NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Declaration Secured for Tropical Storm Debby Impacts

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that President Biden has approved her request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal assistance to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Debby on August 8-10. This declaration allows for federal financial assistance to support public infrastructure reconstruction efforts in Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates counties.

    “The effects of Tropical Storm Debby caused extreme damage across parts of New York last month, and I’m thankful President Biden has approved my request for a Major Disaster Declaration,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration will continue to work with FEMA to ensure those affected receive the critical funding they need to begin the recovery and rebuilding process.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, and provides funding to local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.

    As part of the declaration, New York was also granted access to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Following a Presidential disaster declaration, FEMA provides funding for states to administer grant programs supporting local hazard mitigation planning and long-term hazard mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and to improve property damaged by natural disasters. Local governments and certain non-profits that perform government-like functions are eligible to apply for these grants. All counties in the State will have the ability to apply for this funding. More information will become available in the coming months.

    In advance of the storm, Governor Hochul directed State agencies to ready emergency response assets and stay in real-time communication with local governments to monitor weather impacts and respond to requests for assistance. After the storms, Governor Kathy Hochul announced grants of up to $50,000 to be available to eligible homeowners in Allegany, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence Counties to address health and safety-related repairs not covered by insurance or other disaster relief programs.

    Representative Nick Langworthy said, “Seeing the damage up close in some of the hardest hit areas, it became clear how essential federal assistance was for these communities to recover, and I was proud to be a vocal advocate for the Southern Tier throughout this process. With homes, businesses, and key infrastructure severely impacted, this Major Disaster Declaration will allow people to rebuild their lives. Now that this assistance is in place, we can focus on helping our neighbors get back on their feet after such a devastating storm.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With The Puzzle, David Williamson shows his continual capacity to satirise the middle-class

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Russell Fewster, Lecturer in Performing Arts, University of South Australia

    Matt Byrne/State Theatre Company South Australia

    Fun, sex, Renoir and a reckoning might be a succinct way to introduce the new play by David Williamson, The Puzzle. As Williamson noted to me in the foyer, “life would be pretty boring without sex”. However, he writes, in the production program that this comes with a proviso that licentiousness without any moral grounding can lead to human beings inadvertently “upending their lives”.

    In other words: be grateful for what you’re got.

    Just last month New Wave Australian playwright Jack Hibberd passed away. Hibberd, in writing one of his best-known works, Dimboola (that Williamson directed for the Pram Factory in 1973), spoke of needing to find a human ritual by putting two competing families together in his rural comedy.

    Williamson, of the same generation of playwrights, similarly has pointed out “the essence of drama – [is] you put people in a room that should never be in a room together and things happen”.

    While Hibberd found this in a country wedding, Williamson has found it, in this instance, in a holiday cruise that appeals as a “lifestyle” change.

    Post-COVID has seen an increase in holiday cruises. Though there are comparatively small offerings of adult only cruises euphemistically titled “lifestyle cruises” (or, to be blunter, swingers cruises), they are subject to increasing demand from both young and old.

    A lively production

    The play’s title is taken from the large Renoir jigsaw puzzle found in the games room of a cruise ship that brings together those wanting to shake up their monotonous lives.

    Of course, this becomes a metaphor for how the middle-aged negotiate themes of sexual boredom, polygamy and parenthood. With shades of Williamson’s earlier satirical get-together Don’s Party (1971), the ensemble expertly navigate the promises that “swinging” might do to enliven their character’s sex lives, trapped as they are in close proximity to each other.

    This is a lively production with uniformly good performances.
    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    This is a lively production with uniformly good performances. Erik Thomson plays Drew, the father trying to improve his relationship with his daughter and provides a solid anchor for the promiscuousness that occurs around him. Ahunim Abebe brings rhythmic physicality to his daughter Cassie as she shocks the father with her own sexual adventures.

    The two would-be swinging couples bring verve and vivacity to their performances. Chris Asimos delights as Brian who flips from depression to reinforced post coital vitality. Anna Lindner brings a refreshing groove as she sashays around the cruise ship as Brian’s wife, Michele.

    Williamson has found the drama in a holiday cruise that appeals as a ‘lifestyle’ change.
    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    Ansuya Nathan’s Mandy provides a moral counterpoint as her character struggles with the concept of swinging, while her onstage partner Craig, played by Nathan O’Keefe, provides both earnestness and excellent comic timing. At one point during the night O’Keefe toasts his glass too hard and loses his slice of lemon on the floor – which he promptly sucks on to the great amusement of the audience. Clearly an accident, but perhaps worth keeping.

    Steady chuckles

    Shannon Rush directs with panache, providing some excellent moments of physical vignettes interlaced with the increasing sexual frisson, accompanied by brisk and sharp lighting from Mark Shelton. This in turn is ably supported by the 70s-style guitar soundtrack from composer Andrew Howard and sound designer Patrick Pages-Oliver.

    Williamson alludes to the garish décor found aboard cruise ships and Ailsa Paterson’s design doesn’t disappoint. She makes spectacular use of colour and proportion that beckons with promises of a new adventure.

    The multi-layered set features tables and chairs with retro 70s/80s feel. The backdrop is a stylised view of the horizon changing with time passing – this is in the form of the Renoir style of brush stroke, neatly linking it to the jigsaw we see being slowly completed.

    Williamson alludes to the garish décor of cruise ships, and Paterson’s design doesn’t disappoint.
    Matt Byrne/STCSA

    The play draws steady chuckles and the occasional guffaw as Williamson builds the expectations of the passengers. In the second half, naturalism gives way to farce as the characters experience both comic and life changing reversals. This comes with the moral reckoning of the unintended consequences intercouple sex may bring.

    Williamson’s capacity to introduce ideas and return to them in new ways in the dialogue demonstrates his expert craft in constructing witty and challenging dialogue.

    This grand old man of Australian theatre shows his continual insight and capacity to satirise the middle-class.

    Kudos should also go to outgoing artistic director Mitchell Butel who had the foresight to see the potential in the finished script submitted by Williamson, followed by further development between playwright and company to bring the play to the stage.

    The playwright, actors and director gain much from being able to work together over a period of time.

    Like the new wave of the 1970s, artists don’t grow in isolation but blossom within a supportive community. In this instance a community Butel has fostered, evident in another fine offering.

    The Puzzle is at the State Theatre Company South Australia, Adelaide, until October 12.

    Russell Fewster co-ordinates the 2nd year course: State Theatre Masterclass in the Performing Arts Major at the University of South Australia. This is a collaboration between the State Theatre of SA and the University of South Australia.

    – ref. With The Puzzle, David Williamson shows his continual capacity to satirise the middle-class – https://theconversation.com/with-the-puzzle-david-williamson-shows-his-continual-capacity-to-satirise-the-middle-class-239195

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the margins of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    The leaders highlighted the close relationship between Canada and the European Union (EU) and the importance of continuing their collaboration on shared priorities, such as economic security, sustainable development and global stability.

    The Prime Minister and the President discussed the need for action on climate change, carbon pricing and industrial decarbonization. They emphasized the critical role the private sector can play in driving innovation and accelerating investment to support the clean energy transition.

    The leaders exchanged views on pressing geopolitical issues. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression and stressed the importance of promoting lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

    They also reaffirmed their support for Haiti, and highlighted the decisive steps taken to restore peace and stability there. Prime Minister Trudeau stressed the need for additional support to the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission to ensure its success.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and President von der Leyen looked forward to continuing to strengthen the strong partnership between Canada and the EU, including through Canada’s G7 Presidency next year. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

    Related links

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Underlying inflation lowest in more than 30 months

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    New figures today show that underlying inflation has moderated substantially to its lowest level in more than thirty months and headline monthly inflation moderated substantially by 0.8 percentage points in August, returning to the RBA’s target band for first time since October 2021.

    These are very welcome and encouraging numbers.

    They show our policies are helping in the fight against inflation, but we’re not complacent because we know people are still under pressure.

    Monthly inflation was 2.7 per cent in the year to August 2024, down from 3.5 per cent in July 2024. It’s now less than half the 6.1 per cent we inherited and less than a third of its peak.

    Underlying inflation moderated to its lowest rate in more than 30 months. Annual trimmed mean inflation moderated to 3.4 per cent in the 12 months to August 2024, down from 3.8 per cent in July 2024 and 4.3 per cent at the election.

    Excluding volatile items and holiday travel, monthly inflation moderated to 3.0 per cent in August, down from 3.7 per cent in July.

    Non‑tradable inflation was 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to August 2024, down from 4.5 per cent in July 2024 and much lower than the 5.3 per cent we inherited.

    This shows we’ve made welcome and encouraging progress on inflation but we want it to moderate further and faster in quarterly terms as well.

    Our policies are making a positive difference, but they aren’t the only factor that led to this result with underlying price measures also moderating in today’s figures.

    This is a good result that shows we’re getting inflation under control but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves because we know it doesn’t moderate in a straight line.

    The monthly figures can jump around which is why the quarterly data is the official measure of inflation, but the moderation in today’s figures is very heartening.

    The quarterly data also confirms we’ve made welcome progress, with inflation half its peak and annual trimmed mean inflation having moderated for six consecutive quarters.

    It’s encouraging to see the progress in today’s figures, particularly as we saw core inflation rise in multiple G7 countries just last week.

    We recognise people are under pressure and we’re doing something about it.

    We’ve delivered the first back‑to‑back surpluses in almost two decades which the RBA Governor has said are helping in the fight against inflation.

    ABS data today again shows that inflation would be higher without our responsible cost‑of‑living relief.

    Rents increased 6.8 per cent in the year to August but without our largest increase to Rent Assistance in 30 years, they would have increased 8.6 per cent.

    Electricity prices fell 17.9 per cent in the year to August but without the energy rebates we are rolling out with the states, they would have decreased 2.7 per cent.

    Our economic plan is all about easing the cost of living and fighting inflation without crunching the economy and today’s data confirms our policies are making a meaningful difference.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Last chance to have your say on 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review has seen a record number of Australians from across the country share their views and experiences on telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.
     
    Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, on Tuesday met with the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee to hear detailed feedback on stakeholder consultations ahead of the Review’s online sessions next week.
     
    The Review plays a key role in reducing the digital divide between cities and regional Australia, including in First Nations communities, by taking on community feedback and delivering an independent report and recommendations to the Government.
     
    Undertaken every three years, the Review is a chance for regional, remote and rural Australians to share their experiences and expectations when using telecommunications services. The Review is also working with the telecommunications industry to address issues raised during consultations.
     
    The online consultations are the last opportunity for people who live and work in remote, rural and regional Australia to contribute to the 2024 Review, which received more than 300 written submissions and 3,000 survey responses.
     
    They follow 17 face to face consultation sessions undertaken across each state and the Northern Territory at locations from Thursday Island to Geraldton, and from Katherine to Benalla – attended by more than 600 people.
     
    In total, more than 3,900 stakeholders have participated in the 2024 Review to date representing a four-fold increase in participation compared to 2021 and underlining the importance of conducting regular reviews to capture the experience across the nation.
     
    Feedback from the public in previous reviews has informed important Australian Government initiatives to improve regional connectivity such as the Mobile Black Spot Program, the National Audit of Mobile Coverage and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan.
     
    Regional, remote and rural Australians who were unable to attend face to face session are encouraged to attend an online session on 1 October 2024.

    To register go to: https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation#upcoming
     
    The Committee is due to deliver its report to Government by 31 December 2024.
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “We have seen an enormous level of engagement right across the country for the 2024 review so far – highlighting the importance of this issue to regional Australians.
     
    “I’m particularly pleased by the representation across First Nations communities, and proud that the independent review committee made special focus on travelling to some of Australia’s more remote and isolated communities like Mornington Island and Thursday Island to hear what the locals have to say.
     
    “Every Australian needs reliable and affordable connectivity. It’s no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity to keep our communities safe, businesses running and Australia moving.
     
    “I’m encouraged by the progress the independent review committee is making, and I look forward to receiving the final report later this year.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman hosts fall Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council

    Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

    Headline: Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman hosts fall Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council

    Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman (SEAC) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black hosted the Service Senior Enlisted Advisors, Combatant Command Command Senior Enlisted Leaders, fourth estate Senior Enlisted Leaders, and their spouses at the first day of the fall Defense Senior Enlisted Leader Council (DSELC) at the General Jacob E. Smart Conference Center, Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 23, 2024. The primary objective of the DSELC is to solve problems and provide recommendations related to the development and management of the enlisted members of the Joint Force and advancing the Secretary of Defense’s Taking Care of Our People initiative.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall at the President’s Summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats | New York,  NY

    Source: The White House

    Good afternoon.  I am Liz Sherwood-Randall, President Biden’s Homeland Security Advisor.  
     
    In closing, on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration, I want to thank each of you for joining us here today. In particular, I want to express our gratitude to each of the Heads of State and Government and your cabinet members who accepted President Biden’s invitation to participate and make an enduring commitment to this vital endeavor.  
     
    This is the first ever gathering on this scale of leaders from every continent across the planet who are dedicated to the fight against fentanyl and synthetic drugs.  And that reflects how seriously we take the threat that it is creating in our respective homelands.
     
    As you may know, I have devoted much of my life to countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. I view fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The lessons from that enduring challenge are directly relevant to the fight against illicit fentanyl and synthetic drugs today.
     
    This is a global problem that requires a global solution.  None of us can meet it effectively alone. We need to weave a strong and resilient web of committed countries, and we need to work in close collaboration with partners in international organizations and the private sector.  That is the only way we can meet the moment.  And the moment is now. We are in a fight to save lives.
     
    So I especially want to thank each of the Coalition Members whose leaders have agreed to mobilize new initiatives to: 
     
    Disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and other illicit goods 

    Detect emerging drug trends; and

    Prevent and treat those affected by this crisis, through increased public health interventions and distribution of life-saving medications.
     
    Because of the new initiatives, we will be doing even more than we have already done to map and disrupt transit routes, establish early warning systems to detect new drug trends before they reach crisis levels, and prevent deaths by expanding treatment, training more health care workers, and distributing life-saving medications.

    I urge each of you to participate in these accelerated efforts.  And I also encourage each of you to sign on to the Member Pledge that we shared with you. This pledge to take additional steps in each of our countries reinforces our collective commitment to turn words into concrete actions.  Together we can make a real difference in our communities by disrupting drug traffickers and protecting our people from harm.

    On behalf of President Biden, thank you again for joining us here in New York today, and I look forward to our ongoing work together. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 15th MEU concludes month of training in S. Korea, first ACV amphibious assault during Ex Ssang Yong

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SOUTH KOREA  –  

    Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary concluded more than a month of training in South Korea Aug. 6 to Sept. 7, including participation in Exercise Ssang Yong 24, which featured the first amphibious assault using Amphibious Combat Vehicles during their inaugural deployment.

    The Marines and Sailors of the 15th MEU arrived in South Korea aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during the first week of August. Partnered with the ROK Marine Corps 7th Brigade, the combined force of Marines conducted two weeks of live-fire training ranges and unit-level training at ROKMC bases near Pohang.

    Battalion Landing Team 1/5, the ground combat element of the 15th MEU, employed ACVs at ROKMC training areas surrounding Pohang, South Korea, exercising the vehicles’ off-road mobility and automated crew-served weapons. Alpha Company, BLT 1/5’s designated mechanized company, and its ACV Platoon also provided ROK Marines opportunities to tour and familiarize themselves with the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest ship-to-shore connector Aug. 20 and 22.

    Units from across the 15th MEU also conducted partnered non-live fire events, including: tactical planning, mountain warfare training, fast rope inserts from an MV-22B Osprey, unmanned aerial and waterborne systems familiarization, small boat operations and reconnaissance, operations in urban terrain, communications integration, chemical attack response, and other training. This training strengthened and improved the interoperability between ROK and U.S forces in defense of the Korean Peninsula.

    The culminating event in South Korea for 15th MEU and its ACVs was the amphibious assault Sept. 2 as part of Ssang Yong. Alpha Company Marines and Sailors, under the cover of the combined force’s air and surface fire support, landed at Hwajin-ri Beach near Pohang alongside nearly 40 Korean amphibious assault vehicles. Using their ACVs’ stabilized weapon systems, the company identified and reduced simulated enemy positions as they approached the shoreline, then dismounted to secure the beach prior to continuing the attack inland.

    This marked the first time Marine Corps ACVs with embarked infantry demonstrated their beach assault capabilities with a host nation’s forces during a major exercise.

    “Seventy-four years after our landing at Inchon, I can’t think of a better place and partner with whom to showcase the Marine Corps’ latest, most lethal amphibious assault capability,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nicholas Freeman, commanding officer of BLT 1/5. “Any amphibious assault is a complex operation, and that’s especially true with a combined force featuring new equipment. Today, we benefitted from decades of steadfast commitment between our countries, years of development and testing by our service, many months of hard work by this first-of-its-kind mechanized company, and several weeks of excellent training and integration with our allies. It’s gratifying and inspiring to be here to see the impressive result of all these efforts.”

    The Marine Corps expects this first deployment of ACVs to continue to provide insights for platform embarkation and maintenance requirements, logistics, and integration with our allies and partners. These insights are vital for the service to ensure we continue to provide our Marines with the most operationally ready and capable platforms.

    “As the U.S. Marine Corps’ new generation of amphibious assault vehicle, it was special and meaningful to have ACVs deployed to the Korea Theater of Operations for the first time. Especially, during the decisive action, the most complex and sophisticated phase of the amphibious operation, the ACVs not only revealed its strength and capabilities but also the firm commitment to ROK-U.S. Alliance,” said ROKMC Lt. Col. Chol-Uk Kang, lead SY24 exercise planner, 1st ROK Marine Division. “Going forward, I sincerely hope that the ROK and the U.S. can further develop on combined amphibious operational method and concept with its new capability.”

    After the completion of Ssang Yong, the 15th MEU’s forces reembarked Boxer and Harpers Ferry at ROK Naval Base Busan, South Korea, to resume their deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of operations.

    The ACV Platoon, Alpha Company, and other elements of the 15th MEU began their deployment in late March 2024, departing San Diego aboard Harpers Ferry.

    Since then, ACVs were first employed overseas May 4 during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Oyster Bay in the Philippines. During the exercise, the ACV Platoon launched from Harpers Ferry, made movement in the water toward an objective, and attacked targets from offshore using the vehicles’ stabilized heavy machine guns before reembarking.

    The ACV Platoon’s first time ashore in a foreign country was June 24 after a ship-to-shore movement from Harpers Ferry to White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan. During that event, the mechanized company rehearsed troop egress procedures and shared best practices with leaders from III Marine Expeditionary Force, which received its first ACVs in July.

    Elements of the 15th MEU are under the command and control of Commander, Task Force 76, which the U.S. 7th Fleet employs to cooperate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    As the U.S. 7th Fleet’s primary Navy advisor on amphibious matters in the 7th Fleet area of operations, CTF 76 is responsible for conducting expeditionary warfare operations to support a full range of theater contingencies, ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations to full combat operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Intelligence Leaders Travel to Japan for Engagements with Allies and Partners

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    TOKYO, Japan  –  

    Vice Adm. Karl Thomas visited Japan September 9–14 during his first official international trip as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, N2N6/Director of Naval Intelligence. Thomas was accompanied on the trip by Rear Adm. Rebecca Ore, Assistant Commandant for Intelligence, United States Coast Guard, and Mr. Steve Parode, Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, U.S. Navy.

    The international trip began in Tokyo where Thomas and the U.S. delegation met with Admiral Akira Saito, Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two navies and agreed that information sharing among allies and partners is essential to maintaining maritime security in the region.

    While in Tokyo, Thomas, Ore, and Parode met with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan to discuss the strength of the U.S.- Japan alliance and the importance of the Navy-to-Navy relationship in facing the challenges to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    Thomas and Parode then traveled to Yokosuka for various engagements with elements of the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. This was Thomas’ first return trip to Yokosuka since serving as SEVENTH Fleet’s 54th commander. While on base, Thomas and Parode spoke at the SEVENTH Fleet Information Warfare Waterfront Conference and received a briefing at the U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Far East.

    The trip concluded with a visit to U.S. Army Japan, Camp Zama, where Thomas, Ore, and Parode received a briefing from the Asian Studies Detachment team on Open-Source Intelligence capabilities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 09/23/2024 Blackburn, Sullivan, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Hold VA Accountable for Financial Shortfall

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and 12 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act to hold the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accountable for the Veterans Benefits Administration’s (VBA) nearly $3 billion budget shortfall and the $12 billion projected shortfall in Fiscal Year 2025 for VA medical care.

    Last week during a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Blackburn questioned the VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs and Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal on the VA’s gross mismanagement of federal funds.  

    “The VA’s budget shortfall that put millions of veterans’ benefits at risk is only the agency’s latest failure to responsibly manage federal funds under the Biden-Harris administration’s leadership, and it proves the VA needs to be subject to greater accountability and oversight,” said Senator Blackburn. “This legislation would require the VA to provide regular, in-person budget reports to Congress to ensure they are properly managing taxpayer dollars.”

    PROTECTING REGULAR ORDER FOR VETERANS ACT:
    • This legislation would institute a three-year requirement for the VA to submit quarterly in-person budget reports to Congress to give federal legislators the opportunity to ask questions and strengthen oversight and accountability of the VA. 
    • Earlier this year, a watchdog report found that the VA improperly awarded $10.8 million in bonuses to senior executives at its central office.
    • If there are VA budget shortfalls outside of regular order, this legislation would restrict bonuses for Senior Executive Service (SES) employees in the VA’s central office as well as employees at the Office of Management and Budget.

    CO-SPONSORS:
    • This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). 

    Click here for bill text. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Block Senate Democrats’ Resolution Affirming Right to Lifesaving Emergency Care for Women

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Murray Leads Congressional Democrats in Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Affirm that EMTALA Requires Hospitals to Provide Emergency Stabilizing Care Including Abortion Care, Preempts Idaho’s Draconian Abortion Ban
    ICYMI: Senator Murray Challenges Republicans to Join Democrats in Affirming the Right to Lifesaving Emergency Care for Women
    ICYMI – FROM PROPUBLICA: Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable.
    ***WATCH: SENATOR MURRAY’S FLOOR SPEECH HERE***
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP), took to the Senate floor in an effort to pass her resolution, which simply expresses the sense of the Senate that every patient has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care, regardless of where they live.  Murray’s resolution was blocked by Republican Senator James Lankford (R-OK), who falsely claimed that no doctors are prevented from providing lifesaving care because of Republican abortion bans and tried to misleadingly place the blame for Amber Thurman’s death on the rare side effects she encountered rather than Thurman’s doctors not providing immediate treatment as a result of Georgia’s abortion ban. ProPublica’s reporting made plain that—according to the state’s own medical review board—Amber Thurman’s death was preventable and doctors and researchers continue to make clear that medication abortion is safe.
    Lankford also incorrectly claimed no women have been investigated or criminalized following a miscarriage—a new report found that from June 2022 to June 2023 there was a record 200 cases where pregnant women faced criminal charges for conduct associated with pregnancy, pregnancy loss or birth.
    “Let me be perfectly clear about what is happening,” said Senator Murray after Republicans blocked her resolution. “Here in America, in the 21st century, pregnant women are suffering and dying—not because doctors don’t know how to save them, but because doctors don’t know if Republicans will let them. There are skyrocketing maternal death rates in states like Texas. And as I spoke out on the floor last week—there are, at least, two women dead in Georgia today because of Republican abortion bans. Those kids are now growing up without a mother. That is the harsh reality. Republicans can’t ignore that. Donald Trump can’t shout over it. And the American people will not—ever—forget it.”
    Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade over two years ago, nearly two dozen US states led by Republicans have passed, banned, or severely restricted access to abortion. These strict laws have created confusion around the treatment doctors can provide even when a pregnant patient’s life is in danger, as physicians fear that they may lose their medical license, be sued, or even charged with a felony if they perform life-saving emergency care. Despite the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that Medicare-participating hospitals treat and stabilize pregnant patients in need of emergency medical care, women are being turned away from emergency rooms following the Dobbs decision.
    In Moyle v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court had the opportunity to reaffirm that federal law requires pregnant patients to have access to life-saving emergency care in every state, but instead, the Court dismissed the case and sent it back to the lower courts, effectively punting on making a decision on the case itself. While the litigation continues in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the health and lives of women remain at risk as uncertainty around emergency abortion care persists. 121 Congressional Republicans, including 26 Senators, filed an amicus brief arguing that EMTALA does not require hospitals to provide abortion care as emergency stabilizing care in order to save a patient’s life.
    Senator Murray is a longtime leader in the fight to protect and expand access to reproductive health care and abortion rights, and she has led Congressional efforts to fight back after the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Murray has introduced more than a dozen pieces of legislation to protect reproductive rights from further attacks, protect providers, and help ensure women get the care they need; Murray has led efforts to push for passage of these bills on the floor multiple times. Senator Murray also co-leads the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would restore the right to abortion nationwide. This January, Murray led her colleagues in hosting a “State of Abortion Rights” briefing with women who have suffered firsthand from Republican abortion bans. On June 4th of this year, Senator Murray chaired a HELP Committee hearing titled “The Assault on Women’s Freedoms: How Abortion Bans Have Created a Health Care Nightmare Across America.” Recently, Murray also helped lead efforts to force Republicans on the record on votes to protect access to contraception and access to IVF (twice). Murray has also led her colleagues in raising the alarm about how a second Trump administration intends to wage an all-out assault on reproductive rights and abortion access in every state, as outlined in Project 2025.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered, before seeking unanimous consent are below:
    “I come to the floor to offer a simple resolution, one that reaffirms the basic principle that when you go to the ER, the emergency room, they should be allowed to treat you. When your life is in danger, doctors should be able to do their job. When you need emergency care—including an abortion—no politician should stop you from getting it.
    “Now this seems incredibly simple to me. It should not be controversial. Especially if everyone who talks about protecting the life of the mother seriously means it.
    “After all—that is what emergency care is for—saving the life of the mother.
    “And yet, when the Biden-Harris Administration tried to make clear that these women should get care, many Republicans actually opposed them. I really want to emphasize—we are talking about women whose water breaks dangerously early, or who are experiencing uncontrollable hemorrhaging, sepsis, or pre-eclampsia.
    “And still, Republicans actually filed a brief in court saying essentially, ‘No, we DON’T think doctors should be required to provide abortion care when a patient’s life is at stake.’
    “Their brief rejected the idea—that basic medical reality—of abortion as stabilizing care. That is really shocking to me. It should be shocking to everyone.
    “After a brief like that—I am not going to let any of my Republican colleagues off the hook just for saying they care about the life of the mother…
    “Not if they won’t lift a finger to actually protect women, and to actually make clear that emergency care can include abortion.
    “We need to send a clear message on that. The Senate needs to speak with one voice and tell the American people, ‘Yes, we want to make sure your doctor can save your life. Your doctor can save your life.’
    “And before my Republican colleagues get up to object, let me be clear: You will not get by pretending a resolution like this isn’t necessary—not when we are hearing firsthand from doctors wracked with guilt for decisions that Republican politicians made for them, not when we are hearing firsthand from women who have bled, suffered, and nearly died because their care was delayed, and certainly not when Texas saw maternal deaths skyrocket following its strict abortion ban.
    “The data in Texas paints a clear, brutal picture of the reality: these abortion bans are killing women. Republicans are also not going to get by trying to shift blame and argue ‘emergency care is already protected.’ Because, the whole point of this resolution is to say emergency care is protected!
    “So if you oppose the Senate actually SAYING that don’t you see how that could be part of the problem? Don’t you see how that could be very dangerous for women?
    “And again, and I can’t emphasize this enough—if you don’t see, if you don’t understand—all you have to do is listen.
    “Women are speaking out. Doctors are speaking out. They are terrified. They are heartbroken. They are angry. And they are watching right now, to see if we can pass this resolution and do the very bare minimum of saying, with one voice: ‘women have a right to get abortion care when their life is at stake.”
    Senator Murray’s full remarks as delivered following Senator Lankford’s objection are below:
    “I disagree with the Senator from Oklahoma. Let me be perfectly clear about what is happening.
    “Here in America, in the 21st century, pregnant women are suffering and dying—not because doctors don’t know how to save them, but because doctors don’t know if Republicans will let them.
    “There are skyrocketing maternal death rates in states like Texas. And as I spoke out on the floor last week—there are, at least, two women dead in Georgia today because of Republican abortion bans.
    “Those kids are now growing up without a mother. That is the harsh reality. Republicans can’t ignore that. Donald Trump can’t shout over it. And the American people will not—ever—forget it.
    “Every day we are going to continue to hold the people opposed to this accountable for the cruelty of these abortion bans. The fact is that the resolution that I offered simply says that doctors can provide emergency care for the life of the mother. I don’t understand where the disagreement is, M. President. And I hope that we can pass this and give doctors and women the confidence that when you are pregnant and having a severe emergency medical situation you’ll be treated. Thank you. I yield the floor.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 09/24/2024 Blackburn Probes Big Tech Platforms After Cox Media Group Admits It Listens to Users’ Phone Conversations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent three letters to the leadership of Cox Media Group and its clients, Google and Meta, following reporting that Cox Media Group admitted to investors that it listens to users’ smartphone microphones using “Active Listening” software.

    According to this reporting, Cox Media Group claimed the company targets advertisements based on phone conversations of potential customers and identified specific clients during a slide deck presentation to investors, including Google and Meta. Both Google and Meta have a troublesome history of ignoring consumer privacy.

    Cox Media Group Admitted It Uses Artificial Intelligence to Listen to Phone Conversations

    “I write today with concerns following recent reporting by the New York Post that Cox Media Group has admitted to investors that it deploys ‘active listening’ software, which uses artificial intelligence to ‘capture real-time intent data by listening to [users] phone conversations.’”

    Reporting Confirms Longstanding Concerns Held by Consumers about Online Privacy

    “Consumers have long expressed concerns about their privacy in the virtual space and how their data is misused. If this reporting is true, it confirms longstanding suspicions by many consumers that technology and media companies are violating their privacy for profit by marketing products that closely reflect key words or phrases from private conversations. It is imperative that consumers have the ability to clearly opt in and out of features that track their behavior and that they are alerted when these features are deployed. I request a copy of the slide deck presented to investors.”

    Blackburn Demands Google and Meta Reveal Extent “Active Listening” Tools Were Deployed on Users

    “I am seeking answers regarding Google’s [and Meta’s] relationship with Cox Media Group, the extent to which, if at all, ‘active listening’ tools were deployed on users, the steps Google [and Meta] [are] taking to investigate the products and services from Cox Media Group used by Google [and on Facebook] and the extent to which those products may have violated any applicable privacy policies or user agreements [and users’ privacy].”

    BACKGROUND:
    • Last year, Google settled a $5 billion lawsuit claiming it “secretly tracked the internet use of millions of people who thought they were doing their browsing privately.” This is not the first time Google has seen legal action for violating consumers’ privacy rights. A search engine with the reach of Google must prioritize the privacy of its users and use diligence when handling their data.
    • In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a $5 billion penalty on Facebook for violating consumers’ privacy. Then-FTC Chairman Joe Simons said of Facebook, “despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers’ choices.” This long-demonstrated pattern of public reassurances by Meta directly contradicts the company’s record of flagrant disregard for user privacy.

    Click here to view the letter to Meta Platforms Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

    Click here to view the letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

    Click here to view the letter to Cox Media Group President and CEO Daniel York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Durbin Statement on DOJ Lawsuit Alleging Visa Debit Card Practices Violate Federal Antitrust Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), lead sponsors of the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act, released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Visa alleging that the company illegally maintains a monopoly over debit network markets through anticompetitive practices that violate federal antitrust law:
    “According to the DOJ’s lawsuit, Visa made exclusive agreements to hinder the expansion of competing networks and blocked efforts by technology companies to enter the market.  At a time when hard-working Americans and small business owners are struggling with higher costs of everyday essentials, Visa should not be gaming the system to pad their own pockets.
    “Visa and its duopoly partner Mastercard similarly dominate the credit card market.  One way to bring competition to the market is to pass our bipartisan, bicameral legislation—the Credit Card Competition Act—which would enhance competition between credit card networks and ultimately lower costs for small businesses and consumers.  Our bill ensures that the Visa-Mastercard duopoly ends their price gouging tactics that disproportionately hurt American families and small businesses.”
    It is estimated that businesses paid more than $100 billion in swipe fees on Visa and Mastercard branded cards in 2023 alone. In fact, swipe fees can be small businesses’ second highest cost behind only the cost of labor.
    The Credit Card Competition Act of 2023 would enhance competition and choice in the credit card network market which is currently dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly.  Building off of debit card competition reforms enacted by Congress in 2010, the bill would direct the Federal Reserve to ensure that largest credit card-issuing banks offer a choice of at least two networks over which an electronic credit transaction may be processed.  The bill is estimated to save merchants and consumers $15 billion each year.
    Visa and Mastercard wield enormous market power in credit cards; according to the Federal Reserve, they account for nearly 576 million cards, or about 83 percent of general-purpose credit cards. Visa’s and Mastercard’s market power and network structure have enabled them to impose fees on U.S. merchants that are among the world’s highest.  These fees include interchange fees which Visa and Mastercard require merchants to pay to issuing banks, as well as network fees that Visa and Mastercard require merchants to pay directly to them. Consumers ultimately pay for these fees in the price of the goods and services they buy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Slams PBM Price Gouging Tactics in Ozempic and Wegovy Drug Pricing Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Slams PBM Price Gouging Tactics in Ozempic and Wegovy Drug Pricing Hearing
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. questioned the CEO of Novo Nordisk, the company that created the blockbuster drugs Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). As part of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on drug pricing, Senator Marshall questioned the CEO about the role that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) play in inflating the prices of essential drugs. His series of questions exposed how these middlemen are reaping enormous profits at the expense of patients and pharmaceutical companies.
    Senator Marshall has been a leading voice against abusive pricing practices by PBMs, who control which medications are covered by insurance, driving up costs for consumers. During the hearing, Marshall emphasized that Novo Nordisk receives only 26% of the revenue from drugs like Ozempic, while PBMs take 74%, highlighting the need for urgent reform of PBMs to lower prescription drug prices for patients.

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks and questioning.
    Highlights from Marshall’s questioning include:
    On PBMs:
    “Novo Nordisk is not the villain in this story – they’re a hero. We should be here celebrating this miracle innovation that’s responding to this diabetic epidemic we have in this country. It’s a miracle drug. 38 million Americans with diabetes that we’re helping out. This nation is spending $250, maybe $350, billion a year treating diabetes, not to mention the loss of work, and here’s a drug that’s going to help us treat the problem.”
    “We all agree on this committee across the Senate that the cost of health care is too much, and that prescription drugs are too high, especially the out-of-pocket expenses, but we need to figure out who the villain is…Whatever the cost is, whichever number we want to use, Novo Nordisk keeps 24% of it, and the PBMs extract 74% – 26% and 74% – so really, the PBMs are making the bank here.”
    “Let’s talk about PBMs for a second here, the real culprit in this room, in this story. So, these three big parent companies, the three big PBMs, control 80%-85% of the industry. Their gross revenue last year was $800 billion.”
    “This committee has worked so hard on PBM reform. We’ve not passed our delinking bill, and I would ask the chairman to consider bringing the delinking bill back to the committee and let us mark it up as well. In that delinking bill, PBMs would receive a flat fee for their efforts, as opposed to a percentage of the sale, so we go to a flat fee model.”
    “The other thing we can still work on is bringing competition. Promoting competition will bring this price down. We passed legislation, the President signed legislation that helps drive biosimilars and generics to market more efficiently.”
    “I’ll just close one more time, just emphasizing that this committee needs to demand that the leader bring our PBM reform to the floor, but we need to include that delinking bill. There’s other opportunities to drive this price down. Again, Novo Nordisk is not the villain in the story.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China invests heavily in large-scale equipment renewals amid green drive

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

    The technological transformation driven by China’s large-scale equipment renewals will enable businesses to make significant strides in areas such as smart manufacturing, new energy and green technologies, further bolstering the country’s economic momentum, said government officials on Tuesday.

    China aims to increase its investment in equipment for manufacturing, agriculture, construction, transportation, education, culture, tourism and medical care by at least 25 percent by 2027, compared with 2023, according to an action plan released by the State Council, China’s Cabinet, in March.

    Complementing these efforts, the government allocated approximately 150 billion yuan ($21.31 billion) in ultra-long special treasury bonds in July to support large-scale equipment renewals, including updating old elevators.

    Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Liu Dechun, director of the department of resource conservation and environmental protection at the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic regulator, said as new industrialization and urbanization continue to advance, the demand for upgrading various types of equipment is surging.

    Liu said that accelerating the implementation of equipment renewal initiatives will effectively promote China’s industrial upgrading and foster the growth of new quality productive forces.

    To drive the upgrading and renewal of energy-consuming equipment, the government will prioritize key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, transportation and energy. It will provide strong support for the modernization of high energy-consuming equipment, including boilers, motors, turbines, transformers, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors and lighting systems.

    Projects that result in annual electricity savings of over 500,000 kilowatt-hours or energy savings of more than 150 metric tons of coal will qualify for support, extending benefits to more small and medium-sized enterprises, he added.

    Large-scale equipment upgrade policies have notably supported investment growth. Investment in the purchase of industrial equipment and tools soared by 16.8 percent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2024, data from the NDRC showed.

    This is 13.4 percentage points higher than the growth of total investment in China, accounting for 64.2 percent of the contribution to the nation’s overall investment growth, according to the commission.

    Zhang Jianhua, deputy director of the department of planning at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that equipment renewal and technological transformation in the industrial sector are beneficial for expanding effective investment and increasing the proportion of advanced production capacity, offering both short- and long-term advantages.

    The MIIT will encourage industrial companies to seize the opportunity provided by national policies supporting large-scale equipment renewals to carry out initiatives including upgrading advanced equipment, promoting digital transformation and advancing green equipment.

    This will accelerate the renewal and transformation of production equipment and speed up industrial upgrading, said Zhang.

    China’s centrally administered State-owned enterprises will also invest over 3 trillion yuan for large-scale equipment upgrades over the next five years, aiming to stay at the forefront of the latest technological and industrial advancements, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council announced in late July.

    Chen Jianwei, a researcher at the Beijing-based University of International Business and Economics’ Academy of China Open Economy Studies, said these moves will help attract both multinational corporations and domestic companies from the private sector to increase their investments in these fields in China.

    “They are likely to increase spending on promoting technological innovation, green and sustainable development, digital transformation and the circular economy within the country,” said Chen.

    “We are confident of our development in China, which is the world’s largest elevator equipment market. We remain committed to supporting urbanization, smart cities, large-scale equipment renewals and sustainable development in the country,” said Sally Loh, president for China at Otis Worldwide Corp, a United States-based elevator manufacturer.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinema to Arizona Chamber: As We Look to the Future, Arizona Needs Strong Leaders Who Can Do the Hard Work & Get Things Done 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona)

    The senator highlighted her ongoing work expanding opportunities to build a bright, prosperous, and thriving future for Arizona businesses and families.

    WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema spoke to the Arizona Chamber of Commerce as part of the Chamber’s semi-annual fly-in to Washington, D.C. about her work to deliver real, lasting solutions strengthening economic opportunities for the state.

    “My values are Arizona’s values, and I’ll continue working with anyone to get things done – no matter the challenge or the politics of the day – to build a bright, prosperous, and thriving future for our great state,” said Sinema. 

    In her speech, Sinema discussed her continued work bringing her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fund Arizona priorities and ensure this year’s NDAA includes strong investments for Arizona’s military installations and aerospace defense community.

    Through the senator’s leadership on multiple key bipartisan accomplishments – like her landmark bipartisan infrastructure law, and the CHIPS and Science law – Sinema secured and delivered historic investments fueling a healthy, resilient Arizona economy for families and businesses alike. 

    Earlier this year, at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Update from Capitol Hill, Sinema called on business leaders to put Arizona first. She encouraged the business community to be active participants in the legislative process, speak out and act against extreme policies and rhetoric, and follow her example of delivering durable results for Arizona.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Truck into tree crash: truck retrieval midday to 4 pm SH6 into Westport

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    A truck crash in the Buller Gorge, between Inangahua Junction and the entrance to Westport (SH67) briefly closed SH6 this morning between 9 and 10 am.

    The truck will be removed from the site this afternoon from midday, so SH6 will be closed potentially up till 4 pm, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

    People travelling to Westport via the Buller Gorge need to delay their journeys this afternoon or take the long way via Greymouth and up the Coast Road via Punakaiki.

    Journey Planner – West coast closures(external link)

    SH6 will be closed potentially up till 4 pm

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches commercial Lijian-1 Y4 carrier rocket

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

    JIUQUAN, Sept. 25 — China on Wednesday launched a Lijian-1 Y4 commercial carrier rocket with five satellites onboard.

    The rocket blasted off at 7:33 a.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and sent a group of satellites, including the Jilin-1 SAR01A satellite and Yunyao-1 21-22 satellites, into their planned orbits.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: High-quality employment a priority for socioeconomic development

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

    China is ramping up efforts to boost high-quality employment growth by developing more new professions, encouraging entrepreneurship and skills education, and tightening supervision of the human resources market to secure a fairer, healthier working environment for people.

    Li Zhong, vice-minister of human resources and social security, said at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday that high-quality employment is a priority of the nation’s socioeconomic development, and authorities must give more support to industries and companies that are better suited to create job opportunities.

    He said authorities need to establish a forecast mechanism for human resources demands based on technological and industrial advancement and regularly publish information about professions or occupations in urgent demand to relieve the current structural imbalance between labor force supply and employers’ needs.

    Li said the employment of young people, which requires systematic policy and financial support and the provision of smoother career promotion channels, remains a top priority for the ministry.

    Senior officials have also attached importance to skills education and training, another important incubator of job opportunities.

    Ministry spokesman Lu Aihong cited the outstanding performance of young Chinese at the recent WorldSkills competition while explaining the positive role of skills in realizing self-worth and boosting employment. The competition was held in Lyon, France, from Sept 10 to 15.

    “It’s the seventh time China sent a delegation to compete in the WorldSkills, which is recognized as the Olympics of skills,” he said. “The 68 young people from China won 36 golds, nine silvers and four bronzes, showing the world their superior skills and upbeat spirits.”

    Lu said 283 young Chinese have competed at WorldSkills since 2010, and the honors they have won have given them more space for self-growth and more job opportunities.

    “Many of these candidates and medal winners have devoted themselves to passing down skills, becoming good examples for the young generation,” he added.

    Li, the vice-minister, said the ministry will further optimize job services to ensure that people looking for work get fairer, easier access to more professional job-seeking guidance and services. He added that the ministry will also offer more support to entrepreneurs to help them start businesses.

    “Also, we will continue to perfect the labor or working regulations and expand social security coverage to protect people’s working rights,” he said. “Improper or illegal behavior, including job discrimination, salary arrears or unreasonable layoffs, will be cracked down upon to ensure the stability and health of the job market.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon

    Source: Green Party

    The Government must immediately help evacuate New Zealanders and Lebanese whanau caught up in the current conflict unfolding across south Lebanon. 

    “The crisis in Lebanon is deepening by the day. We must act and evacuate our Lebanese whanau out of harm’s way,” says the Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono.

    “Aotearoa is home to a strong Lebanese community. We owe it to them to offer their families caught up in the unfolding crisis a lifeline with evacuation and a humanitarian visa pathway.  

    “Yesterday, almost 500 people were killed in south Lebanon where last week civilians were killed and maimed by indiscriminate terror attacks through tech devices. Hundreds of thousands of people in this region have been harmed by bombing that is destroying homes and targeting civilian populations. 

    “The Government has told New Zealanders to leave Lebanon, the least it could do is help before things escalate to a point where we are unable to assist. 

    “Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Gaza must be met with consequences. Israel is actively fanning the flames of war. Our Government must issue Israel with sanctions. 

    “This Government has been incredibly slow to respond to the crisis in Gaza, it cannot afford to make the same mistake twice and allow the window for evacuations to close. 

    “It’s unacceptable to simply look on while innocent civilians lose their lives in this escalating conflict. Aotearoa must play its part in the international community in promoting peace and protecting human rights,” says Teanau Tuiono. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: $2m destination playground on the horizon for Barry Curtis Park

    Source: Auckland Council

    A spectacular nearly $2m playground designed to offer an exciting range of play options for all tamariki (children), is coming to Barry Curtis Park, after Howick Local Board approved the concept designs.

    The Barry Curtis Park playground needs renovation and improvement to serve a large and growing geographic area, and the upgraded playground will include accessible and inclusive play elements to ensure that all children feel included in the play space.

    Artist impression.

    Board chair Damian Light says, “We’re excited to confirm that we have signed off the concept plans so staff can get underway with delivery of this incredible design. This popular playground was due for renewal so we’re taking the opportunity to give it the overhaul it deserves.”

    The concept design was put together following consultation in 2023.

    “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the public consultation – this is a significant investment, and we want to make sure we get it right. Insights from the public, including local tamariki, has helped create an exciting new design that includes a wider range of play opportunities and caters for a wider range of tamariki.”

    The approved concept design has been developed, incorporating feedback from the community, iwi, accessibility representatives and the local board.

    The project team is working closely with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki to capture and deliver on their aspirations, values and priorities for Barry Curtis Park including the playground.

    Map of destination playground.

    “As the concept designs show, the playground will have the native wetlands theme enhanced. Having mana whenua involved has helped create a more authentic and interesting concept, with a stronger connection to the whenua (land) and environment it sits in.”

    The playground renewal includes plans to increase tree planting to mitigate wind channelling through the park, aligning with the Howick Urban Ngahere Action Plan 2021, which aims to increase tree canopy coverage on public land by three per cent.

    A fence is strategically placed within the planting to partially enclose the playground, providing a more secure space, providing the option of full fencing remained available for future consideration.

    Shade sail structures have been included over the junior play equipment, picnic tables, and water play area, providing shade in areas where children are likely to spend extended periods of time.

    The site features accessible ramps from the car park, benefiting those who use walking aids or wheelchairs. Several accessible parking spaces are located near the main play area entrance.

    “Great care has been given to ensure that this new playground will provide more accessible, inclusive and sensory play opportunities. We can’t wait to see this playground completed and open for the public to enjoy”, says Damian.

    Construction is expected to occur between February and June 2025, with an official opening once it’s completed.

    The board is also looking at a significant overhaul of the nearby Wetlands Building to work better with the new playground – look out for an update on this soon.

    Stay connected

    Sign up to receive our Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health leads delegation to visit Beijing

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Health leads delegation to visit Beijing
    Secretary for Health leads delegation to visit Beijing
    ******************************************************

         ​The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, will lead a delegation for a two-day visit to Beijing this afternoon (September 25) to call on relevant Mainland ministries to introduce the latest developments of and seek support for various healthcare reforms of Hong Kong, with a view to further deepening exchanges and co-operation with the Mainland on healthcare-related areas.     Members of the delegation include the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; Deputy Secretary for Health Mr Sam Hui; the Chairman of the Hospital Authority (HA), Mr Henry Fan; and the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko. Professor Lo will return to Hong Kong on September 27. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, will be the Acting Secretary for Health.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red flags hoisted at Silver Mine Bay Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Red flags hoisted at Silver Mine Bay Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach
    Red flags hoisted at Silver Mine Bay Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach
    ***************************************************************************

    Attention TV/radio announcers:Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 25) that according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/forecast_system.html), the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index for Silver Mine Bay Beach in Islands District and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District is 4, which means the predicted water quality at these beaches is “Very Poor” due to potential transient water quality fluctuations caused by heavy rain. Red flags have been hoisted, and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 10:58

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed – Te Pāti Māori

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Justice, Tākuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading.

    “Māori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and any law that this House has ever made. That right still exists today,” said Tākuta Ferris.

    “It should always have been the Crown coming to Māori to prove the rights they believe they have to the foreshore, not the other way around.

    “Let’s not forget that Labour are complicit in this crime. In 2004, they passed the Foreshore and Seabed Bill, directly extinguishing the pre-existing rights Māori had to the takutai moana and enacting the largest land grab in Aotearoa’s history—a whopping 333,000 square kilometres of area.

    “What this Government is doing today is reverting to Labour’s intent of confiscating the takutai moana. It is disgusting that they think their sovereignty of Parliament trumps Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

    “The Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill shifts the goalposts for Māori to prove customary marine title to something that is near impossible, thus slamming the door shut on hapū and iwi and confiscating the takutai moana.

    “It is a disgusting breach of Te Tiriti. This Government is bold in their deliberate reassertion of white dominance.

    “The Government should be considered the applicant to hapū and iwi. I invite them to put their case forward to prove ownership of the takutai moana to us as tangata whenua,” said Ferris.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Highlights $3.5 Billion in Federal Climate Grants During Climate Week

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    In recognition of Climate Week, Governor Tim Walz today highlighted nearly $3.5 billion in federal climate grants that Minnesota has received since 2022. Federal funding, combined with the state’s historic climate investments, is fueling the clean energy economy, creating new jobs, and generating billions in private sector investments statewide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Eighth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the vacancy in Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District. The vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Thomas W. Van Hon. This seat will be chambered in Montevideo in Chippewa County.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Five property owners fined over $63,000 in total for failing to comply with fire safety directions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Five property owners fined over $63,000 in total for failing to comply with fire safety directions
    Five property owners fined over $63,000 in total for failing to comply with fire safety directions
    ******************************************************************************************

         Five property owners were convicted and fined over $63,000 in total at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on September 10 for failing to comply with fire safety directions issued under the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (FS(B)O) (Cap. 572).     The Buildings Department (BD) issued fire safety directions under section 5(2)(a)(ii) of the FS(B)O to five owners of the respective three domestic flats in a 44-year-old composite building on Yan Hing Street, Tai Po, requiring them to comply with the fire safety construction requirements by providing fire-rated doors and modifying metal gates at the unit entrances, which open directly to a staircase.     Failing to comply with the statutory directions, the five owners were prosecuted by the BD and were convicted by the court. Two co-owners were each fined about $11,060, another two co-owners were each fined about $12,560, and a single owner was fined about $16,580.     “According to the FS(B)O, failing to comply with a statutory direction issued under the ordinance without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The BD may instigate prosecution proceedings against the owner”, a spokesman for the BD said today (September 25).     Pursuant to section 5(8) of the FS(B)O, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a statutory direction, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4 ($25,000 at present) and to a further fine of $2,500 for each day of non-compliance. Upon conviction, an application may also be made to the court for a Fire Safety Compliance Order against the owner under section 6(1) of the FS(B)O directing the owner to comply with the requirements of the direction.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers opening remarks at the ASEAN-Plus Three Industrial Chain and Supply Chain Partnering Conference

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today addressed the ASEAN-Plus Three Industrial Chain and Supply Chain Partnering Conference held in Nanning, China. In his remarks, Dr. Kao strongly emphasized the implementation of the RCEP agreement and the implementation of Industrial Project-based Initiative (AIPBI) as the priorities for advancing industrial competitiveness and supply chain connectivity.

    Download the full opening remarks here.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers opening remarks at the ASEAN-Plus Three Industrial Chain and Supply Chain Partnering Conference appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why is the Reserve Bank independent from government, and why does it matter?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Maher, Lecturer in Politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney

    Negotiations over reforms to the Reserve Bank of Australia this week took an unprecedented turn when the Greens demanded the government use its reserve powers to immediately cut interest rates.

    Labor had initially hoped to pass the reforms with the support of the Coalition. However, after a year of negotiations, they decided against it. Labor’s attempts to salvage the reforms by negotiating with the Greens now seem doomed to failure.

    The Greens’ proposal that the government immediately cut interest rates might sound attractive, especially to the millions of mortgage holders struggling to service loans amid a cost-of-living crisis.

    Yet government taking direct control of setting interest rates would run contrary to both long-standing historical trends and international financial norms, including the independence of the central bank.

    Where did this independence come from?

    The idea of central bank independence has a long history.

    The classical political economist David Riccardo warned as early as 1824 that:

    government could not be safely entrusted with the power of issuing paper money; that it would most certainly abuse it.

    Even the authoritarian French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte claimed in creating the Banque de France that:

    I want the bank to be more in the hands of the government but not too much.

    However, for most of the 20th century, the commonsense view was that monetary policy was an important tool for government management of the economy. According to the Keynesian worldview of the time, it would be absurd for governments to give up such an important economic lever as control over interest rates.

    Even Napoleon Bonaparte thought some degree of separation between the central bank and the government was a good idea.
    Shutterstock

    The prevailing wisdom began to change following the stagflation crisis of the 1970s. Stagflation is the term for high inflation at the same time as high unemployment.

    Neoclassical economists such as Milton Friedman argued that only repeated and long-term increases to interest rates could end the stagflation crisis.

    However, Friedman suggested governments could not be trusted to maintain high interest rates because they would also cause unemployment. Accordingly, an independent central bank was needed. It would be insulated from partisan political control and could do what was necessary to stabilise the economy.

    What about in Australia?

    In Australia, central bank independence emerged slowly and informally.

    The Reserve Bank of Australia was separated from the Commonwealth Bank and started independent operations in 1960. It set up its headquarters in Sydney to increase its autonomy from politicians in Canberra.

    The RBA gained de facto independence from the government following financial deregulation under the Hawke government in the early 1980s. Subsequent declarations from federal treasurers Peter Costello and Wayne Swan affirmed the government’s recognition of RBA independence.

    The government still maintains the power to overrule the RBA on interest rates, but this “emergency power” has never been exercised.

    Why independence matters

    Though central bank independence is generally associated with lower inflation, the historical performance of independent central banks is not without blemish.

    For example, unemployment rates in Australia were historically lower prior to RBA independence. This reflects the willingness of the RBA to use higher unemployment as an inflation-busting mechanism.

    Independent central banks were also partly responsible for the outbreak of the global financial crisis in 2007. Many commentators have suggested the then US Federal Reserve Governor Alan Greenspan’s decision to hold interest rates at artificial lows was responsible for the US sub-prime housing bubble. That eventually unravelled into a global recession.

    However, the Greens’ attempt to use an interest rate cut as a negotiating chip ironically reinforces the importance of central bank independence. Were governments to take direct control of setting interest rates, we might expect monetary policy to be influenced by short-term electoral concerns, rather than the long-term health of the economy.

    Creating a precedent that interest rates could be cut to suit the government of the day would also have long-term inflationary effects.

    Further, it would likely continue to drive up house prices. This would exacerbate the housing crisis.

    In contrast, the initial reforms proposed by Labor look to strike a balance. They recognise the competing political interests involved in the development of monetary policy while avoiding partisan interference in the day-to-day running of the RBA.

    Though the Coalition has raised concerns about Labor using the reforms to stack the RBA board, both the governor and board are already appointed by the government of the day, acting on the advice of the RBA.

    Finding a workable compromise that improves the bank while preserving political independence should be possible.

    If the alternative is the complete abrogation of central bank independence, the Coalition would do well to return to the negotiating table.

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

    – ref. Why is the Reserve Bank independent from government, and why does it matter? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-reserve-bank-independent-from-government-and-why-does-it-matter-239717

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on September 24, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 574,172.54 6.68 5.10-6.95
         I. Call Money 11,157.67 6.69 5.10-6.80
         II. Triparty Repo 397,183.95 6.66 6.20-6.77
         III. Market Repo 164,382.92 6.74 6.25-6.95
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,448.00 6.85 6.80-6.90
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 97.25 6.18 5.95-6.50
         II. Term Money@@ 575.00 – 7.05-7.10
         III. Triparty Repo 3,300.00 6.74 6.67-6.80
         IV. Market Repo 1,395.96 6.71 6.70-6.77
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Tue, 24/09/2024 2 Thu, 26/09/2024 50,003.00 6.62
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Tue, 24/09/2024 1 Wed, 25/09/2024 1,424.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Tue, 24/09/2024 1 Wed, 25/09/2024 62,381.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -10,954.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 20/09/2024 14 Fri, 04/10/2024 25,002.00 6.52
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 27/09/2021 1095 Thu, 26/09/2024 600.00 4.00
    Mon, 04/10/2021 1095 Thu, 03/10/2024 350.00 4.00
    Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,844.29  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*    

    37,336.29

    		  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     26,382.29  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on September 24, 2024 1,023,321.84  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 04, 2024 1,005,433.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ September 24, 2024 50,003.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on September 06, 2024 427,689.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad            
     Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1157

    MIL OSI Economics –