Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to improve access to asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025.
“For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister. Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines – this is committed to in the Act-National Coalition Agreement,” Mr Seymour says.
“Since then, the culture shift at Pharmac has been positive. It has moved towards a more adaptable and people-centered approach to funding medicines. My expectation is that this will continue.”
Following a consultation period Pharmac has made decisions to:
Improve access to some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers.
Remove some of the barriers to Mirena and Jaydess intra-uterine devices (IUDs).
“From 1 August 2025 people will be able to get three-months supply of some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers all at once. Pharmac will also fund some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), meaning doctors and nurses can keep some in their clinic for emergency use, teaching, and demonstrations,” Mr Seymour says.
“For the over 120,000 Kiwis using this type of inhaler the changes mean less visits to the pharmacy for resupply, better asthma management, and an extra option for supply in emergencies.
“Doctors and nurses will also be able to keep Mirena and Jaydess IUDs in their clinic and will be able to place them in the same appointment. Pharmac will fund these on a PSO to enable this.
“Current settings mean women need to get a prescription from their doctor or nurse, pick their IUD up from a pharmacy, and then bring it back to the clinic to be placed. Pharmac estimates over 21,000 women to benefit from these changes in just the first year of funding.
“People told Pharmac that these changes will make a real difference. They will make it easier for people with asthma to get the inhalers they need and improve access to long-acting contraceptives like Mirena and Jaydess. They make sense for people.
“People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of changes would be for them.
“The Government is doing its part. Last year we allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift to give Pharmac the financial support it needs to carry out its functions – negotiating the best medical deals for New Zealanders.”
Tens of thousands of New Zealanders living with asthma are set to benefit from long-awaited changes that will make it easier to access essential, lifesaving treatment, marking a major step forward for asthma care in New Zealand.
Effective from August 1, people who use a 2-in-1 inhaler to manage their asthma will be able to collect a three-month supply in a single pharmacy visit, rather than returning monthly for repeats. This change is expected to benefit about 120,000 New Zealanders.
The move directly aligns with the New Zealand Adolescent and Adult Asthma Guidelines, which are developed and maintained by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. The guidelines recommend the 2-in-1 inhaler as the frontline treatment for most adolescents and adults with asthma, used both as a preventer and a reliever.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says this decision will make a huge difference to the 1 in 8 Kiwis living with asthma.
“When someone is having an asthma attack, they need treatment immediately – there’s no time to get a prescription filled.
“Patients often need to keep their reliever inhaler in multiple places – at home, school, work, their car – so enhancing access to life-saving asthma medicine will undoubtedly reduce the morbidity of asthma in New Zealand.”
The change would make asthma management significantly easier, particularly for families facing transport barriers or juggling multiple repeat prescriptions, Ms Harding says.
“When you have to visit the pharmacy every month, it becomes a real burden.
“Allowing people to collect three months’ supply at once removes that hurdle and supports better treatment adherence.”
Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says the move is a good example of evidence-based, patient-centred care.
“For the past five years, our guidelines have recommended 2-in-1 anti-inflammatory reliever inhalers for most adults and adolescents with asthma, as they are much better for preventing exacerbations than the traditional blue relievers.
“As well as benefiting patients, this decision will reduce the burden on the health system by preventing asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions.”
Pharmac is also proposing that medical centres be allowed to supply a number of inhalers directly under a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), enabling healthcare practitioners to supply patients with inhalers for emergency treatment.
These changes come at a critical time. New Zealand continues to have some of the highest asthma rates in the developed world, with 1 in 8 people affected and 96 deaths each year (almost 2 people each week).
The total economic cost of asthma to New Zealand’s health system is estimated at $1.2 billion annually.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On July 8, the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, the II All-Russian Wedding Festival “Russia. Connecting Hearts” started at the National Center “Russia”. As part of the opening of the festival, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergey Kiriyenko and Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova met with married couples in a cozy atmosphere over a cup of tea. The central topics of the conversation were love and family values. The participants discussed measures of state support for young and large families, the secrets of family longevity and raising children, and shared their impressions of the I and II All-Russian Wedding Festivals and proposed making this event an annual event.
In total, 12 different families gathered at one table – young and those who had already celebrated their golden wedding, those with many children and those who had only recently become parents. Welcoming the participants of the meeting, Tatyana Golikova emphasized that the All-Russian Wedding Festival had already become an established tradition.
“Last year, 220 couples from all over the country got married at the Russia exhibition and forum. Many young families already have children. It is very pleasing that Russia is returning to the traditions of large families. If ten years ago only 18% of our citizens expressed a desire to have many children, now it is already 39%. And every second person believes that the ideal family is one with many children. Today we will see another 200 families from 78 regions get married at the Russia National Center. You charge the atmosphere with a special spirit, and this spirit of love, reliability, and strength of bonds permeates all the events of the All-Russian Wedding Festival. I wish that the families that were born at the festival last year and those that will appear this year are strong, that they create a real rear, so that the men who are on the front lines today know that they are loved and waited for at home,” noted Tatyana Golikova.
In turn, Sergei Kiriyenko agreed that in Russia the family has a special meaning, and this is obvious at the state level.
“Last year, our President used the formula ‘Russia is a family of families’, and the more you think about it, the more it sticks. Indeed, the main value of Russia is each individual family. The stronger and happier each family individually, the happier Russia as a whole,” he said.
In the warm atmosphere of tea, couples who will register their marriage at the II All-Russian Wedding Festival shared their impressions of the festival and love stories. Semyon Slepchenko and Oksana Leonova from the Irkutsk Region met each other thanks to the “Movement of the First” – they both work in the regional office. For a long time, the young people were just colleagues, until one day, on New Year’s Eve, a warm conversation began that grew into love. Another New Year’s miracle happened to employees of the Stary Oskol District Children’s Hospital Sergei Ryndin and Natalia Ovsyannikova. Before the New Year, they were preparing a holiday for young patients and at some point realized that they were made for each other. Sergei and Natalia brought to the festival cards that were prepared for all the newlyweds by patients of the children’s hospital.
True patriotism laid the foundation for the creation of two families. Miroslav Skonin and Angelina Denisenko from the DPR, who are members of the Cossack reconnaissance brigade “Terek”, met and fell in love with each other in the combat zone. Kaliningraders Alexander Dyachenko and Valeria Kravchenko are ONF volunteers who help the families of SVO participants. Sevastopol residents Fyodor Bykovsky and Irina Nagibina serve the country, Fyodor is a hereditary military man, Irina is a civil servant.
The example of another couple proves that family is the basis for preserving the traditions of different peoples in a multinational state. Evgeny Fisikov and Olga Semenova, born and raised in Khakassia, honor national traditions, so at the wedding ceremony they will present Khakass culture and national costumes.
Sergey and Irina Shirokih from Kursk Oblast, who have lived together for 51 years, shared their secrets of family longevity with newlyweds. They have preserved their love and respect for each other’s interests.
Families that participated in the 1st All-Russian Wedding Festival are already having children. Elizabet and Timur Badmaev from the Republic of Buryatia are currently raising a six-month-old son, Amir. They suggested making the All-Russian Wedding Festival an annual event and starting a tradition – passing the family hearth “Heart of Russia” from couples of the previous festival to couples of the current one as a symbol of the continuity of traditions and a strong family union.
Other families with children also shared their experiences. The long-awaited son of Natalia and Konstantin Kaynov from the Moscow Region was born thanks to the social project “New Life”. Support measures help large families: parents of five children Dmitry and Ekaterina Bauer became participants in the corporate demographic program “Our Children”, which operates at the Kemerovo enterprise “Azot”. And Irina and Maxim Moiseenko from the Krasnoyarsk Region, representatives of a dynasty of teachers, winners of the All-Russian competition “Family of the Year – 2020”, are raising seven children in a creative atmosphere.
In order to raise children with dignity, it is necessary to preserve and support traditional values. This is what Fabrice and Isabelle Sorlin, who moved from France to Russia with their children 10 years ago, are sure of. This year, all family members became Russian citizens.
Fabrice Sorlin proposed to provide additional preferences to those owners who rent out their property to large families, in particular, land tax benefits. Tatyana Golikova noted that measures to support large families are the most important measures, and thanked for the proposal.
At the meeting, young couples expressed their proposals and initiatives to improve social and family policy. Alexander Dyachenko and Valeria Kravchenko proposed creating a project – a navigator in the world of patriotic education, so that students of universities and colleges would have the opportunity to quickly and easily choose the right direction. Sergey Kiriyenko approved the initiative and asked to provide documents with the concept of the project later. At the end of the meeting, Tatyana Golikova and Sergey Kiriyenko wished the families to carry love throughout their lives.
The II All-Russian Wedding Festival is being implemented with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and will be held at the National Center “Russia” from July 8 to 10, 2025. During these days, more than 200 couples from all regions of the country will register their marriages here. The program for newlyweds includes a yacht ride along the Moscow River, a festive procession surrounded by their guests along the picturesque embankment to the National Center “Russia”, a photo session, marriage registration in a solemn atmosphere and a ceremony of handing over the family hearth.
Along with the ceremonial events, a cultural and educational program has been prepared for the festival participants. Musical concerts are held for the newlyweds and their guests, where popular artists and musical groups perform. Among them are Nansi
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Grigorenko at a working meeting at Roskomnadzor
July 8, 2025
Working meeting at Roskomnadzor
July 8, 2025
Dmitry Grigorenko at a working meeting at Roskomnadzor
July 8, 2025
Dmitry Grigorenko and Minister of Communications and Mass Media Maxim Shadayev at a working meeting at Roskomnadzor
July 8, 2025
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Dmitry Grigorenko at a working meeting at Roskomnadzor
Roskomnadzor is actively involved in the Government’s systematic work to protect citizens from fraudsters. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko during a working meeting at Roskomnadzor.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the department has a number of information systems that can identify and block fraudulent websites and calls. In 2024 alone, more than 44,000 fraudulent resources used to steal personal data and financial resources were blocked. Roskomnadzor’s system processes over 455 million calls daily, of which about 1.2 million are calls with a spoofed number. Fraudsters use such numbers to deceive users.
The agency is also taking part in the discussion of the second package of measures to combat fraud. Among the measures is the creation and implementation of a service based on artificial intelligence that will identify suspicious calls and warn citizens about telephone scammers.
Dmitry Grigorenko recalled that at the beginning of this year, a government package of measures was adopted, including 30 initiatives to protect citizens from cybercriminals. It has already entered into force. In particular, a ban was introduced on the use of instant messengers for employees of government agencies, banks and telecom operators when interacting with clients. In addition, messages with access codes to government services are now blocked if the subscriber is talking on the phone when sending such a message.
A law on criminal liability for droppers – individuals who provide their bank cards or e-wallets for the transfer of illegal funds – has also come into force. Criminal liability will only apply to those who knowingly received a reward for transferring details to criminals. The fact of payment is the key evidence of intent. Those who transferred the data for free (for example, out of ignorance or under pressure) will not be punished.
“The government is systematically working to improve the level of security for citizens in the digital environment, and Roskomnadzor plays a significant role in it. The agency promptly identifies and blocks fraudsters’ schemes. Last year alone, more than 44,000 fraudulent websites were blocked, and Roskomnadzor stops over a million suspicious calls every day. Now, together with Roskomnadzor and other interested agencies, we are working on additional measures to combat fraudsters on the Internet,” said Dmitry Grigorenko.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Svyatoslav Sorokin took part in a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Siberian Federal District, which was held on July 8 in Omsk under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev. The event was attended by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Siberian Federal District Anatoly Seryshev, heads of regions, representatives of federal ministries and key industry companies.
“Our main goal is to create opportunities to accelerate the pace of economic growth in Siberian regions, and, of course, to improve the quality of life of people. First of all, we control the implementation of the government’s Strategy for the Development of the Federal District until 2035. About two trillion rubles have already been attracted to its activities, and more than 42 thousand jobs have been created,” said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev during the meeting.
Svyatoslav Sorokin presented a report on amendments to the plan for implementing the Strategy for Socioeconomic Development of the Siberian Federal District. On behalf of the Government, the revised document was submitted on June 27. The updated plan includes individual development programs for the subjects, as well as new investment and infrastructure projects.
The proposed measures will increase the volume of investment in the district’s economy to 18 trillion rubles, as well as create over 195 thousand jobs. The plan is synchronized with the updated national projects and will be further specified within the framework of the implementation of the Strategy for Spatial Development of the Russian Federation until 2030. Special attention is paid to the development of key settlements: a list of 294 key settlements in the regions of Siberia has been approved.
During the meeting, an assessment was also given of the implementation of the so-called curatorship projects – these are priority regional initiatives, for the implementation of which the leadership of the Ministry of Economic Development is personally responsible. According to Svyatoslav Sorokin, these projects play a key role in the development of infrastructure, industry, tourism and other sectors. Thanks to these initiatives, over 21 thousand jobs have been created in the district and about 1.4 trillion rubles of extra-budgetary investments have been attracted.
The report paid special attention to the work on forming a list of priority investment projects in Siberia. On the instructions of the Government, the Ministry of Economic Development, together with other departments, selected 103 projects that have the greatest socio-economic effect on the development of the district’s subjects. The priority list included initiatives with an investment volume of over 3 billion rubles, as well as curatorship projects, industry clusters and initiatives in the field of rare earth metals, agreed upon with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) in the Siberian Federal District. As Svyatoslav Sorokin emphasized, Siberia is in the focus of the federal agenda: by 2030, the target indicators are defined as stabilization of the population at a level no lower than 2023, an increase in the district’s share in housing commissioning to 15.4%, as well as an increase in the ratio of gross regional product per capita to 83.6% of the Russian average.
To achieve these indicators, the key priority of the SPR is the development of support settlements (SSC). The list approved by the Government Commission for Regional Development included 294 settlements in the territory of the Siberian Federal District.
“Development of key settlements is a key point of concentration of efforts in Siberia. We see that it is in these territories that the potential for economic growth, improvement of quality of life and increase of investment attractiveness is concentrated. It is important that all support measures are built with an orientation towards spatial logic of development – so that investments work for the comprehensive development of territories, and not pointwise, without taking into account connections and prospects,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Svyatoslav Sorokin.
Also, within the framework of the implementation of the Spatial Development Strategy and in pursuance of the message of the President of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economic Development, together with the regions, is forming a list of cities for the development of master plans. This process is being carried out in the development of decisions of the strategic session of the Government and should be completed by January 2026.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The State Duma considered draft federal laws on regulating the platform economy and changes to industry laws in connection with the introduction of new requirements. Deputies discussed the balance of interests of participants in legal relations, the nuances of regulation, and liability for violating the provisions of the future law. Parliamentarians supported the adoption of the bills in the first reading.
The key discussion took place in the Economic Policy Committee chaired by Maxim Topilin. The main provisions of the draft law were presented by the Minister of Economic Development of Russia Maxim Reshetnikov. According to him, the platform economy is developing rapidly: in the last 4 years alone, online sales have grown 4 times, and 80% of Internet users regularly place orders through platforms. On the one hand, this opens up new opportunities for business, especially for SMEs. On the other hand, large platforms have become de facto regulators of access to the market, not being responsible for the quality of goods and services, and the relations between platforms and the self-employed and individual entrepreneurs remain unregulated.
“All this determined the emergence of a strong public demand for the creation of clear rules for the operation of platforms. And in order to respond to it, on behalf of the Government, draft laws were developed. The proposed regulation and clear set of rules are aimed at protecting the interests of all market participants and ensuring its further growth. This is especially important for accelerating, on behalf of the President, structural changes in the economy,” emphasized Maxim Reshetnikov.
The new regulation introduces uniform standards for platforms: verification of sellers, control over the quality of goods, transparency of contracts and protection of the rights of entrepreneurs. For example, platforms will not be able to impose discounts without the consent of the seller, and disputes can be resolved not only in court, but also through the pre-trial appeal mechanism.
The regulation will come into effect in 2027, so that businesses and platforms have time to adapt. The intermediary digital platforms themselves will be included in a separate register, which will ensure flexibility of regulation for all players, noted Maxim Reshetnikov. The criteria for their selection will be determined by the Government of the Russian Federation. Among the main ones discussed are the volume of transactions, the number of active users and sellers.
“Today we considered issues related to ensuring, first of all, additional requirements for platforms and obligations that will be established for platforms. This includes the formation of product cards, interaction with labeling, certification, and licensing systems. On the one hand, this will protect consumer rights and, on the other hand, will certainly create a unified legal regulation. It is very important, and everyone noted this, that laws allow a very large number of small entrepreneurs who previously could not break into retail chains to very quickly find their niche thanks to platform technologies. This is an additional incentive to support, including small businesses, the development of jobs and the formation of a small economy in different regions,” Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, commented on the meeting.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On July 8, 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched traffic along the entire length of the Central Ring Road (TsKAD) in the Moscow Region. The highway has become one of the largest projects in recent years. Since the launch of traffic on this highway, motorists have made more than 322 million trips, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.
“The Central Ring Road, which is over 340 km long, is of great importance for the economy, logistics and ecology of Moscow, the Moscow Region and neighboring regions. This modern highway has allowed transit transport to be taken beyond the 13 urban districts of the Moscow Region and directly connected the regional districts. It has a high throughput capacity and provides all the necessary conditions for safe travel. With the opening of the Central Ring Road, it was possible to significantly reduce the load on the Moscow Ring Road, the A-107 and A-108 highways, increase the transport accessibility of the capital’s airports for residents of the region, and connect key highways, including regional and federal highways of the Moscow Region. We see that the Central Ring Road is in demand among motorists. Since the launch of traffic along its entire length, more than 322 million trips have been recorded on the road,” said Marat Khusnullin.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that travel on toll sections of the Central Ring Road allows for travel time to be reduced by almost three times compared to alternative routes. This was made possible by the absence of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, as well as at-grade intersections with other roads. The total length of these sections is 264 km.
The head of the state company Avtodor, Vyacheslav Petushenko, noted that the most popular section of the Central Ring Road since the launch of traffic along its entire length remains the section between the M-4 Don highway and the Kaluga Highway. The average daily traffic intensity along it is about 19 thousand trips.
“The section from Domodedovo to the M-7 Volga highway is in second place. Over the past few years, an average of about 17.5 thousand trips per day have been recorded here. The bypass of the village of Malye Vyazemy, which was put into operation in December last year, rounds out the top three. It immediately became popular among drivers, and the average daily traffic intensity on it today reaches 14.1 thousand trips. Traffic on the section from M-7 Volga to M-11 Neva also remains consistently high. On average, 10.6 thousand trips per day are recorded here. On the section from M-10 Rossiya to M-11 Neva, about 7 thousand trips per day are recorded,” Vyacheslav Petushenko noted.
Work on upgrading the Central Ring Road and improving convenience for motorists continues. Construction of a transport interchange at the intersection with Dmitrovskoe Highway is currently underway.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Patrushev visited Omsk Region on a working visit. With Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov (left) and the region’s governor Vitaly Khotsenko (right)
July 8, 2025
Dmitry Patrushev, as part of a working visit to Omsk Oblast, took part in the ceremonial launch of a complex of biological treatment facilities. With Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov (left), regional governor Vitaly Khotsenko and Chairman of the Management Board of PJSC Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov (right)
July 8, 2025
As part of his working visit, Dmitry Patrushev met with the Governor of the Omsk Region, Vitaly Khotsenko
July 8, 2025
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Dmitry Patrushev visited Omsk Region on a working visit. With Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov (left) and the region’s governor Vitaly Khotsenko (right)
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev visited Omsk Oblast on a working visit. Together with the region’s governor Vitaly Khotsenko and the chairman of the board of PJSC Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov, the deputy prime minister took part in the ceremonial launch of a complex of biological treatment facilities.
“We are launching the Biosphere complex, a system of modern treatment facilities at the Omsk Oil Refinery. This largest environmental project of Gazprom Neft has been implemented as part of the Ecology national project. Investments amounted to about 30 billion rubles. Thanks to innovative technologies, the complex will effectively purify industrial wastewater, significantly reduce the use of river water and reduce the load on the city’s communal infrastructure. I would like to note that Biosphere is an example of effective interaction between Russian developers and manufacturers of technology and equipment. 185 domestic companies participated in the project. This plant is one of the most powerful in Russia in its field,” said Dmitry Patrushev.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that over 135 billion rubles have been allocated for large-scale modernization of the Omsk Oil Refinery in recent years. As a result, the obligations under the federal project “Clean Air” have been almost completely fulfilled. Work in this area continues within the framework of the national project “Ecological Well-Being”.
As part of his working visit, Dmitry Patrushev also held a meeting with the Governor of Omsk Region, Vitaly Khotsenko.
“Omsk Oblast is an economically strong region of Siberia. Its development traditionally relies on the industrial sector, which accounts for more than 20% of the production structure. This is oil refining with petrochemistry, mechanical engineering, including defense engineering. The transport complex is of great importance. In addition, Omsk Oblast is one of the important agricultural regions of Siberia. The Russian Government allocated more than 2 billion rubles to the region in 2025 for the development of the agro-industrial complex and rural areas. The agricultural production index in Omsk Oblast in 2024 was 117%, which is a very high figure. The region produces significant volumes of grain and oilseeds. Further strengthening of its positions is certainly associated with the activities of the Strategy for the Socioeconomic Development of Siberia, which was approved by the Russian Government. A number of projects are being implemented in Omsk Oblast within its framework, which in the medium term will create more than a thousand jobs,” said Dmitry Patrushev.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Omsk Region is actively involved in environmental protection activities. In the previous six years, about 8 billion rubles from the federal budget were allocated for this. This work continues within the framework of the national project “Environmental Well-Being”, the implementation of which began this year. Improvement of water bodies is also planned – for example, construction of a hydroelectric complex on the Irtysh has begun and cleaning of the riverbed is planned.
Dmitry Patrushev paid special attention to monitoring the fulfillment of obligations in the field of solid municipal waste management. As part of his working visit, the Deputy Prime Minister also visited the Sovetskaya landfill reclamation facility in the region.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Denis Manturov spoke about the development of international industrial cooperation at the strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough” within the framework of “Innoprom-2025”
July 8, 2025
Denis Manturov presented the national industrial award “Industry”, the winner of which was the “Kursk Electrical Equipment Plant”
July 8, 2025
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Denis Manturov spoke about the development of international industrial cooperation at the strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough” within the framework of “Innoprom-2025”
First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov spoke about the development of international industrial cooperation at the strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough” within the framework of the Innoprom-2025 exhibition. He emphasized that Russia does not seek complete autonomy and is open to cooperation with friendly countries, primarily the states of the Eurasian Economic Union, the CIS, BRICS, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
“The fact that our partner country this year is Saudi Arabia once again shows that the Middle East is a strategic direction for us. Next year, Indonesia will be Innoprom’s partner country. It is the largest Muslim country in the world with a population of about 300 million people. It is rapidly growing, with a young population. And we are actively developing cooperation with this country. I expect that our entrepreneurs, our enterprises will actively form their agenda for the coming year in order to demonstrate new projects and cooperation with this country,” Denis Manturov noted.
The First Deputy Prime Minister also presented the national industrial award “Industry”, the winner of which was the Kursk Electrical Equipment Plant. The enterprise has developed a modern line of OptiMat D circuit breakers. The series has versions for operation on rolling stock of rail transport and trolleybuses, and is also licensed for delivery to nuclear power plants.
Let us recall that in 2015, Industry was awarded the status of a Russian Government Prize.
The award ceremony for the winner of the prize is held annually on the sidelines of the international industrial exhibition “Innoprom”.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Patrushev, as part of a working visit to the Omsk Region, held a meeting on incident No. 62 “Implementation of measures to develop the Siberian Federal District”
July 8, 2025
Dmitry Patrushev, as part of a working visit to the Omsk Region, held a meeting of Incident No. 62 “Implementation of measures to develop the Siberian Federal District”
July 8, 2025
Dmitry Patrushev, as part of a working visit to the Omsk Region, held a meeting on incident No. 62 “Implementation of measures to develop the Siberian Federal District”
July 8, 2025
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Dmitry Patrushev, as part of a working visit to the Omsk Region, held a meeting on incident No. 62 “Implementation of measures to develop the Siberian Federal District”
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on incident No. 62 “Implementation of measures to develop the Siberian Federal District” as part of a working visit to Omsk Oblast. It was attended by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Siberian Federal District Anatoly Seryshev, the heads of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Rosprirodnadzor, Rosleskhoz, the leadership of relevant departments and regions of the Siberian Federal District, as well as business representatives.
“Our main goal is to create opportunities to accelerate the pace of economic growth in Siberian regions, and, of course, to improve the quality of life of people. First of all, we control the implementation of the government strategy for the development of the federal district until 2035. About 2 trillion rubles have already been attracted to its activities, and more than 42 thousand jobs have been created. In the future, the total volume of investments should exceed 18 trillion rubles,” said Dmitry Patrushev.
At the last meeting, an agreement was developed on the organization of enterprises in Siberia to ensure a full cycle of work with rare earth metals. As part of the current incident, the participants discussed the work of the expert group on the formation of a complex for their deep processing. The main topic of this meeting was the prospects for the development of the forestry complex in the district. As the Deputy Prime Minister noted, Siberia is one of the leaders here.
“A third of the total Russian timber volumes are harvested in Siberia. This result is achieved by almost one and a half thousand local enterprises. In addition, about 30 priority forestry projects are being implemented in the district to create and modernize processing capacities. The total investment volume exceeds 440 billion rubles,” Dmitry Patrushev emphasized.
Siberia has significant resources for increasing production volumes and organizing a full chain of production output, including those with a high degree of processing. However, today, up-to-date forest management data covers only 35% of the intensive zone of Siberian forests.
The Deputy Prime Minister reported that the Ministry of Natural Resources is developing a bill that gives the right to finance forest management at the expense of regional budgets, and also provides for the lease of areas for which forest management materials have not been updated for more than 10 years. Business, in turn, is obliged to update these materials within two years. The combination of these measures will speed up the updating of information on the country’s forest reserves and improve the efficiency of forest resource management.
At the meeting it was noted that Rosleskhoz is working on the possibility of implementing a pilot project on forest management in two Siberian regions – the leaders of the district in timber harvesting – Irkutsk Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Federal Forestry Agency, together with the governments of Krasnoyarsk Krai and Irkutsk Oblast, were instructed to determine forestry areas in which pilot forest management projects will be implemented, as well as the timeframes for their implementation. The innovation will allow joint efforts to cover forest management and involve more areas in circulation.
Dmitry Patrushev noted that the government commission on regional development has identified around 300 key settlements in the Siberian Federal District as a serious basis for developing Siberian territories. The Deputy Prime Minister instructed to give this network priority attention and invest in their infrastructure.
The Ministry of Economic Development, in turn, will complete the revision of the plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the Socioeconomic Development of the Siberian Federal District, taking into account the activities of the Strategy for the Spatial Development of the Russian Federation.
Work on the integrated development of the Siberian Federal District (the Republics of Altai, Tyva and Khakassia, the Altai and Krasnoyarsk Territories, the Irkutsk, Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, Omsk and Tomsk Regions) is being carried out within the framework of incident No. 62. The choice of this format of interdepartmental interaction was initiated by the Deputy Prime Minister as the curator of the district and supported by the Chairman of the Government. It will allow the aggregation of activities of all regional development programs and the maximum synergistic effect from their implementation.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — China’s Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft has re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere in a controlled manner. Most of the spacecraft’s components burned up during re-entry, and a small amount of debris fell into pre-designated sea areas. -0-
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Beat with Ari Melber where he emphasized that the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill will gut healthcare and nutritional assistance for millions of hardworking Americans in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires.
ARI MELBER: The Democratic Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, joins us now. Good evening, and thanks for joining us at this very busy time.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good evening. Great to be with you.
ARI MELBER: Great to have you. I want to just begin, before we get to any of the Washington politics, with this tragedy down in, of course, Kerr County, Texas. Death toll is over 100. As of tonight, we have the latest reporting, which is 161 people are still missing, including a lot of individuals that, of course, have not been accounted for and the worst is feared in terms of what we’re hearing. What is your response to this ongoing, unfolding tragedy that’s affecting so many? You know, what else can the federal government do?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with all of the families who’ve been impacted by this terrible tragedy, and we’ll continue to stand with them and do everything that we can to try to be there for them as a federal government in terms of the recovery and the rebuilding that will necessarily have to take place. Right now, we’re also appreciative, of course, of the fact that we have first responders who are still engaged in a search and rescue effort to try to hopefully find folks who have not been currently located. I think there will also be a moment where, as a Congress, we need to aggressively ask some questions about what happened? Why did it happen? How do we prevent this type of tragedy from ever happening again? There’s real concern, Ari, with the fact that, you know, the National Weather Service has been decimated by the Trump administration. There’s real concern that Donald Trump and his Homeland Security Secretary have threatened to defund FEMA. And there’s real concern that the Texas State Government may not have necessarily done everything that they could have done in advance of the flooding to protect those communities.
ARI MELBER: Is this, since you mentioned, an area where you think that defunding at the state or federal level could have played a part in an avoidable level of tragedy?
LEADER JEFFRIES: That remains to be seen, but certainly we have to ask those questions, and we’re going to have to get those answers, and we’re prepared as Democrats to aggressively do just that.
ARI MELBER: Yeah. Understood. We showed you speaking on the floor there fighting the budget, I guess you and Cory Booker, I don’t know if you guys trade tips in the hallway about how you go that many hours. And I want to ask you about this, you know. We try to call it straight here and follow the facts, the evidence on all these issues here on this program. And it seems like on this one, Democrats have lost a lot of public skirmishes. It seems like Democrats won the messaging battle, but still didn’t have the votes. So I want to get your response to that, but I’ll put up on the screen the numbers here. Just top line—you have a lot more debt, kicking off over 11 million people from their current health coverage, going after popular programs like Medicaid and, overwhelmingly, as you know, as people learned about this bill, the more they learned, the more they didn’t like it. It’s overwhelmingly opposed. Before I get your answer, I just want to show again. Let’s get out of the coastal national news, let’s get out of the television news of coming out of these, you know, folks who might follow politics every day. We checked the polling. This was going underwater 18 points. And local coverage has actually echoed some of the facts Democrats have mentioned against the bill. Take a look.
VIDEO 1: It’s going to be a big, beautiful challenge for hospitals.
VIDEO 2: Rural hospitals could face a loss of medical care and services. Millions of Americans who have Medicaid face losing their healthcare coverage.
VIDEO 3: They’re anticipating about 500,000 people will be cut, will have their Medicaid benefits cut from the Big Ugly Bill.
VIDEO 4: There is no spinning this as if there’s a positive thing.
ARI MELBER: Did you get your message out effectively? And if so, what do you say to people who are frustrated that the bill still passed?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the One Big Ugly Bill represents the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, community-based health clinics will be unable to operate and people are going to die in community after community after community, including in rural America. I think it certainly has been the case that we have successfully communicated across the country the implications of this One Big Ugly Bill. It hurts everyday Americans in order to reward billionaires. And we’re going to continue that effort in state after state after state, in congressional district after congressional district after congressional district. The American people should understandably be frustrated that they clearly have rejected this bill, did not want it to be passed, but Republicans in the House of Representatives have decided to once again be nothing more than a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda. All we needed were two additional Republicans to join us, and we could have stopped this bill, that’s out of 220.
ARI MELBER: And what does it mean that Republicans said out loud they oppose the bill, or big parts of it, and still voted for it?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I spent a lot of time on the House floor, going through a lot of the letters that had been written by my Republican colleagues complaining about the Medicaid cuts, complaining about the cuts to the clean energy tax credits, complaining about the cuts to nutritional assistance and the fact that this bill rips food out of the mouths of children and then they turned around and bent the knee to Donald Trump, because that’s what they do. They don’t work for the American people at this particular point in time. They work for Donald Trump. They act like a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trump administration. It’s an embarrassment. And now that embarrassment will actually result in the American people being hurt in devastating ways.
ARI MELBER: We also track culture. As you know, sometimes the punchlines give you a sense of where the story is. Here is Jon Stewart.
JON STEWART (VIDEO): Holly s*** you what? You somehow managed to severely cut the safety net and expand the deficit. That’s impressive. That’s one of those. ‘Hey man, how did you gain all that weight?’ ‘Ozempic.’ That’s something that’s hard to do.
ARI MELBER: Does this tag the GOP as the fiscally irresponsible party? And where do we go from here? I mean, you’re a pretty young guy by the standards of Washington. Are we going to hear from them when they’re out of power again in however many years that a Democratic White House is growing the deficit? Does that even make sense given their record right now?
LEADER JEFFRIES:Republicans are complete phonies when it comes to be claiming to be the party of fiscal responsibility. All they have done, administration after administration after administration—they did this during the administration of George W Bush. They did it during Ronald Reagan’s administration. And now, of course, they’re doing it again during Donald Trump’s second administration—is explode the debt and the deficit. Why? In order to provide massive tax cuts for the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected and subsidize the lifestyles of the rich and shameless. Now you’ve got a bill where they actually have combined hurting everyday Americans, largest cut to Medicaid in American history, largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history, hurting veterans, hurting seniors, hurting children and at the same time, exploding the debt and the deficit. We are going to tattoo this disgusting abomination of a bill to the foreheads of every single Republican who voted for it.
ARI MELBER: Hardball tattoo politics there. All right. I want to ask you about the ongoing abuses of power alleged by Donald Trump. We’ve seen National Guard there in the streets. Democrats have sued over that. We have Marines used on a small basis, but seems like a test case. We have then, related, in the courts, although it might not get as much dramatic attention, certainly not the visuals like you see here. But this report about Trump claiming sweeping powers to literally nullify laws just passed by Congress, supported by Republicans, by the way. Legal experts telling The Times that Trump is claiming this power to immunize private parties to commit otherwise illegal acts and blatantly defying the recent TikTok rule, whether people agree with it or not, and I think you all know there’s some controversy about that TikTok ban. Since when does the President just say, well, we’ll enforce it later, or maybe not at all. And what specifically does your party do about that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Donald Trump has launched an all-out assault on the American way of life, on the rule of law and democracy itself. And this is going to require, of course, a Congress that actually functions as a separate and co-equal branch of government. We will not get that from the modern-day Republican Party, although we are still looking for some folks, just a handful, to show Liz Cheney or John McCain levels of courage to push back against the extremism that is coming from the Trump administration. We haven’t seen it so far, and that’s shameful, but we’ll continue to press them to try to achieve it on behalf of the American people. You know, the courts will need to function as a backstop. And unfortunately, we’ve seen, increasingly, an unwillingness by this Supreme Court to actually push back against Donald Trump and some of his executive overreach. At the end of the day, it was said during the founding of the Republic that when the people fear the government, there is tyranny. But when the government fears the people, there is liberty.
ARI MELBER: Yeah, of course. Yeah.
LEADER JEFFRIES: And at the end of the day, it’s going to be the people rising up, pushing back against this extremism, showing it in community after community after community and then, ultimately, when it’s time to go to the polls, to send a clear message that America is better than this.
ARI MELBER: So, let me take exactly where your answer goes. Someone listening might say, wow, that sounds good. I hope Hakeem Jeffries is right, but what if he’s wrong? What if we’re actually past the point where we can just count on free and fair elections when, as you know, and to be fair—you’ve spoken out about this, of course—the person in the office, he won lawfully, he won the Electoral College in what we know to be a free and fair election. But previously, when he lost, he tried to subvert that. We had a convicted sedition. He then freed the sedition convicts, as everybody knows. And so, there’s great concern about not a repeat of 2020, but a more effective version of it. And you’ve heard this concern. It’s not just random, sort of, activist or the most extreme sort of people worrying about it. James Carville, a longtime, sort of, centrist Democratic figure, said this about rigging the midterms.
JAMES CARVILLE(VIDEO): Actually, your concerns are legitimate. I would never tell anybody that’s worried that no, don’t you worry about that. He’s been trying to do anything that he can possibly to try to extricate himself from what is almost certain to be a humiliating loss in October, November of 2026. So, people should be worried, they should be vigilant, they should watch this.
ARI MELBER: Is this a legitimate concern? And if so, what are you doing about it?
LEADER JEFFRIES:We have to be incredibly vigilant to make sure that there are free and fair elections. I think we have to look at what’s in front of us. And this year, of course, there are off-year elections in New Jersey and in Virginia. We’ve got to make sure that the Democratic nominee, Mikie Sherrill, wins in New Jersey, the Democratic nominee, Abigail Spanberger, wins in Virginia. They’re both tremendous public servants, have served this country in a variety of different ways, including in the Congress. And then, of course, be prepared as it relates to the midterm elections. Now, the good news is—to the extent that there’s a silver lining in our electoral system—is that we don’t have a national election system. It’s state by state by state. And in many of the states where there will be competitive gubernatorial elections, and certainly in the overwhelming majority of the states where the House will be decided, there are Democratic Governors, Democratic Attorney Generals and Democratic Secretaries of State. I’d be far more concerned, honestly, Ari, if we were looking at a situation where the fate of the House would be determined in states where Republicans are in charge.
ARI MELBER: So, you’re saying—to be clear, because it’s a patchwork—you’re saying you’ve studied this, and if there are Republicans trying to play games, they’re not actually overseeing the races that you think would control the House outcome?
LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s absolutely correct. There are seats in New York, seats in New Jersey, seats in Michigan, seats in California, seats in Wisconsin, seats in Pennsylvania, seats in Arizona that, you know, by way of example, that are going to determine in large measure who controls the House in the aftermath of the midterm election. Every single one of those states have Democratic Governors, there are Democratic Attorney Generals, Democratic Secretaries of State. And so, that’s kind of the landscape that we find ourselves in. And I’ve got trust in those leaders to make sure that there are actual free and fair elections.
Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched a new $60 million funding round for research and development (R&D) to find innovative solutions that make ultra low-cost solar a reality.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said solar photovoltaic (PV) technology continues to evolve rapidly and remains the backbone of the country’s clean energy transition, highlighting the importance of continued investment.
“Demand for renewable electricity is expected to increase significantly as Australia moves towards net zero. Ultra low-cost solar PV is a critical source of electricity to meet this demand and will be a crucial enabler of the energy transition.”
“ARENA has been at the forefront of investing in solar innovation since the Agency was established 13 years ago and has materially shifted the renewable energy landscape in Australia.”
“Our ultra low-cost vision recognises that solar must be cheaper still to support and enable the renewable energy transition, especially if we are to decarbonise heavy industry and create new export industries. This funding round is seeking the pioneering innovation Australia is so well known for in solar PV to achieve that vision.”
The $60 million funding round reflects ARENA’s increased ambition for the next generation of innovation in solar PV through six focus areas across two streams:
Stream 1: Cells and modules ($30 million)
Increase efficiency
Reduce cost
Improve stability
Stream 2: Balance of systems and operation and maintenance ($30 million)
Reduce balance of system deployment costs
Reduce operations and maintenance costs
Other LCOE reduction or innovation to increase yield.
To date, ARENA has provided over $388 million to solar PV R&D and an additional $104 million to support the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP).
This new funding round provides an opportunity for Australia’s leading universities, research groups, start-ups and entrepreneurs to make significant breakthroughs in achieving ARENA’s ultra low-cost solar vision of reducing the installed cost of solar to 30 cents per watt and bringing the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) below $20 per megawatt hour by 2030.
In the last decade, solar R&D in Australia has led to major breakthroughs in photovoltaics that have helped shape the global solar industry; driving down the cost of solar power, strengthening Australia’s leadership in solar research and supporting the growth of a vibrant renewable energy sector.
ARENA’s previous support has enabled researchers to push the limits of solar cell efficiency by exploring advanced characterisation techniques, enhancing solar cell and module reliability and stability, applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to better monitor and optimise PV system performance, and pioneering recycling solutions to reduce waste and support a circular solar economy.
Their work has also enabled the development of next-generation technologies, including tandem solar cells, lightweight flexible panels and innovative manufacturing processes, unlocking new possibilities for solar energy.
The Solar PV R&D funding round is now open. For more information on applying, please visit the ARENA funding page.
Read more about ARENA’s ultra low-cost solar vision here.
Read more about previous Solar R&D funding recipients at ARENAWIRE.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MG cars produced by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) are parked next to the car carrier Anji Ansheng to be shipped in east China’s Shanghai on May 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s passenger car sector recorded a double-digit growth in retail sales in June as the country’s policies to boost consumption continued to take effect, the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) said on Tuesday.
Last month, retail sales of passenger cars in China grew by 18.1 percent year on year to exceed 2.08 million units, data from the CPCA shows.
The association attributed the strong increase to the impact of the national consumer goods trade-in program.
The country reaffirmed its support for the program last month, ensuring continued funding to sustain the government subsidy payment throughout 2025. The program, a key part of the country’s broader strategy to stimulate domestic consumption, encourages consumers to replace outdated products — such as home appliances and vehicles — with newer, more efficient models.
Last month, China produced 1.2 million new energy passenger vehicles, with retail sales exceeding 1.11 million units, representing year-on-year increases of 28.3 percent and 29.7 percent, respectively.
In the first six months of the year, retail sales of passenger cars exceeded 10.9 million units, increasing 10.8 percent year on year, according to the CPCA data.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo taken on July 3, 2025 shows cars for sale at a port in Yokohama, Japan. [Photo/Xinhua]
Global trade grew by an estimated 300 billion U.S. dollars in the first half (H1) of 2025, despite showing a slower growth pace, the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said in a report released Tuesday.
In its latest Global Trade Update report, the UNCTAD warned that the global trade outlook remains uncertain due to persistent policy instability, geopolitical tensions, and signs of weakening global growth in the second half of the year.
According to the report, global trade rose by about 1.5 percent in the first quarter and was expected to grow by 2 percent in the second quarter.
The report noted that price increases contributed to the overall rise in trade value, while trade volumes grew by just 1 percent. Prices for traded goods edged up in the first quarter and continued to rise in the second quarter.
Services trade remained the primary driver of growth, rising 9 percent over the last four quarters.
The report showed mixed trends in merchandise trade among major economies in the first quarter of 2025, with developed economies outpacing developing countries. The report attributed this to a 14 percent surge in imports by the United States and a 6 percent rise in exports from the European Union.
Meanwhile, the United States has seen a widening trade deficit over the last four quarters, contributing to deepened trade imbalances.
The report also highlighted the heightened risks of trade fragmentation brought by recent U.S. tariffs, including a 10 percent baseline tariff and additional duties on steel and aluminum. It warned that a further wave of unilateral actions could trigger trade tensions.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China overcame an early deficit to squeeze past Australia 73-69 in its final warmup game ahead of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Tuesday.
Falling 76-63 to Australia two days prior, China held firm on the free throw line late in the game to prevail, concluding its warmup series with a 5-1 record.
Yang Liwei (C) of China goes for a lay-up during a friendly match between China and Australia in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
Yang Liwei made both free throws with 19.5 seconds remaining to put China ahead 72-69, and Jia Saiqi added another to secure the win.
“Today we were more accustomed to the game pace on both ends of the floor. We didn’t give up when trailing, but executed the coach’s tactics and made shots resolutely without overthinking the scoreline,” said Yang, who had nine points.
Australia showed its shooting accuracy after the tip-off, making its first six shots for a 13-7 lead. With promising center Zhang Ziyu sidelined again, China began to claw back with bench players in action as it whittled the deficit to three points, before Australia pulled away again late in the first quarter for a 25-16 lead.
Luo Xinyu sank two straight 3-pointers as China pulled within 30-33, but Australia controlled the pace afterward en route to a 42-36 halftime advantage.
A pair of layups from Yang Shuyu helped China tie the game at 46-46 midway through the third quarter. Wang Siyu scored five points in a row as China rode on a 10-2 surge to go ahead 56-55, its first lead of the game. Australia carried a slim one-point advantage entering the final frame.
Yang Shuyu top scored with 15 points, and Luo added 12 by going four of six from 3-point range.
“In such a physical game, both teams didn’t have a high success rate as we were more focused on physical contact,” said China coach Gong Luming. “If China aims to rank among the world’s best, we need to adapt to that and raise our game on shots and free throws.”
Isobel Borlase was the only Australian player scoring in double figures with 11 points.
Defending champion China is placed in Group B along with New Zealand, South Korea and Indonesia at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup to be held in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province from July 13 to 20.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Joao Pedro scored twice against his former club as Chelsea reached the FIFA Club World Cup final on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Fluminense.
Less than a week after joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion, Pedro struck either side of halftime to set up a meeting with either Real Madrid or reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final.
The game ended on a worrying note for Chelsea after midfielder Moises Caicedo limped off with an ankle injury.
Both sides began with high intensity at MetLife Stadium despite the temperature reaching 35 degrees Celsius at kickoff.
Chelsea dominated the early stages and got its reward in the 18th minute when Pedro Neto’s cross into the box was cleared straight to Pedro, who curled a shot into the far corner.
Malo Gusto almost doubled the lead moments later, winning a header in the box but directing his effort straight at goalkeeper Fabio.
Fluminense had its best scoring chance of the first half when Hercules beat goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to the ball and fired a shot that was hooked away on the line by Marc Cucurella.
The Brazilian outfit then had a penalty for a Trevoh Chalobah handball overturned after the referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and ruled the defender’s arm was in a natural position.
Chelsea regained the initiative after halftime as Caicedo and Cucurella both went close with shots from distance.
Pedro scored his team’s second goal in the 56th minute, cutting inside on the counterattack before lashing a drive that bounced in off the underside of the bar.
Fluminense looked deflated as Chelsea continued to press forward in the oppressive conditions.
Gusto’s long-range attempt narrowly missed the top-right corner and substitute Nicolas Jackson sent an angled shot into the side-netting when Cole Palmer was free inside the six-yard box.
Playing against his former club, 40-year-old defender Thiago Silva was arguably Fluminense’s best player, blocking and repelling a number of Chelsea attacks.
His clearing header from a Cucurella cross in the 75th minute almost certainly denied the Premier League club a third goal.
Fluminense pushed to get back into the match but struggled to break down Chelsea’s organized defense. Substitute Keno almost broke the English team’s resistance in the final minutes, steering a header wide after beating Reece James in the air.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE training on arms control enhances border security in Turkmenistan
Opening of an OSCE-organized training course on Combatting Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Conventional Ammunition (CA) and Explosives, Ashgabat, 4 July 2025, OSCE (OSCE) Photo details
An OSCE-organized training course on Combatting Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Conventional Ammunition (CA) and Explosives took place from 1 to 4 July 2025 in Ashgabat.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, in close co-operation with the Conflict Prevention Centre/Forum for Security Co-operation of the OSCE Secretariat, organized the course to strengthen the existing institutional capacities of border, customs, police and other law enforcement bodies in the area of combating illicit trafficking of SALW, CA and Explosives.
The training course presented the Frontex Handbook on Firearms and shared European and international good practices and experiences in the fight against illicit trafficking of SALW, ammunition and explosives at the borders. In addition, this course offered comprehensive training in SALW/CA identification, documentation, post-seizure record-keeping and tracing, focusing on the target groups.
In his address at the opening of the training course, William Leaf, Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “As the largest regional security organization in the world, representing one billion people, the OSCE supports all 57 participating States in their efforts to improve comprehensive security through a number of OSCE commitments related to border security and management.”
“Illicit trafficking and uncontrolled spread of SALW, ammunition, and explosives—pose threats across the OSCE region, and the OSCE works with the Organization’s 57 participating States to mitigate these risks,” stressed Leaf.
“As frontline defenders, border and customs officers play a key role in identifying and preventing such threats,” he added.
The course was delivered by international experts from the German Bundeswehr Verification Centre (BwVC), Interpol, and Forum for Security Co-operation of the OSCE Secretariat. Applying concrete example-based exercises, the experts involved trainees in practical exercises that were carefully tailored to control measures at the border crossing points and enhance co-operation between various services at the borders, in particular between border police/ guards and customs.
The training course was organized within the framework of the Centre’s extrabudgetary project “Strengthening State Border Service Capacities of Turkmenistan” and financially supported by the Government of Germany. The training efforts reflect the OSCE’s commitment to significantly supporting the fight against the proliferation of illicit firearms and related threats.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE study visit on Small Arms and Light Weapons strengthens co-operation between Sweden and Ukraine
Ukrainian specialists working on small arms and light weapons (SALW) control during a study visit to the Swedish National Police Force, Stockholm, 26 June 2025. (OSCE) Photo details
From 24 to 26 June 2025, the OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre facilitated a study visit to the Swedish National Police Force in Stockholm for Ukrainian specialists working on small arms and light weapons (SALW) control. Participants included representatives from the National Police of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service, State Customs Service and Security Service.
Hosting the visit, Swedish specialists presented their national firearms legislation and shared good practices on border management, detection methods, forensic analysis and investigations of cases of illicit trafficking of SALW. The visit strengthened collaboration and professional relationships between Ukraine and Sweden in firearms control, countering smuggling, and border security.
By enhancing the authorities’ skills and capacities, this initiative boosted the co-ordination efforts within the National Firearms Focal Points and the National Coordination Centre of Ukraine, recently established to strengthen collaboration and improve response to security threats.
The visit was organized under the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project supporting Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition, and explosives. It aimed to foster international collaboration and enhance Ukrainian authorities’ expertise in this field.
Samsung Electronics today announced a global partnership with Warner Bros. and DC Studios to celebrate the latest “Superman” film with a series of fan activations, Superman-themed video content and limited-edition digital artworks from DC Comics via Samsung Art Store.
“Samsung is committed to creating a richer and more meaningful entertainment experience,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through collaborations with leading creative studios and artists, we continue to help people engage more deeply with the stories and character they love, whether in the theater or at home.”
“Superman,” the first film in DC Studios’ new cinematic universe, written, directed and produced by James Gunn, hits theaters worldwide starting July 9. To mark the release, Samsung is launching a global campaign with the tagline “It’s not just big. It’s super big,” spotlighting a range of campaign video content celebrating the original Super Hero and bringing the excitement of the film to audiences across digital platforms, retail locations and public spaces.
In London, the campaign will come to life through a series of Daily Planet-themed newsstand kiosks, appearing at high-traffic locations such as The Shard and Kings Cross Station.
Fans can also pick up limited-edition Superman-themed items, receive exclusive gifts and take part in a global social media challenge by sharing their event photos or videos for a chance to win super prizes, including a 98” Samsung TV.
Interactive activations will appear at major malls across Asia — including Malaysia, Vietnam and Korea — where fans can explore Superman-themed photo booths, immersive pop-up displays and hands-on product experiences.
Additionally, Samsung Art Store, the leading digital art platform on Samsung Art TVs, is featuring a limited-time 10-piece Superman digital art collection from DC Comics free to users from July 1 through August 31. Available on The Frame as well as 2025 QLED and Neo QLED models,1 the collection brings Superman’s heroic legacy into the home and gives fans a whole new way to enjoy Superman-inspired art.
Samsung’s Super Big TV lineup includes 98” 100” 115” Class options across Neo QLED and Crystal UHD models.2 With expansive screens, stunning picture quality and AI-powered enhancements that deliver smoother images and deeper contrast, Samsung aims to deliver a grander home entertainment experience.
For more information, visit www.samsung.com.
About Superman
DC Studios presents a Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company Production, A James Gunn Film, Superman, which will be in theaters and IMAX® July 9 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
1 Samsung Art TV includes MICRO LED, The Frame, The Frame Pro, Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED and QLED models starting from Q7F and above.
2 Product availability vary by region.
Pharmac is making changes to improve access to some asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025.
“We’re making it easier for people to get the medicines they need, when and where they need them,” says Pharmac’s Acting Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin. “These changes will help over 140,000 New Zealanders in the first year alone.”
From 1 August 2025, people using some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will be able to receive three-months supply all at once, reducing the need for multiple pharmacy visits.
Some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will also be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO). This means doctors and nurses will be able to keep it in their clinic for emergency use, teaching and demonstrations. They will also be able to give it to people if accessing a pharmacy isn’t practical.
“These changes mean people can keep inhalers where they need them most – at home, work, or school – and learn how to use them correctly with support from their health care provider.
“People have told us these changes will make a real difference,” says Martin. “That they support better asthma management and align with updated clinical guidelines.”
Pharmac is also changing how IUDs and contraceptive implants are supplied. From Friday 1 August 2025, Mirena and Jaydess IUDs will be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), allowing doctors and nurses to provide them directly during appointments.
Pharmac is also increasing the number of Jadelle contraceptive implants available on PSO, reducing the number of stock orders clinics need to make, helping to save time – especially those with high patient volumes.
“These changes will improve access for over 21,000 people in the first year and align IUD access with other long-acting contraceptives,” says Martin. “People have told us that it will remove barriers, reduce delays, and allow for timelier and efficient care.”
Pharmac is improving access to some asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives for New Zealanders. These changes are the final decisions from last year’s funding increase.
For some asthma inhalers, Pharmac is making it easier for people to get the treatment they need by allowing three-months supply of some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers to be dispensed all at once. Some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will be added to the Practitioners Supply Order (PSO) meaning people starting treatment or needing urgent care will also be able to receive an inhaler directly from their doctor or nurse.
For long-acting contraceptives, Pharmac is changing how intra-uterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants are supplied. Mirena and Jaydess IUDs will be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), meaning they can be provided directly during appointments. Pharmac is also increasing the number of Jadelle implants available on PSO. This will reduce the number of stock orders clinics need to make, saving time – especially for high-volume providers.
Asthma is a very common and sometimes severe chronic lung disease characterised by inflammation, subsequent narrowing of the airways and reversible airway obstruction. The defining features of asthma include a history of respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing that vary over time and in intensity, and variable expiratory airflow limitation.
Budesonide with eformoterol is one of a range of inhalers currently funded for the treatment of asthma.
Budesonide is a type of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and eformoterol is a type of long-acting beta adrenoceptor agonist (LABA). Combining these treatments in an inhaler has become the recommended maintenance and reliever treatment for a considerable number of people with asthma, as per the NZ Adolescent and Adult asthma Guidelines [PDF](external link).
Since the publication of the guidelines, the use of budesonide with eformoterol has increased substantially, with people shifting off salbutamol (a short-acting beta2 agonist, or SABA) only or inhaled corticosteroid plus salbutamol therapies (ICS/SABA).
The currently funded brands of budesonide with eformoterol combination inhalers are Symbicort Turbuhaler, DuoResp Spiromax (dry powder inhalers) and Vannair (metered dose inhaler).
We are only making changes to the 100/6 and 200/6 budesonide/eformoterol inhalers because these strengths are used in AIR and SMART therapies.
Pharmac is making changes to improve access to some asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025.
“We’re making it easier for people to get the medicines they need, when and where they need them,” says Pharmac’s Acting Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin. “These changes will help over 140,000 New Zealanders in the first year alone.”
From 1 August 2025, people using some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will be able to receive three-months supply all at once, reducing the need for multiple pharmacy visits.
Some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will also be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO). This means doctors and nurses will be able to keep it in their clinic for emergency use, teaching and demonstrations. They will also be able to give it to people if accessing a pharmacy isn’t practical.
“These changes mean people can keep inhalers where they need them most – at home, work, or school – and learn how to use them correctly with support from their health care provider.
“People have told us these changes will make a real difference,” says Martin. “That they support better asthma management and align with updated clinical guidelines.”
Pharmac is also changing how IUDs and contraceptive implants are supplied. From Friday 1 August 2025, Mirena and Jaydess IUDs will be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), allowing doctors and nurses to provide them directly during appointments.
Pharmac is also increasing the number of Jadelle contraceptive implants available on PSO, reducing the number of stock orders clinics need to make, helping to save time – especially those with high patient volumes.
“These changes will improve access for over 21,000 people in the first year and align IUD access with other long-acting contraceptives,” says Martin. “People have told us that it will remove barriers, reduce delays, and allow for timelier and efficient care.”
Pharmac is improving access to some asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives for New Zealanders. These changes are the final decisions from last year’s funding increase.
For some asthma inhalers, Pharmac is making it easier for people to get the treatment they need by allowing three-months supply of some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers to be dispensed all at once. Some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will be added to the Practitioners Supply Order (PSO) meaning people starting treatment or needing urgent care will also be able to receive an inhaler directly from their doctor or nurse.
For long-acting contraceptives, Pharmac is changing how intra-uterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants are supplied. Mirena and Jaydess IUDs will be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), meaning they can be provided directly during appointments. Pharmac is also increasing the number of Jadelle implants available on PSO. This will reduce the number of stock orders clinics need to make, saving time – especially for high-volume providers.
Asthma is a very common and sometimes severe chronic lung disease characterised by inflammation, subsequent narrowing of the airways and reversible airway obstruction. The defining features of asthma include a history of respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing that vary over time and in intensity, and variable expiratory airflow limitation.
Budesonide with eformoterol is one of a range of inhalers currently funded for the treatment of asthma.
Budesonide is a type of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and eformoterol is a type of long-acting beta adrenoceptor agonist (LABA). Combining these treatments in an inhaler has become the recommended maintenance and reliever treatment for a considerable number of people with asthma, as per the NZ Adolescent and Adult asthma Guidelines [PDF](external link).
Since the publication of the guidelines, the use of budesonide with eformoterol has increased substantially, with people shifting off salbutamol (a short-acting beta2 agonist, or SABA) only or inhaled corticosteroid plus salbutamol therapies (ICS/SABA).
The currently funded brands of budesonide with eformoterol combination inhalers are Symbicort Turbuhaler, DuoResp Spiromax (dry powder inhalers) and Vannair (metered dose inhaler).
We are only making changes to the 100/6 and 200/6 budesonide/eformoterol inhalers because these strengths are used in AIR and SMART therapies.
The Government has activated an Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to flooding in the Tasman and Marlborough districts. “Enhanced Task Force Green funding builds on the Government’s commitment to support those impacted by this event,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says. “The recent flooding has been a significant and adverse event damaging farms, homes, roads and bridges. “The ETFG programme puts job seekers to work where they will be of most help to the farmers and growers cleaning up their properties. This may include clearing debris, clearing fence lines and repairing buildings and waterways. “It also provides support to enable public assets such as community halls and gardens, playgrounds and public spaces to be returned to the same condition they were prior to the event. “Across the affected areas, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers in need of this support. “We know these are resilient communities which are pulling together to help each other. ETFG is designed to support those efforts and to lend a hand.” Farmers and growers can self-register for clean-up help by contacting the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254. Local job seekers available to help with the clean-up effort can register their interest by emailing totsemploymentteam@msd.govt.nz or contacting Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
The Government has activated an Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to flooding in the Tasman and Marlborough districts. “Enhanced Task Force Green funding builds on the Government’s commitment to support those impacted by this event,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says. “The recent flooding has been a significant and adverse event damaging farms, homes, roads and bridges. “The ETFG programme puts job seekers to work where they will be of most help to the farmers and growers cleaning up their properties. This may include clearing debris, clearing fence lines and repairing buildings and waterways. “It also provides support to enable public assets such as community halls and gardens, playgrounds and public spaces to be returned to the same condition they were prior to the event. “Across the affected areas, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers in need of this support. “We know these are resilient communities which are pulling together to help each other. ETFG is designed to support those efforts and to lend a hand.” Farmers and growers can self-register for clean-up help by contacting the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254. Local job seekers available to help with the clean-up effort can register their interest by emailing totsemploymentteam@msd.govt.nz or contacting Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
MANILA, Philippines – Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the flagship of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked, departed Manila, Philippines, following a scheduled port visit, July 7, 2025.
Singapore, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delixy Holdings Limited (the “Company” or “Delixy”), a Singapore-based company engaged in the trading of oil related products, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,000,000 ordinary shares, par value US$0.000005 per share, (“Ordinary Shares”), 1,350,000 of which are being offered by the Company and 650,000 by the selling shareholders Mega Origin Holdings Limited (as to 325,000 Ordinary Shares) and Novel Majestic Limited (as to 325,000 Ordinary Shares) (the “Selling Shareholders”), at a public offering price of US$4.00 per Ordinary Share. The Company is also registering a resale prospectus concurrent with the Offering for the resale of 3,000,000 Ordinary Shares held by Cosmic Magnet Limited, Rosywood Holdings Limited, Dragon Circle Limited and Novel Majestic Limited, Golden Legend Ventures Limited (the “Resale Shareholders”). The Ordinary Shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on July 9, 2025 under the ticker symbol “DLXY.”
The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of US$5.4 million from the Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Ordinary Shares offered by the Selling Shareholders or Resale Shareholders in the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about July 10, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Proceeds from the Offering will be used for: (i) expanding product offerings; (ii) strengthening market position; (iii) potentially making strategic acquisitions and business cooperations, including joint ventures and/or strategic alliances and (iv) general working capital and corporate purposes.
The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Bancroft Capital, LLC is acting as the sole lead underwriter for the Offering. Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP is acting as U.S. counsel to the Company, led by William S. Rosenstadt and Mengyi “Jason” Ye, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is acting as U.S. counsel to the Underwriters, led by W. David Mannheim, Ashley Wu and Kathryn Simons, in connection with the Offering.
A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (File Number: 333-283248), as amended, and was declared effective by the SEC on July 8, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering, when available, may be obtained from Bancroft Capital, LLC, 501 Office Center Drive, Suite 130, Fort Washington, PA 19034, or by telephone at +1 (484) 546-8000. In addition, copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering, when available, may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.
About Delixy Holdings Limited
Delixy Holdings Limited is a Singapore-based company principally engaged in the trading of oil-related products, including (i) crude oil and (ii) oil-based products such as fuel oils, motor gasoline, additives, gas condensate, base oils, asphalt, petrochemicals and naphtha (heavy gasoline). Operating across multiple countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Middle East, Delixy has established a strong presence in the region’s oil trading markets. While Delixy maintains a diversified portfolio of oil products, crude oil trading represents a core aspect of its business. The Company leverages its strong existing relationships with customers and suppliers as well as deep industry expertise to provide value-added services, including tailored recommendations on optimal trading strategies and shipping and logistical support where required. In addition, the Company’s financing capabilities allow it to extend credit terms to customers while satisfying suppliers’ immediate payment terms. For more information, please visit the company’s website: https://ir.delixy.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s proposed offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Proposed Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “believe”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “should”, “seek”, “estimate”, “will”, “aim” and “anticipate” or other similar expressions in this prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Registration Statement and other filings with the SEC.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Delixy Holdings Limited Investor Relations Department Email: ir@delixy.com
Ascent Investor Relations LLC Tina Xiao Phone: +1-646-932-7242 Email: investors@ascent-ir.com
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, welcomed the completion of three broadband projects that have connected more than 500 rural locations to high-speed internet in Cibola and McKinley counties. This was made possible by $6,800,000 secured by Heinrich in the American Rescue Plan.
“I’m proud to welcome $6.8 million from legislation I helped pass into law to connect New Mexicans living in Cibola and McKinley counties to high-speed internet,” said Heinrich. “This funding will connect New Mexicans in rural areas to careers they can build their families around, help local small businesses boost their sales online, and provide the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in their education and beyond.”
All projects provide broadband speeds of 100/100 mbps download/upload to customers in Cibola and McKinley counties.
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Schumer Says Projects Range From University At Buffalo AI Research To Rochester’s Laser Lab To Cornell’s New Technology For Upstate Dairy Farmers And FuzeHub’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Initiative; All To Spur New Innovations And Good-Paying Jobs Across Upstate NY
In 2024, Schumer-Supported And Binghamton University-Led Battery Hub Won Inaugural NSF Engines Competition, And Now More NY Projects Compete In Second Year Of CHIPS & Science Law Created Program
Schumer: Upstate NY Projects One Step Closer To Major Fed $$ To Boost American Innovation And Jobs!
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today applauded four New York projects have advanced to the next round of consideration as semifinalists for federal investment through the National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition (NSF Engines), which was created by his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.
The four proposals include projects ranging from the University of Rochester’s effort to develop cutting-edge laser technology, to the University at Buffalo-led AI for Health Equity, to Cornell University leading sustainable dairy innovation, to FuzeHub strengthening Upstate NY’s microelectronics manufacturing.
Schumer said NSF will now conduct final assessments of these four projects in NY, along with a total of 29 teams across the country, to select finalists that will receive awards of up to $160 million in federal investment from the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law. Nearly 300 letters of intent from across the country were submitted for this second round of NSF Engines funding, a group that has now been narrowed down to the 29 semifinalists, including the four New York proposals. You can read more about this year’s competition here.
“I created the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program in my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY’s world-renowned universities and innovation ecosystem in mind. I’m proud to see four Upstate NY-based proposals advanced to the semifinalist round of consideration for major federal funding that will boost Upstate NY as the heart of American innovation and job creation,” said Senator Schumer. “From Buffalo pioneering the next generation application of AI for health and Cornell discovering new technology to help our Upstate dairy farmers to Rochester powering the future of laser development and FuzeHub supporting Upstate NY’s buildout of a global semiconductor hub, this investment is establishing Upstate New York as a world leader in developing technology of the future, all while creating good-paying jobs, jobs, jobs. More federal support will translate to more research and development, company investment and expansion, and jobs across Upstate New York, keeping America at the cutting-edge of innovation.”
More details on the four New York-based proposals named semifinalists, all of which Schumer has advocated for the NSF to select, can be found below:
The University of Rochester’s proposal, officially named “STELLAR: Advancing Laser Technologies in the Rochester NY/Finger Lakes Region,” is focused on establishing a diverse coalition of partners in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region to accelerate laser discovery, technological advancement, education, and company creation, drive manufacturing and boost workforce development in order to help recapture U.S. national competitiveness and strengthen our security. The STELLAR Engine will foster laser-oriented workforce development, particularly in underserved communities in Rochester and rural communities in the Finger Lakes, accelerate use-inspired R&D, entrepreneurship, and regional business development that will create jobs, build a laser science and technology talent pipeline, bolster the supply chain, and grow and sustain the region’s economy.
The University at Buffalo’s proposal, officially named “AI for Health Equity,” will work to utilize artificial intelligence to develop cutting-edge health care solutions, further highlighting Western New York’s leadership in building an AI innovation ecosystem, something Schumer has actively pushed for. The project aims to boost new start-up companies and help partners commercialize AI technology centered on health and wellness. This new technology will aid health care providers and serve as personal assistance to community members. Eventually, the project will expand so that its technology can serve communities beyond Western NY and across the country.
Cornell University’s proposal, officially named “Sustainable Utilization of Scalable Technologies & Advanced Innovation for NetZero NY (SUSTAIN Dairy),” aims to reduce waste, create new dairy products, and develop new rural and workforce development opportunities. It is one of five projects in this round that is focused on agriculture and the only project focused on dairy. This proposal aims to develop a holistic, science-based framework for achieving net zero by 2050 from farm to fork through an advanced dairy innovation ecosystem. With dairy manufacturing and family farms scattered throughout rural New York, achieving place-based innovation that builds community wealth is vital for the future success of Upstate New York.
FuzeHub’s proposal, officially named “A Materials Innovation Engine for Manufacturing Sustainability,” will work to mitigate the negative impacts on the environment from manufacturing industries by replacing toxic or scarce components with advanced materials. FuzeHub competed last year for this award as well and was asked to resubmit.
In 2024, Schumer helped the Binghamton University-led Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine win the esteemed competition in its inaugural year, bringing $15 million in federal funding immediately, with up to $160 million total over the life of the program from the NSF to supercharge growth and cutting-edge research in battery development and manufacturing in Upstate NY.
Schumer created the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines Program in his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law as a program that falls under the newly created NSF Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. Schumer proposed the creation of this new Directorate originally in his bipartisan Endless Frontier Act, with a focus on delivering investment in research, workforce training, and entrepreneurship in key technology areas like AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, climate-smart research, advanced materials, and more. The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program catalyzes and fosters innovation ecosystems across the United States to promote and stimulate economic growth, job creation, and spur regional innovation.
Each NSF Engine can receive up to $160 million over 10 years; actual amounts will be subject to a given NSF Engine’s status and overall progress, as assessed annually. The teams selected in this recent announcement submitted full proposals this past spring and are now eligible for final awards later this year after NSF conducts live, virtual assessments of the semifinalist teams. NSF anticipates announcing the final list of NSF Engines awards in early 2026.
ALEM, Oregon— The work to prepare Oregon’s more than 250 state parks and campgrounds for the 2025 season has been going all year long.
Behind the scenes, park rangers have moved mountains of sand, cleared thousands of downed trees and repaired roofs, bridges and trails around the state to keep parks well maintained and ready for visitors.
Visitors might think that parks stay pristine because they look just like they left them, but maintaining beautiful landscapes in some of Oregon’s harshest climates takes some work:
Cape Lookout State Park cleared more than 1.5 million pounds of sand after winter winds buried one camp loop in six-inch drifts. The park is not alone. Many coastal parks must dig out campsites, sidewalks and parking lots after the winter season.
Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area removed a dump truck load of slime, algae, branches, leaves and trash, which coated the campground when the lake receded. The lake floods every year, and rangers clean up the muck left behind.
In the Mountain Region and other areas where it freezes, rangers reinstall plumbing components and restart the plumbing to the campgrounds, buildings and picnic shelters, which includes restarting water to thousands of campsite spigots.
At Fall Creek State Recreation Area east of Eugene, rangers cleared eight dump truck loads of fir needles, cones, branches and debris to make the roads passable at Winberry Park when it reopened this spring.
Nehalem Bay State Park cleared nearly 180 downed trees in one winter storm alone. Parks across the state repaired winter storm damage, including clearing downed trees, repairing roads, fixing roofs and mending bridges.
In the Columbia River Gorge, parks cleared thousands of pounds of woody debris from paved trails and created wood chips to spread around trees and shrubs.
Overall, Oregon State Parks rangers spend nearly 800,000 hours a year cleaning bathrooms, building and repairing trails and bridges, fixing old and new pipes and wiring, keeping parks safe, preserving Oregon’s history and natural resources and sharing knowledge on everything from mushrooms to the night sky.
“Rangers work tirelessly to keep these landscapes beautiful and accessible for the approximately 56 million visits each year at Oregon State Parks. We’re thankful for the work they do every day,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.
Oregon State Parks welcome as many as 17,000 guests on the busiest nights, which means moving a city roughly the size of Canby in and out of campgrounds on almost a daily basis statewide.
“Oregon State Parks are like small cities. They run sewer, water and electrical systems; maintain roads and structures, all while managing campgrounds. When one system goes down, our staff manage the necessary emergency repairs to keep parks open. I’m proud of the work they do to keep parks safe, welcoming and ready for everyone to enjoy,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Sumption.
Help rangers this season by following all safety signs and barriers; staying on trail and checking campfire restrictions in advance at stateparks.oregon.gov. Interested in what rangers do? Check out the Oregon State Parks episode of “Odd Jobs” by SAIF Corporation at https://youtu.be/NUqCmEe38Uw?feature=shared