NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tasmania Police officer and DPFEM state service employees recognised in Australia Day Honours

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Tasmania Police officer and DPFEM state service employees recognised in Australia Day Honours

    Sunday, 26 January 2025 – 6:53 am.

    One officer from Tasmania Police and two state service employees from the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management (DPFEM) will be recognised in the Australia Day Honours today.

    Director Matthew Richman has more than 40 years’ service with Tasmania Police, including most recently as an Inspector, and currently holds the position of Director of Wellbeing Support. Today he is receiving the Australian Police Medal.

    Inspector Brenda Orr has more than 24 years’ service with Tasmania Police and currently holds the position of Inspector, Southern Regional Prosecution Services. Today she is receiving the Australian Police Medal.

    Mr Warwick Brennan has more than 25 years’ experience working as a communications practitioner in the government sector, and currently holds the position of Stakeholder Engagement Manager within DPFEM. Today he is receiving the Public Service Medal.

    Expressing her congratulations to the recipients, Commissioner Donna Adams said, “On behalf of Tasmania Police, and the broader Department of Police Fire and Emergency Management, today I congratulate Director Matthew Richman, Inspector Brenda Orr, and Mr Warwick Brennan as they receive awards in the Australia Day Honours.”
    “Within Tasmania Police, Director Richman and Inspector Orr have a combined service of more than 64 years’ and they have made a significant and enduring contribution to our policing service, and the Tasmanian community.”
    “They are highly respected within Tasmania Police, and regarded for their experience, leadership and genuine care of others.
    “Their commitment to policing and service to the community exemplify the highest standards of public service and makes them very worthy recipients of the Australian Police Medal.”
    “Within the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Mr Warwick Brennan will today be awarded the Public Service Medal.”
    “Mr Brennan has made a significant contribution to public sector communications through key leadership roles across government, with outstanding service in relation to emergency and incident management communications.”
    “He has managed public information and communications teams across a range of Tasmanian Government responses including bushfires, whale strandings, and the COVID-19 pandemic; and he currently provides high-level strategic communications advice across DPFEM.”
    “On behalf of Tasmania Police, and more broadly DPFEM, I thank Director Richman, Inspector Orr, and Mr Brennan for their ongoing service and dedication.”
    “I also thank the award recipients from Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania State Emergency Service for their unwavering commitment to assisting our services and the community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unexplained death, Queenstown

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    An investigation is underway after the death of a woman at a Queenstown property on Saturday 25 January.

    Emergency services were called to the Windsor Place property about 2.30pm.

    Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of how she died. Her death is currently being treated as unexplained.

    As part of our enquiries, Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Windsor Place between 8.00am and 3.00pm and who might have information that would assist.

    If you can help, please use our 105 service, and quote reference number 250125/8733.

    You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Second fatality following crash, Milford Clandeboye Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm a second person has died following a crash on Milford Clandeboye Road on Wednesday 22 January.

    The person was transported to hospital in a critical condition following the crash and passed away on Friday evening (24 January) as a result of the injuries sustained.

    Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor to cease and desist all investigative and enforcement activity under rescinded Executive Order 11246

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Labor Vince Micone today transmitted Secretary’s Order 03-2025 to all department employees, directing them to cease and desist all investigative and enforcement activity under the rescinded Executive Order 11246 and the regulations promulgated under it.  

    The order applies to all department employees, including the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the Office of Administrative Law Judges and the Administrative Review Board. 

    The department no longer has any authority under the rescinded Executive Order 11246 or its regulations.  

    Read Secretary’s Order 03-2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni visits Saudi Arabia

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    25 Gennaio 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, is visiting Saudi Arabia on 25 and 26 January. After arriving in Jeddah earlier today, President Meloni greeted the crew aboard the Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian Navy’s historical training ship which set sail from Genoa on 1 July 2023 for a tour around the world, stopping at 35 ports in 5 continents.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 2 closed, Takapau

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 2 is currently closed north of Takapau following a crash.

    The two-vehicle crash was reported to Police at around 8:10am.

    Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    Detours are in place.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Hegseth’s Message to the Force

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.

    The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.

    o We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.

    o We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.

    o We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President’s priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.

    All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.

    I have committed my life to warfighters and their families. Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time. Our enemies will neither rest nor relent. And neither will we. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.

    Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team. Together we will accomplish the President’s mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Enforces Overwhelmingly Popular Demand to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Abortion

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ENFORCING THE HYDE AMENDMENT: On Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to end the use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion.
    The Order recognizes that, for nearly five decades, Congress has enacted the Hyde Amendment and a series of additional laws to protect taxpayers from being forced to pay for abortion. Contrary to this longstanding commonsense policy, the previous administration embedded federal funding of elective abortion in a wide variety of government programs.
    To restore this longstanding policy, the Order rescinds two executive orders from President Biden that violate the Hyde Amendment:
    Executive Order 14076 imposed a whole-of-government effort to promote and fund abortion and to politicize enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
    Federal statutes protecting access to emergency medical care for pregnant women under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) remain in full effect.

    Executive Order 14079 recategorized abortion as “healthcare” in order to provide taxpayer funding for elective abortions. This included using Medicaid funding to pay for travel costs for elective abortions.

    ENDING FEDERAL FUNDING OF ABORTION OVERSEAS: President Donald J. Trump also signed a Presidential Memorandum reinstating the Mexico City Policy to stop the use of federal taxpayer dollars for abortion overseas.
    The President’s policy from 2017 is reinstated to ensure that no U.S. taxpayer money supports foreign organizations that perform or actively promote abortion in other nations.
    The first Trump Administration also extended this policy to global health assistance. A 2020 report by the United States Agency for International Development found that this life-affirming policy in no way diminished women’s health around the world.
    PROTECTING TAXPAYERS FROM FUNDING ABORTION: For the first time in nearly fifty years, President Trump returned the issue of life to a vote of the people, from within the States.
    Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215 (2022), overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the power to regulate issues of life and safety to the people. Three of the justices deciding the case were appointed by President Trump.
    Federal overreach and taxpayer dollars will no longer force violations of faith and conscience or impede the ability of states to determine life policies through a vote of the people.
    For example, under President Biden, the Department of Defense reimbursed abortion-related travel expenses, the Department of Veterans Affairs allowed hospitals to provide abortions, and the Department of Health and Human Services paid for abortions for illegal immigrants.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP PROMISED AND DELIVERED: President Trump promised to protect and defend a vote of the people, from within the states, on the issue of life. Today’s executive actions build on the long list of accomplishments from the first Trump Administration to support the sanctity of every human life and prevent taxpayer funding of abortion. Select highlights of the first Trump Administration’s work include:
    Reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, ensuring that taxpayer money is not used to fund abortion globally.
    Issued a rule preventing Title X taxpayer funding from subsiding the abortion industry.
    Cut all funding to the United Nations Population Fund, which supports coercive abortion and forced sterilization.
    Signed legislation overturning the previous administration’s regulation that prohibited states from defunding abortion facilities as part of their family planning programs.
    Fully enforced the separate payment requirement for abortion coverage in Obamacare exchange plans.
    Stopped the Federal funding of fetal tissue research.
    Worked to protect healthcare entities and individuals’ conscience rights, ensuring that no medical professional is forced to participate in an abortion in violation of their beliefs.
    Issued an executive order reinforcing the requirement that all hospitals in the United States provide medical treatment or an emergency transfer for infants who are in need of emergency medical care—regardless of prematurity or disability.
    Led a coalition of countries to sign the Geneva Consensus Declaration, declaring that there is no international right to abortion and committing to protecting women’s health.
    First president in history to attend the March for Life.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republican Governors Association Congratulates Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem

    Source: US Republican Governors Association

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –Republican Governors Association Chair Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued the following statement after Kristi Noem was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security:  

    “Congratulations to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on her confirmation. As governor, Secretary Noem showed a deep commitment to ensure the safety and security of the American people by working to protect our borders, and her leadership at the Department of Homeland Security comes at a critical time.  

     “Republican governors stand with President Trump and Secretary Noem, and we look forward to working together to ensure our borders are secure, our national security is prioritized, and families are safe.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Opposes Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of the Department of Defense.

    “Instead of addressing legitimate concerns about his qualifications, Pete Hegseth has repeatedly deflected tough questions and failed to demonstrate he has the experience or temperament required for this critical position. We need steady and accountable leadership to lead the world’s best fighting forces. Pete Hegseth should not be that leader.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Votes Against Confirming Kristi Noem to be DHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Kristi Noem to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security:

    “The Trump administration’s immigration policies – from ending asylum as we know it to targeting DREAMers, TPS recipients, and U.S. citizen children of immigrants – won’t make Nevadans any safer. We need commonsense border security and real solutions to crack down on drug and human trafficking, not political games. Kristi Noem’s embrace of President Trump’s chaotic agenda will hurt Nevada communities, and I cannot support her confirmation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Unpacks First Week of the Trump Administration with Maria Bartiromo

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street on Fox Business to discuss energy policy, the Senate confirmation process, reconciliation and tax cuts.

    Audio and excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow.

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO

    On Trump’s actions to unleash American energy:

    ‘I might say about all the actions [President Trump has] taken in the first 48 hours [in office] is like a tornado going through Washington, D.C. This town needs a shakeup, and I think he’s doing it.

    “For decades I’ve always said, ‘The best energy program is all of the above.’ That means all the fossil fuels we need, all the alternative energy we can have, conservation and nuclear. And I think [Trump’s] headed in that right direction. It’s going to have a very strong ripple effect through the entire economy…

    “Every service, every product that we buy has an energy component to it. When we have cheaper energy, we’re going to see cheaper prices paid for almost everything.”

    On the confirmation process:

    “If [Democrats] don’t agree to unanimous consent to bring a nomination up, you’ve got to have a separate vote to bring it up, and then you have unlimited debate. You have to have 51 votes to stop debate, and even after you have 51 votes to stop debate, then there’s 30 hours of debate possible afterwards. If people don’t yield back that time, that stretches out most nominees to a two- or three-day process…

    “This president has a popular mandate and an electoral mandate [that] he’s got to deliver [on]. The Democrats should realize that and let the cabinet people get in place, so this mandate can get underway very quickly. Until you get those cabinet people in their positions, this town doesn’t move as quickly as it otherwise would.”

    On reconciliation:

    “If we have two big, beautiful bills, [President Trump] will still use the same adjectives, only one number will change. We’re going to get the job done either way. I saw the President on Fox News [with Sean Hannity], and he did make clear that he likes one bill, but he says — ‘One bill or two bills, as long as we get the job done, i’s ok with him’… Our meeting at the White House with the House and Senate Republican leadership [this week] was a very productive meeting, and helps move things along very well. And so I’m very hopeful that we’re going to be able to get this mandate delivered very quickly.”

    On renewing the 2017 Trump tax cuts:

    “I think the tax extensions will take a little longer. Of course, we in the Senate have to wait until the House passes a bill, that’s the way the Constitution [approaches] tax legislation. But we’re not going to sit around and wait for the House. Going way back to September, anticipating a big Trump victory, we set up six working groups within the Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee, and we’re well along on the goals that we want to accomplish in the Senate bill.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: US Senate Confirms Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm Kristi Noem as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in a vote of 59- 34.

    A statement from Secretary Noem on her confirmation is below: 

    “As the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I will work every day to keep all Americans safe and secure. One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system. 

    “The Trump Administration will once-again empower our brave men and women in law enforcement to do their jobs and remove criminal aliens and illegal gangs from our country. We will fully equip our intelligence and law enforcement to detect and prevent terror threats and will deliver rapid assistance and disaster relief to Americans in crisis. 

    “I thank President Trump and the US Senate for their trust in me. Together, we will ensure that the United States, once again, is a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come.” 

    Prior to her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Noem served as South Dakota’s 33rd Governor and first ever female governor.  A rancher, farmer, and small business owner, Noem served in the South Dakota legislature for years and was later elected to serve as South Dakota’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Senate Confirms Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: US Senate Confirms Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security

    ASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm Kristi Noem as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in a vote of 59- 34.
    A statement from Secretary Noem on her confirmation is below: 
    “As the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I will work every day to keep all Americans safe and secure. One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system. 
    “The Trump Administration will once-again empower our brave men and women in law enforcement to do their jobs and remove criminal aliens and illegal gangs from our country. We will fully equip our intelligence and law enforcement to detect and prevent terror threats and will deliver rapid assistance and disaster relief to Americans in crisis. 
    “I thank President Trump and the US Senate for their trust in me. Together, we will ensure that the United States, once again, is a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come.” 
    Prior to her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Noem served as South Dakota’s 33rd Governor and first ever female governor.  A rancher, farmer, and small business owner, Noem served in the South Dakota legislature for years and was later elected to serve as South Dakota’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Noem for Homeland Security Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Governor Kristi Noem to serve as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
    “On November 5, the American people sent a resounding message – the open border policies of the Biden-Harris administration were a failure and have led them to feel unsafe in their own communities,” Senator Capito said. “We need someone at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security who is going to faithfully execute the law and secure our borders, while balancing the broad responsibilities of DHS that encompass cybersecurity, disaster relief and recovery, and air and coastal security. I believe that Kristi Noem is the person to do it. Having served with Governor Noem in the House of Representatives, I have seen firsthand her tenacity and strength, and I look forward to working with her and the Trump administration make America safe again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN relocates non-critical staff from North Kivu, DR Congo

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday without interrupting its operations in the country at a time heightened security concerns.

    The UN mission in DR Congo, MONUSCO, is relocating administrative staff and others in North Kivu that can continue performing their duties from elsewhere in response to the deteriorating security situation and intensifying hostilities involving the non-State armed group M23, a Rwandan-backed movement fighting against the Congolese Government.

    “This precautionary measure safeguards staff safety while ensuring the UN’s vital operations in the region remain uninterrupted,” MONUSCO said in a statement.

    “This transfer does not affect the UN’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in North Kivu.”

    Situation worsening

    The area has seen a repeated resurgence of non-State armed groups in the past. Clashes between the M23 and Congolese Government troops intensified earlier this month.

    According to news agencies, combatants from M23 killed the military governor of North Kivu on Thursday as the general was inspecting the border.

    Some 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu since the beginning of this year alone, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

    On Friday, the UN agency’s chief of office in Goma, Abdoulaye Barry, told UN News in an exclusive interview that the situation is becoming increasingly unsafe for both civilians and aid teams.

    Listen to our full interview here.

    © UNHCR/Joel. Z. Smith

    A camp for displaced people in North Kivu in DR Congo.

    Essential staff remain on the ground

    Essential UN personnel are remaining on the ground, sustaining critical operations such as food distribution, medical assistance, shelter and protection for vulnerable communities.

    At the same time, the UN is working closely with humanitarian partners and national authorities to ensure lifesaving assistance reaches those most in need and prevent any threat against civilians.

    The temporary relocation of staff will be reassessed based on the evolution of the security situation, with the aim of fully restoring the presence as soon as conditions allow.

    “The United Nations reaffirms its deep commitment to the people of North Kivu,” the UN mission said.

    UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the fighting, noting that the conflict has taken a devastating toll on the Congolese and the entire region.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who Stole Guns, Other Items from Farm and Home Store Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a St. Francois County man who stole firearms and other items from a farm and home store in Potosi, Missouri to 77 months in prison.

    Judge Autrey also ordered Gregory Snyder, 46, to pay $11,484 in restitution for the stolen items.

    On Sept. 19, 2021, Snyder hid in the store, emerging after closing time. He stole power tools, camping gear and 13 guns, including eight rifles and five shotguns. Snyder loaded the guns and some of the other stolen goods in his car, and then took them to a river in eastern Washington County. He returned early the next morning for more, but by then, Potosi Police Department officers had spotted evidence of the burglary. They stopped and questioned Snyder, who no longer had the stolen goods in his car. They arrested Snyder later that day.

    Snyder, of Bismarck, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in August to theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of body armor by a violent felon.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Potosi Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Nino Przulj prosecuted the case.

    Two of the shotguns have been recovered. Anyone with information about the rest of the stolen firearms is asked to contact the ATF at 314-768-3120 or online at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips or the Potosi Police at 573-438-5468.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Statement on Inspectors General

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – Senator Amy Klobuchar issued the following statement on reports that inspectors general from multiple federal agencies have been dismissed: 
    “Independent inspectors general are critical to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the federal government—as well as to preventing improper political influence or favoritism. It is alarming that President Trump is firing inspectors general from agencies across the federal government, including the Department of Agriculture, removing critical checks on his power. Now more than ever the responsibility will fall to Congress to conduct oversight and ensure these agencies are working for the American people, not special interests.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allister congratulates farmers on protest turnout

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-

    “It was marvellous to see the huge turnouts at today’s Farmers’ Protest over the Government’s punitive death tax on family farms.

    “I attended the Ballymena protest in which over 300 tractors took part. It was great to see the determination among farmers to keep the pressure on the government over this vital issue.

    “I will continue the fight on their behalf despite the size of the government’s majority, believing that in the end this ruinous policy is unsustainable.  With farmers united across the United Kingdom on the issue, the government must be made to continue to feel the pressure until they retreat from burying family farms under the weight of their greedy death taxes.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Hegseth’s Message to the Force

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.
     
    The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.   
     
    o    We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military.  We are American warriors. We will defend our country.  Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.  
     
    o    We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world. 
     
    o    We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President’s priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.
     
    All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.
     
    I have committed my life to warfighters and their families.  Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time.  Our enemies will neither rest nor relent.  And neither will we.  We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.    
     
    Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team.  Together we will accomplish the President’s mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message to the International Holocaust Remembrance Service

    Source: United Nations – English

    ear Rabbi Schneier, Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    It is an honour to send you a message today.

    At this sombre occasion, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

    Dear Friends,

    This year marks eighty years since the end of the Holocaust.

    The history of the Holocaust is one of total moral collapse, dehumanisation, complicity, and unimaginable atrocities. But amidst all the horror, there are also stories of humanity, and of courage.

    I think of those victims who resisted Nazi brutality and supported one another with kindness and solidarity. I think of those survivors who have told their stories to the world, including Rabbi Schneier and others present today.  We owe you — and the children of survivors who made sure those stories lived on – a profound debt of gratitude.  And I think of those noble people of conscience who may not have been targeted by the Nazis but were so horrified by what they saw that they felt compelled to act. 

    That includes a number of diplomats who used their power to save lives.  They were from a variety of countries, including many represented here today.  

    One important example from my own country, Portugal, is Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Stationed in Bordeaux, as the Nazis approached in 1940, Sr. Sousa Mendes faced crowds desperate for visas out of France.

    The orders of the Portuguese Government were clear. The infamous “Circular 14” had been issued, denying visas for refugees’ safe passage to Portugal – with Jews named specifically. Sr. Sousa Mendes decided to disobey, and worked quite literally day and night to issue thousands of visas, saving countless lives.

    The government punished Sr. Sousa Mendes for his defiance. He died in poverty, after being expelled from the diplomatic corps without pension. But his extraordinary efforts have not been forgotten. In 1966, he was recognised as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, and, last year, I was pleased to support the opening of a museum in his honour in Portugal.

    In these days of global turmoil, rising antisemitism, and growing hate towards many communities, it is vital that we remember the stories of people like Sr. Sousa Mendes, who used their power for good in the worst of times. They remind us that it is our duty – individually and collectively – to stand with humanity and against bigotry and discrimination.

    In that spirit, I am pleased to report that the United Nations has launched an Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism. We have long worked to combat this evil, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach program. This new Plan builds on that work, and the insights of people like Rabbi Schneier, to recommend ways the United Nations system will further enhance efforts to combat antisemitism.

    This goes to the heart of the mission of the United Nations, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust.  We will never waiver in the fight for a world that promotes and protects the human rights of all.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Confirms Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a vote of 59 to 34, the United States Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) voted in support of her nomination. Noem and Cramer served in the U.S. House of Representatives together for three terms. The South Dakota Governor asked Cramer to serve as her Senate “Sherpa,” helping her navigate the confirmation process.

    “Kristi Noem is tough and determined, and the right person to implement President Trump’s number one promise to the American people,” said Cramer. “We need her leadership now more than ever to crack down on illegal immigration, stop the devastating flow of drugs, secure our borders, and restore safety to communities across the nation. I applaud the Senate for swiftly confirming her nomination, and I look forward to working with my friend and fellow Dakotan to Make America Safe Again.”

    Cramer joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune in introducing Noem during the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, advocating for her qualifications and experience. In his introduction Cramer said, “Securing the homeland is our first Constitutional priority. It is the number one priority of the voters, and it is the top priority for President Trump. Naturally, he asked the toughest, smartest, most capable protector he knows, Kristi Noem, to lead DHS. She’s a rancher, mom, and grandmother from the prairies who knows how to protect her own.”

    Last week, Noem’s nomination passed out of committee with a 13-2 vote. During her confirmation hearing, Cramer highlighted the overwhelming support for Noem’s leadership, pointing to letters of endorsement from key stakeholders, including leaders from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe located in North Dakota and South Dakota, who emphasized the importance of her commitment to strengthening national security and community safety.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message to the International Holocaust Remembrance Service

    Source: United Nations

    Dear Rabbi Schneier, Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    It is an honour to send you a message today.

    At this sombre occasion, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

    Dear Friends,

    This year marks eighty years since the end of the Holocaust.

    The history of the Holocaust is one of total moral collapse, dehumanisation, complicity, and unimaginable atrocities. But amidst all the horror, there are also stories of humanity, and of courage.

    I think of those victims who resisted Nazi brutality and supported one another with kindness and solidarity. I think of those survivors who have told their stories to the world, including Rabbi Schneier and others present today.  We owe you — and the children of survivors who made sure those stories lived on – a profound debt of gratitude.  And I think of those noble people of conscience who may not have been targeted by the Nazis but were so horrified by what they saw that they felt compelled to act. 

    That includes a number of diplomats who used their power to save lives.  They were from a variety of countries, including many represented here today.  

    One important example from my own country, Portugal, is Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Stationed in Bordeaux, as the Nazis approached in 1940, Sr. Sousa Mendes faced crowds desperate for visas out of France.

    The orders of the Portuguese Government were clear. The infamous “Circular 14” had been issued, denying visas for refugees’ safe passage to Portugal – with Jews named specifically. Sr. Sousa Mendes decided to disobey, and worked quite literally day and night to issue thousands of visas, saving countless lives.

    The government punished Sr. Sousa Mendes for his defiance. He died in poverty, after being expelled from the diplomatic corps without pension. But his extraordinary efforts have not been forgotten. In 1966, he was recognised as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, and, last year, I was pleased to support the opening of a museum in his honour in Portugal.

    In these days of global turmoil, rising antisemitism, and growing hate towards many communities, it is vital that we remember the stories of people like Sr. Sousa Mendes, who used their power for good in the worst of times. They remind us that it is our duty – individually and collectively – to stand with humanity and against bigotry and discrimination.

    In that spirit, I am pleased to report that the United Nations has launched an Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism. We have long worked to combat this evil, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach program. This new Plan builds on that work, and the insights of people like Rabbi Schneier, to recommend ways the United Nations system will further enhance efforts to combat antisemitism.

    This goes to the heart of the mission of the United Nations, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust.  We will never waiver in the fight for a world that promotes and protects the human rights of all.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council service update, January 25

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council service update, January 25

    25 January 2025

    3.30pm

    Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in some damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.

    Staff continue to be on site carrying out health and safety inspections and providing services from early this morning. Teams from across all Council services have been meeting and co-ordinating efforts throughout the weekend and this work will continue over the coming days.

    The health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority and for that reason we would encourage the public to be patient and to expect some delays to services.

    As we continue to work with partner agencies work to assess and remedy damage caused by Storm Éowyn members of the public should exercise caution when close to obvious debris and damage, including power lines. The public are also advised to take note of further yellow weather warnings in place over the weekend relating to winds, snow and ice and to take the appropriate measures to keep them and their property safe. Please follow the Met Office for updates.

    Bin collections

    Refuse Collection crews are out working today servicing bins that were missed from Fridaydq. For any bins not emptied today the advice is to make contact with our Customer Services Team on 028 71 374107 on Monday morning or by email at refuse&[email protected] and arrangements will be made to have them emptied as soon as possible.

     

    Cemeteries and outdoor sites

    The City Cemetery, Ballyoan, Altnagelvin and Strabane Cemeteries are all open to the public. Users are strongly advised to take due care and attention at all facilities both for fallen trees and for slippy pathways. The public are urged not to visit historical sites. Our staff are on site to clear all main arterial routes at our facilities as a priority.

    Recycling Centres

    All of our recycling centres, with the exception of Plumbridge, are open.

     

    Leisure Centres

    All Council Leisure centres are open as normal.

    Community Assistance

    All of our Leisure Centres are open and available to the public who are without power or water and who require assistance with heat, tea/coffee and phone charging and shower facilities. We have extended the opening hours at Templemore, Melvin and Derg Valley Leisure Centre to 10pm tonight, Saturday.

    Tomorrow Sunday, Templemore, Foyle Arena and Melvin will be open from 9am – 6pm while Riversdale and Derg Valley Leisure Centres will open from 1pm – 6pm

    Council facilities

    The Guildhall, Tower Museum and the Alley Theatre are open and operating as normal.

     

    Street cleansing

    Our street cleansing teams have been out and about from this early morning servicing the city and towns and working with grounds maintenance teams to make sure Council facilities are safe to access.

    Grass pitches

    All Council grass pitches and 3g pitches will remain closed for the weekend. User groups are being contacted.

     

    Parks and play parks

    Ongoing health and safety inspections are ongoing today to get as many of our parks, play areas and greenways open to the public. There are several trees down at the Bay Road and Strathfoyle greenways and a number of other parks, we have teams out on site carrying out clearance and repair works. The public are asked to avoid areas where there are trees and to take due care and attention as there may be debris or fallen branches etc.

    Again, the public are asked to be patient and expect some delays to opening of facilities after the storm to allow these checks and possible clean-up work to be carried out.

     

    Looking ahead

    Please take note of further weather warnings in place over the weekend including a YELLOW warning for SNOW & ICE for Northern Ireland between 1800hrs on Saturday 25th and 1000hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts and a YELLOW warning for WIND for Northern Ireland between 1000hrs and 1900hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts

    Strong winds affecting Northern Ireland, potentially disrupting transport and infrastructure

    Further information:  UK weather warnings – Met Office

    Emergency Contact numbers:

    Emergency services 999 or 112

    Flooding Incident Line  – 0300 2000 100

    NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

    NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

    NI Water – 03457 440 088

    Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: White House Statement on Hostage Release

    Source: The White House

    “Today the world celebrates as President Trump secured the release of four more Israeli hostages who were, for far too long, held against their will by Hamas in horrific conditions. The United States will continue with its great partner Israel to push for the release of all remaining hostages and the pursuit of peace throughout the region.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Three more arrested in connection with murder and wounding case in Yuen Long arrested

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         In connection with a murder and wounding case happened in Yuen Long on January 22, Police further arrested two 22-year-old men for murder and wounding, and a 20-year-old woman for conspiracy to wounding in Tin Shui Wai, Tsing Yi and Yuen Long respectively yesterday (January 24).

         In the murder and wounding case, a 24-year-old man died and a 28-year-old man was injured.       

         Together with the arrests made earlier, Police arrested a total of eight men and one woman, aged 19 to 27. Among them, Police today (January 25) laid holding charges against the 20-year-old man and the 22-year-old man each with one count of murder and one count of wounding. The 20-year-old man was also laid holding charges with one count of driving without a valid license and one count of driving without third party insurance. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts in the morning of January 27.

         Besides, the four male arrestees, aged 22 to 26, were released on bail and are required to report back to Police in late February. The 20-year-old female arrestee is being detained for further enquiries.

         For the two men who had been charged earlier, the case was mentioned at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts this morning.

         Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3356.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Vice President Vance Swears in Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Washington, D.C.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRmQwgRzcwQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE kicks off year-end caring visits

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, the Government’s principal officials started travelling to all 18 districts throughout the city today to visit different families for four consecutive days and distribute blessing bags in celebration of the festival.

    The year-end caring visits in 18 districts are co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department.

    Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, accompanied by representatives from the District Services & Community Care Team, visited singleton elderly households living in Oi Man Estate, Ho Man Tin to learn more about their daily lives, wishing them a healthy and happy Year of the Snake.

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited an elderly family and an ethnic minority family living on Oak Street in Tai Kok Tsui and Reclamation Street in Mong Kok respectively to understand their daily lives and needs.

    Additionally, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui visited grassroots families and elderly people living in Yat Tung (l) Estate, Tung Chung.

    Meanwhile, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and Under Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee visited singleton and doubleton elderly households living in Wah Fu Estate, Southern District.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic Launch New Youth Basketball Initiative in Morocco, Through EVOSPORT

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, January 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

    NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), through its subsidiary EVOSPORT, today announced a new collaboration to support youth basketball in Morocco. The collaboration marks the league’s most expansive youth basketball development programming ever in Morocco and makes UM6P an official partner of NBA Africa.

    UM6P is a Moroccan university that focuses on developing solutions to specific continental and, more broadly, global challenges. The university is engaged in economic and human development and puts innovation at the forefront of African growth. In alignment with this vision, UM6P has launched EVOSPORT, its subsidiary dedicated to sports development, with the ambition of contributing to the creation of a dynamic and sustainable Moroccan and African sports ecosystem.

    The collaboration between NBA Africa and UM6P will be implemented by EVOSPORT, in collaboration with Act4Community, which is a part of OCP Group’s ecosystem. Together, they will launch four Jr. NBA leagues that will reach nearly 2,000 boys and girls ages 18 and under annually in Khouribga, Gantour, Laayoune and El Jadida, as well as Morocco’s first NBA Basketball Schools in all four locations. More than 200 local coaches will also participate in Jr. NBA Coaches Workshops in each city.

    The announcement was made today at a signing ceremony at UM6P France in Paris, the university’s branch in Europe, by UM6P President Hicham El Habti, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi and Basketball Africa League (BAL) President Amadou Gallo Fall.

    “We have seen firsthand through our previous initiatives in Morocco that there is incredible passion for basketball across the country,” said Akamanzi. “Together with UM6P and ahead of the first BAL games in Morrocco in April, we look forward to significantly expanding our youth basketball development efforts in the country and providing opportunities for thousands of Moroccan youth to learn and play the game.”

    “We are thrilled to work with NBA Africa to bring this transformative youth basketball program to Morocco,” said El Habti. “At UM6P, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and develop young minds. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and contribute to the socio-economic development of Africa. Through EVOSPORT, we are committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive and achieve their full potential.”

    UM6P, as a key component of OCP Group’s ecosystem, has significantly contributed to the group’s long-standing commitment to sports development in Morocco. The collaboration with NBA Africa supports the youth targeted by the Act4Community program and reflects OCP Group’s corporate social responsibility aiming for sustainable and tangible improvements in living standards through job creation, entrepreneurship, culture and sports.

    The announcement builds on NBA Africa’s and the OCP Group’s previous collaboration that has featured previous Jr. NBA leagues in the cities of Benguerir and Khouribga. NBA Africa has reached more than 100,000 Moroccan youth and coaches through youth basketball development programming to date.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: 3 questions on the intensification of the armed conflict in North and South Kivu

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    What is the current situation in North and South Kivu with regards to this crisis?

    Since December 2024, several fronts have been opened in the two provinces to control certain key positions. In Lubero territory, in North Kivu, the conflict resumed in December with massive population displacement. It continued in Masisi territory, where intense fighting took place in January 2025, particularly for control of the town of Masisi Centre, before moving down towards South Kivu, to Minova and Numbi in Kalehe territory.

    During the hostilities, the M23/AFC managed to take control of several towns. In recent days the fighting has moved closer to the provincial capital of Goma, with intense clashes in Sake, just 20 kilometres from the city. Artillery explosions can be heard regularly from Goma. Fighting is taking place on all the roads around Goma and has led to a new influx of displaced people into the city, including from some camps on the outskirts of the city where people flee towards Goma, in a situation of panic.

    How is this situation affecting the population?

    Unsurprisingly, the humanitarian consequences for the population are very serious. Hundreds of thousands of people have once again fled the fighting. According to the United Nations, 400,000 people have already fled since January. Tens of thousands headed for displacement sites around Goma, where more than 650,000 people were already living, exhausted by almost three years of fighting. The clashes in recent weeks have led to a new influx of people into these completely unhygienic sites where – as we have been saying for far too long – families are surviving without proper shelter and lacking everything: food, water, health care, etc.

    Unfortunately, these sites are not spared from the fighting. Rockets are being fired near these camps or the health facilities where people have sought shelter. It’s appalling and unacceptable. We are also seeing a very worrying proportion of civilians among the hundreds of wounded we are helping to treat. Some are victims of stray bullets, but others are victims of the warring parties’ failure to respect certain basic rules of conflict. In Masisi, the hospital we support came under fire while more than 10,000 people were seeking shelter. Two people were hit just outside the hospital and two of our staff were injured by rocket fire. The presence of combatants or artillery positions in close proximity to health facilities and camps for internally displaced people puts lives at immediate risk. It is important for everyone to remember that even war has its rules.

    What is MSF’s current response on the ground?

    We are doing our utmost to maintain our regular and emergency activities, but in some areas we have had to limit the risks by reducing the size of our teams. Around Goma, for example, direct armed violence has reduced our ability to go to certain affected sites over the past two days, although we continue to supply medical facilities, help them prepare for an influx of wounded, and bring in fuel to run water pumps as soon as conditions allow. This allows these facilities to continue to function, even with a more limited presence of our teams.

    In Goma itself, we continue to support the Kyeshero Hospital to treat some of the wounded and to relieve the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is on the front line treating the wounded at the Ndosho hospital. It is clear that the hospitals in Goma are completely overwhelmed by the number of wounded.

    In the rest of North and South Kivu, despite the security and logistical challenges and restrictions on movement, we are maintaining our presence and continuing to treat patients, including the wounded. In three weeks, nearly 400 casualties have been treated at the Minova General Referral Hospital, the Numbi Hospital Centre and the Masisi General Referral Hospital. We are also continuing to support displaced people in more remote areas, such as Lubero, where we are also working to improve access to water in health facilities and at the Magasin site for displaced people.

    MIL OSI NGO –