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Category: Fisheries

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Energy Leaders Call for Investigation into Department of Energy’s Scheme to Cancel Awards and Contracts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC — Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur (OH-09); Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03); Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06); Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Kathy Castor (FL-14); Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (CA-18); Science, Space, and Technology Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Deborah Ross (NC-02) sent a letter to United States Department of Energy (DOE) Acting Inspector General Sarah Nelson requesting an investigation into all financial assistance and contracts including any cancelled awards and contracts.

    In their letter, Kaptur, DeLauro, Pallone, Castor, Lofgren, and Ross raise concerns that DOE’s actions are politically motivated and will immediately contribute to rising energy costs for families and businesses.

    “It is widely understood that the integrity of DOE’s contract and award processes is critical to fostering an environment of fair competition and advancing national energy goals. Competitive-based awards ensure that federal funds are allocated to projects that offer the best value to the taxpayers, based on merit and the technical and financial qualifications of applicants,” write the lawmakers. “However, the recent comprehensive portfolio review and the potential resulting cancellations of various awards and contracts appear to violate this principle by undermining the fairness of the process. It appears that some projects previously deemed worthy of funding are being cancelled without adequate justification, and in some cases, with no clear rationale other than administrative convenience.”

    The lawmakers highlight recent reports that the Trump Administration’s award and contract cancellations target states and districts led by Democrats and note that this would be a serious abuse of power: “The politicization of financial assistance and contract awards is deeply concerning, as it could harm not only the progress of critical energy initiatives but also erode public trust in the impartiality of federal agencies. As a nation, we must ensure that such decisions are made based on objective criteria rather than political considerations.”

    “Unfortunately, DOE’s actions create mass uncertainty, will cause energy prices to rise, risk good-paying jobs in communities across the country, and undermine the pursuit of energy dominance,” the lawmakers conclude, before demanding an inquiry into their grave concerns.

    Full text of the letter is available by clicking here and below:

    Dear Acting Inspector General Nelson,

    We are writing to formally request an investigation into the Department of Energy’s (DOE or the Department) recent comprehensive portfolio review of all financial assistance and contracts, as well as the subsequent award and contract cancellations that may occur. It is our belief that these actions not only undermine the spirit of competitive-based awards but also raise significant concerns regarding potential political motivations behind the targeting of projects in Democratic-leaning states and districts. DOE’s actions to delay these programs will immediately contribute to rising energy costs for American families and businesses. These actions are also a dereliction of the Department’s responsibility to carry out duly enacted laws.

    It is widely understood that the integrity of DOE’s contract and award processes is critical to fostering an environment of fair competition and advancing national energy goals. Competitive-based awards ensure that federal funds are allocated to projects that offer the best value to the taxpayers, based on merit and the technical and financial qualifications of applicants. That is reflected in both law and regulations. Section 989 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 states that “research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities carried out by the Department should be awarded using competitive procedures, to the maximum extent practicable.” And the Department’s financial assistance regulations (2 CFR § 910.126) state that “DOE shall solicit applications for Federal financial assistance in a manner which provides for the maximum amount of competition feasible.”

    However, the recent comprehensive portfolio review and the potential resulting cancellations of various awards and contracts appear to violate this principle by undermining the fairness of the process. It appears that some projects previously deemed worthy of funding are being cancelled without adequate justification, and in some cases, with no clear rationale other than administrative convenience.

    Troubling reports have also surfaced suggesting that the review and subsequent cancellations may be politically motivated, targeting projects in Democratic states and districts. If this is the case, it would represent a serious abuse of power and an attempt to manipulate federal funding for partisan purposes. Additionally, these actions and the pattern of decision making could be in violation of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 7323(a)(4)) that restricts any federal employee to “knowingly solicit or discourage the participation in any political activity of any person who…has an application for any compensation, grant, contract, ruling, license, permit, or certificate pending before the employing office of such employee.”

    The politicization of financial assistance and contract awards is deeply concerning, as it could harm not only the progress of critical energy initiatives but also erode public trust in the impartiality of federal agencies. As a nation, we must ensure that such decisions are made based on objective criteria rather than political considerations.

    Given the significant public interest and the potential ramifications of these actions, we request that your office initiate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the comprehensive portfolio review, the decision-making process that may lead to contract cancellations, and whether any political bias influenced these decisions.

    It is crucial that DOE’s actions be transparent and fully accountable so that all stakeholders can be confident that public funds are being used in the best interests of the nation. Unfortunately, DOE’s actions create mass uncertainty, will cause energy prices to rise, risk good-paying jobs in communities across the country, and undermine the pursuit of energy dominance.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt response and the initiation of an inquiry into these serious concerns.

     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What are Key Conditions for Marsh Survival Amid Rising Seas?

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Figure shows satellite image of China Camp marsh, with model boundaries from the Delft3D model shown with white lines and the observation points marked with red dots; red lines mark where x and y are 0. Click “View Media Details” for the full figure explanation.

    A new study led by USGS scientists uses advanced 3D modeling to identify the key factors that determine whether a marsh gains or loses sediment—findings that could improve efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.

    How Marshes Keep Up with Sea-Level Rise

    For a marsh to keep pace with sea-level rise, it must build up enough sediment via accretion to counteract erosion. This sediment can come from nearby rivers, bays, and mudflats, but the process of sediment transport is complex and often poorly understood. In the study, researchers created a numerical model incorporating flow, waves, vegetation, and sediment movement to better understand which conditions help or hinder marsh survival.

    Their analysis found that marshes accumulate sediment the fastest when two of the following occur simultaneously: 

    By simulating these interactions, researchers were able to fine-tune their model parameters and improve predictions about sediment accretion, and thus marsh resilience.

    Why It Matters

    Coastal marshes provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife, buffer shorelines from storm surges, and help store carbon, making their survival essential in the face of climate change. This study highlights the importance of adjacent mudflats in delivering sediment to marshes, and underscores how small variations in wave activity and sediment behavior can play an outsized role in marsh resilience.

    By improving how models capture these dynamics, scientists can better predict how marshes will respond to sea-level rise and identify strategies for their protection. These findings could help guide future restoration efforts and inform coastal management policies. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tunisia’s rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jyhene Kebsi, Director of Learning & Teaching (Gender Studies), Macquarie University

    Women rappers were not really a feature of Tunisia’s typically masculine and chauvinist hip-hop scene until the revolution that overthrew Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.

    Now there are several politically conscious female voices rising in the rap scene. Gender studies scholar Jyhene Kebsi has published a research paper on how their lyrics highlight the multiple inequalities that women in Tunisia – and the world – must overcome.

    How have male Tunisian rappers generally treated women in their songs and videos?

    The gender politics of Tunisian men’s rap is complex, but we can talk about one of its tendencies. Although there are men who’ve supported their female colleagues and collaborated with them on songs, their portrayals tend to lump women into one of two groups: virtuous or promiscuous; madonnas or whores.

    Read more: Senegal’s female rappers aren’t letting obstacles get in their way – who the rising voices are

    This is clear in their use of obscene words that aim to degrade the “fallen” women they rap about. Their sexual references can be seen as a way to debase the “easy girls and immoral women” who challenge patriarchal norms.

    This is in sharp contrast to the love and indebtedness they express towards their mothers and sisters. In contrast to western rap, the mother figure is central in Tunisian rap.

    The sacredness of the mother in Tunisian Muslim culture is seen in songs full of gratitude towards those who brought them into the world.

    Their reliance on this male-centred division between “respectable” and “unrespectable” women spreads a toxic masculinity that supports harmful gender stereotypes.

    This strengthens men’s social dominance and their policing of women’s bodies. Having said that, it is very important to highlight that sexism is not limited to the Arab rap scene. As I explain in my paper, many western male rappers objectify, humiliate and degrade women in their songs too.

    Who are the four female rappers you discuss?

    The four Tunisian women rappers I analyse are Sabrina, Medusa, Queen Nesrine and Tuny Girl.

    There’s a common perception that Medusa was Tunisia’s first female rapper. In reality, Sabrina began performing rap in 2007 and Tunisia’s other female artists joined the rap scene after the 2011 revolution.

    Medusa is Tunisia’s most famous female rapper in the west – her migration to France boosted her international profile. Although Tuny Girl and Queen Nesrine have not gained the fame of Medusa or Sabrina, they’ve released powerful feminist songs that criticise the status quo in post-revolutionary Tunisia.

    These artists have mainly relied on digital media to share their songs with the public through social platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Unfortunately, all four of them have faced opposition because they’re women.

    Rap is considered a masculine musical genre. Tunisian women’s initial entry into this male-dominated world was not easily accepted. Attitudes towards female rappers have evolved thanks to women’s gradual success in attracting a larger fan base.

    But these four artists share a strong resistance to sexism. Most importantly, while being aware of patriarchal pressures, they’re conscious of the many different forms of oppression that intersect to keep women less equal than men.

    This is evident in their songs, which reflect a strong awareness of intersectionality.

    What is intersesectionality?

    The black US feminist Kimberle Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in 1989 to describe the double discrimination of sexism and racism faced by black women. So, she used the term to discuss the multiple forms of inequality that compound themselves and create interlocking obstacles that shape black women’s experiences of discrimination.

    Intersectionality highlights the experiences of multiple forms of discrimination when these categories of social identity interact with and shape one another.

    We see an understanding of intersectionality in a song like Hold On, where Medusa raps about illiteracy, political struggle and motherhood:

    I am watching the floating misery / Illiteracy has spread and made us go from one extreme to the other / Where is the freedom for which activists struggled? / I am the free Tunisian who exposed their chest to bullets / I am the mother, the mother of the martyr who has not gotten his revenge.

    Or, in her song Arahdli, Sabrina raps about a range of social ills:

    Leave me alone / The police catch you and harm you / Don’t believe the corrupt state / Unemployment and poverty will not make you happy.

    I found that what Medusa, Sabrina, Queen Nesrine and Tuny Girl have in common is their rejection of, as Crenshaw puts it, the “single-axis framework”. The one-sided narrative that reduces women’s problems solely to men and patriarchy.

    Instead, these artists highlight the damaging impact – for women – of the intersection of gender inequality, political corruption, unjust laws, ineffective local policies, the collapse of Tunisia’s economy and the country’s weak position in the global geopolitical landscape.

    Their songs are united in their recognition that Tunisian women’s lives are shaped by all these overlapping power structures, exposing them to marginalisation and discrimination.

    So, their songs identify hidden, interrelated structural barriers to their freedom. Misogyny is just one element that needs to be considered alongside other local and global issues when we discuss gender politics in Tunisia.

    What other new trends are female rappers ushering in?

    Women are at the forefront of innovation in Tunisian rap. Take Lully Snake. She’s a Tunisian-Algerian rapper based in Tunisia. This 24-year-old artist was previously a breakdancer. Her passion for hip-hop culture and her love for US artists like Tupac, Kool G Rap, Queen Latifah and Foxy Brown led her to start rapping.

    Like all Tunisian women rappers, she considers her entry into rap to have been a long and difficult journey. Starting in 2019, her first song was only released in 2024.

    Lully Snake first uploaded her debut song Zabatna Kida on Instagram. Its uniqueness lies in its combination of rap and mahraganat, an Egyptian street music that emerged in Cairo’s ghettos. Its success encouraged her to carry on rapping in both Tunisian and Egyptian, alongside other western languages and Maghrebi dialects.

    Lully Snake’s experimentation proves that female rappers are innovating while spreading messages that empower women. This has ultimately enriched Tunisian rap.

    – Tunisia’s rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop
    – https://theconversation.com/tunisias-rap-revolution-5-women-who-are-redefining-hip-hop-253066

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tunisia’s rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jyhene Kebsi, Director of Learning & Teaching (Gender Studies), Macquarie University

    Women rappers were not really a feature of Tunisia’s typically masculine and chauvinist hip-hop scene until the revolution that overthrew Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.

    Now there are several politically conscious female voices rising in the rap scene. Gender studies scholar Jyhene Kebsi has published a research paper on how their lyrics highlight the multiple inequalities that women in Tunisia – and the world – must overcome.

    How have male Tunisian rappers generally treated women in their songs and videos?

    The gender politics of Tunisian men’s rap is complex, but we can talk about one of its tendencies. Although there are men who’ve supported their female colleagues and collaborated with them on songs, their portrayals tend to lump women into one of two groups: virtuous or promiscuous; madonnas or whores.



    Read more:
    Senegal’s female rappers aren’t letting obstacles get in their way – who the rising voices are

    This is clear in their use of obscene words that aim to degrade the “fallen” women they rap about. Their sexual references can be seen as a way to debase the “easy girls and immoral women” who challenge patriarchal norms.

    This is in sharp contrast to the love and indebtedness they express towards their mothers and sisters. In contrast to western rap, the mother figure is central in Tunisian rap.

    The sacredness of the mother in Tunisian Muslim culture is seen in songs full of gratitude towards those who brought them into the world.

    Their reliance on this male-centred division between “respectable” and “unrespectable” women spreads a toxic masculinity that supports harmful gender stereotypes.

    This strengthens men’s social dominance and their policing of women’s bodies. Having said that, it is very important to highlight that sexism is not limited to the Arab rap scene. As I explain in my paper, many western male rappers objectify, humiliate and degrade women in their songs too.

    Who are the four female rappers you discuss?

    The four Tunisian women rappers I analyse are Sabrina, Medusa, Queen Nesrine and Tuny Girl.

    There’s a common perception that Medusa was Tunisia’s first female rapper. In reality, Sabrina began performing rap in 2007 and Tunisia’s other female artists joined the rap scene after the 2011 revolution.

    Medusa is Tunisia’s most famous female rapper in the west – her migration to France boosted her international profile. Although Tuny Girl and Queen Nesrine have not gained the fame of Medusa or Sabrina, they’ve released powerful feminist songs that criticise the status quo in post-revolutionary Tunisia.

    These artists have mainly relied on digital media to share their songs with the public through social platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Unfortunately, all four of them have faced opposition because they’re women.

    Rap is considered a masculine musical genre. Tunisian women’s initial entry into this male-dominated world was not easily accepted. Attitudes towards female rappers have evolved thanks to women’s gradual success in attracting a larger fan base.

    But these four artists share a strong resistance to sexism. Most importantly, while being aware of patriarchal pressures, they’re conscious of the many different forms of oppression that intersect to keep women less equal than men.

    This is evident in their songs, which reflect a strong awareness of intersectionality.

    What is intersesectionality?

    The black US feminist Kimberle Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in 1989 to describe the double discrimination of sexism and racism faced by black women. So, she used the term to discuss the multiple forms of inequality that compound themselves and create interlocking obstacles that shape black women’s experiences of discrimination.

    Intersectionality highlights the experiences of multiple forms of discrimination when these categories of social identity interact with and shape one another.

    We see an understanding of intersectionality in a song like Hold On, where Medusa raps about illiteracy, political struggle and motherhood:

    I am watching the floating misery / Illiteracy has spread and made us go from one extreme to the other / Where is the freedom for which activists struggled? / I am the free Tunisian who exposed their chest to bullets /
    I am the mother, the mother of the martyr who has not gotten his revenge.

    Or, in her song Arahdli, Sabrina raps about a range of social ills:

    Leave me alone / The police catch you and harm you / Don’t believe the corrupt state / Unemployment and poverty will not make you happy.

    I found that what Medusa, Sabrina, Queen Nesrine and Tuny Girl have in common is their rejection of, as Crenshaw puts it, the “single-axis framework”. The one-sided narrative that reduces women’s problems solely to men and patriarchy.

    Instead, these artists highlight the damaging impact – for women – of the intersection of gender inequality, political corruption, unjust laws, ineffective local policies, the collapse of Tunisia’s economy and the country’s weak position in the global geopolitical landscape.

    Their songs are united in their recognition that Tunisian women’s lives are shaped by all these overlapping power structures, exposing them to marginalisation and discrimination.

    So, their songs identify hidden, interrelated structural barriers to their freedom. Misogyny is just one element that needs to be considered alongside other local and global issues when we discuss gender politics in Tunisia.

    What other new trends are female rappers ushering in?

    Women are at the forefront of innovation in Tunisian rap. Take Lully Snake. She’s a Tunisian-Algerian rapper based in Tunisia. This 24-year-old artist was previously a breakdancer. Her passion for hip-hop culture and her love for US artists like Tupac, Kool G Rap, Queen Latifah and Foxy Brown led her to start rapping.

    Like all Tunisian women rappers, she considers her entry into rap to have been a long and difficult journey. Starting in 2019, her first song was only released in 2024.

    Lully Snake first uploaded her debut song Zabatna Kida on Instagram. Its uniqueness lies in its combination of rap and mahraganat, an Egyptian street music that emerged in Cairo’s ghettos. Its success encouraged her to carry on rapping in both Tunisian and Egyptian, alongside other western languages and Maghrebi dialects.

    Lully Snake’s experimentation proves that female rappers are innovating while spreading messages that empower women. This has ultimately enriched Tunisian rap.

    Jyhene Kebsi 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. Tunisia’s rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop – https://theconversation.com/tunisias-rap-revolution-5-women-who-are-redefining-hip-hop-253066

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Higgins Supports President Trump’s America First Trade Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement of support after President Trump announced new tariffs on imported goods, which will directly benefit America’s seafood and agricultural producers.

    “We are taking strong action to put America First,” said Congressman Higgins. “Unrighteous trade practices have disrupted fair market conditions and threatened American industry. I have encouraged the White House to levy significant tariffs on imported seafood and rice, and I support President Trump’s efforts to level the playing field and protect America’s domestic industry. Yesterday’s trade actions are a necessary measure.”

    In February, Congressman Higgins sent an official letter to President Trump requesting tariffs and increased trade enforcement for seafood imports from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. He also requested tariffs on rice imports from India, Thailand, China, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

    The tariffs included a 10% baseline rate and higher rates for select countries. This includes an additional 34% tariff on China, 26% tariff on India, 36% on Thailand, 32% on Indonesia, 10% on Ecuador, 29% for Pakistan, and 46% for Vietnam.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Vitamin D builds your bones and keeps your gut sealed, among many other essential functions − but many children are deficient

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jacqueline Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University

    Most people in the U.S. get their vitamin D from Sun exposure. Stockbyte/DigitalVision via Getty Images

    You’ve likely heard about vitamin D’s important role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. But it also plays several other important roles to keep your body healthy – including the function of your gut.

    As part of our research on how a dietary fiber supplement affects bone mass in children and adolescents, the MetA-Bone Trial, we are also studying gut health.

    For this study, we recruited 213 children and adolescents from South Florida, primarily Hispanics, though some were Black. Before having them start taking the fiber supplement, we measured their vitamin D levels to ensure they had adequate amounts. Surprisingly, we found that 68% of these children had suboptimal vitamin D levels.

    Considering South Florida is an area with plenty of sunshine year-round, this was both startling and concerning. While vitamin D can be obtained from foods, most people in the U.S. get this vitamin primarily from skin exposure to sunlight. For youth approaching or experiencing puberty – a period of profound physiological changes, including rapid changes in bone mass – vitamin D deficiency could lead to several health issues.

    Vitamin D deficiency can have significant health consequences.
    Hrant Khachatryan/Unsplash, CC BY-SA

    Connection between vitamin D and health

    Vitamin D is involved in so many bodily functions because there are vitamin D receptors in different organs. These receptors act like docking stations for vitamin D to bind to and trigger different effects in the skin, intestine, bone, parathyroid gland, immune system and pancreas, among others.

    Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the body, which is key for not only building and maintaining bone mass but also the basic functioning of the nervous system.

    Vitamin D also stimulates cell differentiation, a process in which cells become specialized to carry out specific functions. It is also essential to insulin secretion to control blood sugar levels, blood pressure regulation, muscle repair and regeneration, immune function and nutrient absorption, among many other functions.

    Vitamin D and gut health

    The vitamin D receptors in your gut improve calcium absorption and strengthen your intestinal barrier.

    The intestinal barrier is a layered wall that allows your gut to absorb nutrients and keep out harmful bacteria. This wall is composed of intestinal cells and proteins called tight junctions that act like bricks sealing these cells together. Tight junctions play an important role in maintaining the structure of your intestinal barrier.

    Tight junctions keep the cells of your intestine together, forming a selective barrier.
    VectorMine/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Vitamin D receptors help your gut produce tight junctions to maintain your intestinal barrier. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency reduces production of the receptors the nutrient binds to, subsequently reducing the seal of the intestinal wall. This weakening of the gut barrier may allow substances from the intestine to pass into the blood, causing inflammation. Disruption of the intestinal barrier is linked to many diseases, including liver disease, Type 1 diabetes, obesity and gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.

    After discovering that so many of the participants in our MetA-Bone Trial had suboptimal vitamin D levels, we became interested in understanding how this nutrient might be affecting their gut health. For this, we also measured the strength of their intestinal barrier and associated this to their vitamin D levels in blood.

    We found that children with suboptimal vitamin D levels had a higher risk of damaging their intestinal barrier compared with children with optimal vitamin D levels. This finding suggests that even in healthy children, suboptimal levels of vitamin D may compromise the gut and potentially increase the risk of developing chronic diseases at an early age.

    Getting enough vitamin D

    Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the U.S. and around the world. Roughly 15.4% of children and adolescents in the U.S. were vitamin D deficient in 2017. While vitamin D deficiency has slightly decreased over time in the general U.S. population, it remains high among teens, especially children with darker skin.

    How can you ensure you are getting enough of this important nutrient?

    Only a few foods naturally contain vitamin D. For example, vitamin D is naturally found in fatty fish – such as trout, salmon, cod and tuna – egg yolks and mushrooms. Vitamin D can also be found in many fortified foods, such as dairy products like milk and cheese, plant-based milks, breakfast cereals, some orange juice brands and infant formulas. Dietary supplements are also good sources of vitamin D.

    Some foods are good sources of vitamin D.
    happy_lark/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    For most people in the U.S., Sun exposure is their main source of vitamin D. However, how much Sun exposure you need depends on several factors, such as the melanin content of your skin. Melanin is a pigment that protects your skin from ultraviolet radiation. People with more melanin – and therefore darker skin – produce less vitamin D from Sun exposure than those with less melanin and may thus require longer Sun exposure to meet minimum requirements.

    Since excessive ultraviolet radiation is associated with skin cancer, clinicians typically recommend you meet your vitamin D requirements through foods and beverages. For healthy children and adults, the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D is 600 IU, with an age-based upper limit of no more than 1,000 to 4,000 IU. You can usually meet this through a healthy diet that includes a variety of whole and unprocessed foods.

    Researchers continue to uncover the extensive benefits of vitamin D in the body, supporting its indispensable role in nutrition and health. For growing children and adolescents, enough vitamin D is important for healthy development.

    Jacqueline Hernandez receives funding from National Institute of Health and National Dairy Council

    Cristina Palacios receives funding from the National Institute of Health, the World Health Organization, and the National Dairy Council

    – ref. Vitamin D builds your bones and keeps your gut sealed, among many other essential functions − but many children are deficient – https://theconversation.com/vitamin-d-builds-your-bones-and-keeps-your-gut-sealed-among-many-other-essential-functions-but-many-children-are-deficient-249562

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: SINTX Technologies Announces Strategic Changes to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company positions for long-term growth in medical device markets

    Salt Lake City, UT, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT), an advanced ceramics company focused on medical device applications, today announced changes to its Board of Directors. The updates reflect the Company’s ongoing strategic transformation into a focused medical technology business.

    Key changes include the retirement of longtime Chairman Dr. B. Sonny Bal, the appointment of President and CEO Eric Olson as Chairman of the Board, and the addition of five new directors with decades of industry expertise spanning orthopedics, spine, interventional pain, cardiovascular, medical device business development and global commercialization.

    “These changes represent an exciting inflection point for SINTX,” said Eric Olson. “Our new Board brings a strong blend of industry leadership, commercial acumen, and strategic insight, all of which will be essential as we execute on our transformation and create long-term value for shareholders.”

    Retirement of Dr. Sonny Bal

    Dr. Bal has served as a Board Member since 2012, as Executive Chairman since 2014, and as President and CEO from 2015 to 2024. During his tenure, he helped establish SINTX as a biomaterials pioneer in silicon nitride and guided the company through its early evolution in orthopedic and spinal applications.

    Appointment of Eric Olson as Chairman of the Board 

    Mr. Olson has assumed the role of Board Chairman in addition to his ongoing duties as President and CEO. He previously served as CEO of Amedica Corporation, the predecessor to SINTX, and has played a key role in the company’s repositioning into the medical device space.

    Appointment of Jay Moyes as Lead Independent Director 

    Mr. Moyes served as CFO of Amedica from 2013 to 2014 and was a Board Member during the Company’s 2014 initial public offering and initial listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. He also held the position of CFO for Myriad Genetics, CareDx and Sera Prognostics. He brings extensive experience in capital markets, corporate governance, and strategic finance, and has been a board member of multiple private and publicly traded life science companies. Mr. Moyes currently serves on the board of directors of Puma Biotechnology and BioCardia.

    Appointment of New Directors

    Chris Lyons brings more than 35 years of experience in the musculoskeletal and spine markets, with a strong focus on business development, M&A, and strategic growth. He spent 15 years at Smith & Nephew in senior commercial roles before joining Medtronic Spine and Biologics, where he led global business development for over a decade. At Medtronic, he managed acquisitions, investments, and partnerships worldwide. In 2018, he founded Southern Metrics Consulting, advising emerging medtech companies on commercialization and successful exits.

    Robert (Bob) Mitchell has over three decades of executive leadership experience in global medical device organizations. At Cook Medical, he led five business units, including interventional radiology and endovascular therapies. He previously served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Align Technology (Invisalign) before becoming CEO of Millimed Holdings in Denmark. He also held leadership roles as COO of AngioDynamics and CEO of Nellix (acquired by Endologix). Currently, he Chairs Convi’s HR and Governance Committee, is Chairman of LifeSeal Vascular and Amecath, and an advisor to TVM Capital Healthcare in Dubai. His expertise spans operational leadership, commercialization, and strategic investments.

    Mark Anderson is a seasoned executive with over 35 years in the medical device industry, primarily with Boston Scientific, a leading medical device company. His experience crossed four divisions Cardiology, Watchman, Endoscopy, and Corporate Contracts. Additionally, he managed the #1 customer for Boston Scientific (HCA Healthcare) for nearly 9 years. Mr. Anderson is recognized for building high-performing teams, expanding global markets, and scaling businesses with a strong commercial and clinical focus.

    Gregg Honigblum has been a long-time supporter of SINTX and its predecessor, Amedica. As a former board member and early financial backer, Mr. Honigblum helped raise over $100 million in private funding for the company across multiple rounds. He currently serves as SINTX’s Chief Strategy Officer and has led recent financing efforts, including a successful ATM and PIPE transaction. His background includes investment banking, founding and scaling of medtech companies and extensive experience in capital formation and business strategy.

    “We are fortunate to welcome such a strong group of individuals to our Board,” said Olson. “Their expertise will be instrumental in executing our strategic vision and delivering results for our patients, partners, and shareholders.”

    For more information, please visit www.sintx.com

    About SINTX Technologies, Inc.

    Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, SINTX Technologies is an advanced ceramics company that develops and commercializes materials, components, and technologies for medical applications. SINTX is a global leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of silicon nitride, and its products have been implanted in humans since 2008. Over the past several years, SINTX has utilized strategic acquisitions and alliances to enter into new markets. For more information on SINTX Technologies or its materials platform, visit www.sintx.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our ability to create long-term value for shareholders.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, difficulty in commercializing ceramic technologies and development of new product opportunities. A discussion of other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements can be found in SINTX’s Risk Factors disclosure in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2025, and in SINTX’s other filings with the SEC. SINTX undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report, except as required by law.

    Business and Media Inquiries for SINTX:
    SINTX Technologies
    801.839.3502
    IR@sintx.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BigCommerce and Feedonomics Announce Winners of EMEA Customer and Partner Awards to Honor Exceptional Contributions in Ecommerce

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas and LONDON, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands and retailers, today announced the winners of the 2025 BigCommerce and Feedonomics Customer and Partner Awards. The awards programs recognize the most innovative and inspiring customers and partners doing big things on the BigCommerce and Feedonomics platforms.

    “These awards celebrate truly exceptional work by BigCommerce’s customers and partners in EMEA,” said Andrew Norman, senior vice president and general manager of EMEA at BigCommerce. “These partners consistently make innovation and customer success their top priority in order to help brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors grow and prosper. We also are extremely proud of our customers. They are at the heart of everything we do, and nothing makes us prouder than seeing them innovate and succeed on our platform.”

    “It’s such a pleasure to recognize and show Feedonomics appreciation for our customers’ and partners’ great work,” said Aaron Gellhaus, regional director of EMEA at Feedonomics. “We’re honored to acknowledge these customers who are all leaders in their industries for their innovation. Our winning partners Jellyfish, VML and Bring Digital are truly dedicated to helping our customers drive digital growth outcomes via innovative strategies such as integrating predictive signals into product feeds, enabling local inventory ad programs to boost in-store traffic, and ripping and replacing legacy solutions to accelerate ROI.”

    This year’s EMEA awards featured 24 categories across BigCommerce and Feedonomics customers and partners with applicants evaluated by a panel of BigCommerce and Feedonomics employees and executives. The awards recognized one winner for each category based on their accomplishments.

    2025 BigCommerce Customer Award Winners

    Achievement in Growth: Highlighting exceptional growth and success achieved with BigCommerce.

    B2B Excellence Award: Recognizing leadership in B2B ecommerce that redefines what’s possible

    Design Award: Celebrating captivating storefront designs that inspire and engage customers.

    Shopper Experience: Acknowledging exceptional customer and user experiences that set new standards.

    Innovation Award: Honoring cutting-edge solutions that push the boundaries of ecommerce.

    2025 Feedonomics Customer Award Winners

    Feedonomics Innovation Award: Celebrating the cutting-edge integration of AI driven strategies.

    Feedonomics Omnichannel Success Award: Honoring the delivery of an exceptional, integrated online to offline customer experience.

    Feedonomics Global Expansion Award: Acknowledges leadership in organisational direction and clarity of goals to partner in global growth.

    Feedonomics Achievement in Growth: Highlighting the material growth and expansion on digital channels via Feedonomics.

    Feedonomics Performance Transformation Award: Recognizing a unified and holistic partnership approach to build exceptional outcomes.

    2025 BigCommerce Agency Partner Winners

    Agency Partner of the Year: Awarded to the partner with the best overall performance across metrics and collaboration efforts in EMEA as a whole between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024.

    B2B Excellence Award: Awarded to agency partners that have a background in B2B problem solving, efficiencies and utilize B2B-centric product features and who consistently demonstrate superiority at meeting the complex needs of BigCommerce’s B2B customers.

    User Experience & Design Award: Awarded to technology partners whose integration delivers a best-in-class user experience based on simplicity of app install and configuration process, ease of use and beautiful design.

    Creative Problem Solving Award: Awarded to agency partners who have created a world class, visually appealing design that enhances the user experience and leads to higher interactivity and conversion.

    North Partner of the Year: Awarded to the partner with the best overall performance across metrics in Southern Europe between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024.

    South Partner of the Year: Awarded to the partner with the best overall performance across metrics in Southern Europe between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024.

    Excellence in Delivery Award: Awarded to agency partners that consistently demonstrate the ability to successfully launch their clients’ BigCommerce storefronts on time and on budget, with high levels of customer satisfaction.

    2025 BigCommerce Technology Partner Winners

    Partner of the Year Award: Awarded to technology partners whose integration features a superior user experience demonstrated by a high volume of installation and positive user reviews plus successful co-marketing activity over the last year.

    Innovative Integration Award: Awarded to technology partners that have built a new integration or feature that solves a critical need for BigCommerce customers.

    Customer Growth Award: Awarded to technology partners whose outstanding solution has generated the most revenue growth for BigCommerce customers, while aligning with BigCommerce initiatives.

    2025 Feedonomics Partner Winners

    Feedonomics Partner of the Year: Awarded to the Omnichannel Certified Agency that sourced the highest revenue for Feedonomics. This award highlights agencies that demonstrate exceptional results and sustained impact on merchant success.

    Innovation Award: Recognizing an innovative partnership with a leading global consultative, creative, and marketing agency to disrupt and replace legacy technology with Feedonomics’ industry leading data and feed management platform.

    Emerging Partner: Celebrates a rising agency partner that has shown exceptional promise and leadership. This award honors partners making a meaningful impact with innovative strategies and measurable results.

    To join the BigCommerce and Feedonomics ecosystem of agency and technology partners, click here.

    About BigCommerce
    BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    About Feedonomics
    Feedonomics is the leading data management platform powering omnichannel growth for the world’s top brands and retailers. With its flexible technology and full-service support team, Feedonomics facilitates a variety of data and order management use cases across industries such as ecommerce, automotive, employment, travel, real estate, and more. Feedonomics has thousands of active customers, integrations with hundreds of ecommerce platforms and channels, and strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft and TikTok. For more information, please visit www.feedonomics.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

    BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:
    Brad Hem
    pr@bigcommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red tides sighted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Red tides sighted 
         On March 28, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) spotted the first red tide at Silverstrand Beach, Sai Kung. Another red tide was spotted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Sai Kung, on April 2 by staff of the LCSD. The red tide at Silverstrand Beach has dissipated, while the red tide at Clear Water Bay Second Beach persists. No associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
     
         A spokesman for the working group said, “The red tide at Silverstrand Beach was formed by Noctiluca scintillans, while the red tide at Clear Water Bay Second Beach was formed by Scrippsiella acuminata. Both algal species are common in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic.”
     
         The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at the fish culture zones of Ma Nam Wat, Kau Sai, Kai Lung Wan, Tai Tau Chau, Leung Shuen Wan, Tiu Cham Wan, Tung Lung Chau and Po Toi O to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
     
         Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD’s proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, moves the statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking approval of imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, moves the statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking approval of imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

    The House expresses its respect, sympathy, and deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in the violence in Manipur

    Ethnic violence in Manipur started due to a reservation-related dispute between two communities, triggered by a decision of the Manipur High Court

    No violence since past four months in Manipur

    The government is providing all necessary facilities, including food, medicines, and medical services, in the relief camps

    Online arrangements for technical education and medical education have been made

    Classes have been set up inside the camps for primary education, where arrangements for their learning have been made

    Home Minister says there should not be any violence and ethnic violence should not be linked to any political party

    Manipur has long experienced unrest, but the opposition is portraying it as if this is the first instance of violence in Manipur

    During the previous government’s tenure, three major ethnic violences in Manipur after 1993 lasted for 10 years, 3 years and six months, but no one, including the Home Minister, from the government visited the region

    Between 2012 and 2017, despite no ethnic violence, Manipur was shut down for an average of 212 days per year

    Before the High Court order, there was not a single day of shutdown and blockade in Manipur during our rule and there was no violence

    On the very day the High Court’s order was issued, security forces’ companies  were dispatched to the region via Air Force planes

    Home Minister appeals to all members, urging them not to politicize the issue, as the government is making every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur

    After the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, discussions were held with both communities, and separate meetings with all organizations from both communities took place

    Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a joint meeting

    Government is working to restore peace in Manipur as soon as possible, rehabilitate those affected, and heal the wounds

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, moved a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha for the approval of the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. The resolution was thereafter adopted by the lower house. The House also expressed its respect, sympathy, and deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in the violence in Manipur.

    Introducing the resolution, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said that ethnic violence between two communities in Manipur had started due to a decision by the Manipur High Court regarding a reservation-related dispute. He mentioned that these are neither riots nor terrorism, but ethnic violence between two communities as a result of the interpretation of the High Court’s decision. Shri Shah further said that there has been no violence in Manipur for nearly four months, from December to March, and provisions for food, medicines, and medical facilities have been ensured in the camps. He said that online arrangements for technical and medical education have been made and for primary education, classes have been set up inside the camps, where arrangements for their studies have been made.

    Shri Amit Shah said that there should not be any violence and ethnic violence should not be linked to any political party. He mentioned that the opposition tried to portray a picture that ethnic violence occurred during our governance. He informed the House that between 1993 and 1998, there was a Naga-Kuki conflict in Manipur for five years, which resulted in 750 deaths, and sporadic incidents continued for a decade. Shri Shah emphasized that while we believe such incidents should never happen under our rule, an unfortunate decision led to the violence, which was immediately brought under control. He said that of the 260 deaths in the violence, 80 per cent occurred in the first month, while the remaining deaths occurred in the following months. He also mentioned that in the 1997-98 Kuki-Paite conflict, more than 50 villages were destroyed, 40,000 people were displaced, 352 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and 5,000 homes were burned. He further added that during the six-month-long Meitei-Pangal conflict took place in 1993 in which over 100 deaths occurred.

    Union Home Minister said that the opposition is trying to portray a picture as if this is the first violence in Manipur and our governance has failed. He mentioned that three major instances of violence—spanning 10 years, 3 years, and 6 months—had occurred during the rule of the previous government. He added that after these incidents of violence, no one from the then government, including the Home Minister, visited the region.

    Shri Amit Shah noted that BJP came to power in 2017, and in the previous five years, Manipur was shut down for an average of 212 days per year, despite the fact that no ethnic violence occurred during that time. He mentioned that there were over 1,000 encounters, which had to be taken cognizance of by the Supreme Court. Shri Shah said that before the High Court order, there was not a single day of shutdown and blockade in Manipur and there was no violence, in the six years of BJP rule since 2017. He said that in a specific situation, when both communities interpreted a High Court decision as being against them, violence erupted within just two days.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that the opposition has also accused the government of ignoring the violence in Manipur. He informed the House that on the very day the High Court’s order was issued, security forces’ companies were dispatched to the region via Air Force planes. He emphasized that everyone shares the same concern on this matter. The Home Minister appealed to all members, urging them not to politicize the issue, as the government is making every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur. He added that for every life lost in this violence, the House should hold respect, empathy, and sorrow in its heart.

    Shri Amit Shah stated that after the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, discussions were held with both communities, and separate meetings with all organizations from both communities have taken place. He mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a joint meeting. He emphasized that while the government is working to find a path to end the violence, the top priority is to establish peace. Shri Shah also noted that there have been no deaths in Manipur for the past four months, with only two people injured, and the situation is largely under control. However, he said that the situation would not be considered satisfactory until the displaced people are no longer living in camps. He further mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding a rehabilitation package for the displaced people.

    Union Home Minister stated that our Chief Minister resigned, and then the Governor held discussions with 37 BJP members, 6 from NPP, 5 from NPF, 1 from JD(U), and 5 from Congress. He mentioned that when most of the members stated that they were not in a position to form the government, the Cabinet recommended the imposition of President’s Rule, which was accepted by the President. Shri Shah further stated that the government wants peace to be restored in Manipur as soon as possible, along with rehabilitation efforts and healing the wounds of the affected people.

    *****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2118264) Visitor Counter : 94

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza: What’s happening defies decency, humanity, law – OCHA Presser | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Mr. Jonathan Whittall, OCHA’s Head of Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, on Gaza.

    —————————————————–

    “What is happening here defies decency, it defies humanity, it defies the law,” a UN humanitarian official said Wednesday, describing mounting horrors in Gaza as a “war without limits.”

    Briefing reporters in New York via video call, Jonathan Whittall, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, recounted a recent mission to Rafah, where he and colleagues uncovered a mass grave containing the bodies of medics. “These were medical workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the Civil Defense, still in their uniforms, still wearing gloves, they were killed while trying to save lives,” he said. “The ambulances were hit one by one as they advanced, as they acted into Rafah.”

    Whittall said the site was marked by crushed emergency vehicles, including a fire truck and a UN car. The incident, he said, was only one in a “parade” of horrors. In the past two weeks alone “UN premises have been shelled with tank fire, killing one of our colleagues and seriously injuring others. We’ve had international aid compounds and hospitals that have been hit,” he said. “People have been bombed at food distribution points where aid workers have also been killed.”

    Since the collapse of a ceasefire two weeks ago, forced displacement has surged, Whittall said, with about 100,000 people fleeing Rafah in the past 48 hours alone – many under fire. “I saw some of them in the same mission that I described at the beginning… running towards us and being shot in their backs,” he said.

    According to OCHA, 64 percent of Gaza is now under forced evacuation. “Nowhere and no one is safe in Gaza,” Whittall said. “My colleagues tell me that they just want to die with their families. Their worst fear is to survive alone.”

    Whittall also spoke about a total aid blockade. “Today, unfortunately, marks one month without any supplies entering into Gaza,” he said. “That’s one month of no food, no fuel, no aid, nothing has entered. So, 2.5 million people are trapped, bombed, starved.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbYlCqAdv3A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: #wintersportsclinic Downhill Daily | Thurs 4/3

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Your Thursday #wintersportsclinic Downhill Daily includes a quick look at Veterans participating in fly fishing. Ron Haskell, comms guy, prompts Veterans with some fun questions about their military experience. Finally, get to know Army Veteran Wendy Clouser and her service dog Lilah.

    #sports4vets #DAV

    To learn how you can volunteer, or to learn more, visit www.wintersportsclinic.org

    This video was created by the NDVWSC Media Team.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvxKjvDmbKI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft enterprises released almost 22 million young fish into Russian waters in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Rosneft has been systematically working to replenish the country’s aquatic bioresources for over 10 years. In 2024, 28 subsidiaries of the Company released more than 21.7 million young fish into Russian waters.

    Responsible attitude to the environment is an integral part of the corporate culture and one of the key principles of Rosneft. The company is committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is implementing a comprehensive water conservation program, including the introduction of advanced technological solutions.

    In 2024, the Syzran Oil Refinery released about a million individuals of valuable and commercial species into the Volga, including 40 thousand sterlet fry and 72.5 thousand carp in 2024. Over the past five years, Orenburgneft has sent over 425 thousand fry to the Ural and Volga basins. RN-Vankor has released over 2 million endangered fish species into the Yenisei River in three years. Employees of the Saratov Oil Refinery are participating in the environmental campaign “Algae are finished!” The plastic caps collected during the event are exchanged for fry of herbivorous fish, which clean the Volga from excess vegetation.

    In addition, thanks to environmental campaigns of Samotlorneftegaz in Yugra over the past year, more than 2 million juveniles of valuable fish species have been released into rivers. As part of initiatives to preserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity in the regions of presence, Bashneft employees released more than 160 thousand juveniles of sterlet, muksun and salmon into the water bodies of Bashkortostan, the Khanty-Mansiysk and Nenets Autonomous Okrugs.

    In addition, in support of scientific research of practical importance for the Taimyr Dolgano-Nenets District of Krasnoyarsk Krai and its indigenous population, oil workers supported projects to assess the state of the populations of the main commercial fish of the Taimyr reservoirs, as well as to study the fish of the Yenisei Bay of the Kara Sea.

    Employees of the Company’s subsidiaries actively participate in environmental campaigns, promote the development of a culture of rational and responsible consumption of natural resources. Volunteers of the enterprises regularly clean and improve the coastal areas of large water bodies, install garbage containers, place information stands for tourists about the value of lake ecosystems and springs.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 3, 2025

    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: Takano Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Guarantee Overtime Pay for Truckers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

    March 06, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) reintroduced the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act. This legislation would eliminate the current existing exemption in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 that exempts truckers from receiving overtime compensation. The bipartisan legislation is co-led by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02); Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) are introducing the companion bill in the Senate.

    “Truckers are vital for our supply chain, manufacturing, and the American way of life,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “It is unfair that they are singled out as somehow unworthy of overtime pay. This legislation will help right that wrong and make sure they are fairly compensated for the hours they work. I am proud to partner with Congressman Van Drew and Senator Padillato build up workers and guarantee more money in their paychecks.”

    “Truck drivers keep our supply chain moving, often working long, exhausting hours to make sure goods get where they need to go,” said Congressman Van Drew. “But right now, they are not guaranteed overtime pay like most other workers. It is just not right. The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act is a simple fix—it ensures that truckers are fairly compensated for the extra hours they put in. These men and women do critical work, and it’s time we make sure their pay reflects that.”

    “America’s truck drivers are on the frontlines of our economy, enduring long hours away from home, and all too often, unpaid wait times at congested ports and warehouses. Unfortunately, truck drivers have been excluded from overtime pay protections for decades,” said Senator Padilla. “If truckers are forced to wait while on the job, they should be paid. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of public safety. Experienced truckers are safer truckers, and better compensation and overtime pay will help more of them stay in the profession.”

    “The exclusion of truck drivers from federal overtime protections must come to an end,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters Union is proud to support the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which will right the decades long wrong that serves only to harm drivers to the benefit of their employers.”

    “America’s truckers are the backbone of our economy, keeping goods moving and ensuring our supply chain stays strong,” said Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer. “Yet, despite their essential role, trucking remains one of the few professions in America denied guaranteed overtime pay.It’s long past time the hard work of the men and women behind the wheel are fairly compensated. By discounting a trucker’s time, ‘big trucking’ has driven wages downward, treating truckers as disposable rather than the skilled professionals they are. We appreciate Representative Van Drew, Representative Takano, and Senator Padilla for championing the bipartisan GOT Truckers Act, which will right this wrong by securing overtime pay. This legislation is an investment in truckers, road safety, and the strength of America’s supply chain.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rutherford Releases Statement on Full-Year CR

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, member of the House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05), released the following statement on the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025:

    “House Republicans are working diligently to fully fund the core federal government services, so that President Trump and his administration can continue to identify waste, fraud, and abuse of American tax dollars, protect our borders, and support Americans, including our veterans, military families, first responders, and seniors. Most importantly, by passing this continuing resolution, we are ensuring that a costly government shutdown does not fall upon the American people.

    “It is our constitutional obligation in Congress to fund the federal government, and House Republicans are acting on that duty. Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are not. House Democratic leadership came out in opposition to this bill and spread egregious falsehoods about what the bill does or does not do before the text was even released.

    “Let’s be clear, this bill will NOT hurt law enforcement by slashing COPS Grants nor will it zero out the Toxic Exposures Fund for veterans. Instead, it is a clean bill that will extend funding and certainty for the American people.

    “While House Democrats seem dead set on shutting down the government over their disdain for the Commander in Chief, no matter the cost to their own communities, I am committed to passing this full-year continuing resolution to fund our government, avoid a shutdown, allow the Trump Administration to continue to put America First, and protect Americans. I urge my colleagues to do the same.”

    This bill would:

    • Maintain government operations while responsibly cutting spending
    • Protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from unnecessary disruption and the confusion that comes along with a government shutdown
    • Promote public safety
    • Renew our commitment to supporting law enforcement officers
    • Raise pay for junior enlisted troops by the largest amount in over 40 years
    • Enhance defense investments
    • Fund important nutrition assistance for mothers, infants, and children
    • Increase funding for air traffic control safety priorities
    • Support federal wildland firefighters who protect our communities and public lands

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Over-the-Counter Drug Regulation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Chairman Carter Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Over-the-Counter Drug Regulation


     Subcommittee Chairman Carter’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:


     “I want to welcome everyone to today’s hearing on the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program, referred to as ‘OMUFA.’ I’m especially pleased that we’re talking about the reauthorization of this program as almost 5 years to the date, the initial bill – sponsored by my good friend from Ohio, Representative Latta, as well as one of Georgia’s finest, Senator Johnny Isakson – was signed into law by President Trump in March 2020.


     “The enactment of this program reformed and modernized the regulation of OTC monograph drugs and authorized the FDA to assess and collect user fees dedicated to OTC monograph drug activities. Industry and public health stakeholders supported these reforms, which have provided the FDA with additional resources and tools to streamline the monograph process to increase access to quality commonly used drugs and self-care products for the American consumer. This program is designed to improve innovation, while maintaining the FDA ‘gold-standard’ of safety.


     “The current legislative authority for OMUFA expires September 30th, 2025 – at which point, new legislation will be required to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph User Fee program for another five-year term.


     “Over-the-counter medications are widely used to treat common ailments such as colds, headaches, and seasonal allergies. In fact, nearly 9 out of every 10 Americans use OTC medications regularly and trust these affordable remedies to get well and stay healthy. Safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs allow consumers to treat common ailments at home, usually without visiting a health care provider, saving the health care system billions annually.


     “Of particular note is a company called Symrise. They own and operate a manufacturing plant in Georgia’s First Congressional District. Symrise manufactures aroma molecules and fragrance ingredients, which are used in various consumer products across a number of product categories. They also manufacture two of the key UV filters that are commonly used in many OTC sunscreens on the market today.


     “Sadly, Symrise’s Colonel’s Island plant experienced a serious fire in 2022. Symrise made the strategic decision to re-invest in the site and restore its capacity in my community, at a time when other companies were leaving. They successfully completed renovations and today, the plant is again fully operational, back at its pre-fire capacity. This is a real success story, and we are grateful for their commitment to Georgia.


     “We are also fortunate to have Mr. Kevin Menzel before our Committee today. Mr. Menzel is President of Focus Consumer Healthcare, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobayashi Healthcare. Kobayashi was founded as a family company in 1886 in Japan. They established a presence in the United States in 1998, and maintain manufacturing and operations in Dalton, Georgia – employing 270 people with products ranging from OTC medicines and supplements, to recreational products like Hot Hands Hand Warmers. Georgia’s pro-business climate and infrastructure make it an ideal location for companies such as Kobayashi. In fact, just recently, Kobayashi began expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint even further, with a significant announced investment in Georgia — doubling its capacity to support ongoing growth and expand employment.


    “Success stories such as Symrise and Kobayashi highlight why it is critical for this Subcommittee to reauthorize the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program in a timely manner. This program demonstrated the ability to bring more jobs back to America, while increasing access to safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs.


     “I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reauthorize this program on time and through regular order.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Good news, beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Brodie, Research Scientist in Marine Ecology, CSIRO

    jittawit21, Shutterstock

    Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through the warm sand, only to find a cigarette butt. Gross, right?

    This disturbing scene is typical of coastal pollution in Australia. But fortunately our new research shows the problem is getting better, not worse. Over the past ten years, the amount of waste across Australian coastal cities has reduced by almost 40%. We’re also finding more places with no rubbish at all.

    We surveyed for debris in and around six Australian urban areas between 2022 and 2024. Then we compared our results to previous surveys carried out a decade ago. We found less coastal pollution overall and reset a new baseline for further research.

    Our study shows efforts to clean up Australia’s beaches have been working. These policies, practices and outreach campaigns have reduced the extent of pollution in coastal habitats near urban centres. But we can’t become complacent. There’s plenty of work still to be done.

    One of the many beaches surveyed by CSIRO.
    TJ Lawson

    What we did

    In Australia, three-quarters of the rubbish on our coasts is plastic. Even cigarette butts are mainly made of plastic.

    To tackle the pollution effectively, we need to understand where the waste is coming from and how it gets into the environment.

    Research has shown much of the coastal debris comes from local inland areas. Poor waste management practices can result in debris eventually making its way through rivers to the coast and out to sea.

    We focused on urban areas because high population density and industrial activity contributes to waste in the environment. We examined six areas across Australia:

    • Perth in Western Australia
    • Port Augusta in South Australia
    • Hobart in Tasmania
    • Newcastle in New South Wales
    • Sunshine Coast in Queensland
    • Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

    These places represent a starting point for the national baseline. At each location we studied sites on the coast, along rivers and inland, within a 100 kilometre radius.

    We inspected strips of land 2m wide. This involved two trained scientists standing in an upright position looking downward, slowly walking along a line surveying for debris items. Together they captured information about every piece of debris they came across, including the type of material and what it was originally used for (where possible).

    What we found

    On average, we found 0.15 items of debris per square metre of land surveyed. That’s roughly one piece of rubbish every five steps.

    Plastic was the most common type of waste. But in many cases it was unclear what the item was originally used for. For example, fragments of hard plastic of unknown origin were found in a quarter of all surveyed areas.

    Polystyrene fragments were the most common item overall (24% of all debris fragments). Other frequently encountered items included food wrappers or labels, cigarette butts, and hard plastic bottle caps or lids.

    We found more waste near farms, industry and disadvantaged areas.

    The types of waste varied among cities. For example, cigarette butts were the most prevalent items in Newcastle, Perth and the Sunshine Coast. But food wrappers and beverage cans were more prevalent in Port Augusta and Alice Springs, respectively.

    Hobart had the highest occurrence of beverage bottles and bottle fragments.

    The most common type of waste varied among cities.
    CSIRO

    Targeting problem items

    Identifying the different types of litter in the environment can help policymakers and waste managers target specific items and improve waste recovery.

    Research has shown container deposit legislation, which enables people to take eligible beverage containers to a collection point for a refund, has reduced the number of beverage containers in the coastal environment by 40%. Hobart did not have a container deposit scheme in place at the time of our survey.

    Plastic bag bans can reduce bag litter. Now polystyrene food service items are becoming increasingly targeted by policymakers.

    Hobart had the highest occurrence of beverage bottles and bottle fragments.
    Caroline Bray

    Making progress

    When we compared our results to the previous survey from 2011-14 we found a 39% decrease in coastal debris. We also found 16% more areas where no debris was present.

    Our results support previous research that found an ongoing trend towards less waste on Australian beaches.

    We think our research demonstrates the effectiveness of improved waste management policies, campaigns such as the “Five R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, then Recycle” – as well as clean-up efforts.

    It’s likely that increased awareness is making a big dent in the problem. But reducing the production of plastic, and invoking changes further up the supply chain, would likely further help reduce mismanaged waste in the environment.

    Implications for the future

    Measuring and monitoring litter can inform policymaking and waste management. Our research serves as a benchmark for evaluating and informing future efforts to reduce plastic waste.

    We are heartened by the findings. But continued effort is needed from people across government, industry and Australian communities. Everyone needs to address how we produce, use and dispose of plastic for a cleaner and healthier planet.

    Australians are increasingly aware of the need to keep the coastal environment free of litter.
    Qamar Schuyler

    As part of her role at CSIRO, Stephanie Brodie receives funding the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

    Britta Denise Hardesty received funding for this work from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. Shell Australia previously provided funding for this research via Earthwatch Australia for surveys and citizen science projects carried out between 2011 and 2014.

    – ref. Good news, beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago – https://theconversation.com/good-news-beach-lovers-our-research-found-39-less-plastic-waste-around-australian-coastal-cities-than-a-decade-ago-253221

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, Senators Jon Ossoff, and Rev. Warnock Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), alongside U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, reintroduced the bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve.

    “Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”

    “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

    “We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park,” Senator Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”

    “Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

    The House bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Brian Jack (GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

    The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

    “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

    “I cannot overstate the importance of this legislation to our region, state, and country. Tens of millions of private dollars have been leveraged to conserve the precious cultural and ecological resources of the Ocmulgee Corridor and this bipartisan legislation allows us to continue to grow the middle Georgia economy, protect our national security interests at Robin Air Force Base, expand hunting and fishing access, and authentically preserve some of the most culturally significant sites in the country,” said Seth Clark, Macon Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. “We’re grateful for the continued bipartisan dedication of the Georgia delegation. And call for the swift passage of this legislation this year so that we can continue our stewardship of this landscape and our economy.” 


     “Preserving the undeveloped lands within the Ocmulgee River Corridor is critical to safeguarding Robins Air Force Base from incompatible land use, ensuring we can sustain our national security missions,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Kubinec, USAF (ret), President/CEO of 21st Century Partnership. “This park and preserve will also provide our military members and their families with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure, enhancing their quality of life while strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia.”

    “Establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve at Ocmulgee Mounds will serve as a robust form of economic development for Middle Georgia while conserving the site’s important series of ecological and cultural assets. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop with their bipartisan leadership and admirable partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have assembled a broad statewide coalition including chambers of commerce, hunters and anglers, and conservation organizations working to pass this legislation. The formal process of creating a National Monument out of the Ocmulgee Old Fields formally began in 1933, when the Macon Junior Chamber of Commerce purchased the sites and requested their protection. Today, through the leadership of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders, we are one step closer to making that a reality. The Georgia Chamber is proud to support Representatives Scott and Bishop’s legislation to create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, after almost a century of civic advocacy,” said Chris Clark, CCE, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.
      
    “The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has long seen the national and park and preserve designation as a top congressional priority. Getting this done this year is vital to the economic viability and stability of middle Georgia. Being home to Georgia’s first and only national park and preserve will create a better business climate, allow for lower taxes, and create thousands of good paying, sustainable jobs. Our members have marshaled tens of millions of dollars in preparing middle Georgia for the passage of this legislation and as we have for almost a century, we and the greater middle Georgia business community fully support and call for getting it done this year,”     said Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Three women bitten by dingoes on K’gari

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 2 Apr 2025

    Rangers are investigating an incident where three female tourists were nipped on the lower legs by dingoes whilst they were walking on the track into Lake Wabby yesterday afternoon around 4pm.

    The tourists were part of two separate visitor groups that were returning from Lake Wabby, and they received minor injuries. Tour guides administered first aid before taking them to the Queensland Ambulance Service Happy Valley station for assessment.

    The tourists declined to leave the island.

    Information we have received to date indicates that tagged dingoes may have been involved, and the department is continuing to investigate the incident.

    Rangers will continue to patrol the area and provide Be dingo-safe! education to residents and visitors.

    Report any concerning dingo encounters by calling 07 4127 9150 or emailing dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au.

    Visitors to K’gari are reminded to Be dingo-safe! at all times:

    • always stay close (within arm’s reach) to children and young teenagers
    • always walk in groups and carry a stick
    • never feed dingoes
    • camp in fenced areas where possible
    • do not run – running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
    • lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
    • never store food or food containers in tents
    • secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

    For more information go to K’gari dingoes.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What Donald Trump’s dramatic US trade war means for global climate action

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rakesh Gupta, Associate Professor of Accounting & Finance, Charles Darwin University

    US President Donald Trump’s new trade war will not only send shockwaves through the global economy – it also upsets efforts to tackle the urgent issue of climate change.

    Trump has announced a minimum 10% tariff to be slapped on all exports to the United States. A 34% duty applies to imports from China and a 20% rate to products from the European Union. Australia has been hit with the minimum 10% tariff.

    The move has prompted fears of a global economic slowdown. This might seem like a positive for the climate, because greenhouse gas emissions are closely tied to economic growth.

    However, in the long term, the trade war is bad news for global efforts to cut emissions. It is likely to lead to more energy-intensive goods produced in the US, and dampen international investment in renewable energy projects.

    How does global trade affect emissions?

    Traditionally, growth in the global economy leads to greater emissions from sources such as energy use in both manufacturing and transport. Conversely, emissions tend to fall in periods of economic decline.

    Trade tensions damage the global economy. This was borne out in the tariff war between the US and China, the world’s two largest economies, in 2018 and 2019.

    Trump, in his first presidential term, imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of imports from China. In response, China introduced or increased tariffs on thousands of items from the US.

    As a result, the International Monetary Fund estimated global gross domestic product (GDP) would fall by 0.8% in 2020. The extent of its true impact on GDP is difficult to determine due to the onset of COVID in the same year.

    However, Trump’s tariff war is far broader this time around, and we can expect broadscale damage to global GDP.

    In the short-term, any decline is likely to have a positive impact on emissions reduction. We saw this effect during the COVID-19 pandemic, when global production and trade fell.

    But unfortunately, this effect won’t last forever.

    Domestic production isn’t always a good thing

    Every country consumes goods. And according to Trump’s trade plan, which aims to revive the US manufacturing base, the goods his nation requires will be produced domestically rather than being imported.

    Unfortunately, this US production is likely to be inefficient in many cases. A central tenet of global trade is that nations focus on making goods where they have a competitive advantage – in other words, where they can manufacture the item more cheaply than other nations can. That includes making them using less energy, or creating fewer carbon emissions.

    If the US insists on manufacturing everything it needs domestically, we can expect many of those goods to be more emissions-intensive than if they were imported.

    Renewable energy slowdown?

    Globally, investment in renewable energy has been growing. The US trade war jeopardises this growth.

    Renewable energy spending is, in many cases, a long-term investment which may not produce an immediate economic reward. The logic is obvious: if we don’t invest in reducing emissions now, the economic costs in the future will be far worse.

    However, the US tariffs create a new political imperative. Already, there are fears it may trigger a global economic recession and increase living costs around the world.

    National governments are likely to become focused on protecting their own populace from these financial pressures. Business and industry will also become nervous about global economic conditions.

    And the result? Both governments and the private sector may shy away from investments in renewable energy and other clean technologies, in favour of more immediate financial concerns.

    The COVID experience provides a cautionary tale. The unstable economic outlook and higher interest rates meant banks were more cautious about financing some renewable energy projects.

    And according to the International Energy Agency, small to medium-sized businesses became more reluctant to invest in renewable energy applications such as heat pumps and solar panels.

    What’s more, the slowing in global trade during the pandemic meant the supply of components and materials vital to the energy transition was disrupted.

    There are fears this disruption may be repeated following the US tariff move. For example, the duty on solar products from China to the US is expected to rise to 60%, just as demand for solar energy increases from US data centres and artificial intelligence use.

    Few nations can afford to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US imports.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, for example, says this nation will not slap new duties on US imports, saying: “We will not join a race to the bottom that leads to higher prices and slower growth”.

    China, however, can be expected to return fire. Already it has halted imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US for 40 days – a move attributed to trade tensions.

    This may seem like good news for emissions reduction. However, China, like all other nations, needs energy. With less gas from the US, it may resort to burning more coal – which generates more CO₂ when burnt than gas.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responds to Trump’s tariff announcement.

    An uncertain time

    Free global trade has worldwide benefits. It helps reduce poverty and stimulates innovation and technology. It can improve democracy and individual freedoms.

    And, with the right safeguards in place, global trade can help drive the clean energy transition. Global trade improves efficiency and innovation and technology. This is likely to benefit innovation in clean energy and energy efficiency.

    Trump’s tariff war weakens global trade, and will slow the world’s progress towards decarbonisation. It is a most uncertain time – both for the world’s economy, and its climate.

    Rakesh Gupta 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. What Donald Trump’s dramatic US trade war means for global climate action – https://theconversation.com/what-donald-trumps-dramatic-us-trade-war-means-for-global-climate-action-253740

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar, Dingell Introduce Bill to Improve Services for Rural Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Moolenaar, Dingell Introduce Bill to Improve Services for Rural Veterans

    Today, Congressman John Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to ensure veterans in rural areas have reliable access to patient advocates to receive better care. Patient advocates assist veterans with paperwork, services, and appeals related to their care.

    “Our nation’s veterans deserve the best possible service from the VA. Unfortunately, veterans know receiving care from the VA often consists of time-consuming paperwork, fighting through layers of red tape, and lengthy appeals. This is especially true for Michigan veterans in rural communities, where the nearest VA clinic may be hundreds of miles away. Patient advocates are an asset for veterans to work through the bureaucracy, and improve accountability in the VA. Our bipartisan legislation will increase the number of patient advocates available to these veterans, so they receive better care and attention from the VA,” said Moolenaar. 

    “America’s veterans rely on the VA for access to vital programs, benefits, and supportive services. Patient advocates employed by the VA are an important source of support for veterans navigating the VA health system, and strengthening the VA workforce is more important than ever,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I am glad to join Congressman Moolenaar in introducing the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, which will increase the number of VA patient advocates to so veterans can get easier access to the support they deserve.” 

    The lawmakers previously introduced the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act in 2021 and 2023. The text of the legislation can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is TikTok right? Do I need to eat more protein?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, University of Sydney

    mavo/Shutterstock

    In the ever-changing wellness industry, one diet obsession has captured and held TikTok’s attention: protein.

    Whether it’s sharing snaps of protein-packed meals or giving tutorials to boost your intake, the message is clear: maximum protein consumption is essential for weight management and wellness.

    Supermarkets have fed this obsession, stacking the shelves with protein-packed bars, shakes and supplements, and protein-boosted versions of just about every food we eat.

    But is all this extra protein as beneficial as it’s made out to be? How much protein do we really need?



    Read more:
    Protein is being added to yoghurt, bread and even coffee – but is it really good for our health?

    Different types of protein

    Protein is an essential macronutrient our bodies need to function correctly.
    It’s made up of building blocks called amino acids. Twenty amino acids link in different combinations to form proteins that are classified into:

    • essential amino acids – ones our bodies can’t make that we need to get through our diet

    • non-essential amino acids – ones our bodies can make.

    When we think about protein, animal-based foods such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products are usually top of mind.

    However, the essential amino acids we need to get from our diet can also be found in many plant-based foods, including legumes, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and soy products like tofu.

    Why we need protein

    Proteins are often called the workhorses of life. They’re involved in virtually every process that keeps our bodies functioning and play a vital role in:

    • building and repairing tissue. From our muscles and bones to our skin and nails, proteins are responsible for their growth, renewal and repair

    • fighting infection. Our immune system relies on antibodies, a type of protein, to fight off bacteria and viruses

    • transporting substances such as nutrients and blood sugar through our bodies and taking oxygen from our lungs to our cells

    • regulating processes. Most of the hormones controlling crucial functions, like our metabolism, are proteins

    • managing activity. Protein catalysts, in the form of enzymes, manage vital chemical reactions driving important actions in our bodies, including our ability to digest food

    • providing energy. Protein isn’t a primary energy source but it can be used for energy when other sources are low.

    Protein is vital for almost every process that keeps our body functioning.
    sk/Unsplash

    Protein also plays an essential role in weight management by:

    So influencers have it half right: protein is a must-have. But that doesn’t mean it’s a more-is-better situation.

    How much protein do we actually need?

    Our daily protein requirements are based on our body weight, gender and age.

    Protein should account for around 15–25% of our total daily energy intake, with the national guidelines recommending

    • women consume 0.75 grams of protein per kilo of body weight (and 1.0 grams per kilo of body weight when pregnant or breastfeeding)

    • men consume 0.84 grams of protein per kilo of body weight.

    A woman weighing 72 kilos, for example, should consume 54 grams of protein daily, while a man weighing 87 kilos should consume 73 grams.

    Our recommended protein intake changes as we age, with adults aged over 70 requiring 25% more protein than younger people – or around 67 grams of protein daily for women and 91 grams for men.

    Lean meat is a good source of protein but it’s not the only one.
    Pexels/Taryn Elliott

    This is because, as we age, our bodies stop working as efficiently as before. Around the age of 40, we start experiencing a condition called sarcopenia, where our muscle mass naturally declines, and our body fat starts increasing.

    Because muscle mass helps determine our metabolic rate, when our muscle mass decreases, our bodies start to burn fewer calories at rest.

    Given the role protein plays in muscle growth and preservation, it’s even more vital as we age.



    Read more:
    What can you do to speed up your metabolism?

    What does this look like in real life?

    By including a protein source at every meal, you can easily meet your daily protein needs. With the example below, you end up with around 125g a day for men and around 100g for women.

    Women should consume 0.75 grams of protein per kilo of body weight, while men should consume 0.84 grams. Here’s how to get to 100 or 120 grams.
    Interval Weight Loss

    Broken down into meals, this might look like:

    • breakfast: chickpea scramble = 1.5 fist-sizes of protein

    • morning tea: Greek yoghurt and a handful of nuts

    • lunch: beef stir fry = 1 fist-size of protein

    • afternoon tea: hummus, veggie sticks and one boiled egg

    • dinner: lentil and beef bolognese, and salad = half a fist-size of protein.

    What happens when we consume too much protein?

    The wellness industry may make you think you’re not getting enough protein. But for most people, we are fixating on a problem that doesn’t exist. In fact, you can get too much, when at levels of greater than 2 grams per kilo of body weight per day.

    A diet excessively high in protein can lead to nutritional deficiencies that can result in poor immune function, fatigue and a decrease in bone density because you’re likely to lose out on other nutrients.

    High meat intake, particularly processed meats, may also increase our risk of cancer and heart disease, and can come with a surplus of energy that leads to weight gain.

    Balance is key

    Aim for a diet balanced across all of the macronutrients we need: wholegrain carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein.

    As a guide, aim to fill a quarter of your plate with lean protein (lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts, seeds, legumes or beans), a quarter with wholegrain carbohydrates and the rest with vegetables and fruits.

    And avoid those unnecessary, protein-boosted foods and supplements – your health, weight and hip pocket will thank you for it.

    At the Boden Group, Charles Perkins Centre, we are running clinical trials for metabolic health. You can register here to express your interest.

    A/Prof Nick Fuller works for the University of Sydney and RPA Hospital and has received external funding for projects relating to the treatment of overweight and obesity. He is the author and founder of the Interval Weight Loss program, and the author of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids with Penguin Books.

    – ref. Is TikTok right? Do I need to eat more protein? – https://theconversation.com/is-tiktok-right-do-i-need-to-eat-more-protein-234375

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Support Treatment-in-Place Measures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Congressman Mike Carey (R-OH), Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), and Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY), all members of the House Ways and Means Committee, in leading the reintroduction of their bipartisan Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act. The bill would allow seniors on Medicare to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat minor medical incidents by creating a model that reimburses Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers delivering treatment in place and not just reimburse when Medicare patients are transported to the hospital. 

    Click here for bill text.
     
    “Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are at the frontline of delivering care and transportation in rural America. In West Virginia, many patients live hours from a hospital and must consistently rely on EMS for treatment. Our EMS personnel are equipped to provide care to patients that may not be in a dire medical situation, rather than spend precious time and resources on transporting non-emergency patients to a hospital emergency department. This commonsense legislation builds upon the Treatment-in-Place Model to provide timely care to our rural patients and empower EMS providers, and I will continue to work to improve access to quality health care for patients in West Virginia and across the U.S.,” said Congresswoman Miller.

    “For some patients, an emergency room visit may not be necessary and can place additional burdens on our first responders and health care providers in the hospital,” said Congressman Carey. “For many, including seniors on Medicare, treatment in place is more viable, saves time and money, and increases the availability of first responders. These options also save seniors a trip to the emergency room that can result in long wait times, increased costs, and potentially life-threatening complications. I urge my colleagues to join me and pass this bill.”
     
    “Treatment In Place (TIP) could save Medicare between $1.2 and $1.5 billion annually. In addition to the savings, TIP could be a solution to help EMS workforce and resiliency. The goal of all healthcare should be to provide patients with the right care, at the right time, and in the right place which should also be the most cost-effective manner. NAEMT applauds Congressman Carey and Congressman Doggett for their leadership in introducing the Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act to recognize EMS for the tireless work they do 24/7/365 and update the antiquated payment model for EMS. Right now, Medicare currently does NOT reimburse EMS practitioners for TIP. EMS is ONLY reimbursed for care when a patient is transported to a hospital ER. Passage of this measure will shorten task times for EMS agencies struggling with workforce shortages, help decompress overcrowded hospitals and emergency departments, meet patients’ needs without long waits at the hospital, and save the government money!” said Chief Christopher Way, President of National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

    “We greatly appreciate Congressmen Carey and Doggett introducing the Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies Act which will start the process toward reimbursement of the vital 9-1-1 emergency ground ambulance services provided to Medicare patients regardless of whether the patient is transported to a medical facility. Paramedics and EMTs are highly-trained medical professionals providing care under medical protocols and often arrive on the scene with an ambulance and either told by the patient not to be transported or additional medical care at a facility is not required. This important legislation will help correct long-standing policy and properly view ambulances services as health care instead of just medical transportation,” said Jamie Pafford-Gresham, AAA President.
     
    Background:

    • Adults aged 65 and older account for nearly 20% of all ER visits. This population contributes to the backlog in waiting rooms, even when they might not have an issue requiring inpatient treatment. In a 2021 study, patients who received at-home care had a lower risk for readmission by 26% and a lower risk for long-term care admission as compared to patients who received in-hospital treatment.
    • In 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) Model, which was originally set to run from 2020 to the end of 2023. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the model’s start was delayed until June 2021, and unfortunately, due to related challenges, CMMI ultimately ended the model 2 years early. This has not only harmed EMS providers, but also beneficiaries’ access to appropriate care.
    • The CARE Act would create a five-year pilot payment program to test a treatment-in-place model under Medicare. This legislation will ensure Medicare collects comprehensive data to inform future reimbursement decisions for EMS services and treatment-in-place. Medicare beneficiaries make up about 40% of all patients treated by EMS, and between 12.9-16.2% of Medicare-covered 911 transports involve medical conditions that do not require a hospital ER visit. Ensuring EMS providers receive appropriate payment for the most effective and efficient care can improve quality outcomes for beneficiaries and reduce Medicare spending on unnecessary, expensive hospital care.
    • The bill has received support from: American Ambulance Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Ben Cline Reintroduces Hearing Protection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

    Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act (HPA). This legislation reduces the overly burdensome barriers required to purchase a firearm suppressor to ease access for law-abiding citizens simply trying to obtain the hearing protection they need. 

    “Americans who enjoy hunting and target shooting should be able to do so safely and legally without facing burdensome government regulations,” said Rep. Cline. “The Hearing Protection Act will reclassify suppressors, making it easier for law-abiding gun owners to protect their hearing while enjoying recreational activities. It’s time to ensure that our Second Amendment rights are upheld, allowing responsible citizens to enjoy their freedoms without unnecessary obstacles.”

    Congressman Cline was joined by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA), Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL), Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Michael Bost (R-IL), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN), Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Rep. Fulcher (R-ID), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. John McGuire (R-VA), Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC), Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN), Rep. William Timmons (R-SC), Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and Rep. James Comer (R-KY) as original cosponsors.

    The Hearing Protection Act is supported by the American Suppressor Association (ASA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). 


    “The Hearing Protection Act is the epitome of commonsense legislation. Law-abiding citizens should not have to pay a tax to protect their hearing when they exercise their Second Amendment rights. The American Suppressor Association applauds Rep. Cline for his leadership and willingness to fight for the rights of gunowners across the United States,”     said Knox Williams, ASA President and Executive Director. 

    “Congressman Cline’s Hearing Protection Act will have the federal government recognize firearm suppressors for what they are. These are accessories to a firearm that make recreational shooting and hunting a safer experience,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage. Despite Hollywood’s depictions, they do not mask the sound of a firearm. The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating resources to ensuring firearms are safeguarded from those who should never possess them. Strict regulatory control of firearm accessories, and the parts of those accessories that have no bearing on the function of a firearm, is unnecessary and not the wisest use of federal resources. NSSF thanks Congressman Cline for his leadership for ensuring safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating necessary resources where they are most needed.”

    “Onerous and unnecessary government regulation shouldn’t prevent America’s hunters and recreational shooters from protecting their hearing while exercising their constitutionally protected freedoms,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “Suppressors do not silence firearms, but they are proven to reduce the severity of hearing loss. On behalf of our millions of members, NRA thanks Representative Ben Cline for introducing the Hearing Protection Act.”

    “The Hearing Protection Act has been a longstanding priority for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and we are excited to see this legislation reintroduced. Suppressors are one of the fastest growing and most popular accessories for sportsmen and women, unfortunately, current law makes acquiring suppressors an overly burdensome process, which would be addressed by this legislation. CSF thanks Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Rep. Ben Cline for introducing this legislation, and we look forward to working with him in the 119th Congress to improve the suppressor purchasing process,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE TRUMP TARIFFS ARE GOING TO RAISE COSTS ON EVERYDAY AMERICANS”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 where he highlighted that Donald Trump’s reckless handling of tariffs is creating chaos and raising costs and Democrats will continue to push back in support of American workers. 

    ANDERSON COOPER: Joining me now is House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, what’s your response to these tariffs?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: The Trump tariffs are going to raise costs on everyday Americans, in an environment where there’s already a high cost of living. Trump promised that he would lower costs, in fact, on day one. But what we’ve seen under his reckless leadership is that costs aren’t going down in America, they’re going up. Inflation is going up. The stock market is going down. Consumer confidence is going down. And the retirement security of the American people is going down. This is not Liberation Day in America. It’s Recession Day because Donald Trump’s reckless policies are driving us toward a painful recession.

    ANDERSON COOPER: He’s saying, look, America has been taken advantage of by these other countries. He listed the tariffs they have on American goods coming into this country. And that long term, this is going to bring manufacturing back to America and make Americans wealthy.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: We certainly need to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States of America, it’s something that we as House Democrats are committed to doing, building upon the work that was done in the prior administration. But these ham-handed tariffs done in such a over-the-top fashion is not strategic. Nothing that Donald Trump and Elon Musk and the administration have been doing over the last 70-plus days is strategic. It’s chaos. It’s crisis. It’s confusion. There’s a lot of corruption wrapped up into it and it’s causing great harm. They are crashing the economy in real time here in the United States of America.

    ANDERSON COOPER: It’s not really a surprise he’s done this. This is what he ran on. Though the details obviously were kind of open ended until they were revealed today. Do you think that this is in any way just a negotiation tactic that, you know, essentially we heard from the Treasury Secretary, his advice to countries—all the countries of the world essentially is sit back, relax and take this and just let’s see how, you know, just take it for a while, take it in and, you know, just breathe deep.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: They seem to want other countries in the world to behave like House and Senate Republicans who are just sitting back and taking it—orders from Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Not my expectation that you’re going to see countries around the world do that. And it’s unfortunate because there is an opportunity to work together in a manner that is designed to improve the economy. Listen, on the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised pretty much every day that he was on the campaign trail, that he’s going to lower the high cost of living in America. America right now is too expensive for everyday Americans, for hardworking American taxpayers, for young people. We have to do better. This is the wealthiest country in the history of the world, and we should not have a situation where people are struggling to live day to day, paycheck to paycheck, can’t get ahead and can barely get by. But what Donald Trump is doing through his mismanagement of the economy is actually making things worse, when he promised to make things better.

    ANDERSON COOPER: The Senate voted 51 to 48 tonight to adopt a resolution aimed at blocking the proposed tariff on Canadian imports. Four Republicans, I mentioned, crossing the line to vote with Democrats. That’s not expected to go anywhere. Realistically, what can Democrats do to fight against this?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we have to continue to raise the public pressure so that the public is aware of the reckless nature of these Trump economic policies to hopefully give House Republicans some backbone as it relates to doing what is in the best interest of their constituents. I‘m thankful for what was done in the United States Senate. There was bipartisan support, and there would be bipartisan support in the House if congressional leadership were willing to allow the bill to be voted in an up or down fashion in the House. But we don’t expect that because House Republican leaders are basically taking orders from Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They don’t work for the American people. And that’s that’s shameful.

    ANDERSON COOPER: Leader Hakeem Jeffries, I appreciate your time. Thank you very much.

    Full interview can be watched here. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson, Davis, Bresnahan, and Panetta Introduce Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Don Davis (NC-01), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) today introduced the Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act to address complications with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program application process.
     
    The VA GPD program provides funding to community organizations that offer transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. This program has helped countless veterans across the country achieve financial and housing stability, ultimately leading to self-determination and independence. Unfortunately, many community organizations serving homeless veteran populations are unable to access this program due to a complicated application process, unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of communication from the VA.
     
    The Simplifying Veterans Assistance Act will direct the VA to provide guidance and best practices for entities applying for grants through the GPD program. The bill also ensures the VA provides at least two informational sessions so that eligible organizations can better understand the application process, ask questions, and receive additional support directly from VA staff.
     
    “We must equip organizations serving veterans with the tools they need to assist veterans experiencing homelessness,” Rep Thompson said. “This bipartisan legislation guarantees the VA will communicate with organizations in our communities so they can better serve our veterans. By providing clear guidance, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind due to bureaucratic obstacles.”

    “Community agencies dedicated to caring for homeless veterans should not be hindered from assisting them by difficult grant processes,” Rep. Bresnahan said. “These groups provide shelter and support for our nation’s heroes, and they deserve the same access to grants and resources as any other organization, regardless of their experience with per diem grants or whether they can afford a grants writer. I thank my colleague, Rep. Thompson, for calling attention to this issue and for providing a solution for veterans and the community agencies they depend on.”

    “No veteran who sacrificed for our nation should be without a roof over their head,” Rep. Davis said. “We must ensure that our homeless veteran centers, which play a crucial role in providing shelter to our veterans, have the resources they need to receive these grants.”

    “Many community organizations that support homeless veterans rely on VA grants but struggle with the application process due to a lack of resources,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our legislation will make the VA’s Grant and Per Diem Program more accessible by providing critical guidance and training, so these organizations can focus on what matters most, helping veterans get back on their feet.  Our nation’s commitment to veterans must include ensuring that those who serve them have the tools they need to succeed.”

    This bill is supported by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

     
    Click HERE to read the full text of the bill. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bonamici Leads Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Arts Education

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON, DC [4/1/25] –Today Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) introduced bipartisan legislation to help more students benefit from arts education.

    Research shows that students who have access to arts education gain critical thinking skills, empathy, creativity, and better learning outcomes. The Arts Education for All Act would improve access to quality arts education and programming for early learners, K-12 students, and youth and adults involved in the justice system.

    “A quality arts education provides students with lifelong skills that benefit them no matter what path they take,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The arts also have a unique ability to heal, which is greatly needed at a time when many students are struggling with their mental health. Unfortunately, arts programming is often the first to be cut when schools face budget shortfalls and a lack of access to arts education disproportionately affects students from marginalized communities. The Arts Education for All Act will help give every student the opportunity to learn from the arts.”

    “As one of the first states to mandate arts education in its public schools, Mainers understand and believe in the value and transformative power of the arts, especially for our young people,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus. “Research shows that a strong arts education leads to better educational outcomes, including when it comes to standardized tests. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the Arts Education for All Act, which would give millions of kids across the country a real opportunity to not only learn about the arts, but to be inspired by them—and become stronger lifelong learners because of it.”

    “The arts are the heartbeat of our communities, preserving our rich cultural heritage and inspiring the next generation of creators and storytellers,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Every child—no matter their background—deserves access to arts education that nurtures their creativity, strengthens their academic success, and empowers them to dream big. I am proud to co-lead the Arts Education for All Act because investing in the arts means investing in our children, our culture, and the future of New Mexico.” 

    The Arts Education for All Act has been endorsed by 132 national, state, and local organizations and individuals, including Americans for the Arts, the American Art Therapy Association, Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, Grantmakers in the Arts, and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). The full list of endorsements can be found here.

    It is cosponsored by Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Emily Randall (D-WA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Andrea Salinas (D-OR).

    The Arts Education for All Act will promote arts education and programming for youth and adults in early learning centers, K-12 schools, and juvenile justice facilities by:

    • Improving arts programming in caregiving and early education
    • Providing support for arts access in K-12 schools
    • Making professional development for arts educators a priority
    • Increasing the usability and accessibility of data on access to arts education
    • Integrating the arts in afterschool and summer learning programs
    • Facilitating arts education in the justice system
    • Allowing arts education to be used in reentry and recidivism reduction efforts

    A summary of the Arts Education for All Act can be found here, and the full text can be found here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Bonamici Introduces Bill to Protect Survivors, Prevent Sexual Assault at NOAA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON DC [3/27/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman introduced bipartisan legislation to continue work designed to prevent sexual harassment and assault at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

    Many NOAA employees work in remote locations and aboard research and survey vessels to study, understand, and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coastal conditions. The isolated nature of NOAA workplaces increases the risk of sexual assault and harassment, and in recent years the agency has updated its policies to better protect staff. The NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act strengthens existing protections against sexual assault and harassment and creates additional measures of accountability.

    “Scientists and researchers at NOAA should be able to conduct their critical work without the fear of sexual harassment or assault,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Thanks to the bravery of survivors who have spoken out, we’ve made progress to prevent harassment and abuse at NOAA. But recent reports show that there is more work to be done. I’m grateful to join my colleague Ranking Member Huffman in this effort to create safe workplaces where researchers can focus on making the next scientific breakthrough in a safe workplace.”

    “NOAA employees perform essential work for our communities and our planet — often in extreme and isolated environments where support systems are limited, and people may be more at risk,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “This bipartisan legislation strengthens accountability, expands protections, and builds a system that prioritizes safety and respect for everyone who serves this crucial mission. We have the responsibility to ensure the safety of the scientists, observers, and staff doing this critical work is never up for debate.”

    Specifically, the legislation will: 

    • Expand coverage of NOAA’s sexual harassment prevention and response policy. The new policy will include personnel who were not otherwise covered, including commercial fisheries contractors, protected species researchers, platform removal observers, and staff of regional fishery management councils.
    • Direct NOAA to provide a clear mechanism for anonymous reports of sexual harassment. NOAA’s Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Program Manager or the NOAA Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights will be designated as the recipients of reports so the agency can track incidents of harassment or assault and protect a victim’s privacy.
    • Provide a secure reporting structure for victims. The bill directs NOAA to develop a mechanism to provide restricted reporting that would allow victims of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment to receive services without triggering an investigative process, if requested by the victim. Current policy requires an investigation of any report, which may discourage some victims from seeking services.
    • Expand reports to Congress about sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal opportunity employment. The bill adds additional requirements to NOAA’s annual report to Congress, including a synopsis of cases of sexual harassment, change of station or work location requests initiated to reduce the possibility of retaliation or further sexual assault of employees, the number of employees or contractors referred to the U.S. Coast Guard for further review of their credentials, and cases of sexual assault and harassment of fisheries observers.
    • Improve the ability of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement to enforce a prohibition on assault, intimidation, and interference with fisheries observers. The bill would remove the stipulation in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that these acts be “forcible” in nature and occur “on a vessel” for NOAA to investigate. 

    A summary of the legislation can be found here. A copy of the bill text can be found here.

    As a senior member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Bonamici has led efforts over the years to address sexual harassment and abuse at NOAA. She has been a strong advocate for survivors and has worked with NOAA to improve its policies.

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police statement on TAIC report

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson:

    Police accept the findings of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission Maritime Inquiry MO-2022-206 into the charter fishing vessel, i-Catcher capsize in Goose Bay, 10 September 2022.  

    This was a terrible incident for the community and our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and friends, and the community.

    Police is continuing work with Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) on the findings of the report. 

    In addition to supporting a large number of events led by RCCNZ, Police manages more than 2,000 land and marine search and rescue (SAR) incidents each year.

    RCCNZ and Police continue to collaborate on opportunities to enhance operational SAR responses, and continue with regular practice SAR exercises. Our on-call practices and tasking processes have been streamlined and continue to be improved. 

    The joint Maritime Rescue Plan for Tasman has now been prepared and is in the final stages of being signed off. Standard operating procedures have also been updated to include that Police’s National Dive Squad must be contacted for advice and availability in life-threatening water rescue events.

    This investigation by TAIC has been important for all of us to learn from. We are putting recommendations in place and looking at where we can support partner agencies across all the recommendations.

    You can read the report at: https://www.taic.org.nz/inquiry/mo-2022-206

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

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  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS BOTH ARROGANT AND INCOMPETENT”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to demand a serious investigation into the Trump administration’s reckless and dangerous security breach.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: Let’s bring in right now the House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York. He sent a letter out yesterday to President Trump calling for the Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, to be fired. This morning, Leader, the details are even more shocking as Jeffrey released and, this morning, a chain, a text chain that was sent to him while he was sitting at a Safeway parking lot. The Secretary of Defense, using a commercial app, telling people on this chain, all of whom he did not know that this mission was a go. That F-18s were about to launch at this time, that the target terrorist was in sight. He then described when the second F-18s were launching, again all over a commercial app. He said this is definitely when the first bombs will begin dropping. And on and on and on. Your response? Just this stunning turn of events this morning.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a stunning breach of America’s national security. The lives of our servicemen and women were put into danger. And this is all being done by the person, the Secretary of Defense, who is charged with protecting the safety and national security of the American people. The problem is we could all see this coming, those who are paying close attention, as opposed to my Republican colleagues who are burying their heads in the sand. Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified person ever to lead the Department of Defense. Mitch McConnell knew it. Lisa Murkowski knew it. Susan Collins knew it. Democrats knew it, and we warned the Trump administration. And now the consequences are being felt. And this is a situation where the Trump administration is both arrogant and incompetent. That’s a toxic combination and American lives are at risk.

    MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Chris Matthews, you have the next question.

    CHRIS MATTHEWS: Congressman, we all know that the Republicans echo whatever President Trump says. They wait for him to speak and then they echo it. Now, back in 1960—I actually remember this—President Eisenhower had to deny that our U-2 flights over Russia, which began in Pakistan and flew to Norway. We were clearly violating their airspace at a very high level. He initially lied about it and said that wasn’t a case of a spy mission. And later he changed his mind and said it was. Do you think Trump, President Trump, is capable of recognizing that his people—Hegseth and Waltz—screwed up, that they went on the Signal line, that they opened it up to Jeffrey Goldberg, who is not one of their friends? They did it all themselves. He had nothing to do with this. Why won’t he come out like Nixon did and said, wait a minute, Haldeman and Ehrlichman screwed up. I’m firing them. Do you think there’s any chance Trump will come clean?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: The only chance is if the public pressure continues, is relentless and intensifies. During the Intel Committee hearing that’s going to take place today, you’re going to see House Democrats aggressively press the Trump administration and demand that there are consequences that occur. Ultimately, the buck stops with the President of the United States of America, which is why I made clear to President Trump yesterday in my correspondence that the Secretary of Defense should be fired immediately if he’s not man enough to own up to his mistakes and resign in disgrace.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: Tina Brown is with us and has a question.

    TINA BROWN: Mr. Leader, my question also—somewhat similar to Chris’, but at what point do the, you know, do the Republicans themselves break ranks? I mean, is this going to be the one thing that means that they do, as Senator Warner said, find their voice. Is there anybody? Is there anybody there now who is going to lead some kind of, you know, pushback to Congress having been turned into a party of ones? I mean, what is going to happen now in the Caucus?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah. You know, privately, several do express concerns and shake their head on the Floor of the House of Representatives. But publicly, there’s been a lack of courage and that’s unfortunate, because the Congress should be a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. And the Trump administration is completely and totally out of control. But here’s the problem with the modern-day Republican Party. Facts don’t matter. They’ll lie with ease. Facts don’t matter. Hypocrisy is not a constraint to their behavior. They’ll say one thing and do another. All of them had their hair on fire when we’ve had other national security incidents in the past, particularly when there was concerns related to Democratic administrations, and now they’re burying their heads in the sand, because hypocrisy is never a constraint to the behavior of the modern-day Republican Party. And they’ve actually concluded that shamelessness is a superpower, which is why you’ve seen such a shameless reaction, an attack on Jeffrey Goldberg, as opposed to owning up to the horrific facts of this case.

    MIKA BRZEZINSKI: So, Leader Jeffries, if I could just lay out the four layers that I see in terms of a breach of security here and then follow it up with a question. Number one, this was done on Signal. Totally wrong to be doing on Signal. Number two, this included top levels of this administration in many locations around the world, including Russia, instead of inside a SCIF. Number three, they included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and never noticed throughout the course of this entire chat. And then, four, there was an admission during a hearing yesterday that there are other similar chats like this out there. So with the administration saying that they are not concerned about this, nothing’s going to happen. Just a mistake, no big deal. Are our troops safe? Are we safe?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s every reason to be concerned that the safety and security of our American troops across the world, many of whom are in conflict zones in dangerous places like the Middle East, are at risk. And that’s the reason why we need a full investigation. It should be swift. It should be serious. And it should be substantive. We’re demanding that. We have this Intel Committee hearing that’s getting ready to take place. And that is just the beginning of what we will continue to push for. We need a full and complete investigation and inquiry. These phones should be turned in to the national security professionals to try to figure out what else has been compromised, and what other types of reckless chats are taking place. You know, I’m a member of the Gang of Eight. It’s a high honor to be part of that. We have these classified conversations. We’re not even permitted to bring our phones into any secure location, let alone have conversations on our phones.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: All right. House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

    MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Thank you.

    JOE SCARBOROUGH: Thank you so much for coming this morning.

    Full interview can be watched here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –