NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Russia: About 4.7 thousand city residents received apartments under the renovation program in the Nizhny Novgorod district of the capital

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Nizhny Novgorod district of the capital, about 4.7 thousand residents of old houses included in the renovation program received apartments in modern new buildings. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “The first five-story building under the renovation program in the Nizhegorodsky District began to be resettled in February 2019. More than 170 residents of the third building of house 104 on Nizhegorodskaya Street received letters offering equivalent apartments. At the end of the following year, Muscovites from three old buildings joined them, in 2022 – from six more, and in 2023 – from 15. Now, out of 92 buildings in the district included in the current renovation program, resettlement has already affected 30. About 4.7 thousand city residents have become owners of modern housing here,” said Maxim Gaman.

    Thus, residents of almost a third of the houses being resettled under the renovation program have completed paperwork for apartments in new buildings.

    “In the Nizhny Novgorod district, the city transferred five new buildings for resettlement of residents from 30 old houses under the renovation program. As of today, 26 buildings have been completely resettled. About 1.5 thousand residents have already moved into new apartments. The areas near the new buildings have been improved: comprehensive landscaping was carried out there, children’s and sports playgrounds were equipped, as well as recreation areas for city residents,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Participants in the renovation program who have a full account on the mos.ru portal can use the super service “Moving under the renovation program” and choose a convenient time and date for viewing the proposed housing, and after the draft contract is ready – the day for signing it. If necessary, an appointment with a notary is available – this is necessary if there are minors, persons with partial or complete incapacity among the owners. In addition, with the help of the service, you can call movers for free to move from an old apartment to a new one.

    The super service also offers help in preparing for the move general instructions, noted in the capital’s Department of Information Technology. From it you can find out how the relocation is organized, get information about the necessary documents for drawing up a contract, and also use links to useful services. If you configure the parameters of the move, you will be able to read the instructions for a specific life situation.

    Previously Sergei Sobyanin congratulated The 200,000th resident who has begun resettlement under the renovation program.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives national project “Infrastructure for Life”.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149938073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 60 lanterns were installed near new buildings under the renovation program in the Koptevo district

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 60 lanterns have been installed near three residential complexes under the renovation program in the north of the capital in the Koptevo district. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Creating a high-quality urban environment is one of the main tasks of the renovation program. The area around new buildings is being improved: comprehensive landscaping is being carried out, playgrounds and sports grounds, recreation areas are being equipped, and CCTV cameras and lights are being installed.

    “Three new buildings were erected and handed over for occupancy in the Koptevo district under the renovation program. For the comfort and safety of residents, 62 outdoor lighting fixtures were installed there. The largest number of them is in the residential complex in Cherepanov Drive – 37. In 3rd Novomikhalkovsky Drive – 17, and another eight are in Sobolevsky Drive,” Vladislav Ovchinsky specified.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin congratulated The 200,000th resident who has begun resettlement under the renovation program.

    All information about the renovation program is presented on the mos.ru portal. You can find out more about apartments and houses under the program by link.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149940073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester’s First Street Hub reaches completion milestone

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new state-of-the-art government office building in Manchester’s city centre has hit a key stage in its construction.

    A new state-of-the-art government office building in Manchester’s city centre has hit a key stage in its construction.

    The Government Property Agency (GPA) has confirmed it has accepted the handover of its new hub in First Street after the building reached practical completion of its Category A (Cat A) fit out and lease commencement. Works were completed by BAM Construct UK appointed by developer Ask Real Estate.

    This latest milestone continues the countdown to ready for service, with the nine-storey circa 12,000 square metre building now ready for the internal fit-out to commence.

    Once complete the hub will accommodate around 2,600 civil servants from departments including the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), and the Department for Education (DfE). It is expected that more than 150 roles will be relocated to Manchester from across several different government departments and agencies once the hub is operational.  

    The building forms part of the Government Hubs Programme supporting economic growth across the UK. The programme is rationalising the government’s estate in towns and cities across the UK, playing a pivotal role in delivering modern, customer-focused and varied workspaces where civil servants can thrive. The design recognises that different types of work require different spaces to enable collaboration, creativity and community regardless of how people choose to work.

    Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Georgia Gould, said:

    It’s great to see the Manchester First Street Hub move onto this next stage of construction.

    UK Government Hubs across the country help to consolidate our estate. Not only cutting waste by removing old inefficient buildings from our portfolio, but also giving people across the country the chance to work in the Civil Service, and driving economic growth in the local area.

    Georgina Dunn, the GPA’s Interim Director of Capital Projects, said:

    It’s very gratifying to reach this significant stage in the programme. This new state-of-the-art office will provide a home for civil servants from across the government in Manchester, making it one of the largest hubs for cross-departmental collaboration and operation outside London. The GPA remains immensely proud of the industry-leading sustainability, accessibility and workplace standards delivered by the Government Hubs Programme.

    A competitive tender process for the subsequent fit-out works has completed with the GPA due to make an announcement in the next few weeks.

    John Hughes, Managing Director at Ask Real Estate said:

    Bringing the GPA hub to practical completion is a huge testament to our commitment to driving sustainability in the workplace sector. Achieving a NABERS 5.5 Design for Performance rating – the first building in Manchester City Centre to reach this milestone – supports the high ambitions set by HM Government.

    First Street and its extended neighbourhood will be boosted significantly when the GPA takes occupation.

    The £105m development was forward-funded by Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, which will use the secure, long-dated and index-linked cashflows to pay the pensions of its policyholders over the coming decades.

    James Agar, Head of Real Estate Origination at PIC, added:

    We are delighted to have reached practical completion on such an important project for PIC. The First Street hub is a great example of what can be achieved through public private partnerships.

    The sustainability and ESG focus of this best-in-class building are clear to see, these were a key element of our investment case for the asset which will help us to pay the pensions of our policy holders.

    The building deepens our relationship with the GPA and will assist the UK Government in delivering the transition to Net Zero. We look forward to the GPA taking formal occupation of the building and welcoming more than 2,500 civil servants to the site.

    The First Street Hub is in the heart of Manchester and a few minutes’ walk from Oxford Road and Deansgate rail stations. It has been designed to be class-leading, meeting inclusive and accessible design standards.

    Lead developer Ask Real Estate and its joint venture partner, Richardson, secured a full pre-let of the Grade A BREEAM Excellent office building to the GPA which then signed a lease with building owners PIC in 2022.

    For more information contact the GPA’s comms team: comms@gpa.gov.uk

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Traditional folk dance as cultural link

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Drawn by the rhythmic beats of drums and spirited shouts, Thanita Raemee, a 20-year-old Thai exchange student, navigated through winding streets and bustling alleys until she arrived at the dynamic training grounds of the Ximen Women’s Yingge Dance Team.

    Founded in 1952, this pioneering all-female team is the first of its kind in the Chaoshan region of south China’s Guangdong Province, with members ranging from teenagers to nearly 80-year-olds. Performers come from all walks of life — spirited young girls, agile middle-aged men, and even food delivery workers dancing between shifts.

    The Yingge dance, or “dance to the hero’s song,” is a form of folk dance popular in south China’s Guangdong Province. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this traditional dance is often performed during traditional Chinese festivals. As a dynamic blend of theater, dance, and martial arts, it was listed among the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

    Once a traditional folk performance, Yingge dance saw a recent surge in popularity. Videos of its energetic routines have flooded social media, earning it the title of the “ultimate Chinese New Year atmosphere booster.”

    While men’s Yingge performances are inspired by the legendary “Water Margin,” one of the four great classical novels in Chinese literature, the women’s routines often draw from the tales of legendary Chinese heroines like Mu Guiying and Hua Mulan.

    Thanita watched in awe as the dancers moved in perfect unison, their forms embodying both strength and grace.

    “Incredible! How do they stay so synchronized? Compared to traditional Thai dance, this feels much more powerful and rhythmic — it’s exhilarating!” she exclaimed.

    “Most of our members are under 20, balancing their studies and work. They train purely out of passion,” said the team’s coach Wu Yanhua, who left her job as a kindergarten teacher to focus on the team’s revival in 2011.

    That passion was evident in every interaction. “My teammates take turns helping me with childcare. Yingge dance is part of my life — I even dream about it,” said a team member Zhou Yixiang while gently rocking her five-month-old baby in a stroller.

    Six-year-old Huang Kexin eagerly demonstrated snake-dance moves she had just learned, hopping and twirling with a delightful burst of playful energy. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Lin Yahan patiently taught Thanita how to grip the Yingge hammer properly, while her twin sister nodded in encouragement.

    During the recently concluded Spring Festival holiday, homestay tourism flourished across China. Shantou, a key city in Chaoshan known for its rich New Year traditions, saw bookings soar 13 times from last year. Lion dance, Yingge dance and other traditional performances have become festival favorites.

    Thanita has family roots in Chaoshan — her father is an overseas Chinese descendant. For her, Yingge dance serves as a bridge between Chinese and Thai cultures. In fact, many in Thailand are already familiar with the dance.

    In early 2023, a Thai Yingge team’s electrifying performance at a shopping mall in Thailand went viral, and later that year, the Yingge cultural exchange group from Thailand visited Chaoshan to engage with local dancers.

    This year, Yingge dance teams from Shantou have also been invited to perform on multiple overseas stages for the Spring Festival celebrations.

    Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, the 25-member Yingge team toured Germany and France from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4. They performed in cities like Hanau, Frankfurt, Paris, and Lyon, sharing the vibrant charm of Yingge dance.

    Studying international Chinese education at Shantou University, Thanita deeply admires the dedication and enthusiasm of Yingge performers.

    “One of my goals in coming to China was to explore the traditions my ancestors once lived by. Yingge has expanded my understanding of Chaoshan and Chinese culture while revealing the cultural ties between China and Thailand,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP TODAY, Tuesday, 11 February

    Source: European Parliament 3

    EU response to tariff threats from the Trump administration

    From 9.00, plenary will debate with Commissioner Šefčovič and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Szłapka the current state of EU-US trade relations, multilateralism and the EU’s potential responses if the US imposes tariffs on European products.

    Eszter ZALÁN

    (+32) 477 99 20 73

    EP Trade

    Three years of Russia’s war in Ukraine

    Starting around 10.00, MEPs will assess the impact of Russia’s three-year long war against Ukraine and the EU’s unwavering support for the country, in a debate with Commissioner Kos and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Adam Szłapka. They will vote on a resolution during the March plenary session. Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, will address MEPs in a formal sitting at noon.

    Viktor ALMQVIST

    (+32) 470 88 29 42

    EP_ForeignAff

    Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS

    (+32) 470 96 08 19

    EP_ForeignAff

    EU’s strategy for the Middle East

    At around 15.00, MEPs will discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and a future EU strategy for the region, in a debate with Commissioner Šuica and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Szłapka.

    Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS

    (+32) 470 96 08 19

    EP_ForeignAff

    Viktor ALMQVIST

    (+32) 470 88 29 42

    EP_ForeignAff

    Digital Services Act/Media seminar

    Starting at 14.00, Parliament’s Press Service will organise a press seminar on “Defending Europe’s Digital Integrity: Addressing Social Media Challenges and Foreign Interference” with the participation of leading MEPs on the issue. You can follow the seminar live.

    Yasmina YAKIMOVA

    (+32) 470 88 10 60

    EP_SingleMarket

    In brief

    US restriction of chips exports to EU countries. Plenary will quiz Commission Vice-President Virkkunen on how to address the US decision to restrict the export of chips used for artificial intelligence models to certain EU member states, from around 20.00.

    Violence escalation in Congo. Parliament will assess the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the Council and Commission, in a debate starting around 16.00. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.

    Protecting the system of international justice. In the evening, starting around 21.00, plenary will discuss defending the system of international justice and its institutions, in particular the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice., with Commissioner McGrath and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Szłapka.

    Health care sector. The challenges posed by a shortage of healthcare professionals across the EU, as well as the quality of jobs in the sector, will be the focus of a debate with Commission Vice-President Mînzatu in the early afternoon, immediately after the voting session.

    Anti-government unrest in Serbia. From around 17.00, MEPs will analyse with Commissioner Kos and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Szłapka the situation in Serbia, where a deadly railway station canopy collapse has sparked an anti-corruption movement and student-led protest against the government.

    Votes

    Plenary will vote at 12.00 among others on:

    • an updated fisheries agreement with Cabo Verde, and
    • Parliament’s assessment of ECB’s activities in 2024.

    Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+.

    For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

    Find more information regarding plenary.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tiff Macklem: Structural change, supply shocks and hard choices

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good afternoon. I’m pleased to be able to join you virtually to talk about the challenges that lie ahead for central banks. There’s a lot to discuss.

    But my first order of business is to congratulate and thank Agustín Carstens for his leadership as General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Your term, Agustín, has been marked by significant global upheaval-from pandemic shutdowns to war in Europe and double-digit inflation. These past few years have not been easy.

    Through it all, you have been a source of unwavering wisdom. Your clear thinking in the face of the unknown, your long view and your deep understanding of our global interdependence-all combined with the experience and pragmatism of a former minister of finance and then central bank governor-have made you an invaluable leader.

    More than that, through the BIS, you’ve brought us together with your friendship and your ability to get directly to the heart of the issue. You’ve helped us learn from each other. And you’ve made us better together.

    I know there will be an opportunity to celebrate you in Basel as your retirement in June approaches. But I wanted to recognize your exceptional leadership in your home country. For those of us in the Americas, your special interest in our region has been deeply appreciated. Whatever you do next, I know Mexico and the Americas will be an important part. Thank you, my friend.

    Now, let me turn to the challenges ahead. We are facing a global economic landscape that has shifted in recent years, and this shift has important implications for central banks.

    As Agustín has highlighted in a series of insightful speeches, the structural tailwinds of peace, globalization and demographics are turning into headwinds-and the world looks increasingly shock-prone.

    Higher long-term interest rates, elevated sovereign debt, slower economic growth and lagging productivity make all of our economies more vulnerable. Compounding these vulnerabilities are war, rising trade protectionism and economic fragmentation. In addition, new technologies-including artificial intelligence-are set to disrupt existing industries and create new ones. And we are seeing more frequent catastrophic weather events as the impacts of climate change become more pervasive.

    As 2025 begins, we are facing new uncertainty with a shift in policy direction in the United States. President Donald Trump’s threats of new tariffs are already affecting business and household confidence, particularly in Canada and Mexico. The longer this uncertainty persists, the more it will weigh on economic activity in our countries.

    If significant broad-based tariffs are indeed imposed, they will test the resilience of our economies in the short run and reduce long-run prosperity. Tariffs mean economies work less efficiently. There will be less investment and lower productivity. That means our countries will produce less and earn less. Monetary policy can’t change that.

    What monetary policy can do is help with the short-run adjustment. But even here, monetary policy has to strike a balance. Significant, broad-based tariffs will sharply reduce demand for our exports. At the same time, a weaker exchange rate, retaliatory tariffs and supply chain disruptions will raise import prices, putting upward pressure on inflation.   

    With a single instrument-our policy interest rate-central banks can’t lean against weaker output and higher inflation at the same time. So we will need to carefully assess the downward pressure on inflation from weaker economic activity, and weigh that against the upward pressures from higher input prices and supply chain disruptions.

    Other structural headwinds pose similar challenges for monetary policy. They’ll impact both demand and supply, slowing growth while adding cost. Monetary policy cannot address these headwinds directly or offset their economic consequences.

    In a world with more structural change and more negative supply shocks, central banks will be faced with harder choices. And harder choices bring risks of public disappointment and frustration. We will face criticism about our decisions-and about how well monetary policy is seen to have worked when confronted with forces that are mostly out of our hands. We will be called ineffective or criticized for not doing enough. And some will challenge our independence.

    So, what can all of us do?

    First, we can be humble about what we don’t know, but also confident in the effectiveness of our frameworks. We didn’t get everything right through the pandemic. And elevated inflation and higher interest rates have been difficult for our citizens. But in Canada, as in many other countries, inflation has come down. And we restored low inflation without causing a recession or major job losses.

    Guided by our frameworks, we can maintain confidence in price stability.

    Second, we can be just as clear about what monetary policy cannot do. There will always be forces beyond our influence, and while we need to understand those forces, we should also be clear that understanding is not the same as controlling. And we need to avoid the temptation to overload monetary policy by expecting more of it than it can deliver.

    Third, we can recognize that the world has changed. Structural headwinds and supply shocks require different types of information and analysis. This means investing in richer information about the supply side of the economy and building models that can analyze sectoral shocks and their transmission. It means reaching out and listening to households and businesses. It means looking at our economies through different lenses, regularly challenging our assumptions, and using scenarios to help manage uncertainty.

    Fourth, let’s acknowledge that working together has never been easy and it’s getting harder. But let’s also remember that it’s important. We are more effective if we confront our shared challenges together. The shared resolve of central banks to fight the post-pandemic surge in inflation helped all of us bring inflation down. This was a positive international spillover and, together, we can generate other positive international spillovers.

    Finally, we need to remain evidence-based, technocratic and professional, and free of political influence. We need to be open, accountable and transparent. And we need to be learning institutions-when faced with valid criticism, we should critically evaluate our policy actions and be willing to improve. Being independent and accountable and continuously learning is how we build trust.

    The world is a tougher place today than it was a few short years ago. And facing the headwinds before us will not be easy. But that’s why we have independent central banks-we are designed for tough times.

    I look forward to hearing from my esteemed colleagues on this panel.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev visited industrial enterprises of Komsomolsk-on-Amur

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev visited industrial enterprises of Komsomolsk-on-Amur

    February 11, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev visited industrial enterprises of Komsomolsk-on-Amur

    February 11, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev visited industrial enterprises of Komsomolsk-on-Amur

    February 11, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Yuri Trutnev visited industrial enterprises of Komsomolsk-on-Amur

    As part of his working visit to Khabarovsk Krai, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev visited the enterprises of PJSC UAC in Komsomolsk-on-Amur – the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant named after Yuri Gagarin (KnAAZ) and the production center of PJSC Yakovlev, where the Superjet-100 is assembled, and also visited the investment site for the production of the Baikal aircraft and got acquainted with the work of the Amur Shipbuilding Plant of USC. The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied on his trip by the Governor of Khabarovsk Krai Dmitry Demeshin.

    At KnAAZ, Yuri Trutnev inspected a new titanium alloy processing shop, an assembly line, including a final assembly shop for Su-35S and Su-57 aircraft, and the construction of new flight test station facilities. The implementation of the project to build facilities and new industrial capacities at KnAAZ are necessary to increase the serial production of fifth-generation aircraft. The Deputy Prime Minister was shown areas where work is being carried out within the framework of cooperation: on the import-substituting Superjet-100 and MS-21.

    In the technocomplex of the production center of PAO Yakovlev, Yuri Trutnev was shown the first line in Russia for the production of doors for the import-substituted version of the Superjet – previously, these units were manufactured abroad. Doors manufactured on the new line meet the most modern aviation safety standards. A specialization center for the production of doors for other Russian civil aircraft is being created on the basis of the technocomplex.

    In the final assembly shop, the director of the production center Andrey Soynov spoke about the current work and prospects of the enterprise. The center, which employs more than 1 thousand people, is preparing for the serial production of fully import-substituted Superjet-100 aircraft. The production modernization program provides for the expansion of the final assembly shop to organize a straight-through conveyor and the construction of a new hangar for the flight test station. The production capacity of the updated enterprise will be at least 20 Superjet-100 aircraft per year.

    “The supply of domestic aircraft for air transportation in the Far East is our priority task. We, like no one else, understand the need to connect the cities of our region. The Yakovlev company has already concluded an agreement on the supply of Superjets to the Aurora airline, and we will make every effort to fulfill this order,” Andrey Soynov emphasized.

    As part of his trip to Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Yuri Trutnev visited an investment site being created for a comprehensive center for the development of regional and unmanned aviation production and the production of the Baikal light multipurpose aircraft. The construction of a production building for the assembly of the Baikal aircraft with the necessary engineering infrastructure is being carried out on the advanced development area in close proximity to the Dzyomgi airfield and the facilities of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Work on the site is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. Construction of facilities for the production of the Baikal light aircraft began in January 2024. The project is being implemented on the instructions of President of the country Vladimir Putin and as part of the long-term development plan for Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the activities of which are included in the city’s master plan. Currently, the zero cycle work on the formation of the land plot is being completed, and the pouring of foundations continues. The total area of buildings and structures will be almost 10.4 thousand square meters. m. The complex will produce up to 20 aircraft per year. 80 jobs will be created.

    The developer of the Baikal aircraft is the Ural Works of Civil Aviation (UZGA). The aircraft will be manufactured by UZGA subsidiary Spetsaviatekhnika LLC, a resident of the Khabarovsk priority development area. It is planned that Baikal will be equipped with a domestic VK-800 engine. This aircraft is being created to improve the transport accessibility of remote regions of Russia and to develop local air routes. The key parameters of the aircraft were determined in accordance with the requirements of regional airlines: 2 tons of payload, flight range of 1.5 thousand km, cruising speed of 300 km/h.

    Yuri Trutnev also got acquainted with the work of the Amur Shipyard of USC, one of the largest shipbuilding enterprises in the Far East. During the inspection, the Deputy Prime Minister visited the slipway shop. The management of the enterprise reported on the orders under construction and prospective orders. The Deputy Prime Minister got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new dock-pontoon “Amurets” of project 65911, which is being built for the plant’s own needs as part of the USC dock program.

    The dock-pontoon was laid down in June 2023. Its main purpose is to ensure the removal of factory orders from the workshop and their transfer to the outfitting pier. The company has completed a large amount of work on the construction. On the dock-pontoon, the hull of which is currently being assembled on an open slipway, the assembly joints of the first three blocks have been thoroughly welded and presented to the register, and all assembly work on the fourth has been completed. In March, when the average daily temperature rises to normal, welding work on the dock-pontoon will resume, and the docking of the order hull will continue.

    The plant’s production program includes the construction of a floating transport dock for the transfer of plant orders to the outfitting base in Vladivostok and the reconstruction of the dockside unit of the plant’s outfitting complex. This will allow the enterprise to build a promising line of ships and vessels of greater width and tonnage than is currently possible, and to transport orders to the delivery base in Primorye using its own resources.

    Yuri Trutnev discussed with the General Director of the Amur Shipyard of USC Mikhail Borovsky the issues of the enterprise’s workload in terms of placing orders on the Amur Shipyard’s slipways for the development and maintenance of the oil and gas shelf – supply vessels and ice-class rescue vessels. The plant already has experience in building such orders: in 2018 and 2020, the plant built and handed over to the customer (OOO Gazprom Flot) two supply vessels for work with semi-submersible floating units. The built vessels belong to the highest class of automation and are capable of performing a wide range of tasks – from transporting goods and people to eliminating the consequences of natural disasters and extinguishing fires.

    At the commissioning base of the Amur Shipyard of USC, work is underway to prepare for testing the multifunctional emergency rescue vessel with a capacity of 7 MW, the Kerch Strait, which is being built to operate in high latitudes and has a sufficient margin of safety for sailing in freezing non-Arctic seas.

    “I always come to Komsomolsk-on-Amur with pleasure, because it is a working city. This is a city that protects our country. In this city, wonderful fighters are created, ships are built. We see how the work of the Amur Shipyard has changed. Previously, the enterprise had unresolved issues. And now, when the CEO reports that the enterprise is fully paying off its debts, that it is fully loaded with orders, this is, of course, great. This is good for Khabarovsk Krai, and for Komsomolsk-on-Amur, and for our entire country. The aircraft plant is fully loaded. Much remains to be done for small and large aviation. Work is going well on the Superjet-100 and fighters. We do not forget that we have debts to people for the construction of social facilities in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. And work in this direction will be accelerated. Now I have given a number of instructions and expect that the pace of work will be increased. The administration made a number of mistakes, including in the selection of contractors, but these miscalculations are of no interest to anyone. The main thing is that people get what they expect. We are trying to do this,” Yuri Trutnev summed up the results of his trip to Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Unaudited financial results of LHV Group for Q4 and 12 months of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The year-end was a successful one for LHV, supported by strong loan issue and deposit taking. The company met the profit target set in the financial plan.

    In 2024, AS LHV Group generated net revenue of 338.3 million euros, i.e., 11% more than in the previous year, thanks to strong business growth. Annual net interest income increased to 273.3 million euros (+8%) and net fee and commission income to 60.3 million euros (+24%). Consolidated expenditure for 2024 totalled 146.9 million euros, i.e., 14% higher than the previous year. The consolidated net profit of AS LHV Group in 2024 was 150.3 million euros, i.e., 9.4 million euros more than in 2023 (+7%).

    Of the subsidiaries, AS LHV Pank earned a total of 140.5 million euros in net profit in 2024, UK Bank Limited 5.8 million euros, AS LHV Varahaldus 1.6 million euros, and AS LHV Kindlustus 1.2 million euros.

    By the end of 2024, the consolidated assets of LHV Group increased to 8.74 billion euros, growing by 23% year-on-year, i.e., 1.64 billion euros. In Q4, the volume of assets increased by 12%.

    The consolidated loan portfolio of LHV increased by 990 million euros to 4.55 billion euros (+28%) in 2024. In Q4, the loan portfolio increased by 10%, i.e., 426 million euros. Corporate loans increased by 328 million euros over the quarter and retail loans by 98 million euros.

    The Group’s consolidated deposits grew by 1.18 billion euros over the year to 6.91 billion euros (+21%). In Q4, deposits increased by 624 million euros, i.e., 10%, while deposits of regular clients increased by 134 million euros.

    The total volume of funds managed by LHV increased by 39 million euros to 1.56 billion euros (+3%) over the year. In the last quarter of the year, the volume of funds increased by 37 million euros (+2%).

    The number of processed payments related to clients that were financial intermediaries amounted to 74.8 million payments in 2024 (+51% compared to 49.5 million payments in 2023). In Q4, 19.8 million such payments were made, i.e., 6% more than in Q3.

    In Q4 of 2024, AS LHV Group’s consolidated net profit amounted to 36.3 million euros, which is 1.6 million euros more than in Q3 (+5%). On a year-on-year basis, quarterly profit increased by 11%. AS LHV Pank earned 34.8 million euros in net profit in Q4. In the last quarter of the year, LHV Bank Ltd earned a net profit of 640 thousand euros, AS LHV Varahaldus 509 thousand euros, and AS LHV Kindlustus 68 thousand euros. The return on equity attributable to the shareholders of the Group was 22% in Q4.

    The Group’s consolidated net income increased by 2% in Q4 compared to the previous quarter of the year to 84.9 million euros. Net income was 1% higher than last year. Net interest income was generated at 66.6 million euros, and net fee and commission income at 17.3 million euros. Consolidated operating expenses were 40.8 million euros in Q4, which is 14% higher than in Q3 and 13% higher than a year earlier.

    Income statement, EUR thousand Q4-2024 Q3-2024 Q4-2023
       Net interest income 66 556 67 426 67 670
       Net fee and commission income 17 324 14 630 14 264
       Net gains from financial assets -198 799 480
       Other income 1 190 354 1 243
       Result from insurance activities 49 357 371
    Total revenue 84 921 83 566 84 029
       Staff costs -22 831 -19 499 -17 765
       Office rent and expenses -715 -801 -872
       IT expenses -4 270 -3 612 -4 067
       Marketing expenses -2 086 -1 298 -1 117
       Other operating expenses -10 885 -10 702 -12 366
    Total operating expenses -40 786 -35 911 -36 187
    EBIT 44 136 47 655 47 841
    Earnings before impairment losses 44 136 47 655 47 841
       Impairment losses on loans and advances -1 085 -7 277 -9 430
       Income tax -6 733 -5 681 -5 643
    Net profit 36 318 34 698 32 768
       Profit attributable to non-controlling interest 566 312 231
       Profit attributable to share holders of the parent 35 752 34 386 32 537
           
       Profit attributable to non-controlling interest 0.11 0.11 0.10
       Profit attributable to share holders of the parent 0.11 0.10 0.10
    Balance sheet, EUR thousand Dec 2024 Sep 2024 Dec 2023
       Cash and cash equivalents 3 818 305 3 376 016 3 119 394
       Financial assets 309 804 259 933 340 341
       Loans granted 4 591 906 4 168 778 3 591 517
       Loan impairments -39 813 -42 543 -29 725
       Receivables from customers 5 367 10 598 49 505
       Other assets 50 742 47 567 54 559
    Total assets 8 736 311 7 820 348 7 125 590
          Demand deposits 4 855 101 4 160 516 3 808 162
          Term deposits 2 055 009 2 125 844 1 922 843
          Loans received 927 686 679 550 563 634
       Loans received and deposits from customers 7 837 795 6 965 910 6 294 639
       Other liabilities 93 601 108 605 147 934
       Subordinated loans 126 257 106 079 126 652
    Total liabilities 8 057 653 7 180 595 6 569 225
    Equity 678 657 639 754 556 365
       Minority interest 8 571 8 006 7 937
    Total liabilities and equity 8 736 311 7 820 348 7 125 590

    LHV Group continued its rapid growth in 2024. The strong end to the year was influenced by a good level of client activity and higher than previous fee and commission income. The decline in interest income was mitigated by strong growth in the loan portfolio. Thanks to the good quality of the portfolio and the improvement in the macroeconomic situation, LHV reduced write-downs. The updated financial plan was accurately fulfilled by the end of the year.

    The number of clients of LHV Pank increased by 10,900 to 455 thousand clients in Q4. Over the year, the number of the bank’s clients increased by 38,000, i.e., more than 9%. At the end of the year, clients also actively used LHV’s banking services, and the decrease in interest income was offset by better fee and commission income, especially from investment banking. As interest income continues to be under pressure, the bank is paying attention to limiting costs by increasing efficiency. In this regard, LHV Pank announced layoffs in December, reducing the workforce by 44 people.

    The loan issue intensified in the last months of the year and, in Q4, the loan portfolio of LHV Pank increased by 300 million euros. The quality of the loan portfolio has remained stronger than planned, and write-downs on loans were reduced. The deposits of LHV Pank increased by 577 million euros in the last quarter of the year, of which 180 million euros came from deposits of regular clients and 450 million euros from financial intermediaries, and platform deposits were reduced. The bank is still keeping the focus on growing deposits. At the beginning of October, the bank also issued 250 million euros worth of covered bonds.

    At the beginning of December, The Banker magazine of the Financial Times declared LHV the best bank of the year in Estonia. Furthermore, Q4 included a review of several important cooperation projects: LHV will be the main sponsor of both Estonian football and the biathlon in the coming years.

    The loan portfolio of LHV Bank operating in the United Kingdom grew by more than half for the second quarter in a row. The loan portfolio increased by 126 million euros, while another 119 million euros of loans have been approved but not issued by the Credit Committee. The quality of the loan portfolio is generally strong. The volume of the deposits of LHV Bank increased by 70 million euros, with a total of nearly 11,600 depositors being involved. The volume of payments by financial intermediaries rose to record levels at the end of the year.

    In December, LHV Bank opened a new mobile bank for its first clients, through which private persons can open an account and make payments. Further, the offer and app will continue to be improved, and their wider introduction to the market will be held in order to attract deposits directly from retail clients.

    By the end of the year, the number of active clients of LHV Varahaldus making monthly contributions was 114,000. Nearly 14,000 of them submitted applications for larger contributions to the II pillar. Seasonally, contributions to the III pillar were actively made again. Operating income and expenses for the quarter remained at the level of the previous quarter. The profit was affected by a more modest financial income from the growth of the funds’ own units than before, but the financial plan still managed to be outpaced.

    The stock markets had a strong quarter driven by tech stocks and the U.S. market. The quarterly rate of return of the pension funds M and L managed by LHV was 1.0% and 0.6%, respectively, while XL decreased by 1.4% against the background of a weak December. The rate of return of the more conservative funds XS and S is 0.8% and 1.2%, respectively. Pensionifond Indeks increased by 4.2%; Pensionifond Roheline lost 5.7% in value over the quarter.

    For LHV Kindlustus, strong sales results, but also seasonally increased loss events, set the tone at the end of the year. The number of policies in force and clients is in a stable growth trend. A good sales result was shown by most types of insurance. Revenue from the insurance service continued to grow, while operating expenses increased. Gross losses increased a little faster compared to earned income. For the year as a whole, LHV Kindlustus earned 1.2 million from net profit and, thus, outperformed the financial plan.

    LHV Group’s annual cost/income ratio turned out to be 43.4%, and return on equity 24.5%. The Group’s liquidity and capitalisation remain strong. In November, LHV Group conducted a successful offering of subordinated bonds, raising 20 million euros in capital from investors. LHV Group will publish the 2025 financial plan and five-year forecast on 13 February.

    Comment by Madis Toomsalu, Chairman of the Management Board at LHV Group:
    “The changes taking place in the world are probably the biggest in the last half century. We are witnessing the growth of geopolitical ambitions, structural changes in the economy, the decline of free trade, and the exponential growth of technological development.

    Despite the different directions, 2024 was a successful year for LHV. After the supervisory exchange, we were able to restore the historically ambitious growth in business volumes. With a strong growth of 1 billion euros, i.e., 28% of the loan portfolio and a higher base interest rate, we achieved the highest business volumes and financial results in history.

    In Estonia, we have grown into the second largest bank in terms of corporate loans. At the same time, the volume of home loans and the insurance business are also growing rapidly. The number of the Estonian bank’s clients increased by 38,000 and activity increased in all the important areas. In the United Kingdom, the corporate loan portfolio already exceeded 300 million euros by the end of the year, which is why we are increasing our long-term expectations. This is also reflected in the mobile app launched at the end of the year.”

    To access the reports of AS LHV Group, please visit the website at: https://investor.lhv.ee/en/reports/.

    In order to present the financial results, LHV Group will organise an investor meeting via the Zoom webinar platform. The virtual investor meeting will take place on 11 February at 9.00, before the market opens. The presentation will be in Estonian. We kindly ask you to register at the following address: https://lhvbank.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UP-IqHxNSRSVeoKeUcTOfQ.

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,200 people. As at the end of December, LHV’s banking services are being used by nearly 460,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 114,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus is protecting a total of 170,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Priit Rum
    Communications Manager
    Phone: +372 502 0786
    Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee 

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Blumenthal, Senate Democrats Demand VA Secretary Collins Step Up and Defend Veterans’ Private Information from Elon Musk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and 25 other Democratic senators in calling on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to take immediate actions to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). This call follows Musk’s takeover of the U.S. Treasury’s payment system, which includes private information of veterans and their families, and reports of DOGE employees accessing VA computer systems at the Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
    In a letter to Collins, Murray and the other senators demanded the Secretary deny and sever Musk and DOGE’s access to any VA or other government system with information about veterans, and to delete any veterans’ information in their possession: “Among many tasks, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is entrusted with safeguarding the private and sensitive information of millions of veterans…Veterans risked their lives to defend our country, and they deserve better than to have an unelected billionaire reviewing their medical records, targeting the benefits they have earned, or using their private information for personal gain.”
    The senators underscored the vast amounts of veterans’ private, sensitive information entrusted to VA, at-risk of being abused by Musk and DOGE: “Our nation’s veterans have entrusted their health records, including genetic samples, disability data, bank information, and other private information, to VA. The Department also stores sensitive veteran casework, files of whistleblowers who have come forward with concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse, and sensitive investigative files with veteran and federal employee information.”
    The senators continued stressing their concerns of Musk and DOGE’s ability to freely access this information with no transparency or accountability mechanisms: “Meanwhile, the President has given unfettered access to federal databases and systems to Mr. Musk, an unelected citizen, and a team of colleagues with no formal documented employment agreement with the U.S. government. It is a group of private citizens with no experience in the federal government, who lack proper approval from legal and agency authorities, lack the appropriate security clearances, and lack the requisite background investigations or ethical conflict requirements. We are outraged these unelected, unvetted, and unaccountable individuals now have access to sensitive information that has been heavily secured for decades and by Administrations of both parties.”
    There are millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. These confidential records include veterans’ prescriptions, diagnoses, and procedures they have undergone. Access to these medical records could give Musk and DOGE the ability to identify veterans who have received abortions or abortion counseling in the past. The Million Veteran Program, which manages the genomic data of its more than one million veteran participants for authorized research programs, also stores its data in VA data systems. In addition, the U.S. Treasury’s payment system stores private information of veterans, surviving spouses, and their families, including their monthly disability compensation amount, home address, and bank account numbers.
    Calling on VA Secretary Collins to uphold the promises he made to Senators during his confirmation process, the group of senators concluded: “During your confirmation process, you claimed you would be focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability at VA, and committed to following the laws passed by Congress. We now call on you to respond quickly and comprehensively to these privacy violations by revoking DOGE’s access to VA systems and insisting they permanently remove all VA data collected from their files.”
    In addition to Senators Murray and Blumenthal, the letter was signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
    The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below.
    Dear Secretary Collins,
    Among many tasks, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is entrusted with safeguarding the private and sensitive information of millions of veterans. Today, we call on you to immediately secure any personal and related information regarding veterans provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and associates under the auspices of the “Department of Government Efficiency” established under Executive Order 14158. Further, we call on you to deny and sever their access to any VA or other government system that includes information about veterans, and to require them to immediately and permanently delete any information in their possession. Veterans risked their lives to defend our country, and they deserve better than to have an unelected billionaire reviewing their medical records, targeting the benefits they have earned, or using their private information for personal gain.
    Our nation’s veterans have entrusted their health records, including genetic samples, disability data, bank information, and other private information, to VA. The Department also stores sensitive veteran casework, files of whistleblowers who have come forward with concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse, and sensitive investigative files with veteran and federal employee information. Veterans and VA employees entrusted the Department with this information with the understanding that it would be kept private and only used to help deliver the highest quality of services to veterans, their families, and survivors.
    Meanwhile, the President has given unfettered access to federal databases and systems to Mr. Musk, an unelected citizen, and a team of colleagues with no formal documented employment agreement with the U.S. government. It is a group of private citizens with no experience in the federal government, who lack proper approval from legal and agency authorities, lack the appropriate security clearances, and lack the requisite background investigations or ethical conflict requirements. We are outraged these unelected, unvetted, and unaccountable individuals now have access to sensitive information that has been heavily secured for decades and by Administrations of both parties.
    These actions are in direct violation of federal laws meant to protect our national security and the privacy of our citizens’ personal information. This includes information on Social Security payments, Medicare, Medicaid, student loans, veterans’ disability compensation payments, GI Bill payments, federal civil servants’ personnel records, and much more. With every hour, we see DOGE further expand its efforts to create a massive private database of previously guarded data outside the federal government’s cyber and legal protections. It is an abhorrent and illegal overreach of executive powers, which conflicts with various federal statutes, including the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, the Privacy Act, the E-Government Act of 2002, and likely several other cyber and national security laws.
    During your confirmation process, you claimed you would be focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability at VA, and committed to following the laws passed by Congress. We now call on you to respond quickly and comprehensively to these privacy violations by revoking DOGE’s access to VA systems and insisting they permanently remove all VA data collected from their files.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Merkley, Heinrich Lead Western Senators in Letter to Interior Secretary, Acting Agriculture Secretary: Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Threaten Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and other Western U.S. Senators in sounding the alarm over reports the Bureau of Land Management issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America related to the removal of hazardous fuels in our public lands and rumors of forthcoming stop work orders at the United States Forest Service. Delaying these treatments even for a short period can mean missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels. 

    The senators’ letter—addressed to recently confirmed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington—follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds to mitigate and fight wildfires and comes as communities nationwide prepare for wildfire season.

    “Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the senators.

    “As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” the senators continued. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.  

    “By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire,” the senators concluded.

    The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter is HERE and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington,

    We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.

    These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week.

    In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes.

    Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels. 

    In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis.

    Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance.

    As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.  

    By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire.

    We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Experts chosen for electricity market review

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has appointed independent experts to review the performance of the electricity markets, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.

    “The power crisis we experienced last winter highlighted how important affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices is to the economic growth and prosperity of Kiwi households and businesses alike,” Mr Watts says.

    “Energy security is a top priority for the Coalition Government as the economy electrifies and we work to double New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. We expect to see market-led approaches to energy security throughout the transition, and we want to make sure the markets are performing effectively.

    “This review will help ensure our regulatory settings can deliver on the long-term interests of consumers, keep prices down for Kiwis and keep the lights on.

    “From the review’s inception, we were clear that we needed experts capable of bringing a fresh perspective to the complex challenges facing our markets. Those chosen are well-qualified with significant expertise in international electricity market design, risk management, competition policy and financial instruments.”

    Mr Jones says New Zealand cannot afford another winter like 2024 in which businesses shut down, manufacturing ground to a halt, and cheap coal was brought in from overseas kept the lights on.

    “If we are to grow the economy, we cannot allow a shortage of power to stunt that growth. We are a resourceful nation and our businesses have to be able to continue without worrying whether they can afford the power bill or having to choose between shutting down production or keeping staff.”

    Global consultancy Frontier Economics will be the lead reviewer, addressing the seven questions specified in the review’s terms of reference.

    The two peer review roles will be taken on by a team of international experts in energy economics with particular expertise in market design. The peer reviewers will provide an added layer of quality assurance and accuracy to ensure the review reports are robust and reliable.

    New Zealand-based Concept Consulting will act as New Zealand expert advisor, responsible for ensuring Frontier Economics has solid awareness and understanding of the New Zealand context.

    “Collectively, these independent experts bring a wealth of experience, insight, and the fresh perspectives needed for this type of review,” Mr Watts says.

    Ministers expect the review’s final reports to be delivered by the end of June, after which Cabinet will make decisions on next steps.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Discover what the World Heritage Listing bid for Victorian Goldfields means at a public talk

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The Victorian Goldfields has been officially included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and the community can learn more about what this means at a public talk next week.

    The public talk is on Monday February 17 from 6pm to 7.30pm at the La Trobe Art Institute, View Street, Bendigo. It is focused on informing the community and local businesses about the positive outcomes if the World Heritage bid is successful.

    The Victorian Goldfields are the most extensive, coherent, and best-surviving goldrush landscapes in the world. Obtaining a World Heritage listing is a proven catalyst for new opportunities as seen elsewhere, such as the Great Barrier Reef. The status can lead to immediate and long-term benefits, including investment, tourism, and jobs.

    The public talk includes a presentation from the City of Greater Bendigo World Heritage Strategic Projects Officer Trevor Budge who is on the World Heritage Bid Project Team.

    There will also be a panel discussion with Euan McGillivray from the Bendigo Historical Society, Chair Bendigo Tourism Board Kath Bolitho, CEO Bendigo Heritage Attractions James Reade, City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt, and Bendigo Branch President of the National Trust Peter Cox.

    World Heritage Strategic Projects Officer Trevor Budge said the tentative listing acknowledged the significance of the Victorian Goldfields.

    “The public talk will explain why the Victorian Goldfields are worthy of world recognition, what steps are needed to be ready for the possible final designation in mid 2027, and how the community and businesses can be further involved in this nomination,” Mr Budge said.

    “With the support of Traditional Owners, we’re working on a confirmed list of places that ensures the best examples of the lasting legacy of the Victorian Goldfields are celebrated and that this critical piece of Australia’s history is conserved and shared with future generations.

    “If this bid succeeds, the benefits for Greater Bendigo and other places in the Victorian Goldfields will be far reaching with a significant increase in tourism from across the world wanting to experience our gold rush story. The economic modelling forecasting estimates a Victorian Goldfields World Heritage site could attract 2.5 million new visitors to the region over 10 years, injecting more than $500M into local economies.”

    National Trust Bendigo Branch President Peter Cox said the public talk was a wonderful way for the community to hear about the extraordinary outcomes that could flow from a permanent World Heritage listing.

    “Thousands of extra visitors will boost economic activity, create new jobs and investment throughout Victoria with heritage being promoted in many small and large towns. Bendigo’s urban settlement displays many homes from the gold rush era, its architecture of grand buildings is world renowned, and it has many attractions based on tourism that depicts 19th century history.” Mr Cox said.

    Getting the Victorian Goldfields on the Tentative List was critical, as Australia can only make one nomination to UNESCO per year and there are many other places from around Australia that were being considered.

    The City of Greater Bendigo, City of Ballarat and 13 other local government authorities are involved in the listing bid with support from Traditional Owners.

    To register your attendance, please email or SMS:

    [email protected]

    0447 473 674

    MIL OSI News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA News: Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

         Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Since its enactment in 1977, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 78dd-1 et seq.) (FCPA) has been systematically, and to a steadily increasing degree, stretched beyond proper bounds and abused in a manner that harms the interests of the United States.  Current FCPA enforcement impedes the United States’ foreign policy objectives and therefore implicates the President’s Article II authority over foreign affairs.

         The President’s foreign policy authority is inextricably linked with the global economic competitiveness of American companies.  American national security depends in substantial part on the United States and its companies gaining strategic business advantages whether in critical minerals, deep-water ports, or other key infrastructure or assets. 

         But overexpansive and unpredictable FCPA enforcement against American citizens and businesses — by our own Government — for routine business practices in other nations not only wastes limited prosecutorial resources that could be dedicated to preserving American freedoms, but actively harms American economic competitiveness and, therefore, national security. 
         It is therefore the policy of my Administration to preserve the Presidential authority to conduct foreign affairs and advance American economic and national security by eliminating excessive barriers to American commerce abroad. 

         Sec. 2.  Policy of Enforcement Discretion.  (a)  For a period of 180 days following the date of this order, the Attorney General shall review guidelines and policies governing investigations and enforcement actions under the FCPA.  During the review period, the Attorney General shall:
              (i)    cease initiation of any new FCPA investigations or enforcement actions, unless the Attorney General determines that an individual exception should be made;
              (ii)   review in detail all existing FCPA investigations or enforcement actions and take appropriate action with respect to such matters to restore proper bounds on FCPA enforcement and preserve Presidential foreign policy prerogatives; and
              (iii)  issue updated guidelines or policies, as appropriate, to adequately promote the President’s Article II authority to conduct foreign affairs and prioritize American interests, American economic competitiveness with respect to other nations, and the efficient use of Federal law enforcement resources.
         (b)  The Attorney General may extend such review period for an additional 180 days as the Attorney General determines appropriate.
         (c)  FCPA investigations and enforcement actions initiated or continued after the revised guidelines or policies are issued under subsection (a) of this section:
              (i)   shall be governed by such guidelines or policies; and
              (ii)  must be specifically authorized by the Attorney General.
         (d)  After the revised guidelines or policies are issued under subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General shall determine whether additional actions, including remedial measures with respect to inappropriate past FCPA investigations and enforcement actions, are warranted and shall take any such appropriate actions or, if Presidential action is required, recommend such actions to the President.

         Sec. 3.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

         Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: 
              (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or 
              (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. 
         (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. 
         (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.  
     
     
     
     
     
    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        February 10, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA News: Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
     
    A PROCLAMATION

    1. On January 11, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on the Secretary’s investigation into the effect of imports of steel mill articles (steel articles) on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862) (section 232).  The Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that steel articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.
    2. In Proclamation 9705 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), I concurred in the Secretary’s finding that steel articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9705 (as amended by clause 8 of Proclamation 9711 of March 22, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States)), are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of steel articles by imposing a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from most countries.  Proclamation 9705 further stated that any country with which the United States has a security relationship is welcome to discuss alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country, and noted that, should the United States and that country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that the President determines that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on steel articles imports from that country and, if necessary, adjust the tariff as it applies to other countries, as the national security interests of the United States require.
    3. In Proclamation 9705, I also directed the Secretary to monitor imports of steel articles and inform me of any circumstances that in the Secretary‘s opinion might indicate the need for further action under Section 232, as amended, with respect to such imports.  Pursuant to Proclamation 9705, the Secretary was authorized to provide relief from the additional duties, based on a request from a directly affected party located in the United States, for any steel article determined not to be produced in the United States in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or of a satisfactory quality, or based upon specific national security considerations.

    In subsequent proclamations, I noted the conclusion of discussions or the agreement on certain measures with the Argentine Republic (Argentina), Proclamation 9759 of May 31, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States); the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), Proclamation 9759; the Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazil), Proclamation 9759; Proclamation 10064 of August 28, 2020 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States); Canada, Proclamation 9894 of May 19, 2019 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States; the United Mexican States (Mexico), Proclamation 9894; and the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Proclamation 9740 of April 30, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States).  President Biden noted the conclusion of discussions or the agreement on certain measures with the European Union (EU) on behalf of its member countries, Proclamation 10328 of December 27, 2021 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States); Proclamation 10691 of December 28, 2023 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States); Japan, Proclamation 10356 of March 31, 2022 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States); and the United Kingdom (UK), Proclamation 10406 of May 31, 2022 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), on alternative ways to address the threat to the national security.  In addition, then-President Biden acknowledged the close relationship with Ukraine and exempted steel articles from Ukraine from the tariff. Proclamation 10403 of May 27, 2022 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States); Proclamation 10588 of May 31, 2023 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States); Proclamation 10771 of May 31, 2024 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States).  In Proclamation 10783 of July 10, 2024 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), President Biden noted that imports of steel articles from Mexico had increased significantly as compared to their levels at the time of Proclamation 9894.  Accordingly, he implemented a melt and pour requirement for imports of steel articles that are products of Mexico and increased the section 232 duty rate for imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles that are products of Mexico that are melted and poured in a country other than Mexico, Canada, or the United States.

    • The Secretary has informed me that the initial 25 percent ad valorem tariff imposed by Proclamation 9705 has been an effective means of reducing imports, encouraging investment and expansion of production by domestic steel producers, and mitigating the threatened impairment of U.S. national security.  Following the initial imposition of 25 percent ad valorem tariffs, the U.S. steel capacity utilization rate increased to above 80 percent.
    • The Secretary has also informed me that, notwithstanding the impact of the tariff imposed by Proclamation 9705, imports of steel articles from certain countries exempted from the tariff or subject to alternative agreements have increased significantly, while excess capacity in the global steel industry has begun to increase again in recent years.  For example, imports from Canada increased 18 percent since Canada was excluded from the section 232 tariffs.  According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), global steel excess capacity is projected to reach approximately 630 million metric tons by 2026, more than total steel production in all OECD countries.  At the same time, exports of steel from the People’s Republic of China (China) have recently surged, exceeding 114 million metric tons through November 2024 while displacing production in other countries and forcing them to export greater volumes of steel articles and derivative steel articles to the United States. 
    • Total steel imports as a share of U.S. consumption increased significantly in 2024, reaching nearly 30 percent, similar to the import share of U.S. consumption at the time the Secretary issued his January 11, 2018, report.  Imports from countries with which the United States has reached alternative agreements have increased significantly as a share of total imports, from 74 percent in 2018 to 82 percent in 2024, while imports from countries subject to quantitative restrictions remain elevated regardless of changing U.S. demand conditions and the substantial investments made to expand the capabilities of the domestic industry.  Increasing and persistently high import volumes from countries exempted from the duties or subject to other alternative agreements like quotas and tariff-rate quotas have captured the benefit of U.S. demand at the domestic industry’s expense and transmitted harmful effects onto the domestic industry.  As steel import market share has increased, the domestic industry’s performance has been depressed, resulting in capacity utilization rates persistently lower than the 80 percent target level highlighted in the Secretary’s report. 
    • The Secretary has informed me that imports of steel articles from Canada and Mexico have increased significantly to levels that once again threaten to impair U.S. national security.  Volumes from both Canada and Mexico increased overall, from 7.77 million metric tons in 2020 to 9.14 million metric tons in 2024.  Imports have also surged in excess of historical norms of trade across numerous key product lines, such as long reinforcing bars, which have experienced import increases of 1,678 percent from Mexico and 564 percent from Canada.  These surges have occurred while authorities in those countries have supported otherwise uncompetitive producers with subsidies and other interventions that have exacerbated the global excess capacity crisis.  In addition, increasing import volumes and including Mexico’s imports from China, support a conclusion that there is transshipment or further processing of steel mill articles from countries that remain subject to the additional ad valorem tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, or from countries seeking to evade quantitative restrictions.
    • The Secretary has also informed me that alternative agreements with trading partners including Australia, the members of the EU, Japan, and the United Kingdom have been less effective in eliminating the threatened impairment of U.S. national security than the additional ad valorem tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705.  As a result, imports of steel articles from these countries have increased as a share of total U.S. steel imports from 18.6 percent in 2020 to 20.7 percent in 2024.  In addition, from 2022 to 2024, imports from countries subject to quotas (Argentina, Brazil, and South Korea) increased by approximately 1.5 million metric tons, even as U.S. demand declined by more than 6.1 million tons during the period.  Argentina has continued to export steel to the United States at unsustainable quantities, especially a recent surge of semifinished products. Furthermore, Argentina’s lack of data transparency has continued to be of concern for the United States.  From official trade statistics released by Argentina, it is difficult to assess the levels of steel being imported from places like China and Russia, and other potential sources of excess capacity. Brazilian imports from countries with meaningful levels of overcapacity, specifically China have grown tremendously in recent years, more than tripling since the institution of this quota arrangement. 
    • At the same time, these alternative agreements have not resulted in sufficient action by these trading partners to address non-market excess capacity caused primarily by China, or sufficient cooperation by these trading partners on issues like trade remedies and customs matters or monitoring bilateral steel trade.  Some countries have also welcomed steel industry investments from non-market producers in countries like China seeking to exploit the agreements to obtain preferential access to the U.S. market.  The agreements have therefore been detrimental to U.S. steel production and national security.
    • The Secretary has informed me of similar problems with respect to the temporary exemption for imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from Ukraine.  Rather than supporting the Ukrainian steel industry and alleviating the economic harm caused by the ongoing conflict, the benefits of this temporary exemption have accrued primarily to producers in EU member countries, which have significantly increased duty-free exports to the U.S. market of steel articles processed from Ukrainian semi-finished steel.  Since 2021, imports from Ukraine have remained steady at 0.5 percent of total U.S. imports, while imports from the European Union have increased 11.2 percent to 14.8 percent.  As a result of the temporary exemption, these imports enter the U.S. market subject to neither the ad valorem tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, nor the tariff-rate-quota system applicable to other imports of steel articles from EU producers as proclaimed in Proclamation 10328.  This has facilitated evasion of both the section 232 measures and of antidumping duties that would be paid if the finished products were imported directly from Ukraine.
    • The Secretary has informed me that producers in countries that remain subject to the program have continued to evade the measures by processing covered steel articles into additional downstream steel derivative products that were not included in the additional ad valorem tariffs proclaimed in Proclamation 9705 and Proclamation 9980 of January 24, 2020 (Adjusting Imports of Derivative Aluminum Articles and Derivative Steel Articles Into the United States).  Imports of products such as fabricated structural steel, prestressed concrete strand, and others, have increased significantly since the issuance of Proclamation 9705 and Proclamation 9980, eroding the domestic industry’s customer base and resulting in depressed demand for steel articles produced in the United States.
    • The Secretary has also informed me of certain ongoing challenges with the product exclusion process authorized by Proclamation 9705, Proclamation 9777 of August 29, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), and Proclamation 9980 and implemented by subsequent regulations.  This process has resulted in exclusions for a significant volume of imports, in a manner that undermines the purpose of the section 232 measures and threatens to impair national security.  Certain general approved exclusions remain in effect for entire tariff lines of steel articles, notwithstanding the domestic industry’s potential to produce many excluded products. 
    • I determine that these developments and modifications to the tariffs announced in Proclamation 9705 have undermined the program’s national security objectives by preventing the domestic steel industry from achieving sustained production capacity utilization of at least 80 percent, as determined necessary in the Secretary’s report of January 11, 2018.  I also determine that they have failed to achieve their articulated objectives.  As a result, I determine that they have resulted in significantly increasing imports of steel articles that threaten to impair the national security.    
    • In light of the Secretary’s findings regarding the alternative agreements with South Korea proclaimed in Proclamation 9740; Argentina, Australia, and Brazil proclaimed in Proclamation 9759; Canada and Mexico proclaimed in Proclamation 9894; EU countries proclaimed in Proclamation 10328; Japan proclaimed in Proclamation 10356; and the United Kingdom proclaimed in Proclamation 10406, I have revisited the determinations in these proclamations.  In my judgment, the arrangements with these countries have failed to provide effective, long-term alternative means to address these countries’ contribution to the threatened impairment to the national security by restraining steel articles exports to the United States from each of them, limiting transshipment and surges and distorted pricing, and discouraging excess steel capacity and excess steel production. Thus, I have determined that steel articles imports from these countries threaten to impair the national security, and I have decided that it is necessary to terminate these arrangements as of March 12, 2025.  As of that date, all imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, EU countries, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom shall be subject to the additional ad valorem tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705 with respect to steel articles and Proclamation 9980 with respect to derivative steel articles.  In my judgment, these modifications are necessary to address the significantly increasing share of imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from these sources, which threaten to impair U.S. national security.  Replacing the alternative agreements with the additional ad valorem tariffs will be a more robust and effective means of ensuring that the objectives articulated in the Secretary’s January 11, 2018, report and subsequent proclamations are achieved.
    • For the same reasons, I have also revisited the determinations in Proclamation 10403, Proclamation 10558, and Proclamation 10771.  In my judgment, the arrangement with Ukraine has failed to provide effective, long-term alternative means to address Ukraine’s contribution to the threatened impairment to our national security by restraining steel articles exports to the United States from Ukraine, limiting transshipment and surges, and discouraging excess steel capacity and excess steel production. Thus, I have determined that steel articles imports from Ukraine threaten to impair the national security and have determined that it is necessary to terminate the temporary exemption for imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from Ukraine as proclaimed in Proclamation 10403, Proclamation 10558, and Proclamation 10771.  In my judgment, terminating this exemption will prevent abuses that have resulted in significantly increasing imports from sources other than Ukraine, will prevent evasion of antidumping duties, and will support the domestic steel industry without harming Ukraine’s economic recovery. 
    • In light of the information provided by the Secretary that significantly increasing imports of certain derivative steel articles have depressed demand for steel articles produced by domestic steel producers, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate in light of U.S. national security interests to adjust the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9705 and Proclamation 9980 to apply to additional derivative steel articles.  As of March 12, 2025, the additional derivative steel articles covered by this proclamation, as set out in Annex I to this proclamation, shall be subject to the ad valorem duties proclaimed in Proclamation 9705 and Proclamation 9980, except for derivative steel articles processed in another country from steel articles that were melted and poured in the United States.  For any derivative steel article identified in Annex I that is not in Chapter 73 of the HTSUS, the additional ad valorem duty shall apply only to the steel content of the derivative steel article.  The Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register to this effect, including Annex I to this proclamation. 
    • The Secretary has informed me that his findings with regard to the product exclusion process present circumstances that in the Secretary’s opinion indicate the need for further action by the President under section 232.  Accordingly, as of the date of this proclamation the Secretary is no longer authorized to provide relief from the additional duties set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9705 for any steel article determined not to be produced in the United States in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or a satisfactory quality or based on specific national security determinations, and the product exclusion process as authorized in clause 3 of Proclamation 9705, clause 1 of Proclamation 9777, and clause 2 of Proclamation 9980 is terminated, effective immediately.  I have determined that terminating product exclusions is necessary to ensure that overly broad exclusions do not allow high volumes of imports to undermine the objectives articulated in the Secretary’s January 11, 2018, report and relevant subsequent proclamations.  This change will also relieve the administrative burden that the process has created.  Following this proclamation, and subject to any restrictions set forth in or pursuant to other provisions of applicable law, imports of any steel article or derivative steel article from any source and in any quantity will be available to U.S. importers, provided that the additional ad valorem tariffs are paid upon entry or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption.
    • Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to take action to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives if the President concurs with the Secretary’s finding that the article is being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security. 
    • Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the president to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

    20.  The United States will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of these actions in addressing our national security needs, and I may revisit this determination, as appropriate.

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, and section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows: 

    • The provisions of Proclamation 9740 with respect to imports of steel articles from South Korea; Proclamation 9759 with respect to imports of steel articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil; Proclamation 10064 with respect to imports of steel articles from Brazil; Proclamation 9894 with respect to imports of steel articles from Canada and Mexico; Proclamation 10783 with respect to imports of steel articles from Mexico; Proclamation 10328 and Proclamation 10691 with respect to imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from the EU; Proclamation 10356 with respect to imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from Japan; Proclamation 10406 with respect to imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from the United Kingdom; and Proclamation 10403, Proclamation 10558, and Proclamation 10771 with respect to steel articles and derivative steel articles from Ukraine shall be ineffective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025.  The provisions of clause 1 of Proclamation 9740 as applicable to imports of steel articles or derivative steel articles from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and EU member countries shall be ineffective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025.  The provisions of clause 1 of Proclamation 9980 as applicable to imports of derivative steel articles from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea shall be ineffective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025.  As of 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025, all imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from these countries shall be subject to the additional ad valorem tariffs proclaimed in Proclamation 9705 and Proclamation 9980.
    • Clause 2 of Proclamation 9705, as amended, is revised to read as follows:

    “(2)(a)  In order to establish certain modifications to the duty rate on imports of steel articles, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified as provided in the forthcoming annex to this proclamation set out in a subsequent Federal Register notice and any subsequent proclamations regarding such steel articles.

         (b)  Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all steel articles imports covered by heading 9903.80.01, in subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, shall be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, as follows: (i) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 23, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and the member countries of the European Union; (ii) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on June 1, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and South Korea; (iii) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on August 13, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, and Turkey; (iv) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on May 20, 2019, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, and Turkey; (v) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on May 21, 2019, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea; (vi) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on January 1, 2022, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, and except the member countries of the European Union through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on December 31, 2023, for steel articles covered by headings 9903.80.65 through 9903.81.19, inclusive; (vii) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on April 1, 2022, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, and except the member countries of the European Union through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on December 31, 2023, for steel articles covered by headings 9903.80.65 through 9903.81.19, inclusive, and from Japan, for steel articles covered by headings 9903.81.25 through 9903.81.80, inclusive; (viii) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on June 1, 2022, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Ukraine through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 1, 2023, and except the member countries of the European Union through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on December 31, 2023, for steel articles covered by headings 9903.80.65 through 9903.81.19, inclusive, and from Japan and the United Kingdom (UK), for steel articles covered by subheadings 9903.81.25 through 9903.81.78 and heading 9903.81.80, and from the member countries of the European Union, for steel articles covered by heading 9903.81.81; (ix) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on June 1, 2023, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Ukraine through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 1, 2024, and except the member countries of the European Union through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on December 31, 2023, for steel articles covered by headings 9903.80.65 through 9903.81.19, inclusive, and from Japan and the UK, for steel articles covered by subheadings 9903.81.25 through 9903.81.78 and heading 9903.81.80, and from the member countries of the European Union, for steel articles covered by heading 9903.81.81, and from the member countries of the European Union where the steel used in the manufacture of the steel article is melted and poured in Ukraine through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 1, 2024, (x) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on January 1, 2024, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, and except for Ukraine in accordance with the relevant proclamation as amended, and except the member countries of the European Union in accordance with the relevant proclamation as amended, for steel articles covered by headings 9903.80.65 through 9903.81.19, inclusive, and from Japan and the UK , in accordance the relevant proclamation as amended, for steel articles covered by subheadings 9903.81.25 through 9903.81.78 and heading 9903.81.80, and from the member countries of the European Union in accordance with the relevant proclamation as amended, for steel articles covered by heading 9903.81.81, and from the member countries of the European Union where the steel used in the manufacture of the steel article is melted and poured in Ukraine in accordance with the relevant proclamation as amended, and (xi) from all countries on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025, unless suspended. Further, except as otherwise provided in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all steel articles imports from Turkey covered by heading 9903.80.02, in subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, shall be subject to a 50 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on August 13, 2018, and prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern time on May 21, 2019.  These rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported steel articles, shall apply to imports of steel articles from each country as specified in the preceding three sentences.“

    • The first two sentences of clause 1 of Proclamation 9980 are revised to read as follows:

    “In order to establish increases in the duty rate on imports of certain derivative articles, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified as provided in Annex I and Annex II to this proclamation.  Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, all imports of derivative aluminum articles specified in Annex I to this proclamation shall be subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty, and all imports of derivative steel articles specified in Annex II to this proclamation shall be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty, with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, as follows: (i) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 8, 2020, these rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative aluminum articles or steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative aluminum articles described in Annex I to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), Canada, and the United Mexican States (Mexico), and to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex II to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea; (ii) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on January 1, 2022, these rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative aluminum articles or steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative aluminum articles described in Annex I to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, and Mexico, and to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex II to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Mexico, and South Korea; (iii) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on April 1, 2022, these rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative aluminum articles or steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative aluminum articles described in Annex I to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, and Mexico, and to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex II to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea; (iv) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on June 1, 2022, these rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative aluminum articles or steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative aluminum articles described in Annex I to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Mexico, and the UK, and to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex II to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK, and except from Ukraine through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 1, 2023; (v) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 10, 2023, these rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative aluminum articles or steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative aluminum articles described in Annex I to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Mexico, the UK, and Russia, and to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex II to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK, and except from Ukraine through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 1, 2023; (vi) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on June 1, 2023, these rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative aluminum articles or steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative aluminum articles described in Annex I to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Mexico, the UK, and Russia, and to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex II to this proclamation from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK, and except from Ukraine om accordance with the relevant proclamation as amended; and (vii) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 12, 2025, unless suspended, these rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex II to this proclamation from all countries.”

    • Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, all imports of derivative steel articles specified in Annex I to this proclamation or in any subsequent annex to this proclamation, as set out in a subsequent notice in the Federal Register, shall be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty, with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on the Commerce certification date in clause 8. These rates of duty, which are in addition to any other duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported derivative steel articles, shall apply to imports of derivative steel articles described in Annex I to this proclamation from all countries, but shall not apply to derivative steel articles processed in another country from steel articles that were melted and poured in the United States. The Secretary shall continue to monitor imports of the derivative articles described in Annex I to this proclamation, and shall, from time to time, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, review the status of such imports with respect to the national security of the United States.
    • For purposes of implementing the requirements in this proclamation, importers of steel derivative articles shall provide to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol within the Department of Homeland Security (CBP) any information necessary to identify the steel content used in the manufacture of steel derivative articles imports, covered by this Proclamation. CBP shall implement the information requirements as soon as practicable.
    • Within 90 days after the date of this proclamation, the Secretary shall establish a process for including additional derivative steel articles within the scope of the ad valorem duties proclaimed in Proclamation 9705, Proclamation 9980, and clause 4 of this proclamation.  In addition to inclusions made by the Secretary, this process shall provide for including additional derivative steel articles at the request of a producer of a steel article or derivative steel article, or an industry association representing one or more such producers, where the request establishes that imports of a derivative steel article have increased in a manner that threatens to impair the national security or otherwise undermine the objectives set forth in the Secretary’s January 11, 2018, report or any Proclamation issued pursuant thereto.  When the Secretary receives such a request from a domestic producer or industry association, the Secretary shall issue a determination regarding whether or not to include the derivative steel article or articles within 60 days of receiving the request. 
    • The provisions of clause 3 of Proclamation 9705, clause 1 of Proclamation 9777, clause 2 of Proclamation 9980, or any other provisions authorizing the Secretary to grant relief for certain products from the additional ad valorem duties or quantitative restrictions set forth in prior proclamations are hereby revoked.  As of 11:59 p.m. eastern time on the date of this proclamation, the Secretary shall not consider any product exclusion requests or renew any product exclusion requests in effect as of that date.  The Secretary shall take all necessary action to rescind the product exclusion process, including publication in the Federal Register.  Granted product exclusions shall remain effective until their expiration date or until excluded product volume is imported, whichever occurs first.  The Secretary shall terminate all existing general approved exclusions as of March 12, 2025.   
    • The modifications made by this proclamation in clause 4 shall be effective upon public notification by the Secretary of Commerce, that adequate systems are in place to fully, efficiently, and expediently process and collect tariff revenue for covered articles.
    • Any steel article or derivative article, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, that is subject to the duty imposed by this proclamation and that is admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 12, 2025, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, and will be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading.  Any steel article or derivative steel article, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, that is subject to the duty imposed by this proclamation, and that was admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone under “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 12, 2025 , will likewise be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading added by this proclamation.  Pursuant to clause 8, the duties on steel derivatives established by clause 4 of this Proclamation shall be suspended until public notification by the Secretary of Commerce that adequate systems are in place to fully, efficiently, and expediently process and collect tariff revenue applicable to covered articles.
    • Any product listed in Annex Ito this proclamation or any subsequent annex published in the Federal Register pursuant to this Proclamation, that is subject to the additional duties imposed by this proclamation, and that is admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone, except any product that is eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, may only be admitted as “privileged foreign status,” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, effective as of the date that the additional duties are imposed.
    • The Secretary, in consultation with the Commissioner of CBP, Security, and the heads of other relevant executive departments and agencies, shall revise the HTSUS so that it conforms to the amendments and effective dates directed in this proclamation within ten days of March 12, 2025.  The Secretary is authorized and directed to publish any such modification and future modifications to the HTSUS in the Federal Register.
    • CBP shall prioritize reviews of the classification of imported steel articles and derivative steel articles and, in the event that it discovers misclassification resulting in non-payment of the ad valorem duties proclaimed herein, it shall assess monetary penalties in the maximum amount permitted by law and shall not consider any evidence of mitigating factors in its determination.  In addition, CBP shall promptly notify the Secretary regarding evidence of any efforts to evade payment of the ad valorem duties proclaimed herein through processing or alteration of steel articles or derivative steel articles prior to importation.  In such circumstances, the Secretary shall consider the processed or altered steel articles or derivative steel articles for inclusion as derivative steel articles pursuant to clause 5 of this proclamation.
    • No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this proclamation.

    (14)  The Secretary may issue regulations and guidance consistent with this proclamation, including to address operational necessity.

    (15) Any provision of a previous proclamation or Executive Order that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

    tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – New book tells the stories of second generation migrants – AMES

    Source: AMES

    A compelling new book tells the stories of second-generation migrant Australians, who share their families’ settlement journeys and their own search for identity.

    Titled ‘At the Heart of Identity’, the book reveals the both inspirational and heart-wrenching stories of migrant families as well as the sense of hope and opportunity that characterises Australia’s migration history.

    Contributors include South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, whose family hails from Lithuania, and former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who has a New Zealand-born father and mother from Papua New Guinea.

    Also sharing their stories are federal MP Cassandra Fernando, whose parents are from Sri Lanka, and Victorian state MP Lee Tarlamis, who has Greek heritage.

    Artist Saidin Salkic, whose father was victim of the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia, is also a contributor, along with others from Africa, Kurdistan, Vietnam, Malta, Yugoslavia, Burma, Italy and Ukraine.

    Published today as part of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.

    AMES CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.

    “Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.

    “These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built,” she said.

    One of the contributors is Carmen Capp-Calleya, who came to Australia from Malta with her parents in 1958 – surviving a shipwreck along the way.

    “The tragic incident, the first major shipping disaster since the end of WW11, had an enduring impact on me and my family. It left us with an indelible sense that we were indeed migrants who had crossed the seas to make a new life,” she says in the book.

    Former Socceroo Archie Thompson tells of his trouble childhood.

    “I grew up in country town in NSW and I was pretty much the only dark-skinned kid in town. That made things difficult at times, but I was able to find a community through football,” he says.

    SA Premier Peter Malinauskas’ family came to Australia in 1949 escaping war-torn Europe.

    “When my grandparents got married, they bought a block of land on Trimmer Parade, Seaton, where they built their home and, for many years, operated a fish and chip shop. I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities,” he says.

    Federal MP Cassandra Fernando tells of growing up in a vibrant multicultural community.

    “I loved the diversity in South-East Melbourne, a cultural melting pot of Greeks, Italians, Vietnamese, and more. Here, I learned the true meaning of community as people from

    different backgrounds came together,” she says.

    Victorian MP Lee Tarlamis tells of reconnecting with his heritage.

    “I became determined to reconnect with Greek culture. Embracing both the Greek community and my wife’s Vietnamese culture helped me value diversity and the importance of preserving it,” he says in the book.

    Park Ranger James Brincat, whose parts came from Malta in the 1950s, says racism was part of his childhood.

    “Growing up in a migrant family was challenging due to racism and being unsure of my identity because of the media’s mixed messages. These experiences strengthened me and now guide my work with refugee communities,” he says.

    Architect and artist Maru Jarockyj’s parents fled Ukraine after WWII and settled in the UK. She came to Australia as a young woman.

    “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent devastating war has sparked some deep latent emotions in me and reignited a sense of patriotism. Ukrainian culture

    has always been important to me, and I’ve been involved in folk music and art throughout my life,” she says.

    ‘At the Heart of Identity’ will go on sale early next year.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: American Primeval includes brutal displays of Mormon violence, but the reality was arguably worse

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University

    American Primeval/Netflix

    On January 24, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, more commonly known as the Mormon Church, penned a statement condemning the Netflix series American Primeval.

    This historical fiction depicts the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857, as well as broader hostilities between the US government and Mormons at Salt Lake City during the Utah War of 1857–58.

    The church has criticised the series for its portrayal of the Mormon prophet Brigham Young, who it claims is “egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous, violent fanatic”. It also says the series

    inaccurately portrays [the Mountain Meadows Massacre] as reflective of a whole faith group, [when] the Church has long acknowledged and condemned this horrific tragedy.

    The reality of the massacre was arguably even grimmer than what American Primeval shows. Contrary to what is depicted in the series, there were no adult survivors. Official sources state up to 150 people were killed. Only 17 children under the age of six were spared, who were then discreetly adopted into Mormon families.

    A (nuanced) history of violence

    Although onscreen depictions of Mormon violence are common, most of these fail to explain the roots of this violence in both theological belief and history.

    Canonised Mormon scripture, including in the Book of Mormon and The Doctrine and Covenants, and pronouncements from leaders such as Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, argue some violence is appropriate and required as per God’s commandment. Justifications for violence had been used against both outsiders and insiders since the religion was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith (who himself was assassinated in 1844).

    The other driver is the lived experiences of Mormons. Throughout their history, Mormons had been forcefully removed from wherever they have settled, most prolifically under the Missouri “extermination order” of 1838.

    This resulted in the slaughter, rape and violent relocation of Mormons from Missouri to their temporary home in Illinois, before they further migrated to Zion – a religious community established by Young and his followers in Utah – in 1847.

    The Mormons’ establishment of Salt Lake City and surrounding cities in 1847 was based on the violent dispossession of Indigenous communities. As shown in American Primeval, the Utah War and the period surrounding it was dominated by violence.

    This included violence from Mormons and other settlers against Native Americans whose lands were being dispossessed, from Native Americans defending their lands, and from the US government against Mormons and Native Americans.

    In the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Mormons and Native Americans allied against US emigrants travelling to California.

    A depiction of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre.
    Shutterstock

    The two threads of theology and history are integral to understanding the way Mormon violence has been both enacted and represented.

    Portrayals in 19th-century media

    Mormonism first reached Australia’s shores in 1840 and remained a small religious minority in the 19th and 20th centuries. Converts were encouraged to migrate to Utah to help build Zion.

    Australian newspapers reported widely on the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. These articles were mostly reprints of the same information. They were largely accurate, but inflated the number of victims.

    The articles explained how the slaughter had originally been assigned solely to Native Americans, but was later discovered to have been orchestrated by the Mormons, with assistance from some Indigenous tribes.

    Interest began to wane in the 1860s, but picked up again in 1877 following the execution of perpetrator John D. Lee. However, in his book and “confession”, Mormonism Unveiled (1877), Lee claimed he had been scapegoated by Young and other leaders.

    Photographs from 1877 show officers, soldiers and spectators at Mountain Meadows, Utah, following the execution of John D. Lee.
    Library Of Congress

    Spotlight on the Danites

    Interest in Mormon violence wasn’t confined to the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Australian newspapers also discussed the Danites, a band of religiously motivated vigilantes involved in Mormon hostilities in Missouri and Illinois in the 1830s.

    These vigilantes were inspired by Smith’s theological claims and a goal to defend Mormons from harm. They participated in both aggressive and defensive violence against their non-Mormon neighbours.

    Historians have debated the extent of the Danites’ existence, with official church statements claiming they ceased to exist in 1838. Yet in 1858, Brigham Young threatened, “if men come here and do not behave themselves, they will […] find the Danites, whom they talk so much about”.

    The group is first mentioned in Australian media by the late 1850s, with descriptions of Danite “atrocities” disseminated widely, though largely uncorroborated.

    By the 1870s and ‘80s, this had progressed to portrayals in popular culture, including in Australian theatres and Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1887 novel Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet.

    Media representations of Mormon violence continued into the 20th century. The 1917 American film A Mormon Maid focused on theocratic violence and polygamy, which had been allowed in Mormonism until its ban in 1890.

    A 1952 article in Queensland’s The Truth recounting the Mountain Meadow Massacre.
    Trove

    The modern Mormon

    Our collective fascination with Mormonism today is augmented by the religion’s marginal yet undeniable presence, both in Australia and overseas.

    There are about 17 million Mormons worldwide. Of these, an estimated 157,000 are in Australia (about 0.6% of the population) compared with almost seven million in the United States (about 2% of the population).

    Modern portrayals of Mormonism have tended towards the humorous (The Book of Mormon musical), scandalous (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives), and even sympathetic (Heretic).

    Even recent representations of Mormon violence, such as in Under the Banner of Heaven (2022), have focused on breakaway fundamentalists rather than the mainstream Mormon church.

    Outrage towards Mormons has focused on the religion’s extreme wealth, influence over political issues such as opposition to same-sex marriage, and the rise of Mormon “tradwife” influencers.

    But I argue these are divergences from the more prominent historical trend of painting Mormons as violent zealots (or in some cases as sexually amoral heretics). And despite these, the spectre of Mormon violence remains – reinforced periodically over nearly 200 years of popular culture and media.

    Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His PhD research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the nineteenth century to present.

    – ref. American Primeval includes brutal displays of Mormon violence, but the reality was arguably worse – https://theconversation.com/american-primeval-includes-brutal-displays-of-mormon-violence-but-the-reality-was-arguably-worse-249377

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Housing, grant funding and disaster recovery top RCV discussions in Canberra

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    Regional Cities Victoria (RCV), which includes the City of Greater Bendigo among its members, is calling on the Federal Government to turn its one-off Housing Support Program into an annual $1.5B investment in essential services and infrastructure.

    Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, who is Deputy Chair of RCV, and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney travelled with a RCV delegation to Canberra yesterday to advocate for the needs of regional Victoria ahead of the Federal election.

    Cr Metcalf said regional councils want to see their cities grow and create more opportunities for their communities, but Federal policy and funding support was essential.

    “At the moment, a lack of utilities – water mains, sewerage plants, local roads upgrades – stand in the way of unlocking land supply and building more, much-needed homes in regional Victoria,” she said.

    “The Housing Support Program addresses many of the challenges Local Government faces to improve planning capacity and ensure there is the infrastructure and amenities needed to unlock new housing. However, to allow councils to plan for the future, RCV is advocating for the program to be permanent.

    “A confidence in housing and infrastructure supply can also help address challenging workforce shortages. Statewide, Local Government is experiencing a shortage of planners, building surveyors and engineering staff, roles that coincidentally are critical to supporting housing delivery.

    “RCV also wants regional cities to receive $1B annually through the federal Growing Regions Program and Regional Precincts and Partnership Program. We believe regional areas need more favourable funding ratios, with a guaranteed 25% of the state’s allocation to be invested in regional Victoria.

    “Road safety was also a key priority, while so too was the continual push to be allowed to ‘build back better’ following a natural disaster. Victorian and Commonwealth governments need to work together to include infrastructure betterment provisions within Category B and Category C of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

    “To be able to ‘build back better’ after natural disasters is a critical investment in long-term sustainability but something Local Government cannot fund by itself.

    “Our discussions focused on key investments that need to be made available to regional Victorian communities now. Such funding guarantees mean we can strategically plan for and manage a future pipeline of infrastructure projects, and ensure we are better prepared to navigate challenges that come along the way.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Explainer: what does it actually mean to ‘firm’ renewables?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peta Ashworth, Professor and Director, Curtin Institute for Energy Transition, Curtin University

    Large power grids are among the most complicated machines humans have ever devised. Different generators produce power at various times and at various costs. A generator might fail and another fills the gap. Demand soars in the evenings and on hot days. In Australia, eastern and southern states trade power across borders. Meanwhile, Western Australia has two grids and the Northern Territory has several.

    But these complicated machines are undergoing major change, as we shift from large fossil fuel plants to cleaner forms of power. Wind and sun are now the cheapest way to produce electricity. These renewable sources will soon overtake coal and gas – they’re already averaging 40% of power flowing through the national grid.

    Solar and wind are often called “variable” renewable energy sources. Variable, here, refers to the fact the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow. On sunny, windy days we get lots of cheap power. But on still nights, we might get little.

    This is where “firming” comes in. To firm renewables is to convert this cheap but variable source of power into what we really want: a reliable supply of electricity, there when we need it. Big battery projects are one way to do it. But there are others.

    Solar and wind are often called ‘variable’ renewable energy sources.
    Damitha Jayawardena/Shutterstock

    How does firming work?

    Storage is the best known way to firm renewables. As floods of cheap power come in, you can store it for later use.

    Storage can be performed by grid-scale batteries, where the power is stored directly. But it can also be done by pumped hydro, where water is pumped uphill when power is cheap and plentiful and run back downhill, through turbines, when power is harder to source.

    Firming can also be done by virtual power plants – aggregated fleets of smaller batteries in homes and electric vehicles.

    Gas peaking plants are another way of firming renewables. In the future, gas plants will go from being a mainstay to the equivalent of a backup generator, fired up only when needed.

    Generally, energy storage facilities offer either short- or long-term firming. As more renewable power enters Australia’s grids, we will need both. This is because they offer different levels of storage and response times.

    Short term can be as short as seconds to a few hours. Batteries are a common way to provide short-term firming, because they can ramp up very quickly to tackle sudden fluctuations in supply or demand. These fast-response systems help stabilise the grid by smoothing out spikes caused by changing weather.

    Long-term firming can be for hours, days or even weeks. This includes large-scale battery storage or back-up generators such as gas plants. Long-term options are crucial to maintain power supply during extended periods of low renewable generation, such as still, cold days and nights in winter.

    Firming turns cheap solar and wind into reliable, stable power.
    Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock

    How are we tracking with firming renewables?

    In recent years, large-scale battery announcements have ramped up. Almost 8 gigawatts of battery capacity is now in progress or anticipated to start construction shortly. But the pipeline of future projects is much larger: 75 gigawatts of firming will be required.

    While renewable power is cheap, to make it useful and reliable in addition to storage, we need transmission lines to connect large renewable zones to cities and towns. All this adds extra costs.

    As the level of renewables in our power grids inches higher, firming costs increase. This is especially true when a grid goes from 95% to 100% renewables, when there’s a sudden jump in cost.

    This is why experts have argued for keeping a few gas peaking plants. While they are not emission-free, they are flexible and can start up much more rapidly than coal. They will likely play a key role in firming the grid during renewable droughts and extreme demand – an estimated 5% of the year. That sounds small, but they will be essential.

    Eventually, gas peaking plants could switch to hydrogen, if the fuel becomes cost effective. This would cut emissions further.

    Firming – at home?

    Homes with batteries can also help firm the network by joining a virtual power plant. These networks of batteries can be digitally coordinated to function as a single power plant, helping stabilise the grid.

    If a home owner signs up to a virtual power plant program, they hand over some control in return for income. Technologies such as this can support grid stability by charging or discharging in response to supply fluctuations.

    These networks are a flexible energy resource. They can inject power to the grid instantly if there’s a sudden drop in solar or wind generation. They can also soak up surplus energy.

    These aren’t hypothetical. Several are running or in development in Australia, such as the AGL virtual power plant in South Australia, SolarHub in New South Wales and the new ARENA-funded Project Jupiter in Western Australia, which will commence soon.

    Is firming helping?

    Firming technologies are already helping in high-renewable grids overseas. Big batteries now allow California’s grid to absorb more renewables, by soaking up daytime solar and releasing it at evening peak.

    Power from renewables such as solar need to be firmed to maximise use in the grid.
    The Desert Photo/Shutterstock

    We’re seeing the benefits of firming locally, too.

    On January 20 this year, a heatwave in Western Australia triggered a new record for peak electricity demand – 4.4 gigawatts – in the state’s main electricity network, the South West Interconnected System.

    In response, recently built battery storage at Kwinana, Collie, and Cunderdin stored excess power and discharged it at peak times.

    The next day, dense clouds swept in, slashing solar output and reducing peak demand. In response, gas generators increased output to firm the grid.

    Firming technologies are already playing a vital role in keeping our electricity supply stable, reliable and resilient – and it’s just the start.

    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. Explainer: what does it actually mean to ‘firm’ renewables? – https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-it-actually-mean-to-firm-renewables-248134

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 11 February 2025 Kāinga Ora tackles rent debt As part of its reset, Kāinga Ora is changing its approach to managing rent debt to speed up repayment and address some historic issues. Chief Executive Matt Crockett outlines the changes that are being made and the reasons for them.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    Over the past 12 months, our frontline teams have been working with tenants to reduce their rent debt. This has resulted in total rent debt falling from $21.6 million in January 2024 to $16.1 million at the same time this year.

    But we want the amount owed to fall faster and to make sure we keep rent debt down in the future. So we are making changes as part of the broader reset of Kāinga Ora to address this.

    New policy

    We’re going to reduce debt by taking a firmer approach with tenants who are behind on their rent. We will be fair and reasonable – but rent must be paid.

    We will continue to support households who fall on hard times but are making genuine attempts to get back on track with their rent. We’re a social housing landlord so that’s the right thing to do.

    But, through our new rent debt policy, we are drawing a line on how patient we can be. We don’t want to end tenancies, but we will if tenants are not meeting their obligations to reduce their rent debt, are skipping rent payments or refusing to work with us.

    We’re also taking action to prevent large debts in future. Our new approach seeks to ensure that tenants will not have accumulated more than 12 weeks’ worth of rent debt when their tenancy is ended. This means we will begin the process of ending a tenancy earlier than in the past. This provides clarity about what will happen, and when, to both our tenants and our frontline.

    Partial debt forgiveness

    A small number of Kāinga Ora tenants – less than 3% – have accumulated more than 12 weeks’ worth of rent debt. There are a range of reasons for this, including social and economic events over the past five years and the steps Kāinga Ora took to respond to government policy, particularly during the pandemic.

    We’re going to help those tenants get on top of their rent debt faster by reducing the amount owed to a level that is more realistic for them to repay in full. We’ll only do this for tenants who are consistently paying their rent and making reasonable payments to reduce their debt. In return for this one-off help, tenants must continue reducing their debt.

    This will provide a clear incentive to tenants who are not currently meeting their obligations to change their behaviour and speed up repaying what they owe. If they consistently do this, they will be eligible to have part of their debt forgiven. But if they do not, we will take steps to end their tenancy.

    We expect to forgive up to $8.3 million of the $16.17 million we’re owed. This is already provisioned for on our balance sheets as it is regarded as doubtful debt, so there will be no impact on our financial performance.

    We think this is the right thing to do. The likelihood of collecting all this debt is low, given the time it will take tenants to pay it off and the significant costs associated with chasing it. We’re also conscious that during the pandemic the steps we took to respond to government policy meant we didn’t chase debt in the way we normally would, so we carry a measure of responsibility.

    We’re being pragmatic. We think we’re better off focusing on recovering the remaining debt faster and ensuring current tenants do not get into too much debt.

    All tenants whose debt is reduced will still have a significant amount to repay. And they’ll have a strong incentive to do this under our new policy, which it makes it clear we will end tenancies if tenants do not meet their rent obligations.

    Looking ahead

    It’s important we strike the right balance between supporting households in difficult circumstances and ensuring that our tenants meet their obligations. We will be closely monitoring the impact of both the new rent debt policy and partial rent debt forgiveness to ensure we have the right balance. If necessary, we will make further adjustments.

    Page updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Parliamentary statement on antisemitism

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    A holy synagogue defiled by a hateful swastika.

    A childcare centre deliberately set on fire. 

    Nazi slogans – copied from the darkest pages of history – spraypainted across Jewish cars and Jewish property.   

    To a person, these have been cowardly acts, conducted under the cover of darkness, designed to bully and intimidate and threaten the Jewish people of our great state.

    But we are here today, as a parliament, as representatives of this open and tolerant state, to say in an unambiguous way that this campaign of hatred will fail.

    It will fail – because the Jewish community is strong.

    It will fail – because our Jewish friends have an entire state behind them – with the laws and the resources and the solidarity needed to destroy the poison of antisemitism wherever it takes root.

    Mr Speaker, the Jewish people of New South Wales are proud, but they are understandably exhausted.

    As one parent told the media earlier this month: “I’m just tired. I want it to stop. I am sick of waking up to find out something else has happened.”

    Some of the stories we are hearing will break your heart.

    Of schoolkids – who are now afraid to wear their uniforms in public as they walk down the street to their local school.

    Or of parents – who have started driving their kids everywhere – so they don’t have to risk a trip on the bus or the train. 

    We will not be a state where someone feels like they have to remove their yarmulke just to walk down the street.

    Where people are made to hide their heritage – because of the ignorance, the bigotry, the racism of other people – people they’ve never met before.

    Mr Speaker, that has never been New South Wales. 

    And today – and in coming sessions of parliament – we will introduce new and stronger laws that target this kind of antisemitism and racial hatred.

    These laws we hope will send the clearest possible message.

    These are serious crimes.

    And if you’re going to commit these acts – if you are thinking about spreading racial hatred on our streets –you will face these full penalties.

    These changes include:

    • A new offence targeting the display of Nazi symbols on or near a synagogue.
    • An act to create an aggravated offence for graffiti on a place of worship.
    • Laws designed to stop people from harassing other people, or intimidating other people from recognising their religion and worshipping at religious buildings.

    We’re also backing these laws in as well, Mr Speaker, with more funding for the Hate Crime Unit in the NSW Police.

    More training and support for local councils. 

    We believe they’re strong laws, that will be a genuine deterrent, and we want to put resources behind them.

    And send a message that if you’re going to get involved in this kind of bastardry: the police will track you down – they will find you – and you will be punished. 

    Mr Speaker, one public act of antisemitism is too many.

    A summer of rolling hatred is obviously intolerable.

    Operation Shelter, stood up by the NSW Police, has arrested 173 people – with over 460 charges.

    Strike Force Pearl is now targeting vandalism and arson, and we’ve doubled the number of detectives on the case.

    But we do recognise that no one in this place will be judged by the laws we pass, or the taskforces that are established.

    We’ll be judged by the crimes that are stopped – and the feeling of safety that can return to our community as a result.

    I know David Ossip is here today as President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. I’d like to acknowledge his guidance and support as well as his personal strength and leadership throughout these very difficult times.  

    Mr Speaker, for as long as modern Australia has existed, Jewish people have made their home in this state.

    In 1788, there were eight Jews on the First Fleet.

    They were victims of poverty in East London, like later Jewish migrants who were fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, and those who settled here after the great evil of the Shoah.

    For generations of Jewish people, Australia has offered a promise.

    And that promise has been very simple.

    Despite centuries of horrifying violence – Australia would be different.

    Australia would be safe.

    This would be a country that accepts and celebrates these ancient people – a place where this community could live and prosper in peace.

    In the 1860s, a Rabbi travelled here from Jerusalem, Rabbi Jacob Levi Saphir, and he was amazed at what he found: “The Jews live in safety and take their share in all good things of the country.

    “In this land, they have learnt that the Jews are good people, and hatred towards them has entirely disappeared.”

    This is in 1860, Mr Speaker.

    I think it’s important we observe that the vast, vast majority of Australians of different ethnicities, nationalities, faiths, religions celebrate and love our Jewish friends and fellow citizens.

    We work together – we often send our kids to the same schools – we live side by side.

    In a democratic country like Australia there will be debate about foreign policy issues, wars, conflicts, rights.

    And of course that includes the Middle East.

    I have to say Mr Speaker, I’ve found that most Australians – regardless of their race, religion or perspective – want, would argue for, and indeed many pray for, Israeli and Palestinian children to live in peace in that holy land – and an end to all wars.

    We must, however, make it absolutely clear that nothing that happens overseas, in any context can ever be used as a pretext for hate, antisemitism or division here in Australia.

    People have come from around the world – from different races and religions – because we are a peaceful, tolerant country that has been free of this kind of racial or religious division and ancient hatreds.

    And we can’t bend on this principle. 

    No one is entitled to bring their bigotry to our country – and we won’t tolerate it.

    In New South Wales – we will never harbour the poison of antisemitism.

    Antisemitism is a particularly sinister, shape shifting in form, and the bigotry is widespread. 

    So often – what has begun as hate speech against the Jewish people has led to violence, it has led to persecution, it’s led to murder, and it’s led to genocide.

    That is the reason we’re here today.

    As a state – as a community – as a Parliament – as friends and neighbours – so that we can root out this kind of behaviour – and end this shameful chapter of the history of the state.

    MIL OSI News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Greta Valley

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now name the two women who died in a crash on State Highway 1, Greta Valley on 19 December.

    They were Lu-Yao Lin from China, and Siriyakorn Sovitayasakul from Thailand.

    Both women were aged 28 and were in New Zealand on working holidays.

    Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones in their home countries, and their friends and colleagues in New Zealand.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kāinga Ora getting firmer on rent payments

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Kāinga Ora is introducing clearer consequences for state house tenants who skip rent payments, build up debt, then refuse to work with the social housing provider to encourage better responsibility, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

    In March 2024, Ministers instructed Kāinga Ora to end its Sustaining Tenancies Framework which had allowed tenants to stay living in a KO home no matter how threatening or disruptive their behaviour, or how huge their debt from unpaid rent.

    “We’ve seen success so far that taking action against disruptive tenants is leading to improved behaviour. Now we want to keep up that momentum when it comes to encouraging people to responsibly pay their rent,” Mr Potaka says.

    “Under the previous Government, tenants were allowed to build up so much debt that it has become unrealistic for them to repay. Between 2017 and 2023, the total debt owed to Kāinga Ora by its tenants increased from $1 million to $21 million.

    “This isn’t in anyone’s best interests – not for tenants or taxpayers. The new rent debt policy being introduced will change that,” Mr Potaka says.

    “Tenants who fall behind in their rent will receive support from Kāinga Ora to get back on track, but if they don’t make a genuine effort to repay what they owe, they will be putting their tenancy at risk. This will provide clear incentive to tenants who are not currently meeting their obligations to change their behaviour and speed up repayment.

    “Since we came into office, Kāinga Ora has already begun working harder with tenants to reduce their rent debt. This has resulted in total rent debt falling from $21.6 million in January 2024 to $16.1 million at the same time this year.

    Mr Potaka said the decision by the Board of Kāinga Ora to help some tenants with significant rent debt get on top of their debt faster by reducing the amount they owe down to 12 weeks’ worth of rent is a pragmatic one.

    “Kāinga Ora is bringing the rent debt down to a level that is more realistic for the tenant to repay in full, with the right payment arrangement in place. Kainga Ora will only do this for tenants who had more than 12 weeks’ worth of rent debt at the beginning of February 2025 who are consistently paying their rent and making reasonable payments to reduce what they owe. 

    “All tenants whose rent debt is reduced will still have a significant amount to repay – and they will have a strong incentive to do this under the new policy.

    “While most Kāinga Ora tenants are great tenants who respect the properties, are good neighbours and pay their rent on time, some need a little more tautoko and encouragement to do the right thing.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Hassan, Pappas Join Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Facility to Increase Efficiency and Support Shipyard Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    ** Shaheen secured full authorization for the Shipbuilding Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA**

    (Portsmouth, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) delivered remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s new Waterfront Production Facility. The facility will house training and production facilities at the shipyard and construction was funded through the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). This and other projects under SIOP will increase maintenance capacity at public shipyards. Shaheen secured full authorization for SIOP projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 NDAA. You can view photos from the event here.  

    “One of the real advantages we have over our adversaries is our attack submarines, and we want to make sure that those nuclear submarines are on the water as much as possible. This new facility makes our shipbuilding workforce more efficient, saving time and money, which is exactly what we need to strengthen our national security,” said Senator Shaheen. “It also reaffirms the key role that Portsmouth Naval Shipyard plays not only in our local economy, but also in our nation’s shipbuilding industry, bringing and keeping good-paying jobs for Granite Staters.” 

    “With the construction of the new Waterfront Production Facility, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard remains equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” said Senator Hassan. “The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is an indispensable pillar of our national security and today’s ribbon cutting marks the latest chapter in the history of Portsmouth helping keep America safe, secure, and free.” 

    “I was pleased to take part in the ribbon cutting of this state-of-the-art facility that will help the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard continue to achieve America’s national security goals well into the future while preserving this installation’s storied history. It is an honor to represent the Shipyard and the men and women who serve there in Congress, and I remain committed to ensuring that they always have the support and resources needed to do the job and complete the mission,” said Congressman Pappas.

    Senator Shaheen has long advocated for New England’s shipbuilding industry and workforce, including through authorizing funding and workforce development for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Through the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, Shaheen secured full authorization for the Shipbuilding Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which will expand the Shipyard’s capacity to maintain America’s fast-attack submarine fleet. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations and Armed Services Committees, Senator Shaheen helped secure this funding beginning in the FY 2019 funding legislation, which she has continued in ensuing years. Additionally, in the FY 2025 government funding bills, Shaheen worked to include a $9.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending add for a new parking structure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard—which will contribute to quality of life for Shipyard’s workforce. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Hassan, Shaheen Help Reintroduce Bipartisan SHRED Act to Keep Ski Fees Local, Support New Hampshire Recreation Management

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) helped reintroduce the Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development (SHRED) Act, led by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Barrasso (R-WY). The bipartisan bill would fuel investment in outdoor recreation in mountain communities by enabling National Forests like the White Mountain National Forest to retain a portion of the annual fees paid by ski areas operating within their boundaries. 

    “During the winter, New Hampshire’s stunning White Mountains and impressive ski slopes attract Granite State residents and tourists alike – making it a key pillar of our outdoor recreation economy,” said Shaheen. “This bipartisan bill will reinvest ski fees to improve ski areas and support overall recreation in the White Mountain National Forest. I’ll continue supporting commonsense investments in our recreation economy to benefit local communities and preserve our landscapes for generations to come.”    

    “New Hampshire’s ski resorts are cornerstones of our winter tourism industry and our state’s economy,” said Hassan. “The SHRED Act is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will help strengthen our local communities by ensuring that ski fees are invested in maintaining and improving the places that make New Hampshire a premier destination for winter sports. This legislation will benefit both our local communities and the millions of visitors who come to experience the Granite State’s natural beauty.” 

    In exchange for using some of America’s most stunning forestlands, the 124 ski areas operating on Forest Service lands across the country pay fees to the Forest Service that average over $40 million annually. The SHRED Act would establish a framework for local National Forests to retain a portion of ski fees to offset increased recreational use and support local ski permit and program administration. The SHRED Act also provides the Forest Service with flexibility to direct resources where they are needed the most.  

    Specifically, the SHRED Act would invest in the Granite State by:  

    • Keeping Ski Fees Local: By establishing a Ski Area Fee Retention Account to retain the fees that ski areas pay to the Forest Service. For National Forests that generate ski fees, 80 percent of those fees are available for authorized uses at the local National Forest. The remaining 20 percent of those fees would be available to assist any National Forests with winter or broad recreation needs.   
    • Supporting Winter Recreation: In each forest, 75 percent of the retained funds are directly available to support the Forest Service Ski Area Program and permitting needs, process proposals for ski area improvement projects, provide information for visitors and prepare for wildfire. Any excess funds can be directed to other National Forests with winter or broad recreation needs. 
    • Addressing Broad Recreation Needs: In each forest, 25 percent of the retained funds are available to support a broad set of year-round local recreation management and community needs, including special use permit administration, visitor services, trailhead improvements, facility maintenance, search and rescue activities, avalanche information and education, habitat restoration at recreation sites and affordable workforce housing. This set-aside would dramatically increase some Forest Service unit’s budgets to meet the growing visitation and demand for outdoor recreation.  

    Shaheen and Hassan have long led efforts in Congress that support and invest in New Hampshire’s tourism and travel industries that fuel local economies across the state. Shaheen led her bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act into law to require the federal government to measure the impact of the outdoor recreation on the economy. In November 2024, Shaheen applauded the release of an annual report showing a $1.2 trillion economic contribution by the outdoor recreation sector in 2023, including adding $3.9 billion to New Hampshire’s economy. In New Hampshire, outdoor recreation accounts for 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 32,000 people, which is a 2.9% increase in jobs. 

    Shaheen and Hassan led efforts to help secure full funding and permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation. In 2020, the Senators helped lead the Great American Outdoors Act into law to permanently fund the LWCF and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Thousands of Australian pets may soon have ‘useless’ microchips. It’s a symptom of a bigger problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Orr, Veterinarian, Southern Cross University

    Mitchell Orr/Unsplash

    Late last year, rumours swirled online that HomeSafeID, a private Australian pet microchip registry, had stopped operating.

    On Feburary 5 2025, a notice appeared on the HomeSafeID website, ostensibly from the site’s administrator. It states the website “is likely to go offline” soon due to unpaid bills. This means the database of information stored on HomeSafeID would also go offline.

    There has been no official word from HomeSafeID as to the status of the company. HomeSafeID did not respond when The Conversation reached out for comment.

    According to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), the company is still registered and no insolvency notice has been published. However, it’s possible HomeSafeID has stopped operating or will do so in the near future.

    If this happens, any pet with a HomeSafeID registered microchip would no longer have searchable microchip details. If these pets become lost, vets and shelters will have no way of finding or verifying their owner.

    The situation is a symptom of a bigger problem with pet microchip registries in Australia – a lack of national oversight.

    Why should you microchip your pet?

    If your pet goes missing, their microchip is key to you being reunited. Vets and shelters can scan a stray animal’s microchip, search one of the seven microchip registries in Australia, find the pet owner’s details and contact them. Pet microchips significantly increase the likelihood lost pets will be reclaimed by their owners.

    In fact, microchipping pets is a legal requirement in all states and territories of Australia except the Northern Territory, although it is required in the City of Darwin. In New South Wales, fines for failing to microchip your pet range from A$180 to $880.

    A pet microchip should contain up-to-date details of the pet’s owner so they can be contacted if the animal becomes lost.
    Todorean-Gabriel/Shutterstock

    If HomeSafeID does go offline, many pets will have microchips that don’t connect to a database any more, making them essentially useless.

    It’s difficult to estimate the scale of the problem, but it could affect hundreds of thousands of pets, including ones adopted from RSPCA Queensland.

    According to ASIC, RSPCA Queensland was a part-owner of HomeSafeID until 2020. A spokesperson for the charity told The Conversation it has no current partnership with HomeSafeID, and “don’t know the extent of how many animals are affected”. Yesterday, RSPCA Queensland issued advice for pet owners to check their registration details.

    Where are microchip details stored?

    There are currently seven registries in Australia. Five are privately owned, including HomeSafeID, and two are owned by state governments, in NSW and South Australia. Pets microchipped in those states are meant to be registered with the state registry.

    The five private registries jointly fund a website called Pet Address, which allows you to search the five private databases to find where your pet’s details are stored.

    However, Pet Address doesn’t cover the state registries – these have to be searched separately. Only NSW vets and “authorised identifiers” (such as shelters) can access the pet owner details stored in the NSW registry.

    If a pet is moved to another state but their owner doesn’t update the registry, their microchip won’t be readable in the new location by non-NSW vets and shelters.

    There are currently no rules, regulations or even guidelines around how private pet microchip registries should operate in Australia. If a microchip database were to cease operating, there is no safety net to ensure information is automatically moved to another database.

    A vet can scan your pet’s microchip to retrieve the number and find out the registration details.
    Lucky Business/Shutterstock

    What can I do to make sure my pet’s microchip is up to date?

    Given current uncertainty around the HomeSafeID registry, pet owners across Australia should check their pets’ microchip numbers and find out which database they’re registered in.

    If you don’t already know your pet’s microchip number, vets and shelters can use a microchip scanner to find that number for you. Then, you can run it through Pet Address or the SA and NSW registries where relevant, to find out which database the number is registered on.

    If your pet’s microchip is currently with HomeSafeID, it might be prudent to move your pet’s details to another database. You can do this by contacting one of the other microchip registries and applying to register with their database (this may involve a small fee).

    Australia needs national coordination on pet microchipping

    Given it’s mandatory to microchip dogs and cats, it might seem strange there are no regulations or guidelines around how microchip registries should operate. However, this is a symptom of a much bigger issue.

    There is almost no national leadership or collaboration on companion animal issues in Australia. Pets are firmly the domain of state governments, with the federal government only really involved in the export and import of companion animals.

    There are, however, avenues for national coordination. The renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy is one, and the national Animal Health Committee is another.

    Regardless of who takes responsibility, it’s clear a round table on pet microchipping is urgently required to prevent hundreds of thousands of pets walking around with microchips that don’t work anymore.

    Otherwise, lost pets may find themselves at shelters and pounds unnecessarily, and animals that might have otherwise been returned home could end up being adopted, or worse, euthanised.

    Bronwyn Orr is a Director of the Walk In Clinic For Animals and Veterinary Support Group.

    – ref. Thousands of Australian pets may soon have ‘useless’ microchips. It’s a symptom of a bigger problem – https://theconversation.com/thousands-of-australian-pets-may-soon-have-useless-microchips-its-a-symptom-of-a-bigger-problem-249492

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: At CFPB Headquarters, Warren Sounds Alarm on Elon Musk’s Attack against Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 10, 2025

    “Donald Trump ran his campaign on lowering costs for working families…now he and his co-president, Elon Musk, have tried to shut down the agency that has delivered $21 billion to hardworking families.”

    “Congress built [the CFPB], and no one other than Congress — not Donald Trump, not Elon Musk, no one – can fire the financial cops.”

    Video of Remarks

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (BHUA), delivered remarks at the headquarters of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in defense of the agency. The rally comes in response to billionaire Elon Musk and Project 2025 architect Russ Vought attempting to shut down the CFPB. 

    Transcript: Rally to Defend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
    February 10, 2025 
    As Delivered

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: I am so glad to be here with you today. My name is Elizabeth Warren, and I’m here with you to fight for our Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

    The CFPB is the cop on the beat, and that cop is the one that caught the crooks and, so far, has made them give back $21 billion. 

    That cop is the one that put that $21 billion right back into the hands of the American people who got cheated.  

    That cop is the one who has worked, day by day, to get your money back when some slimeball decided they could cheat you and there wouldn’t be anything you can do about it.

    Now, the CFPB is the little agency that has fought for us, and we’re here today to fight for the CFPB. Let’s give a huge cheer for the CFPB!  

    Donald Trump ran his campaign on lowering costs for working families. Yeah, now, he and his co-president, Elon Musk, have tried to shut down the agency that has delivered $21 billion to hardworking families. $21 billion to people who got cheated—and Trump and Musk want to just take that agency away.   

    Donald Trump and Elon Musk have told the financial cops at the CFPB to stand down. Now, think about this – I want you to think about this for a minute – no matter how big the scam, no matter how bold the trap, they have said just stand by and let the Wall Street boys take your money.  

    Well, we are here to fight back! We want our financial cops back on the beat! 

    This is a fight – and I want you to watch who this fight is between – this is a fight between millions of hardworking people, who just don’t want to get cheated, and a handful of billionaires like Elon Musk who want the chance to cheat them. 

    So here’s how we have to think about this: for every person who wants to buy a home without getting scammed, this fight is your fight.

    For every family that doesn’t want to get put out on the street in an illegal foreclosure, this is your fight.

    For every student who wants to borrow money to go to school without getting defrauded, this is your fight.

    For every member of our military who doesn’t want to get trapped by some sleazy payday lender – say it with me: this is your fight. 

    For every person who borrows money to buy a car and doesn’t want to get trapped in the fine print, this is your fight.

    For every American who doesn’t want to see Wall Street crash our economy again, this is your fight.  

    And for every American who doesn’t want some weird Elon Musk suck-up searching through your personal, private data, this is your fight.

    Your fight, my fight, our fight—and we will win this fight!

    Because, understand this – this fight is about more than one little agency.

    This fight is about more than just our financial rules and regulations.

    This fight is about more than just Democrat versus Republican politics. 

    This fight is about hardworking people versus the billionaires who want to squeeze more and more and more money out of them. And now, now is our time to put a stop to this!

    Look, these damn billionaires are making their moves right out in the open. Look at Elon. Please. No, just look. He invested $288 million to buy an election for Donald Trump. And now he is right here to collect on that investment.  

    Elon Musk owns “X,” which has been losing money like crazy. So Elon has a plan for a new payment platform called “X Money”. Elon wants X Money to touch every part of your financial life. 

    But Elon has got a problem: the financial cops. The CFPB is there to make sure that Elon’s new project can’t scam you or steal your sensitive personal data. So Elon’s solution? Get rid of the cops. Kill the CFPB. 

    This is like a bank robber trying to fire the cops and turn off the alarms just before he strolls into the lobby.

    We are here to fight back!  

    So I’ve got to ask: are you ready to stand up to the scammers?

    Are you ready to push back against the fraudsters?

    Are you ready to say no to Elon Musk?

    Look, after the 2008 financial crash and the big bank bailout, Congress created the CFPB to protect people from getting swindled.  

    Congress built it, and no one other than Congress — not Donald Trump, not Elon Musk, no one can fire the financial cops. 

    We are fighting back, and understand this: there is power in fighting back. Real power. We, the people, not Elon Musk, we the people have the real power in this country—and we are going to use that power.  

    So here it is: are you ready to fight for the little agency that fights for us? Are you ready to fight the billionaires who are trying to take over this country? Are you ready to say no to Elon Musk? 

    We will fight it out in Congress. We will fight it out in the courts. We will fight it out all across this country—and I promise you, we will win.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Use of children in armed conflict remains a disastrous trend

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    “I wish for all children to be free,” says Alfred Orono Orono, former Child Protection Adviser for the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). He understands this need more than most: at age 11, he joined the Tanzanian forces fighting to oust the dictator Idi Amin from his home country, Uganda. As an adult, he worked to prevent children from experiencing similar childhoods.

    Today, UNMISS, along with peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) are working to free children from  parties to conflict and prevent their recruitment in the face of numbers that have been on the rise.

    Armed groups have increased their recruitment and use of children in the wars they are fighting, according to 2024 recent UN reports. Children are used in multiple roles like soldiers, spies, or cooks, or for sexual purposes. This constitutes a grave violation of the children’s rights and takes a devastating toll on their childhoods and their futures.

    Children used in conflict are deprived of growing up with their families, can be injured or killed, and can be forced to watch or even participate in atrocious acts of violence. Many are subjected to sexual and gender-based violence, with dramatic consequences, and children returning to their communities often face stigmatization and rejection. Despite their experiences, these children have demonstrated resilience and often see themselves as strong and hardworking. With the right support they can live successfully and in dignity, and many become agents of peace in their communities.

    This was the case with Alfred. On leaving the army, he returned to school, eventually attending university in Canada. Later, he worked as a UN peacekeeper, protecting children in conflict-affect South Sudan. He called it his “dream job” despite the challenging and often dangerous environment he worked in.

    “I have to see how do I work together with others to ensure that the children do not get recruited into the armed forces? And if the children already in the army, how do I get them out of the army? Which commander should I talk to? How am I going to get there safely? So that my colleagues are not killed, so that they go back home to meet their children, their wives, their parents,” he said in an interview. “I work with children, who when I look at them, I know exactly what’s going on in their minds. And I know how they feel. And I’m part of the solution to their problems.”

    Through work like Alfred’s, peacekeeping missions have secured the release of over 100,000 children from armed forces and armed groups since the first Child Protection Adviser was deployed to Sierra Leone in 2001. Today, MINUSCA, MONUSCO, and UNMISS are continuing this critical work.

    Once released, the peacekeeping missions work with UNICEF and other partner organizations to ensure the children receive the support they need to rejoin their communities and thrive. Missions provide security and logistical support to allow for the verification of instances of grave violations against children to take place, a task they are uniquely positioned to perform. The data collected lays the foundation for all the UN’s interventions, from high-level political engagement and advocacy with parties to conflicts, to policy and programmatic interventions.

    Prevention is also at the heart of peacekeeping’s efforts. UNMISS, MONUSCO and MINUSCA work to address the factors that make children vulnerable to recruitment, and engage with governments, armed groups and other actors to get commitments to end the use of children by armed forces and armed groups.

    Every February 12th Red Hand Day raises awareness of the issue and call for urgent political action to end it. This call is more urgent than ever, as the recruitment and use of children has continued, and as growing global conflict places more children at risk. Member States have committed to accelerate the implementation of their commitments under the children and armed conflict agenda: in 2025, we must all ensure these commitments are met.

    Learn more about the work of peacekeeping’s Child Protection Advisers here, and about UNICEF, and the work of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict.

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: North Wind 25 Reaffirms U.S.-Japan Alliance

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP MAKOMANAI, Japan  –  

    U.S. Army Japan and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force close out North Wind 25, a bilateral cold-weather field training exercise designed to enhance combat readiness and promote interoperability after 10 days of training at Camp Makomanai and the Hokudai-en Hokkaido Large Training Area in Hokkaido, in northern Japan on February 9, 2025.

    The exercise was comprised of approximately 190 U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment and approximately 400 members of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, Northern Army, Japan Ground Self Defense Force. 



    “Northwind Exercise continues to be a terrific opportunity to share individual and small unit tactics and skill craft,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Hanrahan, chief of exercises for USARJ. “The focus of this year’s exercise is squad-level integration containing numerous days and nights in the field environment, which has increased communication, cold weather techniques, bilateral teamwork, and interoperability. This unique opportunity gives the U.S. Army and its allies the ability to fight and win in any environment. This exercise showcases the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan.”


    North Wind 25 featured a first of its kind: bilateral field housing. Soldiers from 1-5 IN stayed in tents with their counterparts in the JGSDF. The integration of the units provided more time to exchange techniques, tactics, and procedures.

    Not everything was friendly exchanges, participants were also challenged. The culminating event was a three-day field training exercise that was meticulously planned via a rehearsal of concept. This was the JGSDF’s first time participating in this style of planning and it proved invaluable to the success of the mission.


    “I got the opportunity to work with my counterparts in the JGSDF staff section,” said 2nd Lt. Richard Hall, a battalion staff officer, 1-5 IN. While the JGSDF may do some things different than their U.S. Army counterparts, there is always an exchange where they learn from each other.


    The 1-5 IN is stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska where they regularly endure temperatures as low as -30° Fahrenheit, so the relatively warm conditions of 10° to 40° F during North Wind 25 were business as usual. However, the Northern Army had much more experience than the 1-5 IN in certain tactics like skiing. Working with such an experienced ally, like the JGDSF, gives the Army the opportunity to learn and train together to further increase readiness in the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic.

    “If a perfect score is 100, then I would say 200! Japanese and U.S. forces training to this level as one body has exceeded my expectation, which was actually very high. Any short time spent together turns to fulfilling exchange experience,” said Col. Naoki Uehara, Commander of 18th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, Northern Army, JGSDF. “I believe Japan-U.S. collaboration will be built upon foundation of relationship of trust and mutual understanding.”


    North Wind, which is a series of Operation PATHWAYS, is U.S. Army Pacific’s premier annual operation, demonstrating USARPAC and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s commitment to the region. Operation PATHWAYS employs thousands of U.S. Army forces from around the globe to conduct concurrent multilateral security cooperation and training events across the Indo-Pacific. Operation PATHWAYS helps us to see, sense and understand the region, which in turn, assists senior leaders making sound decisions.

    There is no more important anchoring frontline ally in this region than Japan, and our commit to the partnership and friendship with their JGSDF is ironclad.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Governor, Joint Region Marianas, Joint Task Force-Micronesia Convene Civil-Military Coordination Council

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    ASAN, Guam  –  

    Guam Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia (JTF-M) Rear Adm. Greg Huffman convened the Civil-Military Coordination Council (CMCC) at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup, Feb. 5.

    Military officials from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Guam Army National Guard attended. Additionally, participating on behalf of various government of Guam agencies were representatives from the Guam Department of Agriculture, the Guam Department of Civil Defense and Homeland Security, the Guam Power Authority and the Guam International Airport Authority.

    “The CMCC is an opportunity to get together to synchronize and synthesize our efforts on all of the major priorities for our island,” Huffman said. “Our meeting not only signifies the culmination of hard work and planning by our collective teams, but it is a demonstration of the strong partnership and close collaboration that are the hallmarks of our discussions.”

    Military and civilian members offered informational briefs and updates on significant topics that require a One-Guam holistic approach including critical civilian infrastructure for the defense of Guam, utilities resiliency specifically for the island’s electrical grid, and the proposed Guam Defense System by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

    “The Civil-Military Coordination Council continues to be an essential platform for ensuring that Guam’s needs and interests remain at the forefront of the ongoing military buildup. At our latest meeting, we placed a strong emphasis on resiliency—particularly in strengthening our island’s power infrastructure through the Guam Power Authority and the One Guam Power Infrastructure Resiliency & Reliability Projects,” said Leon Guerrero. “The military buildup is an ongoing conversation that requires careful planning, preparation, and the right subject matter experts at the table. It is critical that we have the latest and most relevant information to support our justifications and ensure that progress aligns with the best interests of all who call Guam home. As we continue these discussions, I remain committed to advocating for our people and working with our federal partners to reinforce the importance of Guam in national security and regional stability.”

    The CMCC was established in 2010 to foster collaboration among the DoD, local government, and federal agencies to share information, discuss, and provide recommendations for construction activities for the U.S. Marine Corps relocation to Guam. These meetings have expanded to include all DoD items of interest and military construction on Guam. The next CMCC meeting is scheduled in June.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: December crime statistics

    Source: South Australia Police

    Almost every category of theft has continued to decline in South Australia, the latest crime statistics have revealed.

    The December rolling year crime statistics reveal further significant reductions in house break-ins, shop theft and car theft – with an encouraging decrease in reported incidents of fuel theft also recorded in the latest period.

    Sustained pressure on recidivist offenders has resulted in a second successive decrease in shop theft with a three per cent drop in reported offences – from 18,124 to 17,583 offences – reported this period. This follows a two per cent decrease in the previous period.

    The number of offences involving the receiving or handling of stolen goods continued to increase as policing initiatives such as Operation Measure target recidivist offenders selling goods on online forums. An increase of 230 offences occurred during the period – from 1,963 offences to 2,193 offences.

    House break-ins declined for the sixth successive period with a six per cent decline reported from 5,960 offences to 5,606 offences. This followed a three per cent drop in the November period, four per cent in the October period and five per cent in the September period.

    Car theft and theft from a vehicle have again recorded significant decreases in the December rolling year period. Car theft declined by 11 per cent – from 3,928 offences to 3,492 offences. This follows a seven per cent decrease in the November period, an eight per cent decline in the October period and a 10 per cent decline in the September period.

    Theft from a vehicle dropped by 19 per cent – from 10,304 offences to 8,397 reported offences. This followed successive decreases of 17 per cent in each of the November, October and September periods.

    Other theft – the category that includes fuel theft – has also declined by five per cent in the December rolling year period. A decrease of 1,139 reported offences was recorded from 23,022 offences in the 2022/23 period to 21,833 reported offences in the 2023/24 period.

    Police intelligence data shows nine of the top 10 locations for fuel theft are in the northern suburbs with the tenth in the southern suburbs. The thefts are concentrated in three of the four major policing districts in the metropolitan area with the Barossa, Hills Fleurieu and Murray Mallee the main country districts in which fuel thefts occur.

    The December rolling year crime statistics also reveal another large decline in robbery and related offences with a 22 per cent decline – 202 offences – reported. This followed a 26 per cent drop in the previous period.

    Aggravated robbery offences declined by 19 per cent or 94 offences – from 503 reported offences to 409 reported offences. Non-aggravated robbery showed a slight increase of four per cent or three offences – from 79 reported offences to 82 reported offences.

    The number of murders committed also continued to decline with a 59 per cent decrease in reported offences – from 22 to nine.

    Serious assaults resulting in injury recorded a three per cent increase in reported offences in the period – from 3,657 reported offences to 3,774 reported offences while common assault rose by 209 offences – a four per cent increase.

    While the number of family and domestic abuse related offences increased by 11 per cent – from 12,098 offences to 13,468 offences, the reporting rate has declined after successive increases.

    MIL OSI News –

    February 11, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 1,093 1,094 1,095 1,096 1,097 … 1,471
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress