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Category: Transport

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

    Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care.

    But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair treatment during pregnancy and birth. This can include racism, neglecting cultural aspects of their care, or using health care poorly designed to accommodate their needs.

    We found similar themes in research involving more than 1,400 Indigenous women, Elders, fathers, family members and health workers from locations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Greenland and Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).

    Many Indigenous families felt disrespected. They said hospital staff often didn’t understand their cultures or give them basic rights during their maternity care, such as being listened to, included in decision-making, or giving informed consent.

    As a result, some families felt hesitant to seek care in mainstream hospitals. As one Indigenous woman told us during recent Australian research submitted for publication:

    I’m dreading birthing in such a system.

    But there are alternatives.

    What can hospitals do?

    There is a clear need to improve birthing services and cultural safety in mainstream hospitals with a focus on respecting the beliefs, practices and traditions of all families, including Indigenous ones.

    For example, many Indigenous families view childbirth as a communal event with extended family support. But hospital policies that limit the number of support people often disregard these important cultural practices.

    Indigenous families also need to get the type of health care they trust and feel comfortable with. Ideally this might involve staff with sound cultural knowledge and who can support families clinically in a culturally safe way.

    Aboriginal patient liaison officers are sometimes available in hospitals or health services. But there are not often enough, they have to service entire facilities, and they provide cultural support not clinical patient care.

    Indigenous families may also want to access a specific type of care. One example is “continuity of care”, where the same midwife or a small team of midwives, supports the family through the whole pregnancy. Ideally, these midwives should be Indigenous or, if not, be trained in supporting Indigenous families with respect and understanding.

    What is ‘birthing on Country’?

    For Indigenous women living in rural and remote areas, being sent away from home to give birth in a city hospital can be really hard.

    Sometimes women and families are evacuated from their home communities and have to stay for weeks or months in temporary accommodation in the city, both before and after birth, or if their baby is born pre-term and needs extra care. This temporary accommodation can be far from the hospital.

    All this takes place in unknown cities and towns, without family support, and sometimes away from their other children cared for by the community back home.

    This makes it harder for mums who need extra support, and can get in the way of starting breastfeeding and bonding with their baby.

    Again, there is an alternative. For many Indigenous families, giving birth is not just about having a baby. It’s also a spiritual and cultural event that strengthens their identity and connection to Country. A “birthing on Country” model of care, which respects Indigenous traditions and knowledge, reinforces that.

    This is midwife-led care designed for and with Indigenous communities. It doesn’t mean you have to birth in rural and remote spaces, but it is a model of care that focuses on culture, and can also be implemented in the city.

    Ideally, families would see the same midwife or team of midwives and use the “birthing on Country” model.

    What else can we do?

    Maternity services can be led by Indigenous people, which many women prefer. But Indigenous staff make up about 3.1% of the Australian health workforce.

    So it is crucial to engage non-Indigenous staff in building relationships and to support Indigenous families in their right to receive culturally safe care.

    This can start with better training for staff, not only to understand and respond to an Indigenous person’s individual needs, but to know when and how to speak up, call out or report racist or disrespectful behaviour.

    This is everyone’s problem

    A health system you can trust should be safe for everyone. If some people feel unsafe or face discrimination when getting care, this not only affects them, it affects everyone.

    For instance, when Indigenous women avoid or delay going to the hospital because of past bad experiences or discrimination, it can lead to health problems that could have been prevented.

    This not only harms the women, it puts more pressure on the public health system, which affects us all.

    By talking about these issues, we hope all Australians begin to care about the safety of all women during pregnancy and birth.

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

    – ref. ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead – https://theconversation.com/im-dreading-birthing-in-such-a-system-what-indigenous-women-globally-think-of-birth-care-and-what-theyd-like-to-see-instead-256877

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia

    towfiqu ahamed/Getty Images

    When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”.

    What exactly is it, is it toxic, and can you use it for anything?

    The importance of desiccants

    That little sachet is a desiccant – a type of material that removes excess moisture from the air.

    It’s important during the transport and storage of a wide range of products because we can’t always control the environment. Humid conditions can cause damage through corrosion, decay, the growth of mould and microorganisms.

    This is why manufacturers include sachets with desiccants to make sure you receive the goods in pristine condition.

    The most common desiccant is silica gel. The small, hard and translucent beads are made of silicon dioxide (like most sands or quartz) – a hydrophilic or water-loving material. Importantly, the beads are porous on the nano-scale, with pore sizes only 15 times larger than the radius of their atoms.

    Silica gel looks somewhat like a sponge when viewed with scanning electron microscopy.
    Trabelsi et al. (2009), CC BY-NC-ND

    These pores have a capillary effect, meaning they condense and draw moisture into the bead similar to how trees transport water through the channelled structures in wood.

    In addition, sponge-like porosity makes their surface area very large. A single gram of silica gel can have an area of up to 700 square metres – almost four tennis courts – making them exceptionally efficient at capturing and storing water.

    Is silica gel toxic?

    The “do not eat” warning is easily the most prominent text on silica gel sachets.

    According to health professionals, most silica beads found in these sachets are non-toxic and don’t present the same risk as silica dust, for example. They mainly pose a choking hazard, which is good enough reason to keep them away from children and pets.

    However, if silica gel is accidentally ingested, it’s still recommended to contact health professionals to determine the best course of action.

    Some variants of silica gel contain a moisture-sensitive dye. One particular variant, based on cobalt chloride, is blue when the desiccant is dry and turns pink when saturated with moisture. While the dye is toxic, in desiccant pellets it is present only in a small amount – approximately 1% of the total weight.

    Indicating silica gel with cobalt chloride – ‘fresh’ on the left, ‘used’ on the right.
    Reza Rio/Shutterstock

    Desiccants come in other forms, too

    Apart from silica gel, a number of other materials are used as moisture absorbers and desiccants. These are zeolites, activated alumina and activated carbon – materials engineered to be highly porous.

    Another desiccant type you’ll often see in moisture absorbers for larger areas like pantries or wardrobes is calcium chloride. It typically comes in a box filled with powder or crystals found in most hardware stores, and is a type of salt.

    Kitchen salt – sodium chloride – attracts water and easily becomes lumpy. Calcium chloride works in the same way, but has an even stronger hygroscopic effect and “traps” the water through a hydration reaction. Once the salt is saturated, you’ll see liquid separating in the container.

    Closet and pantry dehumidifiers like this one typically contain calcium chloride which binds water.
    Healthy Happy/Shutterstock

    I found something that doesn’t seem to be silica gel – what is it?

    Some food items such as tortilla wraps, noodles, beef jerky, and some medicines and vitamins contain slightly different sachets, labelled “oxygen absorbers”.

    These small packets don’t contain desiccants. Instead, they have chemical compounds that “scavenge” or bond oxygen.

    Their purpose is similar to desiccants – they extend the shelf life of food products and sensitive chemicals such as medicines. But they do so by directly preventing oxidation. When some foods are exposed to oxygen, their chemical composition changes and can lead to decay (apples turning brown when cut is an example of oxidation).

    There is a whole range of compounds used as oxygen absorbers. These chemicals have a stronger affinity to oxygen than the protected substance. They range from simple compounds such as iron which “rusts” by using up oxygen, to more complex such as plastic films that work when exposed to light.

    Some of the sachets in your products are oxygen absorbers, not desiccants – but they may look similar.
    Sergio Yoneda/Shutterstock

    Can I reuse a desiccant?

    Although desiccants and dehumidifiers are considered disposable, you can relatively easily reuse them.

    To “recharge” or dehydrate silica gel, you can place it in an oven at approximately 115–125°C for 2–3 hours, although you shouldn’t do this if it’s in a plastic sachet that could melt in the heat.

    Interestingly, due to how they bind water, some desiccants require temperatures well above the boiling point of water to dehydrate (for example, calcium chloride hydrates completely dehydrate at 200°C).

    After dehydration, silica gel sachets may be useful for drying small electronic items (like your phone after you accidentally dropped it into water), keeping your camera dry, or preventing your family photos and old films from sticking to each other.

    This is a good alternative to the questionable method of using uncooked rice, as silica gel doesn’t decompose and won’t leave starch residues on your things.

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

    – ref. ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work? – https://theconversation.com/do-not-eat-whats-in-those-little-desiccant-sachets-and-how-do-they-work-258398

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Majority Witnesses from PSI Hearing Submit Hundreds of Studies, Thousands of Citations Documenting COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    Minority witness submits 19 pro-COVID-19 vaccine citations after official hearing record closed 

    WASHINGTON – On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the official record closed for the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations’ hearing entitled, “The Corruption of Science and Federal Health Agencies: How Health Officials Downplayed and Hid Myocarditis and Other Adverse Events Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccines.” Prior to its closure, the Majority’s witnesses submitted hundreds of documents — including peer-reviewed studies — and thousands of citations about COVID-19 vaccine adverse events to accompany their testimonies. These records provide substantial support for the witnesses’ claims regarding the serious health risks associated with the COVID-19 vaccines. 

    At the Subcommittee’s May 21, 2025 hearing, Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) released a Majority staff interim report and over 2,400 pages of records detailing the failure of Biden health officials to properly warn the public of the risks of myocarditis and related heart inflammation conditions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The hearing featured testimony from Dr. Peter McCullough, Dr. Jordan Vaughn, Dr. James Thorp, Dr. Joel Wallskog, and Mr. Aaron Siri, all of whom were invited by Chairman Johnson to speak about COVID-19 vaccine adverse events.

    “Any of you who have cited some study or some opinion back it up, and we’ll include it in the hearing record. We’ll have this hearing record [] stay open for 15 days. So, I’m really encouraging people, send me that science,” Chairman Johnson stated to all witnesses at the hearing.

    Later, Chairman Johnson told Hawaii Governor Josh Green, the Minority’s witness at the hearing, “I’m begging you, please provide the studies, the citations that prove that the injection actually reduced severity of symptoms, prevented deaths. Give us those studies, so we can throw those into the hearing record and compare them to other studies[.]” Governor Green responded, “It will not be difficult, Senator, there’s so many.”

    In addition to the 33 pages Governor Green enclosed in his written statement for the hearing, Governor Green submitted 19 links to studies and articles to support his claims about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. The governor’s submission to the record was made one week after the hearing record officially closed.   

    Chairman Johnson allowed Governor Green’s late submission to be included in the official record so that the public can compare the evidence that the governor presented in support of the COVID-19 vaccines to the multitude of documentation indicating the clear health risks associated with the injections.

    Documents and citations that the Majority’s witnesses entered into the record can be viewed here. Governor Green’s submission to the record can be viewed here.

    A video showing Chairman Johnson asking witnesses for citations can be viewed here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Devastate Local Public Radio, TV Stations Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Rescissions package that Senate Republicans are debating—and House Republicans passed—would rescind every dollar of federal support for 1500+ local public radio and TV stations nationwide 

    Sweeping cuts would hit rural stations hardest, force layoffs nationwide, and even jeopardize lifesaving emergency alerts people count on 

    Washington, D.C. – Ahead of a hearing on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescissions request with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how the request to zero out $1.1 billion in funding Congress has already appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) would hurt communities nationwide who count on the programming offered by the over 1500+ public radio and TV stations the funding supports.

    1500+ STATIONS ACROSS AMERICA SET TO LOSE CRITICAL SUPPORT IF PACKAGE PASSES 

     [Full map and CPB data available here] 

    The rescissions package requested by President Trump that the House of Representatives passed in full earlier this month would rescind two years of advance funding Congress has provided for CPB to support public media in fiscal years 2026 and 2027—ripping away support that over 1500 public radio and TV stations all over the country rely on to keep broadcasts on air and deliver impartial news and critical updates that people count on every day.  

    For 50+ years, Congress has provided advance appropriations for CPB to help insulate stations’ programming decisions from politics—and to provide them with the certainty they need to keep the lights on. 

    ALL 50 STATES TO LOSE OUT SIGNIFICANTLY 

    Every state in the country is set to lose critical funding for local public radio and TV stations if the CPB funding is rescinded.  

    FUNDING ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK 

    State  Funding 
    Alabama  $5,408,997  
    Alaska  $12,023,34  
    Arizona  $7,424,661  
    Arkansas  $3,187,528  
    California  $57,105,735 
    Colorado  $7,655,017  
    Connecticut  $3,017,018  
    Delaware  $133,048  
    District of Columbia  $18,275,757 
    Florida  $24,944,99  
    Georgia  $6,558,857  
    Hawaii  $4,292,969  
    Idaho  $3,341,916  
    Illinois  $12,818,816 
    Indiana  $9,388,508  
    Iowa  $4,723,772  
    Kansas  $3,989,434  
    Kentucky  $6,627,021  
    Louisiana  $6,530,752  
    Maine  $2,895,498  
    Maryland  $6,357,641  
    Massachusetts  $22,549,33  
    Michigan  $11,818,761  
    Minnesota  $17,228,752 
    Mississippi  $2,824,520  
    Missouri  $8,677,805  
    Montana  $2,837,807  
    Nebraska  $6,297,290  
    Nevada  $3,881,471  
    New Hampshire  $1,795,240  
    New Jersey  $2,282,024  
    New Mexico  $5,841,697  
    New York  $42,556,210  
    North Carolina  $8,236,216  
    North Dakota  $2,564,579  
    Ohio  $13,341,101  
    Oklahoma  $3,485,600  
    Oregon  $7,468,534  
    Pennsylvania  $14,492,945  
    Rhode Island  $1,082,244  
    South Carolina  $3,488,714  
    South Dakota  $3,038,524  
    Tennessee  $7,365,199  
    Texas  $17,719,507  
    Utah  $7,103,835  
    Vermont  $2,043,510  
    Virginia  $99,465,449  
    Washington  $10,106,644  
    West Virginia  $1,790,242  
    Wisconsin  $8,498,812  
    Wyoming  $1,870,865 

    The totals above detail the funding each state received in fiscal year 2024—the latest full year of data available. [CPB DATA] 

    LIFESAVING EMERGENCY ALERTS IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY 

    When disasters and other threats strike, public radio and TV stations nationwide not only provide critical updates to those affected who may be cut off from other communications channels, they also play an instrumental role in delivering emergency alerts. 

    Since 2013, public TV stations have helped the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system deliver emergency alerts to people’s cell phones via the stations’ own transmitters when cell companies’ connections fail. In 2024, over 11,000 alerts were issued by federal, state, and local authorities via the PBS WARN system. 

    Similarly, the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS), which is managed by NPR, helps send presidential emergency alerts to local public radio stations nationwide—allowing critical communications to reach people, even when the internet or cellular connections fail.  

    Here are just a few recent examples of how CPB-funded stations and systems have helped disaster survivors: 

    • When wildfires ravaged southern California earlier this year, public media stations provided real-time updates and information to over 18 million people—and issued 100+ geo-targeted Wireless Emergency Alerts, like fire weather warnings, evacuation warnings and orders, and curfew notices. 
    • When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, one local public radio station provided essential real-time updates and news as internet and cell services were down. 
    • When severe floods swept across central and eastern Kentucky this year—causing people to lose power and internet connections—local public radio let people know the latest weather reports, evacuation orders, where to take shelter, and how to apply for aid. 

    Zeroing out all CPB funding will seriously jeopardize stations’ ability to continue serving critical, lifesaving alerts and cut resources specifically provided to maintain and strengthen these emergency alert systems. 

    RURAL COMMUNITIES HIT HARDEST 

    Nearly half of all CPB grantees serve rural communities—and these rural stations are disproportionately reliant on CPB funding to keep their broadcast on air. Federal funding supports an average of 17% of rural stations’ revenue versus 9% for non-rural stations.  

    In total, 120 rural stations rely on federal funding for at least 25% of their revenue—and over 30 stations count on it for at least half. Some stations in the most remote parts of the country depend on federal support for even more of their revenue and could be forced to immediately shut down operations if CPB is defunded. 

    If this support is ripped away, stations will be forced to cut back on programming, lay off staff, and even take their broadcasts off the air.  

    “Should the Senate go along with the House and claw back this funding,

    we’re going to see probably a third of our public radio stations go dark.” 

    — Ed Ulman, CEO of Alaska Public Media 

    “We are in a rural area, so a lot of areas don’t have cellphone service.  

    A lot of people do rely on the radio to get much of their information.”  

    — Station Manager at KGVA 88.1 in Montana 

    EDUCATIONAL TOOLS FOR KIDS DEFUNDED 

    Rescinding all CPB funding would rip away federal investments in all manner of educational programming for kids. CPB grants support local programming across the country to educate young Americans about civics, provide educational tools and programming, and much more. Rescinding the funding would also cut off all federal support for PBS LearningMedia, a free digital learning website accessed by more than 1.4 million users each month, which supports teachers and helps students learn and understand new and complex concepts. 

    AMERICANS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT THIS FUNDING 

    A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that by a two-to-one margin, the American people overwhelmingly favor continuing federal funding for NPR and PBS, which receive support via CPB grants.  

    CUTTING THIS SUPPORT WILL DO NOTHING TO TACKLE OUR NATIONAL DEBT 

    Eliminating support for these stations will do next to nothing to address our annual deficit or growing national debt. The $1.1 billion Congress has already provided for two years of funding for public media represents less than 0.16% of all federal spending in fiscal year 2025 alone.  

    If President Trump and congressional Republicans want to tackle the deficit and our national debt, they can start by not passing their so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which will add $4 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Move to improve: Exercise eases depression and anxiety in kids

    Source:

    26 June 2025

    With more than three-quarters of children and teens experiencing depression or anxiety, parents are desperate for effective solutions. Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that something as simple as regular exercise could be a powerful intervention to support young people’s mental health.

    In the largest meta-meta-analysis of 375 clinical trials involving more than 38,000 young people, UniSA researchers found that when children took part in structured exercise programs, their symptoms of depression and anxiety improved. Specifically, the study found that:

    • Anxiety improved most through low-intensity, resistance exercises, such as light weights or gentle circuit activities.
    • Depression improved most through moderate-intensity, mixed-mode and resistance training, including circuits that combine aerobic and strength programs, particularly in programs lasting less than three months.

    The biggest improvements in depression symptoms occurred in programs lasting fewer than 12 weeks, suggesting that benefits can emerge relatively quickly – especially for children aged 12 and over.

    No significant differences were seen among the frequency of exercise sessions per week.

    Children with depression and ADHD also showed the greatest improvements from exercise.

    Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Ben Singh says the findings present parents with a non-invasive, low-cost solution to combat poor mental health in kids.

    “Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health issues affecting children and teenagers worldwide,” Dr Ben Singh says.

    “Evidence-based treatment guidelines often recommend cognitive behaviour therapy and antidepressants as first-line interventions, yet 40-60% of children don’t receive treatment or fail to gain sufficient benefits, so we clearly need alternatives.

    “Exercise is a low-cost, widely accessible strategy that could make a real difference to children’s mental health. And while people know that exercise is generally good for your health and wellbeing, there is little evidence that shows how exercise works for kids nor the types of exercise that might work better than others.

    “Our study draws together global evidence to show that gentle, light-intensity exercise is highly effective in reducing anxiety in children and teens, while medium-intensity programs that combine resistance and aerobic training – like circuits with weights – can counteract depression.

    “Importantly, it demonstrates how exercise is an effective, accessible, lifestyle intervention that can immediately improve mental health issues in children, without first defaulting to medicines.”

    Senior researcher, UniSA’s Prof Carol Maher says the findings reiterate the importance of exercise for mental health.

    “Exercise should be a core part of mental health care for children and teens, whether at school, in the community, or clinical settings,” Prof Maher says.

    “Short, structured programs that include strength training or a mix of activities seem especially promising, but simply exercising, even for short amounts of time will deliver benefits.

    “And for parents, rest assured – you certainly don’t need to fork out money for a gym membership or training program; play-based activities, games, and sport are all valuable forms of movement that can support mental wellbeing.

    “The key message is simple: get active and keep active. Even short bursts of movement can make a real difference to a child’s mental health and wellbeing – especially for those who are struggling”.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview:  Dr Ben Singh E: Ben.Singh@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Jewel thieves busted after offloading loot

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A pair of alleged burglars discovered there is no distance Police won’t cover when it comes to holding people accountable for their crimes.

    Auckland Central Police have been investigating a burglary at a High Street jewellery store on 30 May.

    “Enquiries carried out by our staff revealed the alleged offenders used a rented vehicle to leave the scene,” Auckland City Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend says.

    “Further enquires carried out identified two individuals who reside in Ōpōtiki as being allegedly involved in the burglary.”

    With the offender’s identified, the Auckland Central Tactical Crime Unit were able to establish the property had been taken into pawn shops in Rotorua.

    “In total they have pawned 17 items of the stolen jewellery at a second-hand dealer, which we have been able to recover,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

    “It’s another great result in Auckland Central in holding retail crime to account.

    “We are sending a clear message that this type of brazen offending will not be tolerated.

    A man and woman were arrested in Ōpōtiki this week and are before the Whakatāne District Court.

    A 30-year-old female will appear on 1 July charged with receiving stolen property and being in a stolen vehicle.

    A 27-year-old male was remanded in custody to appear on 17 July, charged with the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and two counts of burglary.

    ENDS

    Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES NAMES 50 GLOBAL FINALISTS IN 2025 MAYORS CHALLENGE Including Lower Hutt

    Source: Bloomberg Philanthropies

    Finalists from 33 countries will receive $50,000 and support to test breakthrough ideas for improving life in cities – In January 2026, 25 winning cities will receive $1 million each to bring their idea to life.

    New York, NY – (June 25, 2025) – Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the 50 finalists of its latest Mayors Challenge, a competition to spur local government innovation that improves lives in cities around the world. The sixth Challenge elevates municipalities that have proposed the boldest ideas to bolster essential municipal services.

    From Boise to Belfast, Ansan to Addis Ababa, Toronto to Taipei, the 50 finalists, selected from more than 630 applications, hail from 33 countries and represent over 80 million residents. Their ideas aim to increase public transit ridership, lower household energy costs, expand urban green space, speed service response, strengthen sanitation, improve youth safety, safeguard water supply, and more.

    Each finalist city will receive $50,000 to prototype their idea. They will also participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in July to hone and test their concepts with feedback from experts and fellow peers. In January 2026, the 25 city halls with the most promising ideas will each be awarded $1 million and operational assistance to bring their proposals to life.

    “Local government is where people meet policy—and where government improves lives and builds trust,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “That’s why municipal innovation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about solving hard problems under pressure, often with imperfect tools and finite resources. These Mayors Challenge finalists stand out because they’re not just thinking creatively—they’re designing solutions that reckon with the complexity of implementation and the urgency of their residents’ needs. Their proposals reflect a new standard for public sector achievement: ambitious, yes, but also grounded, disciplined, and ripe for real impact.”

    The 630 ideas submitted to the Mayors Challenge reflect some of the greatest public service challenges facing cities today—as well as the creativity that animates local governments across the globe. A third of U.S. and Canada applicants, for example, devised solutions addressing housing and shelter. Nearly half of the applicants from Africa proposed upgrades to waste collection and management. One out of five applicants from the Asia-Pacific region focused on cleaner water, air, and infrastructure, and 22 percent of European applicants sought ways to reduce poverty or enhance social inclusion.

    The 50 finalist ideas were selected for their originality, potential for impact, and credible vision for delivery. Artificial intelligence was featured in the plans of a number of finalists, including South Bend, Indiana, which envisioned a cutting-edge 311 system that anticipates complaints for non-emergency issues, such as potholes, allowing officials to address problems before a resident report. More analog innovations also rose to the top: In Yonkers, New York, city officials proposed a powerful new hyper-local civic brigade to help older neighbors age happily and healthfully in place.

    The 50 finalist cities are:

    • Abha, Saudi Arabia
    • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    • Ansan, South Korea
    • As-Salt, Jordan
    • Barcelona, Spain
    • Beaverton, U.S
    • Beira, Mozambique
    • Belfast, United Kingdom
    • Benin City, Nigeria
    • Boise, U.S.
    • Boston, U.S.
    • Budapest, Hungary
    • Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
    • Cape Town, South Africa
    • Cartagena, Colombia
    • Cauayan, Philippines
    • Choma, Zambia
    • Cuenca, Ecuador
    • Detroit, U.S.
    • Fez, Morocco
    • Fukuoka, Japan
    • Ghaziabad, India
    • Ghent, Belgium
    • Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, India
    • Helsinki, Finland
    • Honolulu, U.S.
    • Kanifing, Gambia
    • Kyiv, Ukraine
    • Lafayette, U.S.
    • Lower Hutt, New Zealand
    • Maceió, Brazil
    • Marseille, France
    • Medellín, Colombia
    • Mexico City, Mexico
    • Naga, Philippines
    • Ndola, Zambia
    • Netanya, Israel
    • Nouakchott, Mauritania
    • Pasig, Philippines
    • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • San Francisco, U.S.
    • Seattle, U.S.
    • Seoul, South Korea
    • Sialkot, Pakistan
    • South Bend, U.S.
    • Surabaya, Indonesia
    • Taipei, Taiwan
    • Toronto, Canada
    • Turku, Finland
    • Yonkers, U.S.

    In this round of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, more funding will be distributed and more cities will be assisted than in the previous five Challenges which each selected between five to 15 winners. 

    “Local government and mayors’ offices are the beating heart of innovation and change in our urban environments,” said Professor Lesley Lokko OBE, Founder and Chair of the African Futures Institute and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “It has been an honour to join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ advisory committee for the organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge, an initiative dedicated to empowering and supporting city makers around the world. I look forward to working with these 50 finalists as they advance in this extraordinary competition—strengthening their ideas which each represent the inventiveness citizens everywhere should expect from their governments—and the future of what municipal delivery has the power and potential to be.”

    “For more than a decade, Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided unprecedented support to drive local government innovation in cities across the country and around the world,” said Admiral Michael G. Mullen, President & CEO of MGM Consulting and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “The organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge will invest in the future of urban delivery from the ground floor of communities—and I am thrilled to join its advisory committee and work with these finalist cities on accelerating their ideas – from safeguarding water supply to carving out community spaces to integrating AI to improve student routes, and more.”

    The new Mayors Challenge builds on more than 10 years of work led by Bloomberg Philanthropies to discover, nurture, and drive innovation in cities. The awards to date across five previous rounds of competition have provided 38 winning cities with funding and technical assistance to realize their ideas for addressing civic issues. By supporting the replication of the most successful winning ideas, Bloomberg Philanthropies has expanded the impact of the Mayors Challenge to 337 other cities globally, reaching over 100 million residents around the world.

    “Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided invaluable support for cities to develop and implement innovative solutions that improve the lives of residents in ways they can feel,” said Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit, Michigan. “Detroit is honored to be among the 50 municipalities selected from over 630 applications for the organization’s Mayors Challenge. As a finalist, we will work with renowned experts and peers to advance our proposal to create a powerful, single entry that connects currently scattered information – such as inspection dates, taxes, and utilities – on all 400,000 Detroit properties to revolutionize how owners can access this vital information, as well as how our city plans and provides its most essential services.”

    “Seoul is honored to be selected as one of the 50 finalists for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge competition,” said Mayor Oh Se-hoon of Seoul, South Korea. “As a finalist, we will further our proposal to launch powerful educational campaigns and new support systems that will protect youth safety and prevent online child exploitation through the development of an AI-based mobile app that detects risks and alerts parents – while working alongside other cities to set a new standard for the future of urban policy.”

    “City halls deliver the most fundamental public services—from reliable public transport to affordable housing, clean water, sustainable environments, emergency response, and more,” said Mayor Gergely Karácsony of Budapest, Hungary. “Recognizing their potential and reach, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge rewards and equips those with the most inventive ideas to lead transformations of the essential programs their communities rely on. We are honored that Budapest is one of the 50 finalists selected to further our idea to build a city-run food processing plant that can turn surplus fruits and vegetables from local markets into nutritious meals for schools and senior homes.”

    “It is an honor to be selected as a finalist for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge,” said Mayor Sunita Dayal of Ghaziabad, India. “As we pursue our idea to improve our environment alongside bolstering our workforce – converting organic waste into white rooftop paint and compost to cool homes, green parks, and lower emissions while providing new job opportunities – we have a unique opportunity to incubate innovation that will move our communities forward.” 

    “Thank you to Bloomberg Philanthropies for seeing our vision to improve the quality of life for seniors across our city,” said Mayor Mike Spano of Yonkers, New York. “We are honored to be among 50 finalists selected for the prestigious global Mayors Challenge competition. As a finalist, we will look to create a fully sustainable model for community engagement – marshaling public and private partners as well as residents and students – coupled with innovative technology and tools to enable many more to age safely and gracefully in place.” 

    With the expansion of the Bloomberg Cities Idea Exchange, future Mayors Challenge-winning ideas and other locally led solutions supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies will have new potential to scale—serving as models and catalysts for how governments solve problems across the globe. 

    To learn more about the 50 finalist proposals, visit mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org

    About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
    Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org,

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PHOTO RELEASE: Secretary Noem Visits Costa Rica

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to Costa Rica to reinforce the importance of international cooperation in preventing violent criminal illegal aliens from entering the United States. During her visit, she met with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Joint Security Program Team, toured the Los Lagos Detention Center, and held discussions with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves.  

    On Tuesday, Secretary Noem met with members of CBP’s Joint Security Program Team, which operates in Costa Rica and makes significant contributions to bolstering border security efforts. The team, composed of CBP personnel and Costa Rican counterparts, works to enhance security measures at key border points and combat illicit activities such as smuggling and trafficking. At the meeting, Secretary Noem received a briefing on the team’s operations, including their use of advanced technology, intelligence-sharing protocols, and joint initiatives.  

    On Wednesday, Secretary Noem also toured the Los Lagos Detention Center and was briefed on Costa Rican authorities’ detainment of known or suspected terrorists. The tour provided insights into Costa Rica’s efforts to address illegal migration. Accompanied by Costa Rican officials, Noem observed the facility’s operations, including its infrastructure, security protocols, and detainee management practices.  

    On Wednesday, Secretary Noem also met with President Rodrigo Chaves Robles in San José to reaffirm the strong partnership between the United States and Costa Rica. The discussion focused on deepening bilateral ties through enhanced collaboration on security issues, including countering transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to joint initiatives promoting regional stability and prosperity. They explored opportunities to align policies and share resources to address shared challenges, such as strengthening border security while supporting lawful trade and travel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opens in Beijing 2025-06-26 08:44:38 Themed “Innovation, Cooperation, Development, Together for a Shared Future,” the event features discussions and exchanges on innovations in health services and administration, improvements in combat casualty care, and other topics.

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

      BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The sixth Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Military Medicine opened on Wednesday in Beijing, bringing together the heads of military health departments and medical experts from more than 20 countries, as well as representatives of five international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of Military Medicine.

      Themed “Innovation, Cooperation, Development, Together for a Shared Future,” the event features discussions and exchanges on innovations in health services and administration, improvements in combat casualty care, and other topics.

      The congress aims to enhance regional public health security capabilities, collaboratively promote pragmatic cooperation and innovative development in military medicine, and promote the construction of a global community of health for all.

      It also features exhibitions related to combat casualty care, training injury prevention, traditional medicine, and medical equipment.

      The medical equipment exhibition zone highlights dual-use technologies and equipment, while other sections make use of interactive demonstrations and immersive experiences to showcase the Chinese military’s medical capabilities and traditional medicine expertise. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Second phase of China’s largest offshore gas field goes operational

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

    An aerial drone photo taken in April, 2025 shows the Deep Sea No. 1 energy station, in south China’s island province of Hainan. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Wednesday the full operation of the second phase of its flagship gas field in the South China Sea, marking the completion of the country’s largest offshore natural gas development to date. The progress brings the gas field, named Shenhai Yihao or Deep Sea No. 1, to its designed production capacity of 4.5 billion cubic meters annually, according to CNOOC, the largest offshore oil and gas producer in China. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]

    BEIJING, June 25 — China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced Wednesday the full operation of the second phase of its flagship gas field in the South China Sea, marking the completion of the country’s largest offshore natural gas development to date.

    The progress brings the gas field, named Shenhai Yihao or Deep Sea No. 1, to its designed production capacity of 4.5 billion cubic meters annually, according to CNOOC, the largest offshore oil and gas producer in China.

    The gas field boasts proven geological reserves of over 150 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Production of phase-one project commenced in June 2021.

    Natural gas extracted from the field is transported to coastal terminals in Hong Kong, Sanya in Hainan, and Zhuhai in Guangdong, supplying key economic regions while integrating into the national gas pipeline network.

    The second phase of the project represents the country’s most challenging deepwater gas development so far, as it operates under the highest temperatures and pressures ever encountered in domestic offshore exploration. Additionally, it is China’s deepest gas development, functioning at water depths exceeding 1,500 meters and well depths surpassing 5,000 meters.

    Project manager Liu Kang said the production infrastructure and technical expertise established through the project will help future complex deepwater oil and gas exploration, enhancing the role of marine resources in supporting national energy supply.

    This photo taken in April, 2025 shows the Deep Sea No. 1 energy station in south China’s island province of Hainan. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]
    This photo taken in March, 2025 shows a night working scene of the offshore gas production platform cluster in south China’s island province of Hainan. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]
    A frogman checks the underwater structure of the second phase of Shenhai Yihao, or Deep Sea No. 1, in south China’s island province of Hainan, in May, 2025. [CNOOC/Handout via Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Germany’s export outlook worsens amid US tariff concerns: ifo

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

    Export expectations among German manufacturers deteriorated in June as U.S. tariff policies continued to weigh on sentiment across key industries, a survey by the ifo Institute showed on Wednesday.

    The ifo Export Expectations index fell to -3.9 points in June from -3.0 in the previous month, signaling an overall decline in confidence within Germany’s export-driven economy.

    The apparel sector reported the bleakest outlook, while sentiment also weakened significantly among food and beverage producers, automakers, and metal product manufacturers.

    Germany’s automotive sector, a cornerstone of its industrial base, has faced persistently weak export expectations and remains especially exposed to trade tensions. The United States has already imposed a 25-percent tariff on cars and car parts imported from the European Union (EU).

    “The tariff threats from the U.S. are still on the table. An agreement between the EU and the U.S. has yet to be reached,” said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of surveys at ifo. “This uncertainty is lowering exporters’ expectations.”

    Latest data from the Federal Statistical Office showed that German exports dropped by 1.7 percent month-on-month in April, while shipments to the United States, Germany’s largest export market, fell sharply by 10.5 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Americans more cautious on spending amid tariffs

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

    Mark Reynolds, 48, a marketing professional outside of Washington, D.C., said he and his family used to take a lot of trips once the lockdowns were lifted after the COVID-19 pandemic — to Asia, Europe and in the United States.

    Over the last four years he and his family took about five trips a year. “We’ve cut that to two trips per year,” he told Xinhua.

    He has also canceled an expensive gym membership and cut his time with a personal trainer in half, and is now focusing on retirement savings.

    Since U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs in April, Americans have become increasingly cautious about opening their wallets.

    Consumer spending rose by a sluggish 0.2 percent in April, down from a 0.7 percent rise in the month prior, amid Americans’ concerns over how tariffs would impact the economy, according to data released last month by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

    Many Americans seek to increase their savings, after splurging for several years after the pandemic. The personal savings rate rose to 4.9 percent in April from 4.3 percent in March, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

    Since taking office, Trump has announced a slew of sweeping tariffs, including a general 10 percent duty on all goods coming into the United States. That has caused some products to go up in price.

    Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a non-resident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua that he expects Americans to continue making cutbacks.

    “Late payment rates on credit cards are high, and many households are buying food on short-term credit, housing sales are weak. All these indicate the financial problems average Americans are facing,” Hufbauer said.

    Sharon Erdhart, 68, a retiree in the U.S. state of New Jersey, said she shops at cheaper supermarkets even though she has to drive outside of her area a little further.

    “I don’t dine out anymore because of price increases. I have curtailed my credit card use,” she told Xinhua.

    U.S. retail sales declined 0.9 percent in May, exceeding the 0.6 percent drop that economists had forecast, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    Accounting firm KPMG’s recent consumer pulse report showed that in response to tariffs, “50 percent are cutting back on purchases, and 49 percent are actively seeking deals and discounts.”

    “We’re seeing a more selective and cost-conscious summer travel season,” said Duleep Rodrigo, KPMG’s consumer and retail leader.

    Joe Chance, a retired security professional in Philadelphia, told Xinhua he continues to take his family on vacation, but is taking bargain airlines now.

    “They don’t get movies or anything on board even like meals, but it’s cheap,” he said.

    Meanwhile, discount stores, such as Dollar Tree, Walmart, and TJX Companies — the firm that owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls — have been gaining steam in the retail sector.

    Shoppers are opting toward lower prices, and consumers are more likely to seek bargains on goods ranging from beauty products to clothing.

    Hufbauer said he expects discount stores to do well in this environment.

    Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told Xinhua: “Wage growth seems to have slowed, so that will slow spending and cause people to look to discount stores.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Auckland stun Boca, Chelsea progress at Club World Cup

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

    Benfica secured top spot in Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup with a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, as Chelsea advanced from Group D and Auckland City stunned Boca Juniors with a 1-1 draw. Flamengo, already assured of a place in the last 16, drew 1-1 with Los Angeles FC in Orlando.

    In Charlotte, an early goal from Norway international forward Andreas Schjelderup inflicted Bayern’s first blemish of the tournament.

    Liam Delap (R) of Chelsea vies with Yassine Meriah of Esperance De Tunisie during the Group D football match between England’s Chelsea and Tunisia’ Esperance de Tunisie at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Philadelphia, the United States, on June 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

    Schjelderup timed his run to perfection to sweep home a first-time effort from 12 yards after compatriot Fredrik Aursnes crossed from the right wing.

    Bayern enjoyed almost three quarters of the total possession but rarely threatened against a disciplined and compact Benfica defense.

    The result left the Lisbon-based club a point ahead of the Bundesliga champions, who also advanced to the tournament’s next stage.

    “I think this was a very fair and important win, historic really,” Benfica manager Bruno Lage said. “We were as straightforward and assertive as we should be and I think we were very effective in delivering our strategy.”

    Benfica will meet Chelsea in Charlotte on Saturday while Bayern Munich faces Flamengo in Miami the next day.

    In Nashville, Christian Gray struck a second-half equalizer as Auckland City clinched its first point of the tournament against Boca Juniors.

    The Argentine outfit went ahead when Lautaro Di Lollo’s header from a corner hit the left post before ricochetting in off goalkeeper Nathan Garrow.

    But Gray equalized by latching onto a Jerson Lagos corner with a low header beyond Agustin Marchesin.

    Garrow repeatedly denied Boca with a series of sharp saves as the semi-professional team from New Zealand bowed out on an encouraging note.

    Boca finished third in Group C, joining fourth-placed Auckland City in exiting the competition.

    “I’m from a small town, a long way from here and a lot different to this environment. So it is somewhat of a dream,” Gray said after the match, explaining that he would go back to his job as a school teacher upon returning to New Zealand.

    “We’ve had some tough results, but I’m just happy for the team and the boys. I think we deserve it,” the 28 year-old added.

    In Philadelphia, Chelsea secured its passage to the knockout phase with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance in Group D.

    Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a looping header into the far corner after Enzo Fernandez’s floating free-kick.

    Argentina international midfielder Fernandez was again the provider as his lofted pass released Liam Delap, who shook off two defenders before calmly slotting a low finish past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.

    The Premier League side made it 3-0 in second-half stoppage time when Tyrique George’s long-range shot slipped through Ben Said’s gloves and rolled into the back of the net.

    The result meant Chelsea finished second in Group D with six points, three ahead of the eliminated Esperance.

    In Wednesday’s other fixture, a late Wallace Yan strike earned Flamengo a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC in Orlando.

    Denis Bouanga broke the deadlock against the run of play when he ran onto Timothy Tillman’s long free-kick before nutmegging goalkeeper Agustin Rossi with a composed finish.

    Wallace leveled two minutes later for the Brazilian club as he bulldozed his way into the box after Jorginho’s pass and lashed low past Hugo Lloris.

    Despite the result, Flamengo topped Group D with seven points while Los Angeles – which entered the match without hope of progressing – finished last, six points further back.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou,

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed and 267 injured while seeking aid at the US-Israel “humanitarian” centres.

    *

    Three killed and 7 injured by settler pogrom on the town of Kafr Malik, northeast of Ramallah; setting fire to houses and cars, and protected by soldiers. Israeli forces shot and killed 15-year-old Rayan Houshia west of Jenin as they retreated from resistance fighters, after using a civilian home as military barracks; also invading several towns across the West Bank, firing teargas into al-Fawar refugee camp south of Hebron, sound-bombs near the Jenin Grand Mosque in the north, and arresting several Palestinians.

    Al Quds/Jerusalem’s old city faced low visitor numbers even after restrictions were lifted by the Israeli occupation. Jerusalem Governate reported 623 homes and facilities demolished by Israel since October 2023.

    *

    Palestinian political prisoner Amar Yasser Al-Amour was released after 2.5 years without charge or trial in Israeli prisons. Thousands remain detained illegally in this way. Another freed prisoner Fares Bassam Hanani mourned his mother who passed away while he was imprisoned. Mohammad al-Ghushi, also freed, was taken to hospital to have his kidney removed due to torture and medical neglect he faced in Israeli prisons.

    *

    The unexpected ceasefire between Israel, America, and Iran appears to be holding for now. Iranian officials say the US “torpedoed diplomacy” and have passed a bill to halt cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Announces 2025 Winner of Congressional Art Competition

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    PROVIDENCE, RI –  Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District — Nonna’s House by Blake Harris. A tenth-grade student at Moses Brown School, Mr. Harris’ submission will be featured in the halls of the U.S. Capitol. High school students from across Rhode Island’s First Congressional District submitted artwork for consideration and a public vote was conducted on Congressman Amo’s Instagram, @RepGabeAmo, to select the winner. 

    “The Congressional Art Competition is an incredible opportunity for young Rhode Island artists in our First Congressional District to showcase their creative skills,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Congratulations to Blake Harris for being selected as this year’s winner and I look forward to seeing his piece on display in the U.S. Capitol. Thank you to all the talented students who submitted their artwork this year and I’m excited to see what our Rhode Island’s First Congressional District artists accomplish next year.”

    “In my piece Nonna’s House I capture the meeting of motion and memory,” said Blake Harris, 10th grade student at Moses Brown School. “My photo displays the feeling of how memories from childhood often feel like a blur, like a dream. In this photo, my cousin, a child, dances through a cozy living room, while my grandmother sits nearby, playing with toys. The blur in the image shows how these moments pass, and how we often remember them more through feelings than specific details.”

    “I am so excited for Blake to be recognized as the winner of this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Ashley Szczesiak, Visual Arts teacher at Moses Brown School. “His piece captures a joyous dance of light and shadow that streaks across a warm interior scene: demonstrating strong  compositional strategies while highlighting what makes photography magical as a medium. I’m so proud to celebrate his careful eye and artistic courage as his photograph hangs on the walls of the U.S. Capitol representing our district.”
     

    BACKGROUND

    Each spring, the Congressional Institute, a non-partisan organization that supports the U.S House of Representatives, sponsors a nationwide high-school arts competition with a winner selected to represent each Congressional District. Since 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated. 

    The competition is open to high-school students in the 19 municipalities that comprise Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. The overall winner of the District’s competition will be displayed for one (1) year in the United States Capitol as part of an exhibit that includes artwork from winners representing Congressional Districts from across the country.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Announces 2025 Winner of Congressional Art Competition

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    PROVIDENCE, RI –  Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District — Nonna’s House by Blake Harris. A tenth-grade student at Moses Brown School, Mr. Harris’ submission will be featured in the halls of the U.S. Capitol. High school students from across Rhode Island’s First Congressional District submitted artwork for consideration and a public vote was conducted on Congressman Amo’s Instagram, @RepGabeAmo, to select the winner. 

    “The Congressional Art Competition is an incredible opportunity for young Rhode Island artists in our First Congressional District to showcase their creative skills,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Congratulations to Blake Harris for being selected as this year’s winner and I look forward to seeing his piece on display in the U.S. Capitol. Thank you to all the talented students who submitted their artwork this year and I’m excited to see what our Rhode Island’s First Congressional District artists accomplish next year.”

    “In my piece Nonna’s House I capture the meeting of motion and memory,” said Blake Harris, 10th grade student at Moses Brown School. “My photo displays the feeling of how memories from childhood often feel like a blur, like a dream. In this photo, my cousin, a child, dances through a cozy living room, while my grandmother sits nearby, playing with toys. The blur in the image shows how these moments pass, and how we often remember them more through feelings than specific details.”

    “I am so excited for Blake to be recognized as the winner of this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Ashley Szczesiak, Visual Arts teacher at Moses Brown School. “His piece captures a joyous dance of light and shadow that streaks across a warm interior scene: demonstrating strong  compositional strategies while highlighting what makes photography magical as a medium. I’m so proud to celebrate his careful eye and artistic courage as his photograph hangs on the walls of the U.S. Capitol representing our district.”
     

    BACKGROUND

    Each spring, the Congressional Institute, a non-partisan organization that supports the U.S House of Representatives, sponsors a nationwide high-school arts competition with a winner selected to represent each Congressional District. Since 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated. 

    The competition is open to high-school students in the 19 municipalities that comprise Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. The overall winner of the District’s competition will be displayed for one (1) year in the United States Capitol as part of an exhibit that includes artwork from winners representing Congressional Districts from across the country.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dogged determination gets results

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Man’s best friend, a trusty dog owner and some speedy Police work potentially prevented car thefts in an East Auckland suburb early this morning.

    A Greenlane resident who was woken by his dog barking around 3.45am investigated immediately.

    “His trusty pooch had alerted him to two people outside his home apparently scoping out parked cars with a torch,” Inspector Jim Wilson, Auckland City East Area Commander, says.

    But by the time Police arrived the pair were on the move and fled despite being signalled to stop.

    “Police monitored the vehicle from a distance until The Police Helicopter arrived overhead to monitor the situation.”

    The car was successfully spiked but kept going onto nearby Great South Road, and Police observed it driving on the wrong side of the road.

    Inspector Wilson says a dog unit was deployed when the driver finally abandoned the vehicle at Garland Road and took off on foot. 

    “He was apprehended nearby and received minor police dog bites and was given medical treatment,” Inspector Wilson says.

    “A passenger remained in the vehicle and was arrested without incident.”

    The 38-year-old driver is appearing in the Auckland District Court, charged with failing to stop, driving in a dangerous manner, possessing cannabis and possessing

    an offensive weapon.

    “Fortunately, it appears no vehicles in the street were successfully broken into and it goes to show the importance of vigilance,” Inspector Wilson says.

    “After a busy night it’s left two smart dogs catching up on some much-needed sleep.”

    Police remind the public to report suspicious activity as soon as possible by calling 111.

    ENDS

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasmine Titova, PhD Candidate, CQUniversity Australia

    When tennis legend Serena Williams
    retired in 2022, she stated:

    If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family.

    Many elite athletes end their sporting careers prematurely to have children, with the physical burden of pregnancy one of many barriers.

    Despite these barriers, a growing number of elite athletes are proving motherhood and elite sport are compatible and even complementary – but they need better support.

    Responding to this need, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today announced new recommendations in this space, which are the most comprehensive of their kind globally.

    Just seven years out from Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, this clearer new policy could give confidence to countless Australian athletes who are determined to become parents as well as striving for the podium.

    The push for more support

    Women can train safely during and after pregnancy but it is often practical challenges – like a lack of contract security, ranking and categorisation protection and limited access to parenting facilities – that prevent them from continuing in their sport.

    In Australia, Olympic sprint kayaker Alyce Wood, marathon runner Genevieve Gregson and water polo player Keesja Gofers have gone on to reach personal bests and career-highs after having children. These athletes have highlighted the challenges and gaps they faced along the way, despite organisational support for athlete mums improving in recent years.

    Alongside others athlete mums, they are now advocating for better support systems.

    This call to action has become increasingly urgent as women’s sport experiences unprecedented growth through increased visibility, investment and professionalisation.

    Research driving change

    Our CQUniversity research team partnered with the AIS and the Queensland Academy of Sport to develop national evidence-based recommendations to guide sporting organisations in how to support pregnant and parenting athletes.

    Underpinning these recommendations was a comprehensive series of studies spanning four years.

    The project began by exploring global findings to understand the barriers and enablers faced by elite athletes during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting.

    Our research found elite athletes encounter more than 30 unique barriers during these critical windows, including:

    • challenges planning pregnancy around sporting competitions
    • the physical impacts of pregnancy and childbirth
    • training considerations
    • the logistics and cost of caring for an infant while travelling.

    Central to these findings was sporting organisations’ lack of pregnancy and parenting policies.

    A subsequent review found only 22 out of 104 (21%) national sporting organisations had at least one policy detailing support for pregnant and parenting athletes.

    Listening to athletes and staff

    To better understand the gaps, our research team met with more than 60 elite women athletes, support staff (like coaches and health professionals) and organisational staff across 25 sports.

    We investigated the experiences and needs of elite athlete mothers and those planning children.

    We discovered the vast majority were unhappy with the level of pregnancy and parenting support provided by sporting organisations.

    They cited a lack of clear frameworks and women’s health education, prevailing stigma, discrimination and limited access to parenting facilities as key barriers.

    As one athlete shared:

    No one ever talks about it [starting a family] in my environment. It feels like a taboo topic because it’s kind of expected that it’s something you think about after sport. Like, your priority should be training and performing.

    Another athlete described:

    I’ve got a lot of friends who have also tried [returning after children] and have just not wanted to return because of the environment and lack of [organisational] support […] you have to go back to club level and then work your way back up to state and national level without any help or support.

    This input helped shape the AIS recommendations, which are the most comprehensive of their kind globally.

    They comprise of 19 policy recommendations and 89 practice recommendations (practical, actionable steps for sporting organisations to follow).

    The guide is also the first to include a suite of resources including pregnancy and return-to-sport plan templates, checklists, frameworks and helpful resources to support implementation.

    With the adoption of these recommendations, athletes will be able to:

    • disclose pregnancy on their own terms (excluding required medical clearances and safety precautions)
    • develop and regularly review a comprehensive, individualised plan guiding them through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting, in collaboration with relevant staff
    • take time away from their sport during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum without facing financial or ranking/categorisation implications
    • have continued access to facilities, services and relevant professionals during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum
    • maintain their preferred level of engagement with the sporting organisation while taking parenting leave.

    Sporting organisations adopting the recommendations should:

    • implement accessible pregnancy policies
    • educate athletes and staff on reproductive health
    • provide essential parenting facilities like designated breastfeeding and childcare spaces.

    The recommendations mark a significant step forward for women’s sport, directly addressing longstanding barriers. They will ensure women athletes receive the same basic rights and privileges standard for parents in most Australian workplaces.

    Jasmine Titova received funding from the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Government’s Research Training Program.

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

    – ref. Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both – https://theconversation.com/parenthood-or-podium-its-time-australian-athletes-had-the-support-to-choose-both-257725

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fugitive’s Accomplice Killed as U.S. Marshals, Puerto Rico Police Arrest Most Wanted in Mayaguez

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Hato Rey, PR – One person was killed as the U.S. Marshals Violent Offenders Task Force and Puerto Rico Police early Monday arrested in Mayaguez a man wanted for attempted murder and other charges on a warrant that carried a bail of $1.2 million.

    Jose M. Rodriguez-Torres, aka “La J,” 26, the subject of the arrest and one of Puerto Rico’s 10 Most Wanted fugitives, was wanted on a state warrant for attempted murder, possession, transportation and use of firearms without a license, and tampering with an electronic monitoring device.

    Rodríguez-Torres had removed his electronic monitoring bracelet during his trial for the 2021 attempted murder of the chief executive of the company Flan-es-Cedó. He had been convicted in absentia for a June 27, 2021, massacre on PR-3345 in the Lavadero neighborhood of Hormigueros, where two brothers were killed, and was sentenced to 229 years in prison for that case. In addition, he had an active federal warrant issued in 2023 for drug trafficking and firearms charges.

    While law enforcement officers were executing the arrest warrant, they identified Rodríguez-Torres, along with two other individuals in a car. When the fugitive spotted the agents, he attempted to flee, driving against traffic until crashing into an official vehicle.

    According to preliminary reports, one of the rear passengers brandished a black firearm, prompting agents to return fire. The individual was identified as José A. Chevrés Ramos, 29, a resident of Cabo Rojo with a prior criminal record for robbery. He was fatally shot by agents during the pursuit. Chevrés Ramos also had pending warrants for his arrest.

    The FBI and the Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau assisted in the investigation but did not assume jurisdiction. The Criminal Investigation Corps of the Puerto Rico Police Department is handling the investigation, and the state prosecutor’s office has formally filed charges with the court. The judge found cause for all the charges filed against Rodríguez-Torres and Eliezer Graniela-Barreto (also a passenger in the vehicle), including attempted murder of federal agents and pointing a firearm at law enforcement.

    A bail bond of $4,200,000 was set but not posted, and both individuals were subsequently booked into state prison.

    Three firearms were seized from the vehicle and will be analyzed by the Forensic Sciences Institute’s ballistics laboratory. Two of the three weapons had been modified to fire automatically.

    “Our communities can trust that our Deputy U.S. Marshals, together with our partners from the Puerto Rico Police Department, will not relent in their efforts to remove violent offenders from our streets and bring them to justice,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico. “Enforcing the law and ensuring public safety is dangerous work, and unfortunately, incidents like these are sometimes the result. We always urge fugitives to surrender, accept responsibility, and face the consequences of their actions. However, we will not stop. We will continue to search for them and fulfill our mission as agents of law and order.”

    The U.S. Marshals Service encourages the community to continue to collaborate with our deputies on tips that help find the whereabouts of a fugitive by contacting our local office at (787) 766-6540, calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or submitting tips using the USMS Tips App.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Colac HQ seeks support volunteers

    Source:

    CFA’s District 6 Headquarters Brigade is calling for new volunteers to help with support roles in the area.

    The HQ brigade is quite unique compared to other brigades as they undertake a range of roles to help our operational firefighters without the need to jump on the back of a fire truck.

    In particular, the brigade is searching for new or existing CFA members to be part of the District Driving Unit and Logistics Unit.

    District 6 HQ Brigade Secretary Tracy Wood said both of these roles are non-operational and undertake interesting activities to help support CFA during an emergency.

    “The driving unit provides critical support to our members by driving vehicles and trailers to the fireground or incident, transporting crew members and helping facilitate vehicle changeovers and relocations,” Tracy said.

    “Those interested would need a current driving license, experience in towing and reversing trailers and confidence to drive in all conditions including nighttime, gravel roads, rain and smoky environments.

    “The logistics unit provides ground support at incidents, help setting up and packing up gear, assisting with the distribution of catering and restocking supplies.

    “Again these members would need a current driving license, good communication skills, navigational skills and the ability to lift and move heavy objects is also desirable.

    “Members don’t need to be available all the time. We’re trying to build a team with a mix of people who can help at different times including daytime and after hours.

    “This role could be especially suitable for shift workers or newly retired people who are looking for a way to contribute to helping the community during an emergency, without the need to be a firefighter.

    “Joining our brigade is also a great venture for meeting new people and building a greater sense of inclusion within the local area.

    “All of our members have grown very close and we always welcome any new volunteers with open arms.”

    The HQ brigade is based in Colac but would provide support for our brigades across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shire area.

    Those interested in joining, or want to learn more, can contact Jessica Brittain on 0477 551 503 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to give us a hand. 

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Electronic Health Records (EHR) Market Valued at USD 33.45 Billion in 2024, Set to Grow at 4.59% CAGR Through 2032 | AnalystView Market Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, USA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market was valued at USD 33,451.20 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.59% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is driven by the global shift toward digital healthcare infrastructure, government mandates for record standardization, and the rising demand for efficient patient data management across hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care centers. EHR systems are digital versions of a patient’s paper chart, offering real-time, patient-centered records that make information instantly and securely available to authorized users. They are critical for improving coordination between care providers, minimizing medical errors, and enhancing overall clinical outcomes.

    Government initiatives worldwide are playing a key role in promoting EHR adoption. Programs such as the U.S. HITECH Act, the EU’s digital health transformation goals, and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are pushing healthcare providers toward digitization. At the same time, the rise of value-based care, telehealth, and mobile health applications has increased the need for interoperable and cloud-based EHR systems. The market is witnessing significant technological advancements, including integration with AI, predictive analytics, and mobile platforms, which enable better clinical decision-making and patient engagement. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and interoperability issues between different systems remain key hurdles, particularly in emerging markets.

    North America dominates the global EHR market, backed by strong digital infrastructure and initiatives like the U.S. HITECH Act, which allocated over $35 billion to promote EHR adoption. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, fueled by rising healthcare investments—India’s health budget rose 13% in 2023—and national digitization drives like China’s “Healthy China 2030.” Supportive policies, growing urbanization, and expanding patient volumes are accelerating EHR integration across the region, attracting global players and investors alike.

    Unlock in-depth insights and forecasts – Get your FREE sample report of the EHR market today: https://analystviewmarketinsights.com/request_sample/AV4020

    Key Players- Detailed Competitive Insights

    • Cerner Corporation
    • GE Healthcare
    • Veradigm LLC
    • Epic Systems Corporation
    • eClinicalWorks
    • Greenway Health, LLC
    • NextGen Healthcare, Inc.
    • Medical Information Technology, Inc.
    • CPSI
    • AdvancedMD, Inc.
    • Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
    • MEDHOST
    • Athenahealth
    • McKesson Corporation
    • Siemens Healthineers
    • Oracle Corporation

    Market Dynamics

    Drivers

    1. Government Mandates and Incentives: Many countries are accelerating Electronic Health Records (EHR) adoption through targeted policies. In the U.S., CMS’s Promoting Interoperability Program ties Medicare reimbursements to EHR usage. Germany’s Hospital Future Act allocated €4.3 billion for digital upgrades, while Australia’s My Health Record achieved over 90% population coverage. India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to create a unified health ID system, promoting seamless data exchange. These initiatives are driving global healthcare digitalization and fostering integrated patient care systems.
    2. Rising Demand for Streamlined Healthcare Delivery: For example, Mayo Clinic uses integrated EHRs to reduce duplication, streamline workflows, and access real-time patient data—cutting documentation time and improving care coordination across departments and specialties. 
    3. Growth in Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: The global shift toward telemedicine post-COVID-19 has increased the need for centralized digital records that can be accessed remotely. This trend is pushing both public and private healthcare providers to invest in cloud-based and interoperable EHR systems.
    4. Data-Driven Decision Making in Healthcare: As data becomes a core asset in personalized medicine and value-based care models, EHRs serve as critical repositories of patient history, lab reports, medications, and imaging data.

    Challenges

    • High Implementation and Maintenance Costs: The cost of deploying EHR software, training staff, and maintaining IT infrastructure can be prohibitive for small healthcare facilities, especially in developing nations.
    • Interoperability and Data Security Concerns: Although EHRs are designed to improve information sharing, achieving true interoperability across different systems remains a challenge. Moreover, the sensitive nature of health data makes security and compliance with data protection regulations (like HIPAA and GDPR) a critical issue.

    Opportunities

    • Integration with AI and analytics in EHRs enables predictive insights—such as Mount Sinai Hospital using AI models within EHRs to identify sepsis risk early, improving response time and patient outcomes. This innovation is driving demand for intelligent, data-driven systems.
    • Mobile and Cloud-Based EHRs: The adoption of mobile health apps and cloud platforms enables real-time access to health data, especially beneficial in rural and underserved regions.

    Regional Insights

    North America

    North America holds 42.50% of the global EHR market, driven by the U.S.’s early adoption and digital health funding. Epic Systems powers major hospital networks like Kaiser Permanente, while Canada’s Infoway initiative accelerates EHR integration, ensuring secure, interoperable data across provinces.

    Europe

    Europe is a mature yet fragmented market for EHRs. Countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are progressing well in EHR integration, while others lag due to privacy concerns and inconsistent digital policies. The EU’s push toward unified health records under the European Health Data Space initiative could streamline EHR adoption across member states.

    Asia-Pacific

    The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, increased healthcare spending, and the digitalization efforts in countries like India, China, and Australia are major contributors. Government-backed programs such as India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and China’s Smart Healthcare initiative are significantly driving EHR deployment.

    Latin America & Middle East

    Both regions are gradually embracing EHR systems. Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have initiated digital health reforms. However, budget constraints and a lack of infrastructure remain key barriers. International partnerships and private investments are expected to unlock growth potential in these markets.

    TABLE OF CONTENT

    1. Electronic Health Records Market Overview
    1.1. Study Scope
    1.2. Market Estimation Years
    2. Executive Summary
    2.1. Market Snippet
    2.1.1. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Product
    2.1.2. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Type
    2.1.3. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Business Model
    2.1.4. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Application
    2.1.5. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By End Use
    2.1.6. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Country
    2.1.7. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Region
    2.2. Competitive Insights
    3. Electronic Health Records Key Market Trends
    3.1. Electronic Health Records Market Drivers
    3.1.1. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers
    3.2. Electronic Health Records Market Restraints
    3.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints
    3.3. Electronic Health Records Market Opportunities
    3.4. Electronic Health Records Market Future Trends
    4. Electronic Health Records Industry Study
    4.1. PEST Analysis
    4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
    4.4. Regulatory Framework Analysis
    5. Electronic Health Records Market: Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
    5.1. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
    5.2. Impact of Russia-Ukraine War
    5.3. Impact of Middle East Conflicts
    6. Electronic Health Records Market Landscape
    6.1. Electronic Health Records Market Share Analysis, 2024
    6.2. Breakdown Data, by Key Manufacturer
    6.2.1. Established Players’ Analysis
    6.2.2. Emerging Players’ Analysis
    7. Electronic Health Records Market – By Product
    7.1. Overview
    7.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Product, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    7.1.2. On-premises
    7.1.3. Web & Cloud-Based EHR
    8. Electronic Health Records Market – By Type
    8.1. Overview
    8.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Type, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    8.1.2. Acute
    8.1.3. Outpatient
    8.1.4. Post Acute
    9. Electronic Health Records Market – By Business Model
    9.1. Overview
    9.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Business Model, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    9.1.2. Licensed Software
    9.1.3. Technology Resale
    9.1.4. Subscriptions
    9.1.5. Professional Services
    9.1.6. Others
    10. Electronic Health Records Market – By Application
    10.1. Overview
    10.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Application, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    10.1.2. Cardiology
    10.1.3. Neurology
    10.1.4. Radiology ………

    Reasons to Invest in the EHR Market

    1. Essential Role in Modern Healthcare Systems
      EHRs are no longer optional but a fundamental part of modern healthcare. As hospitals strive to improve patient care, safety, and efficiency, EHRs serve as a backbone for digital health ecosystems.
    2. Regulatory Push and Compliance Standards
      Investment in compliant EHR systems helps healthcare providers align with stringent data protection laws while avoiding penalties and securing patient trust.
    3. Increasing Healthcare Expenditure
      Globally, healthcare budgets are expanding. A significant portion is being directed toward digital infrastructure, making EHR vendors prime beneficiaries of government and institutional funding.
    4. Rising Adoption of Cloud and AI Technologies
      EHR vendors integrating cloud capabilities and AI features offer enhanced scalability, analytics, and patient engagement. These smart EHRs are more future-proof and attractive to investors.
    5. Long-Term Cost Benefits for Healthcare Providers
      Despite initial costs, EHR systems lead to long-term savings by reducing administrative workload, avoiding duplication of tests, and minimizing errors.

    Future Outlook

    The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is poised for a tech-driven evolution, with AI integration, cloud-based platforms, and interoperability leading the way. By 2032, real-time data exchange, as seen in the U.K.’s NHS Federated Data Platform and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, will become standard.

    Growing cybersecurity investments and patient-centric innovations are redefining EHR functionality. With global healthcare systems embracing value-based care, the market is set for intelligent, adaptive, and patient-connected growth worldwide.

    Discover the Full Study : https://analystviewmarketinsights.com/reports/report-highlight-electronic-health-records-market

    Explore More Research Titles in the Healthcare Category by AnalystView Market Insights:

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GL Enhances 100G Ethernet Testing for High-Speed Networks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GL Communications Inc., a global leader in telecom testing solutions, addressed the press regarding their multi-port testing for high-speed network environments. As networks continue to grow in speed and complexity, the ability to test multiple ports simultaneously becomes essential. GL’s PacketExpert™ 100G enables testing across several high-speed Ethernet ports in parallel. This allows network engineers to verify performance and reliability more efficiently, while also saving space and reducing equipment needs in labs and production setups.

    [Refer to packetexpert100g-multiport.jpg]

    Vijay Kulkarni, CEO of GL Communications, states, “GL’s PacketExpert™ 100G is a scalable, multi-functional network testing appliance for comprehensive Ethernet and IP testing at speeds up to 100 Gbps. It integrates a high-performance PC with specialized NICs, GL’s PacketExpert™ software, and optimized hardware for processing, storage, and cooling. The system supports 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 50 Gbps, and 100 Gbps Ethernet ports, with up to eight ports capable of simultaneous wirespeed traffic generation and reception.”

    A web-based interface allows multiple users to remotely access and control devices, enabling centralized management of large multi-port test setups. Python scripting further enhances efficiency by enabling repeatable, scalable, and fully remote execution of complex test scenarios.

    Multi-port testing is essential to validate that devices with multiple high-speed ports can simultaneously handle diverse traffic streams at full line rate without errors or degradation—ensuring reliable, high-density performance in real-world environments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G supports flexible multi-port configurations using dual 100G ports with breakout cables and adapters. A single 100G port can be split into four 25G ports via a QSFP28 to 4 × SFP28 cable (4 x 25G), while a 40G port can be split into four 10G ports using a QSFP to 4 × SFP+ cable (4 x 10G), enabling simultaneous multi-rate testing without additional hardware.

    [Refer to Port Settings for 4 x 25G Mode and Port Settings for 4 x 10G Mode]

    In 4 × 25G or 4 × 10G modes, PacketExpert™ 100G activates four independent ports (Port 1 to Port 4) for concurrent Ethernet interface testing. This setup reduces device and cable requirements, saves rack space, and boosts efficiency in lab and production environments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G supports up to eight 100G ports in a 4U rack-mount chassis using multiple network interface cards, enabling extensive multi-port scalability. It performs Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) and RFC 2544 throughput and latency measurements on up to 8 ports for 100G, 50G, 40G, and 1G, and up to 16 ports for 10G and 25G. The platform handles up to 128 unique streams (16 per port), scalable to 256 streams for 10G and 25G, allowing comprehensive ExpertSAM™ (ITU-T Y.1564) service activation testing.

    With flexible multi-rate port breakout, high-density scalability, and wide stream support, PacketExpert™ 100G is a critical tool for validating multi-port Ethernet performance in demanding network environments.

    The solution offers a full suite of test applications from physical to transport layers. These include Bit Error Rate Testing for verifying physical link integrity, Smart Loopback Testing for quick link verification, RFC 2544 for standardized benchmarking of throughput, packet loss, latency, and burst performance, ExpertSAM™ (ITU-T Y.1564) for validating SLAs across multiple streams, and Multi-Stream Traffic Generator and Analyzer (MTGA) for simulating and monitoring real-world traffic. These applications support testing across Layer 2 (Ethernet), Layer 2.5 (VLAN or MPLS), Layer 3 (IPv4 or IPv6), and Layer 4 (UDP), ensuring networks are fully prepared for high-speed, multi-service deployments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G provides advanced support for SyncE, enabling precise clock synchronization validation in high-speed Ethernet networks. It continuously monitors the incoming clock’s Quality Level using background heartbeat messages and instantly flags any degradation—crucial for time-sensitive applications like mobile backhaul, data centers, and industrial networks.

    Using Precision Time Protocol (PTP), PacketExpert™ 100G synchronizes accurately with the network’s master clock, ensuring proper time alignment across devices. This is essential for timing-critical tests such as RFC 2544 latency and ExpertSAM™ SLA validation, delivering reliable and repeatable delay and jitter measurements in complex Ethernet and IP environments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G includes robust Python APIs for automation and regression testing, ideal for continuous integration workflows. Users can remotely configure ports, run tests like BERT, RFC 2544, and Y.1564, and collect results programmatically. The platform supports parallel test execution across multiple ports and devices (1G to 100G), with real-time result monitoring and alerting—ensuring fast, repeatable, and fully automated validation of high-speed Ethernet networks.

    [Refer to Multi-port Python Script]

    About GL Communications Inc.,

    GL Communications is a global provider of telecom test and measurement solutions. GL’s solutions verify the quality and reliability of Wireless, Fiber Optic, TDM and Analog networks.

    Warm Regards,

    Vikram Kulkarni, PhD

    Phone: 301-670-4784 x114

    Email: info@gl.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards

    Source: ASEAN

    ASEAN Set to Honour Mining Excellence at 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards in Lao PDR

    The spotlight will soon shine on the region’s mining sector as ASEAN prepares to honour top-performing companies in the 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards (AMA), to be announced during the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals (AMMin) in the week of 29 September 2025 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
     
    Held biennially, the AMA recognises excellence in environmentally and socially responsible mining and minerals processing practices across Southeast Asia. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place during the AMMin Gala Dinner, a highlight of the ASEAN minerals calendar.
     
    The awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated significant contributions to sustainable development in the sector—ranging from community upliftment and workforce development, to improved resource efficiency and enhanced environmental, health and safety standards.
     
    Six awards will be given across two mineral categories:
     
    Metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing (including smelting)
    Best Practices in Distribution (including transport, handling, storage)

     
    Non-metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing
    Best Practices in Distribution

     
    Launched in 2017, the AMA has become a key platform for recognising regional excellence. While the first and second editions were held in 2017 and 2019 respectively, the third edition—originally planned for 2021—was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
     
    In addition to the awards, ASEAN will unveil a special AMA Handbook showcasing the achievements of winners and finalists. The publication will document real-world examples of best practices in the region’s minerals sector, serving as a reference and inspiration for future innovation.
     
    Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official guidelines and contact their respective ASEAN Member State Focal Points for national nomination timelines and submission procedures.
     
    —

    The post 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Fourth Reviews of the EFF/ECF Arrangements and the Third Review of the RSF Arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 25, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board today completed the Fourth Reviews of Côte d’Ivoire’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangements and the Third Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement. The decision allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$758 million.
    • Program implementation has been strong, with all end-December 2024 performance criteria and structural benchmarks met satisfactorily under the EFF/ECF program, and all climate-financing reform measures completed under the RSF arrangement.
    • The authorities’ ongoing commitment to reforms is expected to support Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable transformation toward upper middle-income status over the medium term, while strengthening economic resilience to climate-induced shocks and maintaining balance of payments stability.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth Reviews of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangements and the Third Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire.

    The EFF/ECF-supported program approved in May 2023 in the amount of SDR2,601.6 million (equivalent to 400 percent of quota or about US$3.6 billion), has substantially reduced imbalances and safeguarded a moderate risk of debt distress rating, while important reforms under RSF arrangement for a total amount of SDR975.6 million (equivalent to 150 percent of quota or about US$1.3 billion) are contributing to prospective balance of payments stability and economic resilience to climate-induced shocks. The authorities’ ongoing commitment to reforms under both programs should support Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable transformation toward upper middle-income status over the medium-term. Program implementation has been generally strong thus far, with all end-December performance criteria met and implementation of structural benchmarks being satisfactory. Moreover, all reform measures under the RSF arrangement for this review with a focus on climate-financing architecture were implemented. The completion of the reviews allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$758 million under the multi-year Fund arrangements.

    Côte d’Ivoire’s resilient economy has consolidated its role as an anchor of stability in the region against a still difficult global backdrop. Amid a recovery in agricultural production, favorable terms of trade and rising household incomes growth is expected to pick up in the near term. The medium-term outlook also remains favorable as economic fundamentals strengthen further and the hydrocarbon and mining sectors add to broad-based growth. Risks are broadly balanced. For 2025, growth is projected to be 6.3 percent, while average inflation is expected to return to within the 1 to 3 percent WAEMU target range. The 2025 current account deficit is projected to narrow to 3.6 percent of GDP, and the fiscal deficit is expected to meet the WAEMU deficit ceiling of 3 percent of GDP.

    The authorities remain firmly committed to boosting tax revenue in the medium term, and to implementing the medium-term revenue strategy (MTRS) approved in May 2024. Sustained effort is expected by the authorities to increase tax revenue to GDP by 0.5 percent of GDP, each year through 2026 and reach approximately 20 percent of GDP over the medium-term through self-sustaining tax policy and tax administration reforms.

    Important structural reforms continue to focus on improving the business climate and increasing the involvement of the private sector in the country’s development. To this end, enhancements in the transparency and accountability of public enterprises, further strengthening governance and financial integrity (particularly the AML/CFT framework), along with investment in human capital, broader financial inclusion, and climate resilience, to support higher productivity growth will be instrumental.

    Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Okamura, Acting Chair and Deputy Managing Director, made the following statement:

    “Côte d’Ivoire’s performance under the Fund-supported programs has been strong, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to entrenching macroeconomic stability. Sustained reform efforts will help safeguard fiscal and debt sustainability and consolidate the country’s role as an anchor of regional stability.

    “Continued fiscal consolidation envisaged in the 2025 budget will be underpinned by high-quality and permanent tax policy measures, as well as tax and customs administration reforms. These measures will support bringing the fiscal deficit to 3 percent of GDP by 2025, in line with the WAEMU ceiling, and help reduce the country’s debt sustainability risks.

    “Sustaining domestic revenue mobilization over the medium-term remains a priority to generate the fiscal space needed to finance social and development spending and support a deeper economic transformation toward upper middle-income status. To this end, implementation of the Medium-term Revenue Mobilization Strategy (MTRS) will continue to require significant engagement with stakeholders to ensure buy-in for the needed overhaul of the tax system and the streamlining of VAT tax exemptions and other tax expenditures.

    “Preserving fiscal space will be aided by the authorities’ commitments to enhance the coverage, transparency, and management of public finances. The authorities’ continued active debt management remains critical in safeguarding debt sustainability. Sustaining structural reform momentum and continuous improvements in safeguarding financial integrity and governance are important for unlocking the private sector’s potential.

    “Addressing identified AML/CFT framework deficiencies, and showcasing an implementation track-record on AML/CFT is critical. Further investments in human capital development, especially amongst youth and women, along with the reduction of informality, will make growth more inclusive. Continuing efforts to strengthen resilience to climate shocks will also be important for a sustainable transformation of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy.”

    Table 1. Côte d’Ivoire: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2022–26

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr25220-cote-d-ivoire-fourth-reviews-of-the-eff-ecf-and-third-review-of-the-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Homeland Security Funding Measure That Would Cripple Federal Disaster Assistance To State And Local Governments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and of its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, voted yesterday in the full committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations measure.  

    The FY 2026 Homeland Security bill proposes a total discretionary allocation of $66.4 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, an increase of $1.3 billion over the FY 2025 enacted level.

    Combined with the additional $26.5 billion for disaster response and $6.3 billion for programs offset by fee collections, the bill proposes to spend a total of $99.1 billion for the Department of Homeland Security in FY 2026. 

    The bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more.

    “While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it dangerously underfunds disaster mitigation and cybersecurity initiatives, ultimately leaving Americans less safe,” said Case. “The Committee also was forced to draft the bill in the dark because the administration failed to provide a detailed budget request, and this is a dangerous precedent to support.”

    In his remarks to the full committee here, Case focused specifically on critical FEMA assistance to for the Maui wildfire disaster as well as proposed cybersecurity cuts.

    Through his assignment on the Subcommittee, Case secured $1 million for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency’s (HIEMA) Emergency Operations Center IT Modernization Project. This is one of Case’s Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects that specifically focuses on local needs in Hawai‘i. The project will fund the procurement and installation of touchscreen monitors for a new information wall at the emergency operations center to facilitate emergency response communications and instantaneous information sharing.

    “These facilities will share information in real time so that emergency responders can make informed decisions and take necessary actions to save lives and protect property in the event of a disaster,” said Case. 

    The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here.  

    Case also secured a number of other key programs and provisions for Hawai‘i, including:

    ·         $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HIEMA. 

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which is a major source of funding for county fire departments.

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. 

    ·         $60 million for increased Coast Guard operations and support funding in the Indo-Pacific, to include workforce support in housing, medical and childcare access for Coasties in Hawai‘i.

    ·         $15 million for the Coast Guard’s Honolulu Homeport Project, which funds expansion of operations and cutter maintenance activities at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         $101 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $10 million increase over FY 2025, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center. 

    ·         $60 million for another Coast Guard Medium Endurance Cutter to be stationed in the Indo-Pacific.  

    ·         $40 million for FEMA’s Next Generation Warning System. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on the opportunity for the Coast Guard to acquire additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on unmet requirements for the infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s Air Station Barbers Point. 

    ·         Language encouraging TSA to address potential degradation of security scanning equipment at open-air airports.

     The measure also includes the following priorities requested by Case: 

    ·         $14.4 billion for the Coast Guard. 

    ·         $54 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which 397 state and local law enforcement officers from agencies in Hawai‘i have received a host of forensic training courses.

    ·         Report language supporting the growth of CISA support in the Pacific Islands. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on Coast Guard engagement and needs in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         Language requiring a briefing on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which is a major issue in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         $615 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA. 

    ·         $520 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats. 

    ·         $95 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which protects critical transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism. 

    ·         $105 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. 

    ·         $100 million for FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program. 

    ·         $45 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program. 

    This measure is one of the twelve bills developed by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2026 (commencing October 1, 2025). The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.   

    A summary of the bill is available here.  

    ### 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Acceleware Announces RF XL 2.0

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 25, 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 details of the next generation of RF XL, (“RF XL 2.0”) and a new demonstration plan (the “Demonstration”).

    “RF XL”, Acceleware’s enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”) technology that uses RF heating to energize oil formations, is a major innovation that could potentially decarbonize heavy oil and oil sands production effectively and efficiently by materially lowering costs compared to other EOR techniques, increasing the recovery factor, and potentially stimulating investment.

    The RF XL Marwayne deployment was supported by three major operators and progressed from Technology Readiness Level (“TRL”) 4 to TRL 8, with its core technology, the Clean Tech Inverter (“CTI”) progressing to TRL 9. This deployment successfully demonstrated RF XL’s potential by heating the reservoir and increasing temperatures in the production well while achieving the highest power level and longest continuous run time for any RF based EOR technology.

    Buoyed by the initial results at Marwayne, and the promise of increased oil production with higher power, Acceleware was encouraged by funders and industry partners to upgrade and improve to next generation RF XL 2.0.  

    Key components of the RF XL 2.0 development process included:

    • Confirmed industry support for a sub-surface energy delivery system incorporating multiple technical advances over the previous RF XL design.
    • Completed a ‘ground-up’ redesign program of the subsurface RF transmission lines, culminating in a hermetically sealed energy delivery system that eliminates the possibility of water ingress.
    • Resulting benefits are a robust leak-proof design, reduced manufacturing costs, reduced well design and well completion costs, quicker well completion time, simpler and less costly wellhead design, and safer wellhead operating environment.

    Acceleware is currently seeking funding for the RF XL 2.0 Demonstration: a commercial-scale project that builds on work performed to date and could showcase RF XL’s ability to enhance recovery in heavy oil reservoirs – particularly in the Lloydminster area – and increase production while decarbonizing. A previously announced non-dilutive grant in the amount of $1.31 million from the Clean Resource Innovation Network has been withdrawn due to timing constraints – eligible costs had to have been incurred between January 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. However, multiple non-dilutive funding calls from both provincial and federal agencies are currently available and are being pursued.

    Said Acceleware’s CEO Geoff Clark, “Combining the potential to economically produce more oil faster while decarbonizing is a compelling scenario for industry and governments alike. Once proven at commercial scale, RF XL 2.0 could serve to support Canada’s ambition to lead as a G7 energy innovator and superpower. We have a bold strategy in place to progress the technology as quickly as possible – we are keen to show the world what RF XL 2.0 can do.”

    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 CTI 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 TSX Venture Exchange (“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”, “could” 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 potential benefits and commercialization of RF XL and CTI, the development and execution of a the Demonstration; the Company’s ability to successfully execute the Demonstration; the expected benefits of the Demonstration; the ability of the Company to raise sufficient capital to execute the Demonstration; potential restructuring efforts of the Company’s business lines; the potential acquisition by the Company of certain assets, deployment of RF XL 2.0; and related potential for multi-well expansion; the initiatives to be implemented by management to shift the Company’s focus from research and development to cash flow generation; the receipt of applicable approvals (including board, shareholder, and approvals of the TSXV) to implement key components of the Demonstration; the timing to complete certain increments of the Demonstration; and the impact of the Demonstration on Acceleware’s business and shareholder value. 

    Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the availability of potential heavy oil production rights in western Canada, the availability of investment capital and other funding, the high degree of uncertainties inherent to feasibility and economic studies which are based to a significant extent on various assumptions; variations in commodity prices and exchange rate fluctuations; variations in cost of supplies and labour; lack of availability of qualified personnel; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for technology and project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing and adopting new technologies; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; change in demand for technologies to be offered by the Company; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities 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 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. 

    For more information: 

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco, Redouane Arrach, in Rabat, on 25 June 2025. They discussed key issues aimed at advancing cooperation in the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors, with a focus on addressing common challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. Both sides exchanged views on ways to formulate and implement programmes related to agricultural trade, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and the promotion of public-private partnerships, among others.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests of Morocco appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact check: Claims swirling on California gas prices

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 25, 2025

    What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.  

    SACRAMENTO – California gas prices are 20 cents lower than one month ago and 17 cents lower than one year ago – despite a swirl of misinformation drawing attention to current prices.

    According to a 2024 report, thanks to major improvements in fuel efficiency, California drivers rank 45th in the nation for gasoline consumption and 21st in spending on gasoline per capita. Trump’s tariffs and policies impacting the price of crude oil stand to swing gas prices far more than any state policy. 

    Driven by misinformation pushed by Republican lawmakers and the oil industry, there remains a lot of speculation about California gas prices. Here are the facts.

    CLAIM: California gas prices will go up by 65 cents or higher on July 1. 

    FALSE. There are two separate changes to fuel prices expected on or around July 1 – a legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 cents. 

    • Gas tax: California’s gasoline tax will increase by 1.6 cents per gallon, starting July 1, as required by law. This annual inflation increase was enacted by the Legislature in 2017 to help pay for road repairs – and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 when they rejected a repeal attempt. 
    • Fuel standard: Additionally, changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – which is not a tax – have been requested to go into effect on July 1. Experts at UC Davis estimate this program, first established by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could add between 5 and 8 cents per gallon – well below one extreme projection that showed 65 cents. In the long term, LCFS is estimated to reduce fuel costs for Californians per mile by 42% – translating to savings of over $20 billion in gasoline costs every year by 2045. Studies also show that LCFS credit prices have no correlation with gasoline prices.

    CLAIM: Gas prices could top $8 a gallon by next year.  

    FALSE. That number – widely reported in the media – comes from an unscientific analysis whose author has close ties with the oil industry and has been on the payroll of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The author fails to provide evidence to support his main claim and only relies on vague references to models with no details on what those models are based on. Other experts, such as these Stanford economists, say gas price increases based on recent refinery announcements are likely to be negligible. 

    Correcting the record

    Republican lawmakers in Congress recently echoed false claims about California gas prices in a letter. Here’s what they got wrong. (View full-size here.)

    Press releases, Recent news

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education, and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School. 

    Transcript

    If there’s one lesson history is thought of is that if you’re going to use energy, you better have social permission to use energy. So that means you’ve got to make sure that the output of this AI is socially useful. If we really are not creating social surplus, economic surplus as measured by countries and communities, we just can’t consume energy. And so that to me is the bigger thing. Like everybody’s today hot and bothered about, OK, what do I do about energy production, I think. The real question in the next 5 years is we’ve got to produce enough products that are creating great value, which I’m very confident of, by the way, in healthcare and education in in productivity. So there’s many, many domains. But that’s the real challenge for us as a tech industry is to prove unequivocally that what we have created is showing up in real stats. That is not just an AGI or AI benchmark. The hope is that this will show up. And sort of the real things that you sort of interact with on a daily basis that 100%, you know, you go use your, you get a mortgage loan and instead of, you know, beautiful three months or two months of waiting around and you don’t know if you’re going to get approved or, you know, there’s just so many things that are important parts of your life that, you know, get drowned in paperwork or bureaucracy that those things could potentially go away. 100% Think healthcare like in the United States. What is it 1819% of our cost? Healthcare and a lot of it, like everybody talks about the magical drug, blah, blah, blah, except all of the cost is in workflow. And so if you really take something like a simple thing like discharge the amount that you take the back end of an EMR system with a just a, an LLM and a prompt, that itself is going to save so much time and money and energy that it would sort of pay for itself.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School.

    The real benchmark for AI progress is whether it makes a real difference in people’s lives — in healthcare, education, and productivity. Thanks to Y Combinator for having me at AI Startup School. 

    Transcript

    If there’s one lesson history is thought of is that if you’re going to use energy, you better have social permission to use energy. So that means you’ve got to make sure that the output of this AI is socially useful. If we really are not creating social surplus, economic surplus as measured by countries and communities, we just can’t consume energy. And so that to me is the bigger thing. Like everybody’s today hot and bothered about, OK, what do I do about energy production, I think. The real question in the next 5 years is we’ve got to produce enough products that are creating great value, which I’m very confident of, by the way, in healthcare and education in in productivity. So there’s many, many domains. But that’s the real challenge for us as a tech industry is to prove unequivocally that what we have created is showing up in real stats. That is not just an AGI or AI benchmark. The hope is that this will show up. And sort of the real things that you sort of interact with on a daily basis that 100%, you know, you go use your, you get a mortgage loan and instead of, you know, beautiful three months or two months of waiting around and you don’t know if you’re going to get approved or, you know, there’s just so many things that are important parts of your life that, you know, get drowned in paperwork or bureaucracy that those things could potentially go away. 100% Think healthcare like in the United States. What is it 1819% of our cost? Healthcare and a lot of it, like everybody talks about the magical drug, blah, blah, blah, except all of the cost is in workflow. And so if you really take something like a simple thing like discharge the amount that you take the back end of an EMR system with a just a, an LLM and a prompt, that itself is going to save so much time and money and energy that it would sort of pay for itself.

    MIL OSI Economics –