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  • MIL-OSI: Jeito Capital leads EUR 132 million oversubscribed Series B financing in Azafaros to advance Phase 3 clinical programs of innovative therapies in rare inherited neuro-metabolic disorders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Jeito Capital leads EUR 132 million oversubscribed Series B financing in Azafaros to advance Phase 3 clinical programs of innovative therapies
    in rare inherited neuro-metabolic disorders

    • Proceeds will support two Phase 3 pivotal programs with nizubaglustat, lead asset in Niemann-Pick disease Type C disease and GM1/GM2 gangliosidoses, three forms of rare lysosomal storage disorders, as well as expanding Azafaros pipeline to other indications
    • The patient benefit drives Jeito’s mission. This investment in life threatening rare genetic disorders, affecting children and young adults illustrates Jeito’s commitment to accelerate the development of high-impact treatments for patients with high unmet needs

    Paris, France, May 13, 2025 – Jeito Capital (“Jeito”), a global leading independent Private Equity fund dedicated to biopharma, announces today it is leading an oversubscribed
    EUR 132 million Series B financing round in Azafaros, a clinical-stage company focused on developing disease-modifying therapeutics to offer new treatment options to patients with rare lysosomal storage disorders.

    The financing is led by Jeito Capital, and co-led by Forbion Growth, with participation from Seroba, Pictet Group and existing investors Forbion Ventures, Schroders Capital and BioGeneration Ventures.

    Rachel Mears, Partner, and Julien Elric, Senior Principal at Jeito Capital will join Azafaros’s Board of Directors as Board members.

    Founded in 2018 and built on scientific discoveries from Leiden University and Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Azafaros is led by a seasoned team of experts in rare disease drug development and commercialization. The company is developing a first-in-class dual-acting drug candidate to offer new treatment options to patients with lysosomal storage disorders, a group of severe rare genetic diseases that often cause progressive neurodegeneration and, in many cases, fatal outcomes. Its lead asset, nizubaglustat, has been awarded Orphan Drug Designation in both the US and Europe as well as Fast track status in the US.

    The financing will advance two Phase 3 programs with nizubaglustat, lead asset in Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NPC) disease and GM1/GM2 gangliosidoses as well as expanding Azafaros pipeline to other indications. The company expects to initiate both Phase 3 studies later this year.

    Dr. Rafaèle Tordjman, MD, PhD, Founder and CEO of Jeito Capital, said:
    “This investment reflects Jeito’s commitment to accelerating the development of impactful therapies for patients with high unmet needs. Azafaros has the potential to develop new efficient, safe and tolerable therapeutic options for young patients suffering from progressive debilitating and even fatal rare metabolic disorders that generates very high expectations. We look forward to supporting the talented Azafaros team with our collective expertise to accelerate its pivotal clinical developments to go faster to patients.”

    Rachel Mears, Partner at Jeito Capital, added:
    “Azafaros has been impressive in its execution with nizubaglustat poised to begin Phase 3 clinical development and the potential to significantly improve the lives of NPC and GM1/GM2 patients. We are excited to support and accelerate the Azafaros team in this important next step in the Company’s clinical development journey. Leading this round further demonstrates Jeito’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives by pursuing much needed benefits for those suffering from rare diseases.”

    Stefano Portolano, Chief Executive Officer at Azafaros, concluded:
    “This successful Series B round marks a significant milestone for Azafaros, allowing us to accelerate the development of nizubaglustat and leverage our scientific understanding and competencies to bring additional candidates into development. The fact that we have been able to attract leading life sciences investors to join our existing strong group of specialist investors is a testament to the impressive accomplishments of the team and the large unmet medical need that currently exists for patients with these hugely debilitating neurological diseases. We look forward to bringing nizubaglustat to patients.”

    About Jeito Capital
    Jeito Capital is a global leading Private Equity fund with a patient benefit driven approach that finances and accelerates the development and growth of ground-breaking medical innovation. Jeito empowers and supports managers through its expert, integrated, multi-talented team and through the investment of significant capital to ensure the growth of companies, building market leaders in their respective therapeutic areas with accelerated patients’ access globally, especially in Europe and the United States. Jeito has built a diversified portfolio of clinical biopharmas with cutting-edge innovations addressing high unmet needs. Jeito Capital is based in Paris with a presence in Europe and the United States.
    For more information, please visit www.jeito.life or follow us on LinkedIn.

    About Azafaros

    Azafaros is a clinical-stage company founded in 2018 with a deep understanding of rare genetic disease mechanisms using compound discoveries made by scientists at Leiden University and Amsterdam UMC and is led by a team of highly experienced industry experts. Azafaros aims to build a pipeline of disease-modifying therapeutics to offer new treatment options to patients and their families. By applying its knowledge, network and courage, the Azafaros team challenges traditional development pathways to rapidly bring new drugs to the rare disease patients who need them. Azafaros is supported by Leading Healthcare investors including Jeito Capital, Forbion Growth, Seroba, Pictet Group and a syndicate of leading Dutch and Swiss existing investors including Forbion Ventures, BioGeneration Ventures (BGV), BioMedPartners, Asahi Kasei Pharma Ventures, and Schroders Capital.

    Contacts:

    Jeito Capital                                        
    Rafaèle Tordjman, Founder & CEO
    Jessica Fadel, EA
    Tel: +33 6 33 44 25 47

    Maior                                                ICR Healthcare
    Stéphanie Elbaz                                Mary-Jane Elliott / Davide Salvi / Kris Lam
    Tel: +33 6 46 05 08 07                        Jeito@icrhealthcare.com
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

                                                    Sean Leous
                                                    ICR Healthcare
                                                    sean.leous@icrhealthcare.com
    Tel: +1 (646) 866 4012

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets with Foreign Guests Participating in 4th China-CELAC Forum Ministerial Meeting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with some foreign ministers and representatives of participating countries of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing on Monday.

    At a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Wang Yi said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel held an important and fruitful meeting in Moscow, outlining directions for the further development of Chinese-Cuban relations.

    Wang said China will continue to support Cuba in its just struggle to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, oppose the blockade and sanctions, and promote continuous achievements in building a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

    Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed his sincere gratitude for China’s firm support to Cuba in countering the blockade and sanctions, as well as for its valuable assistance in helping Cuba overcome its economic difficulties.

    Cuba will continue to steadfastly adhere to the one-China principle and cooperate with China to properly implement the important agreements reached by the heads of the two states during their meeting in Moscow, the Cuban minister noted.

    At a meeting with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, Wang Yi said China is willing to work with Uruguay to deepen high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and continuously enrich the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership through stronger political mutual trust, higher-level mutually beneficial cooperation and closer multilateral coordination.

    M. Lyubetkin said that Uruguay highly values a number of global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, supports free trade and is ready to jointly practice multilateralism, adding that the Uruguayan side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the “one country, two systems” policy.

    At a meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte paid mutual visits last year, noting that China is willing to properly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and advance the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership to continuously reach new heights.

    Elmer Schialer Salcedo said that Peru firmly adheres to the one-China principle and hopes to deepen all-round cooperation with China in the fields of politics, economy, trade, science and technology, culture, etc.

    During a meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil Pinto, Wang Yi said that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a fruitful meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Moscow, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage.

    China firmly supports the solidarity and self-strengthening of countries in the region and is willing to cooperate with Venezuela and other Latin American countries in opposing hegemonism and bullying and upholding international justice, Wang added.

    Noting that Venezuela is satisfied and proud to have established an all-weather strategic partnership with China and made important achievements in cooperation in various fields, I. Gil said that China plays an important role in ensuring compliance with international norms such as the UN Charter, and Venezuela firmly supports China’s fair position.

    At a meeting with Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Wang Yi said China is willing to work with Guyana, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to advance high-quality cooperation in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, explore cooperation in new areas such as the digital economy and green economy, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in health, education, culture, etc.

    Noting that Guyana views China as a reliable and good friend, H. Todd said Guyana is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and welcomes the influx of Chinese investment.

    During a meeting with Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, Wang Yi noted that China has always viewed China-Colombia relations from a strategic perspective and in the long term, and is willing to regard the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to carry out cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road.

    L. Sarabia, in turn, said that Colombia is ready to join the Belt and Road Initiative and contribute to achieving more tangible results in bilateral cooperation, and also hopes that China will increase investment in Colombia. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • CJI Sanjiv Khanna retires; Justice B.R. Gavai set to take over as 52nd CJI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna will retire on Tuesday, marking the end of his tenure as the 51st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

    He assumed office on November 10, 2024, and retires after serving in the apex position for six months.

    Justice Khanna has formally recommended Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court, as his successor. The recommendation was made to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, and once accepted by President Murmu, Justice Gavai will be sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

    As per judicial tradition, Justice Khanna will sit on a ceremonial bench, alongside his successor.

    The Supreme Court Bar Association is set to bid farewell to the outgoing Chief Justice in a formal ceremony, during which Justice Khanna is expected to deliver his farewell address.

    Justice Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019.

    At the age of 64, he is scheduled to hold the top judicial post until November 23, 2025, when he turns 65, the retirement age for Supreme Court judges.

    A native of Amravati, Maharashtra, Justice Gavai began his legal career on March 16, 1985. He trained under Raja S. Bhonsale, a former Advocate General and High Court judge. After 1990, he focussed his legal practice at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, with special emphasis on Constitutional and Administrative Law.

    He has held several key public legal positions, including Assistant Government Pleader, Additional Public Prosecutor, and later Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor for the Nagpur Bench.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Making of subsidiary legislation under Safeguarding National Security Ordinance

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Acting Chief Executive in Council today (May 13) approved the making of the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation (the Regulation) under section 110 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) and the making of the Safeguarding National Security (Declaration of Prohibited Places) Order (the Order) by the Acting Chief Executive under section 42 of the SNSO, to provide for specific details in respect of the provisions in Chapter V of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) concerning the mandate of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS), in order to fulfil the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s constitutional duty to further improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. Both pieces of subsidiary legislation were gazetted on the same day and came into effect immediately.

    National security is within the purview of the Central Authorities. Article 48 of the HKNSL provides that the Central People’s Government (CPG) shall establish in the HKSAR the OSNS, which shall perform its mandate for safeguarding national security in accordance with the law. Chapter V of the HKNSL provides for the mandate of the OSNS, including overseeing, guiding, co-ordinating with, and providing support to the HKSAR in the performance of its duties for safeguarding national security. Also, the OSNS shall, upon approval by the CPG, exercise jurisdiction over a case concerning an offence endangering national security under the HKNSL in a circumstance specified in Article 55 of the HKNSL. According to Article 61 of the HKNSL, the relevant departments of the HKSAR Government shall provide necessary facilitation and support to the OSNS in performing its mandate in accordance with the HKNSL, and shall stop any act obstructing the performance of such mandate and hold those who commit such act liable in accordance with the law. The HKSAR Government must perform its constitutional duty to enact local legislation for the better carrying into effect of the relevant provisions of the HKNSL.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan and the Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39

    Source: police-emblem-97

    Have your say

    New Zealand Food Safety invites you to submit feedback on the proposed changes to the:

    • Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan (FCP)
    • Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39.

    This consultation would be of particular interest to food businesses operating under the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP, registration authorities, verifiers, and biltong manufacturers.

    A summary of the changes is on this page and full details are in the consultation documents.

    You can make submissions between 13 May and 1 June 2025. Submissions close at 11:59pm on 1 June 2025.

    Consultation document

    Draft Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39 [PDF, 386 KB]

    Only the affected parts of Simply Safe & Suitable are provided. Changes to wording are in yellow, except for the addition of the ‘Making biltong’ card:

    Draft Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan [PDF, 1.2 MB]

    Related documents

    Current Simply Safe & Suitable template Food Control Plan [PDF, 1.9 MB]

    Current Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39 [PDF, 308 KB]

    Summary of proposed changes to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP and the Food Notice [PDF, 280 KB]

    Proposed changes to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP

    We’re proposing to add the ‘Making biltong’ card as a specialist card to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP.

    New Zealand Food Safety has developed a biltong procedure that will allow biltong manufacturers to operate under a Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP rather than a custom FCP.

    Note: If you are manufacturing and selling biltong outside the scope of the procedure proposed to be added to the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP, you will need to register a custom FCP with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Activities out of scope of this biltong procedure include:

    • whole selling biltong (the ‘Making biltong’ card will only cover retail sale)
    • manufacturing other dried-meat snacks (for example, droëwors)
    • making biltong from other meat sources not mentioned in the ‘Making biltong’ card.

    Minor amendments are also proposed to other cards in the Simply Safe & Suitable template FCP. These are listed in our summary document.

    Proposed changes to the Food Notice

    For the Food Notice: Food Service and Food Retail Business Food Control Plan templates issued under section 39, New Zealand Food Safety is proposing to: 

    • remove reference to S39-00001 template FCP as New Zealand Food Safety no longer offers this
    • revoke the existing Schedule 1 which detailed the format of the S39-00001 template FCP
    • change the existing Schedule 2 to Schedule 1 which details the format of the S39-00004 template FCP
    • update the transitional requirements described in Clause 1.4
    • update Table 1 to reflect changes made.

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback on the proposed changes by 11.59pm on 1 June 2025 to foodactinfo@mpi.govt.nz

    You can also use our online survey to make a submission.

    Online submissions – SurveyMonkey

    While we prefer you email or use the online survey, you can post written submissions to:

    Food Act template project team
    New Zealand Food Safety
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140.

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

    If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – 30 Years of responding to the need for mental health and addiction nursing at Whitireia and WelTec

    Source: Whitireia and WelTec

    Whitireia and WelTec are celebrating a 30-year milestone for their New Entry to Specialist Practice: mental health and addiction nursing programme (NESP). The one-year programme combines theory, supported clinical experience, clinical preceptorship and supervision and has been a hugely influential part in supporting communities all the way from Hawkes Bay to Nelson and everywhere in between.
    Over the last three decades NESP has grown exponentially. This no doubt is due to the increasing understanding of mental health and the complex clinical expertise that is required to support the needs of the individuals, as well as their whānau and wider community.
    Carmel Haggerty, Head of School for Health and Wellbeing at Whitireia and WelTec, has been involved with the programme since its inception in 1995. “Over the time that I have been involved, NESP has seen many changes with the programme including having it going from a Graduate Diploma to a Postgraduate Certificate, growing from its initial medical model of delivery to a more nursing focused, context-based learning programme,” says Carmel Haggerty.
    The programme’s flexible, distance-learning structure allows ākonga to work full-time while studying, with regular block courses on campus to consolidate learning and foster connection. This approach has enabled graduates to step into a wide variety of roles, making a tangible difference across the sector.
    Waimarama Durie (Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitāne, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Raukawa), a 2018 NESP graduate, is a leading example of the varied and impactful careers enabled by the programme. Waimarama’s journey has included roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist at Mt Eden Corrections Facility, Improving Mental Health Practitioner at Rimutaka Prison, Māori Nurse Educator at Te Rau Ora leading the Huarahi Whakatū PDRP and Āporei (Principal Advisor) at Te Whatu Ora. She credits NESP for equipping her with the skills and confidence to make a real difference, connecting her with like-minded peers, and broadening her approach to holistic, Kaupapa Māori-informed care.
    “One of the most beneficial aspects was working in the field while studying, bringing real-world experiences back to the classroom to learn and grow with peers and teachers,” says Waimarama Durie. “The programme broadened my perspective and encouraged me to seek holistic approaches and integrate Kaupapa Māori into my practice.”
    The programme’s success is a testament to its ongoing responsiveness. Course leaders and tutors are constantly reviewing and updating course content to reflect the latest best practices, Ministry guidelines, and community feedback. A strong emphasis is also placed on the wellbeing of ākonga, who often juggle study commitments while working in challenging environments. This support ensures graduates are not only clinically skilled, but also resilient, culturally competent, and ready to meet the evolving needs of the people they serve.
    Catherine Fuller, Principal Academic Staff Member at Whitireia and WelTec, says “there will always be a need for nurses working in clinical areas, but really the opportunities that come out of this course are as diverse as the workforce at the time and the skills involved are transferable to all industries.”
    Join our Postgraduate intake. Mid-year starting programmes are open for application now: https://www.whitireiaweltec.ac.nz/study-programmes?enrolling=true

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – Ngā Kaituhi Māori NZSA programme recipients 2025

    Source: NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa

    The NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa – Ngā Kaituhi Māori has announced the recipients of its The NZSA Ngā Kaituhi Māori Mentorship and Kupu Kaitiaki Programmes for 2025.

    We are pleased to congratulate the four emerging writers who have each been selected for the Mentor Programme, with a six-month opportunity to work closely with an acclaimed Māori writer as their mentor to hone their tuhituhi ability and, in the process, evolve and refine a work toward a publishable manuscript.

    The four mentor and mentees matchings are Hoani Hakaraia with Cassie Hart; Mereana Latimer with Emma Hislop; Tallullah Cardno with Steph Matuku and Tommy de Silvawith Cassie Hart.

    The two emerging writers selected for the Kupu Kaitiaki Assessment programme for 2025 are Rose Toia and Billy Tangaere, who will receive detailed feedback on their writing and discuss next steps with their manuscript assessor.

    Matua Witi Ihimaera DCNZM QSM (Ngāti Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki), NZSA’s Ngā Kaituhi Māori Chair, says “E ngā kaituhi tātou, ngā mihi. It’s always thrilling to read the work of new writers and to trust to your potential, congratulations, mīharo. And I am always grateful to senior writers like Emma Hislop, Cassie Hart and Steph Matuku who have stepped up to provide the important tuakana-teina relationship that lies at the centre of this NZSA-Ngā Kaituhi Māori kaupapa to nurture new literary stars, he ngākau atawhai o koutou. To those who weren’t successful in your applications to the Mentorship and Assessment programmes, keep trying, I was once in your ranks! Kia kaha to all, kia manawanui.”

    Mentors – Mentees:

    Emma Hislop’s (Kāi Tahu) book of fiction, Ruin and other stories, won the Hubert Church Prize for Fiction, Mātātuhi Foundation Best First Book Award at the 2024 Ockham Awards. She has a Masters in Creative Writing from IIML. In 2023 she was awarded the Michael King Writer’s Centre International Residency at Varuna House, NSW. Emma is part of Te Hā Taranaki, a collective for Māori writers, established in 2019. In 2025 she is herself an Arts Foundation mentee working with Te Tumu Toi Icon Patricia Grace DCNZM QSO. Emma will be mentoring Mereana Latimer.

    Mereana Latimer (Ātiu, Ngā Wairiki, Ngāti Apa) is anchored where ngā hau e whā converge in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Mereana’s writing has been included in Symposia, Turbine | Kapohau, Sweet Mammalian, takahē, Katūīvei (Massey University Press, 2024) and staged as part of an anthology with thanks to Prayas Theatre. Although a fool for poetry (with thanks to the Lemon Juice Writers’ Group), this mentorship supports Mereana to branch out into long-form prose.

    Steph Matuku (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama, Te Atiawa) is a writer from Taranaki and a graduate of Te Papa Tupu. Her first two novels, Flight of the Fantail and Whetū Toa and the Magician were Storylines Notable Books. Whetū Toa was a finalist at the 2019 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Her recent novel for young adults, Migration, was winner of the NZ Booklovers Award for Best Young Adult Book 2025. Steph will be mentoring Tallulah Cardno.

    Tallulah Cardno (Kāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi) (she/her) is a queer wahine living in Te Whanganui-A-Tara with her partner and young daughter. She comes from a family of writers and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Tallulah’s writing touches on the themes of queerness, motherhood, womanhood, grief, her Māori-Pākehā identity, her journey to reconnect to her Māori heritage, decolonisation, mental health, and relationships. She is a novelist and a poet, and has been published in Awa Wahine.

    Cassie Hart (Kāi Tahu) is an award-winning Māori/Pakeha writer, editor and mentor from Taranaki and graduate of Te Papa Tupu. She writes speculative fiction under her own name as well as a further 10 titles published under pseudonym. She received special recognition for her services to Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror in 2021 with a Sir Julius Vogel award. Cassie will be mentoring both Tommy de Silva and Hoani Hakaraia.

    Ko Tame de Silva tooku ingoa. He uri teenei noo Ngaati Te Ata me Te Waiohua. I’m a rangatahi freelance writer – with mahi published by Waipapa Taumata Rau, The Spinoff, and Lonely Planet – who hails from the scenic shores of Taamaki Makaurau. Through this tuakana-teina experience I hope to expand my writing arsenal by learning how to write fiction. Learning the ropes of how to put pen to paper to write a novel is a dream come true!

    Hoani Hakaraia: He uri tēnei nō ngā iwi ō Tainui waka (Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga, Ngāti Wehi Wehi) me Te Arawa (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao). I am a product of kohanga reo, whānau, hapū, iwi, and marae. Growing up in Ōtaki I have always been awed by the epic tales of Tāwhaki and Mauī. I never wanted to be a writer, but it seems my mother might have birthed a storyteller anyway. I never wanted to be a writer, but inspired by the stories of worlds’ dystopian and fantastic in books, on screens, and in the real histories of the South Pacific and beyond, I seek the skills to create a new story that provides a space for self-reflection and inspiration.

    Kupu Kaitiaki Assessment Recipients:

    Eva Rose Toia (Ngāpuhi) is a corporate writer in a kaupapa Māori organisation and has a background in transcription, editing, and language accessibility. Her career has centred on crafting clear writing that supports others in their mahi. She’s now using those skills to contribute to kaupapa that matter to her: the future of te reo Māori, and how we revive and protect the stories of our whānau, hapū, and marae. She has a growing interest in the impact of technology on indigenous peoples, and is drafting a memoir exploring relationships, intimacy, and identity. She writes with care, is fascinated by the stories held in a single word, and loves how language can change minds.

    Billy Tangaere (Ngāti Porou) is a former soldier, artist, and MBA graduate whose words rise from the embers of a brutal past and soar toward ancestral light. In TOHU: A Journey of Healing, he walks the path of redemption with raw honesty, spiritual depth, and the unwavering strength of Māori wisdom. It answers the universal question on everyone’s lips: Who am I? Where do I belong? What is my calling? It is a story of self-discovery, healing, and redemption. Through the Māori lens of ancient knowing, Billy guides readers home—to their roots, their calling, and the stars where their ancestors wait. His story is not just his own—it is a mirror for all who seek healing, identity, and the courage to remember who they truly are. Seek the power of your roots.

    The NZSA Kaituhi Māori Mentorship Programme was established to foster and develop emerging writing talent around New Zealand with the support of established authors. The programme aims to support the amplification of Māori voices and Māori stories, and ultimately see greater publication and performance of these works. There are four spaces in the programme each year.  

    NZSA Kupu Kaitiaki Programme was established to provide new and emerging kaituhi with valuable feedback and a detailed manuscript assessment from a skilled Kupu Kaitiaki, working to refine and develop a manuscript. There are two places available annually.

    These two programmes are recent additions to The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa’s successful mentoring and assessment programmes for writers that have been running for over 30 years, and are an invaluable pipeline that nurtures emerging talent and helps new writers craft their manuscripts and build their skills.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Everyone can help make our roads safer

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    The theme of this week’s Road Safety Week is Be a Road Safety Hero and Transporting New Zealand has some tips for getting your superhero cape on.
    CEO Dom Kalasih says everybody can help make the roads safer, from truckies in the big rigs, to motorists and cyclists.
    In particular, he says some key things make the roads much safer for everyone.
    “The roads are truckie’s workplaces, and they want them to be as safe as they can be for everyone,” he says.
    “A bit of patience and courtesy go a huge way to making sure everyone has a good trip.”
    Four top safety tips around trucks are;
    Leave the gap.
    Don’t pull in front of a truck just because there’s a space. Truck drivers like a decent space in front because they take about twice the distance to stop than a car does.
    Make yourself seen.
    Trucks have blindspots. If you can’t see their wing mirrors, they can’t see you. And if it’s wet, put on your car lights so you stand out behind the spray that gets kicked up.. Cyclists can help by wearing some fluro. There are a few riders who think dressing in black like a ninja at night is a good idea. It’s really not.
    It’s SH1, not F1
    Trucks legally can only do 90 km/h. If you want to pass, give yourself plenty of space if you’re using a passing lane. You might have 40 metres to pass so make sure there is plenty of space for you and anybody else who plans on getting through by the time the passing lane ends.
    Here’s an example of what not to do, taken on a road outside Rotorua. https://bit.ly/Far_too_tight
    Tired? Pull over
    Feeling sleepy? Find a safe place to pull over and have a micro-rest. The AA says a 15-20 minute power nap provides the brain with the best pick-me-up. Some water and a banana are always handy for keeping energised.
    More information on Road Safety Week is here

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Media release: Australian oil and gas sector congratulates Opposition Leader Sussan Ley – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: Australian oil and gas sector congratulates Opposition Leader Sussan Ley – Australian Energy Producers

    Australia’s oil and gas industry congratulates Sussan Ley on her appointment as Leader of the Opposition and Ted O’Brien on his appointment as Deputy Leader.

    Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the industry looked forward to working with the Coalition on policies that deliver more gas supply and investment to ensure Australian households and businesses have reliable and affordable energy.

    “Sussan Ley brings significant experience and leadership to this role and understands the critical role of natural gas in Australia’s economic and energy security,” Ms McCulloch said.

    “Similarly, as Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Ted O’Brien championed the role of gas in Australia’s long-term energy mix and advocated for the inclusion of gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme.”

    Ms McCulloch said industry welcomed the Coalition’s pre-election commitment to bring on more gas supply by streamlining environmental approvals, protecting critical energy projects from lawfare, including gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme, and supporting investment in gas infrastructure.

    Industry stands ready to work with both major parties to implement bipartisan policies that will:

    • Boost Australian gas supply to ease cost of living pressures
    • Restore Australia’s global competitiveness for investment
    • Deliver real emissions reductions with gas and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
    • Remain a reliable energy partner in our region

    “Australia has abundant gas resources, yet we face gas shortfalls this decade due to regulatory uncertainty, approval delays and policy interventions that have delayed new gas supply and damaged Australia’s investment competitiveness.

    “Addressing these risks must be a priority for the new Parliament,” Ms McCulloch said.

    Media contact: 0434 631 511

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Fast Payout Online Casinos: Find Out The Best Online Casino With Instant Payout! – By 7bit Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    Disclaimer

    Online gambling involves financial risk. Ensure you’re at least 19 years old and comply with the legal regulations in your area. Gamble responsibly, and always refer to 7Bit Casino’s official website for the most up-to-date terms, promotions, and payment options.

    General Disclaimer

    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of writing. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Major ETF Update, Solana Price Prediction & Is Remittix Transforming Cross-Border Payments?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crypto platforms constantly work on improving their platforms to stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace. Developments like a potential XRP ETF and the future trajectory of assets like Solana make news daily. Amidst this, new crypto, Remittix, is carving out its niche, with its presale already gaining significant attention from investors eager to be part of a project revolutionizing how we think about global payments. Meanwhile, many are watching the latest XRP News for a breakthrough.

    Remittix – The best looking for the future?

    Remittix is a new crypto investment that is competing with established crypto platforms like XRP and Solana. While XRP has focused on improving cross-border payments, and Solana offers a fast and scalable network, Remittix aims to convert crypto to fiat for everyday global bank transfers.

    The cross-border payments market was valued at nearly $150 trillion in 2017 and is projected to exceed $250 trillion by 2027. Remittix is working to capture a share of this significant market by bridging the gap between the banking industry and blockchain technology

    How does Remittix work?

    Remittix empowers crypto holders by leveraging local payment networks and blockchain technology. Users enjoy the lightning speed of crypto transactions and the everyday convenience of fiat payments.

    A standout feature is the flat-fee structure for cross-border transfers, eliminating hidden FX and wire charges. What you send is what the recipient gets, offering a more cost-effective solution than traditional banks. Businesses can accept crypto payments from customers and settle these transactions in fiat to their nominated bank account. Merchant accounts also provide full control over crypto cash-outs in over 30 fiat currencies and 50+ cryptocurrency pairs.

    Simplicity is key: the recipient gets a standard bank transfer, often unaware it originated from a crypto payment. This makes Remittix different from XRP or Solana.

    XRP facilitates cross-border settlements

    XRP supports fast, reliable and low-cost international payments. Many financial institutions have explored XRP for its potential in cross-border settlements.

    XRP price prediction general

    The price of XRP has been volatile, especially when XRP news highlighted the legal battles of its parent company, Ripple. The platform’s potential for wider adoption, including talks of an ETF, helps make XRP a more attractive investment option.

    Image source: CoinGecko

    Solana – Fast and cheap

    Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform known for its speed, scalability, and low transaction fees. It supports decentralized applications (dApps) and marketplaces, aiming to overcome the throughput limitations that have challenged other blockchains. Solana’s rapidly growing ecosystem recently added a number of meme coins.

    Solana price prediction general

    Solana’s price predictions are optimistic, driven by its technological capabilities and expanding ecosystem. Analysts highlight its potential to host dApps and its efficient transactions. However, Solana has faced challenges with network stability, which could impact investor confidence and its price. Future growth for Solana depends on continued development and market adoption.

    Image source: CoinGecko

    Remittix price prediction

    Predicting the price for Remittix involves looking at its unique utility and presale structure. With a limited supply of 1.5 billion tokens and a phased presale where the token price increases with each block sold, early participation is incentivized.

    Given its solution for a multi-trillion dollar market and its clear advantages in speed, cost and accessibility for crypto-to-fiat transfers, a domain distinct from the primary focuses of XRP or Solana, Remittix has substantial growth potential. The strong foundation, including an audit from Solid Proof, bolsters confidence.

    Conclusion

    While the latest XRP News keeps the market watching and Solana continues to impress with its speed, Remittix is addressing a clear and pressing need in the financial world: making crypto seamlessly usable for global fiat payments. Its unique approach to combining crypto efficiency with fiat accessibility sets it apart.

    The Remittix presale is currently underway, offering a ground-floor opportunity to invest in a project with a clear vision and the technology to achieve it. With tokens selling fast and the price set to rise, this could be the best time to get involved.

    Remittix
    To buy Remittix, visit the official Remittix website.

    Media details:
    Company: Remittix
    Website: https://remittix.io/
    Contact Person: Bowen Higgins
    Email Id: B_Higgins@remittix.io
    Address:22 Washington Square N, New York, NY 10011, USA

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    The MIL Network –

  • Outlining India’s doctrinal shift to hard-nosed message for Pak: Read PM Modi’s full address to nation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, in a powerful televised address to the nation, minced no words in criticising Pakistan and its terror-supporting tactics while underlining that ‘Operation Sindoor’ is the country’s policy against terror, making it clear that terror and trade, terror and talk cannot happen together while water and blood can’t also flow at the same time. The Prime Minister’s hard-hitting address came close on the heels of the Indian Armed Forces’ successful ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted terror launchpads in Pakistan as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation to the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives of civilians.

    Here is the full text of PM Modi’s special address to the nation.

    My dear countrymen, Namaskar!

    In the past days, we all have witnessed both the strength and patience of our country. First of all, on behalf of the people of India, I salute the valiant forces of India, the armed forces, our intelligence agencies, and our scientists. Our brave soldiers displayed immense courage to achieve the objectives of Operation Sindoor. I pay tribute to their bravery, courage and valour. I dedicate this valour to every mother, every sister and every daughter of the country.

    Friends,

    The barbarity displayed by terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22 had shocked the entire country and the world. The merciless killing of innocent citizens in front of their family and their children on the basis of their religion was a very gruesome face of terror and cruelty. This was also a disgusting attempt to break the harmony and unity of the country.

    For me, personally, this was very painful. After this terrorist attack, the entire nation, every citizen, every community, every class, every political party, unitedly stood up for strong action against terrorism. We gave full freedom to the Indian forces to wipe out the terrorists. And today every terrorist, every terror organisation knows the consequence of wiping out the Sindoor of our sisters and daughters.

    Friends,

    Operation Sindoor is not just a name but it’s a reflection of the feelings of millions of people of the country. Operation ‘Sindoor’ is our unwavering commitment to justice. In the late night of 6th May, and in the early morning of 7th May, the whole world saw this pledge turn into reality. Indian forces attacked terror hideouts in Pakistan and their training centres with precision.

    The terrorists had never imagined that India could take such a big decision. But when the country is united, endowed with the spirit of Nation First and national interest is paramount, then strong decisions are taken and results are achieved.

    When India’s missiles and drones attacked terrorist bases in Pakistan, not only the buildings of terrorist organizations but their courage also was shaken badly.

    Terrorist bases, like Bahawalpur and Muridke are universities of global terrorism. The big terrorist attacks of the world, be it 9/11, be it London Tube bombings, or the big terrorist attacks which have happened in India in the last many decades their roots are somehow connected to these terrorist hideouts.

    The terrorists had wiped out the Sindoor of our sisters and India responded by destroying their terrorist headquarters. More than 100 dreaded terrorists have been killed in these attacks by India.

    Many terrorist leaders were roaming freely in Pakistan for the last two and a half to three decades who used to conspire against India. India killed them in one stroke.

    Friends,

    Pakistan was deeply disappointed and frustrated by this action of India.

    It was bewildered and in this bewilderment it did another cowardly act. Instead of supporting India’s strike against terrorism, Pakistan started attacking India itself.

    Pakistan targeted our schools, colleges, Gurdwaras, temples and houses of civilians. Pakistan targeted our military base.

    But in this act Pakistan itself got exposed. The world saw how Pakistan’s drones and missiles fell like straws in front of India. India’s strong air defence system destroyed them in the sky itself.

    Pakistan had prepared for an attack on the border, but India struck at the heart of Pakistan. India’s drones and missiles attacked with precision. They damaged those airbases of the Pakistani Air Forces, of which Pakistan was very proud. India caused heavy damage to Pakistan in the first three days itself, which it had never imagined. That’s why after India’s aggressive action, Pakistan started looking for ways to escape.

    Pakistan was pleading to the world to ease tensions. And after suffering heavy losses, Pakistan’s army contacted our DGMO on the afternoon of 10th May. By then we had destroyed the infrastructure of terrorism on a large scale.

    The terrorists were eliminated. We had destroyed the terror camps established in the heart of Pakistan. Therefore, when Pakistan appealed and said that it will not indulge in any sort of terror activities or military audacity further, India considered it.

    And I am repeating again, we have just suspended our retaliatory action against Pakistan’s terror and military camps. In the coming days we will measure every step of Pakistan on the criterion that what sort of attitude Pakistan will adopt ahead.

    Friends,

    India’s three forces, our Air Force, our Army and our Navy, our Border Security Force – BSF, India’s paramilitary forces, are constantly on alert. After the surgical strike and air strike, now Operation Sindoor is India’s policy against terrorism. Operation Sindoor has carved out a new benchmark in our fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and new normal.

    First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given.

    We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.

    Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.

    Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism.We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.

    Friends,

    We have defeated Pakistan every time on the battlefield. And this time Operation Sindoor has added a new dimension. We have displayed our capabilities in the deserts and mountains and also proved our superiority in New Age Warfare. During this operation the authenticity of our Made in India weapons were also proven. Today the world is witnessing that in 21st century warfare the time has come for Made in India defense equipment.

    Friends,

    Our greatest strength is our unity against all forms of terrorism. This is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism. Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee for a better world.

    Friends,

    The way the Pakistani army, Pakistan government are encouraging terrorism, it will destroy Pakistan one day. If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure. There is no other way to peace. India’s stand is very clear… Terror and talks cannot go together… Terror and trade cannot go together…. Water and blood cannot flow together.

    Today, I would also like to tell the global community that our stated policy has been: if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism; and if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

    Dear countrymen,

    Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha has shown us the path of peace. The path of peace also goes through power. Humanity should move towards peace and prosperity. Every Indian should be able to live in peace, and can fulfill the dream of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). For this, it is very necessary for India to be powerful. And it is also necessary to use this power when required. And in the last few days, India has done just that.

    Once again, I salute the Indian Army and Armed forces. I bow to the courage of every Indian, to the oath and resolve of unity of the people of India.

    Thank you, Bharat Mata ki Jai!!! Bharat Mata ki Jai!!! Bharat Mata ki Jai!!!

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and LAC countries to deepen building of community of shared destiny

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) — China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries will jointly deepen and thoroughly advance the building of a community with a shared future, said Qiu Xiaoqi, special representative of the Chinese government for Latin American affairs.

    He made the statement ahead of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States).

    Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony and unveil new initiatives and measures to further strengthen ties. China and LAC countries are expected to make progress in a wide range of areas, including scientific and technological innovation, trade and investment, and artificial intelligence (AI).

    China and LAC countries will take a retrospective look at their original aspirations, pool consensus, and jointly map out future plans, Qiu Xiaoqi said.

    Qiu Xiaoqi recalled that in July 2014, Xi Jinping and LAC leaders announced the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum. In January 2015, the forum held its first ministerial meeting in Beijing, turning the vision of cooperation into reality.

    Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the first meeting of the forum, where he provided strategic guidance and laid a solid foundation for the successful launch of the forum and its long-term development.

    Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the second ministerial meeting of the forum in 2018, calling on the two sides to reach political consensus on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2021, he delivered a video message to the third ministerial meeting, charting a course for promoting high-quality development of China-LAC relations in the new era, Qiu Xiaoqi said.

    He said that thanks to Xi Jinping’s personal care and leadership and the joint efforts of all parties, the China-CELAC Forum is becoming more and more mature.

    The mechanism of this forum has formed a comprehensive, multi-level and multi-vector network of dialogue and cooperation, becoming an important platform for strengthening political trust, linking development strategies and promoting the rapprochement of peoples.

    He added that the forum also played an important role in promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for China and the LAC, as well as enhancing the influence of countries in the Global South.

    Through a range of institutional mechanisms such as ministerial meetings, dialogue between the Chinese and CELAC Quartet Foreign Ministers, and meetings of national coordinators, the forum has developed a growing number of specialized sub-forums, ranging from political party sub-forums to business sub-forums.

    “The China-CELAC Forum has become a key platform for building political consensus, putting forward important initiatives and measures, formulating action plans and evaluating results. It has played an important and active role in promoting China-LAC cooperation in various fields,” Qiu Xiaoqi said.

    Over the past decade, the forum has witnessed leaps and bounds in China-LAC relations, Qiu Xiaoqi noted, detailing five features that currently characterize China-LAC relations.

    First, bilateral relations have improved. Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras have established or renewed diplomatic relations with China, and of the 26 countries in the region that have diplomatic relations with China, 16 have established various forms of partnership with China.

    Second, the confluence of interests has brought new results. More than 20 LAC countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative. China is now the second-largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the largest trading partner for several countries in the region, with free trade agreements signed with five countries.

    According to Qiu Xiaoqi, trade volume between China and countries in the region reached US$518.4 billion last year, more than double the volume of a decade ago.

    Third, the peoples have become closer than ever. LAC countries have widely supported the Global Civilization Initiative. The China-LAC Forum on Dialogue of Civilizations has been held seven times, demonstrating closer people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.

    Fourth, their cooperation in the international arena has made further progress. Adhering to mutual respect and taking into account each other’s core interests and concerns, China and LAC countries maintain close communication through platforms such as the United Nations (UN) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), working together to advance global governance reform and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

    Fifth, a new framework for overall cooperation has been established. With improved mechanisms, the China-CELAC Forum has become the main channel for interaction between the two sides.

    Qiu Xiaoqi stressed that it has become a common aspiration to elevate relations between China and LAC countries to a higher level.

    China will make use of the China-CELAC Forum and promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

    According to Qiu Xiaoqi, priority areas will be expanding transport connectivity, promoting trade and investment, deepening cooperation in manufacturing capacity, strengthening cooperation in aerospace and artificial intelligence, and strengthening exchanges on public administration.

    Qiu Xiaoqi stressed that China, Latin America and the Caribbean are some of the most dynamic and promising countries and regions in the world and are vital parts of the global South.

    Strengthening their solidarity and cooperation will not only help build a vast trans-Pacific market and support each other in resisting unilateralism and protectionism, but will also give a sustainable impetus to their development and make an important contribution to world peace and development, he said.

    Qiu Xiaoqi concluded that by taking the opportunity of jointly hosting the fourth China-CELAC Forum Ministerial Meeting, China and LAC countries will demonstrate solidarity and cooperation, strengthen bilateral ties, bring certainty to a troubled world, and contribute to the development and progress of mankind.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Psychic Source Expands 24/7 Access to Trusted Advisors for Life, Love, and Career Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Trevose, Pennsylvania, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ever felt lost amidst life’s mysteries, seeking answers that elude you? You’re not alone!

    Many turn to psychic insights, craving clarity and direction in the universe’s chaos. But with so many psychic platforms out there, which one genuinely stands out?

    Well, we know one that has proven itself time and time again: Psychic Source. It is a premier psychic network, renowned for its seasoned advisors offering in-depth video, online chat, and phone sessions.

    But can this platform bridge the gap between your questions and the universe’s answers?

    Here we unveil the truth on Psychic Source! From the diversity of readings to the expertise of their advisors, we guide you through every nuance, ensuring you make an informed choice.

    Let’s look at the pros and cons of Psychic Source and the offers to look forward to.

    What We Liked 

    • Services available in English and Spanish
    • Offers readings via chat, phone, and video
    • Easy “Find a Psychic” tool
    • 24/7 customer service team
    • Useful  “Articles & Media” section

    What Could Be Better 

    • Free minutes deals are for new customers only
    • Not all advisors offer video chat readings

    Special Deals & Discounts

    • Introductory readings starting at $1 per minute
    • 3 free minutes on your first session
    • Satisfaction guarantee if you’re dissatisfied with a reading

    Bottom Line: Is Psychic Source Right for You?

    Offering multiple types of readings and formats, great discount deals, and some of the best advisors, we think Psychic Source has more than earned its reputation as a “classic” psychic website.

    Everything You Need to Know About Psychic Source

    Even though there are many online psychic services nowadays, Psychic Source’s readers come from way back.

    In fact, for more than 35 years, they’ve been instrumental in advancing the entire online psychic services industry as a legitimate and affordable way for people to gain insight and healing when facing crucial life questions.

    Types of Readings 

    This website has a full menu to choose from, no matter what type of reading or style you’re looking for.

    General Readings

    A general psychic reading is when an advisor takes an overall look at your life and shares whatever insights may occur. It can be a great way to wake up and smell an unexpected cup of coffee if your comfort zone has become your permanent reality.

    Another unique benefit some find in psychic insights is guidance for stress and emotional problems. Studies on the use of psychics for stress and emotional problems show some people self-report better outcomes than they do with conventional therapies,

    Horoscopes

    Do you want to know what the future holds for you? Psychic Source horoscopes can help. Each Psychic Source horoscope is accurate and up-to-date, and can give you a glimpse into what the future has in store.

    Not to mention, rewritten by some of the top psychics in the world, and are guaranteed to help you see what is coming your way. There’s also a detailed Articles & Media section to give you insights into astrology and your star sign.

    Love and Relationships Readings

    Because love is the most popular subject psychics tackle, love readings are a specialty for many of the advisors on the Psychic Source team. 

    Whether you’re looking for new love or trying to get over a breakup, the psychic advisors here have more insights into your love life than Cupid has arrows to help you find the TLC you crave.

    Life Questions 

    As John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” If your life seems like a continuous series of happenings, then perhaps one of the experts on this platform can help you understand where it’s all going. 

    Tarot Card Readings

    Tarot decks have been around since ancient times and are perhaps the most popular tool online psychics use. 

    Referred to in the Western Occult tradition as “the Leaves on the Tree of Life,” the cards are a great way to help you look both inward and toward the future. 

    If you’re drawn to the cards, perhaps an expert tarot reading by a great reader on this platform will help you to see the forest for the trees.

    Spiritual Psychic Readings

    If you believe we are essentially spiritual beings having a physical experience, then this platform can provide a psychic advisor to show you that path. 

    From angel card readings and clairvoyance to mediums and energy healing, this site has someone available who can help facilitate your highest alignment.

    Dream Interpretation

    Many ancient mystics believed that the world of dreams is the foundation for the physical world. The early psychologists, like Freud and Jung, felt the same. 

    If your dreams have been demanding your attention of late, perhaps a dream interpretation by a reader on this psychic website can help solve the riddle.

    Astrology Readings

    Astrology is the science of recognizing how the movements of the planets affect what happens here on Earth. 

    If you’re curious about the compatibility of your zodiac sign with someone else’s, or the proper time to do something, perhaps a consultation with one of the master astrologers on Psychic Source will help your life run more smoothly.

    Past Life Readings

    It’s a common belief among mystics, occultists, and psychics that we have many lifetimes during which we are supposed to work on our spiritual development and evolution. 

    If you’d like to avoid getting stuck in the revolving door of karma, perhaps one of the psychic mediums at Psychic Source can show you how to break some old patterns.

    Top Psychic Advisors on Psychic Source 

    As you might expect from their thirty-plus years of experience, Psychic Source has a large stable of psychic readers available to serve you. 

    There are currently over 200 psychic advisors available on the site, offering a full range of readings and reading styles.

    Here are some Psychic Source psychics that have attracted our attention:

    1. Psychic Christopher x3373

    Psychic Christopher x3373 stands out as a leading advisor on Psychic Source, having completed an impressive 35,905 readings since joining in March 2019. 

    With 23 years of experience in the psychic field, Christopher specializes as a love psychic, clairvoyant, and intuitive/empath, and skillfully uses various tools, including tool-free reading, tarot, and Reiki/healing to offer guidance.

    2. Psychic Raina x3342

    With an impressive 22,270 readings under her belt since joining Psychic Source in April 2019, Psychic Raina offers her expertise as a clairvoyant, love psychic, and career psychic. 

    She employs tools like tarot and dowsing, while also possessing the ability to provide insightful readings without any tools at all.

    3. Psychic Ursula x9927

    Psychic Ursula stands out as the top-rated advisor on Psychic Source for love, death, pets, and relationships. She has provided an impressive 42,121 readings since April 2018, drawing upon a remarkable 58 years of experience. 

    Beyond these specialties, clients have also endorsed her insightful guidance in the areas of career and finances, as well as life, destiny, and meaning.

    4. Psychic Fabiola x3277

    Psychic Fabiola x3277, available for readings in both English and Spanish on Psychic Source, specializes as a love psychic, clairvoyant, clairsentient, clairaudient, and intuitive empath. 

    Her divination tools include tarot and angel cards, though she can also read without tools. With a significant 23,815 total readings on Psychic Source since October 2018, Fabiola brings over 53 years of psychic practice to her sessions.

    Pricing, Psychic Source Deals & Free Minutes

    If you’re like us, you probably look at a psychic’s rate almost as closely as you do their abilities. 
    Psychic readings on Psychic Source start at $4.99 per minute and can go as high as $18.99 per minute and up, depending on the psychic you talk to and how you receive your reading (by phone, live chat, or video).

    On the other hand, if you’re a first-time customer, Psychic Source has some enticing free minutes deals. For instance, Psychic Source offers include 10 and 20-minute packages available for the low price of $1 per minute. A 30-minute package is available for just $25. In addition, you will receive a 3-minute free online psychic reading with your first paid reading.

    Psychic Source Membership Rewards

    Unlock even more value with Psychic Source Membership Rewards Program – it’s quick, easy, and free to join! Simply head to the “Membership Rewards” section in your account and click “Become a Member” to start earning extra dollars for longer, more fulfilling readings. 

    As a member, you’ll automatically snag 3% back in Rewards Dollars on every purchase you make. Plus, you can earn up to a fantastic $50 in Bonus Dollars each month just by connecting with advisors. 

    And that’s not all – talk for a total of 175 minutes with advisors in a calendar month, and you’ll score an extra $25 in Bonus Dollars (one reward per month, no rollover). 

    As a special perk, you’ll also enjoy extended benefits like an extra 15 days of price protection (totaling 45 days) on your favorite advisors. Plus, there’s an extended 72-hour window for Return Call availability, giving you greater flexibility to connect when it suits you best.

    Features

    Psychic Source offers more than just connections with highly experienced psychics. You can also access your free daily horoscope by simply clicking on your zodiac sign for insights into the day ahead and beyond. 

    For those curious about celestial influences, their detailed guide explains how astrology impacts your life. 

    Furthermore, their website hosts a comprehensive “Article & Media” section. It features a wide array of psychic-related content, from understanding which tarot card represents each zodiac sign to exploring various health and wellness topics. 

    The section also includes numerous helpful guides, engaging infographics, informative podcasts, and insightful videos.

    How to Use the Psychic Source Website

    Let’s walk through how to navigate their website and find the guidance you’re looking for.

    Signing Up 

    Getting started with Psychic Source is simple! You’ll first need to create an account to securely manage your funds and keep track of your reading history. You can easily set up your account online using either a credit card or PayPal, or if you prefer a more personal touch, you can call their customer care and use a credit card. 

    They’ll guide you through the quick and straightforward steps to get your account up and running. Just a heads-up: you’ll need a valid credit card or PayPal account registered in your name to verify you’re over 18 and to add funds for your readings.

    Searching for Psychic Advisors

    Click on “Psychics” at the top menu of the official website to explore options. Here, you can directly search for an advisor by name or extension, or refine your search using filters for specialties, tools, subject expertise, and even reading style. 

    To further guide you, the platform highlights “Staff Picks” and offers personalized recommendations based on advisors you’ve saved as Favorites. When you spot a potential connection, you can often listen to their audio greeting and, in some instances, watch an introductory video. 

    Their profile pages provide extensive details about their background, reading approach, and philosophy, alongside valuable ratings and reviews from previous clients. 

    If you’re still uncertain, Psychic Source’s customer care specialists are readily available to guide you through the selection process and help you find the perfect advisor to meet your needs.

    Is There an Interaction Tracking History on Psychic Source?

    It’s easy to keep track of your readings on Psychic Source. Simply click on the heart icon for “Favorite” on an advisor’s profile, and that reader will be added to your “My Account” page. 

    There, you can manage the record of all your readings from the “My Favorite Advisors” section, including getting updates from your favorites via the Psychic Source mobile app available on Android and iOS.

    Payment Methods

    The payment methods accepted by Psychic Source are credit card, debit card, gift card (Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover), or money order. If you wish your payments to remain anonymous, please note that there are no statements provided for gift cards.

    Do You Have to Deposit Funds Before Being Able to Choose a Reader?

    Yes, there must be funds in your account to have a reading. However, if you run out of funds during a reading, you can easily add them with Psychic Source’s “Quick Buy” feature.

    Psychic Source Customer Reviews

    Let’s take a peek at what customers are sharing about their experiences on Trustpilot and Reddit.

    Psychic Source Reviews on Trustpilot

    Psychic Source has garnered mixed reviews on Trustpilot, holding an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 507 reviews, with a significant 57% awarding it a top five-star rating. 

    Among the satisfied customers is Sharon, who hails Bridgette as her “go-to” advisor, emphasizing her strong connection and unbelievable accuracy [1]. 

    Cooper described their psychic as soft-spoken and kind, though their accuracy remained to be seen, promising a more detailed review pending the outcome of the prediction [2]. 

    However, an anonymous customer felt their ten-minute live chat lacked depth in the answers provided. Rosy admitted that some advisors were more accurate than others, with some being entirely incorrect despite others offering more realistic insights [3] [4].

    Psychic Source Reviews on Reddit

    On Reddit, a user recounted their experience with Psychic Source, sharing that they turned to the platform seeking solace after the loss of their uncle and felt strongly drawn to it. They took advantage of an introductory offer, and the feeling of connection they experienced was profound and lasting [5]. 

    Another user in their Psychic Source review chimed in, relating to this sense of peace, and acknowledged that not every reading on Psychic Source resonated equally [6].

    FAQs

    In this section, we aim to provide you with a detailed overview and answers to frequently asked questions about Psychic Source.

    Is Psychic Source Secure?

    Yes, Psychic Source transfers every tidbit of personal information it collects through secure channels. This can be easily verified by seeing ” https” characters rather than just “http” in your browser. In addition, no service providers that Psychic Source interacts with are permitted under any circumstances to use your personal information or share it with an outside source. 

    Is Psychic Source Confidential?

    Yes, the site doesn’t screen or edit content shared between their psychic advisors and customers during any online readings, nor is your detailed information available to any reader you speak with on the site.

    How Do I Leave a Review on Psychic Source?

    Share your Psychic Source experience on your account’s “Review Readings” page, where eligible sessions (5+ mins, excluding free trials, within 7 days) await your rating. Once submitted, reviews are final, appearing within 1-2 business days in your “Review History.” For personal reminders, utilize the editable notes feature to track key insights.

    Are Psychic Source Advisors Accurate?

    Accuracy can vary greatly between individual advisors on Psychic Source, just like with any psychic platform. While Psychic Source vets its advisors, the reliability of predictions and insights is subjective and not guaranteed. Reading individual advisor profiles and customer reviews can offer some indication of past user experiences and potentially shed light on the perceived strength of their psychic abilities.

    What Kind of Psychic Readings Are Available on Psychic Source?

    Psychic Source offers a plethora of psychic readings. From astrology and tarot cards to past life readings and even lost object readings, Psychic Source has multiple psychic advisors ready to provide whatever type of psychic reading you might need.

    How Much Does a Psychic Reading Cost on Psychic Source?

    Prices for readings on Psychic Source can run anywhere from $4.99 per minute to $18.99 per minute and up. Several discount deals are also available for first-time customers, including $1 or $0.83 per minute packages.

    Final Verdict 

    We are at the end of our Psychic Source review. We tried our best to do thorough research and present the most honest review we could, but I guess you’ll have to be the judge of that. 

    All we can do is tell you what we found. And when it comes to Psychic Source, that’s a lot. Take, for example, the fact that they’re one of the oldest sites with some of the most experienced psychics. They have nearly 300 professional psychics to choose from. 

    They also watch out for your wallet like the guards on a Brinks truck with enticing $1 and $0.83 per minute discount packages, 3 free minutes off your first session, and an exciting satisfaction guarantee. 

    Add to this a collection of strictly screened psychics, and you’ll never have to worry about psychic scams on the site.

    In short, if you were in the market for a psychic website when you began this review, hopefully, at this point, you’ve found one: Psychic Source.

    >>Get a free psychic reading on Psychic Source

    References

    1. “Sharon Wiley Gave Psychic Source 5 Stars. Check out the Full Review.” Trustpilot, https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/6816d6185f1e68ab7b3faa99. 
    2. “Dkay Cooper Gave Psychic Source 3 Stars. Check out the Full Review.” Trustpilot, https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/67f3b8eb010e6d5931fbd510. 
    3. “Customer Gave Psychic Source 3 Stars. Check out the Full Review.” Trustpilot, https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68113acd33313b185ff0db2d. 
    4. “Rosy Mcg Gave Psychic Source 3 Stars. Check out the Full Review.” Trustpilot, https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/67ce02736f87ae81d8be3802. 
    5. DanielTea. “Sharing My Psychic Source Reviews : R/Psychics.” Reddit.Com, https://www.reddit.com/r/psychics/comments/1igoyad/sharing_my_psychic_source_reviews/. 
    6. DanielTea. “Sharing My Psychic Source Reviews : R/Psychics.” Reddit.Com, https://www.reddit.com/r/psychics/comments/1igoyad/comment/mhjyl1b/.

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    Contact Us For Advertising: rajneesh08verma@gmail.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Startup Studio participants created a system of auto-censorship of video and audio on the Internet

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Novosibirsk, May 13, 2025: Students Institute of Intelligent Robotics Nikita Zelenkov, Yan Komarevtsev and Ilya Trushkin of Novosibirsk State University, members of the NSU Startup Studio, created the ACMS Censor system, which automatically hides unwanted content in video and audio files. The new service is aimed at both ordinary users and content authors, as well as large media companies, online cinemas and video hosting sites. The project was curated by NSU IIR graduate Maxim Yemelyanov.

    According to the developers, the system automatically recognizes scenes with smoking, obscene language, signs of extremist materials and content 18. It automatically covers such fragments with a mosaic or “beeps” – without human intervention.

    — We are creating a solution that will allow publishing safe content that does not violate platform rules and legislation. Our system filters materials before publication so that authors do not have to do it manually, — said the team representative Ilya Trushkin.

    When starting this project, the developers carefully studied the market for the presence of similar services.

    — At the moment, we have not found similar solutions on the market. Most existing tools are limited to photo format, require manual moderation or simply notify about the presence of violating content. Our system goes further — it hides unwanted elements automatically, which simplifies publication and increases the security of content, — explained Ilya Trushkin.

    This solution may be of interest to media platforms that are primarily responsible for content. With the help of this service, they will be able to automatically bring third-party content that reaches them into compliance with legal requirements.

    The team is currently finalizing deployment setup and testing product integration. The service will be available in two versions: a free one for regular users and a commercial one for large companies. The free beta version will be publicly available on May 19. by link.

    The launch of the first versions of corporate solutions is planned for August. In this version, the system will be installed locally on the corporation’s servers and developers will not have access to it, which will increase the security of its use by the client company.

    The creators of the service also reported that they are open to partnership and are actively looking for investors to scale the project.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Takapau

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can confirm a person has died following a crash on State Highway 2 near Takapau this morning.

    Emergency services were called to the two vehicle crash just before 7.30am.

    One person died at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the crash.

    The road has since reopened.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Caledonia riots one year on: ‘Like the country was at war’

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/bulletin editor

    Stuck in a state of disbelief for months, journalist Coralie Cochin was one of many media personnel who inadvertently put their lives on the line as New Caledonia burned.

    “It was very shocking. I don’t know the word in English, you can’t believe what you’re seeing,” Cochin, who works for public broadcaster NC la 1ère, said on the anniversary of the violent and deadly riots today.

    She recounted her experience covering the civil unrest that broke out on 13 May 2024, which resulted in 14 deaths and more than NZ$4.2 billion (2.2 billion euros) in damages.

    “It was like the country was [at] war. Every[thing] was burning,” Cochin told RNZ Pacific.

    The next day, on May 14, Cochin said the environment was hectic. She was being pulled in many directions as she tried to decide which story to tell next.

    “We didn’t know where to go [or] what to tell because there were things happening everywhere.”

    She drove home trying to dodge burning debris, not knowing that later that evening the situation would get worse.

    “The day after, it was completely crazy. There was fire everywhere, and it was like the country was [at] war suddenly. It was very, very shocking.”

    Over the weeks that followed, both Cochin and her husband — also a journalist — juggled two children and reporting from the sidelines of violent demonstrations.

    “The most shocking period was when we knew that three young people were killed, and then a police officer was killed too.”

    She said verifying the deaths was a big task, amid fears far more people had died than had been reported.

    Piled up . . . burnt out cars block a road near Nouméa after last year’s riots in New Caledonia. Image NC 1ère TV screenshot APR

    ‘We were targets’
     After days of running on adrenaline and simply getting the job done, Cochin’s colleagues were attacked on the street.

    “At the beginning, we were so focused on doing our job that we forgot to be very careful,” she said.

    But then,”we were targets, so we had to be very more careful.”

    News chiefs decided to send reporters out in unmarked cars with security guards.

    They did not have much protective equipment, something that has changed since then.

    “We didn’t feel secure [at all] one year ago,” she said.

    But after lobbying for better protection as a union representative, her team is more prepared.

    She believes local journalists need to be supported with protective equipment, such as helmets and bulletproof vests, for personal protection.

    “We really need more to be prepared to that kind of riots because I think those riots will be more and more frequent in the future.”

    Protesters at Molodoï, Strasbourg, demanding the release of Kanak indigenous political prisoners being detained in France pending trial for their alleged role in the pro-independence riots in May 2024. Image: @67Kanaky/X

    Social media
     She also pointed out that, while journalists are “here to inform people”, social media can make their jobs difficult.

    “It is more difficult now with social media because there was so [much] misinformation on social media [at the time of the rioting] that we had to check everything all the time, during the day, during the night . . . ”

    She recalled that when she was out on the burning streets speaking with rioters from both sides, they would say to her, “you don’t say the truth” and “why do you not report that?” she would have to explain to then that she would report it, but only once it had been fact-checked.

    “And it was sometimes [it was] very difficult, because even with the official authorities didn’t have the answers.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Blasts Proposed Ways and Means Committee Cuts That Would Raise Prices on Consumers and Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (May 12, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement in response to the Republican majority of the House Ways and Means Committee’s plans to phase-out and terminate key clean energy tax incentives. Senator Markey’s Offshore Wind American Manufacturing Act, which provides tax incentives for offshore wind components and vessels, was included in the Inflation Reduction Act.  

    “Republicans are willing to throw $420 billion in clean energy investments and 400,000 jobs in red and blue states down the drain,” said Senator Markey. “Solar and wind are the cheapest forms of energy right now and are critical to meeting our energy demands. Yet, Republicans are terminating tax incentives that are supercharging deployment of solar, wind, and batteries, lowering the costs of clean vehicles, and improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses.

    “Republicans’ proposal to repeal federal clean energy incentives would be a disaster for our economy and good-paying jobs. Instead of the dawn of a clean energy future, this proposal sunsets my incentives for manufacturing wind energy components in America that would spur clean domestic manufacturing for industries such as offshore wind. Republicans seem committed to having America be the laggard, not the leader of the global clean energy economy, ceding jobs and progress to other countries like China. The Inflation Reduction Act is the single largest clean energy and climate investment in our history, and we will not let Trump, Big Oil, and Republicans roll back our gains and deny our communities and young people the chance at a livable future.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From nuclear to nature laws, here’s where new Liberal leader Sussan Ley stands on 4 energy and environment flashpoints

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justine Bell-James, Professor, TC Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland

    Sussan Ley has been elected Liberal leader after defeating rival Angus Taylor in a party room vote on Tuesday. Now the leadership question is settled, the hard work of rebuilding the party can begin.

    In the wake of its election loss, the Coalition has foreshadowed a sweeping policy review. Where the Coalition lands on the contentious nuclear energy policy will be keenly watched.

    The majority Labor government is likely to easily push legislation through the lower house. However, the Senate numbers mean Labor needs backing from either the Greens or the Coalition to pass bills into law.

    So where does Ley stand on nuclear energy and other pressure points across the environment and energy portfolios? Ley’s stance on four key issues, including during her time as environment minister in the Morrison government, provides important insights.

    1. Nuclear power and gas

    The resounding Coalition election defeat suggest the prospects for nuclear power in Australia are now poor. But the Coalition’s nuclear policy may yet resurface, given the Nationals still support it.

    During the election campaign, Ley backed the Liberals’ call for nuclear power in Australia, arguing nuclear can provide a zero-emissions option that’s needed in the shift to renewables.

    In a 2023 speech, Ley suggested nuclear power had a big future in Australia, saying:

    The fact is the latest technology reactors in nuclear-powered submarines in operation today don’t need to be refuelled for 30 years. And the money being invested into research and development is only going to make these new nuclear technologies even better.

    Ley has also argued Australia needs to keep gas in the system for longer, rather than “trying to do everything with renewables”.

    2. The energy transition

    A second-term Labor government will further progress its existing energy policies, including measures to reach its target of 82% renewable energy in the the National Electricity Market by 2030.

    Ley has accepted the need for a renewable energy transition, but says it should be led by nuclear power and gas.

    She has suggested enormous wind turbines and large-scale solar farms are dominating the landscape in rural areas. She also claims renewable energy projects generate insurance risks because battery storage increases fire risks.

    Ley has consistently voted against increasing investment in renewable energy, and is likely to seek to ensure policy addresses rising energy prices and reliability.

    3. Nature law reform

    The Albanese government intends to complete reform of Australia’s federal environment laws, known collectively as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (or EPBC Act). Labor’s proposed reforms stalled in the Senate last term.

    The independent review that preceded the reform, led by Graeme Samuel, was initiated by the Morrison government under Ley, who served as environment minister from 2019 to 2022.

    An interim report from the Samuel review was released in July 2020. Ley seized on recommendations that suited her government’s agenda – notably, streamlining the environmental approvals process to speed up decisions on proposed developments. She vowed to start working on them even before the review was finalised, and before public comment on the draft was received.

    Ley put bills to parliament in August 2020 and February 2021 seeking to amend the laws. The first sought to hand powers for environmental approvals to the states. The proposal was criticised for lacking environmental safeguards.

    This prompted Ley to introduce a second bill which sought to ensure state agreements were monitored and audited. It also provided for new “national environmental standards” to guide approval decisions.

    But both bills lapsed before the 2022 election after failing to secure Senate support.

    National environmental standards were a key recommendation from the Samuel review, and also a centrepiece of Labor’s proposed reforms. However, Labor’s proposed standards were more robust and focused on outcomes.

    The bills Labor introduced to parliament in 2024 also sought establish Australia’s first national environment protection agency to carry out compliance and enforcement. This body would have had more power than Ley’s proposed commissioner.

    So while Labor’s proposed reform package was bolder, both Ley and her then Labor counterpart Tanya Plibersek’s proposals were comprised of similar ingredients. Given Ley has shown support for some elements of Labor’s reform package before, namely devolving powers to states and implementing standards, there may be some grounds for negotiation.

    4. Coal and climate change

    As environment minister, Ley welcomed the Coalition’s approval of the huge Adani coalmine in central Queensland. She also gave the green light to other coal projects. Plibersek took a similar approach to coal projects in her time as minister.

    In 2021, the Federal Court found Ley, as environment minister, owed a duty of care to future generations to avoid causing climate harm through her decisions. Ley successfully appealed the ruling.

    Separately, Ley has also claimed climate change is not part of the environment portfolio.

    When the Coalition reflects on the resounding defeat at the election, Ley’s hard stance on climate may soften.

    Finding common ground

    Ley brings a deeper understanding of nature law reform to the position of Liberal leader than her predecessor Peter Dutton. This raises the prospects for overhauling the EPBC Act this term.

    However, Ley’s priority is likely to be streamlining the environmental approval process rather than increasing protections afforded to threatened species and ecosystems.

    On the topic of gas playing a significant ongoing role in Australia’s energy mix, Ley will find many like minds in the Labor government.

    When it comes to the energy transition, much rests on the party room decision on whether to persist with a nuclear power policy. Nevertheless, with or without nuclear, Ley’s previous statements suggest she will continue to argue against wind and solar generation energy on cost and reliability grounds.

    Justine Bell-James receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Queensland Government, and the National Environmental Science Program. She is a Director of the National Environmental Law Association and a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.

    Samantha Hepburn 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. From nuclear to nature laws, here’s where new Liberal leader Sussan Ley stands on 4 energy and environment flashpoints – https://theconversation.com/from-nuclear-to-nature-laws-heres-where-new-liberal-leader-sussan-ley-stands-on-4-energy-and-environment-flashpoints-256106

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China launches new experimental communications satellite

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    XICHANG, May 13 (Xinhua) — China on Tuesday successfully launched a new experimental satellite into space to test communications technology.

    The Long March 3C carrier rocket launched the spacecraft at 02:09 Beijing time on May 13 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The spacecraft successfully reached its planned orbit, the launch center said.

    The satellite will be used to test and verify satellite communications technology in a multi-frequency range with high data transfer rates.

    This was the 575th flight of the Long March series of carrier rockets. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Verifier App signals step toward modern digital identity system

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government has today released an app to verify international digital credentials, Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.
    “NZ Verify/Whakatūturu App will initially be used to verify select international mobile drivers’ licences, meaning visitors can rent a car or check in to a hotel with just their phone,” Ms Collins says.
    From today, it will be able to verify mobile drivers’ licenses from Queensland, Australia, and the US states of California, New York, Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Utah, Puerto Rico, Iowa, New Mexico, Hawai’i, Alaska
    “The NZ Verify app can be tailored to suit different needs, such as showing only confirmation of age and a photo when proof of age is required, ensuring that other personal details remain private. This marks a significant step forward for the privacy of digital credential holders, and improves trust and user safety.”
    “Anything that makes it easier for tourists to visit New Zealand is always welcome,” Ms Upston says.
    “Visitors with a mobile driver licence will now be able to use it here just as easily as they do at home, without the hassle of bringing a physical copy.
    “Encouraging more tourists means more people staying in our hotels, eating in our cafés, spending in our shops and visiting our attractions, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
    “I encourage every business who needs to verify visitors’ identities to download this app.”
    Ms Collins says international mobile drivers’ licences are just the beginning, and additional credentials will be supported by NZ Verify in the future.
    NZ Verify is now available for download via the New Zealand Apple Store and will be coming soon on the Google Play Store.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 13, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 13, 2025.

    The dreaded beep test: outdated or still a valid assessment of your fitness?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Garrett, Lecturer in Exercise Science and Physiology, Griffith University For many, the beep test is seared into memory. And not just the test itself, but the wave of dread that came before hearing that first beep in school physical education (PE) classes. Also known as the

    Liberals elect first woman leader, with Ley defeating Taylor 29-25
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The federal Liberal party has elected its first female leader, with Sussan Ley narrowly defeating Angus Taylor, 29-25. Ley, 63, who was deputy leader to Peter Dutton during the last term, had the support of the moderates in the party.

    Don’t click without thinking – and 4 other ways to keep yourself safe from scams
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET, CQUniversity Australia tete_escape/Shutterstock Think about how many things you have done online today. Paid a bill? Logged into your bank account? Used social media or spent time answering emails? Maybe you have used your phone to pay at a

    Community-run food co-ops can reduce food insecurity and boost healthy diets, research shows
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Kent, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Wollongong alicja neumiler/Shutterstock As grocery prices continue to rise, many Australians are struggling to afford healthy food and are looking for alternatives to the big supermarket chains. The recent supermarkets inquiry, run by the Australian Competition and

    Indigenous Kanaks support New Caledonia’s 50-year ban on seabed mining
    By Andrew Mathieson New Caledonia has imposed a 50-year ban on deep-sea mining across its entire maritime zone in a rare and sweeping move that places the French Pacific territory among the most restricted exploration areas on the planet’s waters. The law blocks commercial exploration, prospecting and mining of mineral resources that sits within Kanaky

    As insurance gets harder to buy, NZ has 3 choices for disaster recovery – and we keep choosing the worst one
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ilan Noy, Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington The number of climate change-related extreme weather events) is on the rise, making it harder for many people to buy affordable home insurance. The industry has already signalled

    Pope Leo XIV expresses solidarity for ‘persecuted’ journalists seeking truth, calls for their freedom
    By Devin Watkins of Vatican News Only four days have passed since his election to the papacy, and Pope Leo XIV has made it a point to hold an audience with the men and women who were in Rome to report on the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, and the first days of his

    Free food and beer are common perks for hospitality workers – but are they masking unfairness?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olivier Oren, Associate lecturer, hospitality management, Griffith University G-Stock Studio/Shutterstock For cafe and restaurant workers, getting a free drink or meal at the end of a long shift might feel like a well-deserved reward. But could such perks – common across the industry – be masking deeper

    A looming workforce crisis in NZ tourism and hospitality threatens industry growth plans
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anthony Brien, Associate Professor, Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, Lincoln University, New Zealand Getty Images Last week’s big tourism conference in Rotorua saw plenty of optimism about the industry’s potential, but also warnings that airline capacity is hampering post-COVID growth. The focus on bringing more

    From Zoo Quest to Ocean: The evolution of David Attenborough’s voice for the planet
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Neil J. Gostling, Associate Professor in Evolution and Palaeobiology, University of Southampton Over the course of seven decades, Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries have reshaped how we see the natural world, shifting from colonial-era collecting trips to urgent calls for environmental action. His storytelling has inspired generations, but

    Trump heads to the Gulf aiming to bolster trade ties – but side talks on Tehran, Gaza could drive a wedge between US and Israel
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Asher Kaufman, Professor of History and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman attend the G20 Summit in Japan in 2019. Eliot Blondet/AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump will sit down with the Saudi crown prince

    What did the parties say on TikTok in the election, and how? Here’s the campaign broken down in 5 charts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hannah Oates, PhD Candidate, School of Social Sciences, Monash University TikTok emerged as a key battleground in an election where young voters comprised a dominant share of the electorate. All the prominent political parties used the platform – especially after tactics by Labor contributed to its electoral

    Dementia risk depends on more than lifestyle factors. Overstating this can cause stigma and blame
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joyce Siette, Associate Professor | Deputy Director, The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University Shvets Production/Pexels As public awareness of dementia grows, so too does the appetite for prevention. Global headlines tout the benefits of exercise, diet, brain training and social activity in reducing dementia risk. In recent

    Range anxiety – or charger drama? Australians are buying hybrid cars because they don’t trust public chargers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ganna Pogrebna, Executive Director, AI and Cyber Futures Institute, Charles Sturt University VisualArtStudio/Shutterstock Range anxiety has long been seen as the main obstacle stopping drivers from going electric. But range isn’t the real issue. The average range of a new electric vehicle (EV) is more than 450

    PSNA says broadcast ruling a warning to NZ news media to be wary of ‘Israeli propaganda’
    Asia Pacific Report A decision by the Broadcasting Standards Authority to uphold a complaint against a 1News broadcast last November is a warning to news media, says the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. The authority ruled that a TVNZ news item on violence in Amsterdam in the Netherlands breached BSA rules. 1News described violence in the

    If you really want to close the US trade deficit, try boosting innovation in rural manufacturing
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amitrajeet A. Batabyal, Distinguished Professor, Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics, & Interim Head, Department of Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology President Donald Trump has long been preoccupied by the trade deficit — the gap between what the U.S. sells to the rest of the world and

    Bindi Irwin was rushed to hospital for appendix surgery. But what is appendicitis?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Warwick Teague, Co-group Leader, Surgical Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute lev radin/Shutterstock Bindi Irwin has reportedly been rushed to hospital in the United States to undergo emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. According to brother Robert Irwin, “she’s going to be OK”, however the 26-year-old was forced

    Otago academics plan declaration on Palestine to ‘face daily horrors’
    Asia Pacific Report A group of New Zealand academics at Otago University have drawn up a “Declaration on Palestine” against genocide, apartheid and scholasticide of Palestinians by Israel that has illegally occupied their indigenous lands for more than seven decades. The document, which had already drawn more than 300 signatures from staff, students and alumni

    View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The reshuffle announced by Anthony Albanese is a mix of continuity and change, with those in the government’s top rank staying in their previous ministries, as the prime minister had earlier flagged, but some big movements down the line. Tanya

    Genes, environment or a special bond? Why some twins talk and think in unison
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey Craig, Professor in Medical Sciences, Deakin University An interview with Paula and Bridgette Powers – identical twins who witnessed their mother’s carjacking – recently went viral. The way they spoke and gestured in unison has captivated global audiences. Bridgette and Paula Powers have gained global attention

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The dreaded beep test: outdated or still a valid assessment of your fitness?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Garrett, Lecturer in Exercise Science and Physiology, Griffith University

    For many, the beep test is seared into memory.

    And not just the test itself, but the wave of dread that came before hearing that first beep in school physical education (PE) classes.

    Also known as the 20-metre shuttle run or multistage fitness test, this relentless and escalating series of sprints between two lines has long been a staple of PE classes, sports training and military fitness assessments.

    The test is meant to assess aerobic fitness (generally known as “cardio”) but what does it really measure?

    How did it become so widely used?

    And in an era of smart watches, wearable trackers and lab-based performance testing, does it still stand up?

    Where did the beep test come from?

    The beep test was developed in the early 1980s by Canadian exercise physiologist Luc Léger at the University of Montreal.

    The goal was to provide a progressive, group-based alternative for estimating V02 Max (known colloquially as maximal aerobic fitness) that could be performed in smaller indoor or outdoor spaces and on varying surfaces.

    The simplicity of the test make it ideal for schools, high-performance sports environments and military settings, where time and resources are often limited, which likely resulted in its spread across the globe.

    The test became widely known as the “beep test” due to its defining feature: participants running back and forth in sync with a series of timed audio beeps.

    What does it actually measure?

    The beep test was designed to estimate V02 Max, which is the highest rate the body can take in, transport and use oxygen to produce energy.

    This is considered one of the best indicators of aerobic fitness, because it reflects how efficiently the heart, lungs, blood and muscles work together to sustain endurance performance.

    However, during the beep test, participants accelerate, decelerate, and change direction every 20 metres, so they not only tax their aerobic system but also aspects of their anaerobic system. This is the body’s energy system that provides rapid bursts of energy without using oxygen, primarily fuelling short-duration, high-intensity activities.

    This means the beep test gives more of an indication of aerobic fitness and isn’t quite as accurate as a laboratory-based VO2 Max test.

    However, it is still a good indicator of your overall aerobic fitness.

    What is a good score?

    Beep test scores vary by age, sex and fitness level.

    You might have heard reaching level 21 is a “perfect score”, but this is a myth.

    Ultimately, a “good” score depends on who is being tested.

    For adolescents aged between 12 and 17, a score between stages six and eight is about average, while a score of seven or more for girls, and 10 or more for boys, would put them in the top 10% of the world average.

    Similarly, for healthy adults, scores of between seven and ten are about average, while scores of greater than 11 for women and 13 for men would be considered excellent.

    As you would expect, competitive athletes often get higher scores.

    For example, before it was taken out of AFL the Draft Combine (where potential draftees are put through a series of physical and psychological tests in front of club recruiters), it was common to see aspiring players get scores of 14 or more, with some athletes with elite fitness getting to level 16.

    There are also anecdotal claims of elite endurance athletes getting scores of between 17 and 19 but no formal records exist.

    The beep test is a brutal examination of an athlete’s fitness.

    Is it still best practice?

    The beep test remains widely used due to its simplicity, portability and ease of use.

    It’s still a staple in community sports, school PE programs and military and emergency services around the world.

    However, it’s not without limitations.

    For athletes who compete in intermittent sports like soccer and Australian football, alternatives like the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test have become more common because they are more specific to those types of sports.

    Likewise, distance-based runs such as the 2km time trial are popular in some fitness and clinical settings because they provide a slightly better estimate of aerobic fitness, because they don’t involve changes of direction.

    Finally, in elite sport and research, more individualised or lab-based protocols, such as VO2 Max tests, are becoming more common because they are extremely accurate and precise.

    But if you are after a simple test that can assess the fitness of large groups, the beep test is still an excellent option.

    Should it be used?

    While the beep test may trigger memories of discomfort and dread, it remains a simple and effective tool for assessing fitness, especially in large group settings.

    Though not without limitations, its accessibility, low cost, and ability to estimate VO2 Max have cemented its place in many different settings for decades.

    As exercise science advances, more specific or sport-relevant tests are increasingly used in elite and clinical settings.

    However, when resources are limited or scalability is needed, the beep test still holds its ground as a practical, time-tested measure of maximal aerobic fitness.

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

    – ref. The dreaded beep test: outdated or still a valid assessment of your fitness? – https://theconversation.com/the-dreaded-beep-test-outdated-or-still-a-valid-assessment-of-your-fitness-255594

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “DONALD TRUMP AND HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE TRYING TO ENACT ONE OF THE LARGEST HEALTHCARE CUTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY”

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

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Weeknight where he emphasized that Democrats will continue pushing back on the reckless Republican scheme to rip away the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people. 

    ALICIA MENENDEZ: Joining us now, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

    SYMONE SANDERS-TOWNSEND: Well, sir, I know we’re going to get to the tariffs in a second, but first your reaction to what we’re seeing now from the bill that Republicans in the House of Representatives have put out from the Ways and Means Committee writ large. This is the bill, if you will, and there are lots of thoughts going around about it. But your reaction, sir. Is this what you expected from your Republican colleagues?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good evening. Great to be with everyone. Donald Trump and House Republicans promised that they were going to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. They, of course, have failed to do that. Costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. So that’s a broken promise. Instead, they are trying to enact one of the largest healthcare cuts in American history, if not the largest. At this point, it looks like $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid that will devastate children and families and seniors and everyday Americans with disabilities. Hospitals could close. Nursing homes could shut down. And the reality is, because of this House Republican bill, if it were to pass and become law, people will die. And this is all being done in service of trying to provide a massive tax break to MAGA billionaire donors like Elon Musk, and give almost nothing to everyday Americans that Donald Trump and House Republicans promised they would focus on when they lied repeatedly on the campaign trail last year.

    MICHAEL STEELE: You know, Mr. Leader, on Saturday, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget noted the deficit impact of this bill is well above the Ways and Means allowable increase of 4 to 4.5 trillion, so lawmakers are going to need to make adjustments, including offsets and so forth. You have NBC news noting Speaker Johnson convened a video call on Monday with members of both the tax writing Ways and Means Committee and the SALT Caucus, group of blue state Republicans, to sort of address that. So you have the reality, sir, that they can’t control the numbers the way they like in order—because of the fact that, to your point, they’re going to have to make some steep cuts in areas that they’re saying they’re not going to make those cuts. And then you have unresolved other issues among the more middle of the road, conservative, moderate Republicans on SALT and other issues. How do you see this playing? How does this get shaped in the House ultimately? Particularly the Democrats decide to go, all right, you guys put your bill on the table and see what happens.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there’s a great deal of uncertainty. You have House Republicans fighting with House Republicans, House Republicans fighting with Senate Republicans. They don’t know whether to take orders from Donald Trump or Elon Musk or both. The whole thing is in disarray. They’ve decided to go it alone with this one big ugly bill and try to jam these far-right extremist policies down the throats of the American people. And, you know, we’ll see what happens this week. We’re going to continue to press our case as Democrats that we are defending the healthcare of the American people. Republicans, of course, are trying to undermine it. And this is not inconsistent with what they’ve repeatedly tried to do, which is take away healthcare from the American people. What’s egregious about this situation is that it’s all being done in service of trying to reward the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. And then to make matters worse of course as you indicated, Michael, they are further adding to our nation’s debt and deficit. These people aren’t fiscally responsible. They’re fiscally irresponsible. They need to stop lying and pretending that the case is otherwise to the American people.

    ALICIA MENENDEZ: So they released this sweeping tax plan today, except they’ve not actually dealt with, as Michael referenced there, the real friction point here, which is SALT. Let me read you just a little bit of the reporting. A legislative text currently calls for the SALT deduction cap to be hiked to $30,000, and applies only to those who make up to $400,000 a year. One House Republican close to the process told NBC News there would be enough GOP votes to sink the bill if that SALT figure remains in the final product. I want you to game this out with me. If those, you know, Republicans who say that SALT is a deal breaker because they represent districts where that is a deal breaker for their voters, let’s say they fold. Let’s say they decide not to hold the line, they vote with Trump on this tax plan, on this budget. Do you currently believe you can flip their seats?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Yes. And you know, these Republicans who have been, you know, allegedly advocating to address the situation with State and Local Tax Deduction are all phonies. Understand that in 2017, it was Republicans through the GOP Tax Scam that imposed the tax cap, the SALT cap, $10,000 on everyday Americans and as a result, have cost people in states across the country, in places like New York, in New Jersey, in Connecticut, in Illinois, Pennsylvania and California, amongst others, thousands of dollars a year in additional cost. That is because of what Republicans did in 2017. And so, if nothing were to happen with respect to the State and Local Tax Deduction provision this year, then the cap would go away, and it would provide thousands of dollars of additional income to everyday Americans. And so, the notion that Republicans are going to try to get away with a $30,000 per year cap—that’s not helping middle-class Americans across the country. And these so-called swing seat Republicans in these blue-leaning states will be held accountable next year, and many will lose.

    SYMONE SANDERS-TOWNSEND: Before we get to the tariffs. Mr. Leader, there is reporting from March 31 in the Guardian that talks about how Republican districts were the ones that have benefited the most from these clean energy spending bills. This is from the bills that were passed in the Biden administration, the tax rates Republicans who now control Congress have to decide if they will eliminate, the IRA’s grants and, more crucially, the tax credits that have spurred a boom in clean energy activity in their own districts. A total of 78% of the spending has gone to Republican-held suburban and rural districts across the U.S. That’s according to data from Atlas Public Policy. In this current bill that we now know about, and scanning through it, there are reductions here that will hit those Republicans in those districts. There’s also a severe cut to Medicaid that the—and I’m just going to read here—the Congressional Budget Office on Sunday night said that 8.6 million people would go uninsured if the health portions of this package become law. Do you have four Republicans, five Republicans or any of the, you know, 12 Republicans, frankly, that have signed letters indicating that they are concerned about the deficit or the Republicans that have signed letters indicating that they’re concerned about cuts to Medicaid, who are willing to vote with you against this bill? What does your whip count tell you?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, you know, that remains to be seen, whether these Republicans who have taken all these public positions, because they are on the run in the communities they represent all across the country. The American people are unhappy with them and the failure of Republicans to be a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. They’re just functioning as a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme policies. But this is going to be the ultimate test. Now, with respect to the clean energy tax credits, and you correctly point out Symone, that many of the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, standing up a clean energy economy, creating clean energy jobs and also cheaper energy, have benefited red districts and red communities and red states across the country. So, to vote to repeal these things is a vote to undermine the very constituents that you represent. Now, there were 21 Republicans who signed a letter saying don’t touch the clean energy tax credits. Where are those 21 Republicans right now? All it takes is a fraction of them to actually keep their word as communicated to the people that they represent, and the bill will fail. And so, you’ve got challenges with respect to fiscal irresponsibility, challenges as it relates to Medicaid, challenges as it relates to State and Local Tax Deduction, challenges as it relates to the clean energy tax credits. All you need are three or four Republicans in either the House or the Senate to just keep their word to their constituents, and this bill will fall. We’re going to continue to strongly oppose these egregious provisions that don’t help the American people, they hurt the American people, and press our Republican colleagues to have some courage and some backbone for their constituents and do the same.

    MICHAEL STEELE: So there’s an interesting—the politics here is very interesting, so I love Symone’s question because it really just kind of reframes some realities that I think Democrats are going to have to work through. And one of them, and what you’re starting to hear on the streets right now is that the Republicans are doing this little Artful Dodger kind of game where they’re, you know, they’re now talking about, oh, we’re going to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans. And Trump is floating that out there. And, of course, you’ve got a whole lot of reminiscent playback to ‘read my lips, no new taxes’ from George Bush 41. But now, you have the president also on Monday issuing an executive order asking drug makers to voluntarily reduce the prices of key medicines in the United States, but the order cites no obvious legal authority to mandate lower prices with this executive order. Trump also opted not to propose measures that could have more teeth, such as calling for his administration to work with Congress on legislation or writing regulations to change how government health programs pay for some drugs. That’s not the point, right? The point is, hey, I’m cutting drug prices. So do you see politically, the Republicans, not so much legislatively doing anything with teeth, but rather framing political narratives that make it more difficult for Democrats, as Symone offered up a little bit before, to go after some of those seats that could be on the chopping block otherwise.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, they’re certainly going to try, but the reality is the core promise that Donald Trump and Republicans made to the American people was that they were going to improve the economy, and they inherited one that was moving in the right direction. The big challenge was the high cost of living in the United States of America. It’s a challenge that we need to tackle. They promised that costs would go down on day one, that they would address inflation. Costs haven’t gone down, they’re going up. Inflation is going up. And a lot of it has to do with Trump’s reckless mismanagement of the economy, particularly as it relates to the on-again, off-again tariffs and the mess that he has made with respect to the American economy. And so, fundamentally, no matter how much Republicans try to distract from that reality, they will be held accountable for their failure to keep their word, for their failure to lower the high cost of living and, in fact, to actually increase costs and make life more unaffordable for everyday Americans. And as you pointed out, with respect to this so-called executive order, it has no force of law. And so, it’s not a serious effort to lower costs. If there was a serious effort, we’d actually have seen up until this point, more than 100 days into this administration, a single bill that was actually designed to address the high cost of living in the United States of America. Instead, we get legislation to try to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

    ALICIA MENENDEZ: Leader Jeffries, you referenced tariffs so I’ll allow this to be the last question. China took a tough stance on the threat of increased tariffs from the U.S. They managed to bring that threat down without any real concessions. If you are the Chinese, what have you learned about the Art of the Deal?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: China punked the administration and the administration backed down. That’s no surprise because we’ve seen that happen over and over and over again.

    ALICIA MENENDEZ: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you so much for being with us.

    Full interview can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM meets foreign guests participating in fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum

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

    Chinese FM meets foreign guests participating in fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, May 12 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday met respectively with some foreign ministers and representatives of the participating countries of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing.

    When meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel held a fruitful and important meeting in Moscow, charting the course for further progress in China-Cuba relations.

    China will continue to support Cuba in its just struggle to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity and oppose blockade and sanctions, and advance the building of the China-Cuba community with a shared future to achieve new progress continuously.

    Rodriguez expressed heartfelt gratitude for China’s firm support to Cuba in opposing the blockade and sanctions, as well as its valuable assistance in helping Cuba overcome economic difficulties.

    Cuba will continue to steadfastly uphold the one-China principle and work with China to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their meeting in Moscow, Rodriguez said.

    When meeting with Uruguayan foreign minister Mario Lubetkin, Wang said that China is willing to work with Uruguay to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership with stronger political mutual trust, higher-level mutually beneficial cooperation and closer multilateral collaboration.

    Lubetkin said that Uruguay highly appreciates the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi, supports free trade and is willing to jointly practice multilateralism, adding that the Uruguayan side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the “one country, two systems” policy.

    When meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Wang said that President Xi and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte paid mutual visits last year, noting that China is willing to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership to continuously reach new heights.

    The two heads of state jointly announced the opening of Chancay Port, which has become a symbol of promoting solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and accelerating their development and revitalization, Wang said, adding that China is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Peru in various fields.

    Schialer said that Peru firmly abides by the one-China principle, looks forward to deepening all-round cooperation with China in politics, economy, trade, science, technology, culture and so on, and is willing to jointly build Chancay Port Industrial Park, further promote free trade cooperation between the two countries, and speed up the negotiation and signing of double taxation avoidance agreements.

    During the meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, Wang said that President Xi held a fruitful meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Moscow, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage.

    China firmly supports the solidarity and self-strengthening of regional countries and is willing to work with Venezuela and other Latin American countries to oppose hegemonic and bullying moves and safeguard international justice, Wang added.

    Noting that Venezuela is satisfied and proud of the establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between Venezuela and China and the important achievements in cooperation in various fields, Gil said that China plays an important role in safeguarding international rules such as the UN Charter, and Venezuela firmly supports China’s just position.

    When meeting with Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Wang said that China is willing to work with Guyana, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, explore cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy and green economy, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in healthcare, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

    China will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Guyana, and help Guyana upgrade its industries and achieve economic self-reliance, Wang added.

    Noting that Guyana regards China as a reliable good friend, Todd said that Guyana is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and welcomes more Chinese investment, Guyana appreciates China’s leadership in improving global governance and is willing to jointly adhere to multilateralism and safeguard international law and international rules.

    When meeting with presidential adviser of Nicaragua Laureano Ortega Murillo and minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, Wang said that China is willing to work with Nicaragua to consolidate high-level mutual trust, continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Nicaragua, and give priority to implementing cooperation projects conducive to Nicaragua’s accelerated independent development.

    China supports its enterprises to invest and do business in Nicaragua, and believes that Nicaragua will continue to adhere to friendly relations with China and provide a favorable business environment, Wang added.

    Laureano said that Nicaragua firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes unilateral acts of imposing excessive tariffs, noting that Nicaragua firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi which contribute to global peace, security, stability and development.

    When meeting with Colombian foreign minister Laura Sarabia, Wang congratulated Colombia on taking over the rotating presidency of the China-CELAC Forum, saying that China has always viewed China-Colombia relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective and is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to carry out cooperation on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Sarabia expressed her gratitude to China for its support of Colombia’s peace process and efforts to explore diversified development. She said that Colombia is willing to join the Belt and Road Initiative and promote more tangible results in bilateral cooperation and looks forward to China increasing investment in Colombia.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Laureano Ortega Murillo, presidential adviser of Nicaragua, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. Wang met with Laureano Ortega Murillo and Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua, here on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Laureano Ortega Murillo, presidential adviser of Nicaragua, and Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laura Sarabia in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laura Sarabia in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Hugh Todd, minister of foreign affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Hugh Todd, minister of foreign affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China rolls out new regulations on eco-environmental protection inspections

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

    Tourists visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in central China’s Hunan Province, May 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China has rolled out new regulations on inspection work regarding eco-environmental protection, replacing the previous version issued in 2019.

    China aims to fully harness eco-environmental protection inspections as a key tool for identifying and addressing issues, according to the regulations issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.

    Greater efforts are needed to promote high-quality development through high-level environmental protection, deepen reforms in the ecological civilization system, and advance the modernization of the eco-environment governance system and its capabilities, according to the regulations.

    The inspection work will focus on areas such as progress in pollution control, the green transition of development models, ecological protection and restoration, and initiatives promoting carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

    China has steadfastly advanced its “Beautiful China” initiative, emphasizing eco-environmental protection as a top priority in its social and economic development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Power outage hits London Underground as lines suspended

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

    Commuters wait for a delayed Jubilee line tube at Westminster station in London, Britain, on May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A power outage struck the London Underground, causing widespread travel disruptions across the capital on Monday afternoon, Transport for London (TfL) confirmed.

    Transport for London (TfL) said the issues had been caused by a short power outage which happened at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT). Power has since been restored, but delays and suspensions in major lines are ongoing.

    Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “Due to a brief interruption of the power supply to our network, several lines lost power for a short period earlier this afternoon.

    “We apologise to customers whose journeys will have been affected. We are working to get the whole network up and running again as quickly as possible,” Mann said.

    It’s believed a cable fault caused a small fire, which was brought under control by firefighters.

    “The fault was resolved within seconds and did not interrupt supply from our network, but a consequent voltage dip may have briefly affected power supplies on the low voltage distribution network in the area,” said a spokesperson for the National Grid.

    Local media showed pictures of chaos and disruptions on the London underground networks. One passenger said they were stuck on their train for “quite a long time” as the doors weren’t opening due to a lack of power.

    Queues of passengers, including tourists with huge suitcases, the elderly and disabled people, were seen making their way up broken-down escalators in some stations, as no lifts were working.

    “We were told to immediately leave the station,” said another passenger.

    It remains unclear when the services will resume completely. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Grassley Refer ATF Bureaucrats Who Defrauded Taxpayers for Prosecution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Timber City Chiropractic of Jackson County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “For over 20 years, Timber City Chiropractic has cracked the code to treat acute and chronic discomfort across eastern Iowa,” said Chair Ernst. “From serving in the military to now providing care for veterans, Dr. Don Schwenker is committed to giving back to the Maquoketa community alongside his wife, Colleen.”
    Dr. Don Schwenker, a Maquoketa native, served active duty in the Air Force for eight years and then joined the Air National Guard. He also studied at the Palmer College of Chiropractic. In December 2003, Don and his wife, Colleen, opened Timber City Chiropractic after recognizing the need for a family chiropractor in their hometown, Maquoketa. Timber City Chiropractic offers a full range of chiropractic and acupuncture services, as well as cellular detoxification and hydrotherapy. Additionally, the business is an associated provider for the VA, providing care to veterans across eastern Iowa. Later this year, Timber City Chiropractic will celebrate its 22nd anniversary.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Marine Environment – Attenborough’s Ocean highlights horrors of bottom trawling – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is welcoming the release of David Attenborough’s latest documentary Ocean, which shines a spotlight on the scale of bottom trawling destruction, and issues an urgent message to turn the tide.
    The veteran broadcaster’s latest documentary turns its attention to the brutal realities of industrial fishing, and the damage it’s doing to the global oceans. With never before seen footage of trawling across the seabed, Attenborough attests:
    “The idea of bulldozing a rainforest causes outrage, yet we do the same underwater every day.
    “Surely you would argue it must be illegal.”
    Greenpeace Aotearoa and allies have been campaigning for decades to restrict this damaging fishing practice from where it does the most harm, but has faced continuous pushback from the NZ industry and a lack of ambition from successive governments.
    In the high seas of the South Pacific, New Zealand is the last country to be bottom trawling, and has blocked protections for vulnerable habitats from this method.
    Oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper says the writing is on the wall when it comes to bottom trawling, with the majority of New Zealanders supporting the method being banned on seamounts and similar features.
    “Despite the NZ fishing industry’s desperate attempts to greenwash itself and claim their activities are sustainable, there is no such thing as sustainable bottom trawling, especially when it happens on sensitive habitats.
    “Bottom trawling is destructive by nature. Dragging heavy nets across the seabed destroys coral and sponge habitats on seamount areas, and releases carbon stored in the seabed. It has huge biodiversity and climate impacts. This destructive method also catches and kills huge numbers of non-target species, with anything from dolphins, fur seals and seabirds becoming collateral damage.”
    A government report released in 2023 showed that 99% of coral bycatch was attributed to bottom trawling methods over a thirteen year period – 200 tonnes of it having been observed coming up in nets.
    “This is only the tip of the iceberg,” says Hooper, “given that most of the coral destroyed by trawlers does not come up in the net.”
    “Many fish stocks in New Zealand are also data deficient, meaning we actually don’t know how they’re doing. Signs from some orange roughy populations that have been assessed in recent years do not paint a good picture. They’re showing signs of decline, and breeding groups of fish have disappeared from where they once were.”
    The place where they were deemed to be doing better was on a seamount that has been closed to bottom trawling for years.
    “In the middle of an ocean and biodiversity crisis, bottom trawling is too destructive to continue. The industry can try to split the issue any way they want – but the writing is on the wall. And the footage from this documentary really says it all.”
    At the end of Ocean, Attenborough encourages world leaders to propose global ocean sanctuaries at the UN Ocean Conference in June.
    These sanctuaries, made possible under the hard-won Global Ocean Treaty, would be a critical part of protecting the world’s oceans, including in the Tasman Sea.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Politics – Hui to further raise awareness on health woes – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    NZNO’s Ōtautahi/Canterbury members will join local leaders and politicians to talk about the dire state of their local hospitals and the public health system at a hui on Thursday.
    New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) will be supported by their Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) and E tū colleagues at the event to raise public awareness and place further pressure on the Government to increase funding for health.
    Included among the evening’s speakers is long-serving and long-suffering enrolled nurse Debbie Handisides who says the Government needs to immediately plug the sinking ship that is health care.
    “I’m concerned for patient safety, and their health outcomes due to the shortage of doctors, general practitioners, nurses, physios, occupational therapists, pharmacists, midwives and surgeons.
    “Our patients are getting delayed health care with longer wait times to see GPs so they report to hospitals more unwell.”
    Like virtually every part of the country, Ōtautahi is struggling with under-resourcing and understaffing, and our communities are all feeling the impact, she says.
    “Every sector of the health system is crumbling around health workers’ ears. The Government is not providing adequate funding for safe staffing, and they are disguising their frontline hiring freeze.
    “Every day, health workers are burning themselves out while compensating for the Government’s refusal to fund a safe and effective health system.
    “Patients are at serious risk of harm and are even dying on waiting lists. This is not good enough and we demand action.”
    Other speakers include Patient Voice Aotearoa’s Malcolm Mulholland, Councillor and mayoral candidate Sara Templeton, an ASMS spokesperson, Spinal Trust National Programme manager Andrew Hall, and a nursing student representative.
    Interview and photo opportunities available
    WHEN: Wednesday, 15 May 2025
    TIME: 5.30pm-7pm
    WHERE: Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street North, Christchurch
    Community members are welcome.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –