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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Trading Company of Hayward, CA is Recalling Joy Luck Brand Lily Flowers Because it May Contain Undeclared Sulfites

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    March 04, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    March 04, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared sulfites

    Company Name:
    U.S. Trading Company
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Joy Luck

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Dried Lily Flowers

    Company Announcement
    (March 3, 2025) U.S. Trading Company of Hayward, CA is recalling Joy Luck Brand Lily Flowers because it may contain undeclared SULFITES. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious allergic reaction if they consume these products.
    The lily flowers were distributed to retailers Nationwide.
    The lily flowers are individually packed in plastic packaging. Below is the product being recalled:

    Brand 

    Product Name 

    Size 

    UPC 

    Joy Luck

    Dried Lily Flowers

    2.5oz

    721557511008

    The recall was initiated after Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services collected a sample of the lily flowers. It was discovered that lily flowers containing sulfites were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites
    No illnesses have been reported to date.
    This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
    Customers with a sulfite allergy or sensitivity who have purchased the affected product are urged not to consume the product and dispose of it or return it to their place of purchase for a full refund.
    Consumers with questions may contact U.S. Trading Company at 510-781-1818 Monday thru Friday between 8:00am – 4:30pm PST.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    U.S. Trading Company
    510-781-1818

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    03/04/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology

    Phish Photography/Shutterstock

    If you head to the shops to buy bread, you’ll face a variety of different options.

    But it can be hard to work out the difference between all the types on sale.

    For instance, you might have a vague idea that wholemeal or wholegrain bread is healthy. But what’s the difference?

    Here’s what we know and what this means for shoppers in Australia and New Zealand.

    Let’s start with wholemeal bread

    According to Australian and New Zealand food standards, wholemeal bread is made from flour containing all parts of the original grain (endosperm, germ and bran) in their original proportions.

    Because it contains all parts of the grain, wholemeal bread is typically darker in colour and slightly more brown than white bread, which is made using only the endosperm.

    Wholemeal flour is made from all parts of the grain.
    Rerikh/Shutterstock

    How about wholegrain bread?

    Australian and New Zealand food standards define wholegrain bread as something that contains either the intact grain (for instance, visible grains) or is made from processed grains (flour) where all the parts of the grain are present in their original proportions.

    That last part may sound familiar. That’s because wholegrain is an umbrella term that encompasses both bread made with intact grains and bread made with wholemeal flour. In other words, wholemeal bread is a type of wholegrain bread, just like an apple is a type of fruit.

    Don’t be confused by labels such as “with added grains”, “grainy” or “multigrain”. Australian and New Zealand food standards don’t define these so manufacturers can legally add a small amount of intact grains to white bread to make the product appear healthier. This doesn’t necessarily make these products wholegrain breads.

    So unless a product is specifically called wholegrain bread, wholemeal bread or indicates it “contains whole grain”, it is likely to be made from more refined ingredients.

    Which one’s healthier?

    So when thinking about which bread to choose, both wholemeal and wholegrain breads are rich in beneficial compounds including nutrients and fibre, more so than breads made from further-refined flour, such as white bread.

    The presence of these compounds is what makes eating wholegrains (including wholemeal bread) beneficial for our overall health. Research has also shown eating wholegrains helps reduce the risk of common chronic diseases, such as heart disease.

    The table below gives us a closer look at the nutritional composition of these breads, and shows some slight differences.

    Wholegrain bread is slightly higher in fibre, protein, niacin (vitamin B3), iron, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium than wholemeal bread. But wholegrain bread is lower in carbohydrates, thiamin (vitamin B1) and folate (vitamin B9).

    However the differences are relatively small when considering how these contribute to your overall dietary intake.

    Which one should I buy?

    Next time you’re shopping, look for a wholegrain bread (one made from wholemeal flour that has intact grains and seeds throughout) as your number one choice for fibre and protein, and to support overall health.

    If you can’t find wholegrain bread, wholemeal bread comes in a very close second.

    Wholegrain and wholemeal bread tend to cost the same, but both tend to be more expensive than white bread.

    Margaret Murray 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. What’s the difference between wholemeal and wholegrain bread? Not a whole lot – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-wholemeal-and-wholegrain-bread-not-a-whole-lot-249156

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI deepfakes threaten democracy and people’s identities. ‘Personality rights’ could help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wellett Potter, Lecturer in Law, University of New England

    Ray Bond/Shutterstock

    How much is your voice worth?

    It could be as little as roughly A$100. That was how much ABC News Verify recently spent to clone federal senator Jacqui Lambie’s voice – with her permission – using an easily accessible online platform.

    This example highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) apps which create a synthetic replica of a person’s image and/or voice in the form of deepfakes or voice cloning are becoming cheaper and easier to use.

    This poses a serious threat not only to the functioning of democracy (especially around elections), but also to a person’s identity.

    Current copyright laws in Australia are inadequate when it comes to protecting people if their image or voice is digitally cloned without their permission. Establishing “personality rights” could help.

    Detecting what’s fake is difficult

    Deepfake technology is able to produce content which seems increasingly real. This makes it harder to detect what is fake and what is not. Indeed, several people for whom the ABC played the voice clone of Senator Lambie did not initially realise it was fake.

    This shows how unauthorised deepfakes and voice cloning can be easily used to generate misinformation. They can also be extremely damaging to individuals.

    This was highlighted back in 2020, when one of Australia’s first political deepfake videos was released. It featured the then Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk claiming the state was “cooked” and in “massive debt”.

    The video received around 1 million views on social media.

    What laws cover this?

    In Australia, defamation, privacy, image-based abuse laws, passing off and consumer protection laws might be applicable to situations involving deepfake video or audio clips. You may also be able to lodge a complaint with the eSafety commissioner.

    In theory copyright law can also protect a person’s image and voice. However, its application is more nuanced.

    First, a person whose likeness has been cloned by an AI platform often does not own the source material. This material could be an image, video or voice recording which has been copied and uploaded. Even if your image and voice is depicted, if you are not the owner of the source material, you cannot sue for infringement.

    Using Senator Lambie as an example, the ABC only needed 90 seconds of original voice recording to create the AI clone. Senator Lambie’s voice itself is not able to be copyright-protected. That’s because copyright can only attach to a tangible expression, say in written or recorded form. It cannot attach to speech or unexpressed ideas.

    As the ABC arranged, recorded and produced the original 90-second recording, the broadcaster could hold copyright in it as a sound recording. It is a fixed, tangible expression of Senator Lambie’s voice. However, unless the senator and the ABC made an agreement, Senator Lambie would have no economic rights, such as the right to reproduction, to the original voice recording. Nor would she have any rights to the clone of her voice.

    In fact, the AI-generated clone itself is unlikely to be protected by copyright, as it is considered authorless under Australian copyright law. Many AI-generated creations are currently unable to be protected under Australian copyright, due to a lack of original, identifiable human authorship.

    Moral rights – including the right of attribution (to be credited as the performer), the right against false attribution and the right of integrity – are also limited in scope. They could apply to the original audio clip, but not to a deepfake.

    What are ‘personality rights’?

    In most jurisdictions in the United States, there exist what are commonly known as “personality rights”. These rights include the right of publicity, which acknowledges that an individual’s name, likeness, voice and other attributes are commercially valuable.

    Celebrities such as Bette Midler and Johnny Carson have successfully exercised this right to prevent companies using elements of their identity for commercial purposes without permission.

    However, personality rights might not always apply to AI voice clones, with some lawyers arguing that only actual recorded voices are protectable, not clones of voices. This has led to states such as Tennessee introducing legislation to specifically address AI-generated content. The Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act, introduced in 2024, addresses the misappropriation of an individual’s voice through generative AI use.

    Urgent steps are needed

    There has been longstanding scholarly debate about whether Australia should introduce statutory publicity rights.

    One of the challenges is overlap with pre-existing laws, such as Australian consumer law and tort law. Policymakers might be hesitant to introduce a new right, as these other areas of the law may provide partial protection. Another challenge is how to enforce these rights if an AI-generated deepfake is created overseas.

    Australia could also consider introducing a similar law to the “No Fakes Bill” currently being debated in the US. If passed, this bill would allow people to protect their image and voice through intellectual property rights. This should be given serious consideration in Australia too.

    Deepfakes are becoming more and more common, and are now widespread during elections. Because of this, it’s important that Australians remain vigilant to them in the lead up to this year’s federal election.

    And let’s hope that whoever wins that election takes urgent steps to better protect everyone’s image and voice.

    Wellett Potter 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. AI deepfakes threaten democracy and people’s identities. ‘Personality rights’ could help – https://theconversation.com/ai-deepfakes-threaten-democracy-and-peoples-identities-personality-rights-could-help-251267

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joined on Capitol Hill by Allison Hope of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Comes as the Trump Administration implemented sweeping 25% tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Allison Hope, Executive Director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association, today joined Senate Democrats for a press conference on Capitol Hill with Americans from across the country who are being hurt by Trump Administration policies—from businesses hit by tariffs to veterans who were laid off by Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) to cancer researchers.  
    Allison Hope, Executive Director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association spoke about how Trump’s Trade War will hurt Vermont’s maple industry: 
    “Vermont makes about 50-51% of the U.S. production of pure maple syrup, and we have Canadian partners across the border. In the past 20 years, Vermont’s production rates have grown 500% and a 25% Canadian tariff on maple equipment—most of which comes across the border, because that’s where most maple syrup is made—on the Canadian imports that come into Vermont will have a staggering effect on Vermont’s producers, who not only are agricultural farmers, but they are foresters, and so they keep a large swath of Vermont forested. 
    “I think that our Canadian counterparts are a huge part of our trade. The U.S. can’t supply all ofthe maple syrup for retail in the United States, and so we bring into Vermont —and other areas of the U.S.—Canadian bulk syrup. When that price goes up, it affects the shelf price at retail, and those larger contracts for blended Vermont, U.S., and Canadian maple syrup—those contracts change for cents on the dollar. And so, the end result of that will be a potential stagnation of production in Vermont and also a loss of potential shelf space at a time when it’s really hard and really expensive to get it back,” Hope said.  
    After the event, Senator Welch emphasized the importance of making sure the Trump Administration hears directly from those who are impacted by Trump’s misguided trade policies: 
    “These tariffs are really going to hurt our economy in Vermont, and the impacts will be far-reaching. President Trump is singlehandedly raising costs for Vermonters—from the food on our table, to our energy bills, to the materials our home construction companies and manufacturers need. It’s important that the Trump Administration and my colleagues across the aisle hear directly from those who are impacted and that they drop this misguided plan.” 
    Watch a livestream of the press conference below: 
    Vermont’s maple industry—as well as farms and businesses across Vermont—are bracing for the economic fallout of Trump’s 25% tariff on Canada, which went into effect today. Sugar makers expect the cost of Canadian-made sugaring equipment to dramatically increase. Bulk maple sales to major retailers like Costco, Target, and Whole Foods rely on both U.S. and Canadian producers and most of the equipment needed to produce syrup is manufactured in Canada.   
    Last week, Senator Welch expressed opposition to the Trump Tariffs after voting against the nominationof Jamieson Greer for United States Trade Representative. He also joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-N.H.) Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act, which would shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The bill would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Markey, Colleagues Introduce Children, Teen’s Online Privacy Protection Legislation 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Edward Markey (D-MA), and colleagues introduced the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) to update online data privacy rules for the 21st century and ensure children and teenagers are protected online. COPPA 2.0 would stop the data practices fueling today’s youth mental health crisis.
    “Every kid has an iPad or smartphone. They’re going to use the internet. Parents should be confident they can do it safely,” said Dr. Cassidy. “COPPA 2.0 is the tool that will give parents the peace of mind they need and keep their children’s personal information secure.”
    “We need strong modern legislation that keeps pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape and creates a safer online environment by addressing the youth mental health crisis and protecting the personal information of our kids,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must finally pass my Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act to extend these protections to teenagers, block targeted advertising to kids and teens, and give parents of young people an eraser button to protect them from predatory data collection practices.” 
    COPPA 2.0 would:
    Ban targeted advertising to children and teens.
    Create an “Eraser Button” by requiring companies to permit users delete personal information collected from a child or teens.
    Establish data minimization rules to prohibit the excessive collection of children and teens’ data.
    Revise COPPA’s “actual knowledge” standard to close the loophole that allows platforms to ignore kids and teens on their side.
    Build on COPPA by prohibiting internet companies from collecting personal information from users who are 13 to 16 years old without their consent.
    Cassidy and Markey were joined by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
    COPPA 2.0 is endorsed by over 50 groups and organizations including the School Superintendents Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychological Association, National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and National Association of School Nurses. 
    Background
    In July 2024, the U.S. Senate passed the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which included COPPA 2.0, by a 91-3 vote. Cassidy highlighted the passage of his bill to protect children’s privacy online in an op-ed for The Advocate. In September 2024, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed COPPA 2.0. 
    In May 2023, Cassidy and Markey reintroduced COPPA 2.0, legislation that would update online data privacy rules for the 21st century to ensure children and teenagers are protected online. In July 2023, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously passed COPPA 2.0. In February 2024, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), the Chair and Ranking Member of the committee, agreed to cosponsor COPPA 2.0. In April 2024, U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) introduced the House companion to COPPA 2.0. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Tells Farmers ‘Have Fun’ As He Kicks Off Pointless Trade Wars. Cantwell Tells the Truth: ‘It’s Not Going to Be Fun, It’s Going to Be A Nightmare’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    03.04.25
    Trump Tells Farmers ‘Have Fun’ As He Kicks Off Pointless Trade Wars. Cantwell Tells the Truth: ‘It’s Not Going to Be Fun, It’s Going to Be A Nightmare’
    Ahead of Presidential address, Cantwell calls on Congress to reclaim its Constitutional authority over tariffs; Cantwell also calls out arbitrary and wasteful layoffs at NOAA, NIH, NSF, USDA: “These kinds of ideas sound great, but they’re not well thought out. It’s literally throwing tax dollars away.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, delivered a Senate floor speech raising concerns about the economic fallout of Trump’s newly announced tariffs, hours before the President is set to deliver remarks before a Joint Session of Congress.
     “Trump said to our farmers yesterday on Truth Social, quote, ‘tariffs will go on external products on April 2. Have fun.’ End quote,” Sen. Cantwell said. “’Have fun?’ ‘Have fun?’ When retaliatory tariffs strike our farmers — just as they did in the first Trump administration — it’s not going to be fun, it’s going to be a nightmare for our farmers. And many of the farmers in my state worry [whether] they will be able to farm at all.”
    “I hope my colleagues will slow down on this tariff tirade. Under Article One, Section Eight of the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the power to set duties and regulate foreign commerce. However, Congress has spent the last 80 years delegating its tariff authority to presidents,” she continued. “This president, I believe, is abusing this authority. He calls it an emergency. He’s using the trade wars to supposedly force countries to do things like changing their border policies. I believe it’s time for Congress to start taking back some of that power and considering how we’re going to protect the family farm.”
    Over the past 24 hours, as President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, stock prices in the United States have plummeted. The Dow fell more than 700 points this morning. Today, the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board criticized his decision: “Trump takes the dumbest tariff plunge.”.
    Sen. Cantwell also showed the following graph with the alarming new forecast by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, which recently began predicting negative real GDP growth for the first quarter of 2025, a rapid reversal of its prior forecast for growth.  “Just last week, when people want to talk about GDP and where this is going, it’s amazing that the Atlanta Fed was forecasting GDP growth over two percent for the first quarter of 2025…. but we can see when we got to February, we fell off a cliff… this drop is the representation of a cliff that President Trump is pushing the American economy over.”

    “We know this — that in my state, families are paying more for groceries. They’re paying more at the gas pump. They’re paying more at electricity bills. And they are seeing the stock market plummet because as businesses grapple with Trump’s unnecessary trade war, businesses are concerned about the long-term impacts of the supply chain and the cost of those tariffs,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information on how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE. Nationwide:
    A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.
    Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could increase U.S. car prices by as much as $12,000.
    According to the Yale Budget Lab, Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in the highest U.S. effective tariff rate in more than 80 years, and depending on the level of retaliation by other trading partners, will result in increased costs of between $1,600 and $2,000 per household. According to their analysis, electronics, clothing, cars, and food will all see above-average price increases.
    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of free trade to grow the economy in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.
    In her speech today, Sen. Cantwell also railed against the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) push to indiscriminately slash federal workers from the payroll, compromising the vital ongoing work at federal agencies.
    “The cuts that these agencies have been facing are really the cuts to some of the most technical jobs the United States government has. Whether you’re talking about NOAA, or the National Weather Service, or the National Institutes of Health, or the National Science Foundation, or the US Department of Agriculture — they’ve all been targeted for reductions. These agencies are critical to our economic growth and to our security. And at a time when we are seeing more extreme weather events, or more floods or more wildfires, why shouldn’t we be investing more in weather forecasting, not less? 
    “And when you look at NOAA workers who support our commercial, and recreation, and tribal fisheries, they employ 1.7 million people, including thousands in the State of Washington. Why would you cut specialized workforce that are helping support the growth of GDP?” Sen. Cantwell said.
    “DOGE wants to cap the overhead expenses of research. University of Washington medicine tells me that this would leave them with shortfalls and that they might have to stop clinical trials that are underway. You can’t just stop medical research like it’s a faucet! Once halted, the research, the data, the clinical trials, the patients, the laboratories, the equipment — all that led to innovation will be lost. You think you just turn that back on? You know, these kinds of ideas sound great, but they’re not well thought out. It’s literally throwing tax dollars away.”
    Since DOGE announced its intent to hack away at federal agencies and programs, Sen. Cantwell has been sounding the alarm and coming to the defense of workers at NOAA, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the National Park Service, and more.
    A video of her speech on the Senate floor today can be viewed HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Industry Leaders Launch “L4 is ON” Autonomous Network Joint Initiative at MWC Barcelona

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Industry Leaders Launch “L4 is ON” Autonomous Network Joint Initiative at MWC Barcelona

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 4, 2025] At MWC Barcelona 2025, TM Forum hosted the Autonomous Networks (AN) Summit with the theme “Advancing Autonomous Networks Level 4 Innovation and Commercialization.” Speakers from Telefonica, Orange, Telenor, Huawei, and other partners gathered to discuss and plan the development of Level 4 (L4) Autonomous Networks.
    In 2024, the AN industry experienced rapid growth with the release of the L4 industry blueprint and 20 high-value scenarios. Large model technology has shown early success in telecommunications applications, and several leading operators have already reached L3.5 in some key scenarios such as fault management. With 2025 being a pivotal year for L4 commercialization, the AN Mission Board is focusing on the L4 industry blueprint, solution package development, and commercial innovation deployment, and has jointly launched the “L4 is ON” initiative.
    AN Initiative Launch – L4 is ON

    1. Refining the L4 industry blueprint: Refining the implementation timeline with a focus on high-value L4 scenarios, and enhancing the target structure based on copilots and agents to advancing towards L4 with support from all industry partners.
    2. Developing standardized L4 solution packages: Developing standardized solution packages, including the scenarios requirements, key effectiveness indicators, ANL evaluation standards, and E2E solutions, to support L4 commercialization in high-value L4 scenarios.
    3. Promoting the innovation and commercialization of L4 high-value scenarios: Conducting AN-level assessment, accelerating application innovation and large-scale adoption, unlocking new value, and fostering a sustainable business cycle.
    Aaron Boasman-Patel, VP Innovation at TM Forum, said: “Autonomous Networks are more than a technical evolution; they will unleash a step-change in customer experience, business velocity, profitability and new services by unlocking the power of seamless end-to-end autonomous operations. To accelerate their adoption, we’re working with our members to deliver an industry standard open architecture that will enable CSPs to reach Level 4 autonomy.”
    Dang Wenshuan, Chief Strategic Architect of Huawei

    Dang Wenshuan, Huawei’s Chief Strategy Architect, said: “AI breakthroughs will be achieved at faster pace, and AN is picking up speed. We have much work to do. One key task is to define solution packages. A solution package serves as a guide on how to implement AN Level 4 from end to end for a high-value scenario. It offers scenario descriptions, effectiveness indicators, gap assessment, a function architecture, an integration solution, and a workflow. The package enables efficient AN Level 4 implementation for each high-value scenario, and drives large-scale commercial adoption for different telcos.”
    During the AN Strategy Panel Discussion, panelists from Telefonica, Orange, Telenor, and etc. addressed key topics such as commercial value, implementation pace, and essential technologies.
    The guests present agreed that realizing Level-4 Autonomous Networks is challenging and requires long-time, concerted efforts across the industry. Technological innovation and real-world projects focusing on high-value scenarios are essential to create more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable network services for the era of autonomous networks.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 will be held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister acknowledges outgoing RBNZ Governor

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledges the resignation of the Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr, and his seven years of service.

    “I wish him well for the future,” Nicola Willis says.

    Mr Orr was appointed as Governor in March 2018.

    Nicola Willis also welcomes Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby, who will be Acting Governor until March 31.

    Mr Hawkesby has served as Reserve Bank Deputy Governor since 2022.

    From April 1 the Minister of Finance, on recommendation from the RBNZ Board, will appoint a temporary Governor for a period of up to six months.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: South West Metro conversion period to be extended into 2026

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Transport

    The complex extension of Sydney Metro services from Sydenham to Bankstown will be completed in 2026 due to the ongoing impacts that industrial action has had on the project.

    This conversion of a century old train line to a brand-new state of the art metro is a very complex and difficult project that the NSW Government warned last year could take over 1 year to complete.

    The complexity of this project has been compounded by more than 130 days of work on the project that have been impacted by industrial action and its subsequent effects, placing increasing pressure on the construction and testing programs.

    Industrial action limited access to work sites and restricted the provision of crucial work permits, which are required for contractors to safely complete work in a live electrical network environment.

    This is particularly crucial at the interfaces between the future metro network and the existing Sydney Trains assets.

    This has required significant reprogramming of vital construction activities including overhead wiring upgrades, electrification changes, disconnection from adjoining rail networks, track improvements, and platform extensions at Bankstown Station.

    This resulted in a delay to the commencement of dynamic train testing, a crucial component of safely testing and commissioning the new railway.

    Despite the significant disruptions, the project team and delivery partners have worked tirelessly to progress the Southwest Conversion.

    Dynamic testing of Metro Trains on the Southwest conversion is imminent, following approval by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

    Passengers on the M1 Line will have experienced some disruption to their commutes with partial closures of the service to allow for work to progress when possible. These disruptions will continue as the testing program commences. We acknowledge passengers will be frustrated and apologise for any inconvenience caused. These possessions will allow the team to complete necessary work to extend metro services to Bankstown.

    All platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers along the line from Marrickville to Bankstown have been installed, taking teams approximately 500 hours to fit out each station.

    Since the conversion began a large portion of works have been completed including new lifts installed at Wiley Park, Dulwich Hill, Hurlstone Park, Punchbowl and Canterbury Stations, as well as new kiss and ride zones and refurbishing of station buildings and platform surfaces.

    A total of 28.3 kilometres of high-tech railway fencing has been installed along the alignment, which is made up of 5.8km of segregation fencing to separate the existing freight line and the metro corridor and 22.5km of security fencing.

    The security fencing includes first-of-its-kind intrusion and object detection system which uses fibre optic cables to monitor for possible intrusions.

    Southwest Link buses will continue to operate and will continue to be free for passengers until the new Southwest Metro opens.

    Minister for Transport John Graham said:

    “The Government has always said that this complex and difficult project may take longer than 1 year. We need to let people know that over 130 days of work have been impacted by industrial action. That means we’ll complete this project in 2026.

    “Works like upgrades to overhead wiring and station platforms, as well as electrical work to disconnect the line from the wider train network haven’t been able to proceed on schedule. Testing will start soon but industrial action has been very disruptive.

    “Converting a 130-year-old rail line to metro standards is a highly complex project and we are very sorry that passengers will have to wait a bit longer to jump on the metro from Bankstown to the Sydney CBD.

    “We promise it will be worth the wait – passengers can look forward to fast, safe and reliable trips, with a train arriving every 4 minutes in the peak.

    “When the extension to Bankstown opens in 2026, a trip from Bankstown to Central will take just 28 minutes, Marrickville to Macquarie University will take just 36 minutes and Dulwich Hill to Victoria Cross will take 21 minutes.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of $1.4 million bank fraud and identity theft scheme pleads guilty to victimizing bank customers nationwide

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Used victims’ personal information to open business bank accounts, linked them to established personal accounts, and drained victim funds

    Seattle – A leader in a nationwide $1.4 million bank fraud scheme pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Amber Towndrow, 36, was indicted along with coconspirator Darby Canfield, 35, in April 2024. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than eight years in prison for Towndrow when she is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead on June 12, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, Towndrow and her coconspirators acquired personal identifying information for at least 19 victims nationwide. In Western Washington, the co-schemers used that personal information to register businesses with the Washington Secretary of State. Armed with the business documents and false identification documents such as drivers’ licenses and passports, Towndrow would open business bank accounts at financial institutions where the victim already had a personal savings account. The bank system would link the new business bank account to the real customer’s bank account. The conspirators would then transfer money from the personal bank account to the business account. Towndrow would then use a business account debit card to purchase money orders and high value goods such as designer merchandise or electronics. Towndrow and other conspirators would use various fake IDs to cash the money orders at locations such as Money Tree outlets.

    With this scheme Towndrow committed bank fraud and identity theft in Washington, Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, Indiana, and Washington D.C.

    The plea agreement details how Towndrow defrauded a victim living in Illinois by creating a company registered in Colorado. Towndrow listed the Illinois victim as the registered owner of the company. Towndrow traveled to a Chase branch in Seattle where she opened a business banking account for the fake company. Towndrow and her coconspirators used online banking to transfer $131,709 from the Illinois victim account to the business account.  Towndrow used the business debit card to purchase 128 U.S. Postal Service money orders totaling $126,653. The money orders were made payable to various people the co-schemers could impersonate with their fake IDs. The conspirators then cashed several of the money orders at various locations in the Seattle area.

    The plea agreement admits similar conduct regarding a victim residing in Texas, who was defrauded of $75,000, of which $50,000 was used to purchase MoneyGram money orders across the Seattle area.

    Towndrow admits she opened at least 50 business bank accounts and attempted to obtain $1.4 million. She admits she successfully obtained $664,000.

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud are punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case.

    The case is being investigated by The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Diplomatic Security Service, and the Seattle Police Department.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asia’s Next Growth Frontier

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Opening Remarks by the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva
    At a conference on Asia and the IMF: Resilience through Cooperation, Tokyo, Japan, March 5, 9AM JST

    March 4, 2025

    (As Prepared for Delivery)

    I would like to thank Finance Minister Kato for welcoming us today and want to express my gratitude to Governor Ueda for joining. I’m very sorry I can’t be with you in person. But thankfully technology allows me to join you virtually.

    Those who have been to Tokyo’s Skytree know that it has the best views of the city. And like so much in Japan, it’s an engineering masterpiece. Gazing across Tokyo’s skyline, it’s hard to imagine just how much the city—and the country—has changed in the 80 years since the Bretton Woods Institutions were established.

    After World War II, Japan invested heavily in infrastructure and manufacturing and introduced sweeping reforms. These set the country on a path to becoming an economic powerhouse.

    Inspired by Japan’s success, other countries in Asia followed suit. Today, the region contributes over 60 percent of global growth, and is home to some of the world’s largest, most innovative companies.

    Of course, Asia is a very diverse continent, with a mix of advanced economies, emerging and frontier markets, and small island states. Demographics and income levels vary too.

    But across the region, openness and deepening economic ties have been crucial to countries’ success.

    The world is changing, however. Many countries face weaker growth prospects and are saddled with high public debt. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical developments have brought into focus the importance of security of supplies. Trade is no longer the engine of global growth it used to be. And we are in the midst of massive transformations, from rapid advances in AI to changing patterns of capital flows and trade. 

    Against this background, governments worldwide are shifting their priorities. The new US administration is rapidly reshaping its policies on trade, taxation, public spending, deregulation, and digital assets. And other governments are also recalibrating their approaches and adjusting their policies.

    The future of growth

    How should countries in Asia adapt? Let me highlight three opportunities.

    First, the shift toward services-led growth. While trade in goods has flattened, service flows are surging. In fact, services have already drawn about half of the region’s workers, up from just 22 percent in 1990.

    Economists have traditionally thought of services as less productive than manufacturing. Our research suggests otherwise. Asia’s labor productivity in financial services is four times higher than in manufacturing, and twice as high in business services.

    Second, digitalization and AI. The demand for digital products and services in the region has accelerated quickly and is on track to continue growing faster than the region’s GDP. Japan’s Rakuten, China’s Alibaba Group, and Indonesia’s GoTo Group now rival e-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart.

    In AI development, Japan and China are racing ahead, followed closely by South Korea and Singapore. This could be an important boost for productivity. In Singapore, for example, an estimated 40 percent of jobs could be made more productive by AI. The country has several digital economy agreements now in place, enabling digital companies in the region to connect and share data more easily.

    That brings me to my third point: greaterregional cooperation andtrade. On the surface, it might look as if the world is retreating from integration. But regionally, countries are leaning in.

    Over the past four decades, intra-regional trade in Asia has increased by 43 percent. Today, more than half of Asian trade is regional.

    The trend is the same for foreign direct investment. FDI from Asian countries to Japan, for example has nearly doubled over the past decade, as market opportunities in Japan’s technology sector grow.

    Together, the shift toward services, digitalization and AI, and greater regional integration can lift growth. But to harness these opportunities, the region will need to carefully navigate domestic developments and global changes.

    The IMF’s role

    That is where the IMF comes in. We strive to be trusted partners to our member countries, provide country-specific advice and safeguard the stability of the global economy. Our work spans economic analysis, policy advice, financing and capacity development.

    And as the world economy has changed, we too have evolved. From managing fixed exchange rates in the 1970s, to active surveillance of countries’ economic and financial policies and more systematic coverage of spillovers.

    More recently, our thinking on capital flow management and foreign exchange interventions has changed, and we’ve upgraded our lending toolkit to include more flexible instruments tailored to emerging market economies.

    Thanks in large part to Japan’s support, we are also offering more support to low-income countries, especially in capacity development, and a stronger presence around the world through our regional technical assistance centers.

    We are grateful to Japan for the deep engagement in thinking about the future of the Fund. Today’s discussions are an important part of that. 

    My colleagues and I are keenly interested in ideas and reflections on:

    • how we can best support our members, especially the most vulnerable among them, to grow and build economic resilience;
    • how to tailor more of our advice to support countries’ efforts to deepen regional collaboration, by thinking through our strategic engagement with groups like the ASEAN, the Pacific Island countries, as well as medium sized and larger economies; and
    • how to strengthen the global financial safety net. We’re assessing how IMF facilities can be further improved to support resilience in our member countries. And we are working closely with regional arrangements to enhance crisis prevention and response capabilities.

    We know from experience that reforms are hard, but we also know they can steer countries towards stronger and durable growth and can achieve a more stable and prosperous global economy.

    You can count on the IMF in this journey.

    Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke and the rest of our team are excited to be part of today’s productive discussion. I look forward to the outcome.

    Thank you.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reserve Bank NZ Governor Adrian Orr resigns

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    05 March 2025 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr has resigned and will finish in the role on 31 March.

    Mr Orr, who was first appointed as Governor in March 2018, says it has been a privilege to lead an institution that plays a critical role in the economic wellbeing and prosperity of all New Zealanders.

    “Over the last seven years we’ve significantly built our capability and capacity so we can respond to an increasing complex and challenging global environment. We’ve made considerable progress in our approach to monetary and financial policy, alongside driving much-needed maturity uplifts in our balance sheet capital, digital, data and technology.”

    “We’ve advanced many major, multi-year programmes, to modernise and strengthen the RBNZ and the New Zealand financial system and led the implementation of strategies related to the Future of Money and Cash, Future of Payment and Settlements, Financial Inclusion, Climate Change, and Māori Access to Capital,” Mr Orr says.

    “I’m incredibly proud of the RBNZ’s people, our work and the impact of our mahi on all New Zealanders,” Mr Orr says.

    “I leave the role with consumer price inflation at target, and an economy in a cyclical recovery following the long period of COVID-related disruption. The financial system remains sound. However, there is much work left to do on the major multi-year strategies RBNZ is following. Ongoing focus and funding will be critical to these projects’ success.”

    RBNZ Board Chair Professor Neil Quigley thanked Mr Orr for his leadership and commitment to the central bank. “Adrian has been critical to leading the institutional reforms needed to implement the new Reserve Bank Act, Deposit Takers Act, and Depositor Compensation Scheme. In particular, Adrian has demonstrated resilience and fidelity to the Bank in operationalising the changes in governance and decision-making that followed from the creation of a Monetary Policy Committee with external members from 2019 and the Reserve Bank Act coming into force in July 2022.”

    “He has also driven a significant uplift in leadership and capability across the Bank, and modernised its culture to reflect contemporary New Zealand society,” Professor Quigley says.

    Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby will be Acting Governor until 31 March. From 1 April the Minister of Finance, on recommendation from the RBNZ Board, will appoint a temporary Governor for a period of up to six months. Mr Hawkesby will also chair the Monetary Policy Committee.

    More information

    RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2cb69240b9&e=f3c68946f8
    RBNZ Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=9057f58407&e=f3c68946f8
    Reserve Bank Act 2021. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=8952ed0d47&e=f3c68946f8

    Under the Reserve Bank Act the Minister of Finance can appoint temporary Governor for a period of up to six months, following a recommendation from the RBNZ Board.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: KARPANY ROAD, WELLINGTON (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Issued on
    05 Mar 2025 11:11

    Issued for
    Karpany Road, Langhorne Creek Road  near Wellington in the Murraylands.

    Warning level
    Advice – Avoid Smoke

    Action
    Smoke from WELLINGTON is in the Karpany Road, Langhorne Creek Road, Lovely Banks Road, Hawks Nest Road near Wellington area.

    Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

    Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

    If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

    More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers to discuss a Team Canada response to unjustified U.S. tariffs against Canada

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened a virtual meeting with Canada’s premiers to discuss the United States’ unjustified tariffs against Canada. The Prime Minister was joined by the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau.

    The Prime Minister and the premiers denounced the U.S.’ decision to impose unjustified tariffs and committed to stand united against this economic threat. They noted that mutually beneficial trade between Canada and the U.S. has underpinned the world’s closest economic partnership for decades. They underscored that tariffs would weaken both of our countries, put thousands of good paying jobs at risk, and make life less affordable for both Canadians and Americans alike.

    The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed Canada’s robust response to the imposition of tariffs by the U.S., which includes moving forward with 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported goods, beginning immediately with a list of goods worth $30 billion. The scope of the Canadian counter tariffs will be increased to $155 billion if the current U.S. tariffs are maintained, and could also be increased if new tariffs are imposed.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada’s response is designed to minimize negative impacts on Canadians and the economy, while also recognizing that U.S. tariffs will inevitably cause some economic hardship. Minister LeBlanc stated the federal government will soon announce an initial package of supports to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian workers, families, and businesses. First Ministers also discussed progress to reduce barriers to internal trade and labour mobility within Canada.

    The Prime Minister and the premiers thanked Canadians for their resilience and solidarity in the face of this threat. They noted their response to these challenging times has proven to the world that Canada will always be strong, free, proud, and united. First Ministers agreed to continue working together to defend Canada’s economy and sovereignty in the weeks and months ahead.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson Joins Sen. Cruz in Reintroducing the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in reintroducing the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would incentivize local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and would pull taxpayer-funded grants from sanctuary cities.
    Sens. Johnson and Cruz were joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Jim Banks (R-Ind.)
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray on Yearlong CR, DOGE’s Utter Lack of Transparency, and Elon Musk’s Glaring Conflicts of Interest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    In floor speech, Murray slams yearlong CR proposal, calls for transparency from DOGE so Congress can do its job, and reiterates call for Musk to come before Congress
    Murray: “No one wants a shutdown—well, no one except Elon Musk, who recently said that ‘sounds great.’”
    Murray: “Elon Musk is, apparently, in charge of his own conflicts of interest—we’re just supposed to trust him. Has he recused himself from a single decision? We haven’t heard a single update about that.”
    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s floor speech***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations, took to the Senate floor and delivered the following remarks on government funding talks, House Republican leadership’s yearlong CR plan, DOGE’s utter lack of transparency, and Elon Musk’s glaring conflicts of interest that are going completely unaddressed by the Trump administration:
    [ON GOVERNMENT FUNDING TALKS]
    “No one wants a shutdown. Well, actually, no one except Elon Musk, who recently said that ‘sounds great,’ or Donald Trump or Russ Vought.
    “That’s why I have been at the table this entire time, ready to pass bills that protect key investments and ensure Congress—not Donald Trump or Elon Musk—decides whether or not our public schools or lifesaving cancer research get funded.
    “Unfortunately, Republican leadership told their members last week to walk away from the negotiating table—which raises the risk of a shutdown—in an attempt to pass a clean yearlong continuing resolution that would actually give Trump and Musk exactly what they want: fewer restraints, and more power over federal spending so they can pick winners and losers as they see fit, which would hurt all of our constituents.
    “Nonetheless, I am urging Republican leadership to come back to the table, if they are willing to do that, and work with us on full-year funding bills—the type of work we do together every year—and prevent a shutdown while we do that.
    [ON REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP’S FULL-YEAR CR]
    “We cannot stand by and accept a yearlong power grab CR that would help Elon take a chainsaw to programs that families rely on and agencies that keep our communities safe.
    “We actually have a job to do—Republicans and Democrats—to be a voice for our constituents, to advocate for the funding they need, and to get support back to our communities.
    “I have heard my House Republican colleagues say they will not restrict a Republican President’s powers. I want to be clear: what I am asking for is to work together to make sure that as we write and negotiate these full-year spending bills, our laws get followed. I welcome, and I want everyone to know, I am open to any and all ideas on how we can work together to do that.
    “I am confident we can get this done. I am ready to pass a short-term CR immediately to take down the risk of a shutdown so that we can finish our negotiations and write full-year spending bills.
    [ON UTTER LACK OF TRANSPARENCY FROM TRUMP ADMIN, DOGE]
    “Now, on a topic I believe appropriators on both sides would agree with: we need far more information and transparency and accountability from the Trump administration to write these bills.
    “Because, here’s one big problem—among many: how are we supposed to fund the government when many agencies are not responding to any of our questions, and when we have no clear picture of who is actually in charge of many of our agencies?
    “It’s clear as day there have been a lot of dramatic changes made across the government.
    “Agencies are being illegally shuttered. Workers are being fired by the thousands—again, often in direct violation of laws we have passed. And hundreds of billions of dollars in federal programs and grants have been frozen, unfrozen, and frozen again. We’ve had contracts that have recklessly cancelled, some accidentally and then restarted—not to mention the workers who have fired and rehired.
    “It is incredibly chaotic—and it makes it much harder to write legislation that actually responds to the latest developments, when programs are switching on and off again like a two-year-old is playing with a light switch—and when the number of people and programs illegally terminated remains unclear.
    “It is much more difficult to write funding bills for Department programs when we have no idea what the Department is actually doing, or what the actual plan is for the next year, or if it’s actually them or perhaps DOGE making the plans in the first place.
    “When we are seeing decisions made and reversed, or made and ignored, or made by people who have no authority making them—and yet seemingly being implemented. And it’s not just the whirlwind of decisions that are causing chaos. It is the complete lack of transparency and accountability surrounding these decisions from Trump and Musk that makes it all but impossible to get a straight answer.
    “When we have questions that urgently need answers—like why has this energy program been frozen, or when will the NIH grants start up again, or which VA contracts have actually been scrapped or how many workers are being pushed out—then it helps if we know who is actually in charge.
    “When our constituents have problems that require solutions quickly or they will have to close a business, or lay people off, or lose the family farm—then it matters that we can get the right person on the phone to get things resolved.
    “And yet, when there is information we urgently need so we can write funding bills and avoid a shutdown like agency priorities or unexpected challenges or just the basic nuts and bolts stuff—to say nothing of the information we need to address the very extraordinary circumstances and decisions of the past few weeks—it is totally unclear who we should actually be talking to if we want answers that actually reflect the reality of what is happening.
    “It is totally unclear who is actually making decisions—and who is actually in charge.
    “Appropriators have now sent over thirty letters to agencies since January 20th asking to just understand agency actions—and that’s to say nothing of the efforts from me and my staff to get answers to our emails and our calls. But the answers have been few and very far between.
    “And what’s more, just because we hear something from someone who should know, just because we hear from someone who should be in charge—we have found that does not mean it’s actually true.
    “There is more than one time in the past few weeks, where we’ve been told one thing, only to see the reality is entirely different.
    “Like, for example, when the OMB funding freeze was implemented and we were told it won’t affect Head Start—except that it did affect Head Start. Providers in my state were locked out of the payment system for days—even after the funding freeze itself was rescinded.
    “It seems like the only thing that has been consistent about the last few weeks is that every time there has been chaos, every time I’ve seen actions that fly in the face of laws we have passed—not to mention common sense—or contradict what I’ve heard from agency leaders, DOGE has been at the center of it.
    “We have seen DOGE absolutely trample the authority of Congress, and other federal agencies—including officials Congress confirmed.
    “For example, while Secretary Rubio instituted a recklessly broad and illegal freeze of all foreign assistance funding, he publicly announced exceptions for a limited set of programs—including lifesaving aid—the basic idea being that we probably shouldn’t let HIV spread rampant and we probably shouldn’t let food grown right here in America rot in ports while children starve.
    “Causing mass death through pointless negligence is not really a good strategy for bolstering our global reputation. It is cruel and self-defeating. So, as Secretary of State he made the exception. But DOGE had other plans. Because on the rare occasion that what was left of USAID staff who hadn’t been sidelined, was able to clear these payments through the agency’s interim leadership—surprise! DOGE staffers would veto the payments anyways.
    “Keep in mind: we don’t know about this because DOGE disclosed it or State disclosed it—we know only because of reporting.
    “That should not be how this works. Congress—and the American people—should not be out of the loop.
    “Especially given the serious stakes here—and the serious questions that remain, like: on what authority did they veto these payments? Whose orders did they overrule the Secretary? I would very much like to know.
    “Because while the Secretary is guilty of plenty of the attacks on his workforce and programs, it certainly seems like the Secretary of State got steamrolled on numerous occasions, without even knowing it.
    “And if that’s the case: who are we supposed to talk to with questions about State’s funding needs? The Secretary, or the two DOGE minions who actually have their hands directly on the levers of power here?
    “And let’s not forget about what happened at Treasury. DOGE wanted access to our most secure systems. Agency officials told them no. And then the agency officials were told ‘you’re fired.’
    “That sent a chilling message to our federal workers: you stand up to DOGE at your own peril.
    “And it’s not just Treasury—DOGE has been worming its way into Department after Department, making a beeline for the most sensitive systems, including ones storing my constituents’ sensitive financial data, and bulldozing over anyone who stands in their way, for any reason.
    “We don’t even know who all of these people are or whether they even have security clearances.
    “They even had people fired for denying them access to classified material beyond their security levels. That is how completely unchecked their power has become. And we have incredibly little insight into what they are actually doing with those sensitive systems.
    “We’ve seen DOGE claim they only can view some data—that’s already deeply concerning—but there are also plenty of indications they have been given more power at times.
    “And they are interested in tinkering around with some of these systems too or unaccountably blocking payments like we saw at USAID
    “And let’s talk about the Defense Department, because first Secretary Hegseth was saying he wanted to revive the quote, ‘warrior spirit’ at the Department, but now he’s telling employees to reply to DOGE’s weekly emails. He is firing thousands of defense personnel, and he’s asking every corner of DOD to propose major cuts.
    “So, as an appropriator, trying to write full-year bills that fund our military, which is it? Major increases? Or major cuts?
    “And who do I ask about the Department’s needs? Is this up to the Secretary? Or up to DOGE? And who at DOGE is even steering this ship? 
    “We need to know this kind of thing—and we really needed to know yesterday. Because we have a deadline coming up for funding the military, and we have some serious questions for whoever is in charge about how the administration is approaching things.
    “And when I say whoever is in charge, I don’t mean who is in charge on paper—because it seems like there is a big disconnect.
    “I mean who is actually making the decisions and driving actions at our agencies—and at DOGE for that matter.
    “Because, look: first Elon was running DOGE with Vivek, then it was just Elon, then it supposedly wasn’t Elon at all.
    “But then, Elon kept right on posting about hiring decisions like someone in charge and rehiring an individual who resigned after their blatant racism came to light.
    “And he kept right on doing press availabilities with the President—in the Oval Office—to discuss his work at DOGE, like someone in charge. So it sure looks like Elon is still the head of DOGE.
    “And even after we were all finally told, with great supposed certainty, that DOGE is actually being run by another person no one had even mentioned, we then promptly learned: oh, she’s on vacation. And the very next day we saw Elon briefing the Cabinet on what he is doing at DOGE.
    “If that seems at all confusing, or contradictory, I don’t think it’s an accident, so much as a smokescreen—one that seems designed to hide the obvious fact that Elon Musk is the one calling the shots at DOGE.
    [ON ELON MUSK’S GLARING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST]
    “All of us here in Congress really need to know that—because this is the richest man in the world with billions in government contracts on the line.
    “Elon Musk is, apparently, in charge of his own conflicts of interest. We’re just supposed to trust him. Has he recused himself from a single decision? We haven’t heard a single update about that.
    “As a steward of taxpayer dollars who wants to make sure the bills we write are implemented to help my constituents—not Elon Musk’s bottom line—I would like to know:
    Did the owner of Space X recuse himself from decisions gutting NASA?
    Did the owner of Tesla interfere at all in funding freezes that will hurt his competition in the electric vehicle market?Does the guy who posted criticizing Verizon’s work for FAA and pitching his own company Starlink as an alternative have anything to do with reports the government may reverse course now on the Verizon contract?
    Did the guy selling satellite internet have any role in halting funds that were helping connect my constituents to broadband?
    Or what about all the watchdogs that have been fired? People reviewing Neuralink devices at FDA? People at the agency that reviews the safety of Tesla’s self-driving cars? Or the Inspector General looking into Elon’s connections to foreign governments?
    “Despite what Musk likes to pretend, it is not in the slightest bit transparent for him alone to be deciding what he hides, and what he shares about his role in government.
    “Nor is it transparent when DOGE is posting updates that are often completely inaccurate from getting basic math wrong, to getting wrong basic timelines of what Trump did versus Biden did, to not understanding how contracts work—and counting the same ‘cuts’ over and over and over again.
    “They aren’t being transparent—they are muddying up the waters with falsehoods and disinformation and making it that much harder for us to write meaningful funding bills in the next few days.
    “I mean—if DOGE doesn’t even know what programs they’ve cut and how much they’ve cut—how are we supposed to understand how these decisions could hurt our constituents? How are we supposed to write legislation that rejects the cuts we find harmful or even aligns if there are areas of agreement?
    [ON MUSK NEEDING TO COME BEFORE CONGRESS]
    “We need real answers from DOGE—and we need them as soon as possible. And so, I am once again requesting that Elon Musk come before Congress for a hearing and be held accountable to the American people.
    “Tell us: what exactly are you doing? Why are you firing federal employees whose salaries are covered by fees, not taxpayer dollars? Why are you firing veterans—by the thousands—who are doing work to support our communities? Why are you planning to fire the people who make sure seniors get their Social Security checks? Who are the people who work for you? How were they vetted? What are your long-term plans for the agencies? And based on what authority are you overruling Secretaries, directing federal workers, and ignoring the laws we pass in Congress?
    “America is waiting—but we are losing valuable time. Congress—and the American people—deserve answers. And we need them to do our jobs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Highlights Stories of WA Businesses, Farms, Organizations Harmed by Trump’s Illegal Funding Freezes Ahead of Joint Address

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray has been a leading voice calling out the Trump administration for illegally freezing hundreds of billions of dollars owed to communities across the country, including hundreds of millions of dollars for Washington state
    ***WATCH VIDEO HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference with businesses and organizations across Washington state—from Bremerton, to Skagit County, to Vancouver, to Okanogan—who are being harmed by Trump’s ongoing illegal freezes on vast swaths of federal funding owed to Washington state and communities across the country, putting critical projects, jobs, and entire businesses at risk. Senator Murray has been raising the alarm nonstop and working to get out information on what Trump’s illegal funding freezes mean for people across the country since his Day One Executive Orders went into effect—these illegal Executive Orders are right now blocking hundreds of billions of dollars in funding from going out the door.
    Joining Senator Murray for the press conference today were: Michael Frazier, Executive Director of Viva Farms in Skagit County; Rena Shawver, Executive Director of Okanogan County Community Action Council in Okanogan; Richard Schwarz, the CEO of Safe Boats in Bremerton; and Greg Franks, President of Manor Management Services, the management agency for Smith Tower in Vancouver. All four speakers represent businesses and organizations that have had federal funding they are owed frozen, cut off, or thrown into uncertainty because of the illegal actions of this administration.
    Ahead of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, Senator Murray is lifting up the stories of real people in Washington state who are being hurt by Donald Trump’s reckless and illegal moves—from his indiscriminate mass firings across the federal workforce that will undermine services we all rely on and put lives at risk, to his illegal funding freezes that are seriously harming businesses and organizations across Washington state and putting them in financial jeopardy. Senator Murray’s statement on why she won’t be attending the Joint Address tonight is HERE.
    “Despite what we may hear later tonight—the true state of our union is that Musk and Trump have ground it to a halt, by blocking important funding in total disregard of the law and total lack of concern over how their actions put American jobs at risk,” Senator Murray said on the press call today. “You won’t hear that from Trump tonight. But I can tell you—we are hearing it at my office, where the phones are still ringing off the hook with calls from business owners, farmers, workers, cities, Tribes, nonprofits, and so many other people who are seeing what this funding freeze means for the work they do, for the people they serve, and are desperate to raise the alarm. Trump and Musk may not want to hear about the damage they are causing—but I am not going to let them ignore it.”
    “Viva Farms is a Skagit and King County based nonprofit farm-business training organization and incubator farm with a 15-year history of success growing the next generation of farmers. Our main focus is economic development: supporting farmers on their path to viability while supporting the larger food and agricultural economy. And, as a training program, we are concerned with the next generation of farmers; who will grow our food for the future? Including Viva’s Team, dozens of farm owners and their employees, over 100 people earn their livelihoods directly through our work, and all of this is at risk because of the current funding freeze,” said Michael Frazier, Executive Director of Viva Farms, based in Skagit County. Right now, because of Trump’s Executive Orders and subsequent actions to recall contracted federal funding, Viva Farms’ future is uncertain—they are unable to access a total of about $5 million awarded, multi-year federal grants, $1 million of which was to be spent this year. The loss of these funds could be catastrophic to the future of Viva Farms and many of the farmers they serve.
    “Rural safety net programs for disaster relief, emergency assistance for basic needs, and job support are essential to the economic health of our entire community. The kind of programming that will run out of these facilities provide a safety net for working families and people in crisis. We hope to see the funding for these resiliency hubs come through soon,” said Rena Shawver, Executive Director of Okanogan County Community Action Council (OCCAC) in Okanogan, which supports working families and low-income residents with lifeline emergency services that help them get back on their feet. Right now, Trump’s Day One Executive Orders are blocking a $20 million Community Change Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for OCCAC from moving forward—this funding will create a Food Hub to store the county’s food for assistance programs, and a multipurpose Community Center in Omak that would house job-training, daycare, energy assistance, and other programs to help the community become more resilient to the effects of poverty and disasters. The award was announced in December 2024 and the facility has been in design and development for over a decade. EPA was working on the contract with OCCAC for the funds when the freeze occurred; OCCAC now has not heard from the EPA since January 24th.
    “We design and manufacture aluminum boats for coast guards, militaries, first responders. We’re a 100 percent employee-owned small business… Following the Executive Order that paused foreign assistance programs, we received stop work orders for all of our foreign military and security cooperation contracts that were issued through the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). The majority of those boats were already in production and partially completed. Then we received additional stop work orders for the Mark VI patrol boats that we’re currently building for Ukraine, as well as for all the weapons systems for the Island-class Coast Guard cutters that are being refurbished for Ukraine by another shipyard. The Ukraine contract was stopped even though we have four boats completely done, two more in production, and have ordered most of the long lead materials for the remaining two. And now we’re being asked questions that lead us to at least fear that it’s possible that that contract could be cancelled in its entirety… In total, about 90 employees out of our total of 300 have been affected by these stop work orders. And then probably the most serious immediate concern is that late last month, we were also notified that we were not going to be paid for the work that we had completed on these programs—our invoices were issued after the Executive Order, but prior to the stop work orders on these contracts. That policy affects several millions of dollars worth of invoices and is clearly contrary to the terms of our contracts,” said Richard Schwarz, CEO of Bremerton-based Safe Boats International. SAFE Boats’ operations have been significantly disrupted since Trump took office—the company was told to stop building ships for partnered countries and wait for a 90-day review before it can restore the manufacturing or before contracts are canceled. Six SAFE Boats contracts awarded by the Navy, State Department, and Coast Guard have been placed on hold.
    “After nearly 60 years of local organized labor leaders coming together and providing 170 affordable rental homes in Vancouver, Washington, to low- and extremely-low-income seniors, Smith Tower is in need of improvements to preserve the affordability and the structure for the next 60 years or more. Our government must ensure the predictable and timely delivery of funding commitments already made by HUD and EPA in order to avoid additional costs which could derail the project entirely and put at risk the stability and safety of these seniors’ homes and hundreds of jobs,” said Greg Franks, President of Manor Management Services, the management agency for Smith Tower in Vancouver, Washington. Smith Tower was awarded a $10 million loan through HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program in 2024, as well as an $11.5 million loan from EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund—this funding, although already awarded, is currently frozen by the Trump administration and at risk.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered on today’s press call, are below and video is HERE:
    “Thank you so much for coming on today and sharing your stories; it is so important that people hear what is happening to all of you.
    “As we all know, President Trump is coming to Congress tonight to give what is called the State of the Union, but I don’t think it’s right to call it a State of the Union because he’s going to be really ignoring the state of emergency that he and Elon have created through a very reckless and illegal funding freeze, and massive cuts.
    “We have seen Trump put on this show before, and he is going to blow by the facts and reality of the harm that’s been caused, regardless of what’s actually happening—regardless of what’s actually happening, he’ll probably say that the state of the union is strong.
    “Maybe for billionaires like him and Elon Musk—but I will tell you, for families across the country, for our small businesses, for our farms and people in Washington state who are just trying to get by, he has made life harder and made things a lot worse.
    “He gave the richest man in the world the keys to the kingdom. And now, they’re cutting off funding that Congress, all of us, passed—and they’re doing it left and right.
    “This is not making us safer. It is not making us stronger. It’s causing chaos, and it is costing us jobs.
    “The illegal funding freeze is choking off funding for infrastructure and energy projects, investments to lower people’s electric bills.
    “It is grinding cancer research to a halt, as researchers now are being cut off from the funds that they need to do things like replenish their basic lab supplies.
    “It is putting our family farms and businesses in jeopardy, as farmers who took steps like installing solar panels, or upgrading their greenhouses—helping them save money while counting on federal assistance they were promised—they’re suddenly being stiffed by the billionaires who are now running the government.
    “The freeze is hurting our forests and our parks. It is endangering our families, as groups like the Northwest Youth Corp have to suspend their crews and interns because their funds have been frozen—even funds for work they had already completed!
    “It is hurting organizations like Safe Boats, which you will hear from in a minute. And they do the work that is critical to our national security—they will tell you about that—and now the Trump administration is really putting them in financial straits.
    “Not to mention Tribes across our state who are still waiting on funding they were owed.
    “Or in Waitsburg, Washington, where the frozen funding is risking their water main bursting—they can’t now get access a grant for a project to protect drinking water from flooding and earthquakes, wildfires and more. It is frozen; they can’t get to it.
    “So, despite what we are going to hear tonight here, the true state of our nation is that Musk and Trump have ground it to a halt because they are blocking important funding—in total disregard of the law, by the way—and total lack of concern over how their actions put Americans and American jobs at risk.
    “Probably won’t hear that from Trump tonight—but I can tell you, we are hearing it in my office. The phones are still ringing off the hook with calls from business owners, farmers, workers, cities, Tribes, nonprofits, so many people who are seeing what this funding freeze means for the work they are doing, for the people that they serve, and they are desperate to raise the alarm.
    “You know, this is not like turning a light switch on and off, no harm is done. This is like fighting a fire, one President Trump himself set—and as long as they ignore this problem, or worse, keep fanning the flames—the worse it is going to get.
    “Now, we have seen the impact we can have by speaking out. When everybody raising their voices and saying ‘we don’t want our country to be behaving like this.’ We have seen that if we raise the alarm, and raise our voices, and bring enough shame down on their heads—it is possible to get this administration to reverse the course.
    “But we also know, we’ve got to be loud. We’ve got to be clear about what is at stake.
    “They may not want to hear about the damage they are causing—but I am not going to let them ignore it.
    “That is why tonight I am holding this call, so we can lift up the stories of people who actually are on the receiving end of Trump and Musk’s devastating freeze and who can say a bit, tell us about what is at stake for them, their communities, our country, if we don’t get things back on track.
    “So I really appreciate all of you in coming on this today and sharing your stories so people understand what’s at stake and what’s happening to you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash closes State Highway 2 near Carterton, Wairarapa

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    State Highway 2 is currently closed between Carterton and Clareville due to a crash earlier this morning.

    The crash involving a car and a power pole near the intersection of Andersons Line, was reported shortly after 9am this morning.

    Lines company contractors are on site and local road detours are available.

    Southbound traffic should use Somerset Road, turn right onto Carters Line, then right again onto Park Road, back to SH2. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.

    Drivers should follow the directions of emergency services and contractors at the scene and can expect travel delays until the site is cleared later today. Please allow extra time for your journeys.

    Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the Journey Planner website:

    Highway conditions – Wellington(external link)

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fires used to terrify city residents. New research suggests climate change could see this fear return

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania

    Fire rages in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles in January 2025 eley archives/Shutterstock

    For centuries, fire was one of the major fears for city-dwellers. Dense cities built largely of wood could – and did – burn. In 1666, a fire in a bakery went on to destroy two-thirds of the city of London, leaving 85% of residents homeless. In 1871, fire burned out huge areas of Chicago. In World War II, bombing raids by Allied forces largely destroyed cities such as Dresden in Germany and Tokyo in Japan.

    The threat of large-scale urban fires drove authorities to spend more on urban firefighting and require buildings to use less flammable material. Fire alarms, fire engines and automatic sprinklers have done much to reduce the chance of uncontrolled spread.

    But will our sense of safety endure in the age of climate change? In January, we saw swathes of Los Angeles burn – even in the northern winter. Driven by low humidity and high winds, numerous large fires encroached on the city, destroying outlying suburbs. Climate change made the fires worse, according to climate scientists.

    Now we have new research on the question of whether climate change will make large city fires more likely. A research team from China, Singapore and Australia have gathered a decade’s worth of data on fires from almost 3,000 cities in 20 nations, home to one-fifth of the world’s population.

    The researchers found for every 1°C increase in air temperature, outdoor fires (rubbish and landfill) increase 4.7% and vehicle fires 2.5%. If the world accelerates its burning of fossil fuels under a high emissions scenario compatible with a 4.3°C temperature rise by century’s end, outdoor fires in cities would soar 22% and vehicle fires 11%. But building fires are projected to actually fall 5%. Thankfully, this emissions scenario is now less likely.

    The Great Fire of London destroyed most of the city in 1666.
    HodagMedia/Shutterstock

    What did this research find?

    To make these findings, the researchers aggregated the fire incident data from 2,847 cities located in 20 countries over the 2011–20 decade and analysed them to see how air temperature influences the frequency of three types of fires: outdoor, structural and vehicle. They found a strong correlation.

    Of the 20 nations, New Zealand looks likely to have the highest increase in fires, soaring 140% over 2020 figures by 2100.

    When we think of fires in a city, we usually think of structural fires – a building going up in flames.

    The research suggests building fires would actually decrease 5% by 2100. This is unexpected, and might suggest uncertainty about this finding.

    Interestingly, this research found the fewest structural fires occurred at air temperatures of 24°C, a temperature which humans find optimal. When it’s hotter or cooler than that, more buildings catch fire.

    Why? It’s likely due to our behaviour. We spend more time indoors when it’s very cold or very hot outside, which the authors suggest could make us more likely to accidentally cause fires by using electrical appliances and fireplaces which have a fire risk.

    By contrast, outdoor and vehicle fires do increase linearly as temperatures rise. Most vehicle fires come from an equipment or heat source failure, which are both likely to increase as temperatures rise. We are also more likely to have a car crash when it’s hotter, and vehicle fires often come after a crash.

    Vehicle fires will become more common as the climate changes, according to this research.
    Rodrigo Teixeira/Pexels, CC BY-NC-ND

    Outdoor fires become more likely because heat dries out fuels and favours fire spread. Rubbish dumps can spontaneously catch fire when temperatures are too high – even underground. This happens because chemical reactions are accelerated in warmer temperatures, causing waste materials to heat up faster. If the extra heat isn’t dissipated, waste can become so hot that it catches fire on its own.

    We should take these estimates with a grain of salt. This is because they project recent statistical patterns into an uncertain future, and draw on a data set not perfectly suited to the task. The data set stops in 2020, before the electric vehicle transition gathered speed. EVs have a different risk profile for accidental fires.

    As the authors note, there are large barriers to getting a coherent understanding of fire risk. “Despite multiple efforts, we have been unsuccessful in obtaining fire data from Africa and South America,” they write.

    Their estimates also relate to a high-emissions future which is hopefully becoming less likely, though the general pattern of the results are similar under less severe climate projections.

    Most importantly, it’s not yet clear why temperature influences urban fires. This uncertainty raises questions over whether simple projections of current patterns into the future are realistic or appropriate.

    Cities aflame?

    Arguably the most important contribution of this new research is to show us that our cities are not inherently protected from fire.

    For city authorities, this research points to the need to manage combustible materials, from piles of mulch to dry urban parks and even home gardens. Storage yards, rubbish dumps and recycling centres will also need to be managed.

    Fire used to be a major concern for cities, and it could be again. Cities and fire are uneasy bedfellows, and climate change will worsen the situation.

    David Bowman is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and also receives funding from the New South Wales Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, and Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    Calum Cunningham receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Fires used to terrify city residents. New research suggests climate change could see this fear return – https://theconversation.com/fires-used-to-terrify-city-residents-new-research-suggests-climate-change-could-see-this-fear-return-251056

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: America or Europe? Why Trump’s Ukraine U-turn is a fork in the road for New Zealand

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

    The aftermath of one of the most undiplomatic – and notorious – White House meetings in recent history reveals a changed world.

    Having berated Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for supposedly not wanting peace with Russia and failing to show sufficient gratitude to the United States, President Donald Trump has now paused all military aid to Ukraine.

    This equates to about 40% of the beleaguered nation’s military support. If the gap is not quickly covered by other countries, Ukraine will be severely compromised in its defence against the Russian invasion.

    This has happened while the Russian army is making slow but costly gains along the front in eastern Ukraine. Trump’s goal appears to be to force Zelensky to accept a deal he does not want, and which may be illegal under international law.

    New Zealand is a long way from that front line, but the implications of Trump’s unilateral abandonment of Ukraine still create a serious foreign policy problem.

    Aside from its unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s actions, New Zealand has provided Defence Force personnel for training, intelligence, logistics and liaison to the tune of nearly NZ$35 million. The government has also given an additional $32 million in humanitarian assistance.

    At the same time, New Zealand has supported global legal efforts to hold Russia to account at both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. With Trump undermining these collective actions, New Zealand faces some stark choices.

    Allies at war

    While a genuine ceasefire and eventual peace in Ukraine are the right aims, Trump’s one-sided proposal has involved direct talks between Russia and the US, excluding all other parties, including the actual victims of Russian aggression.

    With eery parallels to the Munich Agreement of 1938 between Nazi Germany, Britain, France and Italy, peace terms could be dictated to the innocent party. Ukraine may have to sacrifice part of its territory in the hope a wider peace prevails.

    In exchange, Ukraine may be given some type of “security assurance”. But what that arrangement would look like, and what kind of peacekeeping force might be acceptable to Russia, remains unclear.

    If the current UK and European ceasefire proposals fail, Europe could be pulled more directly into the conflict. Since the Trump rebuff, European leaders are embracing Zelenskyy more tightly, wary of an emboldened Russia threatening other states with substantial Russian populations such as in Estonia and Latvia.

    European boots on the ground in Ukraine could escalate the existing war into a much larger and more dangerous conflict. The complexities of this new reality are now spilling over in the United Nations.

    A fork in the road

    While the Security Council finally agreed on a broad statement in favour of a lasting peace, just what that might look like has seen opposing resolutions in the General Assembly.

    On February 18, 53 countries, including New Zealand, voted in favour of a resolution condemning Russian aggression and calling for the return of Ukrainian territory. The resolution passed, but the US, Russia, Belarus and North Korea voted against it.

    The US then put up its own resolution calling for peace, without recognising Russian aggression or the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. New Zealand supported this, too.

    Those two votes clearly signal a fork-in-the-road moment for New Zealand.

    As well as the wider consequences and potential precedents of any Ukraine peace settlement for security in Europe and the Pacific region, there is the immediate problem of supporting Ukraine.

    With the US and Europe – both traditional allies of New Zealand – now deeply divided, whatever path the government chooses will directly affect present and future security arrangements – including any possible “pillar two” membership of AUKUS.

    Potentially complicating matters further, Trump’s civilian lieutenant Elon Musk has publicly advocated for the US leaving the UN and NATO. Whether or not that happens, the threat alone underscores the gravity of the current situation.

    No option without risk

    Ultimately, if Trump decides to force Zelensky to the negotiating table against his will, and Europe continues urging and supporting him to fight on, New Zealand will have to take sides. It cannot take both.

    The National-led coalition government will either have to abandon the stance New Zealand has taken on the Russian invasion over the past three years, or wait for Europe’s response and align with efforts to support a rules-based international order.

    The first option would mean stepping back from that traditional foreign policy position, cutting military support for Ukraine (and trusting the Trump process), and probably ending sanctions against Russia and diplomatic efforts for legal accountability.

    The other path would mean spending more on military aid, and possibly deploying more defence personnel to help fill the gap Trump has created.

    No option is without risk. But, on balance, the European approach to international affairs seems closer to New Zealand’s worldview than the one currently articulated by the Trump administration.

    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. America or Europe? Why Trump’s Ukraine U-turn is a fork in the road for New Zealand – https://theconversation.com/america-or-europe-why-trumps-ukraine-u-turn-is-a-fork-in-the-road-for-new-zealand-251459

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Police are seizing 3D-printed guns across Australia, but our laws aren’t keeping up

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Hemming, Associate Professor of Law, School of Law and Justice, University of the Sunshine Coast

    Shutterstock

    After Martin Bryant killed 35 people and wounded 23 others at Port Arthur in 1996, Australia made fundamental changes to its gun laws. The use of automatic and semi-automatic weapons became restricted and a national gun registry was established.

    As a result, unlike the situation in the United States where automatic weapons can be readily obtained, mass shootings are a rarity in Australia.

    However, a new and pressing danger in the form of 3D guns, or “ghost guns”, threatens to undermine Australia’s strict gun control laws.

    The reason is simple: 3D guns can be manufactured in a suburban garage. In a process like making a dress from a pattern, a digital blueprint for the manufacture of a firearm can be downloaded from the internet. Then, instead of a sewing machine, you need a 3D printer or an electronic milling machine.

    The emergence of these types of firearms reveal big loopholes in many of our gun laws. These need urgent attention.

    How are these guns made?

    A 3D gun is manufactured in stages, with each part of the gun printed separately and assembled manually.

    Think of yourself as making a toy LEGO gun, but instead of taking the parts from the LEGO box, you make the parts on your 3D printer based on your digital blueprint and you then assemble your gun. Your raw materials are thermoplastic polymers and metal for the barrel and firing pin.

    High-end, industrial-grade 3D printers are priced between $2,000 and $10,000, and are readily available.

    This technology has been around for more than a decade.

    The first 3D printed handgun was designed by Cody Wilson in 2013, which he christened The Liberator. It was made of 15 parts of plastic and a nail for the ring pin.

    Also in 2013, reporters from the Daily Mail newspaper in London 3D-printed a Liberator pistol and smuggled the disassembled gun onto a Eurostar train. They reassembled the gun in the toilet.

    As the gun was made of plastic, metal detectors were not activated, demonstrating the danger these weapons pose even in high-security locations such as airports and public transport.

    In the recent high-profile murder in New York of Brian Thompson, chief executive of the US health insurance company United Healthcare, the suspect, Luigi Mangione, when arrested was found to be in possession of a similar 3D-printed gun and 3D-printed suppressor to those allegedly used in the shooting.

    Leaps forward in technology

    In the 12 years since the designs for The Liberator were posted on the internet, the quality and range of 3D guns have greatly improved and expanded.

    According to Detective Inspector Brad Phelps from Queensland’s Crime and Intelligence Command Drug Squad, the technology has advanced sufficiently that:

    now you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a privately manufactured firearm and a traditional firearm in many instances […] every jurisdiction in Australia has reported an increase, particularly in the last 18 months to two years.

    As 3D guns are untraceable, the actual prevalence of 3D guns is unknown, other than the growing number of 3D guns seized in police raids. According to gun safety groups, 3D guns can now fire up to 40 rounds and use standard gauge ammunition.

    Police predict homemade guns will soon overtake illicit weapon imports.

    In October 2024, Western Australian police seized 21 privately made 3D-printed firearms from a home in Perth.

    Fixing the legal loopholes

    So, with all these alarm bells ringing in the ears of law enforcement agencies, what steps have authorities taken to meet the threat 3D guns pose to community safety?

    Indeed, what effective steps are being taken to prevent further advances in the technology and thwart any efforts to produce these guns en masse?

    The answer would appear to be that little attention has been directed towards the dangers 3D guns represent. Legislation across Australian jurisdictions is inconsistent.

    At present, only New South Wales and Tasmania have legislated to make it an offence to possess a digital blueprint for the manufacture of a firearm on a 3D printer or electronic milling machine. The maximum penalties are imprisonment for 14 years and 21 years, respectively.

    In 2022, WA took a step in the right direction by making unauthorised possession of firearms technology an offence. This included possession of a 3D printer or milling device.

    The slow progress on this issue is well illustrated by South Australia. There have been 23 incidents in which police have seized 3D-printed firearms and firearm parts between 2020 and 2023.

    But the drafting of proposed legal amendments to address these incidents started in 2024 and are still to be introduced into the SA parliament.

    There needs to be a national sense of urgency similar to the federal government’s response to the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. Existing laws are inadequate as there is no uniformity in the legislation covering 3D-printed firearms and their digital blueprints.

    There was a senate inquiry into gun violence in 2014, which found 3D printers “were by no means integral to the illegal manufacture of firearms”. This is no longer accurate.

    Ironically, the senate committee recommended “Australian governments investigate the requirement for uniform regulations in all jurisdictions covering the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms and firearm parts”. A decade on, little progress has been made.

    New laws could distinguish between possessing of a digital blueprint for a 3D gun and actually manufacturing a firearm. This could look like a scale of penalties, such as those imposed for the possession and manufacture of illegal drugs, which are based on the category of drug and the quantity seized.

    Andrew Hemming 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. Police are seizing 3D-printed guns across Australia, but our laws aren’t keeping up – https://theconversation.com/police-are-seizing-3d-printed-guns-across-australia-but-our-laws-arent-keeping-up-250255

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Subbies deserve safety at work too

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    A forestry subcontractor was failed by poor risk management from the two businesses above him, both of which have been sentenced for their inaction.

    39-year-old Misha Tremel was killed while manually felling trees on a small block at Clevedon in June 2022. The qualified tree feller had been brought in by Turoa Logging Limited, which was harvesting 7,800 tonnes of pine on behalf of the forest managers Pulley Contracting Limited.

    The trees being manually cut by Mr Tremel were windthrown, meaning they had been bent and damaged by wind. WorkSafe and the forestry industry strongly recommend that such trees are harvested using machines.

    WorkSafe’s investigation found Turoa Logging had not properly reassessed its harvesting plan after nearby trees were cut by machinery and had not ensured safe felling practices were followed. Pulley Contracting did not do enough to identify the ongoing risks to workers and should have been auditing Turoa Logging more thoroughly.

    “Businesses must manage their risks and cannot contract their way out of responsibility. Contractors on smaller sites like this are owed the same level of care as those in large-scale operations,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West.

    Mr Tremel was a much-loved husband and father who was originally from Ukraine. His death continues to be a shattering loss for his young family to process.

    “Businesses must consult, cooperate and coordinate as part of a contracting chain. WorkSafe recommends health and safety is always built into contract management,” says Paul West.

    Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. Under its new strategy, WorkSafe is turning about 15 percent of its targeted frontline activity to the forestry sector because of the high rate of harm, particularly for Maōri.

    WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.

    Read more about health and safety obligations in contracting

    Background

    • Turoa Logging Limited and Pulley Contracting Limited were sentenced at Manukau District Court on 4 March 2025.
    • Both companies were ordered to pay a combined total of $335,680 in fines and reparation
    • Both companies were charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015:
      • Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed workers to a risk of death or serious injury.
    • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

    Media contact details

    For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

    Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG investigation ends jewelry pyramid scheme in Washington state

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Utah-based jewelry company Paparazzi will pay $1.9 million and reform its business practices in Washington state following an Attorney General’s Office investigation into the company’s pyramid scheme. Attorney General Nick Brown will send 7,100 Washingtonians who sold jewelry for the company checks of an average of $180 in the near future.

    “Our investigation showed Washingtonians were clearly harmed by Paparazzi,” Brown said. “Advertising too-good-to-be-true returns on investments is one of the ways companies and individuals try to deceive Washingtonians.”

    The payment is part of a resolution Paparazzi signed to avoid a lawsuit over violations of the state Consumer Protection Act and Antipyramid Promotional Scheme Act. Washingtonians who sold Paparazzi’s products can return to the company any unsold merchandise that they purchased after January 2017 for a full refund.

    The binding resolution also requires the company to be more transparent if it wants to keep operating in Washington state. It creates a nationwide claims process for refunds for anyone who bought Paparazzi jewelry that contains the heavy metals lead and nickel. Paparazzi advertised certain products — including those marketed toward children and youth — as free from both heavy metals. Paparazzi’s own testing revealed that some of its products contained lead and nickel.

    The resolution also reforms how Paparazzi can advertise its sales program, to include fully disclosing the income sales consultants would likely receive from its sales programs.

    The Consumer Protection Division is largely funded through money recovered from businesses who have violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act and similar laws, not by taxpayers. Specifically, a portion of Consumer Protection recoveries go into the Attorney General’s Civil Justice Operating Fund, which supports the Consumer Protection, Antitrust, Wing Luke Civil Rights, and Environmental Protection divisions. It also funds Medicaid Fraud Control and the Complex Litigation divisions.

    Here are some recent key consumer protection victories:

    • $1.3 billion in recoveries dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic at the state and local level.
    • Blocking the Kroger and Albertson’s anticompetitive grocery store merger.
    • Up to $40.6 million will be distributed to Washingtonians who overpaid for chicken and tuna products that were part of a price-fixing conspiracy.
    • A nationwide agreement requiring Dollar Tree to monitor its testing labs to ensure they follow appropriate testing methods for lead and cadmium that are audited and verified through independent experts.
    • Over $43 million in direct refunds and debt forgiveness to student loan borrowers.
    • More than $158 million in debt relief to patients who Washington hospitals failed to screen for charity care.
    • Our Consumer Protection Division has  successfully challenged consumer “non-disclosure” agreements to make sure online reviews are honest and returned funds to consumers who signed illegal contracts.
    • The Manufactured Housing Unit, recoups millions of dollars for tenants subjected to illegal rent hikes and other misconduct under the Manufactured Housing Landlord Tenant Act.
    • The Wing Luke Civil Rights Division addresses discrimination in housing, employment, insurance, credit, and in government services and businesses open to the public. Recent wins illustrating the breadth of that work include wins against Allianz ($1.5 million, insurance discrimination), Greenridge Farming ($470,000, farmworker sexual harassment and retaliation) and Operation Veterans Assistance & Humanitarian Aid (more than $2.15 million, sexual harassment and retaliation at a chain of thrift stores).

    Our Consumer Resource Center, which answers between 25,000-30,000 calls annually, returns over $10 million to consumers every year via its informal dispute resolution efforts. Assistant attorneys general also take calls and complaints throughout the year that result in additional consumer protection actions.

    Assistant Attorneys General Ben Brysacz, Joe Kanada; Paralegals Joseph Drouin, Luis Oida and Heather Zamudio handled the case for Washington. Former Assistant Attorneys General Susana Croke, Kevin Eggers and Camille McDorman also handled the case before leaving the Attorney General’s Office.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China opens ‘two sessions’ with commitment to high-quality development amid challenges

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The annual “two sessions,” a highly anticipated event on China’s political calendar, began on Tuesday with the opening of the annual session of the country’s top political advisory body.
    The annual session of China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), is set to begin on Wednesday.
    Offering a critical window into China’s development roadmap for 2025, the final year of its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the sessions hold profound significance as the world’s second-largest economy accelerates its shift toward high-quality development and advances Chinese modernization.
    This year’s “two sessions,” the first since last July’s reform-themed third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), are expected to shape the country’s policy direction amid an increasingly complex and challenging domestic and global landscape.
    Key political gatherings
    Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), held at the Great Hall of the People.
    Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.
    The country’s top political advisor said China has accomplished its main economic and social development targets for 2024, applauding the major achievements made in the country’s modernization drive.
    During the eight-day sessions, the Chinese premier, top legislator, top political advisor, chief justice and top procurator will present work reports. Lawmakers will review the government’s annual budget and development plan, and deliberate an amendment to the law on deputies to the NPC and local people’s congresses.
    In parallel, ministers from various government departments will hold interviews and press conferences to engage with the public, clarify policies, and address pressing concerns.
    This year’s “two sessions” are expected to foster consensus and enhance confidence as China strives to further deepen reforms and achieve the goals outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan.
    Macroeconomic policy shift
    This year’s economic growth target, along with an array of widely-watched key macroeconomic indicators for 2025, including the deficit-to-GDP ratio and the inflation target, is expected to be unveiled in the government work report at the start of the NPC session.
    In 2024, China achieved its growth target of around 5 percent, largely thanks to significant macroeconomic measures designed to counter economic headwinds.
    Despite the challenges China’s economy has faced in recent years, it is projected to contribute about 30 percent of global economic growth in 2024, making it the largest source of growth for the world economy.
    While China’s economy has demonstrated resilience, challenges and problems such as insufficient domestic demand and external pressures persist.
    Amid evolving challenges, China has signaled a shift in its macroeconomic stance. Months before the “two sessions” at the tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference, policymakers pledged to roll out more proactive macro policies this year. Notably, they adopted a “moderately loose” monetary policy, significantly departing from the “prudent” approach over the past 14 years.
    China has also pledged to actively use the room for a higher deficit, increase the issuance of local government special-purpose bonds, continue to issue ultra-long special treasury bonds and increase transfer payments from the central government to local governments. The specifics of these pro-growth measures will also be a key focus of this year’s “two sessions.”
    Domestic demand, tech innovation
    The Central Economic Work Conference also outlined key priorities, including boosting consumption, to shore up China’s economy.
    Jiang Ying, Deloitte China chair and a member of the CPPCC National Committee, believed that in 2025, the challenges China’s economy will face, brought about by the reshaping of the international order and geopolitical conflicts, are becoming increasingly complex. “To address these challenges, China will emphasize achieving high-quality growth driven by domestic demand and technological innovation,” she stated.
    China has a supersized domestic market and a complete industrial system, with ample room for the upgrades of demand, said Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th NPC, at a press conference held on Tuesday.
    “To boost the greater stability and resilience of China’s economy, it’s important to reduce the negative impact of external economic shocks while promoting a shift in growth drivers from external demand to domestic demand,” said Jin Penghui, director of the People’s Bank of China Shanghai Head Office.
    “This includes boosting consumption and upgrading consumption patterns, particularly by unlocking potential in areas such as services, health and digital consumption,” added Jin, an NPC deputy.
    Over the past month, Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek has made global waves with its open-source, widely popular chatbot, fueling expectations that this year’s “two sessions” will highlight the development of new quality productive forces, particularly in areas like AI.
    Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that in 2024, China’s total spending on research and development (R&D) amounted to 3.61 trillion yuan (about 503.21 billion U.S. dollars), securing its position as the world’s second-largest spender on R&D.
    Yan Chunhua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a national lawmaker, told Xinhua that the applications of these technologies in their respective sectors will create new quality productive forces, fueling the high-quality development of China’s economy and society. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Wealth Solutions announces Group Capital position of over $16 Billion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Group capital triples over two-year period

    Financial strength underpins A ratings across life and annuity companies

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Wealth Solutions (NYSE, TSX: BNT) today announced its year-end 2024 capital position with over $16 billion of group capital across its regulated insurance subsidiaries and holding companies. This strong capital position underpins the A financial strength ratings assigned to Brookfield Wealth Solutions’ life and annuity companies, and the investment grade ratings for its life and annuity holding company.

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions’ group capital has tripled from $5.7 billion in 2022 to an estimated $16.1 billion in 2024 through a combination of retained earnings and capital contributions from Brookfield Corporation. 

    Sachin Shah, CEO, Brookfield Wealth Solutions, said: “With over 5,000 people dedicated every day to serving the needs of policyholders and retirees, we’ve been able to build a world-class wealth business that provides individuals with safe and secure retirement income. This past year has culminated in record levels of group and entity-level capital. This February we participated in the first group Supervisory College, where we had the opportunity to share details of our assets, reserves and capital position with our insurance regulators from eight jurisdictions. With our upcoming entrance into the UK insurance market, we look forward to continued prudent growth and an expanded Supervisory College in 2025.”

    Summary of Group Capital            
    in USD, billions            
                 
    Group / Entity   12/31/2022   12/31/2023   12/31/2024
    Insurance Subsidiaries1   5.1   7.5   13.5
    Group Holding Companies   0.7   1.5   2.6
    Total Brookfield Wealth Solutions   5.7   9.0   16.1
    1. Calculated on an aggregate basis in accordance with applicable insurance regulations.
     

    About Brookfield Wealth Solutions

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions Ltd. (NYSE, TSX: BNT) is focused on securing the financial futures of individuals and institutions through a range of retirement services, wealth protection products and tailored capital solutions. Each class A exchangeable limited voting share of Brookfield Wealth Solutions is exchangeable on a one-for-one basis with a class A limited voting share of Brookfield Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BN). For more information, visit bnt.brookfield.com or contact:

    Media:  Investor Relations:
    Kerrie McHugh Rachel Schneider
    Tel: (212) 618-3469 Tel: (416) 369-3358
    Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com Email: Rachel.schneider@brookfield.com
       

    Non-GAAP and Performance Measures

    We make reference to Brookfield Wealth Solutions’ group capital in this news release, which is calculated on an aggregate basis in accordance with applicable insurance regulations and is not derived from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). These references should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We caution readers that these non-GAAP financial measures or other financial metrics are not standardized under U.S. GAAP and may differ from the financial measures or other financial metrics disclosed by other businesses and, as a result, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and entities. We provide additional information on key terms and non-GAAP measures in our filings available at bnt.brookfield.com.

    Notice to Readers

    This news release and any related oral statements made by our representatives may contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and in any applicable Canadian securities regulations (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future results, events or conditions, and include, but are not limited to, statements which reflect management’s current estimates, assumptions and expectations regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies, capital management and outlook of Brookfield Wealth Solutions and its subsidiaries, as well as the outlook for international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods.

    In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words such as “believes,” “thinks,” “expects,” “potential,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” In particular, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding the growth of our business, the status of regulatory approvals including the anticipated timing thereof, the size of the U.K. pension market and opportunities relating thereto.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable estimates, assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Brookfield Wealth Solutions or its subsidiaries to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) investment returns that are lower than target; (ii) the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; (iii) the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates; (iv) global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets (v) litigation; (vi) changes in tax laws; (vii) ability to collect amounts owed; (viii) catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics/pandemics; (ix) the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyberterrorism; (x) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (xi) the failure of effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting and other risks; (xii) health, safety and environmental risks; (xiii) the maintenance of adequate insurance coverage; (xiv) the existence of information barriers between certain businesses within Brookfield’s asset management operations; (xv) risks specific to our business segments; (xvi) factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States; and (xvii) the failure to obtain and/or maintain required regulatory approvals. We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the foregoing risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Except as required by law, Brookfield Wealth Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Past performance is not indicative nor a guarantee of future results. There can be no assurance that comparable results will be achieved in the future, that future investments will be similar to the historic investments discussed herein, that targeted returns, growth objectives, diversification or asset allocations will be met or that an investment strategy or investment objectives will be achieved (because of economic conditions, the availability of investment opportunities or otherwise).

    Readers are urged to consider the foregoing risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tenaris completes its USD700 Million Share Buyback Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUXEMBOURG, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tenaris S.A. (NYSE and Mexico: TS and EXM Italy: TEN) (“Tenaris”) announced today the completion of its USD700 million Share Buyback Program announced on November 10, 2024 (the “Program”).

    During the Program, which ran from November 11, 2024, to (and including) March 4, 2025, the Company purchased a total of 36,862,132 ordinary shares, representing 3.17% of the total issued share capital at the beginning of the Program, for a total consideration of €668,198,121, or approx. USD700 million.

    As of March 4, 2025, the Company held in treasury 90,762,598 ordinary shares (including 53,900,466 ordinary shares bought pursuant to the USD 1.2 billion Share Buyback Program), equal to 7.81% of the total issued share capital.

    Tenaris intends to cancel treasury shares purchased under the Program in due course.

    Details of the above transactions are available on Tenaris’s corporate website under the Share Buyback Program Section https://ir.tenaris.com/share-buyback-program.

    Some of the statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. These risks include but are not limited to risks arising from uncertainties as to future oil and gas prices and their impact on investment programs by oil and gas companies.

    Tenaris is a leading global supplier of steel tubes and related services for the world’s energy industry and certain other industrial applications.

    Giovanni Sardagna        
    Tenaris
    1-888-300-5432
    www.tenaris.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Cloud Stack Announces Six Scenario-specific Solutions for Carriers to Drive Efficiency, Revenue Growth, and Digital Inclusion

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Cloud Stack Announces Six Scenario-specific Solutions for Carriers to Drive Efficiency, Revenue Growth, and Digital Inclusion

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 4, 2025] At MWC 2025, during the Huawei Cloud Carrier Forum, themed “Take a Cloud Leap to Transform from Telco to Techco”, Huawei released six Huawei Cloud Stack-based scenario-specific solutions for carriers around the world, as well as a Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program. They aim to help carriers enhance operational efficiency and generate new revenue streams through cloud innovation.
    Shang Haifeng, President of Huawei’s Huawei Cloud Stack Business Dept, delivering an opening speech through digital human

    Today, more and more carriers are transforming themselves from traditional telecommunications companies (telcos) to technology companies (or techcos). Shang Haifeng, President of the Huawei Cloud Stack Business Dept at Huawei, said: “This [telco-to-techco] transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it is about redefining the role of carriers in a digital-first world. At Huawei Cloud, we are proud to partner with global carriers on their journey to becoming techcos.”
    Johnny Lyu, CTO of International Business, Huawei Cloud Stack, delivering a keynote

    In recent years, carrier transformation has typically started with an all-cloud transformation for boosting operational efficiency and enriching services for an enhanced customer experience. Johnny Lyu, CTO of International Business at Huawei Cloud Stack, said: “Huawei Cloud Stack offers a reliable cloud foundation. Today, we are releasing six scenario-specific solutions for carriers, helping them improve the efficiency of their businesses, platforms, and services, and start a second growth curve.”
    Huawei Cloud Stack’s six scenario-specific solutions for carriers include three for enhancing internal operational efficiency and three out-of-the-box solutions aimed at driving external revenue growth.
    Leap to Cloud to improve efficiency
    FinTech: This solution supports secure, high-performance, and flexible operational capabilities for Mobile Money. It helps ensure the compliance of both mobile financial services and data while enhancing user experience for their customers.
    Marketing big data: This solution offers an efficient, one-stop, cloud-native data foundation with 200 built-in data models for simplified development. It guarantees 99.999% availability on the cloud, supporting customer acquisition and retention by carriers.
    AICC: A solid, centrally managed cloud foundation for Artificial Intelligence Contact Center (AICC) ensures 24/7 availability for services such as digital ambassadors for customer service, AI scheduling, and AI voice analytics.
    Spark innovation with out-of-the-box solutions
    Smart government: Huawei Cloud Stack provides a unified cloud operations platform, enhancing capabilities in product listing, metering and billing, and customer management. This enables better public services for both businesses and residents as well as digitalized, modernized city governance.
    Smart education: This solution offers course management, remote classrooms, and exam management on the cloud. A high-concurrency, high-performance platform supports AI-generated live captions in multiple languages as well as knowledge graphs.
    Cloud phone: Huawei Cloud Stack supports cloud-based virtual phones with pre-installed apps, such as gaming and office tools. These virtual phones can serve as data backups for users, with flexible permissions control, helping carriers drive 4G conversion among subscribers.
    Launch ceremony of Huawei’s Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program

    Huawei Cloud Stack, together with Orange, Zain Kuwait, iSoftStone, and ULearning, jointly launched the Telco2Techco Cloud Leap Program underpinned by six scenario-specific solutions for carriers. Focusing on 10+ innovative service scenarios, this program offers project support, marketing support, training, enablement, and more, helping carriers accelerate the transition from telcos to techcos.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global Industry Partners Jointly Release Net5.5G Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Global Industry Partners Jointly Release Net5.5G Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 4, 2025] At MWC Barcelona 2025, the Broadband Development Congress (BDC), hosted by the World Broadband Association (WBBA), was a resounding success. Themed “Smarter Broadband: Investment. Innovation. Intelligence,” the congress attracted over 200 industry leaders from global industry organizations, standards organizations, government agencies, carriers, and device vendors. Attendees exchanged views on key issues, including the Net5.5G evolution path, network technology innovation, and commercial practices.
    Ryan Qiu, Vice President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, delivering a keynote speech titled “Accelerating Net5.5G Innovation, Striding to an Intelligent Era”

    In his keynote speech at the congress, Ryan Qiu, Vice President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, noted that the integration of AI into carriers’ strategies is gaining momentum, with Net5.5G serving as a catalyst for the in-depth convergence of networks and AI. To address this trend, Huawei has introduced AI WAN, a cutting-edge solution that comprehensively empowers IP networks in the Net5.5G era using AI. Featuring a three-layer architecture comprising AI routers, AI new connections, and AI new brain, this solution enables carriers to unlock new network value across diverse scenarios, including individual, home, and enterprise settings.
    Industry Consensus on Net5.5G: Global Leaders Call for Enhanced Cooperation
    At the congress, global industry leaders from organizations such as the WBBA, IPv6 Forum, International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T), and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) reached a consensus during the “Fireside Chat: Forward-Looking Dialogue on the Evolution of Next-Gen Networks.” Net5.5G has now become an industry-wide consensus, making significant strides in areas including industry development, policy formulation, and commercial practices. The leaders called for enhanced industry collaboration and continued joint efforts to drive the commercial success of Net5.5G, thereby guiding the sustainable development of the Internet industry.
    Establishment of Net5.5G Industry Cooperation Mechanism and Phased Progress of Global Pioneer Program
    With the advent of the Net5.5G era, the WBBA, IPv6 Forum, ITU-T, IETF, and Network Innovation and Development Alliance (NIDA) have collaborated to establish a next-generation network cooperation mechanism. While the WBBA and IPv6 Forum drive industry consensus, the ITU-T explores future network needs, the IETF spearheads the formulation of network technology standards, and the NIDA defines network construction standards and facilitates technology adoption. This multi-party collaboration marks a new phase of global network upgrades and lays a solid foundation for an intelligent society.
    The Global Net5.5G Pioneer Program has made steady progress. At the congress, industry leaders jointly released the latest progress of the program. To date, a number of outstanding Net5.5G pioneers have emerged globally, including 18 visionary pioneers, 2 region pioneers, and 18 business pioneers.
    Accelerated Net5.5G Commercial Deployment and Release of Best Practices Whitepaper
    Multiple carriers shared their experience and achievements in Net5.5G commercial deployment. As the integrated operator in Spain by user count, MasOrange builds an efficient capacity growth, ultimate experience and intent-based automation Net5.5G converged IP network. 400GE/800GE, SRv6 + slicing meet traffic surging and automatic network scheduling requirements, and supports new services such as edge computing in the future. Based on Network Digital Map，through AI empowerment, MasOrange will stride to AN L4, a new phase of intelligent evolution.Turkcell, a digital carrier in Türkiye, has built a stable, flexible, and experience-centric target network by leveraging key Net5.5G technologies such as 400GE/800GE, SRv6/slicing, and Network Digital Map. This network features ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and intelligence, significantly enhancing customer service experience and generating new business value. In addition, the WBBA has released the Net5.5G
    Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper, showcasing global Net5.5G best practices and providing valuable insights and inspiration for the industry.
    As Net5.5G continues to evolve, the WBBA urges global industry organizations to strengthen industry cooperation and jointly drive industry innovation in technical standards, policies, and commercial practices to foster a thriving data communications ecosystem.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1. In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world. For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Improving land and property rights services

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Company Sentenced for Clean Water Act Violations that Caused Fish Kill in Cheshire, Will Pay $1 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kathryn Rivera, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division for New England, announced that NATIONAL WATER MAIN CLEANING COMPANY (“NWMCC”) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport for a felony violation of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) for knowingly discharging a pollutant into Cuff Brook while refurbishing a large culvert pipe in Cheshire, Connecticut, in July 2019.  The company’s unauthorized discharge of uncured geopolymer mortar killed more than 150 fish and contaminated Cuff Brook.

    Judge Dooley sentenced NWMCC to a term of federal probation with environmental conditions for three years, a $500,000 federal penalty, and a payment of $500,000 to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“CT DEEP”) to fund aquatic ecosystem enhancement projects in the South Central Coastal Watershed, where both Cheshire and Cuff Brook are located.

    NWMCC is based in New Jersey and owned by Carylon Corporation based in Chicago, Illinois.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, NWMCC had submitted the lowest bid and entered into a contract with the Town of Cheshire (“Cheshire”) to repair a decaying 11-foot culvert pipe underneath Marion Road.  Cheshire’s project specifications required that the work be done under dry conditions along with environmental controls to prevent uncured geopolymer mortar from leaking into Cuff Brook.

    With a Cheshire Department of Public Works (“DPW”) representative present each day, NWMCC began work on July 15, 2019.  However, from July 16 to July 18, 2019, NWMCC sprayed geopolymer mortar onto the culvert pipe without the mandated environmental controls.  On July 17, 2019, NWMCC crews continued to work despite heavy rain, which led to uncured geopolymer mortar seeping into Cuff Brook.  On July 18, 2019, a Cheshire resident with property abutting Cuff Brook observed dead fish and discolored water with an oily sheen in the brook, and smelled a chemical odor similar to lighter fluid.  CT DEEP responded and determined that NWMCC was responsible for the pollutant release, thereby killing more than 150 fish and contaminating the waterway.  CT DEEP estimated that Cuff Brook would not return to its prior state for three to five years.

    The government’s investigation revealed that NWMCC was aware that its environmental controls were deficient, but did not remediate these deficiencies during the project.  Although the company attempted to blame the pollutant release and fish kill on a single employee, the investigation showed that he had been inadequately trained, directed to complete the job in an unrealistic timeframe, and was never informed that the uncured geopolymer mortar was hazardous to the environment.

    The investigation also revealed that NWMCC lacked a meaningful and comprehensive environmental training program for its employees, particularly with respect to the CWA, even though NWMCC’s core business is repairing and rehabilitating infrastructure that interfaces with public waterways.  In addition, NWMCC’s bonus policy incentivized site supervisors and executives to push their work crews to perform projects quickly and maximize the number of jobs completed.  At the time of Cheshire project, NWMCC was operating under a Code of Conduct as part of a 2014 settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to resolve civil allegations involving environmental pollution. 

    NWMCC pleaded guilty to the offense on January 17, 2025.

    This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen with the assistance of EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Man Chak Ng.

    MIL Security OSI –