NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Not long left to submit Young Citizen of the Year nominations

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The awards, now in their 12th year, shine a spotlight on young people who are making a real difference in the community, recognising the achievements of those who have gone that extra mile to help others.

    Previous winners include residents who have raised funds for charity, supported other members of their community, and made a difference to the people around them.

    Chairman of the organising committee, former Wolves player Mel Eves, said: “The Young Citizen of the Year awards have gone from strength to strength over the years. Last year, we selected 10 young people as finalists and invited them with their guests to an awards ceremony, with many others receiving a certificate of commendation for their efforts.

    “This year, we look forward to seeing plenty more fantastic nominations.”

    There are 2 age categories to the awards, 13 to 18 and 19 to 25. Anyone can nominate candidates, who must live or go to school or work in Wolverhampton.

    Residents have until Saturday 31 May to submit their nomination. For more details, visit Wolverhampton Young Citizen.

    Councillor Coogan said: “The Young Citizen of the Year award is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge young people in our city who go above and beyond in what they do.

    “I would encourage anybody who knows a young person who has put others first to nominate them for this fantastic award – but please hurry as the deadline for nominations is less than 2  weeks away.”

    A ceremony will take place later this year to reveal the winners of these prestigious awards, backed by the City of Wolverhampton Council, Collins Aerospace, Wolves Foundation, the Express & Star, Carvers Building Supplies, the James Beattie Charitable Trust, WCR FM and West Midlands Magazines.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apply now to get 30 hours funded childcare from September

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The expansion means eligible working families in Wolverhampton can now apply for 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term time from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.

    The changes being rolled out by the Government are designed to support a child’s early education and help families better balance work and family life.

    To qualify, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year. Applications must be made by 31 August, 2025 to access funded childcare from September, with the window for applications now open.

    To find out more, including how to apply, please visit the Childcare Choices website.  

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Every year hundreds of families in Wolverhampton benefit from funded childcare schemes at participating nurseries, schools and childminders around the city, and its great news that this is being extended to offer 30 hours of funded childcare per week to children from the term they turn 9 months right through until they reach school age.

    “Accessing early education gives your child the chance to learn, play and make new friends and the opportunity to develop and master new skills. It supports them as they prepare for school by helping them to communicate, explore new experiences, be active and healthy – and of course, it also helps parents juggle careers and childcare.

    “I would encourage eligible working parents who are not yet accessing funded childcare but would benefit from doing so to sign up at Childcare Choices today.”

    Apart from funded childcare for eligible working parents, people in receipt of certain benefits are also eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare for 2 year olds, known as Terrific for Twos in Wolverhampton.

    Meanwhile, eligible working parents and carers with children aged 11 or under can get up to £2,000 per child each year towards their childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with a disability aged 16 or under, though the tax free childcare scheme. 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further catch up clinics offer vaccinations for secondary pupils

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The following vaccinations will be available:

    • The Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) vaccine, also known as the 3 in 1 teenage booster, which is offered to children in Year 9 and above. This booster is the last routine dose that provides young people with long lasting protection into adulthood
    • The Meningococcal (Men ACWY) vaccination for children in Year 9 and above which helps protect young people against 4 types of meningococcal disease which can cause both meningitis and septicaemia
    • The HPV vaccine, given in school Year 8 which helps protect against cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
    • The MMR vaccination, to provide long lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella for all school aged children who have missed doses.

    Clinic will be held next Monday 26 May at Biz Space, Room 2, Planetary Road WV13 3SW from 10am to 2pm and on Saturday 12 July at Whitmore Reans Family Hub, Lansdowne Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4AL from 9.30am to 2pm. Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting Vaccination UK on 01902 200077.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “These vaccines offer the best protection for teenagers as they start their journey into adulthood and start mixing more widely – whether that’s going to college, starting work, travelling or going to festivals.

    “So, if your child has missed out on their vaccinations, maybe because they were off school or are home educated, please come along to one of the catch up clinics being delivered by Vaccination UK over the coming weeks.”
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City plans events to mark Dementia Action Week 2025

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Dementia affects nearly a million people in the UK, including approximately 3,600 in Wolverhampton.

    Dementia Action Week, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council and other members of Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the help and support available to people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

    The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI), Alzheimer’s Society, the council and Healthwatch Wolverhampton will be holding a ‘Let’s Talk About Dementia’ event including interactive workshops, music and exercise, at the Church of God Prophecy tomorrow (Tuesday) from 11am to 3pm – for details, call 01902 571230 or email carers@acci.org.uk.

    The council’s Public Protection Team, with colleagues from the Carer Support Team, the Dementia Action Alliance, Wolves Foundation and ACCI, will be at Bilston Indoor Market on Thursday from 10am to 1pm offering information and advice.

    Memory Matters will have 2 phone in sessions offering one-to-one advice and information to individuals, families and carers who have memory concerns. These will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) from 1.30pm until 4pm and Wednesday (21 May), also 1.30pm to 4pm. Please call 01902 551852.

    Meanwhile, the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Admiral Nursing Team and the Alzheimer’s Society will be hosting a series of webinars aimed at professionals and covering 5 different themes, Preventing Well, Diagnosing Well, Supporting Well, Living Well and Dying Well. To book places, visit Black Country Healthcare – Dementia Action Week Webinars.

    Jon Crockett, Chair of Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, said: “Dementia Action Week is showing once again the range of organisations across the city who are working together to make a difference for those people living with dementia, their families and carers.

    “I’m proud of all those people across Wolverhampton taking the opportunity to help people to understand more about dementia and what they can do to help people living with dementia. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people born in the UK today will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime and it remains the commitment of everyone in the Dementia Action Alliance to make Wolverhampton a dementia friendly city.

    “Dementia Action Week gives us the opportunity to showcase the many organisations who are working hard to make that ambition a reality.”

    Councillor Paula Brookfield, the council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, added: “Dementia Action Week enables us to highlight the support available to people living with this debilitating condition, and their families and friends.

    “We would also like to encourage more people in Wolverhampton to become a Dementia Friend so you better understand the needs of people living with dementia and can do your bit to help them. You can do this online by visiting Dementia Friends.”

    People who are worried about dementia can contact the Alzheimer’s Society for information and support either via the National Dementia Helpline on 0333 150 3456 or by visiting Alzheimer’s Society. For more information about the help and support available locally, please visit Dementia.

    The Dementia Action Alliance brings together a range of local organisations which want to make Wolverhampton more dementia friendly, including businesses, emergency services, religious groups and education providers. For more information, please visit Dementia.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 153-2025: Scheduled Service Disruption: Saturday 24 May to Sunday 25 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    19 May 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients required to use the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned maintenance period.

    All clients submitting the below declarations:

    • Full Import Declaration (FID)
    • Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
    • Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
    • Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
    • Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)
    • Master…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 152-2025: Nominations to participate in the Biosecurity Business Network program co-design workshop are now open

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    16 May 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries including importers, customer brokers, freight forwarders, port authorities, transport operators, and biosecurity industry participants.

    Purpose

    This Import Industry Advice Notice (IIAN) is to engage and seek nominations from relevant industry representatives to participate in a co-design workshop to assist in developing the Biosecurity Business Network program.

    Key…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 151-2025: Scheduled Outage: Sunday 18 May to Monday 19 May 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    15 May 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view and/or update details of their Approved Arrangement via the Approved Arrangement Management Product (AAMP).

    All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment during this planned maintenance period.

    All clients required to use the Next Export Documentation (NEXDOC) system during…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Strathfieldsaye Town Square, Djayi balak garat, officially opened

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    A smoking ceremony and community planting of native species have today marked the official opening of the $1.5M Strathfieldsaye Town Square.

    The Strathfieldsaye Town Square has been named Djayi balak garat, which means ‘tread lightly you lot on Country’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

    The project is the first to be completed from start to finish under the Yilingga Marna (‘shake hands’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language) agreement between the City of Greater Bendigo and DJAARA (the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation).

    Yilingga Marna recognises each organisation’s priorities and Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples’ rights as the Traditional Owners of this land. It provides an agreed pathway for the City to deliver projects on Country that are also on Crown land.

    Under the agreement, Dja Dja Wurrung enterprise DJANDAK created timber furniture with custom artwork by Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta artist Drew Berick, interpretive signage, and completed contemporary tree scarring and understory planting.

    Successfully working with DJANDAK on a paving design, the City completed the paving works on site. The paving in the central space symbolises all people in the community meeting together.

    The project also extended to the delivery of a mural on the recently constructed Emu Creek underpass by Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta artist Troy Firebrace.

    The town square also included the construction of flexible, paved gathering spaces, a north-south shared path connecting Apsley Street and Wellington Street/Strathfieldsaye Road, a hardscape commercial break out area, raised garden beds with seating, native planting and shade trees and open lawn space.

    Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said Djayi balak garat forms the future heart of Strathfieldsaye.

    “The creation of a town square was a key outcome of the 2017 Strathfieldsaye Urban Development Framework, where the community told us they wanted a gathering place for local events,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “This landmark destination provides a place for residents to shop, gather, meet, attend events and enjoy.

    “We would like to thank our DJAARA friends and colleagues for walking together with us to deliver this project. Strong, genuine engagement with Traditional Owners has achieved an amazing outcome, revitalising Country and providing our community with a renewed space.

    “We are excited to see the community make use of the space and put it at the heart of local celebrations, events and other activities, while remembering to tread lightly and care for Country as we go.”

    DJAARA General Manager Cassandra Lewis said it was fitting for the first project under Yilingga Marna to be about community gathering together.

    “Community gathering for ceremony and trade is an important aspect of Djaara culture – and, indeed, of many cultures. The town square is a place where people from all cultures can gather and share Country together,” Ms Lewis said.

    “Creative elements in the town square remind us of the continued presence of Dja Dja Wurrung People, but there’s a strong emphasis on this being a shared space where all people can meet equally.

    “Dja Dja Wurrung People are proud to share our culture and our language with the broader community. We hope the community will come away with a deeper understanding of contemporary Dja Dja Wurrung culture, and to connect over shared values like caring for Country.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with leaders of US, France, Germany and Italy: 18 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with leaders of US, France, Germany and Italy: 18 May 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany last night [18 May 2025].

    The Prime Minister spoke to leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany last night [18 May 2025].

    The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the catastrophic cost of the war to both sides.

    Looking ahead to President Trump’s call with President Putin tomorrow, the leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire and for President Putin to take peace talks seriously.

    They also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia failed to engage seriously in a ceasefire and peace talks.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bushwalkers rescued from Mount Field National Park during inclement weather

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Bushwalkers rescued from Mount Field National Park during inclement weather

    Monday, 19 May 2025 – 2:24 pm.

    Police are reiterating warnings to bushwalkers after another search and rescue response was launched to rescue two bushwalkers near Lake Newdegate in the Mount Field National Park.
    “Around 10pm last night, police were alerted via a satellite messaging device, that two bushwalkers required assistance after becoming stranded at the Newdegate Hut due to suffering from the effects of exposure,” said Acting Inspector Paul Johns from Marine and Rescue Services.
    “The weather prevented the party from walking out of the area and concerns were held due to further deterioration of weather conditions.”
    “The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched, however, due to weather conditions and cloud it was unable to safely land, and a search and rescue team was deployed to walk to the area.”
    “Just prior to 3.30am this morning rescue personnel, consisting of two police rescue officers and two wilderness paramedics, reached the bushwalkers. The bushwalkers were treated at the hut and extracted by helicopter at 9am this morning, after the weather conditions improved.”
    “Last week we saw several bushwalker weather alerts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, and this rescue is an example of how it’s imperative to only bushwalk if you are prepared – both with physical capability, and equipment to keep you safe.”
    “Bushwalkers should always prepare for the worst, and carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices.”
    “Police and other emergency services will always respond to requests for assistance, but it’s important to remember that if you require assistance in bad weather, aircraft are often not able to fly due to conditions and ground crews could be hours away. Carrying suitable equipment will ensure you can remain safe until help arrives if required.”
    Police again remind those venturing outdoors to monitor weather warnings and consider the impact of the weather on their activities. Other essential safety considerations include:

    Taking sufficient communication devices including mobile phones, charging banks and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s).
    Ensuring sufficient emergency food, water, spare clothing and shelter is carried in the event the length of the trip extends.
    Research impending weather conditions for the area and do not continue with plans where inclement weather is due.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government to set new ten-year budgets for R&D funding

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government to set new ten-year budgets for R&D funding

    New criteria to give certainty to world-class research organisations, helping to attract greater private investment and grow the UK economy.

    • New plans unveiled to support long-term, ten-year funding for certain R&D activities
    • Change will provide long-term certainty to researchers and industry, deepening opportunities for partnerships in vital R&D work that could transform UK economy
    • Introduction of guidance meets key manifesto commitment, supporting the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy and delivering growth as part of our Plan for Change

    Vital R&D work exploring innovation in areas as diverse as human health and cutting-edge computing will be given much-needed long-term certainty under new criteria unveiled by Science Minister Lord Vallance today (Monday 19 May).

    It will enable and support government departments and other public bodies to fund R&D over a ten-year period – giving certainty to world-class research organisations that their work will continue over the long-term, helping to attract greater private investment, grow the UK economy and deliver on our Plan for Change. 

    While specific funding will be determined in the coming weeks, it could, for example, see research organisations tackling areas like antimicrobial resistance or developing quantum computers – complex issues which can take years to develop and understand – granted longer timescales to boost their chances of unearthing truly valuable solutions and improving lives.

    It could also mean longer-term funding for infrastructure, such as large-scale research facilities and equipment, giving them certainty that the tools they need to drive progress are secured.

    This will more broadly enable long-term research that tackles the key issues facing the UK, and will crowd investment into the sector from businesses attracted to the certainty of public backing.

    Evidence shows that the average £1 invested in public R&D leverages double that in private investment and generates £7 in net benefits to the UK economy in the long run – providing a major boost to the UK economy. This also delivers on a manifesto commitment and on calls from research organisations, innovators and milestone independent reports such as the Landscape Review of R&D.

    The criteria which will be used by departments and public bodies to identify and prioritise relevant ten-year funding proposals are centred around 4 areas:

    • Infrastructure and core capabilities – where ten-year funding will allow recipients to develop or maintain core national infrastructure or support more impactful use of such infrastructure, which would not be possible under shorter funding cycles.
    • Talent attraction and retention – where the skills development in a particular area is demonstrably vital to the UK growth agenda and longer-term funding would enable development of a pipeline of skilled researchers, scientists or engineers that otherwise would be difficult.
    • International collaboration – where there are demonstrable, additional opportunities for international collaborations with wider strategic benefits.
    • Partnerships and business collaboration – where there is demonstrable need for long term partnerships with industry – including charity and philanthropy – to tackle a significant challenge relevant to economic growth, and where shorter funding cycles would impede effective partnerships.

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

    Research and innovation, from computing and AI to health breakthroughs need stability of funding. 

    We are delivering on our manifesto commitment to support and encourage public bodies to deliver long-term ten-year funding streams where appropriate, while retaining the flexibility of shorter-term cycles to deal with emerging priorities.

    This change will provide certainty to certain types of research organisations and unlock vital business investment into our world-class research sector to drive the growth at the heart of our Plan for Change.

    The announcement comes ahead of the publication of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy and will ensure the UK continues to be a world leader in growth-driving sectors delivering increased investment and secure, skilled jobs for working people across the country.

    The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has worked with the Treasury and other stakeholders to develop the principles of ten-year funding and the process by which public bodies will select specific activities or institutions for long-term funding, to provide transparency for the R&D sector. 

    The guidance recommends that public bodies should set a maximum limit for the proportion of R&D budget that, at any one time, should be allocated to ten-year funding. This will retain the agility to respond to new and emerging priorities in the short and medium term.

    Further details on the initial recipients of ten-year budgets will be set out in the second phase of the Spending Review, and in due course following the allocation of the R&D budget.  

    Departments will operate their own selection process, in line with the guidance. The guidance will allow departments to implement a targeted approach and allocate ten-year budgets to the specific programmes, activities and smaller research organisations that would best be able to unlock the economic and scientific benefits associated with long-term funding.  

    Ten-year budgets will also act as a signal of government’s long-term priorities in key sectors, helping to underpin the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy. This is part of a wider government approach to reforming R&D funding over the longer-term, including providing stability and certainty to the R&D sector by giving clarity on the government’s R&D priorities.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why is southern Australia in drought – and when will it end?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chiara Holgate, Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Weather of the 21st Century, Australian National University

    Artic_photo/Shutterstock

    Swathes of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are in the grip of drought as they experience some of the lowest rainfall totals on record.

    Farmers are spending eye-watering amounts of money buying feed, or selling stock to stay afloat.

    Some towns are already on water restrictions. Those not connected to the mains water system are in a perilous situation. In the Adelaide Hills, water is being trucked in to fill empty rainwater tanks and dams.

    The story playing out across southern Australia could be a glimpse of what’s to come. Our recent research suggests southern Australia may experience longer and more intense droughts in the future, as the climate changes.

    Parts of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are experiencing serious rainfall deficiencies.
    Australian Bureau of Meteorology

    How bad is this drought?

    Parts of southern Australia have been experiencing drier than normal conditions for well over a year.

    Conditions on the ground are worsening as the drought continues.

    In Adelaide, the desalination plant has ramped up to maintain water supply. Similarly, Victoria’s desal plant has fired up for the first time since 2022 as dam levels fall.

    Farmers are facing some of the driest conditions in decades, and financial pressures are mounting.

    Nature, too, is struggling. Waterways, wetlands and deep pools have dried up, leading to fears for endangered fish, insects and many other species.

    Where has the rain gone?

    In a drought-prone country such as Australia, there’s an age-old question: why do the rains sometimes disappear?

    Our recent research shows Australian scientists are getting closer to answering this question.

    We now know Australian droughts develop when weather systems that lift and carry moisture from the ocean – to fall as heavy rain on land – disappear. When these weather systems return, the droughts break.

    These kinds of weather systems have been notably absent from southern Australia in recent months. Instead, slow-moving high-pressure systems, which typically bring warm and dry conditions, have been the standout feature across southern Australia.

    For Australia, the driest inhabited continent, heavy rains are what keep drought at bay. Last spring and summer, drought conditions were building in parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales. But then Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought heavy rains, dumping up to four times as much rain as these areas usually get in February and March.

    Similarly, heavy rains at the end of last year helped parts of northern and central WA avoid drought conditions.

    Unfortunately, western Victoria and southern SA have had no such luck.

    Drought is more likely to break if weather systems and climate drivers are favorable, such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in its negative phase, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in its wet phase, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in its La Niña phase, the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) in its negative phase and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) active. Background climate change can affect all of these drivers.
    Holgate et al 2025 Communications Earth & Environment, CC BY-NC-ND

    How long will the drought last?

    If farmers, water authorities and policymakers knew how much longer this drought would last, they could make clear plans. Keep or sell livestock? Impose water restrictions or wait?

    Unfortunately, drought timing is very hard to predict. As our research shows, the climate processes that bring weather systems laden with heavy rain are complex.

    But we do know heavy and persistent rain is needed to break the drought. And the current forecast shows there’s a decent chance of that as we head towards spring. Though forecasts can change, and those with skin in the game will have their eyes glued to next month’s update to the Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall outlook.

    It also helps that we’re heading into what’s usually the rainier time of year. This means the odds of receiving decent rain are higher at this time of year than if we were heading into summer.

    Climate and water long-range forecast, issued 15 May 2025 (Bureau of Meteorology)

    Dry and drier

    Over the past few decades, southern Australia has become drier. Drying has been most pronounced during the cooler months, between April and October. Some parts of southern Australia have also become more drought-prone, with the number of months spent in drought increasing over this time.

    Maps of the current dry conditions across southern Australia closely follow the regions projected to experience longer and more frequent drought conditions in future.

    It’s too early to draw a clear line between climate change and this particular drought. But the weight of evidence shows southern droughts are likely to strike more often in the future. The Tinderbox Drought from 2017–19, for instance, was the first Australian drought to show a possible worsening from climate change.

    The good news? We now know more about how Australian droughts work. This means we can now be more confident in the direction of Australia’s water future than in past decades.

    We must urgently use this new knowledge to develop innovative solutions that will allow Australia to thrive in a climate of increasingly variable water availability. Solutions will involve setting sustainable limits on water use, introducing water recycling and improving efficiency, among other measures.

    Though solutions may look different in different parts of Australia, one thing rings true everywhere: we all need to make every drop count.

    Chiara Holgate receives funding from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century.

    Ailie Gallant receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

    – ref. Why is southern Australia in drought – and when will it end? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-southern-australia-in-drought-and-when-will-it-end-256443

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI is moving fast. Climate policy provides valuable lessons for how to keep it in check

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milica Stilinovic, PhD Candidate, School of Media and Communications; Managing Editor, Policy & Internet journal, University of Sydney

    cybermagician/Shutterstock

    Artificial intelligence (AI) might not have been created to enable new forms of sexual violence such as deepfake pornography. But that has been an unfortunate byproduct of the rapidly advancing technology.

    This is just one example of AI’s many unintended uses.

    AI’s intended uses are not without their own problems, including serious copyright concerns. But beyond this, there is much experimentation happening with the rapidly advancing technology. Models and code are shared, repurposed and remixed in public online spaces.

    These collaborative, loosely networked communities — what we call “underspheres” in our recently published paper in New Media & Society — are where users experiment with AI rather than simply consume it. These spaces are where generative AI is pushed into unpredictable and experimental directions. And they show why a new approach to regulating AI and mitigating its risks is urgently needed. Climate policy offers some useful lessons.

    A limited approach

    As AI advances, so do concerns about risk. Policymakers have responded quickly. For example, the European Union AI Act which came into force in 2024 classifies systems by risk: banning “unacceptable” ones, regulating “high-risk” uses, and requiring transparency for lower-risk tools.

    Other governments — including those of the United Kingdom, United States and China — are taking similar directions. However, their regulatory approaches differ in scope, stage of development, and enforcement.

    But these efforts share a limitation: they’re built around intended use, not the messy, creative and often unintended ways AI is actually being used — especially in fringe spaces.

    So, what risks can emerge from creative deviance in AI? And can risk-based frameworks handle technologies that are fluid, remixable and fast-moving?

    Sub communities within the larger Reddit platform often experiment with unintential uses of AI.
    Tada Images/Shutterstock

    Experimentation outside of regulation

    There are several online spaces where members of the undersphere gather. They include GitHub (a web-based platform for collaborative software development), Hugging Face (a platform that offers ready-to-use machine learning models, datasets, and tools for developers to easily build and launch AI apps) and subreddits (individual communities or forums within the larger Reddit platform).

    These environments encourage creative experimentation with generative AI outside regulated frameworks. This experimentation can include instructing models to avoid intended behaviours – or do the opposite. It can also include creating mashups or more powerful variations of generative AI by remixing software code that is made publicly available for anyone to view, use, modify and distribute.

    The potential harms of this experimentation are highlighted by the proliferation of deepfake pornography. So too are the limits of the current approach to regulation rapidly advancing technology such as AI.

    Deepfake technology wasn’t originally developed to create non-consensual pornographic videos and images. But this is ultimately what happened within subreddit communities, beginning in 2017. Deepfake pornography then quickly spread from this undersphere into the mainstream; a recent analysis of more than 95,000 deepfake videos online found 98% of them were deep fake pornography videos.

    It was not until 2019 – years after deepfake pornography first emerged – that attempts to regulate it began to emerge globally. But these attempts were too rigid to capture the new ways deepfake technology was being used by then to cause harm. What’s more, the regulatory efforts were sporadic and inconsistent between states. This impeded efforts to protect people – and democracies – from the impacts of deepfakes globally.

    This is why we need regulation that can march in step with emerging technologies and act quickly when unintended use prevails.

    Embracing uncertainty, complexity and change

    A way to look at AI governance is through the prism of climate change. Climate change is also the result of many interconnected systems interacting in ways we can’t fully control — and its impacts can only be understood with a degree of uncertainty.

    Over the past three decades, climate governance frameworks have evolved to confront this challenge: to manage complex, emerging, and often unpredictable risks. And although this framework has yet to demonstrate its ability to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it has succeeded in sustaining global attention over the years on emerging climate risks and their complex impacts.

    At the same time it has provided a forum where responsibilities and potential solutions can be publicly debated.

    A similar governance framework should also be adopted to manage the spread of AI. This framework should consider the interconnected risks caused by generative AI tools linking with social media platforms. It should also consider cascading risks, as content and code are reused and adapted. And it should consider systemic risks, such as declining public trust or polarised debate.

    Importantly, this framework must also involve diverse voices. Like climate change, generative AI won’t affect just one part of society — it will ripple through many. And the challenge is how to adapt with it.

    Applied to AI, climate change governance approaches could help promote preemptive action in the wake of unforeseen use (such as in the case of deepfake porn) before the issue becomes widespread.

    Over the past three decades, climate governance frameworks have evolved to manage complex, emerging, and often unpredictable risks.
    Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

    Avoiding the pitfalls of climate governance

    While climate governance offers a useful model for adaptive, flexible regulation, it also brings important warnings that must be avoided.

    Climate politics has been mired by loopholes, competing interests and sluggish policymaking. From Australia’s shortcomings in implementing its renewable strategy, to policy reversals in Scotland and political gridlock in the United States, climate policy implementation has often been the proverbial wrench in the gears of environmental law.

    But, when it comes to AI governance, this all-too-familiar climate stalemate brings with it important lessons for the realm of AI governance.

    First, we need to find ways to align public oversight with self-regulation and transparency on the part of AI developers and suppliers.

    Second, we need to think about generative AI risks at a global scale. International cooperation and coordination are essential.

    Finally, we need to accept that AI development and experimentation will persist, and craft regulations that respond to this in order to keep our societies safe.

    Francesco Bailo has received funding from Meta and from Australia’s Department of Defence.

    Jonathon Hutchinson and Milica Stilinovic 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. AI is moving fast. Climate policy provides valuable lessons for how to keep it in check – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-moving-fast-climate-policy-provides-valuable-lessons-for-how-to-keep-it-in-check-255624

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man extradited to Tasmania on alleged child sex abuse charges

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man extradited to Tasmania on alleged child sex abuse charges

    Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 3:27 pm.

    Detectives from Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Artemis, have extradited an 84-year-old man from Queensland for alleged child sexual abuse offences.
    The man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow morning (Monday 19 May), on charges of three counts of persistent sexual abuse of a child, and three counts of indecent assault.
    The abuse is alleged to have occurred between 1963 and 1982 and involve multiple victim-survivors connected the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where the man held leadership positions. The man was also a Tasmanian police officer between 1974 and 1977. As the matter is now before the courts, no further comment can be made.
    Taskforce Artemis is a specialist police team investigating child abuse allegations from the Commission of Inquiry. The Taskforce is working closely with government agencies to share information, support victim-survivors, and hold alleged perpetrators to account through an intelligence-led approach.
    It is acknowledged that offences of this nature are deeply disturbing, however, Tasmania Police strongly encourages anyone with information about any form of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, to come forward and report it.
    Reports can be made directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station or Arch centre https://arch.tas.gov.au/. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Crimestopperstas.com.au.
    Anyone can report concerns or incidents involving police to the Tasmania Police Professional Standards online portal.
    Any concerns or incidents involving government employees can be reported directly to the Integrity Commission or the Office of the Independent Regulator.
    The Tasmanian Government’s Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildresafe.tas.gov.au/Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch or https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Cambrai

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police and emergency services are responding to a serious crash at Cambrai.

    A collision occurred between a truck and two cars on Ridley Road about 1.15pm on Sunday 18 May.

    Ridley Road is closed between Paynes Road and Schubert Road until further notice.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Body located in search for missing man on Hobart’s Eastern Shore

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Body located in search for missing man on Hobart’s Eastern Shore

    Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 12:39 pm.

    Sadly, police can confirm a body believed to be that of a missing 63 year old Rokeby man was located earlier today.
    Inspector Andrew Keane said that the man’s body was located in a creek just off Droughty Point Road about 9.30am.
    The man was found following an extensive land, air and sea search after the 63-year-old man was reported missing on Hobart’s Eastern Shore on Thursday afternoon.
    “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this tragic time,” Inspector Keane said.
    “Initial investigations suggest that there are no suspicious circumstances however forensic examinations will now take place as is the usual process and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.”
    Inspector Keane thanked members of the Eastern Shore community who helped search for the man and provided valuable information throughout the past three days.
    “Every piece of information provided by members of the community was assessed and was followed up as a matter of priority,” he said.
    “We appreciate the assistance of the local community at this very sad time.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UK economy beats expectations in Q1, but challenges loom ahead

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

    People prepare to leave after watching the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025.  (Xinhua/Li Ying)

    The UK economy in the first quarter of 2025 has exceeded market expectations with GDP rising by 0.7 percent quarter on quarter, showed data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday.

    Earlier figures indicated stagnation in January and a 0.5-percent increase in February, and anticipated zero growth in March. However, the latest data revealed a 0.2-percent rise in March, lifting the overall quarterly result.

    The service sector, the primary engine of growth, recorded a 0.7-percent increase, rebounding from just 0.1 percent in the final quarter of 2024, with wholesale, retail, transport and communications services making notable contributions.

    Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said that falling shop price indices have been good news for UK households and that declining food prices and fierce competition among retailers helped bring down overall prices, supporting the continued growth of the services sector in the first quarter.

    British manufacturing also surprised markets in the first quarter of 2025, ending three consecutive quarters of decline. According to the ONS, the rebound was largely driven by growth in the automotive and machinery sectors, with machinery manufacturing up 3.8 percent quarter on quarter and transport equipment production rising 2.7 percent. Analysts noted that a surge in output in February was likely due to firms rushing to ship goods ahead of new U.S. tariffs.

    The construction sector, however, remained stagnant, showing no growth compared to the previous quarter and even hinting at a potential contraction.

    The stronger-than-expected economic growth in the first quarter of 2025 has eased pressure on the UK government. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said the results reflected the strength and potential of the UK economy, yet acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.

    This growth, however, was recorded before new U.S. tariffs on UK goods took effect, the impact of which will become evident in the second quarter. Domestically, higher National Insurance rates, increases in the minimum wage and price hikes in some social services have prompted industry groups and research institutions to caution that the first quarter’s performance may be short-lived. The 0.2-percent GDP growth in March was already a noticeable slowdown from February’s 0.5 percent, suggesting tougher challenges ahead.

    Stuart Morrison, research director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), noted that the 0.7-percent growth exceeded expectations, driven by strong performances in services and manufacturing. However, he cautioned that the impact of higher National Insurance and global trade tensions has yet to surface in the data, warning that the real challenges are still to come.

    Ben Jones, an economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the unexpected growth in March was largely a rebound from February, but the strong GDP growth in the first quarter is likely a temporary phenomenon. He warned that with employment costs set to rise significantly following the autumn budget, UK businesses remain cautious about hiring and investment, and additionally, global economic uncertainty continues to threaten the UK’s recovery.

    Several economic research institutions have recently lowered their UK growth forecasts for 2025. Earlier this month, the Bank of England projected that the UK economy would grow by only 1 percent this year.

    Given this backdrop, some UK research institutions have pointed out that maintaining and boosting economic growth will require stronger ties with the EU, positioning it as a key trading partner. The two sides scheduled a summit for May 19 to address several trade management issues, and institutions urged the UK government to take the opportunity to strengthen relations.

    Noting that the ripple effects of U.S. tariffs are still reverberating through the global trade system and prompting responses from various countries, BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland said Britain and the EU must send a clear signal that open and fair trade is in both sides’ best interests. She stressed that the upcoming summit must go beyond empty talk and clearly demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving trade relations.

    Meanwhile, the upcoming industrial policies are also drawing attention. “The UK government is expected to release a series of notable policies in the coming weeks, including an industrial strategy and a ten-year infrastructure plan,” said Anna Leach, chief economist at the Institute of Directors. “These could offer businesses a way out of the current difficulties and provide a clearer view of the UK’s economic direction.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister urges Prime Minister to drop EU red lines

    Source: Scottish Government

    Scotland’s interests cannot be an afterthought in negotiations.

    First Minister John Swinney has urged the UK Government to reflect Scotland’s interests by dropping its EU red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement.

    Ahead of tomorrow’s summit between the UK and EU, the First Minister has reiterated his calls for the closest possible co-operation with Europe and said the best future for Scotland is as an independent nation within the European Union.

    The Scottish Government has previously called for the UK Government to negotiate with the EU on a number of key areas including removing barriers to food and drink exports, closer energy and climate co-operation, a youth mobility agreement, and rejoining the Erasmus+ and Creative Europe programmes.

    The First Minister said:

    “Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country within the European Union. More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. 

    “Right now, the Prime Minister must negotiate the closest possible working relationship with the EU, in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland. To do that he must drop his ideological red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement. This would remove significant trade barriers and red tape for Scottish businesses and give a much-needed boost to the Scottish economy which is still being badly impacted by Brexit.

    “If the UK Government wants to get serious about economic growth, it should recognise that the EU is one of our most important economic and security partners. At the very least we need to see a reduction in red tape for our food and drink exports, closer co-operation on energy and climate issues and greater freedom of movement for our young people. These areas and others can bring benefits both for us and our European partners.

    “The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK and the EU towards stability and progress but the UK Government must reflect the interests of Scotland in the upcoming talks. Given the appalling economic, social and cultural damage of Brexit, Scotland cannot be treated as an afterthought by the UK Government in these discussions.”

    Background

    The Scottish Government has published papers on some of our key priorities for closer cooperation:

    The Scottish Government has also published a number of reports on the impact of Brexit on Scotland and Scotland’s economy, including:

    In 2023, the Scottish Government published a paper setting out the Scottish Government’s vision for an independent Scotland in the EU:

    Building a New Scotland: an independent Scotland in the EU – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-EU Summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK-EU Summit

    This week, the Prime Minister will strike yet another deal that will deliver in the national interest of this country. It will be good for growth, good for jobs, good for bills, and good for our borders.

    • This week, the Prime Minister will strike yet another deal that will deliver in the national interest of this country. It will be good for growth, good for jobs, good for bills, and good for our borders.

    • In the last two weeks alone, the government has delivered trade deals with India and the United States. Jobs saved, faster growth, wages rising.

    • These deals are a huge vote of confidence in the United Kingdom. They show that, even though times have been tough, the decisions the government have taken to stabilise the economy and lead the way internationally have made this a country people want to do business with again.

    • Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will set out how a strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people and lead to more money in pockets as part of our Plan for Change – and sticking to the red lines set out in our manifesto. 

    • Because the British public deserve better than the deal reached under the previous government, which isn’t working for anyone.  

    • It will be better for UK producers – who face red tape and checks just to export to our nearest and biggest trading partner. Or sometimes can’t export at all. 

    • It will be better for British supermarkets, who have to pass these costs onto consumers and reduce the availability of products on shelves. 

    • And it will be better for British families who face higher bills, queues on holiday and whose safety and security is harmed by a lack of cooperation between neighbouring countries facing the same global challenges. 

    • First India, then the US, now the European Union. This is what outward-looking, independent sovereign nations do – we look at the problems facing our country and we work hard, alongside our allies, to find solutions that deliver for our people. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    “In this time of great uncertainty and volatility, the UK will not respond by turning inwards, but by proudly taking our place on the world stage – strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people. 

    “First India, then the United States – in the last two weeks alone that’s jobs saved, faster growth and wages rising. More money in the pockets of British working people, achieved through striking deals not striking poses. 

    “Tomorrow, we take another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union. It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders. 

    “That’s what the British people voted for last year, and it’s what my government will deliver.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Devonport

    Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 7:20 am.

    Police are investigating a serious crash on the Bass Highway in Devonport last night.Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 8pm last night (17/5/25) after a 17 year old male youth was crossing the Bass Highway near the Homemaker Centre, Devonport.The youth was struck by a westbound Nissan X Trail travelling at approximately 110kph, in the right hand lane.The driver of the car stopped immediately to lend assistance and call for help.The youth was treated at the scene and taken by ambulance to the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie with what are believed to be non life threatening injuries.The Bass Highway was closed for around three hours while police Crash Investigaton Serices, Forensic Services, and SES volunteers attended and worked through the scene.Initial investigations suggest the youth was part of a small group who had crossed the highway to buy food when he was struck.The driver of the car had his two children in his car with him at the time. They were all understandably shaken, but uninjured.Anyone with information including dash cam footage should contact Devonport Police on 131444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Payout Online Casinos UK: JACKBIT Voted #1 For Fast And Highest Payouts By UK Players!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDINBURGH, Scotland, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The best payout online casinos UK offer players high RTP games, fast withdrawal processes, and reliable payment methods. These casinos are typically evaluated based on their payout speed, transparency, and overall user experience.

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    In 2025, several platforms have gained recognition for meeting these standards. Among them, JACKBIT has emerged as a notable option, offering a crypto-friendly interface and features like no-deposit bonuses. Its inclusion in various lists highlights how newer platforms are adapting to meet the demands of UK players seeking quick and secure access to their winnings.

    “We’re incredibly proud to be recognized as a leading best payout online casino UK for 2025. At JACKBIT, our mission is to provide swift, transparent withdrawals and promotions that truly reward our players. It’s about building trust and delivering an exciting experience,” a JACKBIT representative stated.

    In 2025, JACKBIT has elevated its offerings with tailored promotions for both newcomers and seasoned crypto users, cementing its status as the highest paying online casino UK players trust. With instant crypto rewards and access to a vast array of top-tier games, JACKBIT stands out as a premier destination for those seeking the best payout casino.

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    Why JACKBIT Leads as the Best Paying Online Casino UK

    JACKBIT Casino, accessible to UK players and renowned globally, was recently voted the best payout online casino UK in 2025 following an in-depth review by iGaming specialists. This accolade underscores JACKBIT’s dedication to delivering rapid withdrawals, high returns, and a seamless gaming experience tailored for UK casino fans.

    Boasting a library of over 7,000 games from 85 top-tier providers, JACKBIT caters to every gaming preference. From slots offering the highest slot payouts to immersive live dealer tables and a robust sportsbook, the platform ensures variety and quality. Licensed under the Curacao Gaming Authority, JACKBIT guarantees fairness and transparency, making it a top choice among the best payout online casinos UK.

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    In-Depth Review of JACKBIT’s Standout Features

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    Operating under a Curacao Gaming License, JACKBIT adheres to strict regulatory standards, ensuring all games are fair and powered by certified random number generators. This commitment to integrity makes it a trusted option for UK players searching for the best payout gambling sites.

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    The Future of JACKBIT in 2026 and Beyond

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    Unique Features UK Players Love

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    Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Payout Online Casinos UK

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    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, no warranties are made regarding completeness or timeliness. Readers should verify information independently. The publisher, affiliates, and contributors are not liable for errors, omissions, or losses arising from this content.

    This content may contain affiliate links, which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase or deposit. These links do not affect editorial integrity, and evaluations are based on independent research.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f25f3ca-913f-48f7-8506-6934629defa6
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc8efd12-f666-40c6-9776-9694321d7725
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3679be27-7813-4316-9e7b-f1e7b50e93a4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 17, 2025 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 171248

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0748 AM CDT Sat May 17 2025

    Valid 171300Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS NORTH
    TEXAS AND SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA…

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER PORTIONS OF
    UPSTATE NEW YORK AND WESTERN NEW ENGLAND…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms producing large to very large hail, damaging
    gusts and a couple of tornadoes are expected across the southern
    Plains. Additional severe storms are possible across the Northeast.

    …Southern Plains Region…
    Water vapor imagery depicts a pronounced southern stream upper-level
    trough over the Baja Peninsula this morning, with evidence of a lead
    impulse approaching southwest TX. This leading impulse will
    contribute to ascent in the vicinity of a sharpening dryline across
    Western North Texas/Oklahoma by early afternoon. To the east of the
    dryline, extreme instability (MLCAPE in excess of 4000 J/kg) is
    expected to develop given the moist low-level air mass and
    relatively cool mid-level thermal profiles. With negligible CINH by
    early/mid afternoon, thunderstorms are expected to develop along the
    dryline and move east/northeast into North Texas and southern
    Oklahoma. Supercells will be the dominant mode initially, with a
    risk for very large hail (in excess of 3.5 inches), and damaging
    gusts. Although low-level shear is not especially strong, some
    tornado risk will exist given the magnitude of instability and
    potential for storm-scale interactions. Eventual upscale growth into
    a severe MCS is expected as storms continue to move across North
    TX/southern OK this evening. Severe wind probabilities have been
    increased across the Enhanced Risk area for the expectation of a
    more concentrated corridor of damaging wind potential.

    Across central/northwest OK, a narrowing plume of instability will
    be present east of the dryline and south of an east-west oriented
    frontal boundary. Within this moist sector, strong to extreme
    instability and around 50 kts of deep-layer shear will support at
    least isolated supercell storm development this afternoon over
    central OK. Very large hail (3 inches or greater) will be possible,
    in addition to damaging gusts. Tornado risk will be dependent on
    storm interactions. Thunderstorm development over northwest OK is
    more uncertain, however should a storm develop a supercell mode will
    be favored with all hazards possible.

    …Northeast…
    Strong mid-level height falls will spread across much of the
    northeastern U.S. today in response to the approaching Great Lakes
    upper low. Large-scale ascent will increase with as the left-exit
    region of the 500mb jet translates across PA. Scattered
    thunderstorms, including supercells, are expected to develop
    along/ahead of the synoptic cold front across upstate NY, with
    subsequent movement expected into western New England. Multiple
    rounds of thunderstorms are likely, with severe hail and winds as
    the primary risks. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out with any
    stronger and semi-discrete supercell. Please refer to Mesoscale
    Discussion 836 for additional details on short-term expectations.

    …Northern Utah Vicinity…
    A Marginal Risk has been introduced across northern UT and vicinity
    given expected higher concentration of storms within a deeply-mixed
    boundary layer. Strong/severe gusts will be the primary severe risk.

    …Lower Mississippi Valley/Southeast…
    Thunderstorms continue from central MS into the western Carolinas at
    13z, with occasional pulses of strong/severe cells. Isolated
    stronger storms will remain possible as diurnal
    heating/destabilization takes place in the presence of ample shear
    for organized storms. However, with the line of convection oriented
    generally parallel to the shear vector, any severe risk should be
    isolated. Strong gusts will be the primary hazard.

    ..Bunting/Marsh.. 05/17/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1630Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BBC must join calls to exclude Israel from Eurovision Song Contest

    Source: Scottish Greens

    17 May 2025 Culture

    Patrick Harvie calls for Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision

    More in Culture

    The BBC must join international calls to exclude Israel from the world’s largest music competition, ‘Eurovision’, says Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie.

    Broadcasters and artists have called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to take action to stop Israel competing in Eurovision.

    The 2024 winner of the contest, Nemo, stated, “Israel’s actions are fundamentally at odds with the values that Eurovision claims to uphold — peace, unity, and respect for human rights.” “I support the call for Israel’s exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest.”

    Irish broadcaster RTÉ has also called for Israel to be excluded, prompting the EBU to “hold discussions” about Israel’s future in the contest, but only after this year’s contest in Basel, Switzerland.

    Israel first competed in Eurovision in 1973 and is set to compete in the 2025 edition, with their competitor qualifying for the grand-final during Semi-Final two on Thursday evening.

    Speaking ahead of the Eurovision grand final, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie said: 

    “Israeli forces have inflicted a genocide on the people of Gaza; there should be no illusion that Israel wants to use Eurovision to pinkwash their image and distract from the war crimes their government are committing in Gaza and the West Bank.

    “Eurovision should be a uniting force for peace and love in Europe, but whilst war criminals are represented on the stage, that can’t happen. The EBU rightfully took action against Russia and Belarus; now, they must listen to broadcasters, artists, and fans.

    “As one of the ‘big 5’ Eurovision broadcasters, the BBC must join neighbouring broadcasters in Ireland to call for the end of Israel’s pinkwashing.

    “The continued acceptance of Israel onto the Eurovision stage is unacceptable, I am glad that the EBU have finally opened a channel with RTÉ to discuss this issue but it has taken far too long to get here. The BBC must stand against these atrocities and speak out now.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Armed Forces to benefit from ground breaking underwater glue developed with industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK Armed Forces to benefit from ground breaking underwater glue developed with industry

    Defence scientists develop glue that enables rapid repairs to equipment in extreme environments.

    An underwater glue could soon be saving lives and providing UK Armed Forces with an operational edge following successful trials in Portsmouth.

    The glue, which mimics the way a mussel sticks to a rock in nature, will enable military personnel to repair wetsuits, damaged dinghies and other equipment rapidly in extreme environments, potentially saving lives. It will also make it easier to repair bridges under the water line and could save the public money by enabling repairs during deployment.

    The glue was developed by the Ministry of Defence’s Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), working with biotech firm Zentraxa.

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said:

    This unique approach, inspired by nature, demonstrates how the UK is becoming a hotbed for pioneering defence technology.

    Our scientists are working with industry to unlock emerging technologies, finding new ways to protect the military personnel who keep our nation safe, at home and abroad.

    That’s why we’re establishing a new innovation organisation, UK Defence Innovation, with a ring-fenced budget of £400 million, to help deliver even more cutting-edge tools like this to the Armed Forces.

    The adhesive was successfully demonstrated by British Army divers at Horsea Island, who tested it by gluing various items to an underwater steel wall. It was also tested in simulated sea water in the laboratory and performed well on wet out-of-water surfaces.  The glue could have multiple other applications, beyond defence. 

    Principal Scientist Claire, of Dstl’s Engineering Biology project, said: 

    Taking something that nature does well and applying it to modern problems is what is engineering biology is all about.    

    The glue – inspired by nature – will give our Armed Forces a capability that they simply don’t have at the moment.    

    This will bring a new and unique capability to underwater work. It could help divers, it could mean a punctured dinghy doesn’t sink. It could ultimately save lives.

    Dstl has supported the project with approximately £300,000 of funding and will collaborate with other parts of Defence in the further development of the glue technology. This will support specialist jobs and demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in unlocking innovation – a core pillar of the Government’s plan for change.

    Zentraxa Chief Technology Officer Martin Challand said:  

    We have taken inspiration from natural organisms that can stick underwater like the marine mussel and then tried to exploit that bio-chemistry into a real world setting.   

    This is a major milestone for our product – this what we have dreamed of. It is extremely rewarding to see it being used and knowing that in the future it could save lives and it is fantastic to be working together across sectors like this.  

    If you were in a dingy and you suffered some damage you wouldn’t have to get back to shore to fix that. A quick fix in field could enable you to stay deployed or get back safely. This could have a life-saving impact.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    As we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia this year, I am sadly reminded of how much more still needs to be done.

    The past few years have been difficult and worrying, particularly for trans people. They have been targeted by divisive culture wars, too often stoked by the Conservatives and right-wing media. It’s more important than ever that the Liberal Democrats stand up for trans people – including by pushing the Government to ensure the Supreme Court ruling doesn’t lead to a roll back of trans rights.

    Today gives us an important opportunity to acknowledge the violence and discrimination that too many LGBTQ+ people face, and reflect on what we can do to help change it.

    Because far too many LGBTQ+ people face discrimination, prejudice and abuse, just for being who they are.

    The statistics paint a sobering picture. Two-thirds of LGBTQ+ people report that they have experienced anti-LGBTQ+ violence or abuse. The number of hate crimes recorded against trans people have more than doubled in the last five years.

    The LGBTQ+ community deserves so much better than this – and I believe that us politicians have a responsibility to help push for that positive change. Not just in the language we use, but also in the policies we push for.

    I’m delighted that our party reaffirmed its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights at our Spring Conference. That includes bringing forward a clear plan to tackle anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime. Like ensuring that hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people are counted as aggravated offences, and delivering better training for police on preventing and prosecuting anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime.

    It’s not just about hate crime, either. Homophobia, biophobia and transphobia touches on every aspect of people’s lives. We want to see a world where nobody’s life chances are limited by their sexual orientation or gender identity.

    So our new policies would address discrimination wherever it occurs – from addressing the barriers to finding suitable housing and anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in schools, to improving access to healthcare and protecting LGBTQ+ rights abroad.

    Of course, it’s important that we also remember how far we have come. I’m incredibly proud of the role Liberal Democrats have played in delivering the positive change that LGBTQ+ people deserve over the years.

    From being the first party to openly oppose the abhorrent Section 28, to our tireless efforts in getting the Same Sex Marriage Act passed. Milestones like these are not only important policies that take us closer to achieving equal rights. They help shift social attitudes, too.

    If we continue this important work, we can finally build a country where everyone is truly free to be who they are. Which is the only way we can end homophobia, transphobia and biphobia in all its forms.

    So today, my message to the UK’s LGBTQ+ community is clear – I support you. I stand with you. And I will keep fighting for the rights of the entire LGBTQ+ community, until true equality for all is achieved.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of being burnt out

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Addyman, Associate Professor in Project Management, UCL

    Kittirat Roekburi/Shutterstock

    The pressure of decarbonising industrial sectors is weighing on workers.

    The UK’s Labour government seeks a low-carbon and homegrown energy supply by 2030. The scale and pace of this transformation is unprecedented in the country’s power sector, and will involve building twice as much transmission infrastructure (pylons, cables, substations) in the next five years as was built over the last decade.

    Much of the workforce will be drawn from the construction sector, which employs 2.3 million people. Construction forms the dominant supply chain to the 17 major infrastructure projects involved in an overhaul of the electricity grid that will connect new wind farms in the North Sea and northern Scotland to homes and businesses across Great Britain.

    The workers “on the tools” who will carry out much of this transformation are struggling. The latest analysis from the Office for National Statistics suggests that the suicide risk of construction workers is three times higher than the male national average. Scholars of construction project management have identified a toxic workplace culture in the industry, citing aggressive market competition and demanding performance metrics.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    This is a problem that is largely being ignored. When planners at the National Energy System Operator assessed the UK’s capacity to build a clean power sector by 2030, they considered the absolute number of workers needed, the skills required and how employment is changing in the sector.

    Their assessment failed to consider the broader implications for workforce mental health and wellbeing of such a quick and comprehensive upgrade – but it is people who are going through a rapid transition, not just infrastructure.

    Expect more of these in years to come.
    J R Patterson/Shutterstock

    Going green, feeling blue

    Construction workers already endure long hours and stress due to tight deadlines. A rapid transition to green power will substantially increase their workload, unless managed carefully.

    Our report, published July 2024, looked into wellbeing and suicide in the construction industry. We concluded that the UK government, major infrastructure owners such as National Grid and their supply chain partners who provide specialist design and construction services, must work together to solve this problem.

    Major infrastructure owners offer mental health services, such as confidential counselling, legal advice and financial guidance, to help their own employees manage personal or work-related issues. But most workers on the tools are not directly employed by these owners. Most are self-employed, or hired by construction firms, of which 99% are small- and medium-sized enterprises.

    More than 96% of construction firms have fewer than 15 employees. Smaller suppliers of specialist trade skills, like electrical and mechanical installation, have fewer employment protections and more compressed schedules, and are even less likely to have the capacity to provide these services.

    Some infrastructure owners and big construction companies extend their health and wellbeing services to these smaller suppliers. However, in an industry that is dominated by competitive tendering, which favours suppliers that keep costs low, it is no surprise that uptake has been low.

    Owners of infrastructure assets like electricity pylons and substations can drive workplace improvements by adopting procurement models that prioritise suppliers that are offering measures to improve worker wellbeing.

    Research from one of us (Jing Xu) and fellow project management expert Yanga Wu, has shown that the top-down prescriptive approach traditionally applied to health and safety in construction does not work for wellbeing. This requires a bottom-up approach, that makes it easy for workers to tell managers what they are struggling with and what they think would help.

    The construction sector also faces a shortage of workers and skills required for the green transition. The industry training board forecasts that the industry must attract the equivalent of 50,300 extra workers a year to meet expected levels of work over the next five years.

    The UK is not training enough workers to achieve net zero.
    Paya Mona/Shutterstock

    In the power sector, however, there is the additional complication of an ageing workforce, as well as differences in employment conditions between permanent and contract staff. Key expertise is at risk of being lost with retirements. Older workers often face additional pressure, not only to meet performance targets but also to compensate for gaps in expertise, and all within a fast-paced environment.

    To improve mental health and wellbeing among a diverse workforce requires engaging with workers directly and ensuring their voices are heard. This involves more than upgrading technical skills. Research to better understand how organisations can care for their workforce in the context of increasing pressures due to achieving net zero is also vital.

    Further research and collaboration with infrastructure owners and major construction contractors could help manage the risks and provide valuable insights for other sectors that will need to follow suit, such as heating, transport and agriculture.

    It is imperative to consider what a transition means: the technical transition of replacing outmoded technology, as well as the social transition, which prioritises not only skills but workplace mental health. Without a focus on both policy and people, clean power will not be delivered.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Simon Addyman receives funding from University College London.

    Jing Xu receives funding from University College London.

    – ref. Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of being burnt out – https://theconversation.com/britains-net-zero-construction-workforce-is-already-at-risk-of-being-burnt-out-249328

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV Chair Warns of Trans Lobby Influence in Local Government

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV party chairman Cusher Councillor Keith Ratcliffe said:

    “Following the Supreme Court’s judgment on the legal definition of a woman, I raised concerns about the use of council facilities, particularly in relation to the upcoming Lurgan Pride event.

    “Lurgan Pride have made no secret of their opposition to the Supreme Court’s ruling. In light of this, I have asked Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to seek assurances that those using Lurgan Park for the event in August will respect single-sex facilities, particularly council-owned toilets.

    “It was later suggested to me that the council already permits individuals to use toilets and changing areas that align with their self-declared ‘gender identity’ rather than their biological sex. I therefore contacted the Chief Executive to seek clarity on the matter.

    “I have since been informed that, while the council does not have a formal policy on access to single-sex spaces, it does operate under internal staff guidelines. These guidelines advise staff that transgender individuals are entitled to access facilities, including toilets, in line with their gender identity. This position is supported by the Local Government Staff Commission’s Trans Equality Guide to Councils (2024), which offers similar advice.

    “The council has also confirmed that it has contacted the Equality Commission for guidance in light of the Supreme Court ruling.

    “It is quite clear that the Supreme Court’s judgment applies in Northern Ireland. I therefore fail to understand the delay. I have written to the council making it clear that their current approach must be brought into compliance with the law as a matter of urgency.

    “In addition, I have written to the Local Government Staff Commission, challenging how they became so captured by the trans lobby that they issued such misleading legal advice to councils. I have also asked whether this guidance has now been withdrawn in light of the Supreme Court ruling.

    “Frankly, this entire episode exposes how the trans lobby has successfully infiltrated public bodies such as the Local Government Staff Commission, reshaping policy and practice according to an ideology that is increasingly out of step with both legal precedent and biological reality.

    “Serious questions must now be asked about how professional organisations were so easily taken in by activists pushing an agenda with no basis in law or fact.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigate attempted arson at West Coast football clubrooms

    Saturday, 17 May 2025 – 2:49 pm.

    Police are investigating an attempted arson at the Rosebery/Toorak Football Clubrooms in Rosebery overnight.Tasmania Fire Service and emergency services were called to the scene in Primrose St about 2.45am, after a neighbour heard a window being smashed.Quick action by the neighbour with a small fire extinguisher saw the fire extinguished prior to the brigades’ arrival.Damage to the building was minimal, with some scorching and a broken window.TFS investigations today determined the fire had been deliberately lit, and it is believed some object with an accelerant was thrown through the window.Police are seeking any information from the public, including any details around a small dark coloured hatchback that was seen leaving the area immediately after.Anyone with information should contact Police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestopperstas.com.au, quoting reference number 775130.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kansas City Lawmakers Support National Historic Landmark Designation of Quindaro Townsite

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) have called on the National Park Service to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Wyandotte County as a National Historic Landmark. The Kansas City, Kansas site served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad prior to and during the U.S. Civil War.

    “The Quindaro Townsite is a vital piece of U.S. history that demonstrates our national commitment to liberty and self-determination, which ought to be celebrated and shared with future generations,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Just as I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act with Reps. Schmidt and Davids, I’m once again honored to advocate for the designation of Quindaro as a National Historic Landmark, preserving this important chapter in America’s story until the end of time.”

    “Quindaro is a meaningful part of our region, state, and country’s history,” Congressman Schmidt said. “Recognizing the site as a National Historic Landmark will provide the designation necessary to properly preserve the legacy of this important historical site. I’m proud to lead my fellow Kansas City area lawmakers in this effort.”

    “Quindaro is a powerful part of Kansas’ history in the fight for freedom and equality, but for too long, local preservation efforts of this important site have lacked much-needed resources,” Representative Davids said. “I’m proud to work with Representatives Schmidt and Cleaver to ensure this site receives the recognition and protection it deserves through a National Historic Landmark designation.”

    Founded in 1857, Quindaro emerged as a beacon for Free-State advocates during the turbulent “Bleeding Kansas” era. Strategically located along the Missouri River, it served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad. The town’s establishment was a collaborative effort among the Wyandot Nation, New England abolitionists, and African American settlers, exemplifying a unique and harmonious multicultural alliance during a period marked by division and conflict.

    Beyond its pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement, Quindaro became a nucleus for post-Civil War African American advancement. The establishment of the Quindaro Freedman’s School, later known as Western University, marked a significant milestone as the first Black school west of the Mississippi River. Institutions like Douglass Hospital further underscored the town’s commitment to education and healthcare within the African American community.

    Archaeological excavations have unveiled a wealth of artifacts, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives of Quindaro’s diverse inhabitants. The site’s preserved foundations and structures provide a tangible connection to this rich history. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002, Quindaro’s significance has been further acknowledged through its designation as a National Commemorative Site in 2019.

    In 2023, the lawmakers introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act to designate the Quindaro Townsite as a National Historic Landmark.

    The official letter from lawmakers is available here.

     

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 17, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 17, 2025.

    A life of service: celebrating the career of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor, RNZ Pacific manager At this year’s May graduation ceremony, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University’s Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition for her contribution to education. Although she has now stepped down from the role, Luamanuvao served as the university’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Pasifika, for 14 years.

    ‘Manu jumping’: The physics behind making humongous splashes in the pool
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pankaj Rohilla, Postdoctoral Fellow in Fluid Dynamics, Georgia Institute of Technology Maybe you’ve unknowingly tried to do a manu jump. Isabel Pavia/Moment via Getty Images Whether diving off docks, cannonballing into lakes or leaping off the high board, there’s nothing quite like the joy of jumping into

    Time for NZ media to ditch the propaganda and stand against genocide
    COMMENTARY: By Saige England in Christchurch “RNZ is failing in its duty to inform the public of an entirely preventable humanitarian catastrophe.” Tautoko to Jeremy Rose, Ramon Das and Eugene Doyle for this critique of a review of RNZ’s coverage of a genocide. Sadly, this highlights RNZ’s failure to report the genocide from the perspective

    Media Council makes ‘stop Telikom PNG silencing journalists’ plea to PM Marape
    The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) has called on Prime Minister James Marape to stop Telikom PNG silencing and suppressing media personnel. Telikom PNG, which is 100 percent government-owned, has two key outlets: FM100 radio and EMTV. Recently, it sacked FM100 talkback host Culligan Tanda after he featured opposition East Sepik Governor Allan

    Ben Roberts-Smith has lost an appeal in his long-running defamation case. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia The full Federal Court has dismissed Ben Roberts-Smith’s appeal to have his defamation case loss overturned. It is important in seeking to understand this judgement to know the history of the case. In June

    With a new minister for early childhood education, what can the federal government do to make centres safer?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University This week, more reports emerged of horrific abuse of children at childcare centres. An ABC investigation reported young children had suffered burns and been verbally abused. In another case, a baby was repeatedly slapped by an

    Australian researchers use a quantum computer to simulate how real molecules behave
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ivan Kassal, Professor of Chemical Physics, University of Sydney University of Sydney Nano Institute When a molecule absorbs light, it undergoes a whirlwind of quantum-mechanical transformations. Electrons jump between energy levels, atoms vibrate, and chemical bonds shift — all within millionths of a billionth of a second.

    To boost the nation’s health, the government’s proposed food strategy must put people over profits
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachael Walshe, Post-doctoral Researcher, University of Canberra crbellette/sShutterstock On election night, a triumphant Anthony Albanese took to the stage brandishing a Medicare card as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to public healthcare. As the re-elected government gets to work on its promised national food security strategy

    You usually need more than a few drops of blood, saliva or urine to detect illnesses. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amali Cooray, PhD Candidate in Genetic Engineering and Cancer, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Lumen Photos/Shutterstock In the 2000s, biotech company Theranos promised to revolutionise blood testing. Founder Elizabeth Holmes claimed Theranos technology could perform hundreds of tests using just a finger-prick drop

    Some young trans people take sex hormones so their bodies better align with their gender. What are the benefits and risks?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cristyn Davies, Senior Research Fellow in the Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney romain-jorge/Shutterstock Triggered by hormonal changes in the brain and body, puberty marks a physical transformation. Oestrogen and testosterone – often called “sex hormones” – drive many

    Saudi Arabia has big AI ambitions. They could come at the cost of human rights
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niusha Shafiabady, Associate Professor in Computational Intelligence, Australian Catholic University This week, on his tour of the Middle East, United States President Donald Trump unveiled a suite of new deals with Saudi Arabia. Trump claimed the deals were worth more than US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion). This is

    Why Anthony Albanese’s presence at Pope Leo’s inauguration is shrewd politics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese steps into St Peter’s Square for the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, the optics will be far more than pious courtesy. For a day, the Vatican will temporarily be the world’s

    The space race is being reshaped by geopolitics, offering opportunities for countries such as New Zealand
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Zámborský, Senior Lecturer, Management & International Business, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau NASA/Getty Imges The space economy is being reshaped — not just by innovation, but by geopolitics. What was once dominated by state space agencies, and more recently by private ventures, is evolving into

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –