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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – Jones reveals Govt’s actual climate policy – expanding fossil fuel extraction

    Source: Greenpeace

    The Government’s true climate policy, which is to increase fossil fuel extraction, was revealed today in the release of the finalised mining policy, says Greenpeace.
    “Just a few hours after the Government released an updated Paris Climate Target, their actual climate policy was revealed by Shane Jones in the policy to increase fossil fuel extraction,” says Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman.
    “The Luxon Government wants to fast track coal mining and restart oil and gas exploration, which is a complete contradiction to the objectives of the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse emissions.”
    The Government’s announcement went one step further with a threat to introduce regulations that will force banks to finance fossil fuel expansion.
    “Shane Jones, acting as an agent of foreign mining companies, is attempting to force fossil fuel extraction on New Zealanders, most of whom want a responsible climate policy,” says Norman.
    “Overseas-based fossil fuel companies will walk away with profits while New Zealanders will be left to pay the clean-up costs.
    The offshore oil company Tamarind Oil left New Zealanders with a $400m clean-up bill when they went bankrupt.
    “The Government’s true climate policy must be judged by their actions not their words – and their actions are more fossil fuel extraction.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New campaign calls for an end to criminalising Aotearoa’s vulnerable children – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    Save the Children has today launched a new campaign calling on New Zealanders to oppose a new Government bill looking to introduce the use of physical force and re-introduce military style detention camps for the country’s most vulnerable children.
    The ‘Boot the Bill’ campaign and petition asks Kiwis to make a stand against the new Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill, currently before Select Committee, which, if passed, would reintroduce harmful military-style boot camps and permit the use of physical force against children.
    Save the Children’s Advocacy and Research Director Jacqui Southey says evidence shows that punitive approaches like these fail to address the root causes of youth offending, such as trauma, abuse and systemic inequality, and risk causing further harm to already vulnerable children.
    “This form of coercive youth justice intervention is an outdated methodology, has been tried before in New Zealand, with little to no effect in preventing youth offending and may even increase rates of reoffending,” she says.
    “The inclusion of allowing the use of “reasonable physical force”, which in real terms is the use of physical violence to subdue a child, poses a real risk to children and is absolutely unacceptable, breaching children’s rights to be protected from all forms of violence.
    “It’s time to stop criminalising our most vulnerable children and look towards policies that support positive change and ensure a brighter future for our youth.”
    In addition to the research, testimony provided by survivors of Abuse in State Care as part of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care and Faith Based Care clearly shows that children have been violently abused and traumatised in State-funded boot camp style institutions in New Zealand.
    Ms Southey says as recently as 2004, Te Whakapakari Youth Programme (Te Whakapakari) was a fully State-funded boot camp style programme where children were sent as social welfare care and protection or youth justice sentencing options. While it claimed to promote drug abuse rehabilitation, self-esteem and skills development, Māoritanga and confidence building, underpinned by military style discipline, instead children suffered cruel, violent and inhumane treatment including, extreme psychological, physical and sexual abuse.
    “A former Minister of Child, Youth and Family, Hon Ruth Dyson, was quoted as saying, ‘A lot of government money was put into that programme and in the end it resulted in the State funding violence and abuse towards children and young people’” she says. 
    “Most young offenders are victims themselves, having experienced high rates of criminal abuse, neglect, and violence, often from infancy. If New Zealand is to be truly effective in preventing youth crime, we need to be serious about preventing harm to children occurring in the first place. That means investing in programmes and policies to strengthen families, particularly those struggling, to ensure good outcomes for children in both the short and long term.”
    New Zealanders wanting to sign the petition can go to: Boot the Bill – Advocacy Save the Children New Zealand. 
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Waitangi Day – Government supports 26 Waitangi events across Aotearoa

    Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

    Government funding will go towards 26 community events to commemorate Waitangi Day in 2025, from Tāhuna (Queenstown) to Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) and Rēkohu/Wharekauri (Chatham Islands).
    The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund, administered by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, supports events that commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and increases awareness and knowledge of Te Tiriti through celebrations and local storytelling.
    “This Fund recognises that Waitangi Day is for all New Zealanders, wherever you celebrate it,” says Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Manatū Taonga Tumu Whakarae Secretary for Culture and Heritage.
    “With so many exciting events planned, we hope that all New Zealanders will be able to engage with this important kaupapa up and down the motu to learn about our country’s history.
    “$300,000 in grants will enable communities to celebrate this important national day and explore how Te Tiriti has shaped the nation we are today.
    “In Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay), Ngāti Kahungunu will be hosting an event for all members of the community. Whakawhanaungatanga activities will bring together the shared heritage of the region to commemorate Te Tiriti through kapa haka, English and Gaelic music, Pasifika dance and Asian songs.
    “Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, Waikato Museum will be hosting a ‘Weaving a Future Together’ community day with kōrero (talks) and workshops covering local stories, Te Tiriti, toi Māori, and raranga (weaving).
    “Masterton District Council is partnering with iwi, hapū, tangata whenua and high schoolers to enhance community understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ‘On the Couch’ discussions with Tangata Tiriti and a Year 13 Te Tiriti wananga are part of efforts to raise awareness and knowledge of Te Tiriti among the Whakaoriori and Wairarapa communities.
    “And over on the Chathams, kaumatua, kura, local council and community groups will bring people together with traditional sporting activities, karakia, waiata, kōrero and kai to acknowledge Te Tiriti.
    “With so many ways to celebrate in so many locations, we encourage all New Zealanders to take this opportunity to reflect on our nation’s founding document and how we can incorporate the principles of Te Tiriti into our lives on this public holiday and beyond.
    “Thank you to all the event organisers across Aotearoa that will bring their communities together to mark this special day,” says Laulu Mac.
    A full list of 2025 funded events is available on the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage website: (ref. https://www.mch.govt.nz/publications/waitangi-day-fund-2025-successful-applicants )

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mountain America Credit Union and BYU Athletics Team Up for $10,000 Donation to Local Charities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANDY, Utah, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain America Credit Union, in collaboration with BYU Athletics, recently presented donations totaling $10,000 to Utah Crisis Food Response (UCFR) and Special Olympics Provo United. The organizations were each presented with $5,000 checks during the January 14, 2025, Brigham Young University (BYU) men’s basketball game. These donations were part of the Cougs Care initiative, where Cougar Nation fans nominated and voted for their favorite charitable organizations online.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    “The Cougs Care initiative highlights the power of community and the positive impact that can be achieved when we come together to support worthy causes,” said Nathan Anderson, executive vice president and COO at Mountain America Credit Union. “Utah Crisis Food Response and Special Olympics Provo United both make a significant impact in addressing critical needs. It’s inspiring to see how our collective efforts can make a difference.”

    UCFR provides delivery of essential meals and resources for families facing food insecurity. Their dedication to alleviating hunger and supporting vulnerable populations makes them a deserving recipient of this donation.

    “We are amazed by Mountain America’s generosity and honored to be nominated by the community for this donation,” said Carie Fanning, executive director of Utah Crisis Food Response. “It is heartwarming to know the community recognizes the importance of our work. UCFR delivers thousands of meals every month, an impossible task without the help of donations like this one.”

    Special Olympics Provo United empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, promoting inclusion and community engagement. Their programs foster physical fitness, confidence, and lifelong friendships, making a profound difference in the lives of many.

    To learn more about Mountain America, visit macu.com.

    About Mountain America Credit Union
    With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com. Insured by NCUA.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CalAmp Launches Okta Single Sign-On Integration to Strengthen Security and Streamline User Access Across Applications 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CalAmp, a leading provider of telematics and connected intelligence solutions, is pleased to announce the integration of Okta Single Sign-On (SSO) across its iOn™ Fleet and Device Management applications. This feature provides customers with a secure, efficient way to manage user access through a single login, enhancing security and simplifying IT management for organizations using Okta as their Identity and Access Management provider. 

    Through Okta SSO, CalAmp delivers: 

    • Simplified, Secure Access: Users can log in once to access all CalAmp applications and their other company apps, reducing password fatigue while enhancing security with a single, trusted login. 
    • Enhanced Security with MFA: Multi-Factor Authentication via Okta adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. 
    • Centralized IT Management: IT teams can manage and revoke user access from a single platform, improving operational efficiency and control. 
    • Customizable Security Settings: Organizations can tailor security policies, enabling either strict or flexible SSO enforcement to meet their specific needs. 
    • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Manage user permissions across iOn™ and Device Management with inherited role-based access, ensuring appropriate access to tools and data. 

    “Our priority is always to deliver meaningful improvements that enhance both security and user experience,” said Paul Washicko, Senior Vice President of Product Management at CalAmp. “Partnering with Okta, the most recognized industry leader in identity management, enables us to provide our customers with stronger security and more efficient access management across CalAmp applications.” 

    Customers interested in enabling Okta SSO for their CalAmp applications can contact the CalAmp support team for setup assistance. 

    About CalAmp

    CalAmp provides flexible solutions to help organizations worldwide monitor, track, and protect their vital assets. Our unique device-enabled software and cloud platform enables commercial and government organizations worldwide to improve efficiency, safety, visibility, and compliance while accommodating the unique ways they do business. With over 10 million active edge devices and 220+ approved or pending patents, CalAmp is the telematics leader organizations turn to for innovation and dependability. For more information, visit calamp.com, or LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or CalAmp Blog.

    CalAmp, LoJack, TRACKER, Here Comes The Bus, Bus Guardian, CalAmp Vision, CrashBoxx and associated logos are among the trademarks of CalAmp and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Spireon acquired the LoJack® U.S. Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) business from CalAmp and holds an exclusive license to the LoJack mark in the United States and Canada. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    CalAmp Investor 
    Contact:    		 CalAmp Media Contact:
    Jikun Kim Mark Gaydos
    SVP & CFO Chief Marketing Officer
    ir@calamp.com Mgaydos@calamp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Make Public Whistleblower Records Revealing DOJ and FBI Plot to Pin Trump in Jack Smith Elector Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – Today, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are releasing legally protected whistleblower disclosures that prove the genesis of the federal election interference case brought against President Trump began at the hands of a prolific anti-Trump FBI agent who acted outside of established protocol for opening cases. 

    Internal FBI emails and predicating documents provided to Grassley and released jointly by the two senators show Timothy Thibault, a former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) who was fired from the Bureau after Grassley exposed his public anti-Trump bias, authored the initial language for what ultimately became Jack Smith’s federal case against Trump regarding the 2020 presidential election. Thibault took this action despite being unauthorized to open criminal investigations in his ASAC role. The FBI titled the ensuing investigation “Arctic Frost.” 

    Records further reveal Richard Pilger, an official in the Justice Department (DOJ)’s Public Integrity Section, reviewed and approved the FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation, authorizing DOJ to move forward with a full field criminal and Grand Jury investigation that ultimately transformed into the Trump elector case. Grassley published a 2021 report that raised concerns regarding Pilger’s troubling record at DOJ.

    Grassley in 2022 additionally questioned Thibault’s role at the FBI, writing, “I remain very concerned that political bias by a select group of Justice Department and FBI officials has infected the Justice Department’s and FBI’s usual process and procedure to open and pursue high-profile and politically charged investigations.” In November, Sens. Johnson and Grassley called on Jack Smith to preserve all records related to Trump-targeted investigations.

    The records released by Johnson and Grassley are linked below:

    Grassley provided an overview of the records in his opening statement during the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Kash Patel’s nomination to be FBI Director. Excerpts from Grassley’s opening statement follow:  

    “In my hand are a series of FBI emails.

    “The first is an email that Thibault sent to a subordinate agent on February 14, 2022.

    “He said, ‘Here is draft opening language we discussed.’  The draft opening was attached, and it included material that would later become part of Jack Smith’s elector case. 

    “The second email is a February 24, 2022, email from Thibault to John Crabb, a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, saying, ‘I had a discussion with the case team and we believe there to be predication to include former President of the United States Donald J. Trump as a predicated subject.’ This FBI case would later be codenamed Arctic Frost. 

    “The third email is a February 24, 2022, email from Thibault to John Crabb noting that Attorney General and FBI Director approval will be sought to open the case. 

    “The fourth email is a February 25, 2022, email from Thibault’s subordinate agents saying they added Trump, and others, as a criminal subject to the case. Thibault responded ‘Perfect.’ 

    “The fifth email is a March 22, 2022, email from Thibault emailing a version of an investigative opening for approval. This didn’t include President Trump as a criminal subject.   

    “The sixth email is an April 11, 2022, email from Thibault approving the opening of Arctic Frost.

    “The seventh email is an April 13, 2022, email from an FBI agent to Thibault stating that the FBI Deputy Director approved its opening. 

    “The eighth email on that same date had Thibault emailing John Crabb that the elector case was approved. Crabb responded, ‘Thanks a lot. Let’s talk next week.’ 

    “Between March 22 and April 13, other versions of the document opening the investigation existed, because a ninth email shows that the FBI General Counsel’s office made edits on March 25. 

    “Was Trump still removed as an investigative subject?  If so, which Justice Department and FBI officials – other than Jack Smith – later added him for prosecution? 

    “I expect the production of all records on this matter to better understand the full fact pattern and whether other records exist.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul, Sen. Jim Risch Introduce Bill to Expand Prohibitions on Use of Foreign Assistance Funding for Abortions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    January 30, 2025

     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Jim Risch (R-ID), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), introduced the American Values Act to permanently enact and expand existing prohibitions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to pay for the performance or promotion of abortion services overseas.

    “No American taxpayer should be forced to fund abortions overseas,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s bad enough that Washington spends recklessly at home, but using taxpayer dollars to promote abortion abroad is an insult to both life and fiscal responsibility. This legislation is a necessary step towards reigning wasteful spending and standing for the fundamental right to life.”

    “American foreign aid should always be used in a way that is in line with American values- and that means that no foreign assistance funds should ever be used to perform or promote abortion services,” said Senator Risch. “I’m proud to introduce the American Values Act with my colleagues to hold our government accountable to this standard and protect the sanctity of life across the globe.”  

    If enacted, this legislation would:

    • Clarify that existing prohibitions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to pay for the performance or promotion of abortions, forced sterilizations, or biomedical research relating to abortions or forced sterilizations shall apply to all assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act;
    • Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the use of foreign assistance funds to lobby for or against abortion;
    • Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the provision of foreign assistance funds to organizations that support or participate in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization; and
    • Permanently enact long-standing appropriations restrictions on the use of funds made available to the Peace Corps to pay for abortions.

    Full text of the American Values Act can be found HERE.

    A one-pager on the American Values Act can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions FBI Director Nominee, Kash Patel, About His Involvement With The “J6 Choir” And His Conspiracy Theory That The FBI Planned The January 6 Attack

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    January 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today again questioned Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), during his nomination hearing. Durbin first asked Mr. Patel about political violence and his promotion of the “J6 choir.”

    Mr. Patel co-produced, promoted, and sold a record recorded by the so-called “J6 prison choir” – a group of January 6 rioters who were incarcerated in the D.C. jail in February 2023. He has described the choir’s members as, “political prisoners.” Notably, he has declined to identify the members of the choir. According to one analysis of D.C. Corrections records, there were only 20 January 6 offenders in D.C. jail as of March 2023. Of these, 17 were accused of or already convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. A recent Special Counsel report identified six members of the choir, five of whom had already pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers before Patel promoted their recording. 

    “When it comes to violence and politics, I personally believe [violence] has no place in politics. Whether it’s violence against Donald Trump or violence against Nancy Pelosi’s husband in her home, period. Those people, [the] Proud Boys, whatever they call themselves, have no place in this country as far as I’m concerned if they espouse violence in any form, do you agree?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Patel replied, “yes.”

    “Why are we so concerned about this choir singing a song? The question is who are you going to care about, who are you going to help? Are you going to help the victims of January 6—the police and their families, or are you going to help the people arrested for assaulting [the Capitol Police officers]? I think the J6 choir looks like a tribute to them—characterizing them as ‘political prisoners’ and unlucky and just patriotic people who may have gotten out of hand. Do you see the difference?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Patel responded that “his track record” shows which side he falls on. Yet despite this statement, he co-produced, promoted, and sold this “J6 choir” record.

    Durbin then asked Mr. Patel about his conspiracy theory that the FBI planned the January 6 attack. The conspiracy theory that January 6 was a false flag operation conducted by the FBI has been repeatedly debunked, including, most recently, in a lengthy report from the Justice Department’s Inspector General.

    “Let me ask you about one of the major conspiracy theories that I’ve heard, and you’re associated with—that the FBI planned January 6. Why did you say that?” Durbin asked.

    Mr. Patel denied stating this conspiracy theory even though on one episode of his podcast he asked, “What was the FBI doing planning January 6th for a year?”

    “Did you really think the FBI was planning January 6 for a year?” Durbin asked again.

    Mr. Patel again repeatedly denied spewing this conspiracy theory despite evidence to the contrary.

    Video of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s second round of questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Drivers advised to plan for winter conditions, snow on South Coast

    Drivers in the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound and Vancouver Island areas are urged to avoid travel where possible as significant snow and sub-zero temperatures are forecast to hit the South Coast this weekend.

    A special weather statement has been issued for the South Coast by Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada. Snow accumulation is expected, initially in higher elevations of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, starting the evening of Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, and into Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. The cold-weather system will persist, with snow and freezing rain forecast at sea level across the South Coast over the weekend and early into next week. There is a potential for significant snowfall, upward of 5-20 cm, with a chance of high-intensity accumulation on roads at times. 

    Drivers are urged to use caution and only drive if their vehicles are winter-ready. Winter tires are required to travel through all high-elevation areas, such as the Sea to Sky and Malahat. People who choose to travel should prepare for delays and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with extra supplies, including food, water and blankets.

    Conditions are being closely monitored on all Lower Mainland highways. The Province’s road and bridge maintenance contractors are prepped, and anti-icing brine is being proactively applied. High-occupancy vehicle lanes on the Port Mann Bridge will be closed to support winter operations as crews use the cable collar systems to keep traffic safely moving. Lane closures at the Alex Fraser Bridge can also be expected to support winter operations as crews actively manage cable-collar systems. 

    On Vancouver Island, maintenance crews are proactively applying anti-icing brine and are closely monitoring conditions. The ministry will be working closely with its contractors to ensure plows and tow trucks are deployed quickly during snowy conditions.

    People who choose to travel are reminded to leave space for highway-maintenance crews and move over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching. Drivers whose vehicles are not winter-ready must consider alternative modes of travel as significant snowfall is expected.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions, travellers should continue to monitor the forecast and visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — Announcing 2025 Volcano Awareness Month Art & Poetry Contest Winners

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates.

    Winners of the Island of Hawaiʻi Volcano Awareness Month 2025 Art Contest. Upper left, Linda Hansen from Pāhoa, submitted a painting titled “Kīlauea welcomes Christmas 2024” that won in the adult division. In the lower left, Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School 11th grader Añaza Nielsen won the high school category with their colored pencil artwork titled “Volcanic Activity,” which depicts the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption as a thermal image. The upper right shows “Lava Flow,” a watercolor and ink piece by Andrea Yanga, an 8th grader also attending Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School who won in the middle school division. The lower right shows a lava pond created with construction paper by Milunaizarra Peltier, a 5th grader from Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, who won the elementary art division. USGS photo.

    Participants were invited to submit a poem in haiku format or art recognizing Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes in the following age divisions: elementary (kindergarten–5th grade), middle (6th–8th), high (9th–12th), and adult. Nearly 60 entries were received, most from kamaʻaina. 

    Beautiful depictions in words and art highlight the diverse range of geologic processes and hazards we experience as residents in Hawaii, including the most recent episodic eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit caldera of Kīlauea. Many entries also reference Pele, the Hawaiian elemental forces associated with volcanic activity, highlighting the cultural significance of Hawaii’s volcanic history. 

    In the elementary school category, Sunny Mallams, a 4th grader who lives in Honolulu, won with her haiku, “Mahalo Pele:”

              Lava shining bright

              Giving birth to Hawaii

              Mahalo Pele

    “Pele’s Domain,” a haiku by 6th grader Austin Kesterson, who lives on Oahu, won in the middle school category:

              Boom! Pele is here

              Her hair rises through the sky

              Fiery lava flows

    Ella Hillstead, a high schooler from San Francisco, California, won the high school haiku with “The Harmony of Hawaii:”

              Waves lap, sun sets on

              Board basalt plains of land forged

              By Pele’s fire

    Travis Paradea won the adult haiku category with the haiku below: 

              You take your shoes off

              When you enter someone’s home

              Even for Pele? 

    In the adult art category, Linda Hansen from Pāhoa, submitted a painting titled “Kīlauea welcomes Christmas 2024.” She wrote, “Kīlauea gave us a brilliant show on December 23, 2024, as the caldera began to glow. The glow illuminated the walls of the caldera as the plumes of gas rose into the predawn sky.”

    Students from Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School won in the high and middle school art categories. Añaza Nielsen, in 11th grade, won with their colored pencil artwork titled “Volcanic Activity,” which they wrote depicts the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption. “This artwork represents the thermal camera view of the flowing rivers of lava coming down Mauna Loa. This artwork was inspired by seeing the glow of the eruption from my home during the night. This is represented through the colors I chose for this artwork.” 

    Andrea Yanga, an 8th grader, painted the winning middle school art, “Lava Flow,” using watercolors and ink. She wrote that it shows “an ancient eruption of Mauna Loa where the lava flowed from the mountain to the sea. The glow rises from the vapors of the lava touching the waters of the ocean. The artwork represents the beauty and radiance of these rivers of lava that formed Hawaii island.”

    Milunaizarra Peltier, a 5th grader from Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, won the elementary art division with her construction paper artwork depicting a lava lake. She wrote, “I drew a lava pond because people don’t draw lava ponds as much.”

    The votes were very close in many categories, and we appreciate every wonderful entry. Winners and a selection of other contestants will be on display at a scientific conference in Hilo during the second week of February. The conference theme is caldera-forming eruptions at basaltic volcanoes, such as what occurred at Kīlauea in 2018. 

    Gro Pederson, a geologist and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Iceland (and former USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory volunteer) will be giving a special After Dark in the Park presentation at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park while here for the conference. Join Gro at 7 p.m. HST on February 6 at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, as she summarizes several eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Southwest Iceland since 2021. Volcanic activity in Iceland, monitored by the Iceland Metrological Office, has hazards similar to those in Hawaii: earthquakes, opening of new fissure systems, lava flows, tephra fall, volcanic gas emissions, and land subsidence. 

    HVO voters were impressed and delighted by every entry in the art & poetry contest; mahalo again to everyone who participated in Volcano Awareness Month on the Island of Hawaiʻi in January 2025!

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.

    The summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began in Halemaʻumaʻu crater on December 23 continued over the past week, with two eruptive episodes (6 and 7). Episode 6 was active from January 24 evening until the afternoon of January 25 and episode 7 was active from the evening of January 27 until the morning of January 28. Kīlauea summit has been inflating since episode 7 ended. Resumption of eruptive activity is possible within days if summit inflation continues at current rate. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. 

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    Three earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M2.3 earthquake 11 km (6 mi) ENE of Pāhala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on Jan. 28 at 10:13 a.m. HST, a M3.2 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) SW of Pāhala at 33 km (20 mi) depth on Jan. 28 at 8:11 a.m. HST, and a M2.6 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) W of Captain Cook at 6 km (4 mi) depth on Jan. 23 at 5:15 a.m. HST.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Apprehends 5 Austin Homicide Suspects Sought on Capital Murder

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Austin, TX – Members of the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LFTFT) continued their work of making Austin neighborhoods safer by apprehending five capital murder suspects in a 26-hour time span from Jan. 29-30.

    The Austin Police Department (APD) requested assistance from the LSFTF to locate and apprehend five suspects sought on capital murder charges from an incident that occurred Nov. 25, 2024, at an apartment complex located in the 400 block of East Wonsley Drive in Austin, where a victim was pronounced deceased on scene. 

    The APD Homicide Unit investigated the incident and identified six suspects who allegedly conspired and acted with one another to commit the murder.

    On Jan. 28, the Homicide Unit obtained warrants on all six suspects in the City of Austin Municipal Court and immediately requested apprehension assistance from the LSFTF – Austin Division to locate and apprehend five suspects who were believed to be in numerous locations within the city. 

    Members of the LSFTF continued investigative efforts with the Austin Police – Intel Unit that quickly led to the apprehension of five suspects, who were considered armed and dangerous. 

    Camron Josh-Anthony Perkins, 22, of Austin, was arrested on Jan. 29 in the 1500 block of E. Howard Lane in Austin. 

    Lorance Jones, 22, and Rhianna Doreen Farillas, 21, of Austin were arrested on Jan. 29 in the 1100 block of Pearl Retreat Lane in Austin. 

    Jon Charles Williard Jr., 20, of Austin was arrested on Jan. 29 in the 5900 block of E. Stassney Lane in Austin. 

    Judaren Makeel Forbes, 20, of Austin was arrested Jan. 30 at the Travis County Courthouse by the Travis County Sheriff’s Office screening deputies at the direction of the LSFTF, who learned Forbes had a scheduled court hearing on an unrelated matter. 

    All suspects have been transported and booked into the Travis County Jail where they await their judicial proceedings.

    Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin – 

    Austin Police Department-Tactical Intelligence Unit
    Georgetown, Round Rock, and San Marcos Police Departments
    Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Offices
    Texas Attorney General’s Office
    Texas Department of Criminal Justice OIG
    Texas Department of Public Safety
    U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
    U.S. DHS/Homeland Security Investigations

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Announces Fire Relief Donations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), (the “Bank”) one of the larger independent California banks, today reported that the Board of Directors had approved a significant donation to benefit fire relief efforts on the Los Angeles area.

    Li Yu, Chairman and CEO, commented, “The recent wildfires in Southern California have been devastating and one of the worst disasters in the history of Southern California. As a company headquartered in the heart of Los Angeles, the fires have been particularly impactful for many of our associates, clients and communities. To support recovery efforts, the Board and executive management have authorized a donation in the amount of $250,000 to be split among four organizations that provide resources and relief to those impacted.

    Those Organizations are:

    • Tzu-Chi – USA
    • Pasadena Community Foundation
    • Alliance for a Better Community
    • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

    “In addition, the Bank is also going to match any contribution any employee has already made, or will make, to the wildfire relief efforts on top of the $250,000 donation. The amount the Bank matches will be awarded to the organization the employee donated to. We are pleased to be able to make this contribution and look forward to helping the impacted communities of Southern California rebuild.”  

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through twelve full-service branch banking offices in California (Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2)), one branch in Flushing, New York and a branch office in the Houston, Texas suburb of Sugar Land. In addition, the Bank also operates a loan production office in Sunnyvale, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    AT THE COMPANY:   AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Edward J. Czajka   Jeffrey Haas
    Executive Vice President   General Information
    Chief Financial Officer   (310) 622-8240
    (213) 891-1188   PFBC@finprofiles.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. Engages Deal Box for Strategic Investment Packaging and Capital Markets Advisory

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a significant leap forward for clean energy innovation, Deal Box, the venture capital platform tailored to modern investors, is delighted to support Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. as they scale the global reach of their groundbreaking Oq Solar Cell. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in renewable energy, combining Adachi Electric Industries’ leading-edge solar technology with Deal Box’s expertise in investment packaging, capital markets advisory, and comprehensive business guidance.

    Transforming the Solar Energy Landscape

    Historically, solar power has been touted for its sustainability yet criticized for limitations in efficiency and durability. Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. is changing that narrative with its Oq Solar Cell—a multi-junction chemical compound panel boasting 32.49% energy efficiency, extended 50-year lifespan and the ability to capture a wide light spectrum (350nm – 2000 nm). Designed to operate in extreme temperatures from -45°C to 85°C, the Oq Solar Cell ensures robust performance across diverse applications, including drones, satellites, electric vehicles, and urban infrastructure.

    Legitimacy through Strategic Collaboration

    Central to the Oq Solar Cell’s global rollout is Adachi Electric Industries’ partnership with Deal Box, which will provide a comprehensive suite of advisory services. Deal Box’s proven track record in merging blockchain-enabled capital markets solutions with institutional-grade due diligence uniquely positions Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. to navigate the complexities of international market expansion.

    Features of the Oq Solar Cell

    1. Superior Efficiency: Achieves 32.49% energy efficiency, surpassing standard silicon-based panels.
    2. Extended Lifespan: Offers a 50-year operational life, significantly reducing replacement costs.
    3. Wide Light Spectrum: Captures wavelengths from 350nm–2000nm, maximizing power generation.
    4. Temperature Resilience: Maintains peak performance from -45°C to 85°C, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions.
    5. Versatile Applications: Powers everything from drones and satellites to EVs, IoT devices, and city infrastructure.

    Deal Box’s Strategic Role

    Deal Box is instrumental in aligning Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd.’s vision with investors seeking cutting-edge renewable solutions. Through its modular investment platform, Deal Box empowers accredited investors to participate in the clean energy revolution with confidence.

    • Investment Packaging: Creating compelling, compliant offerings that resonate with global investors.
    • Capital Markets Advisory: Guiding Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. through fundraising and expansion within both traditional and emerging markets.
    • Holistic Support: Providing strategic business guidance to streamline operations, market entry, and technology adoption.

    Implications for Investors

    By marrying disruptive solar technology with Deal Box’s robust investment infrastructure, this partnership sets a new benchmark for clean energy investments:

    • Accessibility: Investors can back a proven solar technology that addresses modern efficiency and reliability challenges.
    • Efficiency: A streamlined, digitized investment process allows for faster transactions and clearer ownership records.
    • Transparency: Regular updates and thorough due diligence ensure clarity throughout the investment lifecycle.

    Executive Insights

    “By merging industry-leading efficiency with unprecedented durability, the Oq Solar Cell is poised to reshape global energy markets,” said Ken Kaneko, CEO of Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. “Collaborating with Deal Box amplifies our ability to reach a worldwide audience and provide them with reliable, long-term solutions in renewable power.”

    Thomas Carter, CEO of Deal Box, commented, “Our role is to empower innovative technologies with the right financial and advisory framework. Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. aligns perfectly with our mission to make transformative, sustainable investments readily accessible to accredited investors everywhere.”

    About Deal Box

    Deal Box is venture capital that fits your life. By merging institutional-grade diligence with flexible investment options, Deal Box empowers accredited investors to craft portfolios that align with their financial ambitions. For more information, visit dealbox.vc

    About Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd.

    Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd. is a pioneer in multi-junction chemical compound solar technology. Their flagship product, the Oq Solar Cell, is engineered to deliver unmatched efficiency, durability, and adaptability across a variety of applications—from consumer electronics to aerospace. Guided by a mission to foster a sustainable future, Adachi Electric Industries continues to push the boundaries of renewable energy innovation.

    Contact Information

    Thomas Carter
          CEO, Deal Box, Inc.
      Email: thomas@dealbox.io

    Christopher Craney
          Marketing, Adachi Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
      Email: craney@adachi-electric-industries.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta’s commitment to border security: Minister Ellis

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Contract awarded for transformational Tonkin Highway project

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    A major job-creating road project in Perth’s south has reached a critical milestone with a contract now awarded.

    The $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade Project will see the transformation of the south-east of Perth, delivering a 14-kilometre extension of Tonkin Highway as well as major upgrades to Thomas Road.

    The extension of Tonkin Highway will include a four-lane dual carriageway from Thomas Road all the way to South Western Highway, including a number of grade-separated interchanges, underpasses and roundabouts.

    The project will also cater for the recreational needs of the area with several equine underpasses, and a new principal shared path along the entire 14-kilometre extension.

    It will also benefit local communities in Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott and Gosnells which currently contend with large volumes of heavy vehicles on local roads, travelling to and from the South West and Wheatbelt regions.

    Upgrades to Thomas Road will include duplication of 4.5-kilometres between Kargotich Road and South Western Highway, new principal shared path and upgrades to a number of local intersections including Kardan Boulevard, Masters Road and Plaistowe Boulevard.

    Construction of the project is scheduled to commence in mid-2025 with completion anticipated by late-2028 and is set to support around 4,400 direct and indirect jobs, marking a significant boost for the local economy.

    The contract to deliver the project has been awarded to the Tonkin Extension Alliance consortium which includes BMD, Civcon Civil and Project Management, Georgiou Group, BG&E, and GHD, bringing together a wealth of expertise and experience to deliver one of Western Australia’s most significant road infrastructure projects.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “The Australian Government is proud to partner with the Western Australian Government to deliver this transformative project, which will significantly enhance Perth’s south-east by reducing traffic pressure and improving connectivity.

    “This project will deliver significant benefits to Western Australia’s freight and logistics network, by creating a high-standard north-south transport link, improving road safety, freight efficiency, and connectivity for residents, businesses, and commuters.

    “The project is part of a broader investment to the Tonkin Highway that will deliver a high-standard north-south transport link, including key upgrades such as the Tonkin Highway Gap.”

    Quotes attributable to WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti:

    “Our Government understands the critical importance of transport infrastructure projects – they create thousands of jobs, deliver significant economic benefits to local businesses and communities, and ensure our transport network can meet the needs of our growing population.

    “The extension of Tonkin Highway will be a game-changer for the movement of freight to and from the South West and Wheatbelt, and provide a safer road network for people living in suburbs like Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott and Gosnells who currently contend with large volumes of heavy vehicles on local roads.

    “This extension complements METRONET’s Byford Rail Extension and other safety improvements in the area, ensuring better access to our transport network for communities in the south.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh:

    “This $1 billion project is a great example of the Albanese Government working in partnership with the Cook WA Labor Government to make the journeys of people in our south-eastern corridor faster and safer.

    “We have seen incredible growth through the suburb of Byford and that means every day you’re getting more and more interaction between local traffic and trucks.

    “Extending Tonkin Highway will get trucks off South Western Highway, which will support this rapidly growing area, giving this community the roads they deserve.

    “This will make a huge difference to everyday life – whether it’s dropping the kids at school or going up to the city, this is game changing project for the south-eastern suburbs.”

    Quotes attributable to State Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones:

    “The Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade project will ease traffic pressure on local roads, making them safer and reducing travel times for our community.

    “This project will better connect our fast-growing suburbs to jobs and education opportunities while improving safety for local families.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese tourists rediscover ancient cultural marvels during Spring Festival

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

    BEIJING, Jan. 30 — The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is typically a time for family reunions and visits with friends. However, this year Ren Jun and his family decided to celebrate it in a different way.

    They set off on an adventure across northwest China, exploring ancient Buddhist caves in the mountains, discovering the secrets of temples, and even stepping into a 2,000-year-old underground tomb in the heart of the Gobi Desert.

    “We’re from the south, and our daughter’s really into the culture of the northwestern region, so we thought it’d be a great idea to come check it out during this long break,” Ren said.

    In recent years, driven by a growing interest in traditional Chinese culture and greater consumption power, an increasing number of people have been choosing to spend the Spring Festival holiday exploring the country’s splendid cultural wonders.

    The Spring Festival, the most important festival in China, fell on Jan. 29 this year, with an eight-day public holiday break running from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4. During the 40-day travel rush surrounding the holiday, China is once again experiencing the world’s largest annual migration, with tourism accounting for a significant share of this travel surge.

    Since Jan. 1, flight bookings to destinations known for their cultural heritage, such as the cities of Datong, Yangzhou, Quanzhou and Jingdezhen, have doubled compared to last year, according to data from Meituan Travel.

    By the second day of the holiday, tickets for major attractions like the Palace Museum in Beijing were already sold out for the entire holiday, while the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province had only a few remaining tickets for the last three days of this holiday.

    Fueled by rising demand for more immersive travel experiences, travel agencies are offering group tours led by scholars who provide expert guidance during the journey.

    Ren’s tour group was led by Xing Yaolong, a scholar with the Chinese Association of Dunhuang and Turfan Studies. With years of expertise as an expert guide, Xing has observed a “larger appetite” for cultural experiences among tourists.

    Using Dunhuang’s Mogao Grottoes, a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist relics and art, as an example, Xing noted that more and more people are willing to dip into their pockets for visits to the exclusive, higher-priced caves with restricted access.

    Riding this wave, niche travel agencies have been popping up. Having had trouble finding a satisfactory guided tour to culture-rich Shanxi Province in north China, Ding Manwen, a former documentary filmmaker, founded “The Seekers” in 2023 — a travel agency dedicated to cultural heritage tours.

    Today, the agency offers not only in-depth tours to Shanxi but also a dozen other trips to destinations such as south China’s Guangdong, east China’s Fujian and southwest China’s Yunnan, with all available during this Spring Festival holiday.

    “As the people enjoy greater material wealth, their hunger for spiritual enrichment has only grown. Moreover, the elderly, especially retirees, are now playing a key role in driving cultural and tourism consumption,” said Wang Lei, a professor at the school of government management, Beijing Normal University.

    Instead of flocking to popular landmarks, many travelers have opted to visit charming, lesser-known ancient towns and villages that are buzzing with vibrant folk traditions during the Spring Festival.

    A few days prior to the festival, a young man nicknamed “Daodao” shared his unique experience in Zhanqi Village in east China’s Anhui Province on popular Chinese social network and lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, also known as rednote.

    “As dusk falls, the village comes alive, with the sky glowing under a sea of colorful fish-shaped lanterns, swaying gently as they’re carried by the crowd. The air hums with the infectious energy of village galas, cheers echoing through the crowd, as locals and tourists alike get swept up in the lively dance, moving to the rhythm of folk music,” he shared in a short video, adding that he had returned to the village the following day to learn more about the fish-shaped lanterns.

    To promote the fish-shaped lantern culture, an 800-year-old intangible cultural heritage item, local authorities have established workshops dedicated to this craft, while sharing schedules and locations of lantern performances on social media for the convenience of tourists.

    From temple fairs to carnivals — a wide range of events celebrating intangible cultural heritage can be found all over China these days.

    For those unable to make it in person, there is the option of soaking up the festive vibes online. This year’s Spring Festival Gala, broadcast by China Media Group on Chinese New Year’s Eve, featured significant intangible cultural heritage content and garnered 16.8 billion views across all media platforms.

    “Gorgeous! I want to travel to Wuxi and Chongqing after watching this,” commented a user on the microblogging site, Weibo, in response to the gala.

    “Only by understanding our roots can we know where we are headed,” said another user.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Score! Colorado Becomes Home to the Newest National Women’s Soccer League Team

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today Governor Polis, the National Women’s Soccer League, Mayor Johnston, and team representatives formally celebrated Colorado securing the bid to be the home to the newest National Women’s Soccer League Team. 

    “We are thrilled to welcome a new professional women’s soccer team to Colorado. Colorado is already a home to great sports teams and with this new addition, we will continue to inspire our fans. Just as we support all of our professional teams, I know that Colorado will show up for the league’s newest NWLS women’s soccer team. I can’t wait to catch my first game,” said Governor Polis. 

    Denver will be home to the National Women’s Soccer League’s 16th team, set to begin playing in 2026. Beating out Cleveland and Cincinnati, Colorado will join the NWSL along with a 2025 team expansion in Massachusetts and 2024 expansion teams in Utah and California. 

    “Despite producing some of the world’s greatest players and being home to the best sports fans in the country, Denver has been deprived of its own professional women’s team,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “That changes today. We’re proud to announce that professional women’s soccer is coming to Denver and that generations of Denverites will soon be able to cheer on the nation’s top talent in their own backyard. Having worked side-by-side with investors to make this happen, I know the group behind this bid is as committed to putting together a world-class experience as they are to winning, and I look forward to seeing you on opening weekend 2026. Game on.” 

    Through a collaborative community effort Denver NWSL will become the first women’s professional sports team to call Denver home. Team name, crest, and colors will be announced at a later date. 

    “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, we knew it was critical to launch our 16th team in a city with a passionate sports culture and vibrant fan base and Denver is the perfect match,” said Jessica Berman, Commissioner of the NWSL. “The club’s plans for a purpose-built stadium and state-of-the-art training facility demonstrate a commitment to providing world-class environments for our players and fans alike. With this ownership group’s vision and dedication, we are confident that Denver NWSL will set new standards for excellence on and off the pitch, inspiring the next generation of players and supporters across the Rocky Mountain region.” 

    “Denver is one of the best sports cities in the United States and we are thrilled to bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado,” said Rob Cohen, Club Owner and Governor. “We believe that bringing NWSL to Denver will be impactful and transformative. Our goal is to work closely with Denver’s diverse communities to build a club that will operate with integrity and excellence from day one. We look forward to collaborating with our community to make Denver NWSL an inclusive and special club that all of Colorado can rally behind.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Two Years for Possessing Firearm While a Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.

    Cylis Chipps, 21, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Chipps was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024.

    On September 15, 2024, Chipps was discovered by law enforcement to be in possession of a pistol along with items that tested positive for methamphetamine. Chipps had previously been convicted of the felony crimes of possession of a controlled substance and stealing a firearm. It is unlawful for a person who has been convicted of a felony to thereafter possess a firearm.

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.

    Chipps was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Michigan Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Clark Lake, Michigan, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.

    Jamie Lee, age 40, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

    Lee was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2024. She pleaded guilty on November 13, 2024.

    Beginning around March 2023, Lee began obtaining fentanyl along with her boyfriend, Jacob Denker. They picked up fentanyl in Colorado and then brought it to South Dakota. In Rapid City, Lee and her boyfriend had sub-distributors who further distributed fentanyl throughout the Rapid City area and the Pine Ridge Reservation. This activity continued through September 2023. Overall, Lee and co-conspirators were responsible for bringing over 400 grams of fentanyl to the area. Jacob Denker was previously sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Co-defendant Eugene Giago is scheduled for trial on March 11, 2025.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

    Lee was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairfield Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Steven Daniel Miller, 48, of Fairfield, was sentenced today to four years in prison for one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. Miller was also ordered to pay $36,205.81 in restitution.

    According to court documents, in October 2018, Miller used another person’s social security number to complete a credit application with a bank in order to purchase a 2018 Dodge Challenger Hellcat at a car dealership in Yuba City. Based on the false information on the credit application, the bank approved the loan and paid approximately $75,754 to the car dealership. Miller left the dealership with the vehicle, and it was subsequently seized by law enforcement.

    Miller pleaded guilty in May 2024. Miller failed to appear for his sentencing scheduled for October 2024. He was arrested in November 2024 and has been in custody since.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Rocklin Police Department, the Gilroy Police Department, and the Fairfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise N. Yasinow prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama woman pleads guilty to conspiring to create and distribute sadistic animal torture videos

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NORFOLK, Va. – An Alabama woman pled guilty today to conspiracy to create and distribute animal crushing videos.

    According to court documents, Stacey Storey, 49, and her co-conspirators administered and were members of private online chat groups on an encrypted messaging platform to fund, view, distribute, and promote videos depicting the torture, murder, and sexually sadistic mutilation of juvenile and adult monkeys.

    Storey and her co-conspirators collectively funded the creation of the videos by co-conspirators outside of the United States who tortured, performed sexually sadistic mutilation of, and murdered the animals. The foreign co-conspirators recorded the brutal acts and transmitted the videos to Storey and co-conspirators in the United States, who would then distribute them to the broader online chat group members, including Storey.

    Between at least Aug. 22, 2021, and July 7, 2022, Storey received hundreds of electronic payments from co-conspirators to fund, among other things, the creation of new animal crush videos by videographers outside the United States. Storey and others had direct communications with a co-conspirator in Indonesia who hired the videographers. Storey and others routinely directed and paid for the creation of the videos, including directing the videographers on how to torture the animals. Storey sent numerous payments for the videos.    

    On or about June 21, 2022, Storey distributed a video to the online chat groups depicting the torture of a juvenile monkey using a jar of ants and sodomy with an object, causing the monkey’s death. Storey stated, “Enjoy this one ladies and gents,” and suggested, “If you guys would like to send in a small donation for this guy a little bonus for a job well done that we’ve always wanted to see would be absolutely amazing.”

    In June 2023, law enforcement seized Storey’s electronic devices. Storey’s electronic media and accounts contained over 675 videos and 11,000 images depicting animal crushing.

    Co-conspirator Michael Macartney, 51, of Chesapeake, pled guilty on April 30, 2024. Macartney was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2024, to three years and six months in prison. Co-conspirator Jeffrey Radtke, 61, of Bloomington, Minnesota, pled guilty on Sept. 24, 2024. Radtke is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13 and faces up to five years in prison. Co-conspirator Drexel Venero, 30, of Rockville, Maryland, pled guilty on December 12, 2024. Venero is schedule to be sentenced on April 22, 2025.

    Storey is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10 and faces up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kai Wah Chan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes accepted the plea.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-103.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemala Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 10 Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Guatemala man who resided in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.

    Jorge Manuel Rodriguez-Marroquin, age 48, was sentenced to the mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and is required to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Rodriguez-Marroquin must register as a sex offender upon release from federal prison.

    Rodriguez-Marroquin was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 12, 2024.

    The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 9, 2024, when Rodriguez-Marroquin used Facebook to start a conversation with who he believed was a 15-year-old girl. He steered the conversation to sexual matters and enticed her to meet up with him for sexual activity. Unbeknownst to Rodriguez-Marroquin, the 15-year-old was an undercover law enforcement agent. Rodriguez-Marroquin was arrested when he showed up at the meet location.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.

    Rodriguez-Marroquin was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025.

    Johnny Allen Neighbors, age 25, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

    Neighbors was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 4, 2024.

    The conviction stemmed from an incident on January 21, 2023, when Neighbors intentionally distributed a pill containing fentanyl to an adult woman who ingested it and died. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance.

    “This is yet another example of the lethal nature of fentanyl,” said Alison J. Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “In an environment where just two milligrams of fentanyl can lead to death, it is imperative that we educate our loved ones on the dangers of fentanyl so that we can avoid the tragic loss of life.”

    This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

    Neighbors was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Man Charged With Transportation And Possession Of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Wilmington, North Carolina man was charged with transporting and possessing videos and images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Barry Grant Bevier, 61, of Wilmington, North Carolina, is charged by complaint with one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court and was detained.

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

    On November 26, 2024, Bevier returned from an international trip aboard a flight that landed at Newark Liberty International Airport.  After Bevier arrived in Newark, law enforcement officers searched Bevier’s cellular phone and found approximately forty-five photographs and approximately twenty-one videos depicting child sexual abuse material.  The officers found multiple photographs and videos of child sexual abuse material that Bevier took himself, along with a “selfie” image of himself and one of the victims.

    The charge of transportation of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”)—Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey for its assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor A. Chenoweth of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

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

                                                                 ###

    Defense counsel: Paul A. Di Lella, Esq., Parsippany

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces new Appropriations subcommittee assignments for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced his roles on the funding panel’s subcommittees in the 119th Congress. 
    “It’s an honor and a privilege to represent Louisianians on the Senate Appropriations Committee. I will continue to advocate for the needs of our state through my work on subcommittees that cover disasters, energy, defense, flood mitigation projects, health care, education, transportation, commerce and science and other key issues,” said Kennedy.
    Kennedy’s Appropriations Committee roles now include: 
    Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Defense,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies
    and Member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. 
    Read more information on these subcommittees here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy leads resolution to reverse Biden DHS rule automatically extending immigrant work permits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedures for the Biden administration’s rule that automatically extended the renewal period for an immigrant employment authorization document (EAD) to almost a year-and-a-half before officials could review those permits. 
    On Jan. 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized a rule that permanently increased the period for renewing automatic employment authorizations from 180 days to 540 days.
    “The Biden administration’s dangerous rule automatically extended work permits for immigrants to 540 days. Giving immigrants more time to avoid reporting to U.S. officials hampers the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce our immigration laws and keep Americans safe,” said Kennedy.
    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joined the resolution.
    “The Biden-Harris administration worked for four years straight to dismantle our nation’s immigration system and open our southern border, allowing millions of illegal aliens to come across our border unvetted and unchecked. Then, in a last-minute move, former President Biden passed a ridiculous rule that allows illegal aliens to keep jobs in the United States for over a year without authorization. That’s insane, and it undermines President Trump’s mandate and efforts to secure the border and put Americans’ interests first. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to reverse this dangerous rule,” said Scott. 
    The Biden administration’s rule applies broadly to immigrants, refugees, green card holders, aliens with temporary protected status, aliens who file for deportation suspensions, spouses of H-1B visa holders and more.  
    If Congress fails to reverse the Biden administration’s rule, the Trump administration may face more difficulty detecting those who live and work illegally in the U.S.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Announces Approval of Proposed Changes to Reduce ESG Limitations for Two ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Limited (the “Manager”), the manager of Middlefield Sustainable Global Dividend ETF (TSX:MDIV) and Middlefield Sustainable Infrastructure Dividend ETF (TSX:MINF) (collectively, the “Funds”), is pleased to announce that at the Special Meetings held on January 30, 2025, unitholders voted unanimously in favour of the proposed changes to the Funds. These changes include revising the names, investment objectives, and strategies of the Funds to de-emphasize the environmental, sustainability, and governance (“ESG”) factors associated with the Funds. While the Funds will continue to consider ESG criteria when selecting issuers for their portfolios, they will no longer prioritize these factors over others such as valuation, growth projections, and the quality and track record of the management team. The Manager believes these changes will broaden the investment universe of the Funds, potentially leading to better returns for investors. The Funds will file a Prospectus by April 10, 2025, at which point each of the Funds will revise their name as shown below. There will be no change to the ticker symbols of the Funds.

    Ticker
    Symbol    		 Current Name Revised Name
    MDIV Middlefield Sustainable Global Dividend ETF Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF
    MINF Middlefield Sustainable Infrastructure Dividend ETF Middlefield Global Infrastructure Dividend ETF
         

    The Manager notes that similar efforts to de-emphasize ESG factors have been undertaken by many asset management companies, including BlackRock, State Street, JPMorgan, and Pimco. Recent research from Morningstar has shown that more funds are removing rather than adding ESG mandates from their investment practices. On March 7, 2024, the Canadian Securities Administrators introduced three categories of ESG-Related Funds: ESG Objective Funds, ESG Strategy Funds, and ESG Limited Consideration Funds. Each category has distinct expectations regarding the emphasis on ESG factors in investment decisions. The Manager believes that the proposed changes will result in the Funds moving from the ESG Objective Funds category to the ESG Limited Consideration category.

    About Middlefield
    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Split-Share Funds, Closed-End Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends” (or negative or grammatical variations thereof), or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Statements which may constitute forward-looking statements relate to: the proposed timing of the name, objectives and strategies changes and completion thereof; the potential benefits of such changes; and the holding of the unitholder meeting. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements including as a result of changes in the general economic and political environment, changes in applicable legislation, and the performance of each fund. Additional risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the ETFs’ prospectus and other documents filed by the ETFs with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the ETFs’ current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the ETFs’ estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Cameroon on the Second Review of Resilience and Sustainability Facility and Seventh Reviews of Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    January 30, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The IMF and the Cameroonian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the seventh reviews of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), as well as the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
    • Economic recovery has continued, but growth remains subdued. Economic growth was
    • 3.2 percent in 2023 and expected to pick up to 3.9 percent in 2024. Twelve-month average inflation was 4.6 percent in November 2024, down from 7.5 percent last year.
    • Program performance was broadly satisfactory. Some reforms have been delayed, and the authorities have worked to complete work on measures related to governance in the extractive industry sector, the business climate, SOE reform, and public financial management.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Cemile Sancak, Mission Chief for Cameroon, visited Yaoundé from  October 3-16 and held subsequent meetings to discuss progress on reforms and the authorities’ policy priorities in the context of the seventh reviews of their four-year economic program supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements, and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The ECF/EFF arrangements were approved by the IMF Executive Board for a total amount of SDR 483 million (US$ 689.5 million) in July 2021 (see press release 21/237). An extension of these arrangements of 12 months was approved in December 2023 to allow more time to implement the policies and reforms, and access was augmented by SDR 110.4 million (US$ 147.6 million) (see press release 23/469). The 18-month RSF was approved by the Executive Board in January 2024 in the amount of SDR 138 million (US$ 183.4 million) (see press release 24/30).

    At the conclusion of the discussions, Ms. Sancak issued the following statement:

    “The IMF and the Cameroonian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the seventh reviews of the ECF/EFF arrangements, as well as the second review of the RSF arrangement. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. Completion of the reviews would enable disbursement under the ECF-EFF arrangements of SDR 55.2 million (US$ 73.0 million) and disbursement under the RSF arrangement of SDR 34.5 million (US$ 45.6 million).

    “Cameroon’s recovery is continuing, but growth is subdued. In 2023, the economy grew 3.2 percent and is expected to pick up to 3.9 percent for 2024. Inflation has subsided further; twelve-month average inflation was 4.6 percent in November 2024, down from 7.5 percent last year.

    “The fiscal outlook for 2024 is positive. The target for the non-oil primary deficit remains
    2 percent of GDP, an improvement on 2.5 percent of GDP last year (and 3.9 percent of GDP in 2022). During the first half of 2024, non-oil revenues improved by 5 percent, helped by a solid performance of corporate and indirect taxes. Lower-than-expected expenditure was due to delays in investment projects, a recurrent challenge that weighs on growth prospects.   

    “Prospects are broadly positive provided continued reform implementation and benign external conditions. The growth forecast is unchanged at about 4 percent in 2024, gradually rising to about 4.5 percent over the medium term. Inflation is expected to decline to 4.4 percent by the end of 2024 and gradually reach the CEMAC convergence criterion of 3 percent by 2026.

    “The 2025 budget was adopted by Parliament in December and is consistent with the objectives set out under Cameroon’s IMF-supported program and anchoring fiscal policy over the Presidential elections later in 2025. A key goal remains generating space for productive and social investment and advancing anticorruption reforms.

    “There have been delays in the implementation of the structural reform agenda. To attain the ambitious objectives of the national development strategy (SND30), the authorities are encouraged to complete important measures set out in the program concerning governance in the extractive industry sector, the business climate, SOE reform, and public financial management. Specifically, the mission urged the authorities to advance long-pending work on the SONARA restructuring plan and revise the 2013 law to streamline investment incentives.  

    “Under the RSF, Cameroon has intensified efforts to improve the climate policy framework. Work is progressing on the reform measure to establish guidelines for evaluating investment projects with climate change considerations in mind, to improve disaster preparedness by revising the Civil Protection law and by updating the mandate of the National Risk Observatory. The IMF and other development partners are providing technical assistance for a national climate plan, a national strategy for disaster risk financing, and strengthening governance and sustainability of the forestry sector.

    “The IMF team met with the Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, the Minister of State, Secretary General of the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, Mr. Alamine Ousmane Mey, and other senior officials. The mission also met with representatives of development partners, the diplomatic community, the private sector, and civil society. The team wishes to thank the Cameroonian authorities for their excellent cooperation and for the frank and constructive dialogue.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Introduces Bill to Protect Taxpayer Dollars from Funding Terrorism Through UN Mismanagement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the Stop Funding Global Terrorists Act, legislation that ensures U.S. taxpayer dollars are not flowing to the Taliban—or to any other terrorist organization—through United Nations (UN) funding to Afghanistan.

    Specifically, the bill prohibits U.S. contributions to the UN for assistance to Afghanistan until the State Department provides certification to Congress that: (1) no U.S. funds are included in UN cash shipments into Afghanistan; and (2) no Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization or Foreign Terrorist Organization will receive any funds via such contributions.

    “The American people do not support their taxpayer dollars funding terrorism,” Senator Capito said. “I’m proud to lead my colleagues in introducing the Stop Funding Global Terrorists Act, which will ensure that U.S. funds are not included in UN cash shipments to Afghanistan or being diverted to benefit the Taliban—a repressive regime that has stripped virtually every right from women and girls in Afghanistan. If the UN can’t properly account for U.S. funding provided to Afghanistan, they should not be trusted with it.”

    OTHER CAPITO EFFORTS:

    • Following the UN’s announcement in November 2024 that it aimed to unlock Afghanistan’s climate funding for development projects despite Taliban repression, Senator Capito expressed her disgust in a statement on social media, which can be viewed here.
    • During a September 2024 Senate Leadership Press Conference, Senator Capito discussed the Taliban’s oppression of women and girls following President Biden’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. Click here to watch those remarks.

    BACKGROUND:

    A May 2024 report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), John F. Spoko, revealed that at least $10.9 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars has been diverted to the Taliban. Notably, SIGAR reports the $10.9 million is “likely only a fraction of the total amount of U.S. assistance funds provided to the Taliban in taxes, fees, duties, and utilities because UN agencies receiving U.S. funds did not collect data or provide relevant information about their subawardees’ payments.”

    According to SIGAR, from October 2021 through September 2023 the UN received a total of $1.6 billion in U.S. funding for Afghanistan programming, approximately 63% of all U.S. aid to Afghanistan during the same period. March 2024 testimony by the SIGAR to the House Foreign Affairs Committee confirms in detail the various tactics used by the Taliban to divert aid dollars for their own benefit.

    Cosponsors of the legislation include: U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Joyce, & Bonamici Lead Bicameral Legislation to Improve Harmful Algal Bloom Response

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    01.30.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Representatives Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) reintroduced the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act (HABHRCA) of 2025, legislation to reauthorize the original HABHRCA of 1998 for coordinated, effective federal-state responses to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and strengthens the program to ensure that communities have access to HAB observation data, training in HAB monitoring, prevention, and mitigation, and access to testing for HAB toxins.

    HABs occur in all 50 states, in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. This legislation responds to the increasing severity of harmful algal blooms, with the 2022 algal bloom in Alaska’s Bering Strait region being one of the largest and most toxic blooms ever observed nationwide. HABs directly threaten food security and subsistence and can reduce oxygen levels in the water in events called hypoxia, killing fish and other marine life and harming coastal ecosystems and economies.

    “Unchecked harmful algal blooms can threaten our marine life and coastal ecosystems, the livelihoods of our commercial fisheries and coastal communities, and the health and well-being of Alaskans,” Senator Sullivan said. “Alaska is our country’s leading seafood producer and home to more coastline than the contiguous Lower 48 states combined, making our response to HABs critically important. This legislation develops and coordinates effective responses to harmful algal blooms and will improve the monitoring of the health of our oceans for the sake of coastal communities, especially those that rely on subsistence. I want to thank Representatives Joyce and Bonamici, as well as our crucial Alaska stakeholders, for working with me to support the health of our marine ecosystems in Alaska and nationwide.”

    “The shallowest of all the Great Lakes, Lake Erie, is particularly vulnerable to harmful algal blooms, which have plagued the lake for decades. Any threat to Lake Erie is also a threat to the drinking water supply for 11 million people, our tourism industry, and all the plants and animals that are part of the lake’s ecosystem,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill to ensure Lake Erie, and every state in America, is protected from these dangerous threats to our bodies of water.”

    “The scale and frequency of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events continue to increase with climate change, damaging beloved places, harming fisheries central to coastal economies, affecting tourism, and threatening public and ecosystem health,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “This legislation will empower coastal and freshwater communities to better monitor these disastrous events and leverage research to mitigate and prevent their worst effects.”

    Below are comments from marine stakeholders nationally and in Alaska:

    “HABs are a novel danger to food security and food safety for people that rely on the comprehensive use of Arctic marine ecosystems for their nutritional, cultural, and economic well-being. HABs create serious conservation concerns for Arctic marine wildlife that rely on a healthy food web.  The revised HABARCA includes Arctic marine ecosystems and the people that rely on them – we hope it is reauthorized ASAP!”  – Gay Sheffield, Marine Advisory Program Agent, Alaska Sea Grant

    “Alaskan coastal communities are facing a threat to their economy as well as their food safety and security because of HABs. HABHRCA has been crucial in helping to understand and mitigate that risk, and it is imperative that this support continue.” – Sheyna Wisdom, Executive Director, & Dr. Thomas Farrugia, Program Manager, Alaska Ocean Observing System

    “Harmful algal blooms involve the base of the food chain and thus are a significant concern for traditional and commercial harvesters in the Alaskan Arctic region. HABHRCA has already made a significant difference in our understanding of this growing threat, but more research and outreach are needed through reauthorization of HABHRCA to further develop management of food security and safety harvested from the marine ecosystem.” – Emma Pate, Nome Eskimo Community Executive Director

    “The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a national and international leader in harmful algal bloom (HAB) research, strongly supports the reauthorization of HABHRCA. The increasing frequency and intensity of HAB events along every coast, including the Great Lakes and Arctic, is having significant economic, environmental, and human health impacts nationwide. The diversity and complexity of these events requires continuing support for improved understanding of ocean and coastal process contributing to HAB blooms and the development of effective monitoring and mitigation technologies.” – Peter de Menocal, President and Director, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

    A copy of the bill can be found here.

    Background:

    The original Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) was passed in 1998 and established an interagency task force to assess the distribution of harmful algal blooms and their impacts on coastal waters and human health. HABHRCA has since been reauthorized three times, through FY 2023, and is currently due for reauthorization. This bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee last year.

    MIL OSI USA News –