NewzIntel.com

Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Anantnag Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated March 12, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Anantnag Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir (the bank) for non-compliance with specific directions issued by RBI prohibiting acceptance of fresh deposits. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had accepted fresh deposits in violation of specific directions issued by RBI.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2390

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Development Asia: Climate Resilience in Asia’s Mega Deltas: A Spatial Approach to Adaptation Planning

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Mekong Delta
    The Mekong Delta in Viet Nam has high agriculture productivity. The area is highly suitable for year-round rice cultivation, moderate to high suitability for watermelon, and seasonal suitability for maize. While its climatic and geographical conditions support year-round cropping, it faces considerable climate vulnerability.

    Adaptive capacity also varies significantly in the area due to social and economic challenges (Figure 2). Regions, such as Can Tho and Kien Giang, have relatively high capacity due to good literacy rates, infrastructure, market access, and low poverty. In contrast, much of the Mekong Delta exhibits low to medium capacity due to physical, human, and economic limitations and high exposure to climate risks. This combination creates vulnerability hotspots in northern Long An, coastal Bac Lieu, and large parts of Kien Giang and Ca Mau.

    Figure 2. Vulnerability Map of Mekong River Delta, Viet Nam

    Integration of adaptive capacity, climate hazard, and sensitivity analysis of rice for wet and dry seasons.
    Source: K. Nelson et al. Forthcoming. Spatial Analysis and Cost-Benefit Assessment of Climate Change Adaptation in Rice-Based Agrifood Systems of Select Asian Mega Deltas. IRRI and ADB.

    Crop diversification can improve income and nutrition. For example, combining rice with cash crops like watermelon generates one to two times the annual net income of double or triple rice cropping. In coastal zones, rice-shrimp integration yields nearly 50% more profit than traditional rice models, while rice-vegetable systems outperform triple rice. However, weak value chains, underinvestment in technology and logistics, climate-induced threats like pests and diseases, and competition for water resources between agriculture and aquaculture hinder the development and sustainability of mixed systems. The growing global shrimp market presents a significant opportunity to expand the shrimp sector.

    The situation is Cambodia is more precarious due to higher risks and lower adaptive capacity. Floods and droughts are more frequent, amplifying climate-related challenges. About half of the region, particularly in northern Kandal, Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng, has medium to high adaptive capacity, supported by stronger economic, human, and physical resources. However, areas like the southern districts of these provinces and Takeo are lagging behind. As a result, crop production in the northern and central parts of the delta is highly vulnerable due to low adaptive capacity and high-risk exposure.

    Diversifying through rice-watermelon and rice-fish systems can generate approximately three times the annual net revenue per hectare compared to single or double rice cropping. Despite this potential, Cambodia’s low to medium product quality limits its export competitiveness against neighboring countries like Viet Nam and Thailand. While there is growing domestic and export demand for watermelon, realizing its potential requires investment in transport, storage, and post-processing infrastructure. The aquaculture sector, which is currently underdeveloped and mainly reliant on captured fisheries, also requires significant investment.

    Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
    The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta in Bangladesh shows significant regional disparities in adaptive capacity. Figure 3 shows how this worsens vulnerability to climate risks such as drought, flood, and heat stress.

    Figure 3. Vulnerability Map of Ganges Delta, Bangladesh

    Integration of adaptive capacity and climate hazard and change in the suitability of rice for Boro, Aus, and Aman.
    Source: K. Nelson et al. Forthcoming. Spatial Analysis and Cost-Benefit Assessment of Climate Change Adaptation in Rice-Based Agrifood Systems of Select Asian Mega Deltas. IRRI and ADB.

    The delta is highly suitable for crop production, particularly rice, with varying suitability for irrigated and rainfed varieties. Watermelon and maize also demonstrate good potential across the region.

    However, the ability to adapt to the climate challenges is uneven. Areas with low adaptive capacity struggle due to physical, economic, and human capital deficits, as illustrated in Figure 3. This vulnerability is more pronounced in the eastern areas where serious climate problems and low adaptation capacity pose considerable risks. The central, northern, and southwestern areas also experience varying levels of vulnerability.

    To enhance resilience, diversification is a promising strategy. Cost-benefit analyses show that combining rice with cash crops like watermelon, sunflower, and vegetables or integrating rice-fish farming can substantially increase incomes. For example, rice-based systems that include sunflower or watermelon can double annual income compared to traditional single-rice cropping. Similarly, higher-value aquaculture and vegetable production can yield more than 50% net revenue.

    Despite these opportunities, Bangladesh remains a net importer of rice, hindered by outdated processing technologies that lead to low-quality output and, in some cases, negative returns for farmers. While the aquaculture sector has been expanding to meet domestic and international demand, it faces challenges such as difficult production conditions and stringent quality and safety standards in export markets. The fruit and vegetable sectors also remain underdeveloped and fall short of international standards.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The Future of Smallholder Farming in Asia

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Smallholder farms are essential to food security, yet they struggle with limited access to natural, social, human, and financial capital. Across Asia, the consequences of neglecting agriculture are severe—not only threatening food security but also undermining economic stability. These risks are even more pressing in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

    Despite agriculture’s importance, macro indicators reveal a persistent shortfall in investment. The sector’s underperformance is driven not only by insufficient funding but also by inefficient resource allocation. Moreover, investments often fail to reach the most critical sub-sectors and components.

    This book explores how targeted policy reforms and strategic investments can empower farmers—especially smallholders—by making agriculture more viable and profitable. It emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen natural resources and advocates for nature-based solutions that enhance both sustainability and long-term farm resilience.
     

    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: Booming blueberry industry elevates SW China’s Yunnan to global supplier

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    While blueberry bushes in most parts of China are just beginning to bloom, early-ripening varieties in southwestern Yunnan Province are already being harvested.

    Farmers are currently working tirelessly to pick and pack the fresh berries, which swiftly make their way to markets across China and beyond.

    Originally native to North America, blueberries have found a second home in China.

    In 2024, the country’s blueberry cultivation area surpassed 73,000 hectares, yielding around 500,000 tonnes of berries, making China one of the fastest-growing blueberry producers in the world. Yunnan Province, with its ideal climate and extended growing season, has emerged as a leading production hub, contributing about 30 percent of the national output.

    Thanks to its unique geographical conditions, abundant sunlight, significant temperature variations between day and night, Yunnan offers an optimal environment for blueberry cultivation. “Yunnan is a natural habitat for blueberries,” said He Jiawei, head of the Institute of Alpine Economic and Botany, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science.

    The province is home to 46 wild blueberry species — more than half of China’s total, making it one of the best production areas worldwide.

    The city of Mengzi in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture is home to over 2,300 hectares of greenhouse-grown blueberry cultivation space, generating over 3 billion yuan (about 418.48 million U.S. dollars) in revenue and improving incomes and livelihoods for more than 20,000 local farmers.

    Min Hongwei set up a 12-hectare blueberry plantation base in Mile, another city in Honghe, last year. “During peak harvest season, our workforce jumps to over 150 people, most of whom are local villagers. They can earn at least 150 yuan per day, and some make as much as 300 yuan,” he said.

    Yunnan’s blueberry boom has attracted over 100 domestic and international companies to Honghe, creating jobs for more than 100,000 people. According to the province’s agricultural department, Yunnan’s blueberry cultivation area reached 16,660 hectares in 2024, producing 171,000 tonnes with an estimated industry value of 17 billion yuan.

    While Chinese blueberries were initially grown for domestic consumption, they are now making their mark on the international stage.

    Chen Canling, sales manager of Anmei, an agriculture and technology company, said the company had successfully entered the Malaysian market this year.

    “To meet export standards, we’ve implemented precision management throughout the supply chain from harvesting techniques to packaging and international logistics,” Chen said. “Our goal is to export 300 tonnes of blueberries this year.”

    “Every four days, we airfreight two tonnes of blueberries to Dubai,” said Wang Rui, chairman of Fengji, an agricultural development company, adding that customers in Dubai can enjoy fresh blueberries from Yunnan in about 40 hours.

    China’s blueberry exports are rapidly gaining momentum. According to Kunming Customs, in 2024, the customs office in Mengzi supervised the export of 1,425 tonnes of blueberries, accounting for over half of China’s total blueberry exports and making it the country’s top blueberry exporter.

    “Since China first exported homegrown blueberries to Russia in 2020, they have reached more than 10 countries and regions, highlighting the immense market potential of Chinese blueberries,” said Li Yadong, a professor at Jilin Agricultural University. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Research breakthrough offers hope for Canola growers

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    17 Mar 2025

    Researchers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have opened the door to enhancing canola production in challenging growing environments, after identifying a key gene that helps protect plants from manganese toxicity in acidic soils.

    Soil acidity is a significant challenge for crop production in Australia, and crops like canola are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of acidic soils which can limit growth and reduce yields.

    Dr Harsh Raman, Senior Principal Research Scientist at NSW DPIRD, said the the discovery is the result of five years of dedicated research by an international team of scientists, with NSW DPIRD leading the effort.

    “Soil acidity is a global issue, severely limiting crop production and affecting a huge 13.7 million hectares in NSW alone,” Dr Raman said.

    “After conducting a range of experiments in controlled field conditions, NSW DPIRD has successfully cloned the specific gene responsible for manganese tolerance in acidic soils.”

    “We have also uncovered new insights into the genetic networks that influence this trait, which will enable the research team to develop practical methods for selecting canola plants with manganese tolerance based on morphological traits and molecular markers.”

    According to Dr Raman, the discovery could lead to higher productivity and improved profitability for Canola growers.

    “By understanding how canola plants cope with excessive manganese in acidic soils, researchers and crop breeding companies can now work towards developing new crop varieties that are more resilient to thestresses of manganese toxicity. ,” Dr Raman said.

    While manganese is an essential nutrient for plant growth, excessive amounts in acidic soils (pH <5) can lead to severe toxicity which can stunt plant growth and reduce crop yields. This is most common in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage, particularly under high-temperature conditions.

    Dr. Raman said that while researchers still recommend a regular application of lime to manage high-acidity soils, manganese tolerance is a valuable enhancement trait for canola varieties by allowing growers to get about their business without having to wait for the lime to ameliorate into the soil.

    “Thanks to this research, canola farmers will no longer exclusively need to invest significant time and money into lime applications and wait for amelioration to proceed before they can grow high yield crops.

    Now, by unlocking the secret to cultivating varieties that are tolerant to acidic soils, growers can grow high yielding canola whilst applying lime to improve their soils long term PH, increasing productivity and profitability.”

    “As farmers face increasing challenges  such as soil degradation, this research provides a promising new tool to enhance crop resilience and secure long-term food production,” Dr Raman said.

    The project was supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Grains Research and Development Cooperation, Oil Crops Research Institute China, Monash University, ARC Training Centre for Future Crops Development at Australian National University and Wagga Wagga, and INRA France.

    The research findings were recently published in Plant Cell and Environment, available at (Genome‐Wide Association Study Elucidates the Genetic Architecture of Manganese Tolerance in Brassica napus – Raman – Plant, Cell & Environment – Wiley Online Library).

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    Vision pack available at https://tinyurl.com/5n7f56ca

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: How China is lifting consumer spending to boost its growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Vowing to make domestic demand “the main engine and anchor of economic growth”, China’s policymakers have sent fresh and firm signals on empowering the vast number of consumers to spend, countering skepticism about the country’s shift toward a consumption-driven economy.

    China will “place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending”, according to this year’s Government Work Report submitted on March 5 to the National People’s Congress, the national legislature, for deliberation.

    Boosting consumption is hardly a fresh concept in the Chinese policy toolbox, and consumer spending has played an increasingly vital role in China’s economy. In 2024, final consumption contributed 44.5 percent to China’s economic growth, surpassing investment and exports, and drove GDP up by 2.2 percentage points.

    This year, however, the push has been particularly important as China’s economy contends with rising trade protectionism and global headwinds, while the domestic shift from traditional growth drivers, such as real estate, to new and more sustainable ones poses new challenges.

    “Expanding domestic demand through stimulating consumption can effectively counter external uncertainties, and it stabilizes short-term growth while aiding structural shifts over time,” said Yang Decai, a national political advisor and economics professor at Nanjing University, during the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and political advisory body, known as the two sessions.

    To support this pivotal transition, the Government Work Report unveiled stronger supportive measures, including issuing ultra-long special treasury bonds of 300 billion yuan ($41.3 billion) to back the consumer goods trade-in program, doubling the scale from last year.

    The trade-in program, launched a year ago, has played a vital role in revitalizing consumer markets. In 2024, it led to sales exceeding 1.3 trillion yuan, including over 6.8 million vehicles, 56 million home appliances and 1.38 million e-bikes. More items have been added to the list of subsidized products this year.

    “The trade-in program is more than just an economic policy,” Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao told a news conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th NPC on March 6, noting that it has fostered new development engines and improved the quality of life for millions of households.

    Wang pointed out that the primary issue constraining goods consumption is the ability and willingness to spend, while the main challenge for services consumption is the lack of high-quality supply.

    To tackle these weaknesses, the Chinese government, in addition to clinching cheaper deals for consumers, aims to lift consumer confidence by bolstering people’s well-being, with a focus on creating jobs, raising incomes and easing their financial burdens.

    More funds and resources will be used to serve the people and meet their needs, according to the Government Work Report.

    Targeting over 12 million new urban jobs this year, the government will provide stronger support for full and higher-quality employment, according to the report. It also pledged to raise the minimum basic old-age benefits for rural and non-working urban residents as well as the basic pension benefits for retirees.

    “Raising farmers’ pension payments may be the most effective way to boost consumption because it will significantly reduce the savings rate and boost consumption for half of China’s population,” said Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura, who expects more will be done in this regard in coming years.

    Government spending on education will rise by 6.1 percent this year and that on social security and employment by 5.9 percent, with strong gains also expected in healthcare and housing, Finance Minister Lan Fo’an revealed at the news conference on March 6.

    Chinese policymakers have also tied consumption to lifestyle upgrades, not just spending volume, as the Government Work Report highlighted the need to create new consumption scenarios to accelerate the growth of digital, green, smart, and other new types of consumption.

    It promised to improve the leave system and ensure its implementation to unlock consumption potential in sectors like culture, tourism and sports, which are among the most powerful service consumption engines.

    Meanwhile, new consumption trends, from winter sports boom to silver-haired consumer spending upsurge, are already stoking fresh growth.

    The silver economy, which caters to China’s aging population, could reach 30 trillion yuan by 2035 and create at least 100 million jobs by 2050, according to national political advisor Jin Li, vice-president of Southern University of Science and Technology.

    Sun Guangzhi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department of the ice and snow-rich Jilin province, said the northeastern province sparked over 100 million yuan in direct spending by issuing consumption vouchers in the latest snow season.

    “This demonstrates the combined benefits of policy incentives and local resource strength,” said Sun, a national lawmaker.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catie Gressier, Adjunct Research Fellow in Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia

    Berkshire pigs JWhitwell/Shutterstock

    It took thousands of years to develop the world’s extraordinary range of domesticated farm animals – an estimated 8,800 livestock breeds across 38 farmed species.

    But this diversity is dwindling fast. Advances in selective breeding and artificial insemination have fuelled the global spread of a small number of profitable livestock types. Their popularity has left ever more heritage breeds at risk of extinction.

    Why does this matter? Each breed represents vital genetic diversity for the livestock species on which we rely, known as agrobiodiversity. As the number of breeds shrink, we lose their genetics forever.

    There are bright spots amid the decline. Hundreds of passionate farmers are working hard to keep heritage breeds alive around Australia. As my new book shows, they do it primarily for love.

    Which livestock breeds are disappearing – and why?

    Cattle have experienced the highest number of extinctions, with at least 184 breeds lost globally.

    Of all chicken breeds, one in ten is now extinct, and a further 30% are endangered.

    Sheep are also rapidly losing diversity, with 160 breeds now extinct. The rise of synthetic materials has endangered the remaining breeds producing carpet wool in New Zealand and Australia, including the unique Tasmanian Elliottdale.

    The fleece of Elliotdale sheep has been used to make woollen carpets.
    Sue Curliss, CC BY-NC-ND

    Pigs fare little better. Australia’s 2.5 million pigs are predominantly Large White, Landrace and Duroc crossbreeds, while none of the eight remaining purebred pig breeds in Australia currently has more than 100 sows registered with the Rare Breeds Trust. While not all sows are registered, we know breeds such as Tamworths are at dangerously low numbers.

    How did this happen? Over the past century, the goal of animal husbandry has shifted from breeding hardy, multipurpose animals to increasing performance for economic gain. For livestock, performance means more of what humans value, such as pigs with extra ribs, prolific egg-laying hens and sheep with finer wool.

    Huge sums have been spent on selective breeding and artificial insemination technologies. This, in turn, has made it possible for a small number of profitable livestock types to be farmed globally.

    For instance, when you buy a roast chicken, it will likely be one of just two types of fast-growing broilers (meat chickens), the Ross or the Cobb. Their genetics are developed and trademarked by two multinational agribusinesses who dominate the global broiler market.

    Chicken breed numbers have shrunk too, risking rare breeds such as Transylvanian naked neck cockerel bantams.
    Scott Carter, CC BY-NC-ND

    It’s hard to overstate how big the increases in production have been from reproductive technologies. In the dairy industry, for instance, milk yield per cow has doubled in the past 40 years. These volumes are around six times greater now than a century ago.

    Holsteins, the top dairy breed, have become globally dominant. Almost 1.4 million of Australia’s 1.65 million dairy cows are Holsteins. But as Holstein numbers soar, other breeds dwindle. Many farmers have simply stopped rearing other breeds, leading to many becoming endangered or extinct.

    For Holsteins themselves, this has come with a cost. Selective breeding for high milk volume has meant Holsteins suffer more medical issues such as metabolic diseases and frequent mastitis. They also have reduced fertility and longevity.

    Researchers have found 99% of Holstein bulls produced by artificial insemination in the United States are descended from just two sires. This wide dissemination of limited bloodlines has led to the spread of genetic defects.

    Holstein cows produce much more milk – but there’s a cost.
    VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock

    What is at stake?

    Our food systems face growing threats. Genetic diversity provides a safeguard for livestock species against lethal animal diseases such as H5N1 bird flu and African swine fever.

    If we rely on just a few breeds, we risk a wipe out. The Irish potato famine is a catastrophic example. In the 1800s, Irish farmers took up the “lumper” variety of potatoes to feed a growing population. But when fungal rot struck in the 1840s, it turned most of the crop to mush – and led to mass starvation.

    Some breeds have very useful traits, such as resistance to particular pests and diseases.

    Chickens and other birds die in swathes if infected by Newcastle disease, one of the most serious bird viruses. But breeds such as the hardy Egyptian Fayoumi survive better, while the European Leghorn – whose genetics are used in commercial egg-laying breeds – is highly susceptible.

    Local breeds can also have better resistance to endemic pests. The Indian zebu humped cattle breed, for example, is less prone to tick infestation than crossbreeds.

    Climate change is also making life harder for livestock, and some breeds are better adapted to heat than others.

    For different cultural groups, local heritage breeds also have unique symbolic and culinary value.

    While it’s well-known eating less meat would benefit ecosystems, animal welfare and human health, eating meat remains entrenched in our diets and the economy. Pursuing more sustainable and higher-welfare approaches to livestock production is crucial.

    Some Aussie farmers love heritage breeds

    A cohort of Australian farmers is working hard to conserve dozens of endangered livestock breeds such as Large Black pigs, Shropshire sheep and Belted Galloway cattle.

    A rare Belted Galloway cow with a one week old calf.
    Scott Carter, CC BY-NC-ND

    But these farmers are hampered by our reluctance as consumers to pay more to cover the cost of raising slower-growing breeds in free-range environments. Not only that, but meat processors are increasingly closing their doors to small-scale producers.

    Why persevere? For four years, I’ve conducted ethnographic research with Australia’s heritage breed farmers. I found they were motivated by one of the most powerful conservation tools we have: love.

    Of his endangered English Leicester sheep, one farmer told me:

    I consider them to be family; they have been our family for over 150 years. I talk to them, and the rams in particular talk to me. Sorry if I sound like a silly old man, but you must talk to them. I gave myself a 60th birthday present by commissioning a large portrait of an English Leicester head, which hangs in our kitchen (I do not have a painting of my wife).

    Love doesn’t often feature in agricultural research. But it is an important force. We know from wildlife conservation that humans will act to save what they love. This holds for livestock, too.

    What can you do? If you eat meat or work with wool, seek out rare breeds and join organisations such as the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance who back farmers supporting breed diversity.

    Catie Gressier receives funding from the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Project scheme as well as the European Research Council. She is affiliated with the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance.

    – ref. Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive – https://theconversation.com/hundreds-of-livestock-breeds-have-gone-extinct-but-some-australian-farmers-are-keeping-endangered-breeds-alive-250393

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 79-2025: Scheduled Service Disruption: Friday 21 March to Sunday 23 March 2025 – BICON, DAFF messaging, SeaPest

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    17 March 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients required to use the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned maintenance period.

    All clients submitting the below declarations:

    • Full Import Declaration (FID)
    • Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
    • Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
    • Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
    • Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)

    All…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on “PoliticsNation”

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on MSNBC’s “PoliticsNation” with Reverend Al Sharpton.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Just two months into Trump’s second term, the administration’s unprecedented policy moves on trade, immigration and civil rights put the President on a political collision course with the state he was born in and the city he once called home. Joining me now to talk about it in the studio is New York’s Democratic Governor, Kathy Hochul. Governor, first, thank you for being with us and thank you for your moving message at the funeral of NAACP Hazel Dukes. We were all so moved by what you had to say.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you. Your words were profound as well, Reverend Al.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Thank you. Governor, you met with President Trump at the White House on Friday. What can you share with us about that meeting in terms of the tone and the substance of your conversation?

    Governor Hochul: Well, I reached out to the President again because there is so much I need to deliver for New York and New York City in particular. I need to get Penn Station done and make sure we have money for the Second Avenue subway, which is so important.

    I want to make sure that we have an understanding on immigration that says, “We’ll help you when you have serious, violent criminals you need to get off the streets.” I’ve always said that. We’ve done that under the Biden Administration. But we’re not going to be there to allow you to just take people off the streets and split up families.

    And so, we had a conversation also about tariffs. I want to talk about the impact of tariffs on New York. It is devastating. Absolutely devastating for our farmers in upstate New York, for our factory workers who aren’t sure if they’re going to be able to do phase two of a major project that was in Buffalo, my hometown, right on the border with Canada. So, I needed to be able to continue the conversation with him on some of our energy policies. I talked about how important offshore wind was, talked about opportunities for small modular reactors so we could power the innovation economy in New York. I need to keep that dialogue going.

    But, they also understand this about me: My willingness to talk about areas where we could have a common interest in, does not take away from my responsibility as a leader of this state to fight back, and fight back hard, when the line is crossed and you’ve hurt New Yorkers or attacked our values.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Now, President Trump wants to get rid of the congestion pricing program you put in place. However, he also wants a natural gas pipeline built in New York State. And you mentioned — you just mentioned — he may be interested in a Penn Station redesign. Did you get the sense in your meeting with the President that he’s open to making deals on these issues?

    Governor Hochul: You know, I don’t want to get into private conversations, but I spent an enormous amount of my time in there talking about how congestion pricing is working. It really is working.

    I think a lot of people who are naysayers who said, “This is going to crush the City. Nobody’s going to come in,” they were wrong and I wanted him to see the data that I had — more recent numbers. Broadway is up, you know, retail sales are up $900 million, we have more people on the streets, walking around going into stores, and a 10 percent increase in riders on the subway.

    So all the fears that were out there are absolutely unfounded, and people are getting to the City so much faster. So I needed to help walk him through what I thought were the real reasons why we need to keep this and not have it shut down, which is what he said the administration would do beginning this Friday.

    But as I’ve said — and I was very aggressive in this — we are not turning off the cameras. This is our program, we put this in place, we have the proper approvals, and we feel, if necessary, we’ll be successful in court. But I was hoping it wouldn’t have to get that far, but time will tell.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Alright. New York was one of three northern states hit with surcharges on Canadian electricity this month after Trump imposed tariffs. What’s your message to the President on trade wars, and what can you do to protect the State economically?

    Governor Hochul: Our states, our residents, the people you promised to lower the cost of everything on day one — they’re the collateral damage in this war. And there may be some long term gain that the President sees, but why are we making people suffer right now? They’ve been through enough: Inflation, the pandemic — our people are hurting. They just want people to give them money back in their pockets.

    So that’s at odds with what I’m trying to do in New York, which is find a way to get over up to $5,000 in families’ pockets with child tax credits and the largest middle class tax rate cut in 70 years, and to put money from the inflation rebate. We collected so much money in sales tax because of inflation, and I want to put it back in people’s pockets.

    So, contrary to what is happening in Washington where they don’t seem to care about the people they promised lower prices, because tariffs will drive up prices. We are doing the exact opposite here in New York.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Now, two of your fellow New Yorkers, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, disagreed last week on whether to go along with Trump and the Republican spending bill. You’ve talked about leading the resistance against Trump, but you are also trying to work with him. What are your thoughts about the debate that’s going on within the Democratic Party about how to respond to the President?

    Governor Hochul: We need to get back on the same page because anytime we’re not like this, it benefits the Republicans. We need to realize that. And so, yes, families can disagree on an approach. I get that. But let us not forget who brought us here, who brought us to this place. We should not have had a continuing resolution that could hurt people, and the Republicans in the House who are voting for programs that could be devastating — we have to stop that and be smart about knowing who we’re attacking and who we have to go up against, and it’s not each other.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Now, let’s get to some local issues. You and I have worked together on combating crime in the streets and on the subways, and we’ve joined with Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan DA, Alvin Bragg, on the issue of discovery law reforms to make sure victims of crime get their day in court. I’m concerned about domestic violence and some of the records that they brought out to me about that — DA Bragg. Where are we with that?

    Governor Hochul: I have introduced legislation in my Budget — and we’re negotiating it right now, I’ll be back in Albany tomorrow and I’ll be negotiating on this — but what I want to do is talk about the reforms.

    Back in 2019, important reforms were put in place because the system was skewed against offenders. It really was. Prosecutors were withholding too much information, the law had to change, and I support that. But it has now gone the other way. The pendulum has swung so far that defense lawyers are scamming the system, withholding information to the last minute, or that they’re saying that if even a tiny bit of information that you already have a duplicate bit of information that confirms it — that’s a reason to throw out a case altogether.

    And you’re absolutely right. It is the victims of domestic violence and rape. Think about the women who had to go through the horrible, horrible process of exposing their lives, being willing to prosecute someone and go stand up against someone who harmed them. And then to have a judge and prosecutors say, “We can’t bring it forward because the information was too late.” I mean, I’m talking about minor technicalities. If there’s something significant, yes, of course you should not have the case dismissed. But I’m talking about just fixing the system, because before the reforms were put in place, 42 percent of cases brought in New York City were dismissed. Now it’s 62 percent. That’s a lot of people based on technicalities. And I want the Legislature to understand that. And your voice is so important, and I appreciate you standing up for these victims.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: I’m concerned about when I saw the data on domestic abuse.

    Finally, Governor, a lot has happened since we last spoke in the race. A lot has happened in the race for New York City Mayor. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced he’s running. What are your thoughts about the kind of leaders New Yorkers should be looking toward at this moment?

    Governor Hochul: They should be looking for somebody who will work with the Governor. Now, that has not always been the practice, as you’ve seen historically.

    I worked with Bill de Blasio in the end of his term. I worked with Eric Adams. We don’t need the conflict that has historically defined the relationship, because you know who gets hurt when the Governor and the Mayor are fighting? The people of New York. I represent 8.3 million New York City residents as well.

    And that’s why I focused on public safety, paying for overtime on the overnight subway trains so people feel safer. Also, $1 billion to build more housing. I want to keep doing this, but I need someone who’s not looking to be at war with the Governor, who will actually be a partner. So that’s all I’m looking for, and I’ll work with anybody, as long as they want to focus on the agenda that I have put forth that is for New York City residents.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Does that mean late in the primary you may make an endorsement?

    Governor Hochul: I am not endorsing in this. I do not vote in this great city, although I live here three, four days a week, and I will not be making an endorsement.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: But you want someone that will work with the Governor?

    Governor Hochul: Someone who’s smart enough to know to work with me, because otherwise, it won’t be fun.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: And we’ll have to figure out who we think you might best work with.

    Governor Hochul: Get me a real partner.

    Reverend Al Sharpton, MSNBC: Thank you for being with us, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils plan on special initiatives to boost consumption

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Consumers learn about relevant policies during a consumer goods trade-in event in Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province, May 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China on Sunday made public a plan on special initiatives to increase consumption, as the world’s second-largest economy moves to make domestic demand the main engine and anchor of economic growth.

    The plan, issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, aims to vigorously boost consumption, stimulate domestic demand across the board, and increase spending power by raising earnings and reducing financial burdens.

    It also aims to generate effective demand through high-quality supply, improve the consumption environment to strengthen consumer willingness to spend, and address prominent constraints on consumption.

    The plan, organized into eight major sections, adopts a holistic approach by simultaneously addressing factors such as income growth, service consumption quality enhancement, big-ticket consumption upgrading, and consumption environment improvement.

    The plan aims to promote reasonable wage growth by strengthening employment support in response to economic conditions and improving the minimum wage adjustment mechanisms. China will expand property income channels through measures to stabilize the stock market and develop more bond products suitable for individual investors.

    The plan calls for exploring ways to unlock the values of houses legally owned by farmers through rental arrangements, equity participation and cooperative models.

    Notably, the plan emphasizes both traditional consumption sectors like housing and automobiles, alongside emerging categories such as artificial intelligence-powered products, low-altitude economy and silver tourism.

    China will accelerate the development and application of new technologies and products including autonomous driving, smart wearables, ultra-high-definition video, brain-computer interfaces, robotics and additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, to create new high-growth consumption sectors.

    These measures reveal a geographically nuanced approach, with targeted policies for rural areas, regions rich in ice and snow resources, and urban centers — allowing local authorities flexibility via implementation based on regional conditions.

    Support will be given to ice and snow resource-rich regions to help them develop into globally recognized winter tourism destinations. The plan also emphasizes developing inbound consumption by systematically expanding unilateral visa-free arrangements and optimizing regional visa-free entry policies.

    By connecting consumer spending to broader social goals like elderly care improvement, childcare support and work-life balance, the plan embeds consumption growth within China’s wider development objectives, signaling that consumption is being positioned not just as an economic target but as a means to enhance quality of life.

    Accordingly, China will consider establishing a childcare subsidy system. It will guide eligible regions to include individuals in flexible employment, rural migrant workers, and those in new forms of employment who are covered by the basic medical insurance for employees, in the country’s childbirth insurance program.

    Regarding elderly care, the country will in 2025 increase the fiscal subsidies for basic old-age benefits and basic medical insurance for rural and non-working urban residents. Additionally, basic pension benefits for retirees will be appropriately raised.

    The country will work to strictly implement the paid annual leave system — ensuring that workers’ rights to rest and vacation are legally protected. It will also prohibit the unlawful extension of working hours.

    Financial institutions will be encouraged to increase the issuance of personal consumption loans, provided risks are controllable. They should reasonably set loan limits, terms and interest rates, according to the plan.

    Zou Yunhan, a researcher with the State Information Center, said consumption is playing an increasingly important role in boosting economic growth, but that some challenges still remain in the quest to further unlock consumer potential.

    Looking ahead, Zou called for collective efforts from all sectors to fully implement the action plan and ensure its effectiveness. “Driven by innovation and supportive policy initiatives, China’s consumer market is poised for steady growth this year. New opportunities are emerging, which will provide a strong impetus for the country’s high-quality economic development.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 77-2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – Descroes BV (AEI: BE4001SB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    17 March 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have suspended Descroes BV (AEI: BE4001SB) from AusTreat.

    The treatment provider has been listed as ‘suspended’…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: There’s plenty of pork on Chinese forks, but the environment is paying a heavy price

    Source: University of South Australia

    17 March 2025

    Pork accounts for at least 60% of all meat eaten in China, but its popularity exacts a heavy toll on the environment that has proven tricky to resolve until now.

    A new study by Chinese and Australian researchers has identified a sustainable solution to mitigating excessive amounts of copper found in the 3.8 billion tons of pig manure turned into organic fertiliser to increase crop yields.

    Although an essential nutrient in small doses, high concentrations of copper – added to pig feed to promote growth – is toxic to plants, soil, water and humans.

    Researchers from China’s Fujian Normal University and the University of South Australia have demonstrated that adding green-synthesised iron nanoparticles (G-nFe) to pig manure neutralises the amount of bioavailable copper in piggery effluent, reducing the environmental risks.

    China has regulations limiting the amount of copper allowed in pig feed, but the scale of livestock farming keeps increasing to feed a population of 1.4 billion people, making it difficult to control the huge amount of manure and sewage released into the environment.

    Experiments undertaken by researchers showed that adding G-nFe to pig manure compost reduced exchangeable cooper by 66.8%, carbonate-bound copper by 47.5%, and iron-manganese oxide-bound copper by 15.4%.

    “This process was able to convert free copper into a less bioavailable form, reducing the potential for uptake by plants,” according to UniSA environmental chemist, Associate Professor Gary Owens, who was part of the study.

    Residual copper levels initially increased by a third in the first five days before declining by over 60.9% over the full composting period.

    The study findings have recently been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

    China processes approximately 628 million pigs annually, making it the world’s largest pork producer.

    Nearly half of the 3.8 billion tons of the resulting pig manure is inadequately treated, researchers say, and the heavy metal and organic pollutants are causing widespread environmental contamination.

    While pig manure has traditionally been valued s an inexpensive organic fertiliser for Chinese farmers, it is increasingly posing a serious problem due to the heavy metal contamination, posing a challenge for both government and researchers seeking economically viable solutions.

    Green synthesised iron nanoparticles have been widely used to remediate water and soil contamination due to its cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and strong absorption rates.

    However, this is the first study to explore its use in organic compost to remediate heavy metal pollution.

    “This research presents a significant step forward in addressing heavy metal contamination in agricultural waste,” according to Assoc Prof Owens.

    “By using green-synthesised iron nanoparticles, we can not only improve the safety of composted pig manure, but also contribute to more sustainable farming practices.”

    The researchers plan to test G-nFe’s efficiency in larger composting systems using fresh pig manure, hoping to encourage stakeholders in the livestock and composting sectors to adopt the process.

    A video explaining the research is available at https://youtu.be/CoEz82qlSq8

    Notes for editors

    “Enhanced Copper Passivation in Pig Manure Composting through Iron Nanoparticle Amendment” is authored by researchers from Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, and the University of South Australia. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177950

    The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.

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

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
    Researcher contact: Associate Professor Gary Owens E: gary.owens@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Raises Canadian National Flag at Colorado State Capitol to Celebrate March 15th as Colorado Canada Friendship Day

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis will celebrate Colorado Canada Friendship Day by raising the Canadian National Flag at the Colorado State Capitol, and in the evening, lighting up the Capitol with the Canadian white and red. 

    “From maple syrup to hockey players and much more, we in Colorado appreciate our friendship and close ties with Canada. Raising the Canadian flag today is symbolic of our friendship, showing that when we work together, even in challenging times, we grow our economy and make the people of both sovereign nations better off. I am grateful for our friends to the north, and look forward to annually celebrating Colorado Canada Friendship day,” said Governor Polis. 

    “Thank you, Governor Polis, for recognizing the strength of the Canada and Colorado relationship. Canadians appreciate your gesture today. I am proud to see Canada’s flag flying alongside Colorado’s at the State Capitol, which reaffirms our partnership, friendship, and alliance!” said Sylvain Fabi, Consul General of Canada in Denver. 

    In 2023, Colorado exported $1.8 billion in Colorado goods and produce to Canada, accounting for 18% of Colorado’s trade exports. Nearly a quarter of those exports were from Colorado beef, supporting our local hardworking farmers and ranchers. In the same year, 176,612 visitors traveled from Canada to enjoy Colorado, strengthening our tourism industry and supporting small businesses and our economy. Colorado is also home to 272 Canadian-owned companies employing 21,000 Colorado workers. The Capital will be lit red and white tonight to showcase. Colorado Canada friendship. 

    The Governor will also be hosting a Colorado Mexico Friendship Day. Details are forthcoming. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President leads working visit to Japan

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Sunday, March 16, 2025

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Sunday undertake a working visit to Tokyo, in Japan.

    The Presidency said the visit, from 16 – 19 March 2025, is aimed at “reaffirming the strong cooperation between” the countries in areas of mutual interest.

    “The two countries enjoy well established diplomatic relations, and the year 2025 marks 115 years of such relations. The working visit by the Deputy President underscores South Africa’s strong commitment and the importance that South Africa attaches to the relationship with Japan.

    “During the working visit, the Deputy President and his delegation will meet with the Japanese Government and private sector stakeholders to advance South Africa’s key economic growth drivers, such as manufactured-led growth and increasing South Africa’s exports,” the Presidency said in a statement on Saturday.

    The Deputy President will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Tandi Moraka; Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane; Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, Trade Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau; and Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister,  Nomalungelo Gina. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Majodina commends progress in Clanwilliam Dam wall project

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina the department will ensure the acceleration of the R5.7 billion project to raise Clanwilliam Dam wall situated in Olifants River, Western Cape.

    Majodina made the remarks during an oversight visit at the dam on Saturday.

    The mega project in Cederberg Municiaplity, is one of the department’s priority projects, and is expected to be completed in 2028.

    “Let us ensure that we accelerate the project so that it can be finalised on time. The project will not only determine the safety of the dam but will also bring economic spin-offs to the area of Clanwilliam and its surroundings. 

    “I am satisfied with the progress of the project and the multiple work that is running concurrently. This will speed up the completion of the project,” Majodina said.

    According to the department, the project is “part of the Olifants-Doorn River Water Resources Project (ODRWP) currently under way”.

    “The concrete placement of the dam’s Apron started in March and was completed in June last year. This is a construction of a concrete structure below the dam to protect it against water washes in the dam or to form a basin to control flows. The apron also prevents sediments, organic matter, and pollutants to potentially reduce storage capacity and impacting on the water quality, 

    “The completed project will supply raw water from the Clanwilliam Dam to the farmers, municipalities, mines and industries in the Olifants River valley between the dam and the estuary (river mouth). The pre-construction activities at the dam commenced in 2018 and the construction progress is currently at 21% as of 01 March 2025,” the department said.

    The project has been broken down into several components with the main component “the alignment of the N7 National Route completed in 2017”.

    “The dam wall was last raised between 1962 and 1966, with the overspill crest that was increased by 3 metres in length and 13 crest gates raised by 3.05 metres, each at 7.77 metres wide.

    “The completed project will not only improve the dam safety standards under high flood conditions but will also improve assurance of water supply to the existing irrigators. The newly renovated dam will also increase its annual yield by approximately 70 million cubic metres per year, thereby benefitting and developing the emerging and small-scale farmers in the area,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Turning a new page for village readers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Li Cuili was regarded as kind of a “weirdo” when she decided to open a library at her convenience store providing books for villagers to read for free in 2008.
    While others were busy making a living, Li, a farmer who later opened a store in Lishi village, Neihuang county, Anyang, Henan province, thought bigger and wanted to improve the cultural atmosphere in the village through the power of books.
    That wish initially came from a mother’s love for her child. That year, she watched a performance at her village with her son. To her surprise, the show was vulgar and unsuitable for children.
    Feeling anxious that children would grow up and be exposed to such an environment, she wanted to change the situation and began to offer books for villagers, because, she believes, “books are mostly beneficial”.
    From feeling doubtful to offering support, villagers have seen Li’s Weiguang Library grow from a small space that managed to survive with only 200 books to a village cultural activity center, with a collection of 5,000-6,000 books. Through her efforts, she saw reading gradually taking shape at her hometown. Now 45 years old, she has also been elected as a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress and president of Lishi village’s women’s federation.
    The library’s name Weiguang means “dim light”.
    “I named it Weiguang because it is only about putting several books on the shelves of a village store. It was initially a modest endeavor. Yet, no matter how faint the light, it has the power to keep the fire burning,” says Li.
    At the very beginning, due to the lack of a reading or literary culture, no villager came forward to borrow her books, although she offered them for free. Li decided to attract children first. She offered sugar to children who came to read, borrow books and write book reviews. In this way, more and more children were attracted to the library.
    Their parents were surprised to discover children behaved much better than before, as they stopped rushing to play on the streets after school but went to Li’s library to read. Then villagers began to speak highly of Li’s efforts and offer support, and many of them began to borrow books as well and worked as volunteers at the library in their free time.
    With the growing popularity, Li encountered new but pleasant problems as she could not get enough books to meet demand.
    “Besides my books, all those I could get from relatives and friends were put in the library. But since people borrowed books for free, many of them didn’t return them. Some damaged books also needed to be removed from circulation. Therefore, the number of books declined significantly,” says Li.
    As a result, she had to get more. Other than the necessary family expenses, she spent all her money buying books, but they were not enough. Since she could not afford so many new books, she tried every means to get more, like buying from secondhand stores and waste stations in the county and asking people to donate books online.
    For a while, she rode a trishaw in the county, with introductions to her library on it, as a way of publicity to rent or get more books. Some people pointed at her and made snide remarks.
    “There’s the weirdo coming”, or words in that vein were often uttered within earshot.
    One winter some years ago, she rode the trishaw to a county institute to collect books that had been promised to her. She left home at 5 am and rode for 40 minutes braving the cold because she was happy to get more books. But when she arrived, she was informed by staff that the books had been considered worthless and sold to a waste station.
    Walking out of the door of the institute, she was greeted by the rising sun. She faced the sun and cried out of tiredness and frustration.
    Besides the difficulties caused by her expenditure, she felt a creeping doubt as to whether what she was doing was worthwhile.
    But her readers encouraged her.
    Li was impressed by a girl named Liu Caijin. About a decade ago, the girl often came to her library to read. A primary school student, she was too short to reach the bookshelves, so she’d move wooden stools to reach up.
    One day, Li asked her what she wanted to become in the future. To her surprise, Liu said, “I also want to open a store which has a library, providing books for people to read for free.”
    “Now she is at a university, and I know she will not open a store. But I’m still moved when I remember her words. As the saying goes, it takes 10 years to grow a tree yet 100 years to bring up a person. Cultivating people is never something that can be done in a short time. I have often questioned if my library is meaningful, because it’s so small. But at that moment, her words of affirmation consolidated my resolution to persist,” says Li.
    Many children who read books at the library have now grown up and as adults they support Li in their own ways. For example, some of them donate books to Li, some work as volunteers and others hold activities in the library.
    With the growing popularity of her library, more support from society was offered to her work. With donations from nonprofit organizations, the library was renovated several times, tackling problems like water leakage. Book donations have continued to pour in.
    “Now the pressure to run the library does not feel so heavy. Weiguang Library can continue to play a role today because many people have poured their love into it,” says Li.
    She has also worked to build the library into a cultural activity center, encouraging villagers to give lectures and participate in manual courses and scientific experiments. This has turned the library into an additional classroom for the villagers.
    “I was impressed by Peking University Professor Wang Zizhou’s words — ‘a school in a library can be much more important than a library in a school’. I hope people not only read books, but also ‘read’ films, music and even a broader world here,” says Li.
    Jin Yan, a 24-year-old animal husbandry professional, says Li’s library has been an indispensable part of her life as she grew up. She often went to the library to read when in primary school, borrowed books regularly when she was a middle school student and worked as a volunteer helping to organize activities when she attended vocational high school.
    “I was very introverted in childhood, but through organizing and participating in activities at the Weiguang Library, I opened up to people more. That changed my character,” she says.
    Now, working as an NPC deputy, Li pays a lot of attention to nationwide reading, which encourages more such activity among the public across the country from this year’s Government Work Report. Li says villagers reading books is an important part of realizing the goal.
    “Villages often lag behind cities in development. Therefore, we need to accelerate efforts in encouraging reading. The country’s nationwide reading initiative not only advocates more reading, but also leads to appreciating films, dramas, and understanding daily events and even people,” says Li.
    “For example, it’s almost impossible to persuade senior villagers to read books, since many of them have difficulty reading. But the old people themselves are just like books, who can share their stories with younger people, making young people feel like reading books. In the process, the old people are also reading their own books,” says Li.
    Li believes cultural construction is an important part of rural vitalization, since lack of education and ignorance is behind many problems in villages. Therefore, she suggests more guidance and supervision on rural cultural markets and more social forces participating in shaping rural culture.
    “It must be a long-term goal, requiring continuous efforts infusing cultural vitality into villages. I’m optimistic about its future,” says Li.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China expands marine ranching to boost food security

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    With an extensive coastline, China is turning to the vast ocean to bolster food security by building modern marine ranches.
    The construction of marine ranches, dubbed “blue granaries” in the vast blue ocean, highlights the nation’s efforts to diversify food supplies. With more investment and innovative technologies, China’s marine ranching industry is playing a role in strengthening food security.

    This file photo shows a marine ranch with eight giant aquaculture cages located 42 nautical miles off the coast of Yantai in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    FOOD SECURITY
    Chinese leaders have underscored the importance of utilizing both land and sea resources to enhance food production to feed a population of over 1.4 billion.
    This year’s “No. 1 central document” stresses that work must be done to build a diversified food supply system and adopt an all-encompassing approach to agriculture and food.
    It says that efforts will be made to expand food resources through multiple channels, including promoting the high-quality development of fisheries and supporting the development of deep-sea and far-sea aquaculture and the construction of marine ranches.

    An aerial drone photo taken on March 13, 2025 shows fishers driving boats to the fish farming area at a marine ranch in Rongcheng City, east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    In recent years, marine ranching has gained momentum along China’s coast. In 2024, the city of Shanwei, in the southern province of Guangdong, invested more than 2 billion yuan (about 279 million U.S. dollars) to build eight marine ranches as well as cold chain and sales facilities.
    To date, China has built more than 180 national-level marine ranches. The eastern province of Shandong ranked top with 71 national-level marine ranches, accounting for 38 percent of the country’s total, said Zhang Jiandong, head of the Oceanic Administration of Shandong Province.
    SMART AQUACULTURE
    The technological advances, including automated feeding and underwater imaging systems, have transformed the aquaculture industry.
    As the spring aquatic farming season started recently, Liu Yulei started his work on a marine ranch with eight giant aquaculture cages located 42 nautical miles off the coast of Yantai.

    An aerial drone photo taken on March 13, 2025 shows fishers driving boats to the fish farming area at a marine ranch in Rongcheng City, east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Each cage, 68 meters long and wide, could enclose 94,000 cubic meters of seawater, providing an optimal environment for 1 million fish with an annual fish catch of 1,000 tonnes.
    “The fish farm is built here with Class I water quality and suitable temperature and salinity,” Liu said. “With strong currents moving at 1.5 meters per second, the water in the cage could be completely refreshed within dozens of seconds, much more frequently than in traditional aquaculture facilities.”
    Modern technology has made fish farming more efficient. “Work on the marine ranch is busy but far easier than traditional fish farming. Only four workers can oversee a cage,” Liu added.
    Each giant cage is equipped with advanced sonar, lidar and binocular vision systems that allow workers to monitor the fish population, distribution and health, equipment, water quality, hydrology, and meteorological conditions in real time.

    This file photo shows a marine ranch with eight giant aquaculture cages located 42 nautical miles off the coast of Yantai in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    “We used to lack proper feeding knowledge, which led to excessive food waste accumulating on the seabed. Now, with scientific breeding, we have significantly improved both quality and output while also protecting the marine environment,” said Luan Jianguo from another marine ranch off Changdao Island of Yantai.
    A local fishing company purchases juvenile fish of certain sizes from local seafood farmers. The partnership means a faster return on investment, lower financial risks, and a larger seafood production with better quality.
    NEW OPPORTUNITIES
    Marine ranching also creates new business opportunities as some ranches offer travel services to tap into the consumer market better.
    Off the coast of Yantai’s Laishan District, the “Genghai No. 1” ecological marine ranch complex integrates aquaculture and tourism facilities to generate additional revenues.
    On weekends, tourists visit the complex for an immersive marine experience. On the main deck, visitors can engage in interactive activities such as a “deep-sea elevator” simulation using VR and AR devices. They can also participate in recreational fishing and enjoy the sea view.
    “We provide 71 sea-view hotel rooms, and guests can also enjoy freshly caught seafood at our canteen,” said Yan Haidong, deputy general manager of Shandong Ocean Harvest Corporation, which operates the complex.
    Low carbon is also at the core of the complex’s operation. “Our total installed solar and wind power capacity is 426 kW, with power generation of approximately 500,000 kWh annually,” Yan added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Savage Pet Recalls Savage Cat Food Chicken – Large and Small Boxes Because of Possible Bird Flu Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 15, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 15, 2025
    Product Type:
    Animal & Veterinary
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Possible Bird Flu Health Risk

    Company Name:
    Savage Pet
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Savage Pet

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cat Food Chicken

    Company Announcement
    Savage Pet of El Cajon, CA is recalling 66 Large Chicken Boxes 84 oz. and 74 Small Chicken Boxes 21 oz. with the lot code/best by date of 11152026 because it has the potential to contain H5N1, also known as bird flu .
    Savage Cat Food Large Chicken Boxes and Small Chicken Boxes were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.
    People who fed cats the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs like tremors, stiff body movements, seizure, lack of coordination, or blindness. People with cats exhibiting these signs after feeding this product should immediately contact their veterinarian.
    While no human infections have been identified among people handling raw pet food products, humans can become infected if live virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. People should wash their hands while handling raw products and sanitize contact surfaces. People who handled the recalled products should watch for symptoms of bird flu, including eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, trouble breathing, seizures, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting. People exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider and local health department.
    In February, Savage Pet was made aware of one cat in Colorado who contracted H5N1, got sick and recovered. Colorado State University Laboratory tested sealed packets of Savage Cat Food using PCR testing for H5N1. The PCR test results were “non-negative”. The product with “non-negative” PCR results was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa for virus isolation testing.
    The product in question was removed from the market while awaiting final test results. On 02/17/25 every retailer who may have received the lot code in question was contacted and informed to return it for proper destruction.
    On 03/06/25 the NVSL virus isolation testing results confirmed the virus to be negative.
    On 3/13/2025 Savage Pet was made aware of an additional case in New York of a kitten that was feeding lot 11152026 who contracted avian flu. Further testing is ongoing.
    To ensure maximum safety we are modifying our market withdrawal to a recall.
    The product with lot code/best by date of 11152026 was distributed in November 2024. The boxes are cardboard and contain individual plastic packets inside. The lot code/best by date is stamped on the bottom and on each packet.
    Do not feed the recalled product to pets or animals. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Consumers who have purchased this lot code are urged to immediately return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund.
    For more information contact us at info@savagecatfood.com or by calling 619.270.0295.

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finalists Selected in NASA Aeronautics Agriculture-Themed Competition 

    Source: NASA

    Eight finalist teams participating in the 2025 NASA Gateways to Blue Skies Competition have been selected to present to a panel of judges their design concepts for aviation solutions that can help the agriculture industry. 
    Sponsored by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, this year’s competition asked teams of university students to research new or improved aviation solutions to support agriculture. The goal of the competition, titled AgAir: Aviation Solutions for Agriculture, is to enhance production, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to extreme weather. Participants submitted proposals and accompanying videos summarizing their AgAir concepts and describing how they could demonstrate benefits by 2035 or sooner.  
    “We continue to see a growing interest in our competition with a tremendous response to this year’s agricultural theme – so many great ideas fueled by the passion of our future workforce,” said Steven Holz, NASA Aeronautics University Innovation assistant project manager and co-chair of the Gateways to Blue Skies judging panel. “We are excited to see how each finalist team fleshes out their original concept in their final papers, infographics, and presentations.” 
    The eight finalist teams will each receive stipends to facilitate their participation in the culminating Gateways to Blue Skies Forum, which will be held near NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California, May 20-21 and livestreamed globally. Finalists will present to a panel of NASA and industry experts, and the winning team will have the opportunity to intern at one of NASA’s aeronautics centers during the coming academic year. 

    steven holz
    NASA Aeronautics University Innovation Assistant Project Manager

    The finalists’ projects and their universities are: 
    Proactive Resource Efficiency via Coordinated Imaging and Sprayer ExecutionAuburn University, in Alabama
    Precision Land Analysis and Aerial Nitrogen TreatmentBoston University
    Pheromonal Localization Overpopulation Regulation AircraftColumbia University, in New York
    Sky Shepherd: Autonomous Aerial Cattle MonitoringEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida
    Hog Aerial Mitigation SystemHouston Community College, in Texas
    Soil Testing and Plant Leaf Extraction DroneSouth Dakota State University, in Brookings
    RoboBeesUniversity of California, Davis
    CattleLog Cattle Management SystemUniversity of Tulsa, in Oklahoma
    The agriculture industry is essential for providing food, fuel, and fiber to the global population. However, it faces significant challenges. NASA Aeronautics is committed to supporting commercial, industrial, and governmental partners in advancing aviation systems to modernize agricultural capabilities.  
    The Gateways to Blue Skies competition is sponsored by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate’s University Innovation Project and is managed by the National Institute of Aerospace. 
    More information on the competition is available on the  AgAir: Aviation Solutions for Agriculture competition website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sea eagle management boost

    Source: Scottish Government

    Further support to help farmers and crofters.

    Livestock farmers and crofters impacted by sea eagle predation will benefit from further support to help with the management and trial of new methods of prevention of livestock loss.  

    White-tailed eagles predate lambs and young sheep in some locations  which continues to have a significant emotional and financial impact on affected farming and crofting businesses.

    The Scottish Government will provide NatureScot with an additional £534,000 taking the total for the 2025-26 Sea Eagle Management Scheme to £970,000 ensuring more support for those worst impacted.

    This will allow the maximum standard measures payment of £1,500 to help with increased shepherding and monitoring to be increased to £1,800. The cap for the contribution to enhanced measures payment will double from £5,000 to £10,000 which will help increase the time spent by shepherds in the lambing parks during the period of lambing.

    There will also be additional support provided to be shared by farms most severely impacted and which wish to develop more bespoke approaches including indoor lambing to reduce the risk of predation.

    Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

    “We recognise that we need to ensure a balanced approach where species such as white tailed eagles come into conflict with agricultural activity especially sheep farming. The emotional and financial impacts for those worst affected cannot be underestimated.

    “I’ve been working with officials and NatureScot, as well as listening to the views of producers, to agree a way forward that allows our valued farmers and crofters to continue to successfully work the land at the same time as living alongside the sea eagle population.

    “With lambing season upon us again I hope this increase in support will help mitigate the impact and manage the tension between wildlife conservation efforts and our vital farming communities.”

    Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot Director of the Green Economy, said:

    “We welcome the Scottish Government’s increase in funding for this year’s Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS), which will more than double the existing £436,000 available.

    “We are pleased to confirm that agreements will be extended or offered on that basis, with the focus being on those carrying out enhanced measures. New applicants and those with existing agreements will be contacted shortly with details of this year’s arrangements and payments. There will also be additional funding available to develop and test more in-depth management techniques for those suffering significant impacts.

    “We are committed to helping land managers to live alongside our most treasured and protected species. This additional funding clearly recognises that predation of livestock by sea eagles can have an impact on farms and crofts and this underpins commitments to support and offset the costs of farming and crofting in the presence of sea eagles.”

    Background

    Species reintroductions – Wildlife management – gov.scot

    Sea Eagle Management Scheme | NatureScot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Skyward Specialty Welcomes Patricia Ryan as General Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.™ (Nasdaq: SKWD) (“Skyward Specialty” or “the Company”) a leader in the specialty property and casualty (P&C) market, has recruited Patricia Ryan as the Company’s new General Counsel effective Tuesday, April 1 following the upcoming retirement of Leslie Shaunty, Skyward Specialty’s long-time General Counsel, after nearly 12 years of dedicated service. Ms. Shaunty will continue through the end of 2025 in a support and transition capacity.

    Ms. Ryan has extensive experience across a broad range of insurance legal competencies including compliance and regulatory matters, corporate governance and enterprise risk management, securities, products and contract law. With more than 20 years in the insurance industry, she has held Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and other senior legal and human resources leadership positions at Trean Insurance Group, HDI Global, QBE North America, and Allianz/Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. Additionally, Ms. Ryan spent more than a decade in private practice before joining the insurance sector.

    Ms. Ryan holds a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in economics and history from the University of Illinois.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Patty to the Skyward Specialty team,” said Robinson. “Her deep legal expertise and proven leadership in the industry make her a welcome addition to our executive team. We look forward to her contributions as we continue to drive innovation and excellence in the industry.” said Andrew Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Skyward Specialty.

    Robinson further commented, “Leslie has been a key member of our executive leadership team providing product development, legal, compliance and strategic leadership. Her expertise, drive and work rate were central to our highly successful IPO, each subsequent follow-on offering, and performance as a public company. We are incredibly grateful for her many contributions. On behalf of the entire executive leadership team, we thank Leslie for her lasting impact and wish her the very best in her retirement.”

    About Skyward Specialty
    Skyward Specialty is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through eight underwriting divisions — Accident & Health, Captives, Global Property & Agriculture, Industry Solutions, Professional Lines, Programs, Surety and Transactional E&S.

    Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, Great Midwest Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. For more information about Skyward Specialty, its people, and its products, please visit skywardinsurance.com.

    Media Contact
    Haley Doughty
    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
    713-935-4944
    hdoughty@skywardinsurance.com

    Investor Contact
    Natalie Schoolcraft
    Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
    614-494-4988
    nschoolcraft@skywardinsurance.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Ongoing medical needs amid relentless attacks in eastern Ukraine

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    In eastern Ukraine, Dobropillia, Donetsk oblast (region) — less than 20 kilometres from the frontline — has recently faced some of the worst shelling since the escalation of the war in 2022. As attacks continue, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are working to ensure urgent medical care is available to those caught in the violence.

    “We hear heartbreaking stories from our patients,” says Oleksandr Makarevych, MSF Emergency Manager in Ukraine. “People tell us how they ran out of burning houses. Some were trapped inside their flats as the fire spread and couldn’t escape. One woman told us that her neighbours died in the bathroom, where they tried to hide during the attack.”

    A former city of refuge now faces frequent attacks 

    Dobropillia, a city of miners and farmers, was once home to almost 40,000 people. Now, only 20,000 people remain, despite the growing danger. Because of its location, war-wounded and vulnerable people from nearby towns — including Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, and Kostiantynivka — were evacuated to Dobropillia for emergency medical care. However, now the city is under constant threat. 

    “People are living under permanent stress,” says Thomas Marchese, MSF Programme Director in Ukraine. “Missile attacks have become more frequent. When sirens go off, people have only seconds to reach shelters — and many elderly people, people with disabilities, or families with children cannot make it in time.” 

    “Even in basements, they are not completely safe. If a building collapses, people could be trapped under rubble,” says Marchese. “For the past three years of full-scale war, we’ve witnessed these devastating consequences repeatedly — in Donetsk region, Sumy, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.”

    MSF assisting in medical evacuations

    Since 2022, MSF ambulances have been working closely with Dobropillia’s hospital, helping to transport patients to safer facilities further from the frontlines. Following the massive attack at the beginning of March, which killed 11 people and injured at least 50, MSF ambulance teams referred 25 patients from Dobropillia to hospitals in Dnipro, five of whom were in critical condition. 

    Building destroyed by shelling in Donetsk region.
    MSF

    Among those evacuated was a woman suffering severe burns to her face and eyes, along with blast injuries and head trauma. She and her husband had briefly left Dobropillia to stay with relatives in Dnipro but returned home to collect belongings — when shelling began.

    “There were so many wounded that even the hospital corridors were filled with patients,” says Serhii Tkachenko, MSF feldsher. “[The patient’s] oxygen levels were dangerously low, so we transported her with oxygen support.” 

    Another patient was a young man with an open fracture to his leg, as well as blast injuries, head, and chest trauma. 

    “He ran to help others after the first explosion but was injured when more shells landed,” says Dr Hennadii Kyslytsia, an MSF doctor. “We managed his pain and monitored his vital signs during the referral.”

    Even if the war ends tomorrow, enormous needs will remain 

    What our teams see in Dobropillia is alarming: burned-out apartment blocks, scorched land, and desperate shortages of essential medicines and services. Local authorities continue to call on residents to evacuate. The nearest transit centre for displaced people is in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, where MSF mobile clinics also operate.

    “Sometimes, patients arrive with severe injuries that were left untreated for two or three days,” says Marchese. “By the time they get to us, their condition is critical.”

    MSF teams will continue to provide emergency care, evacuate the war-wounded, and support hospitals near the frontline. Even if the war ends tomorrow, the humanitarian and medical needs in Ukraine — especially in conflict areas — will remain enormous. People will need housing, access to medical care, and psychological support to recover from trauma and stress.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Highlights Health Care Priorities to CMS Nominee Dr. Mehmet Oz

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, laid out his health care priorities during a hearing to consider Dr. Mehmet Oz’s nomination to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Oz committed to supporting Grassley’s efforts to lower prescription drug costs, strengthen rural health care, help kids with exceptional medical needs, preserve transitional health plans and improve the agency’s responsiveness to Congress.

    Video and excerpts from Grassley follow.

    [embedded content]

    PBMs:

    “I’ve been working to hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable to lower prescription drug costs. I expect you to work with us to hold these powerful drug middlemen accountable and support rural pharmacies.”

    Rural Health Care:

    “I expect you to protect and support access to rural health care. To help achieve this, I believe CMS could take the following actions right away:

    1. Fill the open spots in the Rural Community Hospital demonstration program,
    2. Distribute the new physician residency slots to rural hospitals as the law requires, and
    3. Ensure the Rural Emergency Hospital Program is working for rural communities.”

    Kids with Exceptional Needs:

    “I expect you to take action to improve care and reduce red tape for kids with complex medical needs. This includes working with states so they can establish health homes for these kids, as my bipartisan ACE Kids law enabled.”

    Transitional Health Plans:

    “Since 2013, CMS under Presidents Obama, Trump and Biden have issued non-enforcement memos to allow transitional health plans to be maintained. About 35,000 Iowa farmers and small business owners have maintained health insurance coverage with these plans for over a decade. This is health insurance that was purchased after Obamacare became law, but before it was implemented. I expect you to keep access to these health plans.”

    Waste, Fraud and Abuse:

    “Improper payments in our major health care programs have averaged $122 billion annually over the past five years. I’m the author of major and more recent updates to the federal government’s most powerful tool in fighting fraud, the False Claims Act.

    “Since the enactment of these reforms, the federal government has recovered more than $78 billion lost to fraud. It has saved billions more by deterring would-be fraudsters. CMS with the Justice Department must aggressively go after waste, fraud, and abuse and empower whistleblowers.”

    Congressional Oversight:

    “Oversight allows us to hold bureaucrats accountable to the rule of law, and it helps keep faith with taxpayers. I expect CMS to provide timely and complete responses to congressional oversight.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes No on Republican Continuing Resolution 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today voted against congressional Republicans’ Continuing Resolution (CR), which would give the Trump Administration authority to strip funding without oversight by Congress and cut billions from previously bipartisan programs and initiatives. Senator Welch released the following expanded statement on the CR: 
    “Instead of funding the government, this bill makes drastic cuts to critical programs Vermonters rely on and gives unprecedented power to President Trump and Elon Musk to continue their reckless, illegal rampage. I could not vote for a bill that makes radical cuts—totaling billions of dollars—to funding for law enforcement, infrastructure re-development, disaster response and mitigation, cancer research, and more. I could not vote for a bill that gives a blank check to President Trump to inflict more punitive tariffs on American businesses, farmers, and families. I could not vote for a bill that allows Trump and Musk to cut federal funding at their whim and defund programs entirely without congressional approval or oversight,” said Senator Welch.  
    “It’s wrong for congressional Republicans to jeopardize Vermonters’ health, safety, and financial wellbeing so they can play games with the budget process. Republicans walked away from bipartisan negotiations on a budget because President Trump told them to.  They are, yet again, ceding Congress’s constitutional authority to Donald Trump and hurting Americans in the process,” concluded Welch. 
    The Republicans’ CR makes drastic cuts to funding, and would result in fewer jobs, higher prices, and more chaos: 

    The bill cuts more than $247 million from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program, which funds community safety and policing grants to local, state, and tribal governments. 
    The bill cuts congressionally directed medical research programs at the Department of Defense by more than half, totaling $859 million.  
    The bill gives an $8 million blank check to the Trump Administration to use for mass deportations.  
    The bill underfunds rental assistance by $500 million, which could result in fewer housing vouchers for Vermonters who need safe, affordable housing. 
    The bill only provides an additional $2.2 billion for FEMA’s disaster recovery, at a time when FEMA is estimated to require an additional $17 billion, in addition to the current funding levels, to respond to future natural disasters. 
    The bill will cut $1.4 billion in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, eliminating all funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which Congress passed in 2021. This could put flood recovery projects supported by the Army Corps in Vermont at risk. 
    The bill will cut the budget of the Federal Public Defender program, which would prevent them from filling vacant positions and require delayed payments to private panel attorneys. 
    The bill will cut $280 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), opening a pathway for Secretary Kennedy to remove spending from:

    Infectious diseases  
    Alzheimer’s 
    Lyme Disease  
    The Rural Residency Planning and Development Program 
    Maternal Health Innovation Program 
    Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program 
    Cancer Prevention Programs 
    Medication assisted treatment programs 
    First Responders grants 
    Child Abuse Prevention Program  
    Runaway and Homeless Youth Program; and  
    Elder Abuse Prevention and Adult Protective Services 

    The bill will cut $1.2 billion from the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction and related agencies, and potentially strip funding from health care efforts including:

    Homelessness prevention programs 
    Rural health  
    Suicide prevention 

    The bill will cut more than $1 billion from Washington D.C.’s budget, impacting education, law enforcement, housing and more. 

    Senator Welch announced he would vote against the bill on Wednesday. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa successfully hosts key G20 Working Groups and Task Force Meetings

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    As part of its G20 Presidency, South Africa has successfully hosted a series of high-level G20 working groups and task force meetings during this month, focusing on global challenges such as corruption, food security, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, and tourism.

    The first Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting, held in Cape Town from 3 to 5 March 2025, focused on mechanisms to enhance the implementation of legal instruments to fight corruption. 

    Cabinet said in a statement that this meeting was an opportunity for participants to establish the agenda and lay the groundwork for future discussions, encouraging dialogue and collaboration to strengthen anti-corruption strategies. 

    “During this meeting, participants discussed and agreed on these several key priorities which are strengthening Public Sector Integrity; Increasing Asset Recovery Efficiency; Inclusive Participation; and Whistle-Blower Protection,” Cabinet said.

    Agriculture Working Group

    The First Agriculture Working Group Meeting, held virtually on 3 and 4 March, discussed critical issues that affect agricultural stakeholders worldwide and agreed on priorities for the year ahead. 

    The group established four key priorities:

    • Promoting inclusive market participation and food security;
    • Empowering youth and women in agrifood systems;
    • Fostering innovation and technology transfer and
    • Building climate resilience for sustainable agriculture

    Tourism Working Group

    On 5 March, the First Tourism Working Group Meeting, also held virtually, deliberated on how tourism can be used to change people’s lives, communities and the world. 

    The group also identified four focus areas for the year ahead namely:

    • Leveraging People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to support travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs,
    • Enhancing tourism financing and investment to promote equality and sustainability,
    • Improving air connectivity for seamless travel, and
    • Boosting resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development.

    Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group

    First Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting also held virtually on 5 March, discussed the acceleration of early warnings for all initiatives which is a key global target set by the United Nations and reinforced the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. 

    “South Africa sees this meeting as a key international forum to drive the agenda of a shared responsibility to build resilience, strengthen our cooperation, and drive meaningful action that is needed to prevent an escalation or exacerbation of risk,” Cabinet said. 

    Key priorities included:

    • addressing Inequalities and Reducing Vulnerabilities
    • Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems
    • Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
    • Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction
    • Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction; and
    • Ecosystems-Based Approaches for DRR/Nature-Based Solutions. 

    Food Security Task Force

    The First Task Force Meeting on Food Security, held virtually on 5 March, discussed policies and programs to improve food security. 

    “Participants agreed to build a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable food system. They also committed to address key challenges like trade barriers, funding for food production, and the impact of climate change on food supply chains,” Cabinet said. 

    Some of the priorities outcomes discussed are the following: 

    • Stronger food security policies
    • Stable food prices
    • Clear regulations & standards
    • G20 Action Plan for Food Security; and
    • Ministerial approval & implementation

    G20 Outreach Programme

    On 7 March 2025, the G20 Outreach Programme was held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, to encourage public engagement in South Africa’s G20 presidency.

    Citizens were urged to welcome international delegates, promote South Africa’s cultural heritage, and share positive narratives about the country.

    “The gathering was used to encourage the people of this country to get involved in welcoming our guests to the country as we continue to host meetings in various parts of the country and to promote their culture and heritage. South Africans were also encouraged to tell a good story about their country,” Cabinet said. 

    The following G20 Working Groups and Task Forces meetings are scheduled to take place until the end of March 2025: 

    • First Task Force Meeting: Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment, and Reduce Inequality: 17 March 2025 – virtual.
    • First Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting: 18-20 March 2025 – virtual.
    • Second Health Working Group: 26-28 March 2025 – Durban.
    • First Climate and Environment Sustainability Working Group Meeting: 25-28 March 2025 – virtual.

    For more information on these various G20 meetings and their outcomes can be accessed on www.g20.org OR www.g20.org.za– SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort gears up for summer opening

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A visitor poses for photos at the booth of LEGO Group, a full-time attender of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), during the 7th CIIE in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As DADA — the world’s biggest LEGO Minifigure at a height of 26 meters and weighing 136 tonnes — has been installed, construction on the LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort has entered its sprint stage, the resort said on Thursday.

    Located in Shanghai’s Jinshan District, the 318,000-square-meter resort is a LEGO theme park and hotel destination for children aged 2 to 12 and their families.

    With over 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions, as well as thousands of LEGO models across eight immersive “lands,” the resort is set to hold its grand opening this summer.

    Ride installation and testing are in full swing, with 80 percent of installations completed at present.

    In a world-first for LEGOLAND Parks, the BIG LEGO Coaster and LEGO Monkie Kid Flower Fruit Mountain Adventure have been installed and are now in the ride-commissioning stage.

    The park has completed 85 percent of its building facades, and exterior decoration and interior installation work on its LEGOLAND Hotel has entered its final stage, after which it will enter its indoor decoration phase.

    The resort plans to plant a total of 3,161 trees of over 200 species, with approximately 50 percent of these trees planted so far.

    The site will include 2,889 LEGO models made using over 85 million LEGO bricks, 97 percent of which have been delivered and are being assembled on-site.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: We need a Democratic House to protect the American people

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – March 12, 2025

    LEESBURG, VA — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu opened the 2025 Issues Conference alongside Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene and Assistant Leader Joe Neguse.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Welcome everyone. Pleasure to be joined by my colleagues and we’ll be joined by DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene here shortly. Just so thrilled to be here with Vice Chair Ted Lieu in putting this conference together. And of course, Leader Jeffries, Whip Clark and Assistant Leader Neguse. We could not do this without the support of the Democratic Leadership team, and we feel all that support throughout our time here. 

    In the first seven weeks of the Trump Administration, we have seen nothing but chaos, confusion and corruption coming out of the White House. House Republicans have either stayed silent as their constituents get hurt or are voting to rip away health care for millions of Americans to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires. 

    House Democrats have been united in standing up for Medicaid to keep health care more affordable. House Democrats have been united in honoring our veterans who have fallen victim to Elon Musk’s reckless cuts to the VA health care system. We’ve been united in protecting Social Security, even as the President of the United States used his joint address to lay out the groundwork for cutting these benefits—by lying to our country about the claims of 100-year-old beneficiaries. And all of us remain united in our overarching message to make Leader Jeffries, Speaker Jeffries, no later than next year. 

    We’re going to talk about all of this over the course of the next few days, and we’re going to put the needs of the American people front and center in everything that we do. The economy that House Democrats helped build is in a free fall. In 2026, we need a Democratic House to protect the American people from the costly missteps of the Trump Administration. With that, I’ll introduce Leader Jeffries.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar and Vice Chair Lieu for your leadership, for convening House Democrats and for the manner in which you have presided over the House Democratic Caucus in such an effective way during these very challenging times. 

    Donald Trump and House Republicans are crashing the American economy in real time and leading us toward a possible recession. Donald Trump and House Republicans promised that they would lower the high cost of living on day one. Costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. Inflation is going up. The stock market is going down. Consumer confidence is going down. Consumer spending is going down. The retirement security of the American people is going down. And it’s all connected to the chaos, confusion and corruption of the Trump Administration and Extreme MAGA Republicans.

    House Democrats remain united in the effort to protect Medicaid and the health care of the American people. We remain united as it relates to protecting Social Security and Medicare. House Democrats strongly oppose the reckless Republican spending bill that will hurt families, hurt seniors and hurt veterans. House Democrats remain committed to building an affordable economy and driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans. And House Democrats are united in our understanding that we must take back the Majority next year with the fierce urgency of now. 

    One of the Members who has led us in such an extraordinary way, both as it relates to keeping Democrats together, as was the case yesterday, and of course, as it relates to the House Republican devastating budget resolution, is our dynamic Whip, the Honorable Katherine Clark.

    WHIP CLARK: Thank you so much, Mr. Leader. And to Chairman Aguilar and Vice Chair Lieu, we are so grateful to you for, once again, organizing this opportunity to come together as Democrats. 

    This is always a powerful opportunity at Issues Conference, but this year, especially, we are really grateful because we have a lot to dig into. Especially, the last 24 hours have shown a stark illustration of what we’re fighting to stop: a Republican Party that promised to put more money in the pockets of working people. They turned around and stole their money— stole from their own constituents, from their schools, their health care, their retirement—all to cut billionaire taxes and funnel corrupt contracts to Elon Musk. 

    Just look at the split screen. People can’t afford their rent. They can’t afford eggs. And what is Trump doing? He is hawking luxury car brands of his biggest donor on the White House lawn. The same day, he is slashing the Department of Education in half, going after 180,000 teachers whose jobs depend on federal funding, 7.5 million special education teachers who get federal support and the 90% of kids in this country who attend our public schools, and that’s just the start. 

    Yesterday’s defunding bill is going to wreak havoc on working families, and once again, it’s women and girls who will pay the heaviest price. The domestic violence survivors; they’re voting to evict them. The overworked VA nurses; 84% of whom are women who are either fired or being forced to take on even heavier workloads. The patients watching Republicans defund Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer and maternal mortality research. The moms who are searching for affordable child care. Whether it’s born out of cruelty, cowardice or corruption, or all three, the GOP is hell bent on making families at home unsafe. 

    So, we recognize these are brutal and scary times. But here’s our message to the American people: House Democrats stand with you. We are fighting alongside you. We are not going to let House Republicans get away with this crime spree. Every day, leaders from our Caucus are holding the line, and especially, a little preview, the extraordinary women who have joined our ranks this Caucus, that I hope you will come join me at 10:15 a.m. tomorrow to meet our freshman women. But in the meantime, I will turn it over to another remarkable leader, our field general and talented Chair of the DCCC, Suzan DelBene. 

    DCCC CHAIR DELBENE: Good afternoon, everyone. Just a little over two months into their trifecta, House Republicans are well on their way to breaking the economy. Consumer confidence is evaporating. A new CNN poll today shows the majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy. A record high stock market has lost all its gains since January, and prices continue to rise at the grocery store, the gas pump and the pharmacy counter. 

    Affordability was the number one issue for voters last election, but House Republicans have done nothing to lower prices. Promises were made. Promises are broken. Their tariffs will raise prices and create massive uncertainty for businesses, small and large. A small business owner in my district recently told me he’s already losing business. He’s not sure if he can be competitive price-wise going forward. Just the uncertainty alone of whether tariffs will be there or not has caused him to lose business. And what’s more, the stop and start and chaotic nature of these tariffs continues to be extremely harmful. It’s easy to lose business. It’s hard to get it back. And House Republicans seem fine with this. They dismiss the damage they’re causing as a little disturbance. But when a farmer can’t buy the fertilizer they need during planting season right now, or export their crops, that’s not a little disturbance. It’s incredibly harmful to their business. And Republicans promise to support our businesses, our farmers and our workers, but with these tariffs, they’re doing exactly the opposite. 

    House Democrats and the American people are going to hold Republicans accountable for their broken promises, and we’re already seeing across the country people standing up and speaking out against their dangerous agenda. The public is opposed to their cuts to Medicaid. They’re opposed to the mass layoffs of firefighters, of inspectors in charge of combating bird flu, of veterans who are supporting veterans at the Veterans Administration. House Republicans know how unpopular their agenda is, which is why vulnerable House Republicans have stopped holding in person town halls. They can try to hide all they want, but they can’t hide from voters forever. 

    The frustration and anger we’re seeing across the country should send a loud message to House Republicans. People are ready for a change, and they’re ready to help House Democrats take back the gavels. So, now I want to turn it over to our incredible Vice Chair from the great state of California, Ted Lieu

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Good afternoon. Chairman Aguilar and I are excited about this year’s Issues Conference. And let me start by thanking Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Clark and Chairman Aguilar for their strong leadership and unifying the Democratic Caucus against the Republican CR. That was a strong show of force yesterday by House Democrats.

    Donald Trump, last week, came to Congress and he lied to the American people. He promised a Golden Age. Instead, we’re entering a Trump Slump. We see that prices have increased, especially egg prices. We see the stock market is down, approximately 2,500 points since Trump took office. And consumer sentiment is down, and this is because of his chaotic policies such as indiscriminate tariffs, and then his weakness and indecisiveness and flip-flopping on those tariffs that is causing a lot of chaos in the markets. He’s also doing harmful things like cutting scientists and inspectors who work on bird flu. He’s cutting funding for scientists who are working on diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and cancer. And the American people are noticing. 

    In January, Democrats flipped a state Senate seat in Iowa that Trump had won by 21 points, and just this week, in another special election Iowa for a House Delegate seat, our candidate over performed by 24 points. 

    With our Field General Suzan DelBene, we’re going to flip the House next year, and I look forward to working with this entire Leadership team in doing so. It’s now my honor to introduce Joe Neguse who has done a fantastic job as Assistant Democratic Leader.

    ASSISTANT LEADER NEGUSE: Good afternoon. I thank you all for being here. Thank you to Chair Aguilar, Vice Chair Lieu, for convening us for the important conversations that will ensue over the next two days, and of course to Leader Jeffries, Whip Clark and Chairwoman DelBene for their incredible leadership over the course of these last several years.

    There’s a headline that I came across this morning that I think so well encapsulates the chaos and the dysfunction that we are living through in the precarious moment that we find ourselves in, from CBS News. The headline is this, “Lutnick says Trump’s policies are ‘worth it’, even if they lead to a recession.” The Lutnick, of course, that this article is referring to, is President Trump’s Commerce Secretary. Think about that for a second. That in his view, these reckless economic policies are worth it, even if they cause a recession. And it appears they will get their wish, as you heard Vice Chair Lieu, Chair Aguilar, Leader Jefferies, Whip Clark, Chairwoman DelBene describe the economic havoc that President Trump and his Administration have created over just the course of these last seven weeks. Stock market crashing. Job losses piling up. 401Ks vanishing. The prices for everyday goods going up across the board. Federal workers, folks at the Forest Service, wildland firefighters in my district back home in Colorado, purged from the federal government. Agencies being dismantled. All of this has real world consequences for the people that we are all so privileged to serve here in the United States Congress. 

    The time for the Trump Administration to abandon these reckless policies is now. They warrant a decisive, comprehensive response from House Democrats, which is precisely what we’ve done for the better part of the last seven weeks and we look forward to having more discussions on our response in the days ahead.

    And with that, I’ll turn it back to Chairman Aguilar. 

    Video of the full press conference can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Har Maspeth Corp Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in “Jinga Glass Noodles w/ Vegetables (Japche)”

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 14, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 14, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared eggs

    Company Name:
    HAR Maspeth Corp
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Jinga

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Glass noodles with vegetables

    Company Announcement
    HAR Maspeth Corp, Maspeth NY, is recalling its 8 ounce and 12 ounce packages of “JINGA GLASS NOODLES W/ VEGETABLES (Japche)” because they contain undeclared eggs. Consumers who are allergic to eggs may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
    The recalled “JINGA GLASS NOODLE W VEGETABLES (Japche)” were distributed to H Mart stores in multiple states. The product comes in 8-ounce and 12-ounce clear plastic packaging with Best By dates of March 13, 2025, through March 18, 2025, stamped on top. The product UPC codes are:

    265405006495
    267405004495
    266405008496
    268405005499

    No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date.
    The recall was initiated after being notified by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors during a retail inspection and the presence of eggs in the 8 and 12 ounce packages of “JINGA GLASS NOODLES W/ VEGETABLES (Japche)” which did not declare an egg ingredient on the label.
    Consumers who have purchased 8 and 12 ounce packages of “JINGA GLASS NODDLES W/ VEGETABLES (Japche)” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-706-9300, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Eastern Time).

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    HAR Maspeth Corp
    718-706-9300

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    03/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New York Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Severe Storms and Tornado

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New York of the April 14, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the tornado, hurricane, high winds, flash floods, excessive rain and hail beginning July 10, 2024. 

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Genesee, Erie, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca,  
    St. Lawrence, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.    

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. 

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. 

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.” 

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and  terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 14, 2025. 

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Illinois Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by the Tatra Multi-Family Apartment Complex Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – In response to an administrative disaster declaration issued March 13, 2025, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Illinois businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the Tatra Multi-Family Apartment Complex fire occurring on Jan. 25.  

    The disaster declaration covers Cook County, which is eligible for both Physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA EIDLs: DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will; as well as Lake in Indiana.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.    

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.    

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.    

    SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning Wednesday, March 19, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Cook County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) 
    Cook County

    Chicago Ridge Village Hall

    10455 S Ridgeland Avenue

    Chicago Ridge, Illinois 60415

    Opening:  Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Saturday – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday  

    “SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) have consistently proven their value to business owners and homeowners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Homeowners and Business owners can visit the DLOC to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.  

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 12, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 15, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –