NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Security: Exotic Bird Smuggler Busted at the Border

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Juandaniel Medina, the third individual in the past several weeks to have been charged with illegal trafficking of protected exotic birds through Ports of Entry in the Southern District of California, appeared in court today. Federal agents detained Medina at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after discovering seven live Amazon parrots in a cardboard box on the passenger floorboard. According to a federal complaint, Medina was the driver and registered owner of a vehicle in which U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials found the birds; he admitted paying $700 cash for the parrots with the intention of breeding and or reselling them in the United States in the future.

     

     

     

    Cardboard box on the passenger floorboard; one of the captive birds peering out from inside the box

    USFWS has identified six of the birds as Red-Lored Amazon Parrots. Fortunately, all seven of the parrots are alive and thriving at a quarantine facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

         

    The seven Amazon parrots seized from GARCIA’s truck

     

    The arrest follows the recent prosecution of another individual caught smuggling Amazon parrots through the same port of entry, highlighting a troubling pattern of illegal wildlife trade through Southern California.

    “The illicit parrot trade reflects a broader crisis in wildlife protection—where profit outweighs preservation.” aid U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Bird smuggling is not a victimless crime. These animals suffer, and the consequences to public health and the environment can be catastrophic. I thank U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their extraordinary coordination and vigilance in protecting both public safety and animal welfare.

    According to U.S.  Fish and Wildlife Services, Amazon parrots are native to Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America.  There are approximately thirty species of Amazon parrots, and all Amazon parrot species are listed on either Appendix I or Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (“CITES”).

    Illegally imported birds bypass health screening and quarantine, which are required to protect the nation from infectious diseases. Avian influenza (bird flu), for instance, can spread through feathers, droppings, or even airborne particles and has previously caused massive culls of farm birds in the U.S. Bird flu is highly contagious and can cause flu like symptoms, respiratory illness, pneumonia and death in humans and other birds including birds in United States poultry farms.  Many other diseases that can be transmitted from different animals and can have disastrous effects, that is why it is necessary to quarantine animals entering the United States to limit and safeguard against this potential disease transmission.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evangeline Dech.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 25-mj-3169                            

    Juandaniel Medina                                          Age: 24                                   Lindsay, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Importation Contrary to Law – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545

    Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

    Homeland Security Investigations

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ASX is shrinking – a plan to get more companies to float does not go far enough

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Humphery-Jenner, Associate Professor of Finance, UNSW Sydney

    Whenever a high-profile company lists on the Australian stock market it attracts much excitement. Employees and founders enjoy some financial gains and investors get a chance to invest in a potentially exciting stock.

    For these reasons, fast-food chain Guzman Y Gomez was one of the biggest financial events of 2024. It undertook an initial public offering which meant for the first time, its
    shares were available to the public and started being traded on the stock exchange.

    However, such public offerings have become rare with many companies remaining private instead of listing on the market.

    Indeed, the number of businesses in Australia listed on the stock exchange is declining. This has been described as the worst public offering drought “since the global financial crisis”.

    The number of initial public offerings since 2000

    In response, on Monday, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) announced measures to encourage more listings by streamlining the initial public offering process.

    How do companies list on the stock exchange?

    Firms undertake an initial public offering by filing documents with ASIC. These includes a “prospectus”, which details the information investors might need to evaluate whether to buy shares.

    ASIC reviews the documentation and then decides if changes are necessary or whether to let the business list.

    Typically, this requires the business to use an investment bank to manage the process and a law firm to prepare the documentation. The business will also engage an underwriter to evaluate the offering and ensure it raises enough capital. All these services cost money.

    When they are trading, the business must comply with additional regulations imposed by ASIC and the Australian Securities Exchange. These include meeting corporate governance, continuous disclosure and other operating requirements.

    Why should a business lists its shares?

    There are many potential gains for a business and the public to list on the stock exchange.

    Companies can encourage employees by paying them with shares in the business. This gives workers buy-in to the company they help to build. This is much easier when it is listed because employees can identify the value of that incentive and sell shares when they choose.

    Being listed can also help raise capital. Having shares listed helps the business raise money to expand. In a direct sense, initial public offerings do this by enabling the firm to sell shares directly to the public rather than being restricted to the subset of investors who can invest in unlisted stocks.

    In an indirect sense, being publicly listed forces businesses to comply with even more stringent disclosure rules. This can give lenders and investors more confidence in the firm.

    Further, because the shares are now readily traded in the market, they can now be more easily used to acquire, or merge with, another company.

    What does ASIC intend to do?

    The commission believes one of the biggest barriers to listing on the market is the initial documentation and administrative requirements. They believe if they can slash red tape there will be more listings.

    The goal is to help them get their documents in order from the beginning, to reduce the potential number of changes that may be needed. ASIC believes it will make the process cheaper and quicker, and enable firms to better time the initial public offerings for periods of strong demand.

    The fast track process would only be open to businesses with a market capitalisation of at least A$100 million and firms that had no ASX escrow requirement.

    An escrow is a financial and legal agreement designed to protect buyers and sellers in a transaction. An independent third party holds payment for a fee, until everyone fulfils their transaction responsibilities.

    What else could ASIC do?

    ASIC’s plan to reduce red tape will help but there are other barriers to businesses listing on the sharemarket. These include:

    • share structures and control: founders are often psychologically invested in their companies and prefer to retain control over the business they built after listing.

    This is part of the reason “dual-class” share structures exist in the United States. These give some shareholders supernormal voting rights, enabling them to retain control. Singapore and Hong Kong also offer dual class structures.

    Australia doesn’t have a dual-class system, but enabling such structures could make the market more attractive

    • disclosure and expense: the initial public offering process is expensive. ASIC’s plan does partly address this, but only for larger businesses, which ironically have greater financial resources to pay the service providers.

    • governance requirements: the ASX imposes corporate governance requirements on businesses that publicly list on the market. These requirements take a one-size-fits-all to factors such as who should be on the board of directors. These requirements appear to cost extra with an unclear financial gain. And the ASX’s rules appear not to be evidence-backed.

    • escrows: ASIC’s fast track process is only available if the firm does not have to satisfy an escrow requirement. An escrow requirement typically applies when an early investor, or a founder, is involved. This is to stop such people from opportunistically selling shares at an inflated process, which then nosedives. It is not clear why ASIC excluded such businesses from fast track review. Smaller companies are some of the most likely to be subject to escrow. So they are the most likely to benefit from reducing the cost-barriers to listing.

    ASIC has tried to reduce red tape for larger businesses, but the changes don’t go far enough and more work is necessary to address the underlying factors that cause firms to stay private for longer.

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

    – ref. The ASX is shrinking – a plan to get more companies to float does not go far enough – https://theconversation.com/the-asx-is-shrinking-a-plan-to-get-more-companies-to-float-does-not-go-far-enough-258557

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Those ‘what I eat in a day’ TikTok videos aren’t helpful. They might even be harmful

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Houlihan, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast

    Iren_Geo/Shutterstock

    You may have come across those “what I eat in a day” videos on social media, where people – usually conventionally attractive influencers wearing activewear – list everything they consumed that day.

    They might seem like harmless fun but in fact they can reinforce dangerous ideas about food, weight and body image.

    I’ve worked with people with eating disorders who watch these videos and have seen first hand how harmful this content can be.

    Here’s what the research says and what you need to know.

    Videos that promote ‘health’ can be unhealthy

    “What I eat in a day” videos have been popular for over a decade, with views reaching in the billions.

    They target both men and women and many claim to promote health and nutrition. Yet videos such as these can do more harm than good.

    Very few of these creators have formal qualifications in health or nutrition, increasing the potential for misinformation.

    They often depict low calorie diets, exclude entire food groups or promote “clean eating” (a problematic idea at best).

    Some even encourage dangerous behaviours such as skipping meals, eating very little or using laxatives to purge food.

    They can also send harmful messages about body image. Many such videos use beauty filters to create images promoting unrealistic body ideals.

    These videos often feature shots of how the person looks from the front, the side, in the gym, and in tight, form-fitting clothes. There may even be some “before and after” weight loss pics, sending the harmful message this should be everyone’s goal.

    The subtext is clear: “eat what I eat in a day and you can look like me”.

    But that’s not just a dangerous idea – it’s a totally false and erroneous one.

    Knowing what a certain person “eats in a day” doesn’t mean you’ll look like them if you follow their lead.

    In fact, a 24-hour rundown of one person’s food intake doesn’t even provide accurate information about that person’s nutritional health – let alone yours.

    These videos can target both men and women.
    Veja/Shutterstock

    You are not them

    Like our health, our nutritional needs are unique to us and can vary day to day.

    What constitutes a “healthy” choice for one person might be totally different for another depending on things such as:

    Links between health and diet are best examined over time, not in a single day.

    Basing our food intake on a brief snapshot of what someone else eats is unlikely to lead to better health. It might leave you worse off overall.

    5 ways these videos can affect mental health

    What we watch online can affect our mood, behaviour and body image.

    Alarm bells should ring if you frequently see these videos and notice you’re doing or experiencing these five things:

    1. disordered eating. Eating less than your body needs, skipping meals, cutting out entire food groups, binge eating and purging are all signs of disordered eating that can lead to serious mental health problems such as eating disorders

    2. low mood. Watching videos promoting low-calorie diets can worsen our mood; you might find yourself feeling deflated after comparing yourself to others (or rather, to the version of themselves they promote online)

    3. poor body image. Research shows watching “what I eat in a day” videos can leave people feeling worse about their bodies and appreciating them less

    4. obsessive thinking and anxiety. Obsessing over the “perfect” diet can increase anxiety about food and eating. Diets that encourage a very detailed approach to nutrition – including breaking meals down into components such as carbohydrates and proteins or weighing food – can further fuel obsessive thoughts

    5. narrow life focus. Having your social media feed filled with these types of videos can create an overemphasis on the importance of food, eating and body image on your self-worth. This ultimately affects your health and wellbeing.

    What we watch online can affect our mood, behaviour, and body image.
    GaudiLab/Shutterstock

    OK, so what can I do?

    If you’re encountering “what I eat in a day” videos often and find they’re affecting your mood, eating behaviour or sense of self-worth you can try to:

    • understand that these videos are not tailored to your individual health or nutritional needs and that many contain harmful messaging
    • avoid engaging with videos that promote disordered eating, idealised beauty standards or that make you feel bad after you watch them
    • unfollow accounts that regularly post such videos, or tap “not interested” on the TikTok video to stop the algorithm showing you more of them
    • balance your social media feed with content focused on other areas of life besides food and eating (such as art, design, animals, books, sports or travel). Fill your feed with interests that improve your personal sense of wellbeing
    • consider taking regular breaks from social media and seeing if you feel better overall.

    If you do want to view posts about food, seek out creators attempting to buck these negative trends by focusing more on fun and taste.

    And if you’re experiencing low mood, disordered eating or body image issues, seek help from your local GP. They can connect you with practitioners who provide evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy.

    If you have a history of an eating disorder or suspect you may have one, you can contact the Butterfly Foundation’s national helpline on 1800 334 673 (or via their online chat).

    Ultimately, “what I eat in a day” videos aren’t really helpful. They contain very little useful information to guide your health or nutritional goals.

    If you are considering making changes to your diet, it’s important to consult a qualified professional, such as an accredited practising dietitian, who can learn about your situation and monitor any risks.

    Catherine Houlihan consults with an eating disorders service owned and operated by the Butterfly Foundation.

    – ref. Those ‘what I eat in a day’ TikTok videos aren’t helpful. They might even be harmful – https://theconversation.com/those-what-i-eat-in-a-day-tiktok-videos-arent-helpful-they-might-even-be-harmful-257127

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why does the US still have a Level 1 travel advisory warning despite the chaos?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate in Public Health & Community Medicine, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney

    No travel can be considered completely safe. There are inherent risks from transportation, criminal activity, communicable diseases, injury and natural disasters.

    Still, global travel is booming — for those who can afford it.

    To reduce the chances of things going wrong, governments issue official travel advisories: public warnings meant to help people make informed travel decisions.

    Sometimes these advisories seem puzzling – why, for example, does the US still have the “safest” rating despite the ongoing volatility in Los Angeles?

    How do governments assess where is safe for Australians to travel?

    A brief history of travel advisories

    The United States pioneered travel advisories in 1978, with other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland following.

    Australia started providing travel advisories in 1996 and now runs its system under the Smart Traveller platform.

    To determine the risk level, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) draws on diplomatic reporting, assessments from Australian missions overseas about local security conditions, threat assessments from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and advice from Five Eyes intelligence sharing partners (Australia, the US, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada).

    The goal is to create “smart, responsible informed travellers”, not to restrict tourism or damage foreign relationships.

    DFAT has stressed its system is not influenced by “commercial or political considerations”.

    Soft power and safety

    In theory, these advisories are meant to inform travellers, keep them safe and reduce the burden on consular services.

    However, they can also subtly reflect politics and alliances.

    While travel advisories are presented as neutral, fact-based risk assessments, they may not always be free from political bias.

    Research shows governments sometimes soften their warnings for countries they are close with and overstate risks in others.

    A detailed analysis of US State Department travel warnings from 2009 to 2016 found only a weak correlation between the number of American deaths in a country and the warnings issued.

    In some cases, destinations with no record of US fatalities received frequent warnings, while places with high death tolls had none.

    In early 2024, Australia issued a string of warnings about rising safety concerns in the US and extremely strict entry conditions even with an appropriate visa.

    Yet, the US kept its Level 1 rating – “exercise normal safety precautions” – the same advice given for places such as Japan or Denmark.

    Meanwhile, Australia’s warning for France was Level 2 — “exercise a high degree of caution” — due to the potential threat of terrorism.

    Experts have also criticised Australia’s travel warnings for being harsher toward developing countries.

    The UK, a country with lower crime rates than the US, also sits at Level 2 — putting it in the same risk level as Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua and South Africa.



    Read more:
    In Trump’s America, the shooting of a journalist is not a one-off. Press freedom itself is under attack

    Inconsistencies and grey areas

    The problem is, the advisory levels themselves are vague: a Level 2 warning can apply to countries with very different risk profiles.

    It’s used for places dealing with terrorism threats like France, or vastly different law and respect for human rights such as Saudi Arabia, or countries recovering from political unrest such as Sri Lanka.

    Until early June 2025, Sweden was also rated Level 2 due to localised gang violence, despite relatively low risks for tourists. Its rating has since been revised down to Level 1.

    Travel advisories often apply a blanket rating to an entire country, even when risks vary widely within its borders.

    For instance, Australia’s Level 1 rating for the US doesn’t distinguish between different regional threats.

    In June 2025, 15 people were injured in Boulder, Colorado after a man attacked a peaceful protest with Molotov cocktails.

    Earlier in 2025, a major measles outbreak in West Texas resulted in more than 700 cases reported in a single county.

    Despite this, Australia continues to classify the entire country as a low-risk destination.

    This can make it harder for travellers to make informed, location-specific decisions.

    Recent travel trends

    Recent data indicate a significant downturn in international travel to the US: in March 2025, overseas visits to the US fell by 11.6% compared to the previous year, with notable declines from Germany (28%), Spain (25%) and the UK (18%).

    Australian visitors to the US decreased by 7.8% compared to the same month in 2024, marking the steepest monthly drop since the COVID pandemic.

    This trend suggests travellers are reassessing risk on their own even when official advisories don’t reflect those concerns.

    The US case shows how politics can affect travel warnings: the country regularly experiences mass casualty incidents, violent protests and recently has been detaining and deporting people from many countries at the border including Australians, Germans and French nationals.

    Yet it remains at Level 1.

    What’s really going on has more to do with political alliances than safety: increasing the US travel risk level could create diplomatic friction.

    What travellers can do now

    If you’re a solo female traveller, identify as LGBTQIA+, are an academic, come from a visible minority or have spoken out online against the country you’re visiting, your experience might be very different from what the advice suggests.

    So, here are some tips to stay safe while travelling:

    • Check multiple sources: don’t rely solely on travel advisories – compare travel advice from other countries

    • Get on-the-ground updates: check local news for coverage of events. If possible, talk to people who’ve recently visited for their experiences

    • For broader safety trends, tools like the Global Peace Index offer data on crime, political stability and healthcare quality. If you’re concerned about how locals or police treat certain groups, consult Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, or country-specific reports from Freedom House

    • Consider identity-specific resources: there are travel guides and safety indexes for LGBTQIA+ travellers like Equaldex, women travellers (Solo Female Travelers Network) and others. These may highlight risks general advisories miss.

    Travel advisories often reflect whom your country trusts, not where you’re actually safe. If you’re relying on them, make sure you understand what they leave out.

    Samuel Cornell receives funding from an Australian Government Research Training Program
    Scholarship.

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

    – ref. Why does the US still have a Level 1 travel advisory warning despite the chaos? – https://theconversation.com/why-does-the-us-still-have-a-level-1-travel-advisory-warning-despite-the-chaos-258182

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The AI hype is just like the blockchain frenzy – here’s what happens when the hype dies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gediminas Lipnickas, Lecturer in Marketing, University of South Australia

    Izf/Shutterstock

    In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken centre stage across various industries. From AI-generated art to chatbots in customer service, every sector is seemingly poised for disruption.

    It’s not just in your news feed every day – venture capital is pouring in, while CEOs are eager to declare their companies “AI-first”. But for those who remember the lofty promises of other technologies that have since faded from memory, there’s an uncanny sense of déjà vu.

    In 2017, it was blockchain that promised to transform every industry. Companies added “blockchain” to their name and watched stock prices skyrocket, regardless of whether the technology was actually used, or how.

    Now, a similar trend is emerging with AI. What’s unfolding is not just a wave of innovation, but a textbook example of a tech hype cycle. We’ve been here many times before.

    Understanding the hype cycle

    The tech hype cycle, first defined by the research firm Gartner, describes how emerging technologies rise on a wave of inflated promises and expectations, crash into disillusionment and, eventually, find a more realistic and useful application.


    The Conversation, CC BY-ND

    Recognising the signs of this cycle is crucial. It helps in distinguishing between genuine technological shifts and passing fads driven by speculative investment and good marketing.

    It can also mean the difference between making a good business decision and a very costly mistake. Meta, for example, invested more than US$40 billion into the metaverse idea while seemingly chasing their own manufactured tech hype, only to abandon it later.



    Read more:
    Why the metaverse isn’t ready to be the future of work just yet

    When buzz outpaces reality

    In 2017, blockchain was everyone’s focus. Presented as a revolutionary technology, blockchain offered a decentralised way to record and verify transactions, unlike traditional systems that rely on central authorities or databases.

    US soft drinks company Long Island Iced Tea Corporation became Long Blockchain Corporation and saw its stock rise 400% overnight, despite having no blockchain product. Kodak launched a vague cryptocurrency called KodakCoin, sending its stock price soaring.

    These developments were less about innovation and more about speculation, chasing short-term gains driven by hype. Most blockchain projects never delivered real value. Companies rushed in, driven by fear of missing out and the promise of technological transformation.

    But the tech wasn’t ready, and the solutions it supposedly offered were often misaligned with real industry problems. Companies tried everything, from tracking pet food ingredients on blockchain, to launching loyalty programs with crypto tokens, often without clear benefits or better alternatives.

    In the end, about 90% of enterprise blockchain solutions failed by mid-2019.

    The generative AI déjà vu

    Fast-forward to 2023, and the same pattern started playing out with AI. Digital media company BuzzFeed saw its stock jump more than 100% after announcing it would use AI to generate quizzes and content. Financial services company Klarna replaced 700 workers with an AI chatbot, claiming it could handle millions of customer queries.

    The results were mostly negative. Klarna soon saw a decline in customer satisfaction and had to walk back its strategy, rehiring humans for customer support this year. BuzzFeed’s AI content push failed to save its struggling business, and its news division later shut down. Tech media company CNET published AI-generated articles riddled with errors, damaging its credibility.

    These are not isolated incidents. They’re signals that AI, like blockchain, was being over hyped.

    Why do companies chase tech hype?

    There are three main forces at play: inflated expectations, short-term view and flawed implementation. Tech companies, under pressure from investors and media narratives, overpromise what AI can do.

    Leaders pitch vague and utopian concepts of “transformation” without the infrastructure or planning to back them up. And many rush to implement, riding the hype wave.

    They are often hindered by a short-term view of what alignment with the new tech hype can do for their company, ignoring the potential downsides. They roll out untested systems, underestimate complexity or even the necessity, and hope that novelty alone will drive the return on investment.

    The result is often disappointment – not because the technology lacks potential, but because it’s applied too broadly, too soon, and with too little planning and oversight.

    Where to from here?

    Like blockchain, AI is a legitimate technological innovation with real, transformative potential.

    Often, these technologies simply need time to find the right application. While the initial blockchain hype has faded, the technology has found a practical niche in areas like “asset tokenization” within financial markets. This allows assets like real estate or company shares to be represented by digital tokens on the blockchain, enabling easier, faster and cheaper trading.

    The same pattern can be expected with generative AI. The current AI hype cycle appears to be tapering off, and the consequences of rushed or poorly thought-out implementations will likely become more visible in the coming years.

    However, this decline in hype doesn’t signal the end of generative AI’s relevance. Rather, it marks the beginning of a more grounded phase where the technology can find the most suitable applications.

    One of the clearest takeaways so far is that AI should be used to enhance human productivity, not replace it. From people pushing back against the use of AI to replace them, to AI making frequent and costly mistakes, human oversight paired with AI-enhanced productivity is increasingly seen as the most likely path forward.

    Recognising the patterns of tech hype is essential for making smarter decisions. Instead of rushing to adopt every new innovation based on inflated promises, a measured, problem-driven approach leads to more meaningful outcomes.

    Long-term success comes from thoughtful experimentation, implementation, and clear purpose, not from chasing trends or short-term gains. Hype should never dictate strategy; real value lies in solving real problems.

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

    – ref. The AI hype is just like the blockchain frenzy – here’s what happens when the hype dies – https://theconversation.com/the-ai-hype-is-just-like-the-blockchain-frenzy-heres-what-happens-when-the-hype-dies-258071

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Security Defence – AST Networks Showcases Innovative Defence Communication Solutions at Exclusive British Embassy Event in the Netherlands

    Source: ATS Networks

    AST Networks, a global provider of satellite communication and marine electronics, recently participated in a prestigious Defence Industry Exhibition and Reception held in the Netherlands, hosted by Her Excellency Joanna Roper CMG, British Ambassador to the Netherlands, and Commander James Wallington-Smith, commanding officer of HMS Sutherland. This high-profile event brought together leading British defence companies to engage with key European stakeholders in the defence maritime sectors.

    Held aboard HMS Sutherland, a Royal Navy Type 23 frigate, the event served as an important diplomatic and commercial platform for strengthening international collaboration, innovation exchange, and sovereign defence capabilities. For AST Networks, the exhibition provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with military and governmental representatives from the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

    Showcasing Satellite Communications and Marine Electronics Excellence

    AST Networks presented a suite of cutting-edge technologies, designed to enhance mission-critical communication in the most demanding environments. Some of the featured solutions included:

    • SAL SPU-200: A compact and rugged anti jamming and spoofing comms unit designed for maritime operations.
    • ICOM IC-SAT100 PTT Radios: Reliable, one-to-many satellite Push to Talk radios enabling real-time voice communication across vast distances.
    • Encrypted Thuraya XT-PRO Radios: Secure and versatile satellite handsets designed for global deployment.
    • Iridium 9575 PTT Radios: Combining satellite voice with Push to Talk capabilities on the robust and reliable Iridium network.

    Whilst all the products generated strong interest, the SAL SPU-200 was especially well received, an apt highlight given the navel setting and the growing demand for agile, deployable safety systems in maritime operations.

    Strengthening International Partnerships and Defence Readiness

    The event enabled businesses to connect with a broad range of stakeholders, including defence attachés, navel commanders, Ministry of Defence officials, and government technology advisors. These interactions have already led to ongoing conversations and invitations for AST Networks to deliver further product demonstrations and in-country engagements.

    Empowering Defence Through Global Communication and Support

    AST Networks specialises in delivering resilient, flexible, and scalable satellite communications and marine electronics systems tailored to meet the critical needs of defence, maritime, and emergency services sectors. Whether operating in remote locations, at sea, or across contested communication environments. AST’s solutions ensure users remain connected, informed, and mission ready. With decades of experience and a proven track record across global defence projects, AST Networks offers:

    • Fully managed communication systems for land and sea operations.
    • Custom-built integration of satellite and hybrid communication systems with existing infrastructure.
    • Remote monitoring, diagnostics, and control through their advanced INTEGRA platform.
    • Compliance with the highest security and encryption services, supporting government and defence requirements.
    • 24/7 Technical support across the globe.

    AST Networks distinguish themselves through their proven and unmatched commitment to customer support. With 24/7 – 365 days a year – technical support, real-time troubleshooting, and rapid response, AST Networks ensure operational continuity – no matter the hour, the mission, or the location.

    “Our participation in this event demonstrates not only the strength of British innovation in the defence sector, but also our unwavering dedication to supporting the evolving requirements of allied forces,” said Vic Litaunieks, Government Liaison Officer with AST Networks. “We’re proud to deliver solutions that help our partners stay connected, secure, and safe, whether at sea, in the field, or at base.”

    Looking Ahead

    As AST continues to expand their global footprint, events such as this reinforce the importance of international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and trusted partnerships in an increasingly complex defence environment. The team looks forward to building on the relationships established during the event and continuing to support the Netherlands and wider European defence community in advancing secure communications and mission resilience.

    About AST Networks

     AST Networks is a global leader in satellite communications, safety services, and intelligent maritime electronics solutions. From commercial shipping and offshore energy to defence and polar research, AST Networks delivers cutting-edge systems that keep vessels connected, secure, and compliant — wherever they are in the world.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TONIGHT: Governor Newsom to deliver major address

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 10, 2025

    LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom will address Californians tonight in response to President Trump’s assault on democracy and the President’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles.

    WHEN: Tuesday, June 10 at approximately 6:30 p.m. PT, 9:30 p.m. ET

    STREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    NOTE: This address will be streamed only.

    Media advisories, Recent news

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza – Nasser hospital at risk: MSF partially relocates activities

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

    Flash quote from Pascale Coissard, MSF emergency coordinator

    “Israeli forces’ displacement orders and bombings in the close vicinity of Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, have forced MSF to adjust its operations in the hospital and move part of its burn and orthopaedic activities to our field hospital in Deir Al Balah. This minimises the risk to some patients and staff, whose safety is our top priority. Despite the insecurity and movement restrictions, our commitment to Nasser hospital continues through our physical presence and our work in the maternity and paediatric wards, technical expertise, specialist visits, and financial support. 

    “This facility has the last functioning intensive care units for children and newborns in the south, which cannot be moved. Nasser hospital is the only remaining hope for Palestinians in southern Gaza, especially women and children in need of urgent medical care who are living under constant bombardment and displacement with no access to even basic supplies and services. It is crucial that this medical facility is fully protected, respected and remains able to function.”

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Understanding the decline in FCAS prices in Australia – GridBeyond

    Source: GridBeyond

    Sydney, 10 June 2025 – In recent years, Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) have provided a lucrative revenue stream for many I&C energy users. But recent FCAS prices have seen a significant decline. In its latest White Paper, Understanding the decline in FCAS prices, energy technology company GridBeyond explores the reasons why FCAS prices have fallen and what businesses can do to recoup lost revenues.

    According to the latest Quarterly Energy Dynamics report (covering Q1 2025), published by AEMO, total FCAS costs reached $13M in Q1 2025, representing approximately 0.3% of the total cost of consumed energy* for the quarter. This marks a $16M decrease compared to the same period last year. This reduction was mainly driven by lower FCAS prices and a smaller number of volatility events during the quarter, relative to last year. In the same time period BESS output increased by 86% year-on-year in the NEM, reaching an average of 98MW . The significant decline in FCAS prices reflects the impact of increased battery storage capacity and evolving market dynamics. But although FCAS prices are decreasing, energy prices will stay high providing an opportunity for businesses to recoup lost revenues, with the right technology.

    While falling FCAS prices present a challenge, they also mark a shift in how value is created in the evolving energy ecosystem. There are still strategic pathways for I&C businesses to recoup lost revenue. The key for I&C businesses is to shift from passive participation in legacy markets to proactively stacking value. Businesses that embrace this change can recoup lost value and capture even greater returns in the long run – says the report.

    In conclusion, demand side response and process optimisation can allow businesses to identify real flexibility opportunities, enable more informed decision-making in optimising energy and creating a more efficient and cost-effective energy strategy.

    About GridBeyond

    GridBeyond’s vision is to deliver a global zero carbon future. By leveraging AI, we innovate and collaborate with our customers to create optimal value from energy generation, demand and storage to deliver a zero-carbon future. By bridging the gap between distributed energy resources and electricity markets, GridBeyond’s technology means every connected asset – whether utility-scale renewables generation, battery storage, or industrial load – can be utilized to help maximize opportunities and enhance the grid. By intelligently dispatching flexibility into the right market, at the right time, asset owners and energy consumers unlock new revenues and savings, resilience, and management of price volatility, while supporting the transition to a Net Zero future.

    For more information, visit www.gridbeyond.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Delivers Opening Remarks at SASC Navy Posture Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF KAINE’S EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), delivered opening remarks at the SASC hearing on U.S. Navy posture. During his remarks, he discussed his concerns about President Trump and Secretary Hegseth activating thousands of National Guard members and 700 Marines in California—over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—in response to immigration protests.

    “I have a lot of experience in dealing with the [National] Guard as a former mayor and governor,” said Kaine. “The genius of the Guard is that it is a partnership between the President and the Governors and Guardsmen and women… The President’s decision to deploy thousands of Guardsmen and women to quell protests in Los Angeles—without a request by the California Governor and in fact, over the objection of the California Governor—is nearly unprecedented.”

    Kaine continued, “We are in very, very dangerous territory. I think my colleagues and I are right to be concerned about this. The American public is concerned about this.”

    “To deploy active duty Marines to quell civilian protests is, in my view, very, very dangerous,” said Kaine. “It’s dangerous beyond the escalatory effects that both the Governor and Mayor of Los Angeles are warning us about. If we screw up the balance of how we use the Guard or how we use the military in the instance of civilian protests that local law enforcement can handle, we will regret that for a very, very long time.”

    “Many Americans are worried now that if they express dissenting voices to policies and the Administration, they’re concerned that the military may be deployed against them,” Kaine continued. “We’re coming up on the commemoration of 250 years of American democracy. It’s on the shoulders of this generation to decide whether the commemoration will be a celebration or a requiem or a wake or a coronation. We need to make it a celebration, and for that, we need brave and patriotic citizens who are willing to, without fear, exercise rights that were guaranteed to them from the very first days of this country.”

    Then, Kaine rebutted comments from his colleague erroneously comparing Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard in California to President Dwight Eisenhower’s activation of the Arkansas National Guard to ensure the integration of Central High School in Little Rock.

    “The issue is not is there lawless behavior that can be controlled by local law enforcement. You either believe in a federal system or you don’t where a Governor requests the National Guard or doesn’t, and you either believe in a civilian military division or you don’t,” Kaine said.

    “Senator Cotton brings up the example of Little Rock. President Eisenhower, Republican President, did federalize the Guard in that instance. Why? Because it was the Governor that was violating federal law. There is no suggestion that Governor Newsom is violating federal law. In fact, he said, arrest me if I’m violating the law—and yesterday, the chief border agent for the United States said there is no cause to arrest you. You are not violating federal law,” said Kaine.

    Kaine continued, “The right balance in this instance is to let a local official—mayor, governor—seek assistance if they need it. If the President decides if more assets are needed, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion if he sent in federal law enforcement—FBI, DEA. We’re having this discussion because the President in an unprecedented way, without a request and over the objection of the local elected leadership decided to send in the United States military.”

    Kaine also raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s failure to submit a full budget request; delays with naval shipbuilding programs, including Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines and amphibious assault ships; and the lack of the nomination from the Administration for a new Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). He also expressed his commitment to continuing to work with the Department of the Navy and other services on the implementation of provisions from the Brandon Act, which he helped get signed into law to make it easier for servicemembers to access mental health care.

    “The Navy does remain the finest maritime force in the world, but it’s struggled to grow and maintain the fleet… Many vessels—aircraft carriers, multiple destroyers and frigates, and some of the air platforms—are behind schedule,” Kaine said. “In particular, the Virginia-class fast attack subs and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are so critical and prioritized very highly by all of you, are delayed and face budgetary challenges… We need to do more. I continue to believe that the most significant challenge we have is a workforce challenge.”

    “The Brandon Act was passed by this body a number of years back—named after a young sailor, Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in Norfolk,” said Kaine. “There were a lot of challenges and problems with, frankly, lack of access to mental health services, and it was a pivotal step toward improving access to mental health services, not just for the Navy, but everybody in the service. The implementations across the Armed Services—we’ve seen fits and starts, but some critical gaps in effectiveness, fragmented implementation, undefined procedures for mental health requests, lack of policies tailored toward the National Guard and Reserves… I would really love your help working to continue to implement this.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s refined tax refund policy fuels inbound consumption

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

    China saw a vibrant surge in inbound consumption following the rollout of its refined tax-refund-upon-departure policy, with notable increases in both the number of tax refund stores and the total amount refunded.

    Between April 27 and May 26, the number of departure tax refund transactions processed by the country’s tax authorities jumped 116 percent year on year, and sales at tax refund stores climbed 56 percent, the State Taxation Administration said on Tuesday.

    The country has expanded its refund-upon-purchase service model nationwide, with the number of related transactions increasing 32-fold and sales surging 50-fold year on year, according to data released by the administration.

    Driven by the new policy measures, 1,303 new departure tax refund stores were established across the country during the period, raising the total to 5,196, which was a 40 percent increase from the end of 2024, the data shows.

    This rise in inbound consumption is a result of China’s latest efforts to encourage foreign tourist spending. On April 27, the country introduced a package of measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy, including measures lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raising the cash refund ceiling, expanding the network of participating stores, and broadening the range of products covered.

    China is also promoting a refund-upon-purchase service model, allowing eligible tourists to receive tax refunds instantly at retail outlets rather than waiting until they leave the country.

    International tourists in China can now claim a tax refund if they spend at least 200 yuan (about 27.84 U.S. dollars) at a single store in a single day and meet other relevant requirements, with refunds payable in multiple forms, including mobile, bank and cash payments. The upper limit for cash refunds has been raised to 20,000 yuan.

    China’s metropolises led this shopping surge. In the month following the policy rollout, Shanghai saw an 86 percent year-on-year increase in sales involving tax refund transactions and a 77 percent rise in the total amount refunded, according to local tax authorities.

    With a raised cash refund ceiling and a lowered minimum purchase threshold for refunds, the new policy allows shoppers from overseas to enjoy benefits across a wide range of products, from high-end goods to everyday items like clothing, said Chen Xiaoling, general manager of Shanghai’s Florentia Village outlet mall. The policy has made shopping in China more convenient and yielded better value for money for international visitors, Chen noted.

    This streamlined refund process has boosted shopping enthusiasm among international tourists.

    At WF Central, which is a luxury mall on Beijing’s popular Wangfujing shopping street, a large banner promoting the refund-upon-purchase tax service hangs prominently in the central atrium. This service is now available at nearly 40 international-brand stores in the mall.

    Alice, a tourist from the United States visiting her family in China, recently purchased a watch and applied for a tax refund immediately after. She presented her passport along with her shopping and departure details at the service counter, and received her refund within minutes. It was her first time purchasing luxury goods in China, and she found the service to be convenient, she said.

    Plaza 66 in Shanghai regards the refund-upon-purchase service as an important engine to boost its market competitiveness and strengthen its international profile. As of May 27, the mall has processed over 280 refund-upon-purchase transactions — already exceeding the whole-year total for 2024.

    China is accelerating development of international consumption center cities to stimulate inbound spending. The country is working to transform five cities — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing — into major centers for shopping.

    Also to stimulate inbound consumption, China will increase its number of duty-free stores and expand the range of products eligible for the refund-upon-purchase service, particularly high-tech digital goods such as smartphones, smartwatches and small household appliances, as well as items that are popular among younger consumers, Shi Zeyi, an official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said last month.

    China’s Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping recently stated that China will continue to improve its international consumption environment, increase its supply of high-quality products, and create more diversified consumption scenarios to boost inbound consumption. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Official medal for 15th National Games debuts

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

    The medal for the 15th National Games of China is officially unveiled on June 10, featuring a design that integrates the shared aspirations of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, splendid Chinese cultural heritage, and the journey of the National Games.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dean Huijsen presented as new Real Madrid player

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

    New Real Madrid signing Dean Huijsen was officially presented as a new player at the club’s Valdebebas training ground on Tuesday.

    The 20-year-old’s transfer to Real Madrid from Bournemouth for almost 60 million euros was confirmed on May 17th, but he wasn’t officially presented due to his commitments with the Spain national team and he played both the semi-final and the final of the UEFA Nations League, which the Spanish lost on penalties to Portugal on Sunday night.

    Huijsen impressed both against Portugal and also against France in the semifinal and the club hopes he will provide balance and height for a defense that struggled with defensive injuries last season, with both Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal suffering campaign ending injuries early in the campaign and David Alaba never getting fully fit after knee surgery.

    Although he was born in the Netherlands, Huijsen grew up close to Malaga and moves to Real Madrid after an impressive debut season in the Premier League.

    At his presentation he admitted it had been easy to make the decision to return to Spain despite interest from other English clubs.

    “I’m joining the best club in the world and I’m here to give my all,” he said, adding that he had “wanted to be here since day one, since they called me, I didn’t consider any other team.”

    “I’m here to give my all. I’m going to work as hard as I can and remain humble. Hopefully, we can win lots of trophies together, starting with the Club World Cup,” said Huijsen.

    The defender will have his first training session with his new team-mates on Tuesday and then after two more Real Madrid flies to Miami to play its opening game against Saudi Arabian outfit, Al-Hilal on June 18th. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Barca midfielder De Jong optimistic over new contract

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

    FC Barcelona’s Dutch international midfielder Frenkie de Jong says he is hopeful of reaching an agreement to extend his current contract with the club, which is due to expire at the end of June 2026.

    Vinicius Jr. (R) of Real Madrid vies with Frankie de Jong of Barcelona during the Spain’s Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) semifinal first leg football match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, March 2, 2023. (Photo by Pablo Morano/Xinhua)

    “I think I will sign a new contract, but you can never say that with a hundred percent certainty. If everything goes well, then it will happen.”

    “They want it and I want it, so normally you can work it out,” De Jong told Dutch outlet Voetbalzone.

    The news marks a big turnaround in De Jong’s fortunes over the last 12 months. He ended the 2023-24 season with an ankle problem and with Barcelona desperately looking to lower its wage bill and raise funds to meet financial fair play requirements, it looked as if he could be sold.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. LaMalfa, Matsui, Kim Introduce Bill to Keep Homeownership Costs Down

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.— Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), with Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), introduced the bipartisan Keeping Homeownership Costs Down Act (H.R. 3800) to help reduce housing costs by directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to resume issuing exemption letters, while court-mandated Endangered Species Act (ESA) reviews take place, that keep homeowners from having to purchase expensive flood insurance if their properties are unlikely to flood.

    “California families are already struggling with the rising cost of housing and requiring them to purchase expensive flood insurance when their home is unlikely to flood adds another financial burden to homeownership,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Following a court ruling in 2019, FEMA stopped issuing exemptions while it was forced to conduct additional and duplicative environmental reviews of this practice.  This is ridiculous.  My common sense, bipartisan bill helps make owning a home more affordable by requiring FEMA to restart issuing flood insurance purchase exemptions right away while environmental reviews take place.

    “In Northern California, we have long had to balance lifesaving flood protection measures with our critical need for additional housing,” said Rep. Matsui. “The Keeping Homeownership Costs Down Act is a commonsense fix that restores a tool in building affordable houses in our region. By ensuring FEMA can continue issuing LOMR-Fs, we prevent families from being priced out of homeownership while upholding key environmental protections.”

    Background:

    • CLOMR-F and LOMR-F letters allow FEMA to revise flood maps for properties that have been elevated above flood zones, removing the federal requirement to purchase flood insurance.
    • FEMA stopped issuing these letters in six counties in 2020, expanding the pause to 32 counties in 2023, after a lawsuit required the agency to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service under the ESA on these letters.
    • California builds fewer than 80,000 homes per year despite needing around 180,000 annually to meet demand. Rising construction costs and mandatory flood insurance contribute to high housing prices.
    • Developers already go through ESA compliance when seeking permits to build housing projects. Requiring FEMA to conduct separate ESA reviews for LOMR-F and CLOMR-F letters add regulatory duplication without improving environmental protections.
    • The Keeping Homeownership Costs Down Act directs FEMA to issue the letters, as appropriate, until the ESA consultation process is completed, helping lower housing costs and avoid unnecessary delays.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA Approves Sanders’ Waiver to Ban Soft Drinks, Unhealthy Drinks, and Candy from Food Stamps Program

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    USDA Approves Sanders’ Waiver to Ban Soft Drinks, Unhealthy Drinks, and Candy from Food Stamps Program

    Arkansas’ plan is a first-of-its-kind model that bans both soft drinks AND candy

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today signed Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ waiver to ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps. Governor Sanders submitted her waiver in April. The State will use the GS1 US food categorization system to implement these policy changes.
     
    “This approval sends a clear message: President Trump and his administration are tackling America’s chronic disease epidemic and Arkansas stands with him in that fight,” said Governor Sanders. “I am incredibly grateful for Secretary Rollins’ quick approval of our waiver. Arkansas leads the nation in getting unhealthy, ultra-processed foods off food stamps and helping our most vulnerable citizens lead healthier lives.”
     
    “The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Each waiver submitted by the states and signed is yet another step closer to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”
     
    “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is about providing nutritious meals to families in need, and for too long we’ve not focused purposefully on that mission and have allowed SNAP dollars to be used for unhealthy items like candy and soda. That approach changes with this waiver, and Arkansas families will benefit by having healthier options on their tables. We are grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in approving our plan and for Gov. Sanders’ leadership in this critical area, and we are excited to now work toward implementing this innovative and beneficial change to the SNAP program,” said Arkansas Secretary of Human Services Kristi Putnam.
      
    Food stamps are a $119 billion federal program designed to supplement the lowest-income Americans’ nutritional needs. However, about 23% of food stamp spending – $27 billion annually – now goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy, and desserts. One-third of Arkansans have diabetes or pre-diabetes. 
     
    Studies have consistently shown the link between the overconsumption of sugary, highly processed foods like soft drinks and candy and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. One study from Stanford found that just banning sugary drinks from food stamps could prevent obesity in 141,000 kids and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults.
     
    Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed SB59 into law, providing every student in Arkansas with free school breakfast. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future.
     
    Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving 260,000 last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.
     
    Governor Sanders submitted her waiver in April, 2025. She previously announced her intent to pursue this waiver in December, 2024.
     
    A copy of the waiver is here and a copy of the Governor’s letter accompanying the waiver is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 690 years of CFA service celebrated at Christmas Hills

    Source:

    Fred Kober receiving his 60-year medal of service from Captain Michael Scroggie and MC Peter Mildenhall

    Christmas Hills Fire Brigade members and their families gathered at Panton Hill Hotel on 4 June to celebrate the end of a long fire season, and to acknowledge a number of members who between them have accumulated 690 years of service.

    Sixty members and their guests enjoyed dinner at the Panton Hill Hotel while the presentations were made. A special slide show celebrating the rich history of the brigade also featured throughout the evening.

    “This was an important event because one of our still operational members, Fred Kober, celebrated 60 years of service with our brigade,” Captain Michael Scroggie said.

    “Fred joined us as a 16-year-old and has undertaken many roles over the years including captain, and has maintained his skills and fitness and still regularly turns out at local incidents,” he said.

    Not only did Fred receive a 60-year service medal but also a National Emergency clasp for his role as part of a District 14 strike team during the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. This clasp is in addition to his medal awarded for his service in the Black Saturday fires of 2009 which had a strong impact on the Christmas Hills community.

    Acting Commander Matt Baber also presented Pete Rae and John Roberts with National Emergency Medals for their service in the Black Summer fires. He also presented service awards to more than 30 other members of the brigade.

    This included four five-year certificates of service, five 10-year medals, nine 15-year medals (these were members who joined in the aftermath of the Black Saturday fires), four 25-year medals, two 30-year medals, one 35-year medal, two 40-year medals, two 45-year medals, a 50-year medal, and Fred’s 60-year medal.

    Michael Scroggie paid particular tribute to two active members who received 45-year medals.

    “Di Simmons and Robyn Adams have provided outstanding service to the brigade as active firefighters, but more particularly as members of the Brigade Management Team over the past 40 years or so,” he said. 

    “They have performed nearly all the BMT roles over extended periods of time, from captain in Di’s case to all levels of lieutenant roles, secretary/treasurer, training, OHS and comms. I don’t think there has a been a time in the past 40 years when one or the other or both haven’t been on the BMT.”

    Nillumbik Group Officer Matt Knight also paid tribute to Di and Robyn’s leadership and support at the group and district level as well and noted their strong role in the mentoring of women firefighters and leaders across CFA.

    Their previous professional lives as lecturers and researchers into fire science and environmental studies at Deakin was also instrumental in the development of the brigade mantra ‘Red truck green heart’ which underlies our approach to fire management and suppression in Christmas Hills.

    “While we took this opportunity to thank them for their enormous contribution to the effectiveness of our brigade up until now,” said Michael Scroggie, “we are further grateful that Dianne and Robyn will continue as active firefighters at Christmas Hills and in management roles at Nillumbik Group”.

    • Di Simmons and Robyn Adams receiving their 45 Year medals
    • Many of the members who received service awards
    Submitted by Peter Mildenhall

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: US criticises allies as NZ bans two top far-right Israeli ministers

    RNZ News

    The United States has denounced sanctions by Britain and allies — including New Zealand and Australia — against Israeli far-right ministers, saying they should focus instead on the Palestinian armed group Hamas.

    New Zealand has banned two Israeli politicians from travelling to the country because of comments about the war in Gaza that Foreign Minister Winston Peters says “actively undermine peace and security”.

    New Zealand joins Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in imposing the sanctions on Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

    Peters said they were targeted towards two individuals, rather than the Israeli government.

    “Our action today is not against the Israeli people, who suffered immeasurably on October 7 [2023] and who have continued to suffer through Hamas’ ongoing refusal to release all hostages.

    “Nor is it designed to sanction the wider Israeli government.”

    The two ministers were “using their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution”, Peters said.

    ‘Severely and deliberately undermined’ peace
    “Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have severely and deliberately undermined that by personally advocating for the annexation of Palestinian land and the expansion of illegal settlements, while inciting violence and forced displacement.”

    The sanctions were consistent with New Zealand’s approach to other foreign policy issues, he said.

    Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (left) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich . . . sanctioned by Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway because they have “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. These actions are not acceptable,” says British Foreign Minister David Lammy. Image: TRT screenshot APR

    “New Zealand has also targeted travel bans on politicians and military leaders advocating violence or undermining democracy in other countries in the past, including Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.”

    New Zealand had been a long-standing supporter of a two-state solution, Peters said, which the international community was also overwhelmingly in favour of.

    “New Zealand’s consistent and historic position has been that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a violation of international law. Settlements and associated violence undermine the prospects for a viable two-state solution,” he said.

    “The crisis in Gaza has made returning to a meaningful political process all the more urgent. New Zealand will continue to advocate for an end to the current conflict and an urgent restart of the Middle East Peace Process.”

    ‘Outrageous’, says Israel
    Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the move was “outrageous” and the government would hold a special meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the “unacceptable decision”.

    His comments were made while attending the inauguration of a new Israeli settlement on Palestinian land.

    Peters is currently in Europe for the sixth Pacific-France Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice.

    US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters: “We find that extremely unhelpful. It will do nothing to get us closer to a ceasefire in Gaza.”

    Britain, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Australia “should focus on the real culprit, which is Hamas”, she said of the sanctions.

    “We remain concerned about any step that would further isolate Israel from the international community.”

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ and Gaza – Peters appearing to do something, when doing nothing

    COMMENTARY: By Steven Cowan, editor of Against The Current

    The New Zealand Foreign Minster’s decision to issue a travel ban against two Israeli far-right politicians is little more than a tokenistic gesture in opposing Israel’s actions.

    It is an attempt to appease growing opposition to Israel’s war, but the fact that Israel has killed more than 54,000 innocent people in Gaza, a third under the age of 18, still leaves the New Zealand government unmoved.

    Foreign Minister Peters gave the game away when he commented that the sanctions were targeted towards two individuals, rather than the Israeli government.

    Issuing travel bans against two Israeli politicians, who are unlikely to visit New Zealand at any stage, is the easy option.

    It appears to be doing something to protest against Israel’s actions when actually doing nothing. And it doesn’t contradict the interests of the United States in the Middle East.

    Under the government of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, New Zealand has become a vassal state of American imperialism.

    New Zealand has joined four other countries, the United States, Britain, Australia and Norway, in issuing a travel ban. But all four countries continue to supply Israel with arms.

    Unions demand stronger action
    Last week, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions demanded that the New Zealand government take stronger action against Israel. In a letter to Winston Peters, CTU president Richard Wagstaff wrote:

    “For too long, the international community has allowed the state of Israel to act with impunity. It is now very clearly engaged in genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

    “All efforts must be made to put diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel to end this murderous campaign.”

    THE CTU has called for a series of sanctions to be imposed on Israel. They include “a ban on all imports of goods made in whole or in part in Israel” and “a rapid review of Crown investments and immediately divest from any financial interests in Israeli companies”.

    The CTU is also calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador.

    This article was first published on Steven Cowan’s website Against The Current. Republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts 5 aliens off the coast of Point Loma, Calif.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    06/10/2025 07:51 PM EDT

    A crew aboard a Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Los Angeles/Long Beach boat interdicted five aliens aboard a 20-foot pleasure craft, approximately 4 miles southwest, of Point Loma, Monday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Project really did do news differently. Its demise is our loss

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dodd, Professor of Journalism, Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    The most unsettling thing about the closure of Network Ten’s The Project is that it might come to be seen as the moment commercial network television gave up on young audiences for news programming.

    If that’s what’s happening, it’s a worrying thought. Bringing news and current affairs to young audiences is exactly what The Project has done so well over its 16-year lifespan, and it’s hard to imagine how the channel will replace it in ways that work for audiences already disengaged with mainstream media.

    The Project will be missed. Perhaps not by those such as a caller to ABC Melbourne’s Drive program yesterday afternoon, who described The Project as Behind the News for grown-ups.

    The caller’s tone signalled an insult but that discredits both the long-running ABC program for schoolchildren and the goal of engaging young adult audiences in news and current affairs.

    Declining numbers

    In 2010, a year after the program launched, it was rating 1.1 million in the country’s capital cities, which made it competitive with other commercial TV news services.

    By last weekend, the program was drawing an average national audience of 270,000 across the regions as well as the capital cities, according to media commentator, Tim Burrowes’, Unmade newsletter. Even allowing for the overall decline in the number of people watching television since 2010, those ratings figures are dismal.

    Burrowes, the author of Media Unmade: Australian Media’s Most Disruptive Decade, suggests the controversial hiring of former Nine Network star, Lisa Wilkinson, in 2017, to present the program’s Sunday edition may have unsettled The Project’s internal harmony after the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial she was involved in.

    A winning format for younger audiences

    The Project’s formula of combining news with comedy emerged from the success of The Panel, the weekly show produced in the late 1990s by Working Dog and featuring the D-Generation team of Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro and Tom Gleisner, along with Kate Langbroek, Glenn Robbins and, for a while, Jane Kennedy.

    The Panel opening theme song, Working Dog Productions.

    It was edgy and topical. It bounced off current events with short piss-take scene-setting video grabs, followed by wry observations and silly gags.

    It was just as much comedy as it was current affairs, and it was all about appealing to young and disenfranchised viewers.

    The Panel anticipated the exodus away from the po-faced solemnity of commercial terrestrial TV news well before streaming had taken hold.

    Rove McManus and his production company saw its potential, as did Ten, which knew it needed to try new things. It could not compete with Seven and Nine, who were then – and in many ways still are – locked in a perpetual ratings war while being almost identical to one another.

    The Project’s producers knew they had a winning format. They ensured the show was rarely boring and avoided the predictability of worthiness. They weren’t afraid to ask the non-PC question, or laugh at themselves, or debate or discuss or delve.

    But that didn’t mean they resorted to meanness or took pleasure in others’ misfortune. Admittedly, Steve Price did need to be reined in from time to time.

    The format encouraged audiences to stick with them and in the process they actually learnt stuff. Young, disengaged kids saw politicians discussing matters of substance, with the show challenging assumptions.

    News for the social media era

    As increasing numbers of young people stopped turning on TVs, The Project became consumable in bite-size chunks on social media.

    The show’s producers cottoned on to this earlier than most and began crafting segments that could be easily shared. Waleed Aly became an Instagram star for his impassioned, informed editorialising about racial issues, along the way earning nominations for several Logie awards, and winning the Gold Logie in 2016.

    Peter Helliar, Dave Hughes and Charlie Pickering made audiences laugh. And another Gold Logie winner, Carrie Bickmore, made them care, especially in 2013 when she broke the fourth wall of television to talk about the need to improve public awareness of brain cancer following a story about a potential cure for the disease in ten years’ time. A few years previously Bickmore’s husband had died of the disease.

    The loss of another media town square

    While The Project was on air, the network was at least making an effort to inform a section of the market that had long been under-served by the news media.

    With relatively recent entrants, like the Daily Aus, stepping in to that gap, perhaps Ten thought it was becoming too crowded?

    We’ll have to assess what the network does next to see if it thinks investing in current affairs is no longer worth the effort.

    With the ABC threatening to walk away from Q&A, it looks like commercial and public networks are coming to the same view: that panel-based current affairs programming is a turn-off for audiences, regardless of whether they’re young or old.

    This is especially troubling because the closure of each program means the loss of another media town square, where the capacity to listen to, and learn from one another, in civil ways also disappears.

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

    – ref. The Project really did do news differently. Its demise is our loss – https://theconversation.com/the-project-really-did-do-news-differently-its-demise-is-our-loss-258588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Welch Introduce Legislation to Increase Federal Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Tuesday, June 10, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and allow the federal minimum wage to increase with inflation in subsequent years. When adjusted for inflation, the current federal minimum wage is lower than at any point since the 1940s. Meanwhile, the cost of housing, healthcare, and education has skyrocketed, leaving millions of full-time workers struggling to make ends meet.

    “For decades, working Americans have seen their wages flatline. One major culprit of this is the failure of the federal minimum wage to keep up with the economic reality facing hardworking Americans every day. This bipartisan legislation would ensure that workers across America benefit from higher wages,” Senator Hawley said.  

    “We’re in the midst of a severe affordability crisis, with families in red and blue states alike struggling to afford necessities like housing and groceries. A stagnant federal minimum wage only adds fuel to the fire. Every hardworking American deserves a living wage that helps put a roof over their head and food on the table–$7.25 an hour doesn’t even come close,” said Senator Welch. “Times have changed, and working families deserve a wage that reflects today’s financial reality. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to raise the minimum wage nationwide to help more folks make ends meet,” Senator Welch added.
     
    If signed into law this year, the Higher Wages for American Workers Act would:

    • Increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting in January 2026.
    • Allow the federal minimum wage to increase with inflation in subsequent years.

    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Leads New Hampshire Delegation in Announcing 14th Experience New Hampshire Reception in Washington, DC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in announcing that the New Hampshire State Society Event, “Experience New Hampshire,” will return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The New Hampshire Congressional delegation and other members of Congress will attend the event, which exhibits Granite State businesses and their first-class products in the U.S. Capitol. This year’s event marks the New Hampshire State Society’s 14th year hosting the reception.
    “From our world-famous maple syrup to tourism in the White Mountains, Experience New Hampshire showcases the businesses, institutions and entrepreneurs that make the Granite State a uniquely wonderful place,” said Senator Shaheen. “By allowing businesses to share their products and services and to connect with industry leaders and policymakers, the reception puts New Hampshire on the map. I’m thankful to the New Hampshire State Society for their work year after year to make this event possible.”
    “Experience NH provides an opportunity to showcase some of the many small businesses, vendors, foods, and artists that make our state so great,” said Senator Hassan. “I look forward to Experience NH every year and I appreciate all those who are joining for this year’s celebration and helping bring our Granite State spirit to Washington.”
    “By highlighting our state’s small businesses and their unique products and services, Experience New Hampshire brings Granite State culture to our nation’s capital,” said Congressman Pappas. “In New Hampshire, small businesses are the fabric of our communities, economy, and way of life. I am once again thrilled to join our federal delegation in welcoming guests to this popular event, and I look forward to seeing fellow Granite Staters and their small businesses in D.C.”
    “New Hampshire is home to the best of America,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “I’m proud to partner with New Hampshire’s federal delegation and the New Hampshire State Society to help bring a taste of the Granite State to Congress and connect New Hampshire businesses and innovators with legislators and leaders in our nation’s Capitol.”
    Some participating businesses this year will include Echo Farm Puddings, Contoocook Creamery, Shire’s Naturals, Concord Regional Technical Center, the New Hampshire Maple Producers, SkiNH, The Spicy Shark and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Kim Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled, “Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties to Combat Chinese Influence.”

    Watch Here

    -Remarks-

    This hearing presents an opportunity for us to examine China’s growing footprint in ASEAN and to discuss ways the US can counter it by strengthening cooperation across economic security, diplomatic and law enforcement sectors.

    China has long prioritized Southeast Asia in its foreign policy, using diplomacy, infrastructure investment and trade to entrench its influence. In contrast, US economic engagement has stumbled. Initiatives like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic framework for prosperity aimed high but failed to deliver meaningful market access or address trade imbalances. Despite our inability to engage economically, we continue to build robust relationships with countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore, but we too often underestimate ASEAN’s collective weight in our own Indo-Pacific strategy.

    We need to ensure the United States has a genuinely responsive and effective strategy to remain the partner of choice in ASEAN and ask ourselves: Where have our past strategies in Southeast Asia fallen short? What legislative tools can strengthen our regional position? Are our frameworks aligned with ASEAN partners priorities? Despite China’s reach, the United States is the preferred long-term partner of choice for many ASEAN countries. In the 2025 State of Southeast Asia Survey, 52.3% favored the United States over China, recognizing our leadership and investment, security, innovation, and shared values.

    On security, the United States has made real strides expanding maritime security with the Philippines and partnering with other South Asia, South China Sea nations on law enforcement, maritime safety, and capacity building training, enhancing disaster response and maritime governance capabilities.

    Economically, however, we are under leveraged. While China remains ASEAN’s top trading partner, the region is a $4 trillion market with enormous potential, especially in critical minerals, regional trade and development financing. The threat of Chinese dominance isn’t going away. China is aggressively pursuing deals. Over 100 secured just this April with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. These efforts reflect Beijing’s recognition of growing US engagement and its desire to blunt it.

    We must show ASEAN partners that China’s promises rarely deliver lasting benefits. We also need a bold whole of government strategy. One that affirms our leadership, reinforces our alliances and oppose the sovereignty and rules-based order that underpins a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today. Your expertise will guide us in crafting stronger, smarter US policy in South Asia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MANHEIM – Shapiro Administration to Announce Investment to Increase Agricultural Product Sales and Exports

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    June 11, 2026 – Manheim, PA

    ADVISORY – MANHEIM – Shapiro Administration to Announce Investment to Increase Agricultural Product Sales and Exports

    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will tour sixth-generation Waltz Estate Winery and Family Farm to announce another Shapiro Administration investment to support the growth and success of family businesses in agriculture.

    The event will highlight Pennsylvania’s 4th in the nation wine industry and vibrant agriculture-based tourism industry – both connecting visitors to made-in-PA culinary adventures and Great American Getaways through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred® program and the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Tourism Office.

    Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposes an increase of $13 million to the historic Agricultural Innovation Grant program to help family farms across Pennsylvania compete and succeed, building on a full menu of PA Farm Bill investments, record conservation funding to help farms improve and protect soil and water, and millions in research dollars to keep Pennsylvania agriculture on the cutting edge of technology.

    WHO:
    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    Pennsylvania Wine Association President Mark Rozum
    Pennsylvania Wine Association Vice President Zach Waltz
    State Senator James Malone

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, June 11 at 1 p.m.
    Tour of winemaking operation, grounds, and tasting room to follow announcement

    WHERE:
    1599 Old Line Road
    Manheim, PA 17545

    RSVP:
    Press attending should RSVP with news outlet and photographer and reporter names to aginfo@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Boost to search operation at Cradle Mountain

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Boost to search operation at Cradle Mountain

    Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – 9:42 am.

    The search for a Victorian man believed to be in the Cradle Mountain area will resume this morning.
    Members of the Tasmania Police Search and Rescue unit, State Emergency Service volunteers and Parks and Wildlife Service rangers will be involved in ground patrols, while helicopter resources will conduct aerial searches.
    Concerns for the welfare of 52-year-old Christopher Inwood were raised on Tuesday morning, after his white Toyota HiAce van was found at the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road.
    A backpack believed to belong to Mr Inwood was found alongside the road about 500m from the station, heading in the direction of Dove Lake.
    Mr Inwood was last seen at Kindred, in Tasmania’s north, about 8.30pm on Monday and police believe he drove to Cradle Mountain later that night.
    Preliminary searches of the Cradle Mountain area on Tuesday by PWS rangers, with the assistance of a police drone, did not locate Mr Inwood.
    Temperatures were below freezing in the Cradle Mountain area overnight.
    Anyone who has information that could assist police locate Mr Inwood, pictured, is urged to call 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley, Carbajal Condemn Cruel and Reckless ICE Activities in Ventura County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) released the following statement regarding reports of recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations throughout Ventura County, California. These operations follow a wave of escalated enforcement in neighboring Los Angeles County and are spreading fear, chaos, and distress across the region.

    “We have received disturbing reports of ICE enforcement actions in Ventura County, including in Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Camarillo, where agents have reportedly stopped vehicles, loitered near schools, and attempted to enter agricultural properties and facilities in the Oxnard Plain. These actions are completely unjustified, deeply harmful, and raise serious questions about the agency’s tactics and its respect for due process.

    “Let us be clear: these raids are not about public safety. They are about stoking fear. These are not criminals being targeted. They are hardworking people and families who are an essential part of Ventura County. Our local economy, like much of California’s and the country’s as a whole, depends on undocumented labor. These men and women are the backbone of our farms, our fields, our construction and service industries, and our communities.

    “We are outraged by the cruelty and recklessness of this campaign. It is unconscionable. The Trump administration is deliberately inflicting harm on immigrant families and doing so without transparency, accountability, or even basic communication with Congress. Neither we nor our colleagues have received any notification or briefing from ICE about these activities. Our inquiries to the administration have gone unanswered. This total lack of transparency is unacceptable.

    “The Trump administration continues to use immigration enforcement as a political weapon, targeting vulnerable families to score political points. This is not how you keep people safe. In fact, this kind of chaos only makes our communities more insecure. And as these actions continue to traumatize families and tear communities apart, they are also tearing at the fabric of our humanity and who we are as a country.

    “ICE should be focused on individuals who pose real threats to public safety, not terrorizing entire communities with broad, unjust sweeps. These actions are a misuse of limited resources and a betrayal of the values that define us as Americans.

    “We will continue working closely with state and local officials to protect our community and ensure that all Ventura County families, regardless of immigration status, feel safe. We can and we must enforce our immigration laws while upholding the rule of law and respecting due process. The Trump administration must be held accountable for these deeply damaging and politically motivated actions. We remain committed to protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of every resident of Ventura County.”

    ###

    Issues: 119th Congress, Immigration, Local Issues

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier meets with foreign guests attending Belt and Road conference

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

    Chinese vice premier meets with foreign guests attending Belt and Road conference

    CHENGDU, June 10 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Tuesday held separate meetings with several foreign guests who are in China to attend the second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

    When meeting with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Marina Ragus, Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Serbia to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, support each other’s major concerns and core interests, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, transform sci-tech innovation cooperation into a new growth point for bilateral relations, and promote further achievements in the construction of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era.

    Ragus said that Serbia highly values its friendship with China, adheres firmly to the one-China principle, and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in such fields as investment, the economy and trade, and science and technology, with the aim of building a community with a shared future between the two countries.

    When meeting with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ramatov Achilbay Jumaniyazovich, Ding said China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to consolidate their political mutual trust and long-standing friendship, deepen their alignment of development strategies, and promote in-depth, substantive cooperation in areas such as connectivity, the economy and trade, and sci-tech innovation under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

    Ramatov said that Uzbekistan is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China under the guidance of the strategic consensus reached between the two heads of state, and to promote the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

    When meeting with Iran’s Vice-President of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin, Ding said that guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, China is willing to make joint efforts with Iran to implement the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan well, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and further tap the cooperation potential in the field of science and technology to bring more tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.

    Afshin said that Iran attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations with China and is willing to enhance its people-to-people bonds with the country, promote the implementation of the comprehensive cooperation plan, and make new progress in sci-tech cooperation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sweet Police work aids Auckland driver

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Quick thinking and a priority transport of chocolate has aided the recovery of an Auckland motorist. 

    Police in central Auckland received information about a man who appeared intoxicated, getting into a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.

    Auckland Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff says frontline staff attended just after 3pm on Union Street.

    “On arrival, staff found a middle-aged man slumped over the car’s steering wheel and losing consciousness,” he says.

    “The officers acted quickly on their feet, taking the initiative and checked for a medical alert on the man’s phone.”

    It revealed he was a Type One diabetic.

    “Wasting no time and with time of the essence,  the staff called for an ambulance and for another patrol to bring some chocolate, pronto!”

    “The chocolate arrived on scene quickly and the man began to regain some consciousness.”

    Ambulance staff arrived on scene and he was transported to hospital.

    “I commend the actions of the frontline staff in what was a medical emergency and ended up being a sweet result,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.

    ENDS. 

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Indian Foreign Secretary meets UAE officials in Abu Dhabi, strengthens counter-terrorism cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conducted key meetings with senior UAE officials in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, reinforcing bilateral cooperation on security matters and expressing gratitude for the UAE’s support of recent Indian parliamentary initiatives.

    Foreign Secretary Misri met with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence, where he conveyed gratitude for the warm reception of the All-party delegation by His Highness and the UAE. The discussions emphasized the shared values of harmony and tolerance that form the foundation of India-UAE relations.

    In a separate meeting, Misri held talks with Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council of UAE, where “both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” The officials also explored opportunities to enhance India-UAE parliamentary cooperation.During the Mid-Year Review in Abu Dhabi, Foreign Secretary Misri also met with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy. The discussions focused on taking stock of bilateral relations and exploring avenues for future collaboration across sectors.

    The meetings follow a recent high-level all-party delegation visit from India to the UAE, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde, which focused on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. During that visit, UAE officials had expressed solidarity with India following recent security challenges, with Sheikh Nahyan stating that India and UAE would tackle terrorism together.