NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: June hot, relatively dry

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    June was hotter and drier than usual in Hong Kong, mainly attributed to the stronger subtropical ridge covering southeastern China, the Hong Kong Observatory said today.

    The monthly mean minimum temperature of 27.1 degrees Celsius was 0.6 degrees above the norm and the fifth highest on record for June.

    The monthly mean maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius and the monthly mean temperature of 28.9 degrees Celsius were 0.8 and 0.6 degrees above their corresponding norms, and both were among the seventh on record for the month.

    The total rainfall in the month was 237.3mm, which was about 48% of the norm. With all six months drier than usual, the accumulated rainfall in the first half this year was only 444.4mm, about 41% of the norm and the fifth lowest on record for the same period.

    It was extremely hot on June 10 with the maximum temperature soaring to 35.6 degrees Celsius, levelling the record maximum for June since records began in 1884.

    Three tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in June, the observatory added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 50 days to go – Sunderland gets ready to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

    Source: City of Sunderland

    With just 50 days to go until Sunderland hosts the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, more details have been released of exciting plans for the opening weekend.

    England’s Red Roses take on the USA at the Stadium of Light on the evening of Friday, 22 August in what promises to be a thrilling opener to the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament in history.

    Sunderland City Council is hoping to create a carnival atmosphere in the city in the build up to the big game with more than 150 colourful flags and banners adding to the party atmosphere in the city centre as well as live music, a fan parade to the stadium and fireworks post match, with the celebrations continuing into the Saturday.

    The build up to the spectacular opening weekend celebrations get underway at 4pm on Thursday 21 August with the opening of the Fan Village in Keel Square in the heart of the city centre a short walk from the Stadium of Light, featuring a line up of female led musicians through until 10pm that night. 

    There will also be additional seating and a bar at nearby Keel Edge along with a rugby themed immersive and interactive light installation. 

    On match day itself, the Fan Village is open from 9am, offering food, drink, and rugby-themed activities including pass speed and accuracy challenges, jump height tests, and a reaction wall, making it the perfect hub for fans to gather before and after the big match. 

    Visitors to the Fan Village can also look forward to live music throughout the day with tribute performances from Rock DJ, Mac Busted, Re-Take That and Royal Rhapsody, as well as interactive walkabout characters, ahead of a fan parade leading fans to the stadium for the match.

    Following the big match, the day will end with a spectacular firework display over the river.

    Celebrations continue on Saturday, 23 August, as Sunniside Market relocates to Keel Square for a day-long festival of local talent and creativity. With music, entertainment and family-friendly activities there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

    Attractions on the day include:

    • Circurama’s circus workshops and performances
    • Victoria Armstrong’s interactive bubble act
    • Chris Cross, the North East’s own magician
    • Aria Art & Movement’s aerial hoop taster sessions
    • A bustling art market and free craft activities
    • Outdoor drawing classes with the Atlas Theatre Company 
    • Live music from 10am to 3pm, curated by Sunderland Music City

    Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be just 50 days away from the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Sunderland, especially now that we’re starting to see visible signs like the lamp post banners springing up around the city centre.

    “This is the biggest ever Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament and it’s a proud moment for our city to be hosting the opener for such a prestigious event.

    “It’s also a brilliant opportunity to showcase Sunderland on the international stage and one which is set to provide an estimated £20m economic boost to the region.” 

    Councillor Beth Jones Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, added: “The opening weekend of the tournament is going to be really exciting and we’re looking forward to creating a real party atmosphere in the city.

    “It’s an event which has something for everyone, whether you’re coming along to the opening match, soaking up the live music and pre-match atmosphere in the Fan Village, watching the fireworks after the match or planning to come and enjoy some of the fantastic family-friendly free entertainment on the Saturday.

    “And with tickets selling like hot cakes and prices starting at just £10 for adults and £5 for children, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to see world-class rugby here in Sunderland. So I’d urge anyone who hasn’t already got a ticket for the opening match to get one while they’re still available.”

    England’s Red Rose are favourites to win the tournament after last winning the World Cup in 2014 when South Shields born University of Sunderland graduate Katy Daley McLean captained the team.  

    Tickets for the tournament are competitively priced from £10 for adults and £5 for children. This means a family of four can enjoy an evening at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Opening Game for £30. To find out more about the Women’s Rugby World Cup, how to get tickets and how to get involved in free rugby activities in Sunderland visit:Rugby World Cup 2025 – MySunderland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s grassroots ‘World Cup’ ignites football frenzy

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

    Players of Yangzhou greet supporters after winning the third round match against Changzhou at the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League (JSCL) in Changzhou, May 31, 2025. (Xinhua)

    Those eager to catch a glimpse of next year’s FIFA World Cup magic a little early may want to head to eastern China’s Jiangsu Province, where an amateur football league is offering an unlikely but extraordinary alternative.

    With a cheeky nod to both the English Premier League and the Chinese Super League, the Su Super League, or the Jiangsu Football City League, features a seven-month, 85-match grassroots showdown between 13 cities, packed with local pride, derby drama and an atmosphere that is nothing short of electric.

    The league has taken China by storm, even eclipsing the domestic buzz surrounding the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. On June 29, 43,617 fans packed into the stands to watch Suzhou take on Yangzhou, a crowd even larger than the average attendance of Italy’s Serie A last year.

    And that might just be the warm-up. The upcoming July 5 clash between Suzhou and Nanjing, moved to a stadium with over 60,000 seats, is expected to set a new attendance record. Ticket demand has been so wild that hundreds of thousands have scrambled online just for a shot at entry.

    Since its May 10 kick-off, the league had racked up a jaw-dropping 11 billion views on Chinese short video platforms by June 21, according to Jiangsu’s statistical authorities. That’s not a typo – billion with a “B.”

    Despite China’s struggles on the international football stage, the passion for the sport runs deep at home. And the Su Super League is a living proof. Unlike its professional counterparts, the league’s players come from everyday backgrounds like students, office workers and repairmen.

    But they deliver no fewer spectacles on the pitch. In that June 29 match, Suzhou scored just one minute and 18 seconds into the game, setting a league record for the fastest goal. The scorer was a 17-year-old high schooler who netted twice more in the second half, leading his team to victory.

    Even in defeat, the league finds its heroes. Changzhou, a team yet to register a win in five games, has become a fan favorite for their fight, grit and refusal to give in. Fans flood social media with affectionate memes, and the team’s underdog charm has sparked a local tourism and spending boom.

    “We never used to watch football,” said Xu Huaiyu, a housewife from Changzhou. “Now our whole family gathers for every match and cheers for our home team!”

    On weekends, the league streams across more than 20 platforms. According to Jiangsu TV, the past weekend’s locally televised broadcasts alone pulled in a combined audience of 83.7 million viewers.

    The fever is just as real offline. Bars, plazas and even cinemas across Jiangsu have seen surging crowds for public viewings – scenes typically reserved for the World Cup.

    In Nantong, 34 viewing spots in parks and commercial districts have become makeshift stadiums, filled with chants and applause. In Wuxi, outdoor screens and football-themed night markets serve up beer, barbecue and 90 minutes of grassroots glory under the stars.

    “The phenomenon reflects people’s rising enthusiasm for diverse, mass-participation sports events,” said Li Chao, a spokesperson of China’s National Development and Reform Commission. “It also reveals the immense potential for growth in China’s sports, cultural and tourism industries.”

    Suzhou has gone all in. More than 100 local restaurants, malls and scenic spots are offering discounts to traveling fans. Match ticket holders and visitors from opposing cities can enjoy free entry to over 40 attractions across the city.

    In Nantong, the economic impact is already measurable. On a recent home game Sunday, the city welcomed over 730,000 visitors and generated 420 million yuan (around 58 million U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, a 44.5 percent and 52.3 percent jump year-over-year, respectively.

    A Jiangsu statistical department’s recent survey of over 3,000 local residents found that nearly 59 percent plan to increase household spending on sports this year – be it gear, training or participation – thanks to the league’s influence.

    “The Su Super League has broken through the walls of traditional competitive sports,” said Ding Xiang, associate professor at Nanjing University. “It’s creating a culture where everyone can talk football, watch football and be part of the experience,” he said. “It’s much like the World Cup at street level, with a ripple effect on diverse consumer behavior.”

    Multiple Jiangsu cities have already moved to capitalize, listing the league as a strategic economic priority for the second half of 2025. At a recent provincial briefing, Jiangsu Governor Xu Kunlin urged officials to “fully leverage the league to drive integration of culture, tourism, sports and commerce, and spark a consumption-led economy.”

    Beyond economic gains, the league is casting new light on youth development. Powerhouse teams like Nantong, who have netted 12 goals in four matches, are largely made up of players from local youth academies. The city has already made football part of high school entrance assessments and boasts over 240 national-level school football programs.

    Even Changzhou, winless but undaunted, is stepping up. The city is preparing a new three-year action plan to expand its youth training system and bring football further into schools.

    In March, German football giants Borussia Dortmund opened a youth training base in Changzhou. Bundesliga-level coaches now train local PE teachers and run regular sessions for students, embedding a global football philosophy into local roots.

    “The Su Super League reminds us of football’s raw passion and purity,” said Bai Yufei, professor at Beijing Sport University. “It’s getting longtime fans even more excited, and it’s bringing new ones into the game. That’s how you grow the sport at the grassroots level.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Moves Towards Full Energy Independence to Become Major Energy Exporter – Rosneft CEO

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

    China is moving towards full energy independence and will turn from an importer to a major energy exporter in the foreseeable future, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said in his report at the Energy Panel of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    He noted that China is a unique example of a competent approach to energy system development – the country now accounts for a third of the world’s investments in the energy sector.

    “In my opinion, China, which has already ensured its energy security, is confidently moving towards complete energy independence, forming a stable energy balance based on its own resources. There is no doubt, taking into account the persistence and professionalism of the Chinese comrades, that in the foreseeable future they will achieve the desired result, which will turn China from an importer of energy resources into a major energy exporter,” said the CEO of Rosneft.

    According to Igor Sechin, in recent years it is in China that the largest amount of new renewable energy capacity has been commissioned and more than 70% of the world’s capacity for the production of equipment for the “green” economy is located. This applies to the entire value chain: from critical minerals to the production of high-tech equipment that has no analogues in Western countries.

    Rosneft’s CEO also noted China’s efforts in increasing investments in related infrastructure: investments in power grids increased by 15% last year and may double this year. “investments in rechargeable batteries have grown almost fivefold to $11 billion. As of today, the total capacity of such batteries in China exceeds 35 GW , which amounts to two-thirds of the entire global capacity,” Igor Sechin said.

    At the same time, China has never given up fossil fuels. Over the last five years, the country has outpaced the rest of the world in terms of commissioning new coal-fired generation capacity. “Today, coal accounts for almost 60% of China’s electricity generation. Last year alone, China issued permits for about 100 gigawatts of new coal-fired power generation, the highest in a decade, which should strengthen coal’s role in the grid,” emphasized the CEO of Rosneft.

    China’s efforts to strengthen its own energy security have drawn a barrage of criticism, often disguised as concern for the environment. “As the outstanding Chinese strategist and thinker Sun Tzu aptly noted two and a half thousand years ago: ‘The more brilliant your plan, the fewer people will agree with it,’” the Rosneft CEO added. 

    According to Sechin, China’s coordinated approach to energy security is particularly clear from the example of electric cars. The growth of their sales led to a significant slowdown in demand for motor fuel last year, and “the continuation of this trend may have a significant reversing effect on the balance of the oil market”.

    An important part of China’s strategy to reduce its dependence on energy imports is the processing of coal into synthetic fuels and chemical products. “Chinese companies are investing billions of dollars in the development of this industry. According to experts, today in China 40 million tons of coal is used to produce synthetic fuels and more than 260 mln tons for ammonia and methanol production,” Igor Sechin concluded.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    June 21, 2025

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Indonesia and RUDN: Exchange of environmental research insights

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The international scientific seminar hosted by RUDN Institute of Ecology “Experience of participation in student organizations as a way to form career skills” united scholarship recipients of the International Student Mobility Awards 2024 and Open Doors, along with members of the scientific student society “GreenLab” and the professional student association “Kostyor (Bonfire)” shared their projects focused on environmental protection.

    During the international seminar, participants exchanged insights on how student-led initiatives can be implemented within university settings.

    Student research is an invaluable source of new ideas and bold solutions that play an important role in the development of science.

    Anna Popkova

    Deputy Director for International activities at the Institute of Ecology

    Among the speakers was Yusriani Mardia Arifin from Indonesia, who presented the results of her research on groundwater potential zoning in the Cisarua area of Bogor district, using cutting-edge GIS technologies.

    It is commonly believed that there is an abundance of groundwater in this area, while the study reveals a shortage. I’ve identified four distinct zones with varying groundwater potential, which will aid in more effective water resource management.

    Yusriani Mardia Arifin

    Muhammad Filzah Zulfakar introduced the Mulang project, a UNESCO-supported initiative under the “Youth as Researchers” program. This comprehensive study focuses on the village of Lovokdoro, home to waste pickers, and examines various aspects including spatial, environmental, health, economic, and social factors. The findings aim to develop strategies that can be applied to similar challenges in other villages.

    Abigail Tabita highlighted the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving sustainable development in Indonesia. With a large number of these enterprises, she sees a lot of opportunities for a stable growth in the future. Abigail shared her plans to conduct five mentoring sessions, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, involving around 30 SMEs in each session. This initiative will help these businesses to adapt to evolving market demands, while exporters will gain more opportunities to expand their markets.

    International consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability. They are shifting away from unsustainable practices towards more responsible approaches throughout the supply chain!

    Abigail Tabita

    The international scientific seminar served as a vibrant platform for fostering collaboration between representatives from Russia and Indonesia.

    A huge thank you to RUDN, especially the Institute of Ecology, for organizing this science workshop. It allowed us to exchange and share our projects with other international students. I look forward to many more opportunities to connect and expand our understanding of scientific advancements worldwide!

    Wahdini Aulia Rizki

    In the latter part of the event, international students were introduced to the diverse scientific activities at the PFUR Institute of Ecology. Pavel Zhigarlovich represented the professional student association “Koster,” sharing insights about the club’s scientific expeditions, historical and geographical quests, and volunteer efforts in protected areas. The Indonesian students were particularly captivated by the results of fieldwork conducted on Baikal in early 2024.

    Daniil Mironov, Vice Chairman of the Scientific Student Society “GreenLab,” also took the stage to discuss initiatives aimed at engaging students in scientific pursuits. He highlighted the association’s efforts to organize lectures with leading experts in various ecological fields, field trips, and intellectual games designed to spark curiosity and involvement.

    Seminar “Experience of Participation in Student Organizations as a Way to Build Career Skills,” marked a significant milestone in the decade of environmental science, education, and awareness at RUDN.

    Please note; this information is raw content received directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Egyptian and Ukrainian leaders discuss Russian-Ukrainian conflict and regional developments in the Middle East

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    CAIRO, July 3 (Xinhua) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation on Wednesday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict and regional developments in the Middle East, the Egyptian presidential office said in a statement.

    Speaking about the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, A.F. al-Sisi stressed the importance of achieving a diplomatic and political solution, emphasizing the need to “prioritize dialogue as a means of resolving the current crisis.”

    According to the statement, he reaffirmed Egypt’s “full support for all efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement as soon as possible.”

    During the talks, the two leaders discussed the broader regional situation, especially the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. The sides stressed “the need to maintain the ceasefire” and resume negotiations to achieve a peaceful settlement.

    The parties also discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation in the economic, trade and investment spheres.

    The phone call took place amid widespread calls for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that began in February 2022. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • SDRF rescues 40 devotees stranded due to landslide in Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.

    The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.

    The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.

    Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.

    The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.

    Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.

    Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.

    Essential services have also been significantly impacted.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.

    “Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.

    Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • SDRF rescues 40 devotees stranded due to landslide in Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.

    The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.

    The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.

    Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.

    The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.

    Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.

    Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.

    Essential services have also been significantly impacted.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.

    “Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.

    Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A hot and relatively dry June

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The weather of June 2025 was hotter and drier than usual in Hong Kong, mainly attributed to the stronger subtropical ridge covering southeastern China. The monthly mean minimum temperature of 27.1 degrees was 0.6 degrees above the normal and one of the fifth highest on record for June. The monthly mean maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees and the monthly mean temperature of 28.9 degrees were 0.8 degrees and 0.6 degrees above their corresponding normals and both were among the seventh on record for June. The total rainfall in the month was 237.3 millimetres, about 48 per cent of the normal of 491.5 millimetres. With all six months drier than usual, the accumulated rainfall recorded in the first half of the year was only 444.4 millimetres, about 41 per cent of the normal of 1 082.5 millimetres for the same period and the fifth lowest on record for the same period.

    With the easterly airstream prevailing over the coast of Guangdong replaced by a southerly airstream, it was hot with sunny periods and there were one or two showers in Hong Kong on the first two days of the month. When a trough of low pressure moved across the coast of Guangdong on June 3, the local weather turned mainly cloudy with a few showers. An upper-air disturbance and a surface trough of low pressure brought showers to the northern part of the South China Sea and its coastal areas the next day. Locally, it was cloudy with showers. There were thunderstorms in the afternoon. More than 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Lantau Island and the western part of the New Territories. While it was still mainly cloudy with one or two showers on June 5, it became hot with sunny periods the next day, as the anticyclone aloft covering the coast of southeastern China strengthened gradually. Under the dominance of the anticyclone aloft, the local weather was generally fine with prolonged heat from June 7 to 10. It was extremely hot on June 10 with the maximum temperature at the Observatory soaring to 35.6 degrees, levelling the record maximum for June since records began in 1884. The maximum temperature at Lau Fau Shan even reached 38.9 degrees, the highest record so far since the setup of the station in 1985.

    Wutip formed as a tropical depression over the central part of the South China Sea on the night of June 10. It tracked generally west-northwestward towards Hainan Island and intensified gradually. Its outer rainbands occasionally brought squally showers to the northern part of the South China Sea and the coast of Guangdong. The Observatory issued the first tropical cyclone warning signal of the year on June 11. Locally, the weather deteriorated gradually with a few squally showers that day. While there were sunny intervals during the day, there were also isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Wutip further intensified into a severe tropical storm on June 12 and gradually turned to a north-northeasterly track over Beibu Wan, skirting the western coast of Hainan Island and Leizhou Peninsula in the following two days. Under the influence of Wutip’s outer rainbands, there were squally showers locally from June 12 to 14, with thunderstorms on June 12 and 13. The showers were heavy with more than 30 millimetres of rainfall recorded over most parts of the territory on June 13. The strong winds associated with Wutip affected the Pearl River Estuary and its vicinity on June 15. Local winds were generally strong, occasionally reaching gale force on high ground. Winds moderated progressively later in the afternoon. While moving northeastwards further into inland areas, Wutip weakened gradually and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure on the evening of June 15. Locally, there were still a few squally showers that day.

         Under the influence of an active southwesterly airstream, showers and thunderstorms affected Hong Kong on June 16 and 17. The showers were heavy with squally thunderstorms on June 17. More than 30 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 70 millimetres in the northern part of the New Territories, Tsuen Wan and Sai Kung Districts. With a southerly airstream affecting the coast of Guangdong, it was hot with sunny intervals in the following five days. Meanwhile, there were also occasional showers, with isolated thunderstorms on June 19 and 20. More than 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over the eastern part of the New Territories on June 20, and the eastern parts of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories on June 21. While the southerly airstream continued to bring showers and isolated thunderstorms at first on June 23, with an anticyclone aloft covering southern China, the weather became generally fine and very hot that afternoon, and remained so in the following two days. Furthermore, an area of low pressure over the central and northern parts of the South China Sea intensified into a tropical depression on June 25 and moved northwestward towards the eastern part of Hainan Island and Leizhou Peninsula. Its outer rainbands brought heavy showers and squally thunderstorms to Hong Kong the next day. Around 30 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimetres over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. A broad trough of low pressure and an upper-air disturbance affected the coast of Guangdong and brought showers and thunderstorms over the territory on June 27 and 28. The showers were heavy in the small hours of June 28, around 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimetres over Tai Po. With the broad trough of low pressure lingering over the coast of Guangdong, the weather remained mainly cloudy with occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms on the last two days of the month. Around 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Kowloon East and Sha Tin on June 29. More than 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over most parts of the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimetres in Kowloon East and the eastern part of the New Territories on June 30.

    Three tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in June 2025.

    Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for June are tabulated in Table 2.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Ukraine voices concern as US halts some missile shipments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv on Wednesday that the move would weaken its ability to defend against intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.

    Ukraine said it had called in the acting U.S. envoy to Kyiv to underline the importance of military aid from Washington continuing, and cautioned that any cut-off would embolden Russia in its war in Ukraine.

    The Pentagon’s decision – tied to concerns that U.S. military stockpiles are too low – began in recent days and includes 30 Patriot air defence missiles, which Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, four people familiar with the decision said on Wednesday.

    It also includes nearly 8,500 155mm artillery shells, more than 250 precision GMLRS (mobile rocket artillery) missiles and 142 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, they said.

    “The Ukrainian side emphasised that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine‘s defence capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace,” Ukraine‘s foreign ministry said.

    The defence ministry said it had not been officially notified of any halt in U.S. shipments and was seeking clarity from its American counterparts.

    A Ukrainian source familiar with the situation said the decision was a “total shock.”

    Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly said the decision was made “to put America’s interests first” following a Department of Defense review of military support around the world.

    “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran,” she said, referring to U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities last month.

    NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the U.S. needed to take care of its stockpiles but told Fox News that “in the short term, Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get” when it comes to ammunition and air defence systems.

    RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES

    Dozens of people have been killed in recent airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and Russian forces, which control about a fifth of Ukraine, have been making gains in the east.

    Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the decision risks Ukrainian lives, undermines Washington’s credibility and will make it harder to end the war.

    “This sends a message to not just our allies, like Ukraine and our European allies, but it sends a message to our adversaries, to China, to North Korea, to Russia, that our allies can’t count on the United States,” she told WKBK radio in her home state New Hampshire.

    Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, he has softened Washington’s position towards Russia, seeking a diplomatic solution to the war and raising doubts about future U.S. military support for Kyiv.

    Trump said last week he was considering selling more Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

    Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Ukrainian parliament’s national security and defence committee, said the decision to halt shipments was “very unpleasant for us“.

    In an email, the Pentagon said it was providing Trump with options to continue military aid to Ukraine in line with the goal of ending the war.

    Elbridge Colby, undersecretary of defence for policy, said it was “rigorously examining and adapting its approach…while also preserving U.S. forces’ readiness.”

    All weapons aid was briefly stopped in February, with a second, longer halt in March. Washington resumed sending the last of the aid approved under the previous administration, of Democratic President Joe Biden, but no new aid to Ukraine has been announced.

    The Kremlin welcomed the news of a halt, saying the conflict would end sooner if fewer arms reached Ukraine.

    Kyiv residents expressed alarm at the Pentagon’s decision.

    “If we end up in a situation where there’s no air defence left, I will move (out of Kyiv), because my safety is my first concern,” said Oksana Kurochkina, a 35-year-old lawyer.

    On the battlefield, a halt in precision munitions would limit the capacity of Ukrainian troops to strike Russian positions farther behind the front line, said Jack Watling, a military analyst at the Royal United Services Institute.

    “In short, this decision will cost Ukrainian lives and territory,” he said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Tears, trauma and unpaid work: why men in tinnies aren’t the only heroes during a flood disaster

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca McNaught, Research Fellow, Rural and Remote Health, University of Sydney

    Dan Peled/Getty Images

    When flooding strikes, our screens fill with scenes of devastated victims, and men performing heroic dinghy rescues in swollen rivers. But another story often goes untold: how women step in, and step up, to hold their stricken communities together.

    Unprecedented floods in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales in 2022 are a case in point. Our research shows female leadership was the hidden backbone of community recovery in the aftermath of the emergency. Women rose to leadership roles, filling crucial gaps left by formal disaster responses. As one woman told us:

    I mean there’s some blokes around, I’ve got to give them some credit, but, yeah, I’m amazed … it was always the women saying, what do you need? What can I help with?

    And long after the disaster had passed and the media had moved on, women were still there, quietly leading sustained recovery efforts from their homes, community halls and online networks.

    But while the labour of men was generally supported and recognised, the complex and difficult work of women was largely overlooked.

    The invisible labour of disaster recovery

    The NSW Northern Rivers region is a rural area highly prone to climate disaster.

    In February and March 2022, the region experienced catastrophic flooding and landslips. About 11,000 homes were inundated. Health care facilities were damaged and disrupted. Emergency services were overwhelmed and many communities were cut off, some for weeks.

    In response, the community stepped up in extraordinary ways. Our research explored the particular contribution of women to this effort.

    The research focused on the contribution of women to community recovery after the Lismore floods.
    Dan Peled/Getty Images

    ‘No one else was going to do it’

    The research involved interviews with people involved in the flood response and recovery. We also examined notes from public events and transcripts from a NSW government inquiry into the floods.

    We found that, despite facing immense challenges, women played an essential role in sustaining their communities during and after the crisis.

    For example, they coordinated food relief, managed donation hubs, organised volunteers and provided emotional support to neighbours and strangers. As one female interviewee told us:

    It was more than about food … people would just come and then we’d just hug them and they’d just cry … the food relief turned into something deeper.

    Emergency-management environments are often dominated by men. As a result, female community organisers often felt excluded from formal decision-making. As one woman told us:

    every face in the meeting was a white middle-aged guy with a buzz cut. And, and I was like, there is no women. There is no diversity. There was no sense of community or that whole recovery space.

    One woman cited the example of a local council celebrating “men in their dinghies” who took part in a flood rescue, while failing to recognise women who collectively contributed many thousands of unpaid hours towards the recovery effort:

    here we are with just simply a trillion women doing all of the childcare, all of the cooking, all of the soft labour, literally everything plus being on dinghies … and there’s just nothing for us.

    Some women took unpaid leave from work to coordinate recovery activities in their communities, because, as one woman told us, “no one else was going to do it”.

    Women’s roles were not limited to unskilled tasks and care work. Women also brought professional skills to the recovery effort, such as event management, IT, nursing, communications, clinical psychology, trauma healing, business management, social work and public health.

    Women: there for the long term

    We found while men’s involvement in disaster recovery tended to be concentrated on specific short-term rescue and response, women tended to remain active for months or even years.

    For example, two years after the flooding disaster, at a gathering of grassroots community-disaster
    organisers, 87% of names on the contact list were female.

    Some women continued to volunteer their labour, while others managed to obtain short-term funding. Whether paid or unpaid, the women experienced overwhelm and felt exhausted by the long-term effort, and some experienced vicarious trauma. However, their sense of community responsibility prevented them from stepping back.

    Rethinking who we see as leaders

    The research confirms women’s contributions are consistently overlooked during and after a disaster. It reflects a broader trend in Australia, where women’s labour is historically undervalued.

    Women’s disaster work – coordinating volunteers, providing emotional care and advocating for their communities – was often unsupported by government and continued long after official agencies left.

    Yet, these contributions remained largely invisible.

    Three years after the floods, many women in the Northern Rivers are preparing for the next emergency, and women comprise the majority of community resilience groups in the region.

    Women must be recognised and supported to ensure the health and wellbeing of disaster-affected communities. The health and wellbeing of these women themselves must also be paramount.

    More government and private funding is vital. Where possible, philanthropic community grants should also be expanded.

    The recently formed Northern Rivers Community Resilience Alliance involves 50 grassroots groups combining to provide peer support, advocate together, seek joint funding and provide training. Such networks can provide ongoing support to community organisers.

    As Earth’s climate becomes more hostile and extreme weather events become more likely, there is an urgent need to support community efforts – and to rethink who we see as leaders in times of disaster. Building resilient communities starts with recognising and resourcing the people doing the work – including local women.

    The authors acknowledge Emma Pittaway, Loriana Bethune and Dominica Meade who co-authored the research upon which this article is based.

    Rebecca McNaught receives funding from The Peregrine Foundation and Gender and Disasters Australia. She is a board member of not-for-profit Plan C and President of the volunteer group the South Golden Beach, New Brighton and Ocean Shores Community Resilience Team. She attends the Northern Rivers Community Resilience Alliance.

    Jo Longman has received funding from the NSW State Government Disaster Risk Reduction Fund and the Healthy Environments and Lives Innovation Fund. She is affiliated as a volunteer with Plan C’s research team.

    – ref. Tears, trauma and unpaid work: why men in tinnies aren’t the only heroes during a flood disaster – https://theconversation.com/tears-trauma-and-unpaid-work-why-men-in-tinnies-arent-the-only-heroes-during-a-flood-disaster-260327

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Motorists asked to avoid driving, if possible, Taranaki

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are asking people to drive to the conditions and avoid travel, if possible, across Taranaki.

    Driving conditions are deteriorating across the region, with several reports of surface level flooding and heavy rain.

    Anyone needing to travel should make sure their headlights are on and maintain safe following distances.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Information sought following suspicious fires, Northland

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Northland Police investigating a spate of suspicious fires in the area are appealing to the public for information.

    Detective Sergeant Paul Overton says Police and Fire and Emergency services responded to reports of a fire on on Pataua North Road, Whareora on the morning of 20 May.

    “At around 7am, about 15 T8 Traffic Control cones were taken from a stretch of road under maintenance, stacked in the middle of the road, covered in diesel and set alight.

    “A second set of stacked cones were set alight further up the road.”

    Detective Sergeant Overton says in the past seven months Police have also received a number of reports in relation to suspicious bush and scrub fires in the Matapouri, Tutukaka, Ngunguru and Pataua areas.

    “We encourage anyone who was in these areas or has any information about any of these fires to get in touch.”

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250520/3428.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrate the July 4 Holiday in a Fire-safe Way!

    Source: US State of Oregon

    strong>SALEM, Ore.—The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, filled with fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor fun. But with all the excitement, it’s important to prioritize fire safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Eighty-five percent of wildfires are started by humans—many times with fireworks and campfires. Whether you are celebrating at home or traveling out of the area, know the latest road conditions, check if you are visiting an area near a wildfire, make sure you are signed up for Oregon emergency alerts, activate Federal Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, understand the evacuation levels, and make sure you have an emergency kit in your car—stay safe and don’t be the spark this holiday.

    Fireworks—Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe.

    Fireworks are a staple of Independence Day, but they can also be dangerous. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display organized by professionals. There are plenty of places you can see coastal displays, Portland area displays, the southern Willamette Valley, as well as other parts of Oregon. If you choose to use consumer fireworks, follow these precautions – including:

    • Always check local regulations before lighting fireworks in your area.
    • Never give fireworks to small children and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of emergencies.
    • Light fireworks one at a time and never attempt to relight a dud.
    • Maintain a safe distance from fireworks and never point them at people, animals, or structures.
    • Remember, all fireworks are banned on public lands. This includes state and federal parks.

    Campfire and Outdoor Fire Safety—Don’t be the Spark.

    Oregon Parks and Recreation Department maintains a state parks campfire/flame restrictions in page, the Oregon Department of Forestry maintains one for state lands, and the Bureau of Land management maintains a list for federal land. If your celebration includes a campfire or fire pit, follow these guidelines:

    1. Check if fires are allowed where you are camping.
    2. Keep flames small—about knee height—to prevent embers from drifting into trees or dry areas. If the wind picks up embers, put the fire out.
    3. Use designated fire rings—they’re placed in safe areas with buffers of at least 25 feet away from tents and vegetation. Use outdoor fireplaces and fire pits only in well-ventilated areas.
    4. Always have water nearby to fully extinguish the fire—douse, stir the embers, and ensure everything is wet.
    5. Beach fires belong on open sand—keep them away from driftwood and plants. Pour water slowly to avoid spraying hot sand. Never use sand to smother the fire—it traps heat and can cause burns later.
    6. Propane fire rings require the same precautions as wood fires—rules may vary by location.
    7. Never leave a fire unattended—many accidents happen when campers step away for just a minute. Ensure everyone, including kids, understands fire safety.

    Grilling Safety

    Backyard barbecues are a great way to celebrate, but they also pose fire hazards. Keep these tips in mind:

    • Place your grill away from overhanging branches, siding, or deck railings.
    • Never grill indoors and always supervise the grill while in use.
    • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
    • Use long-handled tools designed for grilling to prevent burns.

    Additional Fire Risks

    • Discarded cigarettes – a single lit cigarette tossed carelessly can spark a wildfire.
    • Equipment malfunctions – sparks from machinery, vehicles, or electrical failures can ignite dry vegetation.
    • Dragging metal – loose chains or parts dragging on the road can create sparks.
    • Exhaust system failures – Worn-out catalytic converters and exhaust components can emit hot carbon particles.
    • Brake pad wear – thin brake pads can cause metal-on-metal contact, generating fire-causing sparks.
    • Low tire pressure – driving on exposed rims due to low tire pressure can throw sparks.
    • Parking on dry grass – hot exhaust parts can ignite dry vegetation on contact.
    • Electrical system failures – faulty wiring or damaged electrical components can lead to vehicle fires.
    • Fuel system leaks – gasoline leaks can ignite from heat or sparks.

    By following the above fire safety tips and being aware of all the ways fires can spark, you can enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration.

    For more fire safety tips, visit FEMA or the U.S. Fire Administration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Hamas studies Gaza ceasefire proposal labelled ‘final’ by Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hamas said on Wednesday it was studying what U.S. President Donald Trump called a “final” ceasefire proposal for Gaza but that Israel must pull out of the enclave, and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas would be eliminated.

    Trump said on Tuesday Israel had agreed to the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas after a meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials.

    In a statement, the Palestinian militant group said it was studying new ceasefire offers received from mediators Egypt and Qatar but that it aimed to reach an agreement that would ensure an end to the war and an Israeli pullout from Gaza.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the elimination of Hamas in his first public remarks since Trump’s announcement.

    “There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a ‘Hamastan’. We’re not going back to that. It’s over,” Netanyahu told a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline.

    The two sides’ statements reiterated long-held positions, giving no clues as to whether or how a compromise agreement could be reached.

    “I hope it would work this time, even if for two months, it would save thousands of innocent lives,” Kamal, a resident of Gaza City, said by phone.

    Others questioned whether Trump’s statements would deliver long-term peace.

    “We hope he is serious like he was serious during the Israeli-Iranian war when he said the war should stop, and it stopped,” said Adnan Al-Assar, a resident of Khan Younis in Gaza’s south.

    There is growing public pressure on Netanyahu to reach a permanent ceasefire and end the nearly two-year-long war, a move opposed by hardline members of his right-wing ruling coalition.

    At the same time, U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear sites in Iran and ceasefire agreed on in last month’s 12-day Israel-Iran air war have put pressure on Hamas, which is backed by Tehran.

    Israeli leaders believe that, with Iran weakened, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel.

    ‘SOME POSITIVE SIGNS’

    Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was “serious in our will” to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire.

    “There are some positive signs. I don’t want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible,” he said while visiting Estonia.

    Of 50 hostages held by Hamas, about 20 are believed to be still alive.

    Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid posted that his party could provide a safety net if any cabinet members opposed a deal, effectively pledging not to back a no-confidence motion in parliament that could topple the government.

    At the end of May, Hamas had said it was seeking amendments to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said this was “totally unacceptable.”

    That proposal involved a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians; Hamas would release the remaining hostages as part of a deal that guarantees the end of the war.

    “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump posted on Tuesday, without specifying the conditions.

    A source close to Hamas said its leaders were expected to debate the proposal and seek clarifications from mediators before giving an official response.

    Gaza health authorities said Israeli gunfire and military strikes had killed at least 139 Palestinians in northern and southern areas in the past 24 hours, and the Israeli military ordered more evacuations late on Tuesday.

    Among those killed was Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, in an airstrike that has also killed his wife and five children, medics said.

    The Israeli military said it had targeted a “key terrorist” from Hamas in the Gaza City area. It said it was reviewing reports of civilian casualties and that the military regretted any harm to “uninvolved individuals” and takes steps to minimise such harm.

    Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, displaced almost all the 2.3 million population and caused a humanitarian crisis.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Experiencing extreme weather and disasters is not enough to change views on climate action, study shows

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney

    STR / AFP via Getty Images

    Climate change has made extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods more frequent and more likely in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue. These events have led to human and animal deaths, harmed physical and mental health, and damaged properties and infrastructure.

    Will firsthand experience of these events change how people think and act about climate change, making it seem immediate and local rather than a distant or future problem?

    Research so far has offered a mixed picture. Some studies suggest going through extreme weather can make people more likely to believe in climate change, worry about it, support climate policies, and vote for Green parties. But other studies have found no such effects on people’s beliefs, concern, or behaviour.

    New research led by Viktoria Cologna at ETH Zurich in Switzerland may help to explain what’s going on. Using data from around the world, the study suggests simple exposure to extreme weather events does not affect people’s view of climate action – but linking those events to climate change can make a big difference.

    Global opinion, global weather

    The new study, published in Nature Climate Change, looked at the question of extreme weather and climate opinion using two global datasets.

    The first is the Trust in Science and Science-related Populism (TISP) survey, which includes responses from more than 70,000 people in 68 countries. It measures public support for climate policies and the extent that people think climate change is behind increases in extreme weather.

    The second dataset estimates how much of each country’s population has been affected each year by events such as droughts, floods, heatwaves and storms. These estimates are based on detailed models and historical climate records.

    Public support for climate policies

    The survey measured public support for climate policy by asking people how much they supported five specific actions to cut carbon emissions. These included raising carbon taxes, improving public transport, using more renewable energy, protecting forests and land, and taxing carbon-heavy foods.

    Responses ranged from 1 (not at all) to 3 (very much). On average, support was fairly strong, with an average rating of 2.37 across the five policies. Support was especially high in parts of South Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania, but lower in countries such as Russia, Czechia and Ethiopia.

    Exposure to extreme weather events

    The study found most people around the world have experienced heatwaves and heavy rainfall in recent decades. Wildfires affected fewer people in many European and North American countries, but were more common in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

    Cyclones mostly impacted North America and Asia, while droughts affected large populations in Asia, Latin America and Africa. River flooding was widespread across most regions, except Oceania.

    Do people in countries with higher exposure to extreme weather events show greater support for climate policies? This study found they don’t.

    In most cases, living in a country where more people are exposed to disasters was not reflected in stronger support for climate action.

    Wildfires were the only exception. Countries with more wildfire exposure showed slightly higher support, but this link disappeared once factors such as land size and overall climate belief were considered.

    In short, just experiencing more disasters does not seem to translate into increased support for mitigation efforts.

    Seeing the link between weather and climate change

    In the global survey, people were asked how much they think climate change has increased the impact of extreme weather over recent decades. On average, responses were moderately high (3.8 out of 5) suggesting that many people do link recent weather events to climate change.

    Such an attribution was especially strong in Latin America, but lower in parts of Africa (such as Congo and Ethiopia) and Northern Europe (such as Finland and Norway).

    Crucially, people who more strongly believed climate change had worsened these events were also more likely to support climate policies. In fact, this belief mattered more for policy support than whether they had actually experienced the events firsthand.

    What does this study tell us?

    While public support for climate policies is relatively high around the world, even more support is needed to introduce stronger, more ambitious measures. It might seem reasonable to expect that feeling the effects of climate change would push people to act, but this study suggests that doesn’t always happen.

    Prior research shows less dramatic and chronic events like rainfall or temperature anomalies have less influence on public views than more acute hazards like floods or bushfires. Even then, the influence on beliefs and behaviour tends to be slow and limited.

    This study shows climate impacts alone may not change minds. However, it also highlights what may affect public thinking: helping people recognise the link between climate change and extreme weather events.

    In countries such as Australia, climate change makes up only about 1% of media coverage. What’s more, most of the coverage focuses on social or political aspects rather than scientific, ecological, or economic impacts.

    Many stories about disasters linked to climate change also fail to mention the link, or indeed mention climate change at all. Making these connections clearer may encourage stronger public support for climate action.

    Omid Ghasemi receives funding from the Australian Academy of Science. He was a member of the TISP consortium and a co-author of the dataset used in this study.

    – ref. Experiencing extreme weather and disasters is not enough to change views on climate action, study shows – https://theconversation.com/experiencing-extreme-weather-and-disasters-is-not-enough-to-change-views-on-climate-action-study-shows-260308

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Here’s how President Trump’s tax cuts for the ultra-rich will hurt YOU

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 2, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – As House Republicans vote on the measure as soon as tonight, President Trump’s “big beautiful” national debt-adding bill is a massive tax break for the wealthiest Americans, at the cost of programs and services used by everyday families. It gives tax breaks to the ultra-rich, balloons our national debt, and guts programs that most Americans depend on – including health care, food assistance, and public safety programs. Allow us to demonstrate:

    A plan for the ultra-rich

    Starting in 2029, those making $30,000 a year or less would see a tax increase, while the top 0.1 percent would get a $309,000 tax cut, on average – an annual tax break that is more than three times what the typical American household earns in an entire year. 

    Oh, and the “no taxes on tips” program that Trump keeps raving about? Many workers will see little to no benefit. The program for tipped workers is temporary, expiring in 2028, meanwhile the tax cut for the ultra-wealthy is permanent. By 2029, those earning less than $30,000 a year will see their taxes increase, on average. These same families will also be harmed by cuts to health care and food assistance. 

    Here’s how Trump’s plan will hurt you

    This bill is a complete betrayal of Americans by the Trump administration. Not only does it cut programs for families trying to make ends meet, but decimates middle-class opportunities – including health care and children’s access to college. 
     

    ❌ Eliminates American taxpayer jobs

    • Puts 686,000 California jobs at risk, through the elimination of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits. NABTU says that if enacted, “this stands to be the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country.”

    ❌ Significantly cuts critical family support programs

    • More than $28.4 billion slashed in federal Medicaid funding to California – increasing medical debt and jeopardizing health care providers’ ability to keep their doors open.
    • More than 11 million newly uninsured for health care nationally.
    • Roughly 17 million people would lose coverage and become uninsured by 2034 due to various Medicaid reductions and the exclusion of enhanced premium subsidies.
    • Cuts necessary food assistance for people for 3 million people nationwide in need of quality nutrition and food.
    • Establishes a tax hike for parents who pay for child care.
    • Rural hospitals across the state are likely to see care offered cut or doors closed entirely.

    ❌ Defunds public safety

    • $646 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for violence and terrorism prevention.
    • $545 million from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cutting its workforce by more than 2,000 personnel and reducing its capacity to keep criminals off the street. 
    • $491 million from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), making our cyber and physical infrastructure more vulnerable to attack.
    • $468 million from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), greatly reducing its ability to crack down on firearm trafficking and reduce gun violence.
    • $212 million from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), greatly reducing its capacity to help state and local law enforcement and weakening efforts to fight international drug smuggling impacting the United States.
    • $107 million from Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Public Safety and Justice, exacerbating current understaffing and making tribal communities less safe.

    ❌ Endangers wildfire-prone communities

    • Cuts wildfire prevention programs like – raking the forests, forest management services – and eliminates personnel hired to fight wildfires.

    ❌ Defunds Planned Parenthood

    • Defunds Planned Parenthood – essentially creating a backdoor abortion ban – that could put health care for 1.1 million patients at risk and force nearly 200 health centers to close, mostly in states where abortion is legal.

    ❌ Unfairly targets green vehicles 

    • Creates penalties for families who own a hybrid or electric vehicle – increasing the cost of taking personal responsibility even more.

    ❌ Unjustly targets American students

    • Takes away college access from millions of children by limiting families’ ability to access financial aid for college, including Pell Grants. 
    • Betrays student loan borrowers by ending student loan deferment for borrowers who experience job loss or other financial hardships, and forbids any future student loan forgiveness programs. 

    ❌ Raises costs and separates American families

    • Pours billions of dollars into supercharging the cruel and reckless raids like we have seen in Southern California and across agricultural areas, expanding the targeting of families, workers and businesses and harassment of U.S. citizens nationwide. Americans overwhelmingly agree we should have a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who have been here for years, pay their taxes, and are good members of their communities, such as farmworkers, Dreamers, and mixed-status families. 

    Recent news

    Jul 2, 2025

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    Jul 2, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: DMG Blockchain Solutions Announces Preliminary June Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (“DMG” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, today announces its preliminary operational results for June 2025:

    • Bitcoin mined: 23 BTC (vs 31 BTC in May 2025)
    • Hashrate: 1.56 EH/s (vs 1.89 EH/s in May 2025)
    • Bitcoin balance: 341 BTC (vs 350 BTC in May 2025)

    During June 2025, DMG’s realized hashrate was 1.56 EH/s, down 18% from the 1.89 EH/s reported in May, as the Company experienced an unscheduled electrical outage of nearly two days at its Christina Lake facility and faced continued challenges operating its hydro infrastructure.

    In particular, a regional lightning storm resulted in the tripping of a main substation breaker that required extensive servicing. In addition, DMG’s hydro infrastructure has been experiencing downtime related to contamination due to manufacturer quality control issues. This problem has been actively addressed over the past several weeks. The Company believes that with additional servicing and close monitoring, it can bring the hashrate of its current hydro mining capacity closer to its 0.4 EH/s potential, even as the summer heat sets in. The hydro miners are designed to operate in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, albeit at lower efficiencies.

    Based on experience gained from its initial 6-megawatt hydro mining container build-out, DMG now plans to source new hydro infrastructure from alternative manufacturers; for its planned Christina Lake building hydro deployment, the Company will utilize its existing electrical distribution and shelving, while sourcing key hydro infrastructure components from best-of-breed vendors. This should simplify the transition from air-cooled to direct liquid-cooled mining, while giving DMG improved quality control over its supply chain and infrastructure component integration. DMG intends to build a pilot system in its Christina Lake building this summer ahead of its planned expansion to grow to 3 EH/s by the end of calendar 2025.

    DMG’s bitcoin balance was 341 BTC at the end of June. The Company sold bitcoin during the month to fund operating expenses and further reduce its loan balance with Sygnum Bank, in line with prior guidance.

    Agreement for a New Bitcoin Mining Site in Canada outside of British Columbia

    DMG announces it has executed a binding agreement following its May 2023 announcement to develop a new data processing center with access to low-cost renewable energy located in a Canadian province outside of British Columbia. The agreement supports DMG’s longer-term strategy to identify pockets of low-cost energy, based on which it intends to eventually operate the majority of its Bitcoin mining fleet. Once fully operational, DMG expects to initially add approximately 1 EH/s of Bitcoin mining capacity, depending on the selected equipment and the commissioning timeframe, currently projected for the second half of calendar 2026.

    DMG’s CEO, Sheldon Bennett, commented, “In June, we encountered several unforeseen issues with our Bitcoin mining infrastructure, but we also advanced our longer-term objective to migrate our Bitcoin mining to where energy is less expensive. We continue to make progress in our discussions with Canadian governmental agencies, with a focus on the Department of National Defence, as Canada has pledged to increase its military spending, with AI as a key pillar of that growth. Regarding Systemic Trust, we remain encouraged regarding custody clients onboarding to the platform as well as expanding the platform capability beyond custody.”

    Grant of Stock Options and RSUs

    DMG announces the granting of stock options and RSUs to employees and directors of the Company. A total of 201,607 stock options (“Options”) and 1,275,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) have been granted. The Options are exercisable over five years at a price of $0.285 per share, with vesting in 25% increments on the six-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month anniversaries of the grant date. The RSUs vest in one year; these grants are designed to create an incentive structure that aligns longer-term performance with the Company’s growth.

    About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

    DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMG’s carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move Bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory-compliant manner.

    For additional information about DMG Blockchain Solutions and its initiatives, please visit www.dmgblockchain.com. Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and subscribe to the DMG YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest developments and insights.

    For further information, please contact:

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,

    Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director
    Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406
    Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com
    Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

    For Investor Relations:
    investors@dmgblockchain.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Chantelle Borrelli
    Head of Communications
    chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMG’s strategies and plans, executing on DMG’s broader strategy to shift its data center capacity towards AI, increasing hashrate, the planned expansion to grow to 3 EH/s by the end of calendar 2025, sourcing hydro infrastructure from alternative manufacturers, securing new clients for the Systemic Trust digital asset custody subsidiary, the opportunity and plans to monetize bitcoin transactions and provide additional products and services to customers and users, the continued investment in Bitcoin network software infrastructure and applications, the expected allocation of capital, developing and executing on the Company’s products and services, increasing self-mining, increasing hashrate, efforts to improve the operation of its mining fleet, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company’s technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate mining difficulty.

    Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; the demand and pricing of AI data centers and usage; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG’s bitcoin; DMG’s relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG’s facilities; DMG’s ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers’ needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG’s business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG’s past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment and/or infrastructure failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG’s products, services and blockchain and AI technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sudan: Sharp rise in attacks on healthcare after two years of conflict with 1,000 people killed this year – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    PORT SUDAN , 03 July 2025 – Nearly 1,000 people have been killed so far this year in Sudan while seeking health care or visiting loved ones in hospital, with attacks on hospitals nearly tripling after two years of conflict [1] and exacerbating a cholera outbreak, Save the Children said.
    Save the Children analysis of attacks on healthcare as reported by the World Health Organization found that at least 933 people, including children, were killed in over 38 incidents in the first six months of 2025. This is nearly 60 times the number of deaths reported over the same period a year ago [2].
    Over 148 people were injured in healthcare attacks in the first half of 2025, which is nearly triple the number of people injured over the same period last year.
    The deadly attacks targeted clinics, health facilities, major hospitals, ambulances, and medical convoys while looting of warehouses housing drugs and medical supplies has put more people at risk in a country where half the population – 30.4 million people – are in need of humanitarian aid.
    Save the Children said the number of attacks on healthcare has been high since conflict broke out in April 2023 but the spike in casualty numbers this year was alarming, with nearly four times more people killed than in 2023 and 2024 combined.
    The latest attack on healthcare took place last week at Al-Mujlad Hospital in West Kordofan state and left over 40 people dead, including six children and five health workers, the WHO’s office in Sudan said. Dozens were also injured in the attack.
    In January this year, at least one girl and three boys were reportedly killed and three boys injured in an attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, in Sudan’s North Darfur. The children were among patients receiving care in the hospital’s emergency ward, being treated for injuries resulting from previous bombings in the area.
    The attacks on healthcare facilities and workers have increased as the country is reeling from a spiralling cholera outbreak, with 80,000 confirmed cases including more than 1,000 children under five and more than 2,000 deaths nationwide since the outbreak was declared two months ago [3].
    On top of direct attacks on hospitals, looting of medical supplies is further compounding the suffering for millions in Sudan. This has included the theft of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) – a crucial treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition – from UNICEF’s supplies at Al Bashair Hospital in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, in March and Save the Children facilities.
    Save the Children is urgently working to increase life-saving supplies, especially ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), a micronutrient-rich paste used to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children-especially into Darfur. But RUTF stocks are already dangerously low, and Sudan is among the countries projected to face critical global supply chain gaps in the coming months due to aid cuts.
    “Healthcare workers should never have to worry about their safety while providing health services and patients should never have to look over their shoulders while seeking care in hospitals.
    “The number of people killed and injured in direct attacks on healthcare this year is alarmingly too high and yet the biggest danger posed by these attacks is families and children opting not to seek services from hospitals when in need and turning to unsafe traditional means.
    “We are concerned that in most cases, the hospitals that have come under fire also happen to be the only remaining hospitals in those areas, putting healthcare out of reach for millions including displaced people. With at least 80% of hospitals in Sudan decimated by the conflict, all efforts need to be taken to protect the few standing health facilities still providing services.”
    Save the Children is urgently calling on the international community to redouble efforts to demand a ceasefire to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and a drastic scale-up of humanitarian assistance. This includes securing safe passage for food, medical aid, commercial supplies, and critical nutrition interventions for children suffering from wasting especially in the Darfur region.
    Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. Save the Children is also supporting refugees from Sudan in Egypt and South Sudan.
    Notes:
    [1] In the first half of 2025 at least 38 attacks on healthcare were reported compared to 13 attacks over the same period in 2024. At least 933 people were killed between 1 January and 30 June 2025 in attacks on healthcare recorded by the World Health Organisation’s Surveillance System for Attacks on Healthcare. This is compared to 16 people killed in 13 attacks on healthcare over a similar period last year. (Database accessed on 01 July 2025). Table below shows the number of attacks, deaths and injuries as retrieved from WHO’s surveillance system for attacks on health care (ssa) on 01 July 2025.
    Period Number of attacks Reported deaths Injuries January – June 2024 13 16 55 January – June 2025 38 933 148 2023 – 2024 (since start of conflict) 136 238 214
    [2] Important note that the WHO surveillance system came into full effect in November 2024 and there is a possibility of underreporting for previous years/ period.
    [3] According to data from Sudan’s ministry of health.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Naval fleet led by aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong 2025-07-03 09:48:35 A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      A fireboat of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government performs a water gate ceremony for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy fleet in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived here on Thursday morning. (Photo by Jia Xiaopeng/Xinhua)

      HONG KONG, July 3 (Xinhua) — A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran’s president issues order to suspend cooperation with IAEA

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

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to enact a law to suspend the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.

    The law calls for a suspension of cooperation with the IAEA until Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nuclear facilities and scientists are fully guaranteed, said Constitutional Council Spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif.

    Pezeshkian issued the order on Tuesday in a letter to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Supreme National Security Council, said the report.

    The law, passed by the Iranian parliament last Wednesday and approved by the Constitutional Council the following day, was enacted due to “the violation of Iran’s national sovereignty by the United States and Israel, and their attacks on the country’s territorial integrity as well as peaceful nuclear facilities,” said Tahan Nazif.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.

    On June 22, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States had carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    After 12 days of fighting, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Weapons found in city search

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police seized weapons, including three knives and a gel blaster, following a search of a city address overnight.

    Police attended Sturt Street, Adelaide for an unrelated matter about 12.30am on Thursday 3 July.

    It will be alleged officers located a gel blaster handgun, a taser, a machete, a flick knife and a double-edged knife during a search of the premises.

    A 33-year-old Parafield Gardens man was arrested and charged with possess firearm (gel blaster) without a licence, possess prohibited weapon and possess dangerous article.

    He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today, Thursday 3 July.

    CO2500027211

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 3, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 3, 2025.

    Childcare sexual abuse is mostly committed by men. Failing to recognise that puts children at risk
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Delanie Woodlock, Senior research fellow, UNSW Sydney Australians are reeling from the news that Victorian childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown has been charged with more than 70 offences against children, including rape. As 1,200 children await results for sexually transmitted infections, a horror no parent should ever

    Overtourism is reshaping communities in Europe – could Australia be next?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Adjunct professor and adjunct senior lecturer in tourism management, University of South Australia Bumble Dee/Shutterstock A media frenzy erupted over the recent Jeff Bezos “wedding of the century” in Venice. Also notable were the public protests that showed tensions around tourism, especially mass tourism, are

    How should I talk to my kids about abuse and body safety?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Westrupp, Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University Jose Luis Peleaz/Getty Hearing about child abuse in trusted places such as childcare centres is every parent’s worst nightmare. So, how can we talk to our kids about it and help them stay safe? While it’s not always possible

    Creative Australia’s backflip on Venice Biennale representatives exposes deep governance failures
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cairnduff, Lecturer in Media and Communications, The University of Melbourne The reinstatement of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s representatives for the 2026 Venice Biennale closes a bruising recent cultural episode and exposes the fragility of the systems meant to protect artistic freedom

    Catholic Church warns against PNG declaring itself a ‘Christian country’
    By Reinhard Minong in Port Moresby The Catholic Church has strongly warned against Papua New Guinea’s political rhetoric and push to declare the nation a Christian country, saying such a move threatens constitutional freedoms and risks dangerous implications for the country’s future. Speaking before the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication on Tuesday at Rapopo during

    Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Leane, Professor of Antarctic Studies, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania Oleksandr Matsibura/Shutterstock Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the news a lot

    Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities

    Fallout: Spies on Norfolk Island – SBS podcast
    Pacific Media Watch In July 1985, Australia’s Pacific territory of Norfolk Island (pop. 2188) became the centre of a real life international spy thriller. Four French agents sailed there on board the Ouvéa, a yacht from Kanaky New Caledonia, after bombing the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland, killing Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira. The Rainbow Warrior was

    Trump is not like other presidents – but can he beat the ‘second term curse’ that haunts the White House?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato Getty Images While he likes to provoke opponents with the possibility of serving a third term, Donald Trump faces a more immediate historical burden that has plagued so many presidents: the “second term curse”. Twenty-one US

    More and more tourists are flocking to Antarctica. Let’s stop it from being loved to death
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darla Hatton MacDonald, Professor of Environmental Economics, University of Tasmania VCG via Getty Images The number of tourists heading to Antarctica has been skyrocketing. From fewer than 8,000 a year about three decades ago, nearly 125,000 tourists flocked to the icy continent in 2023–24. The trend is

    Australia’s superannuation regulator is worried about your fund’s spending. Should you be?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney GettyImages skynesher/Getty Australia’s superannuation regulator has written to Australian superannuation funds raising concerns their spending might not be benefiting members. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority is not just concerned with the type of expenses, but with the corporate

    Thumbs up: good or passive aggressive? How emojis became the most confusing kind of online language
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brittany Ferdinands, Lecturer in Digital Content Creation, Discipline of Media and Communications, University of Sydney The Conversation, CC BY Emojis, as well as memes and other forms of short-form content, have become central to how we express ourselves and connect online. Yet as meanings shift across different

    Lung cancer screening hopes to save lives. But we also need to watch for possible harms
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katy Bell, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney There is much to commend about Australia’s lung cancer screening program, which started on July 1. The program is based on gold-standard trial evidence showing this type of screening is likely to reduce

    Uganda’s ride-hailing motorbike service promised safety – but drivers are under pressure to speed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rich Mallett, Research Associate and Independent Researcher, ODI Global Motorcycle-taxis are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around Uganda’s congested capital, Kampala. But they are also the most dangerous. Though they account for one-third of public transport trips taking place within the city,

    Philadelphia’s $2B affordable housing plan relies heavily on municipal bonds, which can come with hidden costs for taxpayers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jade Craig, Assistant Professor of Law, University of Mississippi The Parker administration says it will issue $800 million in bonds over the next four years to fund affordable housing. Jeff Fusco/The Conversation, CC BY-NC-SA Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy initiative, which was included in

    Around 250 million years ago, Earth was near-lifeless and locked in a hothouse state. Now scientists know why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Merdith, DECRA Fellow, School of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide Some 252 million years ago, almost all life on Earth disappeared. Known as the Permian–Triassic mass extinction – or the Great Dying – this was the most catastrophic of the five mass extinction events recognised in

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra From this Sunday, Australians will be celebrating NAIDOC Week, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. The week highlights the achievements, history and culture of Australia’s First Peoples. It’s also a time to reflect on the huge effort needed to

    Supervision gaps can lead to child abuse – what can be done?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marg Rogers, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education; Post Doctoral Fellow, Manna Institute, University of New England Suwatchai Pluemruetai/Shutterstock The horrific allegations of child abuse by an early childhood educator in Victoria came to light at a time when the early learning sector was already under fire for

    Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ has passed the US Senate – these are the winners and losers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney Igor Link/Shutterstock One of the unique aspects of Washington life is a Senate “vote-a-rama,” in which the upper house of Congress tortures itself by pulling a marathon all-nighter of speeches, amendments and votes on a critical

    Tonga cybersecurity attack wake-up call for Pacific, warns expert
    By Teuila Fuatai, RNZ Pacific senior journalist A Tongan cybersecurity expert says the country’s health data hack is a “wake-up call” for the whole region. Siosaia Vaipuna, a former director of Tonga’s cybersecurity agency, spoke to RNZ Pacific in the wake of the June 15 cyberattack on the country’s Health Ministry. Vaipuna said Tonga and

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 3, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 3, 2025.

    Childcare sexual abuse is mostly committed by men. Failing to recognise that puts children at risk
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Delanie Woodlock, Senior research fellow, UNSW Sydney Australians are reeling from the news that Victorian childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown has been charged with more than 70 offences against children, including rape. As 1,200 children await results for sexually transmitted infections, a horror no parent should ever

    Overtourism is reshaping communities in Europe – could Australia be next?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Adjunct professor and adjunct senior lecturer in tourism management, University of South Australia Bumble Dee/Shutterstock A media frenzy erupted over the recent Jeff Bezos “wedding of the century” in Venice. Also notable were the public protests that showed tensions around tourism, especially mass tourism, are

    How should I talk to my kids about abuse and body safety?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Westrupp, Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University Jose Luis Peleaz/Getty Hearing about child abuse in trusted places such as childcare centres is every parent’s worst nightmare. So, how can we talk to our kids about it and help them stay safe? While it’s not always possible

    Creative Australia’s backflip on Venice Biennale representatives exposes deep governance failures
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cairnduff, Lecturer in Media and Communications, The University of Melbourne The reinstatement of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s representatives for the 2026 Venice Biennale closes a bruising recent cultural episode and exposes the fragility of the systems meant to protect artistic freedom

    Catholic Church warns against PNG declaring itself a ‘Christian country’
    By Reinhard Minong in Port Moresby The Catholic Church has strongly warned against Papua New Guinea’s political rhetoric and push to declare the nation a Christian country, saying such a move threatens constitutional freedoms and risks dangerous implications for the country’s future. Speaking before the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communication on Tuesday at Rapopo during

    Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Leane, Professor of Antarctic Studies, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania Oleksandr Matsibura/Shutterstock Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the news a lot

    Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities

    Fallout: Spies on Norfolk Island – SBS podcast
    Pacific Media Watch In July 1985, Australia’s Pacific territory of Norfolk Island (pop. 2188) became the centre of a real life international spy thriller. Four French agents sailed there on board the Ouvéa, a yacht from Kanaky New Caledonia, after bombing the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland, killing Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira. The Rainbow Warrior was

    Trump is not like other presidents – but can he beat the ‘second term curse’ that haunts the White House?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato Getty Images While he likes to provoke opponents with the possibility of serving a third term, Donald Trump faces a more immediate historical burden that has plagued so many presidents: the “second term curse”. Twenty-one US

    More and more tourists are flocking to Antarctica. Let’s stop it from being loved to death
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darla Hatton MacDonald, Professor of Environmental Economics, University of Tasmania VCG via Getty Images The number of tourists heading to Antarctica has been skyrocketing. From fewer than 8,000 a year about three decades ago, nearly 125,000 tourists flocked to the icy continent in 2023–24. The trend is

    Australia’s superannuation regulator is worried about your fund’s spending. Should you be?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney GettyImages skynesher/Getty Australia’s superannuation regulator has written to Australian superannuation funds raising concerns their spending might not be benefiting members. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority is not just concerned with the type of expenses, but with the corporate

    Thumbs up: good or passive aggressive? How emojis became the most confusing kind of online language
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brittany Ferdinands, Lecturer in Digital Content Creation, Discipline of Media and Communications, University of Sydney The Conversation, CC BY Emojis, as well as memes and other forms of short-form content, have become central to how we express ourselves and connect online. Yet as meanings shift across different

    Lung cancer screening hopes to save lives. But we also need to watch for possible harms
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katy Bell, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney There is much to commend about Australia’s lung cancer screening program, which started on July 1. The program is based on gold-standard trial evidence showing this type of screening is likely to reduce

    Uganda’s ride-hailing motorbike service promised safety – but drivers are under pressure to speed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rich Mallett, Research Associate and Independent Researcher, ODI Global Motorcycle-taxis are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around Uganda’s congested capital, Kampala. But they are also the most dangerous. Though they account for one-third of public transport trips taking place within the city,

    Philadelphia’s $2B affordable housing plan relies heavily on municipal bonds, which can come with hidden costs for taxpayers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jade Craig, Assistant Professor of Law, University of Mississippi The Parker administration says it will issue $800 million in bonds over the next four years to fund affordable housing. Jeff Fusco/The Conversation, CC BY-NC-SA Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Housing Opportunities Made Easy initiative, which was included in

    Around 250 million years ago, Earth was near-lifeless and locked in a hothouse state. Now scientists know why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Merdith, DECRA Fellow, School of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide Some 252 million years ago, almost all life on Earth disappeared. Known as the Permian–Triassic mass extinction – or the Great Dying – this was the most catastrophic of the five mass extinction events recognised in

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra From this Sunday, Australians will be celebrating NAIDOC Week, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. The week highlights the achievements, history and culture of Australia’s First Peoples. It’s also a time to reflect on the huge effort needed to

    Supervision gaps can lead to child abuse – what can be done?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marg Rogers, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education; Post Doctoral Fellow, Manna Institute, University of New England Suwatchai Pluemruetai/Shutterstock The horrific allegations of child abuse by an early childhood educator in Victoria came to light at a time when the early learning sector was already under fire for

    Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ has passed the US Senate – these are the winners and losers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney Igor Link/Shutterstock One of the unique aspects of Washington life is a Senate “vote-a-rama,” in which the upper house of Congress tortures itself by pulling a marathon all-nighter of speeches, amendments and votes on a critical

    Tonga cybersecurity attack wake-up call for Pacific, warns expert
    By Teuila Fuatai, RNZ Pacific senior journalist A Tongan cybersecurity expert says the country’s health data hack is a “wake-up call” for the whole region. Siosaia Vaipuna, a former director of Tonga’s cybersecurity agency, spoke to RNZ Pacific in the wake of the June 15 cyberattack on the country’s Health Ministry. Vaipuna said Tonga and

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Northern China braces for torrential rains

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

    The Ministry of Water Resources has warned of the increased occurrence of torrential rains and flooding in northern China, as well as a drought-prone scenario in typically water-rich southern regions, as the nation enters peak flood season.

    The weather pattern of a heightened risk of flooding in the north and significant potential for drought in the south is expected to persist through July and August, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Throughout this period, four to five typhoons are forecast to either make landfall on the country’s mainland or have a significant impact there. Some of the storms might extend into northern China, increasing the potential for disaster risks, the ministry said.

    It highlighted the potential risk of flooding in the basins of four major rivers in northern China — the Yellow, Huaihe, Haihe and Songhua rivers. For instance, in the Haihe River Basin, where Beijing is located, the Zhangwei, Ziya, Daqing and Yongding rivers are expected to face significant flooding.

    The areas around Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake, in Jiangxi province, the Qiantang River in Zhejiang province in eastern China, the Minjiang River in Fujian province in southern China, and central and northern parts of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region may suffer drought, the ministry said.

    Chu Minghua, deputy director of the ministry’s Department of Flood and Drought Disaster Prevention, disclosed that so far this year, the overall runoff of major rivers across the country is about 20 percent below the normal level for this period.

    However, Chu said that reservoirs across the country have stored more water to help cope with potential drought.

    “In total, about 471.8 billion cubic meters of water are currently stored in 9,520 reservoirs across the country, creating a favorable condition for coping with drought,” he said.

    He emphasized the measures that the ministry will roll out to reduce risks brought about by mountain torrents, which can occur suddenly and result in significant casualties.

    The ministry will carry out inspections in a continuous manner to eliminate safety hazards, with special attention paid to densely populated settlements and tourist attractions along valleys and watercourses, he said.

    One of the priorities, for example, is to create tailored evacuation plans for areas with large non-native, mobile populations, including construction sites and places that offer recreation and entertainment activities centered on agricultural themes, he said.

    He also said the ministry will enhance the monitoring, forecasting and early warning of mountain torrents.

    In addition to issuing mountain torrent disaster risk forecasts each day at 8 am and 6 pm for the following 24 hours, the ministry will also publish mountain torrent early warnings every two hours around the clock, he said. Furthermore, a list of areas at high risk will be sent to each provincial-level region on a daily basis.

    The ministry will adopt a “grid-based” strategy to manage risks emerging from mountain torrents to ensure the timely evacuation of residents facing safety hazards.

    “Those who need to be evacuated should be relocated as soon as possible, with no one left behind,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Naval fleet led by aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong

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

    A fireboat of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government performs a water gate ceremony for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy fleet in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived here on Thursday morning. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas says conducting consultations over Gaza ceasefire proposals

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

    Palestinians pray over victims who were killed in Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in Gaza City, July 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Hamas said on Wednesday that it is conducting consultations to discuss Gaza ceasefire proposals put forward by mediators.

    The Palestinian militant group said in a statement that it is “acting with a high sense of responsibility” and holding consultations on the mediators’ proposals to reach an agreement that ensures an end to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip.

    “The mediators are making intensive efforts to bridge the gap between the parties, reach a framework agreement, and begin a new round of serious negotiations,” it said.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal.

    “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

    Hamas and Israel have held several rounds of indirect negotiations over the past months, but no final ceasefire agreement has been reached. In previous talks, Hamas demanded a complete end to the war, while Israel insisted on a temporary ceasefire.

    Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, at least 6,454 Palestinians have been killed and 22,551 others injured, according to data released by Gaza’s health authorities on Wednesday.

    The total Palestinian death toll since the conflict erupted in October 2023 has risen to 57,012, with 134,592 others wounded, the health authorities said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rare archives unveil history of China’s airborne remote sensing innovation

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

    Over 400 archival items illuminating China’s journey to become a global force in airborne remote sensing are going on public display in Beijing, showcasing four decades of innovation spearheaded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

    The month-long exhibition, organized by the CAS Aerospace Information Research Institute, opened on Tuesday at the CAS Beijing new technology base.

    Airborne remote sensing offers crucial advantages — high resolution, flexible deployment and rapid response — making it indispensable for earth observation and vital for disaster mitigation platforms.

    The CAS established the Airborne Remote Sensing Center in 1985 during a crucial period for the nation’s remote sensing research and application development.

    The exhibition chronicles China’s trajectory from early exploration to achieving significant technological breakthroughs in airborne observation systems.

    Highlights include early documents, which are displayed for the first time, tracing the approval, modification, delivery and maiden flight of China’s first-generation airborne remote sensing system, according to the center.

    Additionally, through various project implementation documents such as task assignment letters, feasibility reports and acceptance reports, the archives systematically present the process of independent innovation for the new generation of airborne remote sensing system projects, which utilized the Xinzhou-60 aerial remote sensing and scientific experiment aircraft platform.

    VITAL ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE

    Pan Jie, director of the CAS Airborne Remote Sensing Center, emphasized the center’s vital operational role, as showcased in the exhibition.

    “The rich archival images and text vividly illustrate the center’s deep involvement in providing remote sensing support for monitoring major floods in the Yangtze and Huaihe River basins, and for emergency assessments after the Wenchuan, Yushu, and Ya’an earthquakes,” Pan noted.

    The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake response was particularly prominent.

    “Following the Wenchuan quake, our two aircraft flew to the disaster zone,” Pan recounted. “Over the next 20-plus days, they logged 227 flight hours, surpassing 10 hours daily, setting a record for sustained remote sensing operations. They acquired over 20 terabytes of crucial imagery data, underpinning rescue coordination.”

    The display also documents significant achievements in environmental monitoring and resource exploration, including gold, polymetallic ore, and oil and gas surveys.

    “Through 40 years, the center has progressed from zero to owning four specialized aircraft, achieving the leap from reliance on imports to self-developed large airborne remote sensing systems,” Pan said.

    The center now operates a national-level aerial laboratory capable of carrying and coordinating multiple sensor payloads simultaneously, she added.

    Zhang Bing, vice president of the CAS Aerospace Information Research Institute, expressed the hope that the event would “allow more people to touch the spirit of China’s aerospace information endeavor and draw innovative strength from reflecting on history.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legislation: Law Experts Issue Open letter to Govt calls for halt to the undemocratic Regulatory Standards Bill

    Source: Professor Emeritus Jane Kelsey


    As some of the country’s senior lawyers and researchers in a range of disciplines (law, economics, Tiriti o Waitangi, public policy, environment), including a former Prime Minister and two New Zealanders of the Year, we cannot stand by as the Regulatory Standards Bill is rushed through a parliamentary select committee next week.


    Each of us has written extensively and spoken out against this Bill from our respective areas of expertise. Many of us have done so for the three previous iterations of this Bill when it was promoted unsuccessfully by the Act Party and the Business Round Roundtable (later, the New Zealand Institute).


    On each of those occasions Parliament has rejected the Bill as philosophically and legally unsound, profoundly undemocratic,  and contrary to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.


    This time the Act Party has sought to bypass rigorous parliamentary scrutiny by securing commitments from the National and New Zealand First parties to legislate the Bill into law. There was an opportunity for public submissions on the proposal late last year, where it secured the support of only 0.33% of the over 23,000 New Zealanders who expressed their views on the consultation document.  It is evident that the advice in virtually all the submissions was ignored by the government.


    The Bill could have profound constitutional consequences. It establishes a set of principles as a benchmark for good legislation/regulation, many of which are highly questionable and designed to establish a presumption in favour of a libertarian view of the role of the state – one that ceased to have any currency globally more than a century ago. Te Tiriti o Waitangi has been excluded altogether.  The power vested in the Minister for Regulation and a ministerial-appointed board is not subject to the normal accountabilities of Crown entities,  conferring significant yet largely unaccountable authority on the executive.


    Dr Jim Salinger, 2024 New Zealander of the Year, further notes the chilling effect the Bill will have on any future policy on climate change and adaptation following the almost $4 billion cost of the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, the highest in our history.


    While there is a select committee review of the Bill, it is truncated and circumscribed.


     The Coalition government has decided to submit the Bill to the Finance and Expenditure Committee rather than the Justice Committee, limiting the time to hear many tens of thousands of oral submissions to just 30 hours – at most 360 submissions –  with 5 minutes per submitter, and truncating the period for those hearings and the committee’s report, further exposes the hypocrisy that this Bill is about good governance, better laws, improved regulation, greater transparency and enhanced governmental accountability. We are gravely concerned that the National Party and New Zealand First appear to be complicit in this undemocratic process.


    We have each thought long and hard about whether to say we want to challenge this Bill before the select committee, lest it give some credibility to a process that is devoid of legitimacy. Some of us, such as Professor Dame Anne Salmond, 2013 New Zealander of the Year, and Professor Andrew Geddis, made written submissions, but feel there is no point in participating such a harmful process.


    Professor Emeritus Jonathan Boston, Dr Geoffrey Bertram, Dr Bill Rosenberg and Dr Max Harris have indicated they want to address the committee to reinforce their submissions.  In Professor Boston’s view:  “The current Bill is destined to have a very short and ignominious life as an Act of Parliament: it enjoys virtually no public support; it lacks cross-party backing; it is opposed by the very Ministry that will be responsible for its implementation; and it endorses principles that have been found wanting by multiple generations of people throughout the world”.


    In similar vein, long-standing academic critic of the Bill Professor Emeritus Jane Kelsey feels a responsibility “to speak truth to power” – in this case the abuse of proper process and the Act Party’s ongoing contempt for Te Tiriti o Waitangi.


    For a time it appeared the Sir Geoffrey Palmer, former Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Professor of Law at Te Herenga Waka/ Victoria University of Wellington, author of numerous books on parliamentary constitutinalism, and staunch critic of the Bill, was originally not invited to address the select committee, despite saying but he wanted to be heard. He was subsequently offered an opportunity.


    All of us appeal to the National and New Zealand First parties to find their democratic voice and prevent this Bill from proceeding past the select committee.


    Equally importantly, they are calling on Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee, as the Chair of the forthcoming review of Standing Orders, to conduct a first principles review of the select committee processes to find an appropriate balance for democratic participation in the digital era, and an effective  way to reinstate some degree of integrity and rigorous review to law-making in Aotearoa New Zealand.


    Signatures include:


    Dame Anne Salmond

    Sir Geoffrey Palmer

    Professor Emeritus Jonathan Boston

    Professor Andrew Geddis

    Dr Jim Salinger

    Dr Geoff Bertram

    Dr Bill Rosenberg

    Dr Max Harris

    Professor Emeritus Jane Kelsey.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Signs Legislation Establishing the Fallen Hero Fund, Making Survivor Benefits Available for Families of All First Responders

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    [embedded content]

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation (Public Act 25-61) modifying the state’s Fallen Officer Fund, which was created last year and provides survivor benefits to the families of fallen police officers, by expanding its availability to include the families of all first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics, and correspondingly renames it the Fallen Hero Fund.

    The legislation also modifies state law to allow the surviving family members of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who were covered by that first responder’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years, similar to existing state law concerning fallen police officers.

    “All first responders – police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics – face dangers as part of their job duties that put their lives at risk, and whenever we may be faced with a tragedy it is our responsibility as a state to support their families during that horrific time,” Governor Lamont said. “It is my hope that we never have to use this fund, but I appreciate that it is available should the unthinkable happen. I thank Comptroller Sean Scanlon and all the advocates who worked to get this legislation to my desk so that I could sign it into law. Connecticut is proud to support first responders and their families.”

    Comptroller Sean Scanlon was one of the leading proponents of this legislation. His office is responsible for administering the fund.

    “Connecticut’s first responders put their lives on the line for us each and every day, often without recognition and always without hesitation. In the tragic event where one of our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, or paramedics loses their life in the line of duty, the Fallen Hero Fund will support their families, providing immediate monetary support and access to healthcare coverage,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “I am beyond honored to administer this fund and thank the members of the legislature for their support and passage, as well as Governor Lamont for signing this into law.”

    Established in May 2024 through legislation signed by Governor Lamont, the Fallen Officer Fund provides a lump sum, non-taxable payment of $100,000 to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of any Connecticut state or local police officer killed in the line of duty or who sustained injuries that are the cause of an officer’s death. That 2024 legislation also created a law allowing the surviving family members of police officers killed in the line of duty who were covered by that officer’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years.

    Public Act 25-61, which expands these benefits to include the surviving families of fallen firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, takes effect July 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –