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Category: Universities

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 8, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 8, 2025.

    Being kind to people – the new challenge for the public service
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Smith-Merry, Director, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney When Labor was re-elected in May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his acceptance speech to describe the type of country he wanted to lead. He spoke of how the Australian people had voted for fairness,

    It’s harder than you think to become a top sports official in football, soccer and the rugby codes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kath O’Brien, Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Health (School Exercise & Nutrition Sciences), Queensland University of Technology Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Sport officials, regardless of which code they supervise, are appointed to be impartial figures. They have to quickly interpret infractions, adjudicate rules and communicate commands, all while

    First it was ‘protein goals’, now TikTok is on about ‘fibre goals’. How can you meet yours?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course Nutrition, HealthWise Research Group Lead, Appleton Institute,, CQUniversity Australia Westend61/Getty Images “Protein goals” have long been a thing on TikTok and Instagram. But now social media users are also talking about “fibre goals”. This reflects a positive broader shift

    Bougainville election process begins as writs issued for September poll
    RNZ Pacific The Bougainville election process begins today with the issuance of the writs yesterday. Nominations open Tuesday, July 8, and close on Thursday, July 10. Voting is scheduled for one week starting on September 2, allowing seven weeks of campaigning. Candidates will be vying for a total of 46 seats, with the autonomous Parliament

    Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Cumbo, Transdisciplinary social researcher and lecturer, University of Technology Sydney A Google data centre in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Richard Newstead/Getty Data centres are the engines of the internet. These large, high-security facilities host racks of servers that store and process our digital data, 24 hours a

    How can you keep kids off screens during the winter holidays?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Children’s Games, 1560. ©KHM-Museumsverband, CC BY-NC The winter school holidays can be a tricky time for families. Parents are often juggling work and chilly conditions make it easy for kids to end

    Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joya Kemper, Associate Professor in Marketing, University of Canterbury Getty Images New Zealand is among a number of countries that encourage vaping (the use of e-cigarettes) as a tool to help people stop smoking tobacco. But what happens when people want to quit vaping? Nicotine vapes can

    If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Chan, Immunology and Allergy Lead, Snow Centre for Immune Health, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images As the number of people with allergies grows worldwide, scientists are trying to work out precisely how and why these conditions – such as

    A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen tours the Pacific this week to spruik his government’s commitment to climate action, fossil fuel exporters such as Australia are under unprecedented

    Kumanjayi Walker inquest: racism and violence, but findings too little and too late
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thalia Anthony, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney First Nations people please be advised this article speaks of racially discriminating moments in history, including the distress and death of First Nations people. The inquest findings into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker are among the most

    Cape Town’s sewage treatment isn’t coping: scientists are worried about what the city is telling the public
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lesley Green, Professor of Earth Politics and Director: Environmental Humanities South, University of Cape Town Urban water bodies – rivers, lakes and oceans – are in trouble globally. Large sewage volumes damage the open environment, and new chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds don’t break down on their own.

    View from The Hill: Albanese’s Curtin speech becomes latest political football in debate over US relationship
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese seems to find himself on eggshells whenever the Australian-American relationship comes up. After the G7 debacle, he’s persistently pursued – to his obvious irritation – by journalists asking when he’ll have his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump.

    A Shakespearean, small-town murder: why Australia became so obsessed with the Erin Patterson mushroom case
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Xanthe Mallett, Criminologist, CQUniversity Australia The “mushroom murder trial”, as it has popularly become known, has gripped Australia over the past 11 weeks. More than that, it’s prompted worldwide headlines, multiple daily podcasts, and even YouTube videos of self-proclaimed “body language experts” assessing defendant Erin Patterson’s every

    Peter Russell-Clarke’s greatest gift was how he made you feel like one of the family
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hunt, Senior Lecturer, Academic Chair, Food Science and Nutrition, Murdoch University Impressions/Getty Images Throughout my teenage years, our lounge room sang “Come and get it, come and get it” and all in earshot would carol back, “with Peter. Russell. Clarke!” The chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and

    Sleep divorce: could sleeping separately from your partner lead to a better night’s rest?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alix Mellor, Research Fellow, Psychology, Monash University Cemile Bingol/Getty Images Hundreds of years ago, it was common for married couples among the European upper classes to have separate bedrooms. Sleeping separately was a symbol of luxury and status historically reserved for royalty and the very wealthy. Nowadays,

    A test of political courage: Yoorrook’s final reports demand action, not amnesia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeremie M Bracka, Law Lecturer and Transitional Justice Academic, RMIT University Australia’s colonial era may be formally over but its legacies of inequality, land dispossession and systemic racism continue to shape daily life for First Peoples. Last week, the Victorian Yoorrook Justice Commission delivered its two final

    Erin Patterson has been found guilty in the mushroom murder trial. Legal experts explain why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia After seven weeks of evidence, six days of summing up, and six and a half days of jury deliberation in the Victorian Supreme Court sitting in Morwell, Victoria, the verdict is finally in. Erin

    In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp. More than 80

    What is rejection sensitive dysphoria in ADHD? And how can you manage it?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Barclay-Timmis, Adjunct Lecturer in Psychology, University of Southern Queensland Vitalii Khodzinskyi/Unsplash Imagine your friend hasn’t replied to a message in a few hours. Most people might think, “they are probably just busy”. But someone with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might spiral into a flood of thoughts

    NZDF not considering recruiting personnel from Pacific nations
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is not considering recruiting personnel from across the Pacific as talk continues of Australia doing so for its Defence Force (ADF). In response to a question from The Australian at the National Press Club in Canberra about Australia’s plans to potentially recruit from

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: It’s harder than you think to become a top sports official in football, soccer and the rugby codes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kath O’Brien, Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Health (School Exercise & Nutrition Sciences), Queensland University of Technology

    Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

    Sport officials, regardless of which code they supervise, are appointed to be impartial figures.

    They have to quickly interpret infractions, adjudicate rules and communicate commands, all while maintaining the highest levels of objectivity and sense – not to mention the fitness required.

    So, what does it take to become a sport official at the elite level, such as NRL referees or AFL umpires?

    And why do so many sports fans think these officials are at fault when their team keeps getting penalised?



    Read more:
    1 in 5 community footy umpires have been assaulted, while others cop death threats: new research

    It’s harder than you think

    Recently, there were calls for Ashley Klein to be stripped of officiating duties for the third and final rugby league State of Origin clash after NRL commentators queried a one-sided penalty count in the Maroons’ favour during game two in Perth.

    Likewise, the AFL recently faced criticism when video evidence revealed Collingwood’s Lachie Schultz had suffered a concussion, but the umpires in charge failed to stop play immediately, as they should have.

    Every week, fans also voice their displeasure at perceived injustices, whether that be at the ground, watching on TV or venting on social media.

    However, very few people fully understand the complexity or intricacies of what it takes to perform a sport official’s role, particularly at the elite level.

    Elite officials must have detailed rule knowledge, incredible physical and mental fitness and be composed regardless of crowd pressure. They must be able to instantly move on from any mistakes made.

    They also need situational awareness and a level of calmness to effectively supervise two groups of competitors fiercely battling against each other in these highly charged environments.

    Figuratively speaking, this can be like emergency department (ED) doctors or air traffic controllers, who are required to manage multiple events and competing task demands in a calm and consistent manner.

    Even though elite officials don’t work continuously for long hours like ED doctors or pilots – the total playing time of most of our winter sporting codes is generally between 90-120 minutes – the level of concentration, composure and mental toughness required is immense.

    Making good decisions when both players and the ball are constantly shifting position also requires exceptional game understanding and an ability to convey decisions that are appropriate to the game context.

    In other words, elite referees operate in situations in which time pressure, stress and high risk decision-making are always present.

    So who would want to perform a role where coaches, fans and some sections of the media continually question your knowledge, integrity and skills?

    Professional or part-time?

    Currently, of Australia’s major winter codes, only the NRL has a full quota of referees who are full time, paid professionals.

    Soccer’s A-League has a small group of full-time officials and an impressive number of top officials are part of FIFA’s panel of international referees. Yet, most A-League referees are part-time operators.

    Similarly, Rugby Australia has a small team of full-time professional referees who are appointed to Super League games and international matches not involving Australia, but most are part-timers.

    In the AFL, most umpires work part-time, with pressure mounting on the league to transition its umpires into full-time positions as ongoing criticisms over controversial decisions continue to grow.

    What elite officials get paid can be shrouded in secrecy but AFL field umpires reportedly earn A$120–130,000 each year while the best NRL referees earn more than $300,000 each season.

    Current pathways into the top level for most sporting codes require extensive apprenticeships in lower grades.

    To reach those top pay levels, extensive on-field experience in lower grades is required. Those who stand out are selected in high-performance squads where specialist coaching is provided.

    An often thankless task

    So, do you think you have what it takes to be an elite sports official?

    Could you maintain an optimal level of physical and cognitive performance while running at high speeds when you know every decision you make can be reviewed by video technology and re-watched in slow motion at one 25th of a second?

    It might be good to remember most decisions in sport are not black and white.

    Referees are human. They make mistakes. Sometimes they have to follow a policy or refereeing method they might not agree with.

    However, what we need to remember before we shout at them during a game is elite officials are trying to make games as fair, open, free flowing and entertaining as possible as they strive to impartially apply the rules of the game.

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

    – ref. It’s harder than you think to become a top sports official in football, soccer and the rugby codes – https://theconversation.com/its-harder-than-you-think-to-become-a-top-sports-official-in-football-soccer-and-the-rugby-codes-259036

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Being kind to people – the new challenge for the public service

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Smith-Merry, Director, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney

    When Labor was re-elected in May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his acceptance speech to describe the type of country he wanted to lead.

    He spoke of how the Australian people had voted for fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all:

    For the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need. And Australians have voted for a future that holds true to these values.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese election victory speech declaring the Australian people had voted for Australian values.

    Noble sentiments from the prime minister.

    But can this translate into real change in government organisations? How much work do they have to do to live up to Albanese’s mantra of fairness and kindness towards those in need?

    Bureaucracy can be kind

    It is important our public institutions, such as the Australian Public Service, are kind, even when they are deciding who can access limited public resources.

    We conducted a review of academic research on organisational kindness to understand how organisations can be more generous to those they interact with.

    We discovered public service processes often lack kindness, which causes distress and sometimes significant harm. Many people would be familiar with unkind interactions with public services that should be there to serve us, but sometimes make us feel like an enemy.

    Kindness has positive benefits not just for the people being served, but for organisations themselves. Our research has found kindness contributes to profit, productivity, performance and favourable community perceptions.

    A kinder organisation is also a more trusted one, which is essential for any public service – funded by the public – to retain legitimacy.

    Lack of trust

    The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a case in point.

    Other research we have conducted shows individuals find it hard to apply for the NDIS.

    In part this stemmed from previous traumatic experiences with accessing government agencies, which resulted in a lack of trust in other public services.

    A study of NDIS participant experiences has also found complexity, poor communication, and confusing or inconsistent rules causes distress.

    Recent media coverage has focused on National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) decision-making processes that participants and families believe to be unkind. This includes surprise plan reviews where people feel unprepared and unsupported.

    Another example is the combative approach by the NDIA to people’s complaints, which makes complaining distressing and adversarial.

    Complaints are a legal, necessary aspect of a any organisation that services the public. But making it tortuous to complain is a lose-lose situation. It is not just unkind to the individual but problematic in effective running of public services.

    What makes public services unkind?

    Organisations may not set out to be unkind, but may become that way because of the way they work and think. They may see themselves in service of the public purse, rather than in service to the public.

    Particularly in times of budget constraint – such as the 8% growth cap to the NDIS – helping people access services may be seen as undermining cost savings goals. This can lead to practices that degrade or even demonise people who deserve help.

    Streamlining ways of working, cutting costs or even making decisions “fairer” by applying the same rules to everyone can be dehumanising.

    Individuals often face a “machinery of government” approach based on automated decision-making that lacks warmth and understanding, even where the decisions can be life-changing.

    This was most clear in the Morrison government’s Robodebt scheme. Assumptions were made about people based upon incomplete information gathered from administrative systems that did not fully reflect the lives of individuals. This had devastating consequences for many people, as outlined in the Royal Commission findings.

    Institutions may also be influenced by political narratives about deserving versus undeserving welfare recipients which prejudice how they are viewed. The “lazy dole bludger” is a classic trope.

    These narratives can result in unkind treatment when people need to access unemployment or disability benefits through Centrelink.

    How can public institutions be kinder?

    Being kind does not mean giving everyone everything they want, or even need.

    While hard decisions are sometimes necessary, they can be made in ways considerate of the people receiving the decision.

    We identified key barriers and enablers to organisational kindness.

    The main hurdles related to organisational culture and entrenched practices which make kindness difficult.

    Enablers for building a more generous approach include entrenching kindness as a core value within how organisational policies, processes and practices are structured.

    Kindness must be built into the organisational fabric not just enabled at the point of contact with individuals accessing the service.

    A kinder community

    The values of public services should reflect community values. However, sometimes communities lack kindness as an implicit value or, as noted in the earlier example about welfare recipients, may lack kindness towards particular groups.

    Broader kindness movements operating internationally include Kindness Singapore and Kindness UK. These movements aim to make kindness a core social value.

    Australian public institutions have received a strong cue from the prime minister that kindness should also be a core business value when serving clients, especially those in need.

    Jennifer Smith-Merry receives funding from the Australian Research Council through an Industry Laureate Fellowship. The National Disability Insurance Agency is a partner on that grant but had no involvement in this article. She is a member of the Grattan Institute Disability Program Reference Group.

    Damian Mellifont, Justin Scanlan, and Nicola Hancock 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. Being kind to people – the new challenge for the public service – https://theconversation.com/being-kind-to-people-the-new-challenge-for-the-public-service-260068

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Peace and Friendship Forum was held in Shenyang on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The Peace and Friendship Forum dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, on Thursday. The event, titled “Common Destiny, Joint Path to Peace,” brought together distinguished guests from SCO member states and friendly countries, media representatives, experts and scholars to discuss ways of peaceful development.

    The forum, held in the heroic city that holds the memory of the war of resistance, was a tribute to the historic victory over fascism 80 years ago, a profound call for the formation of a community with a shared future for mankind, and a declaration of peace that looks to the future, according to local newspaper Shenyang Daily. Participants actively exchanged views on thematic issues and answered questions from the media.

    Eighty years ago, the Chinese people, shoulder to shoulder with other peoples of the world, won a great victory in the anti-fascist war. Shenyang has always regarded it as its important mission to spread the ideals of peace and preserve the spirit of the war of resistance, passing on from generation to generation the deep-rooted belief in peace.

    Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the US studies department at the China Institute of International Studies, said that consensual cooperation among the international community is needed to maintain the post-war world order. China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, calls on more countries to pay attention to contemporary global challenges and take the path of peace even further.

    According to her, the SCO plays a key role in ensuring international security. The countries have a common divisor in interests. China is actively developing a deep partnership for the sake of peace and hopes that SCO members and other partners of the international community will move towards each other with it.

    Professor Li Dong of the School of Humanities of Liaoning University noted that Shenyang has a significant set of national-level relics related to the war of resistance and rich “red” resources. “Based on this profound historical and cultural heritage, Shenyang should spread its stories to the world, honor the great victory and strive for peace and prosperity together with all peace-loving countries and peoples.”

    Professor Cui Zheng, director of the Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies at Liaoning University, stressed that as the starting point of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Shenyang has great potential for cooperation with Russian cities in preserving the historical legacy of World War II. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SJ at business seminar and dinner in Amsterdam, Netherlands (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at a business seminar and dinner organised by the Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and Invest Hong Kong on July 7 (Amsterdam time):
     
    His Excellency Mr Tan Jian (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands), dear friends from the Association, and distinguished guests in the Netherlands,
     
    Firstly, I’m really delighted and honoured to be given the chance to speak to these distinguished audience this evening. Perhaps I should begin by telling you a little bit more about myself and the purpose of my present trip. I have used to practice in Hong Kong as a civil and commercial barrister. I’ve been practicing in Hong Kong for almost 30 years and then joined the Government about three years ago. So that’s when I became the Secretary for Justice.
     
    I had considered to come to the Netherlands and this part of the world for a very long time. Unfortunately, for many reasons I was unable to do this until this occasion. So this is in fact my first trip to Europe after I took my office. So I’ve chosen the Netherlands.
     
    For personal reasons, I love travelling in the past. I travelled quite a lot. Amsterdam is very top on my list, I always come to Amsterdam to stay a couple of days, go to museums, restaurants, just to walk around, and then I move on as a stopover, and move on to other destinations. But Amsterdam is always a stop that I could not miss, so I have very good personal reasons to come to Amsterdam once again.
     
    For official reasons, the Netherlands is the second-largest trading partner of Hong Kong within Europe. There are more than 170 companies in Hong Kong. And I was invited to join the National Day Reception in late April. So, I have too many reasons to choose the Netherlands as my best destination.
     
    Returning to today’s seminar, I understand that you have heard from many eminent speakers this afternoon who have shared with you many important information about the latest development in Hong Kong in different areas. I know that you are all very keen supporters of Hong Kong and there must be reasons why you were attracted to Hong Kong. Maybe the probable reason is that you see Hong Kong as a very open society. We offer a very fair, transparent, predictable environment for you to explore business opportunities, either in Hong Kong, in China, or the Asia Pacific region. But I think all these characteristics are highly concerned with the political and legal landscape of Hong Kong. This is an important point in the sense that we are living at a rather difficult time. And Hong Kong has faced a lot of challenges in recent years. You are all keen supporters of Hong Kong. But outside this room, I’m clearly aware of the fact that many people do have a lot of questions about the future of Hong Kong. They may not be as confident as you of the future of Hong Kong. There are a lot of misgivings, misunderstandings, so on and so forth. I do believe that it’s my duty, not simply as a government official, but as a Hong Kong citizen, to bite the bullet, to face the music, to try to convince people why Hong Kong is still the Hong Kong that you are familiar with, why Hong Kong is still the Hong Kong that we all love.
     
    There’s one single message that I wish to convey, and that is “Hong Kong is still Hong Kong”. I wish to perhaps look at the latest development or something that I regard to be of great importance insofar as political landscape and legal landscape are concerned. Let me begin by the political landscapes of Hong Kong. I make it all boiled down to one very important thing. The gist of the matter is the principle of “one country, two system”. It’s because of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys a number of very unique strengths and characteristics which are unparalleled. For example, we have our own independent legal system based on common law, our own independent financial system, our own currency, free flow of capital, we have trade port, we have no tariffs, no trade barriers, but all these things are because of the fact that we have “one country, two systems”.
     
    So the elephant in the room is this, is the principle of “one country, two systems” to be maintained, or is it going to be changed in whatever way in future? I wish to give you three reasons, why there shouldn’t be any worry or concern that the principle of “one country, two systems” will be altered or changed in future. The first reason is that the principle of “one country, two systems”, notwithstanding the fact that it’s a political concept, but actually it’s constitutional entrenched in the sense that its implementation is guaranteed by a constitutional document which is the Basic Law. I’m sure that many people in this room is familiar with the Basic Law. But what I wish to highlight is that on July 1, we celebrated the 28th anniversary of China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. And for 28 years, and notwithstanding the fact that we had encountered a number of difficulties and challenges, not a single word, not a single clause in our Basic Law had been changed.
     
    Secondly, which is a matter of law, I think lawyers would be interested in what I am saying. In the Basic Law, there’s a provision which allows amendment to be made to the Basic Law, subject to a very important qualification. There’s a very clear, expressed provision, that any amendment cannot contravene, or cannot change the basic policy of the People’s Republic of China regarding Hong Kong, and that basic policy is precisely “one country, two systems”. So legally speaking, as a matter of constitutional, our constitutional order, you cannot really change the fundamental principle of “one country, two systems”. So if you feel that I’m not too legalistic, I move on to my second point, my second reason.
     
    The second reason is highly political, but it’s of crucial importance in the present context. That goes to the reassurances given by the top state leaders of the People’s Republic of China. I would mention three very important speeches, two made by President Xi Jinping. And the last speech was given by Wang Yi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. First, President Xi Jinping said on July 1, 2022, it was the 25th anniversary of China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It was when I assumed my current position as the Secretary for Justice. In his very important speech, he made a very important point. He said that the principal of “one country, two systems” is a good policy that must be adhered to in the long run. I think he was trying to convey a very important message, to dispel any misgivings, any doubts that Beijing had any intention whatsoever to change its basic policy towards Hong Kong. The “one country, two systems” principle also applies to Macau. So more recently, on December 20, 2024, also at the 25th anniversary of China’s resumption of sovereignty over Macau, President Xi Jinping made another very important speech, repeating why the principle of “one country, two systems” is a good system. At the end, he said that the principle of “one country, two systems” actually embodies very important universal values – peace, openness, inclusiveness, and sharing. And he said that these values are valuable, important, not just to China, Macau, or even China as a whole, but to the whole world. So the China’s national strategy is to make use of this principle of “one country, two systems” to assist its modernisation. So as a matter of logic and common sense, it’s unthinkable that either HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) or Beijing would shoot ourselves in the foot by damaging or destroying the most valuable asset which makes Hong Kong being in a position to contribute to the success or even survival of Hong Kong.
     
    The last speech was given by Mr Wang Yi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, when he attended the signing ceremony of a very important international convention. It’s known as the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation. It is an international treaty signed by 33 countries, including China. And most of these countries include countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and even one in Europe, Serbia. The Swiss foreign minister came to Hong Kong to give a speech. The purpose of the convention is to set up the first inter-governmental international organisation, which is devoted to use mediation as a means to resolve different types of international disputes, including disputes between sovereign states, disputes between states and foreign nationals, say, for example, investor-state disputes, and even international civil and commercial disputes. The important thing is that the state parties, in particular China, supported that the headquarters of this new organisation will be situated in Hong Kong. The question is why. Just imagine for Beijing or even other countries, they have a lot of options. Why not in Beijing, why not in Shanghai, why not in Shenzhen or anywhere? But Hong Kong, why Hong Kong? I think Mr Wang Yi gave the answer in his important speech. He mentioned once again it’s because of “one country, two systems”. Because under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong inherits the common law tradition, but at the same time, the Mainland China practises a civil law system. There’s a synergy between the systems. So we are the best of both worlds, so to speak. And that’s precisely the reason why such an important international organisation, the headquarters of such an organisation will be situated in Hong Kong. This is a very important message. It is a very strong vote of confidence and given by not just China, but other state parties in the future of Hong Kong. So that’s my second reason.
     
    The third reason concerns a piece of law passed last year in Hong Kong. For people familiar with Hong Kong, you would be aware that all lands in Hong Kong are held pursuant to government leases, except for St. John’s Cathedral. For people who have been to Hong Kong, you know that St. John’s Cathedral is a freehold land for historical reasons. But otherwise, all lands in Hong Kong that were held pursuant to government leases, which means that they were for a fixed time, very often for 99 years. And the reality is that many of these government leases, hundreds and thousands, will expire by 2047. That is 50 years after China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong. So last year, we passed a legislation, the effect of which is that all these leases, which are going to expire before, or by 2047 will be automatically renewed for 50 years, without any additional premium. That means that these land ownership will be guaranteed, they will continue, they will go beyond 2047. Of course, land ownership is extremely important. It is not simply concerned with the provision of shelter or home for people. It serves as very important security, a very valuable asset for business people, for financial institution. So that’s the way we assure people that our system will not change because I cannot find a more important example showing the distinguished feature of “one country, two systems” by referring to our land ownership system. So I think this is a very compelling piece of evidence. I have three pieces of evidence to convince people that any misgiving would be misplaced. So this is about the political landscape.
     
    What about the legal landscape? I mentioned a moment ago that one of the essential characteristics of “one country, two systems” is the fact that we are still using the common law system. I wish to highlight three very important features of our common law system that will be maintained, enhanced, and of great importance in ensuring Hong Kong’s continued success in the future.
     
    Firstly, the credibility of our common law system. Our people are willing to come to Hong Kong because they believe in Hong Kong’s legal system. And one of the key reasons is that in Hong Kong we have a very reputable and credible independent judiciary. Judicial independence is a very key element of a legal system. How do we show to people that Hong Kong’s judicial system, Hong Kong’s judiciary, will remain independent? The answer is that we are a very open system. We have invited many eminent foreign judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit in our court. I wish to give two very concrete examples. Under the Basic Law, Hong Kong enjoys the power of final adjudication, because before 1997, all the final appeal cases would have to be heard in Privy Council in London. But after 1997, we enjoy the final power of adjudication. So the highest court will be the Court of Final Appeal and that’s a very special arrangement, which I’m sure that some of you would be aware of. We are at liberty, we are permitted to invite judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit as foreign non-permanent judges. At the moment, and I would say that even after 2019 and 2020 when Hong Kong experienced some challenges, even after 2020, or since 2020, we have three foreign judges agreeing to come to Hong Kong. So for the time being, there are altogether six foreign non-permanent judges. Two from England, Lord Hoffmann and Lord Neuberger. For lawyers, they would be very familiar names. And then three judges from Australia, and one from New Zealand. The most recent appointment was Sir William Young, a former judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. He was appointed in June, so less than a month ago. So why would these eminent judges agree to come to Hong Kong if they are not confident and do not believe in Hong Kong itself? The other thing is that even at the Court of First Instance level, the judiciary has been inviting judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit as part-time judges. And I can also give a very recent example. I know that very soon, a judge who is a British, a very eminent British lawyer, will come to Hong Kong to sit in commercial cases. So these are the continuous efforts made by Hong Kong to ensure that we will retain the international characteristic to give people confidence.
     
    And of course, I have to mention, it’s something that I hesitate to mention, that the Government still loses cases from time to time, but it’s the most compelling evidence to prove the existence of judicial independence. Of course I would not say that I was very happy with the outcome, but I described it as a very healthy phenomenon. It’s very cogent and conclusive proof of the fact that our legal and judicial system functions properly. So this is my first point, the credibility of a judicial system.
     
    The second characteristic goes to the fact that we have a very user-friendly system – common law system. One thing that may be very often can be overlooked is that Hong Kong is the only bilingual common law system using both English and Chinese.

    Notwithstanding that China has resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong, one would have naturally expected that Chinese would be the only authentic language, but that’s not true. Even in our legislation, in our court judgments, things would be written in both languages, which is of course important to the international community.
     
    The second thing is that we have made tremendous effort to ensure that our law will meet the changing needs of society, not just within Hong Kong but also the international community. I give two examples. The first example is that we have just amended our company ordinance, which came into effect in late May. It provides a scheme to enable companies being operated overseas to re-domicile to Hong Kong, by a very simple mechanism, so that they can enjoy tax advantage, a relatively simple regulatory regime, so on and so forth. I understand that two major insurance companies have indicated that they will re-domicile to Hong Kong probably in November this year. The second example goes to digital assets, the Stablecoins Ordinance. The ordinance will come into effect on August 1. I think it’s an indication of our determination to strike a balance. You have to have some sort of regulation, some sort of licensing, but at the same time, you have to enable this digital thing to be able to develop in a healthy manner. So this is my second point, we have a very user-friendly common law system.
     
    The last point, which is really unique, which is something that cannot be found, is our connection with the Mainland legal system. Under “one country, two systems”, we have our common law system, we do not use the Mainland legal system. It doesn’t mean that there’s no connection or no linkage between the two systems. On the contrary, there are very important connections between the two legal systems, which are of great practical importance to the international business community. And once again, I wish to use some examples. The first example concerns arbitration. Can arbitration awards in Hong Kong be recognised or enforced in Mainland China? The answer is that we have a very special mutual legal assistance arrangement with Mainland China. There are altogether nine, but suffice for me to mention that’s an arrangement which enables an arbitration award in Hong Kong to be easily recognised and enforced in China. It’s modelled on a well-known New York convention. So it’s no different as any other international award. And another special thing which also about arbitration is that Hong Kong and Mainland China has entered into a very special arrangement to enable arbitration to start or commence in Hong Kong. People engaged in this sort of arbitration would be entitled to apply for interim measures like interim injunction to freeze the assets of the opposing party to preserve evidence in Mainland China by making application in the Mainland court. For example, you start an arbitration in Hong Kong, then you can go to the Mainland court to apply to freeze the assets of your opponent to preserve evidence. I can give you the statistics to see how important and how successful this arrangement is. The arrangement came into existence on the October 1, 2019, and up to mid-May this year, there were altogether around 146 applications. And the value of assets which were subject to this interim preservation order would be around US$5 billion. That will be a very important and practical legal tool to use Hong Kong as a legal dispute resolution centre. And the second more recent example, that I wish to introduce to you, concerns the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Greater Bay Area consists of Hong Kong, Macau, and mainly the nine important cities in the Guangdong province. The population is 86 million. I think the size is more like Croatia, but the GDP has exceeded Australia. I think it would be top 10 as it seen as a single entity. So a lot of opportunities. So just on the February 14, we have introduced special measures to enable Hong Kong enterprise, if they set up an office or their own company in GBA cities, they would have the right to choose Hong Kong law to govern their contracts. In the old days, there were very serious restrictions. Even if you’re a foreign company, a Hong Kong company, if you set up your company in Mainland China, you have no option. You have to use Mainland law to govern your contractual relationship. The second thing is that you can also choose Hong Kong as the seat of arbitration to resolve any potential dispute. And once again, in the past, that option would not be open. You have to use the dispute resolution mechanism or arbitration in Mainland China. So these are special measures which were recently introduced to give people more options. We can readily understand that, in particular for people outside Hong Kong, they may feel more familiar with Hong Kong’s legal system, whether it’s used as the governing law or whether it’s used as the place to resolve disputes. The choice belongs to the end users, but you have to give people the choice. So we are offering people this choice.
     
    Another important thing is the definition of Hong Kong enterprise. It doesn’t mean that it has to be a 100 per cent owned Hong Kong company. So long as there’s some Hong Kong interest, say 1 per cent Hong Kong interest. So if you get a business partner who’s willing to invest 1 per cent in a business venture, then you will be qualified to be a Hong Kong enterprise. And if you use this in the name of this Hong Kong enterprise, you go into a GBA area, then you can take advantage of the measures that I have just mentioned. I’m using this example to highlight the very unique connection between the Hong Kong common law system and the Mainland legal system, which offers very important practical advantages to the international business community.
     
    Lastly, you may say that I’m just selecting the good news. What about external views on the state of the rule of law in Hong Kong? I wish to refer to two very recent international surveys to support that what I have been telling you is not some sort of self-serving statement trying to paint a rosy picture. Firstly, the IMD, the Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, published a competitiveness survey in June, so about a month ago. In terms of global competitiveness, Hong Kong is the third. In the last survey, we were the fifth, so we moved two places up. We ranked second in terms of government efficiency and also business efficiency. And most importantly, Hong Kong ranked the first when it comes to business legislation, which means our business law and also our tax policy. This is the external view based on a very credible international survey. The second international survey that I wish to refer to is an international survey concerning international arbitration. It’s a survey done by the Queen Mary University of London, together with the law firm White & Case. It’s a regular survey done once every three or four years. In the very recent survey, Hong Kong is regarded to be the second most preferred seat of arbitration in the world. Hong Kong and Singapore both enjoy the second place. And in fact, Hong Kong is the most preferred place for arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region. So once again, this serves as a very strong piece of objective evidence to demonstrate people’s confidence in our legal system.
     
    We are living at a time of uncertainties and challenges, many of these challenges were caused by reasons or factors beyond our control. Some of them goes to geopolitical situations, things like that. The role of Hong Kong can play from the perspective be considered in a wider context, not just as a matter of bilateral relationship between Hong Kong and the Netherlands. It has to be perhaps considered in the wider context of the overall relationship between Europe and China, or perhaps Europe and Asia-Pacific, as a whole. I think the relationship between Europe and China and Hong Kong has become even more relevant and important at this time of great uncertainties and challenges. But amid all these challenges and difficulties, in sharp contrast to these challenges and difficulties, what Hong Kong can offer would be certainty and opportunities. Certainty that you will have a very secure, very user-friendly, very credible legal system to safeguard interests, to manage risk, but enormous opportunities to be found, not just in Hong Kong, not just in the GBA, but China as a whole.
     
    So I do believe, I speak from the bottom of my heart that there are very good reasons for us to remain very confident and optimistic in the future of Hong Kong. And for this, of course, I’m most grateful to the continued support by our friends in this room. I do ask you to continue your support. Whenever people speak in front of you, express any doubt, I do invite you to speak on our behalf to convince them that there’s no reason whatsoever to feel pessimistic. There’s no reason whatsoever for them to be concerned about the future of Hong Kong, because Hong Kong will still be the Hong Kong that we all love, that we are all familiar with. This is all I wish to say. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First it was ‘protein goals’, now TikTok is on about ‘fibre goals’. How can you meet yours?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Saman Khalesi, Senior Lecturer and Head of Course Nutrition, HealthWise Research Group Lead, Appleton Institute,, CQUniversity Australia

    Westend61/Getty Images

    “Protein goals” have long been a thing on TikTok and Instagram. But now social media users are also talking about “fibre goals”. This reflects a positive broader shift toward overall health and wellbeing rather than a narrow focus on weight loss or muscle gain.

    Foods high in fibre are among the healthiest we can eat. Not getting enough can lead to constipation, haemorrhoids and boost the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer.

    So what’s the expert evidence say about “fibre goals” and how to hit them?

    Different types of fibre

    Dietary fibres are indigestible parts of plant foods. Unlike other carbohydrates that break down into sugar, these complex carbs pass through our digestive tract mostly unchanged.

    There are two main types of dietary fibre:

    Soluble fibres dissolve in water to form gel-like substances. You can find these in fruits such as apples and berries, vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots, as well a legumes and oats.

    Soluble fibres can slow down digestion and help us feel fuller for longer. They support heart health, lower blood cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar levels.

    Insoluble fibres don’t dissolve in water, but add bulk to food. You can get this type of fibre from wheat bran, fruits and vegetable skins, nuts and seeds, beans and whole grain foods.

    Insoluble fibres add bulk to the stool and help regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation.

    Resistant starch is also a type of complex carb that isn’t technically a fibre, but behaves like one; it resists digestion and feeds gut bacteria. These are found in legumes, cooked potato, and undercooked pasta.

    Unlike many fibre supplements (which often only offer one type of fibre) most sources of fibre we eat contain both soluble and insoluble forms. For example, oats, apples and avocado have both.

    Both soluble and insoluble fibre benefit our gut and overall health.

    Both can be fermented by good gut bacteria, although soluble dietary fibres (and resistant starches) tend to ferment more readily.

    Our gut bacteria rely on fermenting these fibres as a fuel to help digest foods, fight against pathogenic microbes such as germs and viruses, and improve physical and mental health.

    Avocados are high in fibre.
    Rouzes/Getty Images

    What should my fibre goal should be?

    Sadly, there’s no quick lab test to measure it.

    A simple indicator is how well your digestion works. If you’re rarely constipated, you’re likely getting enough fibre.

    The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends daily fibre intakes vary by age and gender.

    But in general, adult men should have about 30 grams of fibre per day. Women should have about 25 grams.

    There are many apps and websites to help you calculate your current fibre intake.

    It’s hard to have too much dietary fibre; even eating 50g per day is not considered harmful.

    How do I meet that goal without overthinking it?

    Foods rich in fibre include:

    • fruits
    • vegetables
    • nuts
    • seeds
    • legumes
    • beans
    • wholegrain or wholemeal breads and cereals.

    Aim for variety in your diet, so you don’t get bored of the same foods.

    The federal government’s Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest a daily intake of:

    • two serves of medium-sized fruits
    • five serves of vegetables (one serve is half a cup of cooked veggies or one cup of salad greens)
    • two to three serves of nuts and seeds (where one serve is about 30g or a handful) or two to three serves of legumes/beans (where one serve is a cup of cooked beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas).

    What not to do

    Here are some important things to remember:

    1. avoid drastic changes such as cutting out entire food groups or nutrients (such as carbohydrates) unless advised by your health practitioner. Even low-fibre food groups (such as dairy or lean meats) provide important nutrients. Avoiding them can potentially cause other health problems

    2. avoid focusing on just one type of fibre (soluble or insoluble). Each has different benefits, so incorporating both is best

    3. avoid a sudden increase in fibre. It can cause abdominal pain and increased flatulence. Start by adding just one or two high-fibre foods each day and slowly increase this over a few weeks

    4. fibre needs water to work effectively, so drink plenty of fluids. Aim for at least eight to ten glasses of water per day.

    How do I hit my goal without being a weirdo about it?

    Eating well doesn’t need to be a competition.

    It’s great people are sharing ideas on social media about increasing fibre intake and setting fibre goals, but we can do it without constantly obsessing over food.

    Focus on gradual changes and incorporating fibre-rich foods naturally into your diet. Start by eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, and adding legumes and pulses (such as kidney beans and chickpeas) to meals.

    Simple switches can go a long way. For example, swap refined grain products (such as white rice or white bread) for wholemeal or wholegrain varieties. If you like breakfast cereals, choose one with at least 5g of fibre per serve (read the nutrition panel on the packet).

    Finally, listen to your body. If you experience any digestive discomfort or have certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome that requires managing your fibre intake, consult with a health-care professional.

    Saman Khalesi is a committee member for Nutrition Society Australia Queensland Group and Queensland Cardiovascular Research Network.

    Chris Irwin is a committee member for Nutrition Society Australia Queensland Regional Group.

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

    – ref. First it was ‘protein goals’, now TikTok is on about ‘fibre goals’. How can you meet yours? – https://theconversation.com/first-it-was-protein-goals-now-tiktok-is-on-about-fibre-goals-how-can-you-meet-yours-258694

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump calls Musk’s new political party ‘ridiculous’

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s threats to form a third political party.

    “I’m saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks,” Trump posted on social media Sunday night.

    He was referring to Musk’s threats to form a third political party to rival Democrats and Republicans.

    The president called that idea “ridiculous,” adding that it would cause confusion.

    The feud between the two billionaires began in early June after Musk blasted Trump’s landmark One Big Beautiful Bill, a gargantuan tax and spending package that Trump signed into law on Friday, the Independence Day.

    Musk lambasted the legislation, saying it could add trillions of U.S. dollars to the national debt.

    “Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,” Musk said on social media.

    In response, Trump posted on social media that third parties “have never succeeded in the United States,” adding that “the one thing (they) are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS.”

    Musk’s announcement caused shares of his company Tesla to take a dive. On Monday, the stock saw its largest single-day loss since June 5.

    Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua: “Right now, Republicans have narrow margins in both chambers of Congress. If Musk were to fund primary challengers or independent general election candidates… that could cost Republicans in next year’s midterms.”

    “Building a real party, rather than a vanity project, would involve finding and running credible candidates up and down the ballot, for unglamorous offices like school board and city council,” Galdieri said.

    Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua: “Things like this have been tried not very long ago… The problem is that a political party needs a core idea.”

    “This venture would have to attract people younger than 45 who are already politicians on some level, and who have real political talent,” Ramsay said.

    “If Musk were to just concentrate on knocking out specific Republican senators and members, that would be a slightly better plan than starting a new political party,” Ramsay added.

    Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua: “There are lots of people who would like choices between the two major parties. Each has moved to the extremes and does not represent the broad swathe of America.”

    “He needs to find someone to lead the party who could appeal to more people,” West said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: People in poorer areas face lower stroke survival odds People who have a stroke are more likely to die within a year if they live in more deprived areas according to new research from the University of Aberdeen.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    People who have a stroke are more likely to die within a year if they live in more deprived areas according to new research from the University of Aberdeen.
    Funded by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and published in Cerebrovascular Diseases, the team analysed data from almost 50,000 patients recorded in the Scottish Stroke Care Audit (SSCA).
    The scientists looked at multiple outcomes after stroke including death from any cause within a year and prescriptions given for medication known to prevent recurrent stroke. They investigated whether these outcomes were impacted by the patients’ ‘neighbourhood deprivation score,’ measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).
    Results showed that stroke patients from the most deprived areas were more likely to die from any cause within a year of the stroke than those in the least deprived areas.
    Also, patients living in the most deprived areas were younger and had more co-existing health conditions than those in the least deprived areas at the time of their stroke.
    The treatment patients received also differed according to where they lived. The researchers explain that after an ischaemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot in the brain, aspirin-like drugs are recommended to stop recurrence. However, if the patient has atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of heart rhythm problem where the heartbeat is irregular, blood thinners called anticoagulants are given as they have been shown to reduce the risk of another stroke in these AF patients. This analysis showed that, compared to more affluent areas, patients in more deprived areas were significantly less likely to be appropriately treated with recommended blood thinners if they had AF and more likely to be given aspirin-like drugs.
    The authors suggest that the reasons for this disparity in treatment might be differences in awareness of stroke risks factors and the benefits of treatment as well as better general health in more affluent stroke survivors. However, even after taking stroke severity, access to stroke care and co-existing conditions into consideration, there was still a difference in death rates between affluent and deprived areas, suggesting there is a need for further work to understand this.
    The team propose that their findings should be considered when developing public health messaging and policy, with a view to tailoring advice and subsequent treatment according to where people live.
    Dr Kadie-Ann Sterling, Research Assistant, at the University of Aberdeen, who led the study explains: “Our findings suggest that there were significant differences in stroke presentation, secondary prevention prescribing and mortality outcomes across different areas in Scotland and this was dependent upon the deprivation within each area.

    Understanding the differences in stroke presentation and outcomes between different neighbourhoods should influence public health education, decisions around screening for cardiovascular risk factors and should also be a factor when considering more focussed longer-term follow-up in the most vulnerable patients.” Dr Kadie-Ann Sterling

    “Understanding the differences in stroke presentation and outcomes between different neighbourhoods should influence public health education, decisions around screening for cardiovascular risk factors and should also be a factor when considering more focussed longer-term follow-up in the most vulnerable patients.”
    Professor Mary Joan MacLeod, Chair in Clinical Medicine at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant at NHS Grampian who co-authored the paper adds: “Our findings suggest that a national approach to stroke prevention and best stroke management may need to be adapted to take into account these disparities and focus on different approaches for more deprived neighbourhood areas.”
    Jane-Claire Judson Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland who funded the research said: “We are proud to support the University of Aberdeen in this research and commend the scientists behind its findings.
    “The study confirms what we see every day in communities across Scotland – stroke care is not equal, and that’s unacceptable.
    “The worrying trend that people living in more deprived areas are more likely to die within a year of a stroke and less likely to receive the right treatment or consistent care is both alarming and unjust.
    “These research outcomes amplify the need for a substantial rethink of how health services are delivered in Scotland. The postcode lottery for treatment and care must end.
    “At CHSS, we’re already working in communities to deliver prevention, support recovery, and enable people to self-manage their condition. But we can’t do it alone.
    “We’re calling on the Scottish Government and NHS to act now. We need a proactive approach to transforming healthcare services, and CHSS stands ready to help drive forward a fairer and more effective stroke care system for everyone in Scotland.”

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Demands Immediate Action on Delayed Education Grants in New Mexico

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 26, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a letter to Secretary of Education Linda E. McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought seeking immediate answers regarding delayed Grant Award Notifications (GANs) that jeopardize vital funding of key education programs in New Mexico. 

    The delays affect funding for the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which are administered by colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations across the country, including the University of New Mexico (UNM), New Mexico State University (NMSU), and Northern New Mexico College (NNMC). These programs provide life-changing educational opportunities to students from migrant and seasonal farmworker families, helping them complete their high school education and pursue college degrees.  

    “If the executive branch continues to withhold this funding, hardworking New Mexican students will lose opportunities to build better lives through education, and teachers will lose their jobs,” said Vasquez. “These students are our state’s future, and we can’t afford to let them down.”

    HEP helps students who have dropped out of high school earn their High School Equivalency Credential and serves more than 6,000 students annually across the country. CAMP supports approximately 2,400 students nationwide each year in their first year of college with academic, financial, and personal assistance. Nearly three-quarters of CAMP participants go on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, making it one of the most effective support programs of its kind.

    In the letter, Vasquez called on Secretary McMahon and Director Vought to provide information on the following:

    • When the Department expects to issue GANs for HEP and CAMP grantees
    • The cause of the delay in issuing GANs and the steps the Department is taking to resolve it
    • Whether the Department will commit to allowing no-cost extensions for programs currently operating without funding certainty

    Rep. Vasquez continues to press for transparency and timely action to ensure New Mexican students are not left behind.

    Full text of the letter can be found below: 

    Dear Secretary McMahon and Director Vought:

    We write to express our deep concern about the delay in issuing Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). As of today, the Department of Education has not released GANs for Fiscal Year 2025, despite Congress having already authorized and appropriated funding for these critical programs. We urge that you remedy this situation as quickly as possible, not only to support these students but also the teachers and universities that support them. 

    Each of our offices has met with current and former students about the importance and impact of the HEP and CAMP. Hearing their stories highlighted how these programs provide life-changing educational opportunities to students from migrant and seasonal farmworker families, helping them complete their high school education and pursue college degrees. These programs were designed to support some of the hardest-working and most underserved students in our communities, and they have a proven track record of success. Nearly three-quarters of CAMP participants go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

    In New Mexico, the University of New Mexico (UNM), New Mexico State University (NMSU), and Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) utilize HEP and CAMP funding to support students who are first-generation college students, many of whom are the children of farmworkers. At UNM, these programs have been operating for over two decades – CAMP since 2001 and HEP since 2002. They support over 100 students annually and provide employment to 8 full-time staff and 10-12 student workers. At NMSU, HEP and CAMP programs also serve a vital student population and support approximately 124 students, 5 full-time staff, and 20 student workers each year. NNMC has 5 full-time staff who serve 30 first-year college students, along with 11 student workers who keep the program running. 

    Without immediate action from the Department, all three institutions will face serious disruptions in service and potential staffing cuts. These programs cannot operate without knowledge of their FY25 funding. Timely notice of continued funding is critical – not just for budgeting and staffing, but for student outreach and program continuity. Delays will harm the very students these programs are meant to empower.

    We respectfully request answers to the following questions no later than June 27, 2025:

    1. When does the Department expect to issue GANs for HEP and CAMP grantees?
    2. What is causing the delay in GAN issuance, and how is the Department addressing it?
    3. Will the Department commit to allowing no-cost extensions for programs that are currently operating without funding certainty?

    We urge you to prioritize the timely release of GANs for HEP and CAMP. These programs serve students who have overcome enormous barriers, and they deserve better than silence and uncertainty from the very agency that is supposed to support them.

    Sincerely, 

    Gabe Vasquez

    Member of Congress

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New mapping tool launched to help bring healthy food to those who need it most

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New mapping tool launched to help bring healthy food to those who need it most

    New project, backed by government, will develop mapping tool to bring tackle food inequality.

    £8.5 million to tackle food inequality.

    • Government funded project will develop a mapping tool to direct a mobile greengrocer to visit areas of Liverpool where social housing residents have limited access to fresh, nutritious food.
    • Work in Liverpool is one of 6 innovative new projects to tackle food inequality receiving government funding.
    • Projects support government plans to build a fairer Britain, where everyone lives well for longer under the Plan for Change and 10 Year Health Plan.

    Households that may struggle to eat nutritious meals due to a lack of accessible healthy options are to receive government support as through 6 projects across the UK, the Science and Technology Peter Kyle unveiled today (Monday 7 July).

    One such project is based in Liverpool, where researchers are investigating the factors that influence the diets of people living in social housing and creating a mapping tool to help direct a mobile greengrocer, the Queen of Greens, to visit areas where social housing residents have limited access to fresh, nutritious food.

    The Queen of Greens bus has been bringing affordable fresh fruit and vegetables to communities across Liverpool and Knowsley since 2022 – the new research will expand and help target their route to ensure it reaches residents in social housing who may find it harder to access healthier options in their neighbourhoods.

    In some areas, the project will also include the offer of fruit and vegetable vouchers, provided by the Alexandra Rose Charity, for residents to make purchases on the Queen of Greens. The researchers will measure how diet and health changes as a result and then use a computer model to predict the broader impacts on health and accessibility to healthy foods if these interventions were rolled out across the country.

    This comes just after the government’s launch of the 10 Year Health Plan which set out various measures to help people make the healthy choice the easy choice, acknowledging that where people live can make good health easier or harder. By understanding the impact of innovative local interventions like mobile greengrocers and voucher schemes, this research could help shape more effective ways of improving diet and reducing health inequalities across the country.

    Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    No one in this country should be left unable to access the healthy food they need – which is why interventions like the Queen of Greens are so important – and measuring their impact is so vital.

    These projects will draw on the power of research to actively explore the best ways to get healthy food into the mouths of those who need it, potentially having a transformational effect on people’s lives, and fulfilling the missions set in our Plan for Change.

    This project in Liverpool is one of 6 receiving £8.5 million in government funding, through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aimed at improving the accessibility of nutritious food and potentially tackling food waste, by making good food more available to people who need it.

    Lucy Antal, director of Alchemic Kitchen CIC who run the Queen of Greens, said:

    We are very much looking forward to working on this new research project with all the team assembled by the University of Liverpool. It will be a great opportunity to trial an expansion into supporting social housing tenants to access fresh produce, and to have the health and social impact of this intervention measured and assessed. The Queen of Greens is for everyone, and the data produced will help support our future activity.

    Professor Alison Park, Deputy Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), said: 

    Everyone should have access to healthy, nutritious food but we know the number of food insecure households across the UK is increasing. These innovative projects from across the UK – from Wales to Dundee, Nottingham to the Isle of Wight – will go a long way in helping us understand how to tackle food inequalities and what interventions really make a difference.

    Other projects

    2 ‘public restaurants’ (state-subsidised eateries) will be piloted in Dundee and Nottingham, to provide universal access to nutritious and sustainably produced foods in social settings, and to particularly meet the needs of deprived households with children. The pilots will draw on public health nutrition research with these groups, co-design sessions with a wide range of customers and insights from public restaurants historically in the UK and in other contexts.

    The role of community food markets in areas of Glasgow with limited access to grocery stores – known as ‘food deserts’ – will be assessed. To explore successful methods to promote food markets, researchers will incorporate art and food literacy activities to one market and compare the intervention against another market without the intervention.

    The quality of food is typically low at food pantries – which unlike the majority of food banks, do not require a referral – and  schemes in Southampton, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight will improve the nutritional, low-cost food made available by using online platforms linking supply and providers, in turn reducing waste and keeping surplus food more local. People using food pantries will be asked what other activities and support  they would like to see on offer – which might include cooking sessions or recipe boxes – and  the intervention will result in a toolkit of resources that councils and pantries can use to collect data about health and diet.

    Improving the nutritional content and take-up of free school meals and comparing school food systems across the UK will be the focus of a project led by academics in Wales. Researchers will assess what food is currently offered, what is chosen by families, and what is consumed by learners in the dinner hall. They will then work with schools to analyse the nutritional value and how this compares to established nutrient standards. Recommendations will be provided on how to enhance the nutritional content of school food and how to encourage families and children to take up school meals.

    Across England, workshops will be delivered in local authorities with more deprived populations. The main focus of the project will be to work with local authorities to develop and implement new policies to reduce local food inequalities.

    Notes to editors

    The project in Liverpool, ‘Supporting communities in social housing and optimising urban food system interventions for equity (SCHOUSE)’ will be led by the University of Liverpool.

    ‘DISHED: co-designing innovative infrastructure for sustainable healthy and equitable diets’, piloting public restaurants, will be led by the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex.

    ‘Community food market as a driver for equitable, sustainable food systems’ will be led by the University of Glasgow.

    ‘Food aid inequality rectified (FAIR-food)’, using online platforms to target high quality food to food pantries, will be led by the University of Southampton.

    ‘Reducing inequalities in school food environments (RISE)’: supporting provision, uptake and consumption of free school meals in primary schools’ will be led by Cardiff University.

    ‘Group model building to address dietary health inequalities in English local authorities: a randomised controlled trial with process evaluation’ will be led by the University of Cambridge.

    To speak to any of project leads, please contact the UKRI press office:

    DSIT media enquiries

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin submitted to the State Duma the candidacy of Andrei Nikitin for the post of Minister of Transport

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, in accordance with Part 2 of Article 112 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, submitted to the State Duma the candidacy of Andrei Nikitin for the post of Minister of Transport. Earlier, on July 7, by decree of the President, he was appointed acting head of the Ministry of Transport.

    Andrey Nikitin was born in 1979 in Moscow. He graduated from the State University of Management, specializing in “State and Municipal Management”.

    From 2011 to 2017, he headed the Agency for Strategic Initiatives to promote new projects.

    In February 2017, he was appointed acting governor of the Novgorod region. In September of the same year, he won the gubernatorial elections. In 2022, he was re-elected for a second term.

    In February 2025, he became Deputy Minister of Transport. In this position, he oversaw digital transformation, activities on informatization and automation of the country’s transport complex, development and implementation of its development strategy.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov took part in the final board meeting of the Ministry of Industry and Trade

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov took part in the final board meeting of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia on the sidelines of the Innoprom-2025 exhibition

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov took part in a meeting of the final board of the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the sidelines of the Innoprom-2025 exhibition, where the main results of activities in 2024 were summed up and promising areas for industrial development in 2025 were outlined. The event was attended by the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, acting governor of the Sverdlovsk region Denis Pasler, governor of the Smolensk region Vasily Anokhin, president of the RSPP Alexander Shokhin, and rector of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University Mikhail Gordin.

    Opening the meeting, Denis Manturov noted that the key priority of the Ministry and the economic block of the Government is the task of achieving technological sovereignty and leadership in strategic sectors, outlined by the President of Russia.

    “It is necessary to ensure the unconditional implementation of the activities of national projects of technological leadership. We have already said that, despite the difficult budget, all the goals of 2030 are mandatory to achieve. This concerns not only quantitative indicators, but also applied results. I mean the renewal of the machine tool fleet, the development of all types of transport, the introduction of new materials and low-tonnage chemical products to the market. In the same vein – providing advanced technologies and equipment to the Russian energy sector, agriculture, healthcare system and tourism,” said Denis Manturov.

    The First Deputy Prime Minister outlined the importance of work to provide the manufacturing industry with personnel, including through expanding the participation of industrial companies in the Advanced Engineering Schools and Professionalism projects. In addition, it is necessary to develop industry competence centers and engineering centers at universities.

    Speaking about the military-industrial complex, Denis Manturov noted that today the complex is going through the second wave of technological re-equipment in 15 years. Particular attention should be paid to the compliance of the “Development of the Military-Industrial Complex” program with the tasks that will be included in the new state armament program. In addition, it is necessary to give additional impetus to military-technical cooperation with friendly countries.

    Another important area is the development of the trade sector, the fastest growing segment of which today is the online trade market. Over the past year, it grew by 40%, and now the share of online trade in retail is already 15%.

    “Considering that this direction has been established and strengthened, it is time to align the rules of e-commerce with the regulation of traditional retail. In general, it is important for us that both marketplaces, and large networks, and small retail outlets increase the share of sales of goods from domestic manufacturers. In view of this, it is necessary to bring to practical implementation the idea of the gradual introduction of the so-called Russian shelf mechanism,” Denis Manturov emphasized.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Future leaders build resilience in 72-hour national design-athon – BRANZ

    Source: BRANZ

    8 July 2025 – Future leaders build resilience in 72-hour national design-athon
    Some of New Zealand’s brightest students have competed in a 72-hour ‘design-athon’ event to create resilient housing that can withstand multiple disasters.
    The BRANZ (Building Research Association of New Zealand) event called ArchEngBuild featured 40 final-year students from across the country in architecture, engineering, construction management, landscape architecture, and sustainable engineering.
    The students met for the first time at the University of Auckland and were split into ten teams to compete for the $12,000 cash prize.
    This year’s brief was to design a resilient, sustainable and affordable community building concept that safeguards people from hazards like flooding, earthquakes, fire and high winds. It also needed to be adaptable to different family needs and quickly reinstated if disaster struck.
    The hypothetical site for the development was at the bottom of the Auckland Domain, an area hit hard by the Auckland Anniversary flooding in 2023.
    Flood-resilience was a strong feature of the winning team’s design which included water retention ponds and timber buildings on stilts. However, it was the focus on community that stood out for the judges.
    The winners developed a housing concept called Rauhītia, which means to gather, shelter and care for collectively.
    The largely modular design featured a mixture of townhouses, apartments and standalone homes as well as a community facility and childcare centre to encourage multigenerational living and togetherness.
    The winning students are:
    Enoch Shi, University of Auckland architecture student
    Beatrice Hong, Otago Polytechnic, construction management
    Bella Mercardo – Victoria University of Wellington, sustainable engineering
    Shivam Bansal University of Auckland, structural engineering
    The winners were announced by BRANZ Board Chair Nigel Smith at a prizegiving event at the University of Auckland.
    “This event wasn’t just about meeting a brief-it was about reimagining the future of resilience in our built environment.
    “The competition challenged students to work collaboratively to push the boundaries of what’s possible in designing buildings that don’t just withstand disaster, but adapt and thrive in the face of New Zealand’s unique environmental challenges.
    “This focus is critical-not for some distant future, but for projects that urgently demand fresh thinking today,” said Nigel Smith.
    Architecture student Enoch Shi contributed the winning result to strong teamwork and a clear focus on community at the core of their concept.
    “When we started the project, we asked ourselves – what does resilience mean to us? It can mean different things, but for us it really meant creating communities that protect and serve each other. Research shows the communities that are more bonded together are much more prepared in the face of disaster,” Enoch said.
    The judges were impressed by the strong interdisciplinary collaboration under intense time-pressure pressure.
    “The main theme this year was resilience. It was about building for hazards, but the winning team understood that it is about community at its heart. Their project provided a great base for a diverse population and a healthy community a mixture of housing technologies like medium density and townhouses,” said Ferdinand Oswald, Senior Lecturer of Architectural Technology, University of Auckland.
    Overall, the judges were impressed with all of the students’ optimism and creativity in solving some of today’s biggest challenges – including resilience, sustainability and affordability in our buildings.
    These are key focus areas for BRANZ through its independent research and testing to support better buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand.
    “These students are going to change the building industry,” said BRANZ Chief Executive Claire Falck.
    “They are hitting the real world with the right attitude and focus on collaboration and innovation to overcome the significant challenges facing our industry and communities.”
    BRANZ is proud to fund ArchEngBuild, through the Building Research Levy, along with industry sponsorship from:
    Concrete New Zealand,
    Metals New Zealand,
    the Timber Design Society,
    Southbase,
    And, new sponsors this year: The Sustainable Steel Council
    The 2025 judging panel included:
    Ferdinand Oswald – Senior Lecturer of Architectural Technology at The University of Auckland
    Craig Hopkins – CEO of Generation Homes
    Ana Petrovic – Senior Structural Engineer at AECOM
    Anne Carrington – Senior Associate with Warren & Mahoney Architects, and
    Andrew Norriss – Landscape Architect Director – HoneStudio
    BRANZ is committed to a future where all New Zealanders can live in safe, healthy and sustainable homes. Find out more: branz.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Game of Rivals: E-sports Study Finds Winning Formula – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    As Saudi Arabia kicks off the 2025 Esports World Cup with a US $70 million prize pool and an opening-night concert by Post Malone, researcher Dr Kenny Ching (University of Auckland) says the most successful squads may well be built on past rivalries.

    By analysing esports teams, Ching and co-authors Enrico Forti (Manhattan College) and Evan Rawley (University of Connecticut) find that people who’ve competed against each other in the past make better teammates.

    Their study evaluates millions of randomly formed teams in the global multiplayer game Defense of the Ancients 2 (DOTA 2).

    Players in DOTA 2 are frequently reshuffled into new teams, offering the chance to measure how different team compositions influence success, says Ching, an avid gamer himself.

    “Defense of the Ancients is a high-pressure game where two teams of five players battle head-to-head.

    “With millions of active players and a professional circuit that sells out stadiums, it’s one of the most competitive and team-oriented games in the esports world.”

    The large-scale study finds that teammates who’ve competed against one another in the past, gaining what the researchers call ‘competitive familiarity’, perform significantly better than those who haven’t.

    So why might past rivalry make for better teamwork?

    Ching says competition, especially high-stakes public competition, offers insights into how people think, react, and strategise.

    “When those same individuals become teammates, those insights can be used to improve coordination and decision-making.

    “Competing against a person builds familiarity. Things that might be overlooked when on the same team might be more clearly noticed and remembered during competition.”

    One professional player quoted in the study, Su ‘Super’ Peng, described how competition helped him “feel” his opponent’s style of play, allowing for a deeper understanding once they were on the same team.

    “Competitive familiarity is surprisingly common in organisational life,” says Ching. “It happens when companies merge, poach talent from competitors, or bring rival teams together for product development.”

    Real-world examples where organisations harness rivalry to drive innovation and learning include Samsung, where competition between some internal teams is encouraged before bringing them together to develop new products.

    Cybersecurity and tech companies sometimes form ‘red teams’ of internal contrarians who mimic rival attackers to identify weaknesses. And sports teams frequently pay big bucks to bring former adversaries into the fold.

    Ching’s paper, published in Organization Science, includes a few ideas to harness the benefits of competition: Rotating employees through competing teams, staging internal competitions and encouraging former rivals to co-lead projects.

    “Esports provides a unique lens into how teams form, adapt and compete under pressure,” he says. “Just as people learn to work better together through collaboration, they can also learn and have better outcomes through competition.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expansion of the emerald ash borer regulated areas in British Columbia

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 7, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated its regulated areas for emerald ash borer (EAB – Agrilus planipennis) in British Columbia (BC) to help slow the spread of this invasive insect.

    Following detections of trees infested with EAB in the City of Surrey, BC, the CFIA has expanded its regulated areas to include both Surrey and the City of New Westminster.

    The regulated area in British Columbia already includes the City of Burnaby, the City of Vancouver, the University of British Columbia campus, and the University Endowment Lands. This is the third expansion of the EAB regulated area in British Columbia.

    There have not been any detections of EAB in New Westminster yet. As New Westminster is located between Burnaby and Surrey, there is a high probability that the beetle is already present but not yet detected.

    Effective immediately, ash material (such as logs, branches and woodchips) and all species of firewood cannot be moved outside of the regulated area without permission from the CFIA. If you need to move ash material, please contact your local CFIA office to request written authorization.

    EAB is commonly spread through the movement of firewood and other infested ash wood products, although it can also spread on its own by flying up to 10 kilometers.

    Although the EAB poses no threat to human health, it is highly destructive to ash trees. It has already killed millions of ash trees in regulated areas in Canada and the United States and poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas of North America.

    Preventing the spread of invasive species, like EAB, is the best way to protect forests, native plants and forestry-related businesses.

    The CFIA will continue to survey and monitor the spread of this pest in British Columbia and will continue to work with federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations partners and organizations to slow its spread.

    If you spot EAB outside regulated areas, report it to the CFIA to help stop the spread.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.7.25

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 7, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
     
    Thanne Berg, of Albany, has been appointed Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Berg has been Acting Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control since 2024. She was an Attorney of Hazardous Waste Program at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, from 2023 to 2024. She was Special Advisor to Center Associate Director for the National Aeronautics Space Administration Ames Research Center in 2023. Berg was the Senior Program Advisor at the United State Environmental Protection Agency Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance from 2021 to 2023. She was Associate Director for the Water and Pesticides Branch at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 Enforcement Division from 2016 to 2021. Berg was Attorney Supervisor at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 from 2011 to 2016. She was the National Lead Region Coordinator for Enforcement at the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 2008 to 2010. Berg was Supervisor for Region 9 Superfund Case Development and Cost Recovery for the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 2006 to 2008. Berg was Attorney for the Hazardous Waste Programs of the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 1997 to. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Alabama. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $203,004. Berg is a Democrat.
     
    Albert Lundeen, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Communications at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Lundeen has been Assistant Secretary in the Office of Public and Employee Communications at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2023. He was Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Media at the California Energy Commission from 2014 to 2021. Lundeen was Media Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager at the Financial Information System for California from 2012 to 2014. He was Partner at LundeenMacdonald from 2011 to 2012. Lundeen was Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the California Department of Public Health from 2009 to 2011. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, a Master of Arts degree in English from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies (Broadcast Journalism) from California State University, Chico. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $167,052. Lundeen is a Democrat.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 7, 2025

    News Recovery moves into next phase with focused plan to fast-track reconstruction and support impacted communities What you need to know: Governor Newsom has announced that debris removal for the Los Angeles firestorm is now substantially complete just six months…

    Jul 4, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring July 4, 2025, as “Independence Day” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONEach year on the Fourth of July, we…

    Jul 3, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – A day after announcing California has more than doubled its Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed legislation to further strengthen the state’s commitment to film and television production:AB 1138 by…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September

    The UK Government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones across the UK at around 15:00 on 7th September 2025

    • Emergency Alert to be sent to mobile phones across the UK in the second ever national test of the system
    • Alert will sound at around 3pm on Sunday 7 September 
    • Test comes as the government publishes a Resilience Action Plan with new steps to secure the country and deliver the Plan for Change

    Mobile phones in the UK will be sent a test Emergency Alert at around 15:00 on Sunday 7th September 2025, as part of plans to strengthen the country’s preparedness. 

    The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.

    During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK.

    The test will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.

    Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language.

    Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said:

    Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. 

    This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.

    Since the first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.

    The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life. 

    Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024. The storm went on to kill two people. 

    Other activations have included when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth, as well as during localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire.

    The news comes as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, unveils a new Resilience Action Plan to improve the way the government prepares for and responds to emergencies. The Resilience Action Plan, to be published on Tuesday, sets out: 

    • The government will raise awareness of GOV.UK/PREPARE, which gives information on simple and effective steps people can take to be more prepared for an emergency.
    • The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is investing £370 million to better secure the UK’s telecommunications networks through research and investment in new technology and infrastructure.
    • The National Situation Centre and the Devolved Governments are going to sign a data sharing MoU to ensure that every nation in the UK has the best available data to prepare and respond to crises.

    The government will also publish an update on the implementation of the 2023 Biological Security Strategy on Tuesday, outlining further action being taken to secure the country from biological risks, including:

    • £15m funding will be made available in FY25/26 via the Integrated Security Fund to help strengthen biosecurity capability across government
    • A Pandemic Preparedness and Response Research Framework will be published by the Department for Health and Social Care, helping to coordinate scientific research to prepare for the next pandemic.
    • The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will invest £1m through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) across projects with Kromek Group, Cambridge Consultants Ltd, University of Glasgow, Queens University Belfast and Cardiff University to develop new, novel methods to detect and attribute biological incidents.
    • A new network of National Biosecurity Centres, announced in the National Security Strategy and backed by over £1.3 billion of investment, will bolster the UK’s defences against biological incidents, accidents and attacks.

    The announcements follow the publication of the National Security Strategy last month, which set out the largest sustained increase in national security spending since the Cold War, as the government takes more action to secure the county. 

    In June, DEFRA announced it was investing £4.2 billion in new flood defences to keep communities safe.

    This Autumn will also see the Department for Health and Social Care and the UK Health Security Agency deliver the largest pandemic exercise in the country’s history. 

    For the first time, the government can reveal that preparations for pandemic exercise (‘Exercise Pegasus’) are already underway. Exercise Alkarab, an initial simulation, took place in May with more than 150 participants from across the UK, including health officials and government ministers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Could new pipelines shield Canada from U.S. tariffs? The answer is complicated

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Torsten Jaccard, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of British Columbia

    It should come as no surprise that United States President Donald Trump’s tariff threats have renewed interest in building pipelines that don’t rely on access to the American market. Almost four million barrels of crude oil cross the Canada-U.S. border each day, generating revenue of more than $100 billion per year — a quarter of Alberta’s GDP.

    A February survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that half of Canadians believe the federal government isn’t doing enough to expand pipeline capacity. Meanwhile, two-thirds said they would back reviving the Energy East project — a cancelled pipeline that would have transported oil from western Canada to New Brunswick and Québec.

    But would new pipelines truly insulate Canada from the threat of U.S. tariffs? And how much new pipeline capacity is necessary? Despite the apparent urgency of approving new infrastructure projects, these questions remain surprisingly unexplored.

    In a recent paper I co-authored with researcher Jotham Peters, which is currently under revision, we applied formal economic modelling techniques to parse through the costs and benefits of new pipelines, and in particular to understand the role of American tariffs in shaping these costs and benefits.

    How tariffs could hit Canadian oil producers

    In a worst-case scenario where the U.S. follows through on its threat of a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian oil exports, Canadian producers could lose as much as $14 billion in annual revenue — roughly a 10 per cent decrease.

    Simply put, Canada’s existing pipeline network severely limits access to markets other than the U.S., and as a consequence oil producers bear the full brunt of American tariffs.

    But what if Northern Gateway and Energy East — two previously cancelled pipelines that would have brought Canadian oil to tidewater — had been built?

    If Northern Gateway and Energy East were operational in 2025, Canada would be more resilient, but not completely immune, to U.S. tariffs. Instead of a $14 billion loss, tariffs would reduce annual revenue by $9 billion.

    Ultimately, the combined capacity of Northern Gateway and Energy East, which would be 1.625 million barrels per day, pales in comparison to the four million barrels per day of existing pipeline capacity connecting Canadian producers with American refineries.

    Closing this gap would require an expansion of east-west pipeline capacity far beyond the cancelled pipelines of the last decade.

    The economic case for pipelines

    So have the recent shifts in U.S. trade policy fundamentally altered the economic case in favour of new east-west pipelines? As with most economic analyses, the answer is complicated.

    On the one hand, any progress that mitigates the significant cost of U.S. tariffs are likely dollars well spent. Building new pipelines strengthens the bargaining power of Canadian producers, which carries an additional benefit of potentially increasing the return on each barrel sold to our southern neighbour.

    There’s also a long-term capacity issue. Existing pipelines may reach their limit by 2035. In the absence of new pipelines, any new production after 2035 would either need to be transported by rail at a higher cost, or left in the ground.

    On the other hand, if the U.S. never follows through on tariffs on energy exports — or if future administrations do not share Trump’s affinity for chaotic trade policy — Canada could end up right back where it started when these projects were cancelled.

    All pipelines carry some economic benefit, but such benefits were not enough in 2016 and 2017 to warrant the construction of the Northern Gateway and Energy East pipelines.

    Inflated construction costs threaten benefits

    The elephant in the room is whether a significant expansion in pipeline capacity could realistically be achieved at reasonable cost. Recent evidence suggests it could be a challenge.

    The Trans Mountain expansion project, for instance, was initially estimated to cost $5.4 billion in 2013. By the time it was completed in 2024, the final price tag had ballooned to $34 billion — a cost overrun of 380 per cent when accounting for inflation.

    The Coastal GasLink pipeline, which transports natural gas, faced similar issues. It was initially projected to cost $4 billion in 2012 and was completed in 2023 at a final cost of $14.5 billion, with an inflation-adjusted overrun of 180 per cent.

    While some of these costs were circumstantial — a major flood affected Trans Mountain, for example — increased efficiency in pipeline construction is necessary for the economic benefits of new pipelines to be realized, regardless of U.S. trade policy.

    Beyond economics costs

    While our research explores the economic impact of new pipelines in the face of U.S. tariffs, we acknowledge there are other issues that need to be considered.

    Chief among them is ensuring Canada meets its constitutional obligation to consult First Nations on decisions, like natural resources projects, that affect their communities and territories. Although this lies beyond our area of expertise, it will inevitably be an important element of consideration for any new pipeline developments.



    Read more:
    The complicated history of building pipelines in Canada

    The environmental impacts of new pipelines are another key concern. These impacts range from local exposure to oil spills to upstream greenhouse gas emissions associated with oil production. While these varying and complex impacts are also beyond the scope of our current work, future research should focus on quantifying the potential environmental impacts of new pipelines.

    Our research cannot say whether any new pipeline project is good, bad or in Canada’s national interest. But we can help Canadians reach an informed decision about how changes in U.S. trade policy may or may not alter the economic case for new pipelines in this country.

    While Canada would undoubtedly be in a stronger position to respond to U.S. tariffs were Northern Gateway and Energy East operational in 2025, it would still find itself significantly exposed to Trump’s tariff threats.

    Fully removing this exposure would require not one but seven pipelines equivalent to Northern Gateway. Whether that’s a goal worth pursuing is a broader question — one we hope our research can help Canadians and policymakers reach on their own.

    Torsten Jaccard receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Could new pipelines shield Canada from U.S. tariffs? The answer is complicated – https://theconversation.com/could-new-pipelines-shield-canada-from-u-s-tariffs-the-answer-is-complicated-259660

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Jennifer Wolfenbarger Joins Franklin Electric as Chief Financial Officer, Bringing Extensive Financial Leadership in Global Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) announced today that Jennifer Wolfenbarger has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Accounting Officer. As a core member of the executive leadership team, Wolfenbarger will help shape the company’s financial future by enabling growth and overseeing fiscal accountability for the entire organization.

    Wolfenbarger has served in divisional CFO roles at some of the country’s most recognizable and growth-minded manufacturing companies, including Caterpillar, Stryker and most recently Owens Corning. In her role at Owens Corning, Wolfenbarger oversaw strategic planning, investor relations, compliance and financial reporting for the company’s $4 billion global insulation business. This included 50 manufacturing and distribution sites around the world.

    “Jennifer’s experience is exceptional, and we could not have selected a more well-rounded and dynamic candidate to fill this position,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO of Franklin Electric. “She is value-driven to the core, and her passion for implementing continuous improvement will be an incredible asset to our people, our shareholders and our customers.”

    Throughout Wolfenbarger’s career, she has lent her financial expertise to her community, serving as the Treasurer on three not-for-profit boards. While at Owens Corning, she was the executive sponsor for the company’s Latin America Women’s Initiative Network, and she often mentors at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, providing professional guidance. Her career has taken her to the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Netherlands, Maryland, Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois and Ohio. She is excited to be returning to her Indiana roots in her new role and will be relocating to the Fort Wayne area.

    “This is an incredible opportunity to support Franklin Electric’s commitment to growth and innovation,” said Wolfenbarger. “I’m thrilled to work alongside a highly talented and dedicated global team that values collaboration, teamwork, growth and development.”

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Contact:   Jill Hart
        Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
        260.824.2900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How can you keep kids off screens during the winter holidays?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University

    Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Children’s Games, 1560. ©KHM-Museumsverband, CC BY-NC

    The winter school holidays can be a tricky time for families. Parents are often juggling work and chilly conditions make it easy for kids to end up on the couch with multiple devices.

    What other activities can you try? And how can you encourage the kids to move without it seeming like a massive chore or a punishment for everyone?

    Here are some ideas for younger and older primary school children.

    We know kids aren’t active enough

    Many children aren’t as active as they need to be. Australian kids scored a D- on a 2022 report card on physical activity. Less than a quarter of children and young people met the guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

    Meanwhile, we know excessive screen use is one of the top health concerns Australian parents have about their children.

    What can you do for 5 to 8-year-olds?

    In his 1560 painting Children’s Games, Pieter Bruegel depicts more than 80 of childhood games and play outside. This includes playing with balls, swinging, climbing a tree and imaginary games.

    Many of these ideas still work today. So just like the children in Bruegel’s picture, embrace the outdoors. Remember it’s OK to get a bit wet or a bit muddy (even though, yes, this does mean more washing).

    Think about going on an adventure to the city, cafe, library, or museum or simply finding local puddles to splash in. A change of scenery can do wonders for cabin fever.

    Trips to the park or other nearby nature spots are also important. Research shows playing in green spaces improves children’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

    Need more toys?

    If you feel your toy cupboard is looking overly familiar, try a local Toy Library to borrow puzzles, board games and activities. Alternatively, arrange a toy swap with a trusted neighbour or friend.

    Don’t underestimate the joy and novelty in doing the basic or everyday tasks but with more time, over the holidays. Cooking, baking, sending cards, writing letters and reading a book together are all excellent ways to connect and build memories.

    You could also ask the kids to go and make an art exhibition or practise for a home dance or music concert while you make a cup or tea.

    What about older primary kids?

    Older children love to create, work together and connect with their peers.

    So you could encourage your child or children to channel popular YouTubers and gamers by creating physical challenges at home, for example: a home holiday Olympics, safe Ninja-style circuit or obstacle course.

    Or you could turn everyday chores into “missions” that earn rewards like having their favourite meal or a shopping trip.

    Keep moving

    You could break up sitting time by making TikTok style dances or doing physically challenges (how many star jumps can you do in a minute?) as often as possible.

    If you have wearable tech, such as smart watches, you can track time spent being active. Set up a friendly competition for steps while playing with pets, cleaning up or dancing around the house.

    A 2022 Australian study suggests the “break up your sitting” approach may result in children being more active than a simple “move more” message.

    Also think about screen time that gets kids moving – such as sports-based games. Research shows the energy expended during active gaming is equivalent to a brisk walk. Not all screen time has to be sedentary.

    Try a whole day ‘unplugged’

    You could try a whole day without devices – this shows children it is possible!

    Consider giving the kids more decision-making powers on these days: they could pick (and hopefully) make their meals, have a friend over, decide what games to play or what art and craft to make.

    The winter holidays are a good time to set new active habits that won’t only help now, but will set the tone for the spring and longer summer breaks ahead.

    Victoria Minson is the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) (Accelerated) at Australian Catholic University. The Victorian offering of the course has received funding from the Victorian government and Victorian Department of Education. Victoria also receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Amanda Telford has previously received funding from the ARC and NHMRC.

    – ref. How can you keep kids off screens during the winter holidays? – https://theconversation.com/how-can-you-keep-kids-off-screens-during-the-winter-holidays-260577

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Cumbo, Transdisciplinary social researcher and lecturer, University of Technology Sydney

    A Google data centre in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Richard Newstead/Getty

    Data centres are the engines of the internet. These large, high-security facilities host racks of servers that store and process our digital data, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    There are already more than 250 data centres across Australia. But there are set to be more, as the federal government’s plans for digital infrastructure expansion gains traction. We recently saw tech giant Amazon’s recent pledge to invest an additional A$20 billion in new data centres across Sydney and Melbourne, alongside the development of three solar farms in Victoria and Queensland to help power them.

    The New South Wales government also recently launched a new authority to fast-track approvals for major infrastructure projects.

    These developments will help cater to the surging demand for generative artificial intelligence (AI). They will also boost the national economy and increase Australia’s digital sovereignty – a global shift toward storing and managing data domestically under national laws.

    But the everyday realities of communities living near these data centres aren’t as optimistic. And one key step toward mitigating these impacts is ensuring genuine community participation in shaping how Australia’s data-centre future is developed.

    The sensory experience of data centres

    Data centres are large, warehouse-like facilities. Their footprint typically ranges from 10,000 to 100,000 square metres. They are set on sites with backup generators and thousands of litres of stored diesel and enclosed by high-security fencing. Fluorescent lighting illuminates them every hour of the day.

    A data centre can emanate temperatures of 35°C to 45°C. To prevent the servers from overheating, air conditioners are continuously humming. In water-cooled facilities, water pipes transport gigalitres of cool water through the data centre each day to absorb the heat produced.

    Data centres can place substantial strain on the local energy grid and water supply.

    In some places where many data centres have been built, such as Northern Virginia in the United States and Dublin in Ireland, communities have reported rising energy and water prices. They have also reported water shortages and the degradation of valued natural and historical sites.

    They have also experienced economic impacts. While data centre construction generates high levels of employment, these facilities tend to employ a relatively small number of staff when they are operating.

    These impacts have prompted some communities to push back against new data centre developments. Some communities have even filed lawsuits to halt proposed projects due to concerns about water security, environmental harm and heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

    A unique opportunity

    To date, communities in Australia have been buffered from the impacts of data centres. This is largely because Australia has outsourced most of its digital storage and processing needs (and associated impacts) to data centres overseas.

    But this is now changing. As Australia rapidly expands its digital infrastructure, the question of who gets to shape its future becomes increasingly important.

    To avoid amplifying the social inequities and environmental challenges of data centres, the tech industry and governments across Australia need to include the communities who will live alongside these crucial pieces of digital infrastructure.

    This presents Australia with a unique opportunity to set the standard for creating a sustainable and inclusive digital future.

    A path to authentic community participation

    Current planning protocols for data centres limit community input. But there are three key steps data centre developers and governments can take to ensure individual developments – and the broader data centre industry – reflect the values, priorities and aspirations of local communities.

    1. Developing critical awareness about data centres

    People want a greater understanding of what data centres are, and how they will affect their everyday lives.

    For example, what will data centres look, sound and feel like to live alongside? How will they affect access to drinking water during the next drought? Or water and energy prices during the peak of summer or winter?

    Genuinely engaging with these questions is a crucial step toward empowering communities to take part in informed conversations about data centre developments in their neighbourhoods.

    2. Involving communities early in the planning process

    Data centres are often designed using generic templates, with minimal adaptation to local conditions or concerns. Yet each development site has a unique social and ecological context.

    By involving communities early in the planning process, developers can access invaluable local knowledge about culturally significant sites, biodiversity corridors, water-sensitive areas and existing sustainability strategies that may be overlooked in state-level planning frameworks.

    This kind of local insight can help tailor developments to reduce harm, enhance benefits, and ensure local priorities are not just heard, but built into the infrastructure itself.

    3. Creating more inclusive visions of Australia’s data centre industry

    Communities understand the importance of digital infrastructure and are generally supportive of equitable digital access. But they want to see the data centre industry grow in ways that acknowledges their everyday lives, values and priorities.

    To create a more inclusive future, governments and industry can work with communities to broaden their “clean” visions of digital innovation and economic prosperity to include the “messy” realities, uncertainties and everyday aspirations of those living alongside data centre developments.

    This approach will foster greater community trust and is essential for building more complex, human-centred visions of the tech industry’s future.

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

    – ref. Australia is set to get more AI data centres. Local communities need to be more involved – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-set-to-get-more-ai-data-centres-local-communities-need-to-be-more-involved-259799

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney

    GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images

    As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen tours the Pacific this week to spruik his government’s commitment to climate action, fossil fuel exporters such as Australia are under unprecedented scrutiny.

    In a landmark ruling on Friday, Latin America’s highest human rights court found countries in that region are legally obliged to protect people from climate harms. The obligation includes tougher government regulations for fossil fuel extraction.

    The finding applies to nations in the Organization of American States. But it adds to a growing number of international rulings clarifying nations’ legal obligations to tackle the climate crisis – especially if they export fossil fuels.

    And it echoes long-held concerns from Australia’s Pacific neighbours: that climate change is an existential threat, and coal and gas exporters have a responsibility to act.

    A legal tide is building

    Australia is a major fossil-fuel exporter. When coal and gas mined in Australia is burned overseas, emissions are three times those of our entire domestic economy.

    Since 2000, Australia has approved more than 700 oil, gas and coal projects. This includes federal approval in May for Woodside’s North West Shelf project – a huge expansion of gas production off Western Australia.

    Emissions from these projects damage Earth’s climate, increasing the risk of harm to people around the world.

    As climate change worsens, the United Nations and others are calling on countries to phase out fossil fuel production. A string of litigation involving human rights and the environment is adding to the pressure.

    In a ruling handed down late last week, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights said people have the right to a stable climate and that states should regulate fossil fuel extraction and exploration.

    The ruling was delivered in Spanish. According to an English translation, it said nation-states should require fossil-fuel companies to:

    take effective measures to combat climate change and related human rights impacts, to conduct appropriate due diligence, to adopt transition plans, and to provide accurate information regarding the impacts of their operations on climate change and human rights.

    The ruling was an “advisory opinion”, and not legally binding. But it establishes the law on human rights obligations for the nations involved, and interpretations of international law for other nations.

    Pictured: judges from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
    JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Images

    It comes as the International Court of Justice weighs up a request from the United Nations General Assembly, to clarify countries’ obligations under international law to protect Earth’s climate and environment from greenhouse gas emissions.

    The campaign for the case was launched in 2019 by a group of law students at the University of the South Pacific.

    This ruling will apply directly to Australia. Judges in the case are likely to take into account the findings of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights – and Australian policymakers will be watching closely.

    International law is catching up with the science

    Key instruments of international law, such as the UN Human Rights Conventions, were developed in the decades before a scientific consensus on global warming.

    But the science has moved on. And it’s now clear that nations have legal obligations to prevent human rights harms arising from climate change.

    In 2022, the UN Human Rights Committee found Australia was failing to meet its obligations to protect Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders from the adverse impacts of climate change.

    In May this year, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, Elisa Morgera, called on nations to end new fossil fuel projects and begin phasing out of fossil fuel production this decade, to protect human rights.

    Australia has argued only the Paris Agreement – which requires countries to set targets to cut domestic emissions – should apply when it comes to mitigating climate change. It has also argued protecting human rights does not extend to obligations to tackle climate change by cutting emissions.

    Such arguments have now been rejected by international courts and tribunals. Continuing to approve new fossil fuel projects, with no plan to phase out fossil fuel production, puts Australia in violation of international legal obligations.

    Australia’s obligations are also being considered in domestic cases. For instance, the Federal Court is next week due to hand down a decision on the government’s obligations to cut emissions to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate impacts. If successful, the case may force the federal government to rapidly reduce emissions.

    The law is not on Australia’s side

    On his trip to the Pacific this week, Chris Bowen will emphasise Australia’s commitment to tackling climate change, and progress discussions on the joint Australia–Pacific bid to host the global COP31 climate talks next year. He told the media:

    Australia and the Pacific’s joint bid for COP31 is about ensuring that the region’s voice shapes global climate action for the benefit of the Australian and Pacific people.

    I look forward to deepening our cooperation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026.

    People in the Pacific now know international law is on their side. Ultimately, a managed shift away from fossil fuels is inevitable – and the time for Australian policymakers to ignore the industry’s climate harms is ending.

    Wesley Morgan is a fellow with the Climate Council of Australia.

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

    – ref. A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening? – https://theconversation.com/a-top-court-has-urged-nations-to-clamp-down-on-fossil-fuel-production-when-will-australia-finally-start-listening-259996

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joya Kemper, Associate Professor in Marketing, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    New Zealand is among a number of countries that encourage vaping (the use of e-cigarettes) as a tool to help people stop smoking tobacco. But what happens when people want to quit vaping?

    Nicotine vapes can be addictive. While they have helped many New Zealanders quit smoking cigarettes, others – including people who never smoked – now find themselves wanting to quit vaping.

    To better understand how and why people try to quit, we surveyed more than 1,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand who have used nicotine vapes.

    The findings from our study point to a need for support that treats vaping cessation like quitting smoking because for many, the challenges are similar.

    We focused on New Zealanders aged 16 and over who had vaped nicotine. Of the 1,119 respondents, 401 currently vaped and 718 had quit vaping. Around one in eight had never smoked tobacco at all.

    We found using vapes for more than two years and with nicotine concentrations above 3% was linked to higher dependence on vaping. Most current or past vapers wanted to stop, and more than three-quarters of participants had made up to three serious attempts to quit vaping.

    How people try to stop vaping

    Some people wanted to quit vaping because what began as a tool to support quitting smoking has become a new source of frustration or worry.

    The most common reasons to stop vaping were concerns about current or future health, disliking the feeling of being dependent, and the cost of vaping products. These motivations echo the reasons many people cite for quitting smoking, suggesting that people who vape (like most people who smoke) do not want to remain hooked on nicotine, even if it helped them quit cigarettes.

    Participants used a variety of strategies to quit, including abrupt cessation (“cold turkey”), switching to other forms of reduced-harm nicotine (such as nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, mouth sprays), and tapering down nicotine levels. Many also relied on support from whānau (family) and friends.

    These strategies mirror those used in smoking cessation.

    Our participants reiterate the importance of personal strategies, building on previous work on interventions that target vaping cessation.

    Some people did quit vaping and had no problem quitting. However, others struggled. Triggers that cause a relapse to vaping are similar to those many people who smoke experience, including stress and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

    Being around others who vape is also a trigger for relapse. These factors highlight the social and psychological effects of vaping, just as they have long been recognised in tobacco addiction research.

    Importantly, these triggers appeared consistent across different groups regardless of age, gender, cultural background or smoking history. Whether someone vaped to stop smoking or whether vaping was the first nicotine product they tried, quitting came with similar challenges.

    Better support for vaping cessation

    Our study suggests many New Zealanders are now trying to quit nicotine vapes, and some face real barriers to doing so.

    We think existing smoking-cessation support and medications could play a useful role. These tools include behavioural support, such as building self-belief in the ability to quit, identifying key triggers (and strategies to avoid them), stress management strategies, and access to tapering schedules (cutting down the frequency of vaping over time or gradually reducing nicotine concentration).

    As previous work shows, the type of support needed may differ between older tobacco smokers and the growing population of teens taking up vaping.

    Vaping as an exit from tobacco smoking should still be offered to people who smoke. Once vaping is taken up, it should be promoted as a medium-term, step-down tactic (3–12 months), while ensuring that relapse to smoking is avoided. Such a strategy aligns with vaping-cessation guidance provided in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

    But it’s clear the landscape has shifted. Vaping is no longer just used to quit smoking; vapes are used by people who have never smoked.

    For some, vaping becomes a habit they want to quit in its own right, but it may not always be easy given the addictive nature of nicotine. We need dedicated support for vaping cessation to address this growing concern.

    Findings from our survey have been key to the development of a New Zealand vaping-cessation clinical trial currently underway. People who are interested in quitting vaping can find out more and register their interest.

    This study was supported by a grant from the University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Research and Development Fund.

    Amanda Palmer has received funding from the US National Institutes of Health and Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.

    Bodo Lang has received funding from the Health Research Council of NZ.

    Chris Bullen receives funding from the Health Research Council of NZ, Ministry of Health and US NIH for research projects on smoking and vaping and personal funding from Kenvue Asia for cochairing ASEAN smoking-cessation leadership meetings. He co-chairs the smokefree expert advisory group for Health Coalition Aotearoa.

    George Laking has received funding from the Health Research Council of NZ.

    Jamie Brown has received (most recently in 2018) unrestricted funding to study smoking cessation from Pfizer and J&J, which manufacture medically licensed smoking cessation medications.

    Lion Shahab received personal fees from a grant funded by the US National Cancer Institute as part of his role as a member of an external scientific advisory committee outside of the submitted work. He also acted as a paid reviewer for grant awarding bodies and as a paid consultant for health-care companies and, in the past, has received honoraria for talks, an unrestricted research grant, and travel expenses to attend meetings and workshops by producers of smoking cessation medication (Pfizer/Johnson&Johnson).

    Natalie Walker has received personal fees from a grant funded by the US National Cancer Institute as part of her role as a member of the external scientific advisory committee. She is involved in a grant (in-kind) supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. She also received grants from the Health Research Council of NZ and funds from the US National Institute for Health and the Food and Drug Administration tobacco regulatory science grant. She has acted as a paid reviewer for grant awarding bodies. She has no financial links with tobacco companies, e-cigarette manufacturers, or their representatives.

    Vili Nosa has received funding from the Health Research Council of NZ.

    – ref. Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop vaping nicotine need more support – here are some strategies to help – https://theconversation.com/quitting-the-quit-aid-people-trying-to-stop-vaping-nicotine-need-more-support-here-are-some-strategies-to-help-259899

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Names Dr. Dean Burke as Incoming DCH Commissioner

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced he will appoint Dr. Dean Burke to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Community Health, effective August 1, following current Commissioner Russel Carlson’s announcement that he has accepted a position in the private sector.

    “Marty, the girls, and I want to thank Dr. Burke for continuing his service to the people of our state in this new leadership position,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Given his extensive background in medicine and healthcare policy, he is uniquely qualified to fill this role at a pivotal time for this important agency. I’m confident he will demonstrate the same level of commitment as commissioner that he has shown throughout his many years of public service.”

    “I also want to thank Russel Carlson for his years of service and many contributions to the Department of Community Health,” continued Governor Kemp. “He has been a knowledgeable leader and was pivotal during the launch of the innovative Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. Our family wishes him, Anne-Marie, and their three children well in this next phase of his career.”

    Dean Burke currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Community Health. In this role, Burke advises the leadership team on healthcare policy and quality improvement activities throughout each division. He also directly oversees the State Health Benefit Plan and the State Office of Rural Health.

    Previously, Burke represented Senate District 11 where he served as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and Ethics Committee, an Ex-Officio of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, the Secretary of Appropriations, and was a member of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and the Rules Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Community Health Appropriations sub-committee.

    Prior to his election to the state Senate, Burke served on the Bainbridge City Council for five years and on the Lower Flint Water Council. He also worked as Chief Medical Officer at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge and Chaired the Stratus Healthcare Governing Board. He is a former member of the Hospital Authority of the City of Bainbridge and Decatur County.

    Burke graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgia Southwestern University and went on to graduate from the Medical College of Georgia. He received his specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercer University School of Medicine and practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 27 years in rural Georgia. Burke and his wife, Thea, have two children and three grandchildren, and they reside in Bainbridge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Names Dr. Dean Burke as Incoming DCH Commissioner

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced he will appoint Dr. Dean Burke to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Community Health, effective August 1, following current Commissioner Russel Carlson’s announcement that he has accepted a position in the private sector.

    “Marty, the girls, and I want to thank Dr. Burke for continuing his service to the people of our state in this new leadership position,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Given his extensive background in medicine and healthcare policy, he is uniquely qualified to fill this role at a pivotal time for this important agency. I’m confident he will demonstrate the same level of commitment as commissioner that he has shown throughout his many years of public service.”

    “I also want to thank Russel Carlson for his years of service and many contributions to the Department of Community Health,” continued Governor Kemp. “He has been a knowledgeable leader and was pivotal during the launch of the innovative Georgia Pathways to Coverage program. Our family wishes him, Anne-Marie, and their three children well in this next phase of his career.”

    Dean Burke currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Community Health. In this role, Burke advises the leadership team on healthcare policy and quality improvement activities throughout each division. He also directly oversees the State Health Benefit Plan and the State Office of Rural Health.

    Previously, Burke represented Senate District 11 where he served as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and Ethics Committee, an Ex-Officio of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, the Secretary of Appropriations, and was a member of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and the Rules Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Community Health Appropriations sub-committee.

    Prior to his election to the state Senate, Burke served on the Bainbridge City Council for five years and on the Lower Flint Water Council. He also worked as Chief Medical Officer at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge and Chaired the Stratus Healthcare Governing Board. He is a former member of the Hospital Authority of the City of Bainbridge and Decatur County.

    Burke graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgia Southwestern University and went on to graduate from the Medical College of Georgia. He received his specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercer University School of Medicine and practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 27 years in rural Georgia. Burke and his wife, Thea, have two children and three grandchildren, and they reside in Bainbridge.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Resignation and appointment of the Bishop of Alotau-Sideia

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 7 July 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Alotau-Sideia (Papua New Guinea), presented by His Exc. Msgr. Rolando Crisostomo Santos, C.M. The Holy Father has appointed the Rev. Fr. Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., currently Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Bomana (Port Moresby) as Bishop of Alotau-Sideia (Papua New Guinea).His Exc. Msgr. Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., was born on 26 June 1963 in Handzlówka, Łańcut (Poland). After his perpetual profession in the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), he obtained a Master in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow, a Licentiate in Educational Sciences from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome and a Doctorate in Pedagogy from the Akademia Pedagogiczma im. Kaomisji Edukacji Narodowej in Krakow.He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1991.He has held the following positions: Primary School Teacher in Zakopane, Poland (1991-1995); High School Teacher in Krakow, Poland (1995-1997); Teacher and Chaplain at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Brooklyn, New York, USA (2000); Youth Educator at the Fr. Siemaszko Foundation in Krakow (2001-2002); Professor of Educational Sciences at the Theological Institute of the Pontifical University John Paul II in Krakow (2001-2013). Since 2014, he has been Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Bomana (Port Moresby). (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 7/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Appointment of the Bishop of Wabag

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 7 July 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Leo XIV appointed Justin Ain Soongie, the former Auxiliary Bishop and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wabag, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Wabag (Papua New Guinea) and revoked his titular see of Forma.Bishop Justin Ain Soongie was born on June 2, 1973, in Tsikiro (Papua New Guinea). He completed his postulancy and novitiate with the Brothers of Charity and continued his priestly formation at the Good Shepherd Seminary in Fatima, Banz, and at the Catholic Theological Institute in Bomana. He earned a licentiate in moral theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. He was ordained a priest on May 11, 2005.He has held the following positions: Assistant Parish Priest in Tsikiro (2005) and in Mang and Mariant (2005 – 2006); Parish Priest in Mang (2006–2011); Vicar General of the Diocese of Wabag (2014 – 2021); Professor at the Banz Seminary in the Archdiocese of Mt. Hagen (2014 – 2021); Parish Priest in Sari (2014 – 2021). On June 15, 2021, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Wabag, receiving the titular See of Forma; on the following September 2, he received episcopal consecration. Since 2025, he has been Diocesan Administrator of Wabag. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 7/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Appoints Interim Economic Development Director

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Appoints Interim Economic Development Director

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Maureen Larsen to serve as the Interim Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).

    Larsen currently serves as General Counsel to the Governor and as Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office. Larsen will transition from her current role to the interim role on Monday, July 21. 

    She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont. 

    Governor Pillen thanks Director K.C. Belitz for his service. Belitz’s final day with the state is Friday, July 18.

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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Moving Forward on Improving Regina Hospital Physician Culture

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 7, 2025

    The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), is taking action to improve workplace culture and environment for the Regina hospital physician community.  

    The Ministry has received an independent external review commissioned to look into challenges in the work environment in Regina hospitals. The review was conducted by two highly respected medical leaders from Ontario and Nova Scotia and includes a number of recommendations for the Ministry, the SHA, the SMA and the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine to improve the working environment for physicians.

    “I want to thank the reviewers for their report and look forward to working in collaboration with our health system partners to implement those recommendations,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We have a shared goal of creating and maintaining a positive, safe and healthy work environment for all employees and physicians and I am confident both short and long-term actions will provide improvements that benefit both physicians and patients.”

    The SHA and SMA will be working in collaboration to address the review’s 14 recommendations, including holding engagement sessions with Regina hospital physicians on finalizing an action plan to address recommendations on near-term and longer-term priorities.  

    Separately, the SHA has taken a number of immediate actions to address some of the recommendations including:

    • restructuring the SHA’s Senior Physician Leadership structure, as announced on June 12, 2025;
    • working collaboratively with the SMA to finalize practitioner staff bylaws; and
    • launching the SHA anti-racism strategy.

    “The Saskatchewan Health Authority cares deeply about the workplace experience for all practitioners and employees,” SHA CEO Andrew Will said. “We are fully committed to collaborating with the Saskatchewan Medical Association, Regina hospital physicians and other health system partners to develop an action plan to implement the report’s recommendations.”  

    “The Saskatchewan Medical Association is committed to collaborating with system leaders to build a better future for physicians in Regina and across the province,” SMA president Dr. Pamela Arnold said. “This review provides an opportunity to reset and build stronger relationships throughout the health system in Regina. It will be critical to involve and engage physicians early and often to help build the trust necessary to do this very important work.”

    Longer-term implementation of actions to address recommendations will take place over the next six to 12 months. The external review of Regina hospital physician culture is available at Saskatchewan.ca.

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  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Overuse of riprap to prevent riverbank erosion is harming B.C. rivers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Charlotte Milne, PhD Candidate, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia

    Every spring, melting snow and heavy rainfall brings a higher risk of flooding and riverbank erosion to parts of Canada. Bank erosion is responsible for a significant portion of annual flood damage in Canada, with estimates suggesting the costs could grow as high as $13.6 billion anually by the end of the century.

    In British Columbia, erosion is primarily managed by “hardening” riverbanks with large rocks called riprap. These rocks are so prevalent along B.C. rivers that you might think they are part of the natural environment, but they are not.

    Hardened riverbanks offer temporary protection from river movement, but riprap can lead to degraded rivers. Erosion is a natural process that helps maintain healthy and diverse river habitat. However, as societies expand, there is more demand to control river movement and prevent erosion.

    Through my work as a river scientist and flood risk researcher in New Zealand and Canada, I have witnessed the sometimes devastating impacts of river erosion and have also seen just how lifeless rivers can become when overly restricted.

    Of course we need to protect people, property and infrastructure from riverbank erosion. But current erosion management is hurting B.C. rivers.

    The problem with riprap

    Riprap is essential for stabilizing riverbanks when infrastructure and property are at immediate risk. The rocks are often laid down as “temporary” erosion prevention before or during floods.

    The problem is, if you harden one area with riprap, that bank transfers the erosion-hungry current elsewhere, driving the need for further riprap to be installed.

    The exact impact that riprap is having on B.C. waterways requires more research, but professionals working in the province’s rivers are already seeing the damage.

    During a workshop I led with colleagues from Resilient Waters and Watershed Watch, we found that in a group of 83 river and flood management professionals, 53 had witnessed adverse impacts from riprap use in the province’s Lower Mainland region.

    It is now estimated that more than half of the gravel sections of the Fraser River have been hardened through riprap. To date, there has been limited consideration of the environmental consequences of such widespread bank hardening.

    Riprap can bury the shallow spawning habitats preferred by many fish. It can prevent the “undercutting” of banks, a process that creates important spaces that salmon species prefer for shelter.

    In addition, riprap causes water temperatures to rise as rocks trap heat from sunlight that would normally be shaded by riparian vegetation. That lack of vegetation also means less wood and debris in the rivers, which would normally add essential habitat complexity that is preferred by many fish species.

    Riprap also acts as a potential migration barrier for salmon and other species trying to navigate the riverbanks. Finally, as riprap lessens available habitat for indigenous species, it can offer preferential habitat for invasive ones instead.

    Given the potential for environmental harm, there have been calls to limit riprap use in British Columbia. Experts have suggested it should only be used in essential cases, ideally in river systems that are already heavily impacted by humans.

    Bioengineering, revegetation alternatives

    The good news is that there are bank-stabilizing alternatives to riprap.

    Bioengineering involves using vegetation to create or support engineered structures. For example, live tree cuttings can be woven together to create wattles or brush mattresses. This process creates living tree walls and coverings that grow and strengthen over time.

    Revegetation is another approach, using riparian planting to strengthen riverbanks with root systems. In some cases, this can be as simple as laying down seeds at the right time of year, often with other erosion control options like mulch terraces.

    The key to the success of bioengineering and revegetation efforts is that they need to be done proactively. Unlike riprap, which can be installed as an emergency response measure, vegetation needs time to grow.

    Next steps for B.C.

    Riprap along part of Vancouver’s False Creek in July 2020. Given the potential for environmental harm, there have been calls to limit riprap use in British Columbia.
    (Shutterstock)

    Is it possible to move on from our over-reliance on riprap in B.C.?

    During our workshop, experts discussed what needs to happen to support environmentally friendly bank stabilization options.

    First off, we need to be talking about the overuse of riprap more. Currently, decision-makers and property-owners are often unaware of the potential harm that riprap can have on our rivers, or that alternatives exist. While many alternatives won’t be appropriate in extreme erosion cases, for the province’s smaller and healthier rivers, they would be ideal.

    For this to happen, the bank-stabilization regulation process in B.C. needs to change. Currently it is hard to receive consent or funding to undertake bank strengthening activities outside of emergency riprap installation.

    The B.C. government needs to adapt local guidelines and regulations to allow wider use of alternative methods, prioritizing proactive bank strengthening. They can draw on findings from elsewhere in Canada where alternative bank-stabilization options are already being tested.

    Shifting away from a dependence on riprap won’t be easy, but in a province that relies on healthy rivers and fish, it should be a priority.

    As one workshop attendee put it: “We don’t want to see sterile kilometres of riprap.”

    Charlotte Milne receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Public Scholars Initiative at UBC. The research mentioned in this article received funding from UBC’s Sustainability Scholars Program and support from Resilient Waters and the Watershed Watch Salmon Society.

    – ref. Overuse of riprap to prevent riverbank erosion is harming B.C. rivers – https://theconversation.com/overuse-of-riprap-to-prevent-riverbank-erosion-is-harming-b-c-rivers-255283

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