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  • MIL-Evening Report: Why do plastic containers always come out wet from the dishwasher? Science has the answer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia

    ShowRecMedia/Shutterstock

    It’s annoying to open your dishwasher after the cycle is finished only to find half of the dishes still wet. Instead of being able to stack them away, you end up with a full drying rack.

    And you’ve probably noticed it’s always plastic items that end up the most wet. What’s going on?

    The answer is a bit convoluted and requires some materials and physics knowledge, but bear with me.

    Plastics have very different properties to ceramics and metals – the stuff your plates and cutlery are most likely made out of. Two key things play a role: one is how the materials store heat, and the other is what happens on their surfaces.

    How dishes store heat

    If you take your dishes out of the dishwasher promptly after the cycle ends, you’ve likely noticed that plates, glasses and ceramic mugs are still hot, while plastic containers don’t feel warm at all.

    This relates to their heat capacity, sometimes also referred to as the “thermal mass” of these materials. Ceramics, glass and metals can store more heat, and it takes longer for them to give it away to their surroundings than it does for plastics. In other words, ceramics and metals cool down more slowly.

    Since evaporating water takes energy and cools the surface – which is also how your body cools down on a hot day as you sweat – plastics cool down faster, leaving much of the water on the surface.

    Ceramic, metal and glass items retain heat better than plastics – so they dry faster.
    Velik/Shutterstock

    How water behaves on different surfaces

    The other part of the problem is in surface energy, which tells us how water wets different surfaces.

    You’ve probably seen water droplets bead up on things like high-end rain jackets or non-stick frying pans. These surfaces are called hydrophobic, meaning they “fear” water. This is also the case for most plastics, although not always to such a dramatic effect.

    On the other end of the spectrum, surfaces like many ceramics and metals are coated with water easily. That’s because they are more hydrophilic or “water-loving”.

    On a hydrophobic material such as a rain jacket, water will bead into droplets.
    Ondra Vacek/Shutterstock

    But there’s another factor here – and it has to do with dishwashers, in particular. Dishwasher detergent contains a mixture of chemicals, mainly surfactants – substances that lower the surface tension of water.

    Surface tension is the property of the material’s interface (for example, between solid and liquid, or liquid and gas) that tells us how much energy it takes to create a larger surface. By adding detergent to water, we reduce its surface tension. This makes it easier for the water to spread over surfaces it encounters (even over these hydrophobic plastics), in turn making it easier to wash your dishes.

    More importantly, the surfactants in detergent are molecules that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic chemical groups. This makes them a kind of link between water and fats. Since oil and water don’t like to mix, a surfactant helps to “blend” the latter and have it float in water, helping remove any oily residues from your dishes.

    This happens in the main washing cycle. After rinsing, the chemicals get removed and your dishes are sprayed with clean water so you don’t have to taste the detergent in your tea.

    So, at the end, water beads up on your hydrophobic plastic dishes and spreads all over your more hydrophilic ceramic plates, cups and metal pots. A large bead of water evaporates more slowly than when the same amount of water is spread more thinly over your plates and pots.

    On top of that, ceramic dishes retain more heat, which makes them dry more quickly – the water that’s already spread more thinly just evaporates faster.

    Rinse aids can help water run off the surfaces of dishes more quickly.
    Potashev Aleksandr/Shutterstock

    Is there anything I can do to make plastics dry faster?

    You’ve probably heard about rinse aids that are added to the rinse cycle. Their key ingredients are different types of low-foaming surfactants and chemicals that make water softer. Some “all in one” dishwasher tablets may already contain a small amount of rinse aid and the makers provide instructions on how to use them in a safe and efficient way.

    Rinse aids also lower the surface tension of water, making it easier for water to wet and run off the surfaces, preventing it from beading up and reducing streaks.

    This also works on plastic dishes, leaving much less water behind. Some dishwasher manufacturers recommend using rinse aids because in addition to drying dishes faster, they can prevent corrosion of dishwasher parts from detergent residues.

    Is there anything else you can do to dry the dishes faster?

    There is one thing that is really simple: just crack the door open as soon as the cycle is finished and it’s safe to do so, so that water vapour can escape. If hot air and moisture instead remain trapped in the dishwasher, the water vapour will condense on all surfaces, like dew before dawn.

    At the end, you have a way to make most of your dishes drier after the cycle, although you may still end up with a first-world problem in the form of some wet plasticware. There will be less water on it if you use a rinse aid according to instructions, and open the dishwasher when safe, after the cycle is completed.

    Kamil Zuber 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 do plastic containers always come out wet from the dishwasher? Science has the answer – https://theconversation.com/why-do-plastic-containers-always-come-out-wet-from-the-dishwasher-science-has-the-answer-250656

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, Rep. Randall, Sen. Riccelli, WA Health Care Providers Sound Alarm Over Looming Republican Cuts to Medicaid That Would Kick Washingtonians Off Their Health Care, Blow a Hole in State Budget

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    In Washington state, over 1.8 million people rely on Medicaid; Central and Eastern WA have the highest proportion of people on Medicaid

    ***PHOTOS, B-ROLL HERE***

    Olympia, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a press conference at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia to sound the alarm on the massive, steep cuts to Medicaid that House and Senate Republicans in Washington, D.C. are right now working to pass via their budget reconciliation bill, which only requires a simple majority of votes to pass in each chamber. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were U.S. Representative Emily Randall, (WA-06), Washington State Senator and Floor Leader Marcus Riccelli (District 3), Dr. Crystal Shen, a pediatrician who leads advocacy efforts for the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians, Justin Gill, a registered nurse and the President of the Washington State Nurses Association, and Julie Clark, a Medicaid recipient who spoke about how the services she receives through Medicaid allow her to live a full and independent life away from an institution.

    Nearly 80 million Americans rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program for their health coverage and access to care, including over 1.8 million people in Washington state who are enrolled in Apple Health, Washington state’s Medicaid program. In Washington state, 38 percent of children, one in six adults, three in five nursing home residents, and three in eight people with disabilities are covered by Apple Health. House Republicans have proposed cuts of at least $880 billion to Medicaid and other health care programs, which would have devastating consequences for Washington state’s health care system and everyone who relies on it. In Fiscal Year 2023, Washington state received over $12.5 billion in federal Medicaid funding, accounting for 57 percent of all federal funding to the state—cuts to federal Medicaid funding would severely exacerbate Washington state’s budget deficit, since the state would have to make up for the shortfall to try and minimize the loss of crucial health care services.

    “Cuts to Medicaid at the scale Republicans are directing will mean hospitals and clinics—especially in our rural areas—will close their doors. Moms and babies will lose health coverage. Seniors will be cut from home care services and forced out of long-term care facilities. Wait times for care will skyrocket, labor and delivery services will close, and people who need lifesaving mental health care—or help recovering from addiction—will suffer… Nearly half of kids in America get their health care through Medicaid—that is the program Trump, and Elon, and Republicans are aiming their wrecking ball at,” Senator Murray said at the press conference today.

    “House Republicans directed the Energy and Commerce committee to find $880 billion dollars worth of Medicaid cuts—because they need the room in the budget to extend Trump’s tax cuts for the richest Americans,” Senator Murray continued. “If you don’t want to see people kicked off their health care, if you don’t want to see hospitals close their doors in your community, then this is the time to get loud, pick up the phone, and tell Republicans in Congress to stop listening to Donald Trump and Elon Musk who want tax breaks for their billionaire buddies, and start listening to your constituents who just want to stay on their health care.”

    Republicans have offered various proposals to drastically cut Medicaid, all of which would mean cutting services and kicking people off their health care coverage. For example, 782,000 Washingtonians, or 42 percent of adults on Medicaid in Washington state, would be at risk of losing coverage if Republicans institute so-called work requirements, which been proven not to increase employment—but rather strip health coverage from people with low incomes, most of whom are already working full or part-time, or not working due to circumstances like school or caregiving responsibilities. Reducing the federal match rate for states like Washington that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, another idea that has been discussed, would force Washington state to spend $2,754,000,000 more to maintain its Medicaid expansion, and threaten coverage for 647,416 people in Washington. Removing or lowering the 50 percent floor on federal Medicaid match rates would shift costs to states dramatically, and would mean Washington state would have to pay an additional $1,197,000,000, or 18 percent every year.

    “I first became aware of the good that government can do for our families when Washington state led the country in expanding Medicaid in 1993, because of brave legislators who knew that it was the right decision. And it was a decision that changed my family’s trajectory—my sister… was born with complex disabilities and my dad’s civilian government employee insurance from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard was good, but wouldn’t have covered everything that she needed to survive. And my story is just like so many stories across the district, across the state, and across the country,” said U.S. Representative Emily Randall (WA-06). “In our rural community on the Olympic Peninsula, we have hospitals in Forks, in Port Angeles, in Elma, that are already hanging by a thread, that are struggling to keep providers employed and keep their doors open, to continue providing lifesaving care to folks who have nowhere else to go. But if this administration and the Republicans in Congress are effective and successful in delivering $880 billion dollars of cuts to people’s health care, those hospitals will have to close their doors, leaving our community without health care.”

    “Drastically cutting Medicaid would eliminate a lifeline for thousands of people in Eastern and Central Washington,” said Washington state Senator Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane). “It will mean a loss of comprehensive services to people, including access to primary care, behavioral health, and dental care. By delaying this care, we will see a flood of people end up in already burdened emergency rooms, particularly in rural areas where hospitals are already on the brink of cutting services or closing their doors. Simply put, cutting Medicaid will mean cutting lives short in Washington state.”

    “Medicaid cuts of this massive scale would be devastating for access to care and can lead to significant preventable health harm,” said Dr. Crystal Shen, a Seattle-area pediatrician with the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians. “Medicaid cuts would mean that clinics are at risk of significantly limiting Medicaid access in order to keep their lights on, or could even be at risk of closing. This would lead to families having to travel even farther and wait longer for access to care, or perhaps not being able to access care at all. This means kids would miss out on care that they need and show up in emergency rooms sicker… Pediatric specialist access could become even more limited geographically and even longer waits, when some already have wait times of a year or even longer. Some pediatric specialty departments have even closed due to losing staff due to Medicaid funding challenges… If massive cuts cause clinics or specialty departments to close, then all children in that area may be impacted, not just children on Medicaid. These are difficult to re-open once they are closed, and entire communities, especially rural communities, could lack access to essential medical care. I have seen firsthand the great lengths that parents will go to help their children access medical care, whether traveling for hours or waiting months.”

    “Medicaid is a lifeline for so many of my patients. It ensures expectant parents receive essential care, seniors access long-term support, and working families stay healthy while striving to make ends meet. Cutting Medicaid will further destabilize our healthcare system by forcing clinics and hospitals throughout our state to close, leaving patients with even fewer options,” said Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, President of the Washington State Nurses Association. “These cuts will make our jobs as nurses even more difficult. We will struggle to coordinate care, secure medications, and order necessary tests and diagnostics for our patients. The burden of navigating an already complex system will only grow, further contributing to burnout and workforce shortages. There is a difference between those that make reckless policy decisions, like cutting Medicaid, and those of us that are in the trenches doing the work. When I see a patient, I am accountable for the care and direction I provide. I wonder if any lawmakers supporting these cuts will apply that same standard of accountability when they decide on how to vote.”

    “My care is very high. I have a feeding tube. I love it in my own home. I can do whatever I want to do. I can go anywhere I need or want, but require a caregiver for safety… Staff take care of my physical needs because I can’t take care of myself due to my disability. My staff supports me with medications and they help me to get to and from appointments. They support my social activities. I cannot go anywhere without my caregivers. I wish I could do all these things for myself, but I cannot. I like my freedom. Everyone deserves to have the quality of life to work and live in their own home in the community. Please do not make cuts to Medicaid. These cuts would be very harmful to myself and those like me. This would affect me and my living situation drastically because I would be forced to live in an institution,” said Julie Clark, a self-advocate who relies on services paid for by Medicaid to live a full and independent life.

    Nationwide, nearly half of children in America are enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid pays for nearly half of births in the U.S. Medicaid also pays for services for 2 in 3 nursing home residents and pays for home-based services for close to 2 million seniors—allowing them to age safely at home—as well as close to 3 million people with disabilities and other health conditions. Cutting Medicaid will lead to accelerated hospital closures, particularly in rural areas. Medicaid also covers 1 in 4 people with a mental health or substance use disorder, and serves as the largest payer for mental health and substance use services for communities nationwide amid an ongoing overdose and opioid epidemic made worse by an influx of fentanyl. Recent polling from KFF Health found 82 percent of adults think Medicaid funding should either increase or stay the same and large majorities of people across parties, those who voted for Trump in 2024, and adults living in rural areas say the program is “very important” for their local community. Polling from Hart Research found that 71 percent of voters who backed Trump said cutting Medicaid would be unacceptable, and voters overall were even more opposed to it.

    A fact sheet outlining what Medicaid cuts would mean for Washington state is HERE.

    Senator Murray’s full remarks at the press conference, as delivered, are below:

    “We are here because, back in the Other Washington, Republicans are getting ready to launch an all-out assault on a program that tens of millions of Americans, including 1.8 million people in our state, rely on for health care—and that is Medicaid.

    “Last month, House Republicans passed a budget resolution with $880 billion—that’s a ‘b,’ billion—dollars in cuts, with Medicaid in the crosshairs—explicitly laying the groundwork for legislation later this year that will cut Americans off their health care, force our rural hospitals to close their doors, and blow a massive hole in states’ budgets…

    “Including here in Washington state, where we received over twelve-and-a-half billion dollars in Medicaid funding in Fiscal Year 2023 alone.

    “One in five people in Washington state rely on Medicaid for their health care coverage, including three in eight people with disabilities, three in five seniors, and nearly forty percent of children.

    “Make no mistake: Medicaid saves lives.

    “And do you know where it saves lives the most? In rural and red communities. Here in our state, Washington’s 4th and 5th Congressional Districts—the only two represented by Republicans—have the highest proportion of people who rely on Medicaid!

    “Those are the places that are going to really get hit hardest if Republicans succeed in their plan to dramatically slash Medicaid.

    “Cuts to Medicaid at the scale Republicans are directing will mean: hospitals and clinics—especially in our rural areas—will close their doors. Moms and babies will lose health coverage. Seniors will be cut from home care services and forced out of long-term care facilities. Wait times for care will skyrocket, labor and delivery services will close, and people who need lifesaving mental health care—or help recovering from addiction—will suffer.

    “And don’t forget—Medicaid is the largest source of coverage for mental health and substance use services for communities across the country.

    “Nearly half of kids in America get their health care through Medicaid—that is the program Trump, and Elon, and Republicans are aiming their wrecking ball at.

    “And when you consider how many people rely on it, it should come as no surprise that Medicaid is overwhelmingly popular!

    “In fact, 82 percent of Americans want to see Medicaid funding increase or stay the same. Large majorities of people across political parties say Medicaid is, ‘very important’ to their local community. 71 percent of people who voted for Trump said cutting Medicaid would be unacceptable.

    “Those numbers send a clear message—and a clear warning to Republicans in Congress if they decide to charge forward.

    “You might wonder, if Medicaid is so popular, and so essential, to people all over the country—why are Republicans so hell-bent on cutting it to the bone?

    “Well the answer is simple: to pass more tax cuts for billionaires.

    “House Republicans directed the Energy and Commerce committee to find $880 billion dollars worth of Medicaid cuts because they need the room in the budget to extend Trump’s tax cuts for the richest Americans. 

    “The bottom line is that for Republicans, if there’s a choice between helping working people and helping their billionaire buddies, they’re going to side with the billionaires.

    “That’s why we are here today to raise the alarm, to spell out what the cuts they’re proposing would actually mean for folks here in our state, and to encourage people to speak out.

    “Because if you don’t want to see people kicked off their health care, if you don’t want to see hospitals close their doors in your community, then this is the time to get loud, pick up the phone, and tell Republicans in Congress to stop listening to Donald Trump and Elon Musk who want tax breaks for their billionaire buddies, and start listening to your constituents who just want to stay on their health care.

    “We cannot let Republicans charge ahead on deep and painful cuts to Medicaid just to line the pockets of the richest people in the world.

    “Now, Republicans still have a ways to go before they can actually pass these cuts into law.

    “So now is the time, again, to keep doing everything we can to raise our voices and call on Republicans to think seriously about what these cuts would do to their communities, and to reverse course before it’s too late.

    “You can bet that back in the Other Washington, I will keep fighting every way I can to protect people’s health care, lift up the voices of families here in Washington state, and make sure, at the very least, our Republican colleagues, hear from their constituents that they are so determined to hurt.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Files Bipartisan, Bicameral Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Restore Federal Accountability in Wrong-House Raid Case

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    March 17, 2025

    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), alongside Representatives Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Nikema Williams (D-GA-5), and Thomas Massie (R-KY-4), filed a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the Eleventh Circuit’s ruling in Martin v. United States, which undermines Congress’s clear intent to hold federal law enforcement accountable under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

    This case centers around a mistaken, forceful raid by federal agents who stormed the wrong home in the early hours of the morning. The family inside was jolted awake by a flashbang grenade exploding within their walls. This raid subjected the Martin family to extreme psychological and physical distress. Despite the evident toll on these innocent individuals and the assault they suffered, the Eleventh Circuit’s ruling denies them any legal recourse under the FTCA—the very law Congress amended to ensure federal accountability for wrong-house raids. The decision guts the protections Congress established and threatens Americans’ ability to seek justice when harmed by federal agents.

     

    “Congress specifically designed the FTCA to ensure that individuals harmed by government wrongdoing—such as the wrongful raiding of an innocent person’s home—have a means of recourse. By blocking Trina Martin’s right to seek redress, the Eleventh Circuit’s decision not only undermines Congress’ intent and the FTCA’s fundamental purpose but also sets a dangerous precedent that places government misdeeds beyond accountability. We must ensure that when the government makes a mistake, citizens can hold it accountable and seek justice. This case is a critical step in preserving that protection,” said Dr. Paul.

     

     “The brief filed by this bipartisan group confirms what the text of the federal statute says,” said Patrick Jaicomo, a Senior Attorney at the Institute for Justice. “If federal police harm innocent people while raiding the wrong house or engaging in other unlawful activity, the government will make their victims whole.”

     

    In Martin v. United States, the Eleventh Circuit ruled that victims of the wrong-house raid could not recover damages due to the Supremacy Clause, despite the FTCA’s explicit purpose to hold federal law enforcement accountable for wrongful actions. Congress introduced the FTCA’s law enforcement provision specifically to protect citizens harmed in cases like these, yet the Eleventh Circuit’s stance nullifies that protection—leaving innocent Americans vulnerable to unchecked government power.

     

    The Supremacy Clause was intended to assert the primacy of federal statutes—not to obstruct claims explicitly permitted by Congress. The bipartisan, bicameral brief makes it clear that if the Eleventh Circuit’s interpretation is upheld, it will fundamentally undermine the FTCA’s role in federal accountability, allowing agents to act with impunity and without fear of recourse from innocent citizens.

     

    By overturning the Eleventh Circuit’s decision, the Supreme Court would reinforce the FTCA as Congress intended— empowering Americans to hold federal agents accountable for intentional harms, particularly in cases like these that carry such personal and constitutional significance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Dr. Rand Paul Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort Urging President Trump to Act on Stalled U.S.-China Adoptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    March 17, 2025
    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in sending a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to engage directly with the Chinese government to resolve the bureaucratic impasse preventing American families from completing adoptions that were already approved before China’s abrupt shutdown of its intercountry adoption program. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Danny Davis (D-IL) co-led the bipartisan effort in the U.S. House of Representative, which garnered a total of 104 signatories.
    In the letter to the President, the lawmakers wrote:
    “We write to you on behalf of hundreds of children and American families who have been devastated by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption Program.”
    “We request that you act in the best interest of these children and engage the Chinese government to finalize these pending adoption cases.”
    The lawmakers emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating:
    “The sudden termination of China’s adoption program in August 2024 only exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being,” the members continued. “Many of these children have special health care needs, and some will soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family. … We urge you to elevate this engagement and press the Chinese government to finalize pending adoption cases so these children may finally be united with their adoptive families in the United States.”
    You can read the full letter HERE.
    A U.S. State Department notice last November suggested that China may allow adoptions to resume for families in certain countries. The lawmakers are making it clear: the U.S. must be included in any such arrangement. American families must not be left behind, and the administration must press the Chinese government to allow these adoptions to move forward through diplomatic channels, without intervention, hundreds of children remain in limbo, despite their adoptions already being approved.
    Dr. Paul has long been an advocate for these families, having signed a similar letter to President Biden in November 2024. He remains committed to ensuring that every child matched with an adoptive family is given the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving, and permanent home.
    Dr. Paul was joined in sending the letter by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chuck Grassley (R-IA),Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ted Cruz (R-TX),  John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Danny Davis (D-IL) Brian Babin (R-TX), Don Bacon (R-NE), Andy Biggs (R-AZ) Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Charles Fleischmann (R-TN), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), Sam Graves (R-MO), Mark Green (R-TN), H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Thomas Kean (R-NJ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Richard McCormick (R-GA), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Carol Miller (R-WV), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Zachary Nunn (R-IA), Andrew Ogles (R-TN), Bob Onder (R-MO), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), August Pfluger (R-TX), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), John Rutherford (R-FL), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Keith Self (R-TX), Jefferson Shreve (IN), Adam Smith (D-WA), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Haley Stevens (D-WI), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), William Timmons (R-SC), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Appointments to National Maritime Museum

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Labor Government has appointed Dr Kevin Fewster AM and Dr Bülent (Hass) Dellal AO as members to the Council for the Australian National Maritime Museum for three-year terms. 

    Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the appointees’ industry knowledge would contribute greatly to the boards. 

    “Kevin has many years of experience working within cultural institutions as well as a deep passion for maritime history which will be a great asset to the council.”

    “Bülent is an accomplished academic and who has a keen interest in exploring Australia’s multicultural stories which is something our incredible cultural instutions do with pride.”

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is dedicated to exploring Australia’s maritime history through topics of migration, archaeology, ocean science, commerce, culture and lifestyle, and honours the stories of First Nations peoples’ living cultural connection to ancestral waters. 

    Dr Kevin Fewster AM has held a number of senior maritime heritage sector positions since 1984, particularly in Australia and the United Kingdom. He was previously Director of the Royal Museums Greenwich (2007-2019), the Powerhouse Museum (2000-2007), Australian National Maritime Museum (1989-2000) and South Australian Maritime Museum (1984-1988). He is currently a Patron of the Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network and The Friends of Gallipoli Inc, and a Board member of The Mariners’ Museum in Newport, Virginia. Dr Fewster was previously the President of the International Congress of Maritime Museums, the world peak body for maritime museums, as well as a former Chairman of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors. Dr Fewster was awarded a British CBE and was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to museum administration and the preservation of maritime history. 

    Dr Bülent (Hass) Dellal AO is Chair of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, and Adjunct Professor at Deakin University’s Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation. Dr Dellal’s other board memberships include: Chair of Alfred Deakin Institute of Citizenship and Globalisation’s Advisory Board, Board of Directors of the Scanlon Foundation, Board of Directors of The Huddle, and Board of Directors of the Penington Institute. Dr Dellal has given decades of service to multicultural organisations, the arts and the community, promoting a multicultural Australia. In 2015, Dr Dellal was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the multicultural community He has extensive board and council experience, contributing 10 years of service on the Board of Directors of SBS Television and Radio. In 2024, Dr Dellal served as Panel Chair for the Commonwealth’s Multicultural Framework Review.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hunter drivers the winners as construction on Muswellbrook Bypass fast-tracked and planning for Cessnock Bypass begins

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Journeys around the Hunter will soon be made easier, with construction to start earlier on the Muswellbrook Bypass and planning to begin on a new Cessnock Bypass.

    The Albanese Labor Government has brought forward its $304.8 million investment in the Muswellbrook Bypass which means construction can commence ahead of schedule.

    Critical utility relocation work will start this year and the tender for major construction is expected to be in late 2026, with construction to commence the following year.

    The bypass will move the New England Highway out of the Muswellbrook town centre, onto an alternate route to the town’s east. 

    The new route will allow highway traffic to avoid traffic lights and flow freely at highway speeds, saving time for motorists and truck drivers who are travelling through the Hunter toward Aberdeen in the north, or the Liddell region in the south.

    With the 13,000-20,000 cars that pass through Muswellbrook’s town centre every day, residents will benefit from a less congested main street and reduced wear-and-tear on local roads, with 13 per cent being heavy vehicles.

    The Muswellbrook Bypass is just one project within the suite of New England Highway Corridor upgrades, with the Australian Government investing nearly $1.1 billion in improving the highway between Tenterfield and Newcastle. 

    The bypass is funded in partnership with the NSW Government, which is contributing $76.2 million. 

    The Albanese Labor Government is also announcing $5 million today to kick-start the planning process for a future Cessnock bypass. 

    The project will identify an alternative safe route to connect new housing developments at Bellbird in Cessnock’s south west to Nulkaba in the north and then onwards to the Hunter Expressway.

    This would bypass Cessnock’s city centre, reducing traffic congestion on Wollombi Road and supporting safer, more efficient journeys for road users.

    These transformative packages of works will better connect residents of the Hunter region with jobs and services, and will fast-track goods to markets and consumers. 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “Fast tracking this work in Muswellbrook is a big win for motorists and truck drivers in the Hunter, but also for resdients who will see a significant  reduction of vehicles through their local roads. 

    “We’re accelerating this funding so construction can start a ahead of schedule. Alongside our planning work for a future Cessnock Bypass, the Albanese Government’s investment will mean trips across the Hunter will be quicker and safer, sooner.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

    “The Muswellbrook Bypass is a game-changer for our community. Not only will it ease congestion and improve travel times, but the construction phase will bring hundreds of jobs to the region, supporting local businesses and boosting our economy.

    “When the bypass is complete, Muswellbrook will see less heavy traffic through its main streets, making it a more inviting place for locals and visitors to stop, shop, and enjoy everything our town has to offer.

    “The $5 million investment from the Australian Government to kickstart planning for the Cessnock Bypass is another critical step in improving connectivity in the Hunter. Cessnock’s roads are under significant pressure, and this project will provide much-needed relief to residents and businesses alike.

    “The Cessnock Bypass will work hand-in-hand with existing road infrastructure to significantly reduce traffic and congestion on Wollombi Road. By easing pressure on this critical route, we can ensure safer and more efficient journeys for locals and visitors while supporting the continued growth and prosperity of the region.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: People Against Prisons Aotearoa Statement – Prison guards hospitalise 77 year-old parolee – PAPA

    Source: People Against Prisons Aotearoa

    STATEMENT – People Against Prisons Aotearoa condemns the beating of 77 year-old Dean Wickliffe by prison guards at Waikato’s Spring Hill Corrections Facility. Wickliffe was recalled to prison after being made homeless and breaching his parole conditions that he reside at a specific address. After refusing to be double-bunked, a group of prison guards beat Wickliffe so badly he needed to be transferred to hospital for treatment. Wickliffe has been on hunger strike since March 10th, with his lawyer Annette Sykes saying that Corrections has refused to let her speak to him.

    “Corrections is breaching Section 69 of the Corrections Act, which clearly outlines that the Department must let prisoners speak with their lawyers. Spring Hill prison general manager Alan Lamb is acting unlawfully by refusing to arrange an AVL meeting for Dean’s lawyer.”

    “People Against Prisons Aotearoa has low expectations of Corrections, but the treatment of Dean Wickliffe is outrageous. When this old man was scared to be double-bunked, prison guards beat his head against the floor of his cell until he needed to be hospitalised. Given the recent spate of murders and suicides in custody, it is clear that Corrections is failing incarcerated people and failing Aotearoa. How are people meant to be rehabilitated when Corrections beats, abuses, and neglects them?”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ economy: Wheels turning – BusinessNZ

    Source: BusinessNZ

    The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the March quarter shows signs of economic improvement – even as New Zealand continues to face significant issues at home and abroad.
    BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says New Zealand is not immune to the economic uncertainty rising around the world.
    “As trade wars continue between the United States and other nations, the world remains in a state of economic flux. As a trading nation, New Zealand cannot expect to come out of these renegotiations unscathed.
    “On the bright side, inflationary pressures continue to fall, and recent cuts to the official cash rate have taken some financial pressure off homeowners refixing their mortgage. World commodity prices are solid which is welcome news for our meat and dairy exporters.”
    “For the first time in almost two years, the manufacturing sector saw growth in 2025 – this is welcome news and a positive sign of recovery.”
    The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index (ECI) is a measure of NZ’s major economic indicators. It sits at 17 for the March 2025 quarter, an improvement of 7 on the previous quarter, and an improvement of 14 on a year ago.
    An ECI reading above 0 indicates that economic conditions are generally improving overall; below 0 means economic conditions are generally declining.
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Northern Rivers Community Gateway 5th Financial Inclusion Conference

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Good morning.

    I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Bundjalung people, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and future.

    I would also like to acknowledge Jenni Beetson-Mortimer, CEO of Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Chair of the NSW Financial Inclusion Network – thank you for inviting me, Jenni.

    Thank you to all the wonderful presenters, panel members and attendees who join us – there are so many wonderful representatives here today from organisations that provide critical support for our communities.

    Well thank you very much to Northern Rivers Community Gateway for inviting me to speak with you all at the 5th Financial Inclusion Conference.

    As the Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, as well as your local Federal Member for Richmond – it’s wonderful that this important conference could be held right here in beautiful Kingscliff.

    I am very much looking forward to the wonderful insights that will be shared over the next two days.

    This conference is in fact extremely timely – as many people in our area are now relying on much-needed financial help and support, in the wake of severe weather here on the North Coast.

    The severe weather associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has seriously impacted us here on the North Coast – with much devastation to people, their homes, their livelihoods and their communities.

    My office has been one of the main points of contact during this time, fielding calls for help; assisting with disaster payments, insurance claims, grants, emergency housing and getting people to safety.

    Recovery is a long process, and the Albanese Government is standing by the people of NSW throughout their journey to rebuild.

    That’s why we swiftly activated timely support for the community, through Personal Hardship Assistance, jointly funded with the State Government – the Disaster Recovery Allowance and Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), to support those impacted.

    We know this is particularly important for our most vulnerable and for those on a low-income, who are needing to replace lost or damaged essentials, repair their homes, and of course rebuild their lives.

    This support is just part of a suite of comprehensive aid that people will require to get back on their feet, and I will go through some of those other measures shortly.

    We know too that this weather event has come at a time where many Australians are already feeling financial pressures.

    That’s why there’s never been a more important time to work together – and through the help of organisations and volunteers, such as many of yourselves here today – provide the frontline support that vulnerable Australians need.

    The Albanese Government is committed to improving financial wellbeing.

    Under the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity, which includes Emergency Relief, financial counselling and financial resilience services, we have increased our investment to around $150 million per year.

    This funds a range of community organisations across our nation, including many organisations represented here today, to deliver a wide range of supports and services to vulnerable people in need, helping them navigate financial crises, manage financial stress and hardship, and overall, improve financial wellbeing.

    Thankfully, through working with over 190 community organisations across the country, we can provide around 430,000 vulnerable Australians with Emergency Relief annually.

    And while we are very proud to be providing this funding, it is thanks to the organisations and their volunteers on the ground that so many people receive the support they need, when they need it.

    Now, Emergency Relief is not just providing food and water, clothing, fuel and medicine vouchers – but also budgeting assistance and referrals to other services to address underlying causes of financial strain.

    We cannot underestimate the negative effects that financial pressures can have on an individual or a family.

    Mounting financial pressure puts an extreme strain on a relationship and a family unit.

    Sometimes this stress can contribute to higher rates of domestic and family violence, which is particularly compounded in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

    That is why financial stability and resilience is so vital.

    From 1 July 2025, our government has proudly committed $27.4 million over five years to the National Debt Helpline so any person seeking financial counselling has access to support.

    Through the Helpline, which you can call on 1800 007 007, anyone can access a financial counsellor either over the phone or through the web chat.

    They can also remain anonymous, should they wish to.

    This allows people to access the support they need in a way that best suits them.

    As many of you know, financial counsellors support people to build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and to advocate for themselves, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

    And this support, support with respect, is so critical.

    Because we know the consequences of when people are ill-advised – that sometimes the most vulnerable can fall into a cycle of predatory debt.

    That’s why I’m so proud of the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), and the role that plays in assisting at-risk individuals to access help through fair and safe loans.

    Car repairs, registration, medical and dental costs, and education costs – these are all things that can creep up on a person without warning and send costs spiralling.

    Through NILS, people can access loans of up to $3,000 that can be paid over two years with no interest, fees or charges.

    We know this can make a world of difference when someone is struggling.

    Our government is also investing $51.5 million over 5 years from 1 July 2025 to continue the Saver Plus program, which helps families receive matched savings of up to $500 for education costs for themselves or their children.

    This important program, led by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in partnership with ANZ, has helped more than 64,000 Australians save more than $30 million since 2003 – and I understand you will hear more about this successful program throughout this conference.

    By supporting people with techniques to manage finances, providing them with incentives to save, and by giving better options to those in need – we are helping to improve lives and helping to build overall financial resilience.

    The support that the Northern Rivers Community Gateway, and all other community organisations represented here today provides is incredibly important, and I would like to take a moment to thank you for the great work you have done and will continue to do.

    Your support lets people know that they are not alone and that they are valued – at what can often be the most isolating, stressful and daunting time in a person’s life.

    As we all navigate financial pressures as well as extreme weather events, let’s keep working together to make our country stronger, and help people become more financially resilient and economically independent.

    I ask all of you here today to make use of this conference, to listen and to share your thoughts and ideas on ways forward and next steps.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs FY 2025 Supplemental Budget Bill

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 17, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 supplemental budget bill, HB 14, that was passed by the General Assembly last week. The bill allows for current operations of state government to continue through FY 2025.

    “This supplemental bill reflects our commitment to ensuring critical services continue uninterrupted for Missourians,” said Governor Kehoe. “From strengthening education and special needs services to supporting law enforcement and senior care, this funding will make a meaningful impact on communities across our state.”

    HB 14 totals over $1.9 billion, including $391.5 million in general revenue, $1.4 billion in federal funds, and $183.4 million in other funds. The supplemental budget bill includes funding for several high priority areas:

    • $14 million for services provided to Missouri seniors, including home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, in-home services, and more;
    • $157.4 million to support the Foundation Formula for public schools;
    • $20.8 million to provide special education instruction, therapies and other related services to children with disabilities ages 3-5;
    • $16.5 million for the First Steps program;
    • $250,000 for immigration enforcement training pursuant to Executive Order 25-04; and
    • $187,500 and staff to support full time Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) investigators within each of the nine MSHP troop regions.

    For more information on HB 14, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Seeks Joint Damage Assessments in Preparation for Major Federal Disaster Declaration Request

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 17, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) for Individual Assistance in 23 counties following the severe storms and deadly tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15. This request begins the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance.

    “As I observed during my visit to impacted areas this weekend, these storms and tornadoes caused widespread, devastating destruction and disrupted the lives of families and business across the Missouri,” said Governor Kehoe. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working closely with local emergency management officials, and we are confident the damage meets the threshold for FEMA to participate in joint damage assessments.”

    Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

    Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Thursday, March 20, six teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

    Initial damage assessments estimate approximately 368 houses were destroyed, 356 with major damageand 1,058 with minor damage. Damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, likely resulting in a request for additional PDAs for Public Assistance later this week.

    The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to survey damage and debris patterns to determine the total number and strength of tornadoes. NWS has preliminarily confirmed the following 12 tornadoes as of March 16:

    EF1: Franklin County (Elmont to Union)

    EF1: Jefferson County (Klondike Rd)

    EF1: Webster County (near Seymour)

    EF1: Oregon County (near Rover)

    EF2: Franklin/St. Louis counties (Villa Ridge to Fox Creek)

    EF2: Jefferson County (Hillsboro to Arnold)

    EF2: St. Louis County (Bridgeton)

    EF2: Phelps County (Doolittle to Rolla)

    EF2: Dunklin/Pemiscot counties

    EF3: Iron County (Des Arc)

    EF3: Butler County (Poplar Bluff)

    EF3: Ozark County (Bakersfield)

    Outages continue to decrease as power is restored. As of 6:00 p.m., fewer than 13,000 customers remained without power – down from 47,000 at 2 p.m. Sunday. The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated to assist in the recovery process, assess ongoing needs and coordinate resources as requested by local partners and emergency management.

    Volunteer and faith-based organizations also continue to support response efforts and provide support services to those in need. The Red Cross of Missouri continues to provide meals and emergency supplies and operate shelters. Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is assisting individuals and families with debris removal. Convoy of Hope is providing water and other emergency supplies, and the Salvation Army also continues to provide meals to those in impacted counties.

    Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Corpus Christi jury finds South Texas man guilty of transporting illegal aliens

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A jury has returned a guilty verdict against a 28-year-old Sullivan City resident on two counts of transporting illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    They deliberated for less than 45 minutes before convicting Alberto Chavez Jr. following a one-day trial. 

    Testimony revealed that on Nov. 2, 2024, Chavez pulled up to the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint in Falfurrias for a routine immigration inspection with two passengers in the vehicle. He claimed they were all cousins and were going north to find work.

    However, the jury heard that neither of the passengers were related to Chavez in any way. Both were actually citizens of Honduras who were illegally present in the United States.

    The jury heard from both men who explained they had crossed the Rio Grande River approximately one month prior and had been placed in various stash houses until Chavez picked them up the night before they arrived at the checkpoint.

    Testimony revealed Chavez bought them clothes to make them appear more “American” and coached them on what to say when trying to pass through the checkpoint. The aliens also stated they had specifically informed Chavez they were illegally present in the United States.

    The defense attempted to convince the jury that Chavez had simply agreed to give the aliens a ride. They did not believe those claims and found Chavez guilty as charged.

    U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over trial and has set sentencing for June 18. At that time, Chavez faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    Previously released on bond, the court ordered Chavez into custody pending sentencing.

    BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Griffith and Zachary Bird are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Highlights Historic Ten-Week Voting Streak in Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    The Senate concludes a historic commencement of the 119th Congress following ten consecutive weeks of voting, representing the longest continuous stretch in more than 15 years.

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) marked the completion of the Senate’s historic ten-week voting streak, the longest continuous stretch in over 15 years. The productive and intense work period has set a tone for the 119th Congress, with Senate Republicans working hard to advance President Trump’s agenda. Senator Scott reaffirmed his commitment to building on this progress and continuing to advocate for South Carolinians and the American people.

    “This work period has been dynamic, exciting, and extremely productive. I have loved seeing so many South Carolinians in DC over the last three months,” said Senator Scott. “Senate Republicans have taken monumental steps in getting President Trump the cabinet he deserves, passing critical legislation and rolling back burdensome regulations. While the work is far from over, I remain committed to building on these efforts and delivering results for folks back home and across the country! America will be the shining city on a hill once again!”

    Since January, Senator Scott has introduced 16 pieces of legislation and resolutions including his Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025, Securing our Border Act, Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, and the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act. 

    On the Senate’s duty of advice and consent…

    President Trump has selected various nominees to serve in critical positions throughout this new administration. Senator Scott has met with and voted to confirm the following nominees, now Cabinet-level positions, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Defense, Homeland Security, Education, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, SBA Administrator, and the Directors of the FBI, USTR, National Intelligence, and National Institutes of Health. Each cabinet appointee is critical to delivering on the promise to secure our borders, unleash American energy, and promote economic freedom. Senate Republicans are working hard to swiftly confirm President Trump’s nominees and bring safety and prosperity back to the American people! 

    On creating greater access to educational opportunities…

    Senator Scott celebrated the impact education freedom has on the lives of so many students and families during National School Choice Week. He also highlighted a quality education is still out of reach to countless children who desperately need it during Secretary McMahon’s confirmation hearing.

    As co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus and member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Scott led his colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing January 26 – February 1 as National School Choice Week. The Senator continues to champion parental rights so families can choose the education that best fits their child’s individual talents and needs.

    On disaster recovery and SBA reform efforts…

    After hearing from hundreds of South Carolina businesses in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act, which requires the Small Business Administration to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public. During the 10-week work period, the bill successfully moved out of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, marking a significant step forward in providing essential resources to communities in need. By introducing this legislation, Senator Scott is committed to ensuring that those affected by natural disasters have the tools they need to rebuild their lives.  

    On unlocking economic freedom…

    Senator Scott has been actively laying the groundwork to advance pro-growth tax policies that strengthen the economy and protect hard working Americans. That includes preventing a $5 trillion tax hike on the middle-class by pushing to extend theTax Cuts and Jobs Act that would ensure small businesses and families aren’t burdened with higher taxes.

    As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and as a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Scott is focused on advancing solutions to support pro-growth policies and economic opportunity across the country – with the goal of unlocking up to $1 trillion in investments for underserved communities. Senator Scott’s effort is about building a future where every American has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. To that end, Senator Scott joined Walter Davis, founding member of Peachtree Providence partners, for an important conversation as part of Senator Scott’s Opportunity Summit series. The Opportunity Summit is designed to establish an ecosystem that drives economic growth in underserved communities, building on the success of his Opportunity Zones from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Senator Scott’s goal is to create lasting economic opportunities that will continue to empower communities for generations to come, ensuring that all Americans have the chance to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

    On the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Scott is leading Senate Republican efforts to address the un-American practice of debanking, holding hearings, meeting with industry leaders, and introducing legislation. In his committee’s first legislative markup of the 119th Congress, Senator Scott successfully advanced his debanking legislation, as well as a bipartisan bill that establishes a clear regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. Senator Scott will continue using his position as Chairman to prioritize serious solutions to support hardworking Americans and rein in burdensome regulations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Pacific Palisades

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a third Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Los Angeles County to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents affected by the wildfires and straight‑line winds occurring Jan. 7-31.

    The new center, located in Pacific Palisades, provides a one-stop resource where SBA customer service representatives are available to meet individually with business owners and residents to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, but walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283
    15247 La Cruz Dr.
    Pacific Palisades, CA  90272

    Monday – Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    Opened at 8:30 a.m., Monday, March 17

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 31. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Oct. 8.

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    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Re-Entry and Splashdown

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch with us as the four members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission—NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov—return to Earth.

    Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore began their mission at the International Space Station on June 6, 2024, arriving aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov arrived at the station on Sept. 29, 2024. Hague and Gorbunov launched to space aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom spacecraft, which has been docked to the station since September and is now bringing Crew-9 back home.

    Crew-9 is scheduled to begin their deorbit burn at 5:11 p.m. EST (2111 UTC) and splash down off the coast of Florida at 5:57 p.m. EST (2157 UTC). After splashdown, crews will retrieve the Dragon and its crew in a process scheduled to take approximately one hour.

    See the full schedule for Crew-9’s return to Earth: https://go.nasa.gov/4iWeg8N
    Learn more about Crew-9’s scientific mission: https://go.nasa.gov/4bWdt5u
    Follow the latest Crew-9 mission updates: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialcrew

    Credit: NASA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDYt1l_7UvU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Undocking

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch as the four members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission—NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov—undock from the International Space Station and begin their journey home to Earth.

    Crew-9’s SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station at 1:05 a.m. EST (0505 UTC). After undocking from the station, Crew-9 is scheduled to splash down off the coast of Florida at 5:57 p.m. EST (2157 UTC), ending their multi-month mission in low Earth orbit.

    See the full schedule for Crew-9’s return to Earth: https://go.nasa.gov/4iWeg8N
    Learn more about Crew-9’s scientific mission: https://go.nasa.gov/4bWdt5u
    Follow the latest Crew-9 mission updates: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/commercialcrew/

    Credit: NASA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QB1Rmfy_pQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Monetary Policy: Forward Looking and Data Dependent in the Face of Uncertainty

    Source: Reserve Bank of Australia

    I would first like to pay respect to the traditional and original owners of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, to pay respect to those who have passed before us and to acknowledge today’s custodians of this land. I also extend that respect to any First Nations people joining us here today.

    Introduction

    Three weeks ago, the Reserve Bank Board cut interest rates for the first time since 2020. Naturally there is a lot of interest in what lies behind the Board’s decision-making process. Today I want to shine a light on three key inputs to the process, how they interact with one another and how they fit together to support the Board in its decision making.

    The first is our view of how changes in the cash rate affect the economy. The impact of policy changes takes time to flow through the economy; looking at the response of banking credit flows to interest rate changes, which many here today know intimately, clearly highlights this. So policy decisions today shape inflation and employment outcomes in the future.

    This necessitates a forward-looking approach to meeting our mandate. Policy decisions require both a view of the outlook for the economy and an understanding of how policy is likely to affect that outlook. That helps the Board set the cash rate to give the best chance of achieving the RBA’s objectives over time.

    The second is how we form our view of the outlook – our baseline forecast – and how it responds to incoming data. When we talk about being ‘data dependent’, we are referring to the way we update our view of where the economy is and the outlook. The implication of continuously updating our view on the outlook means we also continuously update our policy advice to the Board; the future pathway for the cash rate is not predefined.

    Finally, I will say a bit about the Board’s approach to setting policy under uncertainty. In practice we are uncertain about both the outlook for the economy, and the effect of monetary policy, and this complicates policy decisions. Under uncertainty, policy depends on more than just the central forecast – judgements about the risks and uncertainties matter too. That’s why, as we have discussed on a number of occasions recently, it’s important to consider alternative possible pathways for the economy and how policy would have to respond.

    Monetary policy is forward looking …

    Central bankers and macroeconomists often say that monetary policy impacts the economy with a lag.

    So, if inflation moves away from our target, or employment falls below full employment, monetary policy cannot immediately offset those moves. Instead, central banks have to look ahead. Ideally we would know when and by how much the economy is going to move away from our targets in the future. Knowing this, we would calibrate policy today to prevent this from happening, and the economy would stay at full employment and inflation at target.

    In practice of course, this isn’t what happens. We can’t foresee shocks, and even in times of relative calm outcomes are rarely (if ever) exactly as we expect. The economy and our understanding of it is always evolving and our models, analysis and judgements aren’t perfect; we don’t have a crystal ball and even if we did it would be very cloudy.

    Despite this, given the lags in monetary policy transmission, we always have to forecast how we think the economy will evolve, and set policy now so that we expect to achieve our mandate once any policy change has had time to have its effect. In practice, as I will explain later, policy decisions also take account of uncertainties about the outlook. We put significant effort into identifying and understanding the risks around the baseline forecast, and the Board explicitly considers such risks in its decision-making.

    … because there are lags in transmission

    It is important, then, to understand how policy changes affect the economy. In a speech in 2023 my colleague Christopher Kent set out the RBA’s view of how monetary policy works, and how the sequence of increases in the cash rate up to that point had affected the Australian economy. I plan to use the same framework to explore the lags in transmission, so let me briefly summarise it here.

    Figure 1: How Changes in the Cash Rate Flow through the Economy

    When the cash rate changes, the first step in transmission is that other short and longer term market interest rates and other asset prices (including the exchange rate) adjust, more or less straightaway. Then these changes affect economic activity and ultimately inflation through a number of ‘channels’:

    • Cash flow: lower interest rates flow into households’ disposable income; borrowers pay less to service their debt, and savers earn less on their deposits.
    • Savings and investment: a decrease in saving and borrowing rates typically encourages people and businesses to borrow, invest and consume more, and save less.
    • Asset prices: A cut in interest rates typically encourages investment in assets, resulting in higher house, equity and other asset prices. Higher household wealth tends to increase household consumption.
    • Credit: Lower interest rates can increase the flow of loans to households and the availability of external funding to businesses.
    • Exchange rate: a decrease in interest rates can contribute to a depreciation of the exchange rate, making imports less competitive and exports more competitive, leading to stronger growth. Higher import prices also directly increase inflation.

    Macroeconomists often talk about expectations, and whether or not an interest rate change is partially or fully anticipated by financial markets, households and businesses is an important determinant of the size of each transmission channel. If the change is fully anticipated by financial markets then we may see little if any change in asset prices and the exchange rate, which limits the size of the exchange rate and asset price channels after the decision. Households and businesses may also start to adapt their spending and investment decisions ahead of a change in the cash rate, but they typically respond less than financial markets prior to the policy decision.

    Overall, then, the size and timing of the impact of policy changes through these channels varies.

    Take the cash flow channel as an example. Some variable loan and savings rates change quickly, as we saw following the Board’s latest decision. Households in aggregate have more interest-sensitive loans than deposits, so lower interest rates increase household disposable income. That prompts higher spending by borrowers, though households typically adjust their spending by less than the changes in their incomes in the short run. For those with fixed-rate mortgages, cash flows remain unchanged until loans roll over, though they might start adjusting their spending in anticipation (Graph 1).

    Or consider the exchange rate channel. All else equal, an interest rate cut in Australia lowers the relative rate of return on Australian assets compared with overseas. This typically leads to a depreciation of the dollar, making exports cheaper and imports more expensive. However, while the exchange rate adjusts immediately, the volume of traded goods responds more gradually. Domestic businesses will have existing contracts to purchase goods from overseas, while foreign buyers are similarly committed to purchasing Australian products at previously agreed prices. If there is a trade deficit this price effect may exacerbate it. But as these contracts come up for renewal, and as firms and consumers adjust their purchasing behaviour, there will be a gradual increase in the volume of exports and a decline in imports, leading to an increase in net trade over time.

    So far I’ve been discussing the direct channels through which cash rate changes impact the economy; these start working immediately, though they take time to fully play out. But there are also indirect spillovers, such as the impact of spending decisions by businesses, households, and importers on employment and income. For example, a business might hire new workers for an investment project that is made viable by a rate cut, boosting household income and spending. This ripple effect can amplify the direct impact of policy and may occur quickly or over time. Recent research suggests these indirect effects could be a major part of the transmission mechanism.

    While identifying these channels helps us think through how monetary policy operates, in practice they operate at the same time and there is no precise way to isolate or quantify the contribution of each one. Nevertheless, one simple way to build intuition about their relative roles is to look at how the components of GDP evolve after a change in monetary policy.

    To do this we can use a model of the economy – here I will use MARTIN, the RBA’s main macroeconomic model, to illustrate the transmission of a reduction in interest rates.

    There are a number of helpful insights from the decomposition shown in Graph 2:

    1. The immediate GDP response to lower interest rates is relatively limited – it takes time for everyone to adjust
    2. In MARTIN it takes 9–12 months for a loosening in monetary policy to have its peak effect on economic output.
    3. The effect from total investment is an important channel over the first year, with dwelling investment in particular responding relatively quickly compared with business investment, whose response builds fairly gradually. Intuitively this makes sense – businesses might immediately be encouraged to invest more by higher valuations and cheaper credit, but it takes time to get projects off the ground, and some businesses will wait to respond once they see an increase in the demand for their goods and services from consumers.
    4. Changes in imports and exports also play an important role in driving the initial response of GDP, at least according to this particular model. This highlights that the exchange rate channel is important and operates relatively quickly compared with other channels; if overseas holidays become expensive, households tend to quickly switch to vacationing at home and vice versa.
    5. The response of household consumption to lower interest rates is initially small but grows over time. This suggests the ‘cash flow channel’ – which should start working quickly – plays a minor role in the overall transmission mechanism, as the boost from lower debt payments is offset by reduced interest income on deposits. The slow response likely reflects the indirect effects of transmission channels and households’ tendency to smooth their spending changes.

    While it takes about nine months for the cash rate to have its biggest impact on GDP, the peak effect on inflation is estimated to take nearly twice as long (Graph 3). This could be because it takes time for an increase in demand to affect the hiring decisions of firms and the job search decisions of households, which then ultimately feed into price setting. Or it may simply reflect some ‘stickiness’ in prices.

    This tells us that – according to MARTIN at least – the decisions we make today will have their largest effect on economic output at the end of 2025, and on inflation in mid-2026.

    Monetary policy is always data dependent …

    So to set policy we need an estimate of how changes in the cash rate affect the economy and a view of the outlook for the economy – a forecast.

    As forecasters, we essentially try to do two things. First, we try to understand the state of the economy now. Second, we use models based on economic theory and capturing historical patterns in the data combined with our judgement, to extrapolate from the current state of the economy into the future.

    In both cases this comes down to our understanding of the data – both quantitative information such as official ABS data, surveys and financial market data, and qualitative information such as liaison. Extracting reliable signals from noisy data and forming a coherent economic picture is challenging. New or revised data can alter our view of the starting point or how the economy might evolve. As things constantly change, we continuously update our views with new information.

    In recent years many central banks have described their policy setting as ‘data dependent’. Rather than meaning that policy responds mechanically to particular pieces of data, we are data dependent in the sense that incoming data affects our view of where the economy is today and the outlook, and this in turn influences the path for policy. At times of heightened uncertainty about how the economy is responding to shocks – for example, during the pandemic and the immediate aftermath –central banks may put a higher weight on real time data relative to baseline forecasts and models. But these weights change over time, as conditions evolve and we learn more about how the economy is responding; policymakers must always take a forward-looking view on the outlook. So, how does this work in practice?

    … because data informs our view of the outlook

    To give a sense of how we draw this information together into a forecast, I am going to use the example of our household consumption forecasts.

    In our most recent Statement on Monetary Policy (SMP), one of our key judgments was that household consumption growth had started to recover in line with the pick-up in real household incomes. This judgement was informed by analysis of a range of timely indicators – such as the ABS Household Spending Indicator, and credit and debit card spending indices – which suggested that consumption growth had picked up in the December quarter.

    But was this just a temporary pick-up as financially squeezed households concentrated their spending around Black Friday and other sales? Digging further into the data suggested there was more to it than that (Graph 4). Not surprisingly, spending on the types of goods that tend to have significant sales, such as household goods and clothing, did grow strongly in the quarter. However, we had also seen a modest lift in household disposable income from the middle of 2024, and discretionary spending not impacted by sales (e.g. eating out) also showed signs of picking up, which suggested a genuine improvement in underlying momentum. Information from our liaison contacts also supported this assessment.

    Our read of the data is a crucial input to our forecasts. In fact, one way to think about the forecast is that it captures and projects forward what we think is signal from the latest data, while disregarding what we think is mostly noise.

    The outlook for consumption is only one part of the forecast, and we spend considerable time thinking about how different assumptions impact different sectors, and how these interactions might magnify or offset one another. But underneath it all, the links between data, forecast and policy sits at the heart of us saying that policy is ‘data-dependent’.

    Policy under uncertainty

    As I set out earlier, the link between our forecast and the Board’s policy decision is not mechanical. It is not as simple as constructing our central forecasts, then working out what the Board needs to do with the cash rate to meet its objectives.

    The main reason for this is that there are always risks and uncertainties around the central forecast; the baseline pathway is just one of a vast number of possible outcomes. Board decisions are always made in an uncertain environment, which means thinking about the distribution of risks around the central forecast. One of the things we are focused on right now is US policy settings, the impact of these on the global economy and how this flows through to activity and inflation here in Australia; we have been using scenarios, analysis and judgement to assess the policy implications.

    As the Governor and Deputy Governor have both indicated recently, the February decision reflected a judgement by the Board that it was the right time to take some restrictiveness away, but the Board were more cautious than the market about prospects for further easing.

    In all of this, the RBA uses a range of timely indicators to form its economic forecasts. These data help to distinguish between temporary fluctuations and more sustained trends, informing policy decisions. The RBA’s policy decisions are made in the context of various risks and uncertainties. The Board considers a wide range of possible outcomes and uses scenarios, analysis and judgment to assess the implications of different policy paths, ensuring a balanced and forward-looking approach. This is why being forward looking is not in tension with being data dependent.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Still no certainty for disability communities

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    One year on from the Government’s abrupt and callous changes to disability funding, the community still has no idea what the future holds.

    “Disabled people, their families and carers have gone through so much heartbreak over the past year because of this heartless Government,” acting disability issues spokesperson, Carmel Sepuloni said.

    “We’ve seen disability communities lose out on things like equipment, respite and activities; people frozen out of disability care homes; disabled people being paid less than the minimum wage; a freeze on the Enabling Good Lives rollout and of course, the gutting of Whaikaha.

    “We held public meetings throughout the country last year, listening to disabled people and understanding their new challenges following the government’s changes. Their stories were dire.

    “The Government is taking disabled people and their communities backwards. Louise Upston cannot keep pretending that nothing’s wrong and that there aren’t people suffering because of her Government’s choices.

    “With community consultations for feedback on policies affecting disabled people closing next Monday – I urge communities to share their stories.

    “This is a matter the Minister must take seriously and make amends for. It is simply unacceptable that disability communities are still struggling for certainty a year on,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Seattle, Cantwell Draws Contrast Between PNW’s Innovation Strategy and Trump’s Trade War

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    03.17.25
    In Seattle, Cantwell Draws Contrast Between PNW’s Innovation Strategy and Trump’s Trade War
    Cantwell joins Washington Council on International Trade for Q&A with former USTR head on how the current admin’s tariffs harm the Pacific Northwest In WA state, 2 out of every 5 jobs are tied to trade-related industries; Trump’s actions are “a threat to our ethos,” Cantwell says
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined the Washington Council of International Trade (WCIT) for a Q&A session on the whiplash caused by the administration’s chaotic tariff policies – and how they particularly harm the Pacific Northwest, which is among the most trade-dependent regions in the country.
    The Q&A was moderated by WCIT President Lori Otto Punke and joined by former U.S. Trade Representative and current National Foreign Trade Council President Demetrios Marantis. Sen. Cantwell said that the current administration’s approach to trade – with a focus on punitive tariffs, even with America’s largest trading partners and closest allies, as opposed to innovation and alliance-building– is fundamentally at odds with how the Pacific Northwest has historically built its trade economy.
    “The consequences to us in the Pacific Northwest is really a threat to our ethos. We are one of the most trade-dependent states in the country, and we just see the world differently. We believe that innovation matters more than the tariffs in a fight [on] who’s going to win in aerospace or agriculture or software or any of these issues. It is like we are in this horse race, but the President wants to put 25 pounds on our horse and make it harder.
    “And what do we want to do in the Northwest? We like opening markets. We like building alliances. We like innovating our way to success.
    “So make no mistake about it — one of the states that could see the biggest economic impacts from this is ours. And we have to be very loud about how foregoing an alliance approach of building more opportunities is really what we should be doing, if we want to win in an economy that changes in the blink of an eye,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    WCIT is the Northwest’s premier organization advocating for trade and investment policies that increase the competitiveness of Northwest workers, farmers, and businesses. In addition to Sen. Cantwell, speakers at the Summit included U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D,WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Emily Randall (D, WA-06).
    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information on how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE. Nationwide:
    A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.
    Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could increase U.S. car prices by as much as $12,000.
    According to the Yale Budget Lab, Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in the highest U.S. effective tariff rate in more than 80 years, and depending on the level of retaliation by other trading partners, will result in increased costs of between $1,600 and $2,000 per household. According to their analysis, food, clothing, cars, and electronics will all see above-average price increases.
    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of increased trade to grow the economy and keep prices in check in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.
    For the past six weeks, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:
    On January 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    Last month, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% – before reversing himself later the same day.
    On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s Q&A today is HERE; audio is HERE; photos are HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Texas High School Aerospace Scholars: A Launchpad for Future Innovators 

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at Johnson Space Center offers Texas high school students a unique gateway to the world of space exploration through the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program. This initiative gives juniors hands-on experience, working on projects that range from designing spacecraft to planning Mars missions. 
    Nearly 30 participants who have been hired by NASA in the past five years are HAS alumni. Their stories highlight the program’s impact on students—inspiring innovation, fostering collaboration, unlocking their potential as they move forward into STEM careers. 
    Discover how the HAS experience has shaped these former students’ space exploration journey.  
    Jaylon Collins: Designing the Future of Spaceflight 
    Jaylon Collins always knew he wanted to study the universe but HAS shifted his perspective on what a STEM career could be. 
    “HAS brought a newfound perspective on what my STEM career could look like, and that shift led me to where I am today,” Collins said. “The coursework, NASA-led seminars, and space exploration research showed me that I could do direct design work to aid humanity’s exploration of the cosmos. I didn’t want to only learn about our universe—I wanted to help explore it.” 

    “HAS showed me that a career in STEM doesn’t require a label, only your passion,” Collins said. “I saw that STEM could lead to endless career paths, and the guide was whatever I was most passionate about.” 
    He saw firsthand how engineers tackle the challenges of spaceflight, from designing spacecraft to solving complex mission scenarios. His strong performance in the program earned him an invitation to Moonshot, a five-day virtual challenge where NASA scientists and engineers mentor students through an Artemis-themed mission. His team developed a Mars sample return mission, an experience that taught him valuable lessons in teamwork. 
    “We combined our knowledge to design solutions that fit our mission profile, and I learned how problem-solving goes beyond the obvious tools like math and science,” he said. “Instead, it entails finding unique methods that trade off certain elements to bolster others and finding the optimal solution for our problem. HAS taught me to listen more than talk and take constructive feedback to create a solid plan.”
    Now studying aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, Collins credits HAS with building his professional network and opening doors to NASA internship opportunities. 
    “I learned so much from seminars, my peers, and my Moonshot mentors about not only my academic future but also my prospective career,” he said. “My HAS experience has granted me a web of internship opportunities at NASA through the Gateway Program, and I hope that I can leverage it soon in L’Space Academy’s Lucy Internship.” 

    Collins hopes to contribute to NASA’s mission by developing solutions for deep space travel. Beyond that, he wants to inspire the next generation. 
    “I believe that the goal of universal knowledge is to reverberate the passions I have onto other curious dreamers,” he said. “Having mentors who teach the curious is the way we progress and innovate as a society, and I am dedicated to being one of those mentors one day.” 
    Erin Shimoda: Guiding Astronauts to Safety 
    Erin Shimoda’s path to becoming an aerospace engineer did not start with a clear vision of her future. Growing up in a family full of engineers and scientists, she was already on the STEM path, but she did not know where to focus. HAS changed that. 
    “HAS exposed me to so many different things that an aerospace engineer does,” she said. “I learned about the history of humans in space, NASA’s missions, how to design 3D models, how to apply equations from math class to real-life scenarios.” 
    During the program’s summer experience, she and her team designed a mission to send humans to Mars. She credits the program with inspiring her to earn an aerospace engineering degree. 

    The HAS program also reshaped her understanding of what a STEM career could look like. “My mentors were incredible. They talked about their projects with such energy and passion. It made me want to feel that way about my own work,” she said. “I didn’t realize before how exciting and innovative working in STEM could be.” 
    Shimoda said every person she met through HAS was inspiring. “Just knowing that those people existed and worked at NASA helped push me to persevere and succeed in my undergraduate career. I had plenty of bumps in the road, but I had a goal in mind that others had achieved before me, so I knew I could, too.” 
    One of the biggest lessons she took from the program was the power of collaboration. In high school, she often felt like she was carrying the load on group projects, which left her with a negative view of working on a team. HAS changed that perspective. 
    “During HAS, everyone was very passionate about accomplishing our goal, so I was consistently supported by my peers,” she said. “That’s so true at NASA, too. Not one single person can build an entire mission to the Moon. We’re all so passionate about accomplishing the mission, so we always support each other and strive for excellence.”
    Shimoda also saw firsthand how diverse perspectives lead to better results. “There are many ways to come to a solution, and not every solution is right,” she said. “Collaboration leads to innovation and better problem-solving.” 

    Now, Shimoda plays a key role in NASA’s Orion Program, ensuring astronaut safety through comprehensive ascent abort planning and procedures, and supporting Artemis recovery operations. She works on guidance, navigation, and control, predicting where the crew module and recovery hardware will land so teams—including the U.S. Navy—are in the right place at the right time. 
    “It’s exciting because we get to go ‘in the field’ on a U.S. Navy ship during training. Last year, I spent a week on a Navy ship, and seeing everything come together was incredible,” she said. 
    Her advice for students exploring STEM? “Try every opportunity possible! I joined almost every club imaginable. When I saw the HAS poster in front of my high school’s library, I thought to myself, ‘Well, I’m not in anything space-related yet!’ and the rest is history.” 
    Looking ahead, she is eager for what is to come. “I’m especially excited for Artemis III, where I’ll be directly involved in recovery operations,” Shimoda said. “I hope that all this work propels us to a future with a sustained human presence on the Moon.” 
    Hallel Chery: Aspiring Astronaut and Emerging Leader 
    Hallel Chery is a high school senior who will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and materials science at Harvard College, with her sights set on becoming both an engineer and an astronaut.  
    She completed all three stages of HAS: the online course, the virtual Moonshot challenge, and the five-day on-site experience at Johnson. Balancing the program with academics and leading a school-wide tutoring club pushed her limits—but also broadened her confidence. 
    “I learned that I could take on a tremendous amount of work at one time,” she said. “This realization has helped me become more ambitious in my future plans.” 

    Moonshot was her proving ground. Tasked with redesigning a module for NASA’s future Gateway lunar space station, she led a team of eight HAS scholars—none of whom she had met before—through an intense, weeklong mission. Their work was presented to NASA scientists and engineers and her group landed among the top teams in the challenge. 
    “The experience strengthened my confidence in my abilities as a leader,” said Chery. “I learned that I thrive under pressure and am well prepared to tackle any challenge, technical or interpersonal, no matter how difficult it is.” 
    “Moonshot exposed me for the first time to true, deep teamwork,” she said. “Interacting almost non-stop with the same people over one week in a high stakes situation truly taught me about the dynamics of how teams work, the value of teamwork, and being an effective leader. This, coupled with the program’s emphasis on the importance of teamwork have firmly ingrained in me the essentiality of this core NASA value.”  
    While at Johnson, Chery toured the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, watched astronauts suit up at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, and visited the Mission Control Center. “Spending only a few days at Johnson, I can truly say that as an aspiring astronaut, being there felt just like home,” Chery said.  

    “Because of HAS, I directly visualize myself working in a team to solve the problems I wanted to tackle instead of primarily focusing on the individual accomplishments that will solve them,” she said. “The program taught me how essential teamwork is to effective problem solving and innovation.” 
     The advice she has for the next generation is to keep exploring and to answer the question: What do you want to contribute for the good of the world? 
    HAS also introduced her to professional networking early in her academic career. Engaging with NASA professionals provided insight into the agency’s work culture and internship opportunities. 
    Now, as she prepares for her future in mechanical engineering and materials science, Chery is determined to apply what she has learned. 
    She is particularly grateful for the mentorship of NASA consultant Gotthard Janson, who provided encouragement and guidance throughout the HAS journey.  
    “The opportunity to connect with great professionals like him has provided additional wisdom and support as I grow through my academic and professional career,” she said.  
    Looking ahead, Chery aims to design space habitats, create innovative exercise solutions, and develop advanced materials for use in space.  
    “I want to help propel humanity forward—on Earth, to the Moon, Mars, and beyond—while inspiring others in the Artemis Generation,” she said. “Building and launching my rocket at Johnson felt like launching my future—one dedicated to contributing to NASA and humanity.” 
    Johnson Space Center will showcase its achievements at the Texas Capitol for Space Day Texas on Tuesday, March 25. The High School Aerospace Scholars program will have a booth, and NASA will have interactive exhibits highlighting the programs and technologies that will help humanity push forward to the Moon and Mars.
    Learn more about NASA’s involvement here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dusty Inferno Hits Oklahoma

    Source: NASA

    An area of low pressure over the U.S. Southwest began to collide with humid air flowing north on March 14, 2025. The combination powered a destructive weather front that unleashed a chaotic weekend of winds, thunderstorms, hail, dust, and wildfires as the front pushed east through several U.S. states.
    Dust streamed northeast across Texas and Oklahoma behind a line of thunderstorms when the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite captured this image on March 14, 2025. Amidst the blanket of dust, smoke plumes are visible streaming from wildland fires burning near several towns in Oklahoma, including Camargo, Iconium, Langston, Leedey, Maramec, Merrick, Orlando, Pawhuska, and Stillwater.
    In Oklahoma, hurricane-force winds gusted up to 85 miles (137 kilometers) per hour, triggering a massive dust storm and fanning fast-moving grass fires that caused the state’s governor to declare a state of emergency in 12 counties. The high winds and fires damaged more than 400 homes and structures, including at least 70 homes in Stillwater that were destroyed. The extreme weather also caused tens of thousands of power outages and triggered deadly traffic accidents.
    More than 170,000 acres of land burned, according to The Oklahoman. Many fires raged in parched grasslands that had been abnormally dry and drought-prone in recent weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    “Wildfires are really many hazards at once,” said Doug Morton, a remote sensing scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, citing dangers including the direct threat to life and property, health hazards posed by the smoke, and issues of visibility that make road and air travel dangerous. “In Oklahoma, the mixture of dust and smoke compounded the problem and led to treacherous conditions,” Morton said.
    The same storm system generated dozens of tornadoes, some of which touched down in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, taking dozens of lives and flattening homes in several communities.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims United States Navy Week 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 17, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as United States Navy Week.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    California proudly plays a crucial role in our nation’s defense. We host Naval Base San Diego, the primary homeport for the Pacific Fleet, and are home to more than 48,321 active-duty Sailors, more than 7,385 Navy Reservists, and more than 64,538 retirees.
     
    This year, we celebrate the Navy’s 250th anniversary, marking a quarter-millennium of excellence and security. Ninety percent of global trade moves by sea – and the United States Navy is instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of critical resources and goods, including $158.7 billion in annual exports from California.
     
    California is honored to have Sacramento selected as one of 15 cities to host a Navy Week. During this week, I encourage all Californians to reflect on the important role the U.S. Navy plays to both California and the world.
     
    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 17-23, 2025, as “United States Navy Week.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 16th day of March 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

    Recent news

    Mar 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Janessa Goldbeck, of San Diego, has been appointed to the California Veterans Board. Goldbeck has been the Chief Executive Officer of Vet Voice Foundation since 2022 and the Principal…

    Mar 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: Aided by $10 million from the State of California, LA Rises, Maersk and APM Terminals, LA-area grant program awards $2.7 million to fire-impacted small businesses, nonprofits and workers to navigate recovery and rebuilding.  LOS ANGELES –…

    Mar 13, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Andrew King, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of Data Operations Strategy at the Office of Data and Innovation. King has been Manager of the Data Operations Section at…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Governor Lombardo Applauds FHLBank San Francisco’s $10 Million Affordable Housing Investment in the Silver State

    Source: US State of Nevada

    Carson City, NV March 17, 2025

    In case you missed it, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco announced a new $10 million investment in affordable housing in Nevada today.

    “Attainable homeownership for all Nevadans is one of my highest priorities and we can’t do this alone,” said Governor Lombardo. “The partnership and commitment of FHLBank San Francisco through this investment will give stability to many of Nevada’s essential workers.”

    The full press release from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is below:

    The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) is deepening its commitment to increasing access to affordable housing and homeownership by investing in Nevada Housing Division Mortgage Revenue Bonds. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo celebrates FHLBank San Francisco’s investment in the state. 

    “Attainable homeownership for all Nevadans is one of my highest priorities and we can’t do this alone,” said Governor Lombardo. “The partnership and commitment of FHLBank San Francisco through this investment will give stability to many of Nevada’s essential workers.” 

    This $10 million investment strengthens FHLBank San Francisco’s efforts to support low- and moderate-income homebuyers in the state of Nevada, which include down payment assistance grant programs to support homebuyers. 

    “Our investment in Nevada Housing Division Mortgage Revenue Bonds allows us to reinforce our commitment to safe, affordable homes in Nevada while also delivering on our mission to provide reliable, low-cost liquidity and community investment resources to our member financial institutions,” said Joe Amato, interim president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “By working together with the Nevada Housing Division, we can strengthen communities in Nevada, foster economic growth and create a more vibrant and resilient future for all.” 

    Supporting Home Affordability in Nevada 

    Nevada has a severe shortage of affordable homes. The demand for more housing supply in the state has made it more difficult for Nevada residents to keep up with the housing market – both in buying and renting. The Nevada Housing Division Mortgage Revenue Bonds are highly rated investment securities (AA+ rating from S&P) backed by single-family mortgage-backed securities (MBS) that facilitate homeownership by supporting loans designed specifically for Nevada households aspiring to own a home. 

    “The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is uniquely positioned to address affordability issues for homebuyers in Nevada,” said Stephen Aichroth, Administrator of the Nevada Housing Division. “We thank the Bank for their confidence in the Nevada Housing Division and their commitment to affordable homeownership for Nevadans.” 

    FHLBank San Francisco is dedicated to supporting housing initiatives throughout its three-state region of Arizona, California, and Nevada. Since the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) was created in 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded over $1.38 billion in affordable housing and community program grants to support the construction, rehabilitation, or purchase of over 155,000 homes affordable to lower-income households, including $61.8 million AHP grants in 2024 alone. Together, the 11 regional FHLBanks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System are one of the largest privately capitalized sources of grant funding for affordable housing in the United States. 

    About the Nevada Housing Division  

    The Nevada Housing Division, a division of the Department of Business and Industry, was created by the Nevada Legislature in 1975, with a mission to provide affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life for Nevada residents. They connect Nevadans with homes by providing financing to developers to build affordable housing, innovative mortgage solutions and down payment assistance programs and making homes more energy efficient, thereby lowering utility expenses. To learn more, visit http://housing.nv.gov. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in California Religious Land Use Lawsuit Brought by Small Christian Church

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SANTA ANA, California – The Justice Department filed a statement of interest today in federal district court supporting a small Christian church’s claim that the City of Santa Ana violated its rights under the under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) when it denied the church’s zoning application to use space in the city’s professional district as a house of worship.            

    The statement of interest was filed in Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of Santa Ana, a private lawsuit alleging that the City violated RLUIPA by enacting and enforcing zoning provisions that treat religious uses less favorably than secular places of assembly. The lawsuit alleges that the city’s professional district allows, as of right, nonreligious assembly uses like museums and art galleries, but only allows religious assembly uses with the city’s discretionary approval of a conditional use permit (CUP). 

    “Zoning practices that unfairly limit assemblies by faith-based groups violate federal law,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Municipalities cannot create zoning districts that treat houses of worship worse than comparable secular assemblies. The Justice Department will vigorously protect the right of religious institutions to receive equal treatment under the law.”

    “RLUIPA prohibits local governments from treating religious assembly uses like the Anchor Stone Church worse than comparable nonreligious assemblies,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Zoning codes violate RLUIPA when they make it more difficult for people to gather for religious worship than for secular purposes. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigilantly enforce RLUIPA’s protections and ensure that religious groups have equal access to places to worship as a community.” 

    The lawsuit alleges that Anchor Stone is a small Christian church of first-generation Chinese and Taiwanese Americans. It obtained space within the city’s professional district and applied for a CUP to operate a Church but was denied by the city. The Church filed a motion for preliminary injunction, seeking an order allowing it to worship at its property. The Department’s statement of interest supports the Church’s argument that the zoning code, on its face, treats religious uses less favorably than nonreligious assembly uses, in violation of RLUIPA’s equal terms provision, and that the city has failed to justify this unequal treatment.

    RLUIPA is a federal law that protects persons and religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s efforts to enforce it can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage.

    As part of this initiative, the department distributed a letter to state, county, and municipal leaders throughout the country to remind them of their obligations under RLUIPA, including its requirement that land use regulations treat religious assemblies and institutions at least as well as nonreligious assemblies and institutions. Additionally, as part of a series on combating religious discrimination and promoting awareness of RLUIPA, the department hosted an outreach forum last year with land use practitioners and religious leaders at Fowler School of Law at Chapman University in Orange County, California.

    Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section at (213) 894-2879 or the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (833) 591-0291 or may submit a complaint through the RLUIPA complaint portal. More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, may be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Zealand and Gaza: Confronting and not confronting the unspeakable

    ANALYSIS: By Robert Patman

    New Zealand’s National-led coalition government’s policy on Gaza seems caught between a desire for a two-state diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and closer alignment with the US, which supports a Netanyahu government strongly opposed to a Palestinian state

    In the last 17 months, Gaza has been the scene of what Thomas Merton once called the unspeakable — human wrongdoing on a scale and a depth that seems to go beyond the capacity of words to adequately describe.

    The latest Gaza conflict began with a horrific Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 that prompted a relentless Israel ground and air offensive in Gaza with full financial, logistical and diplomatic backing from the Biden administration.

    During this period, around 50,000 people – 48,903 Palestinians and 1706 Israelis – have been reported killed in the Gaza conflict, according to the official figures of the Gaza Health Ministry, as well as 166 journalists and media workers, 120 academics,and more than 224 humanitarian aid workers.

    Moreover, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, signed in mid-January, seems to be hanging by a thread.

    Israel has resumed its blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza and cut off electricity after Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal to extend phase 1 of the ceasefire deal (to release more Israeli hostages) without any commitment to implement phase 2 (that envisaged ending the conflict in Gaza and Israel withdrawing its troops from the territory).

    Hamas insists on negotiating phase 2 as signed by both parties in the January ceasefire agreement

    Over the weekend, Israel reportedly launched air-strikes in Gaza and the Trump administration unleashed a wave of attacks on Houthi rebel positions in Yemen after the Houthis warned Israel not to restart the war in Gaza.

    New Zealand and the Gaza conflict
     Although distant in geographic terms, the Gaza crisis represents a major moral and legal challenge to New Zealand’s self-image and its worldview based on the strengthening of an international rules-based order.

    New Zealand’s founding document, the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, emphasised partnership and cooperation between indigenous Māori and European settlers in nation-building.

    While the aspirations of the Treaty have yet to be fully realised, the credibility of its vision of reconciliation at home depends on New Zealand’s willingness to uphold respect for human rights and the rule of law in the international arena, particularly in states like Israel where tensions persist between the settler population and Palestinians in occupied territories like the West Bank.

    New Zealand’s declaratory stance towards Gaza
    In 2023 and 2024, New Zealand consistently backed calls in the UN General Assembly for humanitarian truces or ceasefires in Gaza. It also joined Australia and Canada in February and July last year to demand an end to hostilities.

    The New Zealand Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, told the General Assembly in April 2024 that the Security Council had failed in its responsibility “to maintain international peace and security”.

    He was right. The Biden administration used its UN Security Council veto four times to perpetuate this brutal onslaught in Gaza for nearly 15 months.

    In addition, Peters has repeatedly said there can be no military resolution of a political problem in Gaza that can only be resolved through affirming the Palestinian right to self-determination within the framework of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

    The limitations of New Zealand’s Gaza approach
     Despite considerable disagreement with Netanyahu’s policy of “mighty vengeance” in Gaza, the National-led coalition government had few qualms about sending a small Defence Force deployment to the Red Sea in January 2024 as part of a US-led coalition effort to counter Houthi rebel attacks on commercial shipping there.

    While such attacks are clearly illegal, they are basically part of the fallout from a prolonged international failure to stop the US-enabled carnage in Gaza.

    In particular, the NZDF’s Red Sea deployment did not sit comfortably with New Zealand’s acceptance in September 2024 of the ICJ’s ruling that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory (East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza) was “unlawful”.

    At the same time, the National-led coalition government’s silence on US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to “own” Gaza, displace two million Palestinian residents and make the territory the “Riviera” of the Middle East was deafening.

    Furthermore, while Wellington announced travel bans on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank in February 2024, it has had little to say publicly about the Netanyahu government’s plans to annex the West Bank in 2025. Such a development would gravely undermine the two-state solution, violate international law, and further fuel regional tensions.

    New Zealand’s low-key policy
     On balance, the National-led coalition government’s policy towards Gaza appears to be ambivalent and lacking moral and legal clarity in a context in which war crimes have been regularly committed since October 7.

    Peters was absolutely correct to condemn the UNSC for failing to deliver the ceasefire that New Zealand and the overwhelming majority of states in the UN General Assembly had wanted from the first month of this crisis.

    But the New Zealand government has had no words of criticism for the US, which used its power of veto in the UNSC for more than a year to thwart the prospect of a ceasefire and provided blanket support for an Israeli military campaign that killed huge numbers of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

    By cooperating with the Biden administration against Houthi rebels and adopting a quietly-quietly approach to Trump’s provocative comments on Gaza and his apparent willingness to do whatever it takes to help Israel “to get the job done’, New Zealand has revealed a selective approach to upholding international law and human rights in the desperate conditions facing Gaza

    Professor Robert G. Patman is an Inaugural Sesquicentennial Distinguished Chair and his research interests concern international relations, global security, US foreign policy, great powers, and the Horn of Africa. This article was first published by The Spinoff and is republished here with the author’s permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister Anandasangaree to Marcedes Myran’s Family and Community

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Taking Care: This product may contain information that could be upsetting or triggering for some. The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online-chat based emotional support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous People in Canada. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Trained counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

    Ottawa, Ontario (March 17, 2025) — Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Gary Anandasangaree, issued the following statement today:

    “Today, Manitoba has confirmed that the identity of the second individual whose human remains were found in the Prairie Green Landfill are those of Marcedes Myran of Long Plain First Nation. This heartbreaking and horrific news comes just over a week after human remains found at the landfill were confirmed as those of Morgan Harris.

    This loss of precious life is profoundly tragic. It is my sincere hope that Marcedes Myran’s family and community will find some of the closure they so deserve as they bring her home and honour her.

    We stand in solidarity with the families, friends, and communities affected by this tragedy. We are continuing to support those impacted by providing mental health and cultural support services.

    We will do what is both right and necessary to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people and combat this national crisis. It’s the right thing to do.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Housing Delivery Authority delivers 15 more State Significant Developments

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 18 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared a further 15 housing proposals as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

    These new housing proposals, if approved, could deliver more than 7,000 new homes.

    After three briefings in two months a total of 44 housing development proposals have been declared state significant under the HDA, with the potential to deliver more than 22,000 new homes, once proposals are assessed.

    Since the first meeting, nine projects have also had Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements issued, the first step in the assessment process which signals a good flow of projects progressing quickly along the SSD pathway.

    To date, the Authority has received over 250 expressions of interest. At its latest meeting, 32 proposals were examined.

    The authority is prioritising high-quality housing projects with detailed plans that can be submitted within nine months and can begin construction within 12 months of approval. To be declared state significant, proposals submitted to the HDA that are already being assessed via another planning pathway need to be withdrawn from that pathway.

    All proposals declared as SSD will have their development applications assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, without needing to be approved by councils. This can cut approval times and speed up the delivery of new homes.

    This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

    The HDA builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

    • The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
    • The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs and shopping centres to address the “missing middle.”
    • The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.
    • $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning.
    • $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters.

    Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration. For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning.

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “These latest projects that I have declared as State Significant Developments have the potential to deliver more than 7,000 new homes including affordable housing.

    “The Housing Delivery Authority is not a silver bullet to our housing supply challenges, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

    “In three briefings, I have declared projects that could deliver more than 22,000 dwellings into a state-assessed planning pathway, proponents now have nine months to prepares their planning documents, and must commence construction if they are approved within 12 months, because the need for housing is too urgent.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New police wanding powers tackling knife crime across the state

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 18 March 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

    The Minns Labor Government’s crackdown on knife crime has seen more than 90 dangerous weapons seized from our streets since the NSW Police Force began wanding operations in December.

    The force has conducted 34 wanding operations across metro and regional NSW, scanning 4,147 individuals, seizing 91 unlawful weapons and charging 67 people with 71 weapons offences.

    Weapons seized include knives, tasers, sling shots, knuckle dusters, machetes and folding kitchen knives.

    Under Operation Ares, officers are conducting high-visibility policing operations and using handheld scanners or electronic metal detecting ‘wands’ to scan individuals within a designated area for dangerous weapons.

    Locations of the operations include Sydney CBD, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Bomaderry, Albury and Lavington.

    The Minns Labor Government has taken decisive action to give police further resources to create a safer NSW and send the clear message that knife crime will not be tolerated.

    Under the powers, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police can stop and scan individuals without a warrant at designated areas.

    When switched on by NSW Police, the powers can be used in public spaces including public transport stations, shopping precincts, and certain sporting venues.

    These police powers complement other measures introduced by this Government to address knife crime, including:

    • Doubling the penalty for selling a knife to a child under 16 to $11,000 and introducing a custodial sentence of up to 12 months for the offence; and
    • Creating a new offence for selling knives to children aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse.

    The NSW Government remains committed to reducing knife crime and building a safer NSW through continued legislative and operational policing efforts.

    Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

    “The number of weapons that have been seized already is shocking.

    “To have taken almost 100 knives and other weapons off our streets is as horrifying as it is important.

    “Our tough knife laws are working and getting weapons out of our community.

    “The NSW Government and NSW Police are confronting knife crime and sending a strong message that it is not tolerated.”

    Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

    “Everybody deserves to feel and be safe in public and it’s clear that these new laws are making NSW a safer place.

    “I want to thank the NSW Police who are working around the clock to seize dangerous weapons and keep our community safe from the devastating effects of knife crime.

    “There are very few excuses to carry a knife in public – anyone thinking about leaving home with a dangerous weapon should think again. The NSW Police are cracking down hard and you will be caught.”

    NSW Police Force Public Transport and Public Safety Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said:

    “During the 34 operations we have not only seized dangerous knives and weapons, but we have arrested 67 people with offences and put them before the courts.

    “There are only very few purposes for anyone to have a knife in their possession in public. In most circumstances, it is illegal and will only lead to tragedy and the death of innocent people.

    “We want people to feel and be safe while they go about their daily lives at shopping centres or on public transport.

    “Our high-visibility operations are designed to send a message to people and deter them from carrying knives and weapons.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Central West and southern NSW farmers big winners with $6.1 million to improve rural connectivity

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Overall, the NSW Government and Australian Governments have provided up to $6.1 million to improve rural connectivity to around 1,500 premises across Weddin Shire, Burcher, Burra, Eumungerie, Glen Davis, Talbingo in the central west and Burra, Urila and Talbingo in southern NSW.

    Improvements will be delivered through new services provided by YLess4U and Connected Farms, enabling farmers to access reliable communications and data directly from their paddocks, maximising productivity and saving time and money.

    Primary producers and agricultural businesses are increasingly relying on the internet, with modern farming technology such as livestock monitoring, smart irrigation systems and wireless drone inspections for land surveying now being used alongside AgTech in tractors, headers and centre-pivot watering systems.

    This new funding will allow growers in the Weddin Shire and surrounding areas to fully harness modern farming technology through improved coverage.

    Currently, machinery programmed to sow seeds in a designated area across Weddin Shire farmland can only be configured using farm-office based computers with wired internet connections, as there are no reliable wireless options out on the farm.

    In the Weddin Agriculture Precinct, Connected Farms will deliver a network providing mobile services and high speed fixed wireless broadband to more than 200 premises in Caragabal, Bribbaree, Piney Range and Pullabooka.

    Dual SIM phones will allow locals to make calls and access mobile data via the Connected Farms network, while still accessing other mobile voice and data networks.

    In addition to unlocking modern Agtech methods, locals and visitors alike will have improved access to emergency services during disasters and unexpected events.

    In Burcher, Burra, Eumungerie, Glen Davis, Talbingo and Urila, telecommunications provider, YLess4U will deliver high speed fixed wireless broadband to premises providing locals farmers and their families with fast and reliable internet.

    For more information on the latest Regional Connectivity Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/regional-connectivity-program

    For information on co-funded regional NSW projects, visit www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalNSW

    Quotes from Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland

    “Every Australian deserves access to fast, reliable and affordable connectivity regardless of whether they live.

    “Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has been working to bridge the digital divide with a focus on regional New South Wales.

    “These upgrades will make a meaningful difference to residents, local businesses and visitors to the Central West.

    “Labor’s vision is for Australia to be the most connected continent, and we are working with the NSW Government and industry to deliver this.”

    Quotes from NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty

    “Residents in rural and regional areas deserve dependable telecommunications services to support their everyday needs and that is what this program is providing.

    “Improved digital services is important for both the productivity of the farm business and for the daily logistical challenges of living in a rural area.

    “Farmers and their families shouldn’t have to stand in the back yard waving their phones around to make a call. 

    “These upgrades will mean school children can easily contact their parents when the school bus drops them off at the farm gate.

    Quotes from co-founder and Growth Lead at Connected Farms Melissa Andrews

    “These connectivity services will provide farmers with a platform to utilise the latest in real time digital and precision agricultural technologies across their farms to increase their operational efficiency,” Ms Andrews said.

    ”For many years, connectivity in many parts of Weddin Shire has been very limited and these services will also enable better communications and farm safety capability.”

    Quotes from YLess4U director Jason Green

    “We’re proud to partner with the NSW Government as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program to deliver fixed wireless broadband services to over 900 homes and businesses across six communities in regional New South Wales,” Mr Green said.

    “Once complete, residents and businesses will have access to faster, more reliable internet and a wide range of plans and pricing options, importantly at prices equivalent to those found in metropolitan areas.

    Case study – Stuart McKellar

    In the Weddin Shire, sheep and cropping farmer Stuart McKellar runs a large family operation alongside his wife, Cath, brother, Brett, and son, Scott.

    Since the land was handed down from Stuart’s parents, the family have managed the farm together and as residents of rural Weddin Shire, they are all too familiar with the challenges brought on by the digital divide.

    In 2023, when Stuart’s truck broke down 40 kilometres outside of Grenfell, he deliberately stopped the vehicle on a hill, knowing it was his only chance to get enough mobile reception to call for help.

    When the mechanic arrived on-site, they realised that he would need to make five separate trips back into town to access the phone and internet coverage needed to diagnose the mechanical fault and get Stuart’s truck back on the road.

    Unfortunately, these incidents aren’t the only way the digital divide affects Stuart and his family; it also impacts their daily sheep and cropping operations.

    The business is forced to rely on paper-based vendor declarations and contracts because they lack the internet access required to download even low-megabyte digital resources.

    Poor connectivity makes it hard for farmers to use modern tools like Variable Rate (VR) fertiliser tech, which usually lets them upload field data, like soil tests, straight from their tractor.

    Without internet in the field, Stuart is forced to return to the home office to upload the required data and make adjustments before getting back to spreading fertiliser where it’s needed most.

    This slows things down and means they can’t always make the best use of expensive inputs like lime and gypsum, or maximise crop growth efficiently.

    Once the Connected Farms service becomes available in the area, challenges like Stuart’s will soon become a thing of the past and residents will finally have access to reliable mobile phone reception and metropolitan-grade internet, whether during car breakdowns or for everyday farming needs.

    Weddin Shire farmer Stuart McKellar said:

    “Connectivity has always been very poor around here and our dependence on data is getting greater and greater,” Mr McKellar said.

    “Accidents often happen where there is no service, and that improved connectivity would not only make residents’ day-to-day lives easier but would increase farm safety across the shire.

    “I recently broke down 40 kilometres from Grenfell and the mechanic had to make five trips out from town to fix the issue as we couldn’t get data out at the worksite. It’s an awful lot of travelling and time wasted and if we had decent internet connection, it would have been a simple fix.

    “Currently, your phone will only work near a certain tree or on a hill, we have to use a paper-based vendor declaration because electronic ones won’t load, and we rely on internet in the home office to do simple things like searching the weather forecast.

    “Any AgTech field adjustments that need to be done on farm machinery must be done on the house computer too – our farm is spread out across 30 kilometres so when you go out to the field and realise what you’ve preplanned is wrong, you have to take it back to the home office, where the internet is, to make the necessary adjustments.

    “Once we have reliable coverage, it’ll be a big time saving and big benefit if we can make those adjustments on the spot.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Information sought after shots fired at tavern

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Moorhouse:

    Police investigating a shooting at a tavern north of Wairoa are seeking information from the public.

    Officers were called to the Frasertown Tavern about 11.10pm on Saturday 15 March to reports shots had been fired towards the building.

    At least two, possibly three, shots were fired, hitting the tavern and a vehicle in the carpark.

    The tavern was open with several patrons inside at the time, and it is very fortunate no one was injured. Police are working to establish if it involves any gang connections. 

    A full Police investigation, dubbed Operation Everest, is under way, and Police are interested in information from anyone who was in the vicinity of the tavern around the time of the incident on Saturday night. 

    We are particularly interested in sightings of a white hatchback vehicle seen in Frasertown at that time.

    Anyone with information please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250316/3361.

    Alternatively, you can get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously at https://crimestoppers-nz.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –