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  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Public Safety in Indian Country

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) reintroduced their bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act to support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources, and give Tribes and states tools to combat violence.

    “It’s time that we passed this commonsense, bipartisan bill into law, and I’m committed to getting it done,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The Bureau of Indian Affairs needs more resources to recruit and retain officers, solve missing persons cases, and combat crime in Indian Country. I urge my colleagues to work with me to move this critical bill forward.”

    “Our legislation is a significant step toward enhancing resources for Tribal law enforcement,” said Senator Hoeven. “It authorizes the BIA to conduct background checks on law enforcement applicants, providing Tribes with the tools they need to address critical staffing shortages and infrastructure challenges. This not only strengthens public safety within Tribal communities but also ensures that offenders are held accountable, empowering Tribes to better protect their citizens and uphold justice.”

    “Every Arizonan deserves to feel safe, and that includes those living on Tribal lands,” said Senator Gallego. “Too often, cases go unsolved or uninvestigated because Tribal law enforcement lack the staffing and resources they need. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will go a long way in addressing those needs, and I hope to see it signed into law this Congress.” 

    “Tribal officials in South Dakota have been dealing with public safety issues for several years, and they need more support,” said Senator Rounds. “Our legislation would give tribal leaders and law enforcement officers more tools to assist with investigating crimes, recruiting additional law enforcement personnel and keeping their communities safe.”

    Senator Cortez Masto is a strong supporter of Tribal communities and passed two bipartisan bills, the Not Invisible Act and Savanna’s Act, to combat the missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) crisis during President Trump’s first term. The commission created by the Not Invisible Act specifically called for passage of Cortez Masto’s BADGES for Native Communities Act to help law enforcement better serve Native communities. This legislation passed the Senate unanimously last year. The BADGES for Native Communities Act would:

    • Increase Tribal access to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) by requiring Tribal facilitators to conduct ongoing Tribal outreach and serve as a point of contact for Tribes and law enforcement agencies, as well as conduct training and information gathering to improve the resolution of missing persons cases.
    • Require a comprehensive report on Tribal law enforcement needs.
    • Allow the BIA to conduct its own background checks for law enforcement officer applicants in order to speed up and improve officer recruitment.
    • Establish a grant program to help states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations coordinate efforts related to missing and murdered persons cases and sexual assault cases.
    • Ensure BIA officers and Tribal police have access to culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs.

    Senator Cortez Masto has repeatedly called on the both the Trump and Biden administrations to do more to address the epidemic of violence against Native women and girls, and has secured federal funding to protect Native communities. She urged the Biden Administration to draft a plan to address this issue, and requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the federal response to this crisis. She’s also fought to ensure that law enforcement officers across the country have the support they need, securing historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, which she champions every year. The program is the leading source of criminal justice funding for state, local, and Tribal governments and provides support for programs related to crime prevention, law enforcement, prosecution, corrections, and mental and behavioral health. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Shaheen Condemns Proposed Trump Tariffs that Would Increase Costs on Granite Staters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) delivered remarks on the Senate floor condemning President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada, New Hampshire’s largest trading partner, that could cause prices on everything from gas to cars to groceries to skyrocket, hurting Granite Staters and Granite State businesses. Click here to watch the full speech. 

    Key Quotes from Senator Shaheen:

    • “Even though many of these tariff taxes were delayed, they’re still scheduled to go into effect next month, and they’ve created unnecessary panic and uncertainty among businesses and families across the country and in New Hampshire.” 
    • “President Trump campaigned on a promise to lower prices for everything. The tariffs that he’s talking about would have the exact opposite effect.” 
    • “For Elon Musk and his billionaire friends, and the billionaire friends of the President, $150 to $250 may not sound like a lot in the winter, but there are a lot of people in New Hampshire for whom $150 to $250 is the difference between staying warm and being cold.” 
    • “I’m glad for the delay. I don’t want people to misunderstand that. But how is a business or a family supposed to plan when they don’t know if important costs like gas or heating or groceries are going to spike any day?” 

    Remarks as delivered can be found below:

    We’re here today to talk about a very serious issue, and that is the tariffs that President Trump is talking about imposing on goods from Canada and Mexico, and the impact that will have on Americans.

    On Saturday, President Trump announced a 25% tariff, which would be a tax on imported goods from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff, which would amount to a tax on imported energy from Canada, and on all goods from China.

    So, 10% on all goods from China and then 10% on energy from Canada.

    He’s also threatened universal tariffs on all countries.

    Now, thankfully, the tariffs that he announced on Canada and Mexico appear to have been delayed for a month, but the tariff taxes on China are now in effect.

    And even though many of these tariff taxes were delayed, they’re still scheduled to go into effect next month, and they’ve created unnecessary panic and uncertainty among businesses and families across the country and in New Hampshire.

    Now, I want to point out in the beginning very clearly that it’s not foreign countries who pay these taxes, these tariff taxes, it’s Americans who pay these tariff taxes.

    These are tariff taxes on imported goods, meaning that the person or company who is importing the good will be footing the bill – and these costs will be passed on to American consumers and businesses.

    And you don’t have to take my word for it: Best Buy’s CEO said, and I quote, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.”

    And Walmart’s CFO said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.”

    Columbia Sportswear’s CEO said about tariffs “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.”

    Now, if we look at the cost of just the tariff taxes that were originally announced on Saturday, those would raise costs for the average American household by more than $1,200 a year.

    And if we get into a trade war with increasingly high tariffs on both sides—and that’s what it appears could be happening with China—those costs would go up even more.

    Now, President Trump campaigned on a promise to lower prices for everything. The tariffs that he’s talking about would have the exact opposite effect.

    I’m glad the administration and the President listened to reason.

    He delayed the start of these tariffs, but I hope we don’t have to be back here in a few weeks making this case again.

    And I want to make sure that people understand what these tariff taxes would do and highlight some of the areas where Americans would be directly affected.

    First is energy.

    America imports more oil and gas from Canada than any other product.

    In New Hampshire, more than half of the gas in people’s cars comes from Canada. 

    These tariff taxes would make gas prices go up, and they could even lead to supply shortages because refinery and delivery infrastructure just doesn’t turn on a dime. 

    President Trump’s new 10% tariff tax on energy from Canada would also directly raise the cost of keeping warm for Granite Staters during the coldest months of this year. 

    In New Hampshire, our number one import from Canada is heating oil, and nearly a quarter of a million households in New Hampshire—that’s about 40% of our households—more than Vermont, I think 
    Senator Welch, rely on fuel oil to heat their homes.  

    We’re the second highest state in the nation, next to Maine who relies on number two heating oil, to heat our homes. 

    Another hundred thousand Granite Staters rely on propane and about 30,000 homes use wood. 

    So that’s about 60% of New Hampshire that relies on delivered fuel to stay warm. Much of that is coming from Canada. 

    The average home in New Hampshire on heating oil, uses about 600 gallons in the winter and for older, draftier homes, and sadly we have a lot of those in New Hampshire, or those who are further up north, families may be using upwards of a thousand gallons a winter. 

    And with temperatures dipping as low as 20 below zero in the state in recent weeks, heating oil is a real necessity. 

    And my constituents are already getting notices, and I don’t know, Senator Welch, if the same is true of your constituents, but I bet it is. But they’re saying that those notices tell them their costs are going to go up if these tariffs go into effect. 

    On Sunday, I heard from Derek in Sandwich, New Hampshire, who received a letter from his heating supplier, Irving Oil, that informed him that his bill for heating oil would be going up. 

    The letter stated, “As you may be aware, the U.S. government has announced a new tariff on imports from Canada, including the heating oil or propane that Irving Energy delivers to you.” 

    And the letter went on to describe that the tariff costs will be added to the price that he pays, even though he already has a contract. 

    As Derek wrote to me, “I will now have less to spend locally. My local businesses will suffer through lost business and increased costs. And then their suppliers and employees will suffer. It’s a real hardship.”

    On inauguration day, this year, heating oil cost an average of $3.93 a gallon in New Hampshire. 

    Tacking an ill-advised 10% tariff tax on heating oil from Canada could mean about $150 to $250 more for many in New Hampshire just to keep warm through the winter. 

    And while for Elon Musk and his billionaire friends, and the billionaire friends of the president, $150 to $250 may not sound like a lot in the winter, but there are a lot of people in New Hampshire for whom $150 to $250 is the difference between staying warm and being cold in the winter. 

    So let me also be clear: We don’t use gas and heating oil from Canada because we don’t produce it here in the United States. We do it because it makes logistical and economic sense because in New England, we are at the end of the pipelines that are coming from Texas and the south. 

    Now, the United States produces more oil than any other country in the history of the world. 

    That was true during the last three years of the first Trump Administration. It was true for the last four years of the Biden Administration. 

    But for New Hampshire, the Saint John Refinery in Canada simply provides us the closest, lowest-cost supply. 

    And by the way, that refinery sources as much as half of its crude oil from the United States. 

    So, it’s helping oil producers in the United States send their oil the refinery, and we get it back in New Hampshire and New England. 

    President Trump campaigned on cutting energy prices in half. Reckless tariffs on Canada and Mexico will make those prices higher, not lower. 

    New Hampshire families shouldn’t be punished for what The Wall Street journal has just called, “The Dumbest Trade War in History”. 

    And that’s not all. These tariff taxes will affect groceries because the U.S. imports 38% of our fresh vegetables, 60% of our fresh fruit and more than 99% of the coffee that we drink. 

    If we take all these together, Americans could be seeing an extra $200 a year on their grocery bills because of the trump tariff taxes. 

    That doesn’t include the longer term impact of taxes on farm equipment or fertilizer. America imports about 85% of the potash fertilizer we use and much of that comes from Canada. 

    Now, we already have record-high prices on coffee and eggs, if you can find eggs, some grocery stores are sold out. And one of the things that just happened in the last week is that because of the stop-work order that President Trump put on our services that we provide overseas to track bird flu, we’re no longer tracking the bird flu that has helped to drive up the cost of eggs. 

    So, it could get worse and we’re not even going to know about it until we see those prices reflected at the grocery store. 

    Any new 25% tariff tax on these imports would make our food more expensive when families are already stretching and straining their household budgets. 

    Tariffs sometimes get talked about as a way to support American manufacturers, but that also misses the mark.

    Half of the products the U.S. imports are either raw materials or intermediate components, and that means the parts we make into cars or electronics. 

    All of these inputs would get more expensive for American manufacturers, which is only going to make it harder for them to compete internationally. 

    One of the messages I hear regularly from businesses is that uncertainty is one of the hardest things for them to deal with. 

    One example of this is a call I got two weeks ago from a small business owner in New Hampshire who sells specialized agricultural equipment both in the U.S. and overseas. 

    This is a family business with five employees. His father founded it 50 years ago, and he reached out specifically because he’s worried about what tariffs on the components he buys from Canada could do to his business. 

    For the specialized equipment that he needs, there aren’t a lot of manufacturers out there. 

    So, he reached out to my office asking if he was going to have to pay $5,000 more in costs for each of the machines he sells. 

    He took over this business just a couple of years ago and he’s been working to invest to modernize it and expand. 

    Now he has to worry about whether he can try to grow the business, whether he might face new foreign competition or even if he can pay out bonuses or give raises to his employees.

    He can’t even be certain what kind of pricing schedule he should send out for the year because his costs could go up $5,000 next month.  

    And last week, I heard from another small business, Granite State Packing. It’s a start-up meat-processing company that’s only two years old. 

    They started just two years ago, and they already have ten employees. 

    Last year, they actually got $1.6 million in a grant from USDA to expand their operations. That’s going to allow them to double their workforce. 

    In order to expand, they placed an order for $500,000 in new equipment because the specialized equipment that they use isn’t made in the United States.

    Now, depending on how and when these tariffs go into effect, and when their equipment might get delivered, they could be looking at an increased bill for $125,000. 

    That’s going to affect whether they can follow through on the expansion, whether they can actually add the staff they want to add, and they don’t have any way of knowing if they’re going to face an unexpected $125,000 bill because President Trump and this administration hasn’t made up their mind about what they’re going do with these tariffs. 

    Over the weekend, I had another business owner from C&J bus lines, they run a great bus line from the seacoast of New Hampshire to Boston. 

    The owner told me that they’ve ordered seven new buses from Quebec—new buses because they’re made in Quebec—these tariffs would add $150,000 to the cost of each bus. 

    Now, between that and the higher fuel costs that they would pay, they could be looking at $1.3 million more in added costs this year because of the Trump tariff tax. 

    No small business can easily just absorb a 25% price increase, nor can they plan on how to grow their business and keep providing good-paying jobs with this kind of uncertainty. 

    Make no mistake, I’m glad the administration delayed these tariffs. I hope they understand how this action could affect America’s small businesses and the impact this would have on the economy. 

    And let me finally just talk about housing impacts, because New Hampshire has an affordable housing crisis.

    These tariffs would make that worse. 

    Lumber makes up about 15% of building a house, and a lot of building materials, in addition to lumber, are imported. 

    The National Association of Homebuilders wrote in part, and I quote, “imposing additional tariffs on these imports will ultimately be passed on to home buyers in the form of increased housing prices.” 

    That means that this 25% tariff tax would directly add to the cost of building a home at a time when too many Granite Staters and too many Americans across the country already can’t afford housing. 

    And we shouldn’t pretend that American tariffs are going to go unanswered. Other countries are going to retaliate, and getting into a tit for tat trade war is not going to help working Americans pay their bills.

    Families across New Hampshire and America are worried about the high cost of housing, about the cost of groceries, about what it costs to heat their homes. 

    Business owners are similarly worried about costs or unexpected expenses. I’m hearing regularly from them about the impact of the uncertainty on their ability to grow their businesses because of these tariffs. 

    President Trump promised during his campaign, and I’m quoting here, “to lower the price of everything,” but instead of doing something to lower costs, what he’s doing now, what his administration is doing, is planning to add a 25% tariff tax to countless imports from Canada and Mexico.

    And they’ve already added a 10% tariff tax on goods coming in from China. 

    And again, while this was delayed at the last minute, this would raise costs for everything from groceries to housing to energy. 

    It would proportionately hit lower-income families. 

    I’m glad for the delay. I don’t want people to misunderstand that, but how is a business or a family supposed to plan when they don’t know if important costs like gas or heating or groceries are going to spike any day?

    I want to finish by reading a quote here. 

    The quote says, “Tariffs are inflationary, and would strengthen the dollar—hardly a good starting point for U.S. Industrial renaissance.”

    That’s a quote from Scott Bessent, the new Treasury Secretary who just got confirmed, when he wrote to his investors just a year ago. 

    I happen to agree with what he said then, but unfortunately the administration he just joined seems to be willing to risk more inflation. 

    These sweeping tariff tax increases would hurt American families, businesses and workers. 

    I’m glad the taxes on goods from Canada and Mexico were delayed. 

    I hope this administration can provide everyone with certainty that they won’t go into effect next month.

    Thank you, Mr. President. I yield to my colleague from Vermont.

    Last week, Shaheen led the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to the White House urging him not to impose tariffs on Canada which are expected to cost the average Granite Stater $1,100 per year. 

    Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced new legislation with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The Senators’ legislation would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools. 

    After the November election, a multitude of business leaders verified that, if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of a Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: SpaceX launches 21 Starlink internet satellites into space

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. private space company SpaceX launched 21 Starlink satellites into orbit on Tuesday.

    According to SpaceX, the satellites were launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:15 a.m. Eastern Time.

    SpaceX later confirmed the deployment of the 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Call capabilities.

    Starlink will deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable, according to SpaceX.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Allamaye Halina reappointed Chadian prime minister

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has reappointed Allamaye Halina as the country’s prime minister.

    The appointment came shortly after Halina submitted the cabinet’s resignation on Tuesday evening to pave the way for a new government.

    Halina, a diplomat and former director-general of state protocol, will now have to form a new government.

    Halina was first appointed prime minister of the Central African nation in May last year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Azerbaijan reacts to preliminary report on Aktau plane crash

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport said the preliminary report released Tuesday on the Dec. 25 crash of an Embraer 190 aircraft near Aktau indicated the plane suffered damage due to external impact, dismissing bird strikes and cylinder explosions as causes.

    In a statement reacting to the report, the ministry emphasized that the aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was fully airworthy at takeoff and experienced no mechanical failures before impact.

    The ministry said that analysis of the flight recorders confirmed the aircraft lost GPS signals over Russian airspace and Grozny Airport with two external noises recorded 24 seconds apart, followed by the sequential failure of the hydraulic systems.

    The fuselage suffered numerous through and blind damage, particularly in the aft section, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, left wing, and left engine, caused by foreign objects. No evidence of a bird strike or cylinder explosion was found, the ministry said citing the preliminary report.

    Foreign objects, which did not belong to the aircraft, were discovered in the wreckage, and their exact origin would be determined through further expert examinations, the ministry added.

    The crash occurred as Flight J2-8243 was en route from Baku to Grozny. The accident resulted in the deaths of two pilots, a senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers. Despite the severity of the crash, 29 people survived due to the crew’s emergency landing efforts, the ministry said.

    Kazakhstan, as the country where the crash took place, is leading the investigation with Azerbaijan’s full participation. The final report on the accident’s causes is expected to be published within a year, in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas says 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire talks underway

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hamas said on Tuesday that talks on the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel have begun, focusing on shelter, relief, and reconstruction in the devastated Palestinian enclave.

    “Currently, we focus on shelter, relief, and reconstruction for our people in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou said in a statement.

    Al-Qanou accused Israel of obstructing the implementation of the humanitarian protocol in the ceasefire agreement, adding that shelter and relief were urgent humanitarian issues that could not be delayed.

    Earlier, Israel said it was preparing to send a delegation to Qatar for talks on the next phase of the agreement, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

    The announcement followed Netanyahu’s meetings in Washington with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and the U.S. president’s special envoy to the Middle East.

    The Gaza deal includes a 42-day initial phase of truce, during which a total of 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails are to be released. Talks on implementing the second phase were due to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, which fell on Monday.

    The ceasefire, which took effect on Jan. 19, halted 15 months of Israeli military operations in Gaza that left the enclave devastated and killed around 62,000 people, including more than 17,000 children, according to Gaza health authorities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU ready for tough trade talks with US, says von der Leyen

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that the European Union (EU) is prepared for tough negotiations with the United States (U.S.) to safeguard its economic interests.

    Her remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on imports from the EU.

    Speaking on transatlantic trade relations, von der Leyen underscored the deep economic ties between the two sides, noting that millions of jobs depend on the partnership.

    “European companies in the U.S. employ 3.5 million Americans, and another million American jobs depend directly on trade with Europe. The whole trade volume between us is 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars,” she told a conference of EU ambassadors.

    She stressed that both sides have much at stake. “There are jobs, businesses, and industries here and in the U.S. that rely on the transatlantic partnership. So we want to make it work,” she said.

    While advocating cooperation, von der Leyen made it clear that the EU is prepared for tough negotiations when necessary. “We will be ready for tough negotiations where needed and to find solutions where possible to work out any grievances and to set the foundations for a stronger partnership,” she said.

    She reiterated that the EU remains open and pragmatic in achieving its objectives but will resolutely defend its economic interests.

    “We will always protect our own interests, however and whenever that is needed. This will always be the European way,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media are invited to the 381 Glenn Dunbier ONZM Police recruit wing graduation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    New Zealand Police is pleased to announce that recruit wing 381 will graduate from their initial training course on Friday morning 7 February. 

    Attending the ceremony will be Commissioner Richard Chambers and members of the Police executive, Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister for Police, Hon Casey Costello, Associate Minister for Police along with Wing Patron, Glenn Dunbier ONZM.

    Wing 381’s prize-winners are spread across four police districts, namely Auckland City, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Tasman.

    More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Friday.

    The 381 Wing Patron former police officer Glenn Dunbier was Bay of Plenty District Commander from 2010 to 2014. He was then appointed Deputy Commissioner: Resource Management in 2014, a role he held until he took a three-year secondment in 2017 to work with the Australian Defence Department. On returning to New Zealand Police in 2020 he took up the role of Deputy Commissioner: Districts and then Deputy Commissioner: Operations.  While in Police, Glenn was awarded two Silver Merit Awards for his work in covert policing. He was recognised in the 2022 New Year Royal Honours, appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to policing and the community. He retired from Police in April 2023.

    Media are welcome to attend the graduation parade which takes place at 10am on Friday 7 February at The Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua. 

    Media will need to be in place by 9.45am, however will need to RSVP to Police Media Centre as soon as possible:  media@police.govt.nz

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms seized during targeted search at Perth

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Firearms seized during targeted search at Perth

    Wednesday, 5 February 2025 – 1:56 pm.

    Two people have been charged after police seized three illegal firearms, a quantity of methylamphetamine, and stolen property during a targeted search at Perth yesterday.
    Members of Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit and Taskforce Raven executed a search warrant at the residence on Tuesday 4 February.
    Police located and seized a .22 firearm – commonly referred to as a pen gun – which had been concealed.
    An Adler Turkey 12-gauge lever action shotgun, and a Winchester .22 rifle were also located and seized, along with 30 grams of methylamphetamine, a large quantity of ammunition, and about $10,000 worth of stolen property.
    A 34 year old Perth man was arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences, minor drug offences and unlawful possession of property.
    A 31 year old Perth man was also arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences.
    They will both appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in April.
    Detective Acting Inspector Jason Jones said any illicit firearm was a concern to Tasmania Police.
    “Firearms in the wrong hands are dangerous, and police will continue to prioritise locating and seizing firearms that have been stolen or unlawfully obtained,” he said.
    “We know that there are people out there in the community who know people in possession of illegal firearms. Please come forward and provide information so we can take these illegal firearms off the streets.”
    If you have information about illegal firearms, contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan IV

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General expresses his profound sadness at the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, a global spiritual leader, philanthropist, and advocate for peace, development, and pluralism. For decades, the Aga Khan dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for millions around the world, particularly in the most vulnerable communities, through his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, education, and cultural preservation.

    The Aga Khan’s leadership extended beyond his role as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He was a bridge-builder between cultures and faiths, promoting mutual understanding and respect in an increasingly interconnected world. His efforts to address poverty, advance gender equality, and foster sustainable development have left an indelible mark on the global community.

    The United Nations recognizes the Aga Khan’s invaluable contributions to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and his partnership with the UN in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

    The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the Aga Khan’s family, the Ismaili community, and all those who were touched by his vision, compassion, and leadership.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appealing for information on stolen service medals, Waihi

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are appealing for information to reunite a number of service medals with their rightful owners after being stolen during a burglary in Waihi.

    The selection of medals were among a range of property taken from an address on Trig Road North between 6pm on Sunday 1 February and 2pm on Monday 3 February.

    The seven service medals are of extreme sentimental and historical value, and are of great importance to the victims and their family.

    Other items stolen during the burglary include two Stihl chainsaws, a hedge cutter, a cordless drill, an angle grinder and battery, wedding rings, and other personal jewellery.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Trig Road North area between Saturday evening and Monday afternoon.

    Police are also appealing for any CCTV or dashcam footage in the area that may assist in our investigation locating the service medals and holding the alleged offenders to account.

    If you have any information that may assist Police in our investigation, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    You can also provide information in person at the Waihi Police Station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers via 0800 555 111.

    Please use the reference number 250203/0911.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Teacher Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing and Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – Chad Joseph Longley, 45, of Boise, was sentenced to 141 months in federal prison with 20 years of supervised release for one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.

    According to court records, investigators with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a tip that Longley possessed child sexual abuse material.  ICAC investigators investigated and corroborated this tip which led to a search warrant authorizing law enforcement to search Longley’s residence and digital devices.  While executing the search warrant, investigators seized digital devices belonging to Longley.  A computer forensic examiner discovered child sexual abuse material on the devices.  During an interview, investigators advised Longley of his Miranda rights and he admitted to possessing the child sexual abuse material.

    In July 2021, a grand jury charged Longley with the crime of possession of child pornography.  While awaiting sentencing, Longley and the Government engaged forensic computer experts to further review the digital devices.  This review revealed additional criminal conduct beyond possession of child sexual abuse material.

    According to court records, around 2017, Longley had a fake profile of a young female on a social media platform.  Posing as a young female, he became social media friends with one of his former students.  He tricked the former student into sending him child sexual abuse material.  The victim was unaware that it was his teacher using a fake persona when he sent the child sexual abuse material.  In March 2024, Longley was indicted by a grand jury for the additional criminal conduct.  Longley entered into a new plea agreement, whereby he pleaded guilty to the crime of receiving child pornography and agreed to a jointly recommend a sentence of 141 months in prison with 20 years of supervised release.

    On February 4, 2025, Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill followed the recommendations and sentenced Longley to 48 months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release in his first case involving the possession of child pornography, and to 141 months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release in his second case involving the receipt of child pornography.  The two sentences will run concurrently to each other.

    “The defendant’s actions in taking advantage of a former student are particularly heinous, and he deserves this lengthy prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit.  “Our office is fortunate to have outstanding prosecutors who work tirelessly to hold child predators accountable and seek justice for victims.  The result in this case would not have been possible without their dedication and that of our law enforcement partners.”

    “The actions of this former teacher are reprehensible,” said Attorney General Raúl Labrador.  “This sentence represents the hard work of ICAC’s investigators, the federal prosecutor, and the team of professionals committed to stopping these crimes.  I’m grateful for their commitment to keep our kids safe from abuse and exploitation, and for the courts that recognize the seriousness of these crimes.”

    U.S. Attorney Hurwit commended the work of the Idaho ICAC Task Force, which led to the charges.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Robins prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Governor Newsom’s Latest Executive Order Provides Critical Protections for LA Fire Victims

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Tuesday, February 4, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement on Executive Order N-17-25 by Governor Gavin Newsom. Among other things, the executive order expands rental price gouging protections to leases of any length, adds three new ZIP codes to prior executive orders prohibiting real estate speculation, and exempts housing in zip codes with high fair market values, which has not previously been on the rental market, from statutory rent caps.

    “Governor Newsom’s executive order will make an important difference in the lives of Californians who have been affected by the wildfires. With today’s executive order, California’s price gouging protections now apply to leases of any length. Unsolicited property offers by predatory buyers are now prohibited in three new zip codes in Southern California: 91024, 91103, and 91367. And, with the suspension of the statutory rent caps for certain homes that were not previously on the rental market, additional housing options can come on market. I applaud today’s move by Governor Newsom — my office remains committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to protect the communities affected by these disasters.” 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Celebrating the Winners of the Inaugural Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature

    Source: Sony

    New York | London | Berlin | Tokyo — February 5, 2025 — Sony Group Corporation (Sony) and Nature are proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature, honoring outstanding early to mid-career women researchers who are spearheading breakthroughs for the betterment of society and the planet in the field of technology (science, engineering, and mathematics).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 4th, 2025 Heinrich Raises Alarm Over Trump-Caused Chaos at Critical National Security Agencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and 36 Senate colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing their deep concern regarding the growing chaos and dysfunction at the U.S. Department of State and the Trump Administration’s illegal attempt to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

    USAID is a critical pillar of U.S. national security strategy, providing lifesaving aid and development support around the world to help ensure stability. Yesterday, personnel at USAID were not permitted to enter the agency’s headquarters, and Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump agreed to close the agency and move it under the State Department – which Trump has no legal authority to do. The Trump Administration, led by Musk, has also furloughed thousands of senior career civil servants, including two top security officials who denied Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency access to classified documents and systems.

    “…We are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners,” Heinrich and colleagues wrote.

    The senators continued, “The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.”

    “Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat,” wrote the senators.

    They continued, “Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.”

    The letter is led by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Alongside Heinrich, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Angus S. King (I-Maine), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 4th, 2025 Heinrich Statement on Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after voting against advancing Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination out of the Intelligence Committee.

    “Time and again, Ms. Gabbard has elevated conspiracy theories, parroted dictators’ talking points, and repeatedly undermined our country’s national security. Her poor judgment and lack of national security experience make her wholly unqualified to keep Americans safe as our Director of National Intelligence. Ms. Gabbard’s responses during her nomination hearing made this clear, refusing to call Edward Snowden a traitor and, in response to my questions, falsely denying knowledge of comments by a Syrian cleric she met with in 2017 who threatened to unleash suicide bombers in the United States.

    “Put plainly, Tulsi Gabbard is a national security risk. She appears to trust information from every other source but the Intelligence Community. Yet as the Director of National Intelligence, she would be entrusted with providing the most sensitive intelligence to the president and determining what intelligence to share with our allies.

    “As I continue to carry out my constitutional duty, I will remain vigilant to ensure that every nominee is properly vetted and has the qualifications to serve.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Trump’s AG Pick Will Undermine Justice Department’s Independence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Luján Voted Against Trump’s Personal Lawyer Who Attempted to Overturn 2020 Election

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Pam Bondi to serve as Attorney General of the United States:

    “The role of the Attorney General is to oversee the Justice Department, uphold the rule of law, and maintain its independence from political influence. Given Ms. Bondi’s history of spreading false claims, leading President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, excusing the actions of criminals who attacked law enforcement on January 6, and advocating for the prosecution of political opponents, I do not believe she will put her oath to the Constitution ahead of her loyalty to President Trump.

    “The American people deserve an Attorney General who will defend the Constitution and serve the American people. Instead, Ms. Bondi, along with a number of President Trump’s nominees, will carry out President Trump’s agenda of revenge and retribution. President Trump is already seeking to rid the Justice Department of career officials who simply did their jobs.

    “Ms. Bondi will weaponize the Justice Department, subvert the rule of law, and make our communities less safe. I voted against her nomination, and I will hold her accountable for her actions as Attorney General.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Māori and Pacific people hit hardest by lack of jobs

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The latest unemployment figures reveal that job losses are hitting Māori and Pacific people especially hard, with Māori unemployment reaching a staggering 9.7% for the December 2024 quarter and Pasifika unemployment reaching 10.5%.

    “The Government is continuing to take Māori backwards in every possible way,” Labour spokesperson for Māori Development Willie Jackson said.

    “Christopher Luxon has no plan for Māori to support whanau into meaningful employment. The Prime Minister had every opportunity to front up to Māori at Waitangi to provide a positive plan for all of us to work together. Instead, he left it to David Seymour to speak and further divide our nation.

    “The reality is, when National took power the Māori unemployment rate was 8.2%. They have had more than a year to deliver results, and instead we see rising unemployment, shocking health disparities, and tragic poverty rates,” Willie Jackson said.

    Unemployment among Pacific People is now 10.5%, up from 6.1% when National took office. Across all groups, unemployment reached 5.1%—a four-year high.

    “The Government’s failure to deliver real results for Pacific People is shameful and shows their complete lack of attention to this community,” Labour Pacific People’s spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said.

    “That is a huge increase in Pacific unemployment, 1 in 10 Pacific people in New Zealand are now unemployed. This is bordering on a crisis for our people.

    “Instead of supporting our people into work, this Government chooses to slash funding for frontline services, cut public sector jobs, and has left a total of 33,000 more people out of work,” 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 New Zealand: Police operation in Waterview

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A Police operation is underway in an area of Waterview this afternoon.

    Police have cordoned off an area around Tutuki Street.

    There is an increased Police presence in the area to ensure the safety of the public.

    Police staff are armed as a precaution.

    Great North Road is still open, but we are advising the public to stay clear of cordons at this early stage.

    Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DPAA Conducts Honorable Carry Ceremony from Philippine Mission

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

    On 28 January, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency conducted an honorable carry ceremony to honor service members from World War II at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

    An honorable carry ceremony is a tradition that honors unknown service members as they return to American soil for the first time in over 80 years.

    The 18 U.S. flag-draped transfer cases contained the potential remains of 36 unknown World War II service members who were interred at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. The cases were repatriated to the DPAA’s laboratory in Hawaii for identification and analysis.

    “Thirty-five of these brave individuals perished in captivity at the Cabanatuan prison camp, while one gave their life in the Tokyo Prison Fire during World War II,” said John M. Figuerres, the DPAA’s acting deputy director for operations.

    These service members were among those who fought bravely at the battles of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942. With no supplies, reinforcements or hope of relief, they held their ground longer than any Allied force against the Imperial Japanese army’s initial attacks.

    “After being forced to surrender, many of these service members suffered through the brutal 65-mile Bataan Death March and lost their lives while being held as prisoners,” Figuerres explained.

    The DPAA launched the Cabanatuan Project in 2014 and has since accounted for more than 90 personnel. However, more than 900 individuals remain unaccounted for.
    “As part of its ongoing efforts, the agency’s annual goal is to conduct two Philippine disinterments and repatriate about 70 transfer cases”, said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jordan Underwood, DPAA team leader for the disinterment.

    Additionally, the DPAA continues working to identify service members who perished in the Tokyo Military Prison in May 1945, initiating the Tokyo Prison Fire Project in 2022. Dozens of American Airmen who were being held in the Tokyo Military Prison died during the Allied firebombing of the Japanese capitol in March 1945, trapped amidst the blaze engulfing the city.

    The agency identifies potential remains using a wide variety of methods, some examples include anthropological testing, dental analysis and DNA testing in partnership with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System.

    “The DPAA’s mission is to account for missing personnel from past conflicts. We hope to identify these service members and return them home. One family member once told me that it’s not about providing closure, but about closing a chapter of their family history, and I think that’s a great way to describe it”, said Dr. Carrie LeGarde, a DPAA scientific recovery expert. “We cannot achieve this without bringing these remains back to the DPAA laboratory.”

    For the men and women of the DPAA, an honorable carry is both a solemn occasion, and a triumph.

    “Today, after more than 84 years away from their homeland, we honor their return to the United States,” Figuerres said. “Their sacrifice stands as a testament to the extraordinary courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation. Our mission to identify these heroes continues, ensuring their legacy is preserved and their sacrifice to our nation is never forgotten.”

    For more information about the DPAA’s efforts to recover POW/MIA remains, visit https://www.dpaa.mil.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graham Statement on Bondi Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after voting to confirm Pam Bondi as the next Attorney General of the United States. Bondi was confirmed by a vote of 54-46.

    “I applaud President Trump for choosing Pam Bondi to be our next Attorney General. As I said when she was first nominated, Pam is an outstanding choice.

    “With her confirmation today, Pam is ready to hit the ground running. She will put an end to the weaponization of law that has been a trademark of the Justice Department for the last four years. Pam will also make sure that our laws are fairly enforced, and for terrorists and criminals, Pam will be their worst nightmare.

    “I look forward to working with her as she transforms the Department of Justice and marches America toward a new era of prosperity and safety.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Join Effort Raising Alarm Over Trump Administration Chaos at Critical National Security Agencies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 04, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley — a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – and Ron Wyden joined an effort led by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) that raises the alarm of the growing chaos and dysfunction at the U.S. Department of State and the Trump Administration’s illegal attempt to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID is a critical pillar of U.S. national security strategy, providing lifesaving aid and development support around the world to help advance America’s interests. On Monday, personnel at USAID were not permitted to enter the agency’s headquarters, and Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump agreed to close the agency and move it under the State Department – which Trump has no legal authority to do. The Trump Administration, led by Musk, has also furloughed thousands of government employees, including two top security officials who denied the Department of Government Efficiency access to classified documents and systems.

    “…We are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners,” wrote the senators.

    The senators continued, “The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.”

    “Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat,” wrote the senators.

    They continued, “Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.”

    The letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio is led by Kaine, and signed by Merkley, Wyden, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angus S. King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    The effective administration of U.S. foreign assistance is critical to advancing core U.S. national security priorities, including countering the influence of China, Russia and Iran. As you acknowledged at your confirmation hearing, pushing back on China in particular is a top bipartisan priority.

    As such, we are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners.

    The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.

    Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat.

    Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.

    We request immediate clarification on the following:

    Status of USAID:

    1. Confirmation of your understanding that any effort to abolish USAID or merge USAID into the Department of State absent Congressional consultation and approval is illegal.
    2. Confirmation of your understanding that adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran are quickly moving into the vacuum left by suspended USAID programs. 
    3. The Department of State’s assessment of Mr. Elon Musk’s financial ties to China and the impact of these ties to the decision-making process of Mr. Musk and his employees.
    4. Confirmation that neither you nor any member of your leadership team are taking direction from Mr. Musk with regards to the work of the Department of State or USAID, personnel or financial decisions for either agency, or any other matters relevant to U.S. national security. 
    5. Confirmation of the names and employment status of individuals directed by Mr. Musk to engage with USAID staff, the qualifications of these individuals, and the level of their security clearances – if any.

    Personnel:

    1. Confirmation of your understanding that any unauthorized access by or disclosure of classified information to individuals without appropriate security clearance could be considered a criminal offense.
    2. The legal authority and rationale under which, on January 28, more than 50 senior career civil and foreign service USAID officials were placed on administrative leave. This move was not only unprecedented, but also inconsistent with the Office of Personnel Management’s own guidelines for the use of administrative leave.
    3. The legal authority under which, on January 28, approximately 390 USAID Institutional Support Contractors (ISCs) were given stop-work orders, and clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this termination.
    4. Whether any Department of State career civil and foreign service or contractors have been placed on administrative leave or removed from their roles as a result of or relating to the assistance freeze or any directives from the Office of Foreign Assistance.
    5. Clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this mass furlough.
    6. Clarification of whether these individuals were directed to be terminated without cause.
    7. Confirmation that personnel will not face retaliation or retribution for performing their duties under the previous Administration’s policy direction.
    8. Under what authorities and by which official’s directive career civil service, foreign service, and Personal Services Contractors (PSC), and those under other hiring authorities have been removed from their roles or limited in their ability to execute their work.
    9. Confirmation that further career civil service, foreign service and USAID contractors will not be removed from their roles without cause or receive stop work orders.
    10. Whether, upon full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities, the Administration intends to re-hire contractors who have been removed from their roles.
    11. Any additional guidance provided to State and USAID staff regarding the foreign assistance freeze, including confirmation of whether direct hires, contractors, or implementing organizations have been directed not to speak publicly about the foreign assistance freeze.
    12. Public identification of the individual currently serving as the Director or Acting Director of the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance and as Acting Deputy Administrator of USAID, and the dates upon which this individual was appointed to each position.
    13. Confirmation of your understanding that the State Department’s Director of Foreign Assistance has no authority to issue personnel directives for USAID.

    Resumption of Foreign Assistance:

    1. The specific process and anticipated timeframe for activities to receive exemptions or waivers, as referenced in your January 28, 2025 directive to State and USAID staff.
    2. The mechanisms and metrics established for this waiver process.
    3. The timeline for full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities.
    4. Clarification of what risk assessment or analysis of potential risk to U.S. national security interests were conducted prior to the decision to freeze foreign assistance activities.
    5. Confirmation of the Department of State’s obligation to comply with U.S. contract law and your responsibility as Secretary of State ensure the Department honors its commitments to contracting partners.

    We welcome your urgent attention to these questions. We and our staff stand ready to work with you to ensure U.S. foreign assistance funding continues to be deployed effectively to protect American citizens, at home and abroad.

    Respectfully,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, at the Pentagon, Feb. 4, 2025.

    Source: United States Navy

    Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, at the Pentagon today.

    The two leaders outlined plans to enhance interoperability and capabilities, with a focus on expanding maritime domain awareness with robotic and autonomous systems, cyber security improvements, and a commitment to military modernization to address shared challenges.

    Franchetti also shared the Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy with Jirapol, which underscores her priorities of warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them, as well as building relationships with Allies and partners.
    Franchetti expressed appreciation for Thailand’s continued support for U.S. ship and aircraft visits, highlighting the recently concluded USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group port visit to Laem Chabang. 

    The leaders also discussed future opportunities to enhance collaboration through participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises, including the Cobra Gold multinational exercise held in Thailand, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), and CARAT Thailand (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training).

    Thailand is a major non-NATO ally, one of five U.S. treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific, and a leader within the Association of Southern Asian Nations (ASEAN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: The Strand, Parnell

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A section of The Strand in Parnell is being closed following a serious crash.

    The crash involves a truck and pedestrian and was reported just after 2pm.

    The pedestrian is currently in a critical condition, and will be transported to hospital.

    Emergency services are at the scene and a section of The Strand is being closed between the intersections with St Georges Bay Road and Tamaki Drive.

    We anticipate this will cause disruption in this busy transport corridor this afternoon.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and will attend the scene.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National Children’s Commissioner ‘deeply concerned’ for wellbeing of children in the Jewish community amid surge in antisemitism

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    The National Children’s Commissioner has expressed alarm about the impact of rising antisemitism in Australia on the wellbeing of Jewish children and young people.

    A recent spate of antisemitic attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, a daycare centre and other locations has resulted in high-visibility policing at Jewish schools in Sydney, and reports of Jewish parents moving children to non-denominational schools and preschools for fear their children will be unsafe in Jewish institutions.

    National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds: “Every child has a right to be safe, to have opportunities to learn and flourish, and to live in communities which respect and support cultural diversity and expressions of faith.

    “The shocking racism that has affected Jewish communities over recent months is deeply concerning, especially the impact on Jewish children.

    “The targeting of schools and childcare centres by the perpetrators of this violence is particularly alarming.

    “The fear and distress experienced by Jewish children because of this surge in antisemitism may increase feelings of anxiety, isolation and vulnerability. 

    “We want all children to live in a peaceful, caring and inclusive society in which they can thrive. Ending all forms of racism, including antisemitism, is vital to achieving this.

    “I’d like to echo the words of my colleague Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman: “Rising antisemitic incidents in Australia are abhorrent and serve as a call to action for people across the country to stand together in unity for an anti-racist Australia. Everyone should feel free to live their true selves and practice their faith without fear of persecution, intimidation, violence or discrimination” 

    ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or +61 457 281 897 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Increase in Q fever cases

    Source: Government of Victoria 3

    Key messages

    • Q fever is an infectious disease that is spread from animals to humans.
    • There has been a significant increase in cases in 2024 compared to recent years.
    • Q fever can cause long-term health complications including heart disease and chronic fatigue, which can last for many years.
    • People who work with animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats, or animal products are at a higher risk of Q fever.
    • There is an effective vaccine that can protect against Q fever, and the best option for protection if you are in a high-risk category. You must be tested for previous exposure to Q fever before you can receive the vaccine.
    • There are other preventative measures people and workplaces can undertake in high-risk settings.
    • Q fever can be treated with antibiotics. If you receive early treatment, you’re likely to recover sooner and have a lower risk of long-term complications.

    What is the issue?

    Q fever is a disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii bacteria. It is mainly spread to humans from cattle, sheep and goats, but can also spread from other domestic and wild animals such as kangaroos, camels, rodents, cats, dogs, birds and wallabies. The bacteria can stay in the environment for long periods of time and survive disinfection and harsh conditions. This means dust, hay and other small particles may also carry the bacteria.

    Cases of Q fever in Victoria are increasing. There were 77 cases of Q fever notified in 2024, a significant increase compared to the previous five years. There have been five outbreaks of Q fever notified in Victoria in 2024 (all reported between August and December).

    Who is at risk?

    People who work with animals, animal products and animal waste in high-risk occupational groups are at increased risk. These include people in the following occupations:

    abattoir and meat workers (such as workers involved in slaughtering, skinning, meat processing, rendering; by-products workers; meat inspectors and packers; administration staff; and maintenance workers)

    • agriculture, livestock and dairy farm workers
    • stockyard/feedlot workers and transporters of animals, animal products and animal waste
    • shearers, wool classers/sorters, pelt and hide processors
    • knackery and tannery workers
    • pet food manufacturing workers
    • veterinarians, veterinary nurses/students/researchers, and others who work with veterinary specimens
    • agriculture college staff and students (working with high-risk animals)
    • animal shooters/hunters
    • laboratory personnel who work with materials containing viable C. burnetii (e.g. birth products of infected animals/humans, tissue culture)
    • wildlife/zoo workers and animal trainers (working with high-risk animals)
    • other people exposed to high-risk animals and/or products derived from these animals (including contractors or maintenance workers)

    There are other groups who may be at increased risk of Q fever. This can include:

    • family members of workers in high-risk occupations listed above (from exposure to contaminated clothes, boots or equipment)
    • visitors to at-risk environments (e.g. farms, abattoirs, animal saleyards, agricultural shows).
    • people living on or in close proximity to a high-risk industry and people living downwind or near livestock transport routes.

    Symptoms and transmission

    Symptoms

    Many people with Q fever have no symptoms or a mild illness. Some people may have a severe flu-like illness. Symptoms can include fever, sweats or chills, headaches, muscle/joint pain, fatigue, cough and weight loss. Patients may also develop hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or pneumonia (infection of the lungs).

    The incubation period is typically 14 to 21 days but can range from 4 days to 6 weeks.

    While most people with Q fever make a full recovery, occasionally it can cause long-term complications such as heart disease, bone and joint infections and vascular infections. These complications are more common for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems or previous heart problems.

    Approximately 10 to 15 per cent of people with severe infections develop chronic fatigue, also known as Q fever fatigue syndrome, which can last for many years.

    Transmission

    Q fever is most commonly transmitted to humans through inhalation of dust or aerosols contaminated with bacteria from birth fluids, faeces, urine, or blood of infected animals in circumstances such as:

    • animal birthing
    • animal slaughter, skinning and meat processing
    • herding
    • shearing and wool processing
    • work with animal manure
    • transport of infected animals
    • mowing in or through areas where there are livestock or wild animals
    • veterinary procedures

    Contaminated dust or aerosols may potentially travel considerable distances from the source to cause exposure.

    Recommendations

    At-risk groups

    People working in high-risk occupational groups are strongly recommended to be vaccinated against Q fever which provides a high level of protection.

    However, people who have previously had Q fever or have already received the Q fever vaccine should not be vaccinated due to the risk of adverse reactions (severe local reactions). It is necessary to be screened for previous exposure prior to vaccination. Contact your Local Public Health UnitExternal Link for a list of Q fever vaccine providers in your area and discuss further with a doctor.

    Individuals, companies and employers can take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to Q fever through workplace design and safe work practices. If there are difficulties in obtaining the vaccine, or people are unable to be vaccinated, actions that can be taken to reduce exposure include, but are not limited to:

    • Washing hands and arms thoroughly in soapy water after any contact with animals.
    • Wearing a properly fitted P2 mask (available from pharmacies and hardware stores) and gloves in handling and disposing of animal products, waste, placentas and aborted foetuses.
    • Keeping personal protective equipment (PPE) and contaminated clothing at the workplace and appropriately bagging and washing them on site where possible, to reduce the risk of infection to households from taking them home.
    • Appropriately managing and disposing of animal products and animal waste to prevent spread of C. burnetii bacteria.
    • Minimising dust and aerosols in slaughter and animal housing areas.
    • Ensuring that if symptoms develop, individuals and staff know to seek early medical attention and let their doctor know about the exposure risk.

    Employers of at-risk industries

    • Identify co-exposed individuals (e.g. those at the same workplace) and advise them of early signs and symptoms of Q fever to aid early diagnosis and treatment.
    • Ensure workplace design and safe work practices are adhered to (by employees and all visitors and contractors to the premises)

    If employees are unable to be vaccinated, ensure a properly fitted P2 mask and other appropriate PPE is used or they are restricted to lower-risk areas (i.e. away from areas where they may be exposed such as kill floors, offal rooms and rendering areas or where they will not be handling animals, noting there may be no lower-risk areas at some worksites).

    See WorkSafe’s Q fever Guidance NoteExternal Link for further information for employers about preventing transmission of Q fever in the workplace.

    Health professionals

    Clinicians should be aware of the increase in cases and test individuals with compatible illness and potential exposure.

    • Offering early antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of chronic Q fever.
    • Q fever infection is a ‘routine’ notifiable condition and must be notified by medical practitioners and pathology services in writing within 5 days of diagnosis.
    • A Q fever vaccination is available for those working in high-risk industries. Specialist training is recommended prior to undertaking screening and administering the vaccine.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Theft – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two males aged 40 and 41 in relation to copper wire theft in Alice Springs yesterday.

    Police have been investigating reports of copper wire being stolen from telecommunication pits located between the Gap and Alice Springs Airport since April 2024.

    Around 3.45pm yesterday, police received a report from Bushfires NT that two males were sighted burning copper cable casing in bushland near Norris Bell Avenue.

    General duties members attended and witnessed the pair burning the insulation to allegedly gain access to a large amount of copper cable.

    Both were arrested without incident and have been charged in relation to the theft and lighting a fire on a total fire ban day. They were remanded in custody to appear in court today.

    Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P25034899. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Releases Images of the First Flight of Criminal Aliens to Guantanamo Bay

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Today, the Department of Homeland Security released images of the first flight of criminal aliens, who were all part of the Tren de Aragua, preparing to takeoff for Guantanamo Bay. The worst of the worst criminals will be held at the military facility.  

    “President Donald Trump has been very clear: Guantanamo Bay will hold the worst of the worst. That starts today.” –Secretary Kristi Noem  

    DHS Releases Images of the First Flight of Criminal Aliens to Guantanamo Bay

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    DHS Releases Images of the First Flight of Criminal Aliens to Guantanamo Bay

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    DHS Releases Images of the First Flight of Criminal Aliens to Guantanamo Bay

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    DHS Releases Images of the First Flight of Criminal Aliens to Guantanamo Bay | View Original

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Members Connect 2025: Samsung Electronics Holds Exclusive Event for Global Members To Experience Galaxy S25 Series Firsthand

    Source: Samsung

    On January 21, Samsung Electronics invited 90 Samsung Members Stars from 19 countries to San Jose, California, for the Samsung Members Connect event. Samsung Members is a Galaxy app that provides product information, exclusive benefits and a platform for users to interact. Meanwhile, Samsung Members Stars are community leaders who create high-quality content and actively engage in discussions within the app.
     
    For this exclusive event, Samsung designed various programs to ensure that participating Members could share their firsthand experiences of the new Galaxy products with the wider community. These Members were among the first to explore the upgraded Galaxy AI features and collaborated on exclusive missions with #TeamGalaxy, Samsung’s dedicated Galaxy influencers. Their real-time updates allowed Members in different regions to experience the excitement of the event as it happened.
     
    Samsung Newsroom highlighted vibrant moments from Samsung Members Connect.
     

    Members Orientation: A Hub Connecting Samsung Members Around the World
    At the “Members Orientation,” Members from different countries gathered to share their unique experiences and journeys within the community. Exchanging insights on how they effectively utilize Galaxy devices and engage with others in their respective regions, Members from diverse cultural and social backgrounds connected through meaningful discussions and fostered deeper connections within the network.
     
    ▲ Members present their contributions during the networking session.
     
     
    Galaxy AI Evolves With Greater Innovation
    At Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Members had the exclusive opportunity to get a sneak peek at the newly unveiled Galaxy S25 series — powered by an enhanced Galaxy AI.
     
    “It is truly an honor to participate in a global event hosted by Samsung. I was particularly impressed by how effortlessly I could summarize YouTube videos with just a single tap,” said Hyun-seo Chae, a Members from South Korea. “The ongoing evolution of Galaxy AI always exceeds expectations, and its groundbreaking advancements demonstrate limitless opportunities and possibilities.”
     
    ▲ Members experience the Galaxy S25 series at the Experience Zone.
     
    Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Sung Chang, Executive Vice President of Marketing Team, and Minseok Kang, Head of Smartphone Product Planning Team, from Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics held a Q&A session to discuss key features of the Galaxy S25 series.
     
    ▲ (From left) Sung Chang and Minseok Kang from Samsung Electronics
     
     
    Members Workshop: Samsung Members Stars and #TeamGalaxy Unite Through Galaxy
    For the first time, Samsung Members Connect featured a unique collaboration between Members and #TeamGalaxy. These workshops provided Members with an opportunity to develop key influencer skills, helping them more effectively share their experiences using Galaxy devices with the global community.
     
    During the workshop, Members and #TeamGalaxy fostered mutual growth by exchanging their strengths — deep Galaxy knowledge and content creation expertise, respectively. They actively discussed content themes and explored new features of the Galaxy S25 series to incorporate into their projects for the following day. Through these collaborative missions, Members in different countries had the opportunity to indirectly experience the Galaxy S25 series for two days.
     
    “Engaging with #TeamGalaxy has allowed me to take my content to the next level and expand the reach of Galaxy-related content,” said Sebastián Sebas, a Members from Colombia.
     
    ▲ Members and #TeamGalaxy influencers collaborate on a filming mission.
     
     
    An Epic Tour of San Francisco With Next-Level Galaxy AI
    On the final day of the event, Members embarked on a tour of San Francisco with the Galaxy S25 series. Participants visited iconic landmarks in San Francisco and completed individual and group missions that showcased the advanced features of Galaxy AI. Using the upgraded AI capabilities of the Galaxy S25 series, Members captured dynamic moments, experimented with various camera modes, and creatively applied Galaxy AI to produce high-quality content for the larger community.
     
    After an exciting day of exploration, the event concluded with a gala dinner and a Mission Awards ceremony — marking the successful completion of the four-day journey.
     
    ▲ The results of the collaborative Member missions
     
    Samsung Members Connect provided a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience the Galaxy S25 series, a product line showcasing a new AI paradigm that will seamlessly integrate into users’ daily lives. Through various programs, the diverse Members exchanged their experiences and shared the excitement of Galaxy Unpacked 2025 to the wider community. Samsung looks forward to seeing how Galaxy AI will continue to drive endless innovation, enhance the daily lives of users and shape the future ahead.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Hassan, Strickland, Self, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Help Adjust Military Life Insurance for Inflation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Keith Self (TX-03) today introduced the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, which would help ensure life insurance packages for service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living and inflation: 

    “As the nation continues to feel the effects of inflation, we need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our bill would help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.”

    “While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to those who serve our country, we should work each and every day to get them the benefits that they deserve,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that the life insurance offered for our veterans and servicemembers is keeping pace with real-world costs to help protect the financial security of the families of those who serve.”

    “Our nation’s service members and veterans put their lives on the line to protect America and defend our freedom,” said Sen. Cruz. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues to honor and provide for those who bravely sacrificed to serve the United States of America. Adjusting the value of the life insurance policies of servicemembers and veterans in line with inflation will ensure that America rightly honors their memory and cares for their loved ones after they are gone.”

    “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Sen. King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families when they face difficult times. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to honor our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.”

    “When we ask servicemembers to put their lives on the line for our country, we promise to have their backs. We must take care of their families and loved ones in the event of tragedy,” said Rep. Strickland. “This bill makes it clear that Congress stands by our military families.”

    “We must ensure our veterans receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned,” said Rep. Self. “This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to review and adjust the maximum coverage for servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs to keep pace with inflation, ensuring these benefits keep pace with rising costs.”

    Background:

    The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act would help ensure the maximum group insurance available to service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for service members and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This bill would strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, service members, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding cost of living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don’t go years without assessing inflation rates.

    MIL OSI USA News –