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  • MIL-OSI USA News: Eliminating the Federal Executive Institute

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 4117 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to treat taxpayer dollars responsibly and advance unifying priorities like a stronger and safer America.  Accordingly, it is the policy of my Administration to eliminate, to the greatest extent permitted by law, executive departments and agencies and programs that do not directly benefit the American people or further our Nation’s interests.

         In particular, the Federal Executive Institute, which was created by the Administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson more than 50 years ago, is a Government program purportedly designed to provide leadership training to bureaucrats.  But bureaucratic leadership over the past half-century has led to Federal policies that enlarge and entrench the Washington, D.C., managerial class, a development that has not benefited the American family.  The Federal Executive Institute should therefore be eliminated to refocus Government on serving taxpayers, competence, and dedication to our Constitution, rather than serving the Federal bureaucracy.

    Sec. 2.  Elimination of the Federal Executive Institute.  (a)  The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take all necessary steps to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute, in accordance with applicable law.

    (b)  All prior Presidential or other executive branch documents establishing or requiring the existence of the Federal Executive Institute, including the Presidential Memorandum of May 9, 1968, regarding the Federal Executive Institute, and any applicable provisions of Executive Order 11348 of April 20, 1967 (Providing for the Further Training of Government Employees), are hereby revoked.

    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        February 10, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 36-2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – GG IKLIM GRUP LIMAN HIZMETLERI A.S. (AEI: TR4034SB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    11 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have suspended GG IKLIM GRUP LIMAN HIZMETLERI A.S. (AEI: TR4034SB) from AusTreat.

    The treatment provider has…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Court Order Blocking Trump Administration from Implementing Unlawful NIH Funding Cuts

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, February 10, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts granting a temporary restraining order that bars the Trump Administration’s unlawful and drastic National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding cuts from taking effect. Attorney General Bonta, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, announced suing the Trump Administration over the NIH funding cuts earlier today and sought the temporary restraining order at issue. The temporary restraining order is in effect within the Plaintiff States until further order from the court.

    “I am pleased that the federal district court has promptly granted our request for a temporary restraining order. The Trump Administration unlawfully sought to eviscerate funding for medical research, and they are now blocked from doing so. My fellow attorneys general and I will be closely monitoring to ensure that the Trump Administration follows the court’s order. Public and private universities in California are doing life-saving research that would otherwise be disrupted.”

    A copy of the court’s order granting the temporary restraining order can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners II Co. Announces Pricing of $200 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLAYMONT, Del., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners II Co. (the “Company”), a newly organized special purpose acquisition company formed as a Cayman Islands exempted company and led by Chairman Eric R. Ball and CEO Long Long, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 20,000,000 units at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, with each unit consisting of one ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one ordinary share at $11.50 per share. The units are expected to trade on The Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “ATIIU” beginning February 11, 2025. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to be traded on Nasdaq under the symbols “ATII” and “ATIIW,” respectively.

    BTIG, LLC is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.

    The Company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is expected to close on February 12, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    A registration statement relating to the securities sold in the initial public offering was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 10, 2025. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the prospectus may be obtained from: BTIG, LLC, 65 East 55th Street, New York, New York 10022, or by email at ProspectusDelivery@btig.com, or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners II Co.

    Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners II Co. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue a business combination target in any business, industry or geographical location, the Company intends to focus its search for businesses in the technology industry, and its focus will be on the artificial intelligence, cloud services and automotive technology sectors.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) and search for an initial business combination. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the IPO filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Contacts:

    Long Long
    Chief Executive Officer
    Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners II Co.
    (725) 312-2430

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 10,000 more apprentices as Government slashes red tape to boost growth  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Shorter and flexible apprenticeships and new English and maths requirements to boost skills and support employers  

    Up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year as the government cuts red tape to boost economic growth by giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements. 

    Rules slowing down the training of workers in key industries like construction will also be changed as the government reveals plans to turbocharge growth industries with reduced bureaucracy for apprenticeships and new leadership also appointed for Skills England.  

    Leading employers have been calling for these changes. Businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in order to pass it. This means more learners can qualify in high demand sectors such as healthcare, social care and construction, helping to drive growth and meet government targets in key areas such as housebuilding.

    This could mean as many as 10,000 more apprentices per year will be able to complete their apprenticeship, unlocking opportunity in communities all over the country and breaking the link between background and success. It does not mean that apprentices won’t be assessed on core English and maths skills relevant to their occupation, but it does mean that apprentices will be able to focus more on their paid work.

    The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months.

    Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said:  

    Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental Missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.

    Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy. 

    Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership.

    Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses said:  

    It’s encouraging to see Government shorten the length of apprenticeships, and give employers the right to decide whether Level 2 English and Maths is needed. These flexibilities should help SME employers fill skills gaps faster.

    These announcements come as the Education Secretary kicked off National Apprenticeship Week yesterday, which celebrates the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.  

    The plans also follow the Prime Minister’s announcement in October, when he pledged to reform the new growth and skills offer to ensure young people are better supported.   

    Three trailblazer apprenticeships in key shortage occupations will look to pioneer the new shorter apprenticeship approach, with apprentices in green energy, healthcare and film/TV production set to be able to take on these new courses.   

    Changes to the minimum length of an apprenticeship will be introduced from August 2025 subject to the legislative timetable, with changes to English and maths requirements coming into effect immediately. This will be hugely beneficial to employers in sectors like construction which have an urgent need for qualified workers, helping to meet the government’s mission to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament.   

    The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has also announced that Phil Smith CBE will chair Skills England, the new nationwide body for skills, with Sir David Bell serving as Vice Chair. Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean will jointly serve as CEO, while Gemma Marsh will serve as Deputy CEO. 

    Phil Smith is the former chair and CEO of international tech and telecoms giant Cisco. He brings extensive industry experience in digital, tech and innovation leadership and his appointment signals the seriousness of the government’s plan for growth, unlocked via a national vision for skills.   

    Sir David Bell has four decades of experience in the education and skills sector and is currently Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland  

    Phil Smith CBE said:

    I know from my time in industry how valuable direct engagement from employers can be in shaping government policy. 

    We need a dynamic skills system that can drive economic growth, and I’m excited to be involved in shaping Skills England as part of that.

    Sir David Bell said:   

    I look forward to working with Phil Smith, other colleagues in Skills England, and the Department for Education to help deliver economic growth and meet the nation’s skills needs. 

    I know from my experience in public policy and higher education that providing the skilled workforce which Britain requires depends on industry, government and education organisations working together. I am very confident therefore that Skills England will provide the strategic oversight to make that happen.

    Skills England will bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade across all regions of England. More than 700 stakeholders have already been engaged through roundtables, webinars and engagement events. 

    It will work with employers, national, regional and local government, providers, and unions to identify skills shortages and provide strong strategic direction for the skills system.  

    One of Skills England’s first orders of business will be to identify which apprenticeships would be best served by the shorter duration approach. Skills England will prioritise key shortage occupations as per the industrial strategy, helping to boost growth under our Plan for Change.   

    Euan Blair MBE, founder and CEO, Multiverse said: 

    This important announcement will do so much to widen and expand access to apprenticeships and should be welcomed as a move to put our skills system at the heart of the growth Mission. For years this requirement has created an artificial barrier between apprenticeships and those who could benefit from them, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and older workers whose roles are at risk of job displacement, while often diluting the quality and purpose of an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are about giving as many people as possible the ability to improve their career prospects and contribute meaningfully to their employers: this move helps to underline that focus.

    Sharon Blyfield, Head of Early Careers at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said:

    At Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, we believe that the inclusion of functional skills as an exit for apprenticeships have often hindered many people from reaching their full potential. The announced changes will help make apprenticeships a more viable option to more people, not only new recruits but also for our current employees who missed out on these skills during their school years. These changes will enable them to successfully complete their apprenticeships without added barriers, which is brilliant news.

    Alex Hall-Chen Principal Policy Advisor, Sustainability, Skills, and Employment said:

    Apprenticeships are a vital tool in tackling the UK’s persistent skills shortages, and this announcement is a welcome step in removing unnecessary barriers to increasing apprenticeship numbers. 

    Research with IoD members clearly showed that giving employers flexibility when it comes to English and Maths qualifications for adult apprentices has the potential to unlock more apprenticeship opportunities. 

    Employers are well-placed to judge whether English and Maths qualifications are the most appropriate route to evidence or develop the literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in the given career path.

    Chris Bailey, Starbucks UK Early Careers Manager said:

    Starbucks UK welcomes the announcement around relaxing the requirements of functional skills for learners 19yrs+. Removing this significant barrier will support our commitment to enrolling more apprentices, particularly those who may have previously faced challenges with functional skills assessments. By embracing this change we can empower more of our Partners to gain valuable recognised qualifications, develop their skills, and progress within Starbucks and their careers.

    Lisa Pinfield, Group Director of Performance & Development, Capita said: 

    Making Functional Skills requirements more flexible for apprenticeships will open doors for more adult learners, especially those from diverse backgrounds. By removing unnecessary barriers, employers can welcome a wider pool of talented apprentices who bring valuable skills and experience. This change will help businesses grow, support social mobility, and give more people the chance to succeed through apprenticeships.

    Jo Rackham, Executive Director of People of the John Lewis Partnership, said:

    Apprenticeships help us build and retain the skills we need to deliver brilliant service to our customers and power our growth. They’ve helped 5,000 employees, or as we’re called Partners, progress in their careers since 2017.

    We welcome the relaxation in functional skills requirements. It’s an important step towards the reform needed to help more people access apprenticeships.  Gaining GCSE Maths and English qualifications can be a significant barrier to starting or completing one and we believe it will help more disadvantaged people, including those who leave the care system or those with learning disabilities, make a career for themselves.

    Matthew Percival, Future of Work and Skills Director, CBI said:

    Apprenticeships have an important role to play in building the skills for growth. Greater flexibility on minimum length and on English and Maths requirements will help businesses to offer more workers the opportunity to add to their skills.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-backed AI companies to transform British cancer care and spark new drug breakthroughs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New AI models to diagnose and treat cancer and other incurable diseases will be made possible thanks to joint public-private investment giving flexible funding to British AI firms and researchers.

    £82 million for 3 UK research projects Match-funding for European compute partnership.

    • £82.6 million in new flexible forms of research funding to support UK companies tackling cancer and accelerating drug discovery using AI and more
    • Collaboration between British and European experts on AI and High-Performance Computing gets match-funding boost
    • Backing for both these schemes shows the UK’s commitment to seizing the potential of new technologies like AI, to drive forward the Plan for Change

    The UK government is today (Tuesday 11 February) unveiling £82.6 million in new flexible forms of research funding, plus a new commitment to give UK researchers access to cutting-edge computing resources as part of a plan to unlock the power of AI.  

    Two of the three projects benefiting from this support, which is helping to pioneer new ways of conducting research, will harness the power of AI to develop treatments and diagnostics for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

    Coming as day two of the AI Action Summit gets underway, this is the latest evidence of the government’s commitment to seizing the potential of new technologies like AI to drive forward the Plan for Change, delivering economic growth and progress in key fields like health. 

    The government is putting £37.9 million backing behind three innovative British research projects, the Research Ventures Catalyst (RVC) programme. Together with a further £44.7 million in co-investment across the three projects, from other sources, this makes for a total £82.6 million backing. 

    The RVC programme is delivering novel ways of funding groundbreaking research, such as endowments, which are flexible and reflect the real needs of cutting-edge innovators. Too often, inflexible funding has been a barrier to some of the most innovative and creative research or has been an obstacle to new innovative businesses looking to scale-up. The RVC programme will support pioneering work training AI on the NHS’s vast pool of cancer data, drug discovery research, and more. 

    Today also sees the government expand UK involvement in the European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking by committing £7.8 million to fund UK researchers and businesses’ participation in EuroHPC research. This will mean British AI and high-performance computing researchers can work unobstructed with their peers across Europe. International collaboration and broad access to computational resources will be key to unlocking the benefits AI promises to deliver across society and the economy.

    These announcements come on the final day of the AI Action Summit in France, where world leaders and AI companies have been holding a series of talks focused on the opportunities the technology can deliver for communities across the globe. The opportunities of AI are an area the UK government has placed a heavy focus on to kickstart 2025 – unveiling a new blueprint with 50 proposals in January which will spark a decade of national renewal. 

    Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle said: 

    The focus of this Summit has been on how we can put AI to work in the public interest, and today’s announcements are living proof of how the UK is leading that charge through our Plan for Change.  

    We’ve already set out a bold new blueprint for AI which will help to spark a decade of national renewal, and key to that plan is supporting our expert researchers and businesses with the support they need to drive forward their game-changing innovations. 

    Today, we open new avenues for them to do exactly that – building bridges with our international partners so the entire global community can share in the boundless opportunities of AI-powered progress and backing new innovative companies applying AI to tackle real-world challenges.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    NHS innovation saved my life when I was diagnosed with cancer and treated by a world-class surgeon equipped with a robot. I want more patients to benefit from this kind of groundbreaking treatment, and AI will be central to our efforts.

    This new funding is another step to unlock the enormous potential of AI for cancer research and drug discovery – ensuring more patients like me experience the highest quality care.

    AI will help us speed up diagnoses, cut waiting times for patients and free up staff, as we deliver our Plan for Change and shift the NHS from analogue to digital.

    EuroHPC is a high-powered compute partnership which pools EU resources with those of participating states. Businesses and researchers will now be supported to participate in EuroHPC research grants in the development of supercomputers and in their deployment to tackle the most pressing scientific challenges, working in tandem with like-minded partners on the continent. UKRI will work with businesses and researchers to support them to apply for grants where match-funding is available.   

    The three projects being supported by the Research Ventures Catalyst (RVC) programme. 

    PharosAI

    £18.9 million government funding plus £24.7 million co-investment. PharosAI, whose King’s College London site is being visited by AI Minister Clark today, will bring together decades of NHS and Biobank data and host it on a unified, powerful, secure, AI platform. This will revolutionise cancer care by accelerating the development of the next generation of AI models which will deliver new breakthroughs for diagnosing and treating the disease – transforming outcomes for patients and saving lives. 

    Professor Anita Grigoriadis, Professor of Molecular and Digital Pathology at King’s College London, CEO of PharosAI said:  

    AI has the potential to revolutionise cancer care. The UK has a real opportunity to be a major innovator, leading to faster diagnosis, novel and more targeted cancer treatments, and better-informed healthcare for patients. PharosAI will democratise cancer AI and create an ecosystem to navigate the path to AI-powered precision medicine. Thanks to the RVC programme, we will build an unique operational approach between King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Barts Health Trust and industry partners. Our innovative collaboration will accelerate scientific breakthroughs and bring vastly improved cancer care to tomorrow’s patients.

    Bind Research

    £12.9 million government funding plus £12.9 million co-investment. The team at Bind Research meanwhile will tap into AI to learn the rules of drugging currently undruggable proteins, offering hope to cure diseases that were once thought to be untreatable. It will do this by targeting disordered proteins associated with various diseases which could unlock scores of new avenues for treatment – potentially giving thousands of patients across the country a new lifeline. 

    Dr Gabi Heller, Dr Thomas Löhr, and Dr Gogulan Karunanithy, scientific co-founders, Bind Research said:

    The Research Ventures Catalyst Programme has been a game changer for Bind Research. It allowed us to reimagine our approach by adopting a not-for-profit Focused Research Organisation model – a strategy that, until now, was largely uncharted territory in the UK. This innovative structure enables us to harness collective expertise to deliver AI-enhanced tools and datasets as public goods to advance our mission of making disordered proteins druggable for everyone.

    MEMetic

    £6.1 million government funding plus £7.1 million co-investment. MEMetic will receive funding for work to revolutionise water management by combining nature’s highly evolved solutions with state-of-the-art polymer chemistry. This will support them to develop new solutions in a range of fields from lithium recovery in battery recycling, to facilitating clean water access – helping the world tackle the climate crisis. 

    Professor Alan Goddard and Dr Matthew Derry, Aston University said: 

    MEMetic represents the culmination of years of planning a significant, challenging, interdisciplinary research program which promises massive real-world benefits. This RVC award will allow us to leverage our fundamental science to create bespoke bioinspired filtration membranes for a range of industries. Such research really requires long term funding which is set up to take research to an applied setting and the Research Venture we envisage perfectly matches our philanthropic aims for water treatment for all.

    Notes to editors

    PharosAI is a joint venture between King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and Barts Health NHS Trust. 

    MEMetic is led by researchers at the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence at Aston University.

    DSIT media enquiries

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    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Repeat offender gets 10-year sentence after ICE HSI Newark investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man was sentenced for possessing child sexual abuse material, following an investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark with support from CBP Port of New York/Newark.

    Jonathan Lattif, 46, of Jersey City, N.J., who was sentenced to 120 months in prison on February 6, 2025. Lattif previously pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography at the District of New Jersey in Newark.

    “It is inconceivable that a market exists for the disturbing and depraved images Lattif had in his possession,” said ICE HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “HSI Newark is constantly working with our law enforcement partners to protect children who are victimized in the heinous crime of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.”

    According to the investigation, on March 18, 2022, Lattif possessed videos depicting sexual abuse of minors, including prepubescent children, on his mobile device. He possessed over 500 videos files and 1 photograph of child sexual abuse material.

    Lattif also has a prior state conviction for possession of child pornography.

    In addition to the prison term, Lattif was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Road safety works get underway across northern Tasmania

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Upgrades are starting this week at the Frankford Road and Chapel Road junction in Harford, to improve safety and reduce the risk of crashes.

    The improvements are part of the latest $27.5 million investment by both the Australian and Tasmanian Governments under the national Road Safety Program, and are set to be completed by late May 2025.

    The existing junction will be changed to a standard T-junction with widening provided for road users to pass a vehicle turning right from Chapel Road onto Frankford Road.

    Under the same program, safety upgrades will also be made to the junction of Pipers River Road and Waddles Road in Karoola, and are expected to start in early March 2025. 

    Road users can expect some temporary traffic changes during the Harford junction upgrade including reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures during the 7:00 am to 6:00 pm working hours.

    Road users are asked to allow 15 minutes extra travel time and to follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs. More information about the project and the wider Road Safety Program can be found here.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Nothing is more important than ensuring people who travel on Australia’s regional road network get home safely each time they travel. 

    “That’s why we’re backing this $27.5 million investment to make the Frankford Road and Chapel Road junction safer for locals and visitors to this part of Tassie. 

    “Through projects such as this one, we’re working with the Tasmanian Government to help keep everyone safe on the state’s roads.”

    Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Anne Urquhart:

    “The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety and significantly reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”

    “While our government continues to prioritise road safety, I encourage all drivers to do their bit by driving to the conditions, slowing down, putting on a seatbelt, taking a break when you’re tired, and avoiding distractions.”

    Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent:

    “The upcoming junction upgrades demonstrate our commitment to improving safety for road users and reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. 

    “We also look forward to starting work on the remaining junction upgrades included under the program, such as the Pipers River Road and Waddles Road junction in Karoola, which we expect to start in March this year.  

    “Feedback from local communities and other key stakeholders has been a key focus in identifying the improvements for each junction, and we’ve balanced that with ensuring the best road safety outcomes are achieved.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Operations Ludlow and Oxley Deliver Significant Results in Alice Springs and Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Following the success of Operation Ludlow, Operation Oxley is continuing in Katherine with support from the Fugitive Task Force.

    Operation Ludlow launched on 14 November 2024 to focus on addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs. By deploying additional officers and collaborating with external resources, including the South Australian Police and the Australian Federal Police, The NT Police Force significantly strengthened its operational presence in the region, greatly enhancing community safety. This operation concluded on 3 February 2025, resulting in 301 arrests. 

    Operation Oxley commenced on 2 December 2024 in Katherine, is set to wrap up in March. Nine weeks into the operation, police can report 324 arrests made, and 58 summons issued.

    Additionally, the Fugitive Task Force (FTF), established on 12 December 2024, has been making significant strides. This task force was created following a series of serious incidents involving high-risk offenders and is focused on locating and apprehending known fugitives.

    Based in Darwin, the FTF has deployed officers to assist both Alice Springs and Katherine.  As of this morning, the task force has successfully apprehended 116 individuals, 37 of whom (32%) were wanted on outstanding warrants.

    Commissioner of the Northern Territory Police Force, Michael Murphy APM, said, “The results of our two recent operations, Ludlow and Oxley, reflect our ongoing commitment to a safer Northern Territory.

    “I would like to commend all the officers involved in Operation Ludlow, Operation Oxley and the Fugitive Task Force, for their dedication, sacrifice and service.

    “Many officers deployed to the locations across the festive season to support their colleagues and communities.

    “I extend thanks to all our hardworking officers across the Territory who continue to achieve massive impacts for community safety.

    “Thank you Territorians for your support. Policing operations will continue with intensity to keep Territorians safe.

    “The NT Police Force will continue to work tirelessly to take action, reduce crime and maintain community security.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: China: Cook Islands’ relationship with Beijing ‘should not be restrained’

    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist

    China and the Cook Islands’ relationship “should not be disrupted or restrained by any third party”, says Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, as opposition leaders in Rarotonga express a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Mark Brown.

    In response to questions from the Associated Press about New Zealand government’s concerns regarding Brown’s visit to Beijing this week, Guo said Cook Islands was an important partner of China in the South Pacific.

    “Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1997, our two countries have respected each other, treated each other as equals, and sought common development, achieving fruitful outcomes in exchanges and cooperation in various areas,” he said.

    “China stands ready to work with the Cook Islands for new progress in bilateral relations.”

    Guo said China viewed both New Zealand and the Cook Islands as important cooperation partners.

    “China stands ready to grow ties and carry out cooperation with Pacific Island countries, including the Cook Islands,” he said.

    “The relationship between China and the Cook Islands does not target any third party, and should not be disrupted or restrained by any third party.”

    Information ‘in due course’
    Guo added that Beijing would release information about the visit and the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement “in due course”.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun . . . “China stands ready to grow ties and carry out cooperation with Pacific Island countries.” Image: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs/RNZ

    However, Cook Islanders, as well as the New Zealand government, have been left frustrated with the lack of clarity over what is in the deal which is expected to be penned this week.

    United Party leader Teariki Heather is planning a protest on February 17 against Brown’s leadership.

    He previously told RNZ that it seemed like Brown was “dictating to the people of the Cook Islands, that I’m the leader of this country and I do whatever I like”.

    Another opposition MP with the Democratic Party, Tina Browne, is planning to attend the protest.

    She said Brown “doesn’t understand the word transparent”.

    “He is saying once we sign up we’ll provide copies [of the deal],” Browne said.

    “Well, what’s the point? The agreement has been signed by the government so what’s the point in providing copies.

    “If there is anything in the agreement that people do not agree with, what do we do then?”

    Repeated attempts by Peters
    New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs office said Winston Peters had made repeated attempts for the government of the Cook Islands to share the details of the proposed agreement, which they had not done.

    Peters’ spokesperson, like Browne, said consultation was only meaningful if it happened before an agreement was reached, not after.

    “We therefore view the Cook Islands as having failed to properly consult New Zealand with respect to any agreements it plans to sign this coming week in China,” the spokesperson said.

    Prime Minister Brown told RNZ Pacific that he did not think New Zealand needed to see the level of detail they are after, despite being a constitutional partner.

    Ocean Ancestors, an ocean advocacy group, said Brown’s decision had taken people by surprise, despite the Cook Islands having had a long-term relationship with the Asia superpower.

    “We are in the dark about what could be signed and so for us our concerns are that we are committing ourselves to something that could be very long term and it’s an agreement that we haven’t had consensus over,” the organisation’s spokesperson Louisa Castledine said.

    The details that Brown has shared are that he would be seeking areas of cooperation, including help with a new inter-island vessel to replace the existing ageing ship and for controversial deep-sea mining research.

    Castledine hopes that no promises have been made to China regarding seabed minerals.

    “As far as we are concerned, we have not completed our research phase and we are still yet to make an informed decision about how we progress [on deep-sea mining],” she said.

    “I would like to think that deep-sea mining is not a point of discussion, even though I am not delusional to the idea that it would be very attractive to any agreement.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Global Barometers rise in February after falling in January – KOF

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The Global Barometers increase slightly in February, partially recovering the losses of the previous month. The results indicate a possible consolidation of these levels for the indicators, after an upward tendency was indicated at the end of 2024.

    In February, the Coincident Global Barometer increases by 0.9 points to 95.2 points, while the Leading Barometer gains 0.8 points to reach 103.3 points. The rise in the Coincident Barometer is driven by the indicator for the Asia, Pacific & Africa region, and in the Leading Barometer by the indicators for the Asia, Pacific & Africa region and Europe. The Western Hemisphere remains at the highest level among the regions for both temporal horizons.

    “The most significant changes compared to last month are the increases of 0.7 and 0.8 points in the coincident and leading indicators for the Asia-Pacific and African regions, respectively. While the outlook for Europe has also improved (by 0.7 points), that for the Western Hemisphere has declined by the same amount. Nevertheless, only Asia-Pacific and Africa are worse off than a year ago. It will be interesting to see whether regional differences widen in the coming months in the current political environment”, evaluates Jan-Egbert Sturm, Director of KOF Swiss Economic Institute.

    Coincident Barometer – regions and sectors

    The 0.9-point increase in the Coincident Barometer in February results from the positive contribution of 0.7 points from the indicator for the Asia, Pacific & Africa region and 0.1 points from the indicators for Europe and the Western Hemisphere. The latter region maintains an increasing tendency for the fourth consecutive month to record its highest level since March 2022 (103.0 points). With this result, the Western Hemisphere is now more than 10 points above the indicator for the Asia, Pacific & Africa region.

    Among the Coincident sector indicators, only Services is moving in the opposite direction, while Construction, Trade, and Industry drive this month’s increase, while the Economy (aggregated business and consumer evaluations) remains virtually stable.

    Leading Barometer – regions and sectors

    The Leading Global Barometer leads the world economic growth rate cycle by three to six months on average. In February, the Asia, Pacific & Africa region and Europe contribute positively to the aggregate result with 0.8 and 0.7 points, respectively. In contrast, the indicator for the Western Hemisphere contributes negatively with -0.7 points, interrupting a sequence of three consecutive gains. All the regional indicators are now above 100 points, suggesting a moderately positive outlook for world economic growth in the coming months.

    Among the Leading sector indicators, only the indicator for Economy loses ground this month, which is its second consecutive decrease. The stronger growth in the Construction sector stands out in the first two months of 2025, with the indicator recording a high level of optimism for the coming months.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police urge parents and young people to be alert when online on Safer Internet Day

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    New Zealand Police is urging parents to be alert to the potential risks facing children and young people online.

    Today is Safter Internet Day – a global event to promote safe and positive online experiences.

    To ensure a collaborative approach to internet safety, Police works closely with our partner agencies, including the Department of Internal Affairs, Netsafe, and New Zealand Customs.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards, officer in charge of New Zealand Police Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand Team (OCEANZ), says supervising children and young people online is the best way to keep them safe.

    “The internet opens up a world of opportunity but there are offenders online looking to exploit people, and they target the most vulnerable.

    “In the worst-case scenario, we see online extortion groups trying to persuade children and young people to record self-harm and sexually explicit acts, alongside other violent crimes.

    “The footage is then circulated among members of the extortion group to gain notoriety and further extort victims.

    “Offenders may also threaten to share these videos or images online or with the victim’s family and friends.

    “While we’re not seeing a large number of this type of offending here in New Zealand at this time, we know this is having a significant impact overseas.

    “We want parents to be alert to the possible risks, but not alarmed.”

    Police urge parents and caregivers to educate themselves on this topic and have conversations with their young people about the dangers of having an online presence.

    “Having open and regular conversations is the most important tip we can give any parent or caregiver,” Detective Senior Sergeant Richards says.

    “This ensures their young children feel comfortable to come forward about any online issues that may arise.”

    For parents and caregivers: 

    • Supervision is essential. This means knowing what your children are doing online, who they are interacting with, and what platforms, apps, or games they are using.
    • Check privacy settings. We recommend parents and caregivers research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. This can include turning off location settings, setting profiles to private, or turning off chat functions.
    • Long term impact. Offenders will often use tactics such as fear or shame to manipulate young people, and make them feel alienated or trapped, like they cannot escape the situation. These situations can be very distressing and can have long term impacts and need to be addressed appropriately.
    • Report suspicious behaviour. Make a report and seek help and support.

    For victims:

    • Stop talking to the offender and avoid sending any more images or videos – even if they are threatening you. Once you have complied with their demands, there is nothing preventing them from targeting you again.
    • Save all the online chat, immediately take screenshots. This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather.
    • Report the content and person’s profile to the platform and request the content is removed.
    • Block the profile.

    Where to report offending:

    To report any offending to Police, please call 111 in an emergency, and for non-emergencies, online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.

    If you have seen content online that you wish to report, make a report to the Department of Internal Affairs HERE.

    If you would like advice and support from Netsafe, text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 or call for free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723). You can also report online at netsafe.org.nz/report or by email at help@netsafe.org.nz.

    Click HERE to read the Virtual Global Taskforce Safer Internet Day’s media release issued by the Australian Federal Police.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Supporting Australian talent to perform for the world

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Seven diverse Australian arts programs are showcasing their talent on the world stage thanks to recent funding from the Albanese Labor Government.

    Almost $300,000 is being delivered through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, which supports Australia’s global cultural engagement to increase access to international audiences.

    Amongst the recipients are the Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir, Marliya, who performed their acclaimed work Spinifex Gum at London’s Barbican Centre in October 2024.  

    Also receiving funding are:

    • Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School and Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education – to compile and translate case studies on best practices as part of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.
    • Interactive Games and Entertainment Association – to support a digital games showcase at the Australian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
    • Australian Dance Theatre – to support the development of a new major dance work, Two Blood. 
    • Adelaide Festival Centre – to support presentations of Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding and Taylor Sheesh: The Errors Tour OzAsia Festival in October 2024.
    • Poetry in Action – to support attendance at the Asia Pacific International Schools Conference Teaching & Learning Expo and performances in Hong Kong in December 2024.

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the recipients were representative of the range of Australian talent.

    “We’re supporting these unique and truly incredible Australian artists and programs to share their work on a global stage.

    “Engaging international audiences not only creates a cultural dialogue, but it strengthens bonds and builds appreciation for the amazing talent Australia has to offer.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — RCMP investigate Whistle Bend incidents

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Whitehorse RCMP are investigating a number of reported thefts from vehicles in the Whistle Bend subdivision area overnight.

    During the early morning hours of February 9, a thief (or thieves) committed a spree of criminal acts in the Whistle Bend area of Whitehorse. Police have received several reports of vehicles being rifled through and items being taken.

    If you are a witness to a crime or have been a victim of theft, or attempted theft over the weekend, please call 867-667-555 and report it to the police.

    Police are also asking residents in the area to review any security camera footage for suspicious activity between the hours of 1 am and 5 am and to contact police should they locate some evidence on their footage.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is Steve Smith set to become the best? What data says about Test cricket’s elite 10,000+ run club

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ronnie Das, Associate Professor in Data Analytics, The University of Western Australia

    In the recent Border-Gavaskar series against India, Steve Smith agonisingly missed out reaching 10,000 Test runs in front of his home crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground, falling short by just one run.

    However he entered the “10K club” in style after hitting his 35th century against Sri Lanka in the series won by Australia, 2-0.

    Smith is now the 15th batsman to join the exclusive club and the fourth Australian to do so, after Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting.

    The illustrious group of players who have reached 10,000 is headed by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs) with Ponting (13,378) second and South African Jacques Kallis (13,289) third.

    Among this group, Tendulkar, the West Indies’ Brian Lara and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara were fastest to 10,000 in terms of innings batted (195), just ahead of Ponting (196). Smith was fifth fastest (205 innings).

    But where does Smith sit among this group of truly elite batsmen? How does he compare to his fellow Australians? And can he eventually reach the pinnacle and overtake Tendulkar at the top of the mountain?

    The challenges of modern cricket

    Modern day cricket is physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding.

    The physical demands, coupled with fixture congestion, make it tough on athletes’ bodies. Research also suggests psychological pressures have a heightened impact on players’ thinking, feeling and overall performances.

    The evolution of lucrative Twenty20 games has also meant cricketers often play in these shorter-format leagues instead of resting between Test series.

    Smith is one of many elite cricketers still playing all three formats of the sport.

    While some batsmen continue to score well into their late 30s, more often than not performance declines in these twilight years of a batter’s career.

    Smith turns 36 in June.

    Judging the best

    The 10,000 run club is the hallmark of batting excellence in Test cricket.

    It is regarded as the pinnacle of a batsman’s career achievement.

    Together (at the time of writing) the players in the 10K club have scored 181,947 runs, with 541 centuries and 818 half centuries.

    The highest individual score belongs to Lara, who scored 400 (not out) against England in 2004.

    Lara also maintained a very high strike rate (60.51) throughout his career.

    A strike rate is a batsman’s run scoring efficiency per 100 balls – the higher the strike rate, the faster the batter scores. A higher strike rate puts more pressure on opposition bowlers and when a batter scores quickly, it allows more time for their team’s bowlers to take the 20 wickets required for a Test victory.

    Only Ponting (a strike rate of 58.72 per 100 balls) closely matches Lara’s calibre, but England’s Joe Root (57.47) is enjoying a late-career renaissance and is closing the gap.

    Compare that to the Border and Sunil Gavaskar era (late 1970s–early 1990s) when runs were not as easy to come by – these two ended their career with low (41.09 and 43.35 respectively) strike rates.

    What about Smith?

    In his second match, his strike rate was an exceptionally high 75.75 but, since then it has dipped to 53.58 as Smith has become a more balanced batsman.

    Another way to judge a batter’s impact is their centuries per innings rate.

    Smith has the highest century per innings rate (17.48%) among the 10K club.
    He recently scored his 36th century, matching his modern-day peer, Root. But Root has played 72 additional innings.

    In terms of overall centuries, Tendulkar leads the way having scored a staggering 51 centuries during his Test career (six more than Kallis, in second). However, Tendulkar did it over a mammoth 329 innings – 38 more than anyone else on the list.

    How the Australians compare

    Across generations, the four Australians have shown different styles of play in achieving the landmark.

    Data shows Border was the most consistent player among them, with his average remaining relatively steady through his career, while Waugh improved his performance after a lacklustre start to his career.

    Smith hit his peak at around his 75th match and Ponting around his 115th match, before their run scoring dropped.

    In terms of batting positions, data suggests Smith has scored most of his runs coming in at number four. Border was most dominant coming in at four and five.

    Ponting dominated as a number three batsman, while Waugh was very consistent at number five.

    How far can Smith go?

    Considering Smith’s age (35), current form and the physical demands of modern cricket, our findings suggest it will take him at least another three to four years to surpass Ponting.

    That may be achievable but Smith’s year-long ban after the 2018 “sandpapergate saga” makes reaching Tendulkar’s mark extremely unlikely.

    However, there is a chance Smith ends up with the best average in the club.

    His batting average currently sits at 56.74, with only Sangakkara (57.4) higher.

    Considering his current form, with four centuries in his past five Test matches, there’s every chance this modern-day great retires atop the tree in that metric at least.

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

    – ref. Is Steve Smith set to become the best? What data says about Test cricket’s elite 10,000+ run club – https://theconversation.com/is-steve-smith-set-to-become-the-best-what-data-says-about-test-crickets-elite-10-000-run-club-248891

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Trump abandons the old world order, NZ must find its place in a new ‘Pax Autocratica’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Ogden, Associate Professor in Global Studies, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Donald Trump is moving rapidly to change the contours of contemporary international affairs, with the old US-dominated world order breaking down into a multipolar one with many centres of power.

    The shift already includes the US leaving the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords, questioning the value of the United Nations, and radical cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

    Such a new geopolitical age also involves an assertion of raw power, with Trump using the threat of tariffs to assert global authority and negotiating positions.

    While the US is not significantly less powerful, this new era may see it wield that power in more openly self-interested and isolationist ways. As new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it in January, “the post-war global order is not just obsolete – it is now a weapon being used against us”.

    With global democracy in retreat, the emerging international order looks to be moving in an authoritarian direction. As it does, the position of New Zealand’s vibrant democracy will come under mounting pressure.

    But world orders have come and gone for millennia, reflecting the ebb and flow of global economic, political and military power. Looking back to previous eras, and how countries and cultures responded to shifting geopolitical realities, can help us understand what is happening more clearly.

    An evolving world order

    Previous orders have often focused on specific centres – or “poles” – of power. These include the Concert of Europe from 1814 to 1914, the bipolar world of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union, and the unipolar world of American dominance after the end of the Cold War and since the September 11 attacks in 2001.

    Periods of single-power dominance (or hegemony) are referred to as a “pax”, from the Latin for “peace”. We have seen the Pax Romana of the Roman Empire (27 BCE to 180 AD), multiple Pax Sinicas around China (most recently the Qing Dynasty 1644 to 1912), Pax Mongolica (the Mongol Empire from 1271 to 1368) and Pax Britannica (the British Empire from 1815 to 1924).

    It is the Pax Americana of the US, from 1945 to the present, that Trump seems bent on dismantling. We now live in an international order that is visibly in flux. With autocracy on the rise and the US at is vanguard, a “Pax Autocratica” is emerging.

    This is accentuated by the rapid rise of Asia as the main sphere of economic and military growth, particularly China and India. The world’s two most populous countries had the world’s largest and third largest economies respectively in 2023, and the second and fourth highest levels of military spending.

    The simultaneous rise of multiple power centres was already challenging the Pax Americana. Now, a new international order appears to be a certainty, with Trump openly adapting to multipolarity. Several major powers now compete for global influence, rather than any one country dominating.

    China’s preference for a multipolar international order is shared by India and Russia. Without one dominant entity, it will be the political and social basis of this order, as determined by its major actors, that matters most – not who leads it.

    Pax Democratica

    The current (now waning) international order has been underpinned by specific social, political and economic values stemming from the national identity and historical experience of the US.

    According to US political expert G. John Ikenberry, former president Woodrow Wilson’s agenda for peace after the first world war sought to “reflect distinctive American ideas and ideals”.

    Woodrow imagined an order based on collective security and shared sovereignty, liberal principles of democracy and universal human rights, free trade and international law.

    As its dominance and military strength increased in the 20th century, the US also provided security to other countries. Such power enabled Washington to create open global trade markets, as well as build core global institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, United Nations and NATO.

    For Ikenberry, this Pax Americana (we might call it a Pax Democratica) rested on consent to the US’s “provision of security, wealth creation, and social advancement”. This was aided by the its more than 800 military bases in over 80 countries.

    The democratic deficit

    Trump undercuts the central tenets of this liberal world order and accelerates a slide towards authoritarianism. Like Russia, India and China, the US is also actively constraining human rights, attacking minorities and weakening its electoral system.

    This democratic retreat leaves a country such as New Zealand in a global minority. If Trump targets the region or country with economic tariffs, that precariousness might increase.

    On the other hand, previous world orders have not been truly hegemonic. Pax Britannica did not encompass the entire world. Nor did Pax Americana, which didn’t include China, India, the former Soviet bloc, much of the Islamic world and many developing countries.

    This suggests pockets of democracy can survive within a Pax Autocratica, especially in a multipolar world which is more tolerant of political independence.

    The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2023 Democracy Index ranked New Zealand, the Nordic countries, Switzerland, Iceland and Ireland highest because their citizens

    choose their political leaders in free and fair elections, enjoy civil liberties, prefer democracy over other political systems, can and do participate in politics, and have a functioning government that acts on their behalf.

    It is these countries that can be at the vanguard of democratic resilience.

    Chris Ogden is a Senior Research Fellow with The Foreign Policy Centre, London.

    – ref. As Trump abandons the old world order, NZ must find its place in a new ‘Pax Autocratica’ – https://theconversation.com/as-trump-abandons-the-old-world-order-nz-must-find-its-place-in-a-new-pax-autocratica-249358

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s equipment upgrade, consumer goods trade-in programs deliver fruitful results in 2024

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

    China’s equipment upgrade, consumer goods trade-in programs deliver fruitful results in 2024

    BEIJING, Feb. 10 — China’s large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in programs yielded fruitful results last year, driving strong growth in both investment and consumption, official data showed on Monday.

    The programs, which kicked off last March, drove equipment purchases and investment up by 15.7 percent in 2024, contributing 67.6 percent to overall investment growth, and boosted sales of bulk durable consumer goods by over 1.3 trillion yuan (about 181 billion U.S. dollars), according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

    Equipment upgrades and sales of green products have saved energy equivalent to approximately 28 million tonnes of standard coal, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by about 73 million tonnes, the commission noted.

    In 2024, over 37 million consumers purchased more than 62 million eligible home appliances, with total sales reaching 270 billion yuan. Items at the highest level of energy efficiency accounted for over 90 percent of the total sales revenue.

    In the auto sector, more than 6.8 million vehicles were traded in for new ones, driving sales by 920 billion yuan. Over 60 percent of consumers opted for new energy vehicles.

    To maintain this momentum, China last month announced a raft of measures to expand the scope of its consumer goods trade-in program, including new subsidies for electronic product trade-ins, as well as an increased number of categories on its trade-in list for eligible home appliances.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee, Hageman Introduce Legislation to Protect Firearm Manufacturers and Dealers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Jurisdiction Act, which protects law-abiding American firearm manufacturers and sellers by creating an independent basis for removing frivolous lawsuits against them to federal court, especially those predicated on illegal use of their products by unrelated third parties. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the House version of the bill. It is co-sponsored by Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).   

    “We cannot allow law-abiding Americans to lose their Second Amendment rights through unjust attacks on those who legally make and sell firearms,” said Senator Lee. “This legislation will save businesses from frivolous lawsuits and forum-shopping by amending the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, defending the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms.”

    “Anti-Second Amendment activists have long used lawfare as a weapon to attack our constitutional rights,” said Rep. Hageman. “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve consistently defended law-abiding gunowners. This legislation reinforces my commitment by ensuring radical gun-control advocates cannot hurt firearm manufactures by filing politically motivated cases in state courts.”

    BACKGROUND

    Enacted in 2005, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act provides a defense for gun manufacturers and dealers to use against frivolous suits when their products are legally manufactured and sold, but later used to commit crimes. However, because the PLCAA does not contain an independent basis for removal to federal court, state courts must look to the federal question jurisdiction statute (28 U.S.C. 1331) triggering the “well-pled complaint rule.” The “well-pled complaint rule” requires that the statutory basis for removal under 28U.S.C. 1331 be found on the face of the complaint filed by plaintiffs. Any answer or defense raised by the defendant is an insufficient basis for removal to federal court. This contrasts with the broader requirement of only a federal ingredient in either the claim or defense for Article III jurisdiction under the Constitution. State Attorneys General and plaintiffs have become creative in ensuring that complaints filed in state court do not trigger the well-pled complaint rule’s requirements for removal to federal court under the PLCAA. This necessitates adding an independent basis for removal of lawsuits against defendants who qualify for PLCAA protections.

    The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Jurisdiction Act adds a provision to the PLCAA stating that cases filed in state court which meet the requirements for protection under the PLCAA can be removed to federal court so that gun manufacturers and dealers can qualify for the liability protections created by Congress. This legislation would further the PLCAA’s goal of ending abusive, frivolous litigation by reducing forum shopping and other attempts to weaponize our legal system against the firearms industry. 

    You can read the one-pager by clicking HERE. 

    You can read the bill text by clicking HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NTES launches new custom response vessel

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Emergency Service (NTES) has enhanced its marine capability with the addition of a new purpose-built response vessel.

    Officially handed over to NTES late last year, the vessel is now operational following fit out and will serve as the primary response vessel for evacuations, cargo transport, and flood rescues in the northern region. It replaces a 25-year-old vessel, which had reached the end of its service life.

    Built by local company Custom Works, the vessel was designed as an ‘in between’ option between the 5.3-meter primary flood rescue boats and the larger 6.2-meter landing crafts. The new asset is versatile and capable of transporting cargo and small ATVs. It is lighter than the larger landing craft, offering greater manoeuvrability.

    The new vessel significantly improves NTES’ response capabilities, particularly in the evacuation of people stranded in flooded communities. Additionally, it enhances the capacity to deliver supplies and cargo compared with the old boat, which only carried four people and minimal cargo. The new vessel has the capacity to carry up to 10 people or 800 kg of vital supplies, crucial for maintaining sustainability in remote communities during emergencies.

    Commissioner of NT Fire and Emergency Services, Andrew Warton, says the new vessel, will improve operational capacity during the high-risk weather season in the Top End.

    “Our NTES volunteers respond to a wide range of incidents, from flood evacuations and rescues at river crossings to assisting NT Police with inland river or dam searches and providing marine flood rescue training,”

    “Having a purpose-built asset that is tailored to our unique Northern Territory terrain is vital for handling the severe weather we face, especially in remote areas.”

    “Our crew is very pleased with the high-quality work of Custom Works. They’ve delivered a vessel that will exceed our operational requirements during the Wet Season.”

    The recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which combines the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into one agency, enhances our ability to respond to emergencies while prioritising community resilience.

    Media contact:

    Rickie Abraham

    89239803

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Airservices Australia announces first round of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Service Suppliers

    Source: Airservices Australia

    Airservices Australia has announced the first round of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Service Suppliers (USS) to connect to the new Flight Information Management System (FIMS), the data-sharing platform that will enable drones and other uncrewed aircraft to be seamlessly incorporated into Australian airspace. 

    Following a Request for Proposal in late 2024 seeking specialist USS technology providers to collaborate with Airservices, Australian owned and operated AvSoft and Yarra Drones, along with United States based OneSky, have been selected to participate in the first round of technical integration with the FIMS.  

    The FIMS will be at the core of Australia’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) ecosystem. It will enable Airservices to share flight information between air traffic control, traditional aircraft, and uncrewed airspace users. 

    With over 60 million drones predicted to be utilising Australian airspace by 2043, delivering the UTM ecosystem through cross government and industry collaboration will ensure a safe, efficient and harmonised airspace for both uncrewed and conventional aircraft.  

    In the lead up to Airservices’ FIMS going live in late 2025 and beyond, these partnerships will also play a critical role in collectively delivering cutting edge, digital UTM solutions for drone operators as industry providers integrate their platforms with the FIMS.  

    Supported by Airservices’ strategic partner Frequentis Australasia and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the USS onboarding and integration process involves working together on end-to-end testing of FIMS capabilities, assuring technical and regulatory requirements and empowering the burgeoning uncrewed industry to thrive.  

    Airservices Australia Head of Transformation Uncrewed Services Integration, Luke Gumley, said this was a major milestone in developing the UTM ecosystem in Australia. 

    “We’re thrilled to be supporting the first cohort of UAS Service Suppliers and extend a warm welcome to OneSky, AvSoft and Yarra Drones as the expertise and experience they bring to the table is invaluable,” Luke said. 

    “We look forward to partnering with more USS through future onboarding rounds next year, which will benefit from the preliminary work we do with the first cohort. 

    “The forward leaning policy and regulatory frameworks, coupled with the collaboration between Airservices and industry in delivering open market UTM services connected to FIMS, positions Australia as a leader in enabling safe and sustainable growth of the drone and emerging aviation industries.” 

    For further information on Airservices’ work to support Australia’s UTM ecosystem visit our website. 

    About Airservices
    Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for safely and efficiently managing air traffic in 11 per cent of the world’s airspace, as well as the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and work closely with our customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech and Business – Valsoft Expands Government and Healthcare Presence with the Acquisition of Softlinx

    Source: Valsoft Corporation

    Montreal, Canada, February 10, 2025 – Valsoft Corporation Inc. (“Valsoft”), a Canadian company specializing in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Softlinx, an industry leader providing secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud fax services, integration, and automation solutions.

    This strategic acquisition enables Valsoft to enter the cloud fax and secure communication space, providing efficient and scalable solutions to industries such as healthcare, finance, and government. Softlinx’s cloud-based faxing solutions and APIs integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems, streamlining workflows and ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations.

    “Joining the Valsoft family represents a pivotal moment for Softlinx,” said Dr. Hikyu Lee, President and CEO of Softlinx. “For over two decades, we’ve been dedicated to providing secure and efficient communication solutions. Valsoft’s resources and expertise will allow us to scale our technology, reach new markets, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers.”

    “Softlinx has established itself as a trusted leader in secure communication, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Valsoft,” said Gaurav Goyal, President, Corporate Investment Team at Valsoft. “Their deep industry expertise and robust product offerings make them a perfect fit with Valsoft’s vision of acquiring and growing industry-leading businesses. Together, we aim to grow Softlinx’s footprint and build on its reputation for reliability and innovation.”

    This acquisition reinforces Valsoft’s commitment to investing in companies that deliver essential software solutions while fostering long-term growth and development. The Softlinx team will remain in place, continuing to drive innovation and support their customers with the same dedication and expertise. With a strong presence in the U.S. market and a reputation for exceptional customer support, Softlinx is poised for significant growth.

    About Softlinx
    Founded in 1993, Softlinx is a pioneer in secure, cloud-based fax and messaging solutions. Softlinx’s platform provides organizations with reliable, HIPAA-compliant services that integrate with enterprise systems, automate workflows, and enhance operational efficiency. With a focus on healthcare, finance, and government, Softlinx enables organizations to securely exchange critical information and meet rigorous compliance standards. For more information, visit www.softlinx.com.

    About Valsoft
    Valsoft acquires and develops vertical market software companies that deliver mission-critical solutions. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers. Learn more at www.valsoftcorp.com.

    Valsoft was represented by Valsoft’s internal legal team and by Rich May P.C. Softlinx was legally represented by Nelson Mullins and advised by Mirus Capital Advisors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: MIL Analysis – Five best articles in Russian for 10.02.2025

    MIL Analysis: Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are prioritized at the moment.

    Today’s analysis provides us with economic performance and engagement with different communities. There is also a trend towards respect for human rights. The economy in China is growing and prospering.

    Education is increasing computerization skills and introducing artificial intelligence.

    “Samaraneftegaz” shows the innovative activities of Rosneft. Oil reserves have grown. In addition, science is developing day by day, so NSU scientists have developed a technique for measuring ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances.

    Below you can read one of the articles.

    1. Financial news: Rules for managing conflicts of interest for NPFs.

    Non-state pension funds (NPFs) will be required to identify and manage conflicts of interest. Funds will be able to allow conflicts to arise only if they have notified their clients and their rights are not violated. The Ministry of Justice of Russia has registered the corresponding decree of the Bank of Russia.

    2. Cultural Code of the Celestial Empire: How to Do Business in China.

    Higher School of Economics

    By 2035, China will overtake the US in terms of GDP and become the world’s largest economy. Today, there are over 108 million entrepreneurs and 50 million industrial enterprises in this country. Last year, the economy grew by 4.8%. This opens up unique opportunities for Russian companies. Vysshka experts tell us how to enter one of the most promising markets.

    3. Vyshka launches advanced training course on AI in education.

    The Computer Science Department of the National Research University Higher School of Economics is launching an advanced training course on artificial intelligence in education. The program is designed for educators, teachers, methodologists planning to integrate AI technologies into the educational process, as well as for management teams of educational institutions interested in improving educational processes through the introduction of AI.

    4. “Samaraneftegaz replenished oil reserves by 180%.

    “Samaraneftegaz (part of Rosneft’s oil production complex) added 19 million tons of commercial oil reserves by the end of 2024, which made it possible to replenish oil production 1.8 times.

    5. NSU scientists have developed a methodology for determining ultra-low concentrations of radioactive substances.

    Scientists of the Physics Department of Novosibirsk State University have developed a technique for measuring ultra-small concentrations of radioactive substances whose decay is accompanied by gamma radiation. Data collection is carried out using a detector made of ultrapure germanium, which is part of the equipment of the NSU Interdepartmental Laboratory of Atomic Physics and Spectrometry; a special hardware and software system has been created for data processing. The first project implemented with the use of this technique is research work to determine the level of radioactive substances (radon) in the soil of mines and coal mines in the Kemerovo region.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Securing regional banking services

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government has secured commitments from the banks to ensure banking services remain available in the regions.

    Banks have a responsibility to regional communities and we’re holding them to it.

    We are making sure bank branches stay open in the bush.

    Since 2017, 36 per cent of bank branches in regional Australia have closed and we are taking action to arrest this decline in regional banking services.

    The Albanese Government governs for the whole country and we take our responsibilities to the regions seriously.

    We are standing up for regional Australians, helping to secure the banking services they need and deserve.

    More than banking, this is about keeping regional communities, that contribute so much to our national economy, connected and thriving.

    People are increasingly using digital banking and payment methods, but face-to-face services remain essential, particularly for people and small businesses in regional areas, where digital alternatives may not always be accessible or meet their needs.

    The package of commitments from the banks includes:

    • A moratorium on branch closures for two and half years: NAB has committed to a new moratorium on regional branch closures, with CBA and Westpac extending their existing moratoriums. These commitments build on the conditions imposed by the Government on ANZ and Suncorp and ensure no regional branch closures by these banks before 31 July 2027; and
    • New Bank@Post agreements: The Government has asked the banking sector to increase its commitment to and investment in regional banking.

    Following discussions with the Government and Australia Post, CBA, NAB and Westpac have all reached new in-principle Bank@Post agreements, and ANZ has agreed key terms on which it will join the service.  

    These new agreements will shore up the financial outlook for Bank@Post and provide greater certainty and choice to banking customers, particularly in rural and regional areas.

    The Government also welcomes the decision by Macquarie and HSBC to start negotiations with Australia Post on Bank@Post services.

    The Government’s work and consultation on longer-term options including other steps flagged at the end of last year will continue in the meantime.  

    The Government will continue to work with regulators, industry and communities to ensure our regions have access to fit-for purpose and sustainable banking services over the long term. 

    This includes a focus on sustainable cash distribution and ensuring Australians can use cash to pay for essentials if they want or need to.

    The Albanese Government will continue to stand up for the regions as part of building Australia’s future. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Passaic County Man Charged With Threatening Flight Attendants On An Airplane

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey man was arrested for threatening flight attendants and crew members during an incident in which he refused to comply with flight attendant instructions, banged on the cockpit door, and called out and threatened the captain before being escorted off the flight by law enforcement to Newark Liberty International Airport, Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Luis A. Vaquero, 27, of Passaic County, New Jersey, was charged by complaint in Newark federal court with one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark, New Jersey federal court, and was released.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On February 9, 2025, shortly after taking off on a flight from Miami, Florida, Vaquero began threatening and harassing various passengers, including making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passengers. Vaquero also threatened a flight crew member who declined to serve Vaquero alcohol after the beverage service window closed, telling her, “You better watch out, shit’s gonna happen to you.”  Upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, flight attendants alerted law enforcement.  After hearing the announcement that the airplane was awaiting the arrival of law enforcement, Vaquero forced his way to the front of the plane and began banging on the flight deck door, demanding, “I need the pilot to come outside!”  When a flight attendant attempted to intervene, Vaquero yelled, “I will really break your fuckin’ jaw n***a!”  Vaquero also yelled, “I wanna see that fuckin’ captain!  Come outside you bitch ass n***a!”  When the captain emerged, Vaquero continued to make threats to the captain while six inches from his face until law enforcement intervened. 

    “The defendant is charged with threatening flight crew members and passengers while traveling to Newark. We are committed to keeping the skies safe for flying and will prosecute those who criminally interfere with the professionals responsible for ensuring passenger safety.”

    Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna

    “Over the course of a 3-hour flight, we allege Vaquero lost his temper and physically harassed not only the crew and captain, but passengers, making threats of physical violence toward a disabled minor and mocking a group of Jewish passenger.”  Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said. “It all culminated in a terrifying attack and attempted breach of the flight deck when witnesses say he banged on the cockpit door and confronted the pilot.  The harrowing flight and other similar incidents onboard airplanes recently are creating tension and fear for fliers and crew members. FBI Newark has a warning for those who think it may not be a big deal—they’re breaking federal law, and they will be brought to justice.”

    The charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

    Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charge. He also thanked the Port Authority Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent of Police Edward T. Cetnar, for its assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering & Recovery Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                         ###

    Defense counsel: Adalgiza A. Nunez, Esq., Newark, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Homestead Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machinegun, Trafficking Drugs, and Other Offenses While on Federal Supervised Release for Prior Conviction; Plea Agreement Calls for Sentence of 35 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws and agreed that later this year he will be sentenced to 35 years in prison, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Erik Addison, 28, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, including possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, possession of a machinegun, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on May 8, 2023, law enforcement in Pittsburgh attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Addison when he fled police and then abandoned and ran from the vehicle. Addison was pursued, detained, and arrested, with a police video camera recording the defendant in possession of a firearm later determined to be a Glock 19 9mm pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a Glock switch, intended to convert a weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Investigators also recovered from Addison two cell phones, more than $3,200 in cash, and car keys.

    A search of the vehicle registered to Addison revealed a black bag containing 28 bricks of fentanyl, a 31 round 9mm Glock magazine, and Addison’s state ID card. The suspected fentanyl was confirmed, by laboratory testing, to consist of fentanyl as well as a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Addison’s cell phone contained extensive evidence of Addison’s drug trafficking and knowledge of Glock switches, including entries in which he described having such firearms. At the time of the offenses to which Addison pleaded guilty, he was serving a term of supervised release following his conviction for a prior federal firearms offense in 2021. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    In addition to the federal charges, Addison is also facing charges in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas stemming from his conduct on May 8, 2023. On October 2, 2023, while detained at the Allegheny County Jail awaiting trial on his state and federal charges, Addison was found in possession of ABD-Butanica, a synthetic cannabinoid and Schedule I controlled substance.

    “Erik Addison’s blatant disregard for the law by possessing a dangerous firearm in connection with illegal fentanyl trafficking while on federal supervised release for a prior conviction and then, possessing another controlled substance while incarcerated on those charges, demonstrates the need to have dangerous criminals like him off of our streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “Today’s plea is a testament to the good work of our law enforcement partners in helping to bring violent traffickers such as Addison to justice.”

    “Armed with fentanyl, heroin, and a pistol converted into a dangerous machinegun via an illegal ‘switch,’ this defendant was a deadly threat to his neighborhood,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Stopping criminals from endangering our communities with illegal firearms is a top ATF priority. We thank our local partners for their diligence and courage in this apprehension, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office’s support as we work to make our communities safer.”

    “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in moving this case to a resolution,” said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns. “These violent incidents leave a lasting impact throughout our community, and only strengthen our commitment to work with our local and federal partners to keep dangerous, illegal weapons off our streets.”

    Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. As to the most serious offense, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of imprisonment with a maximum possible sentence of life, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Brendan T. Conway are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The investigation and prosecution of Addison was the result of a collaborative effort between the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Police Department, and Edgewood Borough Police Department.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Woman Sentenced for Money Laundering in Relation to COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Anna Marie Omar, 51, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $23,410.60 in restitution for money laundering by engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Omar admitted that she fraudulently obtained a $20,833 PPP loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 30, 2021, Omar applied for a PPP forgivable loan while living in Bluefield, West Virginia. PPP loans were available to qualifying independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Omar admitted that she falsely represented that she was an independent contractor, that she had earned $152,000 in gross income in that capacity during tax year 2020, that she earned that income while working for a water processing business, and that she had been in business since 2010. Omar further admitted that she obtained the COVID-19 relief money for her own personal use.

    A PPP lender approved Omar’s loan application and deposited $20,833 in loan proceeds into Omar’s personal checking account on May 17, 2021. Omar admitted that she transferred $12,216.70 of the loan proceeds from her personal checking account to her personal savings account the following day.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), Homeland Security Investigations, the Horry County South Carolina Sheriff’s Office and the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

    Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-36.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Obtains $162,500 Settlement Compensating Victim of Fair Housing Act Discrimination

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HONOLULU – Kenneth M. Sorenson, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, announced a settlement of $162,500 resolving the United States’ lawsuit under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) against Kailua Village Condominium Association (“Kailua Village”), its Managing Agent, Associa Hawaii, the sellers of a Kailua Village condominium unit, and the sellers’ realtor.

    The lawsuit alleged that the defendants discriminated against an individual with paraplegia (the “Complainant”) who attempted to purchase a condominium unit at Kailua Village, a 54-unit condominium complex in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in or around October 2021. The Complainant was living at the condominium unit pursuant to an early occupancy agreement during the escrow period. According to the Complaint filed by the United States, the defendants unlawfully denied the Complainant’s requests for an accessible parking space, a temporary ramp to access his condominium unit, and installation of an accessible toilet at his own expense. This discrimination, as well as certain verbal harassment, allegedly caused the Complainant to withdraw from the purchase and move out of the condominium unit.

    The FHA makes it unlawful to discriminate in the terms and conditions of the sale or rental of, or to otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling based on the prospective buyer or renter’s disability. The FHA also mandates that reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, and services be provided when necessary to afford equal housing opportunities to persons with disabilities.

    The Complainant filed a discrimination complaint with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). HUD’s investigation determined that reasonable cause existed to believe that illegal discriminatory housing practices had occurred. The Complainant subsequently exercised his right to proceed to federal court with the dispute, thereby triggering the statutory requirement that the Department of Justice file suit on the Complainant’s behalf.

    The case was resolved by two Consent Decrees approved by the federal district court in October 2024 and January 2025. Pursuant to the Consent Decrees, the defendants will pay the Complainant $162,500 in damages and are required to complete FHA training. Additionally, Kailua Village is required to adopt a Department of Justice-approved reasonable accommodation and modification policy, and for a period of two years, Kailua Village and Associa Hawaii must comply with certain recordkeeping and reporting requirements to ensure FHA compliance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sydney Spector and Dana Barbata, in partnership with the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, litigated the matter.

    Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination may submit a report online at www.civilrights.justice.gov, or may contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or www.hud.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Kill Federal Judge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Kenneth J. Ward, Jr. pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with threatening to assault and murder a United States District Judge (the District Judge).  Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge John P. Cronan sitting by designation.  When sentenced, Ward faces up to 10 years in prison.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.

    “The judges and other court officials who work every day to keep our country safe and uphold the rule of law should not have to fear for their lives for doing their jobs,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Threatening judges strikes at the very heart of our system.  This Office has no tolerance for violence or threats of violence against public servants.  We will prosecute offenders like the defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding work of the United States Marshals Service on the case.

    The charge is based on Ward’s threat at a telephone status conference in his pro se civil action, which was filed in federal court in Brooklyn.  Ward’s civil case was assigned to the District Judge, who ultimately dismissed most of Ward’s claims.  On July 15, 2024, Ward participated in a telephonic conference in connection with his case.  During that conference, which was recorded, the defendant became angry and threatened to choke the District Judge “to death.”  “And that’s on the f—ing – on the record,” Ward stated. At the plea hearing, Ward admitted that he made the threat in retaliation for the judge’s ruling against him in his civil case.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Trial Attorney Leonid Sandlar is in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    KENNETH J. WARD JR.
    Age: 59
    Glendale, Queens

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-401

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: First National Bank Alaska named top ten bank in America by Forbes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forbes selected Alaska’s largest community bank, First National Bank Alaska, as one of the top ten banks in the country for their annual list America’s Best Banks. First National ranked sixth in the nation and was the only bank in Alaska to make the list.

    The global media company evaluates 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability and stock performance.

    “We are honored to receive this recognition,” said First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “I want to extend my gratitude to our customers and congratulate the more than 600 local employees who provide excellent customer service every day. Being ranked as one of the top ten banks in America by Forbes is a reflection of employee dedication to helping fellow Alaskans succeed.”

    Alaska’s community bank since 1922, First National Bank Alaska proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and 28 locations in 19 communities throughout the state, and by providing banking services to meet their needs across the nation and around the world.

    In 2024, Alaska Business readers voted First National “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the ninth year in a row, Best Bank/Credit Union for the fourth time running, and Best Customer Service. The bank was also voted “Best of Alaska” in 2024 in the Anchorage Daily News awards, ranking as one of the top three in the Bank/Financial category for the sixth year in a row. American Banker again recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” in 2024, for the seventh consecutive year.

    For more than a century, the bank has been committed to supporting the communities it serves. In 2024, for the eighth consecutive reporting period, over a span of twenty-four years, First National received an Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act performance rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Our dedicated team strives to provide exceptional customer service to meet the banking needs of our fellow Alaskans to help shape a brighter tomorrow.

    First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and recognized as a Minority Depository Institution by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as it is majority-owned by women.

    CONTACT: Marketing
    (907) 777-3409

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Trump’s unnecessary stand on plastic straws ignores American Health Crisis

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Washington, D.C. (February 10, 2025)—In response to President Trump’s plan to revoke the Biden Administration’s directive to phase out plastic straw use across the federal government, Lisa Ramsden, Greenpeace USA’s senior plastics campaigner said: “Donald Trump’s Executive Order on plastic straws is a distraction from his administration’s efforts to prevent the EPA, the FDA and the NIH from protecting Americans from microplastics and dangerous chemicals. Once again, President Trump is pretending to be a populist while siding with his Big Oil buddies over the public interest. The majority of Americans – Democrats and Republicans – want action to cut plastic pollution and protect our health.

    “Plastics contain more than 16,000 chemicals, with over 3,200 known to cause cancer, disrupt hormones, contribute to obesity, or trigger early puberty in children. These chemicals have also been linked to reproductive health problems and declining fertility. So while the administration feigns concerns for Americans’ health and the declining birth rate, policies like this are exacerbating a public health crisis that drains over $250 billion from our economy annually.”

    Contact: Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA, [email protected]  

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –