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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of Russell Vought as Director of OMB

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.06.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Russell Vought to serve as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

    “Russ Vought previously served as director of OMB during President Trump’s first term and we congratulate him on his confirmation to once again lead OMB,” said Hoeven. “We look forward to working with Director Vought and President Trump to cut red tape and rollback unnecessary government regulations. As the head of OMB, he will be an important partner as we work to rein in government spending and ensure we are using taxpayer dollars wisely. ”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Antitrust Legislation to Take on Algorithmic Price Fixing, Bring Down Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 06, 2025

    Senator says Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act “will send a strong message to corporations that they won’t get away with coordinating to ratchet up prices on consumers.”

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today joined Senate colleagues to introduce legislation that would prevent companies from using algorithms to collude to set higher prices. This legislation builds off legislation Wyden introduced last year to crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets.

    “Collusion is collusion, whether you do it over the phone or using an algorithm. This legislation, along with my End Rent Fixing Act, will send a strong message to corporations that they won’t get away with coordinating to ratchet up prices on consumers,” said Wyden.

    As recent reporting, a Justice Department lawsuit, and multiple private lawsuits have shown, big corporations are using algorithms to raise prices and limit competition. This includes companies like RealPage that have facilitated collusion to increase rents by more than $3 billion in 2023 alone. This legislation would make such collusion illegal to lower costs for families and support small businesses.

    Price fixing and other forms of collusion are illegal under current antitrust laws. However, current antitrust laws may be insufficient when competing companies delegate their pricing decisions to an algorithm without agreeing to fix prices. Current law requires proof of an agreement to fix prices before condemning the conduct. When pricing decisions of multiple competitors are delegated to a single algorithm, that agreement may not exist even though the use of the algorithm may have the same effect as a traditional agreement to fix prices. This type of conduct has already occurred in rental housing.

    To strengthen current price fixing law, this Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act would do the following:

    • Close a loophole in current law by presuming a price-fixing “agreement,” when direct competitors share non-public information through a pricing algorithm to raise prices;
    • Increase transparency by requiring companies that use algorithms to set prices to disclose that fact and give antitrust enforcers the ability to audit the pricing algorithm when there are concerns it may be harming consumers;
    • Ban companies from using non-public, competitively sensitive information from their direct competitors to inform or train a pricing algorithm;
    • Direct the Federal Trade Commission to study pricing algorithms’ impact on competition. 

    The legislation was led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. Along with Wyden, the bill was co-sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Peter Welch, D-Vt. The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act is endorsed by Consumer Reports, the Open Markets Institute, and Accountable.US. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Belle Gibson built a ‘wellness’ empire on a lie about cancer. Apple Cider Vinegar expertly unravels her con

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edith Jennifer Hill, Associate Lecturer, Learning & Teaching Innovation, Flinders University

    Netflix

    Netflix’s new limited series, Apple Cider Vinegar, tells the story of the elaborate cancer con orchestrated by Australian blogger Annabelle (Belle) Gibson.

    The first episode opens with Gibson’s character (played by Kaitlyn Dever) breaking the wall between the performance and the audience, saying:

    This is a true story based on a lie. Some names have been changed to protect the innocent. Belle Gibson has not been paid for the recreation of her story.

    And from these first few seconds, we know, Gibson herself is not innocent.

    A familiar story

    For anyone who followed Gibson during her rise to fame in the 2010s – or her spectacular fall – the show feels eerily familiar.

    From the clothing, to the makeup, to the food, Apple Cider Vinegar excels in set design and staging. Every effort has been made to ensure this true story, based on a lie, looks like it did when it was unfolding on our phone screens in 2010s.

    As someone who followed Gibson closely and spent months hunting down the recalled cookbook to see if the health claims were as outlandish as I’d heard (they were), this show was a treat to watch.

    The scenes are cut with recreations of Belle’s stylised Instagram pictures of green juices, beaches and food with “no nasties”. Belle’s account was removed from Instagram after the massive public ousting of her hoax.

    Apple Cider Vinegar has done an incredible job recreating this account and breathing life back into the deleted content.

    Even after being caught out, the real Gibson claimed ‘unscrupulous natural therapists duped her into believing she was dying’, according to 60 Minutes.
    Netflix

    The cancer con

    While the core story of Apple Cider Vinegar is unpacking Gibson’s lies and path to destruction, it also shows us a very real and heartbreaking side to cancer.

    Other prominent characters include fellow influencer, Milla Blake (played by Alycia Debnam-Carey) and follower Lucy (played by Tilda Cobham-Harvey). Both of these women are battling cancer. We learn about their relationships with Gibson and how her lies so easily bled into their lives.

    We witness how alluring Gibson’s lies were for people who were desperately looking to feel “well”. We understand her magnetism, and just as easily to feel the rage of the families who watched as their loved ones deteriorated. In the words of Lucy’s partner:

    I’m not letting some influencer with a nose ring undercut years of medical research.

    Apple Cider Vinegar demonstrates how one can be taken down a path of cancer treatment quackery. The allure of alternative medicine is presented compellingly when contrasted with the painful realities of traditional cancer treatment.

    Milla, suffering from an aggressive form of cancer, seeks out alternative options after doctors recommend an amputation. She says:

    I didn’t know the words to describe the rage I felt when the doctors looked at my body and only saw disease.

    While holistic approaches to many diseases can be helpful when combined with traditional treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar illustrates how toxic it can be to “moralise” health.

    When people assign moral properties to neutral health conditions such as cancer, AIDS or COVID, this can lead to stigmatisation and feelings of being “bad”. Some characters in the show talk about how their behaviours led them to sickness and how “healthy” actions would save them (rather than medical treatment).

    The show also regularly uses language that is prominent in online health communities, such as referring to certain foods as “good” or “toxic”. In one scene, we see a character fall into a panic and call a holistic health professional after her parent takes a pain killer.

    The real story

    Apple Cider Vinegar is based on the book The Woman Who Fooled the World by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, two journalists who were instrumental in uncovering Gibson’s lies.

    Creator Samantha Strauss crafts this story expertly. We see Gibson’s story from all sides. We feel sympathy for her – for her childhood and loneliness – before being put in the shoes of someone whose partner is dying because they followed Gibson’s advice.

    Some characters and scenes have clearly been fabricated, such as when Gibson claims to see a doctor named “Dr Phil”. But these fabrications seem acceptable, because we are told from the beginning that’s what this show would do: create and fictionalise some characters.

    Other scenes feel very real. The character Milla Blake, a fellow influencer, is heavily inspired by the real woman who died in 2015 from epithelioid sarcoma.

    She made a platform online by sharing how she rejected traditional cancer treatment in favour of alternative treatments (Gerson therapy). Like Belle, she was a part of the inspirational speaking and author circuit at the time.

    Alycia Debnam-Carey (left) plays Milla Blake, a character based on a real woman who died from epithelioid sarcoma in 2015.
    Netflix

    In their book The Woman Who Fooled the World, Donelly and Toscano speculate about how Belle got close to this influencer (to follow her pattern of success online) and to other cancer patients, including a young boy and his family (to mimic symptoms and appear more authentic).

    Apple Cider Vinegar shows us hints of this behaviour. We see Belle begin to mimic the language of other people sharing their experiences with cancer and act in similar ways.

    Whether or not you are already familiar Gibson’s story, Apple Cider Vinegar is a compelling watch. You’ll especially love it if you enjoy non-fiction productions that play with ideas of truth such as iTonya, the Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna.

    Apple Cider Vinegar is streaming now on Netflix.

    Edith Jennifer Hill 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. Belle Gibson built a ‘wellness’ empire on a lie about cancer. Apple Cider Vinegar expertly unravels her con – https://theconversation.com/belle-gibson-built-a-wellness-empire-on-a-lie-about-cancer-apple-cider-vinegar-expertly-unravels-her-con-248999

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Taking the ‘forever’ out of ‘forever chemicals’: we worked out how to destroy the PFAS in batteries

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jens Blotevogel, Principal Research Scientist and Team Leader for Remediation Technologies, CSIRO

    Mino Surkala, Shutterstock

    Lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life. They power small rechargeable devices such as mobile phones and laptops. They enable electric vehicles. And larger versions store excess renewable energy for later use, supporting the clean energy transition.

    Australia produces more than 3,000 tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste a year. Managing this waste is a technical, economic and social challenge. Opportunities exist for recycling and creating a circular economy for batteries. But they come with risk.

    That’s because lithium-ion batteries contain manufactured chemicals such as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The chemicals carry the lithium – along with electricity – through the battery. If released into the environment, they can linger for decades and likely longer. This is why they’ve been dubbed “forever chemicals”.

    Recently, scientists identified a new type of PFAS known as bis-FASIs (short for bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides) in lithium-ion batteries and in the environment. Bis-FASIs have since been detected in soils and waters worldwide. They are toxic – just one drop in an Olympic-size swimming pool can harm the nervous system of animals. Scientists don’t know much about possible effects on humans yet.

    Bis-FASIs in lithium-ion batteries present a major obstacle to recycling or disposing of batteries safely. Fortunately, we may have come up with a way to fix this.

    There’s value in our battery wastes

    Currently, Australia only recycles about 10% of its battery waste. The rest is sent to landfill.

    But landfill sites could leak eventually. That means disposal of battery waste in landfill may lead to soil and groundwater contamination.

    We can’t throw away lithium-ion batteries in household rubbish because they can catch fire.

    So once batteries reach the end of useful life, we must handle them in a way that protects the environment and human health.

    What’s more, there’s real value in battery waste. Lithium-ion batteries contain lots of valuable metals that are worth recycling. Lithium, cobalt, copper and nickel are critical and finite metal resources that are in high demand. The recoverable metal value from one tonne of lithium-ion battery waste is between A$3,000 and $14,000.

    As more lithium-ion batteries explode in flames, waste chiefs say change is necessary (7.30)

    What does this mean for recycling of batteries?

    Battery recycling in Australia begins with collection, sorting, discharging and dismantling, before the metal is recovered.

    Metal recovery can be done via mechanical, high-temperature, chemical or biological methods. But this may inadvertently release bis-FASI, threatening recycling workers and the environment.

    Pyrometallurgy is the most common technique for recycling lithium-ion batteries. This involves incinerating the batteries to recover the metals. Bis-FASIs are incinerated at the same time.

    Yet PFAS chemicals are stable and can withstand high temperatures. The exact temperature needed to destroy PFAS is the biggest unknown in lithium-ion battery recycling.

    Determining this temperature was the focus of our research.

    The solution is hot – very hot!

    We teamed up with chemistry professor Anthony Rappé at Colorado State University in the United States. We wanted to work out the temperature at which bis-FASIs can be effectively incinerated.

    But figuring this out is tricky, not only because of the danger of working with high temperatures.

    The inside of incinerators is a hot mess. Molecules get torn apart. Some recombine to form larger molecules, and others interact with ashes produced during the burning process. This could produce toxic new substances, which then exit through a smokestack into the air outside.

    We don’t want PFAS going out through the smokestack.
    HJBC, Shutterstock

    To make matters worse, it’s not possible to measure all the substances that bis-FASIs break down into, because many of them are unknown.

    To help, we applied the science of quantum mechanics and solved the problem on a computer without ever going into the lab. The computer can accurately simulate the behaviour of any molecules, including bis-FASIs.

    We found that at 600°C, bis-FASI molecules start to separate into smaller fragments. But these fragments are still PFAS chemicals and could be more harmful than their parent chemicals.

    As a consequence, the absence of bis-FASIs in stack exhaust is not enough to deem the process safe. Much higher temperatures of 1,000°C and above are needed to break down bis-FASIs completely into harmless products. This is likely to be much higher than temperatures currently used, although that varies between facilities.

    Based on these findings, we built an innovative model that guides recyclers on how to destroy bis-FASIs during metal recovery by using sufficiently high temperatures.

    How do we avoid future risks?

    We are now collaborating with operators of high-temperature metal recovery and incineration plants to use our model to destroy PFAS in batteries.

    Recycling plants will have to use much higher temperatures to avoid problematic fumes and this will require more energy and financial investment.

    After our new guidance is implemented, we will test the recovered metals, solid residues, and exhausts to ensure they are free from PFAS.

    While we can tackle the PFAS problem now, it remains an expensive undertaking. Metal recovery processes must be upgraded to safely destroy bis-FASIs. Ultimately, consumers are likely to foot the bill.

    However, sending lithium-ion battery waste to landfill will damage the environment and be more expensive in the long run. Landfilling of bis-FASI-containing waste should therefore be avoided.

    Clearly, the battery recycling rate must improve. This is where everyday people can help. In the future, manufacturers should avoid using forever chemicals in batteries altogether. Development of safer alternatives is a key focus of ongoing research into sustainable battery design.

    Jens Blotevogel receives funding from the United States Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program.

    Naomi Boxall receives funding from the Australian Government under the National Environmental Science Program.

    – ref. Taking the ‘forever’ out of ‘forever chemicals’: we worked out how to destroy the PFAS in batteries – https://theconversation.com/taking-the-forever-out-of-forever-chemicals-we-worked-out-how-to-destroy-the-pfas-in-batteries-242769

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is botulism? How this ‘nerve-paralysing illness’ can be linked to dodgy botox

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Western Sydney University

    Tijana Simic/Shutterstock

    The news last week that three people in Sydney were hospitalised with botulism after receiving botox injections has raised questions about the regulation of the cosmetic injectables industry.

    The three women allegedly received injections of unregulated anti-wrinkle products from the same provider at a Western Sydney home in January.

    The provider, who is not a registered health practitioner, is allegedly also linked to a case of botulism that occurred following a botox injection in Victoria in 2024.

    The provider has been banned from performing cosmetic procedures in New South Wales and Victoria while the incidents are investigated. Meanwhile, health authorities in both states have issued warnings about the practitioner.

    So, what exactly is botulism? And how can it be linked to botox?

    Botox and botulism

    Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

    The botox toxin is a neurotoxin, which means it prevents the functioning of cells in the central nervous system. Specifically, it blocks the messages your nerves send to your muscles telling them to contract. In this way it can temporarily reduce wrinkles.

    While botox is best known for its cosmetic applications, it can also be used in the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as chronic migraines and muscle spasms.

    The toxin is used in a highly diluted form in botox injections. Notwithstanding the possibility of side effects (such as temporary pain and swelling at the injection site), botox is generally considered safe when conducted by licensed health practitioners.

    Botulism is likewise caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria C. botulinum.

    Instances of botulism linked to botox injections in the past have been attributed to counterfeit or mishandled product. Mishandling might include contamination from the toxin source in the diluted product, leading to a higher dose of the toxin, or improper refrigeration. Poor injection technique can also be a factor.

    When the botulinum toxin is not handled properly, the toxin can enter the bloodstream. This is how botulism occurs.

    Botulism can also be a food-borne illness

    C. botulinum can form spores and survive in tough conditions, meaning it can withstand many food preparation techniques.

    People who consume homemade preserved foods such as vegetables, particularly those that are not cooked during preparation, can be at a higher risk of food-borne botulism. Lower levels of salt and acid, as is the case with mild fermentation, can also increase the risk of the toxin being present.

    Botulism can be picked up from food.
    Dale Jackson/Pexels

    C. botulinum can also survive in soil and water. In this way, botulism can also be caused by bacteria from the environment. This can present as wound infections, or intestinal infection with C. botulinum in infants specifically.

    Intravenous drug users are at a higher risk of wound-borne botulism, while infants tend to suffer from gastrointestinal botulism because their gut microbiomes are still developing.

    It’s extremely rare

    Botulism is very unusual, with generally only about one case reported annually in Australia.

    However it’s very serious. It’s commonly referred to as a nerve-paralysing illness.

    Symptoms can develop within a few hours to several days after exposure to the toxin, and include drooping eyelids, difficulty breathing, facial weakness, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech. In infants it can cause floppy limbs and a weak cry.

    It’s treated by supporting breathing if necessary, and urgently administering a botox antitoxin, which binds to the toxin, preventing it from attaching to nerve cells in the body.

    Usually patients recover, although in some cases they may need to be in hospital for months, and sometimes symptoms such as fatigue and trouble breathing can last years.

    Botulism is fatal in 5–10% of cases.

    Botulism is a serious illness.
    Jason Grant/Shutterstock

    Is there anything people can do to stay safe?

    The cosmetic injectables industry is estimated to be worth A$4.1 billion in Australia and forecast to grow by almost 20% annually until 2030. These recent incidents in NSW and Victoria highlight the need for stronger regulation in this booming industry.

    If you’re considering a cosmetic botox injection, make sure it’s administered by a trusted professional, ideally someone registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

    Asking your practitioner about the injectable they’re using, and ensuring the specific product is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, can further limit any risk associated with botox procedures.

    If you make your own preserved foods, careful food production techniques and hygiene, as well as the addition of fermentation, acid, salt or heat treatment can limit the risk of food-borne botulism.

    Thomas Jeffries 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 is botulism? How this ‘nerve-paralysing illness’ can be linked to dodgy botox – https://theconversation.com/what-is-botulism-how-this-nerve-paralysing-illness-can-be-linked-to-dodgy-botox-248765

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Extradition file to be prepared in Wellington assault case

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police investigating alleged criminal behaviour by visiting Vietnamese officials are preparing an extradition file.

    Police received two complaints of assault following an incident at a Wellington restaurant in March last year.

    Detectives investigating the matter identified the suspects as members of a Vietnamese delegation, who had already left the country.

    While no extradition treaty exists between New Zealand and Vietnam, Police have continued to explore all available options.

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says extradition needed to be explored, and preparing an extradition file is the next step in progressing this matter.

    “We have had positive engagement with Vietnamese officials to date, and I am confident that will continue.

    “While this process is ongoing and complex, we hope our ongoing efforts provide some assurance to the complainants that we are taking this matter seriously,” Commissioner Chambers says.

    Travel alerts are in place at the border to ensure Police are notified, and given the opportunity to take affirmative action, if the individuals of interest in this case return to New Zealand.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The XIV Siberian Tournament of Young Physicists was held at NSU

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    From January 29 to February 2, schoolchildren from the Novosibirsk Region, Moscow, Ufa, and Tyumen “fought” in team physical battles. In the Budker Large Physics Auditorium in the main building of NSU (Pirogov, 2), 22 teams that made it to the finals examined physics problems that were not typical for the school curriculum from three different angles over several days.

    TUF is a personal and team competition of senior schoolchildren in the ability to solve complex research and scientific problems, convincingly present their solutions, and defend them in scientific discussions – physical battles.

    — In Russia, the Tournament of Young Physicists has been held since 1979. The first competitions in Siberia were held in 1990. That tournament did not last long. In 2012, the Siberian Tournament of Young Physicists was held. It was held according to the same rules that we play by to this day. The tournament is absolutely open to everyone, so guests from other regions always come to us. This year, in addition to Novosibirsk and regional teams, there were teams from Moscow, Ufa and Tyumen. Mostly, high school students in grades 9-11 participate in the tournament, but there are also guys in grades 7-8 who are interested in physics in the teams, — said Mikhail Solodovnikov, President of the Public Movement “Tournament of Young Physicists”.

    For the team to participate in the tournament, the coach must submit an application and confirm that his team has solved at least 5 problems. The list of problems at SibTUF consists of 10 problems.

    The participants demonstrated a high level of preparation and professionalism in the competition, which was held according to traditional rules. The teams prepared solutions to the problems in advance, distributing roles: one group acted as a speaker, another as an opponent, and a third as a reviewer.

    The final part of the competition was a fascinating confrontation between the three strongest teams. The panel of judges included representatives of the Physics Department and other departments of Novosibirsk State University, as well as teachers of the Specialized Educational and Scientific Center of NSU.

    The winner of the final of the competition was the team “Beavers” from the Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution “Gymnasium No. 4” of the city of Novosibirsk. The second place was taken by the team “Physicon-1”, consisting of students from schools of the Iskitimsky district, including the villages of Lebedevka and Talmenka, as well as the city of Iskitim. The third place, slightly behind the leader, was taken by the team “DIO-GEN”, representing WITHspecialized educational and scientific center of NSU and other schools in the city of Novosibirsk.

    — I have been participating in “young” tournaments for the past five years. From the 7th to the 9th grade, I played in the TYuE (Young Naturalists Tournament), and from the 9th to the 11th grade, in the TYuF. This tournament was our first face-to-face appearance in such a line-up. It happens that from year to year, children in a team do not change much, but this is not our case. Therefore, during the qualifying battles, we learned how to interact with each other correctly. And I think we learned For me, this is the main result of the tournament — the team is happy, we love each other and the tournament. At the final, to be honest, everything did not go exactly according to plan right away, so even after the victory we … We were not very happy. But this will pass, and warm memories will remain) Our team is strong enough to survive this with dignity and draw the right conclusions. It will be better from now on, — shared her impressions Anastasia Litvinova, a member of the “Bobry” team.

    — Participants of the tournament of young physicists receive a lot of knowledge and skills that help them not only in their studies, but also in their future life. Naturally, the first thing is a different understanding of physics from school. Each team member faces a new type of problems for him, which do not have a clear answer. This is real research work! Teamwork. For a successful result, it is necessary to be able to competently compose work within the team. This develops a number of competencies in the child: communication, leadership, cooperation and self-confidence. The tournament is also an opportunity to see the work of a research fellow in action, to try it on yourself. After all, the path that a schoolchild goes through when solving a tournament problem is very similar to work in research institutes, — said Anastasia Kutepova, junior research fellow at ITAM SB RAS, responsible for the work of the judging teams of SibTUF, and also the coach of the DIO-GEN team.

    In addition to competencies and experience, TUF winners and prize winners receive bonuses for further education:

    – First-degree winners receive 10 points for their entrance exams to NSU.

    – 2nd and 3rd place winners receive 7 points for admission.

    – Schoolchildren in grades 8-10 receive invitations to the summer school of the NSU SUNC based on the results of the individual championship.

    According to the President of SibTUF, the tournament will not only not lose its relevance in the coming years, but, on the contrary, will gain great popularity due to the global development of technologies and interest in science. The advantage of physics is that it has a very compact, but at the same time effective apparatus of natural-scientific knowledge of nature. The apparatus that was formed in Ancient Greece, then by Newton and the classics of modern physics, remains very compressed and convenient. The number of formulas is growing, but the principles of observation, experiment, confirmation of theoretical hypotheses, creation of new theories based on experiments – all this remains, and therefore, interest in physics remains:

    — We live in a technological age, but we must not forget that the hardware of information technologies is created by physicists. If physicists do not create modern equipment, then specialists in the field of artificial intelligence, other information technologies, virtual reality technologies, simply will not be able to work. Physics continues to be the foundation of foundations and attracts even more interested people from among young people, — Mikhail Solodovnikov believes.

    As part of the tournament of young physicists, excursions for schoolchildren and their teachers were held at the Physics Department of NSU. The tournament participants visited the laboratory of molecular physics and the laboratory of physical optics, and also watched unique physical demonstrations from active physicists – master’s students of the Physics Department of NSU. The highlight of the excursions was live communication with scientists of the department – schoolchildren were able to ask questions of interest to teachers of the Physics Department.

    — Such open events with a physical focus allow children whose interests go beyond the school curriculum and computer games to develop their creative and scientific potential, express themselves, receive feedback from professionals in the physical field and visit the university they may enter in the future, — said a junior researcher at the Institute of Hydrodynamics SB RAS and a first-year master’s student Physics Department of NSU Alexander Paraskun, he conducted a demonstration of phenomena for schoolchildren.

    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 New Zealand: SH30/Wharenui Road intersection upgrade starting

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises work begins Monday (10 February) to upgrade and install traffic lights at the intersection of State Highway 30 (SH30) Te Ngae Road and Wharenui Road.

    NZTA advises Rotorua drivers that, as part of this work, a short section of Wharenui Road, between SH30 Te Ngae Road and Reeve Road/Glenfield Road, will be closed to through-traffic.

    This closure will be in place from Monday 10 February, not Monday 3 February as earlier stated, until the project is completed in May this year.

    Access for residents, pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained. A detour will be in place for other traffic.

    Temporary footpaths and pedestrian access will be available and clearly signposted.

    Residents, service providers, and visitors will be able to take vehicles into the closed section of Wharenui Road from the Reeve/Glenfield intersection.

    All other traffic will need to use Brent Road or Coulter Road to access eastern Wharenui Road, Reeve Road and Glenfield Road, and any connected roads.

    While this work is underway a temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place on SH30 Te Ngae Road through the work zone.

    More information about additional traffic management will be shared as construction progresses.

    View larger map [PDF, 104 KB]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Regional Australia’s job market: A tale of two trends

    Source: Australia Jobs and Skills

    Regional Australia’s job market: A tale of two trends

    Linda


    News and updates
    Australia’s Food Bowl now with an ‘above average’ compared to the ‘below average’ and ‘average’ ratings in December 2023.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two charged after police seize homemade firearms, drugs

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Two charged after police seize homemade firearms, drugs

    Friday, 7 February 2025 – 1:31 pm.

    Two people have been charged after police seized two homemade firearms, drugs, and stolen property during a targeted search at Kings Meadows.
    Members of Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit executed a search warrant at the residential address on Thursday 6 February, following reports of an aggravated assault the night prior.
    A man was reportedly inside a vehicle when a person known to him approached the vehicle while in possession of a firearm.
    Nobody was physically injured and the firearm was not discharged.
    As part of their investigations, police searched the Kings Meadows residence and located and seized a loaded homemade .22 pistol fitted with a silencer, a loaded homemade .22 pen gun, ammunition, quantities of methylamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine and prescription medication as well as a motorcycle and box trailer believed to have been stolen.
    A 39 year old Youngtown man was arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of property, motor vehicle stealing and minor drug offences.
    He was detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court today.
    A 24 year old Ravenswood woman was also arrested and charged with firearms offences, aggravated assault and minor drug offences.
    She will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in April.
    Detective Acting Inspector Jason Jones said homemade firearms were not only illegal, but dangerous and Tasmania Police remained committed to removing them from the community.
    “We encourage anyone in possession of illegal or homemade firearms to hand them over to police. Tasmania has a permanent firearms amnesty – this allows people with unregistered, unwanted firearms to hand them in without fear of prosecution. There are no penalties associated with surrendering firearms during an amnesty regardless of how they may have come into people’s possession,” he said.
    Anyone with information about illegal or homemade firearms should  contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1800 333 000 or online via crimestopperstas.com.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Murray, Sullivan, Rep. Strickland Introduce Bipartisan Flight 293 Remembrance Act—New Legislation to Provide Support, Recognition to Families of Servicemembers Missing Not In Action

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    New bipartisan legislation led by Murray would provide overdue recognition and assistance to families of servicemembers lost in non-combat military plane crashes, including those who perished in tragic 1963 Flight 293 from McChord Air Force Base to Elmendorf Air Force Base

    ICYMI from KIRO 7: 61 years after Flight 293 disappeared, podcast raises new questions and interest

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the Flight 293 Remembrance Act—new legislation that would provide overdue recognition and support to families of the hundreds of servicemembers whose lives have been tragically lost in non-combat military plane crashes. Companion legislation in the House has been introduced by U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

    The legislation was inspired by the infamous Flight 293, which left McChord Air Force Base in Washington state on June 3rd, 1963, en route to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska with 101 people on board—58 members of the military, 22 family members and a Seattle-based flight crew of six—and disappeared two and a half hours after leaving the tarmac. As pointed out for many years by Tonja Anderson-Dell of the group Honored Bound, whose grandfather disappeared in a military crash in Alaska in 1952, the Flight 293 families—like her own family and so many others—have felt left behind and excluded.

    Since World War II, hundreds of military personnel have been classified as “Missing Not In Action” (M-NIA) following non-combat plane crashes—and unlike the families of those classified as “Missing in Action” (MIA), who receive regular updates from the Department of Defense (DoD) and invitations to remembrance events, M-NIA families have long been left unsupported and excluded from these resources. The lack of a formal recognition system for M-NIA servicemembers has resulted in these families being denied the public acknowledgment, memorials, and support services they deserve. The bipartisan Flight 293 Remembrance Act seeks to correct these disparities by ensuring that the sacrifices of M-NIA servicemembers are properly recognized, their families receive essential support, and they are included in remembrance efforts.

    “For far too long, the U.S. government has treated the families of servicemembers who went missing in non-combat plane crashes differently—denying them the communication, acknowledgement, and public support that other families of missing servicemembers receive,” said Senator Murray. “It’s long past time to fix this and at least provide federal recognition for families who lost loved ones in tragic accidents like Flight 293. Our legislation would ensure that the service of our fallen heroes is commemorated and that their families receive the recognition and assistance they deserve—I’ll be working hard to get this commonsense bipartisan solution across the finish line.”

    “Our brave men and women in uniform encounter risks to their lives when carrying out their day-to-day duties for our country, even when not in combat or in a warzone,” said Senator Sullivan. “American service members killed in these kinds of non-combat circumstances, like the tragic crash of Flight 293 in 1963, deserve to have their service and sacrifice recognized and honored by a grateful nation. I’m glad to join Senator Murray in introducing legislation to ensure all service members who’ve laid down their lives for our country are properly remembered and included in memorial activities, and to provide solace and support for the families and loved ones they left behind.”

    “This bill will help families get the recognition and assistance they need when their loved one is lost in a tragic, non-combat plane crash,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

    “The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is honored to support the Flight 293 Remembrance Act and thanks Senators Murray and Sullivan for introducing this significant legislation, which seeks to recognize families of service members lost or missing from non-combat military plane crashes,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “Ensuring these families the same level of commemoration and support as the families of those Missing in Action will help provide much needed resources and closure for these surviving families, while honoring the service and sacrifice of their loved ones.” 

    Specifically, the Flight 293 Remembrance Act would mandate that the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) create a publicly accessible database documenting all non-combat military plane crashes, ensuring the preservation of the names, ranks, and service details of those who perished in these incidents. It also directs the DoD to enhance resources for families of military personnel who have been classified as “Missing Not in Action,” ensuring they are informed of available support services and connected to peer support networks. Furthermore, the bill requires the DoD to submit regular reports to Congress, evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts, gathering family feedback, and making recommendations for improving support. A one-pager with additional details on the legislation can be found HERE.

    The legislation is endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), National Military Family Association (NMFA), and Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS).

    The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on Confirmation of Project 2025 Architect to Lead Budget Office

    US Senate News:

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

    Luján Voted Against Project 2025 Architect Who Attempted to Withhold Trillions of Dollars From Americans

    WATCH HERE: Minutes Before Confirmation Vote, Luján Highlighted Concerns from New Mexicans on OMB Nominee

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M), a member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, issued the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to confirm Project 2025 architect Russell Vought to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

    “Before this vote even took place, Russell Vought was already taking a wrecking ball to the federal programs and services that New Mexicans depend on. Mr. Vought was behind President Trump’s funding freeze when the administration attempted to withhold vital funding to every community across America. Despite this, Senate Republicans voted to confirm Mr. Vought to lead the powerful Budget Office.

    “Mr. Vought wrote Project 2025, he’s implementing it, and he has the full support of the Senate Republican Conference to continue President Trump’s agenda of chaos, corruption, and confusion. I’ve heard from New Mexicans in all corners of the state who are worried and frustrated with the impacts of Mr. Vought’s leadership role. New Mexicans want a government that works for the people and that is what I am fighting for. That is why I, along with every Senate Democrat, voted against his nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Blue alert as cold wave grips country

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A woman rides on a street in the strong wind in Beijing, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s meteorological authority renewed a blue alert for a cold wave on Thursday as freezing air is set to sweep across most parts of the country in the coming days.
    The first cold wave of the year hit central and eastern China on Thursday, sending temperatures plummeting by more than 10 C in some northern areas and bringing winds measuring 9 to 10 on the Beaufort scale, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
    The National Meteorological Center issued a blue cold wave warning, predicting temperature drops of 6 to 8 C in most areas north of the Yellow River-Huaihe River line, with some regions in eastern Northwest China, North China and the Yellow River-Huaihe River region experiencing drops of more than 10 C.
    In the south, most regions will see temperatures fall by 4 to 6 C, with some areas experiencing declines of 7 to 8 C, and others dropping by more than 10 C.
    Sun Qianqian, a meteorological analyst at the administration, said the cold air is moving southward from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, reaching as far as South China. North China and the Yellow River-Huaihe River region are expected to see the most significant temperature drops.
    The cold wave will also bring strong winds to the north, with sustained winds of levels 4 to 6 and gusts reaching levels 7 to 8 on the scale from Thursday to Saturday. The strongest winds will be concentrated in the North China Plain on Thursday and Friday, where gusts could reach levels 8 to 9, marking the most intense wind event of the year so far, Sun said.
    The administration also issued a yellow wind warning on Thursday, predicting that from Thursday to Friday, parts of North China, central Inner Mongolia, the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, northern Shaanxi province and the Yellow River-Huaihe River region will experience northwesterly winds of levels 5 to 6, with gusts reaching levels 7 to 8.
    Some areas in central and northern Shanxi province and parts of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province will see gusts hit levels of 9 to 10, the administration said.
    Coastal areas, including the Bohai Sea, the Bohai Strait, most of the Yellow Sea, the northern East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, will also see winds reach levels 7 to 8, with gusts reaching level 9.
    Light rain was expected across much of southern China, while light to moderate snow was forecast in eastern Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang province and Jilin province, from Thursday to Friday.
    The cold wave impact is expected to ease by the weekend. Temperatures in northern China were forecast to begin rising on Saturday, with southern China following on Sunday. Temperatures should then return to normal, with increases of about 10 C. However, another cold front is expected to affect central and eastern regions around Wednesday, according to the administration.
    With recent frequent temperature fluctuations in central and eastern China, the public is advised to monitor weather changes and dress accordingly, the administration said.
    In northern regions experiencing persistent strong winds, residents should minimize outdoor activities and avoid areas that create wind tunnel effects, such as narrow spaces between buildings, where wind strength can intensify. The administration also urged people to stay clear of temporary structures and advertising boards to prevent injuries from falling objects.
    Drivers traveling at high speeds, especially in strong winds, should avoid following closely behind large, heavily loaded trucks, maintain a safe distance, reduce speed and take extra care when turning to prevent rollovers, the administration advised.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China vows to defend interests against unilateral bullying measures: commerce spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    In the face of unilateral bullying measures, China will definitely take necessary steps to safeguard its own rights and interests, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said on Thursday.

    The U.S. unilateral imposition of additional tariffs seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization, which is a typical manifestation of unilateralism and trade protectionism, He told a regular press conference.

    The U.S. moves severely undermine the multilateral trading system, disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and exacerbate global trade tensions, He said.

    “China will not take the initiative to provoke trade disputes and is willing to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation,” He said, adding that China is willing to join hands with other countries to jointly address the challenges of unilateralism and trade protectionism, and safeguard the orderly and stable development of international trade.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing hits back after new tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will not initiate trade conflicts and is willing to resolve differences through dialogue, while regarding unilateral bullying measures, China will take necessary measures to firmly defend its own rights and interests, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    The ministry made the remarks following Washington’s levy of an additional 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China.

    The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization and exacerbates global trade tensions. China is willing to work with relevant countries to firmly advocate for free trade and multilateralism, jointly address the challenges of unilateralism and trade protectionism, and maintain the orderly and stable development of international trade, the ministry said.

    “China’s countermeasures aren’t meant to provoke trade disputes, but to defend national interests and international fairness,” said Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

    “If the US persists in its unilateral actions, China will not hesitate to take more powerful countermeasures. China has the confidence and ability to respond to any challenge and safeguard its own rights, and contribute to the stability of the global economy,” Cui said.

    Meanwhile, China launched a series of export control policies for rare metal products and related technologies on Tuesday. The ministry said the export control on tungsten and other related items is an international practice. The listed items this time have certain attributes for military and civilian use, and the downstream products boast high military risks.

    “The move indicates China’s consistent stance of maintaining world peace and regional stability. The Chinese government will approve export applications that comply with regulations,” said He Yongqian, a spokeswoman for the commerce ministry.

    The ministry also put US clothing company PVH Corp and biotechnology company Illumina Inc on its unreliable entity list on Tuesday. The two firms violate normal market trading principles, interrupt normal transactions with Chinese enterprises, take discriminatory measures against Chinese firms, and seriously damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, the ministry said.

    “China has always handled export controls and unreliable entity lists with caution. The Chinese government is willing to strengthen cooperation with different countries to jointly maintain the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. We welcome foreign enterprises to invest and develop in China, and we are committed to providing a stable, fair and predictable business environment for law-abiding and compliant foreign enterprises,” she said.

    Separately, the US Postal Service announced on Wednesday that it will continue accepting all inbound mail and packages from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, quickly reversing the suspension that went into effect on Tuesday.

    In addition, the US government has canceled the “de minimis” tariff exemption rule for small packages and low-value items imported from China — a measure that exempted shipments worth less than $800 from import duties.

    The Ministry of Commerce said the US levying of an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese products and the adjustment of its “de minimis” policy will undoubtedly increase the cost of consumption for US shoppers and affect their purchasing experiences.

    “No matter how a country adjusts its trade policy, cross-border e-commerce shopping boasts strong competitiveness, and the trend of digital development in international trade will not change. We hope that the US can follow the trend and create a fair and predictable policy environment for the development of cross-border e-commerce,” said He.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas urges Arab League, OIC to hold emergency sessions on Trump’s Gaza relocation proposal

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hamas on Thursday called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to convene emergency sessions to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, urging for a strong, unified stance against these plans.

    In a press release, Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi called for coordinated diplomatic efforts at both the Arab and international levels, emphasizing the need for a united Palestinian stance against any proposals that undermine their rights or aim to displace them from their land.

    He also called for strengthening Palestinian unity and forming a unified front to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing the threats to Gaza and Palestine as a whole, emphasizing that the response should involve a coordination of political, diplomatic, and practical measures.

    The Hamas leader also strongly rejected Trump’s proposals, describing them as “racist” and a continuation of settlement policies aimed at undermining the Palestinian cause, striping Palestinians of their rights, and displacing them from their homeland.

    “Our Palestinian people — whether in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, or within Israel — will never give up their rights or allow themselves to be displaced. Trump’s remarks are just another illusion from an American administration that favors the occupation, and this scheme will collapse as all previous ones,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s court holds 6th hearing of Yoon’s impeachment trial

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South Korea’s constitutional court held the sixth hearing of impeachment trial on President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday, with the arrested president being present for the fourth time.

    Yoon, dressed in a black suit and red necktie, presented himself at the courtroom in central Seoul at about 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT).

    Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, former chief of the Army Special Warfare Command, said in the hearing that it was exactly correct that Yoon ordered him to remove “lawmakers” from the chamber of the National Assembly, where the lawmakers gathered to lift an emergency martial law which was declared by Yoon on the night of Dec. 3 last year.

    About two hours after the declaration, Yoon called Kwak through a scrambler phone, giving orders that the lawmakers should be dragged out of the chamber before the quorum to revoke the martial law is filled, according to Kwak.

    Kwak also received a call from former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun who ordered access to the National Assembly to be blocked so that the quorum of 150 lawmakers would not be filled.

    Yoon denied the allegations, saying it would be impossible between superiors and inferiors of public offices to give calls out of the blue and give orders to block access to the parliament and drag lawmakers out.

    Throughout the midnight hours of the short-lived martial law imposition, military helicopters landed at the National Assembly and hundreds of armed special forces troops broke into the parliamentary building, TV footage showed.

    Under the constitution, a president is required to report the martial law imposition to the National Assembly, a sole body with the right to repeal martial law.

    According to the prosecution’s indictment, Yoon urged military commanders over the phone to push martial law troops into the parliamentary chamber by “firing guns” and “using axes” to break the door open.

    Col. Kim Hyun-tae, chief of the Army Special Warfare Command’s 707th Special Mission Group, said in the hearing that he was ordered by Kwak to seal off and secure the National Assembly building, not ordered to drag lawmakers out.

    Kim stressed that when the special forces troops tussled with citizens inside and outside the parliamentary building, the troops only defended, not attacked, as they felt a lot of shame, noting that the troops were people who could not aim guns at or use force against ordinary people.

    Next hearings were scheduled to be held on Feb. 11 and 13.

    The motion to impeach Yoon was passed through the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon’s presidential power is suspended.

    Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested.

    Yoon, who was named as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, was indicted under detention on Jan. 26, becoming the country’s first incumbent president to be put on trial in custody.

    Yoon was accused of conspiring with the former defense minister, who had already been indicted under detention, to declare unconstitutional, illegal martial law and dispatch armed forces into the National Assembly.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US cannot withdraw from a body it no longer belongs: UNHRC

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Delegates attend a meeting of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) stated on Thursday that as of Jan.1, 2025, the United States’ term as a member had ended, making it ineligible to withdraw from an intergovernmental body it was no longer part of.

    “For the record, the United States was a member of the Human Rights Council from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024. Since Jan. 1, 2025, the United States is no longer a member of the Human Rights Council and automatically became an observer state, like any of the 193 UN member states that are not Council members. An observer state of the Council cannot withdraw from an intergovernmental body it is no longer a part of,” Pascal Sim, spokesperson for the UNHRC, said in a statement sent to Xinhua.

    “As a matter of principle, and in the spirit of multilateral dialogue that characterizes the Council, we welcome and encourage the engagement of every UN Member State – whether as a Council member or an observer – in the work of the Council and its mechanisms,” the statement added.

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order, withdrawing the United States from the UNHRC.

    The UNHRC is composed of 47 member states, with approximately one-third of its seats up for election each year. Member states serve three-year terms and may be re-elected once.

    During Trump’s first term, the United States withdrew from the UNHRC in June 2018. In February 2021, then Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the Joe Biden administration would re-engage with the Council as an observer. The United States returned to the body in January 2022 as a full member.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: More Mideast countries reject Trump’s Gaza relocation plan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Palestinian child is seen on a destroyed building in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    More countries in the Middle East on Thursday voiced their rejection of a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate its residents elsewhere.

    On Tuesday, Trump suggested that the United States will take over Gaza and redevelop it after Palestinians are relocated elsewhere. He made these remarks in a joint press conference at the White House with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    Many Arab and Muslim countries have voiced their opposition to the idea of displacing the Gazans from their homeland.

    The Palestinian presidency on Thursday said that Palestine and its land, history, and holy sites are not for sale, emphasizing that the rights of the Palestinian people are neither negotiable nor subject to compromise.

    In a press statement, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesman of the Palestinian presidency, said, “The Palestinian people, who have made immense sacrifices in defense of their national rights, will not relinquish even an inch of their land, including the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.”

    Any proposed solutions, he insisted, must align with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

    Egypt reaffirmed its commitment on Thursday to collaborate with international partners and allies to implement plans for Gaza’s early recovery, rubble removal, and reconstruction within a specific timeframe.

    This plan will be implemented as the Palestinians will remain in the Gaza Strip, who refuse to be displaced, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

    The statement also rejected “any proposal or vision” that seeks to resolve the Palestinian issue by uprooting the Palestinian people, displacing them from their historical land, or seizing that land, whether temporarily or permanently, while affirming that Egypt will not be “party to any such actions.”

    Algeria on Thursday strongly condemned the proposal aimed at displacing Gaza residents, warning that such moves are part of a broader scheme to undermine the Palestinian national cause.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Algeria reiterated its firm stance that achieving lasting peace in the Middle East is inseparable from upholding the rights of the Palestinian people to an independent state.

    Algeria underscored its support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the two-state solution, considering it “the only just and permanent resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

    The Libyan Foreign Ministry on Thursday also rejected any attempt to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the State of Libya confirms its firm and supportive position on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people … foremost among which is the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,” the ministry said in a statement.

    “Libya stresses its absolute rejection of any practices aimed at the forced displacement or arbitrary expulsion of Palestinians, changing the demographic composition of the occupied territories, or imposing racist policies that perpetuate the occupation and violate the most basic human rights,” the statement noted.

    It condemned any “acts of violence targeting civilians or acts used as a pretext to perpetuate the occupation and undermine the chances of achieving a just peace.”

    On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected the proposal during a joint press conference in Ankara with his visiting German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

    “Everyone has a great responsibility in maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza. As the international community, we must continue our efforts for a two-state solution,” Erdogan emphasized.

    In response to Trump’s proposal, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that “neither the region nor we (as Türkiye) can accept such a situation.”

    “The very thought of it is a pointless endeavor. We oppose any initiatives that seek to exclude the people of Gaza from the equation,” Fidan said during a live televised speech.

    “Obviously, it is completely unacceptable, and by no means can it bring peace to the region,” Gulru Gezer, a former Turkish diplomat and foreign policy analyst, told Xinhua on Thursday. “On the contrary, it will only bring greater chaos, not only to Palestine and Israel but to the broader Middle East.”

    During a meeting on Thursday with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit reiterated the U.S. proposal for displacing the Gazans was rejected by Arab countries, according to a statement by the AL.

    During the meeting, Aboul-Gheit urged to speed up reconstruction of the Gaza Strip to block the path to the displacement of Gazans.

    “The Palestinian people will not allow the repetition of cleansing Palestinians under the pretext of voluntary or forced exit,” the statement added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China will not allow any deliberate vilification against China-Cambodia friendship

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will not allow any deliberate vilification against China-Cambodia friendship and any rumor-monger shall bear legal responsibility and consequences, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

    A handful of we-media accounts recently posted groundless remarks that Cambodian leaders are choosing sides between China and the United States and that major cooperation projects between China and Cambodia are stalling.

    In response to a related query, spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a press briefing that these remarks on Cambodia are purely groundless smears and deliberate vilification.

    China and Cambodia are ironclad friends supporting each other and sharing weal and woe. This time-honored friendship was cultivated by the older generation of leaders of both countries, and has stood the test of the changing international landscape. It serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, has strong vibrancy and promising prospects of development, and can never be weakened or undermined by any force, Guo said.

    China and Cambodia see each other as the most trustworthy friend and the most reliable partner, and always firmly support each other’s core interests. This is the defining feature of China-Cambodia relations and also serves as the foundation of the time-tested friendship between the two countries, Guo stressed.

    The endeavor of building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future has delivered tangibly for the two peoples. China has remained Cambodia’s biggest source of foreign investment and biggest trading partner for years running. Bilateral trade soared by nearly four times in the past decade, Guo noted, adding that Cambodian leaders openly stressed more than once that China is Cambodia’s most trusted friend, and friendship with China is a firm political consensus within the Cambodian government and political party and among the Cambodian people.

    At present, China and Cambodia are guiding the high-quality development of bilateral relations with high-level mutual trust. They continue to enrich the “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework, formulate cooperation plans for the Industrial Development Corridor and the “Fish and Rice Corridor,” advance the implementation of priority cooperation projects, boost each other’s modernization process, deliver more tangibly for the two peoples and provide more stability and certainty for the effort to address international and regional challenges, Guo noted.

    “We firmly believe that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia will steer clear of disruptions. We will not allow any deliberate vilification against our friendship and any rumor-monger shall bear legal responsibility and consequences,” Guo said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: First French Mirage 2000 jets arrive in Ukraine

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France have arrived in Ukraine, said French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Thursday.

    The fighter jets were flown by Ukrainian pilots who had been trained for several months in France, he said in a post on social media X.

    However, Lecornu did not specify the number of the delivered or the total number of jets that France plans to deliver to Ukraine.

    According to the French daily Le Monde, the French Air Force owns only a limited number of fighters — 26 Mirage 2000-5 jets out of around 200 Mirage and Rafale aircraft.

    These fighters barely suffice for France to carry out all the missions for which it is responsible on a day-to-day basis, Le Monde said.

    On June 6, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel strikes southern, eastern Lebanon amid ceasefire

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo shows the destruction caused by the Israeli army in Kfar Shouba, Lebanon, on Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Thursday, targeting several areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

    Israeli warplanes launched multiple raids on the heights of the eastern Mountain Range and an area in the Baalbek district of eastern Lebanon, the NNA reported, adding Israel also launched several airstrikes on targets in southern Lebanon at around 10:35 p.m. local time (2035 GMT).

    Prior to the airstrikes, Israeli aircraft conducted intensive low-altitude flights over the town of Rashaya and western Bekaa, while flying at higher altitudes over the city of Hermel and northern Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. Israeli jets were also seen over Beirut and its suburbs, according to the report.

    These developments come despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and the Israeli military, which took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, and was meant to end more than a year of cross-border clashes triggered by the war in Gaza.

    The agreement stipulated that Israel would withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, while the Lebanese army would be deployed along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, ensuring that no weapons or militants remain south of the Litani River.

    However, Lebanon’s caretaker government announced on Jan. 27 that it had agreed to extend the ceasefire until Feb. 18, after the initial 60-day period expired without an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

    Despite the truce, the Israeli military has continued to launch occasional strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at eliminating “threats” posed by Hezbollah.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Year of the Snake starts with travel, spending boom

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Passengers are seen at the waiting hall of Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As China celebrated the arrival of the Year of the Snake, the festive atmosphere was reflected in a surge in travel and consumer spending. With tourism booming, restaurants bustling, and box offices setting new records, the festivities showcased China’s economic vitality.

    The Spring Festival, China’s most important festival, sparked a nationwide travel surge as families reunited and celebrations took place across the country. Official data showed that more than 2.3 billion passenger trips were made nationwide during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which concluded on Tuesday.

    Official projections estimated over 9 billion passenger trips during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush that officially began on Jan. 14.

    The annual migration — once dominated by homebound travelers — now sees a growing number of people opting for holiday getaways, filling train stations, highways, and airports in celebration of the Year of the Snake.

    Tourism soars on heritage charm

    With China’s Spring Festival now on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cultural exploration-centered tours have become increasingly popular.

    Online searches for “intangible cultural heritage tourism” jumped 174 percent since the beginning of this year, while folk craft-related searches spiked 321 percent, according to Meituan Travel. On the popular video-sharing platform Douyin, demand for intangible cultural heritage tours led to a 462 percent year-on-year rise in group tour bookings for folk fairs.

    According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China saw a record 501 million domestic tourist trips during the just-concluded holiday, up 5.9 percent year on year. Tourist spending reached a record high of over 677 billion yuan (94.43 billion U.S. dollars) during the period, a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

    The cultural allure extended beyond domestic travelers, attracting visitors from around the globe. The latest data from the National Immigration Administration showed about 14.37 million cross-border trips were made during the holiday, up 6.3 percent from last year’s Spring Festival holiday. Of these, 958,000 trips were made by foreign nationals, marking a 22.9 percent increase.

    Foreign tourists try to make tofu during a folk celebration of the Spring Festival in Wayaogang Village, Yongding District of Zhangjiajie City, central China’s Hunan Province, Jan. 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    According to Chinese online travel service giant Trip.com Group, inbound travel orders during the Spring Festival holiday rose 203 percent year on year, underscoring the growing international appeal of China’s cultural and natural landmarks.

    Among the top destinations was Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery that inspired scenes in global blockbusters. Malaysian tourist Vincent Koh Swee Sam was among the many international visitors drawn to cultural heritage in Zhangjiajie. Immersing himself in local festivities, Sam joined villagers in writing Spring Festival couplets, pounding glutinous rice cakes, and making tofu.

    Sam’s hands-on experience with Chinese calligraphy deepened his appreciation for the art. “I used to know China only through textbooks and maps,” he said. “But now that I have stepped into it myself, it feels so good.”

    Dining boom feeds festive spirit

    No Spring Festival is complete without a grand feast, and this year, more families chose to dine out for ease and variety, driving a surge in restaurant bookings.

    In Shanghai’s bustling city center, all 91 tables at the renowned Cantonese restaurant Xinya were packed with diners on Chinese New Year’s Eve, according to executive chef Huang Renkang.

    People have a reunion meal at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    According to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), the revenues of key restaurants tracked by the ministry climbed 5.1 percent year on year in the first four days of the holiday.

    Online platforms saw a similar rise. Meituan reported a 305 percent year-on-year increase in online bookings for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinners, while high-end restaurants featuring Chinese culinary experiences saw significant growth.

    Notably, orders for “intangible cultural heritage” meal packages searched on Meituan soared over 12 times year on year since the beginning of this year.

    Box office hits record high

    From Chinese mythology to homegrown animation, this year’s Spring Festival film lineup drew massive crowds and posted record-breaking sales.

    China’s box office sales jumped to an all-time high of 9.51 billion yuan over the holiday period, while attendance also set a new record, with 187 million moviegoers packing theaters.

    People watch a film at a cinema in Feidong County, Hefei City, east China’s Anhui Province, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Leading the charge was the animated feature “Ne Zha 2,” which grossed around 4.84 billion yuan.

    “The moviegoers’ enthusiasm indicates vibrant consumption during the holiday as well as the consumers’ confidence in domestic productions,” said Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association.

    Experts attributed the success to strong audience anticipation, beloved characters and stories, and high-quality storytelling.

    “The strong performance of these films lays a solid foundation for the steady growth of China’s film market in 2025,” noted Chen Jin, a data analyst from box office tracker Beacon.

    Policy boost sparks shopping spree

    Festive cheer and consumer enthusiasm energized the market even before the holiday began. With the country’s trade-in program driving demand, shoppers eagerly seized the opportunity to upgrade cars, home appliances, and digital devices, ushering in a vibrant holiday shopping season.

    People visit a flower market in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The MOC reported receiving subsidy applications for 10.79 million electronic devices over a four-day period starting Jan. 20. This follows the inclusion of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches in the trade-in subsidy program, marking a significant expansion of the initiative launched in March last year.

    Moreover, according to the ministry, automobile trade-ins reached 34,000 while home appliance trade-ins reached 1.04 million units as of Jan. 23.

    Building on this momentum, online retail sales grew by 5.8 percent during the eight-day holiday, while sales of home appliances and communication equipment at key retailers jumped by over 10 percent.

    “Spring Festival offers a glimpse into the year’s economic trends,” said Chen Lifen, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    In this holiday season, a blend of cultural experiences and new consumption scenarios has helped reinforce the economic recovery momentum, injecting confidence into the economy and setting a strong foundation for the year ahead, Chen noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: First Two Defendants in Omaha Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jody D. Webb, age 45, of Lincoln, Nebraska and Jason Unruh, age 51, of Omaha, Nebraska were sentenced on January 31, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Webb to 75 months’ and Unruh to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After their release from prison, Webb will begin a 2-year term of supervised release, and Unruh a 5-year term of supervised release.

    On August 3, 2023, FBI surveillance observed Unruh meet with codefendant Jonathan Ovalle-Solis. During the observed meet, Unruh entered Ovalle’s vehicle and exited with a package of what appeared to be a white substance in a clear bag. This deal was recorded.

    A subsequent TextNow search warrant on the phone number belonging to codefendant Ovalle-Solis and his known Mexican meth source of supply, confirmed that Unruh was coordinating with the Mexican source to buy a pound of meth. Messages showed Unruh would pick up pound quantities of meth on multiple occasions in August and September of 2023.  The messages from the Mexican source to Unruh would typically give an address and vehicle description of who Unruh was to meet for meth deliveries.

    On October 17, 2023, law enforcement officers were investigating this same drug trafficking organization when they observed Webb meet with a suspected drug courier. After the meet officers conducted a traffic stop on Webb who had approximately 2 pounds of meth in her vehicle. Messages obtained from a phone search warrant confirmed that Webb had arranged the 2-pound deal with the same Mexican source of supply.

    Jonathan Ovalle Solis pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2025.

    This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Transforming Insulated Glass Worldwide with Glavenir Pushing Equipment Development Beyond “Amazing!”:Takeshi Shimizu

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Transforming Insulated Glass Worldwide with Glavenir
    Pushing Equipment Development Beyond “Amazing!”:Takeshi Shimizu

    We take an up-close and personal look at the people who are supporting the Panasonic Group’s growth at their own operational frontlines.

    Vol.3

    VIG Business Promotion Department, Exterior Products & Systems Business Division Panasonic Housing Solutions Co., Ltd.
    After graduating from university, Shimizu was involved in developing plasma displays (PDP) and OLED displays. In 2016, he transitioned to his current role, leveraging the production process skills gained from PDP development.

    Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) Glavenir is a product that applies the internal structure of the plasma displays (PDP) I once worked on. I am responsible for everything related to its manufacturing, from process development to production. Glavenir offers exceptional thermal insulation while being thin and lightweight. It significantly enhances the insulation performance of refrigerated and frozen display cases as well as residential buildings. Additionally, reducing thickness and minimizing raw material usage significantly cuts CO₂ emissions both during production and after installation. When we showcased this technology at CES (one of the world’s largest technology trade show held annually in January in Las Vegas, U.S.A.), it attracted significant attention.
    When VIG was first adopted by Hussmann for incoming orders of walk-in cooler automatic doors, incidents of breakage did occur. I still vividly remember the faces of the struggling workers when I first visited the site. To supply a high-strength, cost-effective VIG, we developed a sealing technology that eliminates the need for exhaust tubes*, along with proprietary equipment and optimized settings to make it possible. In just one year, we successfully created and launched a sleek, reinforced VIG without exhaust tubes. Solving a fundamental challenge for the field was an incredibly meaningful experience.
    ＊ Exhaust tube: A glass tube that connects to the interior of VIG, used to evacuate air and create a vacuum inside
    My current focus is on selling manufacturing lines to glass factories in Europe and North America. Initially, we only sold the core equipment, but after recognizing the benefits of shorter setup times, we decided to offer complete manufacturing lines as a packaged solution. However, external buyers expressed concerns about whether the production line could truly achieve high efficiency, whether the costs were justifiable, and whether speed alone was enough—emphasizing that durability and mass-production stability were equally critical. These challenges made me realize that the key was maximizing productivity at the lowest possible cost while ensuring buyers felt confident in their investment.
    To address this, I refined a method that combines general-purpose equipment with customized components tailored to each customer. By pushing the speed of individual systems to their limits while increasing stability, we were able to minimize costs. When potential buyers visited a fully operational production line in Japan and responded with enthusiasm, describing it as both amazing and spectacular, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that our efforts had paid off.
    Moving forward, I will continue developing equipment that is even more impressive. Eventually, I aim to create a curved VIG for mobility applications such as automobiles and trains.

    Shimizu is in the middle.

    My Life My Leisure Time
    I enjoy lively gatherings over drinks, and recently, I had a relaxing time at a dinner party at a senior colleague’s home. Everyone there had been involved in driving the VIG business from the very beginning, and without each of them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I will continue working alongside this team to contribute to “Live Your Best.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Aiming for a Clean, Decarbonized Society with Panasonic HX: Shigeki Yasuda

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Aiming for a Clean, Decarbonized Society with Panasonic HX: Shigeki Yasuda

    Trailblazer in Building the Foundation of the Hydrogen Business
    Shigeki Yasuda
    Global Environmental Business Development CenterPanasonic Corporation
    Shigeki Yasuda joined the company in 2003, specializing in fuel cell technology development. In 2010, he was assigned to Germany, where he contributed to introducing fuel cells to the European market. In 2024, he assumed his current position, working on implementing a demonstration facility to power factories with renewable energy and building the business foundation for Panasonic HX.

    Pioneering the First Overseas Integration of Three Types of Energy Sources
    Since May 2024, I have been working in the UK on implementing a demonstration facility that powers factories with renewable energy and building the business foundation for Panasonic HX*¹. My mission is to advance the first overseas integration of pure hydrogen fuel cell generators, photovoltaic generators, and storage batteries. This involves (1) introducing a demonstration facility to Panasonic Manufacturing UK Ltd., (2) building the business foundation for future social implementation, and (3) developing new markets for fuel cells overseas.＊1: The name Panasonic HX represents Panasonic’s energy solutions utilizing hydrogen. We propose a new option for the full-scale use of hydrogen (H), which has a low environmental impact, and are determined to contribute to the transformation (X) to a decarbonized society through collaboration (X) with partner companies, administrations, and business customers.

    This is a CG image symbolizing the Panasonic HX. It is not a facility that actually exists.

    In December 2024, Panasonic introduced its first overseas demonstration facility in the UK, leveraging 25 years of expertise in fuel cell technology to supply factories with electricity and thermal energy using hydrogen. This facility serves as a showcase for co-creation with partner companies, governments, and business customers to pursue a decarbonized society while laying the foundation for Panasonic’s hydrogen business. Utilizing hydrogen as a clean energy source is crucial in addressing global environmental challenges through decarbonization. This demonstration, which enables factories to be powered by renewable energy, marks a significant step toward broader social implementation.
    We are also working to apply the data and know-how gained from the demonstration in the UK to future projects. The main challenges we faced in this initiative were: (1) a lack of knowledge about construction processes in the UK, requiring us to navigate everything from scratch and quickly resolve various unforeseen issues, (2) difficulties in discussing with the design firm regarding safety design, highlighting the need to raise awareness of hydrogen safety, and (3) the complexity of collaborating with local partners, as failing to align expectations at the contract stage made it difficult to proceed as planned.

    In overcoming these challenges, the most invaluable support came from the persistence of our colleagues, especially the assistance from Japan. With only three core members leading the launch, we sometimes found ourselves stuck in rigid thinking and faced moments of isolation. However, the strong support from Japan reassured us, allowing us to stay positive even when obstacles arose. Everyone was united in the determination to see it through, and even the faintest glimmer of hope helped us find a path forward.

    Leading the Way Until Success is Achieved

    Staying at the forefront is important when it comes to enhancing competitiveness. Doing so lets us quickly gather customer feedback and gain an advantage through our products and services. In this process, it is essential to embrace the Customer Focus principle of always thinking from a customer’s perspective, as advocated by PLP*2.Having spent my career in technology, my work often remained within that sphere. However, stepping outside and engaging directly with customers made me realize how vastly different cultures can be. From my experience in the UK, I am convinced that the key to enhancing competitiveness lies in rapidly iterating the PDCA cycle to integrate customer feedback into business development. Recently, I have also come to appreciate the importance of a two-way approach—effectively communicating the value of hydrogen while actively listening to our customers.＊2: Panasonic Leadership Principles are a set of behavioral guidelines for each and every employee to follow in their efforts to put the Basic Business Philosophy into practice.
    Our top priority is to enhance the competitiveness of the three-battery integration, make it a unique, industry-leading solution and develop it into a robust product and service. We are dedicated to advancing Panasonic’s strengths and will first introduce it to the environmentally advanced European market before expanding it globally in the future.

    I have been involved in fuel cell development since joining Panasonic. I take great pride in playing a role in the practical application of hydrogen, a clean energy source, in society. My dream is to help build a foundation where hydrogen is a natural part of everyday life, ensuring that future generations can live comfortably in a sustainable environment.
    This demonstration is merely the starting point. With a strong sense of responsibility as a frontrunner, I will continue moving forward alongside our customers until we fully realize the value we aim to deliver.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Pause on Federal Worker Buyout Offer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement after a federal judge paused the Trump Administration’s resignation buyout offer—just hours before tonight’s midnight deadline for federal employees to decide whether to accept the offer:

    “I’m relieved to see a federal judge temporarily block the Trump Administration’s sham buyout offer. The Administration has no clear authority to offer this deal. Recent reporting has indicated that the Trump Administration added clauses to the deal that allow the Administration to cancel it at any time, leaving federal employees without pay, as well as requiring federal employees who accept the so-called buyout to waive their rights to any legal recourse. This is proof that Trump has no problem stiffing the American people—just like he has done before as a businessman and President. I’m hearing from federal workers across Virginia who swore an oath to the Constitution to serve their country and the American people; it’s horrific that these Americans are now wondering how they’ll be able to pay their bills and provide for their families. Let me be clear: the fight is not over, and it will continue to play out in court. Virginians should know that they have an advocate in me, and I will continue to stand up for them in the U.S. Senate.”

    Kaine has long advocated for Virginia’s federal workforce and has spoken out strongly against the Trump Administration’s actions to reduce and politicize the nonpartisan, merit-based civil service. He spoke on the Senate floor to share stories from Virginia’s federal workers and oppose the nomination of Russell Vought—a key architect of Project 2025 and plans to gut the federal workforce—to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Kaine recently issued an open letter to federal civil servants. He has also introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to protect the merit-based federal workforce system.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Warner Lead Colleagues in Raising Concerns about Virginia Community Health Centers’ Delays in Accessing Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) led 20 of their colleagues in writing a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Acting Secretary Dorothy A. Fink, M.D. regarding reports that Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grantees, including community health centers, are experiencing significant delays in accessing funding. The senators also expressed concerns about restrictions on regular communications between HRSA and grantees. These issues come after an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo that suspended all federal grant and loan funding. The memo has since been rescinded following pressure from the senators, other Democrats in Congress, and the public, but many grantees that rely on federal funding are still experiencing confusion and uncertainty, and have received little to no guidance from the Trump Administration about their funding.

    There are 31 Federally Qualified Health Centers with over 200 locations—a majority of which serve rural areas with limited access to medical care—in Virginia. Due to the funding freeze, several centers within the Capital Area Health Network closed earlier this week. Kaine and Warner met with Virginia community health centers earlier this week.

    “We are writing to express serious concerns regarding reports that Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grantees, such as Community Health Centers (health centers), continue to experience significant delays in accessing funding to support services, as well as restrictions on regular communications with agency staff as a result of the Trump Administration’s January 20, 2025 executive orders to pause external communication from federal agencies, and subsequent memorandum directing all federal departments and agencies to freeze all financial assistance.” wrote the members.

    The members continued, “While nearly 70 percent of health center revenue comes from payments from Medicaid, Medicare, commercial insurance, and self-pay patients, health centers rely on their regular federal grant funding to meet payroll obligations and keep their doors open. Beginning in late January, health centers started reporting issues accessing the Payment Management System (PMS) – getting “locked out”, being denied funding they had been awarded, and experiencing long delays in funding being released. As a result, health centers across the country are experiencing panic, unsure how to pay their staff and keep their doors open.”

    “Despite a judge’s order blocking the funding freeze, we are troubled by reports that health centers are unable to access funding duly appropriated by Congress through the PMS. To compound this issue, our offices have heard troubling reports that since the Trump Administration’s executive orders and funding freeze, funding that has already been appropriated and directed by Congress is still being restricted, and standing webinars, briefings, and meetings are being cancelled at the last minute,” they wrote. “Health centers are receiving little communication regarding these cancellations and changes, and the communication they have received from HRSA has been unclear, directing actions that may conflict with current court orders.”

    “Two-thirds of Virginia’s community health centers are located in the rural areas of our Commonwealth,” said Tracy Douglas, CEO of the Virginia Community Healthcare Association. “For countless hardworking individuals and families in these regions, these health centers are not just a place for medical care—they are a lifeline. People rely on them to stay healthy so they can work, care for their families, and live full, productive lives. It is absolutely imperative that we ensure the continued operation of these vital health centers to protect the well-being of our communities and our nation.”

    In addition to Kaine and Warner, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The letter is also signed by U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-02), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), and Sarah McBride (D-DE-At-Large).

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Acting Secretary Fink,

    We are writing to express serious concerns regarding reports that Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grantees, such as Community Health Centers (health centers), continue to experience significant delays in accessing funding to support services, as well as restrictions on regular communications with agency staff as a result of the Trump Administration’s January 20, 2025 executive orders to pause external communication from federal agencies, and subsequent memorandum directing all federal departments and agencies to freeze all financial assistance.

    Community Health Centers provide high-quality primary and preventive care, dental care, behavioral health and substance use disorder services, and low-cost prescription drugs to more than 32 million Americans annually, serving one in five rural Americans and one in three people living in poverty. Nationally, more than 1,400 health centers operate over 15,000 service sites across every state and Territory, employing more than 500,000 individuals and generating nearly $85 billion in economic output.

    Despite the critical role health centers play in addressing health inequities, many centers struggle to keep up with the growing demand for services and rising costs to deliver high-quality care in their communities. While nearly 70 percent of health center revenue comes from payments from Medicaid, Medicare, commercial insurance, and self-pay patients, health centers rely on their regular federal grant funding to meet payroll obligations and keep their doors open. Beginning in late January, health centers started reporting issues accessing the Payment Management System (PMS) – getting “locked out”, being denied funding they had been awarded, and experiencing long delays in funding being released. As a result, health centers across the country are experiencing panic, unsure how to pay their staff and keep their doors open. Due to delays in funding, health centers have reported:

    • “We have put off signing a contract to replace our mammography machine, which has reached end of life, because of this freeze and the uncertainty.”
    • “I’m also now getting providers asking if they should be looking for a new job. Without any understanding and guidance, I’m pretty limited with how much I can actually assure them to do other than tighten our belts…”
    • “Any services that are directly funded by federal funds will be placed on hold…”
    • “We had to use all reserves in 2024. We will not make payroll or any other payments next week without access to this federal funding. Staff will be dismissed without access to federal funds.”
    • “If everything stays the same…the best guess is that we could be fully operational for six months.”
    • “We have the ability to sustain current or full operations for 60 days…Outreach and case management staff…would be in the first wave of layoffs. Unfortunately, those positions rely on federal support as they are typically not reimbursable through third-party payors. In a short period of time, this has had a profound impact on our staff. [Staff are] concerned that we will lose valuable staff members as they are concerned about the stability of the organization.”
    • “We will step back on hiring and likely implement hiring pause unless this is resolved quickly.”
    • “We have enough in reserve to cover two payroll periods.”
    • “The pause in grant funding would create a deficit for us…We would likely need to start reducing staff and healthcare services to the…patients we serve…within the next couple of weeks if the freeze persists.”

    As safety net providers operating on razor-thin margins, health centers need certainty to provide care in underserved communities. In Virginia alone, ongoing delays in accessing funding have caused health centers to close their doors and cancel patient appointments. When health centers close, people with chronic conditions miss appointments, pregnant women miss prenatal visits, and behavioral health services are interrupted, worsening outcomes and increasing costs to the entire health care system.

    Despite a judge’s order blocking the funding freeze, we are troubled by reports that health centers are unable to access funding duly appropriated by Congress through the PMS. To compound this issue, our offices have heard troubling reports that since the Trump Administration’s executive orders and funding freeze, funding that has already been appropriated and directed by Congress is still being restricted, and standing webinars, briefings, and meetings are being cancelled at the last minute. Health centers are receiving little communication regarding these cancellations and changes, and the communication they have received from HRSA has been unclear, directing actions that may conflict with current court orders.

    We request that you provide answers to the following questions in writing no later than Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

    1. How many health centers have draw-down requests pending in the PMS?
      1. How has that number changed, daily, since January 27, 2025?
      2. What is the average wait time from submission of a draw-down request to disbursement of funds prior to January 27, 2025 and after January 27, 2025?
    2. How many health center draw-down requests have been denied since January 27, 2025?
      1. What is the rationale for these denials?
    3. What is the exact timeline for ensuring the PMS is fully operational and disbursing all pending health center draw-down requests?
    4. What specific authority and under which executive action did HRSA or the Department of Health and Human Services use to restrict health center access to the PMS and funding that they had been previously awarded?
    5. Please provide a list of regular standing calls or meetings between HRSA staff and HRSA grantees that have been cancelled since January 20, 2025. Please include the following:
      1. A description of the grantees impacted, including the type of grantees and number of grantees.
      2. Whether funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of the grant are being withheld from being awarded to the grantees.
    6. Please provide a list of webinars, briefings, information sessions, and trainings that have been cancelled since January 20, 2025. Please include the following:
      1. A description of the purpose of each webinar, briefing, information session, or training.
      2. Whether or not the webinar, briefing, information session, or training is required by statute and if so, provide the corresponding citation.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Maltese students celebrate Chinese Spring Festival with temple fair

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Students watch a puppet show during the Chinese Spring Festival temple fair in Zejtun, Malta, on Feb. 6, 2025. The campus of St. Thomas More College’s middle and secondary school in Zejtun, southeastern Malta, came alive with festive cheer on Thursday as students experienced the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Chinese Spring Festival temple fair. Co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Malta and the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, the event attracted over 500 students and teachers. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

    The campus of St. Thomas More College’s middle and secondary school in Zejtun, southeastern Malta, came alive with festive cheer on Thursday as students experienced the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Chinese Spring Festival temple fair.

    Co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Malta and the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, the event attracted over 500 students and teachers.

    The temple fair opened with a dynamic lion dance performance, where the rhythmic drumbeats and agile movements of the lions captivated the audience. Students gathered in circles, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing display as they erupted in enthusiastic applause.

    Traditional puppet shows and shadow plays, featuring puppets dressed in exquisite Chinese theatrical costumes, further enchanted the crowd. Many students were introduced to these art forms for the first time and eagerly tried their hands at manipulating the puppets and shadow figures under the guidance of Chinese artists.

    Students also lined up to create intricate sugar paintings and craft red Chinese lanterns, blending creativity with tradition. Meanwhile, the aroma of Chinese tea lingered in the air as they paused to savor its rich flavors.

    “This event provided a cherished opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through its most important traditional festival,” Adrian Galea, head of the school, told Xinhua. “Such exchanges are invaluable in broadening their perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.”

    Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, highlighted the significance of the Spring Festival, which symbolizes reunion, harmony, and hope.

    “Through cultural exchange events like this, we hope more Maltese youth will become ambassadors of friendship between our two nations,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fashion brand Vivienne Hu unveils collection inspired from China’s traditional architecture

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Photo taken in New York, the United States, on Jan. 29, 2025 shows a model presenting a creation of Vivienne Hu Fall/Winter 2026 collection HOME. New York-based luxury fashion brand Vivienne Hu Thursday released its latest Fall/Winter 2026 collection HOME by drawing inspirations from time-tested Hui-style architecture in China. (Photo by Parish Mandhan/Xinhua)

    New York-based luxury fashion brand Vivienne Hu Thursday released its latest Fall/Winter 2026 collection HOME by drawing inspirations from time-tested Hui-style architecture in China.

    The collection of contemporary knitwear draws inspirations from an old, large family home in east China’s Huangshan region, a cultural epicenter of Hui-style architecture in the country, according to a release by Vivienne Hu.

    The HOME collection embraces 12-gauge ribbed knitwear, a technique that mirrors the linear depth and layered intricacy of wooden lattice carvings found in traditional Hui residences, said the release.

    Silhouettes of the collection are clean, elongated, and sculptural, paying homage to the grandiose vertical lines of Hui-style pillars and beams, said Vivienne Hu.

    Additionally, each piece of the collection is adorned with ornamental metal buttons, reflecting the decorative door studs and intricate motifs seen in Huangshan’s preserved estates.

    Vivienne Hu, a well-known Chinese American designer, traveled to Huangshan, Anhui province, immersing herself in the history and craftsmanship of Hui-style mansions.

    “The architectural beauty and history of Huangshan’s ancient homes tell stories of generations past, and I wanted to encapsulate that warmth, structure, and timeless elegance into knitwear,” said Vivienne Hu. 

    MIL OSI China News –