NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sebastopol Community Hub starting to come to life

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    A project that will transform Sebastopol and become a vital part of community life has reached a major construction milestone.

    The concrete slab of the Sebastopol Community Hub is about to be poured, as significant progress continues to be made towards the community-shaping project.

    It is expected the structural steel framing will be complete in autumn as the designs start to become reality.

    The community hub will provide a vital facility for Sebastopol and surrounding suburbs and has extensive financial support from all three tiers of government.

    The collaborative project is jointly funded by the City of Ballarat (up to $5 million), the Federal Government ($4.5 million) via the Investing in Our Communities program and the State Government ($4.5 million) via the Building Blocks Capacity program.

    The Sebastopol Community Hub will include:  

    • Three 22-place kindergarten rooms  
    • A main hall with a 150-person capacity
    • Three meeting rooms with varying capacities ranging from 12-50 people
    • Maternal child health consulting rooms
    • A community kitchen
    • A kindergarten play space and an undercover play area
    • On-site carparking

    City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves joined Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison for an inspection of the early stages of the works on Friday.

    Significant progress has been made since the previous site tour in June 2024, with the project on track for completion in early 2026.

    Cr Hargreaves said it was an exciting stage for the project at the corner of Vickers and Beverin streets.

    “We are extremely proud to have both Federal and State support for this project and to see it starting to come to life is incredible,” she said.

    “This is going to be a transformational project for the Sebastopol area that will provide an enormous boost to community life for a wide range of people.”

    Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King said the facility would provide a boost for a range of generations.

    “It’s so exciting to see this important project taking shape,” she said.  

    “The new Sebastopol Community Hub will be a place of learning and social connection for both kinder kids and senior citizens.

    “It will be a special, multi-generational facility and that will serve our community for generations to come.”

    Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the facility would benefit the entire community.

    “By investing $4.5 million into the Sebastopol Community Hub through our Building Blocks Capacity program, we are not only creating new kindergarten rooms and places – but contributing funds for a much-needed purpose built space for the whole community,” she said. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Liquidity Adjustment Facility – Change in rates

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2024-25/109
    FMOD.MAOG.No.150/01.01.001/2024-25

    February 07, 2025

    All Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) participants

    Madam/Sir,

    Liquidity Adjustment Facility – Change in rates

    As announced in the Monetary Policy Statement dated February 07, 2025, it has been decided by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to reduce the policy repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 6.50 per cent to 6.25 per cent with immediate effect.

    2. Consequently, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate and marginal standing facility (MSF) rate stand adjusted to 6.00 per cent and 6.50 per cent respectively, with immediate effect.

    3. All other terms and conditions of the extant LAF Scheme will remain unchanged.

    Yours sincerely,

    (G. Seshsayee)
    Chief General Manager

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Opposes Russ Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    “Americans are being hung out to dry by Donald Trump and by Russ Vought, whose Project 2025 was clearly the inspiration for this dangerous funding freeze. This man is unfit to serve at the head of the agency that oversees our federal budget,” Cortez Masto said on the Senate floor before Mr. Vought’s confirmation vote.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Russ Vought to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). She also spoke on the Senate floor before the vote to discuss her opposition to Mr. Vought and the Trump Administration’s executive actions that are hurting Nevada families.

    “Russ Vought authored Trump’s Project 2025 playbook, advocated slashing Medicaid, and doubled downs on false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. President Trump hasn’t even been in office for a month, and his OMB has already caused mass disruptions with its chaotic federal funding freeze. The last thing Nevadans need is a partisan OMB director who will act as a rubber stamp for Trump’s job-killing agenda and partisan power grab. I do not support Vought’s confirmation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – Afternoon Briefing with Patricia Karvelas

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: To discuss this and more, let’s bring in one of our regulars, Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly, who’s also been promoted in the latest reshuffle. Welcome.

    MINISTER ANNE ALY: Thank you so much, Patricia. Great to be with you.

    KARVELAS: We’re going to start there because that’s the big talking point around the world. A bit of clarification from Marco Rubio. Does that sound like a better plan that the US would redevelop Gaza?

    ALY: Well, look, I want to start by first of all, Patricia, if I may, acknowledging the significant pain and distress that this caused to Palestinians across the world, particularly as they’re preparing to return to their homeland. You know, certainly I think there is, there needs to be a concerted effort across the world to rebuild Gaza. And in fact, when I was at the conference in Jordan last year, that was on the table already, the countries that were represented there were talking about psychosocial recovery and rebuilding Gaza – what happens in rebuilding Gaza. So, I think, you know, it will take significant effort from right around the world for rebuilding Gaza. But in terms of, you know, the position that this government has around a two-state solution, inherent in that two-state solution is a self-determination for Palestinian people and the right of return.

    KARVELAS: So, that means that you would never accept Gazans being pushed off or Palestinians being pushed off that land in Gaza.

    ALY: I think the response that we’ve had from across the world to President Trump’s statement yesterday makes it very clear that it is widely accepted that Palestinians have a right of return to their homeland.

    KARVELAS: But you mentioned, which I thought was really interesting. You often say interesting things, Minister —

    ALY: I do, do I?

    KARVELAS: You do, that you want to acknowledge the hurt and the concern because there was.

    ALY: There was right, it was, yeah.

    KARVELAS: Just talk to me about that concern.

    ALY: So, I think, you know, like just even talking to Palestinians in the community and to the community more broadly here in Australia, there was a real sense of shock and a real sense of, yeah, real concern that, you know, this could mean that there would basically an eradication of a Palestinian state when we’ve long held the principle of a two-state solution with a right of return and self-determination for Palestinian people. And I think, you know, if I were a Palestinian person preparing to return to my homeland, one of the things that we want to make sure of in Australia and you know, this government has done that consistently in the votes that we’ve done in the UN and the actions that we’ve taken is to ensure that this current ceasefire is sustainable and long-lasting and that there is an enduring peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.

    KARVELAS: So, given how strong your comments have been about the Palestinians right to return, there has been a criticism that the Prime Minister could have used stronger words. Other foreign leaders who are also allies of the United States have used stronger words. Do you understand that frustration?

    ALY: Look, I listened to the Prime Minister yesterday and I think he was quite correct in reiterating that we have a long-standing position that we’re not changing, which is a two-state solution. And I think, you know, anybody could listen to that and recognise what the Prime Minister is saying is that we believe in the right and we support the right of Palestine and Palestinians and Gazans to exist in their homeland.

    KARVELAS: And now you’re kind of, you know, being pretty empathetic about how people heard that and their ongoing concerns. Is it important that the government makes that clear? Because I saw all those concerns too.

    ALY: Yeah. And I think, I think, you know, we have made it clear, I think —

    KARVELAS: I feel like you’re making it clearer.

    ALY: Well, I think the actions that we’ve taken that the Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has taken, the votes that we’ve had in the United Nations, have sent a very clear message that we stand for human rights and that we stand for justice and that we stand for a two-state solution and an everlasting peace.

    KARVELAS: I just want to move to some other issues because there are lots of issues in our country.

    ALY: So many.

    KARVELAS: There are. The Australian Federal Police has just spoken in a committee hearing. They have not given any detail as to, basically there’s no answers on when they briefed the Prime Minister on this caravan attack. Shouldn’t the Prime Minister just say it, or the Opposition says, call an inquiry?

    ALY: Well, I think what we need to do here is take the lead from the law enforcement agencies because in an investigation, it’s the law enforcement agencies that take the lead. And we have to, we absolutely have to respect the integrity of the law enforcement agencies and support them to do their work. As you know, Patricia, I’ve got a husband in law enforcement. I know exactly what he can and can’t tell me. Most of the time he can’t tell me anything. Like we do not talk about the investigations that he is undertaking in any capacity. So, when the law enforcement agencies say that we did not want this information out there because it is an ongoing investigation and could compromise the investigation, we need to respect that.

    KARVELAS: But telling the Prime Minister is a different thing.

    ALY: Well, I think, you know, I don’t think it’s here nor there. I’ve not had a single person say to me, hey, I want to know when the Prime Minister found out. So, I think it’s a little bit of a Canberra bubble —

    KARVELAS: Oh, a Canberra story.

    ALY: Yeah.

    KARVELAS: Ok. I don’t want to just labour on that because there are other things Labor did break with your policy, which is a national platform to oppose mandatory sentencing. Former Labor Senator Kim Carr has criticised the party and said, this is profoundly disappointing. What’s your response to that?

    ALY: Okay, so I’ve got a bit of a different response, Patricia, because I know the impact of hate crimes personally and as a member of a community that has been the target of hate crimes. That to me, hate crimes are some of the most heinous crimes. When you target an individual or a group because of who they are, because of their identity, whether it’s religious, racial, gender, sexual, whatever, to me, that’s one of the most heinous and cowardly crimes that you can commit. So, I want to see, I want to see us get tough on hate crimes. I support being tough on hate crimes and I think what we’ve seen recently, the escalation in the kinds of hate crimes that we’ve seen, warrants this kind of action by the Government.

    KARVELAS: So, you want. Instead of – because I know some people in the party are concerned, you want the mandatory sentences.

    ALY: I want to see us to be tough on hate crimes. And you know, I’ve been there. I know, I know the impact that it has. So, I want us to get tough on hate crimes and I know that right now Jewish Australians are the victims of a lot of hate crimes as well. And I want —

    KARVELAS: The Law Council says it’s bad policy.

    ALY: Well, people will have their different opinions. I will also say, though, that, you know, we know laws don’t change behaviour. The prevention of hate crimes and vilification in all its forms is a responsibility for every single person. It’s about societal change as well.

    KARVELAS: Okay, let’s get to some of your issues before we say goodbye. Child care is obviously one of the areas that you focus on. The government has decided to put this bill, which would mean three days of care without activity testing, where you get the rebate, essentially, through the Parliament. Do you expect it to pass in the next fortnight?

    ALY: I do. I hope it will pass [the House]. I know that there is widespread support for this from the sector. It is a recommendation of the PC Review. And you know what? It’s just good policy. It’s good policy that when you have people in a partnership, one works full time, one might work two days a week in casual, and they’re not eligible for subsidised care. It has locked out children from early childhood education and care and locked out families from being able to access the childcare subsidy. It’s good policy. It has good support, and I do, and I look forward to seeing it pass.

    KARVELAS: But it doesn’t have to pass. It doesn’t even start till next year. So, is it a wedge to try and get the Coalition to actively vote against it?

    ALY: Well, I don’t know what the Coalition’s position is —

    KARVELAS: They think that you should have to be earning or, you know, working or studying to get the activity test.

    ALY: Well, the thing is, you can be working or studying to get the activity test but still might not meet the activity test. And the other thing is the activity test, when it was introduced in 2018 by the Liberals, it was supposed to be to increase workforce participation. It did none of that. Instead, it locked out some of the most vulnerable children from early childhood education and care. We’re fixing that. We’re making sure that every child has access to opportunity because there should be no barriers to opportunity.

    KARVELAS: Anne Aly, always a pleasure to speak to you. Thanks for joining us.

    ALY: You too. Thanks so much, Patricia.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First paramedics in training for 2025 join NSW Ambulance

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 7 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health

    NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 91 paramedics in training who were officially inducted into the service in a ceremony held at the State Operations Centre in Sydney, providing a further boost to frontline health services across the state.

    This marks the first induction ceremony of the year, with this cohort part of a Post Employment Tertiary Pathway (PETP) course. The paramedics in training are employed by NSW Ambulance while they complete a degree in paramedicine at university.

    They have just completed a comprehensive 12-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their on-road training as paramedic students from tomorrow.

    The PETP course is facilitated over four years and provides an alternate pathway for people with no prior medical experience to become a paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Once these paramedics in training have completed their degree qualification, they can apply to be registered paramedics.

    Natalie Saridakis, formerly an emergency medical call-taker with NSW Ambulance, is one of 19 paramedic students who have joined this class after working in NSW Ambulance Control Centres.

    Brad Carr also starts his career as a paramedic student today, following in the footsteps of his paramedic father Dominic, who works as an educator for NSW Ambulance.

    Starting tomorrow, the paramedics in training will initially be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for the on-road training component of their course and will return to the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and their university regularly for additional training over the four-year course.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

    “I’m thrilled to welcome 91 new paramedic students into the NSW Ambulance service, boosting frontline health services and playing a critical role in the health and wellbeing of the community.

    “By aspiring to join the paramedic ranks, these paramedics in training will become part of a legacy of service and dedication. The work they do not only changes lives but will uphold the values and standards of a profession that is deeply respected and admired.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

    “These paramedic students join an incredible team that is united by a shared commitment to provide emergency medical care and comfort to members of our community when it matters most.

    “Paramedics are not only healthcare providers but also trusted and respected individuals in our community.”

    Quotes attributable to Natalie Saridakis:

    “For many years I was a carer for my mum, having frequent contact with the local paramedics.

    “I was always impressed by their compassion and kindness that it really inspired me to join NSW Ambulance.

    “I started out as an emergency medical call-taker which was a great start, but right now I am so excited to begin this new chapter.”

    Quotes attributable to Brad Carr:

    “I am proud to continue a family legacy in becoming a paramedic.

    “My father has had a lengthy career, and I am looking forward to forging my own path.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Sanders, Colleagues Call on Administration to End Harmful Freeze on Health Communications and Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT) led a group of 34 Senators calling on Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy Fink to end the unprecedented freeze on all external communications and funding.

    This freeze has disrupted clinical trials, prevented the National Institutes of Health and other agencies from engaging with patient groups and scientific advisory committees, and delayed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the nation’s premier publication for disseminating public health updates, for the first time in over 60 years. The political interference in public health agencies is unprecedented, unacceptable, and a threat to public health.

    “We write to express our deep concern over the Administration’s recent decision to freeze external communications and suspend federal health funding at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),” wrote the Senators. “The abrupt order has already disrupted patient care, public health oversight, halted medical research funding, and obstructed critical regulatory processes.”

    “This political interference in public health agencies is unprecedented and unacceptable. … The American people depend on HHS agencies to provide accurate, real-time information about disease outbreaks, medical research, and regulatory decisions. We urge you to immediately reverse this harmful decision,” the Senators continued.

    Klobuchar and Sanders were joined by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Acting Secretary Fink:

    We write to express our deep concern over the Administration’s recent decision to freeze external communications and suspend federal health funding at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The abrupt order has already disrupted patient care, public health oversight, halted medical research funding, and obstructed critical regulatory processes.

    On January 22, all 13 HHS operating divisions – including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were told to immediately “pause” all external communications and grant disbursements until at least February 1, with no clear plan for restoration. This directive prohibits agencies from issuing public health advisories, publishing scientific reports, updating websites, announcing regulatory decisions, or conducting outreach to patient groups – unless such activity is explicitly approved by politically appointed leadership.

    With the Administration’s own deadline having passed, it remains unclear when these restrictions will be lifted. While limited exceptions exist for critical health, safety, or national security concerns, the freeze has already severely impeded essential public health and biomedical research functions.

    The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the nation’s premier publication for disseminating public health updates, was abruptly delayed for the first time in over 60 years, limiting reporting on the H5N1 bird flu outbreak and other emerging infectious disease threats. The MMWR often includes clinical recommendations for doctors, such as guidance on how to treat diseases that are currently circulating in the United States – and delaying the MMWR means that doctors may not have all the latest information they need to keep their patients healthy.

    At the NIH, new clinical trials have been delayed and external peer-review grant processes have faced disruptions. NIH study sections – which legally must review grant applications before funding can be disbursed – were initially canceled, creating uncertainty about when federal research funds will be awarded. Despite efforts by the Administration to provide clarity, it remains unclear whether the full peer-review process has resumed and how long grant funding decisions will continue to be delayed. This uncertainty has placed billions in federal research funds in limbo, directly threatening ongoing medical studies and academic research programs.

    The freeze has also blocked NIH from engaging with patient groups on ways to recruit participants into ongoing clinical trials. This means that patients with rare diseases, cancer, and other serious conditions who rely on clinical trials for treatments may be prevented from enrolling, directly jeopardizing their access to life-saving care.

    This political interference in public health agencies is unprecedented and unacceptable. While it is not unusual for a new administration to conduct brief reviews of existing programs, no past transition has implemented a blanket freeze of this magnitude.

    Accordingly, we request an immediate and detailed response to the following questions by Monday, February 10:

    1. Provide a full accounting of all scientific reports, disease surveillance updates, grant decisions, public health advisories, events, calls, research reviews, reports, issue briefs, inspections, surveys, and postings that have been postponed or cancelled since noon on January 20.
    2. Which of the postponed or cancelled items will be rescheduled or published, and by what date?
    3. Has the pause affected communications between HHS and other federal Departments or state agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture. If so, in what capacity?
    4. Can you confirm that all external communications, including those listed above in your answer to the first question, have already resumed or will resume by February 10? If not, please provide a detailed explanation for any continued delay.
    5. Has the communications and funding freeze affected the department’s ability to respond promptly to public health threats and ongoing outbreaks? If so, in what ways?
    6. Given that we are at the height of virus season, how has this pause affected the department’s ability to fulfill its core mission of protecting public health?

    The American people depend on HHS agencies to provide accurate, real-time information about disease outbreaks, medical research, and regulatory decisions. We urge you to immediately reverse this harmful decision.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. We look forward to your response and to working with the Department to protect public health and ensure Americans can get the care they need.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Misleading and false election ads are legal in Australia. We need national truth in political advertising laws

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University

    An ad falsely depicting independent candidate Alex Dyson as a Greens member. ABC News/Supplied

    The highly pertinent case of a little-known independent candidate in the Victorian seat of Wannon has exposed a gaping hole in Australia’s electoral laws, which allow for misleading political advertisements in the lead-up to an election campaign. It’s all entirely legal and is already being exploited to try to shape the outcome of the coming federal election.

    Conservative activist group Advance Australia has widely distributed digitally altered flyers attacking independent Alex Dyson, who is challenging senior frontbencher Dan Tehan.

    It’s part of a campaign to damage Dyson’s electoral prospects after he helped slash the Liberal Party’s margin in the seat at the last election to less than 4%.

    The material depicts Dyson ripping open his shirt in a “Superman” pose, to reveal a t-shirt bearing the official Greens party logo.

    Dyson is not a Greens candidate. So why are the ads permissible? And what does it tell us about the urgent need for truth in political advertising laws to prohibit material that lies to voters?

    Why are misleading ads allowed?

    Section 329 of the Electoral Act prohibits the publication of material likely to mislead or deceive an elector in casting their vote.

    But in a narrow interpretation by the Electoral Commission, the ban only applies after an election has been called by the prime minister.

    That means the Wannon ad, and maybe countless others like them from across the political spectrum, could be distributed for months without repercussion.

    Advance Australia has form when it comes to misleading material.

    At the 2022 election, it displayed placards that falsely depicted independents David Pocock and Zali Steggall as Greens candidates.

    In that case, the Electoral Commission ruled that because the corflutes were deployed during the campaign proper, they breached the electoral laws.

    It is absurd and dangerous to democracy to have a law that only bans ads that mislead voters in casting their vote during the official election period, and allows them to proliferate unchecked at other times.

    It should not be permissible to lie to voters just because of a technicality. In an era of permanent campaigning, voters can be influenced by political messages received well before a campaign officially starts.

    Furthermore, there is little justification for allowing political parties to mislead while banning corporations from engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct. If consumers and shareholders are protected from fraudulent and dishonest claims, why not electors, who have the solemn task of deciding who runs the country?

    How can the electoral laws be fixed?

    There are available remedies to the problem, starting with reforming the Electoral Act. It should be clearly specified that the provision on misleading electors applies to any material calculated to affect the result of an election, regardless of when it is distributed.

    Broader truth in political advertising provisions should also be introduced. This would cover a wider range of factually misleading ads beyond the existing narrow ambit of misleading a voter in the casting of their vote.

    If the Electoral Commission determines the material is false or misleading to a material extent, it would order a withdrawal and a retraction.

    Importantly, the laws would be confined to false or misleading statements of fact. Parties and other political players would still be free to express their opinions. Freedom of speech would not be impeded.

    Parliamentary stalemate

    The Albanese government has taken tentative steps to fix the problem. Truth in advertising laws introduced to parliament last year would have forced Advance Australia to retract and correct its dishonest flyers in Wannon.

    However, the bill was pulled due to a lack of support.

    Any doubters on the opposition benches should look to the experience in South Australia and the ACT, which have both enacted truth in advertising laws.

    My research has shown these laws operate effectively in both jurisdictions.

    What’s at stake

    Spreading political lies has the potential to cause harm on multiple fronts.

    The first is the damage to the candidate or political party in terms of their reputation and electoral prospects.

    The second danger is to the integrity of the electoral process if lies cause people to switch their votes to such an extent that it changes election outcomes.

    The spread of disinformation has become prevalent in an era of “fake news” and “alternative facts”, exacerbated by the rise of social media.

    In 2024, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report ranked misinformation and disinformation as the most severe risk facing the world over the next two years.

    False information can alter elections, affect voting participation, silence minorities, and polarise the electorate. It is time to reform our electoral laws to mitigate the significant dangers to our democratic system.

    Yee-Fui Ng received funding from the Susan McKinnon Foundation on a project regarding the operation and effectiveness of truth in political advertising laws.

    – ref. Misleading and false election ads are legal in Australia. We need national truth in political advertising laws – https://theconversation.com/misleading-and-false-election-ads-are-legal-in-australia-we-need-national-truth-in-political-advertising-laws-249279

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rebels are continuing their march in eastern Congo – what is their long-term goal?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amani Kasherwa, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland

    In late January, a rebel group that has long caused mayhem in the sprawling African nation of Democratic Republic of Congo took control of Goma, a major city of about 2 million people on the border with Rwanda in the country’s east.

    Nearly 3,000 people were killed in one of the deadliest weeks in the history of this mineral-rich country. The dead include 100 female prisoners who were reportedly raped by male inmates at a prison and then burned alive.

    As someone born and raised in the region, I’ve witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of this protracted war on communities. I’ve been in contact with residents in Goma, who have described unprecedented chaos – looting, criminality and a breakdown of essential services. One resident said:

    I’m feeling unsafe in my own house. Last night live bullets penetrated my kitchen, and thank God none of us were there at the time.

    More violence may lay ahead. The M23 rebel group, backed by neighbouring Rwanda, is marching south towards Bukavu, another major city, the provincial capital of South Kivu.

    Though unlikely, it has vowed to topple the government of President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital, Kinshasa, some 2,600 kilometres away.

    Tshisekedi has ruled out entering into dialogue with the rebel group, saying his government would not be “humiliated or crushed”.

    What is M23?

    Founded in 2012, M23 claims to protect the Tutsi ethnic minority group in Congo from discrimination, but it has recently begun pursuing broader political and economic ambitions. It is believed to have about 6,500 fighters, supported by another 4,000 troops from Rwanda.

    Last year, the group was restructured to include other Rwanda-backed militias and politicians in the region. Together, they formed the River Congo Alliance, led by Corneille Nangaa, the former head of Congo’s electoral body. It now appears the group has “longer-term objectives in holding and potentially expanding their territorial control”, one analyst says.

    A military court has issued an arrest warrant for Nangaa this week, alleging he is behind massacres in eastern Congo.

    Congo has one of the richest reserves of critical minerals in the world, including cobalt, copper, coltan, uranium and gold. M23’s advances have given it control over many lucrative mines and supply lines to Rwanda.

    In May 2024, M23 seized the mine in Rubaya, one of the world’s largest coltan reserves, which generates more than US$800,000 (A$1.2 million) in revenue a month.

    As of this week, M23 has also gained control over mining sites in North and South Kivu regions, where children and young people are forced to work in life-threatening conditions. Others have been recruited as child soldiers.

    Potential for a regional conflict

    The current situation echoes the tumult caused in 2012 when M23 briefly seized Goma. Back then, the international community reacted more diligently, suspending around US$200 million (A$318 million) in aid to Rwanda. US President Barack Obama personally called Rwandan President Paul Kagame, urging him to stop supporting the rebel group.

    In contrast, the current offensive has been met with a less coordinated international response.

    The resurgence of M23 has been largely attributed to the failure of regional peace talks, notably the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.

    Rwanda has leveraged the legacy of the 1994 genocide to secure a continuous flow of Western aid, enabling its involvement in proxy wars in the Congo with little to no repercussions.

    Its involvement in supporting M23 is well documented, with evidence from reports by UN expert groups showing the group is receiving weapons, troops and logistical aid from the country.

    Uganda is also believed to be supporting the rebels, while Burundi is backing the Congolese government.

    This has many worried the current fighting could spiral into a regional conflict.

    What the world can do

    The ongoing crisis in Congo has been catastrophic for the local population, with more than 6.9 million people internally displaced and 1.1 million people fleeing to neighbouring countries.

    The crisis has disproportionately affected women and children. It has caused shortages of water, electricity and food supplies and the collapse of medical care, particularly for newborns and critically ill patients. There are also concerns about a new Ebola outbreak in the region.

    Rebel bombings, some launched from Rwanda, have targeted refugee camps, schools and hospitals. According to the UN and human rights groups, M23 is responsible for a massacre in the village of Kishishe, resulting in scores of killings and mass rapes.

    The international community has long ignored this region, providing only a bare minimum of aid to help the millions in need.

    An immediate ceasefire and massive influx of humanitarian aid are urgently needed. But a lasting peace will remain elusive if the main actors don’t address the root causes of the conflict and work towards sustainable, structural solutions that go beyond military interventions.

    In the past, Amani Kasherwa received funding from the Open Society Foundation for his academic research on the role of youth organisations in the peacebuilding process in the African Great Lakes Region (including DR Congo and Burundi).

    – ref. Rebels are continuing their march in eastern Congo – what is their long-term goal? – https://theconversation.com/rebels-are-continuing-their-march-in-eastern-congo-what-is-their-long-term-goal-248672

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Questions U.S. Trade Representative Nominee Jamieson Greer at Senate Finance Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today spoke with United States Trade Representative (USTR) nominee Jamieson Greer about the need to move away from China on trade and unlock new export markets for long term stability.

    During the hearing, Grassley emphasized the importance of reducing or eliminating Brazil’s tariff on American ethanol. Grassley also questioned Greer about USTR’s cooperation with the Department of Commerce on trade matters. 

    Video and excerpts of his questions follow. 

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO

    Brazilian Tariffs on American Ethanol:

    “Brazil is a leading competitor with the United States on agriculture. One example is that Brazil has displaced the United States as the world leader in soybean production.

    “Another issue with Brazil that I brought up to your predecessor, Ms. Tai, is the drastically unfair advantage Brazil has on ethanol. U.S. exporters face an 18% tariff on ethanol going to Brazil. However, Brazilian ethanol enjoys nearly duty-free access to the U.S. market.  

    “I hope you will address this trade imbalance with Brazil that Ambassador Tai wasn’t successful in doing: taking action to reduce or eliminate this harmful tariff on American ethanol.”

    The Role of USTR and the Department of Commerce: 

    “Now that you and Mr. Lutnick have been nominees for several weeks, I’d like to know exactly how much authority do you have on trade matters relative to Mr. Lutnick and other cabinet members?” 

    Moving Away from China and Unlocking New Markets: 

    “I’d like to make a statement and see if you agree: 

    “While I think it is important to hold China to its obligations under the Phase 1 Agreement, I also fear it may keep us reliant on the Chinese markets. So, we need to be looking around the world at other markets. 

    “We need to balance our short-term profitability with long term stability.  

    “I have for a long time voiced my own concerns about unfair trade practices by China, and I hope that you and President Trump are successful in holding China accountable on issues including fentanyl, intellectual property theft and government subsidization of industries.  

    “That said, I believe we must pursue freer trade with other countries to create new markets so that we can move away from China without losing even more global market share of our commodities to Brazil and other countries. 

    “The free trade agreements that were negotiated under George W. Bush have resulted in large trade surpluses in key industries like agriculture and manufacturing. I think we need more free trade, and I know that President Trump is more interested in bilateral agreements than multi-state agreements. 

    “I think if we look away from Brazil and South Korea and Japan and China and [the European Union] as being problem countries for us on trade issues. But there’s so many other countries where, if we have these agreements — and I use George W. Bush as an example and his negotiator Allen Johnson — about 13 countries, probably six or seven different agreements with countries you don’t even think much about being significant in world trade, we’ve increased tremendously with these free trade agreements, our surpluses with those countries in trade.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement Ahead of Hearing on President Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Executive Order

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, February 6, 2025

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

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement ahead of a hearing on the state’s motion for a preliminary injunction in its challenge to President Trump’s unconstitutional executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.

    “Within hours of taking office, President Trump showed his blatant disregard for the limits of his authority under the law,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With his astonishing executive order to end birthright citizenship, the President is attempting to override the Fourteenth Amendment and unilaterally amend the U.S. Constitution. We’re in court to make the case for a preliminary injunction to prevent this order from taking effect while litigation proceeds. As the People’s Attorney, I am committed to ensuring the full rights of American-born children are upheld and respected.” 

    Background

    In January 2025, Attorney General Bonta co-led a coalition of 18 state attorneys general and the City and County of San Francisco in filing a lawsuit seeking to block the Trump Administration’s unprecedented executive order, arguing that it violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution; violates Section 1401 of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and upends more than 125 years of Supreme Court precedent.

    President Trump’s executive order, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” attempts to declare that birthright citizenship does not extend to any child born in the United States whose mother is unlawfully present or lawfully present on a temporary basis and whose father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident. On this basis, all federal agencies were directed to treat these children as ineligible for any privilege, right, or benefit that is reserved by law to individuals that are U.S. citizens.

    If allowed to stand, the executive order would strip tens of thousands of children born each year, including an estimated 24,500 in California, of their ability to fully and fairly be a part of American society as rightful citizens, with all its benefits and privileges. These children would lose their most basic rights and be forced to live under the threat of deportation. They would also lose their right to work, vote, serve on juries, and run for certain offices. 

    This executive order would also result in cuts to federal funding, directly harming California and other states who rely on such funding to provide essential services to the most vulnerable children living within their borders. This includes services like basic healthcare access for low-income children, foster care services for neglected and abused kids, and early interventions for infants, toddlers, and students with disabilities. In addition, states would be required — on little notice and at considerable expense — to immediately begin modifying their operation and administration of these benefits programs to account for this change by February 19, when the order goes into effect.

    The states’ motion for a preliminary injunction will be heard at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET tomorrow, Friday, February 7, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. A link to the states’ reply in support of their motion for a preliminary injunction can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 33-2025: *Cancelled* Scheduled Outage: Saturday 08 February to Sunday 09 February 2025 – Multiple Systems

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    07 February 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

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

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

    All clients required to use the Export / Next Export Documentation (EXDOC/NEXDOC) systems during this planned maintenance period.

    …

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Feb 7, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Feb 7, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Fri Feb 7 00:48:25 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 070048

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0648 PM CST Thu Feb 06 2025

    Valid 070100Z – 071200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN PARTS OF
    EASTERN TN AND FAR SOUTHEAST KY/SOUTHWEST VA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated severe thunderstorms may persist through about Midnight EST
    in vicinity of eastern Tennessee and far southeast
    Kentucky/southwest Virginia.

    …Eastern TN and far southeast KY/southwest VA…
    Messy and occasionally transient supercell structures are ongoing
    across parts of far southeast KY into eastern TN, amid a favorable
    deep-layer wind profile and moderate 0-1 km shear. Some increase in
    low-level wind speeds during the next couple hours should compensate
    for the rather veered flow and surface temperatures falling through
    the low to mid 60s. This could support a corridor of strong gusts
    and marginally severe hail, along with a brief tornado into late
    evening. See MCD 72 for further short-term information. Additional
    development farther to the southwest in Middle TN has thus far
    struggled to be maintained, but may yet form through about 03Z as
    the surface cold front moves east towards the southern Appalachians.

    ..Grams.. 02/07/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Fri Feb 7 04:19:01 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Fri Feb 7 04:30:03 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Fri Feb 7 04:19:01 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Fri Feb 7 04:30:06 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal Call For Investigation Into RealPage Algorithm Potentially Hiking Rents For Military Families, Siphoning Money From U.S. Military

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    HARTFORD—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), on Thursday joined their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth calling for an investigation into whether landlords may be using property management software company RealPage’s services to price gouge military families.

    The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) provides servicemembers with a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover the costs of owning or renting privately managed housing, an allowance that is adjusted periodically by region to keep up with housing costs. In 2023, DoD spent $24 billion on housing allowances for servicemembers. 

    There are long-held concerns that landlords are raising rents to pocket these BAH increases, rather than raising rents because of market conditions. One recent study even found that it was “common for landlords to base their rent on the BAH for a particular rank,” so servicemembers see no difference in their yearly income. 

    Services provided by RealPage may enable landlords to raise rents even more aggressively, to the detriment of military families, by allowing landlords to exchange proprietary information about lease terms and rents and to set prices using non-public information.

    DOJ and state attorneys generals have already alleged that RealPage contributed to excessive rental costs in several places where DoD raised housing allowances, including Houston, San Diego, Spokane, and Wilmington. Florida has also opened an investigation into whether RealPage is violating antitrust laws; notably, military housing rents increased across Florida during 2022 and 2023 including in Miami, West Palm Beach, Volusia County, and Fort Myers Beach. 

    In addition to hurting military families, unsustainable housing prices have negative implications for recruitment and retention for our military. Increasing housing costs are forcing families to delay moves and choose housing in unsafe neighborhoods or with low-quality conditions. Unlike civilian families, military families “do not have the opportunity to stabilize their housing costs due to frequent relocation.” 

    A recent Government Accountability Office report on military housing confirmed the negative impacts of high housing prices, including servicemembers taking on debt or commuting long distances for quality housing. 

    “The Department of Defense has a responsibility to protect military families from predatory private housing companies and ensure that taxpayer dollars meant for military families are not being pocketed by unscrupulous landlords,” the senators wrote. 

    The senators requested that DoD provide information on whether algorithms like RealPage’s are artificially driving up housing prices for military families by February 13, 2025. 

    U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also signed the letter.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Secretary Hegseth:

    In the wake of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent antitrust lawsuit against RealPage, joined by ten states across the country,1 we write with significant concern about whether companies and landlords using RealPage may be price gouging military families.

    The Department of Defense (DoD) provides service members a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover the costs of owning or renting privately managed housing.2 But families continue to report that BAH rates are not keeping up with rising housing costs.3

    In fiscal year 2023, DoD spent $24 billion on BAH.4 There are long-held concerns, however, that landlords are raising rents to pocket these BAH increases, rather than raising rents because of market conditions.5 One recent study found that it was “common for landlords to base their rent on the BAH for a particular rank.”6 These findings raise significant concerns that landlords are profiteering by taking taxpayer money that is intended to support military families.

    Services provided by RealPage may enable landlords to raise rents even more aggressively to the detriment of military families. RealPage’s services YieldStar and AIRM help landlords exchange proprietary information about lease terms and rents in order to maximize revenue.7

    In August 2024, the Justice Department and attorneys general in eight states filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging that RealPage engaged in an “unlawful scheme to decrease competition among landlords in apartment pricing and to monopolize the market for commercial revenue management software that landlords use to price apartments.”8 Last month, two more state attorneys general joined the suit, and the Justice Department expanded the lawsuit to six of the nation’s largest landlords.9 RealPage’s tactics allegedly included exerting significant pressure on landlords to accept their recommendations to increase prices, including an “auto accept” feature which automatically adjusted rents for property managers.10 If a landlord or property manager rejected a recommendation, a “pricing advisor” from RealPage allegedly reached out and pushed them to take the recommendation.11 In 2022, a vice president of RealPage credited their software for increasing apartment rents by over 14.5%.12

    In 2022, DoD increased the BAH for 28 military housing areas where rental housing costs increased by an average of more than 20 percent.13 The lawsuit of DOJ and state attorneys general alleges that RealPage contributed to excessive rental costs in several of these places, including San Diego,14 Wilmington,15 and Houston.16 Similarly, in 2021, DoD selected Spokane, Washington as one of the five military housing areas to receive a temporary 20 percent BAH hike;17 the antitrust suit alleges that RealPage contributed to drastic increases in rent prices in this area, where Fairchild Air Force Base and Joint Base Lewis McChord are located.18 Florida has also opened an investigation into whether RealPage is violating antitrust laws; notably, military housing rents increased across Florida during 2022 and 2023 including in Miami, West Palm Beach, Volusia County, and Fort Myers Beach.19

    In addition to harming military families, unsustainable housing prices have negative implications for recruitment and retention for the U.S. Armed Forces. Increasing housing costs have forced some families to delay permanent change of station moves and choose housing in unsafe neighborhoods or in unsatisfactory conditions. A recent military family lifestyle survey found that “housing costs remain the top contributing factor to financial stress for active-duty famil[ies]” and that “higher out-of-pocket housing costs may influence military families’ likelihood to recommend military service.”20 A majority of those who live in civilian housing “continue to pay well over

    $200 per month in housing costs out of pocket”21 on top of their BAH. These predatory housing practices are especially detrimental to military families because “unlike civilian peers, military families do not have the opportunity to stabilize their housing costs due to frequent relocation.”22

    A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on military housing confirmed the negative impacts of high housing prices on military families, finding that “some service members reported having to take on debt or commute long distances to afford quality housing.”23 GAO determined that existing DoD guidance is “insufficient to address military population effects on local housing market.”24 “GAO’s statistical analyses found that counties with higher military populations were associated with having higher median rents and rent-to-income ratios.”25 Local government officials also acknowledged the largely insufficient housing supply and issues with affordability.26 In its report, GAO recommended that DoD develop a comprehensive list of critical housing areas, regularly update said list, obtain and use feedback on the financial and quality-of- life effects of limited supply or unaffordable housing on service members, develop a plan for DoD to respond to and address those effects, and clearly define the roles and responsibilities of installation commanders and military housing offices in addressing housing needs.27

    The Department of Defense has a responsibility to protect military families from predatory private housing companies and ensure that taxpayer dollars meant for military families are not being pocketed by unscrupulous landlords. We seek information that DoD may have on whether algorithms such as those used by RealPage are artificially driving up housing prices for military families, as well as members of the community who do not receive BAH.28 We are also interested in DoD’s broader strategy to ensure landlords are not using RealPage’s services to price gouge military families. Therefore, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions by February 17, 2025.

    1. How effective have DoD’s targeted BAH temporary hikes been at ensuring that military families have access to safe, clean, and affordable housing?
    2. How many reports has DoD received, if any, involving landlords increasing rents in response to BAH increases?
    3. Has DoD conducted any assessments or made any determinations regarding whether landlords in military communities are using RealPage’s YieldStar or AIRM products to price gouge military families?
      1. If so, what have these assessments found?
        1. How many military families rent from landlords who use YieldStar or AIRM products?
        2. Have these products contributed to rent increases for these families?
        3. What information or data has DoD collected to determine the impact of rent-setting algorithms on BAH rates?
        4. What information or notifications has DoD provided to service members or military families in these communities to help prevent them from being gouged by landlords using these algorithms?
      1. If not, why not?
    1. What language, if any, does DoD include in its housing agreements with private companies to ensure programs like RealPage’s YieldStar or AIRM products are not used to influence their rent prices?
    2. Does DoD policy allow private military housing companies to collect data on renters and share it with other landlords, whether through RealPage or through other means?
    3. How does DoD protect military families’ personal information from being disclosed by private housing companies who provide military housing?

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Eliminate Trump’s Outsourcing Tax Breaks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 06, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Thursday joined U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and 15 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act, legislation that would reverse the Trump tax law’s breaks for offshoring jobs and profits. The announcement comes as President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico remain under negotiation, while Republicans push to expand those offshoring incentives in their reconciliation bill.

    The No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act would level the playing field for American companies by requiring multinational corporations to pay the same tax rate on profits earned abroad as they do in the United States. The Trump tax law created a special tax rate for offshore profits that is half the domestic rate. Since the law’s passage, studies have found that multinationals have increased foreign, rather than domestic investment. Extending the Trump tax law would mean maintaining this half-off rate, which is otherwise scheduled to slightly increase.

    If passed, the senators’ legislation would boost U.S. economic competitiveness by encouraging domestic investment, leveling the playing field for domestic companies, and bringing the U.S. into compliance with the global minimum tax agreement. The Joint Committee on Taxation found that large U.S. multinationals paid an average tax rate of just 7.8 percent the year after the Trump law passed, lower than their foreign competitors. They would still pay less than their competitors with a higher rate on foreign profits. Moreover, with over 140 countries moving to implement the global tax agreement, U.S. and foreign multinationals alike will be subject to the new minimum tax whether the U.S. complies or not. Failure to join, however, will mean the revenue fills foreign coffers instead of the U.S. Treasury.  

    U.S. Senators Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also cosponsored the legislation.

    The No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act would repeal offshoring incentives by:

    • Equalizing the tax rate on profits earned abroad to the tax rate on profits earned here at home.  The bill would end the preferential tax rate for offshore profits by eliminating the deductions for “global intangible low-tax income (GILTI)” and “foreign-derived intangible income” and applying GILTI on a per-country basis.  
    • Repealing the 10 percent tax exemption on profits earned from certain investments made overseas.  In addition to the half-off tax rate on profits earned abroad, the Trump tax law exempts from tax a 10 percent return on tangible investments made overseas, like plants and equipment.  The legislation would eliminate the zero-tax rate on certain investments made overseas. 
    • Treating “foreign” corporations that are managed and controlled in the U.S. as domestic corporations.  Ugland House in the Cayman Islands is the five-story legal home of over 18,000 companies – many of them actually American companies in disguise.  The bill would treat corporations worth $50 million or more and managed and controlled within the U.S. as the American entities they in fact are, and subject them to the same tax as other U.S. taxpayers.
    • Cracking down on inversions by tightening the definition of expatriated entity.  This provision would discourage corporations from renouncing their U.S. citizenship.  It would deem certain mergers between a U.S. company and a smaller foreign firm to be a U.S. taxpayer, no matter where in the world the new company claims to be headquartered. Specifically, the combined company would continue to be treated as a domestic corporation if the historic shareholders of the U.S. company own more than 50 percent of the new entity. 
    • Combating earnings stripping by restricting the deduction for interest expense for multinational enterprises with excess domestic indebtedness.  Some multinational groups reduce or eliminate their U.S. tax bills by concentrating their worldwide debt, and the resulting interest deductions, in U.S. subsidiaries.  The bill would disallow interest deduction for U.S. subsidiaries of a multinational corporation where a disproportionate share of the worldwide group’s debt is located in the U.S. entity, a tactic commonly known as “earnings stripping.”  
    • Eliminating tax break for foreign oil and gas extraction income.  Oil and gas extraction income earned abroad gets an even further break on the already half-off rate other industries pay on offshore profits.  

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 37 Colleagues Reintroduce Right To Contraception Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    February 06, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), joined 37 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would create a statutory right to obtain and use contraceptives. The bill would also help ensure health care providers have a right to provide contraceptives and share information about this essential care. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas).

    In July 2022, the Right to Contraception Act passed the House with a vote of 220-195. That same month, Republicans blocked an attempt in the U.S. Senate to pass the bill by unanimous consent. They did the same in June 2023. In June 2024, Republicans blocked Senate Democrats’ attempt to pass the bill on the floor.

    U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the legislation.

    The Right to Contraception Act is endorsed by Power to Decide, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women’s Law Center, Guttmacher Institute, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), Population Connection Action Fund, Americans for Contraception, Advocates for Youth, National Partnership for Women & Families, American Public Health Association, American Humanist Association, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health , Center for Biological Diversity, Ibis Reproductive Health, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Upstream USA, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, National Health Law Program, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Reproductive Health Access Project, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Upstream USA, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Center for American Progress, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, All* Above All, and Center for Reproductive Rights.

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

    Last year, Murphy released statements after Senate Republicans blocked the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, the Right to Contraception Act and the Right to IVF Act.

    In March, Murphy co-sponsored legislation to protect IVF access and other assisted reproductive technology, but passage was blocked by Senate Republicans. That month, Murphy also submitted an amicus brief calling on the Supreme Court to affirm the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) requires hospitals to provide emergency stabilizing care, including abortion care.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Lummis and Rep. Maloy Introduce Resolution to Block Rule Authorizing USFS Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C.—  Today, Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to block the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) Criminal Prohibitions Rule. The rule grants Forest Service law enforcement authority to enforce state laws on National Forest lands. Additionally, the rule incorporates state traffic laws into the federal code. It went into effect on December 26, 2024.

    “The Forest Service’s so-called criminal prohibition rule usurps local law enforcement and creates jurisdictional ambiguity,” said Senator Lummis. “This is mission creep, not good governance, and I have grave constitutional concerns about this rule. I am proud to join my colleagues in filing this resolution to return power to state and local law enforcement agencies.” 

    “Congress created the Forest Service to manage production and watersheds — not to enforce state and local laws,” said Rep. Maloy. “The criminal prohibition rule is yet another example of agency overreach as it encroaches on the law enforcement authority of our Sheriffs and creates jurisdictional challenges. It must be stopped.”

    The Western States Sheriffs’ Association, representing over 1,200 Sheriffs and 18 states west of the Mississippi, condemned this USFS rule in a letter last December saying it is “wrought with legal and constitutional hurdles.” You can read that letter here.

    Read the text of the resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Proud to Confirm Vought as OMB Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of Russell Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

    “America faces growing budgetary challenges as well as growing foreign threats that undermine our economic prosperity and national security. In its work to preserve America’s economic and geopolitical primacy, the Administration must simultaneously put its fiscal house in order and make the serious investments required to restore peace through strength. Mr. Vought is experienced and demonstrably qualified to lead the Office of Management and Budget, and I look forward to working with him and President Trump to address these looming challenges. Congress has inherent Constitutional authority to appropriate funds and an obligation to provide for the common defense. I hope and expect Mr. Vought will coordinate closely with Congress in this vital work.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Trump Administration Nominee’s Threat to Georgian’s Pocketbooks in Hour-Long Floor Speech

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Highlights Trump Administration Nominee’s Threat to Georgian’s Pocketbooks in Hour-Long Floor Speech

    Senator Reverend Warnock delivered a nearly hour-long Senate floor speech opposing Russell Vought’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

    The speech follows the recent federal funding freeze, orchestrated by Vought and the OMB, which has impacted federal funding and programs for everything from seniors to law enforcement to child care to veterans

    Senator Reverend Warnock also used the speech to highlight personal stories from Georgians who have been impacted by the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to gut the federal government

    Senator Reverend Warnock: “My state has been plagued by chaos, by confusion that has harmed Georgia families and Georgia workers and organizations serving their communities. We are witnessing, right now, a careless and heartless assault on federal investments and a freeze of government funding that has already been appropriated by Congress”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock’s speech HERE

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) delivered a nearly hour-long speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate highlighting his opposition to Russell Vought’s nomination to be head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

    “I rise today in strong opposition to the nomination of Russell Vought to be the head of the Office of Management and Budget. His leadership will only continue the disruption that is hurting Georgians in every corner of my state, even as I speak,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    During his floor speech, which was the longest of his tenure in the Senate, Senator Warnock addressed the continued efforts by the Trump Administration to gut the federal government from within. He also addressed the impacts of the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze which has affected federal programs across Georgia and threatened services that support our veterans, law enforcement, seniors, schools, and our health system. The careless freeze is the brainchild of Russell Vought, the nominee to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

    “If you want to get a sense of who President Trump is looking out for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. On that stage when he was inaugurated, you saw them, some of the richest people in the world. They were the ones who had proximity. Well, proximity matters. You can tell a whole lot about the character of a person’s public service based on the people who can get close to them. The folks who get to speak into their ear. If you want to know who Donald Trump is working for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. The likes of Elon Musk, the billionaire, the richest man in the world who is now telling the rest of us that we need to tighten our belts. How quaint,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    “Look, I will work with anyone who is able to have a serious bipartisan conversation about how to best utilize government resources and taxpayer dollars. Working across the aisle to get good things done for Georgia has been a cornerstone of my service in the Senate over the past four years. I’m listed as one of the most bipartisan senators in the Senate. I have worked with Republicans many, many times. But right now, the playbook is obvious. Cut programs that you rely on and give the richest of the rich the money. Robin Hood in reverse. Steal from the poor, give to the rich,” Senator Reverend Warnock added.

    Watch Senator Warnock’s full speech HERE.

    Below are key excerpts from Senator Warnock’s speech:

    “Mr. President,

    “I rise today in strong opposition to the nomination of Russell Vought to be the head of the Office of Management and Budget. His leadership will only continue the disruption that is hurting Georgians in every corner of my state, even as I speak.

    “Over the past two and a half weeks, my state has been plagued by chaos, by confusion that has harmed Georgia families and Georgia workers and organizations serving their communities. We are witnessing right now a careless and heartless assault on federal investments and a freeze of government funding that has already been appropriated by Congress. To help Georgia seniors, veterans, students, and so many more.”

    “I dare say that the people of Georgia who elected me, and the people of Georgia who elected Donald Trump, did not vote for this. But just as we warned, his dangerous plans are playing out in real-time. This is exactly what they said they were going to do. Some didn’t believe them. Even after they attempted to gaslight the American people into thinking otherwise, here we are in no time flat.”

    […]

    “This stunt that was pulled a few days ago is a disaster for communities who want well-funded law enforcement, thriving businesses, safe roads and bridges, and as they attack federal workers, attack the government, they’re trying to convince you that the government is some third entity outside of us — some third entity outside of us? No, this is by the people, for the people, of the people.

    “This is the highest of our aspirations, what we’re trying to achieve together. As we witness this assault, it is hitting Democrats and Republicans. Blue states and red states. As the people’s voices are being squeezed out of their democracy.

    “Just last week, without even being confirmed, Vought orchestrated the effort to freeze federal spending, as if this money is his money rather than our money, the people’s money, throwing programs from infrastructure upgrades, to Medicaid, to free school lunches, to support for homeless veterans into chaos. How dare you take funds that are needed by the veterans of Georgia and all across this state? Those who fight for us should not have to fight with us to get what they deserve.”

    […]

    “My constituents were deeply shaken by last week’s federal funding freeze. I received thousands of calls and e-mails from folks afraid of the freeze’s unknown harm to their community. So, let’s peel back the curtain even more on what happened over the last few days. The Trump Administration froze trillions of dollars of government spending to enact massive and disruptive funding cuts. These cuts are being orchestrated in part by Russell Vought and in partnership with the world’s richest man, Elon Musk — Elon Musk, the co-president.

    “This unelected, unvetted bureaucrat who by my best guess appears to think that the livelihood of Georgians and Americans is some kind of start-up he can tear apart. So, if you want to get a sense of who President Trump is looking out for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. On that stage when he was inaugurated, you saw them, some of the richest people in the world. They were the ones who had proximity. Well, proximity matters. You can tell a whole lot about the character of a person’s public service based on the people who can get close to them. The folks who get to speak into their ear.

    “If you want to know who Donald Trump is working for, look at who he’s surrounding himself with. The likes of Elon Musk, the billionaire, the richest man in the world who is now telling the rest of us that we need to tighten our belts. How quaint.

    “President Trump isn’t serving you, he’s serving them. He’s serving those in our country who are well off and who don’t play by the rules and putting at risk basic programs that help folks send their kids to school, keep food affordable, and lower their energy bills.”

    […]

    “So when Elon Musk and his billionaire buddies go looking for spending cuts and they’re focused on cutting government waste, they start by targeting the working class. He said he couldn’t cut taxes for billionaires because they are the job creators. What about the folks who work on the job day to day? What about the folks who clean hospitals? Who mop floors? Who pick up our garbage? Why is it that those at the top deserve so much more than those working at the bottom? Those in the middle? Hardworking Americans who play by the rules?”

    […]

    “Look, I will work with anyone who is able to have a serious bipartisan conversation about how to best utilize government resources and taxpayer dollars. Working across the aisle to get good things done for Georgia has been a cornerstone of my service in the Senate over the past four years. I’m listed as one of the most bipartisan senators in the Senate. I have worked with Republicans many, many times. But right now, the playbook is obvious. Cut programs that you rely on and give the richest of the rich the money. Robin Hood in reverse. Steal from the poor, give to the rich.”

    […]

    “This is not how the most powerful government in the world ought to serve its people. The reality is, this new level of Washington’s dysfunction has real-world consequences that extend beyond Washington politicians. Georgia’s economy does not stop just because Washington is exercising a kind of chaos.”

    “While we’re trying to get our act together up here, guess what? Farmers still need crop insurance, childcare workers in community health centers still need to make payroll, our roads and our bridges, and pipes still need repairs. When federal investments are put in limbo, the stability of our states and local communities are also put in jeopardy. And let me be clear, the trump administration has demonstrated that it will try this again and again and again, and when they do, the business community will suffer and Georgians will be out of their jobs, unless we stand up and say no.

    “If this federal funding freeze continues, as Russell Vought hopes, the impact will be felt hardest by those who can least afford it. It’s easy in all the blusters of the beltway who is actually bearing the brunt of Donald Trump’s actions. Delays and freezing are not just inconvenient, they create instability, and they cost the jobs of our friends, our families, and our neighbors.

    “So, it’s up to us in this moment to stand up. I am listening to the people who sent me to represent them. I’m thinking about those who do the work every single day. It is our job to respond to the call and the urgency of this moment. History will not treat us kindly if we are silent at a time like this.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Collaboration the key to fuel reduction efforts at Cornish Hill

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Midway through last year, the CFA West Region Community Safety Team was approached by the Friends of Cornish Hill in Daylesford, to look at the growth of gorse and other woody weeds in the reserve.

    CFA Vegetation Management Officer Kay Richardson attended with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and local CFA Captain Glenn Webster. Since that first meeting, collaborative efforts between FFMVic, the CFA Community Safety Team, and the Friends of Cornish Hill (FOCH) resulted in notable improvements in vegetation management and track maintenance.

    It has also offered significant opportunities to include the surrounding community in fire risk awareness discussions and shared responsibility.

    The FOCH ran a ‘Backing onto bush’ session in late November 2024 which was attended by 36 community members plus agency staff including Hepburn Shire, FFMVic, CFA and Landcare. 

    The day aimed to engage the community and highlight the fire risks they faced and what they could do to manage those risks as individuals and as a community. By the end of the session, the group was galvanised to assist the agencies to manage the fuel load on Cornish Hill as one way of preparing for fire.

    FFMVic has completed grooming and grading the tracks on Cornish Hill. This work has not only improved accessibility but has also enhanced safety for maintenance teams and the local community.

    Cath Matthews, Regional Vegetation Management Coordinator, expressed her gratitude to Midlands FFMVic for their work.

    “A big thanks to Midlands FFMVic for undertaking the mulching of the gorse-infested tracks through Cornish Hill. This will now greatly facilitate access for brigades, enabling quicker suppression if a fire starts in the reserve,” Cath said.

    Efforts to address invasive gorse, blackberry, and broom are ongoing, with the following key activities underway:

    • CFA is preparing to treat a block of woody weeds near the north-east corner of the hill.
    • The FOCH has engaged the ‘Gorsinator’ to remove old, hard-to-access gorse from the north-west corner.

    The progress achieved has been well-received by the community and stakeholders. At the FOCH Annual General Meeting, members expressed their encouragement with the rapid pace of work. Cath Matthews also highlighted the broader impact of these efforts.

    “This work has strengthened relationships between the many stakeholders involved, and hopefully we can build on this to ensure continued reduction of fire risk within this reserve and with the community.”

    The FOCH is now preparing funding applications to sustain the work that has been achieved.

    Submitted by Jude Atkinson

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Are eggs good or bad for our health?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland

    Nik/Unsplash

    You might have heard that eating too many eggs will cause high cholesterol levels, leading to poor health.

    Researchers have examined the science behind this myth again, and again, and again – largely debunking the claim.

    A new study suggests that, among older adults, eating eggs supports heart health and even reduces the risk of premature death.

    Let’s unpack the details.

    What was the study?

    Researchers examined data from a large, ongoing study that is following older adults and tracking their health (the ASPREE study).

    In their analysis of more than 8,000 people, they examined the foods people usually eat and then looked at how many participants died over a six-year period and from what causes, using medical records and official reports.

    Researchers collected information on their diet through a food questionnaire, which included a question about how frequently participants ate eggs in the past year:

    • never/infrequently (rarely or never, 1–2 times per month)
    • weekly (1–6 times per week)
    • daily (daily or several times per day).

    Overall, people who consumed eggs 1–6 times per week had the lowest risk of death during the study period (29% lower for heart disease deaths and 17% lower for overall deaths) compared to those who rarely or never ate eggs.

    Eating eggs daily did not increase the risk of death either.

    How reputable is the study?

    The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning this work has been examined by other researchers and is considered reputable and defensible.

    Study participants reported their egg intake on an questionnaire.
    Sincerely Media/unsplash

    In the analysis, factors such as socioeconomic, demographic, health-related and clinical factors, and overall dietary quality were “adjusted” for, as these factors can play a role in disease and the risk of early death.

    Researchers received funding from a variety of national funding grants in the United States and Australia, with no links to commercial sources.

    What are the limitations of this study?

    Due to the type of study, it only explored egg consumption patterns, which participants self-reported. The researchers didn’t collect data about the type of egg (for example, chicken or quail), how it was prepared, or how many eggs are consumed when eaten.

    This analysis specifically looked for an association or link between egg consumption and death. Additional analyses are needed to understand how egg consumption may affect other aspects of health and wellbeing.

    Lastly, the population sample of older adults were relatively healthy, limiting how much findings can be applied to older adults with special needs or medical conditions.

    The study didn’t look at the type of eggs or serving sizes.
    Jakub Kapusnak/Unsplash

    What is ASPREE?

    ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) is an ongoing, large, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving more 19,000 participants in Australia and the US. This means some people in the trial were given an intervention and others weren’t but neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the “placebo”, or dummy treatment.

    ASPREE started in 2010 to investigate whether low-dose aspirin (100 micrograms daily) could help prolong older adults’ health and lifespan, specifically by preventing heart disease and stroke. The first findings were published in 2018.

    One of the fundamental conclusions of the ASPREE trial was there was no benefit from taking aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke).

    ASPREE is still ongoing as a longitudinal study, which means it provides information on other aspects of healthy living and long-term outcomes in older adults – in this case, the link between egg intake and the chance of death.

    Why the focus on eggs?

    Eggs are a good source of protein, and contain B vitamins, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), choline, and minerals.

    The fuss over eggs comes down to their cholesterol content and how it relates to heart disease risk. A large egg yolk contains approximately 275 mg of cholesterol — near the recommended daily limit of cholesterol intake.

    In the past, medical professionals warned that eating cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs could raise blood cholesterol and increase heart disease risk.

    But newer research shows the body doesn’t absorb dietary cholesterol well, so dietary cholesterol doesn’t have a major effect on blood cholesterol levels.

    Rather, foods such as saturated and trans fats play a major role in cholesterol levels.

    The body doesn’t absorb the cholesterol from eggs very well.
    Nichiiro/Unsplash

    Given these changing recommendations over time, and the nuances of nutrition science, it’s understandable that research on eggs continues.

    What does this mean for me?

    Whether you prefer boiled, scrambled, poached, baked or fried, eggs provide a satisfying source of protein and other key nutrients.

    While the science is still out, there’s no reason to limit egg intake unless specifically advised by a recognised health professional such as an accredited practising dietitian. As always, moderation is key.

    Lauren Ball receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Health and Mater Misericordia. She is a Director of Dietitians Australia, a Director of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, a Director of the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and an Associate Member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

    Karly Bartim is a member of Dietitians Australia and the Australian Association of Gerontology and is an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

    – ref. Are eggs good or bad for our health? – https://theconversation.com/are-eggs-good-or-bad-for-our-health-249168

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Firearms and ammunition seized following a Porirua traffic stop

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Vincent Smylie:

    A man is before the courts following a vehicle stop which led to the discovery of two firearms and shotgun ammunition.

    Around 4pm on Tuesday 4 February, Police conducted a vehicle stop in Cannons Creek, after seeing a person of interest in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

    The 34-year-old man was arrested in relation to a warrant to arrest.

    The day after, Wednesday 5 February, Police conducted a search warrant at his house nearby, leading to the discovery of two firearms, shotgun ammunition, and gang insignia that had allegedly been displayed in an earlier incident in January.

    He is due to reappear in Porirua District Court on Friday 21 February, facing charges of prohibited display of gang insignia in a public place, burglary, male assaults female, intentional damage, speaks threateningly, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Further charges relating to the two firearms are being considered.

    Police are glad to have been able to pull two more unlawfully possessed firearms off the street, as they have the ability to cause serious harm in our community.

    “We will continue to target offenders who show little regard for the community, including violent offenders, and those who unlawfully possess firearms,” Detective Sergeant Smylie said.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maintenance work ahead on SH1 through Rangitikei

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Road users travelling through the Rangitikei district are advised to expect some minor delays on State Highway 1 in the coming weeks due to planned maintenance and resilience works.

    The Manawatū-Whanganui 2024/25 renewals season is nearing completion, with less than 2 months left.

    Some crucial work on SH1 is still to be completed, with crews scheduled to be at different sites over the coming weeks.

    The timing and location of these scheduled works has been specifically chosen to minimise disruption for travellers.

    • Utiku: From Monday 10 February, tree felling works will be taking place off the state highway near Utiku. Work to remove the trees will take place over 4 days, with crews working from 7am til 7pm. Temporary traffic management will be in place, with an occasional stop/stop (stopping traffic flow completely) while trees are removed alongside the highway. Motorists can expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
    • Taihape: Preseal repair works are taking place between Manu Road and Rauma Road, just south of Taihape, from Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February. Crews will be working from 8am til 5pm. Stop/go temporary traffic management and a reduced speed limit of 30km/h will be in place, with delays of up to 15 minutes expected. Following these works, crews will return to complete resealing works before the end of this renewals season. This will be communicated closer to the time. 

    Once these works are complete, further road maintenance is planned later in the month for SH1 near Mangaweka and Bulls. 

    • North of Bulls: From Monday 17 February – Friday 28 February, planned road maintenance work will take place on SH1 near the intersection with Wellington Road. Crews will be working from 6am til 6pm each day. Stop/go temporary traffic management and a reduced speed limit will be in place, with delays of 5 minutes expected.
    • Bulls: From Wednesday 19 February, crews plan to complete a 3-week road rebuild on the passing lane north of Watson St, Bulls. This road renewal work will take place each day, with crews working from 6am til 6pm each day. The first week of work involves contraflow  (allowing both directions of travel) and the remaining 2 weeks of work involves stop/go temporary traffic management, with delays of 5 minutes expected.
    • Mangaweka: Road rebuild works are planned for the passing lane near Mangaweka, from Thursday 20 February to Thursday 20 March.  These renewal works will be completed under contraflow so minimal disruption is expected for road users.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges State Highway 1 has seen a lot of construction activity over the past few months during the renewals season and we really appreciate people’s patience during this work to increase the resilience of the network.

    The upcoming works are weather dependent and may be postponed or rescheduled at short notice. Changes in programming will be communicated on our online channels such as NZTA’s Journey Planner.

    Journey Planner(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland overnight motorway closures 7–17 February 2025

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 14 February 2025.

    Please note this traffic bulletin is updated every Friday.

    Daily updated closure information(external link)

    Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

    NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

    • Onewa Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February

    CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

    • SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH1 southbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Northbound lanes between Symonds Street off-ramp and Fanshawe Street on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Wellington Street northbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
      • SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Westbound lanes between Stanely Street off-ramp and Newtown Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
    • SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH16 (Port) westbound to SH1 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Wellesley Street East (SH1) westbound on-ramp, 13 February
      • Hobson Street westbound on-ramp, 13 February
      • Newton Road westbound on-ramp, 13 February
      • St Lukes Road westbound on-ramp, 13 February
      • SH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 13 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road on-ramp, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 February
    • Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 11-13 February
    • Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 7 February to 5:00am 10 February (24/7)
    • Westbound lanes between Quay Street/Tamaki Drive and Parnell Rise, approx. 9:00pm 14 February to 5:00am 17 February (24/7)

    SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

    • Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 9 February
      • Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 9 February
      • Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 9 February
    • Southbound lanes between Papakura off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 10-13 February
      • Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 February
      • Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 10-13 February
      • Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 10-13 February
    • Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9-13 February
      • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Bombay southbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Bombay northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Bombay northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 February
    • Northbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Hampton Downs on-ramp, 9-13 February
      • Dragway Road northbound off-ramp, 9-13 February
      • Hampton Downs northbound on-ramp, 9-13 February

    NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

    • SH16 eastbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 February
      • Great North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 February
    • Westbound link to SH20 southbound (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 February
    • Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 February
      • St Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 12 February
      • SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH16 eastbound to SH16 (Port) link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 12 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

    UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

    • None planned

    SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

    • Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 10-11 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
      • Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 February
    • Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Great North Road on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 February
      • SH20 Northbound to SH16 Eastbound Link, 12-13 February
      • SH20 Northbound to SH16 Westbound Link, 12-13 February
      • Maioro Street northbound on-ramp, 12-13 February
    • Southbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Puhinui Road on-ramp, 9 February (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Massey Road southbound on-ramp, 9 February

    GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

    • None planned

    PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

    • None planned

    STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

    • None planned

    STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

    • None planned

    Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

    Current overnight closure information(external link)  

    Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic in Numbers: 100% Marine Biodegradable Molding Material

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic in Numbers: 100% Marine Biodegradable Molding Material

    Growing concern over environmental impact, including marine plastic pollution, depletion of petroleum resources, and global warming, has led to a global effort to reduce the use of traditional plastic resins.Today, 80% of all plastic waste is discarded and expectations are that by 2050, the amount of plastic in our oceans will outweigh the fish*.Following years of R&D, Panasonic HD has developed a 100% marine biodegradable molding material based on plant-derived resins that is comparable in strength to polypropylene.Certified as a “Marine Biodegradable & Biobased Plastics” by the Japan Bioplastics Association, Panasonic HD plans to commercialize this material by 2027, leveraging its unique properties for household appliance casings, automotive parts, consumer goods, and beverage and food containers, among other applications.
    * http://www.jbpaweb.net/gp/index.html

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Further measles case in Victoria

    Source: Government of Victoria 3

    Key messages

    • A new case of measles has been reported in Victoria, with the total number of cases linked to travel in Vietnam since December 2024 now standing at eight. Growing outbreaks continue to be reported internationally including in Vietnam and Thailand.
    • Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread from person-to-person and potentially lead to serious health complications.
    • This most recent case was infectious on VietJet Air flight VJC81/ VJ81 from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne, while at Melbourne Airport, and at Sunshine Hospital and The Royal Children’s Hospital.
    • Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.
    • People who have attended the listed exposure sites during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms of measles and follow the instructions below.
    • Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, particularly those who have recently returned from overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period.
    • Suspected cases should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified to the Department of Health immediately by calling 1300 651 160.
    • All Victorians are eligible to receive the free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine if born during or after 1966 and do not have documentation of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Clinicians should vaccinate all individuals who are unsure of their vaccination history, regardless of Medicare status.
    • There is no need to check measles serology prior to vaccination.
    • Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine. This is especially important for anyone planning on travelling to South-East Asia, including Vietnam.

    What is the issue?

    A new case of measles has been identified in Victoria, after travel overseas to South-East Asia where there is an ongoing and large international outbreak. There have now been 17 cases of measles identified in Victoria in the last 12 months.

    Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

    There is currently a large measles outbreak in Vietnam. Vietnam’s Ministry of Health reported over 38,364 suspected measles cases for 2024, including 13 deaths. At the present time, any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks also reported in areas outside of Southeast Asia including India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and the USA.

    Active public exposures sites in Victoria for recent cases are listed in the table below.

    Date Time Location Monitor for onset of symptoms up to
    Sunday 26 January 2025 Arrival 12:45am

    VietJet Air flight VJC81/ VJ81

    Departure: Ho Chi Minh City

    Arrival: Melbourne

    		 Thursday 13 February 2025
    Sunday 26 January 2025 12:45am to 3:30am Melbourne Airport, VIC 3005 Thursday 13 February 2025
    Tuesday 28 January 08:15am to 10:50pm

    Sunshine Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department

    176 Furlong Rd, St Albans VIC 3021

    		 Saturday 15 February 2025
    Friday 31 January 9:00am to 1:50pm

    Sunshine Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department

    176 Furlong Rd, St Albans VIC 3021

    		 Tuesday 18 February 2025
    Monday 3 February 2025 5:55pm to 11:30pm

    The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department

    50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052

    		 Friday 21 February 2025
    Monday 3 February 2025 11:10pm to 00:00am (midnight)

    The Royal Children’s Hospital

    Sugar Glider Ward

    50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052

    		 Friday 21 February 2025
    Tuesday 4 February 00:01am to 1:30pm

    The Royal Children’s Hospital

    Sugar Glider Ward

    50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052

    		 Saturday 22 February 2025
    Wednesday 5 February 9:55am to 11:15am

    The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department

    50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052

    		 Sunday 23 February 2025

    Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified times above should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure. Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health immediately. There should be an especially high level of suspicion if they have travelled overseas or visited any the sites listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.

    Who is at risk?

    Anyone born during or since 1966 who does not have documented evidence of having received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or does not have documented evidence of immunity, is at risk of measles.

    Unvaccinated infants are at particularly high risk of contracting measles.

    Young infants, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of serious complications from measles.

    Symptoms and transmission

    Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. Symptoms can develop between 7 to 18 days after exposure.

    Initial symptoms of measles may be similar to those of COVID-19 and influenza. If a symptomatic person tests negative for COVID-19 and/or influenza but develops a rash, they should be advised to continue isolating and be tested for measles.

    People with measles are potentially infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until 4 days after the rash appears. Measles is highly infectious and can spread through airborne droplets or contact with nose or throat secretions, as well as contaminated surfaces and objects. The measles virus can stay in the environment for up to 2 hours.

    Figures: Examples of a typical measles rash.

    Recommendations

    For the general public

    • Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.
    • Symptoms of measles can initially resemble a cold or flu and include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body.
    • Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Call the health service beforehand to advise that you may have been exposed to measles and wear a mask.
    • The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is available for free:
      • on the National Immunisation Program, routinely given at 12 months and 18 months of age.
      • for anyone born during or after 1966 who have not already received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, are unsure of their vaccination status, or do not have evidence of immunity to measles.
      • for young infants aged 6 to 12 months prior to overseas travel to countries where measles is endemic or where outbreaks of measles are occurring. If an infant receives an early dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel, they should still receive routine doses at 12 months and 18 months of age as per the National Immunisation Program schedule.
    • For further information, speak to your immunisation provider.
    • Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations.

    For health professionals

    • Anyone who is not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive the MMR vaccine if they present within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure. Anyone who is immunocompromised or pregnant and not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) if they present up to 144 hours (6 days) after close exposure to a measles case.
    • Clinicians are advised to be alert for measles in patients presenting with compatible illness, particularly those with overseas travel or who attended a listed exposure site during the specified dates and times or who are not fully vaccinated against measles.
    • Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health immediately. There should be an especially high level of suspicion if they have travelled overseas or visited any sites listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.
    • Suspected cases should be tested, isolated, and notified to the Department of Health immediately by calling 1300 651 160 and connecting to the relevant Local Public Health Unit.
    • Discuss the need for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing using nose and throat swabs with the Local Public Health Unit (PCR testing for measles does not attract a Medicare rebate).
    • Take blood samples for measles serology in all suspected cases.
    • Minimise the risk of measles transmission within your practice/department:
      • avoid keeping patients with fever and rash in shared waiting areas (send to a separate room).
      • if measles is suspected, give the patient a single use, fitted mask and isolate under airborne precautions until a measles diagnosis can be excluded.
      • leave all rooms that were used to assess the suspected case vacant for at least 30 minutes after the consultation.
    • Offer MMR vaccine to people born during or after 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or documented evidence of immunity. Serology is not required before vaccinating. People who are not Medicare eligible can also receive the free MMR vaccine. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook – MeaslesExternal Link for further guidance on immunisation.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN signs a book of condolence at the German Embassy in Jakarta

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning visited the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Indonesia to sign the condolence book, following the passing of H.E. Prof. Dr. Horst Köhler, former President of the Federal Republic of Germany, on 1 February 2025.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN signs a book of condolence at the German Embassy in Jakarta appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Statement on Vought Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement after voting to confirm Russ Vought as the next Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought was confirmed by a vote of 53-47.

    “I look forward to working with OMB Director Russ Vought and congratulate him on being confirmed by the Senate. 

    “Russ is highly qualified, and served in the same capacity in the first Trump Administration. I believe he is the right man at the right time to get our fiscal house in order.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bank of England cuts interest rate to 4.5%

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The British central bank announced on Thursday that it would cut the interest rate from 4.75 percent to 4.5 percent, citing concerns about stagnant growth.

    The decision was made by the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England (BoE), which voted 7-2 to cut rates. Two committee members called for a bigger rate cut of half a percentage point.

    December’s inflation rate dropped from 2.6 percent to 2.5 percent, with core inflation falling from 3.5 percent to 3.2 percent, while services inflation experienced an even bigger drop from 5 percent to 4.4 percent, providing a base for a potential interest rate cut.

    The BoE said that the economy’s potential growth rate had dropped from 1.5 percent to 0.75 percent year-on-year. The bank also indicated that while it expects last October’s Budget to boost economic growth by 0.75 percent, thanks largely to greater public investment, the National Insurance rise will weigh down on activity, particularly by reducing employment.

    MIL OSI China News –