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  • MIL-Evening Report: How can you help your child make friends?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gretchen Geng, Professor in Innovative Education Futures, Flinders University

    One of the things children (and parents) may worry about at the start of the new school year is, will I have friends?

    This could be true for children starting or changing schools or simply going back to a new year with different class arrangements.

    How can parents talk to their kids about making friends?

    Why is it important to have friends?

    We research young people’s wellbeing and provide programs to schools on how to talk about mental health.

    Having lasting, meaningful friendships is extremely important for children’s health, development and wellbeing.

    They can validate young people’s aspirations and interests and help them feel like they belong. Friends can also help ease feelings of loneliness and anxiety, making it easier for children to engage in new activities and connect with others.

    On top of this, friendships can act as a “buffer” against bullying by providing emotional support if it does happen. Research also suggests, if children don’t have a supportive friendship network, they are more prone to be bullied at school.

    Having friends can help children feel like they belong.
    Monkey Business Images/ Shutterstock

    Help your child build confidence

    Some children find it harder to make friends than others. If your child is shy or introverted they may find it hard to meet new people.

    Let them know it is OK to start small. You don’t have to make ten best friends all at once! Making friends takes time and even just one or two good friends can make a big difference.

    To break the ice, encourage simple actions such as saying “hello” or offering a compliment: “That’s a cool handball” or “I love your Taylor Swift bracelet”.

    Encourage your child to do activities with other kids they enjoy. They can play a particular game or sport or do craft, dancing or reading. Tell them how it’s possible to be friends with lots of different kinds of people.

    Talk about the importance of friendship

    Research shows it’s important for parents to offer encouragement and guidance about friendships. This can lead to better quality friendships (how well friends get along) as children grow up.

    Parents can start to talk to their child about the importance of friendships from a young age. Some questions parents could ask include “Who did you play with today?”, “What did you like about playing with them?”, “What games did you play”.

    Parents can also start conversations about the value of friends and friendship. For example, parents could ask their child about the importance of sharing with friends (“it actually feels great to share and make your friends happy”).

    It’s important for parents to support their child’s friendships.
    DGL Images/ Shutterstock

    Encourage your child to talk

    Over time, children’s concept of friendships changes. Younger children view friends as somebody you can play with, while older children see friends as people they can trust and can share emotions and thoughts with.

    Research shows, parents can also help this transition with advice and encouragement. Encourage your child to express their feelings and talk about what happens at school, so you can work through any issues or tricky things together.

    This does not have to be a formal talk. You could chat while you are doing something else – like drawing, playing chess or throwing a ball.

    To create a safe space for your child to freely express their feelings and emotions, avoid being judgemental or critical. Instead, ask questions, like “if you do it again, will you do it differently?” or “was that a kind decision?”

    Encourage active listening

    You can also encourage your child to be a good and supportive friend.

    One way to do this is by being an active listener. This is about understanding what someone is saying (and possibly taking action because of it), not simply “hearing” what is said.

    You can suggest your child takes a deep breath and lets the other child finish what they are trying to say, instead of interrupting and talking over people.

    Active listening is a skill parents can practise with their child. Make a game and have fun doing it. Try it in the car, over the dinner table or in another informal setting.

    Deb Agnew and Shane Pill also developed versions of the Big Talks for Little People program on which this article is based.

    Gretchen Geng works for Flinders University. Big Talks for Little People receives funding from Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, Little Heroes Foundation, Medibank, BeyondBank, and the South Australian Education Department.

    Phillip Slee works for Flinders University. Big Talks for Little People receives funding from Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, Little Heroes Foundation, Medibank, BeyondBank, and the South Australian Education Department.

    – ref. How can you help your child make friends? – https://theconversation.com/how-can-you-help-your-child-make-friends-248534

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do big tech companies have a ‘duty of care’ for users? A new report says they do – but leaves out key details

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

    PV Productions/Shutterstock

    Large social media companies should have to proactively remove harmful content from their platforms, undergo regular “risk assessments” and face hefty fines if they don’t comply, according to an independent review of online safety laws in Australia.

    The federal government will today release the final report of the review conducted by experienced public servant Delia Rickard, more than three months after receiving it.

    The review comes a few months after Meta announced it will stop using independent fact checkers to moderate content on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

    Rickard’s review contains 67 recommendations in total. If implemented, they would go a long way to making Australians safer from abusive content, cyberbullying and other potential harms encountered online. They would also align Australia to international jurisdictions and address many of the same problems targeted by the social media ban for young people.

    However, the recommendations contain serious omissions. And with a federal election looming, the review is not likely to be acted upon until the next term of government.

    Addressing online harms at the source

    The review recommends imposing a “digital duty of care” on large social media companies.

    The federal government has already committed to doing this. However, legislation to implement a digital duty of care has been on hold since November, with discussions overshadowed by the government’s social media ban for under 16s.

    The digital duty of care would put the onus on tech companies to proactively address a range of specific harms on their platforms, such as child sexual exploitation and attacks based on gender, race or religion.

    It would also provide several protections for Australians, including “easily accessible, simple and user-friendly” pathways to complain about harmful content. And it would position Australia alongside the United Kingdom and the European Union, which already have similar laws in place.

    Online service providers would face civil penalties of 5% of global annual turnover or A$50 million (whichever is greater) for non-compliance with the duty of care.

    Two new classes of harm – and expanded powers for the regulator

    The recommendations also call for a decoupling of the Online Safety Act from the National Classification Scheme. That latter scheme legislates the classification of publications, films and computer games, providing ratings to guide consumers to make informed choices for selecting age-appropriate content.

    This shift would create two new classes of harm: content that is “illegal and seriously harmful” and “legal but may be harmful”. This includes material dealing with “harmful practices” such as eating disorders and self-harm.

    The review’s recommendations also include provisions for technology companies to undergo annual “risk assessments” and publish an annual “transparency report”.

    The review also recommends adults experiencing cyber abuse, and children who are cyberbullied online, should wait only 24 hours following a complaint before the eSafety Commission orders a social media platform to remove the content in question. This is down from 48 hours.

    It also recommends lowering the threshold for identifying “menacing, harassing, or seriously offensive” material to that which “an ordinary reasonable person” would conclude is likely to have an effect.

    The review also calls for a new governance model for the eSafety Commission. This new model would empower the eSafety Commissioner to create and enforce “mandatory rules” (or codes) for duty of care compliance, including addressing online harms.

    The need to tackle misinformation and disinformation

    The recommendations are a step towards making the online world safer for everybody. Importantly, they would achieve this without the problems associated with the government’s social media ban for young people – including that it could violate children’s human rights.

    Missing from the recommendations, however, is any mention of potential harms from online misinformation and disinformation.

    Given the speed of online information sharing, and the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enable online harms, such as deepfake pornography, this is a crucial omission.

    From vaccine safety to election campaigns, experts have raised ongoing concerns about the need to combat misinformation.

    A 2024 report by the International Panel on the Information Environment found experts, globally, are most worried about “threats to the information environment posed by the owners of social media platforms”.

    In January 2025, the Canadian Medical Association released a report showing people are increasingly seeking advice from “problematic sources”. At the same time technology companies are “blocking trusted news” and “profiting” from “pushing misinformation” on their platforms.

    In Australia, the government’s proposed misinformation bill was scrapped in November last year due to concerns over potential censorship. But this has left people vulnerable to false information shared online in the lead-up to the federal election this year. As the Australian Institute of International Affairs said last month:

    misinformation has increasingly permeated the public discourse and digital media in Australia.

    An ongoing need for education and support

    The recommendations also fail to provide guidance on further educational supports for navigating online spaces safely in the review.

    The eSafety Commission currently provides many tools and resources for young people, parents, educators, and other Australians to support online safety. But it’s unclear if the change to a governance model for the commission to enact duty of care provisions would change this educational and support role.

    The recommendations do highlight the need for “simple messaging” for people experiencing harm online to make complaints. But there is an ongoing need for educational strategies for people of all ages to prevent harm from occurring.

    The Albanese government says it will respond to the review in due course. With a federal election only months away, it seems unlikely the recommendations will be acted on this term.

    Whichever government is elected, it should prioritise guidance on educational supports and misinformation, along with adopting the review’s recommendations. Together, this would go a long way to keeping everyone safe online.

    Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the Association for Information Science and Technology, and an Affiliate of the International Panel on the Information Environment.

    – ref. Do big tech companies have a ‘duty of care’ for users? A new report says they do – but leaves out key details – https://theconversation.com/do-big-tech-companies-have-a-duty-of-care-for-users-a-new-report-says-they-do-but-leaves-out-key-details-248995

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Chip happens: Plan ahead for SH10 chipsealing night works

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises road users to plan ahead for upcoming chipsealing work on State Highway 10 between Mangonui and Taipa, starting Thursday 13 February.

    Work will be carried out at night over 7 nights, with stop/go traffic management in place, to minimise disruption for road users. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

    It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

    Travel delays during these works are expected to be 5-10 minutes.

    Chipsealing helps ensure a smooth, skid-resistant surface, free of potholes and slippery sections to reduce the risk of crashes and help keep everyone traveling on our roads safe.

    Details of specific work sites for the week ahead can be found on the Northland state highway maintenance programme website.

    Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)

    Work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information, including any changes due to weather.

    Journey Planner (external link)

    This work is part of Northland’s significant summer maintenance programme, which will see approximately 203 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May.

    NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and support while we carry out this essential maintenance.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Boaties’ guide to the exotic caulerpa rules in Auckland

    Source: Auckland Council

    Exotic caulerpa can travel quickly over long distances on vessels and equipment, and that’s why it’s been found around the Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf and parts of the Coromandel in popular anchorage locations.

    It’s a changing situation. By knowing the rules, and where exotic caulerpa has been found, you can help stop its spread to new locations.

    Exotic caulerpa locations

    At the time of writing, exotic caulerpa has been found in eight locations in the region. As much as you can, avoid all locations where caulerpa has been found. 

    For a more detailed view, you can also use this link to see an interactive web map that displays surveillance data.

    The exotic caulerpa rules

    Anchors, chains and fishing/diving gear can break up caulerpa and pieces get snagged, accidentally moving it to new locations. The rules are designed to stop this happening.  

    Download this guide to the current Auckland rules and guidelines.

    There are also restrictions in place outside our region in the Bay of Islands and Ahuahu / Great Mercury Island.

    Legal restrictions can change at short notice, and Biosecurity New Zealand’s website will always contain the latest information.  

    We recommend looking before you head out on the water.

    Cleaning instructions

    When at sea, check your anchor, chain and equipment for any attached seaweed. If you find any, bag it and bin it onshore. If you can’t do this, return it to the waters it came from; do not move it to a new location.

    Why are there different rules in different locations?

    In some locations, boats are still able to come and go, but they must follow specific cleaning protocols before departing. Also, they must not fish in this area using any method that makes contact with the seabed. In other locations, such as Aotea Great Barrier, the rules are more restrictive, prohibiting anchoring and contact with the seabed.  In setting restrictions, Biosecurity New Zealand considers the caulerpa coverage, as well as the volumes of vessel traffic and the potential impacts caulerpa, or controls, would have on an area.

    Reporting exotic caulerpa

    If you see any exotic caulerpa outside a known area, take a photo, record the location, and report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fun ways to stay cool and active in Tāmaki Makaurau

    Source: Auckland Council

    Make the most of summer with Auckland Council’s Pool and Leisure Centres, suitable for all ages and comfort levels.    

    Whether you’re after an outdoor pool surrounded by nature, a safe and relaxing ‘women only’ space for working out, a dedicated room for martial arts, or an award-winning fitness instructor to keep you motivated – we’ve got you covered.  

    Plus, you’ll find some great suggestions on the best spots for water sports around Tāmaki Makaurau – dive right in!  

    Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre  

    Come check out the only outdoor pool on the North Shore at Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre. Pack a picnic for after your swim and enjoy the designated picnic area available onsite. Keen to get the blood pumping with a little something extra? Bring friends and whānau along and have a go at the rock-climbing wall, skate park or pump track for some unique and exciting ways to stay active.  

    The Osborne outdoor pool at the Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre gets a great sunrise most mornings. The pool is accessible by hoist.

    Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre

    A special place awaits at Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, which has eight pools on offer and much more! This multi-facility consists of a fitness centre, stadium, pool complex (8x), spa and sauna and bookable spaces for members of the community, making it a perfect spot for an outing with friends and whānau to be active, social or to kick back and relax.  

    The Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa splash pad is suitable for all ages, and has relaxed swimwear requirements since it’s not an actual pool.

    Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre  

    Check out this award-winning pool and leisure centre in Stanmore Bay. You can stop by for a swim or to enjoy the splash pad with the little ones; have a workout at the gym, join a fitness class (includes access to the world-renowned LES MILLS classes), a round of badminton or even catch up with a friend at the onsite café. This location also hosts school holiday programmes, school-age and adult sports leagues, specialised programmes for seniors and drop-in sport sessions!  

    The splash pad at the Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre is seasonal and open for the summer months only (Nov/Dec to Mar/Apr).

    Papatoetoe Centennial   

    You can make a splash year-round at Papatoetoe Centennial’s heated pools! There are also some fun splash pools for toddlers and little ones, and a 50m outdoor pool for those who enjoy being out in the elements. This location also hosts a special ‘ladies’ nights’ which encourage women to make the most of their workouts in a relaxing environment.  

    Tōtara Park Pool  

    How about a swim workout surrounded by nature? Check out Tōtara Park Pool’s outdoor summer-only pools that sit within the 216 hectares of lush native bush. You’re also welcome to make the most of the surroundings which consist of playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts and picnic areas.  

    Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool (Browny’s Pool)  

    Right in the heart of Auckland, you’ll find the best spot for some fun in the sun at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool. Enclosed by pontoons, this location keeps swimmers safe and happy with this free facility that includes four 33 metre swimming lanes and a jumping platform. Changing facilities, including toilets and cold-water showers, are also available at the nearby Karanga Plaza. 

    Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool, located in Wynyard Quarter, is a free, multi-purpose swimming area.

    Howick Leisure Centre  

    For one of the most varied recreation programmes in Auckland, check out Howick Leisure Centre. While you won’t find any pools here, you can come for the work-out and stay for the fun and sense of community. There’s plenty on offer at this location, like a dedicated martial arts room, amazing school holiday programmes, basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis for all ages.

    Plus, easy car parking options, a well-equipped gym with no wait times, and fun group fitness classes from an award-winning exercise instructor who delivers her own curated choreography with unmatched passion and dedication.   

    Water sports   

    Keen for an active splash of fun in the outdoors? Tāmaki Makaurau has so much to offer when it comes to water sports. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking for your next family outing. Some great paddling spots include Pt Chevalier, Mission Bay, Ōkahu Bay, Castor Bay and Takapuna Beach – just hire the gear and have a go.  

    Vector Wero, Manukau  

    For the adrenaline seekers, check out Vector Wero Whitewater Park, NZ’s first facility to offer an artificial river and water course for recreation, sports and training!  Choose from a wide range of adventure activities to suit your style and comfort level, from rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding and fun team-building challenges.  

    Te Ara Moana Kayak Trail   

    If you’re up for a multi-day paddling adventure, there’s the Te Ara Moana Kayak Trail – a thrilling self-guided five-day sea-kayak tour with a sea route between Ōmana Regional Park and Wharau Regional Park. This epic experience will have you paddling 50km along Auckland’s south-eastern coastline, enjoying the natural wonders and wildlife with overnight stops at some dreamy beachfront campgrounds.   

    Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are a fun way to improve balance, strength, and endurance.

    Check before you swim  

    While all Auckland Council Pool and Leisure Centres have staff available to keep you safe, that’s not quite the case when you’re outdoors making the most of nature around Tāmaki Makurau.

    Don’t forget to check the Safeswim website for up-to-date information on water quality, wind, waves and tides as well as jellyfish swarms and other hazards. Safeswim is a fantastic tool to help keep you and your whānau safe and ensuring a great time outdoors for all.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Puyallup Tribe sentenced to 13 years in prison for shooting death of his friend

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tacoma – A member of the Puyallup Tribe was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 13 years in prison for the fatal shooting of someone he considered a friend, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Dennis Jacobsen, 32, was arrested shortly after the shooting on October 21, 2021. Jacobsen was originally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm because of convictions for robbery and unlawful firearms possession in Pierce County Superior Court. In June 2024, Jacobsen pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

    At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “This is a tragic story of illicit drug use and a firearm. The lives of the loved ones of the victim will carry this loss for years.”

    According to records filed in the case, both Jacobsen and the victim had been drinking and using drugs the morning of the shooting. The two were seen together outside the victim’s home within the confines of the Puyallup reservation. The two men walked behind the home and witnesses heard three gunshots. The victim was shot once in the arm and twice in the head, at least once at close range. Witnesses then saw Jacobsen run from behind the house, get in a vehicle and drive away.

    When police went to Jacobsen’s residence, they found the handgun with one bullet still in the chamber. The ammunition matched the type of ammunition used in the shooting.

    In asking for the 15-year sentence, Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg wrote to the court, “The impact of (the victim’s) killing has been felt deeply in the community. His girlfriend was pregnant with his son at the time of the killing. She can now only show her son the photographs of his father. (The victim’s) parents are now without a son and the greater Puyallup community has lost another tribal member to a violent tragedy.”

    Jacobsen will be on five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    The case was investigated by the Puyallup Tribal Police and the FBI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clinton County Felon Sentenced to 65 Months for Unlawful Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Richard Brundige, age 46, of Ellenburg Depot, New York, was sentenced today to 65 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a rifle as a previously convicted felon.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, United States Marshal David McNulty, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement,

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Brundige admitted that on December 12, 2022, he possessed a Marlin Model 336W lever action rifle and 17 rounds of ammunition. Brundige has four felony convictions in New York that prevented him from lawfully possessing the rifle. Brundige committed this offense while a fugitive from justice following a conviction in 2019.

    The United States Marshal Service and New York State Police investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government backs Upper Hunter’s industrial future

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: NSW Government backs Upper Hunter’s industrial future

    Published: 4 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Hunter, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Future Land Use and Enabling Works project for Liddell Power Station has been approved by the Minns Labor Government, which will see the former power station, demolished, remediated and transformed for future industrial land uses.

    The approval of the State Significant Development, south of Muswellbrook, will mean more jobs and industrial opportunities for the Upper Hunter.

    Spanning around 143 hectares, the Future Land Use and Enabling Works project is expected to generate more than $260 million in Capital Investment Value (CIV) for the Upper Hunter Region as well as 100 full time equivalent jobs.

    Remediation works will include:

    • Demolition of the power station
    • Construction and operation of a borrow pit for capping, civil works and recontouring of the site
    • Recontouring and revegetation of the site
    • Construction and operation of a landfill for the disposal of asbestos contaminated soil and material from demolished infrastructure.

    In 2023, the Liddell Power Station came to the end of its technical life and was formally closed, with the proponent AGL committing to remediate the site for a cleaner future.

    Following the assessment from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) the approval has strict conditions of consent to manage biodiversity, water and traffic impacts. Works are now expected to commence within the next 3 months and are expected to continue over the next ten years.

    The Upper Hunter has long been an industrial powerhouse and this approval is only the most recent planning determination that indicates a broader Government support for the Upper Hunter to remain an industrial centre.

    The approval also comes shortly after the Minns Government launched its Industrial Lands Action Plan (PDF 977.79KB) which sets out a new approach to plan, secure, and manage the supply of industrial lands to deliver new jobs, drive investment and support local economies.

    The Minns Labor Government will continue to support robust investment and job opportunities in regional NSW.

    For more information, visit the web page on the Liddell Future Land Use and Enabling Works Project.

    Project layout and disturbance areas of the Liddell Future Land Use and Enabling Works Project.

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “Under the Minns Government, we have a planning system that is supporting the renewable energy transition, approving projects that will support our communities, energy security and emissions reductions.

    “With up to 100 jobs generated during construction and operation, this project will benefit the local economy, local communities and provide indirect benefits to local services throughout the life of project.

    “This project is one of many that is part of the state’s growing renewable energy infrastructure that plays a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come.”

    Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

    “The $260 million project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter and will support dozens of new, local jobs.

    “The Liddel Power Station is an important part of the Hunter’s history and this project represents the significant investment opportunities that lay ahead for the region.

    “Today’s announcement further shores up our region as an industrial powerhouse, that will attract jobs, investment and innovation for decades to come.”

    Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

    “This approval is welcome news for our area and shows the Minns Labor Government’s continued support for the future of the Upper Hunter.

    “As the chair of the inquiry into Beneficial and Productive Postmining Land Use, I am hugely supportive of the Minns Government working with proponents to see industrial sites rehabilitated and renewed for future use.

    “This means continued employment, investment and innovation for our region.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: MMP Capital Closes Out 2024 to Resounding Success

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MMP Capital, a private commercial lender specializing in healthcare finance, as well as financing across multiple verticals, proudly announces a record-setting performance in December 2024 and Q4 2024. With total originations hitting USD 55.6 million for December. The company has gone above and beyond its previous monthly benchmarks, achieving an unprecedented total of USD 125 million in originations during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Much of this success stems from MMP Capital’s relationship-driven business model, which has made the firm a dependable resource for financing in the healthcare sector. Now in its 12th year of business, MMP Capital maintains a focus on providing streamlined lending services to its partners. The company’s brand reputation in healthcare has allowed it to expand in step with an influx of vendors and business owners seeking reliable options for equipment financing. In addition, interest rate adjustments have aided in reducing overall costs for acquiring new equipment. A convergence of factors, this has encouraged many businesses to invest in advanced technologies with renewed confidence.

    In recent years, MMP Capital has cemented its standing as the market leader in aesthetic medical finance. While the firm continues to finance equipment across multiple industries, the healthcare vertical has grown quickly owing to a rising demand for aesthetic procedures and medical devices. 

    “The company mantra was to Survive till 25 for many small business owners. The last 2 years have been some of the toughest economic conditions in my lifetime. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. I could not be more proud of the strength, and resilience of our team,” says John-Paul Smolenski, Founder and CEO of MMP Capital. “Our sales team work themselves to the bone building long-term relationships with vendors and business owners. The December milestone is a direct result of our team’s dedication and our growing reputation in the industry.”

    Smolenski notes that the surge in demand for aesthetic medical and healthcare equipment coincides with a heightened sense of optimism among business owners. “Many of our clients and industry partners indicate that they feel confident about future market conditions heading into 2025,” he added. “Alongside our proven track record and strategic partnerships, we hope to create more value for small business owners across the country.”

    Throughout 2024, the firm’s origination activity increased month over month. Partially attributed to MMP Capital’s ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, the company is known for offering swift approvals and transparent lending processes. Its positioning within the market has made it a crowd favorite for businesses looking to modernize equipment fleets, expand service lines, or handle financial challenges.

    With a new administration in place and interest rate cuts helping to lower borrowing expenses, healthcare providers are taking advantage of the decreased cost of ownership for advanced medical machinery. MMP Capital’s finance solutions help them invest in the latest technologies without the burden of steep upfront capital expenditures. Designed around predictable repayment schedules, these programs aim to minimize financial risk while accelerating practice growth.

    “Our recent originations are an encouraging sign. The market is ready to turn the page and move forward,” Smolenski observed. “The worst economic pressures are behind us. We anticipate continued demand for equipment financing solutions throughout 2025.”

    Prospective clients interested in exploring MMP Capital’s financing options can learn more about its flexible equipment leasing and lending programs by visiting the company’s official website or reaching out to the MMP Capital sales team. For more information, visit: www.mmpcapital.com 

    About MMP Capital

    MMP Capital was founded in 2013 with a mission to be the gold standard in healthcare equipment finance in the U.S. Led by a management team with vast experience in sales, credit, and operations from several banks, leasing companies, and funding institutions, MMP Capital is uniquely equipped as a hybrid lender to lend directly or utilize a vast syndication outlet. Our financing options for equipment financing, leasing, and unsecured capital offer U.S. businesses the opportunity to invest in their future, update outdated technology, or offer new services to customers.

    Contact:
    Contact Person: Jamie O’Connor, Director of Marketing
    Organization: MMP Capital
    Email: JOConnor@MMPCapital.com
    Website: www.mmpcapital.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25ec26dd-7149-4ad1-96b5-3982791ace06

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Introduces Amendment to Keep DOGE Team from Accessing Critical Treasury Payment Systems

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (February 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today filed an amendment to the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act, which the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is marking up on Wednesday, February 5. The amendment would make it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act for an individual to gain unauthorized access to the central payment systems at the Treasury Department. Last week, Elon Musk’s personnel from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system, which disburses trillions of dollars in congressionally approved funds each year, including Social Security and Medicare benefits.

    “By demanding access to critical payment systems at the Treasury Department, Elon Musk and his team of government arsonists are threatening everything from payments for our troops to Medicare and Social Security payments,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “This access creates serious privacy and cybersecurity risks and could even enable Musk to give his companies an unfair competitive advantage. It’s outrageous and dangerous. I hope my colleagues can come together and support this commonsense amendment to limit this access and safeguard our essential financial infrastructure.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Joins Colleagues in Calling for Reinstatement of Inspectors General Fired by Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (January 31, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and a group of 36 colleagues in a letter to President Trump, strongly condemning the President’s recent decision to remove Inspectors General (IGs) from at least 18 government agencies, and demanding their immediate reinstatement. The IGs who were removed included those overseeing the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Social Security Administration, and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. In the letter, the senators assert that President Trump’s actions violated the law and threaten the independence of these non-partisan watchdogs. Senator Peters helped lead the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act, which was signed into law in 2022 as part of the FY 2023 national defense bill, to require a President to provide a 30-day notice and substantive reasons for removal in writing to Congress before an Inspector General can be removed. 

    “Inspectors General are responsible for providing independent oversight of federal programs by working to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars – oversight our federal agencies desperately need,” the senators wrote. “The federal government and the American people count on these officials to operate in a professional and non-partisan way to hold our government accountable—regardless of who is in power.  Without strong, qualified, and independent officials to lead these critical efforts, the Administration risks wasting taxpayer dollars, and allowing fraud and misconduct to go unchecked.” 

    “While the President has the authority to remove Inspectors General from office, Congress has established clear requirements to ensure such removals are transparent and are not politicized,” wrote the senators. “With respect to your firings Friday night, Congress has not received either the mandatory 30-day notice or a rationale for their removal.  Because your actions violated the law, these IGs should be reinstated immediately, until such time as you have provided in writing ‘the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons’ for each of the affected Inspectors General and the 30-day notice period has expired.”   

    The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

    The full text of the letter can be found here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Decries Confirmation of Unrestricted Fracking Booster Chris Wright to Lead Energy Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (February 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Chris Wright, most recently the CEO of fossil fuel company Liberty Energy, to head the Department of Energy.

    “Chris Wright is a bought-and-paid-for fossil fuel industry executive and hasn’t met a tract of land or aquifer of water he wouldn’t despoil through fracking,” said Senator Markey. “We need federal agencies helmed by responsible, qualified executives without blatant conflicts of interest, not individuals who force their employees to drink fracking fluid for fun. Chris Wright at Energy, alongside Zeldin at EPA and Burgum at Interior, will use his position to push expensive and polluting fossil fuels on the American people for the benefit of his Big Oil and Big Gas allies. Our federal agencies are already being forced by Trump and Elon Musk to illegally ignore laws passed by Congress, and Chris Wright will be nothing more than another henchman for the billionaire class at the expense of the health and pocketbooks of working families.”

    On January 16, Senators Markey and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) reintroduced the Banning In Government Oil Industry Lobbyists (BIG OIL) from the Cabinet Act, which would prohibit the appointment of executive officers and lobbyists of fossil fuel entities or trade associations as the heads or political appointees of certain government departments that work on issues related to American energy policy for a ten-year period.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: MIL Analysis – Five best articles in Russian for 03.02.2025

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

    As a result of today’s analysis, the Moscow Exchange provides us with its opportunities and results. Education is evolving, increasing attention to the personalities of students, and utilizing new modern learning technologies.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with volunteers in Anapa to discuss the latest news on emergencies on the coast. The social sphere is actively involved.

    Below you can read one of the articles.

    1. Financial news: Moscow Exchange has entered the top of the NRA ESG ranking.

    Moscow Exchange has been included in the updated ESG ranking of Russian financial organizations compiled by the National Rating Agency (NRA). The Exchange was included in the first, highest group of the ranking in terms of the degree of implementation of sustainability principles in its strategic and operational activities.

    2. Financial news: Moscow Exchange is the winner of the Project of the Year 2024 contest.

    Moscow Exchange won the “Project of the Year – 2024” contest organized by the Global CIO community. The aim of the competition is to develop the competencies of the professional community and broadcast the best practices in the field of digitalization.

    3. Polytechnic held an advanced training course on “RISC-V Ecosystem”

    At the end of January, the Higher School of Electronics and Microsystems Engineering of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications of SPbPU held a unique advanced training course on “RISC-V ecosystem: development and system programming”.

    The course was devoted to the development of hardware and software for modern extensible open instruction systems and RISC-V processor architectures, which are widely used in rapidly developing areas of information technology, including the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.

    4. Polytechnic students reached the semifinals of the XI All-Russian Engineering Competition.

    The qualifying stage of the XI All-Russian Engineering Competition has been completed. Experts evaluated over 12,000 projects and scientific research. 751 graduates from universities from all over the country, including SPbPU, reached the semi-finals. The All-Russian Engineering Competition is an annual intellectual competition that has been held since 2014. It is organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. The contest operator is the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.

    5. Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in emergency response on the coast.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko met with representatives of the united volunteer headquarters #WeWeMeet, who are cleaning the Black Sea coast from fuel oil, on the shore of Anapa. During the meeting the volunteers shared their experience and results of their work.

    The meeting was also attended by the head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), Grigory Gurov, and the governor of the Krasnodar Region, Veniamin Kondratiev.

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

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Grieving and crying’ as people on either side of Gaza conflict come together

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    Two people who have fought on opposing sides of the decades-old conflict between Palestinians and Israel have come to together through “grieving and crying” to discuss how Israeli Jews and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.

    Given the brutality of the recent conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, it has become increasingly difficult to imagine a durable peace. Yet, that remains the aim of a remarkable grassroots organization called Combatants for Peace.

    The organization, which has been nominated for two Nobel Peace Prizes, is made up of Israelis and Palestinians who once embraced violence but have since turned to peace and dialogue as the only solution to healing the wounds of both communities.

    Several of the members of Combatants for Peace were invited to UN Headquarters at the end of January by the UN Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, including Mai Shahin and Elik Elhanan.

    Ms. Shahin, a Palestinian peace activist and therapist with over 12 years of experience on conflict resolution, fought against Israel in the Second Intifada, a major uprising of Palestinians in the occupied territories which begin in the year 2000.

    Elik Elhanan is a teacher at City College of New York. In the late 1990s, he served in an Israeli Special Forces unit. In 1997, his 14-year-old sister was killed in Jerusalem by a suicide bomber.

    During their visit, they shared their stories with Conor Lennon from UN News, who started by asking them if dialogue between the members of Combatants for Peace has become more difficult, given the intensity of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

    This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

    Soundcloud

    Mai Shaheen: Even though there might be disagreements, dialogue has been one way of solving and ending the occupation for many years, so it is normal for me to be sitting with another human being who just happens to be Israeli Jewish.

    Elik Elhanan: Combatants for Peace has been around for a while. The 7 October 2023 attacks and the subsequent violence and crimes against humanity in Gaza tested our mettle. But it wasn’t our first test of this sort.

    We’ve been trying to find a way to communicate and dialogue since 2005. There is no absence of conflict, but we try to live with it and around it. Over the last 20 years, this has become my community. These are my brothers and sisters. These are my peers. These are the people I go to when I need advice. And these are the people I go to when I need support.

    I trust Mai and I trust the other Palestinian members. We’re grieving for two communities and fighting for two communities. As a result of our long engagement together, this feels natural.

    UN News: But have the conversations between Combatants for Peace in the two communities changed since 7 October?

    Mai Shaheen: For us it was very clear, even on the day itself, that we had to meet. Now more than ever. Actually, the work we had been doing for so many years came to fruition on 7 October. We soon began discussing how to bring everything we have learned and worked for, and how to walk our talk in front of the Israeli and Palestinian community. There were many conversations and meetings, a lot of grieving and a lot of crying.

    © UNICEF/Eyad El Baba

    A car filled with belongings heads back to Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

    Non-violent dialogue has been one of the most crucial strategies that we have been using in Combatants for Peace. We don’t just talk about politics; we connect deeply with each other and allow the pain and the grieving to come.

    As Palestinians, we held the space for the Israeli activists who were going from one funeral to another. They needed to come with their frustration, anger, pain and grief. And we understood that this is the time to show our communities that nonviolent resistance is actually the only way for both of us to live together as equals.

    Elik Elhanan: I was in New York during the events of 7 October, and I was terrified for both communities. My family comes from the kibbutzim in the South. I know people in Gaza. Many of our members have families and friends in Gaza and we could feel that the Israeli reprisals would be insane and disproportionate and criminal. It was terrible.

    I held on to one hope, that the Combatants for Peace would survive. As I said, this is not our first test, but it’s the worst, and there were many moments where we thought that the organization would not survive this level of atrocities.

    It was the ability of members, usually from the Palestinian side, to stretch out a hand that saved the movement. So, even in this darkest of moments, a sliver of hope remains.

    I lost my sister in 1997 to a Hamas suicide bombing. I am familiar with this side of the conflict, and I am familiar with being the aggressor of this conflict. I could never find a place of forgiveness for my actions and a place for my grief in Israeli society.

    However, my Palestinian friends in Combatants for Peace were able to give me this space, and the fear of losing it was the worst fear I have ever experienced. And the joy that is still around is definitely what gives me hope in the everyday.

    UN News: Can you remember if there was a particular moment when you decided that violence was not the answer?

    Elik Elhanan: Ther was not a specific moment. It took time and patience and there were a lot of pangs along the way. After the murder of my sister, when I was in the midst of all the rage and pain, members of my unit and my commanding officer visited me. They didn’t have anything to say, any vision except more death, more killing.

    I remember very clearly officers from my unit telling me to get over it quickly and come back to the unit. “You’ll feel like a whole person again. We’re going out to Lebanon. You’ll get even”. The Palestinians who killed my sister are from the area of Nablus. How is fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon going to alleviate my pain or redeem her death? What is this vision of a world completely dominated by senseless violence?

    That transactional violence depressed me more than I can explain. I was in a violent and angry sort of depression for many years until during the Second Intifada. As a young student in Paris, I met Palestinian students and we started working together, and protesting against the violence. We insisted that dialogue and peace negotiations based on equality and justice are not dead. It’s in this moment that something opened up in me.

    Mai Shaheen: 13 years ago I was fortunate to meet a community of Palestinians and Israelis who had the vision and the dream to live together. That was my first time meeting normal Israelis who are not military, who are not investigating me or terrorizing me at checkpoints.

    I started reflecting on my own story and realized that, even when I chose violent resistance, my intention was not to kill. We have never had anything against the Jewish people or the Jewish nation. We are against occupation. We are against oppression. We are against the separation wall and the checkpoints. Our Israeli partners are saying the same.

    © UNICEF/Eyad El Baba

    Children and their families wait in Al Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, for the green light to begin their journey back home to Gaza City and the northern areas, after 15 months of displacement.

    UN News: Is the political class in Israel and Palestine listening to what you’re saying?

    Mai Shaheen: We had a big solidarity campaign in August, and we were joined by members of from the Knesset. We hope to have more changemakers in politics.

    Elik Elhanan: I should point out that the politicians that support us in the Israeli system are from the very far left of the political map. These are the Jewish and Palestinian members of the Communist Party and the coalition around it. Unfortunately, in mainstream Israeli political system, we have a lot of silent support, but few of them have the courage to support us openly and vocally.

    I think that is because they believe we, as Israelis, need more unity, strength and togetherness. I think what we need is a principled opposition. We can see that in the popular reaction to our work both in Israel and in Palestine, and I hope that politicians both in Israel and around the world will follow.

    UN News: The idea of a two-state solution, an Israeli and Palestinian state existing peacefully side by side, has been the United Nations position for decades. Is it still possible?

    Mai Shaheen: The real solution is everybody living freely on one land, like in America or Europe, with Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, non-believers all living together freely and respectfully.

    Elik Elhanan: Reality changes and perspective changes. In Combatants for Peace, we began building a joint political language for Israelis and Palestinians to function together in a single political system. This experience has changed me. I like sharing my political landscape with Palestinians, with their experience and their intelligence and their particular understanding of history and politics.

    We don’t have a position paper on this subject. That is a job for others, possibly people in this building. We are here to say that the solution is through negotiation, and a peace process, not through violence, war, ethnic cleansing and genocide.

    Anything is better than what’s going on now.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man critically injured in Birkenhead

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are responding to a serious assault in Birkenhead this afternoon.

    Just after 2pm, a man was located with injuries on Birkenhead Avenue by a member of the public.

    Waitematā Field Crime Manager, acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison says an investigation is now underway to determine what has occurred.

    “At this early stage we believe the man has sustained stab wounds and he has been taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition,” he says.

    Police would like to hear from the public who may have seen an incident unfold this afternoon.

    “Anyone who may have witnessed something taking place at an address or on the street should contact us,” acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

    “We would also like to hear from anyone with information about a vehicle seen fleeing the scene a short time afterward.”

    Police have closed part of Birkenhead Avenue, near the intersection with Onewa Road.

    A scene examination will take place this afternoon as part of the investigation, acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

    “Our investigation is still in the early stages in determing exactly what has taken place in Birkenhead this afternoon.

    “The public will see an increased presence of our staff in the area, and we appreciate the public’s understanding while our staff carry out their work at the scene.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105 using the reference number P061509544.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Appointments to the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Two new board appointments will bring infrastructure governance experience and capability to the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.

    “The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission is responsible for important work to improve New Zealand’s infrastructure system, including developing the National Infrastructure Plan to be delivered this year.

    “The Government has appointed Tim Brown and Stephen Selwood to its board.

    “Mr Brown and Mr Selwood bring a wealth of experience in leadership inside large scale organisations, extensive governance experience including of companies responsible for key infrastructure assets, and critical abilities in deep economic and strategic thinking. They join five existing board members: Raveen Jaduram, Suzanne Tindal, Dr Sina Cotter Tait, Maurice David, and Geoffrey Hunt.

    “The two new members replace former chair Dr Alan Bollard who retired late last year, and Sarah Sinclair who resigned in September 2024. I thank the outgoing members for their work, and pay particular tribute to Dr Bollard’s many years of service and leadership.”

    Note for editors:

    Tim Brown has extensive governance involvement in the infrastructure industry includes three decades of large infrastructure asset investment, infrastructure finance and debt and capital markets across a range of boards. He has served on the boards of Infratil and Wellington Airport and is a councillor on the Wellington City Council.

    Stephen Selwood was previously an establishment Infrastructure Commission Board Member, and served as Commissioner of Tauranga City Council from February 2021 to June 2024. He has extensive experience in the infrastructure sector and was Chief Executive at Infrastructure New Zealand. Stephen is the currently managing director of a commercial retail company.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bridge Specialty Group enters into agreement to acquire NBS Insurance Agency, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stephen M. Boyd, president of Bridge Specialty Group (“BSG”), and Mark Berven, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty, today announced that the parties have entered into an agreement for BSG to acquire NBS Insurance Agency, Inc. (operating as “Nationwide Brokerage Solutions” or “NBS”). The agreement only includes NBS Insurance Agency, Inc. and no other Nationwide affiliated companies. The transaction is expected to close in March 2025, subject to certain closing conditions.

    Steve Boyd shared, “NBS has served as a wholesaler and market access provider for retail agents for more than 50 years, providing superior service to their customers and retail broker partners. We look forward to welcoming the talented, customer-focused NBS team to Bridge Specialty Group. We are excited about the opportunity to invest in their continued development while immersing them in our dynamic, people-first culture. The addition of the NBS business to our operation will bring added specialization and complement our existing capabilities.”

    Mark Berven stated, “Nationwide and Bridge Specialty Group have had a strong working relationship for many years. Through our discussions, we determined there was a shared opportunity to enhance both of our organizations through a strategic transaction. With its tools, resources and strong global market presence, BSG is well positioned to drive the growth of NBS going forward.”

    NBS will continue to operate as a national platform and will be led by Ted Stuckey, president of NBS. Ted will report to Anurag Batta, chief operating officer of Bridge Specialty Group, and collaborate closely with other leaders on the BSG team.

    About Bridge Specialty Group, LLC

    Bridge Specialty Group is a leading global insurance wholesaler with access to over 200 admitted, excess and surplus lines and Lloyd’s markets that support our nearly $6 billion premium book. With more than 50 locations and 2,000 teammates throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia, Bridge Specialty Group holds market recognition that enables us to connect retail partners with tailored insurance solutions through our specific practice groups including property, casualty, executive risk, personal lines, public entity, transportation and workers’ compensation.

    Bridge Specialty Group is a wholly owned operating division of Brown & Brown, Inc. This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements, including those associated with this acquisition. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Brown & Brown’s current belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Brown & Brown’s control. It is possible that Brown & Brown’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further information concerning Brown & Brown and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect Brown & Brown’s financial results and condition, as well as its other achievements, is contained in Brown & Brown’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such factors include those factors relevant to Brown & Brown’s consummation and integration of the announced acquisition, including any matters analyzed in the due diligence process and material adverse changes in the business and financial condition of the seller, the buyer, or both, and their respective customers. All forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release, and Brown & Brown does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which Brown & Brown hereafter becomes aware.

    For more information:

    Steve Boyd
    President, Bridge Specialty Group
    (760) 710-6865

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Unintended Consequences of Business Digitalization Among MSMEs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Philippines

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The findings show that internet or e-commerce use did not lead to better MSME outcomes during the strict lockdown in March 2020. However, by August 2020, the negative effects had lessened, and by March 2021 a positive impact had emerged. This delayed positive impact suggests that MSMEs need a certain level of maturity to effectively harness digital tools. The authors propose how policymakers could help enhance the resilience of MSMEs in the Philippines through digitalization, such as by establishing a regulatory framework to ensure fair competition for MSMEs on digital platforms. The paper complements a previous study on data from Indonesia.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested after machete located in Waitangi

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Eagle-eyed patrols got more than they bargained for after spotting a wanted man, allegedly carrying a machete down the inside of his pants.

    Police staff patrolling as part of Operation Waitangi noticed the man, who had a warrant for his arrest, walking along Selwyn Street, Paihia on Sunday afternoon.

    Northland District Prevention Manager, Inspector Dean Robinson, says officers quickly arrested the man and during a search located a machete on the inside of his pants.

    “This is a great result and another example that we are committed to keeping offensive weapons such as these out of the community.

    “Police opposed this man’s bail and he has been remanded in custody until his next appearance.”

    Police remind our communities to report any suspicious behaviour to Police on 111 immediately, or 105 after the fact.

    A 31-year-old man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Whangārei District Court on 19 February charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing investment will deliver 400 affordable homes for whānau Māori

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Whānau across the country will benefit from greater access to affordable homes thanks to accelerating $200 million Government investment in Māori housing, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka.

    The Minister today announced $200 million in funding will be accelerated into Māori housing projects across the country that will enable the delivery of 400 affordable rentals in high-need areas by the end of June 2027.

    “We are firmly focussed on enabling economic growth that will improve people’s lives. Our partnerships with Māori entities for affordable housing is key for enabling people to live in warm, stable and secure affordable homes,” Mr Potaka said.

    “Increasing the supply of safe stable housing can mean a world of difference for whānau and tamariki in terms of their health and wellbeing, as well as for improving school attendance and maintaining employment.

    “The projects will specifically support vulnerable and lower income people who are experiencing poor or inadequate housing, including those transitioning from emergency housing. 

    “This is an important pouwhenua for Māori housing because the funding has now been actively committed to specific brick-and-mortar projects and construction can begin.

    “These projects are focussed on priority regions for new affordable housing, including Te Tai Tokerau, Te Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and Waikato.

    “Today’s announcement comes soon after the commitments we made in October announcing $35 million to enable 100 affordable rentals in partnership with Waikato-Tainui and November to provide funding of $82 million for 12 projects with Māori housing providers to enable about 200 affordable rental homes. This brings the total to 700 affordable homes. 

    “Supporting Māori organisations to deliver affordable housing will tautoko whānau who have been living in severe housing deprivation including emergency housing. 

    “Today’s announcement is another step forward as we work to end New Zealand’s housing crisis. We are also unlocking land for housing inside and around our cities, building infrastructure, and driving down building costs and making it easier to build. We are ensuring we have a steady supply of social housing becoming available, with the addition of thousands of homes to be delivered by Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Providers over the next couple of years.”

    Mā te haumitanga whare e tū ai kia 400 ngā whare utu-pai mō ngā whānau Māori 

    Ko ngā whānau huri i te motu ka whai hua i te whakarahi ake o ngā whare utu ngāwari, mā te haumi a te Kāwanatanga e $200 miriona te rahi, tā Minita Tama Potaka.

    Nō te rangi nei i whakapaohotia e te Minita te pūtea e $200 miriona mō ngā kaupapa whai whare Māori huri noa i te motu, kia whakarite i ngā whare rēti e 400 ki ngā wāhi e tino mate nui ana, i mua o te mutunga o Hune, 2027.

    “Mārō ana kia tautokona te whakatipu o te ohaoha e piki ai te ora o te tangata.  Mātua rā ko tā mātou mahitahi ki ngā hinonga Māori mō ēnei whare utu-pai, e noho ai te hunga ki te mahana, te haumaru hoki o te whakaruruhau utu ngāwari,” tā Potaka.

    “Mō te ora o ngā tamariki me ngā whānau, he hāpai nui te whakapiki i ngā whare e haumaru ana, ka mutu, ka hāpai hoki i te hokihoki ki te kura me te ū ki te wāhi mahi.

    “Ka aro pū ngā kaupapa ki te tautoko i te hunga mōrerarea, iti noa rānei te pūtea whiwhi, e raru ana hoki i te korenga o ngā whare pai, tae atu ki ērā e hūnuku ana i ngā nōhanga ohotata.

    “Kātahi rā te pouwhenua ko tēnei mō te whai whare Māori nā te mea kua whakatauriate pūtea motuhake mō te rawa whakatū whare, ā, kua wātea kia tīmata ai te hanganga mai.

    “Ko ngā kaupapa e aronui ana ki ngā takiwā whakaarotau e whai whare utu-pai hou pēnei i Te Tai Tokerau, i Te Tairāwhiti, i Te Waiariki, i a Taranaki, i Te Matau a Māui me Waikato.”

    “Ko te whakapaoho o te rā nei ka whai i ērā nō te Oketopa tonu mō te $35 miriona e āhei ana kia100 o ngā whare rēti utu-pai mā te mahitahi ki a Waikato-Tainui me te whakapāoho nō te Nōema, kia tautokona ngā ratonga whare Māori me ngā kaupapa 12 ki te $82 miriona,  mā konā e rite ai kia 200 ngā whare rēti utu-pai. Arā, ka 700 katoa ngā whare utu-pai.

    “Mā te tautoko i ngā hinonga Māori ki te whakarite i ngā whare utu-pai, ka tautokona ngā whānau kua noho ki te āhua whakatikitanga whai whare, ki ngā whare ohotata hoki.  E ū ana tēnei Kāwanatanga ki te whakapiki i ngā hua pai mō te Māori, kia piki ake hoki ngā tamariki Māori e mate ana ki te noho ki ngā whare e tika ana”

    “Ko tēnei whakapaoho he tohu i ō mātou mahi kia mutu te pōraruraru whare ki Aotearoa nei. Ka whakawātea whenua mātou mō te whakatū whare ki roto, ki ngā tahataha anō hoki o ngā tāone nui, te whakarite hanganga me te whakaheke i ngā utu hanga kia ngāwari ai te mahi hanga. Ko tō mātou aronga kia pai ai te rere o ngā mahi hanga whare pāpori, kia tāpiri anō hoki ki ngā kāinga manomano ka whakatūria e Kāinga Ora me ngā Ratonga Whare hei ngā tau e heke mai nei.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Turnaround plan to get Kāinga Ora back on track

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Kāinga Ora’s turnaround plan will refocus the agency on its core mission of building and managing government-owned social housing in a financially sustainable way, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.
    “Kāinga Ora is an important Crown entity, with assets of $47 billion and over $2.5 billion of expenditure each year. It currently owns around 75,000 homes and is the country’s biggest landlord.
    “The previous government poured billions of dollars into Kāinga Ora, with debt on its balance sheet rising from $2.3 billion in 2017/18 to $16.5 billion in 2023/24. 

    Operating deficits grew from a surplus of $76 million in 2017/18 to a deficit of $568 million in 2023/24. Kāinga Ora’s 2023 Board-approved budget showed debt forecast to grow to $24.8 billion by 2026/27, outside of the previous government’s debt limit for the organisation. Staff numbers grew from around 2000 in 2020 to around 3477 by the end of 2023 – all this at a time when the social housing waitlist grew to over 20,000 applicants.
    “In December 2023 the Government commissioned an independent review, led by Sir Bill English, into Kāinga Ora. The report from this independent review was released in May 2024, with two broad findings: that Kāinga Ora was underperforming and not financially viable without significant savings as well as funding and financing changes, and secondly, that the wider social housing system was not delivering the results New Zealand needs.
    “The review made it clear that Kāinga Ora was in considerable financial strife. The Government appointed a refreshed board and asked them to deliver a turnaround plan by the end of 2024 to return the agency to financial sustainability.
    “Cabinet has now considered and endorsed the plan, which is being released today. The plan will refocus Kāinga Ora on its core purpose of being a good social landlord and improve operating performance and reduce losses, with debt capped at an acceptable level.
    There are five major components to the turnaround plan:
     

    Kāinga Ora to be refocused on its core mission: building, maintaining and managing quality social housing, and being a supportive, but firm landlord.
    Improved tenant and community management.
    Improved housing portfolio and build management – better managing the existing Kāinga Ora assets and building or renewing homes as efficiently as the market, including simplifying social housing building specifications and using all available building delivery channels.
    Improved organisational performance: a focus on cost effectiveness – reducing high overheads and leveraging buying power more effectively.
    A more persistent and sustainable approach to funding and associated settings.

    Renewal of Kāinga Ora stock
    “The previous government’s funding for new social houses finished in June 2025, a “fiscal cliff” which the coalition government has had to confront. Kāinga Ora is currently funded to deliver around 2650 additional houses around New Zealand through to 2026 and the Government has also funded 1500 further social houses to be delivered by Community Housing Providers from June 2025 onwards.
    “The Kāinga Ora turnaround plan means that from 2026/7 onwards, Kāinga Ora will be involved in around 1900-2000 construction events per year, made up of approximately 1500 new build homes and 400 retrofits of existing homes. This will be offset by demolitions associated with redevelopment activities, and sales of around 900 homes per year. This means the number of KO social houses will not reduce over time, and existing older or unsuitable housing stock is refreshed.
    “Kāinga Ora sales will focus on older properties in high value areas, with the proceeds going to provide multiple other units in different areas. The sales programme will also focus on houses which are not fit for purpose, where the typology is ill-suited to the particular area, or which are simply uneconomic to maintain or redevelop.
    “Despite rhetoric from Labour in the past, divestment of properties in order to manage stock is a routine approach to Kāinga Ora’s operations. In the past five years they have sold, demolished or ended the lease on more than five thousand properties as part of their normal stock renewal process. The plan allows them to do more of this so the old, unfit housing stock can be renewed more quickly. 
    Construction costs
    “Advice from the Board is that Kāinga Ora has been building houses for approximately 12% more than market comparisons. The plan commits Kāinga Ora to delivering new builds at fully allocated costs that are in line with, or better than, market rates.
    “Ministers are clear that Kāinga Ora should be building or acquiring simple, functional warm and dry houses, as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
    Narrowed Scope
    “The previous government gave Kāinga Ora an enormous number of tasks – everything from managing infrastructure funds, to large-scale urban development and KiwiBuild underwrites. In line with the back to basics approach, Cabinet has agreed that residual KiwiBuild underwrite activity will be transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, administration of the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund will transfer to the new National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Agency and the Kāinga Ora Land Programme will be wound down. Legislation will also be progressed this year to amend the Kainga Ora Homes and Communities Act.”
    Financial Performance
    “The impact of the Kāinga Ora plan is a net reduction in deficits of around $190 million in this financial year, with a reduction in the deficit in 2027/28 of $354 million compared to the 2023 Pre-Election Update. Debt is forecast to be $1.8 billion lower in 2027/8 compared to the forecast included in the 2023 Pre-Election Update.
    “Today’s plan is a big step in the right direction for Kāinga Ora and I would like to thank Chair Simon Moutter and the rest of the Board for their hard work. The Government will be closely monitoring progress as the plan is implemented.
    Media contact: 
    Note to Editors:
    The high-level comparison of updated financial modelling.

    $millions
    2024/25
    2025/26
    2026/27
    2027/28

    Forecast Deficit pre tax

    2023 Pre Election Update
    (779)
    (925)
    (1,003)
    (864)

    Turnaround Plan*
    (588)
    (432)
    (479)
    (510)

    Reduction in Deficit
    191
    407
    524
    354

    $ millions
    2024/25
    2025/26
    2026/27
    2027/28

    Debt

    Pre Election Update
    18,669
    22,463
    22,573
    22,288

    Turnaround Plan
    18,407
    19,567
    20,415
    20,504

    Reduction in Debt forecast
    (262)
    (2,896)
    (2,158)
    (1,784)

     
    *The numbers in this row differ from the Kāinga Ora plan document. This is because the figures in the turnaround plan include tax, while the numbers in this table and the cabinet paper exclude tax in line with Treasury documents.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council Will Meet

    Source: US State of Oregon

    he State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the council’s website.

    • What: Meeting of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council
    • When: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, 11 a.m. to noon.
    • Where: Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting by ID | Microsoft Teams
      • Meeting ID: 248 640 172 639 Passcode: XM2p9p8D
    • Phone: +1 503-446-4951 Phone conference ID: 346 290 669#
    • Who: State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

    The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.

    The purpose of the council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness education, and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the state’s policies, goals, and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    Meetings of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council are open to the public.

    Public comment may be made during the meeting. Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Monday, Feb. 10 at noon. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office at 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online via the office form.

    Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.

    Links:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Firearm incident – Coconut Grove

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three offenders after a serious assault with a firearm occurred in Coconut Grove overnight.

    Around 7:05pm, police received reports that a 23-year-old man had been seriously injured by offenders who had arrived in a black Mazda 3 at a residence on Litchfield Court, Coconut Grove.

    On Police and St John Ambulance arrival it was confirmed that the man had been shot in the legs. The victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a stable condition while detectives identified the alleged offenders were known to the victim.  

    Shortly after the incident, police confirmed that the vehicle involved was not stolen and was allegedly being borrowed by someone who was not the registered owner.

    Multiple units, including detectives from the Crime Command, the Territory Response Group, Katherine general duties and the Northern Investigations Section deployed and began tracking the vehicle.

    Shortly before 4am, a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed outside Katherine and two men, aged 19 and 22, and a 22-year-old woman were arrested without incident.

    Multiple edged weapons were found within the vehicle but the firearm allegedly used has yet to be located.

    Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said, “Major Crime and Northern Investigations teams are continuing to investigate this targeted attack and we are urging anyone with information to come forward.

    “I would like to commend every officer involved in the safe apprehension of these alleged offenders.

    “Anyone with information, particularly on the whereabouts of the firearm, can make contact with police on 131 444 and quote reference P25034096.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Passage of Chinese fleet through Basilan Strait consistent with int’l law, practice: Spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The normal passage of the Chinese naval fleet through the Basilan Strait is fully in accordance with international law and practice, said Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command.
    The command deployed naval and air forces for training exercises to the high seas through the Basilan Strait on Monday, said Tian, adding that the operations were conducted in a safe, standardized, and professional manner.
    The Philippine side has falsely hyped and smeared the normal passage of the Chinese naval fleet, seriously undermining the legitimate navigation rights of China and other countries, Tian said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Festivity held at Beijing Ancient Observatory to mark Beginning of Spring

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

    Festivity held at Beijing Ancient Observatory to mark Beginning of Spring

    Updated: February 4, 2025 09:05 Xinhua
    A Chinese calligraphy enthusiast writes blessing words for visitors during a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. Featuring folk performances and display of time-honored brands and intangible cultural heritages, the festivity was held here to mark Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar. Lichun falls on Feb. 3 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors pose for photos during a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors have fun at a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A spring-greeting ritual is held during a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children distribute lucky bags during a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A lion dance is staged during a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Performers dance during a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors have fun at a cultural festival marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, at the Beijing Ancient Observatory in Dongcheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global celebrations of Chinese New Year

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

    Global celebrations of Chinese New Year

    Updated: February 4, 2025 09:28 Xinhua
    A woman presents Hanfu attire in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Feb. 2, 2025. A Hanfu-themed gathering in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, was held here on Sunday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests take part in a closing bell ceremony held by Nasdaq and the Chinese Consulate General in New York in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, in New York, the United States, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Students from the art troupe of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China perform during the Chinese New Year Showcase in Chicago, the United States, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tunisian Chinese learners practice Chinese calligraphy during a cultural event held at a bookstore in celebration of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, in Tunis, Tunisia, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A person in Monkey King costume plays Mahjong during a Chinese New Year celebration at Camden Market in London, Britain, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Performers pose for photos during a Chinese New Year celebration at Camden Market in London, Britain, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People watch a performance during a celebration of the Chinese New Year in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A decoration of a snake is seen on the show window of a bookstore in Turin, Italy, Jan. 31, 2025. Exhibition boards and posters about the Chinese New Year are displayed on the streets of Turin as part of the festival celebration. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Dragon dancers perform in a celebration of the Chinese New Year at Denpasar in Bali Province, Indonesia, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A woman interacts with a lion dancer during an event celebrating the Chinese New Year in Wellington, New Zealand, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Local residents learn to make decorative Chinese knots during an event celebrating the Chinese New Year at the Auckland Art Gallery in Auckland, New Zealand, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist poses for a photo with a mascot during a celebration of the Chinese New Year in Melbourne, Australia, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A lion dance is staged during a celebration of the Chinese New Year in Melbourne, Australia, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of a Yingge team perform the traditional Chaoyang Yingge dance during the Spring Festival temple fair in Frankfurt, Germany, on Jan. 31, 2025. The Yingge team from Shantou, south China’s Guangdong province, offered a rich cultural feast in Frankfurt to friends from all over the world through their Chaoyang Yingge dance, a unique art form combining drama, dance, and martial arts. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Various activities held in London to celebrate Chinese Year of Snake

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

    Various activities held in London to celebrate Chinese Year of Snake

    Updated: February 4, 2025 09:43 Xinhua
    Children gather to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. Various activities were held in London to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Snake on Sunday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Lion dancers perform at Trafalgar Square to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A boy holds a toy themed on the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Lion dancers perform at Trafalgar Square to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A girl participates in activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Lion dancers perform at Trafalgar Square to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A girl participates in activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People gather to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Lion dancers perform at Trafalgar Square to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London, Britain, on Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia won’t escape the fallout of the Trump trade chaos

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott French, Senior Lecturer in Economics, UNSW Sydney

    In a hectic 24 hours of trade diplomacy, US President Donald Trump has paused his threatened 25% tariffs on US imports from Canada and Mexico, while keeping 10% tariffs on imports from China.

    Australian companies with operations in Canada or Mexico such as Rio Tinto, whose Canadian operations export billions of dollars of aluminium to the US, have won a temporary reprieve. But the risk of weaker economic growth in China will weigh heavily on companies that export to our largest trading partner.

    And Trump has hinted all US imports of aluminium and copper, including from Australia, may be his next target.

    The Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Tuesday that although Australia is not immune when there are escalating trade tensions, “we are pretty well-placed to navigate them.”

    However, even if Australia manages to stay out of Trump’s sights, Australians cannot expect to come out of a trade war unscathed. Due to the complexity of global supply chains, it is difficult to predict exactly how Australia would be affected, but here are a few key factors that would likely come into play.

    Our largest trading partner

    About 40% of Australia’s exports go to China, making it the biggest destination by far, according to data for 2023 from UN Comtrade. Most of this is Australian iron ore and other minerals that are used in China’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

    If Trump’s tariffs further slow the
    already sluggish Chinese economy, this will reduce demand for the goods it buys from Australia.

    If China’s demand for iron ore falls significantly, this will not only hurt the Australian mining sector, but it could trigger a fall in the Australian dollar, making the things Australians buy from abroad more expensive.

    But the size of the impact of the latest tariffs on China remains to be seen. China has already absorbed the tariffs from the first Trump administration, and the latest increase is much smaller than the 60% tariff he previously proposed.

    Trade diversion

    The one positive effect for Australia of US tariffs on other countries is that, because they raise the price of other countries’ exports to the US, they may make some Australian exports more competitive. This is something economists call trade diversion. For example, the tariffs on Canadian aluminium would have shifted US demand toward aluminium produced in Australia.

    The tariffs on China will divert relatively little trade to Australia because there is not much overlap between the products China and Australia export to the US.

    But China’s retaliatory tariffs could make a significant impact. China responded to the US tariffs imposed during Trump’s first term with tariffs on American wheat and other agricultural products. A similar move this time could create an opening for Australian farmers to fill the gap.

    But it is not all good news. The US exports diverted away from the Chinese market will also compete with Australian products in other countries. So, while Australian wheat may become more competitive in China, US wheat may displace Australia’s in the Philippines.

    A weaker Aussie dollar?

    Tariffs also tend to cause the currency of the country imposing them to rise because they reduce demand for goods denominated in foreign currencies.

    The flip side is a weaker Australian dollar, which dropped to a five-year low after the tariffs were flagged. The currency has now fallen nearly 10% since November.

    Again, this raises the cost of imports to Australia, which could lift inflation.

    Network disruption

    If the tariffs on Canada and Mexico are confirmed in 30 days’ time, the greatest impact will be in the supply chain disruption they will cause.

    Analyses of the tariffs Trump imposed on China in 2018 found most of the cost was borne by US businesses that use imported inputs. But because North American production networks are so highly integrated, and have been for decades, the effect of tariffs on Canada and Mexico will be much more disruptive to all North American producers.

    As economic networks expert Ben Golub explains, the concern is not just that auto prices will rise, but that if key parts of the production network fail, such as if small but important intermediate suppliers go out of business, the effects of the tariffs could cascade into major disruptions.

    Eventually, businesses will develop alternative supply chains, but the short-run pain could be considerable.

    For Australians, this could mean higher prices and supply disruptions, not just for the products we buy from the US, but for anything that depends on a North American supplier at any stage in the production process.

    We are still feeling the effects of the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID, including the jump in inflation in 2021 and 2022 and the subsequent high interest rates and global backlash against incumbent political parties. That includes Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office.

    Similar disruptions may be in store if this skirmish becomes a major global trade war. Even if Trump’s promised tariffs never actually materialise, we may still see the same effects on a smaller scale because the trade policy uncertainty from just the threat of a trade war has similar effects on business activity as actual tariffs.

    Whatever transpires, even if Australia can escape direct involvement in a trade war, it cannot escape the shockwaves that reverberate through the global economy. The question is whether it will be a ripple or a tsunami.

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

    – ref. Australia won’t escape the fallout of the Trump trade chaos – https://theconversation.com/australia-wont-escape-the-fallout-of-the-trump-trade-chaos-248883

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Talks Tackling Opioid Epidemic, Threat of Potential Funding Cut at UW-Madison Opioid Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    MADISON, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) visited UW-Madison to discuss $2 million she secured for the Wisconsin Opioid Overdose Response Center to help combat the fentanyl crisis across Wisconsin. However, this funding could be in jeopardy as the Trump administration continues to push cuts to federal funding Wisconsinites rely on – including to combat the opioid epidemic.

    “I’ve heard from countless Wisconsinites who have lost friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones to this epidemic. Whether it’s stopping drugs from coming into the country or supporting Wisconsin universities’ groundbreaking research, I’m committed to fighting the opioid crisis on all fronts,” said Senator Baldwin. “The work being done here will save lives – and that’s why I’m sending a loud and clear message that the President cannot cut off funding for vital programs like these.”

    With the Baldwin-backed support, UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Opioid Overdose Response Center is set to launch this year to provide community pharmacies around Wisconsin resources including educational information on treating overdoses, life-saving naloxone, and fentanyl testing strips. The regional center, to be based at the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, will combat the opioid crisis with a special focus on fentanyl, which accounts for over 75% of annual opioid overdose deaths. During her visit, Senator Baldwin also toured labs where Wisconsin researchers are working on developing lifesaving treatments for opioid use disorders.

    Senator Baldwin is committed to delivering the resources Wisconsin needs to turn the tide on this epidemic and save lives. Among other actions, her FEND Off Fentanyl Act, signed in to law last year, will stem the flow of the drug from coming into the U.S. by cracking down on Chinese chemical suppliers and Mexican cartels. Senator Baldwin also wrote an annual funding bill that delivers $4.6 billion nationwide to support substance use prevention and treatment efforts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour’s Budget is a reflection of their failure to stand up for Wales

    Source: Party of Wales

    “Wales should not have to settle for less” – Heledd Fychan MS    

    Ahead of today’s (Tuesday 4th February 2025) vote on Draft Budget 2025-26, Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan MS has criticised Labour for failing to deliver on their promise of meaningful change for Wales.

    The Labour Welsh Government originally set out its Draft Budget in December 2024.

    Despite promising a ‘partnership in power’ between both Labour Governments in Westminster and Cardiff, Labour have failed to stand up for Wales to demand a needs based funding model, powers over the Crown Estate and the billions owed to Wales from HS2.

    Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Finance and Culture, Heledd Fychan MS said:

    “Labour’s Budget is not one that will address the crisis facing the education or culture sectors, it won’t fix the NHS, and neither will it mean that councils across Wales will be able to properly deliver key public services that our communities rely on.

    “While Labour said everything would be rosy once a UK Labour Government was elected, without securing the fair funding that Wales needs, this Draft Budget is yet another sticking plaster that doesn’t offer the meaningful change promised.

    “Wales should not have to settle for less. We deserve a fair funding formula to invest in public services. We have the right to full control over our natural resources. And we should absolutely be given the £4bn owed from HS2. Labour’s failure to stand up for Wales and demand all of these from their colleagues in Westminster is reflected in this budget. It’s clear that only Plaid Cymru stands up for our communities.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –