NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI China: Legal actions await Qinghai national park trespassers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A view of the Yangtze River’s primary source, the Jangchu Diruk Glacier, in the Amdo section of the Three-River-Source National Park. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
    The Three-River-Source National Park in Qinghai province has warned against illegal crossings, saying they harm the environment and pose serious safety risks to trespassers.
    The park, which spans more than 190,000 square kilometers in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is home to unique wildlife and plays a crucial role in the region’s ecological balance.
    Recent reports of unauthorized crossing activities in the park have raised alarms, prompting officials to take action. The park administration has outlined a series of strict measures to prevent further damage to the park’s natural resources and to ensure the safety of visitors.
    Under the new regulations, anyone attempting to enter the park for crossing activities without prior approval from the management authority will face legal consequences. Offenders causing damage to the environment will be subjected to administrative penalties, and they will be required to restore the damaged areas at their own expense. In the event of significant destruction, offenders would face criminal charges.
    The regulations also prohibit the publication of information or images related to the park without approval, targeting the spread of false information or the promotion of unauthorized travel routes that could harm the park’s reputation.
    Additionally, individuals or organizations responsible for accidents resulting from illegal crossings will be held fully accountable, and the offenders will have to bear any cost incurred by the authorities for any rescue operation.
    To further enforce these measures, violators will be placed on a blacklist, and their names will be publicly listed on the park’s official website. Authorities have vowed to increase patrols and take swift action against any illegal activities detected in the park.
    On March 26, patrol officers intercepted an illegal crossing involving 25 people and 11 vehicles in the Hoh Xil area, a core area of the Three-River-Source National Park, according to Tenzin Tseten, head of the patrol team. The group, from Zhejiang province, had been attempting an adventure through the uninhabited region.
    After traveling about 400 to 500 kilometers from Golmud over two days, the group reached an altitude of more than 4,900 meters. By that point, two-thirds of the members were suffering from altitude sickness.
    For their safety, authorities escorted them on an 11-hour overnight journey to a lower elevation below 4,000 meters before handing them over to the management bureau in Hoh Xil.
    “Many in the group regretted their decision after experiencing altitude sickness and severe weather conditions,” Tenzin Tseten said.
    Temperatures in Hoh Xil can drop below — 30 C at night during this season. Tenzin Tseten warned that inexperienced tourists who venture into the area without proper preparation face extreme risks, and rescue operations are difficult.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement on Fatal Shooting of New Jersey Teen in the West Bank

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
    “The death of a 14-year-old New Jerseyan and American citizen, Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee, in the West Bank is another devastating reminder of the horrific human cost of ongoing conflict and tensions in the region.  There must be a full and transparent accounting of the circumstances around his death and the actions of Israeli security forces.  During Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to the White House today, I urge President Trump to seek answers and accountability. 
    “From the death of Amer Rabee, Shireen Abu Akleh, and family members of constituents across New Jersey, to Hamas taking Edan Alexander, also an American citizen from New Jersey, hostage – our New Jersey communities are reeling every day because of the personal impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
    “I’ve long had disagreements with the actions of the Netanyahu government, from their efforts to erode Israeli democracy to their interference in US politics — to their settlement expansion policy in the West Bank. I have also long warned of the increasing danger posed by extremist Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.  I call on the Trump administration to reinstate sanctions on perpetrators of such violence, which directly threatens the objectives of protecting innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians and preventing the war in Gaza and tensions in the West Bank from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
    “To press for change, I traveled to Israel and the West Bank in March 2024 to meet with Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders and continue to engage with our government as well as with leaders across the region.  “And I will continue to do everything I can to push for a two-state solution, where we protect Israel’s right to exist as a democratic Jewish state and affirm the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a state of their own.  To start this work, all parties must recommit to working toward a ceasefire agreement that gets the hostages home, facilitates humanitarian aid into Gaza, and breaks the cycle of violence in the West Bank and the region. This is the only way to truly create a pathway towards a just and sustainable peace in the region that protects Israelis and Palestinians.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Greenhouse gas emissions fall 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): December 2024 quarter

    Greenhouse gas emissions fall 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter – 8 April 2025 – Seasonally adjusted industry and household greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand decreased 2.0 percent in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The decrease was primarily the result of a 45 percent reduction in emissions from electricity, gas, water, and waste services in the December 2024 quarter.

    “There were substantial falls in the amount of fossil fuels used for electricity generation in the December 2024 quarter, which drove an overall decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from industry,” environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.

    Partly offsetting the decrease was an increase in emissions from manufacturing (up 5.0 percent), and transport, postal, and warehousing (up 3.1 percent). Both industries saw increases in GDP during this quarter.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Selected price indexes ? rental data for February and March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Selected price indexes − rental data for February and March 2025 – 8 April 2025 – Selected price indexes: March 2025 will include the national-level stock measure for actual rentals for housing for February and March 2025.  

    Actual rentals for housing data were not included in the February 2025 selected price indexes (SPI) as the dataset used to compile this information was incomplete, and Stats NZ was not confident the measure would meet customer expectations.

    Stats NZ has worked closely with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to provide some requirements and update processes for the dataset, and we are now confident that the data and stock measure for February and March meet expectations. We do not expect further disruptions.  

    The other series within the SPI remain unaffected, and the upcoming March 2025 quarter Consumers price index (CPI) will be produced using the full three months of actual rentals for housing data for the period  

    Note: The March 2025 SPI release will not include the flow of rental properties measures (national and regional) as we are still working to integrate this, following an update to MBIE’s tenancy bond-lodgement system. The flow measures, which do not affect the CPI, will be included when we are confident they meet customer expectations.

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget: What’s in it for Tuggeranong

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT’s horticulture and mowing teams will receive a funding boost.

    2024-25 ACT Budget snapshot – Tuggeranong

    • The duplication of Athllon Drive
    • More housing for Tuggeranong
    • Upgraded community facilities
    • More funding for mowing and horticulture

    With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024-25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.

    Some of the projects funded in Tuggeranong include:

    The duplication of Athllon Drive

    Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.

    The ACT Government will invest in the project through the 2024–25 ACT Budget, as part of a 50:50 funding agreement with the Australian Government.

    The project will see the duplication of 2.4 kilometres of Athllon Drive between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive in Tuggeranong.

    This Budget will also fund improvements to Sulwood Drive, including a new four-kilometre long and three-metre-wide off-road asphalt shared path.

    More housing for Tuggeranong

    The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.

    As part of the program, 150 new homes are planned for Tuggeranong.

    New and upgraded community facilities

    The 2024-25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the city.

    This includes funding for:

    • the provision of sportsground lighting at Gordon District Playing Fields
    • the construction of the new southside hydrotherapy pool next to the Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre
    • improving safety and infrastructure at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the adjacent Woods Reserve/Gibraltar Falls precinct
    • Tuggeranong foreshore improvements
    • improving local shops at Calwell Group Centre, Lanyon Marketplace and the Monash commercial area
    • the development of a new ice sports facility
    • upgrades to Tuggeranong Arts Centre Theatre and Lanyon Homestead.

    The Government will also respond to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.

    More funding for mowing and horticulture

    The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

    Funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.

    In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

    More health services

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure for Tuggeranong.

    This includes investing in the Canberra Hospital and a new pathology and clinical support building on the campus.

    Support for education

    The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.

    This Budget also includes funding for:

    • roof upgrades at Calwell Primary School
    • improvements at the Calwell, Fadden, Gordon, Monash and Theodore Primary Schools
    • the enhancement of collaborative teaching spaces at Lake Tuggeranong College.

    Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.

    Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget: What’s in it for Gungahlin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Paths will be improved across the Gungahlin region.

    2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Gungahlin

    • A new North Gungahlin Health Centre
    • More community facilities for the region
    • Road upgrades across Gungahlin
    • Path improvements
    • More housing for Gungahlin

    With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024–25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.

    Some of the projects funded in Gungahlin include:

    The new North Gungahlin Health Centre

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget will include funding for the design and construction of a new health centre in North Gungahlin.

    The North Gungahlin Health Centre will be built on Kingsland Parade in Casey, conveniently close to the shopping centre and other facilities.

    The centre will provide more free health services closer to where people need them, with easier access to preventative health services and treatment for chronic disease.

    More community facilities

    The ACT Government is currently working through additional community uses for the remaining blocks on the 2.4-hectare site in Casey.

    This includes:

    • an indoor sports facility to provide local residents, sporting groups and organisations with access to better amenities
    • a new ACTAS Ambulance and Fire Station, which will enhance response times to emergency incidents as the Gungahlin community grows.

    The Government has already committed to a study on traffic and transport improvements surrounding the Casey Group Centre.

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget will also support:

    • design and construction of a Gungahlin Community Centre
    • Yerrabi District Park upgrades
    • upgrades to the Joint Emergency Services Centre
    • planning and design for a new combined emergency services site in Casey
    • a new community tennis facility in Gungahlin in partnership with Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT.

    Road upgrades across Gungahlin

    The Government will undertake planning for priority road works in the Gungahlin District identified from the Gungahlin Transport Plan.

    This includes possible road widening and intersection upgrades to deliver more efficient and sustainable transport modes to manage traffic growth and to improve safety and travel times.

    This initiative will be jointly funded through the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure with the Commonwealth Government.

    Path improvements throughout the region

    Funding received through the 2024–25 ACT Budget will see improvements made to paths across the Gungahlin.

    Walkers, cyclists and those riding scooters can expect to see better line marking, completed missing links and more lighting as they exercise or head to and from work.

    More housing for Gungahlin

    The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.

    As part of the program, 3,045 new homes are planned for the Gungahlin region.

    More funding for mowing and horticulture

    The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

    The Budget includes funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.

    In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

    Support for education

    The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    The Budget will also include funding to:

    • deliver a second college for Gungahlin
    • expand Margaret Hendry Primary School
    • the development of Agnes Shea High School in Taylor, which will cater to up to 800 students.

    There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.

    Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.

    3,045 new homes are planned for the Gungahlin region.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2024-25 ACT Budget: Investing in health, housing and cost of living relief

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Budget includes further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.

    Health, housing and cost of living are at the forefront of the 2024-25 ACT Budget.

    This year’s Budget delivers more public health services – from new health centres in the suburbs to more elective surgeries across Canberra’s public hospitals.

    There is cost of living support for those who need it most, and further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.

    The Budget also provides more funding for city services and local infrastructure projects across the city.

    Health

    The Budget is investing in a stronger health care system that is more efficient, with lower rates of avoidable hospital admissions, reduced health inequalities, and improved health outcomes.

    This includes funding for work to complement the construction of the new North Canberra Hospital, as well as the second phase of the Canberra Hospital Master Plan.

    Funding in the 2024-25 Budget includes:

    Housing

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government aims to increase housing access, choice and affordability.

    This includes expanding the Home Buyer Concession Scheme from 1 July, so more people are eligible for a full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value.

    The Government has also temporarily expanded the stamp duty concession for off-the-plan unit-titled apartments and townhouses to include properties valued up to $1 million in 2024–25. This is an increase from the previous value of $800,000.

    Other initiatives funded in the Budget include:

    • expanding the Affordable Housing Project Fund to $80 million to grow the number of affordable rental properties
    • $108 million in extra funding for new public housing, and to improve existing public housing
    • a taskforce to improve repairs and maintenance of public housing and oversee a pilot for insourcing maintenance of two large multi-unit properties.

    Cost of living

    Following support for all households in the Commonwealth Budget, the ACT Government is offering targeted assistance for those in the community who need it most.

    This includes increasing the Electricity, Water and Gas Rebate (formerly, the Utilities Concession) for 2024-25 by $50. The increase will provide eligible households with a total rebate of $800 on their electricity bills.

    The Budget also includes a $250 one-off payment for ACT apprentices and trainees to help complete their training. The payment will support about 5700 local apprentices and trainees.

    The Future of Education Equity Fund has been boosted to ensure more families can access support in the 2024 school year. The Fund provides low-income families and independent students with a one-off payment to help with education costs such as music lessons or sporting equipment.

    Other cost of living initiatives include:

    • rebates of up to 50 per cent for pensioners on their general rates (capped at $750) and a $98 rebate for the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy
    • full motor vehicle registration concessions for all eligible recipients
    • extending the Rental Relief Fund to assist those experiencing rental stress or financial hardship
    • increasing the value of vouchers available through the Utilities Hardship Fund.

    Infrastructure

    This year’s Budget invests in recreation spaces for the community and ensures Canberra is a more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.

    The 2024-25 Budget includes:

    • further support for upgrades to the Phillip District Enclosed Oval
    • commencement of construction of Stage 1 of the Stromlo Forest Park District Playing Fields
    • early design works for a new or expanded Canberra Stadium, a new Convention and Entertainment Centre, a reopened Telstra Tower, a new Manuka Oval Eastern Grandstand Project, EPIC and Canberra City Pool
    • continuation of design works for the expansion of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium and redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre
    • upgrades to community arts, cultural and heritage facilities.

    Education

    The Government is committed to ensuring that children and young people have access to a quality education close to their homes.

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget funds a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives – called Strong Foundations.

    This approach will ensure all students at ACT public schools have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    The 2024-25 ACT Budget also includes funding to support:

    For more on the 2024-25 ACT Budget, visit the Treasury website.

    What’s in it for your region?

    Click on the map below to find out what’s been funded in the 2024-25 ACT Budget for your region.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why are some cats more allergenic than others? It’s not their coat length

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jazmine Skinner, Lecturer in Animal Science, University of Southern Queensland

    evrymmnt/Shutterstock

    Allergies can be debilitating for those who have them – even more so when the cause of the allergic reaction is a beloved pet.

    Second only to dust mites, the humble domestic house cat is one of the major causes of indoor allergens for people.

    But what is the actual source of the allergic response? And are certain breeds less allergenic than others? There are many myths and misconceptions related to cat allergens, so let’s debunk a few.

    Cats produce several allergens, but Fel d 1 is the biggest culprit.
    My Agency/Shutterstock

    It’s not the hair!

    Contrary to common misconception, cat hair is not the cause of allergies in people.

    Rather, the allergy is down to a pesky protein commonly referred to as Fel d 1. This protein is produced in a cat’s saliva and skin glands. While cats produce at least eight allergens, it is Fel d 1 which studies have shown to be the leading cat allergen.

    Fel d 1 is a microscopic protein that readily sticks to clothing and other surfaces. It can also remain airborne for long periods of time, making it easy to inhale.

    Studies have shown it can even be found in homes without cats, brought in from outside on clothes and other objects – not great news for people with a severe allergy.

    The Fel d 1 allergen is transferred to the cat’s hair and skin when they groom themselves. It then spreads into their environment when they shed hair and dander, which is mostly comprised of dead skin cells.

    Although the cat’s hair can carry the allergens, the hair itself is not at fault here. Even hairless Sphynx cats secrete the protein. This is also why longer haired, fluffier cats don’t necessarily make you more allergic.

    Sphynx cats might not have much hair, but they still produce the allergen.
    Erin Agius/Unsplash

    It’s not the breed, either

    In fact, research has shown that neither the length of the cat’s hair, nor the colour of its coat, appear to have any significant bearing on how much allergen the cat produces.

    Regardless of a cat’s breed, sex and individual variation in the production of Fel d 1 are the main reason why some cats seem to cause a greater allergic response than others.

    It has long been known that on average, unneutered male cats produce more Fel d 1 than females or neutered males. Some studies have also found that older cats tend to produce lower levels of Fel d 1 than younger cats.

    While there are breeds referred to as “hypoallergenic”, it is important to remember this does not mean “allergen-free”. According to a review published in 2024, “to date, there is no scientific evidence for a hypoallergenic cat breed”.

    However, putting our strict hypoallergenic definition aside, a few small studies have reported reduced levels of Fel d 1 production in some of these breeds. It is important to remember though that even in individual cats, production of Fel d 1 can vary widely throughout the year.

    Further studies in these breeds, using larger sample sizes, is needed to confirm these findings.

    Overall, the fact that sensitive people report an increased allergic response to some cats rather than others is likely due to variation in how much Fel d 1 the individual cat produces.

    Just because a cat is fluffy, doesn’t mean it’s going to set your allergies off more.
    Ricardo L/Unsplash

    Can we make cats less allergenic?

    In the last few years, several studies have investigated the possibility of vaccinating cats against the Fel d 1 protein.

    While this would be great news for allergy sufferers, the issue is that researchers are currently unsure what role the protein plays in cats. Current evidence suggests it may play a role in the dispersal of pheromones, and potentially in protecting the cat’s skin; further research is needed.

    There is also some initial evidence to suggest that therapeutic diets in which an antibody is added from chicken eggs (IgY antibodies) can reduce the production of Fel d 1 that a cat produces. However, larger studies are needed before we might start seeing “anti-allergy” cat food on the shelves.

    There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to cats at a young age may reduce the likelihood of a person developing an allergy.

    If you’re an adult allergic to cats but still would like to have one, there is good evidence to suggest regular cleaning can substantially decrease the amount of cat allergens in your home.

    Even though the jury is out on the scientific evidence for “hypoallergenic” cat breeds, some cats really are less allergenic than others.

    Despite the challenges for those that are allergic, you are not doomed to have to avoid cats for the rest of your life. With the right management and care, cat ownership is entirely possible – and absolutely worth it.

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

    – ref. Why are some cats more allergenic than others? It’s not their coat length – https://theconversation.com/why-are-some-cats-more-allergenic-than-others-its-not-their-coat-length-251133

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Coons slams President Trump’s sweeping tariffs during Fox News Sunday interview

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream this weekend to push back against President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed last week. 
    Following Trump’s announcement of tariffs last week, the U.S. has begun collecting a 10% “baseline” tariff on nearly all imports and will soon begin collecting “reciprocal” tariffs as high as 50% on approximately 60 countries, including many of our closest allies and largest trading partners. Financial markets have seen the largest declines since the start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
    In his interview, Senator Coons highlighted the pain that these tariffs will cause for all American families, regardless of whether or not they’re invested in the stock market. The price of everyday goods will quickly jump for everything from fruits and vegetables to consumer electronics to clothing, hitting working-class families hardest. Even American manufacturers will see their costs soar, as they often rely on inputs created overseas.
    A video and partial transcript of Senator Coons’ interview are available below.
    WATCH HERE
    Senator Coons: President Trump announced tariffs this week on almost every country on Earth, including many with which we have a trade surplus. What my colleague, Senator Mullin, just said about how President Trump is rebalancing trade and he’s going after those that have a trade surplus with us, doesn’t account for the fact that he’s slapping tariffs on every country, including our closest partners and allies. That’s going to raise prices for middle Americans. They’re going to pay more for fruits and vegetables, gas, cars, furniture, clothing. It’s going to make America less affordable, not more affordable, which was a key campaign promise of President Trump’s.
    …
    Shannon Bream: Some autoworkers, some farmers, some ranchers––what do you say to them? They think that this is going to actually help them, that they’ve been at a very unfair disadvantage.
    Senator Coons: I would say to them that targeted tariffs that are clearly focused on a few countries where we have bad trade practices, and deep trade imbalances, can be smart economic policy and can help protect American farmers and ranchers and American manufacturers. That’s not what Donald Trump is doing. He’s slapping massive tariffs on almost every country in the world, and it’s hard to explain or justify some of the tariffs he’s imposing. 
    In the coming weeks and months, when millions of Americans see their 401Ks dissolve, the stock market lost 10% just in the last two days of last week, and when hundreds of millions of Americans pay more for everything that they need for daily living––the groceries that they buy, and the food that they put on the table, and the cost of housing, I think they’re going to be upset and I think we’re going to see long term, broad economic damage, not for a few targeted industries or companies but across the entire American landscape.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qingming holiday spending mirrors China’s robust economic vitality

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Actors in traditional costumes perform for tourists at Zuidongfeng art village in Tancheng County, east China’s Shandong Province, April 6, 2025. China recorded 126 million domestic trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Sunday, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In Liba Village, about 1.5 hours’ drive from downtown Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, dozens of steaming hot pot tables dotted the fields, where tourists dined amid a golden sea of yellow blossoms, soaking in the vibrant colors and fragrant spring air.

    “Eating hot pot in such a picturesque setting instantly lifted my mood and left me completely relaxed. Savoring spring with a hot pot feast surrounded by flowers was truly unforgettable,” posted a blogger with the username Doufugui on “RedNote” or Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform.

    The blogger is one of millions of Chinese who took advantage of the recent Qingming Festival holiday to revel in the joys of spring. With warmer weather and flowers in full bloom, the holiday sparked a wave of enthusiasm for domestic travel across the country.

    During the three-day holiday, China recorded 126 million domestic trips, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. Tourism revenue also rose, reaching 57.55 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase.

    Data from online travel platforms showed that searches related to flower viewing during the holiday surged by 2.2 times compared to the same period last year, while searches for camping on the e-commerce platform Meituan skyrocketed by 132 percent.

    Chinese train travel, meanwhile, shattered records as more people opted for outdoor getaways. On April 4 alone, China’s railway operator handled 20.09 million passenger trips, the highest single-day figure so far this year.

    The holiday also saw a rise in outbound travel, with many Chinese extending their time off by combining the break with annual leave or weekends.

    According to Tongcheng Travel, hotel bookings on the platform surged during the holiday period, with Japan seeing a 120 percent year-on-year increase in reservations. European destinations like Spain and Britain experienced an even greater spike, with bookings rising by over 300 percent.

    Experts have noted that this year’s Qingming holiday underscores the immense potential in China’s service consumption sector, a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

    “The Qingming holiday has traditionally not been a peak travel season, but the tourism market was notably more vibrant this year,” said Xiao Peng, a researcher at Qunar’s Big Data Research Institute.

    Xiao noted that silver-haired travelers were among those taking trips this holiday, adding a new dimension to the tourism boom.

    For those staying closer to home, the desire for springtime enjoyment was equally evident, with a growing willingness to spend on leisure and recreation.

    “All tables for the festival were booked a week in advance,” said the manager of a hotpot restaurant in Changzhou, located in east China’s Jiangsu Province. In the Ronghui old commercial area of Jinan, eastern Shandong Province, even the outdoor dining areas of cafés and bars were bustling as people enjoyed leisurely experiences.

    The surge in consumer activity, both in tourism and retail, is partly attributable to China’s focus on boosting domestic consumption. The government has placed significant emphasis on consumption as a primary engine for the country’s economy.

    China will “place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” according to the 2025 government work report. In mid-March, the country released a special action plan outlining key strategies to support consumption.

    During the Qingming holiday, various regions implemented measures such as distributing consumption vouchers and launching promotional activities to further stimulate spending, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting domestic demand.

    “China’s consumer market remains resilient, vast in potential, and full of vitality,” said Li Gang, an official with the Ministry of Commerce. “With sustained efforts to expand consumption policies, the domestic market will maintain stable growth.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: RBB Bancorp to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ: RBB) and its subsidiaries, Royal Business Bank (the “Bank”) and RBB Asset Management Company (“RAM”), collectively referred to herein as the “Company”, today announced that it will release financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025 after the markets close on Monday, April 28, 2025.

    Management will hold a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time/2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 to discuss the Company’s financial results.

    To listen to the conference call, please dial 1-888-506-0062 or 1-973-528-0011, passcode 534591, Conference ID RBBQ125. A replay of the call will be made available at 1-877-481-4010 or 1-919-882-2331, passcode 52277, approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call and will remain available through May 13, 2025.

    Additionally, interested parties can listen to a live webcast of the call in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at www.royalbusinessbankusa.com.  This webcast will be recorded and available for replay on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call.

    Corporate Overview

    RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of $4.0 billion. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Business Bank, is a full service commercial bank, which provides consumer and business banking services predominantly to the Asian-centric communities in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Ventura County in California, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York, in Edison, New Jersey, in the Chicago neighborhoods of Chinatown and Bridgeport, Illinois, and on Oahu, Hawaii. Bank services include remote deposit, E-banking, mobile banking, commercial and investor real estate loans, business loans and lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, SBA 7A and 504 loans, 1-4 single family residential loans, trade finance, a full range of depository account products and wealth management services. The Bank has nine branches in Los Angeles County, two branches in Ventura County, one branch in Orange County, California, one branch in Las Vegas, Nevada, three branches and one loan operation center in Brooklyn, three branches in Queens, one branch in Manhattan in New York, one branch in Edison, New Jersey, two branches in Chicago, Illinois, and one branch in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Company’s administrative and lending center is located at 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90017, and its finance and operations center is located at 7025 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, California 90621. The Company’s website address is www.royalbusinessbankusa.com.

    Contacts

    Lynn Hopkins, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, (657) 255-3282

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington Delegation Honors WSU President Dr. Kirk Schulz

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Washington Delegation Honors WSU President Dr. Kirk Schulz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Washington Congressional Delegation congratulated Washington State University President Dr. Kirk Schulz on his outstanding tenure and retirement with a written statement in the Congressional Record. 

    The Congressional Record statement reads as follows:  

    Honoring the Legacy of Washington State University President Kirk Schulz 

    April 7, 2025

    Mr. Newhouse of Washington. Mister Speaker, I rise today, alongside my colleagues from Washington state, Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Michael Baumgartner, Emily Randall, Pramila Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland, to recognize and commend the distinguished tenure of Dr. Kirk Schulz as President of Washington State University (WSU). Since 2016, President Schulz has guided WSU through a period of immense growth, advancing research, student success, and statewide partnerships. As he prepares for retirement, we honor his leadership and dedication to higher education in Washington State.

    Under President Schulz’s tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured that students across our state have access to high-quality education, and his work with Washington’s congressional delegation has helped secure funding for key university initiatives.

    Each of Washington’s ten congressional districts has benefited from President Schulz’s leadership, reinforcing WSU’s role as an institution that serves all Washingtonians. I would like to highlight a few key impacts across the state:

    1st District: WSU has built strong partnerships with the region’s tech industry, working with companies in King and Snohomish counties to prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence, software development, and semiconductor manufacturing. These efforts ensure Washington remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

    2nd District: WSU’s agricultural extension programs in Northwest Washington have played a vital role in supporting farmers and sustaining fisheries in the region. WSU’s Everett campus provides entrepreneurs critical business management skills and trains engineers for the world-class aerospace and high-tech industries in Northwest Washington.

    3rd District: WSU Vancouver has expanded opportunities in STEM education, creating new pathways for students to enter high-demand fields like engineering and healthcare. By connecting with local industries and healthcare providers, WSU is strengthening Southwest Washington’s workforce and economic outlook.

    4th District: Home to some of the nation’s premier vineyards, Central Washington has benefited from WSU’s viticulture and enology programs. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration with winemakers, WSU has helped the region maintain its reputation as a world-class wine producer.

    5th District: WSU’s Pullman campus is a cornerstone of agricultural research, and the completion of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) building has only strengthened that legacy. The facility provides farmers and food producers with critical innovations in crop science and food security, supporting one of Washington’s most essential industries.

    6th District: WSU researchers have been at the forefront of sustainable forestry and climate resilience efforts. Their work supports the health of Washington’s forests, which are vital for the economy, outdoor recreation, and the environment, ensuring these natural resources are protected for future generations.

    7th District: WSU’s collaborations with Seattle-area institutions have led to major advancements in medical research, including breakthroughs in cancer treatment and biomedical engineering. These efforts not only push the boundaries of science but also create opportunities for students to engage in life-changing research.

    8th District: With a focus on clean energy, WSU has led the way in developing innovative hydroelectric, wind, and solar power solutions. These advancements have benefited communities across the Cascades, helping Washington transition to a more sustainable energy future.

    9th District: The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has provided new opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter the medical profession. By expanding access to healthcare education, WSU is addressing physician shortages and improving healthcare access across Washington.

    10th District: Military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord have benefited from WSU’s extension programs, which provide educational support and workforce development opportunities. These initiatives ensure that service members and their families have access to the resources they need to succeed.

    Mister Speaker, as President Schulz concludes his tenure, we recognize his transformative impact on Washington State University and our communities. His leadership has strengthened WSU’s role as a center of innovation, education, and economic opportunity.

    I thank President Schulz for his years of service, and I look forward to seeing how WSU continues to grow and thrive in the years to come. 

    Members of the delegation personally congratulated Dr. Schulz on his retirement: 

    Rep. Susan DelBene (WA-01) said, “As Dr. Schulz prepares for retirement after his impactful tenure at Washington State University, I want to recognize his contributions to the students, the faculty, and the entire community. Under Dr. Schulz, WSU has become a leader in research and innovation, forging partnerships with tech companies in Washington’s 1st Congressional District to equip students with the skills needed for careers in artificial intelligence and software development. His legacy as president will continue to inspire and benefit students for years to come.” 

    Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) said, “During President Schulz’s tenure at Washington State University, tens of thousands of Cougars got a quality education and entered the workforce ready to succeed. Thank you President Schulz for your hard work, years of service and contributions to agriculture in Northwest Washington.” 

    Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) said, “Under my friend President Schulz’s tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured that students have access to high-quality education, and his work with Washington’s congressional delegation has helped secure funding for key university initiatives.” 

    Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06) said, “President Schulz’s leadership can be felt across our entire community, as he has been a champion not just for education but for ensuring students have the resources they need to live and build their best lives. President Schulz and I worked closely together when I served as chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Committee in the Washington State Senate where I got to see first hand the care, intention, and passion he brought to this role — a legacy that will be hard to match.” 

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) said, “Thanks to President Schulz’s leadership, WSU’s students, faculty, and staff have played a significant role in groundbreaking innovations in the Seattle area and throughout our region, including supporting major advancements in medical research, cancer treatment, and biomedical engineering. There is no doubt that his partnership and leadership have positively impacted and inspired thousands of students across our district and our state. I wish him all the best as he enters retirement and this next chapter!” 

    Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) said, “I appreciate the years of service of Washington State University President Kirk Schulz. Under his guidance, WSU has not only excelled as a world-class research institution but also expanded opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and enabled student success. I wish him the best in his next chapter and look forward to seeing how his legacy continues to inspire WSU in the coming years.”

    Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) said, “Land grant universities are special, and I thank President Schulz for his commitment to student success and expanding opportunities for all students. Because of Schulz’s leadership, WSU has made a positive impact in my district, and communities across the entire state.” 

    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case, Neguse Introduce Resolution To Designate April as National Native Plant Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai’i-01), along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado-02), today introduced a resolution to designate April as National Native Plant Month to promote the importance of biodiversity, climate and water conservation throughout our country. The Senate passed its version of the resolution co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono.

    “Native plants are not just a vital part of our natural landscape; they are integral to the environmental health of our nation,” said Case. “From supporting biodiversity to enhancing local ecosystems, native plants play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and resilience in our environment.”

    Colorado is home to over 3,000 native plant species, all of which play a crucial role in environmental conservation. As biodiversity declines, we must continue to advocate for and take action that protects our environment while highlighting the importance of native plant species. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Case in leading the effort to designate April as National Native Plant Month,” said Neguse, House Assistant Minority Leader.

    Case continued: “In my home state of Hawai‘i, our kuleana (responsibility) is to care for over 1,400 native plant species, nearly 90% of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. These plants are not only critical to the islands’ biodiversity but also serve as living treasures that reflect the resilience and adaptation of life in an isolated, often harsh environment.”

    “Native plants are those best suited to our local climates and support native insects and wildlife,” said Jennifer Neale, Director of Research & Conservation, Denver Botanic Gardens. “We connect people with plants, native plants in particular, through our horticultural displays, educational programming and scientific studies. We should all celebrate our native plants and the unique beauty they bring to our local landscapes.”

    “The Hawai‘i Nature Center’s core mission is to connect children and families to nature via environmental education and outdoor exploration,” said Todd Cullison, the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Nature Center. 

    “A main focus is teaching our keiki about their island home and how to mālama ‘āina (care for the land).  A significant tenet of this is the ecological and cultural importance of native and endemic plants, how they provide ecosystem services like soil formation and nutrient cycling, promote clean water and provide habitat for native wildlife . 

    “This resolution by Representative Neguse of Colorado and Representative Case of Hawai‘i further solidifies the importance of native plants and provides a pathway for future celebration and education that Hawai‘i Nature Center and other entities can embrace into the future.”

    “At the National Tropical Botanical Garden, we are committed to the perpetuation of Hawaiʻi’s irreplaceable native plants and native biodiversity everywhere,” said Tami Rollins, Interim CEO, National Tropical Botanical Garden.

    “Hawaiian native plants are at the very foundation of our island ecosystems, the livelihoods of our communities, and the essence of Hawaiian culture. Dedicating a month to native plants across the country is a great way to foster appreciation and inspire action for these increasingly imperiled species that are critical to life on our island home – from the ʻāina of Hawaiʻi to the entire planet.”

    Case continued: “Beyond their ecological value, native plants in Hawai‘i hold profound cultural and historical significance for Native Hawaiian communities. For centuries, Hawaiians have relied on these plants for a variety of essential purposes, including as staple foods like sweet potato (‘uala), taro (kalo), and breadfruit (‘ulu), which were central to their diet and agricultural system. These plants also provided medicinal benefits, with species like ‘a‘ali‘i (hopbush) and ni‘oi (chili pepper) integral to the holistic health practices of Native Hawaiians  By designating this month, we can shine a spotlight on the importance of native plants in maintaining the ecological balance of our communities and encourage the public to take steps to protect and conserve these species.”

    Attachment(s):

    ·        Text of measure here

    ·        Case remarks here

    ·        Picture of ‘Ōhi‘a lehua with ʻIʻiwi bird – Hawai‘i courtesy Keith Burnett

    ·        Picture of acacia koa – Hawai‘i courtesy National Tropical Botanical Garden

    ·        Picture of native plants – Plains Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

    ·        Picture of endangered Penstemon Penlandii  – Colorado courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Retail Federation – World’s Largest Retail Trade Association – Endorses Cantwell’s Bipartisan Trade Review Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    04.07.25

    National Retail Federation – World’s Largest Retail Trade Association – Endorses Cantwell’s Bipartisan Trade Review Act

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that the National Retail Federation (NRF) sent a letter endorsing her bipartisan Trade Review Act.

    The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. In the letter, David French, the NRF’s Executive Vice President, Government Relations, writes:

    “The Trade Review Act of 2025 will provide Congress with the opportunity to review and vote on whether to keep announced tariff actions in place. Requiring an explanation as well as an assessment of the tariff actions from the administration is critical. We have seen that the recently announced ‘reciprocal’ tariffs will have a significant negative impact on businesses, especially small retailers. One estimate indicates these tariffs could lead to a $2,100 tax increase per household. The increased tariffs are not sustainable for small businesses that have to pay the tax. Many are concerned about their ability to stay in business as a result.”

    “We applaud you for introducing such important legislation to reassert Congress’s role in setting trade and tariff policy. We strongly urge the Senate to quickly support and pass the bill.”

    Sen. Cantwell introduced the bipartisan bill on Thursday to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, and reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs.

    The bill has since picked up 12 additional cosponsors – an equal mix of Republicans and Democrats – and been endorsed by multiple major U.S. business organizations, including the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the Main Street Alliance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Growing Ecommerce 3PL Reports 3x Earnings Growth in 2024 and Forecasts Higher Revenue Growth in the Coming 12 Months

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Innovative Warehouse Solutions (IWS) successfully shipped over 280,000 units in December 2024, a 300% rise from the 96,000 units of the same month the previous year.

    This new achievement shows the genuine commitment of IWS to provide excellent fulfillment solutions that help businesses scale better.

    Behind the Success

    For ecommerce brands, Q4 determines whether the upcoming year is set for growth. A surge in orders presents opportunities for increased revenue and a new wave of customers. Scaling at this speed can prove challenging both for brands that fulfill in-house and brands that utilize 3PL services. The challenges are mainly related to antiquated systems that require extensive training for new personnel.

    IWS Solution

    IWS enables brands to handle not only their standard volume but also allows brands to quickly 10x their brand while delivering the same accuracy and speed.

    ● Double-Scan Accuracy Process

    ● Every item passed through two scan points – during picking and packing.

    ● Every order is additionally visually checked 2 times for accuracy and product quality before shipping.

    ● Fast Training and State-of-the-Art System

    ● IWS’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) provides a visual picture of the items and advanced warehouse routing. Ensuring fast processing times and industry-leading accuracy.

    ● These visual cues and walking paths allow new hires to be trained in hours, not weeks.

    ● Improved Customer Support

    ● IWS introduced a live chat system that connects brands directly with the right department – warehouse teams, receiving, shipping, billing, and customer support.

    ● This new system reduced bottlenecks, improved response time, and allowed a better flow of information.

    Future Plans: What’s Next for the Industry and IWS

    Following the success, this E-commerce 3PL company expects continued growth in 2025. The company projects monthly shipments to remain 75-85% higher than last year.

    The industry’s growth also supports this trajectory. Ecommerce saw a positive increase of 8-9% in 2024, and with more consumers choosing online shopping over traditional retail, new opportunities opened for small and mid-sized brands. This shift, combined with 3PL services like IWS, allows businesses to enter the market without the heavy costs of retail partnerships.

    The CEO said this in awe. “The team at IWS was blown away by the success of our partners in Q4 2024. There were a lot of early mornings, late nights, and weekends for both IWS and our partners. From a bird’s eye view, it was amazing to watch. Brands working at the speed of light to market and create great content to engage and convert new customers. With the IWS team working at the same speed to fulfill and get those products into the hands of the end users.”

    He continued, “With a new record year in our rearview, IWS is looking forward to pushing the bar further in 2025. With some exciting new partners already onboarded, we are sure 2025 will be our best year yet.”

    See how IWS can support your ecommerce growth. Contact Innovative Warehouse Solutions to speak with a fulfillment expert.

    About Innovative Warehouse Solutions

    IWS provides secure warehousing, quick fulfillment, and shipping for direct-to-consumer brands. With same-day shipping, predictive tracking, and 99.98% accuracy, IWS helps companies expand with zero downtime.

    Media contact

    Brand: Innovative Warehouse Solutions

    Contact: Media team

    Email: Info@invwhs.com

    Website: https://invwhs.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Treaty Principles Select Committee

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    The world is about to relearn economics, as Governments erect trade barriers between citizens of their countries and those of other countries. New Zealand cannot change the rest of the world’s trade policies right now, we can only ensure our own house is as competitive as possible. Putting on our own tariffs would be a tax on New Zealanders, we should remain a beacon of free trade for the world. The Government’s latest quarterly plan, filled with ACT initiatives, will keep the reform pressure on.

    Treaty Principles Select Committee

    The Justice Committee has reported back to the House on the Treaty Principles Bill. Thanks to ACT’s member on the Committee, Todd Stephenson, ALL of the submissions will be included in the final record, even though they couldn’t be processed in time for the report back.

    The submissions have been roughly categorised as for or against. The Committee report says ninety per cent are against, and only eight per cent in favour. Free Press knows that’s misleading. The ACT Party and Hobson’s Pledge, two organisations heavily in favour of the bill, helped 55,000 submit between them. Those alone would be 17 per cent in favour but some organisations’ submissions were counted as one.

    The truth is Select Committee submissions almost never reflect reality anyway. People are far more likely to submit in opposition to a bill than for it. Submissions on David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Bill were ninety per cent opposed, but it passed a referendum by two million votes to one million. A similar story played out with abortion law reform.

    Like those examples, we know the public overwhelmingly support the principles proposed in the Bill. Scientific polling where everyone’s opinion has an equal chance of being included shows New Zealanders in favour of the principles by an average of two to one. When the third principle – that all people should be equal before the law – is read out, 62 per cent are in favour versus 18 per cent opposed.

    A majority of Green voters, even, agree with the third principle, so all may not be lost. It’s the arguments that really matter, and what comes out of the Treaty Principles Bill hearings is that there are no arguments against the Bill. This week Free Press covers off the opponents’ attempts.

    If anything, the submission process has shown why the Bill really is needed. Many submitters argued that the chiefs who signed the Treaty never ceded sovereignty. They believe that somehow descendants of the Chiefs shouldn’t have to follow Parliament’s laws (Te Pāti Māori has been acting this out).

    The idea that investment, jobs, and growth need clarity from the law, and that people want to be treated equally before it, seems an afterthought to these submitters. As an aside, the ahistorical claim that 100,000 Māori wouldn’t have ceded sovereignty to 2,000 settlers shows how poor the debate in New Zealand has become. If a people devastated by the Musket Wars, worried about the French, and concerned about the threat of Europeans already ashore had nothing to gain from the unrivalled superpower of the day, why did they sign any Treaty at all?

    Submitters also argued that Parliament cannot make this law, even if it has the right to make laws generally. The difference between Parliament, on the one hand, and the Courts, Waitangi Tribunal, and bureaucracy, on the other, is that Parliament is elected by the people. What the opponents are really saying is that the people should not have a say on their constitutional future, it should be decided by all the public institutions they can’t actually vote for. Telling people they cannot control the laws they live under usually ends in revolution, Free Press prefers democracy.

    Opponents claimed at various times that Māori do not, in fact, have special rights in New Zealand. Just as many claimed that Māori in fact deserve special rights. This was best summed up in the following paragraph from the Green Party section of the report.

    One often repeated statement was that Māori were given special privileges under the Resource Management Act. There was no substantive evidence provided for this, and the Auckland City Council in its oral submission rejected that this was the case. It is true that where there is an application for a resource consent for a use outside of the District Plan the interests of Māori, including local iwi and hapu, are relevant to decision making. However it is hard to understand how consultation with the mana whenua is in any way a special privilege.

    The Bill gives all people equal rights. If Māori had no special rights there would be no reason to oppose the Bill. The facts are that Māori do have special rights under current law, including in Resource Management law, and that is why the Bill is opposed. Opposition to the Bill is opposition to equal rights for all people.

    Other submitters said that the Bill prevents Governments trying to address people’s disadvantage. It does not. It prevents Governments discriminating by race, but there is no reason it cannot help disadvantaged people, regardless of race. There is no reason iwi cannot run charter schools, or their own healthcare, but any group should have the same opportunity. Seeing as not all Māori are disadvantaged and not all disadvantaged are Māori, racial profiling doesn’t do much good anyway.

    So what next? The Bill will be debated in Parliament. ACT’s partners will have one last chance to do the right thing. If they do not, that is a shame for them. However it will not change how ACT works for your values. The party will never give up promoting universal human rights, and the next step of the Treaty Principles journey will be clear before the next election.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Community Action Leaders Discuss Trump Administration Cuts Targeting Vulnerable RIers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WARWICK, RI – Following a roundtable discussion with the leadership of Rhode Island’s seven community action programs (CAPs), U.S. Senator Jack Reed today addressed the Trump Administration’s mass-layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other cuts that will impact Rhode Island and put at risk child care and preschool programs, home heating assistance, and other essential services.

    Rhode Island’s seven CAPs collectively serve more than 190,000 Rhode Islanders and help connect low-income individuals and families to health care, job training and skills building, energy assistance, affordable housing, and much more.

    Senator Reed joined Paul Salera, President & CEO of Westbay Community Action, at Westbay’s location in Warwick to detail how these cuts could decimate services and support for vulnerable Rhode Islanders and how uncertainty stemming from Trump Administration actions is impacting community organizations across the state.

    “As the Trump Administration plows ahead with erratic, misguided cuts and no analysis whatsoever on impacts to our communities, I met with leaders on the ground here in Rhode Island to get their feedback, hear their concerns, and discuss how we can work together to continue uplifting our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Senator Reed.  “The leaders I met with today know better than almost anyone how programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Head Start, the Administration for Community Living, and other critical supports strengthen our communities and help Rhode Islanders stay healthy, safe, and productive.  Eliminating the key staff who help Rhode Islanders and slashing funding just to give massive tax giveaways to a small group of billionaires will likely end up costing taxpayers much more in the long run and shifts increasing tax burdens onto our state and local communities.”

    Paul Salera, President & CEO of Westbay Community Action, said, “The Rhode Island Community Action Agencies are grateful to Senator Reed and his team for this opportunity to shed some light on all the Administration’s proposed cuts and what this will mean to the more than 190,000 Rhode Islanders we all serve.  It is a breath of fresh air knowing that Senator Reed is fighting for all of us to ensure that the much needed Safety Net programs stay intact for the most vulnerable in Rhode Island.”

    Last week, the Trump Administration moved forward with its plans to cut 20,000 federal employees at HHS. According to CBS News, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. estimated that about 1 in every 5 of the employees who were fired at HHS were mistakenly let go.

    Rhode Island’s seven community action programs are: Westbay Community Action; Community Action Partnership of Providence; Tri-County Community Action; Blackstone Valley Community Action; Community Care Alliance; East Bay Community Action; and Comprehensive Community Action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Murkowski Seek Immediate Explanation for Department of Homeland Security’s Erroneous and Threatening Email to Ukrainians in the United States

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem yesterday seeking answers following reports that Ukrainians on humanitarian parole in the United States had received threatening emails from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that their humanitarian parole status had been terminated and that they had seven days to depart the country.  

    The Senators wrote, in part: “Even if this message was sent in error, threatening the abrupt termination of humanitarian parole for Ukrainians is alarming and adverse to the U.S. national interest. At a time when a Kremlin official was in the United States negotiating with Administration officials, this mixed message sends the wrong signal: that the U.S. may abandon Ukrainians in need even as Ukraine remains under attack by Vladimir Putin.” 

    They continued: “The fact that DHS drafted such a notification is alarming. DHS has not issued a public announcement about any planned policy change and the agency’s website continues to display information about the availability of parole for Ukrainians. Nor has Congress been notified regarding any proposed changes to the program.” 

    The lawmakers concluded: “We urge the agency to provide immediate clarification to Ukrainians in the United States that their humanitarian parole has not been terminated, and that there are no plans to terminate the program while Ukraine is still under active attack by Russia. We also request a briefing on any future plans regarding humanitarian parole for Ukrainians and an immediate explanation as to how these emails were sent in error.” 

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below. 

    Dear Secretary Noem:  

    We are extremely concerned about notifications that Ukrainians on humanitarian parole in the United States have received official notifications from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—apparently in error—that their parole had been terminated and that they are required to depart the United States within seven days.  

    Even if this message was sent in error, threatening the abrupt termination of humanitarian parole for Ukrainians is alarming and adverse to the U.S. national interest. At a time when a Kremlin official was in the United States negotiating with Administration officials, this mixed message sends the wrong signal: that the U.S. may abandon Ukrainians in need even as Ukraine remains under attack by Vladimir Putin. 

    Ukrainians who have participated in the Uniting for Ukraine program have entered the U.S. lawfully, passed rigorous screening and vetting requirements and have been required to find financial support from private U.S. sponsors. These are individuals, including children, who have fled a war zone and followed a lawful process. Many are working in our states, paying taxes and contributing to local communities. Abruptly and cruelly telling victims of Russia’s war to leave the country would not reflect American values—and it risks emboldening Putin to continue the war, despite President Trump’s stated objectives to establish peace.  

    For many Ukrainians, conditions on the ground in Ukraine remain unsafe for them to return, as Putin continues to violate the limited ceasefire Russia pledged it would honor on March 18. Twenty percent of Ukraine remains occupied, the frontline in Donbas remains volatile and Russia has escalated the use of swarms of drones to attack population centers across the country, including Kyiv. We support the Administration’s desire to reach a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, but until that goal is realized, we must continue to offer safe harbor to the Ukrainian families that have found temporary homes in our states.  

    The fact that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) drafted such a notification is alarming. DHS has not issued a public announcement about any planned policy change and the agency’s website continues to display information about the availability of parole for Ukrainians. Nor has Congress been notified regarding any proposed changes to the program. Congressional staff inquiries to DHS on Friday resulted in conflicting responses that demonstrated a disturbing lack of interagency coordination or strategy on the status of humanitarian parole for Ukrainians.  

    We urge the agency to provide immediate clarification to Ukrainians in the United States that their humanitarian parole has not been terminated, and that there are no plans to terminate the program while Ukraine is still under active attack by Russia. We also request a briefing on any future plans regarding humanitarian parole for Ukrainians and an immediate explanation as to how these emails were sent in error.  

    We appreciate your urgent attention to this matter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Sanders, DeLauro, Scott, Baldwin Demand McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Top appropriators and authorizers press Trump’s Department of Education for details about its’ abrupt halt of funding for state governments and school districts that adds a bureaucratic hurdle to reimbursement and will harm student recovery following the pandemic

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon demanding a reversal of a new policy the Department of Education announced recently that suddenly upended departmental policy and imposed new red tape on states, which will prevent them from accessing pandemic relief funds they are counting on to support students’ learning.

    In their letter, the lawmakers press McMahon for immediate reversal of the Department’s revision to its longstanding liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 education recovery funding—warning that the Department’s change, along with the myriad other harmful actions taken at ED recently, seriously jeopardizes students’ learning and growth.

    “We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds,” write the lawmakers. “Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. … However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago,  the Department suddenly announced on March 28 that ‘the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025,’ the very same day as the announcement.”

    “In short,” the lawmakers state, “the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers continue: “This abrupt and chaotic revision of policy is not helpful to students whose states, school districts, or institutions of higher education are uncertain about the Department’s commitments to implementing federal funding designed to support students. The March 28th decision is an imposition of an unauthorized layer of bureaucratic red tape on the expenditure of resources passed by Congress to support learning recovery for our nation’s students.”

    The lawmakers note that the abrupt change—coupled with the mass firings at ED—seriously threaten the ability of schools to support students’ learning: “When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.”

    The lawmakers note their alarm about the Department’s lack of recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, with the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores showing national scores are below pre-pandemic levels in all grades and subjects.“We are alarmed by your lack of a recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s students,”write the lawmakers. “Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover and the Department’s termination of the remaining resources Congress passed for that purpose will only serve to delay and undermine our students’ recovery.”

    They also note Congress provided flexibility when providing the funding to ensure it best supports communities across the country:  “Congress intended the Secretary to support states and districts in their use of the flexibility under the law to ensure the unique needs of their communities were met and to implement evidence-based learning loss interventions. The Department is now trying to change the spending rules and impose an administrative hurdle by stating ‘the Department will consider an extension to your liquidation period on an individual project-specific basis.’…We are astonished by the amount of hypocrisy here from an administration that has repeatedly said it wants to return education to the states, including your recent statement that ‘Education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Instead of filtering resources through layers of federal red tape, we will empower states…’ Now, it appears the Department is turning its back on states by arbitrarily imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers also called out that while the Trump administration works to cut off this funding for schools, it is pushing to pass new tax cuts for billionaires: “Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.”

    “We believe there is a better way,” they conclude. “We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.”

    In addition to Senators Murray, Sanders, and Baldwin, the letter was signed by Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-MO), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in the Senate.

    In addition to Representatives DeLauro and Scott, the letter was signed by Alma Adams (D, NC-12), Donald Beyer (D, VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Julia Brownley (D, CA-26), Shontel Brown (D, OH-11), André Carson (D, IN-07), Greg Casar (D, TX-35), Sean Casten (D, IL-06), Joaquin Castro (D, TX-20), Steve Cohen (D, TN-09), Joe Courtney (D, CT-02), Danny Davis (D, IL-07), Diana DeGette (D, CO-01), Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10), Sarah Elfreth (D, MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D, TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13), Dwight Evans (D, PA-03), Shomari Figures (D, AL-02), Jesús García (D, IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (D, TX-29), Vicente Gonzalez (D, TX-34), Jahana Hayes (D, CT-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D, PA-06), Jonathan Jackson (D, IL-01), Hank Johnson (D, GA-04), Robin Kelly (D, IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (D, NY-26), John Larson (D, CT-01), Summer Lee (D, PA-12), Lucy McBath (D, GA-06), Sarah McBride (D, DE-01), Jennifer McClellan (D, VA-04), Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D, MI-08), Jim McGovern (D, MA-02), LaMonica McIver (D, NJ-10), Donald Norcross (D, NJ-01), Johnny Olszewski (D, MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D, ME-01), Mark Pocan (D, MI-02), Andrea Salinas (D, OR-06), Linda Sánchez (D, CA-38), Terri Sewell (D, AL-07), Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11), Lateefah Simon (D, CA-12), Darren Soto (D, FL-09), Haley Stevens (D, MI-11), Mark Takano (D, CA-39), Dina Titus (D, NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D, MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NY-12), Frederica Wilson (D, FL-24), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D, DC-01) in the House.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    Dear Secretary McMahon:

    We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s (“the Department”) recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds. Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. That policy stated “Beginning today, all future payments under the CARES Act, CRRSA Act, and ARP Act spent on allowable expenditures must be paid by the states in advance and then submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for reimbursement.” While the Department’s action added an unnecessary burden on states, it continued the longstanding extension policy established years ago in stating “All [COVID-19 Pandemic relief funding] expenditures must fall under the approved expenditures as outlined in guidance for ESSER, ARPA, and HEERF.”

    However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago, the Department suddenly announced that “the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025”, the very same day as the announcement. Specifically, the Department stated that “The extension approval was issued recently, so any reliance interests developed are minimal…So you could not rely on the Department adhering to its original decision.” In short, the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.

    This abrupt and chaotic revision of policy is not helpful to students whose states, school districts, or institutions of higher education are uncertain about the Department’s commitments to implementing federal funding designed to support students. The March 28th decision is an imposition of an unauthorized layer of bureaucratic red tape on the expenditure of resources passed by Congress to support learning recovery for our nation’s students. When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021(“ARP Act”) in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.

    Second, we are alarmed by your lack of a recognition of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s students. The Department’s March 28 policy change asserts “Extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion.” We are surprised to learn the Department is unaware of recent results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (“NAEP”) which show “National scores are below pre-pandemic levels (2019) in ALL tested grades and subjects.” NAEP results also reveal “Gaps are growing between higher-performing and lower-performing students.” Further, chronic absenteeism still is too high with the latest data indicating “a majority of students still attended schools with 20% or higher levels of chronic absence. This serious absenteeism is in stark contrast to 2019, when slightly over a quarter of schools experienced such high levels of chronic absence.” Years after the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools and communities still have much work to do to help students recover and the Department’s termination of the remaining resources Congress passed for that purpose will only serve to delay and undermine our students’ recovery.

    Third, Congress intended the Secretary to support states and districts in their use of the flexibility under the law to ensure the unique needs of their communities were met and to implement evidence-based learning loss interventions. The Department is now trying to change the spending rules and impose an administrative hurdle by stating “the Department will consider an extension to your liquidation period on an individual project-specific basis.” This is despite the fact that such extensions to liquidation periods were noticed more than one year ago, with some granted more than six months ago, and that states assured to the Department that “The SEA will ensure that LEAs [school districts] use ARP ESSER funds for activities allowable under section 2001(e) of the ARP.” We are astonished by the amount of hypocrisy here from an administration that has repeatedly said it wants to return education to the states, including your recent statement that “Education is fundamentally a state responsibility. Instead of filtering resources through layers of federal red tape, we will empower states…”. Now, it appears the Department is turning its back on states by arbitrarily imposing more federal red tape.

    We would be heartened if the Department’s new policy was really intended to better support students. However, actions of the past two months tell a starkly different story. The Department has cancelled hundreds of millions in teacher training grants that were at work in addressing educator shortages and improving the quality of instruction in our schools. The Department has cancelled hundreds of millions of research and evaluation contracts on critical issues like an evaluation of transition supports for students with disabilities, which was intended to provide states and school districts with high quality evidence on approaches to support students with disabilities with their transition to post-school outcomes. The Department also cancelled an evaluation of the programs that receive the largest amount of funding appropriated for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, depriving Congress and the Department of critical information about the implementation of those programs. The Department cancelled contracts for the Comprehensive Centers program, which—in addition to being statutorily required—were poised to provide effective capacity building support and technical assistance to states, school systems, and schools in addressing chronic absenteeism, and math and literacy learning, among other locally and regionally identified challenges. The Department also canceled the Long Term Trend NAEP for 17 year olds, which has been providing data on student achievement for decades. The Department has implemented a massive dismantling and reduction in staff, which has reduced the number of staff available at the Office for Civil Rights to protect the rights of all students. Finally, the massive reduction also appears to have delayed the processing of COVID-19 relief reimbursement requests prior to the announcement of the changed policy that is the subject of this letter.

    Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. It is appalling to us that those billionaire and corporate giveaways are valued over the students in rural school districts that faced supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the districts’ need for these liquidation extensions, valued over students experiencing homelessness who have seen the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds dedicated to them spent down slowly, and valued over so many other students that will be attending schools that are already facing difficult budget choices for the next school year without the additional burden of this changed policy. That is, unless states undertake the newest burden put in place by your Department and are able to navigate the Department’s bureaucratic maze and receive funds for projects that may have been committed to years ago.

    We believe there is a better way. We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Freeing up access to finance for Kiwi households

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is delivering on its commitment to make it easier for Kiwis to access the finance they need, when they need it, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.

    “Access to finance is a critical part of life. Kiwis need finance to buy a house or a car, or to start and grow a business,” says Mr Simpson.

    “Our Government campaigned on slashing red tape to make it easier and safer for Kiwis to access finance when they need. I am delighted that we are delivering on this promise by progressing three pieces of legislation which will simplify access to financial services.

    “Successive reforms heaped compliance requirements on banks, insurers, and lenders. The sector found itself in a bureaucratic straitjacket, regulated by multiple authorities and subjected to duplicative licence requirements. 

    “This illogical and overly cautious approach led to perverse outcomes for Kiwis who found it more difficult and costly to access basic financial services.

    “Many people will remember with frustration banks asking invasive questions about minor expenses like food delivery and subscriptions when they applied for a home loan during the peak of madness a few years ago.

    “The Government addressed this by removing overly prescriptive requirements from regulations. These reforms, along with those being progressed, are all about bringing back common sense. 

    “One of the key changes will mean lenders aren’t unfairly penalised for small, harmless mistakes. Lenders will still be required to identify and correct any mistakes. 

    “Another change, which will apply retrospectively for the period between 2015 and 2019, will enable the courts to apply greater discretion when a lender has failed to disclose certain information to consumers. This fixes a really bad law that meant if a lender forgot to include their address on a loan document – even if everything else was correct and the borrower wasn’t affected – they could be forced to cancel all interest and fees until the mistake is fixed. That’s like being fined for forgetting to write your return address on an envelope, even though the letter still gets delivered.

    “This punitive approach had a potentially chilling effect on competition, as small lenders are not able to absorb the risk and could face closure if faced with significant compensation imposed by the court. Meanwhile big lenders price in the risk and pass the cost on to consumers.

    “Other reforms include improvements to dispute resolution services so people can get help when something goes wrong and changes which mean that financial providers will only need to have one conduct licence instead of several. Directors and senior managers will also no longer be held personally liable for mistakes. Instead, the liability will fall on the businesses, which is fairer and more appropriate.”

    These reforms deliver on a National-ACT coalition agreement to rewrite the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 to protect vulnerable consumers

    without unnecessarily limiting access to credit.

    “These reforms will simplify the financial services sector so Kiwis can get on with their lives, get ahead, and grow the economy.”

    Notes to editors

    A fact sheet with further information is attached.

    The three Bills that have just been introduced to Parliament are:

    • Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill
    • Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill
    • Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deming, Washington man convicted at trial of receipt and possession of images of child sexual abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant possessed some 90,000 files of child sexual abuse imagery on 21 different electronic devices

    Seattle – A 47-year-old resident of Deming, Whatcom County, Washington was convicted last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle of two federal felonies related to his receipt and possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Robert J. Howell Jr. came to the attention of law enforcement in late 2019 when a foreign country police organization alerted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that an Ip address associated with Howell Jr’s residence had accessed a website devoted to images of child sexual abuse. Following a two-day jury trial, jurors deliberated about an hour before finding Howell Jr. guilty on April 1, 2025.  U.S District Judge John C. Coughenour scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, after getting the tip from a foreign law enforcement organization, HSI agents sought information on the account associated with the IP address. The IP address was linked to Howell’s home in Deming. On September 15, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant and seized several dozen electronic devices. A forensic review determined there were more than 90,000 files depicting child sexual abuse on some 21 electronic devices. Many of the images were of the sexual abuse of very young children and included depictions involving extreme violence.

    At trial prosecutors specifically proved that between 2016 and 2019, Howell Jr. received five specific files of child sexual abuse material and knowingly possessed many more.

    In all more than 75 electronic assets including computers, phones, tablets, hard drives, storage devices, gaming devices, and CDs were seized by law enforcement and have been forfeited to the government.

    Howell Jr. faces a mandatory 5 years in prison and up to twenty years in prison when sentenced by Judge Coughenour. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Coughenour after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Hampton and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M. Ly.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environmental permit reforms to empower regulators to slash business red tape

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Environmental permit reforms to empower regulators to slash business red tape

    UK and Welsh Governments launch joint consultation to reform environmental permitting regulations, supporting UK Government’s Plan for Change

    Streamlined environmental permitting will drive economic growth and help tackle crime while continuing to safeguard the environment, under reforms unveiled by Environment Minister Emma Hardy today (Tuesday 8 April). 

    The UK and Welsh Governments have today launched an eight-week consultation on reforming environmental permitting for England and Wales to speed up the work of regulators and the industries they support, demonstrating rapid delivery of a commitment in the UK Government’s Regulatory Action Plan to consult on reforms to permitting legislation before Easter. 

    Reforming the process for exemptions could empower regulators – the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales – to use the proposed powers in the following ways, among others: 

    • Taking speedy action: simplifying processes such as for bringing suitable land back into beneficial use for new housing or infrastructure, strongly supporting regional growth.   
    • New permitting exemptions for certain flood risk activities: which could make it easier to install survey equipment for monitoring river flow and water quality.  
    • Potential greater flexibility around the use of scaffolding in or alongside rivers: supporting the UK Government’s key mission of growing the economy for communities across the country.   
    • Changes to exemptions abused by rogue waste operators: the proposals could enable regulators to clamp down on illegal activity that blights communities and causes environmental harm. 
    • Stringent safeguards: the proposals look to ensure effective controls apply where there is a high risk of environmental harm and to keep the regulatory system open and accountable. 

    The proposals cover a wide variety of activities undertaken by businesses or individuals operating within guardrails that protect the environment, such as managing flood risk, handling waste, and the discharging of water – ensuring that exempt activities relating to the latter do not pollute inland freshwaters, coastal waters, or relevant territorial waters. 

    Making environmental permitting more agile and responsive through the UK Government’s Plan for Change will empower regulators to slash red tape for businesses, putting an end to delays that can slow down the decisions needed to get spades in the ground.  

    The proposed changes would also allow a quicker and more flexible response to new technologies and emerging risks, benefitting businesses while protecting the environment.   

    The consultation has been recommended by economist and former charity leader Dan Corry in his landmark review into the regulators and regulation at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

    Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

    This Government is committed to delivering streamlined, hassle-free regulation that protects the environment while also driving economic growth. 

    As part of the Plan for Change, we are rewiring Defra and its arms-length bodies to boost economic growth and unleash an era of building, while also supporting stringent environmental safeguards. 

    I encourage all interested parties to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of the environmental permitting regime.

    Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency, said:

    The Environment Agency firmly believes protecting the environment and sustainable development go hand-in-hand and we support the Government’s aim to get the economy growing. 

    We welcome the proposed reforms to environmental permitting, which will empower us to carry out our role as a fair and proportionate regulator for people and the environment while supporting business and sustainable economic growth.

    Environmental permitting plays an important role in protecting the environment and human health from a wide range variety of risks, such as from flooding, water and air pollution, and contamination from waste. 

    While a review of the regulations in 2023 found them to be functioning effectively, it also identified potential improvements, such as making the framework more responsive to changes on the ground and the needs of operators. 

    Operators of exempt activities are not required to hold a permit, but there are still specified conditions with which operators must comply.  

    The current process for changing which activities are exempt and the conditions that apply is lengthy and subject to disruption, which has led to delays in bringing forward changes in the past.  

    The proposed reforms will speed up work to update the regulations, allowing the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to make decisions proportionate to the level of environmental risk on which activities should be exempt from environmental permits.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI Energy Council to ensure UK’s energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    AI Energy Council to ensure UK’s energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution

    Industry heavyweights from the energy and technology sectors will descend on Whitehall today (8 April) for the first meeting of the UK’s new AI Energy Council.

    AI Energy Council launched to support the use of sustainable energy to power AI.

    • New AI Energy Council holds first round of talks on delivering the power which will drive the UK’s AI ambitions.
    • Technology and Energy Secretaries chair first round of talks on driving forward power and AI goals – central to delivering growth, jobs and opportunity through government’s Plan for Change. 
    • Energy representatives such as NESO, EDF, Scottish Power, Ofgem, and National Grid to join tech heavyweights Microsoft, ARM, Google and Amazon in sharing expert insights. 

    Co-chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, today’s inaugural meeting will see members agree the council’s objectives with a key aim focused on how the government’s clean energy superpower mission, and its commitment to advancing AI and compute infrastructure, can work together to deliver economic growth.

    It’s expected the Council will also look at clean energy, like renewables and nuclear – advising on improving energy efficiency and sustainability in AI and data centre infrastructure, such as the use of water. The council will also take steps to ensure the secure adoption of AI across the UK’s energy network itself.

    Unveiled in January as part of the government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Council will bring together expert insights on the energy demands of AI, as the UK puts the technology front and centre of its plans to drive economic growth and deliver its Plan for Change. 

    Concerns over the energy demands needed to power AI data centres is an issue faced by countries the world over. One of the ways the UK is already rising to meet this challenge is by focussing its new AI Growth Zones – dedicated hotbeds of AI development – in areas which can access at least 500MW of power. Representing the equivalent of enough energy to power roughly two million homes, this will help to spark significant private investment from companies looking to set up shop in Britain – creating local jobs which will put more money in people’s pockets.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said: 

    The work of the AI Energy Council will ensure we aren’t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity in all parts of the country, but can do so in a way which is responsible and sustainable. 

    This requires a broad range of expertise from industry and regulators as we fire up the UK’s economic engine to make it fit for the age of AI – meaning we can deliver the growth which is the beating heart of our Plan for Change.

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband said:

    We are making the UK a clean energy superpower, building the homegrown energy this country needs to protect consumers and businesses, and drive economic growth, as part of our Plan for Change.

    AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country and as we unlock AI’s potential, this Council will help secure a sustainable scale up to benefit businesses and communities across the UK.

    The UK government has also been working closely with both Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to deliver fundamental reforms to the UK’s connections process. Subject to final signoffs from Ofgem, this could release more than 400GW of capacity from the connection queue – accelerating projects vital to economic growth such as the delivery of new large scale AI data centres. 

    Joining the council are 14 organisations – including regulators and companies drawn from the energy and tech sectors – who will support its work by sharing expert insights.

    Among these organisations are: EDF, Ofgem, National Energy System Operator (NESO), Scottish Power, National Grid, Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and chip designer ARM, and infrastructure investment firm Brookfield. 

    This collaborative approach which brings together the energy and technology sectors will make sure there is join up across the board to speed up energy projects getting connected to the grid – especially with a growing pipeline of tech companies announcing plans to build datacentres across the UK.

    Alison Kay, Vice President, UK and Ireland, at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said:

    At Amazon, we’re working to meet the future energy needs of our customers, while remaining committed to powering our operations in a more sustainable way, and progressing toward our Climate Pledge commitment to become net-zero carbon by 2040.

    As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fifth year in a row, we share the government’s goal to ensure the UK has sufficient access to carbon-free energy to support its AI ambitions and to help drive economic growth.

    Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, said:

    AI will play an increasingly important role in transforming our energy system to be cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective for consumers, but only if used in a fair, secure, sustainable and safe way.

    Working alongside other members of this Council, Ofgem will ensure AI implementation puts consumer interests first – from customer service to infrastructure planning and operation – so that everyone feels the benefits of this technological innovation in energy.

    As part of our Clean Power Action Plan, the government is getting more homegrown clean power connected to the grid by building the necessary infrastructure, prioritising the projects needed for 2030 to connect as much clean power as possible. We will clean up the grid connection queue, meaning crucial infrastructure from housing to gigafactories and data centres can get a connection to the grid, helping to unlock billions of investment and grow the economy. 

    Bolstered by accelerated planning approvals which will mean spades in the ground at a fraction of the time it currently takes, AI innovators will be able to call on cutting-edge infrastructure and ready access to power to drive forward the next wave of AI opportunity.

    Further information 

    Attendees to the first meeting of the AI Energy Council will include representatives of: 

    • Ofgem 
    • NESO 
    • Energy Networks Association 
    • Nuclear Industry Association 
    • ScottishPower 
    • National Grid 
    • EDF 
    • Google 
    • Microsoft 
    • Amazon Web Services 
    • Equinix 
    • Brookfield 
    • ARM 
    • ARIA

    The council will meet on a quarterly basis, with the next meeting scheduled for this summer.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE removes criminal alien wanted for drug trafficking in Costa Rica

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SEATTLE – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Josseth Santos-Fonseca, 30, a citizen of Costa Rica, to his home country where he is wanted by law enforcement authorities for drug trafficking.

    Santos entered the U.S. near Laredo, Texas, without inspection or admission by an immigration official. The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Santos on Nov. 8, 2018. While continuing with immigration proceedings, ICE received notification from Costa Rican authorities of Santos conviction related to drug smuggling. Once an immigration judge ordered Santos removed, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle removed Santos to Costa Rica without incident.

    “ERO Seattle continues to work with our international partners to ensure criminal aliens are unable to find refuge in the U.S. from justice in their home country,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle Interim Field Office Director Cammilla H. Wamsley. “Drug trafficking is a serious offense, and the risk it presents will always be a motivator for our officers to locate and arrest those wanted in their country of origin.”

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROSeattle.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Payroll and tax shakeup puts extra squeeze on SME cash flow

    Source: New Romans
     
    Australian small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are bracing for a cash flow crunch as significant new payroll and tax legislation rolls out over the next two years.

    The changes will force SMEs to adjust their financial and administrative practices in order to remain compliant and put further pressure on their ability to effectively manage their cash flow.

    Earlypay CEO James Beeson said: “At a time when SMEs are already battling a tight labour market and rising operational costs, these changes will only add more pressure to their cash flow.

    “Many businesses will need to rethink their finance strategies,” he said.

    Key changes impacting SME cash flow

    From 1 July 2025:

    Super Guarantee Increases to 12%
    The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate will rise from 11.5% to 12%, increasing payroll costs for employers. Businesses must check employee contracts to see if super is included in salaries or needs to be paid on top. Late payments will attract the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), which is not tax-deductible, adding further financial strain. While this benefits employees’ retirement savings, the downside is it potentially increases payroll expenses for employers.

    ATO interest charges no longer tax deductible
    New tax laws will remove the ability to claim deductions for General Interest Charge (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC), making overdue tax liabilities even more costly for SMEs.  Currently, businesses can claim these interest charges as tax deductions, but the proposed change aims to remove this benefit, making overdue tax liabilities more costly for SMEs in an attempt to further discourage late tax liability payments.

    From 1 July 2026:

    Payday super introduced
    Superannuation contributions will need to be paid with every wage cycle instead of quarterly, requiring businesses to have funds available more frequently. Late super payments are not tax-deductible, intensifying cash flow pressure. Payday super was announced as part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget and is yet to be legislated.

    ATO’s free clearing house to close
    The shutdown of the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) means SMEs will need to find and pay for alternative platforms, such as Xero or MYOB, to process super payments.

    Preparing for the changes

    “SMEs need to act now to stay ahead of the changes and set themselves up for success,” Mr Beeson said.

    To help navigate these shifts, SMEs should:

    Review budgets and payroll structures to account for increased SG rates and tax law changes.
    Ensure payroll systems can handle more frequent super payments.
    Explore alternative superannuation payment platforms before the SBSCH closure.
    Consider invoice finance to maintain steady cash flow and meet payroll and superannuation obligations.

    Supporting SME cash flow with invoice finance

    For businesses concerned about managing cash flow through these changes, invoice finance can provide access to working capital by unlocking funds tied up in unpaid invoices.

    Invoice financing allows SMEs to secure funding against the value of their outstanding invoices, providing a much-needed alternative to traditional bank loans that often require real estate as collateral.

    “Invoice financing smooths cash flow, enabling businesses to pay staff, suppliers, and invest in growth – all without relying on their personal assets like the family home,” Mr. Beeson said.

    Earlypay also integrates with platforms like Xero and MYOB, streamlining access to funds for SMEs.

    Earlypay (ASX: EPY) is a leading provider of working capital finance to Australian small to medium sized businesses with its invoice finance and equipment finance products.

    Earlypay’s invoice finance helps SMEs bridge the cash flow gap between issuing invoices and receiving payment from customers by providing early payment of unpaid invoices. Earlypay also provides equipment finance to SMEs to assist with capital expenditure.

    Earlypay has been supporting Australian SMEs since 2001 and has built a trusted legacy of delivering reliable, flexible and innovative working capital finance.

    Key facts:

    Australian small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are bracing for a cash flow crunch as significant new proposed payroll and tax legislation rolls out over the next two years.

    Super guarantee increase to 12% and – ATO clearing house to close

    – Proposed ATO interest charges no longer tax deductible and proposed payday super

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment report shows human activities are driving changes affecting health, livelihoods and homes: New Zealand’s environmental reporting series: Our environment 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Environment report shows human activities are driving changes affecting health, livelihoods and homes – 8 April 2025 – The way New Zealanders choose to live is continuing to have a significant impact on the environment, affecting our health, quality of life, homes and livelihoods in both positive and negative ways, a major report on the environment shows.

    Our environment 2025 is the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ’s latest three-yearly update on the state of New Zealand’s environment. The report draws on regular six-monthly reporting in the air, atmosphere and climate, freshwater, land, and marine domains, to provide an overall picture of the environment, including how each of these domains are connected.

    Secretary for the Environment, James Palmer, says much of the change seen in our air, water, climate, marine environment, and land over time has been caused by people whose lives are in turn affected by those changes.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Peters Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose President Trump’s Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    Peters Lays Out How Trump’s “National Sales Tax” Will Raise Prices for Hardworking Families, Decimate Americans’ Retirement Savings, and Threaten American Jobs and Businesses

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) took to the Senate floor to speak out against President Trump’s latest tariffs on nearly all U.S. imports, calling them a “national sales tax” on hardworking Americans. In his remarks, Peters highlighted the harm that Trump’s tariffs will cause for American families and businesses, including driving our economy toward a recession, raising prices on essential goods, and threatening Americans’ hard-earned income and retirement savings. He also highlighted how the tariffs fall short of a needed strategy to boost American manufacturing in the automotive sector, offering an alternative playbook that includes tariffs on our adversaries and overseas competitors, improving current trade agreements, enforcing existing trade laws, and protecting and strengthening successful domestic manufacturing incentives passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

    “In the coming days, weeks, and months, the impact of the President’s national sales tax will be devastating,” said Senator Peters. “And it won’t be our competitors that are footing the bill. It will be the American people that are paying the tax on their groceries, their gas, and all the other goods that they buy.”

    “This national sales tax won’t miraculously improve our trade relationships or bring jobs home. It will only make it harder for hardworking Americans who are trying to create a better life for themselves and for their children,” Peters continued. “This isn’t a real plan. This is chaos. And it will not help us to achieve any of our long-term goals.”

    “I urge all of my colleagues to say no to the national sales tax, and instead, let’s liberate some common sense and work together to make this country stronger.”

    To watch Peters’ full remarks, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Question Trump Administration on U.S. Liability for Aiding and Abetting Netanyahu’s Potential War Crimes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that the bombing campaign carried out by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Forces raises legal questions about U.S. officials’ liability for potentially aiding and abetting war crimes.  
    As noted in the Senators’ letter—which was sent on the same day Mr. Netanyahu met with President Trump at the White House—their request comes after the State Department bypassed Congressional approval and invoked an emergency declaration to send more than $8 billion in arms to Israel.  
    In the last two weeks, Mr. Netanyahu said in response a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike in Gaza: “I don’t care about the targets,” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza.”  Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that renewed offensive military operations in Gaza aimed to increase pressure “on the population in Gaza”—inflicting additional pain on the more than two million civilians in Gaza instead of focusing on military targets. 
    In their letter, the Senators requested a briefing by April 30, 2025, on the following questions: 

    What additional intelligence or diplomatic information does the U.S. government have regarding PM Netanyahu’s and senior Israeli officials’ ordering the destruction of civilian infrastructure for punitive purposes; to intimidate civilians; to coerce civilians to move out of certain zones or to take certain actions; or to affect the conduct of de facto authorities by mass destruction? 
    Israeli forces have destroyed more than 200,000 buildings in pursuit of a force that was estimated by their government at 10,000 to 30,000 fighters, raising questions about target distinction in a densely populated area. For how many of these over 200,000 destroyed homes and buildings have U.S. officials requested from the Israeli government the underlying intelligence justification for pre-planned airstrikes, given the licensing authority of U.S. officials to “verify credible reports” that U.S.-origin equipment and munitions have been used for unauthorized purposes? 
    The vast majority of the more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths in the last year and a half have been civilian men, women, and children. What calculations has the U.S. government made of the tolerance by Israeli forces of expected harm against civilians in targeting low-level enemy combatants that are not actively engaged in combat activities? 

    Read the full letter here and below: 
    Dear Attorney General Bondi, Director Gabbard, and Secretary Rubio, 
    We write to draw your attention to two concerning reports. According to a March 20 report from Israeli newspaper Ynet, Prime Minister Netanyahu, in response a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike in Gaza, said “I don’t care about the targets” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza. Just last week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that renewed offensive military operations aim to increase pressure “on the population in Gaza.” 
    As you know, the destruction of civilian homes without military necessity is a war crime under United States criminal law and international law, while U.S. law additionally outlaws the use of violence to intimidate or coerce civilians. Experts have widely noted that Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza—the bloodiest and most destructive air campaign in modern history by some measures—stands out for its wide-area destruction and targeting of civilian infrastructure. This new information raises the question of whether U.S. officials risk liability for aiding and abetting war crimes, particularly in light of the State Department bypassing Congress and invoking an emergency to send more than $8 billion in arms to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs. Accordingly, we request a briefing by April 30, 2025, on the following questions: 

    What additional intelligence or diplomatic information does the U.S. government have regarding PM Netanyahu’s and senior Israeli officials’ ordering the destruction of civilian infrastructure for punitive purposes; to intimidate civilians; to coerce civilians to move out of certain zones or to take certain actions; or to affect the conduct of de facto authorities by mass destruction? 
    Israeli forces have destroyed more than 200,000 buildings in pursuit of a force that was estimated by their government at 10,000 to 30,000 fighters, raising questions about target distinction in a densely populated area. For how many of these over 200,000 destroyed homes and buildings have U.S. officials requested from the Israeli government the underlying intelligence justification for pre-planned airstrikes, given the licensing authority of U.S. officials to “verify credible reports” that U.S.-origin equipment and munitions have been used for unauthorized purposes? 
    As you know, the vast majority of the more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths in the last year and a half have been civilian men, women, and children. What calculations has the U.S. government made of the tolerance by Israeli forces of expected harm against civilians in targeting low-level enemy combatants that are not actively engaged in combat activities? 

    Finally, we are deeply concerned by reports this weekend of an attempted coverup of the killing of 15 Palestinian first aid responders in marked ambulances—that were bulldozed into a mass grave. Israeli officials claimed to have struck Hamas militants in unlit vehicles, but video evidence on victims’ phones unearthed at the site indicates that those killed were uniformed first responders in marked and well-lit ambulances with emergency signals activated. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noted that the incident “represents the single most deadly attack on Red Cross Red Crescent workers anywhere in the world since 2017. We urge you to insist that PM Netanyahu promptly inform the Administration and Congress of his plan to hold accountable the individuals responsible for this attack. 
    Sincerely, 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Raises Alarm to State Election Officials on SAVE Act, Warns it Would Disenfranchise Millions of Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Raises Alarm to State Election Officials on SAVE Act, Warns it Would Disenfranchise Millions of Americans

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, warned Secretaries of State, Lieutenant Governors, and Chief Election Officials across the country of the devastating potential impacts of Republicans’ Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on this week. The bill threatens to disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters by creating overly burdensome documentation requirements, making voting harder for new voters, married women, rural voters, and the tens of millions of Americans who register to vote online or through the mail.

    Senator Padilla highlighted that nearly half of Americans do not own a passport, and 21 million voting age Americans lack easy access to the voter documentation required by the SAVE Act, including a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate. Furthermore, the bill could restrict the right to vote for approximately 69 million married women whose legal names differ from their birth certificates. As more than 12 percent of Americans move each year, millions of voters would also be required to find these documents any time they change their address.

    “If this legislation becomes law, millions of Americans will face major obstacles to vote because they either lack the required documents to prove citizenship or because they relied on ways to register that the bill would upend — including online voter registration, registration by mail, voter drives, or automatic voter registration,” wrote Senator Padilla. “I encourage you to use your office to help educate election officials in your state and your Members of Congress about how this bill could harm voters and elections in your state.”

    The SAVE Act is especially alarming following President Trump’s recent anti-voter executive order, Padilla wrote.

    “This vote is particularly concerning as it comes after a recent executive order, where the President asserted sweeping unilateral power of state-run elections, including illegally requiring documentary proof of citizenship on the National Voter Registration Form, and allowing DOGE and the Department of Homeland Security access to voter registration and other state records, along with federal databases,” continued Padilla. “We have not seen an attempt like this since the federal push for voter data by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity during the first Trump Administration in 2017, which state election officials rejected on an overwhelming bipartisan basis.”

    Padilla stressed that voting by noncitizens is already a federal crime and is incredibly rare. A review of the 2016 general election found that only 0.0001 percent of votes came from improper noncitizen voting among the jurisdictions reviewed. Additionally, a recent analysis of Heritage Foundation data identified only 68 such cases over the past four decades.

    He further emphasized that the immediate implementation of the SAVE Act, which also requires removal of noncitizens from the voter rolls, could result in the purging of eligible voters as states will lack the time and infrastructure to swiftly and accurately implement these changes. Padilla also underscored the risks the SAVE Act poses to the administration of elections, as the bill imposes extreme criminal penalties against election officials, including up to five years in federal prison and major fines, for helping register a voter without the required documentation. As election workers face mounting threats and high workloads, the threat of these penalties could further deplete the election administration workforce.

    “Put plainly, state and local election officials should be aware that Congress is rapidly moving legislation to disenfranchise voters and disrupt election administration based on the fiction of noncitizen voting,” concluded Padilla.

    Senator Padilla has led the charge opposing President Trump and Republicans’ reckless attempts to restrict the right to vote. Last week, Padilla led 11 Senators in introducing the Defending America’s Future Elections Act to repeal Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order and prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive voter registration data and state records. Padilla also led 14 Democratic Senators in calling on Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order and issued a statement slamming the order when it was announced.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Lieutenant Governors, Secretaries and Chief Election Officials:

    As a former Secretary of State, I write to bring your attention to my serious concerns over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 22/S. 128) which will be considered in the U.S. House of Representatives soon. This bill purports to stop noncitizen voting by requiring anyone registering to vote to provide documentary proof of citizenship. If this legislation becomes law, millions of Americans will face major obstacles to vote because they either lack the required documents to prove citizenship or because they relied on ways to register that the bill would upend – including online voter registration, registration by mail, voter drives, or automatic voter registration. I encourage you to use your office to help educate election officials in your state and your Members of Congress about how this bill could harm voters and elections in your state.

    This vote is particularly concerning as it comes after a recent executive order, where the President asserted sweeping unilateral power of state-run elections, including illegally requiring documentary proof of citizenship on the National Voter Registration Form, and allowing DOGE and the Department of Homeland Security access to voter registration and other state records, along with federal databases. We have not seen an attempt like this since the federal push for voter data by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity during the first Trump Administration in 2017, which state election officials rejected on an overwhelming bipartisan basis.

    Voting by noncitizens, which this bill claims to combat, is exceedingly rare and this response only serves to inhibit eligible voters. A review of the 2016 general election found that in the jurisdictions studied, improper noncitizen voting was 0.0001 percent of votes. Voters already must affirm their U.S. citizenship under the penalty of perjury when registering to vote and voting in a federal election as a noncitizen is a federal crime.

    Further, the requirement for documentary proof of citizenship is a costly burden that could disenfranchise millions of Americans. A large majority of Americans live in states where their driver’s license does not meet the requirements of the bill. Over 140 million Americans do not have a passport, and over 21 million American citizens cannot easily access proof of citizenship documents. The bill also prevents people who have changed their legal names from using their birth certificates, impacting tens of millions of married women. More than 12 percent of Americans also move every year, and would be forced to access these documents to re-register at their new address.

    Taken together the bill’s requirements would disproportionately harm voters of color, married women, members of the military, and younger voters. As Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab has made clear, his state’s efforts to impose proof of citizenship requirements in 2013 “didn’t work out so well.” As the Kansas law was challenged in court, it was found that only 39 noncitizens had registered to vote in the state from 1999 to 2012, yet the law ultimately blocked the registration of over 31,000 eligible U.S. citizens.

    The SAVE Act would take effect immediately, giving states little time to set up a regime that not only requires verification of citizenship but requires removal of noncitizens from the voter rolls. The lack of time and infrastructure for these processes may cause states to rely on unreliable data, resulting in the removal of eligible voters.

    In addition to likely disenfranchising millions of Americans, the SAVE Act would make it more difficult for election officials to do their jobs, with dramatic consequences for errors. If enacted, the law would impose severe criminal penalties against election officials, including fines and up to five years in federal prison, if they help register a voter who does not provide documentary proof of citizenship. As you know, election workers in your states are already overburdened – imposing these penalties could have a profoundly harmful impact on the election administration workforce.

    Put plainly, state and local election officials should be aware that Congress is rapidly moving legislation to disenfranchise voters and disrupt election administration based on the fiction of noncitizen voting. As someone who served as a state election, I encourage you to review the legislation closely and ensure that election officials in your state and your Members of Congress are aware of the potentially serious consequences if this bill were to be enacted.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Myanmar quake: ‘I constantly worry – what if another earthquake happens?’

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Humanitarian Aid

    Ten days after the catastrophic quake which struck Myanmar, children remain the most vulnerable – losing their homes, their schools, and in many cases, their families.

    The 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck shortly before 1 PM local time on 28 March, was the strongest in recent memory.

    As aftershocks continue, UN agencies are warning of a looming health emergency, with children sleeping in the open, exposed to extreme heat, unsanitary conditions and the constant fear of another disaster.

    According to the latest figures, over 3,500 people have died, nearly 5,000 have been injured and more than 200 remain missing.

    The UN relief chief, speaking from Myanmar where he is overseeing the aid effort, underscored the Organization’s commitment to help communities in need.

    “The United Nations is here – we are going to stay here and we will deliver for them. But we need the world to get behind us, but more importantly, to back this community as they rebuild their lives,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, as he visited neighbourhoods levelled by the disaster in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday.

    He highlighted the need for the international community to step up support, stressing that the most vulnerable have been the most affected.

    “One thing that I have been struck by here is that you would think earthquakes hit everyone equally, but they hit the poorest hardest because they do not have the resources to respond, to move house, to live elsewhere, to start to rebuild.”

    Education in ruins

    The earthquake has dealt a severe blow to Myanmar’s already fragile education system.

    According to government reports, at least 1,824 schools have been damaged or destroyed, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to education.

    With schools reduced to rubble, there is growing concern that many children, especially those in poorer communities, will fall behind in their studies – or never return to school at all.

    No quick and easy fixes

    There are “no quick and easy fixes,” the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns.

    “Many children have lost their parents, their friends and they need a place where they can get psychosocial support and begin to feel a sense of normalcy,” Eliana Drakopoulos, Chief of Communications at UNICEF Myanmar, told UN News.

    “As hard as that is to imagine…we have to respond to the immediate emergency, but we also have to be here for the long haul to help people recover from this massive tragedy.”

    Eliana Drakopoulos, Chief of Communications at UNICEF Myanmar, updates on the situation in the affected areas

    Soundcloud

    Health risks

    The destruction of homes, hospitals and sanitation facilities, combined with heavy rains over the weekend have raised fears of disease outbreaks.

    According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO)-led Health Cluster, more than 65 healthcare facilities have been damaged, further complicating the situation. The lack of medical supplies is putting the lives of injured and sick children at even greater risk.

    Beyond the physical dangers, children are also dealing with the psychological trauma of the disaster. Many are afraid to sleep indoors, fearing that another earthquake will strike.

    Heightened challenges for persons with disabilities

    The earthquake’s devastation has disproportionately impacted persons with disabilities who face increased vulnerability due to physical injuries, displacement and disruption of essential services.

    According to a UN initial rapid assessment conducted with 15 organizations of persons with disabilities and special schools in Mandalay and Sagaing, 11 of them reported direct impacts. The disaster has also led to a rise in newly acquired disabilities, further straining limited resources.

    Preliminary reports indicate families of persons with disabilities have suffered severe hardships, including the collapse of homes, destruction of critical infrastructure such as sanitation facilities and loss of livelihoods.

    “I am even afraid to use the toilet, fearing that another earthquake might strike while I am inside,” said one woman living with disability.

    “I constantly worry – what if another earthquake happens while I’m inside a damaged house? The fear and anxiety never go away.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –