NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 24-2025: Urgent Scheduled Service Disruption: Wednesday 29 January to Thursday 30 January 2025 – BICON

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    29 January 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients required to use the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned maintenance period.

    Information

    Due to scheduled infrastructure maintenance, BICON will experience brief intermittent outages between 23:00 Wednesday 29 January to 01:00 Thursday 30 January 2025 (AEDT).

    Action

    BICON users are advised to await the completion of this planned maintenance period before attempting…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Underlying inflation falls to three-year low

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Underlying inflation is at its lowest in three years according to new figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today.

    Headline inflation is now in the mid‑twos and underlying inflation is in the low threes.

    This means headline inflation has fallen to an almost four‑year low and now sits in the middle of the RBA’s target band.

    This result is better than expected and better than forecast.

    It’s not mission accomplished, but it means we’ve made much more progress.

    Inflation was higher and rising under the Liberals, but it’s lower and falling under Labor.

    On every measure we’ve made substantial and sustained progress in the fight against inflation.

    Inflation is now almost a third of the 6.1 per cent we inherited when we came to office.

    On a six‑month annualised basis, underlying inflation is around a third of its peak at 2.7 per cent and is within the RBA’s target band for the first time since 2021.

    Trimmed mean inflation was 3.2 per cent through the year to the December quarter, down from 3.6 per cent.

    Trimmed mean inflation almost halved in the quarter, at 0.5 per cent and is a third of what it was at the time of the election.

    Annual trimmed mean inflation in the monthly indicator is also within the RBA’s target band for the first time in three years, at 2.7 per cent in the year to December.

    Headline inflation was 0.2 per cent in the December quarter, to be 2.4 per cent higher through the year, around a quarter of its peak.

    Australia’s headline inflation is now lower than most major advanced economies including the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.

    Annual non‑tradable inflation was 3.1 per cent through the year to the December quarter 2024, down from 4.1 per cent through the year to the September quarter.

    While monthly headline inflation ticked up slightly, it remained in the band for the fifth consecutive month.

    The moderation in today’s figures of categories including building construction costs, rents and insurance is an encouraging sign that inflation is falling more quickly than anticipated in MYEFO.

    The moderation in inflation that we’ve seen so far would not have been possible without our responsible economic management including the $200 billion turnaround in the budget we’ve delivered.

    ABS data shows our cost‑of‑living policies took around three quarters of a percentage point off inflation.

    In the year to the December quarter 2024, electricity prices fell 25.2 per cent and would have fallen 1.6 per cent without the energy rebates we’re rolling out with the states.

    In the year to the December quarter 2024, rents rose 6.4 per cent – without the largest increase to Rent Assistance in 30 years, they would have risen 7.8 per cent.

    Inflation is down, wages are up, unemployment is low and we’ve seen 1.1 million jobs created for Australian workers under Anthony Albanese and Labor.

    The soft landing we have been planning and preparing for is looking more and more likely.

    Many countries around the world have paid for progress on inflation through higher unemployment or lower economic growth, but we’ve been able to preserve the gains we’ve made in our labour market at the same time as we’ve got inflation down.

    Cost of living pressures haven’t disappeared but they are easing.

    The worst of the inflation challenge is well and truly behind us.

    We are confident but not complacent about the year ahead.

    Australians would be thousands of dollars worse off if Peter Dutton had his way on tax cuts, wages and energy bill relief – and worse off still if he wins the election.

    The biggest risk to the progress we have made together would be a Coalition government that would come after Medicare again, push wages down again, and push electricity prices up.

    We’re fighting inflation, helping with the cost of living and building Australia’s future, and today’s figures show our policies are making a meaningful difference.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on January 28, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,60,557.39 6.55 5.10-6.90
         I. Call Money 14,705.14 6.55 5.10-6.65
         II. Triparty Repo 3,91,434.90 6.53 6.40-6.65
         III. Market Repo 1,52,590.05 6.58 5.75-6.80
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,827.30 6.73 6.65-6.90
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 156.10 6.28 6.00-6.60
         II. Term Money@@ 282.00 – 6.65-7.50
         III. Triparty Repo 844.00 6.65 6.60-6.70
         IV. Market Repo 873.72 5.94 5.75-6.65
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Tue, 28/01/2025 1 Wed, 29/01/2025 1,39,281.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Tue, 28/01/2025 1 Wed, 29/01/2025 1,779.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Tue, 28/01/2025 1 Wed, 29/01/2025 61,541.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       79,519.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 14 Fri, 07/02/2025 1,62,096.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.71  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,71,652.71  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,51,171.71  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on January 28, 2025 9,07,883.94  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending February 07, 2025 9,12,544.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ January 28, 2025 1,39,281.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 10, 2025 -40,102.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2026

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Introduces Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    January 28, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the Congressional Award Program. The program is an incredibly high honor for citizens aged 14 to 23 and is authorized by Congress every five years. The program encourages young Americans to pursue goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness.
    “For over four decades, the Congressional Award has inspired young Americans nationwide to dedicate their lives to bettering themselves and their communities,” said Lummis. “This tradition was first established in 1979 by Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop, and since then, it has empowered generations of leaders and world-shakers. It is my honor to continue this program that has had such a profound impact on our nation.” 
    To read the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Files Second Circuit Amicus Brief Pushing Back on SEC Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    January 28, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) filed an amicus curiae brief on Friday, January 24, 2025 in Coinbase v. Securities and Exchange Commission in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, pushing back on the failed legislation-by-enforcement strategy of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under former Chair Gary Gensler and the Biden Administration.
    “The SEC’s approach under the Biden administration was to aggressively reinterpret case law governing Howey and investment contracts, keep those interpretations secret, and then demand compliance from digital asset exchanges,” said Lummis. “Such an approach is un-American. It is the job of Congress to provide a legislative framework that clearly draws the line between a security and a commodity.”
    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Demand Hold on Vought Nomination to OMB Amid Order to Halt Federal Grants and Loans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), members of the Senate Budget Committee, joined Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR),  Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Democratic Budget Committee members in demanding that Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) postpone a vote on Russell Vought’s nomination to serve as Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) until he answers questions regarding his role in the illegal freeze of many federal grants and loans that have already been appropriated by Congress. The freeze has sowed confusion among federal agencies. Since the Trump Administration announced this freeze, the senators have heard concerns from across Virginia—including community health centers, child care centers, community organizations, and more—about how they could be impacted. The Administration’s broad directive has left many Virginians wondering about whether federal support for health care, housing, substance use, transportation, and other critical programs will continue. 
    “While Mr. Vought stonewalled Committee members, he was already planning on halting programs that feed hungry children, heat the homes of low-income families, support farmers, and bring relief to those suffering from natural disasters. The laws Congress passes are not suggestions, and Mr. Vought willfully ignoring them harms the constituents of every Member of the Committee,” the senators wrote.
    The senators continued, “It is simply unconscionable that the Budget Committee could vote to confirm Mr. Vought to be Director of Office of Management and Budget without getting some real answers from him about his ongoing efforts to stymie the will of Congress. Mr. Vought is a clear and present danger to Congress’s Power of the Purse; his outright refusal to discuss his plans that were already in development is a slap in the face to every Member of the Committee, Democrat and Republican alike.”
    Last week, Warner and Kaine questioned Mr. Vought during his Budget Committee nomination hearing regarding Vought’s comments to “traumatize the federal workforce” and plans to slash critical federal funding for programs like SNAP.
    In addition to Warner, Kaine, Merkley, and Schumer, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).
    The full text of the letter is available here and below.
    Dear Senator Graham:
    During the Budget Committee’s hearing on Wednesday, January 22 to examine the nomination of Russell T. Vought to serve as the Director of Office of Management and Budget, Mr. Vought was repeatedly evasive about whether, if confirmed, he would advise the President to impound Congressionally-appropriated funds in clear violation of Article II of the Constitution and the unambiguous text of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
    In written responses to questions following the hearing, Mr. Vought continued his refusal to answer direct questions about how executive orders to pause foreign aid funding, as well as funding authorized and appropriated by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, complied with the law.
    Now, less than a week after the hearing, it is clear that Mr. Vought’s non-answers were an effort to thwart the Committee from getting the truth of the Trump administration’s plan, per OMB memorandum M-25-13, to freeze all funding for “Federal financial assistance programs.” While Mr. Vought stonewalled Committee members, he was already planning on halting programs that feed hungry children, heat the homes of low-income families, support farmers, and bring relief to those suffering from natural disasters. The laws Congress passes are not suggestions, and Mr. Vought willfully ignoring them harms the constituents of every Member of the Committee.
    It is simply unconscionable that the Budget Committee could vote to confirm Mr. Vought to be Director of Office of Management and Budget without getting some real answers from him about his ongoing efforts to stymie the will of Congress. Mr. Vought is a clear and present danger to Congress’s Power of the Purse; his outright refusal to discuss his plans that were already in development is a slap in the face to every Member of the Committee, Democrat and Republican alike.
    For those reasons, we request that the business meeting to consider Mr. Vought’s nomination, currently scheduled for Thursday, January 30, be postponed for two weeks so the Committee may get full responses to the questions Mr. Vought has thus far refused to answer. 
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor Regarding Trump’s Pardons of Individuals Found Guilty of Assaulting Police Officers on January 6, 2021

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to President Trump’s pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting police officers during the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Kaine and his colleagues sought unanimous consent to pass their resolution condemning these pardons, but its passage was blocked by Senate Republicans. During Kaine’s floor speech, he also highlighted the five Virginia law enforcement officers who tragically lost their lives after defending the Capitol on that day, including Howie Liebengood.
    A full transcript of Kaine’s speech as delivered is available below:
    Mr. President.
    I rise together with my colleagues to speak in opposition to the President’s action pardoning those who attacked this Capitol on January 6, 2021. I was here that day. I shared that day with these colleagues, and we all have memories of it—memories that we never would have imagined and hope never to repeat.
    But I’m not going to talk about my experiences of the day.
    I’m going to talk about a friend, a Virginian, Howie Liebengood, a Capitol Police Officer who spent his career protecting this building and who died as a result of that day. And the fact that President Trump would pardon the people who attacked this Capitol leading to Howie Liebengood’s death is a deep, deep stain to President Trump and frankly a stain on this body if we casually tolerate it.
    Howie Liebengood is a Virginian who grew up in this building. His father was the Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate and prior to assuming that role, worked in other roles in the Senate. And Howie and his two siblings grew up coming to the capitol and treating it like it was sort of their playground and their yard, running through the halls, meeting senators, hearing their dad tell stories about what it was like to serve this Article I branch as a patriotic American public servant.
    When Howie came of age, he started a career that he enjoyed and worked together with his father for a number of years as a NASCAR driver. And he worked on the NASCAR circuit—kind of working his way up from minor league races to more significant races.
    But after a number of years of doing that—look, he was a child of the United States Senate, he was a child of this Capitol—and he decided he would enter the training program to be a Capitol Police Officer. And he told his siblings—by this time, his father had passed—I think my dad would be very, very proud of me.
    Howie went through the Academy and became a Capitol Police Officer, and I came to know him—as I suspect many of my colleagues did—because he usually was staffing the Delaware door at the corner of Delaware and Constitution right here—the Delaware door to the Russell building. And this a door that I know Senator Murray’s office is right close to that door—maybe the closest office to that door and mine is close as well. We would come in in the morning, and Howie Liebengood would be there to greet us, to ask questions about the procedural vote from the night before or what was on today.
    As much as he was a friend to mine, he was even more of a friend to my staff. My staff loved interacting with Howie, and he eventually served as a Capitol Police Officer for 15 years.
    He was here on January 6 when his beloved Capitol was attacked. And as devastating as that attack was for many of us, for Howie—who had made this place his whole life, who had really been raised in these halls—that attack was very devastating.
    In the aftermath of the attack, those working on the Capitol Police were put on extended hours—little sleep. Would there be more attacks? Where was this going? What would happen? It was a time of fear and anxiety and confusion.
    And a few days later, within three days after that attack of January 6, Howie went to his home in Virginia. His wife Serena asked if he was doing okay. She could tell he was under enormous stress, and he said he just needed to sleep. And Howie went upstairs and using his own service revolver, ended his life.
    Howie Liebengood would be alive today if President Trump hadn’t urged people to gather to do something wild in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 and then urged those gathering to go up and raise hell at the Capitol.
    My friend would be alive if President Trump had not done what he did.
    I’ve waited in vain, not naively, but with a hope that there might be some sign of remorse over what happened—for the pain suffered by Serena Liebengood and Howie’s siblings and family members.
    Four other law enforcement officers, all of whom lived in Virginia, lost their life as a result of that day. Dozens of others were injured.
    And I have waited for years to see if there might be some semblance of remorse shown by the president who inspired that attack, for the damage and pain and loss of life and injury that he’s caused, and I’ve seen not a shred of it.
    But these pardons are the ultimate injustice, are the ultimate injury. The family’s still suffering. For them, it’s salt in an unhealed wound and an injury that will never heal.
    And so I join with my colleagues in Howie’s memory, in support of Serena, in support of Howie’s family, to stand on this floor and deplore as strongly as I can—and words aren’t sufficient to really explain how I feel about this—but I stand here to deplore as strongly as I can the pardons of these law breakers who gathered for a particular time at a particular moment in a particular place to conduct violence in the cause of a particular result, the overturning of the peaceful transfer of power.
    And as I sit down, Mr. President, I’ll just say this.
    I lived in a military dictatorship in 1980 and 81 in Honduras when the military ran everything. I know what authoritarianism is. I didn’t live there for years like my Honduran friends, but I experienced it.
    I was very naive. I was 22 years old when I lived there, and I saw what it’s like to have a society run by somebody who believes they are all powerful, who can change any rule, who can foment violence, who can make sure that those who commit violence escape with impunity.
    I know what this is like, and we are in danger of moving into the same kind of authoritarian behavior when we casually pardon and excuse those who perpetrate violence to overturn our democracy.
    That’s a big concept, but it all comes down to the effect that it has on individual people like my friend Howie Liebengood.
    And with that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists have found a way to make platelets react to light

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Scientists from the Laboratory of Optics and Dynamics of Biological Systems Physics Department of NSU and the Department of Organic Chemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU created a new photosensitive molecule, the breakdown of which under the influence of ultraviolet radiation releases adrenaline without the formation of the oxidized form (adrenochrome), which has a neuro- and cardiotoxic effect. It was used to influence platelet receptors with light. It turned out that the release of adrenaline significantly increases the activation of platelets.

    The results of the study were published in January of this year on the website of the Journal of Xenobiotics (Reducing the Formation of Toxic Byproducts During the Photochemical Release of Epinephrine). The article is available at the link: HTTPS: //d.org/10.3390/eh15010008. The study was supported by the grant of the Russian Science Foundation No. 23-75-10049 and is being conducted within the framework of the project “Study of platelet activation under the influence of combined stimuli using optically-mediated release of ligands”.

    -The idea of ​​managing living cells with the help of light is very attractive for researchers, because it can be accurately focused on a particular area, turn on at a given moment and influence any photosensitive receptor. The only problem is that not all living cells have such receptors. They are just platelets. We needed to “force” them to feel light through any signal molecules. The fact is that almost all cells have receptors sensitive to some substances. Different cells feel different signal molecules, and one of the ways is to make artificial compounds that absorb light, and after that they can, decaying into the components or in any way by rebuilding their structure, join the receptors. Then, after the exposure of the light, the cell will begin to “feel” them. This is how it is possible to “force” the cell to show sensitivity to light. Scientists began to develop and apply various compounds of this action to various cells for a long time – from the second half of the last century. Within the framework of our laboratory, this activity has also been conducted over the past years. Our chemical colleagues from the laboratory of photo activated processes of the SB RAS are engaged in the synthesis of molecules, but we study their properties and use to study various cells, mainly platelets, ”explained Alexander Moskalensky, head of the optics and dynamics of the FF NSU Biological Systems.

    Classic photosensitive adrenaline analogues developed in the 90s of the last century, when exposed to light, release adrenaline, which in the process of oxidation is converted into adrenochrome, which is toxic to living cells. For this reason, it is undesirable to use it as an activator of sensitivity to light in living cells, since this substance can trigger other undesirable processes in them or even kill them. Therefore, scientists were faced with the task of finding a way to reduce the formation of adrenochrome, but without stopping the release of adrenaline. As a result, it turned out that this problem can be solved by a simple modification of the molecule, namely, the introduction of a carbamate bridge of 4 carbon and oxygen atoms. The release of adrenaline in this case continued as before, and the amount of its transition to the oxidized form was significantly reduced.

    — We compared two lines of molecules — classical and modified. Surprisingly, while the classical compound resulted in the formation of adrenochrome, its analog with a carbamate bridge did not cause this by-product, which resulted in a pure release of the active substance, i.e. adrenaline. The exposure of both compounds to light was carried out under identical conditions, then the products obtained by photolysis were analyzed using ultraviolet spectroscopy, chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Subsequently, we evaluated the new compound using an in vitro platelet activation assay. The results showed that the release of adrenaline significantly enhances platelet activation, which makes it a valuable tool for in-depth studies of cellular signaling, — said Alexander Moskalensky.

    Since UV radiation does not penetrate the body, it is not possible to use modified molecules of the photosensitive adrenaline analogue inside the body. Therefore, scientists plan to use them to study platelet activation in a test tube, namely, in blood samples. With their help, it will be possible to develop new analysis methods and obtain new information about the platelet activation process.

    This method will allow researchers to obtain more accurate data on the effect of adrenaline on platelet activation. This is important because platelets are very sensitive to mechanical impacts, fluid flows, and other types of impact that can affect the results of such studies.

    Currently, the laboratory’s scientists are developing the next molecule – a photosensitive analogue of adrenaline based on the dye BODIPY, which will be activated by light in the green region of the spectrum, and they also have an understanding of how to modify molecules that could be activated in the red region of the spectrum.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2023-24 annual financial disclosure return information to be published on Monday 3 February 2025 [29 January 2025]

    Source: Australian Electoral Commission

    AECMedia

    Updated: 29 January 2025

    The 2023-24 annual financial disclosure return information will be available for public inspection after 9am (AEDT) on Monday 3 February 2025.

    This will include return information from:

    • political parties
    • significant third parties
    • associated entities
    • members of the House of Representatives
    • Senators
    • donors, and
    • third parties that incur electoral expenditure.

    The annual return information will be available on the AEC’s Transparency Register at https://transparency.aec.gov.au/.

    What is the register and how does it work?

    The Transparency Register is a database of financial disclosure information, allowing users to apply multiple filters to refine their search. It also includes a data-export function to enable users to undertake additional analysis of the data outside the Register.

    If you are not familiar with the Transparency Register you can view the site ahead of time. Prior to 3 February, the system will only have information available for previous financial years.

    Any questions on the navigation of the Transparency Register should be directed to the AEC’s funding and disclosure helpdesk on 02 6271 4552.

    Editor’s notes:

    • The disclosure scheme requires registered political parties, significant third parties, associated entities, members of the House of Representatives, Senators, donors and third parties that have incurred electoral expenditure to lodge annual financial disclosure returns with the AEC.
    • The disclosure threshold for the 2023–24 financial year returns was $16,300. The threshold is indexed on 1 July each year.
    • The disclosure period covers 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. Any transactions made after 30 June 2024 should be disclosed in the 2024–25 annual disclosure return.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Saratoga County Man Indicted on Drug Distribution and Firearm Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jason Brundige, age 49, of Ballston Spa, New York, has been indicted for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, possessing a firearm as a felon, and using and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo.

    The indictment alleges that on June 28 and July 2, 2024, Brundige, a previously convicted felon, distributed cocaine from his Saratoga County residence and, during one of those drug sales, he possessed a firearm. The indictment further alleges that on July 3, 2024, Brundige possessed cocaine with intent to sell it and possessed a loaded firearm in furtherance of this crime. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    If convicted on all counts, Brundige would face a minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum prison term of life. Brundige also faces a supervised release term of between 5 years and life to be served after any term of imprisonment. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    The ATF and SCSO are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PSNA’s Minto hits back at Gaza ‘genocide hotline’ critics, insists NZ should deny Israeli soldier visas

    Asia Pacific Report

    A national Palestine advocacy group has hit back at critics of its “genocide hotline” campaign against soldiers involved in Israel’s war against Gaza, saying New Zealand should be actively following international law.

    The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) dismissed a “predictable lineup of apologists for Israel” for their criticisms of the PSNA campaign.

    “Why is concern for the sensitivities of soldiers from a genocidal Israeli campaign more important than condemning the genocide itself?,” asked PSNA national chair John Minto in a statement.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow and the New Zealand Jewish Council have made statements “protecting” Israeli soldiers who come to New Zealand on “rest and recreation” from the industrial-scale killing of 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza until a truce went into force on January 19.

    “We are not surprised to see such a predictable lineup of apologists for Israel and its genocide in Gaza from lining up to attack a PSNA campaign with false smears of anti-semitism,” Minto said.

    He said that over 16 months Peters had done “absolutely nothing” to put any pressure on Israel to end its genocidal behaviour.

    “But he is full of bluff and bluster and outright lies to denounce those who demand Israel be held to account.”

    Deny illegal settler visas
    Minto said that if Peters was doing his job as Foreign Minister, he would not only stop Israeli soldiers coming to Aotearoa New Zealand — as with Russian soldiers in the Ukraine war — he would also deny visas to any Israeli with an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    The Human Rights Commission had issued a “disingenuous media release”, he said.

    “Our campaign has nothing to do with Israelis or Jews — it is a campaign to stop Israeli soldiers coming here for rest and recreation after a campaign of wholesale killing of Palestinians in Gaza,” Minto said.

    “To imply the campaign is targeting Jews is disgusting and despicable.

    “Some of the soldiers will be Druse, some Palestinian Arabs and others will be Jews.”

    The five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, shot 355 times by Israeli soldiers on 29 January 2024. Image: @Onlyloren/Instagram

    Israeli soldiers are facing a growing risk of being arrested abroad for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, with around 50 criminal complaints filed so far in courts in several countries around the world.

    Earlier this month, a former Israeli soldier abruptly ended his holiday in Brazil and was “smuggled” out of the country after a Federal Court ordered police to open a war crimes investigation against him. The man fled to Argentina.

    A complaint lodged by the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) included more than 500 pages of court records linking the suspect to the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza.

    ‘Historic’ court ruling against soldier
    The foundation called the Brazilian court’s decision “historic”, saying it marked a significant precedent for a member country of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to enforce Rome Statute provisions domestically in the 15-month Israeli war on Gaza.

    The foundation is named in honour of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab who was killed on 29 January 2024 by Israel soldiers while pleading for help in a car after her six family members were dead.

    According to The New Arab, the foundation has so far tracked and sent the names of 1000 Israeli soldiers to the ICC and Interpol, and has been pursuing legal cases in a number of countries, including Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, France, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

    In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, together with a former Hamas commander, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    Minto accused the New Zealand Jewish Council of being “deeply racist” and said it regularly “makes a meal of false smears of anti-semitism”.

    “It’s deeply problematic that this Jewish Council strategy takes attention away from the real anti-semitism which exists in New Zealand and around the world.

    “The priority of the Jewish Council is to protect Israel from criticism and protect it from accountability for its apartheid policies, ethnic cleansing and genocide.

    “We are demanding that accountability.”

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. released the following statement in response to President Trump’s Executive Order to protect minors from chemical and surgical mutilation procedures and put biology over ideology. 
    Last Congress, Senator Marshall introduced the Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors Act to protect America’s children from irreversible physical and emotional harm caused by transgender procedures pushed by the radical Left. 
    “Under President Trump’s leadership, common sense and dignity have returned to the White House. This is another promise made, promise kept by the President and his unwavering commitment to protecting our children from transgender activists in what can only be described as child abuse. President Trump’s Executive Order rightfully prohibits the castration, mutilation, and use of dangerous irreversible therapy treatments on children,” Senator Marshall said.
    Specifically, the Executive Order will: 
    Order agencies to use every available means to cut off federal financial participation in institutions that provide chemical and surgical mutilation of children.
    Taxpayers will no longer fund the chemical and surgical mutilation of children through federal employees’ insurance plans.
    DOJ is ordered to prioritize investigations of those who would subject young women to these barbaric acts under the federal government’s existing statutes which prohibit female genital mutilation and to investigate consumer deception and fraud. 
    It sets in motion Congressional action to empower detransitioners to receive justice against those who so callously led them down this path.
    Background: 
    In December, Senator Marshall introduced landmark legislation, the Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors Act which would protect America’s children from the medical dangers of the radical Left’s transgender agenda. 
    The Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors Act is a major pillar in Senator Marshall’s fight against the transgender industrial complex that is preying on America’s children. Along with this legislation, Senator Marshall also recently led the Defining Male and Female Act to ensure the legal definition of sex is based on facts, not feelings, which would protect exclusive spaces for women like bathrooms and locker rooms. 
    In November 2024, Senator Marshall brought together a coalition to sound the alarm on the extreme gender ideology war being waged against America’s children and to talk about solutions, including the Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors Act. You may click HERE to watch the event hosted by Senator Marshall. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Kaine, Young and Reed Introduce Bipartisan Bill Increasing Access to Mental Health Resources for Health Care Providers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN) and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, a comprehensive law Senators Marshall, Kaine, Young and Reed successfully passed in 2022 to help prevent suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. The law has already provided $100 million in funding for mental health care for providers across the country, but provisions of the law that made this funding possible expired last year. The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act would reauthorize these grant programs for five years.
    “Our health care providers dedicate their lives to taking care of patients, sometimes, this comes at their own expense,” Senator Marshall said. “We must ensure we’re giving them the support they need when it comes to their mental health. I’m proud to join Senators Kaine and Young in leading the reauthorization of this very important program which helps provide access to mental and behavioral health resources to our health care professionals.”
    “Dr. Lorna Breen was a physician from Charlottesville who tragically died by suicide after working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Kaine. “In 2022, I was honored to work with her family and Senators Young, Reed and Marshall to pass legislation in her honor to help ensure health care workers have access to the mental health support they need. I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in standing with our health care heroes by reauthorizing that law, so it can continue to support our healers.”
    “Health workers are at the heart of every life saved and ever patient cared for, yet the U.S. health care system is straining our workforce and perpetuating the alarming levels of burnout and poor mental health they are experiencing,” said Corey Feist, JD, MBA, co-founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, which leads the ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare coalition. “We are immensely grateful to Senators Kaine, Young, Reed, and Marshall for their steadfast commitment to reauthorize and fund the landmark Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act and build upon it to address the primary driver of health workers’ burnout—administrative burden.”
    Specifically, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act would:
    Reauthorize a grant program for health care organizations and professional associations for employee education on strategies to reduce burnout, peer-support programming, and mental and behavioral health treatment for five years. Communities with a shortage of health care workers, rural communities, and those experiencing burnout due to administrative burdens, such as lengthy paperwork, will be prioritized.
    Reauthorize a grant program for health profession schools or other institutions to train health care workers and students in strategies to prevent suicide, burnout, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders for five years.
    Reauthorize a national evidence-based education and awareness campaign. Currently, the campaign provides hospital and health system leaders with evidence-informed solutions to reduce health care worker burnout. Reauthorization will provide resources for the campaign to continue and expand beyond its current scope.
    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on Newsmax: RFK Jr. Will Make America Healthy Again

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Newsmax’s American Agenda to discuss President Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., ahead of his confirmation hearings this week. As a member of the Senate Finance and HELP Committees, Senator Marshall will participate in both of RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearings. 
    Senator Marshall is the founder and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus and has been outspoken in his support for RFK, Jr., who will ensure medical transparency so that Americans can make the best decisions for their health.
    Additionally, Senator Marshall discussed Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and reaffirmed his support for her.
    [embedded content]
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include: 
    On Senator Marshall’s and Mr. Kennedy’s goal to make America healthy again:
    “What Bobby and I share is both a passion to make America healthy again. 60% of Americans have a chronic disease right now, and we want to address that.”
    On Mr. Kennedy’s stance on vaccine transparency and increasing access to medical information for America’s families: 
    “What we both agree upon is the sanctity of the patient and the physician relationship – that my daughter deserves to know everything there is about these vaccines, the pros and cons, the good and the bad with them.”
    “I’ll let Bobby speak for himself. He’ll get asked this 10 times tomorrow, but what he’s going to say is he wants that family, that mom and dad to be armed with all the information. It needs to be nonbiased information. They need to understand the pros and the cons, risk and benefits.”
    On President Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard: 
    “I think the thing about Tulsi is she’s a disrupter, and that scares people up here. They’re used to these insiders, these people that are part of the swamp, and that’s not who Tulsi is. This is a career military officer.”
    “She certainly understands the importance of intelligence. I think what Tulsi is going to bring to the table is she errs on the side of transparency – she’s going to err on the side that she believes that Americans can take the truth, and I think you’re going to see that.”
    “We’re seeing John Ratcliffe already coming out, letting more information loose. I think Tulsi is going to err on that side as well, and that scares the swamp up here, so we’ll see. I’m optimistic. I do think that she’s going to have a little bit of a challenge, but I’m optimistic.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Highlights Veteran Access to Care at SVAC Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a hearing today to examine and discuss the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care program. Veterans and advocates appeared before the committee to highlight their experiences and the ongoing challenges veterans face when accessing care from VA direct care system and community providers.
    [embedded content]
    In a rural state like North Dakota, with limited VA providers and facilities, the Community Care Program is a lifeline for many veterans looking to receive timely care at a location close to their home. However, the VA continues to put up road blocks for veterans trying to utilize this option.
    During the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) emphasized the workforce shortage the healthcare industry is facing, reiterating the staffing mandate issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that makes it even worse. The rule requires the implementation of new staffing requirements at long-term care facilities which are already understaffed due to a lack of workforce. Cramer said, “Access is not just about the quality of care. It’s about access, period, if the alternative is none.”
    “I think the best way to improve care is competition,” said Cramer. “Whether it’s a competition between the private sector and the public sector, or two private sectors, or two public sector agencies, a little bit of competition is fine. I don’t want to gut the VA’s direct care system […] that said, there are all kinds of barriers to Community Care, a lot of it is the bureaucracy itself.”
    Cramer said even in North Dakota, there are many examples of roadblocks being put up which prevent veterans accessing to Community Care.
    “If we put the choice in the hands of the veteran, the market will determine where they go,” stated Cramer. “The type of care they get will determine where they go, and how long the wait is will determine where they go.”
    “What I’d like to see us do […] is, for many of these critical access hospitals, their margins are very thin,” continued Cramer. “They’re barely hanging in there. Two or three more patients or five more patients in the community might be what keeps that hospital open. If it’s 50 miles to the next hospital, or 350 miles to the VA hospital, that access to critical access hospitals might be the only option that could save a veteran. I’d like to make this automatic.”
    Cramer asked Jim Lorraine, President and Chief Executive Officer of America’s Warrior Partnership, if this proposal was plausible to improve access to care in a very rural place.
    “One of the things that I spoke about was continuity of care and not only continuity of care,” said Lorraine. “As a healthcare provider, I want the family there, I want the physical therapist nearby, I want the staff that does this. And we talk a lot about mental health and substance abuse, but it’s really more than that. We’re talking about access to health care. […] We need to look at what’s the best long-term outcome for a veteran in terms of getting their care. It may be the VA that’s in their community, but it may be your local hospital that the family can be present, the physical therapist is there, the staff is invested and it’s all one.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 28th, 2025 VIDEO: Heinrich Delivers Remarks on the Senate Floor Slamming Trump’s Unlawful Federal Funding Blockade

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) took to the Senate floor this evening to condemn President Trump’s unlawful unilateral blockade of all federal grant funding. In his remarks, Heinrich underscored the magnitude of damage this unlawful decision has already wrought on the lives of thousands of New Mexicans, highlighting the harm and chaos it has created in communities across the state.
    Heinrich also pointed to the illegality of this action, citing the law that Congress passed — the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 — after President Richard Nixon tried to withhold Congressionally appropriated funds.

    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers remarks on the Senator floor slamming President Trump’s unlawful unilateral blockade of all federal grant funding, January 28, 2025.
    “In an overnight maneuver that would make a dictator envious, President Trump unlawfully and unilaterally froze all federal grant funding. He shut down the housing portal that non-profits and Tribes use to access mortgage financing. He literally shut down the Medicaid reimbursement portal. He threw every town, county, Tribe, nonprofit, health care provider, school, and preschool into total disarray. From our state’s Roundhouse to the classroom to the emergency room, today was chaos. And people want answers,” said Heinrich.
    “The president cannot override, delay, or rescind Congress’s funding laws. Full stop. This has been upheld time and again by the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, the Government Accountability Office, and by the law, specifically the Impoundment Control Act of 1974,” continued Heinrich. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I know how much work goes in to writing and passing our bipartisan funding laws. And I am not going to cede that to ANY administration to be abused.”
    Heinrich called on New Mexicans to share how Trump’s blockade is affecting themselves and their families, “I want to hear from you about Donald Trump’s blockade, and how it is affecting you and your family. If your town’s COPS grant gets frozen, I need to know. If your VA mortgage gets held up, I need to know. If you’re a nonprofit giving services in the areas of violence against women, refuges for people who are battered, and your funding gets held up, these are the stories that I think need to be held up to understand just what is happening in our country right now.”
    Heinrich concluded by calling on his colleagues, “Let’s make sure that whatever we agree to here in this amazing Capitol—that not only passes both chambers but gets signed into law by the President of the United States—that we abide by that. Because only if we all agree to color inside the lines, and act like a democracy, will this remain a democracy.”
    Earlier today, Heinrich also released a statement condemning President Trump’s unlawful direction to unilaterally block all federal grant funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Cortez Masto, Rosen, Booker, Gillibrand, Kelly, Blumenthal, Wyden, Schiff, Peters, and Gallego Issue Statement on ICC Sanctions Procedural Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NEv.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) released the following statement on their opposition to a procedural vote on the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.
    “As pro-Israel members committed to protecting and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, and ensuring Israel has every tool to defend itself, we are deeply troubled by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) outrageous political targeting of Israel and its leaders. The Court’s false equivalence of Israel’s defense of its people with Hamas’s barbaric actions on October 7th is an affront to human conscience, deserving of both condemnation and severe consequences. We believe this judicial overreach must be countered forcefully, including through sanctions on those at the ICC directly responsible.
    “Instead of directly punishing those responsible for the ICC’s reckless and irresponsible behavior, the House-passed ICC sanctions bill has overly broad language that would put our allies and U.S. private companies in the crosshairs. While we are eager to support a bill that would swiftly sanction those at the ICC responsible for its anti-Israel actions, in taking up the House bill today, Senate Republicans took a flawed, partisan approach. Despite our efforts, the bill’s sponsors did not allow us to make this bill stronger and more targeted. This is why we made the difficult decision to vote against a procedural motion on their bill, after serious consideration of the far-reaching, unintended consequences it would have. We urge our Republican colleagues to return to the negotiating table and reach a bipartisan agreement so that we can stand together in support of Israel through more targeted and effective legislation.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Illegal Trump Shutdown Causing Pain Across the Country

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) took to the Senate floor today to speak about the Trump Administration’s recent decision to freeze all federal grants, ignoring Article I of the Constitution.
    “There is real pain starting today because of this funding freeze. Schools, child care facilities, fire departments, community health centers, domestic violence shelters all of them will instantly lose their funding at 5 p.m. today because somebody said, ‘we’re fiscal conservatives,’” said Senator Schatz. “You want to enact a fiscally conservative appropriations bill? Pass a law.”
    “If you’re a disaster survivor in North Carolina or Louisiana, or California or Texas or Florida or Maui, you don’t know what happens next,” he continued. “If you’re a low-income family that relies on the Women, Infants, and Children Program to get healthy meals for your kids, if you live in a remote area like Wai?anae or Lana?i in Hawai‘i, and you go to a community health center to fill your prescriptions or to get a checkup, this freeze on funding means you don’t get help.”
    Schatz concluded, “What is happening today is unconstitutional. It is also against statutory law. But most importantly, it is causing pain across the country.”
    The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks, as delivered, is below. Video is available here.
    Mr. President, the government shutdown that Donald Trump just ordered is illegal and unconstitutional. He is not a king and we do not live in a monarchy. It is Congress’s authority to decide on federal funding. The power of the purse is the foundational funding of the Article I branch. Everybody talks like that. Everybody says those things. But now we are all put to the test – Democrats and Republicans. Are we going to forfeit all of our power?
    We’re the elected branch. We make the laws. And the President of the United States just ordered a funding freeze for stuff he doesn’t feel like funding. That is literally not how it works. And today, the White House Press Secretary was asked about specific, popular, essential programs. And you know what she said?
    She said, “Have those people talk to Russ Vought and make an appeal to him.” Now there’s a couple of problems with that. First of all, Russ Vought doesn’t get to decide in an appropriations law, which parts of the law to follow and which parts not to follow. Second of all, let’s be really clear about this. Russ Vought is not a government employee right now.
    He’s a nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget. And so we’re supposed to have, I don’t know, Medicaid recipients, VA home loan recipients, nursing homes, education organizations, health care organizations, transportation contractors appeal mercy to the king. “Will you please release these dollars?”
    That’s not how the American system works. This is illegal.
    There is real pain starting today because of this funding freeze. Schools, child care facilities, fire departments, community health centers, domestic violence shelters all of them will instantly lose their funding at 5 p.m. today because somebody said, “we’re fiscal conservatives.”
    You want to enact a fiscally conservative appropriations bill? Pass a law. Pass a law.
    I also would like to select the federal funding, which I agree with and fund that, and select the funding that I disagree with and defund that. But I’m not a monarch and neither is Donald Trump.
    We’re hearing from so many constituents across the country, and I had a bit of a time delay because it’s earlier in Hawai‘i, but all of my colleagues were getting incoming texts and calls and panicked people. This isn’t about some arcane government program. This is like basic stuff. People are like staged to do construction and told not to show up for work.
    Some of these construction projects are in places where you only have a narrow window during which you can even do construction, so a 90-day freeze means wait till next year. I don’t care what the law says, wait till next year.
    If you’re a disaster survivor in North Carolina or Louisiana, or California or Texas or Florida or Maui, you don’t know what happens next.
    If you’re a low-income family that relies on the women, infants, and Children program to get healthy meals for your kids, if you live in a remote area like Wai?anae or Lana?i in Hawai‘i, and you go to a community health center to fill your prescriptions or to get a checkup, this freeze on funding means you don’t get help.
    People are you know how long it takes to get a home loan, VA home loan, or any other kind of home loan. People are showing up to get their VA home loans and saying, “not today”. You might be like 45 days from closing. You’re a veteran. You’re entitled to this thing under the law. Russ Vought, not a member of the federal government yet, has decided you don’t get your home loan today.
    What an embarrassing abdication of the role of the Congress.
    All of this high-minded talk from my fellow appropriators about, you know, there’s two parties. There’s really three parties in the Congress. It’s the old joke. Democrats, Republicans, and appropriators. Right. And the idea is that the appropriators are the adults in the room, the appropriators are the adults in the room, and they’re not going to let nonsense, unconstitutional, illegal acts happen because we’re the ones that control the purse strings.
    And I want to make one final point in addition to all the pain that’s being caused: My goodness, the door swings both ways in Washington.
    Imagine a progressive president reaching into the federal budget after an appropriations bill is passed and saying, “You know what? I don’t like that thing. I don’t like that other thing. I don’t like this one. I don’t like that one. I’m in charge”.
    What are we even here for? And so this is not going to be business as usual. I will tell you one thing. I have never in my 13 years withheld my unanimous consent. I’ve used a little leverage. Everybody does.
    But we better get this straight on a bipartisan basis. Not because I want to score partisan points, not because I want to characterize Donald Trump in one way or the other, but because we all worked so hard and made real sacrifices to get to this place so we could have a position of responsibility to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
    What is happening today is unconstitutional. It is also against statutory law. But most importantly, it is causing pain across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Keep Kids Safe, Healthy, off Social Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced bipartisan legislation to keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts. The Kids Off Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prevent social media companies from feeding algorithmically-targeted content to users under the age of 17. In addition to Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, and Britt, the Kids Off Social Media Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and John Curtis (R-Utah).
    “There is no good reason for a nine-year-old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands,” said Senator Schatz. “Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition – which includes several parents of kids and teenagers – represents the millions of parents across the country who’ve long been asking for help.”
    “Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids—from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem. Many families have suffered due to Big Tech’s failure to take responsibility for its products. The Kids Off Social Media Act addresses these issues by supporting families in crisis and empowering teachers to better manage their classrooms. I am proud to work with Senator Schatz on this bipartisan legislation to combat the harms social media poses to children, especially in schools. As Chairman of the Commerce Committee, I am confident we can swiftly move this legislation and similar measures through committee and urge Congress to heed the calls of parents everywhere by delivering this bill to President Trump’s desk to help protect America’s youth,” said Senator Cruz.
    “Everyone knows how harmful social media can be to kids. As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how these platforms use intentionally addictive algorithms to spoon-feed young people horrifying content glorifying everything from suicide to eating disorders. Yet these companies have proven they will choose profits over the wellbeing of our kids unless we force them to do otherwise. This bipartisan legislation will finally hold social media companies accountable,” said Senator Murphy.
    “There’s no doubt our country is in the throes of a mental health crisis, and the rise of social media usage among children and teenagers is inextricably tied to this issue,” said Senator Britt. “As a mom, this is something my own kids and their friends have to contend with every day. And as a Senator, I know our nation has to contend with it to safeguard the next generation. Putting in place commonsense guardrails that protect our kids from the dangers of social media is critical for their future and America’s future. I’m committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put parents in the driver’s seat and enact commonsense, age-appropriate solutions to tackle this generational challenge.”
    No age demographic is more affected by the ongoing mental health crisis in the United States than kids, especially young girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 57 percent of high school girls and 29 percent of high school boys felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, with 22 percent of all high school students—and nearly a third of high school girls—reporting they had seriously considered attempting suicide in the preceding year.
    Studies have shown a strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children. From 2019 to 2021, overall screen use among teens and tweens (ages 8 to 12) increased by 17 percent, with tweens using screens for five hours and 33 minutes per day and teens using screens for eight hours and 39 minutes. Based on the clear and growing evidence, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023, calling for new policies to set and enforce age minimums and highlighting the importance of limiting the use of features, like algorithms, that attempt to maximize time, attention, and engagement.
    “Social media can take a serious toll on kids’ mental health and wellbeing, and it’s critical those problems don’t go unaddressed,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to protect children’s safety, mental health, and wellbeing online.”
    “Parents across North Carolina are rightly concerned about the mental health crisis impacting the next generation. I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to set commonsense limits and help protect children from harmful habits that rob them of their attention and undermine their development. I thank Senators Cruz and Schatz for leading this effort,” said Senator Budd.
    “Children in Maine and across the country deserve protection from the potential harm posed by social media – especially during their most vulnerable years,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Kids Off Social Media Act would limit the harmful impacts of social media by establishing reasonable guardrails such as age minimums for new accounts and restrictions on targeting content to children under the age of 17. Our children deserve to grow up in a safe and supportive environment – and that doesn’t define the harsh tone proliferating on online platforms – so this bipartisan legislation will ensure this protection for generations to come.”
    “Parents across the country have seen the negative impact of unrestricted social media use on their children’s mental and physical health,” said Senator Warner. “I’m proud join this bipartisan effort to help better protect kids and teens online with simple, commonsense guardrails.”
    “As a father and grandfather, I’ve witnessed firsthand how deeply the pressures and challenges of the digital age impact our children’s mental health and well-being,” said Senator Curtis. The Kids Off Social Media Act isn’t about taking something away; it’s about giving our kids back their childhoods and protecting their development during these critical years. By limiting harmful algorithms and enforcing a reasonable age threshold, this legislation is a vital step in fostering an environment where young people can thrive with fewer distractions and healthier minds. Utah has always valued family and community above all, and I’m proud to support bipartisan efforts like this that put kids first,” said Senator Curtis.
    Specifically, the Kids Off Social Media Act would:
    Prohibit social media platforms from allowing children under the age of 13 to create or maintain social media accounts;
    Prohibit social media companies from pushing targeted content using algorithms to users under the age of 17;
    Provide the FTC and state attorneys general authority to enforce the provisions of the bill; and
    Follow existing CIPA framework, with changes, to require schools to work in good faith to limit social media on their federally-funded networks, which many schools already do.
    Parents overwhelmingly support the mission of the Kids Off Social Media Act. A survey conducted by Count on Mothers shows that over 90 percent of mothers agree that there should be a minimum age of 13 for social media. Additionally, 87 percent of mothers agree that social media companies should not be allowed to use personalized recommendation systems to deliver content to children. Pew finds similar levels of concern from parents, reporting that 70 percent or more of parents worry that their teens are being exposed to explicit content or wasting too much time on social media, with two-thirds of parents saying that parenting is harder today compared to 20 years ago—and many of them cited social media as a contributing factor.
    The Kids Off Social Media Act is supported by Public Citizen, National Organization for Women, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, National Association of School Nurses, KidsToo, Count on Mothers, American Federation of Teachers, American Counseling Association, National Federation of Families, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Parents Television and Media Council, Tyler Clementi Foundation, Parents Who Fight, Conservative Ladies of America, David’s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress, HAS Coalition, Parents Defending Education Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    The full text of the bill is available here. For more information on the Kids Off Social Media Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Urges Colleagues To Pass Resolution Condemning President Trump’s Pardons Of The January 6 Insurrectionists Who Assaulted Police Officers At The U.S. Capitol

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 28, 2025
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke in favor of U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted the brave police officers defending the U.S. Capitol that day. The resolution was rejected by Senate Republicans.
    “For many of us, it’s personal. We were here on the Senate Floor on January 6, 2021. Vice President Pence was presiding. I was sitting at this very desk. A few minutes after two o’clock, the Secret Service came in and literally removed him from his chair. We knew there were demonstrations outside, but we didn’t know how serious or how violent they’d become,” Durbin said.
    “The insurrectionist mob was taking over the Capitol. Thousands of people were storming into this building not for peaceful demonstration by any means, but sadly for violence and destruction. That day was the worst day I can recall in the history of the Senate in terms of our respect for this building that has become a symbol not only for the United States, but for the world—for peace and democracy. And I thought of those poor Capitol police who were asked to defend us with their lives. They were asked to risk their lives for us, and they did. Some of the things that were done to them were outrageous. You’ve seen the videotape. We saw [the footage] as they tore down building structures, as they beat up on these cops, as many of them faced death, and we knew at the time it was that serious. The grimmest reality of those riots was the subsequent death of five of the law enforcement officers and the injuries to approximately 140 others, many of whom still pay a price to this day.”
    Last week, President Trump, who incited the violence, commuted the sentences of 14 individuals and granted full, complete, and unconditional pardons to approximately 1,500 others convicted of offenses related to the January 6th attack. Many of the perpetrators have shown a stunning lack of remorse following their violent assaults on the brave members of the U.S. Capitol Police and D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department who protected the Capitol that day.
    “For example, last August, David Dempsey, just a few hours after receiving a 240-month prison sentence for attacking police on January 6 with a flagpole, crutches, pepper spray, and pieces of furniture, called into a gathering of supporters outside the D.C. jail. In reference to Trump’s opponents, Mr. Dempsey said, ‘Don’t celebrate too hard, man, because that sentence is only going to last like six months…’ Devlyn Thompson attempted to throw a speaker at police officers—which ended up hitting and injuring a fellow rioter—and hit a police officer with a metal baton, according to court documents. Daniel ‘D.J.’ Rodriguez, a California man who drove a stun gun into an officer’s neck during one of the most violent clashes of the Capitol riot, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison before President Trump granted him clemency. Andrew Taake pepper-sprayed police officers and hit one with a metal whip. He was supposed to serve 74 months at a federal prison in Beaumont, Texas, but he was pardoned by President Trump,” said Durbin.
    “As Winston Churchill said once, ‘Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it,’” Durbin continued. “That is why we must continue sounding the alarm on the violence and chaos of that day to ensure that it never happens again. We must also be clear that violence for political purposes is never, never acceptable and has no place in a democracy.”
    Durbin concluded, “The men and women who bravely defended the members of this body deserve better—and we should honor them for their heroic efforts on that day, not excuse the thugs who attacked this body and the ideals it represents… I thank Senator Murray for introducing this important resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted our brave law enforcement officers, and I am disgusted that our Republican colleagues won’t join us in honoring the men and women who risk their lives every single day for us.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s production of cattle, sheep, poultry remains stable in 2024

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s production of cattle, sheep and poultry remained generally stable in 2024, while pig production declined, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

    In 2024, the country’s production of pork, beef, mutton and poultry meat reached 96.63 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.2 percent.

    Specifically, beef output rose 3.5 percent year on year to 7.79 million tonnes last year, while mutton output reached 5.18 million tonnes, down 2.5 percent.

    Poultry meat production increased 3.8 percent year on year, and pork production dipped 1.5 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees robust increase in electric vehicle charging facilities

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China saw a significant surge in electric vehicle charging facilities in 2024, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    By the end of last year, the total number of electric vehicle charging poles in the country had reached 12.82 million, marking a 49.1 percent year-on-year increase.

    Of these, public charging poles accounted for approximately 3.58 million, while private charging poles neared 9.24 million.

    In 2024, China added more than 4.22 million electric vehicle charging poles.

    The expansion of charging facilities comes amid surging demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China, with both production and sales surpassing 12 million units in 2024.

    China has maintained its position as the world’s leading NEV market for 10 consecutive years. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Renewable energy accounts for 56 pct of China’s total installed capacity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The newly installed capacity of renewable energy in 2024 accounted for 86 percent of China’s total newly installed power capacity, while the cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy made up a record high of 56 percent of the nation’s total, according to new data from the National Energy Administration (NEA).

    The NEA data released Monday showed that China’s renewable energy sector added a new installed capacity of 373 million kilowatts in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 23 percent. Hydropower and wind power contributed 13.78 million kilowatts and 79.82 million kilowatts, respectively, while solar power and biomass power increased by 278 million kilowatts and 1.85 million kilowatts.

    By the end of 2024, the cumulative installed capacity of the country’s renewable energy reached 1.889 billion kilowatts, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Hydropower accounted for 436 million kilowatts, wind power for 521 million kilowatts, solar power for 887 million kilowatts, and biomass power for 46 million kilowatts.

    Last year was the second year that China’s cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy power generation has exceeded 50 percent of the country’s total installed capacity. By the end of 2023, the renewable energy power generation capacity in China surpassed half of the total installed capacity for the first time in history.

    Meanwhile, China’s renewable energy generation also reached 3.46 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, with a year-on-year rise of 19 percent, accounting for about 35 percent of the total electricity generated. T

    The combined power generation from wind and solar energy amounted to 1.83 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, a 27 percent increase from 2023. The figure is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of the tertiary industry in 2024, and surpasses the residential electricity consumption, which stood at 1.49 trillion kilowatt-hours.

    As China strives to achieve its dual carbon goals, the country is vigorously developing a green economy, with renewable energy as one of the engines. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, SH30, Bennydale

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 30 is blocked after a truck rolled dislodging a powerline around 12:56pm.

    The driver received minor injuries.

    The road is expected to remain blocked for the next 1-2 hours and motorists are advised to take an alternate route. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Improving Mornington traffic flow

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Major infrastructure upgrades will see the Mornington roundabout replaced with traffic lights to improve road safety and traffic flow. The project will also include the construction of new ramps connecting the Tasman Highway with Gordons Hill Road.

    The Albanese and Rockliff Governments have committed $100 million ($80 million and $20 million respectively) to the Mornington Roundabout Upgrade project, which will increase safety and efficiency through the known pinch point.

    Objectives will be met by a multi-stage solution of improvements along the South Arm and Tasman Highways near Mornington.

    The staged approach for planning, design and construction will be done over the coming years to minimise the impact on road users.

    Work will start with building ramps to connect Gordons Hill Road with the Tasman Highway, allowing cars better access to Rosny from the highway while reducing traffic volumes at the Mornington roundabout.

    Community consultation and design work on the ramps project will start this year, with construction planned for late 2026.

    Once finished, other improvements near the Mornington roundabout will begin.

    These future stages include:

    • Replacing the Mornington roundabout with traffic lights. Traffic lights were chosen as the best option of all considered, as they will improve traffic flow in all directions and will have fewer impacts and a smaller footprint;
    • Moving the off ramp from the Tasman Highway to South Arm Highway onto Cambridge Road, improving safety and travel efficiency both on the Tasman Highway and at the Mornington roundabout intersection;
    • Moving and changing the Mornington Road intersection with South Arm Highway. The intersection is located very close to the Mornington roundabout intersection, and this can cause queuing and safety issues; and
    • Safer access to bus stops by improving crossing points for people who walk, wheel or ride in the area.

    The exact locations or layouts of these projects are yet to be decided, with further work required to develop design concept plans and engage with the community.

    For more information, visit the Transport website here, following RoadsTAS on Facebook, or sign up to the State Roads email newsletter at transport.tas.gov.au/roadworks/stay_up_to_date.

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

    “The Mornington roundabout is a headache for local residents, causing congestion and safety concerns, which is why we invested an additional $50 million in our recent Budget to get this fixed.

    “This is one of many priority projects we are working closely on with the Tasmanian Government to make the everyday lives of locals that little bit easier.”

    Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent:

    “This set of projects will improve safety and traffic flow for all those who travel through the Mornington area and beyond.

    “Community consultation was a key part of developing this program. Through our consultation process we heard access to and from Mornington Road can be difficult. Moving this intersection will help with the flow of traffic through this area.

    “We also know that queuing on the westbound Tasman Highway off-ramp to South Arm Highway regularly spills onto the Tasman Highway and so moving the ramp will provide more separation between the off-ramp and the Mornington roundabout intersection.

    “These changes will assist in the continuing growth in this region.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Franklin Julie Collins:

    “It’s long been known that the Mornington roundabout has been a dangerous stretch of road and as the Federal Member for Franklin, I have long been advocating for these vital upgrades.

    “That is why the Albanese Labor Government has backed road safety and traffic flow and delivered $80 million towards the upgrade of this infrastructure project over our past two Federal Budgets.

    “I’m pleased to see the Tasmanian Government start to get on with works on this project and look forward to the local community benefiting from improved safety and traffic flow.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence – Yirkkala

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 38-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Yirkkala on Monday night.

    At 9.55pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports that a 38-year-old male had been assaulted by his relative.

    The offender allegedly assaulted the victim with a blunt object, resulting in serious injuries to his head.

    The victim was conveyed to the Gove District Hospital, and subsequently transferred to Royal Darwin Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

    Police attended and established a crime scene.

    The 38-year-old offender was arrested yesterday morning and remains in custody.

    Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to call police on 131 444 and quote reference P25027509. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    Support services for those affected by domestic or family violence are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo and Video Chronology — January 28, 2025 — Episode 7 of Kīlauea eruption

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Photo and Video Chronology — January 28, 2025 — Episode 7 of Kīlauea eruption

    Episode 7 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption started during the early evening on January 27 and ended abruptly at 10:47 a.m. HST on January 28.

    Each episode of Halemaʻumaʻu lava fountaining since December 23, 2024, has continued for 13 hours to 8 days and episodes have been separated by pauses in eruptive activity lasting less than 24 hours to 12 days.

    Episode 7 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 6:42 p.m. HST on January 27, and continued through the night. Lava fountains fed a small flow onto the crater floor. This timelapse video is from the KWcam, which is located on the west caldera rim and looks east across Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marines with 12th LAAB Execute a Tactical Air Surveillance Raid on Wake Island

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan  –  

    CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN—U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Anti-Air Battalion executed their first operational training on Wake Island from December 16 to 19, 2024, just days after the battalion’s activation ceremony. During the training, Marines executed a tactical air surveillance raid, which included a communications training exercise and the deployment of an AN/TPS-80 Radar.

    While at Wake Island, the Marines participated in a memorial ceremony alongside U.S. Airmen with Eleventh Air Force Detachment 1 to honor the Marines, Sailors, and civilians who lost their lives during the Battle of Wake Island. The battalion’s motto, “Vigilance Above, Valor Below,” was evident in their training, symbolizing their focus on vigilance in forward air surveillance and honoring the valor of those who defended Wake Island during World War II.

    “Being able to conduct this training at Wake Island is a powerful tribute to those who served here before us,” said Maj. John Boehles, the commander of 12th LAAB’s air control battery. “This exercise not only tested our operational skills but reminded us of the sacrifices made here, connecting our present mission to the valor of those who defended this ground.”

    Marines reflected on the historical significance of the Battle of Wake Island during the memorial ceremony. “Standing at the site where so many Marines sacrificed their lives was humbling,” said Staff Sgt. Ricky Thomas, an air support operations operator with 12th LAAB. “It reminded me why we do what we do – honoring their legacy through our mission today.”

    The unit fought in the Battle of Wake Island as the 1st Defense Battalion, responsible for coastal and air defense of advanced naval bases. It was deactivated in 1977 and has now been reactivated as one of the three subordinate elements of 12th Marine Littoral Regiment.

    The 12th LAAB is organized, trained, and equipped to support sea control and sea denial operations within contested maritime spaces. As part of a modernized force, it integrates with the U.S. Navy, other Joint Force elements, and allied and partner forces.

    “This training directly supports U.S. efforts to maintain regional stability and deter potential adversaries within the Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Caton, the commanding officer of 12th LAAB. “The battalion’s ability to deploy swiftly and conduct air surveillance just days after activating speaks to our unit’s enduring capabilities and strategic reach.”

    As a key element of 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, the 12th LAAB is responsible for air control, air defense, air surveillance, and early warning. This training on Wake Island marks the first of many future operations and highlights the Marines’ capability and lethality within the first island chain.

    As the Marines of 12th LAAB continue to refine their abilities, they remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This training marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that builds on a proud legacy while paving the way for future innovation and success.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Lower inflation in the December quarter boosts chances of an interest rate cut

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra

    ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

    Australia’s headline inflation rate dropped to a three-year low of 2.4% in the December quarter, according to the Consumer Price Index, adding to pressure for an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank as soon as next month.

    Since it peaked at 7.8% in December 2022, inflation has now fallen for seven out of eight quarters.

    The closely watched core inflation measure dropped sharply to 3.2% from 3.6%, below market expectations, but the central bank is concerned about how sustainable the fall in inflation will be. Strength in the labour market is also weighing against the need for a cut in interest rates.

    The long-running quarterly measure of the CPI is a better indicator than the more volatile monthly version. But the monthly rate is currently very similar; it ended the year at 2.5%.

    Why did inflation fall?

    A main reason headline inflation fell was the electricity rebates, which led to the price of electricity falling by 25.2% during 2024.

    The fall in global oil prices, which led to petrol prices dropping 7.9% during 2024, also contributed to the decline in inflation.

    The rental market is easing, with rents slowing from growth of 7.3% during 2023 to 6.4% during 2024. Increases in Commonwealth Rent Assistance contributed to the deceleration. This still leaves a lot of families facing rental stress.

    Home builders offering discounts have moderated the “new dwellings” component of the CPI. It increased by only 2.9% during 2024, a marked deceleration from the growth rates of around 20% seen in 2022.

    Urban transport fares also fell during 2024.

    Working against the downward trend were increases to the tobacco excise, in addition to the standard indexation, which led to tobacco prices rising by 12.2% during 2024.

    Insurance costs continue to rise, increasing by 11% during 2024. If the Californian fires lead to insurers revising up their assessment of the risks posed by climate change, insurance premia could rise further.

    The decline in the Australian dollar, while not as alarming as some media reports would suggest, would have added to the price of some goods, particularly those imported from the United States or whose price is denominated in US dollars.



    Read more:
    The Australian dollar has hit a 5 year low. Sounds bad but don’t panic

    The decline in inflation may be a pleasant surprise to the half of voters who were expecting inflation to get worse.

    The “underlying” rate of inflation, which looks through temporary measures such as the electricity subsidies and is the preferred measure of the central bank, has also declined. It is now 3.2%.

    Australia’s inflation performance is similar to that in comparable countries. It is slightly lower than inflation in the United Kingdom (2.5%) and the same as in the euro area. It is higher than in New Zealand (2.2%) and Canada (1.8%).

    The fall in inflation to a rate significantly below the 3.5% at which wages are increasing means that the cost of living crisis is abating, although not yet over.

    The quarterly increases in the CPI during 2024 were 1.0% in March and June and 0.2% in September and December. As the large increases in the first half of 2024 are replaced, the annual rate should drop further in coming quarters.

    What does it mean for interest rates?

    The current Reserve Bank board meets next on February 18. By the following meeting, on April 1, the decisions will be taken by the new monetary policy board, which will have two new members.



    Read more:
    The Reserve Bank will now have a separate board just to set interest rates. Here’s why that’s significant

    This is the second consecutive quarter that inflation has been within the Reserve Bank’s medium-term target band of 2–3%. It is now just below the mid-point of the band.

    Inflation is also below the Bank’s latest forecasts of 2.6% (and 3.4% for the “underlying” rate).

    But the bank has stated it will only cut interest rates when “members are confident that inflation is moving sustainably towards target”.

    Inflation that is low just because of temporary electricity subsidies may not be regarded as ‘sustainable’. That is why the Bank places more emphasis on the underlying inflation measure. While not yet within the target band, underlying inflation has been steadily heading there and is now only just above it. This may be enough to give the Bank board members the confidence they seek. Financial markets now think so.

    The government would dearly like to see rates coming down before the election, likely to be in April or May. It faces a nervous wait.

    John Hawkins was formerly a senior economist at the Reserve Bank and Treasury.

    – ref. Lower inflation in the December quarter boosts chances of an interest rate cut – https://theconversation.com/lower-inflation-in-the-december-quarter-boosts-chances-of-an-interest-rate-cut-246987

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Admits to Illegally Possessing a Rifle at a Gas Station

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Bradley, age 36, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Bradley admitted that, on September 9, 2024, he possessed a loaded rifle in his vehicle, which was parked at a gas station in East Syracuse. Bradley inadvertently fired the rifle several times, but did not strike anyone. As a result of his prior felony conviction for Criminal Mischief, Bradley could not lawfully possess a firearm.

    Sentencing is scheduled for June 10, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Bradley faces up to fifteen years in federal prison, along with a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of up to three years. He also could be fined up to $250,000, and will be required to forfeit the assault rifle to the United States. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    ATF and the Manlius Police Department are investigating the case with assistance from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –