deserve fair wages that reflect the important work they do every day,” said Senator Welch. “This bill will ensure that public sector employees have federal protections to form a union and collectively bargain in their efforts to secure better pay and safer working conditions for their essential work. In the wake of Elon Musk’s DOGE and Trump’s attacks on the federal workforce, it’s never been so important to protect workers.”
Specifically, this bill would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve both working conditions and the communities in which they live and work. The legislation gives public service workers the freedom to:
Join together in a union selected by a majority of employees;
Collectively bargain over wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment;
Access dispute resolution mechanisms;
Use voluntary payroll deduction for union dues;
Engage in concerted activities related to collective bargaining and mutual aid;
Have their union be free from requirements to hold rigged recertification elections; and
File suit in court to enforce their labor rights.
“Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We believe, as most Americans do, that every worker deserves a union — no matter who they work for. This bill is about something fundamental: respect. Respect for the public service workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.”
“When workers stand together in a union, their jobs and lives improve. But in half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract. Every day, the attacks on the fundamental freedoms of workers who keep our streets and water clean, our public transportation moving, and our children learning are increasing from the highest level of government,” said AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler. “We need federal law to protect their rights to form a union and negotiate fair contracts that allow them to continue to do the work that is so essential to our communities. We call on every member of Congress to stand with working people and support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act.”
“For years now, the rights of workers like nurses, librarians, educators, and all our essential public servants who dedicate themselves to our communities have been chipped away at, despite their dedication and selfless service to their communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “That’s why the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is so vital. It protects public sector workers’ fundamental right to join together, bargain for fair pay, and stand up for decent working conditions. Congress needs to step up and pass this now and push back against efforts trying to undermine these essential rights.”
“As education, healthcare and public service workers, our members make a difference in the lives of others every day. But too many states don’t allow the people who do the work to have a voice,” said Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would change that, ensuring public servants, no matter where they reside, have a means to influence their own lives. Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up. That’s why we enthusiastically support this legislation and are committed to moving it forward.”
This legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW).
The full text of the legislation is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025

Category: Education

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BACKGROUND