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  • MIL-OSI USA: Connecticut’s First Pediatric DBS for Epilepsy: A New Era in Care

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A partnership between Connecticut Children’s and UConn Health is working to change that. Together, the health systems now offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) for pediatric epilepsy. Several months ago, Bella became the first patient to have the surgery at Connecticut Children’s.

    It marked a milestone for pediatric health care in Connecticut. For families and children facing treatment-resistant epilepsy, it marked something even bigger: hope.

    “We want nothing more than a world where Bella doesn’t have seizures,” her dad says. “And we believe in the people who can help us get there.”

    A rare and relentless diagnosis

    Bella was born with cerebral palsy, so she has always had to navigate health challenges — and thrive anyway. She’s learned to walk with assistance, to communicate in her own expressive way, and to embrace every moment with her tight-knit family. Her parents, Chris and Jaime, have focused on giving her and her older sister a life full of joy and adventure.

    “You get one spin, right?” says Chris. “Spin it to win it.”

    For the past three years, though, Bella’s bright life has been clouded by seizures. At first, they didn’t even seem like seizures — just a flutter of her eyes, a brief freeze mid-sentence. But they kept happening. At Connecticut Children’s, Bella was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), an especially difficult-to-treat form of epilepsy that typically begins in childhood. By middle school, she was having as many as five seizures a day.

    Unpredictable daily seizures take a huge toll: Every moment becomes a matter of safety. You can’t go on vacation without worrying that there’s a qualified hospital nearby. You can’t go on a walk alone. You can’t sit in a hard chair without worrying about falling.

    Bella and Dr. Lila Worden, Connecticut Children’s (photo credit: Connecticut Children’s)

    On top of that, LGS comes with an even heavier burden: The seizures themselves can interfere with learning.

    “LGS affects not only seizure control but learning and quality of life,” explains Lila Worden, MD, Bella’s neurologist at Connecticut Children’s. “And for this type of epilepsy, medications aren’t always effective. Sometimes they come with significant side effects, too.”

    Unfortunately, that was the case for Bella. “None of the medications we tried really worked,” Chris says. “And Bella just didn’t feel like herself.”

    But when medical options for epilepsy fall short, experts are finding that surgical options — like DBS — can make a difference.

    A groundbreaking option for kids with epilepsy

    Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is already widely used for adults with conditions like Parkinson’s disease and tremor. Each year, researchers are adding new uses to the list, like for obsessive-compulsive disorder, dystonia and depression.

    For epilepsy, DBS has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures by 50 to 70 percent over time — a life-changing difference for kids like Bella.

    “It’s not a cure,” says Worden, “but even a 50 percent reduction means fewer falls. More seizure-free days. More time just being a kid.”

    Still, many families don’t know about DBS, or how to see if it’s right for their child. Despite strong evidence of its safety and efficacy, DBS is technically considered “off-label” for patients under 18 — which means it can be hard to access.

    For all these reasons, pediatric neurosurgeon David Hersh, MD, had long envisioned a DBS program for Connecticut Children’s.

    “For patients like Bella who have failed multiple medications and where we can’t pinpoint the seizures to a specific region of the brain, DBS becomes a really important option,” Hersh says. “We wanted to be able to offer that at Connecticut Children’s, to give families the full spectrum of surgical options for epilepsy.”

    Dr. Chris Conner, UConn Health with Bella (photo credit: Connecticut Children’s)

    He knew it would take an immense amount of work to get a DBS program up and running — that didn’t intimidate him. He also knew it would take a partner with extensive DBS experience. That’s when UConn Health’s Christopher Conner, MD, entered the picture.

    As a fellowship-trained functional neurosurgeon, Dr. Conner specializes in surgical techniques like DBS; he trained with one of the world’s premier functional neurosurgeons. A few years ago, he arrived at UConn Health with a plan to bring the treatment to Connecticut’s adult population. He hadn’t expected the chance to bring it to kids — until he met Dr. Hersh.

    “One day we were at a department meeting, and this nice guy from Connecticut Children’s introduced himself,” Conner recalls. “He said, ‘Want to do DBS in kids?’ And I said yes.”

    You’re not picking Coke or Pepsi with your dinner — you’re picking brain surgery. But we trusted the team. We asked, ‘If this were your daughter, what would you do?’  Chris, Bella’s Dad

    Innovation, together

    Neurosurgeons Dr. David Hersh, CT Children’s and Dr. Chris Conner, UConn Health perform DBS surgery.

    DBS treatment begins with a surgery to implant two electrodes deep in a patient’s brain. These electrodes connect to a small device in the chest that sends electrical signals to help regulate the brain’s activity. It works a bit like a pacemaker — except instead of targeting the heart, it targets the brain, in this case to reduce seizures. From that point on, a patient’s follow-up care involves routine, typically non-invasive visits where their neurologist simply monitors and adjusts their device settings.

    When Hersh introduced the idea to Bella’s family, he walked them through every detail. He was upfront: While Conner had done many of these procedures, this would be the first as part of the Connecticut Children’s team.

    Chris and Jamie did their own research. They weighed the risks and possibilities. They thought about the team they’d come to know over Bella’s years at Connecticut Children’s.

    “You’re not picking Coke or Pepsi with your dinner — you’re picking brain surgery,” Chris says. “But we trusted the team. We asked, ‘If this were your daughter, what would you do?’ And they gave us honest, detailed answers. They believed it could help Bella. We believed in them.”

    Behind the scenes, the team got to work. Equipment was transferred from UConn Health. Connecticut Children’s surgical staff was trained on DBS protocols. The OR team even held dress rehearsals.

    “We practiced everything — every handoff, every movement,” says Conner. “By the time we were in the room with Bella, it didn’t look like the first time. It looked like the twentieth.”

    Bella, with Dr. David Hersh, Connecticut Childrens (photo credit: Connecticut Children’s)

    “It was a huge team effort,” Hersh agrees. “Anesthesiology, neurology, surgical techs, nursing, the device manufacturer — everyone came together.”

    In December, Bella became the first pediatric patient to receive DBS at Connecticut Children’s. Just a few days later, another child followed. The program had begun.

    Early signs of progress

    Bella is still in the early stages of treatment. At regular neurology follow-ups, Dr. Worden gradually increases the settings on her DBS device — a process that takes 12 months or longer to reach full effect.

    But already, the difference is noticeable.

    “Every bit of improvement means more good days,” Worden says. “For a child with epilepsy, that means the world.”

    Bella’s had fewer seizures, and they’re less severe. Simply being able to ease off some of her anti-seizure medications has been a relief, bringing her personality back to its full shine. She’s the kind of kid who hugs every “Mimi” she sees at her sister’s lacrosse game, assuming every grandma in the stands could use a little love.

    “Now we can say we’ve done it, and we can do it safely – for kids like Bella, that changes everything,” Dr. Chris Conner,  Neurosurgeon, UConn Health

    “She’s the single purest human you’ll ever meet,” Chris says. “She makes us all better.”

    And now, Bella has a new title: pioneer. As the first DBS patient at Connecticut Children’s, she’s opened the door for other children with drug-resistant epilepsy to find relief.

    That’s the promise of this treatment — and the reason Connecticut Children’s and UConn Health came together to build a pediatric DBS program.

    “Now we can say we’ve done it, and we can do it safely,” says Conner. “For kids like Bella, that changes everything.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Our Poppies the pick of the bunch

    Source:

    01 August 2025

    UniSA’s Dr Sarah Boyle and Dr Ben Singh, recipients of SA’s 2025 Young Tall Poppy Awards

    Six researchers from the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia have been named as this year’s South Australian Young Tall Poppies, with their expertise in chrono-nutrition, climate science, marine ecology and precision measurement garnering this prestigious recognition.

    The Young Tall Poppy science awards are an initiative of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) and have been established to celebrate researchers who combine cutting-edge science with a passion for engaging and inspiring others.

    “I am thrilled to see such a strong showing from both the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia,” said Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Adelaide and Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation at Adelaide University.

    “These are six bright young minds who are leading their fields and improving so many aspects of our society through their work. It is exciting to have their combined talent included in the inaugural cohort for Adelaide University, which opens in 2026.”

    The University of Adelaide and University of South Australia researchers honoured in the South Australian 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards comprise:

    Dr Sarah Boyle is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at UniSA’s Centre for Cancer Biology, leading the Cancer Matrix and Mechanics Group within the Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory. Her research investigates how cancer cells hijack non-cancerous cells in their vicinity, and how physical stress in the tumour’s ecosystem promotes metastasis and recurrence. By identifying the mechanisms involved, she is paving the way for new treatments and improved patient outcomes.

    Dr Georgina Falster is a DECRA Fellow from the University of Adelaide’s School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, whose research focuses on climate science. She is interested in local and global water cycles from monthly to multi-centennial time scales, and is looking into how Australian droughts are changing and using water isotopes to track dynamic variability in the water cycle.

    Dr Amy Hutchison is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, and based within SAHMRI’s Lifelong Health Theme. Her research explores how modified meal patterns, such as intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding, can improve blood glucose control and cardiovascular risk – a field known as chrono-nutrition.

    Dr Sarah Scholten, from the University of Adelaide’s School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, researches how the unique properties of light can be harnessed to break the boundaries of precision measurement. Dr Scholten is part of a team that has developed a compact high-stability clock that outperforms GPS navigation systems and could be more reliable for use as a timing signal in defence applications.

    Dr Ben Singh, from UniSA’s Allied Health and Human Performance Academic Unit, researches physical inactivity and why so many people remain physically inactive despite knowing the benefit of exercise. His research is focused on developing practical, evidence-based tools to help people move more in their daily lives. From tailored exercise programs to mobile apps and wearable devices, he explores how to keep people active and support them to live healthier lives.

    Dr Nina Wootton, a marine ecologist from the University of Adelaide’s School of Biological Sciences, has an interest in the impacts of plastic pollution on marine environments. Dr Wootton’s research has involved quantifying the amount of plastic and microplastic found in seafood species globally, analysing the potential effects of plastic on seafood species and fisheries, and working with the seafood industry to help develop solutions to this growing plastic problem.

    South Australia’s overarching Young Tall Poppy of the Year will be announced on Friday, 8 August. For more information on the Tall Poppy Awards, visit the website.

    Media contacts

    Johnny von Einem, Senior Media Officer, University of Adelaide. Phone: +61 0481 688 436, Email: johnny.voneinem@adelaide.edu.au
    Annabel Mansfield, Senior Media Advisor, University of Adelaide. Phone: +61 479 182 489. Email: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Stark warning as people burned removing flaming material from homes

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Three instances of people attempting to remove flaming objects from their homes is prompting a stark warning from firefighters.
    In recent weeks, people have been badly burned after attempting to remove a dryer, a mattress and a burning pot of oil from their homes in three separate incidents in Dunedin.
    Fire and Emergency New Zealand Otago Risk Reduction Advisor Matt Jones says each incident had the potential to end in tragedy.
    “These people have sustained serious injuries, but we were fortunate to not be responding to fatal fires,” he says.
    “Let this be a reminder to people that if a fire is bigger than a football, then you can’t put it out. You must get out and stay out.
    “That means closing the door to the room if safe to do so, getting everyone out of the house and calling 111. Let the firefighters do their job and put the fire out safely.”
    Matt says the mattress fire was caused by a vape’s lithium-ion battery overheating while charging on the bed.
    “That caused a very intense, hot fire inside the mattress,” he says.
    “The person attempted to remove the mattress three times, but this put themselves and others in danger, not only from the fire, but from the toxic smoke being emitted.
    “Everything in that house can be replaced, except for the people inside. People should never risk their lives to save their property – it’s just not worth it.”
    Matt says to complicate matters further, the property also did not have working smoke alarms.
    “It was just fortunate the person arrived home when they did as there was another person asleep inside the house at the time,” Matt says.
    Fire and Emergency recomm

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Objects to Mike Lee’s Exclusion of Wild Olympics Bill from Public Lands Package, Makes the Case for Her Bill to Permanently Protect Wild Olympics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray & Representative Randall Reintroduce Wild Olympics Bill to Permanently Protect Wild Olympics Wilderness and Rivers

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks on Senate Floor***

    Washington, D.C. —Today,U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, blocked an attempt on the Senate floor by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) to pass a package of public lands bills that excluded Senator Murray’s Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, legislation with widespread grassroots support in Washington state from a broad coalition that includes Republican and Democratic elected officials, local businesses and economic leaders, Tribes, hunters, fisherman, conservationists, outdoor industry groups, farms, loggers, and countless others. Senator Murray made clear she would be glad to consider a revised package that did include her Wild Olympics legislation.

    The Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would permanently protect more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness and 19 rivers and their major tributaries—a total of 464 river miles—as Wild and Scenic Rivers. Designed through extensive community input to conserve ancient forests and pristine rivers, protect clean water and salmon habitat, and enhance outdoor recreation, the legislation would set aside the first new wilderness on Olympic National Forest in over four decades and the first-ever protected wild and scenic rivers on the Olympic Peninsula. Senator Murray most recently reintroduced the legislation alongside Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) in May. The legislation has passed the House with bipartisan support several times before and passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last Congress for the first time in the bill’s history.

    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered on the Senate Floor, are below:

    “Mr. President, reserving the right to object, and I appreciate the senator from Utah being here tonight to offer this package. But I believe there needs to be a more bipartisan and thoughtful way to consider how we protect the future of our public lands.

    “For example, the legislation that the senior senator from Utah wants to pass tonight does not include my Wild Olympics bill. Now, this is a bill that will help to preserve the wild and scenic rivers of the Olympic Peninsula, that has very strong support from Democrats and Republicans in my state.

    “There is a strong nonpartisan coalition of support for this bill: from Tribes, hunters, fisherman, conservationists, and even loggers.

    “And that is because my bill supports the Peninsula economy, and ensures continued access to our world-class outdoor recreation on the Olympic Peninsula, and it conserves critical habitat for salmon and water resources for our very rural communities.

    “Moreover, this bill has passed the House several times now with bipartisan support. In fact, Mr. President, I have been working on this for well over a decade to build support and consensus around this bill.

    “It is a carefully drafted, it’s a thoughtful piece of legislation and the grassroots support for this bill has only grown over the years. That is exactly the kind of bill which should be included in a bipartisan public lands package.

    “I would invite the Senior Senator of Utah to visit the land this bill covers to help protect our Olympic National Forest. I think you would find out why I am here tonight objecting to this because it doesn’t include it.  I want the senator from Utah to know, my door is always open.

    “I hope in the future we can work together in drafting a public lands bill that does include legislation like my Wild Olympics bill.

    “And I know I’m not alone—many of our colleagues have worked on important legislation for their respective states.

    “So for now, I object, but I do, Mr. President, with my hand outstretched ready to work with the senator together on a public lands package that is comprehensive.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Committee approves Defense funding bill in a 26-3 vote — BILL SUMMARY HERE

    Committee approves LHHS bill in a 26-3 vote — BILL SUMMARY HERE

    ***WATCH and READ: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee met for a full committee markup to consider its draft fiscal year 2026 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations acts.

    “These are not the bills I would have written on my own—but they nevertheless represent serious bipartisan work to make some truly critical investments in families and our country’s future. From defense funding that supports our military and keeps our country safe to funding for health care, child care, schools, seniors, medical research, public health, workforce training and safety—and so many other programs that keep our communities strong,” said Vice Chair Patty Murray in her opening remarks. “So I’m glad this Committee was able to reach a bipartisan compromise to write bills that deliver essential funds to help people, solve problems, and reject so many of the absolutely devastating cuts and so much of the chaos that President Trump is pushing for.”

    Speaking on the path ahead for appropriations, Senator Murray said: “It remains clear as ever to me that we cannot afford to go down the path Trump and Russ Vought want to push us down. Their vision is one where this Committee becomes less bipartisan and less powerful. Where the president and the OMB director call the shots and Republicans in Congress spend their time cutting what they are told to cut, even at the expense of their own constituents. Where instead of securing new investments for folks back home through bipartisan agreements, lawmakers have to plead their case to this administration to unlock funds we’ve already delivered or secure special exceptions for spending cuts. Where biomedical research and education funding gets held up for no reason at all. Where we gut investments in working families while letting Trump’s corruption run rampant.That’s what Trump and Vought want. And we can—and must—reject it.”

    In her opening remarks, Senator Murray also discussed the importance of accountability for this administration as it ignores existing laws and betrays working families nationwide: “I am clear-eyed: the investments we make in these bills today are really only half of the equation. Because the fact of the matter is we have an administration right now that is intent on ignoring Congress, breaking the law, and doing everything it can without any transparency to dismantle programs and agencies that help families. There is no magic bullet that will change that unfortunate reality. Our bills reject devastating cuts—and reject so many of this administration’s absurd proposals—to dismantle the Department of Education, destroy HHS, and more. But I still want to see us to do much more when it comes to demanding accountability, demanding transparency, and demanding the administration actually follow our laws. …. We need more members across the aisle to not only reject these [President Trump’s proposed] cuts but to speak up and speak out against what this administration is already doing to defy our laws and hurt the folks we represent.”

    In a 26-3 vote, the Committee approved the draft fiscal year 2026 Defense appropriations bill.

    “I’m proud of this bipartisan bill. First and foremost, it takes care of our troops with pay raises and quality of life improvements. It also recognizes that we are confronting a world more dangerous today than at any time since the Cold War, and that we all need to sober up, put politics aside, and get to work. This bill focuses on deterring China, and it strengthens our allies—our asymmetric advantage worldwide—from Ukraine to the Pacific to Africa. The strong bipartisan vote is also a powerful rebuke to Trump’s idea that we can run our national security apparatus, or any other part of our nation, on full-year continuing resolutions. I am committed to completing the appropriations process and getting all 12 of these bills across the finish line,” said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), ranking member of the Defense Subcommittee.

    “Thank you, Chair McConnell and Ranking Member Coons, for working to put together a bill that makes crucial investments in our military—and not just in weapons and infrastructure, though we do have important investments to modernize our military and strengthen our defense base, but we also have investments to support our allies and strengthen partnerships across globe,” said Vice Chair Murray in comments on the bill. “This bill makes crucial investments in the Indo-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East—and it rejects dangerous Trump cuts to support our allies in Ukraine and the Baltics. And this legislation invests in our most important security asset: our brave men and women in uniform—from a pay increase for servicemembers to robust child care funding to new investments in preventing suicide, and sexual assault, and conducting lifesaving medical research.”

    The following amendments to the bill were considered during today’s mark up:

    • Manager’s package offered by Chair McConnell.
      • Adopted unanimously.
    • Shaheen amendment to prevent the use of taxpayer funds appropriated in this or any other act from being used to operate or modify a Boeing 747-8i from Qatar.
      • Debated; withdrawn.
    • Durbin amendment to prohibit DOD from providing support to DHS on a non-reimbursable basis to conduct immigration enforcement—ensuring that funds provided by Congress for our national defense are used for our national defense.
      • Republicans rejected the amendment in a 15-14 party line vote.
    • Murphy amendment to prevent the transfer of any presidential aircraft to a non-governmental entity—ensuring President Trump cannot take the plane gifted by Qatar with him after leaving office and the plane cannot be transferred to a future Trump presidential library.
      • Republicans rejected the amendment in a 15-14 party line vote.
    • Merkley amendment to require DOD to produce a report on the use of the chemical 6PPD in the design and production of tires procured by DOD—with a listing of any relevant DOD initiatives researching potential alternatives.
      • Adopted by voice vote.
    • Merkley amendment to prohibit funds provided in any fiscal year 2026 appropriations act from being eligible for rescissions or deferrals under the Impoundment Control Act’s fast-track procedures, ensuring they can only be considered through annual appropriations bills.
      • Republicans rejected the amendment in a 15-14 party line vote.

    A summary of the bill is available HERE.

    Final bill text, report, and adopted amendments are available HERE.

    In a 26-3 vote, the Committee approved the draft fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

    “At the end of the day, my North Star is delivering for the people of Wisconsin. While no one got everything they wanted in this bill, I’m proud to say we found common ground and are doing just that to address the challenges facing working families across the country. From investing in cancer and Alzheimer’s research, to protecting the Department of Education and early education funding, to strengthening my 988 Suicide Lifeline, we came together to deliver for our constituents. This bill not only puts Donald Trump’s budget in the trash, it also reins in this President’s efforts to dismantle and withhold funding for critical programs our constituents rely on. This bill takes on the kitchen table issues families face by addressing childcare costs, connecting more Americans with good-paying jobs, and taking on the mental health and opioid epidemics. While it is not perfect, I look forward to getting it over the finish line on behalf of Wisconsinites who want to see a Washington that works for them,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

    “This bill rejects Trump’s cuts that would devastate our work to fight substance use disorders, HIV, and pandemics, eliminate women’s health investments like Title X funding and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program and essentially saw CDC in half. It rejects backward proposals from Trump that would hurt our students and workers—like eliminating preschool grants, slashing PELL, gutting public school funding, and ending Job Corps and AmeriCorps. It rejects efforts to gut agencies that protect the rights of patients, students, and workers. And, I’m especially pleased to note it rejects Trump’s 40% cut to lifesaving medical research—and increases the NIH budget by $400 million so that we continue making progress against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and so much more,” Vice Chair Murray said in comments on the bill. “At the end of the day, this isn’t about rejecting Trump, it is about investing in families—investing in schools, investing in medical research, investing in workforce training, and community health. In fact, this bill even increases funding for crucial programs with new investments to allow the Social Security Administration to actually help people and undo some of the damage Trump and DOGE have so recklessly caused—and increased investments in child care, something I will never stop fighting to make more progress on.”

    The following amendments to the bill were considered during today’s mark up:

    • Manager’s package offered by Chair Capito.
      • Adopted unanimously.
    • Baldwin amendment to restore funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) after Republicans single-handedly rescinded funding for CPB earlier this month.
      • Debated; withdrawn.
    • Durbin amendment to reinstate grants and other awards that have been terminated by the Trump administration at agencies—like NIH—that are funded by the bill—and to require disbursements to be made to payees within 72 hours of a request. The amendment contains an exception for cases of a finding of financial mismanagement, fraud, or malfeasance.
      • Republicans rejected the amendment in a 15-14 party line vote.
    • Hyde Smith amendment to require CMS to notify the Committee, conduct an analysis, and consult with States prior to terminating critical access hospital (CAH) status for any hospital that met certain distance requirements prior to the 2022 CMS rulemaking. Senator Durbin and Appropriations Democrats voiced support for updating the amendment to provide better support for all rural hospitals, not just those impacted by the 2022 rules.
      • Adopted in a 16-13 vote.
    • Van Hollen amendment to claw back the $100 million slush fund Republicans provided for Russ Vought’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in their reconciliation bill earlier this month and instead provide $95 million for the Social Security Administration to improve customer service for Americans seeking to access the benefits they are owed.
      • Republicans rejected the amendment in a 15-14 party line vote.
    • Murphy amendment to withhold funds from the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights until the Department’s Inspector General certifies that all enforcement actions taken against colleges since January 20 are in accordance with existing laws. Since taking office, President Trump has withheld federal funding from colleges over claims of discrimination on campuses and other infractions. Instead of following established procedures under civil rights laws to thoroughly investigate such claims, President Trump continues to withhold federal funding from certain colleges unless they submit to his administration’s demands.
      • Republicans rejected the amendment in a 15-14 party line vote.

    A summary of the bill is available HERE.

    Final bill text, report, Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects, and adopted amendments are available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Thriving under pressure: Chinese companies build resilience, boost innovation amid headwinds

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

    Thriving under pressure: Chinese companies build resilience, boost innovation amid headwinds

    Merchant Sun Lijuan (R) introduces products to an Indian merchant inside her shop at the Yiwu International Trade Mart in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, May 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Han Chuanhao)

    “It’s hot and wet today,” chirped a doll in a clear, childlike voice, dressed in a pink floral blouse and a rainbow tulle skirt. The doll was on display at a toy stall in Yiwu City, a bustling trade hub in east China often dubbed the “world’s supermarket.”

    The question — “What’s the weather like today?” — came from stall owner Sun Lijuan, who has worked in the doll business in Yiwu for over a decade.

    Her latest model, now powered by AI, marks a major shift from the talking toys of the past. “It’s no longer just a doll that sings, tells stories, or answers basic questions,” Sun said. “Now it can respond to almost anything. For kids, it’s more like a companion — a friend.”

    Sun is currently developing Spanish-language versions and has asked long-time clients to take the new AI dolls’ smart modules to South America to test server connectivity.

    Amid global tariff headwinds, innovation is unfolding daily in Yiwu across a wide range of industries and products. Local businesses are steadily strengthening both resilience and innovation capacity, driving a 24.5 percent year-on-year increase in the city’s exports in the first half of the year.

    Visits by foreign buyers in Yiwu jumped 18.6 percent from a year earlier in the first five months, underscoring growing interest in the city’s expanding and evolving product lines.

    The resilience of the “world’s supermarket” echoed a robust 5.3 percent year-on-year growth in China’s GDP in the first half of the year. Behind this hard-won result against the global backdrop of economic and trade headwinds, businesses like Sun’s tell inspiring stories of agility and enterprise.

    Merchants participate in a language learning session at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, May 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

    WEATHERING GLOBAL UNCERTAINTIES

    The rapid rollout of new products, Sun said, owes much to China’s strengths in innovation and talent. “Since the rapid ascent of DeepSeek earlier this year, we’ve been approached by many integrated circuit chip developers eager to collaborate on next-generation dolls,” she said. “I’ve never had so much contact with PhDs from top universities and tech firms.”

    This year has also been one of personal growth for Sun. After DeepSeek gained attention, the Yiwu International Trade Market began offering free AI training and she managed to pick up several software skills.

    In March, a long-time client from Mexico visited her shop and requested adjustments to the doll’s facial features and clothing. Sun made the edits on her computer within minutes, impressing the client and securing an order on the spot.

    “Many people have asked me whether external uncertainties have hit my factory hard, and I always say the impact has been limited,” Sun said, noting her factory has, over the years, developed talking dolls in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Arabic and Russian, for more than 50 markets such as Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

    “Entrepreneurs in Yiwu who’ve made it this far have been tested by the market repeatedly. Without foresight, they would’ve been pushed out of the market long ago,” she added.

    The new AI-powered dolls cost three to four times as much to produce as older talking models, but they also bring higher profit margins, according to Sun.

    Sun Lijuan said the production cost of the new AI-powered dolls is three to four times that of traditional talking models — but the added technology also brings higher profit margins.

    Sun’s toy business offers a glimpse into a broader trend. Across China, companies are drawing on the country’s institutional strengths, vast market potential, resilient supply chains, a deep talent pool, and growing innovation and openness to sharpen their resilience and adaptability in an increasingly complex global landscape.

    SHARPENING INNOVATION

    On the vast Gobi Desert in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, towering high-voltage power lines form a striking “forest of steel.” Between the power lines, drones flit in and out of view like birds patrolling their territory, detecting minor faults or unusual objects on the towers and cables.

    This photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows a 750-kilovolt (kV) power transmission line under construction in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Ma Yuan/Xinhua)

    This is a fully autonomous drone inspection system developed by technology company I-KINGTEC in north China’s Tianjin Municipality. A young tech firm founded just eight years ago is helping to solve one of the toughest challenges of power line inspections in uninhabited regions.

    Its “Orca” drone can autonomously take off, fly missions and collect data. Serving as its all-weather base, the “Tiger Den” station can automatically replace the drone’s battery pod — a task that once depended almost entirely on manual labor.

    “How to make drones truly unmanned throughout the entire workflow has been the question we sought to answer from the very beginning,” said Zhu Shengli, co-founder of the company. He noted that the firm’s technological breakthroughs have been made possible by China’s supportive policies for the low-altitude economy and a strong talent pool.

    At Zhu’s company, the average age of employees is just 27, and R&D staff make up 70 percent of the workforce. The company has filed more than 600 IP applications to date.

    It posted over 200 million yuan (28 million U.S. dollars) in revenue last year, and its first-quarter earnings this year have already exceeded the full-year total for 2024.

    China’s tech firms like Zhu’s have seen strong momentum this year. In the first half of 2025, the country’s high-tech sectors posted rapid gains, with value-added industrial output in high-tech manufacturing rising 9.5 percent, 3.1 percentage points higher than the overall industrial growth during the same period.

    Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the National Bureau of Statistics, described the “accumulation of new growth momentum” as a key feature of China’s economic performance. He noted an accelerating integration of technological and industrial innovation, which is high on policymakers’ agendas.

    To boost innovation, China has introduced a series of policy measures this year, including setting up a national venture capital guidance fund expected to mobilize 1 trillion yuan, expanding re-lending for tech innovation and upgrades from 500 billion to 800 billion yuan, and launching a dedicated “sci-tech board” in the bond market. The measures aim to channel more financial resources into early-stage, small-scale, long-term, and hard-tech ventures.

    TAPPING VAST DOMESTIC MARKET

    At a time when global demand is uneven, China’s vast domestic market of over 1.4 billion people continues to serve as a powerful anchor. Consumer demand is evolving rapidly, driving the emergence of new business models and product innovations.

    Despite pressures on the broader food service sector, Xibei, a leading Chinese catering chain brand with nearly 400 outlets and around 17,000 employees, is charting a different course by upgrading its children’s meals and offering higher-quality options to attract family diners, a strategy that has helped lift overall sales.

    The chain now offers four kids’ meal set options. One standout is a 69-yuan set featuring a whole yellow croaker, organic vegetables, corn soup, shrimp and egg custard, mousse, and hand-rolled oat noodles. To ensure it’s safe for children to eat, each fish goes through three rounds of machine inspection followed by manual deboning.

    “Kids’ meals are emerging as a powerful driver of family dining. Parents are willing to invest in quality for their children,” said Song Xuan, vice president of Xibei.

    Sales of Xibei’s children’s meals rose 7.4 percent year on year last year. Families dining with children now make up about 50 percent of total tables across its outlets on average.

    Despite skepticism over China’s consumer momentum and concerns about weak market demand, Xibei offers a snapshot of the country’s evolving spending power.

    China’s consumer market continued to gain momentum in the first half of the year, with retail sales of consumer goods rising 5 percent year on year, 0.4 percentage points faster than in the first quarter. Consumption contributed 52 percent to GDP growth during the period, making it the main driver of the economy.

    The vast Chinese market is also a shared market for the world, with consumer goods imports totaling 7.4 trillion yuan between 2021 and 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce. In terms of actual purchasing power, China’s retail sales of consumer goods surpassed those of the United States last year, reaching 1.6 times the U.S. level, based on World Bank data and calculations.

    Xiong Yi, China Chief Economist at Deutsche Bank, noted strong potential for further growth in services consumption. “China has likely reached a development stage where its population will have increasing demand for higher-quality services,” he said.

    To better meet differentiated demand and tap deeper into China’s growing dining market, Xibei plans to roll out lightly salted meal sets for toddlers as young as one or two years old.

    “We are confident in the long-term prospects of China’s catering industry, given its vast growth potential. To stay competitive in such a rapidly evolving market, we must continue to transform and upgrade,” said Jia Guolong, chairman and founder of Xibei.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China champions global cooperation on wetland conservation at COP15

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

    Amid growing global attention to wetland conservation, China’s efforts and achievements in this field are particularly eye-catching at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), due to conclude in Victoria Falls on Thursday.

    From building the world’s largest number of international wetland cities to achieving legislative breakthroughs and forging capacity-building partnerships with other countries, China has embraced a comprehensive approach to wetland protection, deeply rooted in ecological civilization and its unwavering support for global efforts.

    An aerial drone photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows volunteers taking a boat to inspect the breeding habitat of migrant birds at a wetland on the estuary of the Baisha River in Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province. (Photo by Wang Haibin/Xinhua)

    SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

    At the height of summer, deep within the East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve in central China’s Yueyang city, Hunan province, schools of fish swim freely in the lake, deer bound through the forests, and birds sing joyfully among the trees.

    “We are proud to say that the wetlands are now the ecological calling cards of Yueyang,” said Yu Ge, a representative of the city who attended COP15 in the resort city of Victoria Falls in the Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe.

    The COP15, themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” brought together government representatives to strengthen international commitments to wetland conservation and to highlight the vital role of wetlands in sustaining ecological health, biodiversity and climate resilience.

    Yu actively promoted Yueyang at every event during his short stay in Zimbabwe, warmly inviting participants from different countries to explore the city. With approximately 285,200 hectares of wetlands, Yueyang has stepped up its conservation efforts in recent years and was officially recognized as an international wetland city at this year’s COP15.

    A total of nine Chinese cities won the prestigious title during the meeting, bringing the total number of such cities in China to 22, the highest in the world, showcasing the country’s significant achievements in wetland conservation.

    According to China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration, China currently boasts 56.35 million hectares of wetlands, ranking fourth in the world. It is also home to 82 Wetlands of International Importance and five national parks.

    Yan Zhen, deputy head of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said during the meeting that in recent years, China has continuously improved its legal and institutional framework for wetland conservation, comprehensively protected wetland ecosystems, and actively engaged in international cooperation, continuously contributing to global wetland protection efforts.

    “Over the last 20 years, China has made significant progress in wetland conservation, marking a turning point that has led to a more balanced and sustainable relationship between humans and nature,” Yan said.

    SHINING EXAMPLE

    China became a party to the Ramsar Convention in 1992 and hosted COP14 in 2022, during which it was elected as chair of the standing committee to lead the convention process for the following three years.

    This photo taken on July 22, 2025 shows a herd of yaks in a wetland near Mapam Yumco Lake in Burang County of Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

    In an exclusive interview with Xinhua during COP15, Musonda Mumba, secretary general of the Convention on Wetlands, said she assumed the role six weeks before the opening of COP14 and felt “very fortunate” to start the journey with China. “China has provided leadership in making sure that all the draft resolutions made at COP14 were dealt with and delivered in a timely manner.”

    China’s Wetland Protection Law, effective since June 2022, is the country’s first dedicated legislation on wetlands, providing a comprehensive legal framework for wetland conservation, restoration, management and sustainable use.

    Hailing the law as a “shining example” to the world, Mumba said, “China is one of the very few countries that actually have a wetland law. And that for me is also incredibly impressive, because not only does the law talk about having inventory, having the right data, managing these wetland systems, it also talks about the role of cities and why these cities matter.”

    The success in wetland conservation has not only benefited China’s biodiversity, but also contributed to the health of cross-border ecosystems by integrating wetland protection with other environmental goals, such as migratory bird conservation, she noted.

    Moreover, China’s efforts to raise awareness have sparked a significant increase in global interest in wetland conservation over the past years, she added.

    “Indeed, if you look across the world, China has taken a leadership position in doing the right thing for wetlands,” Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, a global not-for-profit organisation, told Xinhua on the sidelines of COP15.

    He applauded China for its leading role in the global wetland preservation agenda, noting that China’s status as a major investment partner in the world makes it a key player in safeguarding the health of wetland ecosystems.

    “Through the trade relations that China has, and the investments that China has all over the world, (China) is also connected to (other) very important wetlands worldwide,” Krijger said.

    While development is welcome, there is a need to maintain a balance between development and the health of wetlands, he said, adding that he is eager to visit Chinese wetland cities in the future to learn how they achieve urban development while reaping the benefits of preserving the wetlands.

    UNWAVERING COMMITMENT

    In many rapidly developing regions of Africa, urban expansion has taken a toll on wetlands, a growing issue that communities and policymakers are striving to address.

    This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2023 shows little swans resting at a wetland in Yueyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. (Photo by Cao Zhengping/Xinhua)

    According to Wetlands International’s Director for East Africa Julie Mulonga, many African countries have policies in place to protect wetlands, but there is a lack of investment in implementation measures.

    Local communities and indigenous knowledge play a crucial role in effectively driving wetland conservation efforts, she said, adding that China’s wetland management experience could provide a valuable reference and its advanced technology could go a long way in helping the continent achieve green development.

    Over the years, China has been actively supporting many African countries in wetland governance through legislative exchanges, technical training and talent development, helping enhance their ability to restore and preserve wetlands.

    Wetlands are crucial for ecological resilience, and their future hinges on unwavering international cooperation, said Xia Jun, director general of the International Cooperation Department at China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration. “This profound understanding underpins China’s unwavering commitment to its conservation.”

    In 2024, China launched the International Mangrove Center (IMC) in the southern city of Shenzhen to promote global mangrove conservation, sustainable use and international cooperation.

    Xia described the IMC as a landmark initiative that reflects the spirit of global cooperation.

    With the support of the IMC, the Mangrove Conservation Foundation, a private foundation based in China, has been carrying out programs in African countries such as Madagascar and Kenya to help preserve mangroves, which are vital coastal ecosystems along the continent’s shorelines, Sun Lili, co-founder and executive board chair of the foundation, told Xinhua.

    Christine Colvin, Freshwater Policy Lead, WWF International, said: “This COP is really important in terms of setting goals for the next period, for the next decade, and the strategic plan for the contracting parties to Ramsar, and it prioritises international cooperation.”

    Colvin said that China is demonstrating to municipalities and local governments around the world how to bring nature back into cities and design new urban areas that are more permeable, allowing the natural water cycle to function.

    Commending China for leading the way in this field, the WWF official said they are looking forward to continuing cooperation with China to boost global efforts to preserve wetlands and build more permeable sponge cities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Marine climate interventions can have unintended consequences – we need to manage the risks

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily M. Ogier, Associate Professor in Marine Social Science, University of Tasmania

    Stock for you, Shutterstock

    The world’s oceans are being rapidly transformed as climate change intensifies. Corals are bleaching, sea levels are rising, and seawater is becoming more acidic – making life difficult for shellfish and reef-building corals. All this and more is unfolding on our watch, with profound consequences for marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

    In response, scientists, governments and industries are trying to intervene.
    People all over the world are experimenting with new ways to capture and store more carbon dioxide, or make up for damage already done.

    Ocean-based climate actions include breeding more heat-tolerant corals, restoring mangroves, and farming seaweed. Such interventions offer hope, but they’re also inherently risky. Some may be ineffective, inequitable or even harmful.

    The pace of innovation is now outstripping the capacity to responsibly regulate, monitor and evaluate these interventions. This means current and future generations may not be getting value for money, or worse – the chance to avoid irreversible change may be slipping away.

    In our new research, published in Science, we reviewed the latest evidence on known and perceived risks of new ocean-based climate interventions. We then gathered emerging ideas on how to reduce those risks.

    We found the risks aren’t being widely considered, and the benefits are unclear. But there are emerging assessment tools and planning frameworks we can build on, to plan ocean-based climate actions that meet humanity’s climate goals.

    The promise and peril of marine climate interventions

    Marine climate interventions vary in scope and ambition. Examples can be found all over the world. These include:

    Some interventions are still at proof-of-concept stage, and several have been tested and abandoned. Others are facing challenges owing to complexity of monitoring and verification.

    Each has its own set of benefits, costs and risks. For example, making the ocean more alkaline may help to squeeze in more carbon from the atmosphere, but it’s difficult to verify how much carbon has been removed. This makes it hard to justify the costs and the potential damage to ecosystems, such as effects on local fish populations.

    Restoring coral can support biodiversity in the short term, but it may not last as warming exceeds their (modified) ability to adapt. This type of intervention is also expensive and labour-intensive, with unintended emissions from energy-intensive processes. So it may be impossible to scale up.

    Seaweed farming at scale would occupy thousands if not millions of square kilometres of oceans, displacing fishing, shipping and conservation. Harvesting 1 billion tonnes of seaweed carbon would require farming more than 1 million square km of the Pacific Ocean, and would deliver just 10% of the annual atmospheric carbon dioxide removal required to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

    It’s doubtful whether seaweed farming would actually remove carbon from the atmosphere. But seaweed farming can – if well-planned – produce a range of other climate-related benefits.

    Moreover, interventions often overlap in space and time, creating cumulative impacts and unintended consequences. In some cases, the projects may displace other users, undermine Indigenous rights, or erode public trust in climate science and policy. Without careful understanding and planning, these efforts could exacerbate the very problems they aim to solve.

    Governance gaps and ethical dilemmas

    One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of regulation and oversight suited to the scale and complexity of marine climate interventions.

    Existing regulations are often outdated, fragmented, or designed for land-based systems. Few countries have biosafety laws for the ocean. This means many interventions proceed without comprehensive risk assessments or community consultation.

    Ethical dilemmas abound. Who decides what constitutes a “healthy” ocean? Who bears responsibility if an intervention causes harm? And how do we ensure benefits — such as improved livelihoods or climate resilience — are equitably distributed?

    Currently, scientists, funding bodies and non-government organisations do the bulk of the decision-making. There is limited input from governments, local communities and Indigenous Peoples. This imbalance risks perpetuating historical injustices and undermining the legitimacy of many ocean-based climate actions.

    Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement has been proposed for St Ives in Cornwall.
    diego_torres, pixabug, FAL

    Toward responsible marine transformation

    We identified opportunities for scientists, policymakers, and funding bodies to work together more effectively on more comprehensive assessments of interventions.

    Guidelines and insights are emerging from experimental-scale research into capturing and storing “blue” carbon in ocean and coastal ecosystems. Similarly, a non-profit organisation in the United States has developed a code of conduct for marine carbon dioxide removal. However these guidelines are yet to be integrated into broader governance frameworks.

    Awareness of the urgent need to ensure intervention is done responsibly is also growing. Many high-level policy documents now recognise the importance of transitioning to more sustainable, equitable, and adaptive states. For example, the Samoa Climate Change Policy 2020 recognises the need to adapt coastal economies and communities to warming oceans, while also working to reduce carbon emissions.

    We can use the ocean in our fight against climate change (United Nations)

    Proceed with caution

    The ocean is central to our climate future. It absorbs heat, stores carbon, and sustains life. But it is also vulnerable — and increasingly, a site of experimentation. If we are to harness the promise of ocean-based climate action, we must do so with care, humility, and foresight.

    Responsible governance is not a barrier to innovation — it is its foundation. By embedding ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based principles into our marine climate strategies, we can chart a course toward a more resilient and equitable ocean future.

    Emily M. Ogier receives salary support from the Australia Research Council. She receives funding from The Nature Conservancy, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the Blue economy Centre for Research Excellence. She is affiliated with the Centre for Marine Socioecology.

    Gretta Pecl receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet (Tasmania), the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, The Ian Potter Foundation and has received travel funding support from the Australian government for participation in the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change process. She is affiliated with the Biodiversity Council and the Centre for Marine Socioecology.

    Tiffany Morrison receives funding from the Australian Research Council Laureate and Discovery Programmes, WorldFish-CGIAR ( (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), and The Nature Conservancy Science for Nature and People Partnership.

    – ref. Marine climate interventions can have unintended consequences – we need to manage the risks – https://theconversation.com/marine-climate-interventions-can-have-unintended-consequences-we-need-to-manage-the-risks-262343

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Contributes to Study of Russia’s Wild Reindeer

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On August 2, Russia celebrates Reindeer Day, a holiday dedicated to reindeer and reindeer herding. Rosneft makes a significant contribution to the study and conservation of the population of these animals in the Russian Federation.

    Wild reindeer are a vital link in Arctic ecosystems. Since 2014, the company has been studying the reindeer population in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, in the territories of Evenkia and the Taimyr Peninsula. Large-scale ground and aerial surveys of the animals are conducted annually. Using satellite tags installed on the reindeer, scientists have tracked the annual migration cycle for the first time, and also identified seasonal behavior patterns.

    In 2025, as part of the Tamura corporate environmental program, a new research expedition to study wild reindeer was launched in Western Taimyr. Field work is being conducted by scientists from the Siberian Federal University (SFU). The first group of specialists will travel along the Khatanga River and the upper section of the Kheta River. The total length of the boat routes will be more than 700 km. The second part of the scientific expedition started from Norilsk. Scientists plan to travel by boat along the Pyasina, Dudypta, Tareya, and Pura rivers. Based on the results of the work, the number of reindeer in Western Taimyr and their migration routes will be determined.

    In 2024, as part of the Tamura program, scientists from SFU and Taimyr reserves also conducted a comprehensive census of the number and migration of animals to update data on the state of the Taimyr-Evenki population.

    For many years, the East Siberian Oil and Gas Company (ESOG, part of Rosneft) together with SFU have been implementing the Evenki Deer project. Scientists track the movements, numbers, and habitat characteristics of wild deer in the region. For people living in the taiga and tundra, deer are an important part of their everyday life and culture.

    VSNK also supports research into musk deer, a small deer-like animal rare for Evenkia that lives in Siberia and the Far East. Their secretive lifestyle and size (up to 70 cm at the withers) make them almost invisible. These even-toed ungulates are listed in the Red Book of several regions of Russia and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a vulnerable species. Scientists have conducted work to find musk deer habitats in Evenkia. During the research, their presence was confirmed in an area that was previously considered unsuitable for this rare deer species, and the population size was estimated – it currently stands at 300 individuals.

    As part of the forest reindeer research with the support of RN-Uvatneftegaz (part of the Company’s oil production complex), scientists from the Tobolsk Scientific Station of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences carried out large-scale work in the Kunyaksky Reserve. Based on the results of aerial monitoring, which covered almost 60 thousand hectares, over 100 thousand images were obtained to clarify the reindeer population. The environmental program of RN-Uvatneftegaz is of great practical importance for the Tyumen Region – forest reindeer research has not been conducted in the region for more than 20 years.

    Thanks to the grant support of RN-Vankor (part of the oil production complex of NK Rosneft), SFU scientists have created a teaching aid, Wild Reindeer of Taimyr. The project is aimed at developing scientifically based strategies for the rational use and conservation of a key species-bioindicator of Arctic ecosystems. The aid systematizes extensive data obtained as a result of field and office studies.

    Reference:

    Rosneft pays special attention to environmental issues and biodiversity conservation, implementing the largest comprehensive Arctic region study program since Soviet times. The new Tamura research program, which started in 2024, is designed to update information on the state of key animal species living in the north of Krasnoyarsk Krai. The Tamura program includes studying the Kara subpopulation of polar bears, wild reindeer populations, valuable bird and fish species in the Yenisei estuary. Three expeditions to study the Kara subpopulation of polar bears have already taken place in 2025. In total, ten expeditions will be held in four years.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftAugust 1, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Ancient pre-Hispanic grave unearthed under residential Lima street

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Human remains pointing to a 1,000-year-old pre-Hispanic cemetery were unearthed in northern Lima by workers digging under the Peruvian capital to install a gas pipeline, an archaeologist told Reuters on Thursday.

    The tomb was found on a residential street just two meters (6.6 feet) from the front gate of a house.

    Jose Pablo Aliaga, an archaeologist for gas distribution firm Calidda, said the remains of a man wrapped in burial cloths alongside pottery likely pointed to a burial complex, after another body was found nearby last month.

    “The material evidence suggests that it could be a burial of the Chancay culture, from approximately 1,000 to 1,200 years ago,” said Aliaga, pointing to a coastal fishing-based civilization known for its textiles and ceramics.

    “We are probably over a pre-Hispanic cemetery, as we found another burial just around the corner from here,” he added.

    It is common for companies excavating under Lima to hire archaeologists due to the number of sites scattered in the city.

    Last month, Calidda gas workers working in the same district of Puente Piedra discovered the remains of a mummified woman, which researchers estimate are over 900 years old.

    Peru’s 10 million-strong capital hosts over 400 archaeological sites dotted around the city. Calidda has itself reported over 2,200 archaeological discoveries in the last two decades, most of them traced back to the Chancay culture.

    The South American nation is home to hundreds of archaeological sites, including the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the Andean region of Cusco, and the ancient Nazca lines carved into the coastal desert of its Ica region.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call to protect the nation’s oceans

    Source: Government of South Africa

    As South Africa joins the international community to celebrate Marine Protectors Day, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called on all South Africans to protect the nation’s oceans.

    “Whether through reducing plastic waste, supporting sustainable seafood choices, or participating in coastal clean-up initiatives, every action counts. Together, we can ensure that our oceans remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come,” the Minister said on Friday.

    This day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the nation’s oceans, which are vital to biodiversity, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

    The Minister paid tribute individuals, communities and organisations dedicated to safeguarding South Africa’s rich marine ecosystems.

    “South Africa’s oceans are a cornerstone of our natural heritage, supporting millions of lives and driving economic growth through sustainable fisheries, tourism, and conservation initiatives. On Marine Protectors Day, we celebrate the rangers, scientists, enforcement officers, and community members who work relentlessly to preserve our marine resources for future generations,” the Minister said.

    Under his leadership, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has made significant strides in marine conservation. 

    Recent achievements include a 36% increase in fishing allocations for small-scale fishers on appeal, robust anti-poaching operations to combat illegal abalone harvesting, and the development of draft management plans for the Benguela Muds and Cape Canyon Marine Protected Areas. 

    These efforts underscore the department’s commitment to balancing environmental protection with socio-economic development.

    “Our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are sanctuaries for marine life, providing safe havens for species like the African Penguin and supporting the resilience of our coastal ecosystems,” George said.

    The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to expanding and strengthening these protected areas, in line with South Africa’s obligations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    The DFFE, in collaboration with partners such as the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), will continue to drive innovative policies and enforcement measures to combat marine pollution, overfishing, and environmental crime. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magadan Region will present a project on the contribution of Kolyma to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War at the Far East Street within the framework of the EEF

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    At the exhibition “Far East Street”, which will be held in Vladivostok from September 3 to 9 as part of the anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum, Magadan Region will present its opportunities for the development of tourism and recreation – both already implemented and promising projects. The organizer of the exhibition is the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Far Eastern Federal District.

    “The Magadan region shows stable positive dynamics. The region is the “golden heart” of the Far East. The State Duma has adopted in the first reading a bill on the creation of an advanced development area in the region. The preferential regime will stimulate shipbuilding and ship repair, logistics, tourism and other industries. The economy provides an opportunity to develop the social sphere, and therefore, to qualitatively change people’s lives. On behalf of the President, the Magadan master plan is being actively implemented. You can see how the city is changing. Those who come to the region are greeted by a new beautiful airport. You can learn about how the Magadan region is changing, what plans it has for the future, what makes it attractive to investors and tourists at the “Far East Street” exhibition, so that after the EEF you can come and see with your own eyes the northern beauty of nature, get to know the responsive, brave and kind people living in Kolyma,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum Yuri Trutnev.

    Guests of the pavilion will be able to get acquainted with the culture and life of the indigenous peoples of the North, and learn about the traditions and way of life that are preserved and developed in the region.

    “The Magadan Region is not only rich in mineral resources and industrial potential, but also unique nature, history, culture and character of the Kolyma people. At the EEF, we will show how the region is developing today and what it plans for the future. The focus is on the economy, tourism, social sphere, opportunities for investors and, of course, the traditions of indigenous peoples. All this is an integral part of our Kolyma,” said Magadan Region Governor Sergei Nosov.

    The concept of the Magadan Region pavilion is based on the economic, cultural and natural features of the region. The exposition consists of three zones: the main and small pavilions, as well as podiums with regional expositions.

    A three-meter copy of the sculpture “Time” will become a traditional component. The five-meter original – a mammoth by sculptor Yuri Rudenko – stands in Magadan on the shore of Nagaev Bay. The “skin” of the monument is covered with various metal parts – gears, bearings – and resembles a clock mechanism. On the podium in front of the pavilion there will be a screen on which films dedicated to the natural beauty of Kolyma will be shown, as part of the projects “Far East – Land of Adventure” and “Paths of the Far East”, as well as a stele with the name “Magadan Region”.

    The main site of the region consists of three zones. The first will introduce visitors to the achievements of the Magadan Region in the economic and social spheres over ten years, including projects implemented with the support of the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic. The second will host a demonstration of bone-carving art products of the indigenous peoples of the North living in the region. At the site, you can take a selfie against the backdrop of a golden waterfall, symbolizing the main industry of the Magadan Region – the extraction of precious metals.

    The third zone is the space for the placement of a thematic block, introducing visitors to the tourist sites and routes of the region, including the Talaya sanatorium. Visitors will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the best examples of traditional culture and purchase the products they like.

    The small pavilion will introduce guests to the recently opened art space “Rynda” in Magadan, where you can buy re-esterified fish oil – omega-3, which is produced in the capital of Kolyma at the “Omega-Si” plant. The second zone will host an exhibition and sale of jewelry and souvenirs. The third space, “Kolyma – from Victory to Victory”, will introduce visitors to facts about the role of Kolyma in the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, as well as its contribution to ensuring the success of the country during the special military operation.

    In addition, the exposition of the Magadan Region will be complemented by an installation installed on the embankment, stylized as the Mayak Park, located in Nagaev Bay, created with the help of a single presidential subsidy. Various activities, games, master classes and karaoke are also planned for the pavilion guests.

    The 10th Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3–6 at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. During these days, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7, 8, and 9, it will be open to everyone. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda Strengthens Emergency Response Capacity Through African Volunteers Health Corps (AVoHC) – Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) Training

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    With support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with the Government of Uganda to train 78 multidisciplinary One Health responders under the Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) flagship programme.

    The AVoHC-SURGE training, a cornerstone of WHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) strategy, is designed and led by WHO to equip countries with skilled, coordinated teams capable of deploying rapidly during health emergencies. In Uganda, WHO has convened and facilitated a diverse group of participants from multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, internal affairs, animal and fisheries industries, and the Uganda Defence Forces, reflecting the One Health approach to managing threats at the human–animal–environment interface.

    “This training equips Uganda with the human capacity to respond quickly and decisively when emergencies occur. I commend the Ministry of Health for its leadership and commitment to strengthening emergency readiness,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative to Uganda.

    Through WHO’s technical guidance, the training immerses participants in intensive sessions covering outbreak investigation, risk assessment, coordination, Gender based violence and Prevention and response of sexual exploitation, abuse and Harassment and rapid deployment operations. Practical simulations and scenario-based exercises replicate the realities of emergency response, ensuring participants are ready for coordinated action in the field.

    For many participants, the experience is transformative: “I am honoured to attend the AVoHC-SURGE training by WHO Uganda. I gained critical skills in rapid response, coordination, and outbreak investigation, which empowers me to protect lives and build stronger, safer communities,” shared Dr Andama Adinani, one of the participants from the district local government.

    Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how WHO’s training builds technical capacity and strengthens networks across ministries and disciplines; connections that are critical to a cohesive national response when emergencies strike.

    The inclusion of responders from multiple ministries underscores the Government of Uganda’s commitment to a multisectoral approach, supported by WHO’s technical expertise. Emergencies such as Ebola, Marburg, cholera, and zoonotic diseases require coordination between human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. By strengthening this integrated response capacity, Uganda, through WHO’s SURGE programme is better prepared to contain outbreaks before they escalate.

    “Preparedness is an investment in the future. Every skill gained here, every relationship built across ministries, will help us act faster, smarter, and more effectively to protect Ugandans,” Lubwama Benard, Deputy Incident Commander, Ministry of Health.

    The AvoHC-SURGE initiative, supported by FCDO and implemented by WHO across Africa, has been rolled out in several countries. So far 27 out of the 30 countries have completed their trainings and the details of the trained teams have been uploaded in the responders database.

    As health threats grow increasingly complex, WHO’s continued support to Uganda in strengthening its national response capacity offers a model for other countries in the region. With a trained cadre of 78 multidisciplinary responders ready for deployment, the country is poised to respond to public health emergencies with speed, precision, and confidence.

    Designed for impact, this training represents a best preparedness and readiness practice model to improve capacity to manage emergencies, disasters and other climate related emergencies on the African content.

    – on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Members of N.M. Delegation Call on Trump Administration Demanding Answers on Reported Suspension of Medical Services at Gallup Indian Medical Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Recent Reporting Indicates Trump Administration Bureaucratic Hurdles Are Causing Delays and Reductions in Patient Care at Gallup Indian Medical Center

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) called on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Indian Health Service (IHS) Acting Director Benjamin Smith demanding answers regarding recent reports that medical services at the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) have been suspended or reduced. In the letter, the lawmakers highlight how IHS bureaucratic red tape has made it harder and more expensive for GIMC to deliver timely, effective care and call on HHS and IHS to act swiftly to reverse these harmful decisions and restore critical services.

    “We write today concerned about recent reports that medical services at the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) have been suspended or reduced, including critical ultrasound services, due to a new Presidential Appointee Approver and Departmental Efficiency Review (PAA-DER) policy in place as of June 30, 2025,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “Unfortunately, these challenges at GIMC are not in isolation, but rather exemplify a disturbing pattern of care disruptions due to administrative delays across the IHS. In short, policies such as PAA-DER are resulting in the exact opposite of efficiency: wasted resources, staffing shortages, and preventable delays in care,” continued the lawmakers.

    “The current situation is unacceptable. Tribal communities deserve the same standard of care and operational efficiency afforded to all Americans. HHS and IHS must act swiftly to reverse these harmful decisions, restore critical services, and fulfill the obligations that the United States has pledged to uphold,” concluded the lawmakers.

    Read the full letter here or below:

    Dear Secretary Kennedy and Acting Director Smith:

    We write today concerned about recent reports that medical services at the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) have been suspended or reduced, including critical ultrasound services, due to a new Presidential Appointee Approver and Departmental Efficiency Review (PAA-DER) policy in place as of June 30, 2025.

    PAA-DER is reportedly effective throughout the Indian Health Service (IHS), requiring that all IHS contracts and requisitions undergo additional layers of approval. The resulting bottleneck is delaying contract renewals for essential personnel, equipment, and services while also delaying the ability of health care workers to immediately diagnose urgent conditions and putting patients at risk. At GIMC, for example, a patient presenting after hours had to be unnecessarily admitted overnight due to the facility’s inability to access diagnostic imaging. Similar delays have affected general surgery, labor and delivery care, and infectious disease testing. GIMC has faced staffing challenges for years, and these new bureaucratic hurdles imposed by PAA-DER are making it harder and more expensive for GIMC to deliver timely, effective care. Unfortunately, these challenges at GIMC are not in isolation, but rather exemplify a disturbing pattern of care disruptions due to administrative delays across the IHS. In short, policies such as PAA-DER are resulting in the exact opposite of efficiency: wasted resources, staffing shortages, and preventable delays in care.

    You have made clear commitments to Tribal Nations and Tribal citizens that you would protect their health care interests and uphold the trust and treaty obligations in your tenure as HHS Secretary. But policies such as PAA-DER do not align with those commitments; Tribal leaders and health experts have said that PAA-DER in particular has created a system that undermines the federal government’s responsibility and forces Tribes to bear the burden of failed processes they did not create. The ongoing service disruptions are not just bureaucratic missteps, but they are threats to lives and to Tribal sovereignty.

    In light of these impediments to service delivery at GIMC, we request that you answer the following questions:

    1. When did GIMC begin scaling back ultrasound services, general surgery, labor and delivery care, and other medical services? Please be specific.
    2. Prior to GIMC’s recent reductions in service, how many open positions did GIMC have in affected departments? Please include a breakdown by department, if possible.
    3. After GIMC’s recent reductions in service, how many open positions did GIMC have in affected departments? Please include a breakdown by department, if possible.
    4. Please identify any efforts IHS is taking to address longstanding staffing shortages in affected departments.
    5. Following the recent reductions in services, has IHS taken any steps to address the scaling back of ultrasound services at GIMC? If not, why not?
    6. Is IHS taking any steps to address the scaling back of general surgery, labor and delivery care, and reduction in medical-surgical beds at GIMC? If not, why not?
    7. How does IHS plan to address longstanding and new recruitment and retention challenges at GIMC? Please include any specific actions taken to address staffing challenges impacting ultrasound, surgical, and labor and delivery services.
    8. Are you aware of any other challenges faced by GIMC resulting in impacts to services? If so, please describe.

    In addition, we urge HHS to immediately reverse the decisions that have limited or cut services at GIMC and other HIS facilities. Specifically, we request that you:

    1. Ensure all pending contracts and requisitions currently held up by PAA-DER, particularly those impacting direct patient care, at GIMC are expedited.
    2. Exempt IHS from the PAA-DER process, recognizing the unique statutory and trust responsibilities the federal government holds to Tribes.

    The current situation is unacceptable. Tribal communities deserve the same standard of care and operational efficiency afforded to all Americans. HHS and IHS must act swiftly to reverse these harmful decisions, restore critical services, and fulfill the obligations that the United States has pledged to uphold.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Fifth Annual Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Dialogue Advances Fisheries Governance in Africa

    Source: APO


    .

    Recognizing the critical role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in driving the implementation of continental fisheries policies and addressing region-specific priorities, AU-IBAR is hosting the Fifth Annual Dialogue with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) from 30th July to 1st August 2025 in Naivasha, Kenya. This critical gathering has brought together fisheries experts, policymakers and development partners to review progress on the Fisheries Governance Project Phase 2 (FishGov2) and chart the way forward for sustainable fisheries management across the continent.

    In her opening address, the Director of AU-IBAR, Dr Huyam Salih (represented by Mrs Hellen Guebama, AU-IBAR Fisheries Officer), emphasized the pivotal role of RECs in implementing continental fisheries policies while addressing regional priorities. She acknowledged the European Union’s continued support through FishGov2, which is currently in its final extension phase running until October 2026. The Director highlighted the project’s achievements in policy harmonization, capacity building, and the development of regional Blue Economy strategies, while stressing the need to modernize outdated legal frameworks that still govern fisheries in some member states.

    Participants at the dialogue are focusing on key recommendations to strengthen fisheries governance, including deeper involvement of RECs in decision-making processes, adaptation of continental policies to local contexts, and sustained financial and technical support for regional initiatives. The discussions are laying the groundwork for a potential third phase of the FishGov project, with RECs advocating for continued investment in Africa’s fisheries sector.

    The meeting is reinforcing the African Union’s commitment to collaborative governance, recognizing RECs as essential platforms for coordinating fisheries management across the continent. As the Director notes, this annual dialogue serves not only as a procedural requirement but also as a vital space for joint reflection and planning to ensure Africa’s fisheries are governed sustainably and equitably.

    Looking ahead, stakeholders focus on finalizing the FishGov2 extension phase, developing proposals for a potential third phase and scaling up regional Blue Economy initiatives to enhance food security and coastal livelihoods. The dialogue will conclude with a renewed commitment to transforming Africa’s fisheries sector through strengthened regional cooperation and governance. This gathering marks another important step in Africa’s journey toward sustainable fisheries management and blue-economic development.

    The dialogue is part of annual meetings held with RECs to strengthen project implementation on Fisheries Governance issues. Read about similar meetings on AU-IBAR’s work with Regional Economic Communities on fisheries governance:

    https://www.au-ibar.org/resources/dialogue-regional-economic-communities-recs-implementation-fisheries-governance-project
    https://www.au-ibar.org/news/latest-news/dialogue-recs-held-strengthen-implementation-fisheries-governance-2-project

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: American Leadership in the Digital Finance Revolution

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Good afternoon. Thank you, Norm, for your kind introduction and the invitation to be here. It gives me great pleasure to be with you all, particularly at what I believe is a defining moment for American leadership in the crypto asset markets. Before I share a few reflections, I want to thank the America First Policy Institute for convening such a timely conversation. And, I must note, in order to keep my compliance folks happy, that the views I express here today are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the SEC as an institution or of the other Commissioners.

    ***

    Today, I would like to discuss what Commissioner Hester Peirce and I are calling “Project Crypto,” which will be the SEC’s north star in aiding President Trump in his historic efforts to make America the “crypto capital of the world.”[1] But before I discuss our plan for crypto market primacy, let me take a few moments to revisit some inflection points in the history of our financial markets that bear similarities to the one we are at now, so that the future we shape is worthy of the legacy that we inherit.

    Evolution of Capital Markets: From Buttonwood to Blockchain

    The winds of innovation have always swept through our capital markets, often at gale force. In 1792, they rustled the leaves of a buttonwood tree, beneath which two dozen stockbrokers assembled to establish the forerunner to the New York Stock Exchange. That modest agreement—fewer than a hundred words handwritten on a slip of parchment—set in motion an elegant design that would govern the flow of capital for generations.[2]

    In the centuries since, our markets have never stood still. They have expanded, evolved, and reinvented themselves in step with the ideas and technologies of their time. Markets are dynamic because of the people who participate in them. Markets channel human ingenuity toward society’s most intractable problems by rewarding those who develop the most innovative solutions that others value enough to buy. They are the mechanism by which Adam Smith’s invisible hand elevates those who act in the common good—even when pursuing their own.

    The SEC’s role is to safeguard markets that allow the spark of human creativity and skill to benefit society. Over the arc of its history, the agency has both enabled innovation and, regrettably at times, stifled it. Fortunately, progress has a way of prevailing. And when our regulatory posture is calibrated to meet innovation with thoughtfulness rather than fear, America’s leadership position has only grown stronger.

    ***

    In the 1960s—before my time, I am happy to say—Wall Street was riding a bull market. But behind the scenes, our market machinery was straining to keep up. Most clearing and settlement transactions involved a costly and cumbersome process. Rising stacks of paper stock certificates had to be physically delivered by clerks wheeling carts up and down Wall Street and in other financial districts all across America.[3] It was a scene from another century struggling to meet the demands of the modern securities markets.

    Indeed, the paper-based clearance and settlement systems, built for a gentler era, began to buckle under the weight of soaring volumes. Delays at one firm held up the work of another. Securities were lost or stolen. Fails ballooned. And many thinly capitalized broker-dealers were caught by the whiplash of scuttled transactions. In desperation, trading hours were reduced and exchanges eventually closed on Wednesdays to allow firms to process the mountains of certificates.

    The breakdown over an antiquated system was described by the SEC chairman at the time as “the most prolonged and severe crisis in the securities industry in 40 years… Firms failed. Investor confidence plummeted.” And very much to its credit, the SEC was proactive in remedying the so-called “Paperwork Crisis.” The agency helped market participants to develop the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, which would transform how securities were held and traded.[4] Instead of shuffling paper certificates from customer to broker, broker to broker, and broker to customer, title to shares could now be transferred through computerized ledger entries.[5] The certificates themselves were immobilized, stored securely in vaults, as ownership moved electronically, laying the foundation for the modern clearing and settlement system that has continued to this day.

    The ticker tape machine—like the one here—was also a breakthrough of its time, revolutionizing how Americans accessed market information, line by line, trade by trade.[6] But breakthroughs don’t belong in the past.

    By the late 1990s, electronic trading systems surged in popularity, unsettling old assumptions about how markets should function. Chairman Arthur Levitt likewise believed it behooved the SEC to provide regulatory flexibility for the electronic markets to innovate.[7] So, Regulation Alternative Trading Systems, or “Reg ATS,” adopted in 1999, allowed for ATSs to be regulated like broker-dealers, rather than like exchanges.[8]

    So, this brings me to today. To a moment that demands American ambition. To a project that can unleash it.

    Our regulatory framework need not be anchored to an analog past—unkind to new frontiers. After all, the future is arriving at full speed—and the world is not waiting. America must do more than just keep pace with the digital asset revolution. We must drive it.

    Forging the Future: America’s Leadership in the Golden Age of Finance

    So today, I would like the world to go on notice that under my leadership, the SEC will not stand idly by and watch innovations develop overseas while our capital markets remain stagnant. To achieve President Trump’s vision of making America the crypto capital of the world, the SEC must holistically consider the potential benefits and risks of moving our markets from an off-chain environment to an on-chain one.

    We are at the threshold of a new era in the history of our markets. As I mentioned earlier, today I am announcing the launch of “Project Crypto”—a Commission-wide initiative to modernize the securities rules and regulations to enable America’s financial markets to move on-chain.

    Just a few weeks ago, President Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, ensuring that America will continue to lead in global payments with a gold standard stablecoin regulatory framework. Upon signing the GENIUS Act into law, I was pleased that President Trump endorsed Congressional efforts to pass crypto market structure legislation by the end of the year. I commend the House of Representatives for garnering such strong bipartisan support, and I look forward to working with the Senate as they build off the House’s work and craft market structure legislation that future proofs our markets against regulatory mischief, cementing the United States as the crypto capital of the world.

    Yesterday, the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets released the PWG Report with clear recommendations for the SEC and other federal agencies to build a framework to maintain U.S. dominance in crypto asset markets. This report is the blueprint to make America first in blockchain and crypto technology. The President said last week that he wants “the entire world running on the backbone of American technology.”[9] I stand ready to help get that job done.

    That is why I am launching Project Crypto and directing the SEC’s policy divisions to work with the Crypto Task Force, led by Commissioner Peirce, to swiftly develop proposals to implement the PWG’s recommendations. Project Crypto will help ensure that the United States remains the best place in the world to start a business, develop cutting-edge technologies, and participate in capital markets. We will reshore the crypto businesses that fled our country, particularly those that were crippled by the previous administration’s regulation-by-enforcement crusade and “Operation Chokepoint 2.0”[10] Whether an incumbent or a new entrant, the SEC welcomes all market participants who are hungry to innovate.

    In accord with the PWG Report’s recommendations, I have directed the Commission staff to draft clear and simple rules of the road for crypto asset distributions, custody, and trading for public notice and comment. While the Commission staff works to finalize these regulations, the Commission and its staff will in the coming months consider using interpretative, exemptive, and other authorities to make sure that archaic rules and regulations do not smother innovation and entrepreneurship in America. Many of the Commission’s legacy rules and regulations do not make sense in the twenty-first century—let alone for on-chain markets. The Commission must revamp its rulebook so that regulatory moats do not hinder progress and competition—from both new entrants and incumbents—to the detriment of Main Street.[11]

    Onshoring Crypto: A New Day at the SEC

    Now, Project Crypto will involve a broad range of initiatives across the Commission. 

    First, we will work to bring crypto asset distributions back to America. The days of convoluted offshore corporate structures, decentralization theater, and confusion over security status, are over. President Trump has said that America is in its Golden Age—and under our new agenda, our crypto asset economy will be, too.

    In line with the PWG Report, a key priority of mine will be to establish—as swiftly as we can—a regulatory framework for distributions of crypto assets in America. Capital formation is at the heart of the SEC’s mission, yet for too long the SEC ignored market demands for choice and disincentivized crypto-based capital raising.[12] As a result, crypto markets pivoted away from offering crypto assets and deprived investors of the opportunity to use this technology to contribute to productive economic enterprises. The SEC’s head-in-the-sand posture—as well as its shoot first, ask questions later approach—are days of the past.

    Despite what the SEC has said in the past, most crypto assets are not securities. But confusion over the application of the “Howey test” has led some innovators to prophylactically treat all crypto assets as such. American entrepreneurs are harnessing blockchain technology to modernize a broad range of legacy systems and instruments. One such entrepreneur is Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, a successful businessman and freshman senator, who before his election to the Senate founded a company that put car titles on the blockchain.[13] He saw a need for efficiency in transferring titles and devised a practical solution with the new technology.  These entrepreneurs need—and deserve—bright-line rules for determining whether the securities laws apply to their businesses.

    I have directed the Commission staff to work to develop clear guidelines that market participants can use to determine whether a crypto asset is a security or subject to an investment contract. Our goal is to help market participants to slot crypto assets into categories, such as digital collectibles, digital commodities, or stablecoins, and assess the economic realities of a transaction. This approach can allow market participants to determine, based upon clear guidelines, whether any outstanding promises or commitments of the issuer cause the crypto asset to be subject to an investment contract.

    In addition, it should not be a scarlet letter to be deemed a security. We need a regulatory framework for crypto asset securities that allows these products to flourish within American markets. Many issuers will prefer the flexibility in product design that the securities laws afford, and investors will benefit from the opportunity to earn distributions, voting rights, and other features typical of securities. Projects should not be forced to establish decentralized autonomous organizations and offshore foundations or decentralize too early if this is not their desired plan of action. I am excited to see new use cases for crypto asset securities in commerce, such as the ability to participate in blockchain network consensus with tokenized equities.

    Thus, for those crypto asset transactions that are subject to the securities laws, I have asked staff to propose purpose-fit disclosures, exemptions, and safe harbors, including for so-called “initial coin offerings,” “airdrops,” and network rewards. Regarding these sorts of transactions, our goal should be that issuers no longer exclude Americans from their distributions to avoid legal complexity and lawsuits,[14] but instead choose to include Americans to enjoy legal certainty and an accommodating regulatory environment. It is my view that a Cambrian explosion in innovation could occur if we stay true to this course.

    Additionally, many firms seek to “tokenize” their common stock, bonds, partnership interests, and other securities, or tokenize the securities of third parties.[15] Much of this innovation is offshore today due to regulatory challenges in the United States. I also hear from our regulatory policy staff that firms—from household names on Wall Street to unicorn tech companies in Silicon Valley—are lined up at our doors with requests to tokenize. I have asked the Commission staff to work with firms seeking to distribute tokenized securities within the United States and to provide relief where appropriate to assure that Americans are not left behind. 

    Enhancing Freedom: Choice Among Custodians and Trading Venues

    Second, to achieve the President’s goals, it is incumbent on the SEC to ensure that market participants have maximum choice when deciding where to custody and trade crypto assets.  As I have said before, the right to have self-custody of one’s private property is a core American value.[16] I believe deeply in the right to use a self-custodial digital wallet to maintain personal crypto assets and participate in on-chain activities like staking. However, some investors will continue to rely on SEC registrants, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, to hold assets on their behalf, and these firms are subject to additional regulatory requirements when they do so. It will be a priority of my chairmanship to carry out the PWG Report’s recommendation to modernize the SEC’s custody requirements for registered intermediaries.

    The prior Administration’s “special-purpose broker-dealer” framework, SAB 121, and “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” resulted in a dearth of custodial service provider options in the market today.[17]  The existing custody rules were created without crypto assets in mind. I have directed the staff to consider how best to adapt the existing regime to facilitate the custody of crypto assets, including possible exemptive or other relief, in addition to changes to the rules themselves.

    As the PWG Report recommends, market participants “should be permitted to engage in multiple business lines under the most efficient licensing structure possible.” We should not force market participants to be stretched to fit a Procrustean bed of regulation for regulation’s sake. I am in favor of affording them the freedom to choose the most efficient regulatory framework for their business, provided that the framework adequately protects investors.

    Facilitating Super-Apps: Horizontal Integration of Product Offerings

    Third, a key priority of my chairmanship is to allow market participants to innovate with “super-apps.”[18] I am often asked, “What do you mean by a super-app?” Plain and simple: securities intermediaries should be able to offer a broad range of products and services under one roof with a single license. A broker-dealer with an alternative trading system should be able to offer trading in non-security crypto assets alongside crypto asset securities, traditional securities, and other services, like crypto asset staking and lending, without requiring fifty-plus state licenses or multiple federal licenses. Nothing in the federal securities laws prohibits SEC-registered trading venues from listing non-securities on their platforms today, and I have directed the Commission staff to develop further guidance and proposals ultimately to make this “super-app” vision a reality. Maybe they’ll call it “Reg Super-App.”

    Consistent with the PWG Report, the SEC in concert with other regulators should strive to have the most efficient licensing structure for SEC registrants. They should not be unnecessarily subject to multiple regulators or regulatory regimes. This model has worked well for banks, which are broadly exempted from many duplicative regulatory frameworks, such as broker-dealer and clearing agency registration. Regulators should provide the minimum effective dose of regulation necessary to protect investors while allowing entrepreneurs and businesses to flourish. We should not overburden them with paternalistic regulation that could drive them offshore or make American companies less competitive internationally. Our regulators should unleash the forces of venue and product competition for the benefit of all Americans. We should not artificially constrain business models and impose duplicative regulatory costs on American businesses that favor the largest firms that are better able to bear the regulatory burdens.

    Per the PWG’s recommendations, I have directed the Commission staff to develop a framework that will allow non-security crypto assets and crypto asset securities to be traded side-by-side on SEC-regulated platforms. Additionally, I have asked the staff to evaluate the use of Commission authority to permit non-security crypto assets that are subject to an investment contract to trade on trading venues that are not registered with the Commission. I am keen to pursue such a solution, as it will not only enable state-licensed crypto asset platforms that are not registered with the SEC to list certain crypto assets, but it also clears the way for CFTC-regulated platforms to offer these products with margin capabilities—even without Congress providing the CFTC with any additional authority, unlocking even greater liquidity for these assets.

    Unleashing U.S. Markets: Big Beautiful On-Chain Software Systems

    Fourth, I have directed the Commission staff to update antiquated agency rules and regulations to unleash the potential of on-chain software systems in our securities markets. On-chain software comes in many shapes and sizes—some of these systems are truly decentralized and not operated by any intermediary. Other on-chain software systems have an operator. Both types of on-chain software should have a place within our financial markets. It is essential that any crypto asset regulatory market structure create a path for software developers to unleash on-chain software systems that do not require operation by any central intermediary. Decentralized finance software systems—like automated market makers—facilitate automated, non-intermediated financial market activity. Federal securities laws have always assumed the involvement of intermediaries that require regulation, but this does not mean that we should interpose intermediaries for the sake of forcing intermediation where the markets can function without them.

    We will create space in our markets for both models, by protecting pure publishers of software code, drawing reasonable lines to distinguish intermediated and disintermediated activity, and creating rational and workable rules of the road for intermediaries that seek to operate on-chain software systems. Decentralized finance and other forms of on-chain software systems will be part of our securities markets and not drowned out by duplicative or unnecessary regulation.

    To make this vision a reality, we will need to consider some changes to our rules. For example, accommodating trading of tokenized securities on-chain may require us to explore amendments to Reg NMS, in addition to what we otherwise would do in the normal course to correct market distortions that it engenders. Many of you will remember that I co-authored with Commissioner Cynthia Glassman a lengthy dissent to the adoption of Reg NMS twenty years ago last month.[19] This dissent is even more compelling now that we have had two decades of prescriptive requirements that distort market activity and impede the evolution of our securities markets. Congress clearly intended that “competitive forces, rather than unnecessary regulation, guide the development of the national market system.”[20] I will look for ways to bring us back in line with that intent and thereby promote innovation and competition in our markets.

    Fostering Innovation:  Commercial Viability is Our True North

    Finally, innovation and entrepreneurialism are the engines of the American economy. President Trump has described America as a “nation of builders.”[21] Under my leadership, the Commission will encourage our nation’s builders rather than constrain them with red tape and one-size-fits-all rules. While the Commission is actively considering industry requests that could jumpstart innovative activity, we are also contemplating an innovation exemption that would allow registrants and non-registrants to quickly go to market with new business models and services that do not neatly fit within our existing rules and regulations. The Commission will continue to ensure that market participants adhere to certain conditions and requirements designed to achieve the policy aims of the federal securities laws.

    Under my vision for an innovation exemption, innovators and visionaries will be able to immediately enter the market with new technologies and business models but will not be required to comply with incompatible or burdensome prescriptive regulatory requirements that hinder productive economic activity. Instead, they will be able to comply with certain principles-based conditions designed to achieve the core policy aims of the federal securities laws. These conditions may include, for example, a commitment to make periodic reports to the Commission, incorporate whitelisting or “verified pool” functionality, and restrict tokenized securities that do not adhere to a token standard that incorporates compliance features, such as ERC3643.[22] I encourage market participants and SEC staff alike to have an eye towards commercial viability when contemplating what various models could look like.

    ***

    As we advance these priorities, I look forward to working with my counterparts across the Administration to make the United States the crypto capital of the world. This represents more than a regulatory shift—it is a generational opportunity.

    From the leaves of a buttonwood tree to ledgers on a blockchain, the winds of innovation still blow—and it is our task that they carry American leadership forward. After all, ladies and gentlemen, we have never been content to follow. We will not watch from the sidelines. We will lead. We will build. And, we will ensure that the next chapter of financial innovation is written right here in America.

    Thank you very much for your time today. I encourage you to be attentive to our coming announcements and proposals and, as always, I welcome your thoughtful comments and suggestions.

    [2] See The History of NYSE, New York Stock Exchange, https://www.nyse.com/history-of-nyse.

    [3] See Wall Street: The Paperwork Predicament, Time Magazine (June 21, 1968), https://time.com/archive/6636314/wall-street-the-paperwork-predicament/.

    [4] See A Short History of the Depository Trust Company, Securities and Exchange Commission Historical Society (1999), https://www.sechistorical.org/collection/papers/1990/1999_0101_DTCHistory.pdf.

    [6] Danny Lewis, The Physical Stock Ticker Is a Relic, But Its Influence Reverberates Loudly Today, Smithsonian Magazine (Nov. 15, 2016), https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-physical-stock-ticker-is-a-relic-but-its-influence-reverberates-loudly-today-180961092/.

    [7] Transformation & Regulation: Equities Market Structure, 1934 to 2018: Reg ATS, Securities and Exchange Commission Historical Society, https://www.sechistorical.org/museum/galleries/msr/msr04c_reg_ats.php.

    [10] See, e.g., David H. Thompson et al., Operation Choke Point 2.0: The Federal Bank Regulators Come For Crypto, Cooper & Kirk (Mar. 24, 2023),  https://www.cooperkirk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Operation-Choke-Point-2.0.pdf; Testimony of Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer, Coinbase, Before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (Feb. 6, 2025), https://www.congress.gov/119/meeting/house/117858/witnesses/HHRG-119-BA09-Wstate-GrewalP-20250206.pdf.

    [11] See The White House, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation (Jan. 31, 2025), https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/unleashing-prosperity-through-deregulation/.

    [12] See e.g., Commissioner Hester Peirce, Hobs and Hobbes: Wharton FinTech Lecture, Securities and Exchange Commission (Nov. 1, 2024), https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/peirce-remarks-wharton-fintech-110124.

    [13] See e.g., Akash Sriram, California DMV puts 42 million car titles on blockchain to fight fraud, Reuters (July 30, 2024), https://www.reuters.com/technology/california-dmv-puts-42-million-car-titles-blockchain-fight-fraud-2024-07-30/.

    [14] See Danny Nelson, Crypto Airdrops Ban U.S. Users, but Americans Are Claiming Tokens Anyway, CoinDesk (Aug. 21, 2024), https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2024/08/21/crypto-airdrops-ban-us-users-but-americans-are-claiming-tokens-anyway.

    [15] See e.g., CNBC Television, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink: ‘I want the SEC to rapidly approve tokenization of bonds and stocks’, YouTube (Jan. 23, 2025), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi3q_upPjBM.

    [16] Chairman Paul Atkins, Remarks at Crypto Task Force Roundtable on Decentralized Finance, Securities and Exchange Commission (June 9, 2025), https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-remarks-defi-roundtable-060925.

    [17] See Commissioner Hester Peirce, Lava and Lamps: Opening Remarks for Crypto Custody Roundtable, Securities and Exchange Commission (Apr. 25, 2025), https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/peirce-lava-lamps-opening-remarks-crypto-custody-roundtable-042525.

    [18] Chairman Paul Atkins, Prepared Remarks Before SEC Speaks, Securities and Exchange Commission (May 19, 2025), https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-prepared-remarks-sec-speaks-051925.

    [19] Commissioners Cynthia Glassman and Paul Atkins, Dissent of Commissioners Cynthia A. Glassman and Paul S. Atkins to the Adoption of Regulation NMS, Securities and Exchange Commission (June 9, 2005), https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/final/34-51808-dissent.pdf.

    [21] Hendrix, supra note 11.

    [22] For additional  information on the ERC3643 protocol, see Overview of the Protocol: ERC-3643 Permissioned Tokens, ERC3643 Association, https://docs.erc3643.org/erc-3643.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: A World of Water exhibition asks: ‘Can the seas survive us?’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Kenneth Paranada, Curator of Art and Climate Change, University of East Anglia

    Water is at the heart of the disruption wrought by climate change. The seas, once seen as vast and stable, are now unpredictable and restless.

    That tidy, looping diagram of the water cycle once pinned up in primary school classrooms – clouds, rivers, evaporation and rain – now reads more like a fragmented recollection than a dependable process. Human impact has cracked that once-stable loop wide open.

    Sea levels inch upward year on year. Droughts grow more prolonged and severe. Rainfall becomes erratic and violent. What was once spoken of in future tense is now present and pressing.

    In Norfolk, land and sea have long coexisted in an uneasy truce. Here, the threat of sea level rise is not a speculative concern, it is data-backed, visible and accelerating.

    According to research from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, vast swathes of Norfolk risk being submerged by rising seas if global temperatures rise by even two degrees celsius. It is one of the most at-risk areas in the UK.

    Against this backdrop comes the Sainsbury Centre’s exhibition, A World of Water (part of the Can the Seas Survive Us? season). In the show, water is explored as subject, medium and metaphor. It is both agent and witness, shaping civilisations, sustaining life, and now challenging our ability to coexist with it.

    Curated through an interdisciplinary lens, the exhibition was shaped by deep collaboration with scientists, artists, ecologists, activists and coastal communities. Rooted in lived experience, from a two-day walk along the Wherry Man’s Way to a 36-hour sail aboard a 1921 fishing smack, the curatorial process traced fragile coastlines and the North Sea’s rapid transformation into an industrial nexus of energy infrastructures.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    The curatorial approach to the show embraces the multifaceted nature of water by weaving together maritime history, Indigenous knowledge and contemporary works rooted in the artists’ experiences.

    Many of the participating artists hail from communities already wrestling with rising tides and the realities of climate disruption. Their contributions form three thematic currents: Mudplume, Water Water Everywhere and In a State of Flux.

    These overlapping threads investigate how water connects, nourishes and imperils. Rather than positioning the sea as a line of division, the exhibition reframes it as a living, connective tissue linking culture, history and ecology.

    A curatorial geomorphology of the sea

    Guidance for the exhibition’s conceptual framework came, fittingly, from water itself. Its mutable nature – solid, liquid, vapour – shaped the rhythm of the curatorial process. Rather than impose a rigid thesis, the exhibition offers an ever-shifting constellation of perspectives.

    The exhibition journey begins with sound. Visitors are welcomed by a low murmur, tides lapping, water dripping, echoing through the museum entrance. This leads to Spiral Fosset (2024), a sculptural work by the Dutch collective De Onkruidenier.

    Mirroring the central staircase of the museum, the piece suggests the brackish confluence where fresh and saltwater mingle. From here, the viewer descends into the lower galleries, reimagined as an estuary.

    Within the lower galleries, artworks unfold like coastal mudflats at low tide. Seventeenth-century Dutch seascapes hang alongside photographs, video works and sculptures made from plastic waste. Sands from the beaches of Cromer, Happisburgh and Cley are featured, anchoring the exhibition in local terrain.

    East Anglia’s centuries-old ties with the Low Countries form a steady through line. Hendrick van Anthonissen’s View of Scheveningen Sands (1641) shares space with works by Norwich School masters such as John Sell Cotman, John Crome and Robert Ladbrooke.

    This approach privileges resonance over chronology. The exhibition avoids a linear march through time in favour of prioritising association, connection and drift. For instance, Shore Compass by Olafur Eliasson (2019) sits in subtle dialogue with Jodocus Hondius’s 1589 Drake Map an early cartographic rendering of Sir Francis Drake’s circumnavigation of the world.

    Created during the height of European maritime expansion and colonialism, the map illustrates the interplay between empire, navigation and power. Time, like tide, is allowed to meander.

    The exhibition adopts what might be called a “curatorial geomorphology”: a way of curating that draws on the sculpting force of water. In the natural sciences, geomorphology examines how landscapes are formed and reshaped by flowing water, storms and tides, while hydrology traces water’s movement through the environment.

    This curatorial approach translates those scientific ideas into a cultural and creative practice. Like a river, it flows through histories, stories and meanings. What unfolds is a tidal narrative, an estuary of thought where time loosens, the present deepens and new futures begin to surface.

    Visitors to A World of Water can expect something different from a traditional gallery experience. It invites you to think with the seas, to tune into their rhythms, tensions and secret lives.

    As you wander through the galleries, you enter a realm shaped by flux, expect to feel and reimagine a world where land, water and life move as one. And perhaps, by moving as water does, we may begin to sense an answer to the question: Can the Seas Survive Us? Not in certainty, but through our collective and individual actions toward a more regenerative and sustainable future.

    A World of Water is at the Sainsbury Centre Norwich until August 3. It’s part of a six-month season of interlinked exhibitions and events that explore the question: “Can the seas survive us?”

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

    John Kenneth Paranada received funding from the John Ellerman Foundation; the Art Fund’s Jonathan Ruffer Curatorial Grant; the Association of Art Museum Curators’ EPIC Curatorial Fellowship Award; the Mondriaan Fund’s International Art Presentation Grant; the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ Cultural Diplomacy Grant; and Arts Council England’s National Lottery Fund for the project A World of Water: Can the Seas Survive Us? at the Sainsbury Centre.

    – ref. A World of Water exhibition asks: ‘Can the seas survive us?’ – https://theconversation.com/a-world-of-water-exhibition-asks-can-the-seas-survive-us-262057

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why some underwater earthquakes cause tsunamis – and others, just little ripples

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Blackett, Reader in Physical Geography and Natural Hazards, Coventry University

    After a massive earthquake off the coast of Kamchatka, a peninsula in the far east of Russia, on July 30 2025, the world watched as the resultant tsunami spread from the epicentre and across the Pacific Ocean at the speed of a jet plane.

    In some local areas, such as in Russia’s northern Kuril Islands, tsunami waves reached heights of over three metres. However, across the Pacific there was widespread relief in the hours that followed as the feared scenario of large waves striking coastal communities did not materialise. Why was this?

    Not all underwater earthquakes result in tsunamis. For a tsunami to be generated, the Earth’s crust at the earthquake site must be pushed upwards in a movement known as vertical displacement. This typically occurs during reverse faulting, or its shallow-angled form known as thrust faulting, where one block of the Earth’s crust is forced up and over another, along what is called a fault plane.

    It is no coincidence that this type of faulting movement occurred at a subduction zone on “the Pacific ring of fire”, where the dense oceanic Pacific plate is being forced beneath the less dense Eurasian continental plate.

    These zones are known for generating powerful earthquakes and tsunamis because they are sites of intense compression, which leads to thrust faulting and the sudden vertical movement of the seafloor. Indeed, it was the ring of fire that was also responsible for the two most significant tsunami-generating earthquakes of recent times: the 2004 Indonesian Boxing Day and March 2011 Tohoku earthquakes.

    Why did the Indonesian and Japanese earthquakes generate waves over 30 metres high, but the recent magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Kamchatka (one of the strongest ever recorded) didn’t? The answer lies in the geology involved in these events.

    In the case of the 2004 Indonesian tsunami, the sea floor was measured to have risen by up to five metres within a rupture zone of 750,000 sq km.

    For the tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, estimates indicate the seafloor was thrust upwards by nearly three metres within a rupture zone of 90,000 sq km.

    Preliminary data from the recent Kamchatka event has been processed into what geologists call a finite fault model. Rather than representing the earthquake as a single point, these models show where and how the crust ruptured, including the length of that rupture in Earth’s crust, its depth and what direction it followed.

    The model results show that the two sides of the fault slipped by up to ten metres along a fault plane of 18°, resulting in about three metres of vertical uplift. Think of it like walking ten metres up an 18° slope: you don’t rise ten metres into the air, you only rise about three metres, because most of your movement is forward rather than upward.

    However, since much of this occurred at depths greater than 20km (over an area of 70,000 sq km) the seabed displacement would probably have been reduced as the overlying rock layers absorbed and diffused the motion before it reached the surface.

    For comparison, the associated slippage for the Tohoku and Indonesian events was as shallow as 5km in places.

    An added complication

    So, while the size of sea floor uplift is key to determining how much energy a tsunami begins with, it is the processes that follow – as the wave travels and interacts with the coastline – that can transform an insignificant tsunami into a devastating wall of water at the shore.

    As a tsunami travels across the open ocean it is often barely noticeable – a long, low ripple spread over tens of kilometres. But as it nears land, the front of the wave slows down due to friction with the seabed, while the back continues at speed, causing the wave to rise in height. This effect is strongest in places where the sea floor gets shallow quickly near the coast.

    The shape of the coastline is also important. Bays, inlets and estuaries can act like funnels that further amplify the wave as it reaches shore. Crescent City in California is a prime example. Fortunately however, when the wave arrived in Crescent City on July 30 2025, it reached a height of just 1.22 metres – still the highest recorded in the continental US.

    So, not every powerful undersea earthquake leads to a devastating tsunami — it depends not just on the magnitude, but on how much the sea floor is lifted and whether that vertical movement reaches the ocean surface.

    In the case of the recent Russian quake, although the slip was substantial, much of it occurred at depth, meaning the energy wasn’t transferred effectively to the water above. All of this shows that while earthquake size is important, it’s the precise characteristics of the rupture that truly decide whether a tsunami becomes destructive or remains largely insignificant.

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

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

    – ref. Why some underwater earthquakes cause tsunamis – and others, just little ripples – https://theconversation.com/why-some-underwater-earthquakes-cause-tsunamis-and-others-just-little-ripples-262352

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Commemorates the Illustrious Career of Congressman Danny Davis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Commemorates the Illustrious Career of Congressman Danny Davis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson today issued the following statement regarding Congressman Danny Davis’s announcement that he will not seek reelection, marking the conclusion of a truly remarkable career in public service:

    “It is with profound respect and admiration that we acknowledge the impending retirement of my esteemed colleague, Congressman Danny Davis. For decades, Congressman Davis has served the people of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District with unparalleled dedication, embodying a spirit of advocacy that deeply mirrors the African experience of perseverance and progress.

    Chicago is fortunate to call Danny Davis our very own. His journey, beginning in a one-room schoolhouse in Arkansas, is a testament to his extraordinary grit and determination. Rising from such humble beginnings to earn a Ph.D. and become a revered legislator in the halls of Congress, his story is an inspiration to us all. He holds the unique distinction as the only Black person from Arkansas to be in Congress, a powerful symbol of breaking barriers and achieving the impossible.

    Congressman Davis has consistently been a champion for civil rights, affordable housing, prison reentry, and healthcare. His unwavering commitment to his constituents has made him a highest vote getter time and again, reflecting the deep trust and affection he has earned from those he serves. He carries a profound legacy of greatness, built on tireless work and a genuine desire to uplift communities.

    Beyond his legislative achievements, Congressman Davis has always conducted himself with immense grace and undeniable charm. He has been a mentor, a leader, and a beacon of hope for countless individuals. His presence in Congress will be deeply missed, but his impact will resonate for generations.

    We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Davis for his exceptional service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. His contributions to our nation and to the city of Chicago are indelible.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Convenes Section 8 & 9 Townhall to Discuss Trump Administration’s Threats to Affordable Housing

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Goldman Joined by Representatives from NYCHA, NYC Housing Preservation and Development, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal  

     

    View a Recording of the Event Here 

    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) hosted a Section 8 & 9 townhall at Grand St. Settlement to discuss how the Trump administration’s policies are affecting Section 8 and 9 housing in New York and help inform tenants on how city and state housing agencies may be impacted. The Congressman was joined by representatives from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), New York City Housing Preservation and Development, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal. 

    “Programs like Section 8 and 9 are a vital lifeline for over one million New York residents who are already struggling to make ends meet, and as the Trump administration slashes funding and fires critical staff, I was proud to bring local officials together and give tenants a platform to ask questions and get answers,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “With New York City set to remain in this administration’s cross-hairs, I will continue working at all levels of government to protect Section 8 and 9 tenants and ensure every single one has the safe, dignified, and affordable housing that they deserve.”  

    Since taking office, the Trump Administration has proposed sweeping changes to federal housing programs like Section 8 and Section 9 that would devastate low-income households. While they have not yet succeeded in enacting the most extreme policies, they’ve already caused serious harm, most notably by gutting HUD’s workforce by 30%. The administration’s budget proposals have called for drastic cuts to rental assistance, a two-year cap on support for able-bodied adults, and expanded work requirements that would jeopardize housing for thousands of working families, caregivers, and students. These changes, if implemented, would lead to mass evictions, overwhelming paperwork burdens, and a significant increase in homelessness—particularly in high-cost areas like New York City. Fortunately, Congress has so far rejected many of these proposals, but the threat remains real and ongoing. 

    In March, Goldman led 13 of his New York Delegation colleagues in sending a letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner demanding that he reverse the Trump Administration’s decision to drastically reduce staffing at regional HUD field offices. The Administration’s “fork in the road” scheme and their potentially illegal firing of probationary workers had already left HUD field offices short-staffed and vulnerable. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Here’s how you can make your garden a safe and biodiverse space for urban wildlife

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ann Dale, Professor Emerita, Environment & Sustainability, Royal Roads University

    Simple things like avoiding chemical pesticides and leaving leaves where they fall can help make your garden a more welcoming environment for wildlife and support biodiversity. (Jeffrey Hamilton/Unsplash)

    Biodiversity is essential to mitigating and adapting to climate change, enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and safeguarding the ecological functions that all living beings depend on for survival.

    There is little doubt that we are at a critical point in the loss of biodiversity in Canada with thousands of species currently in danger of disappearing, while global experts continue to warn about Earth’s ongoing sixth mass extinction.

    As a response to the cascading climate crisis, wildlife habitat gardens have grown in popularity. These are spaces designed to attract and sustain local wildlife, and include efforts such as rewilded meadows, pollinator patches, rain gardens, naturalized lawns and others.

    Cultivating a garden for biodiversity is not an all-in or nothing task. In fact, there is a wide range of simple actions anyone can take to regenerate and conserve biodiversity right at home.

    We are currently organizing a biodiversity public literacy campaign at the National Environmental Treasure, a people’s trust fund devoted to funding Canadian environmental organizations.

    Last year, we partnered with Prof. Nina-Marie Lister and the Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University on their Bylaws for Biodiversity research, along with Nature Canada and FLAP Canada, to develop Gardening for Biodiversity resources.

    Supporting biodiversity in your garden

    Educational, ecologically informed signage can help interpret the garden for visitors. These signs serve as a practical tool to share gardening practices and highlight the garden’s environmental benefits with the community.
    (Nina Marie Lister)

    Together, we’ve created a series of free, fact-based guides to help people learn how to cultivate biodiversity and support for wildlife habitat in private gardens.

    This series currently includes four comprehensive booklets, each focusing on key aspects of biodiversity gardening:

    While there are plenty of great garden practices out there, these are five easy and impactful ways to boost biodiversity and cultivate a garden safe for urban wildlife, taken directly from our booklets.

    Use alternatives to pesticides

    Pesticides in your garden can harm beneficial insects and can be detrimental to the environment, wildlife and human health. Instead of using chemical-based pesticides, try natural alternatives like biopesticides, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps that can be just as effective.

    Likewise, attracting predatory insects and wildlife into your garden who will actively feed on the harmful pest is also an effective starting point as this is a process of pest-control that occurs naturally in healthy ecosystems.

    There are also DIY pesticides, such as sea salt spray, water-vinegar mixtures and coffee grounds.

    A rewilded habitat meadow featuring a selection of native wildflowers and habitat logs left to enrich the soil, support pollinators and offer seating for visitors.
    (Nina Marie Lister)

    Leave the leaves

    Decomposing plant litter, like fallen dead leaves, tree bark, needles and twigs, is an important component of maintaining soil health, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.

    By choosing to leave the leaves in your garden, you will support the variety of species who overwinter in them, from bees and caterpillars, to butterflies, spiders and more.

    Prioritize pollinator-attractive plants

    In addition to pollination, insects are beneficial for a variety of other reasons including for pest control, seed dispersal and decomposition.

    The best way to attract insects largely depends on which insect you are trying to attract. But as a general rule, it is always a good practice to source plants locally and prioritize native species.

    Next best to native plants are benign ornamentals and non-natives. Cultivating a diverse range of flowers, especially native plants and herbs, promotes a resilient ecosystem. It also helps natives out-compete invasive species and to reverse the downward trends of mass species decline.



    Read more:
    How to fight Insectageddon with a garden of native plants

    Make your garden safe for birds

    Birds contribute to healthy ecosystems: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and prey on insects. Unfortunately, North American bird populations are experiencing a rapid decline due to habitat loss, degradation and other global pressures.

    Aadopting bird-safe gardening practices offers a powerful way to combat these threats and support biodiversity conservation on a local scale. Beyond core habitat elements, additional practices can enhance the garden’s appeal to birds.

    Organic gardening without pesticides or herbicides, keeping cats indoors, removing potential entanglement hazards and using bird-collision prevention markers on reflective surfaces can not only attract birds, but also ensure their safety as well.

    Birds contribute to healthy ecosystems: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and prey on insects.
    (Unsplash/Richard Bell)

    Advocate for biodiversity

    Although there’s been a growing movement toward more biodiversity-supporting practices, outdated municipal bylaws and enforcement policies continue to limit the potential of habitat gardens.

    These disputes over the scope and application of bylaws have brought attention to various legal contradictions and outcomes that negatively impact progress on biodiversity recovery, all the while undermining and negating related environmental objectives on private land.

    By advocating and encouraging your municipal leaders to adopt science-based biodiversity-supportive bylaws, you help to establish the legal frameworks and political agendas that directly impact long-term ecological health and promote sustainable development and the regeneration of biodiversity.

    Ann Dale receives funding from the CRC Secretariat, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Hewlett Foundation.

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

    – ref. Here’s how you can make your garden a safe and biodiverse space for urban wildlife – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-you-can-make-your-garden-a-safe-and-biodiverse-space-for-urban-wildlife-261151

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Hageman Rebrand ESA to Highlight Recovery Over Endless Listings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) today introduced the Endangered Species Recovery Act, legislation that would rename the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to better reflect the law’s original intent.

    “Washington bureaucrats have lost sight of the original mission of the Endangered Species Act,” said Sen. Lummis. “Instead of celebrating recovery success by removing federal intervention, they’ve created a system that keeps species listed indefinitely. The Endangered Species Recovery Act refocuses this law on its original purpose: recovering species and then getting the federal government out of the way. States like Wyoming have proven track records in wildlife management, and when species recover, we should celebrate that success by allowing appropriate local management to resume.”

    “For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has operated under a misleading title and a failed model, with only 3% of listed species ever delisted,” said Rep. Hageman. “This is land control, not conservation. By renaming it the Endangered Species Recovery Act, we are reflecting the law’s true intent, actually recovering species. This change is long overdue. With this legislation, we are putting action and accountability back into environmental policy.”

    The Endangered Species Recovery Act has received support from:

    “The Endangered Species Act is a remarkable law that was created to protect and recover species,” said Angi Bruce, Director of Wyoming Game and Fish. “While this landmark act has primarily focused on species protection over the past 50 years, this revision in the name of the Act is necessary to refocus how we think about listed species and better reflect its original intent. Changing the name sets the stage for emphasizing future work on recovery. With over 1600 species listed, now is the time to focus on actions needed for delisting. Special thanks to Senator Lummis for her leadership on endangered species reform.”

    “The ultimate goal of federally listing a species as endangered or threatened has always been the recovery of that species to a level where the species is no longer imperiled and can thrive without the need of federal protections,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Successfully recovering and delisting species allows limited resources to be focused on the species most in need of attention. State fish and wildlife agencies are dedicated partners in species recovery and management, and we appreciate Senator Lummis’ acknowledgment of the importance of species recovery and raising its prominence by including it in the title of the Endangered Species Recovery Act.”

    “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) thanks Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Senator Lummis for introducing the Endangered Species Recovery Act,” said CSF Senior Vice President Taylor Schmitz. “Despite the Endangered Species Act (ESA) becoming an endless place of entrapment for many listed fish and wildlife species, the intent behind the ESA was and remains to recover species and return the management of the species to state wildlife agencies, who have the primary authority over the majority of fish and wildlife across the country. This legislation reaffirms the intent of the ESA to recover species rather than needlessly keeping them on a list once they have met population recovery goals.”

    “I commend Senator Lummis for her legislation and trying to focus the Endangered Species Act (ESA) more on recovery,” said James L. Cummins, Executive Director, Wildlife Mississippi. “Many in our nation want the ESA to go away.  Others say don’t change one word.  That is like owning an International Scout with two plans: one is sell it and the other is never changing the oil.  Neither of those are helpful at the hunting club unless walking is your goal.  I think we need to keep and use the Scout but fix it when it needs fixing. The ESA should be treated no differently.  The ESA has been effective in preventing some species from becoming extinct; however, it can be significantly improved by creating new recovery efforts.  As long as the status quo of not increasing habitat, therefore not increasing populations, is maintained, the recovery and delisting of many species will not occur.”  

    “Renaming the Endangered Species Act as the Endangered Species Recovery Act is a thoughtful way to refocus national attention on what matters most—recovering imperiled wildlife,” said David Willms, associate vice president, public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. “This bill emphasizes outcomes over process, reinforcing that the goal isn’t to manage decline, but to return species to healthy, sustainable populations that don’t require the Act’s protections. It’s a commonsense update that aligns the name of the law with its original purpose.” 

    Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) are Senate cosponsors. 

    Read the entire bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Georgiaville Pond

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are recommending people avoid contact with Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to a confirmed cyanobacteria bloom. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally present in bodies of water, but under certain environmental conditions will form harmful algae blooms?(HABs). All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location. HABs can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

    Use caution in all areas of Georgiaville Pond as cyanobacteria HABs can move locations in ponds and lakes. People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies.?Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water. ? Skin contact with water containing toxin-producing cyanobacteria can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Symptoms from ingestion of water can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at higher risk for health effects associated with cyanobacteria HABs because they are more likely to swallow water when they are in or around bodies of water. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.?

    If you or your pet come into contact with a cyanobacteria HAB:

    – Rinse your skin with clean water right away.

    – Shower and wash your clothes when you get home.

    – If your pet was exposed, wash it with clean water immediately and don’t let it lick algae from its fur.

    – Call a vet if your pet shows signs of illness like tiredness, no eating, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms within a day.

    – If you feel sick after contact, call a healthcare provider.

    Affected waters might look bright to dark green, with thick algae floating on the surface. It may resemble green paint, pea soup, or green cottage cheese. If you see water like this, people and pets should avoid contact with the water.

    To report suspected cyanobacteria blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 Press 6 or?DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov?and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For more information and the Freshwater Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard that lists current advisories and data, visit:?www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Opening Remarks at Full Committee Mark Up of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following opening remarks as the committee meets to consider the draft fiscal year 2026 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations acts.

    Senator Murray’s opening remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “As I have said, these are not the bills I would have written on my own—but they nevertheless represent serious bipartisan work to make some truly critical investments in families and our country’s future.

    “From defense funding that supports our military and keeps our country safe to funding for health care, child care, schools, seniors, medical research, public health, workforce training and safety—and many other programs that keep our communities strong.

    “The priorities laid out in both of these bills are fundamental to our nation’s security and Americans’ livelihoods and health.

    “So I’m glad this Committee was able to deliver and reach a bipartisan compromise to write these bills that deliver essential funds to help people, solve problems, and reject many of the absolutely devastating cuts and much of the chaos that President Trump was pushing for.

    “It remains clear as ever to me that we cannot afford to go down the path Trump and Russ Vought want to push us down. Their vision is one where this Committee becomes less bipartisan and less powerful. Where the president and the OMB director call the shots and some Republicans in Congress spend their time cutting what they are told to cut, even at the expense of their own constituents. Where instead of securing new investments for folks back home through bipartisan agreements, lawmakers have to plead their case to this administration to unlock funds we have already delivered or secure special exceptions for spending cuts. Where biomedical research and education funding gets held up for no reason at all. Where we gut investments in working families while letting Trump’s corruption run rampant.

    “That’s what Trump and Vought want.

    “We can—and we must—reject it.

    “Because, there is no comparison between having a bipartisan process, that gives our constituents a say in how their tax dollars are spent. Or another slush fund CR that forfeits our power and lets Trump rob some states, and pick winners and losers regardless of what our communities actually need or the law says.

    “The bills we are voting on today really show how big of a difference there is here. Anyone who has doubts about that, can just look at the LHHS bill.

    “It rejects Trump’s cuts that would have devastated our work to fight substance use disorders, HIV, and pandemics, eliminate women’s health investments like Title X funding and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program and essentially saw the CDC cut in half.

    “It rejects backward proposals from Trump that would hurt our students and workers—like eliminating preschool grants, or slashing PELL, gutting public school funding, or ending Job Corps and AmeriCorps.

    “It rejects efforts to gut agencies that protect the rights of patients, students, and workers.

    “And, I’m especially pleased to note it rejects Trump’s 40% cut to lifesaving medical research—and increases the NIH budget by $400 million so we continue to make progress against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and so much more.

    “To the scientists wondering if there will even be an NIH by the end of this administration: this committee’s resounding message is ‘yes.’

    “Congress has your back—we’re not going to give up the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s, or rare diseases.

    “We support you and we need you to stay here and keep this research going.

    “But I want to be clear—at the end of the day, this isn’t about rejecting Trump, it is about investing in our families.

    “Investing in our schools, in medical research, in workforce training, and community health.

    “In fact, this bill even increases funding for crucial programs with new investments to allow the Social Security Administration to actually help people and undo some of the damage that Trump and DOGE have recklessly caused and increased investments in child care—something I will never stop fighting to make more progress on.

    “Now, one thing this bill does not do, unfortunately, is fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

    “As everyone knows, Republicans rescinded bipartisan funding we provided for CPB in the first ever partisan rescissions package.

    “It is a shameful reality—and now communities across the country will suffer the consequences as over 1,500 stations lose critical funding.

    “I really hope Republicans will join us to restore this funding down the line—and I want you to know I am going to keep pushing to do that. 

    “Before I close, I want to say: I am clear-eyed: the investments we make in these bills today are really only half of the equation.

    “Because the fact of the matter is we have an administration right now that is intent on ignoring Congress, breaking the law, and doing everything it can without any transparency to dismantle programs and agencies that help families.

    “There is no magic bullet that will change that unfortunate reality.

    “Our bills reject devastating cuts—and reject many of this administration’s absurd proposals—like dismantling the Department of Education, like destroying HHS, and more.

    “But I still want to see us to do much more when it comes to demanding accountability, demanding transparency, and demanding the administration actually follow our laws.

    “We all know President Trump cannot dismantle the Department of Education or ship education programs to other agencies. Authorizing laws prevent that. Appropriations laws prevent that. Yet, that has not stopped him from shipping CTE and adult education programs to DOL in violation of our laws.

    “And Secretary McMahon says she wants to do the same for Title I and IDEA. 

    “So I am very glad our LHHS bill takes new steps to ensure she cannot do that, and Title I and IDEA programs students depend on do not get dismantled or moved out of ED.

    “But I’d like this bill to also do the same for every other education program that states administer, to prevent states from having to deal with the chaos of these dismantling efforts, and I’m disappointed there was not bipartisan support to do that. Still, I am going to keep making the case for more accountability and transparency.

    “We need more members across the aisle to not only reject the cuts but to speak up and speak out against what this administration is already doing to defy our laws and hurt the people we represent.

    “Because, as we speak now, Trump and Vought are holding up billions of dollars we have secured on a bipartisan basis. They are on course to impound billions of taxpayer dollars while agencies fail to meet basic requirements of law.

    “Right now, they are illegally hiding apportionments data that would let us know whether funds we passed are being spent as intended and help us strengthen the bills we are in the middle of writing on. It is absurd we have to mark up bills—while being kept in the dark.  And just this week, we learned Russ Vought—through a footnote—paused $15 billion in NIH funding.

    “One footnote, from an unelected bureaucrat—overruling Congress and even NIH, to block $15 billion in funding for things like cancer research.

    “That is not transparency. It is not what Congress intended. And it is not acceptable. 

    “We need our Republican colleagues to join us in insisting that all blocked funding gets out—not just the programs most important to them.

    “So, in sum: these are critical, solid bills we are considering today that deliver vital funds for families and reject many devastating proposals.

    “And of course I would have liked to do even more, and I will not stop discussing how we make that happen with my colleagues, I will be voting yes to advance both of these bills today.

    “And I am glad we are on track to continue making progress on bipartisan bills that reject devastating cuts and invest in our communities and in our global strength.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: British Columbia harvester fined over a million dollars and receives a six-year jail sentence for illegal fishing and sale of sea cucumber

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 31, 2025                                                                

    Nanaimo, BC – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to the enforcement of the Fisheries Act and is working with partners to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and prosecution of serious fisheries violations.

    The Honourable Justice Crerar of the British Columbia Supreme Court has sentenced Scott Steer, a repeat offender with a history of serious violations under the Fisheries Act, for illegal sea cucumber harvesting and sale. The sentencing follows Mr. Steer’s conviction on January 8, 2025, on multiple counts related to the unlawful harvest and sale of sea cucumbers between July 2019 and June 2020. 

    Penalties include:

    • a six-year jail sentence for Scott Steer to be served consecutively;
    • a global fine of $1,105,718 dollars ($1,005,718 and an additional $100,000 fine for the corporate offenders) for which Mr. and Mrs. Steer are jointly liable which is to be paid by monthly installment over 20 years; and
    • forfeiture of all items seized during the investigation, other than Mrs. Steer’s two phones, including two vessels, two vehicles, a trailer and many items related to fishing.

    Mr. Steer has an extensive history of fisheries violations that have resulted in numerous convictions, prohibitions, fines, and jail sentences. He had previously been prohibited by the Courts in 2016 from possessing or acquiring fishing gear, being onboard any fishing vessel, or applying for a fishing license until 2038. Despite these prohibitions, he actively orchestrated an illegal fishing operation, acquiring and outfitting vessels, recruiting crew, forging DFO records, and selling unlawfully harvested sea cucumbers.

    The court found that Mr. Steer’s illegal activities resulted in the sale of over 87,000 pounds of sea cucumbers, generating more than $1 million in revenue through fraudulent transactions with a Vancouver-based processing company. Justice Crerar determined that 1215419 B.C. Ltd. was a sham corporation used to circumvent Mr. Steer’s prohibitions and court orders, and that Mrs. Steer was fully involved in the scheme.

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada reminds the public that illegal fishing threatens the sustainability of Canada’s fisheries and urges anyone with information on potential violations to report them to DFO’s toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336 or by email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Shark tales, a sinking city and a breathless cop thriller: what to watch in August

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexa Scarlata, Lecturer, Digital Communication, RMIT University

    As the cool nights continue, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a new batch of captivating films and series.

    This month’s streaming highlights bring a little bit of everything, from gripping true crime, to thought-provoking political drama, and a nostalgic music documentary on the life and times of piano man Billy Joel.

    So grab a blanket (and maybe a snack or two). Your next binge-watch awaits.

    One Night in Idaho: The College Murders

    Prime Video

    I remember seeing the gruesome 2022 murder of four college students in Moscow, Idaho, splashed all over the news in Australia. The world seemed momentarily gripped by the brutality of the killings, which happened in off-campus housing, while two other roommates slept downstairs.

    The ensuing investigation was given significantly less attention, though. So when Prime Video dropped this four-episode limited series, well, that was my weekend sorted.

    The docuseries features exclusive interviews with the friends and families of the victims, so it doesn’t feel gratuitous. It respectfully recounts the tragedy and explores its continued impact, while honouring the victims. It also builds the kind of tension and disquiet that is so beloved in the true crime genre, but not in a way that makes you feel gross watching it.

    Notably, legal proceedings for the case were still underway when One Night in Idaho was released. And the series made it clear there was more to the story which couldn’t be shared with, or by, the producers.

    However, the trial has since concluded, with more information now available for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the case. This makes the series an absorbing watch.

    – Alexa Scarlata

    The Night of the Hunter

    Various platforms

    In 1955, director Charles Laughton crafted The Night of the Hunter: one of the darkest, strangest fairy tales ever to come out of Hollywood.

    Shortly before Ben Harper is hanged for robbing a bank and killing two men, he hides the $10,000 loot in the toy doll of his young daughter Pearl. Only Pearl and her brother John know the secret – until the deranged serial killer-priest Harry Powell hears about the money and sets out to recover it.

    Harry marries Willa, Harper’s widow, and then, after killing her, pursues John and Pearl relentlessly across West Virginia.

    Robert Mitchum’s depiction of pure evil is one of cinema’s most vivid creations, with LOVE and HATE tattooed on the fingers of each hand.

    The film did not align with the mainstream tastes of the era. Audiences and reviewers didn’t know what to make of this abnormal mix of fairy tale logic, nightmarish imagery and biblical allegory.

    Successive generations of critics and filmmakers have caught on to its brilliance. Critic Roger Ebert said it was “one of the greatest of all American films”. In 2008, French film magazine Cahiers du cinéma voted it as the second-best film of all time, behind only Citizen Kane (1941).

    The Night of the Hunter remains unsettlingly modern, 70 years on.

    – Ben McCann



    Read more:
    After 70 years, twisted gothic thriller The Night of the Hunter remains as disturbing and beguiling as ever

    Families Like Ours

    SBS On Demand

    The highest point in Denmark, Mollehoj, is 171 metres above sea level, so it is plausible to imagine the whole country being overrun by water due to rising sea levels, leading to mass evacuation. This is the basic premise of the Danish series Families Like Ours.

    The cleverness of this premise is that it turns comfortable middle-class Danes into refugees, facing hostility, poverty and violence as they seek to resettle. Given Denmark’s hard line on refugees, this makes the series politically powerful, equally so for us in Australia.

    The central figure is a young woman, Laura (Amaryllis August), who creates disaster for her family through what she believes is an act of huge empathy. The same is true of Henrik (Magnus Millang), who shoots an innocent man in what he believes is an act of self-defence.

    Families Like Ours is not a comfortable series to watch, but it manages to raise central issues of our time, without ever seeming didactic or preachy. It succeeds in combining the personal and the political in a six-part show that is powerful – and leaves enough loose ends for a potential second season.

    – Dennis Altman

    The Man from Hong Kong

    Various platforms

    A cinematic firecracker of a film exploded onto international screens 50 years ago, blending martial arts mayhem, Bond-esque set pieces, casual racism – and a distinctly Australian swagger.

    From its audacious visual style; to its complex, life-threatening stunts; to its pioneering status as an international co-production, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s The Man from Hong Kong has solidified its place as a cult classic.

    A Sydney-based crime lord’s activities come under the scrutiny of a determined Hong Kong detective, Inspector Fang Sing Leng. A fiery East-meets-West martial arts showdown explodes across the Australian landscape, pushing both sides to their limits.

    The movie is a playful pastiche that confidently combines martial arts action, police procedurals, spy thrillers, and Westerns, all filtered through a distinctly Australian “crash-zoom” lens.

    The film was an influence to Quentin Tarantino and paved the way for films such as Mad Max (1979), particularly in what Trenchard-Smith and his partner in film, stunt legend Grant Page, might call its “cunning stunts”.

    The elaborate car chases and explosive stunt setups in The Man from Hong Kong served as prototypes for iconic sequences that would inspire the Mad Max films, among others, a testament to a bygone era of practical effects and thrill seeking audacity.

    The Man from Hong Kong remains an exhilarating piece of pure cinema, despite its relatively small budget. It’s an exemplar (and occasional cautionary tale) for filmmakers in terms of international co-production, its cunning stunts, and genre blending.

    – Gregory Ferris



    Read more:
    The Man from Hong Kong at 50: how the first ever Australian–Hong Kong co-production became a cult classic

    Dept Q

    Netflix

    Based on the book series by Jussi Adler-Olsen, Dept Q is a gripping television adaptation for fans of Nordic noir and British crime drama.

    In Edinburgh, Scotland, Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) has returned to work after a shooting which left him physically and psychologically wounded, his colleague partially paralysed, and another colleague dead.

    With the dregs of a budget assigned to cold cases, and a team of misfit officers, Morck sets out to solve the four-year-old case of missing Crown prosecutor, Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie).

    We follow Merritt’s story across various stages of her life. We see her as a teenager in the lead-up to a devastating crime that left her brother with a traumatic brain injury, as well as later in life, when she loses a major case involving a wealthy man on trial for his wife’s death.

    Shortly after the devastating verdict, Merritt went missing on a ferry ride to her childhood home, on the fictionalised island of Mhòr. Returning to the present, we see she has been held captive inside a hyperbaric chamber for the past four years.

    The pressure under which Merritt is kept makes Morck’s investigation high stakes from the start, while the movement between past and present highlights the impacts of past traumatic events on both characters.

    Dept Q is a fast-paced, breathless thriller which will leave viewers craving its rumoured second season.

    – Jessica Gildersleeve

    Billy Joel: And So It Goes

    HBO Max

    Produced by Tom Hanks, this two-part documentary about singer/songwriter Billy Joel covers more than five decades of music. Created very much from Joel’s perspective, who is also the main narrator, the archival content is fascinating, and the music difficult to deny.

    Discussion of Joel’s early suicide attempts are a shocking and terrible reminder of how different things might have been. From here, the role of the women in his life – his wives, daughters, and mother (“his champion”) – becomes vital. Beyond the headlines (particularly with his second wife Christie Brinkley), are partners who were muses, business supporters and emotional support pillars – some of whom gave Joel ultimatums when the time came to battle his alcohol addiction.

    Brinkley, as well as Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, are particularly moving interviewees. They would wait at home, or stand nervously backstage as Joel “went to work” to earn, repair and rebuild against the odds. No spoilers, but let’s just say Joel ended up in trouble more than once.

    On the other hand, the men in Joel’s life are often distant: Jewish grandparents who escaped Nazi Germany; a father who left when Joel was small; a half-brother discovered later in life. These losses are never really healed.

    Billy Joel: And So It Goes is a five-hour epic, a story of survival and ultimately, of peace. It is, of course, also a reminder of an incredible catalogue of music – joyful, ordinary and wonderful – and the extraordinary life behind it.

    – Liz Giuffre

    If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

    Gardening Australia, season 36

    ABC iView

    Since it first aired in 1990, Gardening Australia has offered tips and inspiration from every state and territory on a weekly basis. A perennial favourite, the show seems to possess perpetual appeal for world-weary viewers open to slowing down by growing plants.

    The no-nonsense host Peter Cundall helmed the series until 2008 (Cundall died in 2021 at the age of 94). The honour of “King of Compost” now rests with the gregarious Costa Georgiadis, and a wider cast of presenters that has expanded to be more diverse and engaging. One stalwart from the start, Jane Edmanson, is still flourishing in season 36: her episode 4 segment titled “Fronds with Benefits” certainly caught my eye.

    Topics covered this season range from small-space innovation and passion projects, to Indigenous knowledge and bush foods, through to permaculture and climate change. Episodes 6 and 20 – specials on native plants and NAIDOC Week, respectively – are both worth a watch.

    While the series can distance renters, and might not be edgy enough for younger audiences, it has managed to stake out ground in the digital realm – with a blooming online presence for budding green thumbs.

    One of the longest-running Australian shows still on air, it doesn’t look as though Gardening Australia will be pulling up roots anytime soon.

    – Phoebe Hart

    The Buccaneers, season two

    Apple TV

    Loosen your corsets, The Buccaneers is back for a second season of feminist sisterhood and fabulous gowns.

    Adapted from Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, the series follows a group of outspoken young American women navigating the marriage market in 1870s Victorian England. Gleefully anachronistic with feisty girl power speeches and a contemporary pop music soundtrack, The Buccaneers is equal parts Bridgerton and Gossip Girl (complete with a character played by Leighton Meester).

    Season two picks up where the first left off, with Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) and Guy (Matthew Broome) fleeing the country to escape Jinny’s violent husband Lord James Seadown (Barney Fishwick).

    Meanwhile, sister Nan (Kristine Froseth) is busy back home leveraging her position as Duchess of Tintagel to help facilitate Jinny’s return – a campaign that includes wearing a showstopping red gown to a black and white ball. In keeping with the series’ M.O., this might be narrative nonsense, but it looks exquisite.

    While trysts and love triangles continue to provide escapist entertainment, Jinny’s abusive marriage dominates later episodes. If season one sought to expose the isolation and entrapment Jinny endured in her marriage, season two foregrounds her resistance in the face of it, intent on highlighting how perpetrators of violence manipulate legal and medical systems to tighten the noose around victims’ necks.

    Season two’s veering between frothy excess and melodrama arguably results in some tonal patchiness. Nonetheless, it should be commended for its careful treatment of the corrosive impacts and dangers of coercive control. This – more than the downloadable soundtrack and dazzling costumes – makes it good viewing.

    – Rachel Williamson

    Dangerous Animals

    Prime Video

    Dangerous Animals is perhaps the most original and entertaining shark horror film we have seen since Jaws – incorporating traditional elements of the shark thriller genre, while challenging them at the same time.

    The film starts with the primal fear of being eaten alive by monstrous sharks, with gruesome shock-thrill scenes of tourists being torn apart in a blood red ocean.

    But later, the narrative reminds us it is the boat captain, not the great white, who is the real sadistic killer. Predictably, we see a young bikini-clad woman who gets horribly dismembered (just like the first unforgettable victim in Jaws).

    However, it is also a fearless bikini-clad woman, Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) who turns the tables on the boat captain, outwits him, rescues her boyfriend and even makes friends with the shark.

    Dangerous Animals includes some interesting subtext and commentary, such as when it compares women to fish – creatures hunted for sport – and when it highlights the inherent cruelty of fishing, and the hook that impales the prey.

    The film delivers sophisticated special effects and gruesome eco-horror entertainment. It is a fun, self-aware and postmodern watch that will leave you thinking.

    The Australian influence is delightfully evident in the irreverent humour. And for anyone who has been to the Gold Coast, there is much pleasure in seeing the film play out across its iconic locations.

    This film will trigger your childhood fear of Jaws – but with a twist.

    – Susan Hopkins

    Shark Whisperer

    Netflix

    In Shark Whisperer, the great white shark gets an image makeover – from Jaws villain to misunderstood friend and admirer.

    However the star of the documentary is not so much the shark, but the model and marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey (yes, that’s her real name).

    The film centres on Ramsey’s self-growth journey, with the shark co-starring as a quasi-spiritual medium for finding meaning and purpose (not to mention celebrity status).

    Whisperer and the Ocean Ramsey website tap into the collective fascination with dangerous sharks fuelled by popular culture. Many online images show Ramsey in a bikini or touching sharks – she’s small, and vulnerable in the face of great whites. As with forms of celebrity humanitarianism, what I have dubbed “sexy conservationism” leaves itself open to criticism about its methods – even if its intentions are good.

    Globally at least 80 million sharks are killed every year. Thanks in part to the hashtag activism of Ocean Ramsey and her millions of fans and followers, Hawaii was the first state in the United States to outlaw shark fishing.

    So, Ramsey may be right to argue her ends justify the means.

    – Susan Hopkins



    Read more:
    Netflix’s Shark Whisperer wants us to think ‘sexy conservation’ is the way to save sharks – does it have a point?

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

    – ref. Shark tales, a sinking city and a breathless cop thriller: what to watch in August – https://theconversation.com/shark-tales-a-sinking-city-and-a-breathless-cop-thriller-what-to-watch-in-august-261952

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province takes next step to improve Elk Valley water quality

    Fish, wildlife, ecosystems and communities in the Elk Valley will benefit from an updated plan to improve water quality in the region.

    The Province has updated the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan to improve how B.C. manages the effects of mining on water quality. This is the first time the Elk Valley’s area-based management plan has been amended since it was developed in 2014. The amendment follows a year-long consultation process with governments, First Nations, industry and the public.

    The updated plan includes clear expectations for managing and improving water quality, with goals and guidance for decision-makers. This will help ensure clean water in the Elk Valley and respond to concerns from the community and Ktunaxa First Nations governments.

    The amendment strengthens the ministry’s commitment to protecting the environment and wildlife in the Elk Valley, while supporting an industry crucial to the communities and economy of the region, province and country.

    This amendment is a milestone for the Province, restructuring the plan into a government-led framework for decision-making. The next amendment planned will be a review of the selenium water-quality target for the Koocanusa Reservoir. Planning for this is underway and the Province will continue to engage with partners throughout this process.

    The Elk Valley Water Quality Plan has driven significant investments in water treatment and other strategies to address water quality, and these improvements are starting to become evident. Elk Valley Resources has invested more than $1.5 billion since 2014, and four more water-treatment facilities are being built. These new facilities aim to double the water-treatment capacity at Elk Valley Resources’s mines in the valley by the end of 2027.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the Elk Valley Area Based Management Plan, including water-quality improvements and the work in progress, visit: https://elkvalleywaterquality.gov.bc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province takes next step to improve Elk Valley water quality

    Fish, wildlife, ecosystems and communities in the Elk Valley will benefit from an updated plan to improve water quality in the region.

    The Province has updated the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan to improve how B.C. manages the effects of mining on water quality. This is the first time the Elk Valley’s area-based management plan has been amended since it was developed in 2014. The amendment follows a year-long consultation process with governments, First Nations, industry and the public.

    The updated plan includes clear expectations for managing and improving water quality, with goals and guidance for decision-makers. This will help ensure clean water in the Elk Valley and respond to concerns from the community and Ktunaxa First Nations governments.

    The amendment strengthens the ministry’s commitment to protecting the environment and wildlife in the Elk Valley, while supporting an industry crucial to the communities and economy of the region, province and country.

    This amendment is a milestone for the Province, restructuring the plan into a government-led framework for decision-making. The next amendment planned will be a review of the selenium water-quality target for the Koocanusa Reservoir. Planning for this is underway and the Province will continue to engage with partners throughout this process.

    The Elk Valley Water Quality Plan has driven significant investments in water treatment and other strategies to address water quality, and these improvements are starting to become evident. Elk Valley Resources has invested more than $1.5 billion since 2014, and four more water-treatment facilities are being built. These new facilities aim to double the water-treatment capacity at Elk Valley Resources’s mines in the valley by the end of 2027.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the Elk Valley Area Based Management Plan, including water-quality improvements and the work in progress, visit: https://elkvalleywaterquality.gov.bc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers back Government health & safety review

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is backing moves to review health and safety rules for farmers, saying it’s unfortunate some seem to have completely misunderstood the Minister’s announcement.
    “Taking a closer look at these rules is really important, so it’s disappointing a lot of people have gotten the wrong end of the stick,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
    “The Government aren’t trying to add layers of bureaucracy or wrap farm kids up in cotton wool. They’re actually trying to do the exact opposite of what’s been portrayed in the media so far.
    “This is all about making sure health and safety rules are practical, common sense, and easy to understand – and Federated Farmers absolutely welcome that conversation.”
    Langford says the current health and safety rules for farmers have gone way too far and are unnecessarily confusing for smaller family-owned farming operations.
    “We’re talking about small mum and dad type businesses which might only employ one or two staff members. They’re certainly not big corporates with a health and safety manager on staff.
    “They’re hands-on farmers who actually spend their days farming rather than sitting in an office. That’s why it’s so important these rules are practical and easy to understand.”
    He says confusion about health and safety obligations has meant some farmers no longer allow children on the farm like they would have in the past, for fear of falling foul of the law.
    “There’s something very special about growing up on a farm and having that classic rural childhood many farmers enjoyed themselves,” Langford says.
    “That’s the childhood I had, and my own kids have had something similar, but I think we’re at risk of losing that kind of upbringing if we don’t get these rules right.”
    Langford says preserving that traditional rural Kiwi upbringing, while still keeping kids safe, is exactly what Minister Brooke van Velden is trying to achieve.
    “I think it’s unfortunate the Minister’s examples were things like collecting eggs and watering plants – because that’s not really what we’re talking about here.
    “The fact those are the talking points the Minister was provided with by bureaucrats tells you everything you need to know about why we need to get Wellington out of farming.
    “In reality, we’re talking about things like feeding calves, shifting stock, or helping mum and dad hose down the shed after milking – perfectly safe everyday farming activities.”
    Federated Farmers 100% backs what the Minister has announced and look forward to engaging in the consultation process.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Yorkshire Water fined for polluting watercourse

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Yorkshire Water fined for polluting watercourse

    Yorkshire Water has been fined £865,000 after a South Yorkshire water treatment works pumped out millions of litres of chlorinated water for almost a month.

    The water company appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 30 July for sentence after previously pleading guilty in February to one charge of polluting Ingbirchworth Dike near Barnsley.

    The court heard that Ingbirchworth Water Treatment Works illegally discharged chlorinated water into the watercourse, which connects Ingbirchworth and Scout Dike reservoirs.

    Approximately 1 million litres per day of chlorinated water was discharged – which even at low levels of chlorine is toxic to fish and other aquatic life – resulting in over 430 dead fish being found in one day.

    Yorkshire Water was fined £865,000, ordered to pay costs of £34,979.79 and a victim surcharge of £170.

    Systems ‘were simply not robust enough’

    Jacqui Tootill, Water Industry Regulation Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said:

    This pollution was not caused by an unforeseen event or extreme weather. The systems were simply not robust enough and this wouldn’t have happened if proper checks had taken place.

    We expect full compliance from water companies and are committed to taking robust enforcement action where we see serious breaches.

    We’re pleased Yorkshire Water has now been dealt with by the courts following our investigation.

    Ingbirchworth Water Treatment Works provides 90,000 people in Barnsley and South Yorkshire with drinking water every day and is fed by Ingbirchworth and Royd Moor reservoirs.

    Water from the reservoirs passes through the works for treatment. It includes an underground ‘clean water wash tank’, containing chlorine.

    When operating normally the level in this tank fluctuates. At 87% capacity an inlet valve automatically opens allowing the tank to refill and when it reaches 91% capacity it should close.

    As a back-up, if it reached 96% capacity it would discharge via an overflow pipe into Ingbirchworth Dike. The works has an environmental permit which allows, in emergency situations, the discharge of the chlorinated water into the Dike.

    However, both before and during this incident, a capacity alarm was set at 97% meaning the overflow pipe would be discharging before the alarm was activated.

    Inlet valve had failed

    On 1 November 2017 an alarm was received in the Yorkshire Water control room that indicated the inlet valve to the tank had failed. The valve was then manually opened to allow the tank to fill and maintain the water supply.

    But due to a series of failures by the water company, maintenance operatives were unaware that the capacity alarm was set above the overflow pipe level. This led to intermittent but regular discharges for 27 days.

    On 26 November Barnsley Trout Club reported dead fish at Scout Dike Reservoir. Officers attended and counted 434 dead fish in a 1.5km stretch of water between the treatment works and the reservoir.

    At this stage the discharge had been ongoing for almost four weeks and in passing sentence District Judge Tim Spruce agreed with the Environment Agency’s assertion that the fish death total is likely to have been substantially higher.

    The Environment Agency alerted Yorkshire Water about the incident and the inlet valve of the clean water wash tank was returned to automatic operation.

    The court agreed that the series of failures by Yorkshire Water showed a high degree of negligence, resulting in ‘a prolonged and catastrophic loss of aquatic life’.

    Judge Spruce said that the company’s previous convictions, including several since this incident, suggested that despite higher fines available to courts being an incentive for Yorkshire Water to improve regulatory compliance, that incentive has had ‘a lukewarm reception’.

    A Yorkshire Water-commissioned ecology report concluded that there was mortality in aquatic insect population but that the impact had a ‘significant but reversible impact to aquatic or groundwater dependent nature conservation’.

    Since the incident Yorkshire Water has made a number of improvements to the tank. It has amended the alarm trigger so that it is activated before the overflow point is reached, and the inlet valve has been replaced.

    It has also introduced a new regime of weekly proactive checks and has improved internal communication with operatives.

    The discharge pipes from the tank have also been moved so that it discharges into on site lagoons rather than the watercourse.

    After substantially reducing the fine due to Yorkshire Water’s guilty plea, District Judge Spruce said the subsequent measures illuminated the inadequacies of the pre-incident systems.

    Background

    Full charge

    Between 01 November 2017 and 29 November 2017 Yorkshire Water Services Ltd caused a water discharge activity, namely the discharge of chlorinated potable water into inland freshwaters, namely Ingbirchworth Dike, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit

    Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(b) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –