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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG HIGHLIGHTS DEVASTATING IMPACTS TRUMP SOCIAL SECURITY CUTS WOULD HAVE ON QUEENS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    Congresswoman holds listening session with local residents and borough organizations that stand to be affected by the President’s changes

    QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) held a listening session that focused on cuts to Social Security, and the devastating impacts it would have on Queens.

    Taking part in the event were several borough organizations and local residents who stand to be negatively affected by the President’s budget axe. With the President and Congressional Republicans slashing key federal programs, many in Queens – and throughout New York – worry about cuts to the Social Security program. Many are also concerned about receiving their Social Security benefits, specifically questioning the Social Security Administration’s ability to deliver payments in light of cuts to the Social Security workforce and the closing of Social Security offices.

    “Social Security is a financial lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people in Queens, and millions throughout New York,” said Meng. “Any cuts to the program or interruption in recipients receiving the benefits they earned and deserve would be devastating, and totally unacceptable. Social Security is not the government’s money. It is the people’s money, and fighting to protect this vital program will always be a top priority of mine. I stand with everybody in Queens and across New York who depend on their Social Security benefits.”

    Meng noted that many Social Security beneficiaries rely on their Social Security payments for crucial living expenses such as putting food on the table, paying their rent, heating their homes, covering medical expenses and other critical necessities.

    “We cannot overstate the importance of Social Security to Queens residents and the dire consequences of making it harder for beneficiaries to access their earned benefits,” Meng added. 

    The Congresswoman organized the listening session to hear directly from local groups and constituents. It was held at the Elmhurst – J.H. Senior Center in Elmhurst, Queens. Organizations and individuals that participated include:

    • The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) which represents Social Security Administration workers and other federal government employees.
    • Legal Services NYC which provides legal services for low-income New Yorkers.
    • Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York which provides advocacy, education and a variety of services for people with disabilities.
    • Queens Community House which provides services and programs for children, young adults, families and older adults.
    • Elmhurst – J.H. Senior Center which provides services to local seniors.
    • Frank Taylor, former Chair of Community Board 3 which encompasses Jackson Heights, North Corona and East Elmhurst.
    • Mr. Tamaine Hamilton, a constituent from Forest Hills who depends on Social Security and recently received $35,331 in back benefits with Meng’s assistance.

    In Queens, approximately 366,000 people receive Social Security benefits which consists of monthly payments to retirees, children, seniors, widows, spouses and disabled workers. This includes more than 126,000 recipients in Meng’s congressional district. Throughout New York, there are some 3.8 million Social Security beneficiaries and over 70 million across the U.S.

    Social Security was created in 1935 when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The program is primarily funded through payroll taxes and ensures income for retirees, disabled individuals and survivors including children and families. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: MENG INTRODUCES COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION TO END PERIOD POVERTY AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced that she reintroduced her Menstrual Equity for All Act, a bold, whole-of-government approach to eradicating period poverty and improving access to menstrual products.

    Menstruation is a natural part of life for roughly half of the world’s population at one point or another. Yet, today, millions of people in the United States continue to experience period poverty. In fact, one in three American adults who menstruate report struggling to afford menstrual products, and one-third have missed school or work because they could not access these products. An estimated 86% of people who menstruate use tampons, up to 72% use pads, and 75% use panty liners. Most of them use these products on a monthly basis. It is estimated that an individual will spend over $6,000 on menstrual products in their lifetime. 

    “Period products are essential for millions of people who menstruate,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Access to these products is not only a health care right, but also a human right. It is unacceptable that they are still out of reach for more than half the population. This legislation takes critical steps toward ending period poverty by expanding access to menstrual products for individuals across a range of populations, such as in schools and universities, workplaces, and correctional and detention facilities, and through existing federal programs like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Social Services Block Grants. Without it, women, girls, and menstruators will continue to miss out on educational and career opportunities simply because they cannot afford period products. We must keep fighting for them.”

    Specifically, Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act would:

    • Give states the option to use federal grant funds to provide students in elementary and secondary schools with free menstrual products;
    • Incentivize institutions of higher education to create pilot programs that provide free menstrual products to students;
    • Ensure incarcerated individuals and detainees in federal, state, and local facilities (including immigration detention centers), have access to free menstrual products;
    • Allow homeless assistance providers to use grant funds that cover shelter necessities (such as blankets and toothbrushes) to also use those funds to purchase menstrual products;
    • Require Medicaid to cover the cost of menstrual products;
    • Direct large employers (with 100 or more employees) to provide free menstrual products for their employees in the workplace;
    • Require all public federal buildings to provide free menstrual products in the restrooms;
    • Provide states and localities with funds through the Social Services Block Grant program to support free menstrual products programs;
    • Eliminate the federal sales tax on period products; and
    • Create a pilot program within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to help families in need access menstrual products.

    “We know that period supplies are basic essentials that all people who menstruate require to participate in daily life – going to work, school, and engaging in everyday events,” said Joanne Goldblum, CEO of the Alliance for Period Supplies. “The Menstrual Equity for All Act ensures equitable access to period supplies so that millions of people can earn, learn, and thrive. We thank Congresswoman Meng for championing the Menstrual Equity for All Act and fully support the bill as it offers a comprehensive solution to a major public health issue. Its passage is long overdue.”

    “The fact of the matter is that nearly 1 in 4 students across the country are unable to afford period products and a quarter of students are unable to do their schoolwork due to a lack of access to these products,” said Michela Bedard, Executive Director of PERIOD. “The Menstrual Equity for All Act will improve student success in and out of the classroom through expanded menstrual health education and period product access.”

    “Women’s Voices for the Earth applauds Congresswoman Meng for her longstanding commitment and leadership on menstrual equity,” said Debra Erenberg, Co-Executive Director, Women’s Voices for the Earth. All people who menstruate need and deserve access to safe and healthy intimate care products. We look forward to working with the Congresswoman to pass this groundbreaking piece of commonsense legislation.”

    Meng originally introduced her Menstrual Equity for All Act in 2017. Since then, she has led numerous efforts to improve access to menstrual products and promote menstrual health. Earlier this month, she introduced a resolution to designate May as “National Menstrual Health Awareness Month.” The resolution recognizes the impact that the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls and people who menstruate.

    This legislation was introduced with 61 cosponsors. It is supported by the Alliance for Period Supplies, The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, Days for Girls, The Flow Initiative, Helping Women Period, ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, Mass NOW, Mujeres and Menstruators United, National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Period Education Project, PERIOD., and Period Law.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Adam Scott to the Canadian Telecom Summit

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Toronto, Ontario
    June 3, 2025

    Adam Scott, Vice-Chairperson, Telecommunications
    Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

    Check against delivery

    Thank you for the invitation to speak today and for that warm welcome. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. I thank them and pay respect to their Elders.

    I received the invitation to speak at this event the exact same day that I received my Long Service Award for 25 years in the public service. And I thought, “well this is too perfect, I’ll call my speech ‘Looking back on a quarter century of telecommunications policy.’” And I’ll weave together anecdotes from my 25-year career with key moments in telecommunications policy to write a nice little speech that perfectly aligns with the 25-year history of this conference. Then somebody told me it was, in fact, the 24th edition of the Telecom Summit.

    Things don’t always line up quite as perfectly as you had hoped. Nonetheless, I would still like to spend some time looking back on –not quite – a quarter century of telecom policy.

    I have spent my career thinking about Canadian telecommunications and developing public policies to support a competitive and innovative telecommunications industry. I was at the very first Telecom Summit as a junior analyst for what was then Industry Canada – which became Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. I was so junior, that I was probably the only person in the room without a Blackberry. Instead, I brought a pocket full of quarters so I could stay in touch with the head office in Ottawa via pay phone, if you can believe that.

    I hearken back to those early days of this conference and my time in government not to make myself feel old – though, believe me, I feel plenty old – but to make the point that the health of Canada’s telecommunications industry and the services it offers Canadians have been top of mind for the Canadian government for a very long time.

    Throughout that time, while the specific circumstances, approaches and tools have varied, the core areas of focus have remained fundamentally the same. In fact, I’ve been explaining telecom policy by drawing the same triangle diagram for 25 years with quality, coverage, and price at the corners.

    Its apt because a triangle is a remarkably stable structure, and one where each of the sides supports, and is supported by, the two others. So I will touch on each corner in turn, describing the work we are doing on each at the CRTC, and show how we are promoting competition and consumer empowerment as foundational blocks that hold up our policy triangle.    

    Ensuring quality services for Canadians

    Let’s start with quality. The CRTC is part of the larger federal government effort to ensure Canadians have high-quality and reliable telecommunications networks. And quality is perhaps where our job has historically been least difficult, as world-class networks have been a hallmark of Canadian telecommunications.

    In terms of the Internet today, this means ongoing investment in fibre, DOCSIS upgrades, next-generation fixed wireless, and investment in LEO satellites. And in terms of cellphones, this means the rollout of modern networks which already cover most of Canada’s urban areas and are quickly becoming available in more and more rural and remote areas as well.

    We are seeing that companies are continuing to make network investments to provide the telecommunications services that Canadians need.

    Hand-in-hand with ensuring that our regulatory regime supports ongoing investment in modern networks, we are also working to ensure our networks are reliable. As the world we live in gets more unpredictable and the impact of service outages on a digital economy more severe, this is more important than ever.

    So we are developing a robust strategy and regulatory framework to help reduce the occurrence of service outages and improve network resiliency and the reliability of services. Because Canadians need to be safe in the knowledge that in an emergency, they will be able to reach out for help.

    To that end, we have already issued an interim decision on outage notification requirements for providers. We also have upcoming consultations aimed at reducing outages, mitigating their impact, and ensuring consumers are treated fairly when they do occur.

    We are committed to ensuring all Canadians have access to reliable Internet and cellphone services.

    Providing coverage for rural, remote and Indigenous communities

    This leads into the second corner of our triangle: coverage. And specifically, the challenge of getting coverage in areas where market forces alone may not meet the need. 

    Meeting this challenge when it comes to Internet coverage has been the focus of the CRTC’s Broadband Fund. The Broadband Fund team works with partners across the industry, governments and municipalities to connect communities that have previously lacked adequate or sufficient access.

    And every day we are getting closer to ensuring all Canadians have it. In 2017, 84% of Canadians had access to Internet services at speeds that meet our 50/10 universal service objective, and the gap between urban and rural parts of our country was vast: just 37% of rural, remote and Indigenous households had access to Internet at target speeds versus 97% of urban homes.

    Eight years later, more than 95% of Canada, 78% of rural households, and around 60% of homes in the Territories and on Reserves have access to 50/10 Internet. And through an array of investments, innovations, and a whole-of-government effort, we are on track to meet our goal of 100% of the country by 2030. But in many ways, the job gets harder the closer we get to our target. There is little, if any, low-hanging fruit remaining. CRTC staff are likely getting sick of hearing me say that the last steps to the finish line are often the hardest.

    As hard as they might be, we are committed to getting there. The Broadband Fund has had three calls for applications at this point, and directed funding to help connect more than 270 communities. We are continuing to deliver funding from our third call.

    In the past year alone, we have committed support across seven provinces and territories, which will improve telecommunications services along approximately 100 kilometres of major roads and help build over 2,700 kilometres of transport fibre.

    These investments will make a profound impact in those communities by improving access to health care services and education, and creating new opportunities for local businesses. And while we are pleased with this progress, we know we can do better. So we launched a review of the Broadband Fund to find ways we can improve the allocation of funding.

    To date, we have announced a number of changes, including making it faster and easier to submit a funding application, cutting down on the time it takes for us to review applications, implementing new ways to help Indigenous applicants, and improving our mapping so we can better identify roads and communities that need more help.

    We are continuing to review other aspects of the Fund so it can help us close the coverage gaps that remain across the country.

    Delivering affordable service plans for Canadians

    As we work to ensure all Canadians have access to telecommunications services, and that Canadian networks are among the highest quality in the world, we also want to make sure everyone has access to affordable choices – the third corner of our triangle.

    We are addressing a common complaint: too often, Canadians feel like they pay more than they can afford for telecommunications services.

    The Government’s February 2023 policy direction instructed the Commission to renew our approach to telecommunications policy in Canada, and to consider how our decisions could promote competition, affordability, reliability, and consumer interests.

    In the two years since that direction, we have taken action promoting those goals in both the cellphone service and Internet service markets in Canada.

    In the cellphone market, our mobile virtual network operator (or MVNO) framework allows competitors to operate on the networks of Canada’s incumbent mobile carriers. Competitors are now offering Canadians service plans in regions of the country where they previously had no presence and the impact on prices is apparent.

    Through this framework, we are fostering greater competition across Canada and creating the conditions for more affordable choices. At the same time, we know that building and maintaining high-quality networks is expensive. So we are simultaneously providing incentives for companies to continue to make facilities-based investments. For example, competitors that take advantage of MVNO access must also build-out their own networks in the new areas they serve within seven years of the framework’s launch. And our ongoing monitoring of compliance with that requirement will ramp up the closer we get to the seven-year sunset for this access in 2030.

    We are similarly focused on seeing more affordable Internet service choices available to Canadians. This is an ongoing file, with several applications before us being considered. So far, for the first time, we have provided competitors with a workable way to sell Internet services using the fibre-to-the-home networks of large telephone companies. The data showed that our previous approach to wholesale fibre didn’t produce the results that we wanted and Canadians deserved, so we pivoted. And more than a dozen companies are already using the new high-speed access framework to increase their competitive footprints.

    Canadians are seeing increased competition in the high-speed Internet marketplace, and we hope that trend will continue. Here, too, it is important to add that we have put in place incentives for continued investment – wholesale rates will be cost-based, providing the network builder the opportunity to recover their investments. And for the first time ever, any new fibre-to-the-home access built by incumbent providers is exempt from competitor access until 2029, giving network builders a head-start on recovering their investments even before cost-based wholesale competition kicks in.

    We expect continued downward pressure on telecom prices as a result of the changes we have made. And indeed, we are encouraged that year-over-year prices for Internet and cellphone services are trending in the right direction. But despite what the numbers say, many Canadians are telling us that they aren’t seeing those savings.

    We are exploring a range of options to determine how we can ensure Canadians are benefitting from greater competition. I am thrilled that increased competition has led to more and better service offerings in the marketplace. But the job isn’t done until Canadians see improvements in the bills on their kitchen tables. This is another phrase that staff will become sick of hearing me repeat.

    In fact, next week we will be holding a public hearing as part of our consultation on making it easier for consumers to shop for Internet services. This includes better labelling for Internet service plans, potentially presented the same way we see nutritional information on cereal boxes at the grocery store. Consumers deserve to have the services on offer presented to them simply and clearly, and we want them to have easy-to-compare information on each plan. This will make it easier to shop, and also make it easier to see whether consumers are getting what they pay for.

    This is one of several consumer-centric consultations we have underway. We are also looking into establishing rules that would require service providers to notify customers when their current plans or discounts are about to expire; examining what fees service providers charge that may impede switching; and seeing what additional tools or portals consumers need to manage their plans with minimal hassle.

    We look forward to finding new and innovative ideas to ensure affordable choices are available to all Canadians.

    Conclusion

    And that, I think, is a good place for me to wrap up today. The CRTC is focused on how we can best set up Canadian communications networks to deliver reliable, affordable and high-quality Internet and cellphone services to all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast. Competition and consumer empowerment are going to be pivotal.

    It’s a goal which, as I stated at the beginning, has not changed since the beginning of my career and that first Telecom Summit almost a quarter century ago. And although the frameworks, assumptions and environment may have changed, the fundamental way in which we work has not. Because at the end of the day, the CRTC relies on all Canadians, and all of you here today, to do our work.

    CRTC decisions are made only after extensive public processes, including consultations, hearings, and outreach. There is ample opportunity for everyone to get involved and help shape our regulatory work. Please do not hesitate to reach out, have your voice heard, and help us to better understand your experience of Canada’s communications systems.

    Because we know that when we work together, we can reach positive solutions for everyone in Canadian telecommunications.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Supports Legislation to Combat SBA Loan Fraud

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the 7(a)Loan Agent Oversight Act, which would require the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide annual reports to Congress on loan agents, which serve as intermediaries, for the SBA 7(a) program.

    “Ensuring that our small businesses have access to reliable, affordable capital is important for economic growth and rural development in Iowa. The SBA’s flagship loan program – the 7(a) loan program – helps facilitate this investment by assisting job creators on Main Street with securing financing. However, a percentage of this program uses loan agents, which have a history of fraud, to disburse small business loans,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I voted for legislation to conduct vigorous oversight of this program so that small businesses get the financial resources that they need to grow, hire, and invest while protecting taxpayer dollars and combatting fraud. Under President Trump, we are eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, and this legislation will further that mission at the SBA.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Lee Jae-myung elected S. Korea’s president

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

    Lee Jae-myung of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party was elected president, the ongoing vote count by the National Election Commission showed on Wednesday.

    With 94.4 percent of the votes counted after midnight, Lee won 48.8 percent and his major rival Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party took 42.0 percent, the National Election Commission data showed.

    Even if all the remaining uncounted votes go to Kim, Lee will win the presidential by-election, confirming his victory.

    Local broadcaster JTBC and three terrestrial broadcasters including KBS, MBC and SBS forecast earlier that Lee was certain to be elected the country’s 21st president.

    Preliminary voter turnout reached 79.4 percent, marking the highest in 28 years since the voting rate recorded 80.7 percent in 1997.

    Out of about 44.39 million eligible voters, some 35.24 million cast their ballots at 14,295 polling stations across the country.

    The voter turnout, which included those who participated in early voting last Thursday and Friday, was up from 77.1 percent tallied in the previous presidential election in 2022. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Dragon boat races spark rise in tourism spending during ancient Chinese festival

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

    Villagers compete during a dragon boat race at Xixi National Wetland Park in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on May 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the watery maze of Diejiao Village in Foshan, south China’s Guangdong Province, dragon boat teams race through S-curves, L-bends and tight C-turns with breathtaking precision. Spectators gasp and cheer as the 25-meter-long boats spin around corners at full speed, water spraying in their wake.

    A popular Cantonese saying captures the spirit of the event: “Ning ho bou laan, bat ho paa maan,” meaning, “It’s better to crash the boat than to paddle slowly.” It’s no surprise, then, that Chinese social media users have dubbed this tradition the “F1 on water,” with thrilling clips of races going viral across the country and beyond during the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

    The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year, and in 2009, it became the first Chinese holiday to be inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. People throughout China and all over the world celebrate the festival, which has a history stretching more than 2,000 years.

    Festivities vary from region to region but usually share several features: a memorial ceremony offering sacrifices to an ancient Chinese patriotic poet is combined with sporting events such as dragon boat races, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) feasts, and folk entertainments such as opera performances.

    These rich traditions are increasingly influencing how people choose their travel destinations. Across China, more tourists are seeking out immersive cultural experiences, and the Dragon Boat Festival offers both vibrant celebrations and a focus on deep-rooted heritage.

    This year’s holiday — May 31 to June 2 — turned Foshan into a travel magnet, with its total tourist bookings up 167 percent year on year. Hotel reservations jumped 145 percent, and airline ticket sales rose 110 percent.

    “Chinese dragon boat racing has long gone global,” said Chen Xiaolin, a Chinese-Canadian and the leader of a dragon boat team from Victoria, Canada, that joined an international dragon boat competition in east China’s Suzhou city on May 31.

    Chen originally founded the team in Victoria to connect with the local Chinese community. But over time, more and more local residents joined. “That might be because residents in Victoria really enjoy water sports like kayaking and canoeing, which have similarities to dragon boat racing,” she said.

    Yvonne Christine Ann Sharpe, a 70-year-old team member, had eight years of canoeing experience before she tried her hand at dragon boat racing. Sharpe told Xinhua that canoeing allows paddlers to switch hands, making it a bit easier than dragon boat racing, which has a complex technique and requires full team synchronization to maintain balance and speed.

    “Hard connectivity, soft connectivity and economic ties lay the foundation for tourism, but cultural connectivity is key to sustaining its appeal,” said Tang Jinwen, an associate professor at the Management College of Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University. Tang noted that traditional festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival are becoming cultural events that connect China with the world.

    Traditional Chinese festival experiences are drawing growing numbers of international visitors to explore and connect with Chinese culture firsthand, particularly following the country’s rollout of its visa-free travel policies.

    According to data from the National Immigration Administration, 231,000 foreign nationals entered China during this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday under these new policies — a 59.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

    Hotel searches for inbound international tourism during the holiday more than doubled this year, according to data from online travel giant Trip.com. The top-10 source countries for related inbound travel were Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Russia, Japan, Britain, Australia and France.

    Beijing, China’s capital city, welcomed 67,000 international tourists during the holiday, a year-on-year increase of 35.8 percent. These visitors spent a total of 720 million yuan (about 100 million U.S. dollars), which was 41.1 percent higher than the same period last year.

    China has been vigorously boosting its domestic consumption, notably in its culture and tourism sectors. Since the beginning of 2025, local governments have rolled out a variety of incentives, ranging from cultural vouchers to ticket discounts, aiming to unlock spending potential.

    These efforts intensified during the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival. In central China’s Hubei Province, more than 160 A-level scenic areas offered ticket discounts, pass bundles and family deals. Shandong Province distributed 50 million yuan in cultural tourism vouchers covering attractions, hotels and cultural products.

    As China’s economy reaches a certain level, a growing emphasis is being placed on exploring traditional culture and, in particular, how it is reflected in consumption, said Wang Qing, who works at a market economy institute under the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    Elements of traditional culture are likely to play increasingly important roles in shaping consumption in China, Wang said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt driving away Kiwi innovators and scientists

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government continues to obliterate science and innovation in New Zealand.

    “New Zealand’s world leading crown research institutes are being left to dwindle, and New Zealand’s best scientists are losing their jobs and leaving the country,” Labour science and innovation spokesperson Reuben Davidson said.

    “National’s decision to cut Callaghan Innovation has lost the country at least 60 skilled science jobs, meaning the expertise to commercialise great New Zealand innovations has evaporated.

    “GNS Science has axed nearly 10 percent of its workforce, despite its important work on seismic and climate research. ESR – the Institute of Environmental Science and Research – slashing eight percent of its workforce because of government cuts. NIWA was also proposing 13 percent of its workforce would have to go.

    “Cuts to the Marsden Fund, which supports important research at universities, will mean less research in public health, nursing, law, education, Māori studies, and public policy.

    “The Government has also closed the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund and replaced it with a new, smaller fund, and decided not to award new funding through the Endeavour Fund in 2026.

    “They’ve taken a total of $90 million out of grants and funds in Budget 2025. This is incredibly short-sighted, and gambles with New Zealand’s technology future.

    “National is happy to turn up to events like the Hi-Tech awards and congratulate winners when the cameras are rolling in Budget week, but behind the scenes they are cutting the funding that got lots of our best innovators there,” Reuben Davidson said.

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inaugural edition of Kung Fu Film Festival successfully concluded in Toronto (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) supported the inaugural edition of the Kung Fu Film Festival (Festival), which has presented six screenings of martial arts movies across the Greater Toronto Area from May 31 to June 1 (Toronto time) to celebrate the 50 years of Hong Kong’s kung fu cinema heritage and its influence on global film culture.

    To mark the festival’s debut, Toronto ETO hosted an opening ceremony in Markham on May 31 with the presence of Canada Hong Kong Intercultural Association President and the Festival Chair, Ms Connie Yu, Secretary Manager of Southern Film Culture Foundation and the Festival Curator, Ms Catherine Lam, along with the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, Mr Luo Weidong, Senator Mr Woo Yuen-pau, Member of Parliament of Canada Mr Michael Ma and about 50 guests from the local film, cultural and business communities. Some of them also graced the closing ceremony before the screening of the Hong Kong production “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” directed by Soi Cheang and starring Louis Koo, Raymond Lam and Philip Ng in Toronto on June 1.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, highlighted Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for the arts, cultural and creative industries.

         “Each film featured in this festival is a gem of Hong Kong’s film industry,” Mr Yeung shared. “Over the decades, Hong Kong movies and film talents have won numerous international awards. Many Hong Kong actors, directors, cinematographers and producers have become household names at global level.”

    Mr Yeung also reaffirmed the commitment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to supporting the cultural and creative industries, noting that significant funding has been approved through the Film Development Fund for film projects. He added that the Toronto ETO would continue to bring more Hong Kong films to participate in various international film festivals across Canada.

    The two-day festival curated a selection of six Hong Kong martial arts films produced between 1974 and 2024, including “The Shaolin Temple” (including a special AI anime version), “Martial Club”, “Ip Man 3”, “Kids from Shaolin”, “Hapkido”, and “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, offering Canadian audience a dynamic view into the evolution of Hong Kong-produced kung fu cinema.

    In addition, a student seminar with Q&A session was held during the festival at Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough on June 1. The audience actively engaged in the discussion and shared their views on Hong Kong’s martial arts movies.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assessing stream health in Virginia with biology and chemistry

    Source: US Geological Survey

    “How do government and nonprofit agencies assess water quality? How do they know what effects a storm or agricultural practice has on stream health? WMRA’s Randi B. Hagi tagged along on a demonstration and filed this report.

    [stream running, insects and birds calling]

    War Branch is a small stream that winds through the poultry, beef, and crop land of Rockingham County before joining Smith Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. It’s the site of a monitoring station where the U.S. Geological Survey is studying how farm conservation practices – such as cover crops and fertilizer management – affect water quality. The fact that it’s a relatively small watershed makes it unique to study.

    It’s draining about 10 square miles of land area up above us. So that’s still a lot that can happen in that area. A lot of farms, a lot of different activities. But most of our longer-term monitoring networks are in larger rivers and streams – think hundreds of square miles. … It’s really hard in those systems to identify specific activities causing changes in the stream chemistry.

    Jimmy Webber

    Jimmy Webber, the Chesapeake Bay associate coordinator for the USGS, led a group of 20-some attendees on a field trip to see the monitoring station. The trip was a part of the Choose Clean Water Conference held in Harrisonburg in mid-May. The group walked through hayfields and pastures down to the grassy stream banks of the War Branch site. Established a year ago, it’s one of five watersheds in the ongoing study. The others are in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

    Monitoring equipment that lies in the stream collects data and uploads it to an online database about every 15 minutes. It’s a metal tube with smaller cylindrical sensors extending from the end – it kind of looks like a cross between a caulk gun and a gatling gun. A tiny motorized brush sweeps off the end of the sensors before each data reading. As Hydrologic Technician Laura Yates explained, the sensors are gauging metrics including water height, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. She pointed out another one to the group. . .”

    Read or listen to the full article at WMRA Public Radio

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Provides Unaudited Balance Sheet Information and Announces Its Net Asset Value and Asset Coverage Ratios as of May 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) today provided a summary unaudited statement of assets and liabilities and announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as of May 31, 2025.

    As of May 31, 2025, the Company’s net assets were $2.3 billion, and its net asset value per share was $13.79. As of May 31, 2025, the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to senior securities representing indebtedness was 740% and the Company’s asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act with respect to total leverage (debt and preferred stock) was 530%.

    STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
    MAY 31, 2025   // (UNAUDITED)
     
          (in millions)  
    Investments   $ 3,184.4  
    Cash and cash equivalents     12.1  
    Receivable for securities sold     2.8  
    Accrued income     1.6  
    Other assets     1.0  
    Total assets     3,201.9  
         
    Notes     388.2  
    Unamortized notes issuance costs     (2.5 )
    Preferred stock     153.6  
    Unamortized preferred stock issuance costs     (1.2 )
    Total leverage     538.1  
         
    Payable for capital shares purchased     2.6  
    Other liabilities     19.8  
    Current tax liability, net     12.6  
    Deferred tax liability, net     297.1  
    Total liabilities     332.1  
         
    Net assets   $ 2,331.7  
     

    The Company had 169,126,038 common shares outstanding as of May 31, 2025.

    Long-term investments were comprised of Midstream Energy Companies (94%), Other (4%) and Utility Companies (2%).  

    The Company’s ten largest holdings by issuer at May 31, 2025 were:

        Amount
    (in millions)    		   % Long Term
    Investments
    1. The Williams Companies, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company) $ 359.7   11.3%  
    2. Energy Transfer LP (Midstream Energy Company)   319.4   10.0%  
    3. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (Midstream Energy Company)   313.6   9.8%  
    4. MPLX LP (Midstream Energy Company)   308.6   9.7%  
    5. Cheniere Energy, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)   266.9   8.4%  
    6. Kinder Morgan, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)   215.4   6.8%  
    7. ONEOK, Inc. (Midstream Energy Company)   186.4   5.9%  
    8. TC Energy Corporation (Midstream Energy Company)   167.7   5.3%  
    9. Targa Resources Corp. (Midstream Energy Company)   152.5   4.8%  
    10. Western Midstream Partners, LP (Midstream Energy Company)   120.6   3.8%  
             

    Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice. The mention of specific securities is not a recommendation or solicitation for any person to buy, sell or hold any particular security. You can obtain a complete listing of holdings by viewing the Company’s most recent quarterly or annual report.

    Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly or annual report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

    Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

    The MIL Network –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Acceleware Announces Board Appointments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a leading innovator of transformative technologies using radio frequency (RF) technology targeting industrial process heat in the critical minerals and enhanced oil production industries, announces the strategic appointment of two seasoned energy executives to the Board of Directors (the “Board”), and that two original members of the Board are stepping down. The new Board appointees, with their significant industry experience and knowledge, will be instrumental in assisting management in implementing a new strategic plan.

    Board Announcement:

    The Company announces the appointment of Peter (Pete) Sametz P. Eng. ICD.D as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and the appointment to the Board of Merle Johnson P. Eng. MBA, ICD.D, both effective June 3, 2025. Mr. Bohdan (Don) Romaniuk, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Peter Neweduk, Director, have stepped down from the Board after over 19 years of service. Mr. Sametz and Mr. Johnson, whose appointments will fill the vacancies left by Mr. Romaniuk and Dr. Neweduk, will both also serve on the audit committee, with Mr. Johnson appointed as Chair of the Audit Committee.

    Said Mr. Romaniuk, “I am thrilled that Mr. Sametz has agreed to serve as Executive Chair of Acceleware’s board. Acceleware’s technology offers outstanding potential. I wish him, and the Company all the best.”

    Added Geoff Clark, Acceleware CEO, “On behalf of Acceleware, our shareholders, and our employees, I would like to extend our thanks to Don and Peter for their dedication and service over many years. Their efforts have been greatly appreciated – we’ve certainly had many successes along the way – and they’ve also helped see us through many challenges. We wish them all the best.”

    Both Mr. Romaniuk and Dr. Neweduk will remain available to provide support and knowledge transfer for as long as is required to ensure an efficient Board transition.

    “I am extremely pleased to welcome Pete and Merle to the Acceleware board,” said Mr. Clark. “Acceleware is implementing a new and transformative strategic plan intended to advance the business and create significant value for shareholders. Having Pete join us as Executive Chair and Merle as Director and Audit Committee Chair to drive development and execution of this strategy is invaluable.”

    Mr. Sametz’ past several years have focused on change management and corporate restructuring. He has extensive experience in the energy sector at both the senior executive and board levels, managing growth from startup to intermediate status. He is recognized as a leader in innovation and an advocate for environmental responsibility in the energy industry. He has been a director of four public companies, as well as a volunteer in the community and with industry organizations.

    Mr. Johnson was the CEO of Connacher Oil and Gas from late 2015 up until his 2024 retirement and was the longest serving executive in the company’s history. Prior to Connacher, Mr. Johnson worked for EnCana (now Cenovus) on its Christina Lake and Senlac Projects and for IMC Global (now The Mosaic Company) at Belle Plaine. Belle Plaine’s potash solution mining technique was the inspiration for SAGD technology. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta.

    The appointments of Mr. Sametz and Mr. Johnson remain conditional on TSX Venture Exchange review pursuant to Policy 3.1.

    About Acceleware:

    Acceleware is an advanced electromagnetic (EM) heating company with highly scalable EM solutions for large industrial applications. The Company’s solutions provide an opportunity to electrify and decarbonize industrial process heat applications while reducing costs.

    Acceleware’s RF XL is a patented low-cost, low-carbon EM thermal production technology for heavy oil that is materially different from any enhanced recovery technique used today. The Company is also working with a consortium of world-class potash partners on a pilot project using its patented and field proven Clean Tech Inverter (CTI) to decarbonize drying of potash ore and other critical minerals. Acceleware is actively developing partnerships for EM heating for other industrial process heat applications.

    Acceleware is a public company listed on Canada’s TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “AXE”.

    Cautionary Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this release, such words as “will”, “anticipates”, believes”, “intends”, “expects” and similar expressions, as they relate to Acceleware, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Acceleware with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Acceleware’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance or achievement that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain information and statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, which reflects Acceleware’s current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to the appointment of Mr. Sametz and Mr. Johnson to the Board, the development and execution of a new strategic plan, the Company’s ability to successfully execute that plan, and the impact of that plan on Acceleware’s business and shareholder value.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the high degree of uncertainties inherent to feasibility and economic studies which are based to a significant extent on various assumptions; variations in commodity prices and exchange rate fluctuations; variations in cost of supplies and labour; lack of availability of qualified personnel; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for technology and project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing and adopting new technologies; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; change in demand for technologies to be offered by the Company; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. For a more fulsome list of risk factors please see the Company’s December 31, 2024, year-end Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Management of the Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking statements provided in this release to provide shareholders with a more complete perspective on the Company’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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

    For more information:
    Geoff Clark
    Tel: +1 (403) 249-9099
    geoff.clark@acceleware.com

    Acceleware Ltd.
    435 10th Avenue SE
    Calgary, AB, T2G 0W3
    Canada
    www.acceleware.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    The drone attacks by Ukrainian Operation Spider’s Web forces on Russian airfields have called into question Russia’s supposed military strength.

    Russian authorities have acknowledged damage from the June 1 attacks — an unusual admission that suggests the strikes were probably effective, given Russia’s usual pattern of downplaying or denying the success of Ukrainian operations.

    The operation’s most significant target was the Belaya air base, north of Mongolia. Belaya, like the other bases targeted, is a critical component in the Russian Air Force’s strategic strike capabilities because it houses planes capable of long-range nuclear and conventional strikes.

    It’s also in Irkutsk, approximately 4,500 kilometres from the front lines in Ukraine.



    Read more:
    Ukraine drone strikes on Russian airbase reveal any country is vulnerable to the same kind of attack

    Ukraine’s ability to successfully strike Belaya — an attempted strike at the even more distant Ukrainka air base failed — probably won’t have much of a military impact on the war. But along with successful attacks on other Russian airfields and the strike at the Kerch Bridge in Crimea, Operation Spider Web’s successes could play a strategic role in the conflict.

    These attacks could shift what has become increasingly negative media coverage and public perception about Ukraine’s chances in the war over the last year. In a war of attrition, which the conflict in Ukraine has become, establishing a belief in victory is a pre-condition for success.

    Explosions hit the Kerch Bridge in Russia on June 3, 2025. (The Independent)

    Increased pessimism

    Policymakers and pundits, instead of recognizing their expectations of a Ukrainian victory in 2023 were unrealistic, have often declared that the war is unwinnable for Ukraine.

    This perspective was even more prevalent following United States President Donald Trump’s resumption of power in January 2025. In the Oval Office spat Trump had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in late February, he declared Ukraine did not “have the cards” to defeat Russia.

    This turned out to be false. Ukraine’s army may possess significantly less military hardware and fewer soldiers than Russia’s, but war is often a continuation of politics. Politically, Russia faces several issues that could derail its war efforts.

    Russian vulnerabilities

    Russia’s military capabilities are important to Russian nationalists, who make up Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s core constituency. Russian military forces have advanced along nearly all fronts in Ukraine over the last year.

    These advances, however, have largely been insignificant. Furthermore, they have emphasized Russia’s military weakness, which is an ongoing affront to Russian nationalists.

    Not only have Russian military advances over the last year not changed the war in a strictly military sense, but the pace of advance has been incredibly slow. Over the last year, Russian forces have captured 5,107 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory. This territory represents less than one per cent of Ukraine’s pre-war territory.

    In exchange for what amounts to negligible gains, Russian armed forces have suffered significant casualties.

    Both Russia and Ukraine carefully guard the number of casualties their forces have suffered in the war. The British Ministry of Defence, however, estimates that Russia will have suffered more than a million casualties in the war by the end of this month. The Russian casualty rate is also accelerating, with an estimated 160,000 casualties in the first four months of 2025.

    Russia attempts to compensate for this battlefield devastation in two ways.

    First, it’s isolated Ukraine by manipulating Trump’s desire for political wins and business deals. Russia, in appearing to seek an end to the conflict while offering no concessions, has stoked tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump, where there was little love lost between the two to begin with.

    Second, Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Large-scale bombing does little to help Russia on the battlefield. The attacks, in fact, put its forces at a disadvantage by redirecting munitions from military targets.

    Attacks on civilians

    The attacks on civilian infrastructure, however, are more about instilling fear in the Ukrainian population and demonstrating American impotence to a Russian audience.

    Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities also highlight Russia’s trump card: nuclear weapons. Russia, and specifically former Russian president Dimitry Medvedev, has repeatedly threatened nuclear war in an attempt to dissuade Ukraine’s supporters.

    By bombing Ukrainian cities, albeit with conventional munitions, Russia seeks to demonstrate its ability to deploy even more destructive weapons should the situation call for it.

    These Russian military missteps, combined with a Russian economy that is structurally unsound, means that Russia’s war effort is increasingly fragile.

    Weakening Asian alliances

    Ukraine’s attack on Belaya also signals Russian weakness to its nominal allies in Asia.

    Since the start of hostilities, Russia has relied on the tacit consent of China. This support has taken the form of China purchasing Russian crude oil to maintain the Russian economy and Chinese citizens unofficially fighting for Russia.

    Belaya has been a vital element of Russia’s deterrence strategy in Asia, which has come to rely more heavily on the Russian strategic nuclear threat. The inability of Russia to protect one of its key strategic assets from a Ukrainian drone attack, combined with the weakness of Russian conventional forces in Ukraine, erodes its ability to position itself as a key ally to China.

    In fact, some Russian authorities continue to view China as a major threat.

    At the same time, Operation Spider’s Web gives hope to the Ukrainian people. It may also cause Trump — who prefers to back winners — to ponder whether it’s Putin, not Zelenskyy, who lacks the cards to win the war.

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

    – ref. Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian airfields could derail Russia’s war efforts – https://theconversation.com/ukraines-drone-attacks-on-russian-airfields-could-derail-russias-war-efforts-258049

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Questions Secretary McMahon on Department of Education’s Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s questions. 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), questioned U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon during a hearing to review the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. 
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    ON KEEPING JEWISH STUDENTS SAFE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “I want to ask about antisemitism. The morning before our education hearing last year, there were protestors at Colombia University. I asked the then-secretary, how many people from the Office of Civil Rights have you actually had on campus to see what’s occurring there, to see what kind of violation of civil rights might be occurring on the Colombia University campus. And, apparently there was nobody there from the Office of Civil Rights…This is not a problem that’s going away on our college campuses…How are you going to make sure that the department is taking to ensure all students and in this particular case, Jewish students, are able to learn an environment free from intimidation?” 
    ON COMBATTING POOR LITERACY RATES: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “Let’s talk about literacy. As I mentioned at my opening statement, these test scores are very troubling, I think, and you want to try to figure out how do we attribute to this. It’s not like there’s not great teachers everywhere, all around this country, trying to figure out how to get their students achievement moving up in the right direction. I will say this, my state of West Virginia, the state legislature recognizing this, did allocate additional funds for reading teachers in the very early you know what, grades one through three to try to move our scores up because we have traditionally lower scores. We did actually make it. That did make a difference. Having that extra teacher in the classroom. We can pull the child aside, give them that one on one attention really does make a difference.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Servants Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    Click Here to View the Original U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Press Release

    Angelo Stephen, 33, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer, and George Arestuche, 47, a former Miami-Dade County Aviation Department employee, were sentenced in separate cases after pleading guilty to defrauding COVID-19 relief programs.

    Angelo Stephen

    On May 22, Stephen was sentenced to four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $75,513 in restitution by Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga. Chief Judge Altonaga also entered a forfeiture money judgment against Stephen in the additional amount of $71,166. The sentence follows Stephen’s conviction for wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent applications for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and one Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), as well as his participation in two bank account takeover schemes.

    During his change of plea hearing, Stephen admitted that on August 4, 2020, he submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application in his own name to the Small Business Administration (SBA), claiming to be an independent contractor and the sole owner of a business that provided event planning and entertainment services with 10 employees.  The EIDL application falsely certified that for the applicable 12-month period, the business had approximately $62,018 in gross revenue and a cost of goods sold of $0. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen received $20,000 in EIDL proceeds from the SBA.

    Stephen additionally admitted to fraudulently obtaining two PPP loans. On April 24, 2021, Stephen submitted a first-draw PPP loan application, claiming to be the sole proprietor of a non-existent business with $106,554 in gross income in 2020. In support of the application, Stephen submitted a fraudulent IRS Form 1040 Schedule C. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen received $20,833 in PPP loan proceeds from an SBA-approved lender.  On May 11, 2021, Stephen submitted a second-draw PPP loan application, making the same false claims about his nonexistent business that was supported by submission of the identical false Schedule C. Based on his false and fraudulent application, Stephen obtained $20,833 in PPP loan proceeds from a different SBA-approved lender.

    Stephen also admitted to taking part in two bank account takeover schemes. On March 30, 2023, Stephen received a $20,000 wire transfer from the account of an unsuspecting victim in Virginia. Stephen quickly withdrew all illegally obtained money through a series of cash withdrawals and Zelle transfers to others. In the second takeover scheme, Stephen and his accomplices obtained new checks from the credit union account of a different unsuspecting victim. Stephen subsequently used one of those checks to obtain $8,500 in cash that he was not entitled to.

    George Arestuche

    On May 28, Arestuche was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck to five years of probation to include 210 days in home detention and ordered to pay $114,679 in restitution, plus community service. The sentence follows Arestuche’s conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent application for an EIDL.

    According to the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing, Arestuche and a co-conspirator devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by submitting a false and fraudulent application for Arestuche to obtain an EIDL and EIDL advance. As part of the conspiracy, Arestuche agreed to pay the co-conspirator a large fee.

    On July 9, 2020, Arestuche’s co-conspirator submitted a false and fraudulent EIDL application to the SBA on behalf of Arestuche, claiming that Arestuche was an independent contractor and the sole owner of an automotive repair business with 10 employees. The EIDL application falsely certified that for the applicable 12-month period, the business had $600,000 in gross revenue and a cost of goods sold of $184,000. In reality, Arestuche was not an independent contractor and did not own any type of business.  The EIDL application was supported by a fraudulent IRS Form 1040 Schedule C. As a result of this false and fraudulent EIDL application, Arestuche obtained $149,900 in EIDL proceeds and a $10,000 EIDL advance from the SBA. Arestuche subsequently paid his co-conspirator $17,275 for helping him fraudulently obtain the money from the SBA. Since pleading guilty, Arestuche has paid $50,000 in advance restitution payments.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; acting Special Agent in Charge Amber Howell of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General’s Fraud Detection Office (DOJ-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Eastern Region; acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami; and Inspector General Felix Jimenez of the Miami-Dade County Office of Inspector General (MDC-OIG) made the announcement.

    DOJ-OIG and SBA-OIG investigated the Stephen case. SBA-OIG and the FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from the MDC-OIG, investigated the Arestuche case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm prosecuted both cases.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda is handling forfeiture matters in the Stephen case.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide EIDLs to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred.  EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here.

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

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 25-cr-20014 (Stephen) and 25-cr-20001 (Arestuche).

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils new regulations on government data sharing

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

    BEIJING, June 3 — China on Tuesday unveiled a document to further regulate the sharing of government data to enhance the country’s digital governance capabilities and the effectiveness of public services.

    Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the new regulations, which are set to take effect on Aug. 1.

    The new regulations set clear requirements for the use of shared government data, stipulating that if government duties can be fulfilled by accessing shared data, government departments shall not duplicate data collection.

    An integrated national government affairs big data system will be established, requiring existing government data platforms to be incorporated into this system, according to the document. It states that, in principle, no new government data sharing and exchange systems should be established.

    The regulations also emphasize that in the process of using legally shared government data, the responsibility for security management falls on the government departments that demand data. Government departments and entrusted parties are obliged to protect government data security, says the document.

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Japanese business delegation

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with a delegation led by Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, June 3 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with a delegation led by Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Li said China is ready to work actively with all sectors in Japan to implement the political consensus that the two countries are cooperative partners, not threats to each other, achieve more tangible results in practical cooperation, and consolidate the foundation of political mutual trust and people-to-people friendship.

    Li expressed the hope that Japan will work with China to constructively manage differences, firmly grasp the correct direction of bilateral relations, and promote the healthy and steady development of bilateral relations.

    China and Japan have many unique advantages in deepening cooperation, Li said, adding that both sides should leverage these advantages to achieve greater mutual benefits and win-win results, inject momentum into each other’s development, and make greater contributions to global economic growth.

    Li said that China will firmly expand high-level opening up and welcome more foreign-funded enterprises, including those from Japan, to develop in China. It is hoped that the JAPIT will continue to play an active role in deepening economic and trade cooperation, and enhance friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, he added.

    Kono said that under the current international situation, Japan and China should enhance communication and coordination to jointly safeguard multilateralism and the free trade system.

    The JAPIT has long been committed to Japan-China friendship and is willing to continue to expand exchanges with China, enhance mutual understanding, and make positive contributions to deepening ties between the two peoples and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with a delegation led by Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Smacks Down Trump’s Efforts to Cut Education Funding by Over 15 Percent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WATCH: During key Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Sen. Reed takes on Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon, bluntly stating: “You are shrinking educational opportunity in the United States for a whole generation and also shrinking our ability to compete internationally and globally.”
    WASHINGTON, DC – A strong public education system is vital to the success of children, families, communities, and our country.
    That is why U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) opposed the nomination of U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, a professional wrestling magnate with no meaningful education policy experience, who was tapped by President Donald Trump to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and slash funding for public education. 
    Today, during a hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies to review the President’s FY2026 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Education, Senator Reed took Secretary McMahon to task over the Trump Administration’s efforts to slash funding for public education and shift federal education responsibilities to states.
    “From banning books to bullying colleges to cancelling grants and slashing money for K-12 and financial aid, the Trump Administration gets an F when it comes to supporting education.  Donald Trump is the first American president to declare war on education and weaponize major civil rights laws to undermine equal opportunity.  We must fight back to protect public schools and ensure every student – regardless of zip code – has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.  Trump’s budget would shortchange today’s students to pay for a bigger tax windfall for the wealthy.  Congress must oppose this budget and pass a strong education funding bill that prioritizes students, supports teachers, and strengthens communities because our economy and our future depends on it,” said Reed. 
    The Trump Administration is recommending a total of $66.7 billion for all U.S. Department of Education activities, down from $79.6 billion that was allocated last year, which would be a nearly $12 billion cut to education, or about 15 percent less than its current funding level.
    The Trump Administration proposes cutting about $6 billion from programs for K-12 schools, with another $4.3 billion in cuts proposed for higher education, according to the Committee for Education Funding, a nonprofit coalition of education advocates.  It also eliminates funding to support English language learners, grants for education research, and preparation programs for teachers and school leaders.
    At the K-12 level, Trump’s proposed cuts would gut evidence-based reading instruction, professional development for educators, supports for English-language learners as well as music, art, STEM, afterschool, and summer learning programs.  It would completely eliminate adult education, cutting off the pathway for millions of working adults who need to improve their literacy skills or earn a high school credential.
    The Trump budget also takes aim at rewriting special education law and targets programs that offer preschool opportunities for students with disabilities; information centers that help parents navigate special education law and policy; and technology tools that support instruction for students with disabilities and learning challenges.
    Federal funds constitute approximately 14 percent of public school budgets nationwide.
    During the hearing, Reed took aim at the Trump Administration’s destructive, partisan budget which could be used to weaponize the U.S. Department of Education against states.  Reed told McMahon directly: “You are shrinking educational opportunity in the United States for a whole generation and also shrinking our ability to compete internationally and globally.”
    When it comes to higher education, Trump aims to lower the maximum Pell Grant by $1,685 for the 2026–27 academic year and takes aim at Federal Work-Study, which provides part-time jobs to students who need help paying for college. Under the program, the federal government covers up to 75 percent of students’ wages.  Trump’s proposal calls for a $980 million reduction in Work-Study funding for the program, which was appropriated $1.23 billion in fiscal year 2024.  Trump is also trying to eliminate TRIO, which helps students in middle school through college navigate academic and financial barriers; GEAR UP, which helps low-income students prepare for postsecondary education; and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, which assists undergraduate students who have “exceptional financial need.” The program was allocated $910 million in fiscal 2024 — all of which would be eliminated under Trump’s budget.
    During the hearing, Reed and McMahon had the following exchange about how educations cuts would negatively impact the country:
    Sen. Reed: Well, it is a significant cut. And …
    Sec. McMahon: To be more responsible.
    Sen. Reed: To be more responsible? Your responsibility amounts to just surrendering.
    Sec. McMahon: Sorry, sir?
    Sen. Reed: Surrendering. We have this crisis of education and literacy, all of these factors. What we will do is pull back and let the states do it.
    Sec. McMahon: No, we will spend it more responsibly.
    Sen. Reed: I doubt it seriously.
    Sec. McMahon: Let’s hope we do.
    Sen. Reed: Well, ‘Hope,’ as someone said, is not a plan.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump’s Rescission Request to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Trump asks Congress to rip away funding 1500+ local TV and radio stations count on and key bipartisan investments in America’s global leadership

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump’s request to Congress to rescind $9.4 billion in previously-enacted funding.

    “After linking arms with Elon Musk to take a chainsaw to key programs the American people count on, President Trump is now asking Republicans in Congress to rubberstamp his DOGE cuts and codify them into law.

    “Trump wants Congress to vote to cut off public radio broadcasts our constituents count on for weather forecasts, emergency alerts, and updates on what’s going on in their community—and force layoffs at local TV stations. And he wants us to rip away lifesaving humanitarian aid, slash PEPFAR and other efforts to combat infectious diseases, and gut programs that enhance U.S. competitiveness, support American business, and counter the Chinese government’s influence. No way.

    “This is also just the beginning: Trump plans to come back for more if Republicans codify Trump’s cuts into law. This go around, it’s investments in America’s global leadership and support for over 1,500 local public radio and TV stations that are especially important in rural communities. Next time, it might be funding for cancer research or to help working families afford their energy bills this summer.

    “Congress must reject Trump’s request to cut off local news broadcasts and weaken our national security.

    “It must also be said: in asking Congress to rescind some of the funding he has been illegally blocking for months, Trump is conceding what we’ve known all along: that Congress—not the President—must approve the rescission or withholding of investments that were signed into law.”

    President Trump’s request to use a fast-tracked process to rescind federal funding with a simple majority in each chamber would claw back critical funding that Congress has provided on a bipartisan basis. The fast-tracked process is provided by the Impoundment Control Act (the same law President Trump and his budget director Russ Vought claim is unconstitutional). Under the law, if a bill rescinding some or all of the funding is not passed within 45 days of continuous session, the President must release the funding.

    President Trump, of course, has already flagrantly refused to release huge swaths of funding approved by Congress, defying federal law. Earlier today, Senator Murray and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro released an updated tracker chronicling the funding President Trump is holding up—detailing at least $425 billion in funding blocked that is owed to the American people.

    More specifics on President Trump’s request will be available HERE later today.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Tenfold increase in UK drone deliveries for Ukraine at 50-nation Ukraine summit

    The UK is investing a record £350m this year to increase the supply of drones to Ukraine from a target of 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025

    The UK is ramping up its support for Ukraine with a target to achieve a tenfold increase in production and procurement of drones to deliver to Ukraine this year.

    With more than 10,000 drones delivered to Ukraine last year by the UK, tens of thousands more have already been delivered towards an ambitious new target of 100,000 drones for the current financial year. The record £350m investment in drones for Ukraine is part of the UK’s £4.5bn military support this year.

    As Ukraine’s Armed Forces have demonstrated the effectiveness of drone warfare in defending against Putin’s illegal invasion, the UK has been doubling down on investment in drones with British defence companies, including small to medium sized enterprises, supporting the UK economy and jobs, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Convening a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) with his German counterpart, the Defence Secretary will also announce that the UK will spend a further £247m this year on training the Armed Forces of Ukraine, supporting its highly successful programme of training for Ukrainian recruits on British soil, Operation Interflex, which has provided more than 55,000 Ukrainian recruits with basic combat training since 2022 – with contributions from 13 partner nations.

    Ukrainian units have confirmed that UK-provided drones have helped stabilise parts of the frontline by driving back Russian attacks and protecting Ukrainian lives, and Defence Intelligence has confirmed that drones currently kill more people than artillery on the frontline in Ukraine.

    As well as this, the Defence Secretary will confirm the completed delivery of 140,000 artillery munitions by the UK for Ukraine since the start of 2025, in a vital boost for Ukraine’s frontline troops.

    As part of the Strategic Defence Review – published on Monday – the government announced more than £4bn for autonomous systems and drones for the UK Armed Forces, to help learn the lessons from Ukraine. This follows the government’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of UK GDP by April 2027.

    The Defence Secretary is set to join the German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, to host Ukrainian Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, at the latest meeting of the 50-nation strong UDCG at NATO headquarters today (Wednesday).

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The UK is stepping up its support for Ukraine by delivering hundreds of thousands more drones this year and completing a major milestone in the delivery of critical artillery ammunition.

    We are learning lessons every day from the battlefield in Ukraine, which British companies are using to develop advanced new drones to help protect Ukraine’s civilians and also strengthen our own national security.

    Defence is an engine for growth, delivering on this government’s Plan for Change, and this investment will help keep us secure at home and strong abroad, while ensuring the UK is a world leader in rapidly developing drone technology.

    To provide further training and equipment supplies for Ukraine’s forces, the UK will also invest £40m in the trust fund for NATO’s NSATU mission for Ukraine, for which the UK is the framework nation, which is prioritising rapid procurement of spare parts and fuel for vehicles, training, and consumables to support troops in combat.

    Artillery is critical to Ukraine’s war effort, holding back Putin’s forces from making significant gains on the frontline. With supply chains around the world under unprecedented strain, securing reliable sources for artillery ammunition is vital for Ukraine’s defence.

    Many of the drones built in the UK harness new cutting-edge technology, from highly manoeuvrable first-person view (FPV) drones to precisely attack Russian targets, to interceptor drones designed to boost Ukraine’s air defence by destroying Russian missiles and drones, to new fibre-optic drones which are tethered via a cable which safeguards against jamming from Russian electronic warfare systems.

    The UK has also been providing low-cost drones which can drop explosives on Russian positions. Between this type of drone and FPV systems, these two types of drone are reported to be responsible for 60-70% of damage currently caused to Russian equipment.

    The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 4 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    • UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
    • Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine
    • Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
    • Find out about the UK’s response

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Surprise kiwi encounter rewards safe driver

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  04 June 2025

    Campbell Hutchings nearly sped up the car when he saw something brown and vaguely possum-like on the road, but he’s glad he didn’t. He slowed down on the road near Ōtanewainuku and was rewarded with a kiwi encounter many New Zealanders dream of.

    In a video sure to tug on heart strings, his first reaction is shock, followed quickly by a delighted “It’s a kiwi!” as the unconcerned bird meanders across the road.

    With brown kiwi populations increasing across parts of Te Ika-a-Māui the North Island, once rare wild encounters with our national icon are becoming more likely.

    Department of Conservation Tauranga Operations Manager Kristine Theiss says brown kiwi are increasing in areas with effective predator control to protect them against introduced predators like stoats.

    “We’re at the point where encounters with kiwi are becoming more frequent. Kiwi live in a range of habitats so they won’t necessarily stay in a neat patch of bush, they cross the road and enter backyards, it’s amazing, but also risky for the birds. It’s essential we all play a role in protecting them.

    “You can see in this video just how naïve they are—absolutely no idea about roads or cars—so we ask drivers to watch out for them at night in kiwi areas. There’s often a yellow kiwi sign indicating their presence in the area.”

    Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust volunteers manage more than 180 kilometres of trap and bait stations to help kiwi thrive in the Ōtanewainuku Forest.

    Trust Chair Lesley Jensen said their team of volunteers work exceedingly hard to protect kiwi and other birds from predators

    “As bird numbers increase, we are calling on our community to slow down when travelling around Ōtanewainuku to protect them from vehicles.”

    Community groups, iwi and hapū, Save the Kiwi Trust, and government agencies have been working hard to protect kiwi, with populations of brown kiwi booming in many areas.

    Kris says population success remains dependent on continued conservation efforts and everyone doing their bit.

    “Many people are working hard to protect kiwi, and we’re asking our community to keep kiwi in mind when driving at night, and if you come across an injured or dead kiwi, please call us on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”

    Watch the kiwi encounter at Ōtanewainuku video (mp4, 13,910K)

    Background information

    • Brown kiwi are increasing in areas with effective predator control to protect them against introduced predators like stoats.
    • As populations grow kiwi are more likely to come into contact with people – this could be in urban environments, on roads, and in other places we might not expect to find them.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study on low calorie diets and depressive symptoms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    June 3, 2025

    An observational study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health looks at the mental health consequences of low calorie diets.

    Prof Stella Chan, Charlie Waller Chair in Evidence-based Psychological Treatment, University of Reading, said:

    “This research study contributed to the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry by showing a potential link between dietary habits and mental health in US adults. The study also provided further observations around individual differences by gender and BMI status. However, these findings must be treated with caution because of methodological limitations. Cross-sectional findings can only show an association but cannot identify causal directions. Depressed individuals could be more prone to following a restrictive diet, or that diets and mental health have no direct association but are underpinned by common risk factors. These findings can also only generalised to mainstream U.S. populations, biasing towards those who were able and willing to complete relevant measures. Future research should widen relevant mental health outcomes, such as disordered eating and anxiety which often co-occur with depression, and to use more robust measures than self-reported self-identified measures on dietary habits.”

    Prof Susan Jebb, Professor of Diet and Population Health, University of Oxford:

    “This is an observational study and so the apparent association between reported ‘calorie-restricted’ diets and symptoms of depression is at high risk of confounding from other factors. Higher quality data comes from controlled clinical trials where the consensus of evidence is that weight-loss interventions lead to small improvements in symptoms of depression (e.g. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7116866/, and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38084632/).

    “It is possible that the benefits of weight loss observed during a trial may also relate to the structured support offered to participants and it maybe that people trying to lose weight alone, without support may experience poorer mental health.  This has not been specifically demonstrated, but if true, it would reinforce the importance of providing access to structured and supportive programmes for people living with obesity and who want to lose weight to improve their health.”

     

    Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:

    “This study is seriously limited as cross-sectional so cannot determine cause and effect, and reverse causality may play a role whereby people having to consider such diets may be doing so for other reasons in their lives that leads them to gain weight.  In low calorie diet randomised trial in people with type 2 diabetes, quality of life improved significantly compared to no intervention (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29221645/) whereas the same low calorie intervention in people living with Long COVID, did not observe any adverse impact on depressive symptoms, but rather a potential benefit in the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score at 6 months (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39779922/).”

    ‘Mental health consequences of dietary restriction: increased depressive symptoms in biological men and populations with elevated BMI’ by Gabriella Menniti et al. will be published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday 3 June, which is when the embargo will lift.

    DOI: 10.1136/ bmjnph-2025-001167

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Susan Jebb:

    1. The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial government department set up in 2000 to represent consumer interests in relation to food;
    2. The Chair, Professor Susan Jebb is also Professor of Diet and Population Health at the University of Oxford, a member of the Public Health England Obesity Programme Board and Chair of the DH Public Health Responsibility Food Network;
    3. Here’s a link to her register of interests from the FSA website : https://www.food.gov.uk/about-us/professor-susan-jebb-obe-phd-frcp-hon-fmedsci-fsa-chair

    Prof Naveed Sattar: “NS has consulted for and/or received speaker honoraria from Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Afimmune, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carmot Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Hanmi Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Menarini-Ricerche, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Metsera, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Roche; and received grant support paid to his University from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Roche. No shares in any medical areas.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Expand Aerial Firefighting Fleet Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following House passage of the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act. Earlier this year, Carbajal joined Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) in introducing this legislation to improve our nation’s aerial firefighting capabilities through expanded use of excess military aircrafts and parts. The legislation will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law. 

    “As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the Western U.S., we must expand the resources available to fire departments,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This bipartisan legislation will boost our firefighting aircraft fleet and ensure first responders have the air support they need to combat severe fires.”

    “This legislation is a huge step in mitigating the impacts of wildfires and gives our firefighters the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Utilizing the Department of Defense’s excess aircraft gives aerial firefighters an upper hand while leveraging the assets we already have at our disposal. I thank Senator Sheehy from Montana for his leadership as we send this legislation to the president’s desk.”

    “This year is the most dangerous and expensive wildfire year in history, and the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act will give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives. Eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to fight wildfires more quickly and aggressively is America First common sense, and I appreciate my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill cross the finish line so we can better support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country,” said Sen. Sheehy (R-MT).

    “10 Tanker Air Carrier supports and thanks the bipartisan efforts of Congress to help the many operators involved with aerial firefighting to purchase at fair market value excess, retired military spare parts, particularly desperately needed engines and brakes. This commonsense approach will ensure that our aging fleet will remain available to the United States to battle the devastating wildland fires of today and well into the future.  We are pleased that the Department of Defense and the Air Force also support the national security mission of companies like ours,” said Joel Kerley, President and CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier.

    “Billings Flying Service is grateful to Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Newhouse for their leadership in introducing the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025. As an operator providing aerial wildfire suppression services across the United States, maintaining BFS fleet readiness is ever so critical to our mission. This Act opens up direct access to U.S. Armed Forces surplus parts, allowing operators to keep their aircraft in the air and deployed on life-saving missions. We are proud of the advancements Congress has made in protecting the sustainment of aerial wildfire resources, and we look forward to the Aerial Firefighter Enhancement Act becoming law,” said Bridger Blain, President of Billings Flying Service.

    “Firehawk Helicopters is encouraged by the passing of the Aerial Firefighting and Enhancement Act and would like to thank Rep. Newhouse, Rep. Carbajal, Sen. Tim Sheehy and Sen. Martin Heinrich for leading the efforts in seeing this bill passed. Since 20017 the aerial firefighting community has lost access to a critical aircraft and parts supply source. Taxpayers have lost hundreds of millions of dollars as valuable aircraft and aircraft parts were no longer made available for commercial sale.  The law will save these critical aircraft and parts from being scrapped. By making these aircraft and parts available for commercial sale again, the taxpayers will reap the maximum return on their original investment, but more importantly, see these aircraft and parts utilized in a second life that prioritizes the protection of the public from the growing threat of devastating wildfires,” said Bart Brainerd, CEO Firehawk Helicopters.

    This bipartisan bill aims to improve our country’s ability to combat wildfires year-round by enabling the use of military surplus aircrafts, sold at fair market value, for the aerial firefighting fleet. Additionally, the sale of aircraft parts will help maintain the current fleet of firefighting aircrafts.

    The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircrafts and parts, which are deemed suitable for commercial sale, to individuals or entities contracted by the government for the aerial delivery of fire retardants or water to fight wildfires, provided the aircraft and parts are used solely for wildfire suppression. The original authority expired in 2005, was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017, and has since lapsed again.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman McGarvey’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act Passes Unanimously in the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    June 03, 2025

    Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 passed unanimously in the House of Representatives. Congressman McGarvey, who serves as Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced the legislation in February alongside Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) to improve government services for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

    There are 44 million people with disabilities in the United States. In Kentucky, approximately 18 percent of people have a disability. Yet people with disabilities make up just 6 percent of our nation’s small business owners.

    “Entrepreneurship is a hallmark of the American Dream – it is who we are, a land of opportunity for all people. Yet too many Americans still face barriers when starting and running their own businesses, including people with disabilities,” said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. “As Vice Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m proud to partner with Congressman Stauber to improve services and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs with disabilities so that everyone has a fair shot at starting a small business and finding success.” 

    The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 would require SBA to conduct a comprehensive study of the resources that are available to entrepreneurs with disabilities, examine their effectiveness, and determine what actions need to be taken to better support these entrepreneurs. By conducting this report, SBA will have the opportunity to revisit the effectiveness of their programs to ensure our government better serves people with disabilities who want to start their own small business.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Texas Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the severe storm and straight‑line winds occurring May 8. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Greg Abbott on May 29.

    The disaster declaration covers the Texas counties of Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces and San Patricio.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    Beginning Wednesday, June 4, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC hours of operations are as follows:

    JIM WELLS COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Jim Wells County Tax Office – Former Wells Fargo Bank
    First Floor
    601 E. Main St.
    Alice, TX  78332

    Opens at 12 p.m., Wednesday, June 4
    Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Closes at 5 p.m., Thursday, June 26

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 1, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 2, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Cuban Labor Export Program

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce discusses new visa restrictions on several Central American government officials who are responsible for deals with the corrupt Cuban regime to import medical personnel in their forced labor scheme.
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIuxI6q4H8Y

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking – ASB Business Survey: The impact of Trump’s tariffs, according to Kiwi businesses

    Source: ASB

    Research released today by ASB, supported by Talbot Mills Research, shows Kiwi businesses see US tariffs as more impactful than Covid-19 or the Global Financial Crisis.  More than 300 business leaders, including CEOs and founders, contributed to the study, giving their insights on President Trump’s recently announced trade policies.

     

    • Two-thirds (67%) of businesses are concerned about the impact of proposed US tariffs in the next 12 months, with nearly 80% of exporters concerned
    • Kiwi business leaders believe Trump’s tariffs will have a more severe global impact than Covid-19 and the GFC
    • Meat, dairy and wine are seen as the most vulnerable within Food and Fibre sector, while businesses predict wool and seafood would fare better
    • Nearly one-quarter (24%) of Kiwi businesses see at least some opportunity in the tariffs
    • More than one-third (39%) of respondents listed support of banks as critical to navigating the current environment

     

    Tariffs: a threat and an opportunity for Kiwi businesses

    ASB’s Executive General Manager Business Banking Rebecca James says: “We’re seeing sustained market volatility with the ever-changing political decisions around tariffs, which naturally creates a heightened sense of uncertainty for businesses. It’s clear businesses view any proposed US tariffs as troubling, but it’s pleasing that nearly a quarter of respondents see opportunity in tariffs too. New Zealand has a reputation on the world stage for ingenuity and a can-do attitude, and we want businesses to know there are things they can do to future-proof and manage risks in turbulent times.”

    President Trump first announced tariffs in April as part of the ‘America First’ trade policy, aimed at protecting US industries and addressing the trade deficit. The tariffs are set at 10% for most countries, including New Zealand, with China a notable outlier where a larger tariff has been applied to Chinese origin goods. Additional proposed tariffs higher than the 10% baseline were paused for a 90-day period and will be reviewed in July.  Businesses are split on how long potential disruption could last.  A slight majority (51%) of Kiwi businesses are optimistic that the economy will recover quickly, while 38% predict a prolonged economic downturn for the country and the remainder were unsure.

    Taking action key to growth

    14% of those surveyed view US tariffs purely as an opportunity, while 10% see them as both a potential risk and an opportunity. Ten percent of businesses and 14% of exporters have already taken action to reduce the negative impacts of tariffs including raising prices, shifting markets or cutting costs. Just under one-third (30%) believe they can make up losses through new customers or cost savings; 25% from operational efficiencies, and 22% from other revenue streams. 22% are unsure, with uncertainty highest among small businesses.

    “The current market volatility and geopolitical tension may be our ‘new normal’, but we’ve been in positions of global uncertainty before and the research shows Kiwi businesses are already thinking about actions they can take to make their business more resilient and generate returns.”

    Ms James encourages businesses to stay connected to industry partners, trade advocacy groups and their banks to share knowledge and ideas when it comes to growth and scale.

    “Business customers are relying on us more than ever to navigate the current environment, and we’re seeing this through an increase in trade finance and a rise in currency hedging enquiries. Our advice is to start exploring options now. We’re seeing customers adapting their business strategy in all sorts of ways, so solutions for your business might look like assessing AI to improve workflow, adjusting your supply chain, selling down stock before new inventory orders, building new trade relationships or exploring untapped markets.”

    Businesses shifting their focus to closer to home

    More than three-quarters of Kiwi exporters expect the cost of doing business with the US to increase by 10% or more in the next year. Concern is higher among exporters (78%) and increases with business size, with worry growing to 88% among 100+ staff businesses). The potential impacts of tariffs which were of the most concern to businesses include slowing economic growth (39%), increased operating costs (32%) and supply chain disruptions (28%).  Nearly one-quarter of businesses are worried about consumer backlash due to price inflation (24%), along with 23% who see a China-US Trade war as unsettling for business. Some of the most explored markets by businesses are China (51%), Australia (37%), European Union (28%) and Southeast Asia (25%).  

    “The research shows a pendulum swing when it comes to trading partners, with businesses redirecting their attention to our close neighbours. Location seems to be king, with our customers prioritising relationships much closer to home,” says Ms James.

    “We’re also seeing exporters maintaining high standards and doubling down on premium products to give us an edge on the global stage, even where it costs more for consumers.”

    The role of banks as a critical support function

    Businesses see Government lobbying as the most critical tool in helping to reduce the impact of tariffs, with banks the next most important. More than one-third (39%) of respondents listed support of banks as critical, specifically working capital support (31%), risk advice (26%) and trade finance (24%).

    “ASB has provided $4.6 billion dollars to Kiwi businesses over the past five years including considerable support to companies looking to expand and navigate opportunities abroad. We have seen increased use of trade finance products, aided by trade credit insurance, enabling businesses to sustainably leverage balance sheets while derisking payment default. We encourage companies doing business overseas to speak with their banker and engage with a trade specialist to ensure your business is in the strongest position,” says Ms James.

    Notes: Results in this report are based upon questions asked in a Talbot Mills Research online survey. The basis of the sample is 344 New Zealand business leaders (business owners, C-suite, senior management), with the survey in field between 24 April and 5 May 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Construction Sector – Construction cost growth flatlines as industry slowdown persists

    Source: Quotable Value

    The latest figures from QV CostBuilder show construction costs overall have barely risen in the second quarter of 2025, amidst an ongoing downturn for the industry. 
    The average cost of building a standard one- or two-storey 150/230m² home in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin or Palmerston North has rose just 0.1% in the past three months- down again from the 0.4% increase recorded in the first quarter of this year.
    Annually, the cost of building a home in one of those six centres has increased by an average of 1.3%, which is in stark contrast to the double-figure growth experienced throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023.
    “This ongoing deceleration in construction cost inflation signals a broader industry slowdown,” said QV CostBuilder quantity surveyor Martin Bisset.
    “With subdued demand and tighter economic conditions, we’re now seeing many building material prices either holding steady or trending downward.”
    “Where we previously saw surging labour costs due to shortages, particularly in skilled trades, we’re now seeing a plateau,” Mr. Bisset noted.
    “This is a positive for developers managing tighter margins in a cooling market.”
    In the meantime, the cost of building non-residential buildings (excluding educational buildings) has also increased slightly by 0.1% this quarter, with an annual cost increase of less than one percent at just 0.9%. In our Q1 update, costs remained steady, up just 0.1% for the quarter and 1.2% for the year – also reflecting the downward trend in building costs in New Zealand.
    “These figures tell a story of stability rather than volatility,” Mr. Bisset added.
    “Construction costs are plateauing, but that doesn’t mean predictability for every project. The complexity, level of finish, and design elements will always have a major influence on overall cost.”
    However, he warned that geopolitical instability had the potential to impact prices in the future. “New tariffs have exacerbated the high levels of tension and uncertainty in international relations, along with recent escalation of armed conflicts means a general sense of political volatility continues to pose risks, not only to construction costs but also to the economy as a whole,” Mr. Bisset said. “Anything that impedes the flow of goods across the world has the potential for increasing the difficulty and therefore the cost of acquiring building materials here in Aotearoa.”
    Steel framing was among the biggest movers this quarter, down 5.7%; structural steel fell 2.1%; leading to a (1.4%) drop in the prices for Stairs and Balustrades; and Frames (0.7%). Site preparation costs dropped (1.0%) due to a reduction in sheet piling and diesel rates. Suspended ceilings fell 4.6%; and fire proofing costs decreased 3.2%. Bucking the trend, Formwork costs rose slightly by 0.3%; as did exterior walls and exterior finish costs.
    Labour rates have remained relatively stable, to March 2025; in the past three months, rising just 0.14% and they are up 1.8% over the past year. The downturn in overall construction activity – particularly in residential housing – has eased pressure on the labour market. Fewer projects mean there’s less competition for workers, which is helping to stabilise hourly rates and control one of the biggest contributors to project budgets.
    QV CostBuilder is New Zealand’s most comprehensive subscription-based building cost platform.
    In this update, more than 12,400 current material prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates, generating about 6,300 changes to the data across six centres.
    Powered by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value, QV CostBuilder’s comprehensive database covers everything from the building costs per square metre for banks, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate cost per sheet of GIB and more than 8,000 other items. It also includes labour rates, labour constants, and much more.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: French authorities block Greenpeace ship from participating in UN Ocean Conference

    Source: Greenpeace

    French authorities have blocked Greenpeace International’s ship Arctic Sunrise from entering the port of Nice, where the “One Ocean Science Congress” and the UN Ocean Conference are being hosted. This was retaliation against Greenpeace France, highlighting the weaknesses of the French network of Marine Protected Areas last month in the Mediterranean Sea, in an expedition on board the Arctic Sunrise.
    Greenpeace International will write a formal letter of complaint to the United Nations, deploring the behaviour of the hosting French government. Civil society participation is a core element of the UN Ocean Conference.
    The presence of the Arctic Sunrise in Nice would coincide with the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret services in Auckland.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Ellie Hooper says, “It’s ironic that so close to the 40th anniversary of the French Government’s attempt to silence Greenpeace here in Auckland by bombing the Rainbow Warrior, the French Government is again trying to shut us down by blocking our ship from entering Nice.”
    “But just like we were not silenced then, neither will we be silenced now. Climate change, ecosystem collapse, and accelerating species extinction pose an existential threat, and our work has never been more important.”
    The Arctic Sunrise had been invited by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in the “One Ocean Science Congress” and in the Ocean wonders parade taking place right before the UN Ocean Conference.
    Greenpeace International had intended to deliver the messages of three million people calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining to the politicians attending the conference. The ship’s entry to Nice has now been blocked.
    Mads Christensen, Greenpeace International’s Executive Director, says, “The French authorities’ attempt to silence fair criticism ahead of this UN Ocean Conference is clearly a political decision and is utterly unacceptable. Greenpeace and our ships have been working peacefully to protect the oceans for decades. The Arctic Sunrise highlighted the failure of the French government to properly protect its Marine Protected Areas – where bottom trawling is still permitted – and now we are being punished.
    “France wants this to be a moment where they present themselves as saviours of the oceans, while they want to silence any criticism of their own failures in national waters. We will not be silenced. We believe the voices of the three million calling for a stop to deep sea mining must be heard in Nice. Greenpeace and the French government share the same objective to get a moratorium on deep sea mining, which makes the ban of the Arctic Sunrise from Nice even more absurd.”
    Millions of people around the world have joined Greenpeace’s campaign to stop deep sea mining from starting. In 2023, the Arctic Sunrise crew took action at sea to bear witness to the threat of the deep sea mining industry. They peacefully protested against The Metals Company, which had been publicly accused of “environmental piracy” by the French government a few weeks ago, given their attempt to bypass international law by requesting an exploitation permit through President Trump’s administration.
    Right now, the Rainbow Warrior is in the Tasman Sea to expose the damage being done to ocean life there and will be in New Zealand to mark the anniversary of the bombing in Auckland on 10 July.
    Onboard photographer Fernando Pereira died in the attack, which came soon after Operation Exodus, in which the Greenpeace flagship had evacuated victims of American nuclear tests on Rongelap Atoll and was preparing to oppose French nuclear tests on Mururoa Atoll.
    Following the first-ever deep sea mining licence application by The Metals Company to the United States, Greenpeace says that now is the time to resist and stop this industry from starting.
    This UN Ocean Conference will be a key moment to galvanise support ahead of the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – The Wellington Water Committee welcomes new Directors to Wellington Water’s Board

    Source: Hutt City Council

    The Wellington Water Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of three new directors to the Wellington Water Board.
    Wellington Water Committee Chair and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the new appointments strengthen the board’s overall depth of experience.
    “We were looking for directors in key areas of expertise and skills that complement the strengths of existing board members and make for a well-rounded team to tackle the challenges ahead.
    The newly appointed directors are:
    – Gillian Peacock
    – Ben Pitchforth
    – David Adamson
    “Gillian brings crucial expertise in organisational change management, Ben has extensive experience in IT systems and management, and David’s significant background in infrastructure will be a valuable asset at the Board.”
    These appointments bring the board back up to full strength, with Board Chair Nick Leggett now supported by six independent directors.
    Board members are appointed by the Wellington Water Committee, made up of the region’s mayors and iwi representatives.
    Current Board members have warmly welcomed the new appointments, with Board Chair Nick Leggett sharing particular praise for the breadth and depth of relevant knowledge these new appointments bring to the board.
    “After a long wait, we are delighted to have our board back to full strength. With Gillian, Ben and David’s expertise we can move full steam ahead and make the right decisions now to ready the organisation for the transition to the new entity.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko awarded the winners of the international IT Olympiad

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Dmitry Grigorenko awarded the winners of the international IT Olympiad. With the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin and the Chairman of the Board of Sberbank German Gref.

    The results of the international conference were summed up in Nizhny Novgorod IT Olympiad, in which more than 10 thousand schoolchildren from 51 countries took part. In the final stage of the competition, 17 teams from Russia, Cuba, Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka met. As part of it, the participants solved practical problems in the field of artificial intelligence and information security.

    The winners were awarded at the anniversary conference “Digital Industry of Industrial Russia” (CIPR). Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko took part in the award ceremony for the finalists. He noted that the participants, despite their young age, demonstrated a high level of knowledge in the field of IT and involvement.

    “It is no coincidence that the award ceremony for the finalists of the IT Olympiad is taking place today at CIPR. At the exhibition, we saw cutting-edge digital solutions. But there are people behind all these developments. For the IT industry in Russia to develop, highly qualified personnel are needed first and foremost. You, interested young specialists, will soon become such personnel. You are already part of the industry.

    Over the past 5 years, we have already managed to increase the number of budget places in universities in IT specialties by 2.5 times. More than 230 thousand students have received qualifications in the IT profile. The largest companies are also actively involved in training personnel. As part of the national project “Data Economy”, we are launching new programs for training specialists in microelectronics, robotics and artificial intelligence, unmanned systems,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

    Sberbank acted as the general partner of the international IT Olympiad. Sberbank Chairman of the Management Board Herman Gref addressed the finalists of the competition: “I would like to congratulate the guys – participants of the IT Olympiad with all my heart. You have already taken a huge step – created a platform and a springboard to your own future. Different situations may arise in your life when you doubt whether you can cope with certain challenges. Remember that you once made the decision to participate in this competition, passed all the tests, and even won! And this will give you strength and confidence that you can handle any task. You are the very people who will build our common future. I wish you good luck on this path, confidence and resilience! Remember that it is not those who do not fall who win. Those who find the strength to get up and move forward after each fall win.”

    The winners were also congratulated by the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Gleb Nikitin:

    “At the anniversary CIPR, special attention was paid to the international agenda, including the interaction of countries in IT education. The Nizhny Novgorod government, together with the Republic of Cuba, organized the international IT Olympiad. I congratulate the guys on their high results! Participation in such competitions is already a great victory, and reaching the final is confirmation that we are talented, motivated and very promising young people. For the Nizhny Novgorod government, the development of the IT sphere is of great importance, as is systematic work with young people. The fact that the award ceremony is taking place in Nizhny, at the CIPR conference site, speaks for itself.”

    The IT Olympiad lasted almost 2 months and consisted of 2 stages: individual and team competitions. Schoolchildren solved problems in the following areas: cryptography, web security, reverse engineering, artificial intelligence, network traffic analysis, machine learning, open source intelligence (OSINT), information security theory, programming basics, social engineering, and others. A number of tasks imitated real websites with vulnerabilities — participants had to hack them and bypass the protection. The tasks were prepared by experts in artificial intelligence and information security.

    The participants coped best with tasks in mathematical logic (75% of participants solved them correctly), information security theory (74% of participants), and the basics of algorithms and programming (73% of participants). The most difficult tasks for schoolchildren were in the field of social engineering (32% of participants solved them correctly) and reverse engineering (36% of participants).

    The organizers of the international IT Olympiad were the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. The technological partner was the international school of programming and mathematics “Algorithmika”. The general partner was Sberbank.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 4, 2025
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