NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Block Murray Amendment to Stop Republicans’ Big Ugly Betrayal Bill From Defunding Planned Parenthood

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Ruling Allowing Republicans to Defund Planned Parenthood in Budget Reconciliation Bill

    ICYMI: In Senate Floor Speech, Murray Rails Against Republican Bill That Will Rip Away Health Care, Nutrition Assistance, Abortion Access & Balloon National Debt to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    In Murray-led forum for Dobbs anniversary, Senator Murray laid out how defunding Planned Parenthood is part of Republicans’ strategy for a Backdoor Nationwide Abortion Ban

    ***VIDEO HERE of Senator Murray speaking on her amendment***

    Washington, D.C. — Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, put forward an amendment to Senate Republicans’ reconciliation bill to fully strike Section 71115 of Republicans’ reconciliation bill, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 71115 would achieve anti-abortion extremists’ long-sought goal of “defunding” Planned Parenthood by cutting off Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving federal Medicaid funding for the care they provide for millions of low-income women across the country—including birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and wellness exams.

    Section 71115 is estimated to cost taxpayers $52 million over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The revised data comes after Senate Republicans put forth new bill text late Friday night that changes the “defund” Planned Parenthood provision from 10 years to one year.

    Defunding Planned Parenthood will put at least 200 health centers across the country at risk of closure— 90 percent of them in states where abortion is legal—and rip away health care for more than 1.1 million people, many of whom might not be able to get care anywhere else. Recent research from the Guttmacher Institute found that, contrary to Republicans’ claims, Federally Qualified Health Centers do not have the capacity to readily serve the millions of people who currently rely on Planned Parenthood for care.

    Republicans blocked Senator Murray’s amendment, 51-49.

    MURRAY AMENDMENT #2771: Senator Murray offered an amendment to strike Section 71115 of the reconciliation bill, “Federal Payments to Prohibited Entities,” which would cut off Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving federal Medicaid funding for one year.

    Senator Murray said on the Senate floor when offering her amendment, #2771:

    “Mr. President, my amendment is about a really important issue that has not gotten near enough attention for how devastating it will be for women in our country.

    “Republicans’ bill will cut millions of women off from birth control, cancer screenings, essential preventive health care—care that they will not be able to afford anywhere else. And it will shutter some 200 health care clinics in our country.

    “And it will take another step towards enacting Republicans’ plan for a Backdoor Nationwide Abortion Ban. How does it do this? By defunding Planned Parenthood.

    “This is a long-sought goal of anti-choice extremists—no surprise, it is overwhelmingly unpopular with the American people.

    “But Republicans are bent on ripping away any access to abortion care, and happy to cut off this lifesaving care. No matter that women may not have another place to get the care that they can afford, or another place they can get any care at all!

    “This amendment, that I’m offering, will strip the awful provision to defund Planned Parenthood from this bill, and protect health care access for the millions of patients who rely on Planned Parenthood health centers.

    “I urge a Yes vote.”

    Senator Murray has been the leading voice in the Senate speaking out and raising the alarm against Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Earlier this week, at her forum on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Senator Murray spoke about Republicans’ plan to institute a backdoor nationwide abortion ban and laid out how defunding Planned Parenthood is a key part of that strategy.

    Earlier on Sunday, Senator Murray delivered a lengthy speech on the Senate floor where she laid out in detail how Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will rip away health care from millions of Americans, shutter the doors of hospitals and health care clinics across the country, make the largest cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in history, and blow up the national debt—all so Republicans can fund massive tax breaks for billionaires. Murray also spoke out repeatedly during debate on the Senate floor against Republicans’ use of a so-called “current policy baseline” to hide the true cost of their deficit-busting tax cuts for billionaires.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Delhi bans fuel for old vehicles from today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major step towards combating vehicular pollution, the Delhi government has begun enforcing strict new rules on End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles from Tuesday.

    According to directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), all petrol pumps across the National Capital Territory (NCT) will deny fuel to old vehicles identified through AI-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

    From Tuesday onwards, EOL vehicles—those that have exceeded the legal age limit of 10 years for diesel and 15 years for petrol—will not be allowed to refuel at petrol or diesel stations. These vehicles will also be liable for heavy fines if found in public places.

    Four-wheeler owners violating the rule will be fined Rs 10,000, while two-wheeler owners will face a penalty of Rs 5,000.

    AI-enabled cameras installed at petrol stations will automatically identify outdated vehicles using number plate data. Once recognised, these vehicles will be flagged in the system to prevent fuel issuance.

    Petrol pump operators have expressed cautious optimism about the implementation. Sanjay Dedha, manager of a petrol pump in Vivek Vihar, said, “The Delhi government has installed the system. Let’s see from today if vehicles in that category turn up. We are waiting to see if the system works properly. If there are any server-related issues, we will physically identify old vehicles and refuse fuel to them.”

    Ram Lagan Shukla, supervisor at Bharat Petroleum, Lal Kuan, said, “It has come into effect from today, the first of the month, that petrol vehicles over 15 years old will not be given fuel here. We will also check the vehicle’s condition and documents.”

    The new enforcement policy is part of a broader plan to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the capital, which frequently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities.

    Authorities have also announced that EOL vehicles found parked in public places or near fuel stations will be seized starting Tuesday.

    Vehicle owners in Delhi are advised to verify the registration status of their vehicles and avoid using outdated vehicles to prevent penalties and seizure.

    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Port Marlborough Ready to Progress New Cook Strait Ferry Infrastructure

    Source: Port Marlborough

    Port Marlborough welcomes the Government’s announcement today confirming agreement has been reached on the core infrastructure required to support the new Cook Strait ferry service. Today’s announcement by Minister for Rail, Winston Peters, sets the foundation for the delivery of key marine infrastructure in both Picton and Wellington. In Picton, this includes the construction of a new wharf and linkspan to accommodate the incoming ferries, alongside upgrades to terminal interfaces and the construction of the long-awaited Dublin Street overbridge.
    Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn says this agreement is a critical step forward, enabling momentum to build following the Government’s earlier decision to proceed with the procurement of two new rail-enabled ferries.
    “For more than a decade, we’ve worked to support a long-term solution for inter-island connectivity. The agreements confirmed today now give clarity to all parties and set the direction for progressing the infrastructure that will strengthen the vital transport link between the North and South Islands.” says Mr Welbourn.
    The Minister was welcomed to Picton today and toured the project area with the Port Marlborough team, providing the opportunity to discuss progress and planning underway.
    “We were pleased to host the Minister and show the work already happening on the ground. Port Marlborough is committed to delivering this infrastructure on behalf of our region and the country. We were able to show the Minister our proactive efforts to advance delivery while effectively navigating the constraints of a live port environment.”
    Mr Welbourn says Port Marlborough is now focused on moving ahead at pace with design and commercial arrangements.
    “We look forward to continuing close collaboration with our project partners as we deliver infrastructure that supports the future of ferry operations, enables our national supply chain and meets the needs of our communities for decades to come.”

    Confirmed Scope for Picton Infrastructure:
    Port Marlborough delivering
    – Construction of a new wharf to accommodate the larger, rail-enabled ferries
    – New linkspan to connect the ferries to the terminal and landside infrastructure
    – Upgrades to the existing terminal interface, reusing passenger and commercial vehicle facilities
    Other project information
    – Newly built terminal building to be renovated for longer use
    – Reuse of as much of the existing rail yard as possible
    – Relocation and reuse of the existing passenger walkway
    – Construction of a new overbridge at Dublin Street, separating road and rail to improve safety and efficiency
    About Port Marlborough
    Port Marlborough is the key maritime gateway for Te Tau Ihu, facilitating the SH1 inter-island link, and movement of South Island trade, providing critical logistics, marine, port, and marina services. Operating from Picton, Havelock, Waikawa and remote Marlborough Sounds Sites, Port Marlborough supports a diverse range of industries, including Inter- Island ferries, export cargo, tourism, cruise industry, aquaculture, forestry, and the marine sector. The port handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and operates one of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere through its subsidiary Marlborough Sounds Marinas.
    Additionally, the port manages pilotage, towage, berthing logistics for shipping throughout the Marlborough Sounds and delivers success to the region through its strategy of balancing the needs of People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships. The port is committed to delivering value to Marlborough’s industries while prioritising sustainability and long-term economic growth.
    For more information see: https://www.portmarlborough.co.nz/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – Five farmer advocates recognised for outstanding service

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Five grassroots champions for Kiwi farmers have been recognised for their massive contributions to agriculture, winning awards at the Federated Farmers national AGM last week.
    Each year, the organisation’s national awards celebrate farmers who have gone above and beyond for their fellow farmers, rural communities, and the wider agricultural sector.
    Outgoing Federated Farmers board member Richard McIntyre was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution – a fitting conclusion to his three-year term as national dairy chair.
    “Richard has been an absolute titan of farmer advocacy and rural New Zealand is in a better place because of his work,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
    “He’s relentlessly stood up for our members when it counted, pushing hard for a banking inquiry, better immigration settings, and KiwiSaver changes for young farmers.
    “I don’t think there would have been a single week where we didn’t see him in the media, fighting hard to change the political landscape for farming families.
    “There’s no fight he hasn’t been willing to take on, his work rate has been phenomenal, and most importantly for our members, he’s delivered tangible results.”
    The Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick, who has been a standout communicator on behalf of farmers.
    “When it comes to emerging farming leaders, Jason Herrick is without a doubt one to watch. He’s got a huge contribution to make and a big future ahead of him,” Langford says.
    “Whether it’s calling out Fish & Game’s antics or pushing back on unworkable, costly new farming rules, Jason’s exemplified what Federated Farmers is all about – fighting for farmers.
    “I’ve been so impressed with not just his workload and ability to prosecute issues in the media, but also with his personal growth and development as a leader in his community.
    “He’s been tenacious and articulate, and he’s shown a thick skin. You can’t stick your neck out for farmers without copping some heat back, but he’s taken it all in his stride.”
    James (Jimmy) Emmett, who is contract milking on two farms just outside Geraldine, has been named Dairy Advocate of the Year.
    “Jimmy has been an incredibly valuable member of our dairy council – he brings strong ideas and opinions, but always contributes in a collaborative, respectful way,” Langford says.
    “He’s thoughtful and constructive in discussions about the challenges facing the dairy sector, offering practical solutions while genuinely listening to the perspectives of others.
    “At a local level, as South Canterbury Federated Farmers dairy chair, Jimmy has been such a great advocate for farmers at the grassroots.
    “He consistently goes out of his way to seek support and advice for those doing it tough and he puts in the work to make a real difference in their lives.”
    This year’s Meat & Wool Advocate of the Year is Matt Simpson, a third-generation sheep and beef farmer on a 4100ha high country station in South Canterbury.
    Langford says Matt, who is South Canterbury Federated Farmers meat & wool co-chair, is a passionate and effective leader in his community.
    “Matt’s been instrumental in the pest management space, especially on wallaby eradication, and has been a driving force in getting better coordination between farmers, landowners, recreational hunters and government.
    “He’s also had a massive amount to do in South Canterbury on the court case around Outstanding National Landscapes (ONLs) being placed over farms.
    “He and his wife Tory have put in a huge amount of time and effort on mediation, and the positive outcome of that will lay the groundwork for other provinces.
    “In all of it, Matt’s just an absolute champion in his community, where he’s deeply respected for being such a pillar among farming families.”
    The Arable Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers arable chair Sonia Dillon, who operates a mixed cropping and seed production business.
    Langford says Sonia has been extremely strong on local advocacy.
    “There are some issues in Southland that are quite specific for that area and she’s great at getting them airtime and discussion.
    “That’s particularly true when it comes to transportation and logistics, with Southland being at the bottom of the country.
    “She’s pointed out that if it costs $60 to get something from Christchurch to Southland, how come grain that comes from Canterbury can be cheaper than it’s priced in Southland? It’s a fair point. The price should be what it costs to buy, plus freight – that’s how it should work.”
    Sonia is also a great asset for the Federated Farmers Arable Council, Langford says.
    “She’s always happy to bring challenging issues to the forefront, so the council can look for solutions.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – Ringatoi Māori Lead the Way in New Match Funding Campaign

    Source: E Tū Toi

    Bold, diverse and unapologetically Māori kaupapa are being backed through E Tū Toi 2025 – a powerful new match funding campaign supporting ringatoi Māori across Toi Māori, film, music, theatre, literature, dance and digital innovation. Delivered in partnership with Boosted – Aotearoa’s dedicated arts crowdfunding platform run by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi – and Creative New Zealand Māori Strategy & Partnerships team, the initiative puts mana motuhake into action.

    “E Tū Toi is a way for wider Aotearoa to directly support ngā toi Māori and ringatoi to be visible everywhere, and highly valuable as part of the distinct identity of Aotearoa. Boosted demonstrates the power of community, and the importance of collaboration through crowdfunding,” says Justine Pepene-Hohaia, Senior Adviser, Māori Strategy & Partnerships – Kaiwhakamāhere Matua, Rautaki Māori me ngā Rangapu. “This kaupapa increases the visibility of ngā toi Māori, and ensures that through visibility and strengthening the waka, ngā toi Māori is highly valued as a taonga woven into the fabric of New Zealand’s cultural identity, and admired by global audiences.”

    Running from 1 July to 1 August 2025, each artist has one month to raise pūtea from their communities, Creative New Zealand Māori Strategy and Partnerships team matching every donation with $3,000 or $5,000 to help unlock each project’s full potential.

    “These artists are visionaries. They are reclaiming space, uplifting whānau, and building a future where Māori stories are central to who we are as a nation,” says Chelsea Winstanley, Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Co-Chair. “Their courage, creativity and commitment deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported.”

    Spanning the motu and the spectrum of Māori creative expression, E Tū Toi empowers artists to fund their kaupapa on their own terms – backed by their people and amplified by matched funding.

    “I’m really excited to be part of this new E Tū Toi initiative, which is all about amplifying Māori voices. As a mokopuna of Tūwharetoa, support like this means a lot. It’s not just about the pūtea – which goes straight back into our communities – it’s about knowing our stories are being heard, valued, and backed,” says Moss Patterson, 2020 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate and E Tū Toi project owner. “As a past Laureate, I understand the transformative impact recognition can have.

    The E Tū Toi 2025 Projects include:

    • Te Ana o Hine: A Wahine-led Studio (Ngaroma Riley, $10,000 target) – Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. A wāhine-led carving studio in Pakuranga reclaiming space in whakairo and supporting Māori women artists.
    • The Nephilim (Awa Puna, $18,000 target) – Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. A daring queer horror film exploring identity and transformation through satire, faith and movement.
    • Welcome to the After Party (Faith Henare-Stewart, $6,000 target) – Waikato. A live band theatre experience about community, bullying, and resilience, premiering at the 2026 Fringe Festival.
    • Tama and Mahuika (Corey Le Vaillant, $6,000 target) – Waikato. A trilingual short film told in NZSL, Te Reo Māori and English exploring grief and reconnection.
    • Te Whatakai (Troy Ruhe, $6,000 target) – Otākou Otago. A docuseries exploring the connection between kai, whenua and mātauranga from a Te Ao Māori lens.
    • Taupō Hau Rau Short Film, (Moss Patterson, $6,000 target) – Waikato. A cinematic dance film honouring Ngāti Tūwharetoa kaumātua through ancestral storytelling and movement.
    • Whakapapa Quilt Wānanga (Ron Te Kawa, $10,000 target) – Manawatū-Whanganui. Textile art wānanga where wāhine Māori create heirloom quilts as vessels of healing and whakapapa.
    • Hau Kainga 2.0 (Fiona Collis, $6,000 target) – Tairāwhiti Gisborne. A large-scale woven installation honouring Te Tairāwhiti’s land, sea, and whakapapa through sculptural fibre pods.
    • Māori Toi Akoranga (Anthony-Quinn Cowley, $6,000 target) – Te Moana-a-Toi Bay of Plenty. A school-based programme nurturing tamariki through traditional toi Māori practices.

    • The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave (Oli Mathiesen, $6,000 target) – Te Ao International. A high-octane endurance dance work exploring queer identity and rave culture, set for Edinburgh Fringe 2025.
    • PŪNGAO – ENERGY (Tiaki Kerei, $7,000 target) – Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. A powerful dance theatre project by Whakamana Creatives that channels Te Ao Māori perspectives to inspire positive change.

    Why crowdfunding?
    Crowdfunding offers a vibrant alternative to traditional funding – building engaged communities and empowering Māori artists to lead their own funding journeys. With an 94% success rate on Boosted, it’s proven to work.

    What you can do:
    Donate. Share. Tautoko. Every dollar counts – and every contribution helps unlock matched funding and bring these stories to life.

    To donate or learn more, visit: https://www.thearts.co.nz/boosted/projects?query=&location=&discipline=&topic=e-tu-toi&range=&page=1&sortBy=
    Campaign period: 1 July – 1 August 2025
    Follow along: @boostedNZ on Instagram and Facebook

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Musk vows to punish lawmakers who back Trump’s spending bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Billionaire Elon Musk on Monday renewed his criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill, vowing to unseat lawmakers who backed it after campaigning on limiting government spending.

    After weeks of relative silence following a feud with Trump over the legislation, Musk rejoined the debate on Saturday as the Senate took up the package, calling it “utterly insane and destructive” in a post on social media platform X.

    On Monday, he ramped up his criticism, saying lawmakers who had campaigned on cutting spending but backed the bill “should hang their heads in shame!”

    “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk said.

    The Tesla and SpaceX CEO called again for a new political party, saying the bill’s massive spending indicated “that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”

    “Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people,” he wrote.

    Musk’s criticism of the bill has caused a rift in his relationship with Trump, marking a dramatic shift after the tech billionaire spent nearly $300 million on Trump’s re-election campaign and led the administration’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal cost-cutting initiative.

    Musk, the world’s richest man, has argued that the legislation would greatly increase the national debt and erase the savings he says he has achieved through DOGE.

    It remains unclear how much sway Musk has over Congress or what effect his opinions might have on the bill’s passage. But Republicans have expressed concern that his on-again, off-again feud with Trump could hurt their chances to protect their majority in the 2026 midterm congressional elections.

    The rift has also led to volatility for Tesla, with shares of the company seeing wild price swings that erased approximately $150 billion of its market value, though it has since recovered.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: EU digital legislation not on table in trade talks with US: spokesperson

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

    The digital legislation is not on the table in the trade negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United States, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told a briefing Monday.

    Regnier emphasized that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has made it clear that EU legislation is not up for negotiation, “and this also includes, of course, our digital legislation,” he said.

    “We’re not going to adjust the implementation of our legislation based on the actions of third countries. If we started to do that, then we would have to do it with numerous third countries,” Regnier added. Nevertheless, the spokesperson said that the Commission remains committed to reaching a trade deal with the United States by July 9.

    The United States has repeatedly criticized the EU’s digital regulations, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), as unfair and has urged the EU to ease oversight of American tech giants.

    In February, the White House warned in a memo that it would consider retaliatory measures if EU regulators targeted American tech firms under the DMA or the DSA.

    Just two months later, in April, the European Commission found that U.S. companies Apple and Meta violated the DMA and issued significant fines against both firms.

    European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic announced Monday that he will travel to Washington on July 1 to continue efforts toward a U.S.-EU trade deal.

    Bloomberg reported Monday that the EU is willing to accept a trade arrangement with the U.S. that includes a 10 percent universal tariff on many of the bloc’s exports, but wants the United States to commit to lower rates on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, alcohol, semiconductors and commercial aircraft.

    The EU is also pushing the United States for quotas and exemptions to effectively lower Washington’s 25 percent tariff on automobiles and car parts as well as its 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum, according to Bloomberg. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Floodwaters recede at birthplace of China’s Village Super League as recovery begins

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

    Rongjiang County in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, widely known as the birthplace of the Village Super League, or Cun Chao, is beginning post-disaster recovery after being hit by two severe floods in less than a week.

    Since June 24, back-to-back floods have inundated large parts of the county, with the Cun Chao stadium – which is situated in a low-lying urban area – submerged twice within five days.

    On June 28, a second wave of flooding struck, prompting local authorities to escalate the flood emergency response from Level IV to the highest Level I within eight hours. As of June 29, floodwaters receded, and reconstruction efforts, including dredging and debris removal, are underway.

    Launched in May 2023, Cun Chao has grown into one of China’s most prominent grassroots football events, attracting international attention for its community spirit and festive atmosphere.

    On the morning of June 29, three excavators and four bulldozers were seen clearing thick layers of sludge from the stadium.

    “As mandated by the command center, we will deploy four large drones for disinfection to restore this place to its former vibrancy soon,” said Xiang Hui, captain of an emergency rescue team.

    Several local footballers who had participated in Cun Chao matches volunteered to help with the cleanup.

    “The thick sludge makes cleanup difficult, but we are doing our utmost,” said Li Faxiong, who has played in several Cun Chao games. Li also invited fans from across China and around the world to return to Rongjiang for matches once recovery is complete.

    “We will be back soon,” said Yang Bin, a local football commentator.

    Yang Shengtao, Party secretary of Zhongcheng Township of Rongjiang, expressed gratitude for the support and resilience shown by the community.

    “I want to say thanks to all who aided us. In China, we are not afraid of any storms or difficulties because we can overcome any challenge as long as we unite as one,” Yang said, adding that he believes Cun Chao will rise again soon. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZTA completes transfer of safety camera network

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has completed the transfer of safety camera operations from NZ Police.

    After a 12-month period of transition, as of today (1 July 2025) NZTA is solely responsible for the operation of the safety camera network of around 150 cameras formerly operated by Police. This is planned to expand to around 200 cameras by 2027, including fixed speed cameras, mobile speed cameras, red light cameras and average (point to point) speed cameras. 

    Details on the current safety camera network, including the locations of fixed cameras, can be found on the NZTA website. 

    Fixed safety camera locations

    NZTA Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes Tara Macmillan says the transfer of safety cameras from NZ Police to NZTA will strengthen the road safety partnership between the two agencies, improve the effectiveness of safety cameras as an enforcement tool, and make New Zealand’s roads safer for everyone. 

    “Managing roadside infrastructure like cameras is what NZTA does every day. Having responsibility for safety cameras allows us to use them where and when they will be most effective in reducing crashes, preventing serious injuries and saving lives,” says Ms Macmillan.  

    “We’ve now rolled out signs at all fixed speed camera sites, giving drivers a fair warning to check their speed and slow down if needed.   

    “These fixed cameras are installed at high-risk locations for crashes. Reminding drivers of that gives them the opportunity to slow down to protect themselves and others from, at worst injury or death, and at minimum, to avoid a ticket.” 

    Ms Macmillan says the effectiveness of this approach in reducing speeds can be seen through data collected by NZTA at new speed camera sites collected before and after cameras and signs were installed. 

    Safety cameras change driver behaviour

    “The percentage of drivers travelling at or below the maximum speed limit at our new camera site on Mill Road in Pukekohe has increased from just 39 percent before the camera was installed to 99 percent after. Similarly, at our new camera site on SH1 at Kawakawa, compliance with the speed limit has increased from just 34 percent before the camera was installed to 94 percent after. 

    “Across the ten new camera sites where we are currently tracking before and after data, the average compliance rate with speed limits has increased from 57 percent to 98 percent. 

    “Fewer speeding vehicles at these high-risk sites make these roads safer for everyone who uses them. No matter what the cause of a crash, speed can be the difference between someone being killed, receiving a life changing injury or walking away unharmed.” 

    As part of the transfer of cameras from Police, NZTA is also now operating mobile speed cameras in SUVs, alongside Police officers being highly visible on our roads. Both mobile cameras and officer enforcement deter speeding by operating anytime and anywhere.  

    In addition to fixed and mobile speed cameras, NZTA is also planning the rollout of new average speed safety cameras along high-risk corridors and roads. This technology is internationally proven to be very effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries on longer sections of road.  The cameras work by calculating a vehicle’s average speed over a length of road between two cameras.  

    Ms Macmillan says NZTA’s focus is on improving road safety, reducing crashes, preventing serious injuries and saving lives.  

    “Speeding drivers can cause serious and irreparable harm on the roads, including deaths and serious injuries. Evidence shows that we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes if drivers travel within speed limits, and that is why we have safety cameras.”  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ferry privatisation would be a disaster

    Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

    The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) says suggestions of privatisation of the new Cook Strait Interislander ferries would be a dangerous step backwards.

    The proposals were contained in a cabinet paper presented to the Government earlier this year and obtained by media under the OIA.

    Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says past privatisation of strategic transport infrastructure had caused great harm to our national supply chain.

    He says the ideological push for privatization will be coming from the extreme right in the Government represented by the ACT Party.

    Mr Findlay says New Zealand’s rail network, including the ferries, had been sold off to overseas corporates in the 1990s by a right wing National Government.

    “What followed was a textbook case of corporate raiding, where assets were stripped for short-term profit, maintenance was run into the ground, and workers paid with their lives due to shocking health and safety breaches.”

    “The taxpayer was then forced to spend millions to buy back the asset and start the long process of fixing it up.”

    Mr Findlay says it is essential for a New Zealand owned, public ferry operator to be on the Cook Strait for economic security and supply chain resilience.

    He says the Cook Strait is our ‘blue highway’, an essential extension of State Highway 1 and the Main Trunk Line.

    “We believe the Minister of Rail, Winston Peters, who has spoken at length about the failures of past privatisations, will not allow the Government to be swayed by ACT style agendas.”

    Mr Findlay says the ferry replacement process has already been a fiasco, with the decision of Finance Minister Nicola Willis to cancel the iRex project creating years of delays and a billion dollar cost to New Zealand.

    He says there are many other opportunities for private operators to enter into other coastal shipping services, and the Government should be supporting this goal.

    “For the Cook Strait, our focus should be on investing in a modern, reliable, and publicly-owned ferry fleet that is fit for the 21st century and serves all New Zealanders.”

    The Maritime Union of New Zealand represents seafaring and catering crews on both Cook Strait ferry operators.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Comprehensive medical device list in effect

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has today announced that Pharmac have created their comprehensive list of medical devices which are used in public hospitals, to improve the way they manage medical devices.

    “Almost everyone diagnosed or treated at a public hospital relies on medical devices for their care. These can range from bandages and cotton swabs to pacemakers, hip replacements, hospital beds, and robotic surgery machines,” Mr Seymour says. 

    “Pharmac has made a list of all medical devices currently used in public hospitals to improve the way medical devices are managed in New Zealand. Establishing the comprehensive list will not only support better planning and investment decisions, but it will also help identify funding priorities and guide future purchasing. 

    “Over 26,000 medical devices were added to the comprehensive list, bringing the total number of devices on the list to 220,000. Pharmac will continue to refine the list as we engage with more suppliers and prepare for the next phase of the medical device management work.

    “We’re working toward a future where all public hospitals work from a single, trusted national list. One list used by all public hospitals brings greater transparency to what devices are used and funded. This will support consistent access, reduce duplication, and improve equity across the country.

    “Previously the Hospital Medical Devices list only included medical devices covered by Pharmac’s contracts with suppliers. We recently added the remaining medical devices used by hospitals to this list, to create the comprehensive list of medical devices. 

    Pharmac consulted on what to include in the comprehensive list from 11 February until 31 March 2025. 

    “Pharmac staff carefully reviewed all feedback received during the consultation process. They contacted suppliers to validate data, confirm which medical devices have been added to the list, and explain why others have not,” Mr Seymour says. 

    “When the Government manages its accounts like families and businesses have to, money goes a lot further.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 1, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 1, 2025.

    Trauma is carried in your DNA. But science reveals a more complicated story
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara-Lyn Camilleri, Postdoctoral researcher of transgenerational effects, Monash University Radu Bercan/Shutterstock As war continues to rage in Gaza and Ukraine, there is concern about how the related trauma might be transmitted to future generations of people in those regions. More generally, interest in the idea of transgenerational

    Aamir Khan’s big screen comeback, Sitaare Zameen Par, features an all-star neurodivergent cast – a Bollywood first
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication, Media and Film Studies, University of Adelaide Bharti Dubey/X Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus has been far from ordinary. Sitaare Zameen Par (2025) which translates to “stars on Earth”, is the first major

    The rising rate of type 2 diabetes in young New Zealanders is becoming a health crisis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynne Chepulis, Associate Professor, Health Sciences, University of Waikato vadimguzhva/Getty Images No longer just a condition of middle age, type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting children, teenagers and young adults in New Zealand. And our health system is nowhere near ready to manage this surge. Type 2

    Understanding the ‘Slopocene’: how the failures of AI can reveal its inner workings
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Binns, Senior Lecturer, Media & Communication, RMIT University AI-generated with Leonardo Phoenix 1.0. Author supplied Some say it’s em dashes, dodgy apostrophes, or too many emoji. Others suggest that maybe the word “delve” is a chatbot’s calling card. It’s no longer the sight of morphed bodies

    Trump’s worldview is causing a global shift of alliances – what does this mean for nations in the middle?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva, Lecturer in Government – National Security College, Australian National University Since US President Donald Trump took office this year, one theme has come up time and again: his rule is a threat to the US-led international order. As the US political scientist John Mearsheimer famously

    We have drugs to manage HIV. So why are we spending millions looking for cures?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridget Haire, Associate Professor, Public Health Ethics, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Alim Yakubov/Shutterstock Over the past three decades there have been amazing advances in treating and preventing HIV. It’s now a manageable infection. A person with HIV who takes HIV medicine consistently, before their immune

    Sexy K-pop demons, a human lie detector and shearers on strike: what to watch in July
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Mickel, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Tomorrow marks exactly halfway through 2025. Luckily there’s a suite of streaming options to help get you through the mid-year bump. We’ve got iconic classics celebrating major anniversaries, as well as an animated K-Pop spectacle,

    Fiji human rights coalition challenges Rabuka over decolonisation ‘unfinished business’
    Asia Pacific Report The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR) has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the new chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to “uphold justice, stability and security” for Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua. In a statement today after last week’s MSG leaders’ summit in Suva, the

    Battle of Ideas: Political Lawfare and the Destitution of Pedro Castillo
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage COHA On June 29, Radio Negro Primero, a community-based station in Venezuela, and affiliates, will examine the jailing and prosecution of Peru’s constitutional president, Pedro Castillo. The program, Battle of Ideas, hosted by William Camacaro (Senior Analyst for COHA) and Mary Dugarte (Venezuelan Journalist), will feature distinguished panelists:

    In Struggle and Solidarity: The Enduring Legacy of Joaquín Domínguez Parada
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage By Fred Mills and Evelyn Gonzalez Mills Silver Spring, MD Joaquín Domínguez Parada, a renowned Salvadoran attorney and tireless advocate for refugees of war and persecution, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, four days after his 77th birthday in El Salvador, leaving a legacy of love, integrity,

    Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and members with researchers and actuaries from Finity Consulting. UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group The shift

    Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Heavy surf and intense rains hit Sydney beaches during a 2020 East Coast Low. Lee Hulsman/Getty Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast

    ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong FG Trade/Getty Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities. In

    My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Krissy Kendall, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University lzf/Getty If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after you exercise.

    Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson Australia is home to more than 60 species of

    Occupational therapists tackle obstacles in the home, from support to cook a meal, to navigating public transport
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Hitch, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Deakin University Occupational therapists (OTs) have been in the spotlight this month after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) froze NDIS payments for these services at $193.99 per hour for the sixth year. The NDIA also cut travel payments for

    Do you have Bitcoin? Be aware of the tax consequences of selling your investment
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Allen, Senior lecturer, Curtin University Bitcoin is ubiquitous. It is impossible to open a social media stream or news source without encountering yet another mention of the topic. Many Australians have invested, hoping for a good return. But they may not have considered the tax consequences

    On her new album, Lorde creates pop at its purest – performative, playful and alive to paradox
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosemary Overell, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, University of Otago “✏️Describe the vibe” goes the demand to commenters underneath the YouTube video for Lorde’s latest single, “Hammer”. Fans form a flow; a “vibe check” in Zillenial parlance: The pure rawness … (@lynmariegm) A more raw true-to-self form

    Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archeological study tells us about PNG sea trade
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Skelly, Archaeologist, Monash University Women loading pots on a Motu lakatoi trading vessel, in this photograph published in 1887. J. W. Lindt Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is a place of remarkable cultural diversity. Home to cultures speaking more than 800 languages, this region has

    Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cindy Towns, Senior Lecturer in General Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand’s mental health crisis is well documented in the government’s 2018 inquiry, He Ara Oranga, which shows one in five people experience mental illness or significant mental distress. However, an almost singular

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 1, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 1, 2025.

    Trauma is carried in your DNA. But science reveals a more complicated story
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara-Lyn Camilleri, Postdoctoral researcher of transgenerational effects, Monash University Radu Bercan/Shutterstock As war continues to rage in Gaza and Ukraine, there is concern about how the related trauma might be transmitted to future generations of people in those regions. More generally, interest in the idea of transgenerational

    Aamir Khan’s big screen comeback, Sitaare Zameen Par, features an all-star neurodivergent cast – a Bollywood first
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication, Media and Film Studies, University of Adelaide Bharti Dubey/X Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus has been far from ordinary. Sitaare Zameen Par (2025) which translates to “stars on Earth”, is the first major

    The rising rate of type 2 diabetes in young New Zealanders is becoming a health crisis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynne Chepulis, Associate Professor, Health Sciences, University of Waikato vadimguzhva/Getty Images No longer just a condition of middle age, type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting children, teenagers and young adults in New Zealand. And our health system is nowhere near ready to manage this surge. Type 2

    Understanding the ‘Slopocene’: how the failures of AI can reveal its inner workings
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Binns, Senior Lecturer, Media & Communication, RMIT University AI-generated with Leonardo Phoenix 1.0. Author supplied Some say it’s em dashes, dodgy apostrophes, or too many emoji. Others suggest that maybe the word “delve” is a chatbot’s calling card. It’s no longer the sight of morphed bodies

    Trump’s worldview is causing a global shift of alliances – what does this mean for nations in the middle?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva, Lecturer in Government – National Security College, Australian National University Since US President Donald Trump took office this year, one theme has come up time and again: his rule is a threat to the US-led international order. As the US political scientist John Mearsheimer famously

    We have drugs to manage HIV. So why are we spending millions looking for cures?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridget Haire, Associate Professor, Public Health Ethics, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Alim Yakubov/Shutterstock Over the past three decades there have been amazing advances in treating and preventing HIV. It’s now a manageable infection. A person with HIV who takes HIV medicine consistently, before their immune

    Sexy K-pop demons, a human lie detector and shearers on strike: what to watch in July
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Mickel, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Tomorrow marks exactly halfway through 2025. Luckily there’s a suite of streaming options to help get you through the mid-year bump. We’ve got iconic classics celebrating major anniversaries, as well as an animated K-Pop spectacle,

    Fiji human rights coalition challenges Rabuka over decolonisation ‘unfinished business’
    Asia Pacific Report The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR) has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the new chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to “uphold justice, stability and security” for Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua. In a statement today after last week’s MSG leaders’ summit in Suva, the

    Battle of Ideas: Political Lawfare and the Destitution of Pedro Castillo
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage COHA On June 29, Radio Negro Primero, a community-based station in Venezuela, and affiliates, will examine the jailing and prosecution of Peru’s constitutional president, Pedro Castillo. The program, Battle of Ideas, hosted by William Camacaro (Senior Analyst for COHA) and Mary Dugarte (Venezuelan Journalist), will feature distinguished panelists:

    In Struggle and Solidarity: The Enduring Legacy of Joaquín Domínguez Parada
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage By Fred Mills and Evelyn Gonzalez Mills Silver Spring, MD Joaquín Domínguez Parada, a renowned Salvadoran attorney and tireless advocate for refugees of war and persecution, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, four days after his 77th birthday in El Salvador, leaving a legacy of love, integrity,

    Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and members with researchers and actuaries from Finity Consulting. UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group The shift

    Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Heavy surf and intense rains hit Sydney beaches during a 2020 East Coast Low. Lee Hulsman/Getty Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast

    ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong FG Trade/Getty Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities. In

    My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Krissy Kendall, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University lzf/Getty If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after you exercise.

    Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson Australia is home to more than 60 species of

    Occupational therapists tackle obstacles in the home, from support to cook a meal, to navigating public transport
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Hitch, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Deakin University Occupational therapists (OTs) have been in the spotlight this month after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) froze NDIS payments for these services at $193.99 per hour for the sixth year. The NDIA also cut travel payments for

    Do you have Bitcoin? Be aware of the tax consequences of selling your investment
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Allen, Senior lecturer, Curtin University Bitcoin is ubiquitous. It is impossible to open a social media stream or news source without encountering yet another mention of the topic. Many Australians have invested, hoping for a good return. But they may not have considered the tax consequences

    On her new album, Lorde creates pop at its purest – performative, playful and alive to paradox
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosemary Overell, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, University of Otago “✏️Describe the vibe” goes the demand to commenters underneath the YouTube video for Lorde’s latest single, “Hammer”. Fans form a flow; a “vibe check” in Zillenial parlance: The pure rawness … (@lynmariegm) A more raw true-to-self form

    Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archeological study tells us about PNG sea trade
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Skelly, Archaeologist, Monash University Women loading pots on a Motu lakatoi trading vessel, in this photograph published in 1887. J. W. Lindt Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is a place of remarkable cultural diversity. Home to cultures speaking more than 800 languages, this region has

    Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cindy Towns, Senior Lecturer in General Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand’s mental health crisis is well documented in the government’s 2018 inquiry, He Ara Oranga, which shows one in five people experience mental illness or significant mental distress. However, an almost singular

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China completes barrier belt to prevent eastward expansion of its fourth-largest desert

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

    This aerial photo taken on Sept. 6, 2023 shows the Yellow River flowing through Shapotou District in Zhongwei City, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China on Monday reached a major milestone in desertification control by completing a barrier belt along the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert in the northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

    In Changliushui village in the city of Zhongwei, workers installed the final row of straw checkerboards, a traditional sand-fixing method, locking the final stretch of shifting dunes in the Ningxia part of the Tengger Desert after a sand control project spanning more than six decades.

    This traditional sand-fixing method involves planting straw in a checkerboard pattern on the desert surface to stabilize sand and prevent wind erosion.

    This new achievement marks the completion of a 153-kilometer-long green barrier belt in Ningxia, which is 10 to 38 kilometers wide.

    Called simply the desert edge-locking project, this approach was designed to fix shifting dunes by planting vegetation belts along the desert’s perimeter, preventing further encroachment.

    Sand control often suffers setbacks as fixed dunes can start to shift again. To prevent this, workers plan to sow grass and desert-adapted shrubs within the checkerboard grid once the rainy season arrives. Once rooted, the vegetation is expected to lock the sand for the long term.

    The belt serves as a natural defense line against the eastward spread of the Tengger Desert, which spans approximately 43,000 square kilometers.

    Zhongwei, located between the Qilian and Helan mountains, is the sole gateway for the Tengger Desert’s eastward expansion. Experts say the barrier will act as a critical ecological buffer that prevents further sand encroachment and protects the Yellow River.

    Lu Qi, chief scientist of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, said the barrier belt can help prevent the desert from further encroaching on farmland, towns, oases and roads, and also significantly reduce the source of sandstorms.

    The construction of the green barrier belt in Ningxia dates back to the 1950s when the straw checkerboard approach was invented to protect the Baotou-Lanzhou Railway, China’s first desert railway.

    Local authorities have worked with research institutions to apply new technologies in sand control, such as artificial cyanobacteria sand crusts and improved straw checkerboards.

    Over the past two years, 2.6 billion yuan of investment has been made in the construction of the green barrier belt, part of China’s Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, the world’s largest afforestation program to tackle desertification.

    After generations’ sand control efforts over the past decades, the city has finished desertification control on about 370,000 hectares of land, pushing the desert back by about 25 kilometers.

    “The green barrier belt is not only a means of ecological restoration, but also a key practice of harmonious coexistence between humankind and nature,” said Lu. “It also offers an important reference for the sustainable development of arid areas worldwide.”

    China has taken an active role in global desertification control. Since signing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994, the country has been a leader in halting land degradation and reversing desertification, and has continuously shared sand control experience, technologies and talent abroad.

    In its latest effort, the China-Central Asia desertification control cooperation center, which is based in Ningxia, was inaugurated in June to boost international collaboration.

    “Our goal is to inject more Chinese momentum into global ecological governance and sustainable development,” said Dong Yanbiao, deputy director of the center. He added that the center plans to leverage technology advantages, integrate domestic research and build cooperation networks.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s aircraft carrier formations return after completing far-sea training

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

    This photo shows a fighter jet taking off from an aircraft carrier. China’s naval formations of two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have completed their far-sea combat-oriented training and safely returned to their home ports, according to the Chinese navy on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s naval formations of two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have completed their far-sea combat-oriented training and safely returned to their home ports, according to the Chinese navy on Monday.

    The training was conducted in a well-coordinated and systematic manner as the two naval formations advanced into the Western Pacific, collaborated with relevant military forces, and completed a variety of exercises under combat conditions, such as those related to reconnaissance and early warning, counterstrike, maritime assault, air defense, and the day-and-night tactical flight of carrier-based aircraft.

    The training has yielded a series of research achievements for relevant military subjects and significantly boosted the systemic combat capabilities of China’s aircraft carrier formations, following previous dual-carrier drills conducted jointly by the two naval formations last year.

    During the training, certain foreign warships and aircraft repeatedly conducted up-close reconnaissance maneuvers, tracking, and surveillance. The Chinese naval formations maintained high vigilance and responsiveness to combat scenarios, organized multiple flights of carrier-based aircraft, and handled the situation professionally and soundly.

    According to the Chinese navy, as a routine arrangement per its annual plan, the training has effectively tested the joint training results of relevant forces and enhanced their capability to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests. 

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump signs order ending most sanctions on Syria

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

    A shopkeeper communicates with customers at his stall in a bustling market ahead of the Eid al-Adha in Damascus, Syria, on June 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order terminating most sanctions on Syria, the White House said in a fact sheet.

    “The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on (ousted former Syrian president) Bashar al-Assad… The Order permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria,” said the White House.

    Following the order, five executive orders that created the existing Syria sanctions program were immediately terminated, while the State Department issued a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.

    The U.S. Treasury Department already took the first step in lifting sanctions on Syria by issuing a general license, known as GL25, to authorize transactions involving the interim Syrian government, its central bank and state-owned enterprises.

    Sanctions on Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS and their affiliates and Iranian proxies will remain in place, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

    Under the order, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directed to “explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations.”

    Rubio is also directed to review the designations of Syria as a “State On the eighth of December 2024, of Terrorism,” Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a foreign terrorist organization, and its leader, Syrian interim chief Ahmed al-Sharaa, as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist.”

    The Trump administration will “continue to monitor progress on key priorities” including steps toward normalizing ties with Israel and helping the United States prevent a resurgence of ISIS, according to the White House.

    Amid the upheaval in the Middle East, Trump told al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in May that the United States would lift sanctions and explore normalizing relations as a major policy shift.

    The 54-year Assad’s rule over Syria abruptly ended on Dec. 8, 2024, and days afterward, leaders of HTS, the primary force behind the offensive during Syria’s prolonged 13-year war, formed an interim government. Since then, the new government has scrambled to restore order, rebuild institutions, and reach out to regional and global partners.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing launches first China-Europe freight train to cross Caspian Sea

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

    A China-Europe freight train departed from Beijing on Monday, marking the launch of the capital’s first cross-Caspian Sea multimodal freight service.

    The train, loaded with 104 TEUs carrying over 2,300 tonnes of export goods such as auto parts, machinery and books, is bound for Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The route employs rail-sea-rail multimodal transport, covering more than 8,000 kilometers and cutting transit times from about 50 days to approximately 15.

    Departing from Fangshan District, Beijing’s southwestern gateway, the train exits China via Horgos Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, travels through Kazakhstan, crosses the Caspian Sea by ferry, and continues by rail to Baku. Some of the cargo will then be distributed to Georgia, Türkiye, Serbia and beyond.

    According to Lu Peng, director of the Fangshan District bureau of commerce, the launch of the route marks a significant step in expanding the diversified corridors of China-Europe freight services originating from Beijing. It will help shape a comprehensive international logistics network combining direct overland routes and rail-sea intermodal transport. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greater certainty for New Zealanders with cancer

    Source: PHARMAC

    New Zealanders with cancer will have greater continuity of care from today, following Pharmac’s decision on amending pharmaceutical schedule rules to allow access to new publicly funded cancer medicines in private hospitals and clinics. 

    From 1 July 2025, when Pharmac funds a new cancer medicine or widens access to existing funded cancer medicines, eligible patients will be able to receive their medicine within private hospitals or clinics for a period of up to 12 months, without having to move their care to a public hospital. 

    “This decision will provide greater continuity of care for New Zealanders with cancer,” says Pharmac’s Director Strategy, Policy and Performance, Michael Johnson.

    In the past, patients whose cancer medicines became publicly funded during their treatment found themselves having to transfer their treatment to a public hospital to access publicly funded medicines or else continue their private treatment and self-fund the costs.

    “This change will allow these patients to benefit from newly funded cancer medicines, while maintaining their current treatment plans,” Johnson says.

    To be eligible, patients must already be receiving treatment at the date that their cancer medicine becomes funded by Pharmac, or have an approved treatment plan, and are about to start treatment at the date that their medicine becomes funded. This policy applies only to newly funded cancer medicines after 1 July 2025.)

    To support the Government’s decision to enable transitional access to publicly funded medicines in private settings, Pharmac consulted on rule changes to the pharmaceutical schedule between 26 May – 13 June 2025. 

    “While most people were supportive, we have listened to feedback and have decided to change the way we plan to implement this decision,” Johnson says. 

    Pharmac initially proposed that private facilities would be able to obtain the funded medicine from public hospitals, as private hospitals are not currently able to make subsidy claims for cancer medicines.

    “However, people told us this approach wouldn’t work and would likely lead to patient safety risks due to double handling of medicines, process differences between public and private, and incompatibility of administration kits,” Johnson says. 

    “People told us they would prefer for private facilities to directly order cancer medicines and submit subsidy claims to Pharmac. We’ve listened to this feedback and have decided to change the way we plan to implement this decision,” Johnson says. 

    Initially, Pharmac will work with private facilities to implement a direct payment arrangement for the cancer medicines that fall under this policy. Pharmac will in the future look to work with private facilities, Health NZ and suppliers to consider creating a claiming mechanism similar to that used by public hospitals. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: DRC Medicine Ltd. Announces the Business Combination Agreement with Ribbon Acquisition Corp.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Combined Company Expected to be Listed on NASDAQ Global Market

    • DRC Medicine Ltd. (“DRC Medicine” or the “Company”), is an innovative healthcare and biotechnology company headquartered in Japan, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of advanced medical technologies that address significant global health challenges.
    • The Company is best known for its proprietary Hydro Silver Titanium® technology, initially applied in consumer hygiene products such as masks and towels, and now being advanced to obtain medical device certification as among the world’s first therapeutic masks for seasonal allergic rhinitis.
    • Combined company to have an implied initial pro forma equity value of approximately $422.15 Million, (assuming no redemptions) and the transaction is expected to deliver cash proceeds of around $50.42 Million to DRC Medicine (assuming no redemptions) to fund DRC Medicine’s business and operations, which include devices’ clinical trial and certification.
    • Current DRC Medicine shareholders will retain 100% of their equity and will continue to own approximately 82.91% of the combined company on a pro forma basis, assuming no redemptions by Ribbon’s shareholder.

    Tokyo, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DRC Medicine Ltd., an innovative healthcare and biotechnology company based in Tokyo, Japan (“DRC” or the “Company”), announced today that it has entered into a business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Ribbon Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: RIBB) (“Ribbon”), a special purpose acquisition company, DRC Medicine Inc., a Delaware company limited by shares (DRC Medicine) and DRC Merger Inc. (“Merger Sub”), a Delaware company limited by shares and a directly owned subsidiary of DRC Medicine, which would result in DRC Medicine becoming a publicly-traded company (the “Proposed Transaction”).

    DRC Medicine Ltd. is an innovative healthcare and biotechnology company headquartered in Japan, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of advanced medical technologies that address significant global health challenges. The Company is best known for its proprietary Hydro Silver Titanium® technology, initially applied in consumer hygiene products such as masks and towels, and now being advanced to obtain medical device certification as among the world’s first therapeutic masks for seasonal allergic rhinitis. In addition to medical devices, the Company is developing a pipeline of In Vitro Diagnostic (“IVD”) kits for infectious diseases and allergen detection, combining its world-only cell-free protein synthesis technology leveraging AI powered Apps and is in final negotiation in acquiring an innovative ATP-enhancing drug for Parkinson’s disease drugs development company, the drug is currently in clinical trials. This diverse portfolio is driven by a strong focus on unmet medical needs, AI-assisted discovery, and global healthcare infrastructure transformation. For more information, visit https://drciyaku.co.jp/ and https://drciyaku.jp/.

    Dr. Marumi Okazaki, President & CEO of DRC, said: “This transaction will give us the resources that will enable us to capture the positive trends in our industry. Given the growth of airborne allergens, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases, increasing demand for better respiratory protection mask and faster and a more accurate IVD kits, we intend to invest in more IVD kits paired with AI-powered Apps in achieving universal diagnostics to empower the general public in guarding their health and fight against allergen, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases as well as catapult our research and development, production capabilities to meet the rising demand for better respiratory protection mask and AI-powered IVD kits.”

    Mr. Angshuman (Bubai) Ghosh, Chairman/CEO of Ribbon, said, “This business combination agreement with DRC is a great opportunity to enter into an exciting and accelerating growth healthcare and biotechnology industry. We believe its highly capable and experienced management team with all of the founders with substantial experience in developing innovative technologies, supported by their technology-savvy specialists and R&D team who are committed to pioneering innovations, will enable DRC to continuously innovate and advance their healthcare and biotechnology applications to gain a greater foothold in the global market.”

    Transaction Overview

    As a part of the Proposed Transaction, an intermediate holding company incorporated in Japan (the “Intermediate Co.” will acquire the shares of DRC Medicine, after which the Intermediate Co. will engage in a share exchange transaction with the  shareholders of the Company, such that the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intermediate Co. and the shareholders of the Company will become shareholders of DRC Medicine (the “DRC Restructuring”). Following the consummation of the DRC Restructuring and subject to the terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement, Ribbon will merge with and into the Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and remaining a wholly owned subsidiary of DRC Medicine.

    The Proposed Transaction implies a pre-money equity value of US$350 million of DRC on a fully diluted basis, and is expected to provide DRC with access to approximately US$50 million cash from Ribbon’s IPO proceeds held in trust, assuming no redemption by Ribbon’s shareholders in connection with the current and future proxy exercises and prior to the payment of any transaction expenses. The parties will cooperate in connection with any financing arrangement the parties seek in connection with the Proposed Transaction.

    Advisors

    A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners serves as the financial advisor and lead capital markets advisor to Ribbon. Geneva Capital Group serves as the financial advisor to DRC. Celine & Partners serves as the legal advisor to Ribbon. Ross Law Group serves as the legal advisor to DRC.

    About DRC Medicine Ltd. 

    Founded in 2007, DRC is an innovative healthcare and biotechnology company headquartered in Japan, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of advanced medical technologies that address significant global health challenges. The Company is best known for its proprietary Hydro Silver Titanium® technology, initially applied in consumer hygiene products such as masks and towels, and now being advanced to obtain medical device certification as among the world’s first therapeutic masks for seasonal allergic rhinitis . In addition to medical devices, the Company is developing a pipeline of In Vitro Diagnostic (“IVD”) kits for infectious diseases and allergen detection, combining its world-only cell-free protein synthesis technology leveraging AI powered Apps and is in final negotiation in acquiring an innovative ATP-enhancing drug for Parkinson’s disease.

    About Ribbon Acquisition Corp. 

    Ribbon is a blank check company whose business purpose is to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While Ribbon intends to conduct a global search for target businesses without being limited by geographic region, certain executive officers and independent directors are based in Hong Kong, and certain executive officers have experience investing in and building businesses in the Asia Pacific region and have a deep understanding of the region’s business environment, regulations, regulatory bodies and culture. Ribbon will not undertake an initial business combination with any company being based in or having the majority of the company’s operations in Greater China. Ribbon is led by Mr. Angshuman (Bubai) Ghosh, Ribbon’s Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Zhiyang (Anna) Zhou, Ribbon’s Chief Financial Officer.

    Important Additional Information Regarding the Transaction Will Be Filed With the SEC

    This press release relates to the proposed business combination between Ribbon Acquisition Corp. and DRC Medicine Ltd.. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange, any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. DRC intends to file a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which will include a document that serves as a joint prospectus and proxy statement, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. A proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Ribbon shareholders. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. Ribbon and DRC will also file other documents regarding the proposed business combination with the SEC. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the business combination. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF RIBBON ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION.

    Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Ribbon and DRC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by Ribbon and DRC with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to Ribbon Acquisition Corp., Central Park Tower LaTour Shinjuku Room 3001, 6-15-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 160-0023.

    Participants in the Solicitations

    Ribbon, DRC and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Ribbon’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. You can find information about Ribbon’s directors and executive officers and their interest in Ribbon in Ribbon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was originally filed with the SEC on April 1, 2025. A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of Ribbon and DRC, as well as information regarding their interests in the business combination, will be contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the SEC by DRC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

    Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Ribbon and DRC. These forward-looking statements are based on Ribbon’s and DRC’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “target,” “seek” or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including projections of market opportunity and market share, the capability of DRC’s business plans including its plans to expand, the anticipated enterprise value of the combined company following the consummation of the proposed business combination, anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination and expectations related to the terms and timing of the proposed business combination, are also forward-looking statements.

    Although each of Ribbon and DRC believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this communication, each of Ribbon and DRC cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Ribbon’s and DRC’s control. In addition, there will be risks and uncertainties described in the proxy statement/prospectus on Form S-4 relating to the proposed business combination, which is expected to be filed by DRC with the SEC and other documents filed by Ribbon or DRC from time to time with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

    There may be additional risks that neither Ribbon or DRC presently know or that Ribbon and DRC currently believe are immaterial and that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Ribbon or DRC, their respective directors, officers or employees or any other person that Ribbon and DRC will achieve their objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Ribbon or DRC to predict these events or how they may affect Ribbon or DRC. Except as required by law, neither Ribbon nor DRC has any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Ribbon’s and DRC’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the business combination; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Ribbon or DRC, the combined company or others following the announcement of the business combination; the inability to complete the business combination due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of Ribbon or to satisfy other conditions to closing; changes to the proposed structure of the business combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the business combination; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Ribbon or DRC as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and retain its management and key employees; costs related to the business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations; Ribbon’s estimates of expenditures and profitability and underlying assumptions with respect to shareholder redemptions and purchase price and other adjustments; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in laws and regulations that impact DRC; ability to enforce, protect and maintain intellectual property rights; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Ribbon’s final prospectus dated January 14, 2025 relating to its initial public offering and in subsequent filings with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the business combination expected to be filed by DRC.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom.

    For further queries please contact:

    Geneva Capital Group on behalf of DRC

    Bob Lau, bob.lau@genevagroup.com.sg 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Statement: Heads of Multilateral Development Banks commit to strong joint action on development priorities

    Source: New Development Bank

    PARIS (28 June) – The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) met today in Paris, hosted by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which currently chairs the Heads of MDBs Group. The meeting focused on advancing their joint efforts to address  development priorities.

    Amid rising global uncertainty, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working as a system to deliver greater impact and scale, in line with their Viewpoint Note and the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs.  The Roadmap outlines an ambitious vision for MDB reform to better address regional and global challenges, support job creation, and help countries achieve their development aspirations.

    The Heads welcomed ongoing efforts to improve the way MDBs work with clients through operational efficiency and enhanced coordination. In 2025 alone, five mutual reliance agreements  have been signed, helping streamline the preparation and implementation of  co-financed projects across institutions.

    Private capital mobilization remains a system-wide priority, with the last joint report of the MDBs reflecting a positive trend in volumes mobilized. To build on this momentum, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to developing local currency lending and foreign exchange solutions. They also reaffirmed  the importance of adequate risk assessment for private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies; in this context, the valuable contribution of disaggregated statistics on credit risk published through the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) was recognized.

    The Heads reiterated their continued commitment to implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of Multilateral Development Banks’ Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAF).  Further reform efforts by MDBs since mid-2024 have increased the additional lending headroom for development projects in all countries of operation, including high-income ones, over the next decade by more than US$250 billion, thus reaching a total of over US$650 billion.

    The publication in the coming weeks of the Comparison Report by the MDBs’ Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) will provide metrics and data relating to MDBs’ financial positions, promoting a better understanding of their financial models and supporting both balance sheet optimization and private sector mobilization.

    The Heads also agreed to continue advancing promising initiatives already underway to strengthen system-wide impact. These include: 1) Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 through public and private collaboration;  2) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid, which aims to boost energy security, strengthen resilience, and promote decarbonization for the region’s 670 million people by connecting its electricity systems; and 3) Digital Transformation in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to connect 3.5 million students and train over 250,000 teachers.

    In addition, MDBs are exploring joint actions to scale up investments in social infrastructure, including health, education, housing, and water and sanitation. Building on structured dialogue led by the CEB, the Heads welcomed progress made through recent cross-MDB consultations and recognized the key role these sectors play in enabling jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth, while noting persistent financing and delivery challenges that constrain impact.

    Meeting in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July, MDBs remain committed to working better as a system, in alignment with country-led development priorities and strategies to promote jobs and prosperity. In view of water’s role in human development, MDBs committed to significantly increasing collective support for global water security by 2030, and will launch the first “Joint Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report” at FfD4. Heads noted the importance of the upcoming COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.

    Today’s meeting in Paris marks a significant step toward effective collaboration and scaled-up collective action for development priorities. MDB reforms are advancing, moving from concept to execution.

    With streamlined operations, better risk tools, and growing financial capacity, MDBs are delivering real impact – from expanding energy access and digital education to scaling investment in water security.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty, 18 Senate Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to End Counting of Illegal Immigrants in Determining Electoral College Votes and Congressional District Apportionment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    Counting illegal immigrants’ voting power encourages illegal immigration and destroys equal representation by making some citizens’ votes more powerful than others

    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Rules Committee, led his colleagues in reintroducing the Equal Representation Act, legislation to ensure that only legal citizens are factored into the count for Congressional districts and the Electoral College map that determines presidential elections. The current method of counting illegal immigrants for purposes of representation serves as a perverse incentive for open borders to boost the relative political power of the states and voters that court it.

    Currently, illegal immigrants are counted for congressional district apportionment and, therefore, Electoral College votes. For example, in a state like California, millions of illegal alien residents result in California taking several more congressional seats and Electoral College votes than the states’ population of citizens would justify. In other words, being a magnet for illegal immigration increases the power of a Californian’s vote relative to an individual in another state with less population boost from illegal immigration. This creates a perverse incentive encouraging illegal immigration and resettlement to increase political power.

    Co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

    “It is unconscionable that illegal immigrants and non-citizens are counted toward congressional district apportionment and our electoral map for the presidency, which also heavily skews the seat count in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Senator Hagerty. “While people continue to flee Democrat-run cities, desperate Democrats have back-filled the mass exodus with illegal immigrants so that they do not lose their seats in Congress or their electoral votes, hence artificially boosting their political power and in turn diluting the power of other Americans’ votes. I’m pleased to lead my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that would require a citizenship question on the census and will ensure that only citizens are counted in congressional redistricting.”

    “Every ten years when the census is conducted, it’s imperative that only U.S. citizens are included in the count to determine the apportionment of congressional seats and allocation of Electoral College votes,” said Senator Britt. “Counting illegal aliens for these critical purposes only rewards reckless jurisdictions for supporting open borders and sanctuary policies. The Equal Representation Act is a straightforward and commonsense measure to uphold fundamental fairness, and I’m proud to cosponsor it.”

    “For years, Democrat-run sanctuary cities and states have used millions of illegal aliens to grow their political influence,” said Senator Budd. “Their actions have stripped power away from American citizens who deserve to have their voices and votes equally accounted for. Illegal aliens have no place dictating the congressional seats or Electoral College votes a state receives.”

    “The Census is the foundation for representation in our political system, and any census that could include non-citizens in the apportionment count is really concerning to me, and it ought to be to all North Dakotans,” said Senator Cramer. “Illegal immigrants and non-citizens cannot vote and should not be used as pawns as the Democrats redistrict in various states. Our Census has to count both Americans and non-Americans but should also distinguish between them.”

    “Only U.S. citizens should be included in Census Bureau counts to apportion congressional and Electoral College representation,” said Senator Crapo. “This vital reform would prevent states like California and New York from padding their population totals with those here illegally to tip the scales and boost their political power in Washington, D.C.”

    “The law is clear- illegal immigrants are not citizens of the United States and should not be counted as such,” said Senator Daines. “This bill is a commonsense measure to prohibit illegal immigrants from being counted in censuses, so that sanctuary cities can’t exploit the electoral college and taxpayer resources.” 

    “The Biden Administration’s open border policies have created the worst border crisis in history,” said Senator Johnson. “This bill ensures that congressional seats are apportioned based solely on U.S. citizens, protecting the integrity of our democratic system. Americans deserve to have their voices fully represented in Congress, not diluted by those who entered the country illegally.”

    “This is just commonsense,” said Senator Justice. “Absolutely no one who is in this country illegally should be counted when it comes to Congressional seats or Electoral College votes. Representation should be decided by American citizens-period. I am proud to support the Equal Representation Act to protect the integrity of our elections and to ensure every legal vote is counted equally.”

    “Only American citizens should count toward the apportionment of congressional seats and Electoral College votes,” said Senator Lummis. “Under current law, states harboring large illegal alien populations get extra representation and power at the expense of law-abiding states like Wyoming. This bill protects a fair electoral process and prevents Democrat-led states from ignoring federal immigration laws.”

    “The Equal Representation Act stands for a simple proposition: Americans should decide American elections,” said Senator Marshall. “States like California and New York should not be able to inflate their votes in the Electoral College—and in Congress—by counting non-citizens in the Census. I’m proud to support this bill to ensure that every vote in the Electoral College and Congress reflects the voices of American citizens only.”

    “Since 1820, the federal government has routinely utilized the Census to ask questions about citizenship status,” said Senator Ricketts. “This current policy rewards sanctuary cities and sanctuary states with outsized population because it’s counting people who came here illegally. Those people broke the law and must not be counted for representation. It’s fundamentally unfair to Nebraskans, or citizens in states who are following the law, to reward folks in states who are breaking the law. Only citizens can vote in elections and that’s the way it needs to remain.”

    “Democrats are undermining the rights of U.S. citizens by encouraging illegal immigrants to enter our country and skew congressional redistricting for political gain,” said Senator Risch. “The Equal Representation Act requires that the Census Bureau include a citizenship question ensuring American values and voices take priority.”

    “American elections should be determined by American citizens and American citizens alone,” said Senator Schmitt. “Voting is the foundation of our democracy, giving U.S. citizens a voice in shaping our future. I am proud to join this bill to protect Americans’ vote and keep our elections secure.”

    “Illegal aliens shouldn’t be allowed to break the law and be rewarded with taxpayer-funded benefits, and states that shelter them shouldn’t gain increased influence in Washington as a result,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Since illegal aliens are currently counted in the census, states like California receive disproportionate representation in the Electoral College and the House of Representatives. By restoring the census to its pre-2000 standard and including a citizenship question, this bill ensures that states like California don’t gain an unfair advantage over states like Florida, and that every citizen’s vote carries equal weight.”

    “Illegal aliens have no right to congressional representation in this country, and they have no right to determine who our elected leaders are,” said Senator Tuberville. “The balance of power shouldn’t be weighed down by people who aren’t citizens of this country. Counting illegals in the Electoral College and congressional districts can completely alter the outcome of our elections. Thankfully, President Trump and his administration are deporting illegals in droves. I’m proud to join Senator Hagerty in reintroducing the Equal Representation Act so that ONLY Americans determine our elected leaders.”

    The Equal Representation Act:

    • Requires that the Census Bureau include a citizenship question on any future census to provide a greater understanding of the U.S. population and delineate between citizens and non-citizens for apportionment purposes;
    • Prohibits non-citizens from being counted for purposes of congressional district and Electoral College apportionment; and
    • Requires that the Census Bureau publicly report on certain demographic data.

    Background:

    • In January 2024, Hagerty led his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Equal Representation Act.
    • In March 2024, every single Senate Democrat voted against Hagerty’s legislation as an amendment to appropriations bills, which put them on the record siding with illegal aliens over American citizens.
    • The House of Representatives passed the Equal Representation Act on May 8, 2024.
    • Following House passage, Senate Democrats once again blocked Hagerty’s legislation.
    • In a hearing, former Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo admitted to Hagerty that higher local illegal alien populations equal more Congressional seats and Electoral Votes.

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 165 years on the frontline at Portland Brigade

    Source:

    Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presenting the Unit Citation for Courage to Adam Hermelin, John Wolf and Ryan Delong

    Portland Fire Brigade gathered over the weekend to celebrate their 165 years of service to the community and acknowledge the dedication of several brigade members.

    The brigade was formed by a public meeting notice in the Portland Guardian Newspaper in 1858 for the purpose of forming a Volunteer Fire Brigade to operate the fire vehicle they had recently received from England.  

    From that meeting, Portland Fire Brigade has been operating in many iterations and is now a co-located brigade with Fire Rescue Victoria.  

    Portland Captain Ian Hamley who has been involved with the brigade since 2010 said the night was a memorable tribute to the commitment and courage showed by all members past and present.  

    “From early days when horse and carts were used, to having a fleet of specialised firefighting vehicles, our purpose of serving the community has remained at the heart of what we do,” Ian said. 

    “The brigade has been an integral part of the local community since 1858, and we hope it continues to remain that way for generations to come.”  

    The brigade attends approximately 150 support calls annually and has been at the frontline of many major emergencies including the 2014 Grampians fires, 2014 Mt Clay fires and the 2015 Awassi Express fire. 

    Throughout their service, Portland brigade has encountered many challenges on the fireground, with the passing of 4th Lieutenant Garry Mallen a particularly devastating loss.  

    The crew were responding to a shed fire on 30 January 2024 when Lieutenant Mallen collapsed while fighting the fire. Three CFA members on scene were quick into action, undertaking CPR until the arrival of paramedics.  

    Unfortunately, Lieutenant Mallen was unable to be revived despite their efforts.  

    Portland 1st Lieutenant Adam Hermelin, who was on scene said it was one of the most confronting and emotional incidents he has faced.  

    “We learn first aid training hoping we never have to use it,” Adam said. 

    “To use it for the first time on a well-respected colleague was quite an unreal experience.”  

    “Garry was a prominent member here at Portland. He put his hand up for anything, was a great trainer and was always good for a laugh.”  

    The composure and professionalism shown by firefighters Adam Hermelin, Ryan Delony and John Wolf was awarded with a Unit Citation for Courage from Chief Officer Jason Heffernan on Saturday. 

    “It’s nice to be recognised for our efforts that day, but we simply did what anyone else in our shoes would have done that day,” Adam said.  

    Looking to the future, Ian says the brigade are always looking for new volunteers.  

    “If you’re thinking about joining, everyone is more than welcome to come take a look around the station and learn about the different roles available.” 

    • Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and Unit Citation for Courage recipients with Katie Robins and Justin Mallen (Garry Mallen’s children)
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: TdA leader charged with terrorism and nationwide stolen vehicle scheme among those announced as part of Operation Take Back America efforts

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    HOUSTON – A total of 202 cases have been filed from June 20-26 in border-security and other related matters in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    The filed cases include seven involving human smuggling. A total of 125 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 65 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes, sexual assault and more. Other relevant cases charged this week relate to immigration crimes, firearms and illegal exportation of stolen vehicles.

    Among those newly charged are two Cuban nationals allegedly involved in a nationwide multimillion-dollar auto theft ring. Sadiel Noa-Aguila and Miguel Baez-Echevarria are allegedly part of a large ring linked to numerous vehicle thefts, primarily from major metropolitan airports and surrounding areas including Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Texas cities including Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. Several vehicles were allegedly exported to Mexico through ports of entry in Hidalgo County and El Paso. The charges allege the organization stole vehicles worth millions of dollars in total.

    Others facing charges include several Mexican nationals who allegedly illegally reentered the country this week, including Juan Lopez who had just been removed June 2. He has a previous conviction of evading arrest and had been sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to the criminal complaint. Charges also allege Hugo Perez-Garza and Ventura De Jesus Sandoval-Torres have previous convictions for trafficking marijuana and alien smuggling, respectively, and had been previously removed, but authorities found them in the Pharr area. Discovered near Hidalgo was Jesus Jaime Saavedra-Orozco, a convicted felon for aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced t0 18 years before his removal, according to the allegations. They all face up to 20 years in prison. 

    Also announced this week was a known Tren de Aragua (TdA) leader added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Giovanni Vincente Mosquera Serrano aka El Viejo is charged along with Jose Enrique Martinez Flores aka Chuqui with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization – TdA – as well as conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the United States. Both are Venezuelan nationals and high ranking TdA members, according to the allegations. If convicted, both face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine. There is a $3 million reward for information leading to Serrano’s arrest and/or conviction. 

    “Transnational criminal gangs and cartels have preyed upon Americans for far too long,” said Ganjei. “That ends now. The Southern District of Texas is committed to smashing these criminal terror groups and will use every available legal tool to do so. It doesn’t matter if you are hiding a continent away; if you hurt U.S. citizens, we will find you and bring you to justice. This is what Operation Take Back America looks like.” 

    In Laredo, a Mexican citizen with a B1/B2 visa was sentenced for transportation of child pornography. Martin Alonso Diaz-Lopez received 180 months. At the hearing, the court held him accountable for 66,489 images and noted that not only was he receiving, but also sharing the photos online and bringing them into the United States. Many of the images and videos he possessed were of very young children and toddlers being raped. Authorities had linked his email from a visa application to that of a known user sharing material online and ultimately apprehended him upon his arrival at the Lincoln-Juarez Port of Entry in Laredo applying for admission into the United States. 

    Mexican national Jesus Hernandez-Herrera received a 66 month-term of imprisonment for unlawfully reentering the country and human smuggling after crashing during a high-speed chase. He had been transporting illegal aliens in a Ford Expedition before fleeing authorities and weaving in and out of heavy traffic with speeds reaching 95 miles per hour. At his sentencing, the court heard additional evidence that described his criminal history, including another evading arrest in which he drove his car towards a federal agent and almost collided with a pedestrian. He also has five previous removals from the United States.  

    Another illegal alien learned his sentence for trafficking over $1 million in cocaine. Miguel Angel Reyes-Sanchez received 57 months in federal prison. During the investigation and operations, authorities seized over 50 kilograms of cocaine. At the sentencing, the court heard additional evidence that described Reyes-Sanchez’s role in the drug trafficking organization and that he was involved in multiple transactions.  

    In Houston, a Honduran national received his sentence for illegally reentering the United States. Denis Hernandez-Cruz was ordered to serve 60 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted he needed a substantial sentence to deter him from illegally reentering again. Hernandez-Cruz has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as two convictions for burglary of a habitation. He has three prior removals from the United States, most recently in April 2020.

    Angel Zavaleta-Rodriguez, an illegal alien from El Trapiche, Guerrero, Mexico, pleaded guilty in Brownsville federal court to illegal reentry into the United States. He had been removed from the United States in August 2000 and had previously returned illegally. Authorities removed him again Nov. 13, 2023, but encountered him March 25 in Harlingen. Zavaleta-Rodriguez had been residing in Sebastian illegally. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.  

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas U.S Attorney’s Office Files 253 New Immigration Cases This Week

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 253 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from June 20 through 26.

    Among the new cases, U.S. citizen Justin Joel Knight was arrested near Carrizo Springs on June 19 for conspiring to transport an illegal alien further into the United States. A criminal complaint alleges Knight underwent an immigration inspection at the Highway 277 Border Patrol checkpoint, during which an illegal alien was found inside the toolbox located in the bed of Knight’s pickup truck. The illegal alien who Knight was allegedly transporting was Honduran national Jose Alfredo Pena-Miranda. Pena-Miranda is charged with illegal re-entry and was previously deported twice, most recently to Honduras in May 2019 through Valley International Airport. In 2014, he was convicted of aggravated robbery and sentenced to five years confinement.

    Mexican national David Lopez-Bartolo was arrested by U. S. Border Patrol agents near Maverick for being an alien illegally present in the U.S. Immigration records indicate Lopez-Bartolo was previously deported to Mexico on Feb. 4 through Laredo and has multiple prior convictions including criminal mischief, deadly conduct, driving under the influence, evading arrest, and family violence assault causing bodily injury.

    Honduran national Rigoberto Alvarado Escobar was also arrested for illegal re-entry charges near Maverick. He has been deported four times, the last one being to Honduras on July 29, 2024, through Alexandria, Louisiana. Alvarado Escobar’s criminal history includes several convictions in Kentucky for disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, assault and illegal re-entry.

    Mexican nationals Angel Arturo Barbosa-Morales and Miguel Angel Herrera Miranda were arrested in El Paso and charged with illegal re-entry. Barbosa-Morales has two prior removals, the last one being to Mexico on Aug. 11, 2022, and has prior convictions for aggravated assault and assaulting/resisting/obstructing. Herrera Miranda was previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico in July 2003. He was previously convicted for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

    Guatemalan national Juan Bautista Carrillo-Gomez was arrested for illegal re-entry in El Paso after being removed to Guatemala on May 20 through Harlingen. Carrillo-Gomez has an extensive criminal record that includes prior convictions for willful obstruction and battery.

    In San Antonio, a Honduran national was federally charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. A criminal complaint alleges Wilmer Vladimir Ruiz Ortega shot and paralyzed a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was working as a security guard at a bar. According to the complaint, the veteran security guard conducted a routine pat-down on Ruiz Ortega at the bar’s entrance when he located a pistol in the defendant’s pocket. A scuffle ensued and Ruiz Ortega allegedly shot the security guard three times, with one of the rounds hitting his neck and causing serious bodily injury. The complaint further alleges that Ruiz Ortega attempted to flee in a vehicle but was detained.

    In Austin, an Iranian national was arrested and charged with one count of failure to deport. Jamil Bahlouli had been ordered to report to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in 2024 following an illegal re-entry conviction. Bahlouli did not follow the order and appear but was found in Austin on June 25.

    Honduran national Abner Javier Torres-Maldonado was encountered in the Travis County Jail on Tuesday following an arrest by the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 2018, Torres-Maldonado was convicted for alien smuggling.

    Jose Luis Hernandez-Salinas, a Mexican national, was also encountered at the Travis County Jail with two prior removals. Additionally, Hernandez-Salinas has been previously convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal re-entry, and possession of a controlled substance.

    Mexican national Hermenegildo Prado-Perez was arrested in Waco by a U.S. Marshal and a Homeland Security Investigations special agent during a targeted enforcement action. He was charged with illegal re-entry after being previously removed from the U.S. in April 2024 through Laredo. Prado-Perez has a prior conviction for soliciting prostitution of a minor.

    Also in Waco, Guatemalan national Pablo David Cajti-Tzoy was arrested in Temple on June 21 after being encountered by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Waco Fugitive Operations Team. Cajti-Tzoy was not in possession of his I-94 when he was encountered by ICE officers. He also failed to notify the Attorney General in writing of his new address and address change within 10 days. Cajti-Tzoy pleaded guilty in federal court on June 24 and was sentenced to time-served.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police target anti-social road users ignoring rules

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Waitematā Police targeted boy racers and illegally modified vehicles during the past two weeks, as part of an operation focusing on disrupting anti-social road user behaviour.

    The operation, which took place on the Fridays and Saturdays between 19 and 28 June, succeeded with a string of results including more than 154 infringement notices issued, 10 vehicles impounded and 13 arrests.

    Waitematā District Road Policing Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Damian Albert, says the focus of the operation was not only on illegal and dangerous driving, but driver compliance around licensing and vehicle safety.

    “Altered seatbelts, suspension, exhausts, airbag modifications, window tints, lighting, tyres, and window stickers were just some of the vehicle faults we detected.”

    As well as targeting safety and compliance, officers carried out hundreds of traffic stops, resulting in arrests for drink driving, possession of drugs, breaching bail conditions and various other offences.

    Summons were also issued for driving while disqualified, sustained loss of traction and the serving of demerit suspension notices.

    A team of officers took part in the operation, sending a clear message to boy racers that anti-social and dangerous behaviour on roads won’t be tolerated.

    Senior Sergeant Albert says during the operation officers stopped a motorcycle seen travelling at speed on Lincoln Road.

    “The rider was signalled to stop, and enquiries revealed the rider owed more than $3000 in unpaid fines.”

    The motorcycle was seized by the Ministry of Justice who partnered with Police, and driving infringement notices were issued. 

    “We have a low level of tolerance towards all anti-social road user activity that causes extreme danger to road users and annoyance for our communities,” Senior Sergeant Albert says.

    “Police will continue the great work done during this operation by enforcing any illegal activities on our roads and ensuring all modified vehicles are compliant with legislation.”

    Preliminary results:

    • 154 infringement notices issued
    • 13 people arrested
    • 10 vehicles impounded
    • 45 green stickers
    • 7 pink stickers
    • 4 blue stickers
    • 299 vehicles stopped 

    Anyone that sees anti-social road user behaviour or suspicious activity around vehicles should call Police on 111 if it’s happening now, or you can file a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, or contact us via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

    ENDS.

    Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Investigation of alleged incidents in childcare centres

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    30/06/25

    A public health response has been stood up as part of the investigation of alleged incidents in childcare centres.

    The Department of Health is working closely with Victoria Police and other government agencies to provide information to those impacted, as well as the wider public.

    Please, see the Investigation of alleged incidents in childcare centres websiteExternal Link for the latest information.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Acceleware Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement of Units and Shares for Debt Transactions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a leading innovator of cutting-edge radio frequency (“RF”) power-to-heat technologies targeting process heat for critical minerals, amine regeneration (for carbon capture and other applications), and enhanced oil production, is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of units of the Company (the “Units”), at a price of $0.10 per Unit (the “Unit Price”), for gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 (the “Private Placement”).

    Details of the Private Placement

    Pursuant to the Private Placement, each Unit will consist of (i) one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (a “Common Share”); and (ii) one (1) Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (a “Warrant”). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one (1) Common Share at $0.20 for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issuance of the Warrant. In the event that the Common Shares trade at a closing price at or greater than $0.30 per Common Share for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days, Acceleware may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof, and in such case, the Warrants will expire on the thirtieth (30th) day after the date on which such notice is given by Acceleware.

    Details of the Shares for Debt Transactions

    In addition to the issuance of Units pursuant to the Private Placement, the Company intends to enter into certain shares for debt transactions to settle up to $300,000 in certain trade payables and interest payable on convertible debentures of the Company with Units (the “Shares for Debt Transactions”). The Units issued under the Shares for Debt Transactions are anticipated to be on the same terms as those issued under the Private Placement at a deemed price of $0.10 per Unit. Further details regarding the Shares for Debt Transactions will be provided in a subsequent news release in accordance with TSXV Policy 4.3 – Shares for Debt.

    Acceleware expects the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions to close on or about July 22, 2025 (the “Closing Date”).

    Acceleware intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions to fund a portion of the Company’s RF XL 2.0 redeployment plan, to advance commercialization of new RF heating applications, including critical minerals applications and amine regeneration applications including carbon capture, and for general corporate purposes.

    Completion of the Private Placement and Share for Debt Transactions are subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”). The TSXV has not approved the Unit Price and this remains subject to change. The Common Shares, Warrants and Common Shares underlying the Warrants will be subject to a four (4) month plus one day hold period in accordance with securities legislation.

    Acceleware expects certain insiders to participate in the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions, which will make the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). Acceleware intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 based on a determination that the fair market value of the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions, insofar as such transactions involve related parties, does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company.

    About Acceleware

    Acceleware is an advanced electromagnetic heating company with cutting-edge RF power-to-heat solutions for large industrial applications. The Company’s technologies provide an opportunity to electrify and decarbonize industrial process heat applications while reducing costs.

    The Company is working to use its patented and field proven Clean Tech Inverter to materially improve the efficiency of amine regeneration, and has partnered with a consortium of world-class potash partners seeking to decarbonize drying of potash ore and other critical minerals. Acceleware is actively developing other process heat applications and partnerships for RF heating.

    Acceleware’s RF XL is a patented low-cost, low-carbon RF thermal enhanced oil production technology for heavy oil that is materially different from any enhanced recovery technique used today.

    Acceleware is a public company listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “AXE”. 

    Cautionary Statements  
    This news release contains forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this release, such words as “will”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “expects” and similar expressions, as they relate to Acceleware, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Acceleware with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Acceleware’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance or achievement that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain information and statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, which reflects Acceleware’s current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to the closing of the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions, including the Unit Price, Closing Date, gross proceeds to be raised under the Private Placement, the amount of debt to be settled under the Shares for Debt Transactions and the use of proceeds under the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions; the receipt of applicable approvals and exemptions (including the Company’s board of directors, shareholders, and regulatory approvals including approval of the TSXV) relating to the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transaction, the statutory hold periods applicable to the Units and; the anticipated participation by insiders in the Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transactions.  

    Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to:, the availability of investment capital and other funding; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for technology and project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing and adopting new technologies; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; change in demand for technologies to be offered by the Company; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities and/or shareholders, as applicable; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. For a more fulsome list of risk factors please see the Company’s December 31, 2024, year-end Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 

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

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

    This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States. 

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. 

    For more information: 

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trauma is carried in your DNA. But science reveals a more complicated story

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara-Lyn Camilleri, Postdoctoral researcher of transgenerational effects, Monash University

    Radu Bercan/Shutterstock

    As war continues to rage in Gaza and Ukraine, there is concern about how the related trauma might be transmitted to future generations of people in those regions.

    More generally, interest in the idea of transgenerational trauma has recently surged. For example, earlier this year, National Geographic magazine asked whether genes carry past family trauma.

    But while this might be a catchy question, it’s also slightly misleading. Because while trauma can ripple across generations, shaped by how our bodies respond to their environments, its effects aren’t hard-coded in our genes.

    Plastic minds and bodies

    At the heart of this process is what’s known as phenotypic plasticity.

    This is the capacity for organisms to produce different outcomes from the same genes, depending on their environment. These outcomes, called phenotypes, can include stress sensitivity and body shape.

    One way different phenotypes can arise from the same genes is via epigenetics: small chemical changes to the DNA molecule that make particular genes more or less active. Think of these like a director’s notes on a script. These notes guide the cell on which lines to emphasise or soften, without changing the script itself.

    But epigenetics is just one way this plasticity is expressed.

    Understanding how trauma is passed across generations means looking beyond genes and cells to the environments that shape and influence them.

    Human development is sculpted by lived experience, from caregiving and community to stress, safety and belonging.

    These factors interact to produce lasting – but not always fixed – effects. By focusing on how they interact, rather than on single causes, we can better understand why trauma echoes across generations. This also helps us identify how that cycle might be disrupted.

    Widespread in nature

    Phenotypic plasticity is widespread in nature.

    In honeybees, genetically identical larvae become queens or workers depending on what they eat while developing. In three-spined stickleback fish, early exposure to predators reshapes their stress physiology and body shape, making them harder for predators to grasp.

    These aren’t genetic differences – they’re environmental effects on development.

    In humans, early-life conditions similarly shape development. A child raised in an unsafe setting may develop heightened vigilance or stress sensitivity – traits that help in danger but can persist as anxiety or chronic stress in times of safety. This is known as environmental mismatch.

    Across generations, plasticity becomes more complicated. In some of my past research, I studied how diet in one generation of fruit flies shaped health, reproduction and longevity in their offspring and grand offspring.

    The results varied depending on diet, generation and trait. Traits that appeared to be useful in one generation weren’t always so in the next. This highlights how difficult transgenerational effects are to predict – precisely because of this plasticity.

    In three-spined stickleback fish, early exposure to predators reshapes their stress physiology and body shape.
    drakiragavon/iNaturalist, CC BY-ND

    Too narrow an explanation

    Epigenetics often reflect environmental exposures – such as stress, trauma, nutrition or caregiving. But they’re not necessarily permanent “scars”. Many are dynamic and can shift with changing environments – especially early in life.

    Studies show that epigenetic patterns linked to early childhood adversity vary depending on later environments such as family stability and social support. This suggests the biological imprint of early stress is shaped by what happens next.

    It’s tempting to treat epigenetics as the key to explaining inherited trauma – but that’s too narrow. Trauma can influence the next generation through altered hormones, immune function or in utero conditions – all of which shape brain development and stress reactivity.

    Genetic variation also plays a major role. It doesn’t encode trauma itself, but it shapes traits such as sensitivity to threat or emotional regulation. These traits aren’t chosen – they arise from a web of biological and social influences beyond our control.

    But how they unfold, and whether they’re amplified or softened, depends on the systems that surround us.

    Connection to culture

    Connection to culture plays an important role too.

    In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori-led initiatives that centre land, language and whakapapa (ancestral lineage) have shown promise in restoring wellbeing after generations of colonisation-related trauma.

    For Holocaust survivors and descendants, connection to cultural identity through ritual and shared narrative can reduce the psychological burden of transmitted trauma.

    But not all trauma is collective or institutional. Interventions such as trauma-informed parenting and early relational therapies have been shown to improve outcomes in the next generation.

    These psychological supports affect biology. Feeling safe in our relationships, having stable routines and a sense of meaning can reduce stress hormones, modulate immune function, and buffer against long-term disease risk.

    In this way, culture, caregiving and connection are all biological interventions. When they soften the effects of earlier stress, they may help interrupt its transmission.

    Trauma-informed parenting has been shown to improve outcomes in the next generation.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    Reframing inherited vulnerability

    This matters, because it changes how we understand inherited vulnerability.

    Rather than a permanent wound passed down through DNA, the effects of trauma are better understood as changeable responses shaped by context.

    Thanks to plasticity, our biology is always in conversation with the environment – and when we change the context, we can change the outcome.

    Tara-Lyn Camilleri receives funding from from Australian Graduate Women, a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for education and supports women in postgraduate education with scholarships. Her research has also been supported by Australian Research Council grants and Royal Society funding. She is a volunteer committee member for Graduate Women Victoria.

    – ref. Trauma is carried in your DNA. But science reveals a more complicated story – https://theconversation.com/trauma-is-carried-in-your-dna-but-science-reveals-a-more-complicated-story-259057

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Coast Guard patrols waters around Huangyan Dao 2025-07-01 09:00:06 The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters off China’s Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas.

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

      BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters off China’s Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas.

      In a statement, the CCG said it has been continuously intensifying law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters off Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas in June, carrying out tracking and monitoring, verbal warnings, interception and expulsion operations in accordance with laws and regulations.

      The moves aimed to strengthen the management and control of relevant maritime areas, and firmly safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the CCG said. 

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s two carrier strike groups return to homeports 2025-07-01 08:52:55 China’s two carrier strike groups have recently returned to their home ports after a series of training operations and exercises in the Western Pacific, according to the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

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

      The carrier groups of the Liaoning and Shandong conduct far-sea combat training in recent days. The photo shows the groups carrying out an at-sea replenishment. [Photo by Wang Jian / for China Daily]

      China’s two carrier strike groups have recently returned to their home ports after a series of training operations and exercises in the Western Pacific, according to the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

      The Navy said in a news release on Monday afternoon that the two strike groups, led by the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong aircraft carriers, carried out “realistic and systemic” combat training and cooperated with other PLA branches to conduct mock battles.

      Units involved in the exercises performed early-warning, reconnaissance, air and missile defense, fighter deployments, assaults against sea targets and other maneuvers, the release said.

      During the dual-carrier mission, the strike groups explored and verified their tactics and also honed their crews’ skills, effectively improving the flotillas’ combat capabilities, it stated.

      According to the Navy, during the training session, the Chinese vessels had several encounters with foreign warships and aircraft that conducted close-in reconnaissance and surveillance. The groups maintained high alert and were always ready to respond to possible threats. They mobilized carrier-based fighters to establish security perimeters, handling various scenarios professionally and effectively.

      The exercise was the second time that both of the Navy’s carrier strike groups participated in an operation together. The first time was in October, when they conducted a joint combat exercise in the South China Sea.

      Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng, a spokesman for the Navy, said on June 10 in Beijing that the strike groups’ operations were “a part of routine training arrangements set by our annual work plan, and is intended for improving our units’ ability to fulfill their duties. It is in line with the international law and common practice by other navies, and is not targeted at any specific nation or objective”.

      Currently, the Navy operates two aircraft carriers — the CNS Liaoning and the CNS Shandong. Both have a standard displacement of around 50,000 metric tons and a conventional propulsion system, and they use a ski jump system to launch their J-15 fighter jets.

      The country has built a third aircraft carrier — the CNS Fujian, which is the largest and mightiest warship any Asian nation has ever built. It is also the world’s largest non-American aircraft carrier.

      Carrier-based fighter jets take off during far-sea combat training recently conducted by the Chinese navy’s Liaoning and Shandong carrier groups. [Photo by Wang Yuanlin / for China Daily]

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –