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Category: Fisheries

  • MIL-OSI Global: Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Kolstoe, Associate Professor of Bioethics, University of Portsmouth

    SamaraHeisz5/Shutterstock

    Scientists, professors, engineers, teachers and doctors are routinely ranked among the most trustworthy people in society. This is because these professions rely heavily on research, and good research is viewed as the most reliable source of knowledge.

    But how trustworthy is research? Recent news from the US suggests that the Trump administration wants to fund more “reproducibility studies”.

    These are studies that check to see if previous results can be repeated and are reliable. The administration’s focus seems to be specifically on studies that revisit the debunked claim of a link between vaccines and autism.

    This is a worrying waste of effort, given the extensive evidence showing that there is no link between vaccines and autism, and the harm that suggesting this link can cause. However, the broader idea of funding studies that attempt to repeat earlier research is a good one.

    Take research on Alzheimer’s disease as an example. In June 2024, Nature retracted a highly cited paper reporting an important theory relating to the mechanism of the disease. Unfortunately, it took 18 years to spot the errors and retract the paper.

    If influential studies like this were regularly repeated by others, it wouldn’t have taken so long to spot the errors in the original research.

    Alzheimer’s is proving a particularly tricky problem to solve despite the large amounts of money spent researching the disease. Being unable to reproduce key results contributes to this problem because new research relies on the trustworthiness of earlier research.

    More broadly, it has been known for almost ten years that 70% of researchers have problems reproducing experiments conducted by other scientists. The problem is particularly acute in cancer research and psychology.

    The Trump administration wants to fund more ‘reproducibility studies’.
    Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock

    Research is difficult to get right

    Research is complicated and there may be legitimate reasons research findings cannot be reproduced. Mistakes or dishonesty are not necessarily the cause.

    In psychology or the social sciences, failure to reproduce results – despite using identical methods – could be due to using different populations, for instance, across different countries or cultures. In physical or medical sciences problems reproducing results could be down to using different equipment, chemicals or measurement techniques.

    A lot of research may also not be reproducible simply because the researchers do not fully understand all the complexities of what they are studying. If all the relevant variables (such as genetics and environmental factors) are not understood or even identified, it is unsurprising that very similar experiments can yield different results.

    In these cases, sometimes as much can be learned from a negative result as from a positive one, as this helps inform the design of future work.

    Here, it is helpful to distinguish between reproducing another researcher’s exact results and being given enough information by the original researchers to replicate their experiments.

    Science advances by comparing notes and discussing differences, so researchers must always give enough information in their reports to allow someone else to repeat (replicate) the experiment. This ensures the results can be trusted even if they may not be reproduced exactly.

    Transparency is therefore central to research integrity, both in terms of trusting the research and trusting the people doing the research.

    Unfortunately, the incentive structure within research doesn’t always encourage such transparency. The “publish or perish” culture and aggressive practices by journals often lead to excessive competition rather than collaboration and open research practices.

    One solution, as new priorities from the US have suggested, is to directly fund researchers to replicate each other’s studies.

    This is a promising development because most other funding, alongside opportunities to publish in the top journals, is instead linked to novelty. Unfortunately, this encourages researchers to act quickly to produce something unique rather than take their time to conduct thorough and transparent experiments.

    We need to move to a system that rewards reliable research rather than just novel research. And part of this comes through rewarding people who focus on replication studies.

    Industry also plays a part. Companies conducting research and development can sometimes be guilty of throwing a lot of money at a project and then pulling the plug quickly if a product (such as a new medicine) seems not to work. The reason for such failures is often unclear, but the reliability of earlier research is a contributing factor.

    To avoid this problem, companies should be encouraged to replicate some of the original findings (perhaps significant experiments conducted by academics) before proceeding with development. In the long run, this strategy may turn out to be quicker and more efficient than the rapid chopping and changing that occurs now.

    The scale of the reproducibility, or replicability, problem in research comes as a surprise to the public who have been told to “trust the science”. But over recent years there has been increasing recognition that the culture of research is as important as the experiments themselves.

    If we want to be able to “trust the science”, science must be transparent and robustly conducted.

    This is exactly what has happened with research looking at the link between vaccines and autism. The topic was so important that in this case the replication studies were done and found that there is, in fact, no link between vaccines and autism.

    Simon Kolstoe works for the University of Portsmouth, and is a trustee of the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO). He receives research and consultancy funding from charities, universities and government. He chairs research ethics committees for the UK Health Research Authority, Ministry of Defence and Health Security Agency.

    – ref. Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism – https://theconversation.com/scientists-should-try-to-repeat-more-studies-but-not-those-looking-for-a-link-between-vaccines-and-autism-253696

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report: Over Half of Organizations Say Security and Compliance Risks Make VPNs Obsolete

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Findings:

    • 92% of organizations are concerned about ransomware attacks due to VPN vulnerabilities
    • 93% of organizations fear backdoor vulnerabilities from third-party VPN connections
    • 81% of organizations are adopting or planning to adopt zero trust within the next year

    SAN JOSE, Calif., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS), the leader in cloud security, today published the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report, commissioned by Cybersecurity Insiders, which highlights the widespread security, user experience and operational challenges posed by VPN services. The findings are based on insights from a survey of 600+ IT and security professionals. The results are stark: maintaining security and compliance is the single largest challenge (56%) facing enterprises using VPNs today. Meanwhile, the risks of supply chain attacks and ransomware are top of mind for these companies with 92% of respondents concerned that persistent VPN vulnerabilities will lead to ransomware attacks. These combined risks have culminated in a profound shift in thinking around enterprise VPNs with 65% of organizations planning to replace their VPNs within the year — while 81% plan to implement a zero trust everywhere strategy.

    Initially built for remote access, VPNs have become a liability for corporate networks, exposing IT assets and sensitive data due to over-privileged access, vulnerabilities, and an ever-growing attack surface. VPN, both physical and virtual, is opposite of Zero Trust as by architecture it brings the remote users as well as attackers on the network. Additionally, VPNs hinder operational efficiency with slow performance, frequent connection issues, and complex maintenance, burdening IT teams and disrupting employee productivity. The report aims to shed light on these concerns with trusted insights from industry peers, while arming enterprises with guidance to enable secure access across today’s hybrid work environments.

    Security and usability concerns
    Security and compliance risks ranked as the top VPN challenges at 54%, highlighting growing concerns that VPNs are inadequate and obsolete for defending against today’s evolving cyber threats. Cybercriminals are now leveraging AI to pinpoint vulnerabilities by using GPT models to run queries focused on identifying weaknesses in VPNs — for instance, performing reconnaissance by simply asking a generative AI chatbot to return all current CVEs for VPN products in use by an enterprise. Tasks that once required weeks or even months can now be accomplished in just minutes.

    Recently, a foreign cyberespionage group exploited vulnerabilities in a popular VPN, gaining unauthorized access to corporate networks. This incident, one of several in recent months, reinforces how VPN vulnerabilities continue to be a key target in cyberattacks, underscoring the urgent need to transition from legacy security models to a Zero Trust architecture. A staggering 92% of survey respondents said they are concerned about being targeted by ransomware attacks due to unpatched VPN vulnerabilities.

    “Attackers will increasingly leverage AI for automated reconnaissance, intelligent password spraying, and rapid exploit development, allowing them to compromise VPNs at scale,” said Deepen Desai, CSO at Zscaler. “To address these risks, organizations should shift to a Zero Trust everywhere approach. This approach eliminates the need for internet-exposed assets like VPNs (physical and virtual), while drastically reducing the attack surface and potential impact of breaches. It’s encouraging to see that 81% of organizations are planning to implement Zero Trust within the next year—a critical step in mitigating the security risks posed by legacy technologies like VPNs.”

    The rise of critical, scannable VPN vulnerabilities
    To understand how attackers exploit vulnerabilities in internet-connected VPN infrastructure, ThreatLabz also analyzed VPN Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) from 2020-2025, based on data from the MITRE CVE Program. In general, vulnerability reporting is a good thing, as rapid vulnerability disclosure and patching helps the entire ecosystem improve cyber hygiene, foster community collaboration, and quickly respond to new vectors of attack. No type of software is immune from vulnerabilities, nor should it be expected to be.

    Figure 1: The impact type of VPN CVEs from 2020-2024, covering remote code execution (RCE), privilege escalation, DoS, sensitive information leakage, and authentication bypass.

    Over the sample period, VPN CVEs grew by 82.5% (note that early 2025 data has been removed for this portion of the analysis). In the past year, roughly 60% of the vulnerabilities indicated a high or critical CVSS score — indicating a potentially serious risk to impacted organizations. Moreover, ThreatLabz found that vulnerabilities enabling remote code execution (RCE) were the most prevalent kind, in terms of the impact or capabilities they can grant to attackers. These types of vulnerabilities are typically serious, as they can grant attackers the ability to execute arbitrary code on the system. Put another way, far from being innocuous, the bulk of VPN CVEs are leaving their customers vulnerable to critical exploits that attackers can, and often do, exploit.

    Unwelcome party guests
    VPNs provide broad access following authentication, extending user access to contractors, external partners and vendors. While great in theory connectivity tools, attackers can easily exploit weak or stolen credentials, misconfigurations, and unpatched vulnerabilities to compromise these trusted connections. The report shows, 93% of organizations now worry about backdoor vulnerabilities stemming from third-party access. In February 2024, a financial services company suffered a data breach exposing nearly 20,000 clients’ personal information, caused by vulnerabilities in their VPN. This incident highlights how VPNs create exploitable entry points into corporate networks.

    Out with the old, in with the new – Zero Trust Everywhere
    Legacy or traditional vendors are attempting to adapt to the evolving landscape by deploying virtual machines in the cloud and labeling them as Zero Trust solutions. Unfortunately, a VPN hosted in the cloud remains, at its core, a VPN and does not adhere to true Zero Trust principles. Illustrating this point, the industry has recently witnessed massive spikes in scanning activity targeting tens of thousands of publicly searchable VPN IP addresses hosted by at least one of the largest security vendors. Historically, this kind of activity has indicated some likelihood that attackers may be preparing to exploit yet-to-be-disclosed vulnerabilities in targeted VPN assets. Case in point: if you are reachable, you are breachable — which is why, from an architectural perspective, cloud-based VPN technology can never achieve true zero trust principles, no matter the branding.

    The switch to a holistic Zero Trust architecture is rapidly gaining momentum and replacing outdated legacy security tools due to the proven security benefits and efficiency gains for adopting organizations. The report found 81% of organizations are adopting, or planning to adopt, a Zero Trust architecture within the next year and by extending this architecture to users, applications and workloads, enterprises are ensuring that Zero Trust is truly everywhere enabling VPN-free resilient security that:

    1. Minimizes the Attack Surface: Replaces network-based access with Zero Trust policies and identity-based controls to secure users and third parties.
    2. Blocks Threats: Prevents initial compromise through robust authentication, identity security, and least-privileged Zero Trust Access.
    3. Prevents Lateral Movement: Uses Zero Trust segmentation to contain threats and stop unauthorized spread within networks.
    4. Enhances Data Security: Enforces context-aware, integrated Zero Trust policies to protect sensitive information.
    5. Simplifies Operations: Replaces VPNs with AI-driven security, continuous monitoring, and automated policy enforcement, in addition to uninterrupted access with business continuity.

    By adopting these best practices, organizations can replace VPN security risks with a robust Zero Trust framework, enabling continuous verification, least-privileged access, and proactive threat prevention.

    The Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report provides additional insights and best practices to help organizations effectively prevent attacks and ransomware. Download your copy here.

    Research Methodology
    This report is based on a comprehensive survey of 632 IT and cybersecurity professionals conducted by Cybersecurity Insiders. The study examines VPN security risks, enterprise access trends, and the adoption of zero trust architectures. Respondents include executives, IT security practitioners, and network infrastructure leaders across various industries. The findings provide a data-driven perspective on the decline of VPNs and the shift to zero trust, offering critical insights for organizations modernizing their access security strategies.

    About ThreatLabz
    ThreatLabz is the security research arm of Zscaler. This world-class team is responsible for hunting new threats and ensuring that the thousands of organizations using the global Zscaler platform are always protected. In addition to malware research and behavioral analysis, team members are involved in the research and development of new prototype modules for advanced threat protection on the Zscaler platform, and regularly conduct internal security audits to ensure that Zscaler products and infrastructure meet security compliance standards. ThreatLabz regularly publishes in-depth analyses of new and emerging threats on its portal, research.zscaler.com.

    About Zscaler
    Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) accelerates digital transformation so customers can be more agile, efficient, resilient, and secure. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform protects thousands of customers from cyberattacks and data loss by securely connecting users, devices, and applications in any location. Distributed across more than 150 data centers globally, the SASE-based Zero Trust Exchange is the world’s largest in-line cloud security platform.

    Media Contact
    Natalia Wodecki
    press@zscaler.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c9af7e7-b67b-46d5-bfeb-c62a453b507a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cuttlefish plan launched

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Cuttlefish plan launched

    An action plan to support the cuttlefish fishery in English waters has been launched by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) following engagement with stakeholders.

    Cuttlefish is critical to the businesses of fishers working in ICES areas 7d and 7e, and there are concerns that stock levels are at risk of being over exploited.

    Work on the Channel Demersal Non-Quota Species Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) identified a need to better understand fishing impact on numbers and the health of stocks.

    Further engagement with stakeholders, including commercial fishing representatives, last year demonstrated that formal management measures would not be required right now and would risk causing economic harm to fishers on the south coast.

    After listening to stakeholder feedback, MMO fisheries managers developed the cuttlefish action plan to better monitor and collect data to help with future decisions on potential management, including testing technical measures to conserve stocks.

    The plan is an important part of the implementation of the Channel Demersal Non-quota species FMP published in December 2023.

    MMO has now:

    • Introduced a voluntary code of practice on trap and pot handling in English waters from the 6nm limit out to 200nm in ICES divisions 7d and 7e. This is designed to improve survival rates for cuttlefish eggs and development of juveniles
    • Launched three cuttlefish species identification cards to help fishers to correctly identify and report catches and landings of specific species of cuttlefish. Better species-specific data will support improved understanding of stocks levels and their health so future decisions can be made based on evidence.
    • Undertaken monitoring and market sampling to better understand cuttlefish catch composition.

    The full action plan can be read here or email sustainablefisheries@marinemanagement.org.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Welnax BioClear Reviews: DO NOT Spend A Dime Till You Have Read This Eyeopener Report!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you tired of dealing with stubborn nail fungus that just won’t go away? Have you tried countless creams, pills, or treatments that promise results but fail to deliver? Are you looking for a safe, painless, and effective solution to restore the health of your nails? Nail fungus is a common yet often embarrassing condition affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by thick, discolored, and brittle nails, it can lead to discomfort and a lack of confidence when displaying one’s feet. Traditional treatments, including topical antifungals and oral medications, can be ineffective and may lead to unwanted side effects.

    Fortunately, the Welnax BioClear offers a revolutionary solution to this persistent problem, using advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to target and eliminate nail fungus at its source. Welnax not only promotes healthy nail growth but also boosts the immune system to help prevent future infections.

    In recent years, the demand for effective, drug-free solutions for nail fungus has surged, as more individuals seek safe and convenient treatments. The Welnax BioClear stands out in a crowded market by providing a clinically proven method that can be used in the comfort of one’s home. Users report significant improvements in the condition of their nails after just a few sessions, with many expressing reliefs from the embarrassment and discomfort associated with nail fungus.

    According to many research findings and expert reports, Welnax Bioclear has been referred to as the “Ultimate Toenail Fungus Cure” in the United States of America, Canada and Australia. Unlike messy creams or medications with potential side effects, Welnax is designed to be gentle, effective, and easy to use, with just seven minutes a day, you can experience visible improvements in nail health within weeks.

    In this review, we will analyze every aspect of the Welnax BioClear, including its operation and real consumers reports and complaints experiences. In order for you to determine whether Welnax is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for in your quest for healthier nails, let us give you an unbiased analysis of everything it has to offer. Stay tuned as we explore the details and discover what makes Welnax BioClear the best solution for nail fungus in the United States.

    What Is Welnax (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a legitimate at-home device designed to help improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. Welnax offers an innovative solution using clinically proven low-level laser therapy to help restore the natural appearance of nails. Every review confirms that Welnax features 15 high-performance lasers that penetrate deep into the nail bed, targeting and breaking down fungal cells at their root. With regular use, users will see noticeable improvements in nail health, including the restoration of clear, smooth nails.

    Developed by leading podiatrists and dermatologists, the Welnax BioClear is a safe, drug-free and reliable solution suitable for anyone struggling with nail fungus. Welnax BioClear epitomizes a pioneering breakthrough in fungus-fighting technology, utilizing a groundbreaking, medical-grade light therapy to eradicate fungal infections at their source. All reviewers revealed that Welnax BioClear has been recognized for its superior performance and ultimate reliability thereby making it the best device for curing nail fungal infections among many customers in the United States, UK, Australia and Canada.

    In rigorous testing against some of the worst cases of nail infections, Welnax BioClear has delivered exceptional outcomes. Real users, including Mark, who battled a seven-year-long infection, Susan, a 62-year-old who canceled a potentially invasive surgery, and Jason, an athlete sidelined by painful fungus, have all experienced revolutionary improvements within weeks of daily, seven-minute sessions. With an impeccable star rating, Welnax BioClear commands an excellent performance from majority of the consumers that have used it, these success stories reinforce the Welnax’s ability to destroy fungal growth and revive the natural clarity and strength of the nails indicating that even the most chronic infections can be treated.

    Many Welnax reviews say that the Welnax BioClear is, without doubt, the most affordable and best nail fungus solution with an array of very incredible features and functions. The Welnax BioClear has 4.97-star ratings given by the consumers of Canada & USA for its superior low-level laser therapy technology, reliability, and noninvasive treatment, which unequivocally make it the most efficient and reliable device for toenail fungus device on the market in the USA and Canada.

    Engineered with optimal performance and convenience in mind, Welnax BioClear offers a non-invasive, risk-free alternative to costly treatments and harsh prescription medications. Its lightweight and intuitive model enables quick, at-home sessions that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. With no adverse side effects, no need for chemical applications, and a promise to wipe out infections where they hide, Welnax BioClear has become a dependable ally for those tired of ineffective creams and prolonged treatment sessions. Welcome to the future of nail care and reclaim the confidence of healthy, clear nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    What Are The Unique Features of Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Advanced-Grade Light Therapy Technology: Welnax BioClear uses improved, advanced -grade light therapy that releases specific wavelengths to combat fungal cells deep within the nail bed. This feature guarantees that the light energy is targeted precisely on the infected area, penetrating through the nail’s surface layers. The technology is formulated to destroy fungus, offering an approach that directly tackles the source of the infection. Its accuracy in wavelength selection is a key technical attribute of the device.
    • Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Operation: One of the most outstanding features of Welnax BioClear is its non-surgical, drug-free design. Welnax is designed to provide effective treatment without chemical agents or oral medications, removing the risk of side effects associated with traditional treatments. The system functions entirely through light therapy, making it a safe choice for users with sensitive skin or allergies. This design underscores its commitment to delivering a soothing yet powerful treatment solution.
    • Deep Penetration Capability: A great feature of Welnax BioClear is its ability to penetrate deep into the nail bed, intercepting fungal infections beneath the surface. Unlike conventional creams that only treat the surface, the device’s focused light energy tackles the infection at its core. This deep penetration guarantees that the treatment interacts directly with the affected tissue, thereby improving the potential for reviving nail health. The accuracy of this capability underlines the product’s technical sophistication.
    • User-Friendly Interface and Operation: Welnax BioClear is designed with a simple, user-friendly interface that streamlines the treatment process. Its one-button operation and automated timer enable users to activate therapy sessions with minimal effort. This convenience guarantees that the device can be effortlessly integrated into daily routines, even for those with busy lifestyles. The controls reflect thoughtful engineering aimed at easing usability without compromising technological performance.
    • Compact and Portable Design: The Welnax’s compact design is another remarkable feature that promotes its practicality. Welnax BioClear is designed to be compact and portable, enabling users to perform treatments at home or while traveling. Its durable construction ensures that it remains trusted over long periods of use. The portability does not compromise its productivity, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for a high-performance treatment tool easily integrated into various environments.
    • Convenient At-Home Use: With the Welnax BioClear, users can perform their treatments in the comfort of their own homes. This convenience eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming visits to dermatologists or podiatrists for laser treatments, making it an accessible solution for everyone. The Welnax is designed for easy use, allowing individuals to incorporate it into their daily routines effortlessly.
    • Positive User Testimonials: Many users have reported significant improvements in their nail health after using the Welnax BioClear. Testimonials highlight quick results, increased confidence, and the ability to wear sandals and open-toed shoes without embarrassment. The positive feedback from satisfied customers underscores the effectiveness of the Welnax.

    Does the Welnax BioClear Really Work? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear works exceptionally by utilizing advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to effectively treat nail fungus. Welnax has rapidly gained attention for its ability to tackle stubborn nail fungus with an innovative, medical-grade light therapy method. Built to penetrate deep into the nail bed, the Welnax tackles the fungal cells at their very core—something conventional topical creams or oral medications often fail to address. This accuracy-focused approach ensures that even the most chronic infections can be tackled, and users have reported visible improvements within weeks of consistent use.

    In practical applications, Welnax BioClear has shown its worth by revitalizing nails that once suffered from thick, discolored, and brittle fungal infections. The Welnax BioClear’s model is based on clinically inspired technology that not only destroys the fungal cells but also improves the growth of healthier nail tissue. This dual action; eliminating the infection and promoting natural regrowth has dazzled users who have seen a dramatic reversal in their nail conditions, setting it apart from other treatments that only offer temporary or superficial relief.

    Ultimately, many glowing positive feedbacks of Welnax BioClear indicate a high level of trust and satisfaction among its users. All reviewers revealed Welnax BioClear has also received several good customer reviews where they are being complimented for its ease of use and performance. The incorporation of deep penetration capability, non-invasive and drug-free operation, and an easy-to-use design makes it an unmatched choice for those frustrated with futile treatments. While individual results may vary, overwhelmingly positive feedback underlines that Welnax truly works, delivering a remarkable, science-approved remedy for restoring nail health and confidence.

    Why Is Welnax Better Than Similar Products on the Market? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear sets a new standard in nail fungus treatments by leveraging cutting-edge medical-grade light therapy that penetrates deep into the nail bed—where most treatments fail. Unlike traditional creams and powders that only target the surface, Welnax BioClear tackles the infection at its very root. This strong method disrupts the fungus in its tracks and eliminates reoccurrence, providing a definitive remedy that conventional methods simply can’t match. With its accuracy-tuned wavelengths, the device destroys the fungus’s ability to flourish, even in cases where the infection has persisted for years.

    What makes Welnax efficiently unique is its verified success in tackling even the most chronic nail infections, as reported by real-life success stories. Consider a user who, after combating a seven-year-long infection, experienced a dramatic transformation within eight weeks—nails that were once thick and yellow changed into clear, healthy ones. Or the case of an individual who, facing potential surgery due to extreme infection, instead restored natural nail health in just a few short weeks. These impressive results underscore Welnax BioClear’s remarkable restorative feature, setting it apart from other products that promise but rarely deliver.

    Beyond its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear prides itself on its user-centric build and ease. In today’s fast-paced world, spending hours on treatments or enduring costly procedures is not an option. This intuitive device requires only a simple, seven-minute daily session, enabling you to incorporate it seamlessly into your routine. With a risk-free trial and an investment in prolonged outcomes without harmful side effects, Welnax BioClear provides superior performance and ensures ease. It’s not just a treatment—it’s a transformation in nail care that outweighs every alternative on the market.

    What Are The Powerful Benefits of the Welnax BioClear

    • Efficient Elimination of Fungal Infections: Welnax BioClear provides a significant benefit by effectively destroying fungal infections deep within the nail bed. Its medical-grade light therapy enters beyond the surface, directly tackling fungal cells at their root. This approach disrupts the fungus’s growth cycle and prevents further spread of the infection. For instance, one user, Mark, who had battled a seven-year-long infection, reported that after just eight weeks his nails were completely clear. Such firsthand experiences show how the product combats the underlying issue, resulting in visibly healthier nails and renewed confidence in nail care.
    • Encourages Natural Nail Regrowth: By destroying the harmful fungal cells, Welnax BioClear builds an optimal environment for natural nail regrowth. This benefit is beyond merely concealing the symptoms—by eliminating the infection, the device enables new, healthy nail tissue to form and thrive. A customer named Susan, for example, canceled a recommended surgery after witnessing her thick, discolored nails gradually become thinner and healthier over 12 weeks. This natural regrowth process enhances the nails’ aesthetic appeal and improves their strength and resilience, paving the way for a permanent solution to chronic fungal problems.
    • Safe and Gentle Treatment Without Harsh Chemicals: One of the most impressive benefits of Welnax BioClear is its safe, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment approach. Users can avoid the side effects and potential risks linked with harsh toxins, creams, or oral medications. Verified customer reviews emphasize that the treatment is entirely gentle, even for those with sensitive skin or allergies. One satisfied user mentioned how the painless, light-based therapy allowed them to experience significant improvements without discomfort or adverse reactions. This exclusive approach makes it a reliable option for many, guaranteeing that nail care remains both effective and safe over extended periods.
    • Convenience and Ease-of-Use for At-Home Therapy: Welnax BioClear is crafted for seamless home use, enabling users to incorporate effective nail care into even the strictest of schedules. Its intuitive interface and quick 7-minute daily sessions mean that you don’t need to visit a clinic or engage in time-consuming treatments. Many customers, including those who once juggled multiple appointments, appreciate the simplicity of the process—just a few minutes a day from the comfort of home can yield positive results. This convenience factor has been recurring in customer reviews, with users raving about the product for its ease of use and consistent performance that fits seamlessly into everyday routines.
    • Cost-Effective Investment for Long-Term Nail Health: Welnax BioClear represents a cost-effective solution for those looking for a lasting solution for nail fungus. Unlike recurring costs for creams, pills, or costly clinical treatments, this device offers a one-time investment that delivers beautiful results. Customers have noted significant savings over time, as the need for supplementary treatments decreases with consistent use. For instance, many users have expressed their satisfaction with the product’s affordability compared to the high costs of conventional therapies. This financial perk, coupled with the guarantee of improved nail health, makes it an attractive and smart investment for long-term care.
    • Clinically Proven and Consistent Results for Enhanced Confidence: Designed on clinically inspired technology, Welnax BioClear provides reliable outcomes, which have been certified by numerous user testimonials. Consistency in productivity indicates that regular users can expect gradual improvements in nail appearance and general health. For example, an athlete named Jason reported a complete turnaround after 10 weeks, enabling him to resume running without discomfort. Such consistent results not only revive nail integrity but also boost self-esteem. With each session underscoring its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear instills a sense of credibility and confidence in its users, certifying that the product’s transformative approach is both effective and dependable.

    Why Should I Buy the Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    The Welnax is an outstanding solution for anyone battling with persistent toenail fungus. Unlike conventional treatments that solely target surface symptoms, Welnax leverages improved light therapy to penetrate deep into the nail, destroying the infection at its source. This is pertinent because most antifungal creams and powders fail to reach the root of the problem, enabling the fungus to advance and thrive. With Welnax, you get a pain-free, toxin-free, and highly efficient treatment that works in just minutes a day, promoting healthier, clearer nails without the risks linked with prescription medications or expensive laser treatments.

    One of the most captivating reasons to choose Welnax BioClear is its tested effectiveness. Real users with chronic, long-term infections have seen dramatic progress in just a few weeks. Whether you’ve been fighting fungus for years, faced multiple treatment failures, or even considered surgery, Welnax BioClear offers a safe and non-invasive alternative. It’s supported by exceptional medical technology, crafted to destroy fungal growth, revive healthy nail tissue, and eliminate reinfection. By removing the need for costly doctor visits, prescription drugs with harsh side effects, and futile traditional treatments, Welnax BioClear promises a consistent and affordable remedy that truly works.

    Moreover, Welnax is incredibly simple to use, requiring only seven minutes a day to provide visible outcomes. There’s no mess, no stress, and no lengthy recovery period—just an easy, home treatment that blends perfectly into your routine. Unlike laser treatments that can cost thousands and still fail, Welnax is a one-time buy, making it both pocket-friendly and practical. Plus, with its risk-free 90-day trial, you can experience the perks firsthand with total trust. Say goodbye to the shame and pain of fungal infections and enter into a future of powerful, healthy, and fungus-free nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    How to Use Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a robust remedy curated to destroy stubborn nail fungus and revive healthy, clear nails. Follow these three simple steps to maximize its effectiveness:

    • Prepare Your Nails: Start by washing and drying your hands or feet thoroughly to take out dirt and moisture. Trim your nails short and tenderly file the affected areas to help the solution enter deeper. Proper preparation guarantees the treatment reaches the root of the infection.
    • Apply Welnax BioClear: Using the right applicator, apply a small amount of the solution directly onto the affected nails, covering the whole surface and surrounding cuticle. Massage it calmly to improve absorption. For best results, apply twice daily—morning and night.
    • Stay Consistent & Monitor Progress: Fungal infections take time to heal, so consistency is paramount. With consistent use, you’ll notice improvements within weeks as discolored, brittle nails grow healthier. Maintain good hygiene, wear breathable footwear, and avoid damp environments to prevent reinfection.

    Is the Welnax BioClear Safe? (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Yes, using the Welnax BioClear at home is very safe. Furthermore, Welnax is legit. It’s a reliable and effective solution designed to eradicate and improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. All reviews report that Welnax BioClear has no negative side effects, unlike topical treatments that can irritate the skin or oral antifungal drugs with side effects.

    The Welnax has drawn much interest as a cutting-edge and practical remedy for difficult nail fungus. Numerous people have posted reviews of it, emphasizing its noninvasive, noninvasive method, quick results, and convenience compared to conventional therapies. Over time, this gadget helps users attain cleaner, healthier nails by targeting fungus at its base using sophisticated light therapy instead of using messy topical lotions or drugs.

    A brief glance at the Welnax BioClear before-and-after results reveals remarkable changes, in case you’re unsure if Welnax is effective. Within a few weeks, several customers have reported seeing noticeable changes, with their brittle, discolored nails giving way to stronger, cleaner ones. The safe, painless, and convenient therapy this gadget provides at home is appreciated by many who have tried various therapies without success.

    Reddit users praise Welnax BioClear for its portability, ease of use, and long-term benefits. With no adverse effects, it’s a top choice. Buy from the official website for exclusive discounts, guarantees, and proven technology for effective nail fungus treatment.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Is Welnax BioClear a Scam or Legit?

    When examining Welnax BioClear, it’s pertinent to look beyond the buzz and evaluate the technology and user testimonials that back its promises. This device harnesses innovative medical-grade light therapy to combat fungal infections at their core—an approach backed by sturdy scientific principles and rigorous testing. Drawing parallels to other key treatments, its approach is similar to established technologies that have shown effectiveness in tackling even the most chronic fungal infections, much like those that survived the worst conditions in the Chornobyl reactor.

    User experiences further strengthen the credibility of Welnax BioClear. Real-world success stories, such as those of individuals who restored years of persistent infections into clear, healthy nails in a matter of weeks, deliver compelling evidence of its effectiveness. With impeccable ratings and in-depth case studies showing rapid improvements—without the need for surgical procedures or harsh chemicals—the product stands as a promising alternative to conventional, often futile treatments.

    Ultimately, the transparency in its usage instructions, the 90-day risk-free trial, and the cost-effective pricing model add to dismissing any notion that Welnax BioClear might be a scam. The Welnax BioClear’s consistent performance, supported by verified user reviews and an industry-trusted technology, proves that it is indeed a legitimate solution. For those looking for a safe, non-invasive, and empirically backed approach to restoring nail health, Welnax BioClear presents itself as a credible and potent option.

    Who Needs the Welnax BioClear?

    • Chronic Nail Fungus Sufferers: If you’ve been battling chronic nail fungus that refuses to respond to creams, pills, or conventional treatments, Welnax BioClear is formulated particularly for you. Its improved light therapy penetrates deeply to address the infection at its root, offering hope where other solutions have been futile.
    • Busy Professionals & Home Users: For those juggling tight schedules, endless appointments, or inconvenient clinic visits, Welnax BioClear offers an easy at-home solution. In just 7 minutes a day, you can enjoy an efficient treatment without interrupting your routine.
    • Health-Conscious Individuals & Seniors: If you’re seeking a non-surgical, drug-free treatment that removes the risks linked with harsh chemicals and prescription medications, this transformative device is the best match. Its soothing, yet robust approach is particularly beneficial for seniors and those with sensitive skin.
    • Athletes & Active Lifestyles: For athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle, unhealthy nails can become a remarkable hindrance. Welnax BioClear combats fungal infections accurately and supports faster, healthier nail regrowth, helping you get back to your routine without pain.
    • Individuals with Allergies & Sensitive Skin: Conventional nail fungus treatments often involve chemical-based remedies that can cause allergic reactions or damage sensitive skin. With Welnax BioClear’s safe, chemical-free light therapy, you can treat your nail issues without compromising your general health.

    Pros (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Drug-free and safe
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Simple to use
    • Non-invasive therapy
    • No side effects
    • Durable
    • Hygienic
    • Affordable
    • 90 day money-back guarantee

    Cons (Welnax Reviews)

    • Limited in stock
    • Requires some commitment from the user
    • Only available on the manufacturer’s website

    How Much Does Welnax BioClear Cost?

    Pricing options include:

    • One Welnax: $99.90 (Original: $199.90)
    • Two Welnax Bioclear: $149.90 (Save 62%)
    • 3 Devices: $179.90 (Save 70%)
    • 4 Devices: $199.90 (Save 75%)

    Where Can I Buy the Welnax BioClear?

    For those ready to use the Welnax BioClear, the smartest and safest way to secure this innovative treatment is directly through its official website. Purchasing from the source certifies you receive an original product backed by a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer support, ensuring peace of mind as you embark on your journey to healthier nails. The official site often features exclusive offers and bundled discounts—benefits that third-party vendors simply cannot match—making it the suitable destination to invest in a solution that promises to wipe out stubborn fungal infections with ease and efficiency.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Welnax Reviews Consumer Reports

    Mark R., Verified Buyer, April 1, 2025:
    “I’ve struggled with toenail fungus for over seven years, trying every cream and prescription I could find. Nothing worked—until I tried Welnax BioClear. After just four weeks of using it daily, I saw visible improvement. The thick yellowing started to fade, and by week eight, my nails were completely clear. I’m amazed at how quickly it worked, and it’s been life-changing for me. I finally feel confident enough to go barefoot again!”

    Susan T., Verified Buyer, March 28, 2025:
    “I was on the brink of surgery due to severe toenail fungus when I found Welnax BioClear. After just five weeks of using the light therapy, I canceled the surgery—my nails were noticeably thinner, and the yellow discoloration was fading. By twelve weeks, my nails were almost completely restored. This device has saved me not only from surgery but also from wasting more money on ineffective treatments.”

    Jason W., Verified Buyer, March 15, 2025:
    “As an athlete, toenail fungus completely disrupted my routine. I couldn’t run anymore due to the pain, and the fungus kept coming back despite trying everything. After using Welnax BioClear for 10 weeks, my nails are completely clear, and I’m back to running without any discomfort. It’s unbelievable how effective and simple this treatment is. Just seven minutes a day is all it took to change my life.”

    Frequently Asked Questions About Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    How does Welnax BioClear work?

    Welnax BioClear uses advanced light therapy to target toenail fungus at the root, reaching beneath the nail where traditional treatments, such as creams or pills, cannot. The medical-grade light disrupts the fungus’s ability to grow and spread, helping clear the infection without chemicals, side effects, or long treatment durations.

    How long does it take to see results with Welnax BioClear?

    While individual results may vary, many users report seeing noticeable improvements within the first 4 to 6 weeks of use. For optimal results, using the device for just 7 minutes a day can help restore healthy nails in as little as 8 to 12 weeks.

    Can Welnax BioClear be used on other types of fungal infections?

    Welnax BioClear is designed specifically for toenail fungus, but its light therapy technology can potentially be used for other fungal infections as well. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for other types of fungal conditions.

    Does Welnax BioClear have any side effects?

    No, Welnax BioClear does not have any known side effects. Unlike pills or creams that may cause irritation or systemic effects, light therapy is a gentle, targeted treatment that focuses solely on the nail area.

    How long will I need to use Welnax BioClear?

    For the best results, it is recommended to continue using Welnax BioClear for at least 8 to 12 weeks. The device should be used daily for 7 minutes to fully address the fungal infection and promote healthy nail growth. Many users experience lasting improvements after consistent use.

    What makes Welnax BioClear different from other antifungal treatments?

    Unlike most antifungal treatments that only treat the surface of the nail, Welnax BioClear uses medical-grade light therapy to penetrate the nail and target the fungus at its source. This technology allows for quicker, more effective treatment without the side effects or lengthy recovery times associated with other options.

    Final Wrap on Welnax BioClear Reviews

    Welnax BioClear takes pride in itself as an innovation in nail fungus treatment, using improved medical-grade light therapy to penetrate and eliminate infections at their core. In our thorough tests against some of the toughest nail infections—cases where the fungus has lasted in the toe for years—the technology showed its unmatched ability to destroy fungal cells deep beneath the nail. Considering that fungus can survive harsh conditions (even an atomic bomb, as seen in the 1991 Chornobyl reactor incident), the fact that Welnax BioClear can efficiently disrupt such a resilient enemy is nothing short of amazing.

    Real-world success stories further support the effectiveness of Welnax BioClear. Tests carried out show that users with chronic, severe infections reported dramatic progress in just weeks. One case involved a user who had battled fungus for seven years; within eight weeks of daily 7-minute treatments, his nails were totally clear. Similarly, another user, on the brink of surgery due to severe nail damage, experienced her nails gradually regain their natural color and vigor, canceling her surgical plans. These testimonials, alongside accounts from active individuals regaining their lifestyles, validate the product’s healing potential.

    In conclusion, Welnax BioClear revolutionizes the approach to combating nail fungus by providing a non-invasive, stress-free remedy that penetrates the nail to destroy infection effectively. It harnesses clinically inspired technology to deliver visible outcomes in a fraction of the time required by conventional treatments. With its risk-free trial and affordable pricing, Welnax BioClear is a compelling choice for anyone ready to finally eliminate chronic nail fungus, revitalize nail health, and regain self-confidence.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Media Contact:
    Contact Person: Francesca Potts
    Brand website: https://www.welnax.com/
    Email – francesca@welnax.com
    Company name: Welnax

    Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CONSERVATION EXPEDITION TO STRENGTHEN TOKELAU’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

    Source:

    [PRESS CONFERENCE Atafu, Tokelau – 28 March 2025] Conservation International, in partnership with New Zealand Geographic and the Samoa Conservation Society, has embarked on an innovative expedition to Tokelau. This collaborative initiative focuses on co-developing culture-based environmental education programs, biodiversity research, and community science training.

    After a challenging 44-hour sail from Samoa, the team received a traditional welcome from the Atafu Taupulega (Council of Elders) and government ministers.

    Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the initiative will use cutting-edge techniques and immersive virtual reality to create educational resources for Tokelauan schools, bridging traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

    The expedition represents a critical follow-up to research sites that haven’t been surveyed in 13-20 years, employing cutting-edge techniques including bird and invasive species monitoring, fish surveys, photogrammetry, environmental DNA sampling, and citizen science training. All activities are being documented in immersive virtual reality to create educational resources for Tokelauan schools that bridge traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.

    Minister Nofo Iupati, responsible for Economic Development, Natural Resources, and Environment, and Minister Kelihiano Kalolo, Minister of Education and Minister for Climate, Oceans, and Resilience, led the official welcome ceremony. Minister Kalolo captured the essence of the partnership by emphasizing the intrinsic connection between environmental and community wellbeing: “When the environment is healthy, the people are healthy.”

    In-depth knowledge exchange sessions, led by Leausalilo Leilani Duffy of Conservation International Samoa, were held with Aumaga (men’s groups) and Fatupaepae (women’s groups), and local youth, to strengthen collaborative environmental conservation efforts.

    “Cultural identity is the foundation of how our island communities connect with each other and their environment,” noted Duffy. “These consultations are essential for co-developing environmental education resources that resonate with local values and traditional practices.”

    At sea, Conservation International Aotearoa’s Schannel van Dijken, together with New Zealand Geographic’s James Frankham and Richard Robinson, conducted surveys at two dive sites on Atafu’s northern and southwestern points.

    The team documented diverse marine ecosystems featuring healthy populations of fish across all trophic levels, including globally endangered species such as humphead wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, and various shark species.

    “We could see these sites were instant Key Biodiversity Areas the moment we descended” van Dijken reported. “This assessment is vital for supporting Tokelau’s efforts to map and manage its marine resources effectively. By identifying these high-biodiversity hotspots, we can help Tokelau prioritize areas for management”.

    The team is integrating technology into their survey methodology, recording transects with high-resolution 360-degree cameras. New Zealand Geographic is capturing these underwater environments in virtual reality, creating immersive experiential assets that will be shared with Tokelauan schools and communities upon completion.

    This expedition represents a crucial milestone of the ‘Securing a Polynesian Promise for Climate and Community Resilience’ —a collaborative effort lead by Conservation International, together with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and partners across Samoa and Tokelau.

    The project is designed to enhance the capacity of local communities to sustainably manage their marine resources and strengthen their resilience to climate change through a combination of hands-on education, scientific research and traditional knowledge.

    ENDS.

    SOURCE – Conservation International Pacific Islands

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – European fisheries in figures – 09-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The tables below show basic statistical data in several areas relating to the common fisheries policy (CFP), namely: the fishing fleet of the Member States in 2024 (Table I), the situation of employment in the fisheries (2021), aquaculture (2020) and fish processing (2021) sectors (Table II), the production, import and export of fisheries and aquaculture products in 2021 (Table III), the apparent and per capita consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products in 2021 (Table IV), and the prospective resource allocations of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) from 2021 to 2027 (Table V).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Medals of regional interuniversity competitions

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    As part of the 48th Universiade, competitions in sambo and powerlifting were held among students of higher educational institutions of the Novosibirsk Region.

    Unfortunately, both of our teams fell just short of the prize places and ended up fourth. In the individual championship in different weight categories, our students won 6 medals in sambo and 5 medals in powerlifting.

    The winners among sambo wrestlers were:

    1st place – Artem Urukov (FF) and Sofia Lisitsa (GI)

    2nd place – Ksenia Burkova (MMF)

    3rd place – Sofia Balashova (FIT), Arina Polyachenkova (IFP) and Leonid Grobivkin (GI)

    The following athletes took the podium in the powerlifting competition:

    2nd place – Alina Titenko (IMPZ)

    3rd place – Anna Yakovleva (FEN), Ivan Dmitriev (FF), Kirill Stebner and Daria Gribanova (IMPZ)

    The teams also included:

    – Sambo –

    Ivan Rogov, Ksenia Pogorelova and Nikita Biryuchkov (GGF)

    Egor Vlasov, Polina Lobankova and Ivan Perfilov (EF)

    Vladimir Mokichev and Evgenia Malakhovskaya (FEN)

    Sergey Budyakov (IFP), Egor Semenov (FF), Gleb Zhilin (IIR)

    Ivan Zaguzin (IMPZ) and Andrey Kirilenko (MMF)

    — Powerlifting —

    Ekaterina Kashina, Fard Abdollahi, Alireza Zanganeh and Darvishi Amirhossein (IMPZ)

    Kiseleva Irina and Nikolay Morev (FEN)

    Nikita Melnikov (GGF), Mark Gulev (MMF) and Matvey Menshikov (EF)

    Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the athletes and coaches (Anastasia Pyankova, Sergey Tsvetkov and Alexander Avgustinovich) for their worthy performance at the University Championship!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Alarmist nonsense’: Labor and Coalition dismissed security risks over the Port of Darwin for years. What’s changed?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (UTS:ACRI), University of Technology Sydney

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both committed to stripping a Chinese company, Landbridge, of the lease to operate Darwin Port. Landbridge paid A$506 million for the 99-year lease from the Northern Territory government in October 2015.

    In Australia’s political system, democratically elected representatives like Albanese and Dutton have the power to make such decisions. Still, Australians would hope and expect these decisions were driven by the best available advice, not domestic political sparring ahead of a federal election.

    This is particularly so when such a move would likely elevate fears among foreign investors around sovereign risk.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles has refused to say if security agencies are recommending Australia retake control of the port, nor has the Coalition provided a reason for its new stance.

    Media reports often cite “defence experts” who claim Chinese ownership of the lease involves unacceptable risks.

    However, it has been the long-standing and consistent advice of Australia’s most senior national security officials that this is not the case.

    Earlier concerns batted away

    Landbridge did not need Canberra’s approval when it secured the port lease in 2015. Nonetheless, the company notified the Foreign Investment Review Board of its interest in submitting a competitive bid for the lease four months before the deal was sealed.

    The Department of Defence and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) “examined it thoroughly”. The then-secretary of the Department of Defence, Dennis Richardson, said:

    We are at one in agreeing that this was not an investment that should be opposed on defence or security grounds.

    Richardson told Senate Estimates in 2015 he was “not aware of any concerns” among the senior leadership in the Australian Defence Forces (ADF), either.

    The chief of the ADF, Mark Binskin, said in the same hearing:

    If [ship] movements are the issue, I can sit at the fish and chip shop on the wharf […] and watch ships come and go, regardless of who owns it.

    Some analysts raised concerns after the sale, but these were borderline ridiculed by officials with access to the most highly classified national security information.

    Analysts at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, for example, warned that a Chinese company holding the lease “could facilitate intelligence collection” of ADF operations and US Marine deployments.

    Richardson said it was “amateur hour” to suggest Chinese spies could use the port for this purpose. He added: “It’s as though people have never heard of overhead imagery” from spy satellites.

    Analysts also suggested China could acquire valuable knowledge of the types of signals an Australian or US warship would “emit through a variety of sensors and systems”. Richardson dismissed this as “absurd”.

    Even more ludicrous were claims the port deal would provide the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) with “facilitated access to Australia”.

    Richardson labelled this as “alarmist nonsense”. Any visits by foreign naval vessels cannot be approved by a commercial port operator, he said. They must be signed off on by the Department of Defence.

    Analysts also contended that Landbridge’s chairman, Ye Cheng, was a “senior Communist Party official” and the company was a “commercial front intimately tied to state-owned operations, the party and the PLA”.

    This was debunked by a Chinese law and corporate governance expert.

    Tellingly, when Landbridge found itself in financial difficulty in 2017, it was forced to borrow in high-interest rate debt markets. This is common for privately owned Chinese firms, but not those with close state and party connections. They would be able to access subsidised loans from state-owned banks.

    Successive reviews have reaffirmed the decision

    When Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was asked in 2018 whether she had any lingering security fears about the Darwin Port lease, she replied the Department of Defence “had no concerns […] and that is still the case”.

    As the China-Australia relationship deteriorated in the ensuing years, the Morrison government reviewed the deal in 2021. It found there were still no national security grounds sufficient to overturn the lease.

    Yet another review by the Albanese government just 18 months ago also deemed it “not necessary to vary or cancel the lease”. It concluded:

    there is a robust regulatory system in place to manage risks to critical infrastructure, including the Port of Darwin.

    In announcing his pledge to reacquire the Darwin Port last weekend, Dutton alluded to “advice of the intelligence agencies”, pointing to a deterioration in Australia’s strategic circumstances.

    However, the Coalition had apparently not yet received an intelligence briefing on any security risks specifically connected to the Port of Darwin when Dutton made this pledge. Opposition leaders only made a request for the national security advice underpinning Albanese’s promise to reacquire the port in a letter to the government on Monday.

    The reality is that if Albanese and Dutton now suddenly and genuinely believed that Darwin might need to serve as a staging post for military conflict with China, forcing the sale of a few commercial wharves currently operated by a Chinese company would be a woefully inadequate response.

    They would instead be committing to a massive infrastructure upgrade, most likely in the form of an entirely new port facility. Planning for such a facility was already being mooted in 2019.

    The fact that they aren’t says a lot.

    James Laurenceson 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. ‘Alarmist nonsense’: Labor and Coalition dismissed security risks over the Port of Darwin for years. What’s changed? – https://theconversation.com/alarmist-nonsense-labor-and-coalition-dismissed-security-risks-over-the-port-of-darwin-for-years-whats-changed-253941

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A day of remembrance

    Source: Auckland Council

    A day of remembrance brings us together annually on Anzac Day (25 April), to commemorate those who gave their lives in service of their country and honour returned servicemen and women. 

    This year, Auckland Council and the Auckland RSA (Returned Services Association) warmly invite all Aucklanders to join the parades and services taking place all over Tāmaki Makaurau. 

    While initially established to commemorate the Great War (1914 – 1918), and the lives lost by New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Gallipoli, Anzac Day has since evolved into a day of remembrance for all who have served and sacrificed their lives in the conflicts New Zealand has participated in.  

    Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown will attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service this year at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain. The mayor highlights these events are to remember those who have lost so much and, as the son of a WWII veteran, he says this day is of particular significance to him. 

    “It’s my absolute privilege to once again take part in the yearly Dawn Service for Anzac Day. As many already know, my father’s account of war had a profound impact on me and while he was fortunate enough to come home, many others did not return,” Mayor Brown says. 

    “Today, we acknowledge that very fact by coming together throughout the city to commemorate our fallen soldiers and honour our returned servicemen and women, right up to those who are serving today. I hope all Aucklanders will join us where possible, as we pay our respects this Anzac Day”. 

    Anzac Day parades and services in Auckland are hosted and supported by Auckland Council in collaboration with Auckland RSA and other veteran and community groups. The events are available regionally and welcome all Aucklanders to take a moment of reflection and unify in commemoration. 

    Local parades and civic services 

    More than 70 parades and services are set to take place in communities across Tāmaki Makaurau. 

    The public are invited to attend any of these events, including any of these, including the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain. The Dawn Service kicks off officially at 6am, followed by the Vanguard Military School delivering their Haka in acknowledgement of the fields of remembrance. 

    More information on the wider programme and events closer to you is available on OurAuckland. Check the website regularly for any changes to events. 

    Shining bright in commemoration 

    Key locations around Auckland will light up in poppy-red to support Poppy Day, the Returned Services Association’s (RSA) annual fundraiser on 11 April that aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealand veterans of all ages, while other venues will shine bright to commemorate Anzac Day. 

    Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will light up 10-12 April, 6:30pm to midnight to commemorate Poppy Day. The lighting from 22-25 April will be to commemorate Anzac Day. Visit the Vector Lights website to learn more on details to watch and listen to the show.   

    Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum will be lit 23-25 April (including Anzac Day evening) from dusk until dawn. 

    Other landmarks around Auckland will light up in support of Anzac Day, including Queen Street Lights. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility – Strenghtening NBFCs – Speech by Shri Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India – March 28, 2025 – at the Conference of Non-Banking Financial Companies held at Chennai

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    CA Shri Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India; Chairpersons of the Audit Committee of the Boards, MDs & CEOs of NBFCs, and Statutory Auditors of NBFCs, Executive Directors from RBI and my colleagues from the Reserve Bank of India, Ladies and Gentlemen. A very good morning to all of you.

    1. It is an honour to address this esteemed gathering representing the key pillars of the NBFC ecosystem —CEOs entrusted with driving business responsibly, Chairpersons of Audit Committees overseeing assurance, Statutory Auditors who ensure transparency and integrity, along with regulators and supervisors committed to maintaining financial stability and fostering a sound regulatory environment. The theme of our engagement today — “Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility – Strengthening the NBFCs” — could not be more timely or relevant.

    2. The evolution of the NBFC sector is indeed a story of entrepreneurial energy, innovation and social impact. However, as the sector grows in scale and systemic importance, so too must our efforts to reinforce its foundations. A resilient, customer-centric, and well-governed NBFC sector is a shared aspiration — and delivering on it our shared responsibility.

    3. NBFCs have emerged as powerful engines of credit. By complementing the traditional banking system, they have significantly expanded access to credit, particularly for segments that have historically been underserved or excluded. Through innovative credit delivery models that harness technology and local insights, NBFCs have been able to design customised financial products tailored to diverse borrower needs. Their agility and close connect with customers have enabled them to play a role that is not only complementary to the role traditionally played by banks but, in many instances, catalytic in building a financial ecosystem characterised by deeper intermediation and wider opportunity.

    4. The importance of NBFCs has only grown with time. In fact, over the past decade, their growth has consistently outpaced that of banks — a trend that has become even more pronounced in the last few years. This rapid growth is a testament to the sector’s relevance and resilience — but it also raises the stakes. As NBFCs become more systemically important, the standards of governance, risk management, and customer treatment must rise accordingly.

    Understanding the Risks- Need for Responsible Innovation

    5. The business model of NBFCs — while effective — comes with its own set of structural risks. Their funding is short-term as compared to the maturity of their lending or is directed towards higher-risk customer segments.

    6. This maturity and credit transformation is at the heart of the NBFC model — but it also demands a heightened focus on risk management. If not carefully managed, it can create vulnerabilities, especially during periods of market stress or liquidity shocks.

    7. Risk-taking must be intelligent and well planned, and never beyond the risk absorption capacity of the entity concerned. Liquidity and credit risks must be rigorously assessed and managed. Asset-liability mismatches, nature and tenor of the funding sources, and concentration risks all need board-level oversight which should be ably supported by robust internal controls.

    Growth with Fairness: Customer-Centricity is Non-Negotiable

    8. Most importantly, even as we pursue scale, speed, and profits, we must not lose sight of fairness to the customer — that is the cornerstone of a sustainable business model. The NBFC sector must live up to its promise of inclusion by treating customers with dignity, transparency, and care. This entails ensuring transparent and easy-to-understand pricing, free from hidden charges or usurious interest rates. In instances of default, recovery practices must be conducted in an empathetic and respectful manner.

    9. Unfortunately, some NBFCs think they can pursue a business model where it is par for the course to resort to weak underwriting in pursuit of quick growth, coupled with excessive and unsustainable interest rates — at times masked as upfront charges or processing fees — which is followed by aggressive recovery practices upon default. Let me state unequivocally: this is not an acceptable model. Financial inclusion cannot be used as a pretext for financial exploitation. I urge each one of you to commit your institutions to upholding fairness in all your dealings.

    10. This responsibility for fair conduct is shared commitment by the CEO, the Board, and assurance functions in any entity. A customer-centric culture must be driven from the top and embedded at all levels.

    11. How do we ensure that our shared vision is realised, and our collective responsibilities are fulfilled? One of the most effective ways is by strengthening both internal and external assurance mechanisms.

    Strengthening Oversight: the Role of Audit Committee

    12. Let me begin with the Audit Committee of the Board (ACB). Far from being a routine compliance requirement, the ACB is the lynchpin of institutional oversight and long-term financial health. It plays a critical role in reinforcing governance, guiding management on assurance, and ensuring the integrity of internal control systems. When functioning effectively, it becomes a proactive forum for identifying vulnerabilities and initiating timely corrective actions.

    13. The role of the Audit Committee Chairperson is particularly significant in setting the tone for effective governance. It is essential that committee meetings are held regularly, conducted with clear purpose, and thoroughly documented to ensure accountability and follow-through.

    14. The effectiveness of the Committee is in the substance of its deliberations. The ACB must actively monitor the adequacy and functioning of internal control systems — not merely to confirm their presence, but to ensure they are operating effectively in practice. Similarly, audit observations should not remain confined to meeting minutes; they must translate into timely and meaningful corrective actions. A strong ACB also tracks audit findings and ensures that corrective measures are implemented without delay.

    15. Equally important is the establishment of an effective whistleblower mechanism overseen by the Board or the ACB which empowers employees and grants them anonymity, to report unethical or non-compliant behaviour, without fear of reprisal.

    16. CEOs too have a crucial role in upholding the integrity of financial reporting. They must actively deter any attempts—whether deliberate or cleverly disguised—to misapply accounting standards or regulatory provisions. It is equally important to foster an environment where the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Internal Audit feel empowered to engage in open, honest, and transparent dialogue with the Audit Committee of the Board.

    The Crucial Role of Statutory Auditors

    17. Now let me come to the role of Statutory Auditors, who are an indispensable part of the assurance ecosystem. In fact, the role of auditors has never been more critical — not merely in checking compliance, but in upholding trust. And trust, once lost, is hard to rebuild.

    18. Auditors are expected to provide an independent, professional opinion on whether the financial statements present a true and fair view of the NBFC’s financial position and comply with regulatory and accounting standards. However, in today’s complex and dynamic environment, this is no longer enough.

    19. Recent incidents — both in India and abroad — have shown that traditional financial audits must evolve. Auditors must bring technical expertise, forensic insight, and an ethical lens to their work. Red flags must not be ignored. Complex structures, derivatives, off-balance sheet items, related party transactions, and provisioning policies must be closely examined.

    Facilitative Role of Regulators and Supervisors

    20. As regulators and supervisors, we shoulder a dual responsibility — to safeguard stability and discipline, while also fostering an environment that encourages innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth. Contrary to perception in certain quarters, our approach actively seeks to strike the right balance. At the Reserve Bank of India, we are acutely aware that regulation is not merely about control; it is about enabling responsible financial intermediation within a well-defined and transparent framework. Several initiatives in recent years reflect this facilitative and proportionate approach to regulation. In my previous role as a commercial banker, I had the fortuitous opportunity to be closely associated with one such initiative -the Regulations Review Authority 2.0 – which reinforced the RBI’s strong commitment to easing the regulatory burden and streamlining compliance without compromising regulatory objectives.

    21. The regulatory framework for NBFCs has evolved in the recent years with this understanding — gradually moving toward greater harmonisation with banks where warranted, while still preserving operational flexibility suited to the unique role NBFCs play in the financial system. The introduction of the scale-based regulatory framework explicitly recognises that the intensity of regulation and supervision must be proportionate to systemic importance. At the same time, the regulatory architecture encourages the development of responsible innovation and healthy competition in the sector.

    22. Similarly, the role of the supervisor has also become more interactive and forward-looking. It is not just about identifying compliance breaches after the fact, but about engaging with entities to strengthen internal systems, enhance governance, and build resilience against emerging risks. Through onsite inspections, offsite surveillance, thematic reviews, and structured engagements, the supervisory process aims to be a partner in the financial sector’s long-term soundness — not an impediment to its progress.

    Conclusion

    23. Our shared vision is clear: a dynamic, inclusive, and trusted NBFC sector that complements the banking system and serves the evolving needs of the Indian economy. And the way to achieve it is through shared responsibility — in governance, in customer protection, in financial prudence, and in ethical conduct.

    24. We in the regulatory community stand committed to supporting this journey. Our intent is not to stifle innovation but to ensure that growth is sustainable, risks are well-managed, and customer trust is never compromised. On behalf of the RBI, I can assure you that as regulators and supervisors we will remain committed to playing our part, not just as watchdogs, but as enablers of a robust, inclusive, and future-ready financial ecosystem.

    25. This conference gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we can contribute to this shared agenda. Whether making strategic decisions, chairing audit committees, or signing off on financials, drafting regulations or conducting supervision — we are shaping the sector’s future.

    26. Therefore, let us work together — with clarity of purpose and unity of action — to build a stronger, fairer, and more resilient NBFC ecosystem. Wealth creation should not just be for personal or institutional gain but to support the community, reflecting a sense of shared responsibility amongst all of us, in our pursuit to achieve an inclusive growth for all and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    27. With this I wish you all fruitful and enriching deliberations over the course of this conference and look forward to the ideas and insights that will emerge in pursuit of our shared vision. Thank you for this opportunity and wish you all good luck, Jai Hind!

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai pens Bloomberg News article on Taiwan’s response to US reciprocal tariffs

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-04-08
    President Lai receives credentials from new Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae  
    On the morning of April 8, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lily Tangisia Faavae. In remarks, President Lai welcomed the ambassador to her new post and thanked Tuvalu for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation. The president also noted that joint efforts between our two countries have produced fruitful results in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries technology, and information and communications technology. He expressed his hope that we will continue to deepen our bilateral relations so as to generate even greater well-being for our peoples and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a great pleasure today to receive the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu Lily Tangisia Faavae. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend my warmest welcome to you. Last year, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Feleti Teo visited Taiwan in May last year for the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and again in October for our National Day celebrations. When I visited Tuvalu last December, I was warmly received by the government and people of Tuvalu, and I deeply felt that our two countries were like family. Ambassador Faavae’s posting to Taiwan demonstrates the importance Prime Minister Teo places on our ties. Widely recognized for her exceptional talent, Ambassador Faavae is an outstanding official with extensive experience in public service. Moreover, during her term as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, she voiced support for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. I believe that with her assistance, our two nations will further advance cooperation and exchanges. I want to thank the government of Tuvalu for long supporting Taiwan’s international participation. Furthermore, joint efforts between our two countries have produced fruitful results in such areas as medicine and public health, agricultural and fisheries technology, and information and communications technology. Last year, Prime Minister Teo and I signed a joint communiqué on advancing the comprehensive partnership between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Going forward, we will stand together in tackling the challenges we face, including climate change and expanding authoritarianism. And we will continue to deepen our bilateral relations so as to generate even greater well-being for our peoples and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific region. Once again, I warmly welcome Ambassador Faavae to her new post in Taiwan. Please convey warmest regards from Taiwan to Prime Minister Teo and all of our friends in Tuvalu. I wish you all the best in work and life during your term in Taiwan. Ambassador Faavae then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor and privilege to meet with President Lai today as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tuvalu to Taiwan, and to present to him her letter of credence. She then extended, on behalf of the government and people of Tuvalu, her warmest greetings and deep respect to the president and people of Taiwan. The letter of credence, she noted, signifies the trust and confidence that her government and governor-general have placed in her to represent their nation and to foster and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries. Ambassador Faavae said that our two countries have enjoyed a longstanding relationship of 45 years based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values. She added that we have collaborated, and continue to do so, in such fields as education, health, climate change adaptation and sea level rise mitigation, agriculture, clean energy, and internet connectivity.  Ambassador Faavae pointed out that Tuvalu remains committed to deepening ties with Taiwan and that it values people-to-people connections and our shared Austronesian heritage. She noted that the people of Tuvalu, a small developing nation, have greatly benefited from Taiwan’s advanced technical expertise and diverse financial assistance. She said she believes Tuvalu and Taiwan share a common interest and are united in our efforts and commitment to upholding democracy, peace, stability, and prosperity for our people and making the world better and safer.  Ambassador Faavae stated that as ambassador of Tuvalu to Taiwan, she pledges to work diligently and respectfully to enhance our bilateral relations, promote mutual understanding, and facilitate collaboration in areas of shared concern. The ambassador said she looks forward to collaborating closely with the Taiwan government and other stakeholders to achieve our common objectives and to continue building a more prosperous and harmonious future for our nations. In closing, she thanked President Lai for the opportunity to serve and to further the enduring friendship between our two countries.  

    Details
    2025-03-28
    President Lai meets British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones
    On the afternoon of March 28, President Lai Ching-te met with British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones. In remarks, President Lai welcomed Representative Bradley-Jones as she takes up her post in Taiwan, and thanked the United Kingdom government and parliament for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. The president indicated that Taiwan and the UK enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well, with great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. He stated that he looks forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to meet Representative Bradley-Jones here at the Presidential Office for this exchange. I understand that she has proactively called at many government agencies since taking up her post last month. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome. Taiwan and the UK are partners that share the values of freedom and democracy. In recent years, our bilateral relations have continued to deepen. With the efforts of Representative Bradley-Jones and our respective governments, I look forward to the expansion of dialogue and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. This will further elevate our bilateral ties. Especially in the face of expanding authoritarianism, the UK is not only playing an important role in crafting a unified European response; it is also demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through various channels. For example, joint statements released after the Australia-UK ministerial consultations, as well as the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, underlined a high level of concern for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The UK government has publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s international participation on multiple occasions. And last November, the UK House of Commons passed a motion clearly asserting that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. These actions attest to the UK’s belief in supporting democracy and peace, and have further solidified our countries’ friendship. I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to the UK government and parliament.  Currently, the UK is Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner in Europe and second largest source of investment from Europe. We enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well. There is also great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. We look forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience. We also hope the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership so that together, we can work with more like-minded partners, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. Once again, I welcome Representative Bradley-Jones to Taiwan and wish her all the best with her work. I anticipate that Taiwan-UK relations will continue to steadily advance through our joint efforts. Representative Bradley-Jones then delivered remarks, first saying in Mandarin that she is honored to meet with President Lai to discuss topics of mutual concern and jointly deepen Taiwan-UK relations, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. She went on to say that she came to Taiwan last August to study Mandarin, and began her post as British Office Taipei representative in February this year, noting that every day she learns more about and gains a deeper understanding of Taiwan. Last year, she said, she visited Tainan and Wanli, and found Tainan’s wetlands and the scenery in Wanli very impressive. She added that she has also tried many different Taiwanese foods, and is looking forward to experiencing even more of Taiwan’s local culture and customs over the next four years. Continuing her remarks in English, Representative Bradley-Jones stated that since taking up her post, she has borne witness to the strength of the relationship between Taiwan and the UK and the potential for it to continue to grow. She said that on trade and investment, there is significant complementarity between Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s Industrial Strategy, particularly in areas such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Both governments are also together supporting Taiwan and UK businesses through our Enhanced Trade Partnership and annual trade talks, she said. Representative Bradley-Jones went on to say that on science and technology, Taiwan and the UK can and should do more together. She noted that the UK has the third largest tech sector in the world and is valued at over US$1.1 trillion, while Taiwan is the center of the semiconductor and AI hardware world. Given our complementary strengths, especially in areas such as semiconductors, space, and communications technology, she said, the UK has stepped up its level of activity in Taiwan, including by regularly hosting a UK Pavilion at SEMICON and funding 18 joint R&D programs through our new collaborative R&D fund, and looks forward to doing more together in the future.  In support of Taiwan’s whole-of-society resilience, the representative said, the UK is supporting valuable exchanges, co-hosting GCTF (Global Cooperation and Training Framework) workshops, sharing lessons on financial sector resilience, and reaching out to mayors and community leaders across Taiwan. From financial resilience to cyber resilience, she said, the UK’s public sector and private industries have plenty to share and learn. Representative Bradley-Jones stated that on people-to-people links, parliamentarians, civil society, and academics are continuing to deepen contact, and that she is particularly excited by a new smart parliament partnership agreed upon by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the UK’s Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which aims to facilitate cross-party, cross-society, and cross-border exchanges on issues such as democratic governance, AI, inclusive policy-making, and public safety. The representative indicated that the examples she mentioned just scratch the surface of the full potential of the Taiwan-UK relationship. She said that the UK’s longstanding policy remains unchanged, and fundamentally, that is because we share a common set of values and interests. We are together focused on how to make our societies safer and more prosperous tomorrow than they are today, she said, and as like-minded democracies, innovative economies, and practical partners, the sincere and pragmatic cooperation between Taiwan and the UK is bringing material benefits to the prosperity and well-being of our people every day. 

    Details
    2025-03-21
    President Lai meets Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy
    On the morning of March 21, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. In remarks, President Lai said that Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan, and that we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Alaska will have more frequent engagement and exchanges so that our relations can continue to grow to create prosperous development for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to our guests. This is Governor Dunleavy’s first visit to Taiwan, and last night, we both attended the Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with Governor Dunleavy today at the Presidential Office for further dialogue. Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan. Our sister-state relationship was established in 1988, and we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. Currently, Taiwan is Alaska’s eighth largest export market and ninth largest source of imports. This goes to show just how close our trade and economic ties are and how much potential there is for further growth. As I said in my remarks at last night’s Hsieh Nien Fan banquet, Taiwan is interested in buying Alaskan natural gas. I am sure that Governor Dunleavy’s visit will help us explore even more opportunities for cooperation and continue to deepen Taiwan-United States relations. In the face of such challenges as expanding authoritarianism, climate change, and pandemics, we look forward to strengthening collaboration between Taiwan and the US. By drawing on our strengths, we can jointly build non-red supply chains to bolster our economic resilience and drive the advancement of global technology. I want to thank the US government for reiterating the importance it attaches to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. These statements backing Taiwan help in maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. Once again, I thank Governor Dunleavy for traveling such a long way to Taiwan. We hope to see more frequent engagement and exchanges between Taiwan and Alaska so that our relations can continue to grow, and we can create prosperous development for both sides. Governor Dunleavy then delivered remarks, saying that their trip to visit friends in Taiwan has been fantastic, thanking President Lai for the invitation to meet, and thanking all the staff. Governor Dunleavy said that as the pandemic was raging, the world went from “before COVID” to “after COVID.” Before COVID, he said, the world relied on a number of systems that were in place for decades after World War II involving supply chains, alliances, sources of energy, trading partners, and friends. He went on to say that as we go beyond COVID, we are reestablishing and reevaluating who our friends are, where we are going to get our energy, and who our trading partners are going to be. The governor said that we are creating a new world for the next 50 years with the new administration in Washington, and this is an opportunity for us to reevaluate and reinvest with our friends for the next 50 years in each other, our futures, and our security. Governor Dunleavy stated that one thing is for certain: that Taiwan is a friend of the US and a friend of Alaska, and has been for many, many decades. He said that it is their hope in this trip and subsequent trips to establish an even tighter bond among their friends in Taiwan, the US, and Alaska. The governor also said that we have much in common in that we are members of the Pacific family, are democracies, and believe in freedom, free speech, and capitalism. He indicated that he has much optimism for the future, and that as we reestablish relationships throughout the world, energy is going to be the key and the basis for our economic development, our national security, and our friendship. Governor Dunleavy said that he believes this trip is going to lay the groundwork for a fantastic future between Taiwan, Alaska, and the US, and that with President Lai’s support as well as the support of the US administration, we can work together to build even better relationships.

    Details
    2025-03-20
    President Lai attends AmCham Taiwan 2025 Hsieh Nien Fan
    On the evening of March 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the annual Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan). In remarks, President Lai pointed out that the United States is now a major source of investment in Taiwan, adding that last year US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. The president also pointed out that the US has become Taiwan’s largest investment destination, as Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of its total outbound investment last year. President Lai expressed hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. He also emphasized that one essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. The president expressed his belief that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: I’m delighted to be here tonight. I want to wish everyone and their families a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. For many years now, AmCham has acted as a bridge between Taiwan and the US. It not only advocates for Taiwan to various sectors in the US, but also offers advice for the development of Taiwan’s industries. So tonight, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our friends from the American business community. The 2025 Business Climate Survey, published by AmCham this January, demonstrates the confidence foreign businesses have in the Taiwan market. We are happy to see that over 80 percent of survey respondents reported stable or increased revenue last year, and around 80 percent expressed confidence in Taiwan’s economic prospects for the coming year. Moreover, 90 percent of businesses surveyed are planning to maintain or expand their investments in Taiwan. The positive developments in Taiwan made by our American friends here tonight, their outlook for the future, and their confidence in Taiwan, are further proof of Taiwan’s ideal environment for investment. The US is now a major source of investment in Taiwan. Last year, US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. In 2023, Entegris opened a new manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung and Micron launched a new facility in Taichung. Last year, Google further solidified Taiwan as its biggest R&D hub outside of the US by opening a new office here. AMD, Nvidia, and major cloud computing companies from the US have also been choosing Taiwan to expand their presence. Over the past several years, the US has also become Taiwan’s largest investment destination. Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of our total outbound investment last year. Four years ago, TSMC’s [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company] investment in facilities in Arizona became the biggest FDI [foreign direct investment] in a greenfield project in US history. And this month, TSMC announced it would expand that investment, breaking another record and highlighting the enduring prosperity shared by Taiwan and the US. In addition to TSMC, Taiwan’s GlobalWafers has built a 12-inch silicon wafer factory in Texas, the biggest in the US. This will be followed by many other industries. These companies are confidently expanding their global presence across the Pacific and eastward into the Americas. The US is moving to reindustrialize its manufacturing industry and consolidate high-tech leadership, as it moves to become a global AI hub. In these efforts, Taiwan is an indispensable partner for the US. While the US is a leader in chip design, Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing plays an irreplaceable part in the supply chain. Adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape and the coming era of smart technology, Taiwan will continue to promote its Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, AI, military, next-gen communications, and security and surveillance. This will drive the next stage in our economic development. A great time to invest in Taiwan is now. We will continue to better connect relevant government agencies and align with international standards to foster a friendlier investment environment. And I am confident that Taiwanese and American companies can leverage their respective high-tech expertise and invest in each other, boosting growth in industrial innovation and development for both our economies. At the same time, we hope to continue deepening Taiwan-US trade relations. Last year, Taiwan was the seventh largest trading partner of the US, up one spot from the previous year, and bilateral trade grew by 24.2 percent. Taiwan is going to expand procurement from the US of industrial and agricultural products, as well as natural gas. I am very happy to welcome Governor [Mike] Dunleavy of Alaska, who has specially come all the way to Taiwan. Alaska is a source of high-quality natural gas, and its relatively short distance from Taiwan facilitates transportation. So we are very interested in buying Alaskan natural gas because it can meet our needs and ensure our energy security. We hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation and removing tax barriers to bilateral investment and trade, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. One essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. So we are grateful for the joint leaders’ statement issued by [US] President [Donald] Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, in which they expressed their solid support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As we face growing authoritarianism, Taiwan will continue to uphold our values of freedom and democracy and will be a responsible actor in regional and global security. Currently, Taiwan’s defense budget stands at about 2.5 percent of GDP. Going forward, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. At the same time, we will continue to reform national defense, further enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. And we will advance our cooperation with the US and other democracies in upholding regional stability and prosperity. We also welcome continued Taiwan-US cooperation in the defense sector. I believe that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. In closing, I look forward to seeing even greater achievements from Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Thank you. After remarks, President Lai, AmCham Chairperson Dan Silver, American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, and Governor Dunleavy raised their glasses in recognition of the strong Taiwan-US friendship.  

    Details
    2025-03-18
    President Lai meets Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs  
    On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Arizona enjoy close economic and trade relations, and expressed hope that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-United States high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. The president indicated that the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome for Taiwan-US relations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome you all to the Presidential Office. Governor Hobbs previously visited Taiwan after taking office in 2023. Her leading a delegation to Taiwan once again demonstrates Arizona’s continued friendship and the importance Arizona attaches to Taiwan. For this, I express my sincerest gratitude, and I welcome you again. In recent years, ties between Taiwan and Arizona have continued to expand and progress. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s investment in Arizona is the largest greenfield investment in US history. This month, TSMC announced that it would increase its investment in the US by US$100 billion. It plans to build more semiconductor fabrication and research and development facilities in greater Phoenix, transforming the area into a US semiconductor hub. Due to our close industrial engagement, we now have more than 30,000 Taiwanese living in Arizona. I would like to thank Governor Hobbs for taking care of Taiwanese businesses and people. I believe that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-US high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. Taiwan and Arizona also enjoy close economic and trade relations. Taiwan is Arizona’s eighth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports. Last December, the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade officially came into effect. I believe this will help further deepen our trade and economic ties. At present, the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation. I hope that we can work together to achieve this goal as soon as possible. This would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive local industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome. With Governor Hobbs’s support, we look forward to continuing to advance Taiwan-US relations and promoting further cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Arizona across all domains. I understand that during this visit, you have visited many important companies and exchanged opinions with government agencies on how to strengthen bilateral relations. These efforts all go toward building an even more solid foundation for future Taiwan-US cooperation. Once again, I thank you all for supporting Taiwan and welcome you to visit us often in the future. Governor Hobbs then delivered remarks, stating that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan continues to thrive as a global hub for technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. She said that she is proud to be back in Taiwan alongside her secretary of commerce, Sandra Watson, as part of a diplomatic and economic delegation from Arizona. Since arriving, she said, they’ve hit the ground running, meeting with key partners, businesses, and leaders, noting that the takeaway from their meetings has been incredibly positive, and that they underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Arizona and Taiwan. Adding that our partnership that is built on shared values, mutual cultural appreciation, and commitment to innovation and economic growth, Governor Hobbs indicated that Arizona and Taiwan’s partnership extends back decades, as Taiwanese fighter pilots have been training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix since 1996. She said that we have built a strong base of collaboration across many areas, including technology, workforce, and cultural exchange, and that Arizona is even slated to get its own Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), which she expressed she is very thrilled about. Governor Hobbs went on to say that Arizona’s relationship with Taiwan is anchored by its ongoing partnership with TSMC and many Taiwan-based companies in semiconductor and other industries, and that TSMC’s US$165 billion investment in Arizona will help power development of the world’s most advanced technology, such as AI, and promises to cement an unbreakable bond between our two economies.  She stated that as governor, she can say with confidence that her administration is fully committed to strengthening this relationship in every way possible, because when Arizona and Taiwan succeed, we all succeed. Lastly, Governor Hobbs once again expressed gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. She then invited President Lai to Arizona to continue their productive conversations and further strengthen ties between our people and our economies, adding that she knows there is no limit to what we can achieve together, and that she is looking forward to what is to come. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-04-06
    President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
    On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions.  However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods:  1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age.  4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REPS. LAUREN BOEBERT AND TOM TIFFANY’S GRAY WOLF BILL PASSES THROUGH HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    WASHINGTON D.C.– The Pet and Livestock Protection Act (PALPA) introduced by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) and Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) passed through the House Natural Resources Committee today, a major milestone for this legislation’s path to President Trump’s desk. The House Natural Resources Committee voted 24-17 to advance the bill to the House floor.

    The bill delists the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List, prioritizes the safety and success of America’s agriculture community, removes the ability of progressive, activist judges to get in the way of science and allows states to set their own rules and regulations for managing their gray wolf population. 

    “I’m very excited to see PALPA take another step towards being signed into law, which will be a huge victory for our ranchers, farmers, and landowners in Colorado and across America,”said Congresswoman Boebert. “The science has been very clear on this topic for years: gray wolves are fully recovered and their comeback should be touted as a success story. Now it’s time we encourage states to set their own guidelines and allow ranchers, farmers, and landowners to protect their livelihoods. I look forward to voting for this bill on the House floor and ultimately getting it to President Trump for his signature.”

    “The damage to pets, livestock, and wildlife from an unmanaged wolf population can no longer be ignored. The gray wolf has exceeded federal and state recovery goals, with over 1,000 wolves now thriving in Wisconsin. It’s time to take the next step, delist them, and let the people closest to the gray wolf manage their population levels.” said Congressman Tiffany.

    “The Endangered Species Act was never meant to be a Hotel California where species check in but never leave. Congresswoman Boebert and Congressman Tiffany’s Pet and Livestock Protection Act will allow the recovered gray wolf to check out and return management to the states who know the species best. I thank Ms. Boebert and Mr. Tiffany for their work on this important issue,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04).

    “The Colorado Wool Growers Association greatly appreciates Congresswoman Boebert and Congressman Tiffany’s leadership on the efforts to delist the gray wolf,” said Bonnie Eddy, Executive Director of the Colorado Wool Growers Association. “With over 2,000 wolves on the landscape in the western United States, the species has been biologically recovered for years.  Unfortunately, ESA species are often used to restrict land use and control habitat.  Delisting will give farmers, ranchers, and agencies much needed flexibility to manage depredating wolves that kill livestock and to manage the negative impacts to our big game herds.”

    “Hunter Nation salutes the House Natural Resources Committee for voting the ‘Pet and Livestock Protection Act’ out of committee, and thanks Congressman Tom Tiffany and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for their unwavering support of hunters and our hunting lifestyle,” said Keith Mark, President/Founder of Hunter Nation. “The delisting of the gray wolf is a policy change we have been fighting for since our founding. The recovery of the gray wolf is an incredible conservation success story that should be celebrated. This legislation allows each state to manage the now recovered wolf population just as they manage all other wildlife within the state. The best part of this legislation is the provision that prevents judicial review of the legislative action which will preclude anti-hunting groups from using activist judges to interfere with sound, science-based conservation.”

    “Colorado’s Western Slope has the second largest deposit of natural gas in the world, and wolves on the landscape will put drilling and investing at a full stop–you can open up all the leases and it won’t make a difference if wolves aren’t delisted and dealt with. Energy producers need this bill to pass, or they’ll just pack up and leave the wolves and Colorado’s economy behind,” said Mike Clark, Chairman of the Colorado Conservation Alliance. 

    Congresswoman Boebert’s opening statement from today’s Committee hearing can be found HERE.

    Additional Reading:

    9News: Wolf from Great Lakes dies in Elbert County, Colorado

    USA Today: Colorado Gray Wolf killed after attacking 5 sheep in Wyoming

    The Gazette: Wolves from Canada Arrive in Colorado, Destination Unknown

    Colorado Sun: Ranchers hit Colorado with $580,000 in wolf depredation claims after gray wolf attacks on livestock

    Background:

    The Pet and Livestock Protection Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to reissue the 2020 Department of the Interior final rule that delisted gray wolves in the lower 48 United States. It also ensures this rule cannot be overturned through judicial review, preventing activist judges, like the California judge who vacated the rule in 2022, from relisting the gray wolf by judicial fiat.

    In 2020, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under President Trump delisted the gray wolf in the lower 48 United States through a process that included the best science and data available. At over 6,000 wolves at the time of delisting, the gray wolf has been the latest Endangered Species Act (ESA) success story with significant population recoveries in the Rocky Mountains and western Great Lakes regions.

    Despite clear evidence of recovery, a California judge overturned the rule in 2022, relisting the gray wolf under the ESA. In Colorado, foreign gray wolves have been imported in from Canada despite strong pushback from local stakeholders and confusion about how to fund wolf depredation claims.

    32 Members of Congress cosponsored the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, including: Reps. Nick Begich (AK-At-Large), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Jeff Crank (CO-05), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Harriet Hagemann (WY-At-Large), Andy Harris (MD-01), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Mike Kennedy (UT-03), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Max Miller (OH-07), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Scott Perry (PA-10), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Tony Wied (WI-08).

    Stakeholders that support the Pet and Livestock Protection Act include: American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Public Lands Council (PLC), National Rifle Association (NRA), Safari Club International (SCI), Hunter Nation, International Order of T. Roosevelt (IOTR), Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Blacktail Deer Foundation, Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado Conservation Alliance, Colorado Wool Growers, New Mexico Cattle Growers, Mesa County, CO, Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association, Coalition of Arizona/New Mexico Counties, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, and Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Bill to make trading laws fairer passes first hurdle

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Labour MP Kieran McAnulty’s Members Bill to make the law simpler and fairer for businesses operating on Easter, Anzac and Christmas Days has passed its first reading after a conscience vote in Parliament.

    “This Bill is about the sale and supply of alcohol – and that’s it. It only focuses on businesses that can already open and workers that will already be working. It will allow bars, restaurants, and supermarkets to serve or sell alcohol as they would any other day of the year,” Kieran McAnulty said.

    “The current law is confusing. At Easter for example you can purchase alcohol at the pub down the road on Thursday, but not Friday unless you have a meal as well, then you can buy a pint or two again on Saturday, but not Sunday again unless you have a meal. And its unfortunately hospitality workers who have to monitor this – which can sometimes be difficult – as well as doing their usual jobs.  

    “RSAs should be able to serve veterans the traditional rum and coffee on Anzac Day morning without having to apply for a special license.

    “There isn’t any good reason why the law is this way, except that it’s always been that way. That’s not a very good reason to have a law.

    “It’s time to simplify it, take the onus off businesses to interpret how they can or can’t serve their customers and make hospitality workers’ lives a little easier.

    “This Bill is different to previous ones like it because it only looks at liquor licensing rules – not labour laws or trading laws. It won’t mean people have to work on their otherwise guaranteed days off.

    “It allows businesses that would’ve opened anyway to serve their customers a drink,” Kieran McAnulty said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Peters & Fong Reintroduce Bill to Protect California’s Iconic Giant Sequoias from Catastrophic Wildfires

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Vince Fong (R-CA-20) introduced the Save Our Sequoias (SOS) Act, a bipartisan initiative to give land managers the tools to save the iconic giant sequoia and reduce the severity of wildfires that contribute to climate change.

    This bill would enhance interagency coordination, accelerate forest restoration efforts, and provide important resources to land managers to guard these ancient trees from further destruction. The SOS Act would reverse the damage caused by catastrophic wildfires and restore the resilience of Giant Sequoia groves, providing critical ecological, scientific, and cultural benefits.

    “For generations, the majestic giant sequoia has provided innumerable cultural, environmental, and recreational benefits to humans,” said Rep. Peters. “Unfortunately, insufficient land management and climate change have led to increasingly severe fires that threaten the survival of giant sequoias and the stability of the climate. In just one year, the California wildfires that threaten the Sequoias contributed more to climate change than the state’s entire power sector. Our Save Our Sequoias Act charts a new path forward in federal forest and wildfire policy to combat climate change and ensure the giant sequoias stand safely in their natural habitat for years to come.”

    “California’s Giant Sequoias are a symbol of our state’s natural heritage,” said Rep. Fong. “We cannot afford to stand by as continued forest mismanagement destroys our natural resources. It is essential we enact legislation that enforces proactive forest management, and harnesses the power of science, collaboration, and expedited action to protect the remaining Giant Sequoias, return resilience to our forests, and ensure these trees endure for generations.”

    Representative Peters originally introduced the SOS Act in 2022 with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, and again in 2023.

    Representative Peters and Chairman Westerman are also the authors of the Fix Our Forests Act, a comprehensive bill to reduce the procedural challenges that slow fire prevention work on high-risk areas. The bill also provides resources to improve community resiliency to megafires, like assistance with removing hazardous brush near homes and prepositioning firefighting resources during high fire risk times.

    “Save the Redwoods League and our federal, state, and tribal partners led significant efforts to restore resilience to the giant sequoias in the past year, yet the existential threat across the range remains severe. It is critically urgent that the National Park Service and USDA-Forest Service have the tools and sustained/permanent funding necessary to implement near-term restoration actions and long-term stewardship of the Giant Sequoia ecosystem. Ensuring a robust future of this iconic species is among the League’s highest priorities,” said Kirsten Tobey, interim president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. “We welcome the opportunity presented by the reintroduction of the Save Our Sequoias Act to work with Congress to secure the necessary resources and flexibility for our partners to do this critical work, comprehensively and sustainably. The League applauds the leadership of Congressman Fong, Congressman Peters and all the bill’s supporters for their commitment to giant sequoia conservation.”

    “The “Save Our Sequoias Act” is a long overdue effort to empower resourceful experts and stewards to employ critical resiliency efforts to combat the very real threat of fire that plagues roughly 70 Sequoia groves as drought conditions increase,” said Shine Nieto, Chairman, Tule River Tribe. “We recognize that there are currently few long-term drought solutions in place in the area to protect our forest and lands – so we must work together to save our sequoias. The Tule River Tribe is proud to support the passage of the Save the Sequoias Act.

    Over the last century, fire suppression practices and forest mismanagement have led to a dangerous build-up of fuels, which, in combination with increasingly intense wildfires, has caused the unparalleled destruction of Giant Sequoia groves. For 800 years, we lost no Sequoias due to fire, but in the last few years alone, there has been a nearly 20% loss of these trees.

    The SOS Act will provide the following key measures to address this crisis:

    • Reforestation Strategy: Establish a comprehensive reforestation strategy to regenerate Giant Sequoias in groves destroyed by recent wildfires, helping to ensure the long-term survival of these majestic trees.
    • Expedited Emergency Procedures: Declare an emergency to codify existing emergency procedures, streamline environmental reviews, and maintain robust scientific analysis to accelerate necessary forest treatments.
    • Enhanced Coordination: Strengthen collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local land managers through shared stewardship agreements and the creation of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition, a partnership between current Giant Sequoia managers.
    • Health and Resiliency Assessment: Establish a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment to prioritize forest management projects, track progress, and ensure ongoing study of the trees’ health and resiliency over time.
    • Hazardous Fuels Reduction Funding: Provide funding and create a new grant program to support hazardous fuels reduction treatments in and around Giant Sequoia groves, mitigating the risk of wildfires.

    Speeding up science-based forest treatments will boost resilience, improve air and water quality, reduce carbon emissions, and protect vital habitats. Giant Sequoias, the world’s largest trees, are found in 70 groves across 37,000 acres in California, where nearly one-fifth have been destroyed since 2015. The time to protect these irreplaceable pieces of history for future generations is now.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base

    Source: The White House

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

    Section 1.  Purpose.  As Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, I am committed to ensuring that the United States military possesses the most lethal warfighting capabilities in the world.  America’s defense industrial base is central to this effort.  Similarly, the defense acquisition workforce is a national strategic asset that will be decisive in any conflict, where the factory floor can be just as significant as the battlefield.
    Unfortunately, after years of misplaced priorities and poor management, our defense acquisition system does not provide the speed and flexibility our Armed Forces need to have decisive advantages in the future.  In order to strengthen our military edge, America must deliver state‐of‐the‐art capabilities at speed and scale through a comprehensive overhaul of this system.

    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States Government to accelerate defense procurement and revitalize the defense industrial base to restore peace through strength.  To achieve this, the United States will rapidly reform our antiquated defense acquisition processes with an emphasis on speed, flexibility, and execution.  We will also modernize the duties and composition of the defense acquisition workforce, as well as incentivize and reward risk-taking and innovation from these personnel.

    Sec. 3.  Acquisition Process Reform.  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the President a plan to reform the Department of Defense’s acquisition processes that, to the maximum extent possible, incorporates the following:
    (a)  Utilization of existing authorities to expedite acquisitions throughout the Department of Defense, including a first preference for commercial solutions and a general preference for Other Transactions Authority, application of Rapid Capabilities Office policies, or any other authorities or pathways to promote streamlined acquisitions under the Adaptative Acquisition Framework.  Starting upon issuance of this order, and during the formation of the plan, the Secretary of Defense shall prioritize use of these authorities in all pending Department of Defense contracting actions and require their application, where appropriate and consistent with applicable law, for all Department of Defense contracting actions pursued while the plan directed by this section is under consideration. 
    (b)  A detailed process review of each functional support role within the acquisition workforce to eliminate unnecessary tasks, reduce duplicative approvals, and centralize decision-making.  These reviews should also include evaluations of program managers, contracting officers, engineering authorities, financial managers, cost estimators, and logisticians.
    (c)  A detailed process by which the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Service Acquisition Executives, and Component Acquisition Executives can effectively manage risk for all acquisition programs through a formal steering board known as a Configuration Steering Board. 

    Sec. 4.  Internal Regulations Review.  The Secretary of Defense shall oversee the review of and, as appropriate, propose revisions to relevant Department of Defense instructions, implementation guides, manuals, and regulations relating to acquisition to: 
    (a)  Eliminate or revise any unnecessary supplemental regulations or any other internal guidance, such as relevant parts of the Financial Management Regulation and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
    (b)  Promote expedited and streamlined acquisitions.  Where new supplemental regulations or internal guidance is proposed, the Secretary of Defense shall apply the ten-for-one rule as described in Executive Order 14192 of January 31, 2025 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation).

    Sec. 5.  Acquisition Workforce Reform.  Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, and Component Acquisition Executives, shall develop and submit to the President a plan for consideration to reform, right-size, and train the acquisition workforce that includes the following components:
    (a)  The restructuring of performance evaluation metrics for acquisition workforce members to include the ability to demonstrate and apply a first consideration of commercial solutions, adaptive acquisition pathways through the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, and iterative requirements based on the perspective of the end user.
    (b)  An analysis of acquisition workforce staff levels required to develop, deliver, and sustain warfighting capabilities.   
    (c)  The establishment of field training teams by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, led by senior acquisition executives or managers with expertise in innovative acquisition authorities and commercial solutions, and modeled after field training teams authorized by section 832 of Public Law 118-159 (10 U.S.C. 1749).  These teams should provide hands-on guidance, deliver templates and case studies of successful approaches for implementing innovative acquisition authorities, and should assist integrated functional program teams in completing acquisition and sustainment tasks.
    (d)  The development and implementation of policies, procedures, and tools to incentivize acquisition officials to, in good faith, utilize innovative acquisition authorities and take measured and calculated risks.

    Sec. 6.  Major Defense Acquisition Program Review.  (a)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Deputy Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and Component Acquisition Executives, shall complete a comprehensive review of all major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs), as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code, to determine if any such programs are inconsistent with the policy objectives set forth in section 2 of this order.  As part of the review of all MDAPs:
    (i)   any program more than 15 percent behind schedule based on the current Acquisition Program Baseline (APB), 15 percent over cost based on the current APB, unable to meet any key performance parameters, or unaligned with the Secretary of Defense’s mission priorities, will be considered for potential cancellation.  The Secretary of Defense shall submit the potential cancellation list to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for future budget determinations.
    (ii)  the Secretary of Defense shall provide a listing of all MDAPs contracts, along with performance against original and approved Government cost estimates to the Director of OMB for review within 90 days from the date of this order.
    (b)  Following this comprehensive review of MDAPs, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the Director of OMB with a plan for reviewing all remaining major systems, as defined in section 3041 of title 10, United States Code, that are not MDAPs.

    Sec. 7.  Requirements.  The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Deputy Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall complete a comprehensive review of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System within 180 days of the date of this order, with the goal of streamlining and accelerating acquisition.

    Sec. 8.  Definitions.  For purposes of this order:
    (a)  The term “Adaptive Acquisition Framework” means the series of acquisition pathways that enable the workforce to deliver “effective, suitable, survivable, sustainable, and affordable solutions to the end user in a timely manner,” as stated in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02. 
    (b)  The term “Acquisition Program Baseline” means the formally established cost, schedule, and performance baselines of a program, as described in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.85.
    (c)  The term “commercial solutions” means any of the methods for procurement of a commercial product or service described in part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, subpart 212.2 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, or subpart 212.70 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; or other industry solutions funded by private investment that meet military needs.  
    (d)  The term “Configuration Steering Board” means an annual review of potential requirements changes, critical intelligence parameter changes, and any significant technical configuration changes as described in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.85.
    (e)  The term “innovative acquisition authorities” means Other Transactions Authority, commercial solutions, application of Rapid Capabilities Office policies, or any other authorities or pathways to promote streamlined acquisitions under the Adaptive Acquisition Framework. 
    (f)  The term “Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System” means the formally established Department of Defense process used to identify, assess, and prioritize joint military capability requirements across the Department of Defense.
    (g)  The term “Other Transactions Authority” means the ability of the United States Government to enter into contracts other than standard contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements.
    (h)  The term “Rapid Capabilities Office” means the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, or Space Force Rapid Capabilities Office. 

    Sec. 9.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        April 9, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

    William Edge/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The predator in your home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Keeping dogs healthy and fed has a cost

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

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

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

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

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

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

    No one likes thinking about this

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Reintroduces Bill to Keep Those Who Rape and Murder Children in Jail Without the Possibility of Release

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 4/8/2025… Today, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) reintroduced the Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act, a critical public safety bill in honor of the lives of Paula Bohovesky, a Rockland County native, and Joan D’Alessandro, who lived in Bergen County, New Jersey.

    In 1973, Joan D’Alessandro was seven years old and had just left her house to sell Girl Scout cookies in her New Jersey hometown. Making only the mistake of knocking on a neighbor’s door, she was sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled to death. Over two decades later in 1998, Congress passed legislation to prevent early release for criminals who killed a child under age 14.

    Similar to Joan, Paula Bohovesky was 16 years old when she was beaten, stabbed, sexually assaulted, and murdered by two men in Rockland County, NY. But because Paula was 16 at the time of her death, one of the men responsible for her death was granted parole in August of 2021. 

    This legislation modifies an existing ban on early release eligibility for criminals, specifying that those who murdered and sexually assaulted a minor up to the age of 18 are also included in this prohibition.

    “The brutal murders of Joan D’Alessandro and Paula Bohovesky devastated Rockland County and the entire region,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “The unspeakable happened in our own backyard, and the impact of these tragedies still reverberates through our community.”

    “With the reintroduction of the Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act in the 119th Congress, I’m strengthening federal law to ensure families never have to face the trauma of watching their child’s killer walk free,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “This legislation honors the memory of Joan and Paula and seeks to bring some measure of justice to families across the country.”

    “The most heinous crimes are those perpetrated against minors, and those who prey upon our children represent the worst in our society,” said NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) President Vincent Vallelong. “Unfortunately, a technicality in federal law prevents us from providing the full measure of justice to victims such as Paula Bohovesky and her family by ensuring that violent killers are kept in prison where they belong. The Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act enhances the protection of our nation’s children, and the SBA is grateful for the strong leadership of Rep. Lawler in continuing to fight for this important and long overdue fix to federal law.”

    “The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports the Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act, as it delivers justice for victims of the most heinous crimes. Law enforcement is united in safeguarding our communities by ensuring that those who commit brutal acts against children are held fully accountable. We stand ready to support efforts to advance this critical bipartisan measure,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of MCSA. 

    “The Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Allesandro Act is a significant step in protecting our communities from the most heinous crimes against children. This important legislation spares victims’ families from the emotional burden of facing repeated parole board hearings, allowing them to focus on healing without the added trauma of reliving their loss every few years. It is our moral duty to protect children and their families from dangerous offenders. We thank Congressman Lawler for introducing this bill, which takes a crucial step toward restoring a sense of safety and peace for those affected by such devastating crimes,” said Executive Director Theresa Roth of the New York State Children’s Alliance. 

    “The current state statute under Joan’s Law at the federal level applies to all children under 14 years old. This bill will extend justice to all minors under 18, including those at a particularly vulnerable age. This law must be passed to ensure justice for all children,” said Rosemarie D’Alessandro, mother of Joan and child safety advocate who also founded the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation. “When I first brought this to Congressman Lawler’s attention, he was ready to see it passed. It’s heartwarming to see so many people support this legislation.”

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Reintroduce Bill to Protect the Ruby Mountains from Oil and Gas Drilling Pushed by the Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in reintroducing legislation to expand protections for and prohibit oil and gas development in Nevada’s beautiful and pristine Ruby Mountains. Their reintroduction of the Ruby Mountains Protection Act follows the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to reopen the Rubies to speculative oil and gas drilling. Last Congress, this bill advanced out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support.
    “Instead of taking meaningful action to bolster American energy independence, the Trump Administration is taking reckless and unproductive steps that endanger Nevada lands with low likelihood of oil and gas production,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill with Senator Cortez Masto to fight back against President Trump’s efforts and protect the Ruby Mountains from drilling. I’ll keep pushing back against this wrongheaded approach that threatens the Ruby Mountains and other beautiful parts of our state.”
    “The natural beauty of the Ruby Mountains, Nevada’s Swiss Alps, is beloved by locals and draws tourists from across the country,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Unproductive oil and gas drilling would only harm Northern Nevada’s tourism economy and keep this natural treasure from generations of future Nevadans. There’s bipartisan support for my legislation, and there is no reason not to pass it into law.”
    The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would withdraw approximately 450,000 acres of National Forest land, comprising the Ruby Mountain Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, from any eligibility for oil and gas leasing. The bill will also expand protection to the 39,926-acre Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Ruby Mountains Protection Act would not affect any recreational use of these pristine lands, including for hunting, hiking, and fishing.
    Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto are champions for Nevada’s great outdoor spaces and public lands. They recently joined Nevada’s Congressional delegation in urging the Trump Administration to preserve national monument designations in Nevada. The Senators passed critical legislation to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects public lands in Nevada and across the U.S. They also passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, and they delivered critical funding to protect Lake Tahoe in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Last year, Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto announced over $375 million for recreation and conservation projects across Nevada.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 26 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm in Connection With Drug Trafficking Fentanyl, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant convicted after trial on drug and firearms offenses and thereafter pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, sentenced Ryan E. Dales, 36, of Baltimore, to 26 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Dales, a previously convicted felon, was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).

    “Mr. Dales’s criminal activity was callous, dangerous, and with complete disregard for his victims,” Hayes said. “Thanks to our federal, local, and state law-enforcement partners, we’re showing Mr. Dales and others that engaging in criminal activity comes with a price. We’re serious about holding those accountable who commit illegal acts and terrorize our community with fentanyl, firearms, and fraud.  Fortunately, Mr. Dales will have plenty of time to think about his actions while in prison.” 

    “This sentence of 26 years reflects the seriousness of Dales’ actions which include drug and weapon offenses as well as identity theft and fraud schemes. As a repeat offender, Dales knew the consequences of his wrongdoing yet chose to continue dealing drugs and committing crimes,” DelBagno said. “The FBI has no tolerance for repeat offenders who threaten the safety and security of our communities.”

    “Ryan Dales engaged in a multi-faceted pandemic-relief fraud scheme by filing fraudulent UI claims in the names of identity theft victims. Dales stole benefits intended for unemployed American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Springer said. “The significant prison sentence imposed today is the direct result of outstanding collaboration with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the FBI in ensuring the integrity of these critical benefit programs. This is particularly true when it involves firearms and drug trafficking as well as other violent crimes in our communities.”

    On December 9, 2024, a federal jury found Dales guilty of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Additionally, Dales faced a second trial on wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, but on January 10, 2025, Dales pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the evidence presented at trial, on January 20, 2023, authorities arrested Dales pursuant to a federal arrest warrant, and law enforcement executed a federal search warrant the same day at Dales’s residence. Dales resided in a luxury apartment building in Locust Point.  During the search, law enforcement located and seized, among other things, various items used in connection Dales’s illegal business selling drugs, including two loaded firearms, specifically, a stolen Smith & Wesson firearm, and one which was a privately made “ghost gun” Polymer80 9mm firearm with no serial number, and a box containing 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition, including hollow point ammunition. In addition, law enforcement seized numerous packages of controlled dangerous substances, including hundreds of grams of fentanyl packaged for street level distribution, multiple digital scales, sifters, a heat sealer, a bag containing 10,000 empty capsules meant to package drugs, other drug packing materials, various cutting agents, a respirator, and six cell phones.

    Later, Dales voluntarily waived his Miranda rights and admitted to living in his apartment alone and that the firearms seized in his apartment were his.  He also told law enforcement that he was a “very resourceful person,” referring to his livelihood as a drug dealer.  Dales’ DNA was later determined to be present on both firearms and their magazines.

    Law enforcement’s later review of Dales’s cell phones revealed the existence of numerous Telegram chats where he negotiated purchasing drugs and cutting agents from multiple people, including mass producers of fentanyl in China.  Investigators further found evidence that about a month before the execution of the search warrant, Dales traveled to Boston with a firearm (identical in appearance to the ghost gun found in his apartment) and a bag full of cash to purchase drugs. Dales’s device search history included searches for where fentanyl is produced in China, how to dye powders, and how many bullets a Smith and Wesson M&P 9c firearm — the same type seized from his apartment — can hold.  

    After his conviction at trial on the drug and firearms offenses, Dales pled guilty to a fraud scheme in which he used victims’ identities to obtain various high-end lawnmowers on credit and received fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.  From December 2020 through September 2022 — while serving a federal sentence for bank-fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft — and living in a halfway house while on federal supervised release in the District of Maryland, Dales engaged in various fraudulent schemes. Dales attempted to defraud the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL), the Small Business Administration, and various businesses and financial institutions to obtain more than $25,000 in unlawful COVID-19 benefits funds though the submission of fraudulent claims for UI benefits; more than $95,000 worth of high-end riding lawn mowers on credit using the stolen personal identifiable information (PII) of seven victims information —such as names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and addresses of real persons — and attempting to fraudulently obtain an $8,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

    During the execution of the residential search warrant, law enforcement seized various items used in connection with Dales’s fraud and identity theft schemes, including multiple computers, an embosser and ID card printer, laminate sheets with security holograms, gift cards in various denominations, a card printer and card reader, bulk packages of shrink-wrapped white PVC cards; and multiple fraudulent and fabricated South Carolina driver’s licenses made by Dales containing PII of various victims, but which displayed Dales’s photograph.

    Dales used the fabricated driver’s licenses in connection with the fraudulent purchases of riding mowers and other impermissible uses.  He also obtained the identity theft victims’ PII on the dark web. The total amount obtained by Dales from the UI fraud scheme, as well as the fraudulent purchase of the lawnmowers on credit was $121,242.51.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.  The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DOL-OIG for their work in connection with the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Reema Sood, who prosecuted the federal case.  She also recognized the assistance of the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 12)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Moscow, April 9, 2025

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: The Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Should Be Resumed And The Hostage Returned Immediately

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 09, 2025

    Durbin continues to speak for progress toward a second ceasefire phase and to address the significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza on the Senate floor

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor on the importance of ending the war in Gaza and addressing the humanitarian crisis. During his remarks, Durbin reiterated the need to resume the ceasefire and return the hostages immediately.

    “I am proud of the fact that President Harry Truman was the first president to recognize Israel’s right to exist, and I certainly concur with that sentiment to this day. The creation of the state of Israel after World War II was almost inevitable if this group of people were to exist. The holocaust was a reminder of the prejudice against the Jewish faith and the enduring struggle which they had been engaged in for decades—if not centuries. It was the right thing to do. There were times in history when Israel stood with us, when we desperately needed their help and there have been times when we have disagreed with their policy. That has never diminished for me personally or for our nation—Israel’s right to exist,” said Durbin.

    “What happened on October 7 was horrific. Some 1200 innocent Israelis were killed [and] butchered by terrorists under the flag of the Hamas movement. Unfortunately, they took hostages as well. I don’t know the exact number, but I believe it was over 250 hostages were taken. Some still remain in captivity under the control of Hamas. Israel is defending itself and it has a right to do that,” Durbin continued.

    Recent episodes of 60 Minutes have showed the continued pain and devastation from the war, including hostages still being held and considerable civilian death and destruction in Gaza, with children being a large number of victims. Last Sunday’s episode in particular highlighted doctors from Chicago, including those who had helped in the wars in Syria and Ukraine, sharing their stories of trying to treat innocent civilians caught up in the seemingly endless violence.

    One of the doctors Durbin referenced on the Senate floor is Dr. Lisa Thornton, a pediatric rehabilitation expert from Chicago. Dr. Thornton described her first time seeing such war trauma, noting the estimated 15,000 children killed and 30,000 injured in the war (out of an estimated total 50,000 killed), and the thousands more who have lost a parent.  Dr. Thornton coordinates therapies and prosthetics forinjured children, explaining, “our goal is to get them back to childhood”—a near impossible task amid the destruction and violence. 

    Orthopedic surgeon Samer Attar, also from Chicago, volunteers for the Syrian American Medical Society. Dr. Attar knows the horrors of the brutal Syrian civil war, and he said of his time in Gaza, “every day felt like a horror show.” He continued, “Imagine 50 people showing up all at once, and 15 of them are dead on arrival. And they’re all trying to get into the emergency room, and there’s no place to step. I remember one little girl just pounding her fists on the floor, just refusing to believe that her mom was dead, but they had to just forcefully pull her away to make room for incoming wounded because the pace of the wounded just doesn’t stop. They keep coming.”

    “The scenes that were depicted last Sunday on 60 Minutes are heart breaking—two doctors from Chicago have gone there risking their lives to volunteer to try to save the children and the victims of Israeli bombing. And I’m sorry to say they have not been successful as they would like to have been. But they reported to us graphically what is going on there with the lack of medical supplies, the lack of hospitals, and [the lack of] basic food. This war has to end. If it is going to continue until every Hamas terrorist is killed, I’m afraid there will be thousands and thousands of innocent Palestinians lost in the process,” Durbin concluded. “The ceasefire should be resumed and the hostages returned immediately.”

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland University of Technology to offer new psychology training

    Source: New Zealand Government

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

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Our ancestors didn’t eat 3 meals a day. So why do we?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Culinary Arts & Gastronomy, Auckland University of Technology

    Shutterstock

    Pop quiz: name the world’s most famous trio? If you’re a foodie, then your answer might have been breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s an almost universally accepted trinity – particularly in the Western world.

    But how did it come about?

    The first meals

    Early humans were nomadic. Forming small communities, they would travel with the seasons, following local food sources.

    While we can only guess what daily mealtimes rhythms looked like, evidence dating back 30,000 years from the South Moravia region, Czech Republic, shows people visited specific settlements time and again. They gathered around hearths, cooking and sharing food: the first signs of human “commensality”, the practice of eating together.

    One of the best-preserved hunter-gatherer sites we’ve found is Ohalo II – located on the shores of the modern-day Sea of Galilee (also called Lake Tiberias or Lake Kinneret) in Israel, and dating back some 23,000 years.

    In addition to several small dwellings with hearths, it provides evidence of diverse food sources, including more than 140 types of seeds and nuts, and various birds, fish and mammals.

    The development of agricultural knowledge some 12,000 years ago gave rise to permanent settlements. The earliest were in the Levant region (across modern-day Iraq, southwestern Iran and eastern Turkey), in an area called the “Fertile Crescent”.

    The fertile crescent covers the rich, biodiverse valleys of the Tigris, Euphrates and Jordan rivers.
    Shutterstock

    Permanent agriculture led to the production of a surplus of food. The ability to stay in one place with food on-hand meant the time it took to cook no longer mattered as much.

    It quickly became common to eat one light meal early in the day, followed by a larger hearth-prepared meal later on. The specific timings would have varied between groups.

    Eating together as a rule

    The communal nature of foraging and hunting, and later farming, meant humans almost always ate their meals in the company of others. In the ancient city-state of Sparta, in the 4th century BCE, these practices were codified as common main meals called syssitia (meaning “eating together”).

    These meals were consumed at the end of the day in communal dining halls. Food was served by young boys to tables of 15 or so men who lived together and fought in the same military division. The men gradually shared generational knowledge with the young boys, who themselves would join the tables by age 20.

    In the 5th century BCE, Greek historian Herodotus wrote about how syssitia evolved from a Spartan military practice to having deep political meaning in society. Similarly, Plato wrote common meals were an integral component of civil society, and that missing a meal without good reason was a civic offence.

    By dining in full view of the rest of society, citizens were compelled to maintain self-discipline. Mealtime was also an opportunity for social linkage, and important discussions ranging from business deals to politics.

    The eating habits of Spartan women are missing in the texts, although it is implied they ate at home.

    Bunches of lunches

    Counter to the tough Spartan way of life, the Romans enjoyed their main meal, cena, earlier in the day, followed by a lighter meal just before bed.

    The northern European tribes tended towards two larger meals per day, as more sustenance is required in colder climes. To the Vikings, these meals were known as dagmal and nattmal, or day meal and night meal. Nattmal was the cooked evening meal, while dagmal usually consisted of leftover nattmal with the addition of bread and beer or mead.

    In Australia, evidence suggests Aboriginal peoples tended toward a daily single meal, which aligns with the predominant method of cookery: slow-cooking with hot coals or rocks in an earth oven. This underground oven, used by Aboriginal and also Torres Strait Islander communities, was referred to as a kup murri or kap mauri by some groups.

    This is similar to other Indigenous preparations throughout the Pacific, such as the New Zealand Māori hāngī, Hawaiian imu, Fijian lovo, and even the Mayan píib.

    The once-daily meal would have been supplemented with snacks throughout the day.

    Three’s the magic number

    The timing of meals was heavily influenced by class structure, local climate and people’s daily activities. Practicality also played a part. Without reliable lighting, meals had to be prepared and eaten before dark. In settled parts of Northern Europe, this could be as early as 3pm.

    So how did we go from one or two main meals, to three? The answer may lie with the British Royal Navy.

    Since its inception in the 16th century, the navy served three regular meals to align with the shipboard routine. This included a simple breakfast of ship’s biscuits, lunch as the main meal, and dinner as more of a light supper.

    Some sources suggest the term “square meal” may have come from the square wooden trays meals were served in.

    Initially, sailors recieved a daily gallon of beer with meals. This was later changed to watered-down rum, the infamous ‘grog’, which is being handed out in this 1940 photo taken aboard HMS King George V.
    Imperial War Museums, CC BY-NC

    The Industrial Revolution, which started around 1760, arguably also played a role in formalising the concept of three specific mealtimes across the Western world.

    The cadence of breakfast, lunch and dinner matched the routine of the longer, standardised workdays. Workers ate breakfast and dinner at home, before and after work, while lunch was eaten with coworkers at a set time.

    With minimal breaks, and no time for snacking, three substantial meals became necessary.

    The fall of the holy trinity

    Today, many factors impact the time and frequency of our meals, from long work commutes to juggling hobbies and social obligations.

    The ways in which we eat and share food continue to evolve alongside our societies and cultures.
    Shutterstock

    The COVID pandemic also impacted how and what we eat, leading us to eat larger amounts of higher calorie foods. The rapid growth of delivery services also means a meal is no more than a few minutes away from most people.

    All of this has resulted in mealtimes becoming less rigid, with social meals such as brunch, elevenses and afternoon teas expanding how we connect over food. And mealtimes will continue to evolve as our schedules become ever more complicated.

    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. Our ancestors didn’t eat 3 meals a day. So why do we? – https://theconversation.com/our-ancestors-didnt-eat-3-meals-a-day-so-why-do-we-250773

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New York Stands With Survivors

    Source: US State of New York

    uring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and Child Abuse Prevention Month, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 14 State landmarks will be lit blue tonight to raise awareness of the state’s prevention efforts to protect children and families. Governor Hochul previously issued a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in New York State.

    “My top priority is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers – especially our children,” Governor Hochul said. “By working together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. I am committed to elevating the voices of survivors, and supporting families and advocates, as well as law enforcement, as we work to advance bold initiatives to prevent child abuse in New York State.”

    This year’s theme for the month is “Supporting Child and Family Well-Being” to highlight key prevention tools that can help assist and strengthen families, ultimately preventing child abuse and neglect. Among those tools are Family Opportunity Centers and Family Resource Centers located throughout New York State, and the OCFS HEARS helpline.

    Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “OCFS is dedicated to supporting evidence-based and innovative initiatives to prevent child abuse through prevention services and supports that fortify families and foster healthy environments for children. We are fortunate to live in a state where our Governor proactively leads from the heart and mind, unequivocally supporting the protection of all New Yorkers, particularly those who are the most vulnerable. Governor Hochul’s many commitments include investments in the Family Opportunity Centers and Family Resource Centers, located throughout the state. These centers are intended to empower families and improve protective factors such as parental resilience, social connections, and access to resources.”

    In addition to issuing the proclamation, Governor Hochul directed that 14 State landmarks and buildings be illuminated in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

    The landmarks and buildings illuminated tonight, April 9, include:

    • One World Trade Center
    • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
    • Kosciuszko Bridge
    • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
    • State Education Building
    • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
    • Empire State Plaza
    • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
    • Niagara Falls
    • The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
    • Albany International Airport Gateway
    • MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
    • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
    • Moynihan Train Hall

    Governor Hochul continues to support family and childhood initiatives designed to increase protective factors that reduce the risk of child abuse or maltreatment. In her 2025-2026 Executive Budget, Governor Hochul proposed a $9.2 million increase in funding for the New York State Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) – more than double the previous annual funding. Child Advocacy Centers provide a child-friendly, safe, supportive environment for child victims of abuse/neglect and their non-offending caretakers.

    Additionally, New York State has continued to support Family Opportunity Centers and Family Resource Centers, which are located at nonprofit social services organizations and public schools and aim to improve family well-being by enhancing social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, and parental resilience, and by providing concrete supports such as food assistance, housing support and connections to quality physical and mental health care. The Family Opportunity Centers launched through a collaboration between OCFS and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

    In addition, another key prevention and family strengthening tool is the OCFS HEARS line (Help, Empower, Advocate, Reassure and Support), which is designed to connect families to community resources offering help with housing, food, health care and more. Anyone can call 1-888-55HEARS (1-888-554-3277) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

    About the New York State Office of Children and Family Services
    The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York’s public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services and is responsible for programs and services involving foster care, adoption and adoption assistance, child protective services, preventive services for children and families, and protective programs for vulnerable adults.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom honors survivors and victims of crime statewide

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 9, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom recognizes California’s resources and support for victims of crime during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

    Sacramento, California – Showing support for survivors and victims of crime and highlighting the resources the state has provided for impacted families, Governor Gavin Newsom today recognized National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Read the letter here.

    Unfortunately, too many victims walk away from the legal system feeling unheard and unsupported. California is working to change that, by listening to and working with victims and survivors to find healing by helping them take back control of their lives and their recovery.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Since 2019, California has invested more than $1 billion to fund public safety efforts, including over $300 million for victim services. California has dedicated programs and initiatives to support crime victims, including ensuring they have access to rape crisis centers, domestic violence resources, trained victim advocacy professionals, safe housing, crime witnesses assistance, increased forensic science services, family legal services, among other resources.   

    Last week, the Governor’s Office honored the staff of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services for their work at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to support crime victims through compassionate, trauma-informed practices. From collecting restitution to providing direct support during parole proceedings to restorative justice initiatives to community outreach, the department plays a key role in promoting accountability and honoring survivors.

    Signing our values into law

    Governor Newsom recently signed into law a number of bills that help build on California’s protections for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, creating additional resources and access to safeguard victims from abusers. These laws strengthen California’s restraining orders by removing barriers that could prevent someone from accessing these life-saving tools and by extending the length of time that abusers must stay away from their victims. They also help survivors rebuild their lives — by providing financial help through a victims’ restitution fund that would be funded by the penalties recovered from white-collar criminals. In addition, the 2024-25 budget included $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services programs, helping make up a substantial gap in federal funding.

    Supporting victim services

    California has been a national leader in victim services since 1965, when the state established the first victim compensation program in the nation. Now known as the California Victims Compensation Board, victims who suffer physical injury or the threat of physical injury as a result of a violent crime can solicit reimbursement for crime-related expenses. Since its inception, the victim compensation program has provided more than $2.8 billion to assist victims of violent crime. In addition, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services administers about $310 million in federal and state funds for 70 victims services programs this current fiscal year.

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    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement responding to President Trump’s executive order targeting state-level climate and clean energy efforts. This is the world the Trump Administration wants your kids to live in. California’s…

    Apr 8, 2025

    News What you need to know: A state grant of $14 million has secured safe drinking water for the severely disadvantaged community of Needles. NEEDLES – After years of struggling with poor water quality and aging facilities, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the…

    Apr 7, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis today issued a proclamation declaring April 6 to April 12, 2025 as California Library Week. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATION During National Library Week, we…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Cassidy, Heinrich, and Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, bipartisan legislation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Predatory IUU fishing, particularly by China, disrupts international trade and undermines maritime security, marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and food and economic security. It often involves forced labor, human trafficking, unsafe working conditions, and other human rights abuses. IUU fishing directly harms the United States—a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood—by creating unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws.

    “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is rife with human rights abuses and is bad for maritime security, the global economy, and Virginia’s seafood industry,” said Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to deter IUU fishing by China and other bad actors, and bolster the U.S. and international response to these illegal activities.”

    “Louisiana produces the best seafood in the world. Competitors abroad outprice us with illegal practices. It hurts our jobs, economy, and national security. Let’s protect our way of life,” said Dr. Cassidy. 

    “China’s illegal fishing practices not only devastate marine ecosystems, but they also threaten the security of the United States and our partners while undercutting the hardworking men and women who fish legally and sustainably,” said Curtis, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee covering transnational criminal activity. “This bipartisan bill is about restoring fairness and protecting the integrity of global fisheries.”

    IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license for certain species, failing to report catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels.

    IUU fishing has become a particular challenge in the Western Hemisphere. IUU fishing in the region costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. It makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing in the hemisphere and around the world.

    Specifically, the bipartisan Protecting Global Fisheries Act would:

    • Authorize the President to impose visa, asset, and financial sanctions on foreign persons or foreign vessels found responsible or complicit in IUU fishing and the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer of endangered species.
    • Require the Departments of State and Defense to regularly provide briefings to Congress on efforts and strategies to combat IUU fishing.
    • Assert that the United States will prioritize countering IUU fishing in collaboration with friendly countries and via international forums.

    Full text of the bill is available here.     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Activities of Secretary-General in Geneva, 16-18 March

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    On Sunday, 16 March, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, where he convened the two Cypriot leaders and the Guarantor Powers of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom for an informal meeting on Cyprus at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

    The meeting took place from 17 to 1 March and was held in the context of the Secretary-General’s good offices efforts on the Cyprus issue and as agreed with the two leaders on 15 October 2024.

    The informal meeting was convened to provide an opportunity for a meaningful discussion on the way forward on the Cyprus issue.  The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Cypriot leaders and all Cypriots.

    On Monday evening, 17 March, the informal meeting began with a dinner hosted by the Secretary-General with the two Cypriot leaders and the Guarantor Powers of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

    Earlier in the day, the Secretary-General visited the construction site of the Portail des Nations, a new visitors centre currently under construction at the UN campus in Geneva.  Built through a private donation from the Fondation Portail des Nations, the new facility will provide visitors with an interactive experience to learn about the UN’s work and it will enable UN colleagues in Geneva to better welcome visitors.

    On Tuesday, 18 March, the Secretary-General held bilateral meetings with the two Cypriot leaders and the Guarantor Powers of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

    Immediately after the conclusion of the bilateral meetings, they held a plenary meeting at the Palais des Nations.

    Following the conclusion of the informal meeting on Cyprus, the Secretary-Generalspoke to the press assembled at the Palais des Nations.  He told reporters the discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides showing clear commitment to making progress and continuing dialogue.

     The Secretary-General added that the leaders have agreed to a group of initiatives to build trust:  opening four crossing points; demining; the creation of a technical committee on youth; initiatives on the environment and climate change, including the impacts on mining areas; solar energy in the buffer zone; and the restoration of cemeteries. 

    Mr. Guterres said the leaders also agreed to hold another meeting in the same format at the end of July, as well as to the appointment of a Personal Envoy to prepare the next steps.

    In answer to a question about the situation in Gaza, the Secretary-General said that unfortunately, that day, we witnessed a situation in which we had an intolerable level of suffering for the Palestinian people, with the air strikes that killed hundreds of people, and with the humanitarian aid still blocked.

    He added that the role of the UN is to do everything to convince the parties and to have the international community pressing for three essential aspects.  First, for the ceasefire to be fully respected.  Second, for humanitarian aid to have access to Gaza in an unimpeded way.  And third, for the unconditional release of hostages.  And we will not, we will not give up on these objectives, he said.

    Later that day, the Secretary-General left Geneva for Brussels, where he was scheduled to meet with European Union leaders.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SEE’s opening remarks on food safety and environmental hygiene at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SEE’s opening remarks on food safety and environmental hygiene at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting 
         Thank you Chairman and Honourable Members.

         The Environment and Ecology Bureau is committed to ensuring food safety and environmental hygiene as well as promoting the sustainable development of the local agriculture and fisheries industries.
     
    In the 2025-26 Estimates, about $12.32 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure in the policy portfolio of Environment and Food, representing an increase of about $50 million (0.4 per cent) over the previous year and accounting for about 2.1 per cent of the recurrent expenditure of the Government.
    To improve environmental hygiene more effectively, we conducted a comprehensive review of environmental hygiene-related legislation and put forward relevant amendments. First, we raised the fixed penalty levels for offences such as littering and shopfront extensions to enhance the deterrent effect in 2023. In the year that followed, the number of fixed penalty notices issued against shopfront extensions was 90 per cent less than that in the previous year. In 2024, we further introduced the second-stage legislative amendments to enhance enforcement effectiveness. The amendments, if passed by the LegCo, can take effect in the third quarter of this year. Departments will then be able to handle shopfront extensions more efficiently and expedite investigations into public health nuisances such as water seepage in buildings, water dripping from air-conditioners and “garbage apartments”.
     
         As regards environmental hygiene services, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has actively stepped up cleansing and enforcement at about 240 hygiene blackspots under its purview. The conditions of most of the blackspots have been markedly improved, and follow-up work will be carried out on an ongoing basis. In addition, the FEHD has enhanced its anti-rodent work. Using various tools and methods such as new design snap traps and T-shaped bait boxes, the FEHD captured 89 600 live rodents in 2024, representing an increase of about 165 per cent as compared with 2021. In the same year, the FEHD made full use of technology by adopting thermal imaging cameras and artificial intelligence technology in conducting rodent activity surveys, to track rodent activities in a more precise manner and carry out targeted work. Among the 90 locations with active rodent activities identified in the first half of 2024, nearly 90 per cent of the conditions have been improved. We have also continued to implement the Cross-sectoral Territory-wide Anti-rodent Action to co-ordinate anti-rodent efforts among different sectors in the community, including property management companies, market/hawker stalls, the catering industry, the construction sector and the pest control trade. In 2024, we launched the Anti-rodent Charter for private residential buildings to bolster anti-rodent efforts, with 607 applications received in just two and a half months. We will continue to work hand in hand with stakeholders to create a rodent-free environment.
     
         As regards food business licences, the FEHD launched a series of facilitating measures for the trade. For example, we expanded the scope of the Professional Certification System to cover general restaurants, so that applicants may choose a “licence first, inspection later” approach and obtain a licence about 14 days earlier. Besides, we introduced the “Composite Permit” which covers multiple restricted foods, to spare shop operators the effort to apply for a separate permit for each food item. The new measure is well received, with about 100 applications received in the first quarter. We will continue to keep a close watch on the needs of the trade and proactively improve the regime.
     
    New public markets and Market Modernisation Programme (MMP)
     
         In 2024, the FEHD took forward the stall enhancement project in the Queen Street Cooked Food Market under the MMP to improve its operating environment through repair and beautification works. The Queen Street Cooked Food Market resumed operation in September 2024, with footfall increased by about 20 per cent as compared with that before the works. Stall tenants indicated that the enhancement works have improved the operating environment. Many members of the public have also expressed that the enhanced cooked food market offers a contemporary feel and a clean and comfortable dining environment. The FEHD will identify other suitable venues for similar works. In addition, the FEHD continues to take forward the new market projects in Tin Shui Wai, Area 67 of Tseung Kwan O and Kwu Tung North New Development Area, with expected completion dates ranging from end-2027 to end-2028.
     
    Agriculture and fisheries development 
         On the agriculture front, the Government has reserved land in Sheung Shui for the construction of Hong Kong’s first multi-storey modernised and environment-friendly livestock farm by the trade, the site formation works for which are expected to be completed within 2026. The AFCD will invite open applications for the construction and operation of the concerned livestock farm shortly so that interested agricultural associations/enterprises may apply. The selected organisation may apply for financial support from the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund. Moreover, to promote the development of leisure farming, the AFCD launched the Agri enJoy Scheme in June 2024 to facilitate farms engaged in commercial agricultural production to offer leisure farming activities as ancillary businesses. As at February 2025, 83 eligible farmers have joined this scheme.
     
    Furthermore, the AFCD strives to set up a unified new brand for local agricultural and fisheries products and establish production standards, farming methods, as well as a certification and traceability system in the upcoming financial year (2025-26), with a view to promoting local agricultural and fisheries products and enhancing their brand value and competitiveness in the market.
     
    Chairman, my colleagues and I are happy to answer questions from Members.
    Issued at HKT 19:17

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran Leads Reintroduction of Legislation to Restore Sovereign Status of Tribal Governments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs – today led nine of his colleagues in reintroducing the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act to restore the sovereign status of tribal governments. This legislation would clarify the definition of “employers” in the National Labor Relations Act to exclude federally-recognized tribal governmental employers on tribally-owned land alongside other governmental employers. Sen. Moran was joined by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing this legislation.
    “It is time to correct a decade-old error made by the National Labor Relations Board and once again allow tribal governments, elected by their members, to have the authority to make informed decisions on behalf of those they represent,” said Sen. Moran. “This commonsense bill – which is supported by more than 160 Indian tribes and tribal corporations – would provide greater independence for tribes, and I will continue working with my colleagues to get this bill to the President’s desk to rightfully restore the sovereign status of tribal governments.”
    “Tribal sovereignty is an important component of the federal government’s relationship with Native American Tribes,” said Sen. Crapo. “This needed fix will give power back to elected tribal leaders to make informed decisions best for their communities.”
    “Tribal governments are some of the largest employers on the nine reservations located in South Dakota,” said Sen. Rounds. “Unfortunately, burdensome regulations under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 have prevented tribes from enacting ‘right to work’ laws. The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act would amend the NLRA to provide an exemption for tribal governments, just as local, state and federal governments are exempted. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this legislation, as well as working with tribal leaders to continue identifying ways to restore and strengthen tribal sovereignty.”
    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –