NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland beaches named amongst the best in the country

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Sunderland’s ever popular Roker and Seaburn beaches have been named among the best in the country in the 2025 Seaside Awards.

    The awards from leading environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of its coastline.

    Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted that both Roker and Seaburn beaches will be proudly flying the national Seaside Awards flag again this year after being recognised as being among the best in England for their quality, cleanliness, and management. We’re also delighted that Roker Beach has once again been awarded a prestigious blue flag – a symbol of the highest standards in water quality, cleanliness, and visitor facilities.

    “And the award of a Seaside Award for Seaburn Beach – alongside a ‘Good’ rating for water quality – reflects the high standards maintained across the seafront. It continues to be a fantastic place for residents and visitors to enjoy the seaside and one of the city’s most popular destinations for residents and visitors. Our teams work tirelessly to keep our coastline clean, welcoming, and safe all year round, and this continued recognition through national awards is a testament to that hard work.”

    Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, added: “We’re fortunate in having a stunning coastline, with much loved award-winning beaches and panoramic views and its own growing food and drink scene, as well as fantastic facilities for families and we’re looking forward to welcoming the many people who enjoy them all year round.

    “We’ve also just recently confirmed the expansion of Sunderland BID to our seafront – an exciting development that will unlock even more potential across Roker and Seaburn – helping us strengthen our coast-to-city visitor journey and support businesses in one of our most-loved locations so we’re really excited about the future of Roker and Seaburn and making the most of the many attractions they have to offer.”

    Millions of pounds worth of investment in the regeneration of the city’s seafront have seen it going from strength to strength in recent years, with new developments including the Seaburn Inn hotel, Stack and a host of new restaurants and cafes, including Blacks Corner Tram Shelter, North and the Tin of Sardines making it a magnet for residents and visitors alike.

    While a new play area at Seaburn with digital play, sand and sensory zones which was designed with the help of local school children has significantly increased the family offer.

    The recent launch of a new Seafront Business Improvement District (BID) is set to bring further significant benefits to the seafront by creating a vibrant, welcoming and safe environment and improving links with the city centre and Sheepfolds to attract more visitors and boost the local economy.

    Sunderland City Council has also recently launched a city wide app to help residents, businesses and visitors to get the best out of the city by getting all the latest updates on local events and attractions.

    Downloading The Sunderland App allows users to discover hidden gems from cosy cafes to gourmet restaurants, navigate their way around the city using interactive maps and unlock exclusive deals and discounts: The Sunderland App – MySunderland 

    People can also take advantage of free Superfast WiFI covering the city centre, right along to the seafront too to download the app and use it without using up their data: Free Sunderland Wi-Fi – MySunderland

    While www.mysunderland.co.uk is the place to go to keep up with everything you need to know about the city’s offer.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: There’s growing evidence of possible life on other planets – here’s why you should still be sceptical

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Manoj Joshi, Professor of Climate Dynamics, University of East Anglia

    Artist’s impression of K2-18 b. NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)

    A team of researchers has recently claimed they have discovered a gas called dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the atmosphere of K2-18b, a planet orbiting a distant star.

    The University of Cambridge team’s claims are potentially very exciting because, on Earth at least, the compound is produced by marine bacteria. The presence of this gas may be a sign of life on K2-18b too – but we can’t rush to conclusions just yet.

    K2-18b has a radius 2.6 times that of Earth, a mass nearly nine times greater and orbits a star that is 124 light years away. We can’t directly tell what kinds of large scale characteristics it has, although one possibility is a world with a global liquid water ocean under a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

    Such a world might well be hospitable to life, but different ideas exist about the properties of this planet – and what that might mean for a DMS signature.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Claims for the detection of life on other planets go back decades.

    In the 1970s, one of the scientists working on the Viking mission to Mars claimed that his experiment had indicated there could be microorganisms in the Martian soil. However, these conclusions were widely refuted by other researchers.

    In 1996, a team said that microscopic features resembling bacteria had been found in the Martian meteorite ALH84001. However, subsequent studies cast significant doubt on the discovery.

    Since the early 2000s there have also been repeated claims for the detection of methane gas in the atmosphere of Mars, both by remote sensing by satellites and by in-situ observations by rovers.

    Methane can be produced by several mechanisms. One of these potential sources involves production by microorganisms. Such sources are described by scientists as being “biotic”. Other sources of methane, such as volcanoes and hydrothermal vents, don’t require life and are said to be “abiotic”.

    The claimed detection of phosphine gas in Venus’ atmosphere has been proposed as a biosignature.
    Nasa

    Not all of the previous claims for evidence of extraterrestrial life involve the red planet. In 2020, Earth-based observations of Venus’s atmosphere implied the presence of low levels of phosphine gas.

    Because phosphine gas can be produced by microbes, there was speculation that life might exist in Venus’s clouds. However, the detection of phosphine was later disputed by other scientists.

    Proposed signs of life on other worlds are known as “biosignatures”. This is defined as “an object, substance, and/or pattern whose origin specifically requires a biological agent”. In other words, any detection requires all possible abiotic production pathways to be considered.

    In addition to this, scientists face many challenges in the collection, interpretation, and planetary environmental context of possible biosignature gases. Understanding the composition of a planetary atmosphere from limited data, collected from light years away, is very difficult.

    We also have to understand that these are often exotic environments, with conditions we do not experience on Earth. As such, exotic chemical processes may occur here too.

    In order to characterise the atmospheres of exoplanets, we obtain what are called spectra. These are the fingerprints of molecules in the atmosphere that absorb light at specific wavelengths.

    Once the data has been collected, it needs to be interpreted. Astronomers assess which chemicals, or combinations thereof, best fit the observations. It is an involved process and one that requires lots of computer based work. The process is especially challenging when dealing with exoplanets, where available data is at a premium.

    Once these stages have been carried out, astronomers can then assign a confidence to the likelihood of a particular chemical signature being “real”. In the case of the recent discovery from K2-18b, the authors claim the detection of a feature that can only be explained by DMS with a likelihood of greater than 99.9%. In other words, there’s about a 1 in 1,500 chance that this feature is not actually there.

    While the team behind the recent result favours a model of K2-18b as an ocean world, another team suggests it could actually have a magma (molten rock) ocean instead. It could also be a Neptune-like “gas dwarf” planet, with a small core shrouded in a thick layer of gas and ices. Both of these options would be much less favourable to the development of life – raising questions as to whether there are abiotic ways that DMS can form.

    A higher bar?

    But is the bar higher for claims of extraterrestrial life than for other areas of science? In a study claiming the detection of a biosignature, the usual level of scientific rigour expected for all research should apply to the collection and processing of the data, along with the interpretation of the results.

    However, even when these standards have been met, claims that indicate the presence of life have in the past still been meet with high levels of scepticism. The reasons for this are probably best summed up by the phrase “extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”. This is attributed to the American planetary scientist, author and science communicator Carl Sagan.

    While on Earth there are no known means of producing DMS without life, the chemical has been detected on a comet called 67/P, which was studied up close by the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft. DMS has even been detected in the interstellar medium, the space between stars, suggesting that it can be produced by non-biological, or abiotic, mechanisms.

    Given the uncertainties about the nature of K2-18b, we cannot be sure if the presence of this gas might simply be a sign of non-biological processes we don’t yet understand.

    The claimed discovery of DMS on K2-18b is interesting, exciting, and reflects huge advances in astronomy, planetary science and astrobiology. However, its possible implications mean that we have to consider the results very cautiously. We must also entertain alternative explanations before supporting such a profound conclusion as the presence of extraterrestrial life.

    Manoj Joshi receives funding from the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

    Maria di Paolo receives funding from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

    Andrew Rushby 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. There’s growing evidence of possible life on other planets – here’s why you should still be sceptical – https://theconversation.com/theres-growing-evidence-of-possible-life-on-other-planets-heres-why-you-should-still-be-sceptical-256050

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community created blossom exhibition on tour

    Source: City of Plymouth

    This spring, communities across Plymouth have teamed up with local creatives and artists to create blossom-inspired art.

    Photograph of one of the workshops

    Plymouth City Council’s Green Communities team partnered up with the National Trust’s Cotehele property to offer communities in Devonport, Keyham, and around Central Park the opportunity to work with professional creatives. In total, over 250 people took part in these creative workshops, with over 20 sessions taking place across the three communities.

    From powerful poetry to buzzing bee puppets, nature sculptures to blooming blossom prints, we are celebrating all their wonderful work through a community tour, which will see their pieces toured throughout the city and in nearby National Trust properties.

    The tour will be happening between 19 May to 31 May, and the creative pieces will be blossoming in Mount Wise Neighbourhood Centre in Devonport, Keyham Green Places, and the Central Park Hub, along with Cotehele, Antony, and Saltram.

    Photograph of some of the artists taking part in the project

    As well as the artwork, there will be free nature inspired arts and crafts available, along with the opportunity to learn more about the Green Communities project.

    The creatives who have been working with the communities are poet and performer Liv Torc, local storyteller and puppet maker Samantha Webb, nature artist and illustrator Devon Tipping, and printmaker, Grace Beswick.

    Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said:  “I am really pleased that we can host this opportunity for members of the community to showcase their skills and the excellent work they have created as part of this initiative with the National Trust. 

    “My family and I are looking forward to seeing their artwork at the community tour. I hope many people are able to join us with the free arts and crafts.”

    Also through the Blossom project, throughout Plymouth and the Tamar Valley, the Green Communities team and Cotehele have offered skill sharing workshops, free sustainable travel, storytelling sessions and lots of other ways to get involved in springtime celebrations. With over 350 people getting involved in the Plymouth events.

    A representative from the National Trust said: “The Festival of Blossom takes place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland each spring with the aim of connecting people and nature. Blossom serves the natural world by providing food and habitat to early pollinators but also brings hope and joy to people after a long winter.

    “A lot of celebrations infuse nature with creativity because artistic expression welcomes people in to share their own voices, identities, experiences and as a result, brings people together to look anew at where they live and all its untapped beauty. Nowhere is this more strongly evident than in the ever-growing creative community of Plymouth and the surrounding Tamar Valley and we hope that the Festival of Blossom will only grow each year, welcoming more and more people to celebrate spring and all it does for us.”

    This project has been funded by the National Trust’s Festival of Blossom thanks to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Monsters of the Deep come ashore at Aberdeen Art Gallery

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    As Aberdeen gets ready to welcome the Tall Ships fleet to the city from 19 to 22 July, a major new special exhibition opens to the public at the Art Gallery this weekend (Saturday 17 May). 

    Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction? invites visitors on a journey from medieval imaginings to modern-day discoveries through a fascinating and sometimes terrifying combination of legend, folklore and science. 

    From a frightening Feegee mermaid, to the spindly legs of a a Japanese spider crab, there are lots of strange and wonderful things to see in Monsters of the Deep. Visitors will come face to face with the skull of the world’s largest warm-blooded predator, the killer whale, and marvel at the tooth of an extinct megalodon and the double-tusked skull of a narwhal. Eerie deep-sea specimens from across the globe are on display, as well as some of the technological tools scientists use today to explore the ocean floor.  

    The exhibition is based on one originated by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and has been re-imagined for Aberdeen by Helen Fothergill – Service Manager, Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums, and her team of curators and exhibition officers. The many lenders to the exhibition include the University of Aberdeen, Loch Ness Centre, Viktor Wynd’s Museum of UnNatural History, Natural History Museum, National Museums Scotland, National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the University of Southampton.

    There’s a raft of activities to enjoy at the Art Gallery and Maritime Museum, inspired by Monsters of the Deep. From a BSL exhibition tour, talks by intrepid explorers, eminent scientists and the curator of the UnNatural History Museum, to creative sessions, hands-on family fun with Macduff Marine Aquarium and classic monsters-inspired film screenings with the Belmont Cinema, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Full programme details are on the Art Gallery website at www.aagm.co.uk

    Helen Fothergill, curator of the Aberdeen exhibition, said: “When Aberdeen was confirmed as a destination for the Tall Ships Races, the Archives, Gallery & Museums team immediately set about bringing this amazing exhibition originated by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall to the city. With a fascinating combination of medieval maps, preserved sea creatures and artworks, Monsters of the Deep sets the scene for the city’s summer of maritime celebrations. We have been able to work with some wonderful and supportive people during the development of this project and could not have done without the help of our partners and willing lenders. So when you feel the need to come face-to-face with a mermaid or discover what really lurks beneath the waves, head for Aberdeen Art Gallery!“  

    Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: ”With the opening of Monsters of the Deep we’re just weeks away from welcoming the Tall Ships to Aberdeen. There’s a tremendous sense of organisations pulling together to showcase the best of Aberdeen and we’re grateful to the many partners who have supported the exhibition, including the University of Aberdeen Collections for important objects loans and the Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums for supporting talks by Darren Naish and Viktor Wynd as part of the public programme of events. The summer in Aberdeen is set to be full of exciting maritime-related things to do, including the second year of Festival of the Sea. I hope that as many people as possible will enjoy the celebrations.”

    Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction
    17 May – 26 October
    Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ 
    Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm (special extended opening to 8pm on Friday 19, Saturday 20, Sunday 21 July during the Tall Ships weekend)
    Adults £10
    Concessions and Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums £7
    Exhibition pass £14
    Children aged 12 and under free

    https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-art-galleries-and-museums/monsters-deep-science-fact-or-fiction

    The programme of associated events begins on Wednesday 21 May at 12.30 with a free lunchtime talk – Can The Law Save the Ocean? – at the Maritime Museum by Dr Mitchell Lennan, Lecturer in Environmental Law, University of Aberdeen.

    Trudi Collier will give a BSL tour of Monsters of the Deep on Thursday 19 June at 2pm – free with exhibition entry,

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul Bierman, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Vermont

    The National Science Foundation funds America’s next great innovations, including space-related research. Heritage Space/Heritage Images/Getty Images

    Look closely at your mobile phone or tablet. Touch-screen technology, speech recognition, digital sound recording and the internet were all developed using funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation.

    No matter where you live, NSF-supported research has also made your life safer. Engineering studies have reduced earthquake damage and fatalities through better building design. Improved hurricane and tornado forecasts reflect NSF investment in environmental monitoring and computer modeling of weather. NSF-supported resilience studies reduce risks and losses from wildfires.

    Using NSF funding, scientists have done research that amazes, entertains and enthralls. They have drilled through mile-thick ice sheets to understand the past, visited the wreck of the Titanic and captured images of deep space.

    NSF funding supports research to help minimize risk and harm from natural hazards, including wildfires.
    FEMA/Michael Mancino

    NSF investments have made America and American science great. At least 268 Nobel laureates received NSF grants during their careers. The foundation has partnered with agencies across the government since it was created, including those dealing with national security and space exploration. The Federal Reserve estimates that government-supported research from the NSF and other agencies has had a return on investment of 150% to 300% since 1950, meaning for every dollar U.S. taxpayers invested, they got back between $1.50 and $3.

    However, that funding is now at risk.

    Since January, layoffs, leadership resignations and a massive proposed reorganization have threatened the integrity and mission of the National Science Foundation. Hundreds of research grants have been terminated. The administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2026 would cut NSF’s funding by 55%, an unprecedented reduction that would end federal support for science research across a wide range of discipines.

    At my own geology lab, I have seen NSF grants catalyze research and the work of dozens of students who have collected data that’s now used to reduce risks from earthquakes, floods, landslides, erosion, sea-level rise and melting glaciers.

    I have also served on advisory committees and review panels for the NSF over the past 30 years and have seen the value the foundation produces for the American people.

    American science’s greatness stemmed from war

    In the 1940s, with the advent of nuclear weapons, the space race and the intensification of the Cold War, American science and engineering expertise became increasingly critical for national defense. At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.

    Vannevar Bush, an electrical engineer who oversaw military research efforts during World War II, including development of the atomic bomb, had a different idea.

    He articulated an expansive scientific vision for the United States in Science: The Endless Frontier. The report was a blueprint for an American research juggernaut grounded in the expertise of university faculty, staff and graduate students.

    The National Science Foundation funded some of the earliest weather equipment on satellites. The gold sphere is the Navy Vanguard (SLV-3) satellite, launched in 1958 to monitor cloud cover.
    Bettmann/Getty Images

    On May 10, 1950, after five years of debate and compromise, President Harry Truman signed legislation creating the National Science Foundation and putting Bush’s vision to work. Since then, the foundation has become the leading funder of basic research in the United States.

    NSF’s mandate, then as now, was to support basic research and spread funding for science across all 50 states. Expanding America’s scientific workforce was and remains integral to American prosperity. By 1952, the foundation was awarding merit fellowships to graduate and postdoctoral scientists from every state.

    There were compromises. Control of NSF rested with presidential appointees, disappointing Bush. He wanted scientists in charge to avoid political interference with the foundation’s research agenda.

    NSF funding matters to everyone, everywhere

    Today, American tax dollars supporting science go to every state in the union.

    The states with the most NSF grants awarded between 2011 and 2024 include several that voted Republican in the 2024 election – Texas, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania – and several that voted Democratic, including Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Colorado.

    More than 1,800 public and private institutions, scattered across all 50 states, receive NSF funding. The grants pay the salaries of staff, faculty and students, boosting local employment and supporting college towns and cities. For states with major research universities, those grants add up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Even states with few universities each see tens of millions of dollars for research.

    As NSF grant recipients purchase lab supplies and services, those dollars support regional and national economies.

    When NSF budgets are cut and grants are terminated or never awarded, the harm trickles down and communities suffer. Initial NSF funding cuts are already rippling across the country, affecting both national and local economies in red, blue and purple states alike.

    An analysis of a February 2025 proposal that would cut about US$5.5 billion from National Institutes of Health grants estimated the ripple effect through college towns and supply chains would cost $6.1 billion in GDP, or total national productivity, and over 46,000 jobs.

    An uncertain future for American science

    America’s scientific research and training enterprise has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. Yet, as NSF celebrates its 75th birthday, the future of American science is in doubt. Funding is increasingly uncertain, and politics is driving decisions, as Bush feared 80 years ago.

    A list of grants terminated by the Trump administration, collected both from government websites and scientists themselves, shows that by early May 2025, NSF had stopped funding more than 1,400 existing grants, totaling over a billion dollars of support for research, research training and education.

    Most terminated grants focused on education – the core of science, technology and engineering workforce development critical for supplying highly skilled workers to American companies. For example, NSF provided 1,000 fewer graduate student fellowships in 2025 than in the decade before − a 50% drop in support for America’s best science students.

    American scientists are responding to NSF’s downsizing in diverse ways. Some are pushing back by challenging grant terminations. Others are preparing to leave science or academia. Some are likely to move abroad, taking offers from other nations to recruit American experts. Science organizations and six prior heads of the NSF are calling on Congress to step up and maintain funding for science research and workforce development.

    If these losses continue, the next generation of American scientists will be fewer in number and less well prepared to address the needs of a population facing the threat of more extreme weather, future pandemics and the limits to growth imposed by finite natural resources and other planetary limits.

    Investing in science and engineering is an investment in America. Diminishing NSF and the science it supports will hurt the American economy and the lives of all Americans.

    Paul Bierman receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    – ref. Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life – https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-cuts-to-the-national-science-foundation-endanger-research-that-improves-economic-growth-national-security-and-your-life-256556

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garamendi, DeSaulnier Lead Letter to Reinstate $19 million in Contra Costa Federal Funding Cut by Trump’s EPA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to immediately reverse its termination of the $19.1 million Community Change Grant awarded to Contra Costa County for its North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative. In a letter to the EPA, the lawmakers detailed serious violations of federal appropriations law, federal court injunctions, and expressed concerns over the Agency’s lack of transparency throughout the termination process.

    This funding came from the Inflation Reduction Act’s Community Change Grants Program—the largest national investment in environmental and climate justice—and was allocated directly into the community for the North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative. The project aimed to build a resiliency center for emergencies and natural disasters, and to plant 65 trees along the Verde Elementary schoolyard to shield students from pollution caused by a new distribution center.

    In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “Given the grave nature of these flagrant violations of federal appropriations law, federal court orders, and EPA’s contract with Contra Costa County, we expect that EPA will fully and quickly reinstate Contra Costa County’s Community Change Grant. In addition, we request your immediate attention regarding EPA’s lack of transparency and communication with Contra Costa County.”

    “The EPA’s decision to revoke critical funding for North Richmond’s environmental resilience without lawful justification or proper notice is a serious violation of Congress’s constitutional spending authority and federal law,” said Congressman Garamendi. “This funding was not a suggestion. Congress mandated that these funds be delivered to frontline communities like North Richmond, which continue to suffer the health impacts of extreme pollution. EPA’s actions are not only unlawful, but they endanger the health and future of some of our nation’s most vulnerable residents.”

    “The people of North Richmond deserve better. They deserve clean air, safe communities, and a government that honors its commitments. EPA must immediately reinstate this grant, comply with the law, and provide a full accounting of how such an egregious lapse in transparency occurred,” continued Garamendi. “We will not stand by as legally appropriated funds are withheld from communities who need them most.”

    “The Trump Administration’s cancellation of congressionally appropriated funds, like grant funding for a project in Contra Costa County, is illegal, unconstitutional, and harmful to our communities,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to stand with Congressman Garamendi to demand that it be fully reinstated in order to protect the health and safety of the community.”

    “The EPA’s illegal cancellation of a $19 million grant for North Richmond robs the community of the benefits it would receive from these resources. This grant would improve the health, well-being and quality of life for the residents of one of the Bay Area’s lowest-income communities which is severely impacted by industrial air pollution,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, who represents North Richmond.

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below. 

    The Honorable Lee M. Zeldin  

    Administrator  

    Environmental Protection Agency  

    1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW  

    Washington, DC 20460  

    Dear Administrator Zeldin:  

    We write concerning the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) apparent cancellation of the $19.1 million Community Change Grant awarded to Contra Costa County for its North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative. We believe this termination blatantly violates federal appropriations law, recent federal court injunctions, and EPA’s contract with Contra Costa County. In addition, by failing to provide a written notice of termination to Contra Costa County detailing the reasons for termination, EPA has flouted the Code of Federal Regulations. We expect that you will immediately rescind the grant termination and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the lack of transparency in EPA’s termination process.  

    The North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative is one of 105 selected applications for the Community Change Grants Program, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (P.L.117-169). Through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Congress issued a statutory mandate that the appropriated funds be distributed to communities with industrial facilities for the purpose of reducing air pollution. By terminating awarded Community Change Grant funding and failing to disburse these Congressionally appropriated funds, EPA is in clear violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (P.L.93-344) and Congress’s spending authority as outlined in Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution. In addition, multiple federal district courts have enjoined the Trump Administration, and specifically EPA, from canceling Congressionally appropriated funds. If EPA continues to proceed with the termination of federal funds, the Agency will be acting in contempt of court orders.  

    In addition to these violations of federal appropriations law and federal court injunctions, the cancellation of Contra Costa County’s grant breaches EPA’s own contract with Contra Costa County. An April 2, 2025, email from EPA’s Office of Congressional Affairs to the Office of Congressman John Garamendi states, “The agency determined that this application no longer supports Administration priorities and the award has been cancelled. We have already conveyed this information to the grantee.” Yet, Contra Costa County’s grant agreement with EPA, signed on January 6th, 2025, does not include a clause allowing termination on the grounds of a change in administration priorities. The EPA General Terms and Conditions applicable to Contra Costa County’s contract clearly state that termination can only occur:  

    If the recipient or subrecipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the award, including statutory or regulatory requirements;  

    With the consent of the recipient when both the recipient and the EPA agree upon the termination conditions, which include the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated;  

    If a recipient sends the EPA a written notification of the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated;  

    Pursuant to the programmatic terms and conditions specified in the Federal award.  

    EPA’s cited reasoning for cancelling Contra Costa County’s grant does not align with any of the termination conditions outlined above. Thus, EPA is in breach of their contract with Contra Costa County.  

    Concerningly, Contra Costa County reports that the EPA did not provide them with a notice of termination for their grant prior to freezing their funding. This is a clear violation of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.341), which requires Federal agencies to provide grant recipients with a written notice of termination, including a detailed justification for the reasons for termination. The Administration has repeatedly stated it is the “most transparent administration in history,” yet EPA failed to complete the most rudimentary notification of grant termination. EPA’s lack of communication with Contra Costa County is deeply alarming and provides further evidence of a greater culture of deliberate obscurity by EPA.  

    North Richmond is an unincorporated area of Contra Costa County, situated along the Bay Area’s “refinery corridor.” This community faces extreme air pollution exposure due to refining activity, port operations, freight traffic, a chemical plant and various industry and on-road emissions. Without prompt action, North Richmond will continue experiencing significant public health risks and environmental degradation. The North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative was intended to address this rising threat by reducing public exposure to harmful pollutants, improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency, and advancing emergency preparedness. Now, with the status of $19.1 million in federal funding for the Initiative in question, it is unclear whether there is a viable path forward for the Initiative.  

    Given the grave nature of these seemingly flagrant violations of federal appropriations law, federal court orders, and EPA’s contract with Contra Costa County, we expect that EPA will fully and quickly reinstate Contra Costa County’s Community Change Grant. In addition, we request your immediate attention regarding EPA’s lack of transparency and communication with Contra Costa County. Thank you for your consideration, we await your timely response.  

    ### 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CAHNR Commencement 2025: A Day of Pride, Celebration, and New Beginnings

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On May 10, 2025, more than 600 students from UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) reached a major academic milestone as they officially became UConn graduates. Students were celebrated in true CAHNR fashion, with a horse processional, performance by student acapella singers, and a visit from both Jonathan XIV and XV. With cheers from family, friends, faculty, and staff, the graduates commemorated years of commitment and growth at the 146th Commencement.

    A Moment of Connection and Tradition

    The festivities began with a celebratory reception at the Student Union, offering graduates and their guests a chance to reconnect and reflect on their time at UConn. Soon after, the group gathered at the Field House to prepare for the traditional procession to the main event.

    In a much-loved revival of a pre-pandemic tradition, horses from CAHNR’s equine program led graduates along Hillside Road to Gampel Pavilion, setting the tone for the special ceremony ahead.

    Students at a CAHNR reception before 2025 Commencement (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    Students at a CAHNR reception before 2025 Commencement (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students lining up for 2025 Commencement processional. (Stella Dibernardo/UConn Photo)
    Karina Cangas ’25 (CAHNR) prior to Commencement. (Jason Sheldon/UConnPhoto)
    Students from the CAHNR Equine Program leading the student commencement processional. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students proceeding to 2025 Commencement (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

    A Ceremony to Remember

    Inside Gampel Pavilion, CAHNR faculty and staff joined the graduates for a ceremony filled with encouragement, reflection, and celebration. The event featured remarks from student speaker Eliza Demiri ’25 (Allied Health Sciences) and keynote speaker Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS), Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

    Butler expressed the value students can find in being open to where life takes them, whether it is anticipated or not:

    “It’s important to understand in live how much your paths can and will change, regardless of what you plan for. Life rarely follows a straight path, and often the directions we didn’t plan for lead to the most meaningful destinations.”

    The program was hosted by Kristen Govoni, associate dean for academic programs, and included additional remarks from Dean Chaubey, Prvosot D’Alleva, and other CAHNR leadership.

    CAHNR students are 2025 Commencement. (Stella Dibernardo/UConn Photo)
    Eliza Demiri ’25 (CAHNR) gives the student Commencement address. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
    Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS) provides the 2025 Commencement speech. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
    From left, Dean Indrajeet Chaubey, Provost Anne D’Alleva, and speaker Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS). (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students at 2025 Commencement (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students at 2025 Commencement with Jonathans XIV and SV (Stella Dibernardo/UConn Photo)
    A Minor, Premiere A Cappella Group. Their graduating senior from CAHNR, Benjamin Angus an Environmental Sciences and Environmental and Natural Resources Economics major dressed in a cap and gown (Jason Herdle/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students at Commencement 2025 (Stella Dibernardo/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR student at Commencement 2025. (Stella Dibernardo/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students at Commencement 2025 (Stella Dibernardo/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students at Commencement 2025 (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Cheers to the Future

    As the ceremony concluded, the celebration continued outside Gampel Pavilion, where graduates gathered with family and friends to capture the moment with photos and plenty of smiles.

    The Class of 2025 leaves UConn with a wealth of knowledge, a foundation of real-world experiences, and lasting memories from their time in CAHNR. Wherever their journeys take them next, their future is bright and their UConn roots remain strong.

    CAHNR students after Commencement 2025 (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students after Commencement 2025 (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    Graduates of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources greet their families and friends outside Gampel Pavilion following the college’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students after Commencement 2025 (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students after Commencement 2025 (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
    CAHNR students after Commencement 2025 (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Other CAHNR Commencement Coverage

    Learn more about some of our featured graduates and this year’s Commencement speaker, Rodney Butler ’99.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New safeguard measures on personal imports of animal products from the EU15 May 2025 ​​To protect Jersey’s livestock, food security and farming community new safeguard measures will soon come into force. This will restrict personal imports of products of animal origin (POAO) from the… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    15 May 2025

    ​​

    To protect Jersey’s livestock, food security and farming community new safeguard measures will soon come into force. This will restrict personal imports of products of animal origin (POAO) from the European Union. 

    Effective from 16 May 2025, travellers will no longer be permitted to bring meat or dairy products from EU single market area (EEA states, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland) countries into Jersey for personal use. 

    This aligns Jersey with the existing measures in the UK and Crown Dependencies and follows an increase in confirmed cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) across parts of Europe. 

    What This Means for Travellers 

    Banned Items 

    This is regardless of whether they are fresh, cured, raw, packed, or purchased from duty -free: 

    • Meat products from cattle, pigs, sheep or goats 
    • Dairy products including cheese, milk, and yogurt 
    • Items containing these products, such as: Meat or cheese sandwiches, cured meats, sausages and milk-based desserts.

    Items travellers can still bring

    The following remain permitted for personal import: 

    • Bread (excluding sandwiches filled with meat or dairy) 
    • Cakes (as long as they do not contain fresh cream) 
    • Biscuits, chocolate, and confectionery (excluding those with large amounts of unprocessed dairy) 
    • Pasta and noodles (not mixed with or filled with meat) 
    • Packaged soups, stocks, and flavourings 
    • Processed and packaged plant products, including packaged salads and frozen vegetables 
    • Food supplements containing small amounts of animal product (e.g. fish oil capsules) 
    • Up to 2kg per person of powdered infant milk, baby food, or special dietary food required for medical reasons.

    Why these measures are needed

    While foot and mouth disease poses no threat to human health, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. 

    The current spread of FMD across parts of Europe presents a serious risk to Jersey’s agriculture sector. 

    An outbreak could result in severe economic losses through: Reduced productivity in affected animals, disruption to trade and potential bans on export of livestock and animal products. 

    Background 

    Earlier this year, Jersey introduced specific bans on personal imports of meat and dairy products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria following confirmed FMD outbreaks. The latest measures now extend this safeguard to all EU countries. 

    Important clarifications 

    • These restrictions apply only to personal imports from EU countries 
    • They do not apply to personal imports from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man 
    • Commercial imports of meat and dairy products from the EU remain permitted, provided they meet all current import requirements and health standards. 

    Further Information

    These precautionary measures are in line with advice from the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and are essential to maintaining the health of Jersey’s livestock. 

    For more details or specific guidance on permitted items, visit: Bringing food or animal products into Jersey​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 15 May 2025 Departmental update 2025 edition of global survey to track antimicrobial resistance launches

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On 15 April 2025, the ninth round of the Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Country Self-assessment Survey (TrACSS) began, for completion by June 2025. TrACSS is a key component of the global AMR monitoring and evaluation framework. Since its first iteration in 2017, TrACSS has enabled countries to assess their progress in implementing multisectoral AMR national action plans (NAPs) annually.

    The Quadripartite organizations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – jointly develop, launch, manage and analyze the results and WHO systems are used to administer the survey. The survey is available in all six official UN languages, and it continues to evolve in scope and depth each year.

    Being multisectoral, TrACSS covers human health, animal health, food, agriculture and environment sectors in countries. Relevant national authorities and technical focal points from the different sectors complete it online. Throughout the survey process, the Quadripartite organizations provide support at the national, regional and global levels — ensuring that countries and focal points can accurately complete the survey and act on its findings.

    Eight rounds of the survey have been completed since 2017, and the results are available at  TrACSS Global Database, an interactive platform that visualizes progress and trends over time, compares performance across countries, regions and income levels, and generates country profiles and maps.

    In 2024, a record 186 countries (96%) responded to the survey. Member States reiterated their support to TrACSS in the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR and set a target of at least 95% submission rate to the survey by 2030.  

    National AMR multisectoral coordination mechanisms can use data from TrACSS to identify gaps and priorities for follow-up actions, supporting decision-making to strengthen the implementation of AMR NAPs. The data is also used to assess progress of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, adopted in 2015 and that will be revised by 2026.  

    Countries have been invited to participate through a dedicated platform. Data from the 2025 cycle of TRACSS will be published later this year. For any questions, please contact tracss@who.int. The continued commitment of countries to participate in and use the findings from TrACSS remains critical for monitoring and advancing both national and global responses to AMR.

    About the Quadripartite organizations:

    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

    FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. www.fao.org

    UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

    UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.  For more information, please contact: UN Environment Programme www.unep.org

    World Health Organization (WHO)

    Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. www.who.int

    World Organisation for Animal Health:

    WOAH is a global organisation, working to ensure the health of animals across the world. Since 1924, we have focused on the complexities of animal health. We disseminate information on animal diseases and use science-based strategies to limit their potentially negative impact on society. www.woah.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New coastal path connects Mablethorpe to Humber Bridge

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New coastal path connects Mablethorpe to Humber Bridge

    The latest stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) from Maplethorpe to Humber Bridge opens today.

    Two coastal path walkers

    Families, nature lovers and ramblers can now explore a stunning new 47 miles (75km) coastal route along Lincolnshire’s diverse shoreline.

    The new section, connecting Mablethorpe to the Humber Bridge, takes walkers from traditional seaside towns through expansive dune systems. Through nature reserves and to the industrial heritage of the Humber estuary.

    This opening creates an almost continuous 160-mile coastal route from Sutton Bridge to Easington, with just 2 small gaps at Gibraltar Point bridge and Immingham.

    Natural England’s Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands Victoria Manton, said:

     “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.”

    Chris Miller, Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council said:

    “With these latest additions to the King Charles III England Coast Path coming to fruition we can now provide one of the most spectacular walks anywhere in the country.”

    “This is the outcome of several agencies working together to give legal access to a unique part of the country for people to enjoy. There is a vast array of wildlife and topography that you only get on our coast and now anyone who wants to see it, can do so for free.”

    The route showcases the remarkable diversity of Britain’s coastline. Visitors can experience the traditional seaside charm of Mablethorpe, with its donkey rides and holiday parks, before discovering the tranquillity of Saltfleetby and Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve.

    Two donkeys on the beach

    Further north, the path passes Donna Nook bombing range, where bizarrely around 2000 grey seal pups are born each autumn. Then follows the beaches of resort Cleethorpes and the fishing town of Grimsby. Before traversing the industrial and port developments around Immingham, ultimately reaching the iconic Humber Bridge.

    When the final 41-mile link between Easington and Bridlington North Sands opens later this year, there will be over 450 miles of continuous path from Sutton Bridge to the Scottish border.

    The project now means over half of the entire King Charles III England Coast Path is open for public use.

    Research shows coastal paths provide significant health and wellbeing benefits while generating valuable tourism income for local businesses along the route.

    Two pairs of walking boots on the sandy beach

    The King Charles III England Coast Path aims to stay as close to the sea as possible. In many places, that means walking right where land meets sea, occasionally heading inland, though usually only for short distances. 

    The National Trails website has lots of maps and advice on route-planning and details of places to visit, stay or eat.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Country water lovers urged to lend a hand to bathing waters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    West Country water lovers urged to lend a hand to bathing waters

    Communities who campaigned to turn their favourite spots into official bathing waters asked to help the Environment Agency make them cleaner to swim in.

    The first sample of the season being taken from the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton

    3 rivers in Somerset and Hampshire were officially chosen as ‘designated bathing waters’ last year. Meaning they ticked the boxes of being easy to get to with parking and toilets nearby. But contrary to public opinion, being ‘designated’ doesn’t automatically mean the water met set standards of public hygiene.  

    Environment Agency monitoring of the 451 beaches and rivers on England’s list of designated bathing waters this summer has begun. Water samples will be taken weekly or fortnightly at consistent points in seas and rivers and sent for testing in the lab.  

    The results of these samples show how clean the water is and will be available online at Swimfo to inform public choice of where to swim or paddle. These sample results will ultimately help dictate what classification a beach or river location will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is good enough to swim in.  

    The classifications for all 3 river bathing waters at Taunton, Farleigh Hungerford near Bath and Fordingbridge in Hampshire came back as ‘Poor’ – meaning swimming was not advisable.  

    In response, groups including campaigners, swimmers, councillors, MPs, water companies and the Environment Agency have formed to turn around water quality at these sites. 

    This includes the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton. The group has come together to create an action plan which will drive improvements to reduce pollution affecting the bathing water quality where swimming takes place.  

    Jim Flory of the Environment Agency said:

    We routinely monitor rivers to check that the water quality for wildlife and the natural ecology of our rivers is protected. 

    But the standards needed to protect human health are different to those needed to safeguard the ecology and wildlife in our rivers and a lot of teamwork is needed to clear that bar. This will be a marathon not a sprint.

    Environment Agency officers will patrol the surrounding area looking for obvious sources of pollution entering the watercourse. As well as inspecting water company pipes and other types of equipment that discharges water into the river. 

    Public interest also saw a Dorset beach return to the Environment Agency’s list of 450 monitored bathing waters last year. Water sampling began again at Church Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis after an absence of 9 years. The site lost its designated status due to the low number of people going into the sea.  

    The beach was given a classification of ‘Poor’ after its first bathing water season. Nevertheless, public support from the River Lim Action Group, Blue Tit Swimmers and local officials is strong and committed to improving water quality. 

    Throughout the season, 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.    

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.  

    Background 

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.   

    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.   

    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.   

    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.  

    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.  

    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leader demands Ministerial action as octopus crisis continues

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council Leader has escalated his call for urgent reform of crab potting rules.

    An explosion in octopus numbers across the south west’s inshore waters is wreaking havoc on local fisheries — but while Cornish crabbers are hauling in pots full of valuable catch, Plymouth fishermen are left with empty traps and mounting bills.

    Council Leader Tudor Evans has now written to Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner, urging immediate intervention. This follows his letter earlier this week to the Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). 

    “This is a crisis,” said Councillor Evans. “The Devon and Severn IFCA must act now to support our fishermen by removing the requirement for escape hatches in pots — a rule that’s now doing more harm than good.”

    Under current DS IFCA regulations, pots must include escape gaps designed to let undersized crabs and lobsters out. But with a surge in Octopus vulgaris — a highly efficient predator — these same escape hatches are allowing octopus to enter, feed on the catch, and slip away undetected.

    “Elsewhere, fishermen are able to retain and sell the octopus they catch. But here, our pots are being raided and left empty — and our fishers are left with nothing,” Evans added. “It’s a cruel irony that a conservation measure is now helping predators destroy the very stocks it was meant to protect.”

    Tudor stressed that the long-term ecological impact of the octopus boom is serious, but that allowing fishermen to catch and remove them is part of the solution — not the problem.

    “Fishing families can’t wait. Their bills don’t stop just because the octopus have shown up. We need urgent, practical action — and we need it now.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ireland’s Competitiveness Confirmed – Minister Peter Burke

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    15th May 2025

    The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, has welcomed the publication of Re-estimating Ireland’s International Competitiveness Performance, the latest bulletin by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC).

    Minister Burke said:

     “This analysis marks a very welcome contribution by the Council and confirms that the Irish economy is internationally competitive. However, we cannot become complacent, and there remains work to do in many areas. The Council’s findings will make a valuable contribution in the preparation of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.”

    “Despite our strong international performance, we are also aware that there are challenges, and it is important that we do not take our current strengths for granted. This is reflected in the decision taken by Cabinet to expedite delivery of the Action Plan, which will play a key role in addressing these challenges and safeguarding our competitiveness performance into the future.”

    This Bulletin explores how Ireland’s performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2024 is affected when selected indicators are rescaled using Modified Gross National Income (GNI*) in place of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

    The findings show that Ireland’s competitiveness performance remains strong with this adjustment. In fact, it rises by one position in the ranking, with improvements in three of the four pillars. The analysis explores how Ireland’s competitiveness profile changes when key metrics are recalibrated to better reflect the scale of the domestic economy.

    The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking is a widely used international benchmark, assessing over 60 economies across four key pillars and 20 sub-pillars, and based on 250 individual measures. In the 2024 IMD results, Ireland was ranked 4th overall. The analysis included in this Bulletin involves replicating the IMD methodology from the ground up, in order to facilitate the substitution of GNI* for GDP for Ireland. 

    Key findings from the Bulletin include:

    • Ireland’s competitiveness ranking improves by one place when GDP-based indicators are adjusted using GNI*, with notable gains in Economic Performance (up seven places) and Infrastructure (up two places). Business Efficiency is unchanged, while Government Efficiency declines slightly, reflecting a more constrained fiscal profile when public finance metrics are expressed over a smaller income base.
    • The analysis underscores the importance of context-sensitive benchmarking, especially when using international indices to inform national policy. This Bulletin highlights the need to interpret international indices critically, understanding their underlying assumptions, and where necessary, supplementing them with alternative analyses that better capture national circumstances.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) was established in 1997 (then the National Competitiveness Council) to report to the Taoiseach, through the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on key competitiveness issues facing the Irish economy.   In 2019, the NCPC was designated as Ireland’s National Productivity Board. 

     As part of its work, the NCPC makes recommendations on policy actions required to enhance Ireland’s competitive position. The NCPC publishes three main research outputs:

    • The Competitiveness Scorecard benchmarks Ireland against international competitors on areas of competitiveness and productivity. This is published every three years (and was last published in 2024).
    • The Competitiveness Challenge is an annual publication in which the NCPC makes recommendations for Government on key challenges to Ireland’s international competitiveness.
    • NCPC Bulletins are short and focused research notes, examining specific topics within the sphere of competitiveness and productivity. The NCPC releases multiple Bulletins each year. These short pieces often feed into the NCPC’s main Challenges report.

     The members of the Council are:

    Dr. Frances Ruane      Chair, National Competitiveness and Productivity Council

    Dr. Laura Bambrick    Head of Social Policy & Employment Affairs, ICTU

    Edel Clancy                Group Director of Corporate Affairs, Musgrave Group

    Kevin Sherry               Interim Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland 

    Ciaran Conlon             Director of Public Policy, Microsoft Ireland

    Luiz de Mello             Director of Country Studies, Economics Department, OECD

    Maeve Dineen             Chair of Ireland’s Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman

    Brian McHugh            Chairperson, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

    Gary Tobin                 Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

    Michael Lohan            Chief Executive, IDA Ireland

    Liam Madden             Independent Consultant, Semiconductor Industry

    Neil McDonnell          Chief Executive, ISME 

    Bernadette McGahon  Director of Innovation Services, Industry Research & Development Group 

    Danny McCoy             Chief Executive, IBEC

    Michael Taft               Research Officer, SIPTU

    Representatives from the Departments of An Taoiseach; Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Environment, Climate and Communications; Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Social Protection; Finance; Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Justice; Public Expenditure and Reform; Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and Transport attend Council meetings in an advisory capacity.

    Research, Analysis and Secretariat from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment:

    Dr. Dermot Coates      

    Rory Mulholland                    

    Dr. Keith Fitzgerald

    Pádraig O’Sullivan                 

    Erika Valiukaite

    Jordan O’Donoghue

    Patrick Connolly

    ENDS

    Back to Department News

    Back to Top

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches

    Environment Agency sampling of Devon and Cornwall’s 155 monitored beaches has started and will run through until the end of September. 

    An Environment Agency officer with a fresh sample taken, ready to be sent to the lab for testing

    A beach or river on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is routinely tested. Water samples will be taken at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bad bacteria found in sewage and other waste.  

    The results of these samples will inform a dedicated group of scientists and officers who are on standby 24/7 to respond to any reports of problems found at beaches and other bathing waters. The results will also be catalogued on the Swimfo website which also contains a lot more information about each bathing water – its history, a description of the surrounding area as well as several years of results.  

    The results, taken over four years, give the Environment Agency great confidence when deciding upon what classification a beach will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is safe to swim in. Out of 155 monitored bathing waters, there are only 2 beaches in Devon and Cornwall – Coastguards Beach on the Erme Estuary and Porthluney – with results tipping them into the ‘Poor’ classification. This doesn’t mean they are dirty. A ‘Poor’ classification means that very high standards are not consistently met, and the Environment Agency is actively investigating why.  

    Bruce Newport of the Environment Agency said:

    Over a third of England’s bathing waters can be found in Devon and Cornwall and over 98 per cent of them meet the very high levels of water quality expected for safe swimming. 

    We also publish a daily water quality forecast on many of our beaches which can be found on our Swimfo website. This service is a great asset, especially after heavy rainfall which can temporarily cause a dip in water quality.

    Throughout the season, which runs from 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.    

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.  

    Background

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.   

    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.   

    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.   

    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.  

    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.  

    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will subsidize the creation of infrastructure facilities for the organization of a waste management system in the Baikal natural territory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Resolution of May 14, 2025 No. 640

    Document

    Resolution of May 14, 2025 No. 640

    The government continues systematic work to preserve and improve the ecological state of Lake Baikal. In 2025, regions within whose borders the Baikal Natural Territory is located will begin to receive subsidies for the implementation of projects to create infrastructure facilities for organizing a system for handling solid municipal waste. A resolution on this has been signed.

    State support will be provided to the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk Region. Modern waste processing, recycling, placement and disposal facilities, as well as transfer stations, will be built there using federal funds. This will ensure a favorable situation within the boundaries of the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory.

    The events will be financed within the framework of the federal project “Closed Cycle Economy”, which is part of the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. It is planned to allocate 8 billion rubles from the federal budget for these purposes in the next three years.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New bathing water season for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Sussex

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New bathing water season for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Sussex

    Environment Agency monitoring of the 56 designated bathing waters between Highcliffe and Hastings Pelham have started ahead of summer.

    Lee-on-Solent is one of the 56 bathing waters being regularly monitored by the Environment Agency this summer

    A beach, river or estuary location on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is thoroughly tested. Water samples will be taken weekly or fortnightly at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bacteria found in sewage and bird and wildlife poo – and the results made available online at Swimfo to inform public choice of where to paddle.  

    These sample results will ultimately help dictate what classification a beach or river location will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is good enough to swim in. If it’s ‘Poor’ then swimming is not advisable. 

    Kate Donlon of the Environment Agency said:

    Public confidence in the water quality at beaches and new river swimming spots has taken some knocks over the last few years. This is a shame as it’s a fact that 95% of the sites within Hampshire, Sussex and Isle of Wight hit acceptable standards for having a dip or a swim. 

    Don’t be put off going into the water during this lovely weather at one of the sites on the designated bathing water list. Go to our Swimfo website, choose a location and inform your own mind if you fancy going into the water.

    The chief cause for any drop in water quality between Highcliffe to Hastings Pelham is pollution entering beaches from surface water drains connecting to the sea, not sewage discharges. Rain water washes bacteria from sources like bird, dog and wildlife poo into the drains along with any other pollutants from the urban environment.  

    Improving sites at Bognor Regis Aldwick, Worthing Beach House and Southsea will be a marathon effort and only possible with dedicated partnership groups. Public support is also key. Eliminating routine nuisances like litter and dog poo from investigations and promoting awareness that only rain should go down the drain will free up investigative time. Meaning we are able to focus on other serious causes.   

    Throughout the season, 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.    

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.  

    Background

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.   

    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.   

    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.   

    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.  

    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.  

    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Craig Collingswood becomes city’s 166th Mayor

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Councillor Craig Collingswood has been officially appointed Wolverhampton’s 166th Mayor.

    He took over the chains of office from outgoing Mayor Councillor Linda Leach at the inauguration, which took place during last night’s Annual Council Meeting. His daughter Abby, a cardiothoracic nurse at New Cross Hospital’s Heart and Lung Centre, is Mayoress.

    Councillor Paul Singh was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2025 to 2026, with his wife Ranjit Dhillon becoming the new Deputy Mayoress.

    Councillor Collingswood, who has served the Park Ward since 2012 and was Deputy Mayor for the 2024 to 2025 municipal year, said: “I am immensely proud and deeply grateful to become the First Citizen of our great city.

    “As a born and bred Wulfrunian, it is an incredible honour and I pledge to dedicate my time, energy and commitment to serving this amazing place to the best of my ability.

    “Wolverhampton has a rich and proud history. It has witnessed remarkable changes and transformations and has long been a place where innovation and industry have thrived – and today it continues to be a city which embraces diversity, progress and opportunity.

    “Our city’s motto, out of darkness cometh light, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that, even in the face of adversity, we have the power to advance, innovate and shine brightly, and this resonates today more than ever as we continue to work together to bring light to every corner of our city.

    “My theme for the year is ‘City and Wulfrunians ascend together’. This symbolises the collective ambition towards growth and progress. It represents the city’s regeneration, whether through urban development or cultural revival, and highlights the resilience and aspiration of our residents.

    “This ascension points towards collaboration, a shared sense of pride, community and empowerment as Wulfrunians rise together to shape the city’s destiny on a local, national and even global stage.”

    He added: “Abby will be a wonderful Mayoress and, together, we promise to act with integrity and put the interests of our city and Wulfrunians first and foremost. Let us work together to make Wolverhampton an even better place for future generations, guided by the light that our motto so brilliantly embodies.”

    Councillor Collingswood has chosen 4 charities to support during his Mayoral year. These include:

    • SAFFA, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, a military charity which provides lifelong support to veterans, serving personnel and their families
    • The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity, which is committed to supporting the Trust’s work by raising essential funds to improve patient care and healthcare services across the city
    • Compton Care, which provides specialist palliative care to adults with life limiting illnesses
    • Acorns Children’s Hospice, which provides specialist care for children and young people with life threatening conditions, along with support for their families

    This year’s inauguration was sponsored by 2 local firms, Burke Brothers and Gills Mix Concrete, and Councillor Collingswood added: “I would like to thank Burke Brothers and Gills Mix Concrete for their generosity.”

    Councillor Collingswood, who attended Manor Primary and Parkfields Secondary schools, worked in occupational health in local government for many years before becoming a lecturer. His father was a Bilston councillor for 17 years and, following in his footsteps, Councillor Collingswood has served as the council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services and the Environment and as chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.

    Councillor Collingswood is also Chair of the Wolverhampton Armed Forces Covenant Board – his son, Jack, is a Trooper serving with the British Army in The Queen’s Royal Hussars regiment and is currently in Germany.

    For more information please visit The Mayor of Wolverhampton. The website includes details of how to invite the Mayor to events.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Marlborough south moves to open fire season

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand will return the Marlborough South area to an open fire season from 8am on Friday, 16 May, until further notice.

    An open fire season means people can light outdoor fires without a permit approved by Fire and Emergency.

    All Department of Conservation land will remain in a restricted season. In a restricted season, people need a permit to light an outdoor fire approved by Fire and Emergency.

    The Marlborough North area is already in an open fire season.

    Nelson Marlborough Group Manager Chris Hayles says there is now less risk of fire across the region.

    “Although no fire permit is required it is still the responsibility of the person lighting the fire to ensure it is done so safely.

    “Fires need to be kept to a manageable size and smoke drift should not be a hazard for motorists.

    “Always visit www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting and avoid lighting fires during or ahead of strong winds.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt squeeze on funding will see another 68 roles go at DOC

    Source: PSA

    The Government’s squeeze on funding public services will see a hollowing out of the Department of Conservation’s Regional Operations teams around the country.
    In a change proposal released today, DOC is proposing to use natural attrition to cut 68 team leader level roles over the next few years, about five per cent of the 1350-strong Regional Operations workforce.
    Of the 68 roles, 29 are already vacant and 39 staff in other roles will not be replaced when they leave.
    DOC worked with the PSA to manage the proposed change to ensure every current staff member could continue to have a job.
    Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the proposal will see a hollowing out of DOC’s regional conservation capability over time.
    “The proposals would see DOC lose valuable skills and knowledge across the country.
    “The changes are being forced on DOC to do more within the Government’s overly tight funding for conservation. We should be investing more, not less, in conservation in regional New Zealand. The Government has chosen to fund tax breaks for landlords over properly funding vital conservation work.
    “The Government talks a big game about growing the economy yet wants to shackle DOC, which plays such an important role in boosting tourism, our second biggest export earner.
    “The PSA is concerned that the reduction in the number of roles over time may see the remaining staff carrying a higher workload,” Fitzsimons said.
    The proposal said the approach would save $5 million from DOC’s regional operations budget of $170 million.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Ernst Lead Effort to Streamline Conservation Practice Standards at USDA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington –U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act – legislation that modernizes the process for updating conservation standards at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This legislation would remove bureaucratic barriers and better support farmers in implementing conservation practices that improve soil health and water quality.
    “Streamlining updates to conservation practice standards helps cut the bureaucratic red tape that our farmers have been wrongly forced to navigate. Our producers work hard to find new, innovative ways to work the land while conserving its resources, and the federal government should be a partner in doing so – not a roadblock,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m proud to work on this bipartisan solution with Senator Ernst to ensure farmers have the tools necessary to support conservation efforts and help producers leave their land better than they found it.”
    “Traveling across Iowa, I regularly hear from farmers who are eager to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and long-term productivity – but they face real barriers when rigid USDA standards slow things down,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m leading the Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act to modernize how USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service updates its technical standards. Ultimately, the goal is simple: let’s cut the red tape, let’s keep standards science-based and flexible, and help farmers get conservation tools in use faster.”
    This bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) and Richard Durbin (D-Illinois).
    “By leveraging innovations in regenerative agriculture and soil health practices, we can help farmers and producers make their working lands more resilient,” said Senator Heinrich. “Our bipartisan legislation accomplishes this by updating and streamlining the process for developing new conservation practice standards at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service. This will allow producers to build more resilience into their operations.” 
    “Illinois ranks fourth in the nation in planted cropland, but for years, has ranked as low as 37th in farm conservation funds that USDA distributes to help farmers adopt cover crops, conservation tillage, and other critical environmental practices. USDA’s statewide one-size-fits-all conservation practice rules do not always match the unique needs of each farm,” said Senator Durbin. “This bill creates a process to add more flexibility to these standards, provide routine updates to keep up with the latest innovations, and ensure more academic and farmer input into developing the conservation practices.”  
    The Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act would update the USDA’s process to:
    Require a regular review of existing conservation practice standards.
    Create a public process for submitting and adopting new practices.
    Prioritize the integration of innovative tools like nutrient efficiency technologies – biological fertilizer being one example that’s proven to improve plant growth.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 15, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 15, 2025.

    Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. While his Instagram message just said this was the “right time”, his poor recent Test form, mental fatigue and desire to spend more time with

    Curious Kids: if our eyes see upside down, how does the brain flip the picture?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Joyce, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Southern Queensland I heard that we see upside down, but our brain flips the image. How does it do that? –Jasmine, Mount Evelyn, Victoria Our eyes work thanks to light. Objects we can see are either sources of light

    Return of the huia? Why Māori worldviews must be part of the ‘de-extinction’ debate
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nic Rawlence, Associate Professor in Ancient DNA, University of Otago A museum specimen of the extinct huia. Wikimedia Commons/Auckland Museum collection, CC BY-SA The recent announcement of the resurrection of the dire wolf generated considerable global media attention and widespread scientific criticism. But beyond the research questions,

    After an autocratic leader was toppled in Bangladesh, democratic renewal remains a work in progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Intifar Chowdhury, Lecturer in Government, Flinders University Last July, a powerful student-led uprising in Bangladesh toppled the authoritarian, corrupt government led for 15 years by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh now shows modest signs of democratic recovery. Months into its tenure, a transitional government has reopened political

    Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior to return for 40th anniversary of French bombing
    By Russel Norman The iconic Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior will return to Aotearoa this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original campaign ship at Marsden Wharf in Auckland by French secret agents on 10 July 1985. The return to Aotearoa comes at a pivotal moment — when the fight to

    Can we confront cancel culture by finding common ground between moderate leftists and ‘wokists’?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University A.C. Grayling’s new book Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars sees the renowned philosopher wading into the ethical minefields of “woke” activism, cancellation, and conservative backlash. Filled with thoughtful analysis, deep reflection, and fascinating

    Justice on demand? The true crime podcasts serving up Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Cantrell, Senior Lecturer – Writing, Editing, and Publishing, University of Southern Queensland The trial of the so-called “mushroom cook” Erin Patterson, currently underway in the Victorian town of Morwell, continues to generate global attention. The mother of two is charged with three counts of murder and

    This 6-point plan can ease Australia’s gambling problems – if our government has the guts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University WHYFRAME/Shutterstock We have a refreshed and revitalised Australian government, enriched with great political capital. During the last term of parliament before the election, opportunities to address Australia’s raging gambling habit were neglected. Could this

    Whatever happened to Barbie’s feet? Podiatrists studied 2,750 dolls to find out
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cylie Williams, Professor, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University elinaxx1v/Shutterstock What do you get when a group of podiatrists (and shoe lovers) team up with a Barbie doll collector? A huge opportunity to explore how Barbie reflects changes in the types of shoes women

    Economic pessimism is behind the drift of voters to minor parties and independents
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viet Nguyen, Principal Research Fellow, Macroeconomics Research Program, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne Growing economic pessimism appears to have pushed many voters away from Australia’s two major parties, Labor and the Coalition. Support for minor parties and independents has doubled

    A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato The New Zealand Wars memorial in new Plymouth. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA Anzac Day has come and gone again. But – lest we forget – war and its consequences are not confined to single days in the calendar. Nor

    Newly discovered frog species from 55 million years ago challenges evolutionary tree
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roy M. Farman, Adjunct Associate Lecturer, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney Australian Green Tree Frog (_Litoria caerulea_). indrabone/iNaturalist, CC BY-NC Australian tree frogs today make up over one third of all known frog species on the continent. Among this group, iconic species such

    Two lizard-like creatures crossed tracks 355 million years ago. Today, their footprints yield a major discovery
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Long, Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University Marcin Ambrozik The emergence of four-legged animals known as tetrapods was a key step in the evolution of many species today – including humans. Our new discovery, published today in Nature, details ancient fossil footprints found in Australia that

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Andrew Leigh on more productive work in the age of AI
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s productivity performance has stagnated for years, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers has declared addressing this is a second term priority. “Productivity” is now an added part of the remit of Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh, along with his responsibility for competition,

    Caitlin Johnstone: Israel admits it bombed a hospital to kill a journalist for doing journalism
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone The IDF has admitted to bombing a hospital in order to assassinate a prominent Palestinian journalist in Gaza, Hassan Aslih, explicitly stating that they assassinated him for engaging in journalistic activities. The official Israel Defense Forces account made the following post on

    Men are shaving off their eyelashes on TikTok. Here’s why that might be a bad idea
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Meyer, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy and Pathology, James Cook University Bhatakta Manav/Shutterstock Videos of men removing their eyelashes, by trimming or shaving, have been circulating on social media in recent weeks. This trend is based on the idea short eyelashes look more masculine. Hair can tell us

    Soon, your boss will have to pay your wages and super at the same time. Here’s how everyone could benefit
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Hodgson, Professor, Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University Dragon Images/Shutterstock If you have a job in Australia, you’ve probably noticed each of your payslips has a section telling you how much superannuation will be paid alongside your wages. But while your wages are

    What is the ‘glass cliff’ phenomenon – and why do women often find themselves on the precipice?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerrie-Anne Hammermeister, PhD Candidate in the School of Humanities and Communication, University of Southern Queensland GoodStudio/Shutterstock Speaking to the media after being named leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley was asked if this appointment was an example of the “glass cliff effect”. Ley said “I don’t

    Fiji Indians in NZ ‘not giving up’ on Pasifika classification struggle
    By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific Waves presenter/producer, and Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor The co-founder of Auckland’s Fiji Centre is concerned that Indo-Fijians are not classified as Pacific Islanders in Aotearoa. This week marks the 146th anniversary of the arrival of the first indentured labourers from British India to Fiji, who departed from Calcutta.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Youth voice added to Council Committee

    Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education

    Date:

    Two young people have been appointed as youth representatives on Canterbury Regional Council’s Strategy and Policy Committee.

    At the 14 May Committee meeting, Jolie Sarginson and Liam Speechlay were appointed after being shortlisted by the Youth Rōpū.   

    The Youth Rōpū is a group of people aged 14-24 from across the region who are enthusiastic about the environment, civics and empowering young people. The rōpū advocates for and supports the inclusion of a youth voice in Environment Canterbury’s decisions and work.   

    Jolie and Liam will sit on the Committee for two years and while they won’t have voting rights, they will be able to provide a youth perspective on issues discussed by the Committee.  

    Jolie said her three passions are youth advocacy, te taiao (the natural world), and te ao Māori (Māori culture and values).  

    “Our aim as youth representatives is to bring an intergenerational perspective to the table,” Jolie said.  

    Liam said he brings a diverse range of youth voices to the table – urban, climate change and rural.  

    “I’m very excited for the learning this experience will provide me and the learnings you will be able to take from myself and Jolie,” Liam said.  

    Canterbury Regional Council Chair Craig Pauling said youth representation was an important voice to have at the table and welcomed both Jolie and Liam to the Committee.   

    “We’ve had youth representation on a few of our committees over the last three or four years and I’m really proud to be here to welcome you both to the Strategy and Policy Committee today.”  

    “I’m looking forward to your insights and the contributions you will bring to our work,” Chair Pauling said.    

    Strategy and Policy Committee Chair Councillor Vicky Southworth also welcomed the pair to the Committee.  

    “I am excited to have both Liam and Jolie joining us for the next two years, they will bring important perspectives to our discussions and help influence some of our decision making.”  

    “It’s important to have them join us, as they represent young people from across Canterbury,” Cr Southworth said. 

    Jolie Sarginson  

    Jolie has completed a bachelor’s degree in Social Environmental Sustainability, majoring in Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Partnerships, with a minor in te reo Māori.  

    She has been part of the Youth Rōpū for three years and brings a strong voice, a grounded cultural perspective, and a genuine desire to help our communities.  

    Liam Speechlay  

    Liam is a law student at the University of Canterbury of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Ruanui descent. He has a passion for learning Ngai Tahu’s history within Waitaha, and for tikanga and matauranga Māori.  

    He has been involved with EnviroPAST, Lincoln University, and the Youth Advisory Council at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Pesticides & Veterinary Drugs into the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Ruben Montes, of Calexico, California, was sentenced today in federal court to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay $12,710 in forfeiture for conspiring to smuggle and distribute more than $3 million worth of Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs that are not approved for use in the United States.

    “A secure border is vital to ensuring the health and safety of Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who violate our environmental and customs laws and jeopardize the health and safety of our citizens.”

    “Bringing in and selling pesticides and veterinary drugs illegally puts both people and the environment at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “These unregulated products can be harmful to animals, insects, and humans. Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who chooses profit over public safety.”

    According to filings and evidence presented in court, Montes coordinated the smuggling of pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States since 2020. The primary pesticides involved were Taktic and Bovitraz, which are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States. The smuggled veterinary drugs included Tylocet, Terramicina, Tetragent Ares and Catarrol, which are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States.

    Montes requested that his co-conspirators bring pesticides and veterinary drugs — unavailable for purchase in the United States — from Mexico into the United States. Montes and his co-conspirators brought them into the United States without declaring them at the border. He and his co-conspirators then hid the pesticides and veterinary drugs in storage units in Calexico and retrieved them for distribution throughout the United States. Specifically, Montes and his co-defendant Gutierrez, who remains at large, supplied most of the pesticides and veterinary drugs to individuals charged in another case, United States v. Toledo, et. al., (case number 22-cr-1965-JAH, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California). Montes was also involved in shipping about 150 packages of unapproved products to another co-conspirator in Texas.

    According to the EPA, the active ingredient in the pesticides Taktic and Bovitraz is amitraz, which is toxic to bees if released into hives, and then ultimately to humans when it ends up in honey, honeycomb, and beeswax. Misuse of amitraz-containing products in beehives can result in exposures that could cause neurological effects and possibly reproductive effects in humans from the consumption of contaminated honey. Signs of neurotoxicity from exposure to amitraz have been documented in multiple animal species and include central nervous system depression, decrease in pulse rate, and hypothermia.

    Assistant Section Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabet Brown for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Asks Nominees About Bridge Funding, PFAS Remediation, USACE Project Prioritization

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led ahearing on the nominations of Sean McMaster to be Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), John Busterud to be Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Adam Telle to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
    During the hearing, Chairman Capito questioned the nominees about initiatives to support our nation’s bridges through FHWA policy and funding, the importance of federal efforts to address PFAS contamination, and promptly addressing priority projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    FHWA BRIDGE FUNDING AND POLICY:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “[West Virginia’s] geography requires to have a lot of those bridges. So, we need a strong federal partner in the FHWA, it’s critical to our success. You know, a lot of progress has been made with the IIJA, but are there any policy and funding proposals that we should consider including in the next reauthorization, which we’re getting to work on, to further address regionally significant or bridge projects?”
    SEAN MCMASTER:
    “Senator, I appreciate the question, I know you’ve been a champion for bridges. For the Federal Highway Administration, bridge safety is a paramount importance issue. It’s critical to the safety of our traveling public. It’s critical to our supply chain. As we look to support reauthorization, there is work still yet to be done. Tremendous progress over the last few years, when I served at HNTB, I was fortunate to work in support of the Brent Spence Bridge, which after 20 years, is now finally realizing development. I look forward to supporting you, if I’m confirmed. I know it’s of paramount importance for the Federal Highway Administration, and I look forward, if confirmed, to supporting your efforts through reauthorization to identify additional ways we can accelerate the maintenance and enhancement of our nation’s bridges on the highway system.”
    ADDRESSING PFAS CONTAMINATION:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “I was pleased to see the EPA release an agency wide plan setting bold goals to tackle this crisis. If confirmed, you will be responsible for leading OLEM’s major role in the strategy, from updating PFAS destruction guidance, to enforcing the polluter pays principle. How would you lead in this way and help us tackle this very difficult and far-ranging problem of PFAS contamination?”
    JOHN BUSTERUD:
    “PFAS is a high priority issue for EPA and the Administrator, on April 28 as you noted, announced a suite of programs basically taking a whole of EPA approach to addressing PFAS across its major program offices. As you noted, and as we discussed in our conversation in your office, OLEM will play an important role to increase the frequency of guidance we give on PFAS destruction. It has been every three years. We’re going to commit to providing those updates on an annual basis, and there was great interest in that. OLEM will also look at and examine its RCRA authorities to prevent releases of PFAS from manufacturing facilities and other facilities which use PFAS. And you mentioned the polluter pays issue, and I support that entirely, and we will continue with that approach. The issue of passive receiver is very important to a number of senators on your committee and others. That is an issue that, if confirmed, I pledge to work with our dedicated career staff and to look at ways in which we can avoid a situation in which customers of water utilities would be forced to pay for contamination they didn’t put in the water to begin with, and I look forward to working with your committee on that.”
    USACE PROJECT PRIORITIZATION:
    CHAIRMAN CAPITO:
    “We had a hearing on the Corps of Engineers and the implementation of some of their programs. This is a daunting challenge, I think, to step into the position that you’re in because the slowness and the sluggishness of some of the work that we know is critical is, I think, universally felt by all of us. This goes to the fact that the Army Corps is actively working on nearly 100 ongoing feasibility studies and general reevaluation reports. These will result in projects later on, as you know, in authorizations and appropriations. How will you ensure that projects and other activities are appropriately prioritized in work plans, and balance the competing water resources in the country?”
    ADAM TELLE:
    “Chairman Capito, you’ve identified the fundamental issue as it relates to this nomination, which is, this is a complex and exhaustive set of challenges. The demand for the Corps’ work is greater than the supply. The Congress is incredibly interested in the projects and the work of the Corps of Engineers, as you have identified. And the core principle, and when it comes to prioritization in a constrained budget environment is to follow the law, and the law says that the Corps’ primary missions are navigation, enabling Commerce on America’s waterways, flood mitigation and control, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. And so those have to be the primary beacons when it comes to prioritization, examining how the projects meet those missions as the Congress has laid them out, setting priorities on the basis of benefits versus costs, life and safety, and other factors that ultimately will play into all these decisions, and it’s a complicated one.”
    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.
    Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Waters, Senator Merkley Launch New Effort to Boost Congress’ Oversight of Trump’s Mass Firings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (43rd District of California)

    Washington, D.C. – As the Trump Administration continues mass firings of federal employees, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, today introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to strengthen Congress’ authority to protect workers and override federal staffing cuts implemented without consultation.

    The Reduction in Force (RIF) Review Act empowers Congress to overrule any president’s workforce cuts at all federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Health and Human Services. The bill makes RIF plans subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and bolsters Congressional oversight of the executive branch’s actions.

    “Donald Trump and co-President Elon Musk are engaged in a lawless and reckless restructuring of the federal workforce. By firing thousands of federal workers, they are dismantling the infrastructure supporting Social Security, veterans’ healthcare, and our entire government. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are sitting by and refusing to perform their duty under the Constitution to provide a check on this President. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Senator Merkley to introduce the Reduction in Force Review Act, which will restore Congress’ role in overseeing major changes to the federal workforce. Agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which I’ve been fighting to protect as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, protect ordinary Americans from financial scams and predatory lenders. If Republicans want to declare open season on working families, they should at least have to vote on it,” said Waters.

    Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, led the Senate introduction of the RIF Review Act.

    “Trump and his unelected billionaire sidekick Elon Musk’s reckless decision to fire tens of thousands of federal employees threatens the critical services that families, veterans, seniors, and children rely on,” said Merkley. “This isn’t about fiscal responsibility—it’s about cruelly shifting resources away from those who need them most to the very richest among us. Gutting resources and staff from vital programs is not resulting in better services or increased efficiency, but is instead causing pain for folks in Oregon and across the country. Congress must step in and exercise its oversight of the executive branch.”

    The RIF Review Act makes an agency’s reduction in force plan subject to a vote in both houses of Congress under the CRA process and enhances existing RIF reporting requirements to include:

    • The specific reasons for the reduction in force;
    • The anticipated impact of the reduction in force on the employees and operations of the federal agency;
    • Any alternatives to the reduction in force that the federal agency considered, including the reasons that the federal agency rejected those alternatives;
    • A summary of the consultations that the federal agency has held with employees of the federal agency who will be affected by the reduction in force (or representatives of those employees); and
    • A summary of how the reduction in force will impact employees of the Federal agency who are veterans.

    In addition to Waters and Merkley, the RIF Review Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). 

    The RIF Review Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, SEIU, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), and National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).

    “The Trump administration’s reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security. This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to support the RIF Review Act to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley.

    “DOGE’s illegal firings are an attack on federal workers and on the communities across the country who rely on them. Veterans will be left waiting even longer for care, and the workers who ensure our food is safe and water is clean have been fired. If these cuts are not overturned, we’ll see seniors waiting for delayed Social Security checks, and kids and teachers going without vital school programs. The RIF Review Act is critical to stopping these reckless cuts and restoring the jobs that make these programs work. We urge Congress to act now: stand with working people and support this bill or let the Trump administration and an unelected billionaire dismantle the essential services that millions of Americans count on,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    “This administration’s war on the services that Americans rely on is despicable,” said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the NTEU. “These illegal mass firings not only harm thousands of dedicated civil servants across the country, but also millions of taxpayers who need these services and local communities who will suffer from increased unemployment. I applaud Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Waters for their leadership in ensuring that Congress can step in and stop these efforts before it’s too late.”

    Full text of the RIF Review Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger Secures Big Wins in the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a strong, commonsense reconciliation bill after over twenty-six hours of debate. Upon passage, Rep. Pfluger released the following statement.

    “After over twenty-six hours of Democrat distractions, falsehoods, and baseless debate, Energy and Commerce Republicans stayed focused on delivering real, commonsense results for the American people. We have now completed our part in advancing President Trump’s agenda through the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill.’ This package ends wasteful spending on woke Green New Deal-style programs, secures American energy dominance to support the rapid innovation of American industry, and preserves and protects Medicaid for all vulnerable Texans and Americans who truly need it. This legislation also expands rural connectivity through smart spectrum policy while safeguarding national security interests. Through these commonsense policies, we’re building a stronger, more secure America for generations to come.”

    Among the many Republican-backed victories supported by Rep. Pfluger in this legislation, this bill includes several key priorities Rep. Pfluger has specifically championed, which will directly benefit Texans and all Americans alike:

    Energy Wins:

    ·     Expedited LNG Exports (Section 41003) — Expedites approvals by deeming applications to non-free trade countries “in the public interest” upon payment of a $1 million fee, eliminating a previously lengthy review process. This streamlining preserves existing legal and regulatory authorities while potentially reducing approval timelines from years to months. This directly aligns with Rep. Pfluger’s bill to strengthen energy leadership and expand LNG exports.

    ·     Natural Gas Permitting Reform (Section 41005) — Creates a voluntary expedited permitting pathway with guaranteed timelines, requiring agencies to complete reviews within one year of fee payment ($10M or 1% of project cost). If review deadlines are missed, applications are automatically approved, and legal challenges are limited. This provision advances Rep. Pfluger’s permitting reform priority and provides greater certainty for major energy projects.

    ·     Strategic Petroleum Reserve Funding (Section 41008) — Provides a $2 billion appropriation for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), including $218 million for cavern repairs, $1.32 billion for oil purchases, and directs the remaining funds to reverse prior mandated sales. This targeted investment strengthens U.S. energy security and reserve readiness and directly supports Rep. Pfluger’s priority to refill the SPR.

    Environment Wins:

    ·     Air Pollution Monitoring Limitation (Section 42105) — Repeals and rescinds unobligated funds from IRA Section 60105, which had allocated $281.5 million to the EPA for expanding air quality monitoring networks. This reduces the EPA’s ability to identify new non-attainment zones, limiting additional regulatory burdens. This acts on Rep. Pfluger’s priority to protect the Permian Basin from costly regulatory designations that could impact energy producers.

    ·     Methane Emissions Program Delay (Section 42113) — Extends the timeline for the Methane Emissions Reduction Program charges by an additional 10 years. This extension reinforces Rep. Pfluger’s success with his legislation that President Trump signed into law earlier this year. It also supports his position against the immediate implementation of the harmful program’s current requirements.

    Healthcare Wins:

    ·     Affordable Care Act Exchange Reforms (Section 44201) — Amends the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) definition of “lawfully present” to exclude Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. This change counters the Biden Administration’s May 2024 rule, which expanded ACA eligibility to include DACA recipients, a move with potential legal and financial implications. This aligns with Rep. Pfluger’s previous Congressional Review Act efforts to prevent ACA expansion to DACA recipients.

    WATCH: Rep. Pfluger Dismantled Several Democrat Lies On Key Provisions in the Final Package, Including:

    ·     Lies on the LNG export user fees HERE

    ·     Work requirements for Medicaid benefits HERE

    How this bill protects Medicaid for vulnerable, eligible Americans HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bathing water season in England begins as applications re-open

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Bathing water season in England begins as applications re-open

    The Environment Agency will be testing water quality more than 7000 times during the season

    The bathing water season has officially started (Thursday 15 May 2025), marking the beginning of rigorous testing of water quality from the Environment Agency at bathing sites. 

    Our bathing waters bring important social and health benefits to local communities and help coastal towns prosper by attracting tourists from across the UK and the world.   

    Throughout the season, which runs from 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.   

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023 and since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year. 

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:  

    We know just how important England’s swimming spots are to people and to local economies, so our teams are out taking regular samples at bathing waters across England from today. 

    The information from those tests helps us keep people safe, target our regulation and encourage investment to drive up water quality standards. It’s part of our core commitment to protect people and the environment. 

    We also welcome the opportunity to improve the management of bathing waters through the incoming reforms as we all want to see better bathing water quality. 

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 

    Our bathing waters across the country are a great source of pride.

    That is why this Government is committed to protecting them. Our landmark Water Act includes new powers to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses and to bring criminal charges against them if they break the law.

    A record £104 billion in private investment has also been secured to upgrade and build new sewage pipes to help clean up our waterways for good as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The water samples are tested in labs and then the results are uploaded onto Swimfo, which displays regular information on water quality across all designated bathing waters to help the public make informed choices about where to swim.  

    After the season has ended, the sample results are used to classify each bathing water as either ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’. Classifications are shown on Swimfo and on signs at the site to inform bathers of typical quality.  

    This comes alongside applications for new bathing waters which will be assessed against the planned core reforms, set to come into effect later this year, and include changes to designation criteria for future sites. 

    Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications using the updated guidance to make sure new sites are designated in line with the changes to the Regulations.

    Notes to editors:

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.  
    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.  
    • Defra has published updated guidance on how to apply for a site to be designated.
    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.  
    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here. 
    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming. 
    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Zinke and Neguse Introduce Bill to Extend Successful Forest Management Program

    Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)

    Originally authorized in 2009, the program has treated and restored 5.7 million acres of forests

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01) and Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) introduced the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would extend and expand a successful program focused on reducing wildfire risk, restoring forest health, and supporting rural economies through proven, locally driven strategies. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    Originally authorized in 2009, the CFLR program is a model of how communities, industry partners, landowners, and local governments can work together to improve forest conditions and prevent catastrophic wildfires. In its first decade, CFLR projects treated and restored 5.7 million acres of forest, improved 1,000 miles of trails, and maintained over 25,000 miles of forest roads helping keep public lands open and safe.

    The CFLR Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 will:

    • Extend the program for ten years.
    • Increase support for collaborative, science-based forest projects.
    • Expand the program’s reach to more high-risk areas.
    • Improve project flexibility and reduce bureaucratic delays.

    “Every year hundreds of thousands of acres of forest burn to the ground destroying landscapes, watersheds and homes. We can’t prevent every fire, but we can certainly manage our forests, so they are in better health and more resilient against catastrophic fires,” said Congressman Zinke. “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program was a proven success that leverages public and private entities to grow more resilient forests. When a program works, we should extend it. Montana forests must be multi-use. Recreation, conservation, and resource development all have their place and must be part of the conversation, but none of them can exist if our forests are unhealthy or burning down. The continuation of this program will promote the collaboration needed preserve more of our forests for use by the communities around them.”

    “In Colorado and across the Rocky Mountain West, we know that protecting our forests and lands benefits our communities,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program is a successful partnership program that bolsters community-based stewardship, supporting efforts to promote cooperative, science-based wildfire mitigation. I’m incredibly proud to lead my colleagues in the House to champion its reauthorization.”

    “The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program has a proven track record of improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk in Montana. Collaborative fuel reduction work completed as part of the Colt Summit Project in Seeley Lake protected homes and infrastructure during the 2023 Colt Fire,” said Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director Amanda Kaster. “Montana DNRC thanks Representative Zinke for his leadership in working to maintain this impactful work that directly helps communities in Montana.”

    “Wildfire doesn’t recognize state or county lines, and the Kootenai National Forest in Montana and the Panhandle National Forest in Idaho share the same fire shed, the Kootenai Complex. The 80,000-acre Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative project on the Panhandle National Forest funded under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program has benefitted our residents here in neighboring Lincoln County, Montana in several ways,” said Jim Hammons, Lincoln County Commissioner. “Treatments under the project have reduced the risk of wildfire crossing into the county from Idaho and has sustained one of the few local mills vital to our timber infrastructure, while providing jobs to our local logging contractors, many that work in Idaho forests. The CFLR program addresses the values that large landscapes have in providing wildlife habitat, timber products and the large-scale wildfire threats that exist in our neck-of-the-woods.”

    “I’m grateful to Congressman Zinke for sponsoring this critical legislation,” said Beaverhead County Commissioner, Mike McGinley. “Beaverhead County has already seen a 1,500-acre wildfire this spring, a clear sign that we’ve got to get control of our forest management.” 

    The legislation is also co-led by Representatives Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and the companion is additionally supported by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Steve Daines (R-MT).

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior to return for 40th anniversary of French bombing

    By Russel Norman

    The iconic Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior will return to Aotearoa this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original campaign ship at Marsden Wharf in Auckland by French secret agents on 10 July 1985.

    The return to Aotearoa comes at a pivotal moment — when the fight to protect our planet’s fragile life-support systems has never been as urgent, or more critical.

    Here in Aotearoa, the Luxon government is waging an all-out war on nature, and on a planetary scale, climate change, ecosystem collapse, and accelerating species extinction pose an existential threat.

    Greenpeace Aotearoa’s Dr Russel Norman . . . “Our ship was targeted because Greenpeace and the campaign to stop nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific were so effective.” Image: Greenpeace

    As we remember the bombing and the murder of our crew member, Fernando Pereira, it’s important to remember why the French government was compelled to commit such a cowardly act of violence.

    Our ship was targeted because Greenpeace and the campaign to stop nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific were so effective. We posed a very real threat to the French government’s military programme and colonial power.

    It’s also critical to remember that they failed to stop us. They failed to intimidate us, and they failed to silence us. Greenpeace only grew stronger and continued the successful campaign against nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific.

    Forty years later, it’s the oil industry that’s trying to stop us. This time, not with bombs but with a legal attack that threatens the existence of Greenpeace in the US and beyond.

    We will not be intimidated
    But just like in 1985 when the French bombed our ship, now too in 2025, we will not be intimidated, we will not back down, and we will not be silenced.

    We cannot be silenced because we are a movement of people committed to peace and to protecting Earth’s ability to sustain life, protecting the blue oceans, the forests and the life we share this planet with,” says Norman.

    In the 40 years since, the Rainbow Warrior has sailed on the front lines of our campaigns around the world to protect nature and promote peace. In the fight to end oil exploration, turn the tide of plastic production, stop the destruction of ancient forests and protect the ocean, the Rainbow Warrior has been there to this day.

    Right now the Rainbow Warrior is preparing to sail through the Tasman Sea to expose the damage being done to ocean life, continuing a decades-long tradition of defending ocean health.

    This follows the Rainbow Warrior spending six weeks in the Marshall Islands where the original ship carried out Operation Exodus, in which the Greenpeace crew evacuated the people of Rongelap from their home island that had been made uninhabitable by nuclear weapons testing by the US government.

    In Auckland this year, several events will be held on and around the ship to mark the anniversary, including open days with tours of the ship for the public.

    Dr Russel Norman is executive director of Greenpeace Aotearoa.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planning underway for Hahei Beach Walk reroute

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  15 May 2025

    The track, which links Hahei to the Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track, has been closed since early 2023 due to landslide risks and land movement following severe weather events including Cyclone Gabrielle.

    “This track has been a priority for DOC since reopening walking access to Cathedral Cove,” says DOC Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly.

    “This area’s incredible nature is at the heart of its tourism economy. We know this link between Hahei and Cathedral Cove is important for the community.

    “Given its cliff-side alignment through high-risk terrain, we weren’t sure a safe and affordable solution would be possible. It’s fantastic to now have a feasible design to progress.

    “The proposed reroute offers greatly improved safety and resilience, avoiding the unstable upper section of the old track altogether. It follows moderate terrain and avoids the need for complex structures like staircases or bridges.

    “Although it will still require some work including tree felling, groundwater management, and the installation of box steps, it’s been designed to keep ongoing maintenance requirements to a minimum.”

    Initial funding will come from the $5M allocated from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy in July 2024. This investment was designed to support restoring and maintaining access to Mautohe Cathedral Cove over the longer-term, says Nick Kelly.

    “Initial estimates put the cost of this work around the design and delivery costs around $140,000 and we’ll carry out more detailed planning to confirm the final budget required.”

    Construction is scheduled to begin in September and be completed by the end of November 2025.

    “As always, we’ll need the community’s patience and support in giving work crews space to get the job done,” says Nick Kelly.

    “We all have a role to play in caring for this place. We urge the community to help keep visitors safe by ensuring people stay off the track and away from the worksite until the reroute is completed.”

    The Hahei reroute will branch off midway along the existing Hahei track and connect with Grange Road near the start of the Mautohe Cathedral Cove track.

    Tourism on public conservation land is estimated to be worth $3.4 billion annually. More than 50% of international visitors and around 80% of New Zealanders visit protected natural areas a year.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –