Category: Natural Disasters

MIL-OSI: Targa Resources Corp. Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results, Provides Growth Outlook for 2025 and Announces Refinancing of Badlands Preferred Equity

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) (“TRGP,” the “Company” or “Targa”) today reported fourth quarter and full year 2024 results.

Fourth quarter 2024 net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. was $351.0 million compared to $299.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year 2024, net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. was $1,312.0 million compared to $1,345.9 million for 2023. The Company reported adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other non-cash items (“adjusted EBITDA”)⁽¹⁾ of $1,122.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $959.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year 2024, the Company reported adjusted EBITDA of $4,142.3 million compared to $3,530.0 million for 2023.

Highlights

Record full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $4.1 billion, a 17% increase over 2023
Record full year 2024 Permian, NGL transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes
Record full year 2024 common share repurchases of $755 million
Record fourth quarter 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 billion
Record fourth quarter 2024 Permian, NGL transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes
Completed its new 275 million cubic feet per day (“MMcf/d”) Greenwood II plant in Permian Midland and its new 120 thousand barrels per day (“MBbl/d”) Train 10 fractionator in Mont Belvieu
Recently commenced operations of its new 275 MMcf/d Bull Moose plant and 800 MMcf/d front-end treater in Permian Delaware
Announced a new intra-Delaware Basin expansion of Targa’s Grand Prix NGL Pipeline (“Delaware Express”)
Announced a new 150 MBbl/d fractionator in Mont Belvieu (“Train 12”)
Announced a new expansion of LPG export capabilities at Targa’s Galena Park Marine Terminal (“GPMT LPG Export Expansion”) which will increase capacity to approximately 19 million barrels per month (“MMBbl/month”)
Estimates 2025 net growth capital expenditures of $2.6 billion to $2.8 billion
Announced the refinancing of preferred equity in Targa Badlands LLC for $1.8 billion
Estimates record full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA between $4.65 billion and $4.85 billion, a 15% increase over 2024⁽²⁾

On January 16, 2025, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per common share, or $3.00 per common share on an annualized basis, for the fourth quarter of 2024. Total cash dividends of approximately $164 million were paid on February 14, 2025 on all outstanding shares of common stock to holders of record as of the close of business on January 31, 2025. Targa intends to recommend an annual common dividend of $4.00 per share for 2025 beginning with the first quarter payment in May of 2025.

Targa repurchased 610,683 shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter of 2024 at a weighted average per share price of $176.86 for a total net cost of $108.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Targa repurchased 5,933,050 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $127.20 for a total net cost of $754.7 million. As of December 31, 2024, there was $1,015.4 million remaining under the Company’s Share Repurchase Programs.

Fourth Quarter 2024 – Sequential Quarter over Quarter Commentary

Targa reported fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of $1,122.2 million, representing a 5 percent increase compared to the third quarter of 2024. The sequential increase in adjusted EBITDA was attributable to higher volumes across Targa’s Gathering and Processing (“G&P”) and Logistics and Transportation (“L&T”) systems. In the G&P segment, higher sequential adjusted operating margin was attributable to record Permian natural gas inlet volumes and higher fees, partially offset by the expiration of a lower margin high pressure gathering and processing agreement in the Delaware Basin. In the L&T segment, record NGL pipeline transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes drove the sequential increase in segment adjusted operating margin, partially offset by lower sequential marketing margin. Targa’s completion of its Daytona NGL Pipeline late in the third quarter and its 120 MBbl/d Train 10 fractionator in the fourth quarter supported higher sequential NGL pipeline transportation and fractionation volumes from increasing supply volumes from Targa’s Permian G&P systems. LPG export volumes benefited from improved market conditions. Lower sequential marketing margin was attributable to decreased optimization opportunities.

Capitalization and Liquidity

The Company’s total consolidated debt as of December 31, 2024 was $14,174.6 million, net of $89.0 million of debt issuance costs and $29.4 million of unamortized discount, with $12,534.4 million of outstanding senior unsecured notes, $1,130.5 million outstanding under the Commercial Paper Program, $330.0 million outstanding under the Securitization Facility, and $298.1 million of finance lease liabilities.

Total consolidated liquidity as of December 31, 2024 was approximately $2.0 billion, including $1.6 billion available under the Existing TRGP Revolver (as defined below), $270.0 million under the Securitization Facility and $157.3 million of cash.

Financing Update

In February 2025, Targa entered into a new five-year revolving facility (the “New TRGP Revolver”) with aggregate capacity of $3.5 billion. The New TRGP Revolver replaces Targa’s $2.75 billion credit facility (“Existing TRGP Revolver”), scheduled to mature in February 2027. The additional capacity aligns with the Company’s increased scale and continued growth opportunities. Pro forma for the New TRGP Revolver, Targa’s liquidity as of December 31, 2024, was approximately $2.8 billion.

Refinancing of Badlands Preferred Equity

Targa announced today a definitive agreement to repurchase all of the outstanding preferred equity in Targa Badlands LLC (“Targa Badlands”) from funds managed by Blackstone for approximately $1.8 billion in cash (the “Repurchase”). The Repurchase represents a refinancing of higher cost preferred equity with Targa’s lower cost of debt capital, resulting in meaningful cash savings. Targa expects to close in the first quarter of 2025 with an effective date of January 1, 2025, and estimates its year-end 2025 debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio will remain near the mid-point of the Company’s long-term target range.

Growth Projects Update

In Targa’s G&P segment, construction continues on its 275 MMcf/d Pembrook II, East Pembrook, and East Driver plants in Permian Midland and its 275 MMcf/d Bull Moose II and Falcon II plants in Permian Delaware. In Targa’s L&T segment, construction continues on its 150 MBbl/d Train 11 fractionator in Mont Belvieu. The Company remains on-track to complete these expansions as previously disclosed.

In February 2025, in response to increasing production and to meet the infrastructure needs of its customers, Targa announced:

Delaware Express, a 100-mile, 30-inch diameter pipeline expansion of its Grand Prix NGL Pipeline in the Permian Delaware;
Train 12, a new 150 MBbl/d fractionator in Mont Belvieu, TX; and
GPMT LPG Export Expansion, an expansion of Targa’s LPG export capabilities at its Galena Park Marine Terminal to approximately 19 MMBbl per month.

Delaware Express is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2026, Train 12 is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, and Targa’s GPMT LPG Export Expansion is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2027.

2025 Outlook and Capital Return Expectations

For 2025, Targa estimates full year adjusted EBITDA to be between $4.65 billion and $4.85 billion, with the midpoint of the range representing a 15 percent increase over full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA. Targa expects to continue to benefit from meaningful growth across its Permian G&P footprint, which is expected to drive record Permian, NGL pipeline transportation, fractionation, and LPG export volumes in 2025 relative to the records set in 2024.

Targa’s 2025 operational and financial expectations assume Waha natural gas prices average $1.55 per million British Thermal Units (“MMbtu”), natural gas liquids (“NGL”) composite barrel prices average $0.65 per gallon, and crude oil prices average $70 per barrel.

Targa’s estimate for 2025 net growth capital expenditures is between $2.6 billion to $2.8 billion and includes capital spending for the recently announced Delaware Express, Train 12, and GPMT LPG Export Expansion. Net maintenance capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated to be approximately $250 million.

For the first quarter of 2025, Targa intends to recommend to its Board of Directors an increase to its quarterly common dividend to $1.00 per common share or $4.00 per common share annualized. The recommended 33 percent common dividend per share increase, if approved, would be effective for the first quarter of 2025 and payable in May 2025. Going forward, Targa expects to be in position to continue to meaningfully increase the capital returned to shareholders through increasing common dividends per share and opportunistic repurchases of its common stock.

An earnings supplement presentation and updated investor presentation are available under Events and Presentations in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com/investors/events.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call for the investment community at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (10:00 a.m. Central time) on February 20, 2025 to discuss its fourth quarter results. The conference call can be accessed via webcast under Events and Presentations in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com/investors/events, or by going directly to https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/qgzvcwi7. A webcast replay will be available at the link above approximately two hours after the conclusion of the event.

^{(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
(2) Year over year increase based on midpoint of estimated 2025 adjusted EBITDA range of $4.65 billion to $4.85 billion.}

Targa Resources Corp. – Consolidated Financial Results of Operations

	Three Months Ended December 31,												Year Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024 vs. 2023						2024			2023			2024 vs. 2023
	(In millions)
Revenues:
Sales of commodities	$	3,765.5		$	3,647.9		$	117.6			3	%	$	13,891.8		$	13,962.1		$	(70.3	)		(1	%)
Fees from midstream services		639.7			591.6			48.1			8	%		2,489.7			2,098.2			391.5			19	%
Total revenues		4,405.2			4,239.5			165.7			4	%		16,381.5			16,060.3			321.2			2	%
Product purchases and fuel		2,922.6			2,898.5			24.1			1	%		10,703.0			10,676.4			26.6			—
Operating expenses		305.8			269.5			36.3			13	%		1,175.6			1,077.9			97.7			9	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		378.5			341.4			37.1			11	%		1,423.0			1,329.6			93.4			7	%
General and administrative expense		97.5			95.3			2.2			2	%		384.9			348.7			36.2			10	%
Other operating (income) expense		0.2			(0.5	)		0.7		NM				(0.4	)		1.5			(1.9	)	NM
Income (loss) from operations		700.6			635.3			65.3			10	%		2,695.4			2,626.2			69.2			3	%
Interest expense, net		(177.7	)		(178.0	)		0.3			—			(767.2	)		(687.8	)		(79.4	)		12	%
Equity earnings (loss)		1.5			2.8			(1.3	)		(46	%)		9.4			9.0			0.4			4	%
Gain (loss) from financing activities		—			(2.1	)		2.1			100	%		(0.8	)		(2.1	)		1.3			62	%
Other, net		0.1			2.1			(2.0	)	NM				1.2			(2.8	)		4.0		NM
Income tax (expense) benefit		(110.5	)		(102.5	)		(8.0	)		8	%		(384.5	)		(363.2	)		(21.3	)		6	%
Net income (loss)		414.0			357.6			56.4			16	%		1,553.5			1,579.3			(25.8	)		(2	%)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		63.0			58.0			5.0			9	%		241.5			233.4			8.1			3	%
Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp.		351.0			299.6			51.4			17	%		1,312.0			1,345.9			(33.9	)		(3	%)
Premium on repurchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax		32.9			19.4			13.5			70	%		32.9			510.1			(477.2	)		(94	%)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	318.1		$	280.2		$	37.9			14	%	$	1,279.1		$	835.8		$	443.3			53	%
Financial data:
Adjusted EBITDA (1)	$	1,122.2		$	959.9		$	162.3			17	%	$	4,142.3		$	3,530.0		$	612.3			17	%
Adjusted cash flow from operations (1)		940.9			780.1			160.8			21	%		3,372.4			2,840.6			531.8			19	%
Adjusted free cash flow (1)		56.2			73.7			(17.5	)		(24	%)		140.1			392.7			(252.6	)		(64	%)

⁽¹⁾	^{Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flow from operations and adjusted free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and are discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”}
^NM	^{Due to a low denominator, the noted percentage change is disproportionately high and as a result, considered not meaningful.}

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

The increase in commodity sales reflects higher NGL, natural gas and condensate volumes ($242.4) and higher NGL prices ($199.5 million), partially offset by lower natural gas and condensate prices ($197.0 million) and the unfavorable impact of hedges ($127.3 million).

The increase in fees from midstream services is primarily due to higher gas gathering and processing fees, higher transportation and fractionation fees, and higher export volumes.

Product purchases and fuel are relatively flat reflecting higher NGL and natural gas volumes, offset by lower natural gas prices.

The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to higher maintenance and labor costs as a result of increased activity and system expansions, partially offset by lower taxes.

See “—Review of Segment Performance” for additional information on a segment basis.

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the impact of system expansions on the Company’s asset base that have been placed in service during 2024.

The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income and the release of state valuation allowance in 2023 partially offset by the impact of statutory rate changes.

The premium on repurchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax is primarily due to the CBF Acquisition in 2024.

Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

Commodity sales are relatively flat reflecting lower natural gas and condensate prices ($1,242.8 million) and the unfavorable impact of hedges ($686.5 million), offset by higher NGL, natural gas and condensate volumes ($1,607.2 million), and higher NGL prices ($251.6 million).

The increase in fees from midstream services is primarily due to higher gas gathering and processing fees, higher transportation and fractionation fees, and higher export volumes.

Product purchases and fuel are relatively flat reflecting higher NGL and natural gas volumes, offset by lower natural gas prices.

The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to higher labor, maintenance, rental and chemical costs as a result of increased activity and system expansions, partially offset by lower taxes.

See “—Review of Segment Performance” for additional information on a segment basis.

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the impact of system expansions on the Company’s asset base, partially offset by the shortening of depreciable lives of certain assets that were idled in 2023.

The increase in general and administrative expense is primarily due to higher compensation and benefits and professional fees.

The increase in interest expense, net, is due to recognition of cumulative interest on a 2024 legal ruling associated with the Splitter Agreement and higher borrowings, partially offset by higher capitalized interest. Higher capitalized interest is due to system expansions and higher interest rates.

The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to the release of state valuation allowance in 2023.

The premium on repurchase of noncontrolling interests, net of tax is primarily due to the CBF Acquisition in 2024 and the Grand Prix Transaction in 2023.

Review of Segment Performance

The following discussion of segment performance includes inter-segment activities. The Company views segment operating margin and adjusted operating margin as important performance measures of the core profitability of its operations. These measures are key components of internal financial reporting and are reviewed for consistency and trend analysis. For a discussion of adjusted operating margin, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures ― Adjusted Operating Margin.” Segment operating financial results and operating statistics include the effects of intersegment transactions. These intersegment transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated presentation.

The Company operates in two primary segments: (i) Gathering and Processing; and (ii) Logistics and Transportation.

Gathering and Processing Segment

The Gathering and Processing segment includes assets used in the gathering and/or purchase and sale of natural gas produced from oil and gas wells, removing impurities and processing this raw natural gas into merchantable natural gas by extracting NGLs; and assets used for the gathering and terminaling and/or purchase and sale of crude oil. The Gathering and Processing segment’s assets are located in the Permian Basin of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico (including the Midland, Central and Delaware Basins); the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas; the Barnett Shale in North Texas; the Anadarko, Ardmore, and Arkoma Basins in Oklahoma (including the SCOOP and STACK) and South Central Kansas; the Williston Basin in North Dakota (including the Bakken and Three Forks plays); and the onshore and near offshore regions of the Louisiana Gulf Coast.

The following table provides summary data regarding results of operations of this segment for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended December 31,									Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024 vs. 2023					2024		2023		2024 vs. 2023
		(In millions, except operating statistics and price amounts)
Operating margin	$	598.9	$	536.3	$	62.6		12	%	$	2,312.4	$	2,082.2	$	230.2		11	%
Operating expenses		217.5		185.7		31.8		17	%		814.6		746.6		68.0		9	%
Adjusted operating margin	$	816.4	$	722.0	$	94.4		13	%	$	3,127.0	$	2,828.8	$	298.2		11	%
Operating statistics (1):
Plant natural gas inlet, MMcf/d (2) (3)
Permian Midland (4)		3,072.8		2,716.5		356.3		13	%		2,933.1		2,535.2		397.9		16	%
Permian Delaware		2,992.4		2,564.3		428.1		17	%		2,837.3		2,526.5		310.8		12	%
Total Permian		6,065.2		5,280.8		784.4		15	%		5,770.4		5,061.7		708.7		14	%

SouthTX		329.4		347.9		(18.5	)	(5	%)		325.9		367.4		(41.5	)	(11	%)
North Texas		187.4		207.7		(20.3	)	(10	%)		186.9		205.9		(19.0	)	(9	%)
SouthOK (5)		339.7		366.5		(26.8	)	(7	%)		351.7		385.0		(33.3	)	(9	%)
WestOK		210.5		207.1		3.4		2	%		212.8		207.1		5.7		3	%
Total Central		1,067.0		1,129.2		(62.2	)	(6	%)		1,077.3		1,165.4		(88.1	)	(8	%)

Badlands (5) (6)		128.8		131.2		(2.4	)	(2	%)		136.3		130.0		6.3		5	%
Total Field		7,261.0		6,541.2		719.8		11	%		6,984.0		6,357.1		626.9		10	%

Coastal		405.7		567.0		(161.3	)	(28	%)		449.6		541.1		(91.5	)	(17	%)

Total		7,666.7		7,108.2		558.5		8	%		7,433.6		6,898.2		535.4		8	%
NGL production, MBbl/d (3)
Permian Midland (4)		445.7		398.3		47.4		12	%		428.4		367.7		60.7		17	%
Permian Delaware		390.2		310.6		79.6		26	%		359.9		321.6		38.3		12	%
Total Permian		835.9		708.9		127.0		18	%		788.3		689.3		99.0		14	%

SouthTX (5)		29.3		37.3		(8.0	)	(21	%)		32.8		40.9		(8.1	)	(20	%)
North Texas		22.9		24.5		(1.6	)	(7	%)		22.6		24.0		(1.4	)	(6	%)
SouthOK (5)		40.1		40.0		0.1		—			35.0		43.1		(8.1	)	(19	%)
WestOK		16.3		12.1		4.2		35	%		15.1		12.5		2.6		21	%
Total Central		108.6		113.9		(5.3	)	(5	%)		105.5		120.5		(15.0	)	(12	%)

Badlands (5)		15.3		15.7		(0.4	)	(3	%)		16.6		15.5		1.1		7	%
Total Field		959.8		838.5		121.3		14	%		910.4		825.3		85.1		10	%

Coastal		36.0		43.2		(7.2	)	(17	%)		35.8		39.2		(3.4	)	(9	%)

Total		995.8		881.7		114.1		13	%		946.2		864.5		81.7		9	%
Crude oil, Badlands, MBbl/d		110.1		105.2		4.9		5	%		106.6		105.5		1.1		1	%
Crude oil, Permian, MBbl/d		29.5		27.5		2.0		7	%		27.9		27.4		0.5		2	%
Natural gas sales, BBtu/d (3)		2,784.3		2,737.3		47.0		2	%		2,780.5		2,685.8		94.7		4	%
NGL sales, MBbl/d (3)		582.0		520.6		61.4		12	%		558.2		495.8		62.4		13	%
Condensate sales, MBbl/d		19.8		17.8		2.0		11	%		19.3		18.5		0.8		4	%
Average realized prices (7):
Natural gas, $/MMBtu		1.04		1.83		(0.79	)	(43	%)		0.67		1.94		(1.27	)	(65	%)
NGL, $/gal		0.49		0.43		0.06		14	%		0.46		0.46		—		—
Condensate, $/Bbl		66.83		74.79		(7.96	)	(11	%)		73.35		74.35		(1.00	)	(1	%)

⁽¹⁾	^{Segment operating statistics include the effect of intersegment amounts, which have been eliminated from the consolidated presentation. For all volume statistics presented, the numerator is the total volume sold during the period and the denominator is the number of calendar days during the period.}
⁽²⁾	^{Plant natural gas inlet represents the Company’s undivided interest in the volume of natural gas passing through the meter located at the inlet of a natural gas processing plant, other than Badlands.}
⁽³⁾	^{Plant natural gas inlet volumes and gross NGL production volumes include producer take-in-kind volumes, while natural gas sales and NGL sales exclude producer take-in-kind volumes.}
⁽⁴⁾	^{Permian Midland includes operations in WestTX, of which the Company owns a 72.8% undivided interest, and other plants that are owned 100% by the Company. Operating results for the WestTX undivided interest assets are presented on a pro-rata net basis in the Company’s reported financials.}
⁽⁵⁾	^{Operations include facilities that are not wholly owned by the Company.}
⁽⁶⁾	^{Badlands natural gas inlet represents the total wellhead volume and includes the Targa volumes processed at the Little Missouri 4 plant.}
⁽⁷⁾	^{Average realized prices, net of fees, include the effect of realized commodity hedge gain/loss attributable to the Company’s equity volumes. The price is calculated using total commodity sales plus the hedge gain/loss as the numerator and total sales volume as the denominator, net of fees.}

The following table presents the realized commodity hedge gain (loss) attributable to the Company’s equity volumes that are included in the adjusted operating margin of the Gathering and Processing segment:

	Three Months Ended December 31, 2024						Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
	(In millions, except volumetric data and price amounts)
	Volume Settled		Price Spread (1)		Gain (Loss)		Volume Settled		Price Spread (1)			Gain (Loss)
Natural gas (BBtu)		8.1	$	1.84	$	14.9		13.2	$	1.15		$	15.2
NGL (MMgal)		101.0		0.01		0.9		165.3		0.09			15.5
Crude oil (MBbl)		0.7		5.00		3.5		0.6		(6.17	)		(3.7	)
					$	19.3						$	27.0

	Year Ended December 31, 2024								Year Ended December 31, 2023
	(In millions, except volumetric data and price amounts)
	Volume Settled		Price Spread (1)			Gain (Loss)			Volume Settled		Price Spread (1)			Gain (Loss)
Natural gas (BBtu)		43.7	$	1.92		$	84.1			63.2	$	1.22		$	77.4
NGL (MMgal)		449.8		0.04			15.8			680.3		0.07			49.9
Crude oil (MBbl)		2.1		(2.05	)		(4.3	)		2.4		(6.92	)		(16.6	)
						$	95.6							$	110.7

⁽¹⁾	^{The price spread is the differential between the contracted derivative instrument pricing and the price of the corresponding settled commodity transaction.}

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

The increase in adjusted operating margin was predominantly due to higher natural gas inlet volumes which drove higher fee-based income in the Permian, and higher NGL Prices, partially offset by lower natural gas and condensate prices. The increase in natural gas inlet volumes in the Permian was attributable to the addition of the Wildcat II plant during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Roadrunner II plant during the second quarter of 2024, the Greenwood II plant during the fourth quarter of 2024, and continued strong producer activity.

The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher volumes in the Permian and multiple plant additions in the Permian, partially offset by lower taxes in the Central region.

Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

The increase in adjusted operating margin was predominantly due to higher natural gas inlet volumes which drove higher fee-based income in the Permian, partially offset by lower natural gas and condensate prices. The increase in natural gas inlet volumes was attributable to the addition of the Legacy II plant during the first quarter of 2023, the Midway plant during the second quarter of 2023, the Greenwood I and Wildcat II plants during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Roadrunner II plant during the second quarter of 2024, the Greenwood II plant during the fourth quarter of 2024, and continued strong producer activity.

The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to higher volumes and multiple plant additions in the Permian.

Logistics and Transportation Segment

The Logistics and Transportation segment includes the activities and assets necessary to convert mixed NGLs into NGL products and also includes other assets and value-added services such as transporting, storing, fractionating, terminaling, and marketing of NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters and certain natural gas supply and marketing activities in support of the Company’s other businesses. The Logistics and Transportation segment also includes Grand Prix NGL Pipeline, which connects the Company’s gathering and processing positions in the Permian Basin, Southern Oklahoma and North Texas with the Company’s Downstream facilities in Mont Belvieu, Texas. The Company’s Downstream facilities are located predominantly in Mont Belvieu and Galena Park, Texas, and in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The following table provides summary data regarding results of operations of this segment for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2024 vs. 2023				2024		2023		2024 vs. 2023
	(In millions, except operating statistics)
Operating margin	$	656.2	$	554.2	$	102.0	18	%	$	2,355.1	$	1,948.7	$	406.4	21	%
Operating expenses		88.7		84.4		4.3	5	%		362.3		332.0		30.3	9	%
Adjusted operating margin	$	744.9	$	638.6	$	106.3	17	%	$	2,717.4	$	2,280.7	$	436.7	19	%
Operating statistics MBbl/d (1):
NGL pipeline transportation volumes (2)		871.5		722.0		149.5	21	%		800.8		635.5		165.3	26	%
Fractionation volumes		1,089.5		844.8		244.7	29	%		936.1		798.1		138.0	17	%
Export volumes (3)		457.1		434.5		22.6	5	%		423.6		365.2		58.4	16	%
NGL sales		1,227.5		1,125.8		101.7	9	%		1,159.1		1,019.8		139.3	14	%

⁽¹⁾	^{Segment operating statistics include intersegment amounts, which have been eliminated from the consolidated presentation. For all volume statistics presented, the numerator is the total volume sold during the period and the denominator is the number of calendar days during the period.}
⁽²⁾	^{Represents the total quantity of mixed NGLs that earn a transportation margin.}
⁽³⁾	^{Export volumes represent the quantity of NGL products delivered to third-party customers at the Company’s Galena Park Marine Terminal that are destined for international markets.}

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

The increase in adjusted operating margin was due to higher pipeline transportation and fractionation margin and higher marketing margin. LPG export margin was relatively flat. Pipeline transportation and fractionation volumes benefited from higher supply volumes primarily from the Company’s Permian Gathering and Processing systems, the in-service of the Daytona NGL Pipeline during the third quarter of 2024, the addition of Train 9 during the second quarter of 2024, and the addition of Train 10 during the fourth quarter of 2024. Marketing margin increased due to greater optimization opportunities.

The increase in operating expenses was due to higher system volumes, higher taxes, higher compensation and benefits the in-service of the Daytona NGL Pipeline expansion during the third quarter of 2024, the addition of Train 9 during the second quarter of 2024, and the addition of Train 10 during the fourth quarter of 2024, partially offset by lower repairs and maintenance.

Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

The increase in adjusted operating margin was due to higher pipeline transportation and fractionation margin, higher marketing margin, and higher LPG export margin. Pipeline transportation and fractionation volumes benefited from higher supply volumes primarily from the Company’s Permian Gathering and Processing systems, the addition of Train 9 during the second quarter of 2024, the in-service of the Daytona NGL Pipeline during the third quarter of 2024, and the addition of Train 10 during the fourth quarter of 2024. Marketing margin increased due to greater optimization opportunities. LPG export margin increased due to higher volumes as Targa benefited from the completion of the export expansion project during the third quarter of 2023 and the Houston Ship Channel allowing night-time vessel transits, partially offset by maintenance and required inspections.

The increase in operating expenses was due to higher system volumes, higher compensation and benefits, higher taxes, higher repairs and maintenance and the addition of two trains during 2024.

Other

	Three Months Ended December 31,									Year Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024 vs. 2023			2024			2023		2024 vs. 2023
	(In millions)
Operating margin	$	(78.3	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(59.5	)	$	(164.6	)	$	275.5	$	(440.1	)
Adjusted operating margin	$	(78.3	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(59.5	)	$	(164.6	)	$	275.5	$	(440.1	)

Other contains the results of commodity derivative activity mark-to-market gains/losses related to derivative contracts that were not designated as cash flow hedges. The Company has entered into derivative instruments to hedge the commodity price associated with a portion of the Company’s future commodity purchases and sales and natural gas transportation basis risk within the Company’s Logistics and Transportation segment.

About Targa Resources Corp.

Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary domestic infrastructure assets and its operations are critical to the efficient, safe and reliable delivery of energy across the United States and increasingly to the world. The Company’s assets connect natural gas and NGLs to domestic and international markets with growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and purchasing and selling natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil.

Targa is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 500.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.targaresources.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flow from operations, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted operating margin (segment). The following tables provide reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

The Company utilizes non-GAAP measures to analyze the Company’s performance. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted cash flow from operations, adjusted free cash flow and adjusted operating margin (segment) are non-GAAP measures. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to these non-GAAP measures are income (loss) from operations, Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. and segment operating margin. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures and have important limitations as analytical tools. Investors should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, because the Company’s non-GAAP measures exclude some, but not all, items that affect income and segment operating margin, and are defined differently by different companies within the Company’s industry, the Company’s definitions may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility. Management compensates for the limitations of the Company’s non-GAAP measures as analytical tools by reviewing the comparable GAAP measures, understanding the differences between the measures and incorporating these insights into the Company’s decision-making processes.

Adjusted Operating Margin

The Company defines adjusted operating margin for the Company’s segments as revenues less product purchases and fuel. It is impacted by volumes and commodity prices as well as by the Company’s contract mix and commodity hedging program.

Gathering and Processing adjusted operating margin consists primarily of:

service fees related to natural gas and crude oil gathering, treating and processing; and
revenues from the sale of natural gas, condensate, crude oil and NGLs less producer settlements, fuel and transport and the Company’s equity volume hedge settlements.

Logistics and Transportation adjusted operating margin consists primarily of:

service fees (including the pass-through of energy costs included in certain fee rates);
system product gains and losses; and
NGL and natural gas sales, less NGL and natural gas purchases, fuel, third-party transportation costs and the net inventory change.

The adjusted operating margin impacts of mark-to-market hedge unrealized changes in fair value are reported in Other.

Adjusted operating margin for the Company’s segments provides useful information to investors because it is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of the Company’s financial statements, including investors and commercial banks, to assess:

the financial performance of the Company’s assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
the Company’s operating performance and return on capital as compared to other companies in the midstream energy sector, without regard to financing or capital structure; and
the viability of capital expenditure projects and acquisitions and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities.

Management reviews adjusted operating margin and operating margin for the Company’s segments monthly as a core internal management process. The Company believes that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures that management uses in evaluating the Company’s operating results. The reconciliation of the Company’s adjusted operating margin to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is presented under “Review of Segment Performance.”

Adjusted EBITDA

The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other items that the Company believes should be adjusted consistent with the Company’s core operating performance. The adjusting items are detailed in the adjusted EBITDA reconciliation table and its footnotes. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by the Company and by external users of the Company’s financial statements such as investors, commercial banks and others to measure the ability of the Company’s assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs, support the Company’s indebtedness and pay dividends to the Company’s investors.

Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow

The Company defines adjusted cash flow from operations as adjusted EBITDA less cash interest expense on debt obligations and cash taxes. The Company defines adjusted free cash flow as adjusted cash flow from operations less maintenance capital expenditures (net of any reimbursements of project costs) and growth capital expenditures, net of contributions from noncontrolling interest and contributions to investments in unconsolidated affiliates. Adjusted cash flow from operations and adjusted free cash flow are performance measures used by the Company and by external users of the Company’s financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess the Company’s ability to generate cash earnings (after servicing the Company’s debt and funding capital expenditures) to be used for corporate purposes, such as payment of dividends, retirement of debt or redemption of other financing arrangements.

The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures used by management to the most directly comparable GAAP measures for the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
	(In millions)
Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations and Adjusted Free Cash Flow
Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp.	$	351.0		$	299.6		$	1,312.0		$	1,345.9
Interest (income) expense, net		177.7			178.0			767.2			687.8
Income tax expense (benefit)		110.5			102.5			384.5			363.2
Depreciation and amortization expense		378.5			341.4			1,423.0			1,329.6
(Gain) loss on sale or disposition of assets		(0.4	)		(1.3	)		(3.1	)		(5.3	)
Write-down of assets		2.2			0.8			6.2			6.9
(Gain) loss from financing activities		—			2.1			0.8			2.1
Equity (earnings) loss		(1.5	)		(2.8	)		(9.4	)		(9.0	)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates		8.7			4.5			25.3			18.6
Compensation on equity grants		15.8			16.7			63.2			62.4
Risk management activities		78.2			18.8			164.6			(275.4	)
Noncontrolling interests adjustments (1)		1.5			(0.4	)		3.9			(3.7	)
Litigation expense (2)		—			—			4.1			6.9
Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,122.2		$	959.9		$	4,142.3		$	3,530.0
Interest expense on debt obligations (3)		(173.8	)		(174.9	)		(752.4	)		(675.8	)
Cash taxes		(7.5	)		(4.9	)		(17.5	)		(13.6	)
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations	$	940.9		$	780.1		$	3,372.4		$	2,840.6
Maintenance capital expenditures, net (4)		(65.0	)		(70.4	)		(231.9	)		(223.4	)
Growth capital expenditures, net (4)		(819.7	)		(636.0	)		(3,000.4	)		(2,224.5	)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow	$	56.2		$	73.7		$	140.1		$	392.7

⁽¹⁾	^{Represents adjustments related to the Company’s subsidiaries with noncontrolling interests, including depreciation and amortization expense as well as earnings for certain plants within Targa’s WestTX joint venture not subject to noncontrolling interest.}
⁽²⁾	^{Litigation expense includes charges related to litigation resulting from the major winter storm in February 2021 that the Company considers outside the ordinary course of its business and/or not reflective of its ongoing core operations. The Company may incur such charges from time to time, and the Company believes it is useful to exclude such charges because it does not consider them reflective of its ongoing core operations and because of the generally singular nature of the claims underlying such litigation.}
⁽³⁾	^{Excludes amortization of interest expense. The year ended December 31, 2024 includes $55.8 million of interest expense associated with the Splitter Agreement ruling.}
⁽⁴⁾	^{Represents capital expenditures, net of contributions from noncontrolling interests and includes contributions to investments in unconsolidated affiliates.}

The following table presents a reconciliation of estimated net income of the Company to estimated adjusted EBITDA for 2025:

	2025E
	(In millions)
Reconciliation of Estimated Net Income Attributable to Targa Resources Corp. to
Estimated Adjusted EBITDA
Net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp.	$	1,765.0
Interest expense, net		875.0
Income tax expense		510.0
Depreciation and amortization expense		1,535.0
Equity earnings		(20.0	)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates		25.0
Compensation on equity grants		65.0
Noncontrolling interests adjustments (1)		(5.0	)
Estimated Adjusted EBITDA	$	4,750.0

⁽¹⁾	^{Represents adjustments related to the Company’s subsidiaries with noncontrolling interests, including depreciation and amortization expense as well as earnings for certain plants within Targa’s WestTX joint venture not subject to noncontrolling interest.}

Regulation FD Disclosures

The Company uses any of the following to comply with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD: press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, or our website. The Company routinely posts important information on its website at www.targaresources.com, including information that may be deemed to be material. The Company encourages investors and others interested in the company to monitor these distribution channels for material disclosures.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our projected financial performance, capital spending and payment of future dividends. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Company’s control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the timing and success of our completion of capital projects and business development efforts, the expected growth of volumes on our systems, the impact of significant public health crises, commodity price volatility due to ongoing or new global conflicts, the impact of disruptions in the bank and capital markets, including those resulting from lack of access to liquidity for banking and financial services firms, and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Targa Investor Relations
InvestorRelations@targaresources.com
(713) 584-1133

The MIL Network –

February 21, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Congressman Kustoff, Gov. Lee Visit Flooding in Rives

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and Governor Bill Lee visited Rives in Obion County to survey the flooding and meet with local officials and members of the community.

“I have been closely monitoring the situation in Obion County and remain in constant communication with local and state officials,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Roberta and I will continue to keep the families affected by this devastating flooding in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you to the first responders and various law enforcement officers for working diligently to evacuate and secure the area. In the coming days, I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, follow local guidance, and stay safe. I am committed to doing all I can on the federal level to help our community rebuild and recover.”

“While Tennesseans in Montgomery and Obion Counties face a long road to recovery after severe flooding, we are encouraged to see how the communities have come together to serve their neighbors in this time of need,” said Gov. Lee. “Maria and I continue to lift all those impacted up in prayer and thank state and local emergency officials, law enforcement, first responders and road crews for their quick response. Damage assessments are underway to determine the best path forward to support local recovery efforts.”

Pictures from the day:

L to R: Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Patrick Sheehan, Governor Lee, Congressman Kustoff, Obion County Mayor Steve Carr, Rives Mayor Lester Burnes

L to R: Congressman Kustoff, Rives Fire Chief Campbell Rice, Governor Lee

Obion County Sheriff Karl Jackson and Congressman Kustoff

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Arrington Hosts Ag Forum in Lubbock

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

Lubbock, Texas – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) hosted West Texas ag producers and stakeholders for a forum focused on agriculture. The conversation, held at the FiberMax Center for Discovery in Lubbock, focused on Arrington’s critical work securing emergency disaster relief for farmers in the end-of-year funding bill, what to expect under the new leadership of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and President Donald Trump, and updates on Arrington’s efforts fighting for farmers and ranchers in Congress.

“Great conversation today with producers from across West Texas discussing the big issues effecting agriculture and Rural America,” said Chairman Arrington. “West Texas is the backbone of this nation, feeding, clothing, and fueling America. However, the last 4 years of self-inflicted disasters have ravaged our producers with skyrocketing input costs and rock-bottom commodity prices. Fortunately, a new day has dawned in our country, and I am excited to continue serving alongside President Trump, Secretary Brooke Rollins, and our unified Republican Conference to Make Agriculture Great Again!”

“Representative Arrington has been a strong advocate for agriculture, working to ensure that sorghum farmers have the resources they need to succeed.” said Tim Lust, National Sorghum Producers CEO. “We appreciate his leadership in supporting policies that strengthen rural communities and look forward to working with him to make an effective safety-net through a new Farm Bill a reality in 2025. With historic drought and record inflation challenging farmers across the country, it is critical that we prioritize certainty, accountability, and long-term viability to protect the future of American agriculture.”

“The Texas Corn Producers Association commends Chairman Arrington for his leadership.” said David Gibson, Texas Corn Producers Association Executive Vice President. “We are hopeful for his advocacy for agriculture and work to address the severe economic challenges facing farmers in his district, state and across the nation, while safeguarding our food supply.”

Additional Ag Resources:

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Delivers Keynote Address to Alliance for Responsible Citizenship Conference

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Speaker Johnson delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) global conference in London, England. Appearing remotely to the more than 4,000-person audience, Speaker Johnson warned against the threat of “soft despotism,” and encouraged leaders to “be prepared to steer their aims towards policies and mediating institutions that reduce government dominion over our lives and advance prosperity.”

“The only way to reverse this trend into further technocratic tyranny is to recommit to our foundational principles and live them out. What made the West, and what made our nations great, must now guide us once again,” Speaker Johnson said.

Watch Speaker Johnson’s full address here.

Below are excerpts from the address:

“Here in America, as you are all seeing, we’re in the midst of a great change. In our national election a few months ago, our people delivered truly a mandate to make our country great again and to restore common sense in our public policy. Here and elsewhere, the radical big government progressives pushed that pendulum too far and too aggressively to the left, and the people rose up and said, enough. And now that pendulum is beginning to swing back to the center, and we’ve been given a once-in-a-generation opportunity to demonstrate now to our nation and the new demographics of voters who have come into our Republican Party for the first time, that it really is our conservative policies that lead to human flourishing, because they’re better for individuals and families and communities, individual states, and our nation as a whole,” Speaker Johnson said.

“In America, we still believe in peace through strength, and we still understand our role in the world. A strong America is good for free people everywhere because it helps to keep the terrorists and the tyrants at bay. But to maintain our strength and leadership, our foreign policy must be centered on our own national interest. It’s a matter of common sense for each of our countries to acknowledge that we must each take care of our own houses before we help take care of the neighborhood,” Speaker Johnson said. “As we seek to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, we will encourage all our friends and allies to do the same in and for their own countries. The survival of the West will depend upon that. And this is how we will turn the tides, by refocusing and marshalling our many shared interests toward our own national interest.”

“This trend is reflected in political apathy and the growing tendency of people to simply submit to governments whose laws have become so offensively intrusive and whose centers of power feel distant and inaccessible. If there is nothing to fight for, then why fight at all, Speaker Johnson said. ”This is the vision of the left, for the people to feel so powerless that they give in and just accept their fate as mindless vassals under the safe protection of the state. And the only way to reverse this trend into further technocratic tyranny is to recommit to our foundational principles and live them out. What made the West and what made our nations great must now guide us once again.

Below is the full transcript of Speaker Johnson’s address as delivered:

Thank you, my dear friend, the Baroness. Good morning. I wish I could be there with all of you in person, and I am truly sorry that I’ve been prevented from making the trip now for the second year in a row. I was unexpectedly elected Speaker of the House just days before the inaugural ARC Conference in October 2023, and I had to send my last-minute regrets. And now, just days before this second conference that I had so much been looking forward to, I found myself once again with late breaking developments in Congress, this time involving our budget and government funding that simply doesn’t allow me to leave the country. But there’s no place I’d rather be than there with you this week as we had long planned, but I’m glad to at least have this opportunity to join you remotely.

We find ourselves in a very unique and consequential moment in history here in America and throughout the West. And I believe the timing of the ARC Conference is truly providential. I joined the ARC Advisory Board two years ago because I was so intrigued by the idea of bringing together so many thought leaders and change makers from around the world to, as we determined, ‘shape a hope-filled vision for the future.’ My friends, there really is great reason for our hope.

Here in America, as you are all seeing, we’re in the midst of a great change. In our national election a few months ago, our people delivered truly a mandate to make our country great again and to restore common sense in our public policy. Here and elsewhere, the radical big government progressives pushed that pendulum too far and too aggressively to the left, and the people rose up and said, enough. And now that pendulum is beginning to swing back to the center, and we’ve been given a once-in-a-generation opportunity to demonstrate now to our nation and the new demographics of voters who have come into our Republican Party for the first time, that it really is our conservative policies that lead to human flourishing, because they’re better for individuals and families and communities, individual states, and our nation as a whole.

In recent decades, our government had become too large, too inefficient, and too powerful. And in too many cases, it had also been weaponized and corrupted. That is precisely what the framers of our Constitution feared and what political philosophers and historians over the centuries have warned against. Almost two centuries ago, Alexei de Tocqueville wrote of big government: “After having thus successfully taken each member of the community in its powerful grasp and fashioned him at will, the supreme power then extends its arm over the whole community. It covers the surface of society with a network of small, complicated rules, minute and uniform, which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate to rise above the crowd.”

De Tocqueville noted that “such a power does not tyrannize, but it compresses, extinguishes, and stupefies a people till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals of which the government is the shepherd.” Tocqueville called it soft despotism, a condition in which citizens voluntarily and gradually just surrender their rights and independence to the government, lured by the promise of security and stability. This kind of despotism doesn’t arrive through violence or open tyranny. Instead, it comes quietly, insidiously, through comfort and convenience.

Tocqueville warned of a future where citizens would become passive spectators in their own democracy, willful stewards of their carefully managed decline. Soft despots don’t break down your door and confiscate your weapons, they don’t arrest you in public for criticizing the government, and they don’t station soldiers on street corners to ensure your compliance. Soft despots ensure your compliance through normal democratic channels.

Regulations? Oh, they keep you safe.

Censorship? That’s to protect you from misinformation.

Surveillance? That’s necessary for your security, see.

Dependence? It offers you stability.

And we see these forces at work in our society today. The architects of this soft despotism have taken shape too often as government bureaucrats and big tech and corporate elites, international institutions, media gatekeepers, and the welfare state. And their benevolent rule has given us nations without borders, grossly inefficient bureaucracies, a culture of surveillance, and a citizenry that is apathetic, distracted, and dependent. The dynamics are the same around the world. Whether you’re in Detroit or Manchester, Lyon or Berlin, the supreme power of big government has extended its arm over all of us. And the casualties of the soft despotism that’s taken hold have been the loss of our heritage, our national identities, our patriotism, and our prosperity.

In this civilizational moment, as our friend Oz Guinness describes it, will we choose renewal, replacement, or decline? In the U.S., we have just embarked on a new path of renewal. We are determined to bring about a new golden age in America, as President Trump says, and we are convinced that we can, if we return to the timeless foundational principles which lead to human flourishing.

The challenge we have today is ensuring that the current generations of our countrymen recognize and recommit to those principles. And what are they? In less than 17 months, the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. As G.K. Chesterton observed, “America was founded on a creed that is set forth with dogmatic and even theological lucidity,” he said. From. the second paragraph of the Declaration, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration, almost all of them professed to be Christians, and at least half of them had received formal religious training in their education. Having studied the Bible, they recognize that we are not simply born equal, but rather created equal and that it is our Creator who endows us with our rights and not the state. They also recognize that all of us are made in the image of our Creator and thus every single person has an inestimable dignity and value. And that value is not related in any way to the color of our skin or where we live or what our talents are or anything else. Our value is inherent because it is given to us by God.

The founders of our country also understood that man has a fallen nature and that fallen men with power and no accountability can become a serious problem. Because power corrupts and as Lord Acton observed, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” So, our system of government was meticulously designed with careful safeguards, like the separation of powers and checks and balances. And our founders emphasized that a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, could not long survive without a vibrant practice of religious faith, because they understood that is a necessary element to foster personal responsibility and to keep a general moral consensus among the people. A healthy, self-governing society relies on the moral character of its citizens.

It’s ironic, but on this day in America, we’re observing one of our 11 federal holidays, and this one’s known as President’s Day, which originally began as an annual celebration of George Washington’s birthday. In his farewell address, the father of our country noted this. He said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Our second president, John Adams, reminded his countrymen that the American Constitution was, “made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” The founders emphasized the importance of balancing individual liberty with personal responsibility. And our fourth president, James Madison, argued that every citizen should put the nation above their own self-interest.

The timeless virtues that are rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition served as the foundation of America and of all Western civilization. But in recent decades, changes have happened rapidly, and left-wing social movements have advanced very aggressively. Many world leaders, convinced that national borders were obstacles to unity and social progress, sought to dismantle them in favor of global integration.

But a key downside to the new global order is that it ultimately led to a devaluing of local communities and a weakening of national identity, which was replaced instead by a divisive new racial, sexual, and gender-based identity. If Americans aren’t American anymore, and Brits aren’t British anymore, and Germans aren’t German anymore, then naturally something else will fill the void. If everyone is a citizen of the world, then no one is really accountable any longer to their own nation or to their own local community.

Unfortunately, these ideas have taken hold. We have heard a little bit about polls this morning. Here’s a few more. 50% of Germans under the age of 30 say they feel more European now than German. Only 40% of Americans say they are extremely proud to be American. Only one in five British adults consider themselves to be very patriotic. This trend is reflected in political apathy and the growing tendency of people to simply submit to governments whose laws have become so offensively intrusive and whose centers of power feel distant and inaccessible. If there is nothing to fight for, then why fight at all?

This is the vision of the left, for the people to feel so powerless that they give in and just accept their fate as mindless vassals under the safe protection of the state. And the only way to reverse this trend into further technocratic tyranny is to recommit to our foundational principles and live them out. What made the West and what made our nations great must now guide us once again.

During his trip through America, Tocqueville marveled at what he said was, “The extreme skill with which the inhabitants of the United States succeed in proposing a common object for the exertions of a great many men and in inducing them voluntarily to pursue it.” Those neighbors and local volunteers joined together to found seminaries, hospitals, prisons, libraries, and schools. They built society together with their own hands.

In all of our shared history in the West, it has remained true that strong communities have formed a bulwark against tyranny. Strong mediating institutions ground us in the needs of our community and the outgrowth of these institutions formed the basis for a healthy, engaged citizenry. Edmund Burke called them “little platoons.” He was referring to the families and churches and civic organizations and community groups which began at the smallest, most local level. Burke argued this bottom-up voluntary approach to society would deepen our sense of duty and shared responsibility to one another and also act as an important safeguard against a distant state authority.

While the spirit of voluntary association is currently on life support throughout the West, it is not dead. We see it in America every time there is a natural disaster. I’ve participated in this as a local citizen, and I’ve witnessed it often as an elected official.

This past September, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the United States. It was an historic storm. For five straight days, torrential rains and 100-mile-per-hour winds swept across the Atlantic, devastating homes and communities and businesses. It hit western North Carolina the hardest. As the Speaker of the House, tasked with ultimately passing the relief efforts through Congress, I wanted to take a trip to ground zero to witness the scope of this destruction and meet with the individuals whose aid our aid would eventually impact.

One of our first visits in the state was to the First Baptist Church in Swannanoa, North Carolina. When we arrived, we were met with what looked like a military-grade aid station. It was so impressive. There were doctors and nurses and carpenters and chefs and scores of volunteers. The storm knocked out almost all of their cell and internet service throughout the entire region. So, I asked the pastor’s wife at that church, how did all this come together?

She informed me that an elderly woman in the community, who had recently purchased an entire cow to store in her deep freezer for the winter months, had lost her home in the storm, but somehow the deep freezer had survived. She was worried that the hundreds of pounds of meat in her freezer would spoil without electricity, so she loaded it into a vehicle and dropped it off somewhere she knew it would go to good use, and that was the local church.

Neither the pastor nor his wife were trained butchers, but they knew they had hungry mouths in the community, so they turned their sanctuary into a makeshift butcher shop and started cooking for the surrounding people. As the smell of grilled beef wafted above the small town, citizens showed up. And they continued to show up. And from that point forward, the church became the central hub for disaster relief, organized not by the state or the federal government, but by local neighbors, the community. It filled in where the bureaucracy could not.

In times of disaster, local organizations are often the first to respond, well before the broken and bureaucratic federal agencies ever arrive. And they often have a much higher mission success rate, by the way. In my home state of Louisiana, organizations like the Cajun Navy, an interconnected group of volunteers with boats and trucks, have saved thousands of Louisianians during storms like Hurricane Katrina.

I tell these stories because they serve as evidence that strong communities, built on the spirit of voluntary association and shared responsibility are still very much alive. But it is a shame that it takes a natural disaster for us to recognize their value. This level of civic engagement should be the rule and not the exception, because the same principles that drive effective local action in times of crisis can also inform national policy and global leadership.

In the last line of the Declaration of Independence, our founders wrote the following, “For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” America’s founders were willing to die for the cause of liberty, and this acknowledgment in our nation’s birth certificate signaled a commitment that America would place our national interest over our individual interests, and those of foreign nations.

While we have gradually lost sight of this concept, the new American government is proof positive that we can rekindle that spirit once again. On this national holiday of ours, I’ll quote the president that I most fondly remember from my youth, and that’s Ronald Reagan. He reminded us of this famous admonition. He said, “We cannot escape our destiny, nor should we try to do so. The leadership of the free world was thrust upon us two centuries ago in that little hall in Philadelphia. In the days following World War II, when the economic strength and power of America was all that stood between the world and the return of the Dark Ages, Pope Pius XII said, the American people have a great genius for splendid and unselfish actions.

Into the hands of America, God has placed the destinies of an afflicted mankind.” American leadership clearly did help bring about decades of peace and economic growth and prosperity for the Western democracies.

In America, we still believe in peace through strength, and we still understand our role in the world. A strong America is good for free people everywhere because it helps to keep the terrorists and the tyrants at bay. But to maintain our strength and leadership, our foreign policy must be centered on our own national interest. It’s a matter of common sense for each of our countries to acknowledge that we must each take care of our own houses before we help take care of the neighborhood. As we seek to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, we will encourage all our friends and allies to do the same in and for their own countries. The survival of the West will depend upon that. And this is how we will turn the tides, by refocusing and marshalling our many shared interests toward our own national interest.

Recent elections in places France, Italy, like Netherlands and Germany signal that millions of freedom-loving people around the world share our concerns about unchecked power and the erosion of national sovereignty. As leaders in government, academia, media, and the arts, we must be prepared to steer their aims toward policies and mediating institutions that reduce government dominion over our lives and advance prosperity. In short, we must not let this civilizational moment pass us by.

So how do we do it? As leaders, we should be working at every level to shift control away from established power centers and back to the people. The local school board will not be nearly as powerful if there is a thriving parent-teacher association holding them accountable. The county commission’s grip on zoning laws is weakened when neighborhoods take control of development initiatives. And organizations like the World Economic Forum lose their dominance when organizations like our ARC seek to challenge their hegemony.

History has proven that centralized governments thrive when their subjects are powerless and indifferent. If we want to protect our rights from tyranny, we have to focus, work, and build closest to home. And we must hold our elected leaders accountable.

President Reagan reminded us of another thing. He said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on so that they will know the same liberty, opportunity, and security that we have too often taken for granted.”

This is our civilizational moment. The West is finally awakening once again. We have to seize this opportunity, and by God’s grace, we will. I hope you all enjoy this historic conference, and I thank you again for the opportunity to share with you this morning, and I so wish I was there in person. God bless you.

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Rogers Calls on FEMA & Army Corps for Speedy Flood Response

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Harold Hal Rogers (KY-05)

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the House, called on federal officials for a speedy and thorough response to Eastern Kentucky counties impacted by recent deadly flooding, mudslides and high winds. Congressman Rogers personally spoke to leaders with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville and Huntington Districts to discuss improvements that are needed for federal flood relief and flood control efforts. He also spoke to local leaders about their specific needs in Eastern Kentucky as flood recovery begins once again.

“It has been less than three years since the last catastrophic flood ravaged our region in July 2022, causing widespread damage and multiple fatalities. We learned some key lessons from the last two disasters that we must improve for Eastern Kentuckians. Bureaucratic red tape and burdensome regulations have led to far too many delays in previous relief efforts and flood control projects, so I discussed more efficient operations with FEMA and the Army Corps,” said Congressman Rogers.

As Dean of the House and the Kentucky Federal Delegation, Congressman Rogers led a joint letter to President Trump in support of Governor Andy Beshear’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration. President Trump swiftly approved the Governor’s request for an Emergency Disaster Declaration on Sunday, and this request for an expanded Major Disaster Declaration will provide widespread federal relief in counties that meet the threshold for public and individual assistance.

“I specifically requested mobile centers for FEMA to reach more people as quickly as possible. We also discussed previous offsets that prevented some flood survivors from accessing multiple sources of funding for home repairs, replacing appliances and other needs. We need to ensure Eastern Kentuckians have access to all available funds that can help them get back on their feet.”

Congressman Rogers has secured more than $800 million in federal funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects in southern and eastern Kentucky during his service to the region.

“We’ve seen the life-saving value of effective Army Corps projects along the Cumberland River, the Big Sandy and Tug Fork,” said Congressman Rogers. “We must work faster and more efficiently to remove dangerous debris and sediment in our waterways. We must also complete the flood control projects that are already underway in Coal Run, Town of Martin, Paintsville, Beattyville, and along the Kentucky River. These investments are crucial, but project delays have proven to be detrimental with three back-to-back flooding events in the last five years.”

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jimmy Gomez Honors LA Teacher Veronica Bane for Launching Book Drive Initiative In Response To The LA Fires

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

Los Angeles, CA — Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) visited Alliance Eric & Susan Smidt Tech High School to honor local teacher and author Veronica Bane for her outstanding efforts in supporting schools affected by the recent Palisades and Eaton wildfires. During the event, Congressman Gomez participated in book sorting and distribution activities, toured the Alliance Smidt Tech High School campus, and presented Ms. Bane with a congressional recognition.

“I’ve been encouraged to see our neighbors come together to rebuild our communities after the LA fires, and Ms. Bane is a shining example of this,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “After the fires, she took quick action and launched a book drive to replenish the libraries of affected schools and families. Her efforts have resulted in 14,000 books that will benefit countless educators and scholars, and it’s an honor to recognize her critical work.”

“Having Congressman Gomez visit Smidt Tech to support and recognize our efforts to help those who lost their books in the Los Angeles wildfires was an incredibly meaningful and empowering experience for me and my students,” said Veronica Bane, high school English teacher at Smidt Tech High School. “Congressman Gomez eloquently spoke to the necessity of community during harrowing times, and I’m proud to be part of a community that steps up to support their neighbors.”

“Congressman Jimmy Gomez visited Smidt Tech to present our teacher, Veronica Bane, with a congressional recognition for her leadership in organizing a book drive to support victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires,” said Alex Madueña, Smidt Tech High School Community Schools Coordinator. “Her dedication reflects the values we strive to instill in our students—compassion, initiative, and a commitment to service. Smidt Tech High is deeply connected to our community, and Ms. Bane’s efforts exemplify that spirit. She is not just a treasure to our school but an asset to our city, state, and nation, and we are incredibly proud of the impact she continues to make.”

In the aftermath of the devastating fires that destroyed over 16,000 structures and claimed at least 29 lives, including significant damage to educational facilities, Ms. Bane, a founding English teacher at Alliance Smidt Tech High School and a young adult author, launched a citywide book drive, successfully collecting over 14,000 new and gently used books from people nationwide, aiming to replenish classroom and family libraries lost in the fires.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Over 1,000 top-venting blank firers handed in
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

With less than 10 days remaining of national gun amnesty.
Police forces across England and Wales have seen over 1,000 Turkish manufactured guns handed in as part of a national amnesty currently taking place for owners, of soon to be outlawed blank firing guns, to hand them over to police.

The top-venting blank firing (TVBF) guns have become popular with organised criminals in recent years due to the ease at which they are readily convertible into lethal firearms. Tests by the National Crime Agency and policing, funded by the Home Office, show models produced by four Turkish manufacturers are readily convertible and therefore illegal. TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence by over 18s unless they are readily convertible.

Police forces across England and Wales have been holding a four-week Firearms Amnesty for Turkish manufactured TVBFs namely models with the brand names ‘Retay’, ‘Ekol’, ‘Ceonic’ and ‘Blow’, although anyone with a TVBF who is unsure of whether the law change applies to them has been given the simple advice – if in doubt, hand it in.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, said: “These weapons are readily convertible and therefore have been outlawed. Only with the public’s support can we get these potentially lethal weapons off the streets.

“What we have seen so far this month that the public have taken onboard the message and are visiting their local police station to hand in these weapons. It is important the public hand in these weapons to avoid them being used by criminals.

“Taking these weapons off the streets will stop them from being converted and go a significant way to help protect the public.

“With less than 10 days until the amnesty finishes, I would urge anyone with a Turkish manufactured TVBF to hand it in to their local police force. If you are in doubt whether yours is one of the brands, I would encourage you to hand it in to the police.”

So far, the amnesty has seen the following items handed in:
- 1,000 Turkish manufactured top-venting firers
- 3,000 rounds of ammunitions surrendered; this is primarily blank ammunition
The amnesty started on 3 February and is due to end next week on Friday 28 February 2025, after which anyone in possession of a TVBF could be subject to prosecution and up to 10 years imprisonment.

In their original state TVBFs have a fully blocked barrel and are designed to discharge only blank cartridges. When discharged, combustion gases vent from the top of the weapon. TVBFs are sold with at least 50 per cent of their visible surface painted a bright colour however, criminals may paint them black so they look like an original lethal purpose (OLP) weapon as well as convert them to a lethal purpose firearm.

Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Illegal firearms are dangerous and life-threatening, which is why we have such strong controls on them and we continue to keep all relevant laws under constant review.

“That’s why it’s important for any member of the public to hand these blank firers into their local police station, as it’s vital to take these illegal weapons off our streets to protect public safety.”

Since 2021, UK law enforcement has recovered more than 1,000 converted TVBFs in criminal circumstances. Firearms legislation has not changed; the weapons are illegal to own under the Firearms Act 1968 as they can be readily converted using common household tools and without specialist skill on the part of the person carrying out the conversion. Recent testing completed by the NCA has demonstrated this. Police are asking people to hand in any TVBFs before 28 February 2025 to help them avoid prosecution and prevent these pistols getting into the wrong hands.

Many TVBFs may be held in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes. The amnesty gives holders the chance to dispose of the TVBFs safely by taking it to a local police station and handing it in.

NCA Deputy Director, Charles Yates, said: “These four Turkish brands have appeared routinely in investigations and there had been a strong demand for them from organised criminals. They posed a significant threat.

“Preventing the sale of these illegal guns will make it harder for offenders to acquire a firearm. By surrendering their top-venting blank-firers, members of the public have helped us in our ongoing mission to keep communities safe.

“The amnesty is just one example of how the NCA and policing work together relentlessly to protect the public from the threat of firearms.”

Other unwanted, unlicensed firearms and ammunition may be surrendered to police at any time which will avoid the risk of them becoming involved in criminality and means that members of the community can dispose of firearms in a safe place.

Up until Friday 28 February 2025, those handing in a Turkish manufactured TVBF will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and will not have to give their details. However, the history of any live firearms handed in will be checked for evidence if its use in crime.

Top-venting blank firers can be handed in at designated police stations across England and Wales but anyone handing one during the Firearms Amnesty is advised to check with their local force regarding station locations and opening times for the amnesty. To receive advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station phone 101 before travelling.

If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity should call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes; removing an illegally held firearm may just save someone’s life.
MIL Security OSI –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Solar farm in Raywood incident

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA responded to a fire on a solar farm in Raywood, outside Bendigo at about 5.50pm on Thursday 20 February.

Ten CFA units from Bridgewater, Campbells Forest, Eaglehawk, Golden Square, Raywood and Woodvale attended the scene.

FRV, VicPol and Powercor were also on scene.

A transformer caught fire on a moderately sized commercial solar farm and crews used foam to extinguish it.

A warning was put out to the Raywood community because of the black toxic smoke drifting over the township.

Access was difficult for crews because of the density of the smoke.

The scene was under control at about 8.30pm. Energy Safe Victoria is investigating the cause.

Submitted by CFA media

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Plan steps closer to development and growth ambitions
Source: City of York

City of York Council is set to consider the adoption of its Local Plan following the findings of the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of City of York’s Local Plan.
The Local Plan will be presented for consideration at Full Council on Thursday 27 February.

City of York Council is set to consider the adoption of its Local Plan following the findings of the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of City of York’s Local Plan, which will be presented for consideration at Full Council on Thursday 27 February.

Once adopted, this Plan will be the city’s first comprehensive development framework since 1956 and will guide York’s growth for the next decade, marking a pivotal milestone in the city’s future development and growth ambitions, whilst establishing the city’s green belt and historic setting for the first time.

The Local Plan outlines the vision for sustainable housing, economic development, and infrastructure in York. It addresses key priorities such as affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and the protection of York’s historic character. The Plan provides a policy framework for decisions on development, shaping the city’s future spatial development until 2038.

As part of the adoption process, the Council will review the Inspector’s recommendations and the main modifications to housing allocations, green belt boundaries, and transport infrastructure planning. The final decision on whether to formally adopt the Local Plan will be made at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 27 February.

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of the Council, said:

The Local Plan is an historic step in shaping York’s bright future, and we’re excited about what it means for our city. We welcome the Inspector’s findings and are confident that their modifications will strengthen the Plan, ensuring it supports York’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive city for all. The Plan provides us with a clear roadmap for how our city will develop and grow over the next decade – meeting the needs of our residents and businesses.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this Plan to life. We truly appreciate your dedication and commitment to York’s future.”

Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality, and Inclusion, added:

This Local Plan is designed to support the growth of York while promoting equality, accessibility, and sustainability. We are particularly focused on ensuring that affordable housing remains a central component of this Plan, along with infrastructure that meets the needs of all residents, including those from the most disadvantaged groups. This is a long-term investment in creating a fairer, greener York for future generations.

Cllr. Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities, commented:

The Local Plan represents the outcome of 7 years extensive consultation, public hearings, and thorough examination. The Plan outlines significant investments in housing, transport, and employment opportunities, which will help drive York’s economy and provide much-needed infrastructure. For York to prosper we need to be ambitious, and this Plan unlocks the potential to make those ambitions a reality.

Inspector’s Report and Next Steps

The Inspector’s Report, published following extensive independent examination, recognised that the Local Plan meets all statutory duties to cooperate and aligns with national planning policies. However, the Report also identified certain areas requiring modifications to ensure the Plan’s soundness, particularly regarding the housing supply, green belt boundaries, and infrastructure delivery.

The Council has already responded to the Inspector’s recommendations, requesting main modifications that will address these deficiencies. Full Council will be asked to adopt the plan with the Inspectors’ modifications.

The Local Plan in Brief

The Local Plan will provide a comprehensive strategy for:

Delivering 20,000 new homes over the duration of the plan, including a significant proportion of affordable housing

Allocating sites for economic growth, including areas for employment and retail expansion

Investing in sustainable transport infrastructure, including improved bus routes, cycling paths, and EV charging stations

Mitigating and adapting to climate change with enhanced green infrastructure, flood defences, and energy-efficient building standards.

Safeguarding York’s historic and cultural heritage while ensuring new development respects the city’s unique character.

Setting the city’s green belt and protecting the historic setting for the first time.

The adoption of the Local Plan represents a turning point in York’s growth, ensuring that development is sustainable, well-planned, and consistent with local priorities.

For more details on the Inspector’s Report and the upcoming Full Council meeting, visit the our Local Plan Inspectors Report.

Full Council takes place on Thursday 27 February, the agenda is available to view online at our Democracy website and the meeting will be available to view live or on demand at our webcasts page.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: MOUNT BURR RD/DELANEYS RD , ROCKY CAMP (Grass Fire)

Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

Issued on
20 Feb 2025 17:42

Issued for
ROCKY CAMP near Millicent in the Lower South East of South Australia .

Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions

Action
Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes.

At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Outdoor fires prohibited in Manawatū-Whanganui coastal areas

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in Manawatū-Whanganui’s coastal areas from 8am on Friday 21 February, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means no open-air fires are allowed and all fire permits are suspended.

The coastal zone includes Whanganui city and eight coastal communities.

Manawatū-Whanganui District Manager Nigel Dravitzki says the lack of rain, warm temperatures, and drying winds are set to continue, so outdoor fires are being prohibited as a safety precaution.

“There might be some isolated rain, but the overall fire risk remains very high at the moment,” he says.

“In these conditions, we often see fires from controlled burns escaping, and these can move fast and are hard to put out when it’s so dry.

“We want to keep people, property and the environment safe while the fire risk is high.”

Nigel Dravitzki is also asking people in Manawatū-Whanganui to take care with any heat- or spark-generating activities, such as using machinery or power tools, or parking vehicles on dry grass, especially on hot, windy days.

“If you’re thinking about lighting a fire, go to checkitsalright.nz, which tells you what the restrictions are for your location, and provides safety guidance to stay safe,” he says.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: A new play about Julian Assange, Truth is an intelligent, thoughtful and unsettling work

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Art and Performance, Deakin University

Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

Truth, the new play from writer-director pair Patricia Cornelius and Susie Dee, dives headfirst into the contentious world of Julian Assange. It offers us a nuanced portrait of the WikiLeaks founder who transformed from hacker wunderkind to global lightning rod.

An apt celebration of the significant body of work from the acclaimed duo, Truth opens nearly 40 years after the pair created and performed their first collaboration, Lilly and May.

Assange rose to global prominence by publishing classified documents that exposed government secrets and surveillance programs. He became both a celebrated whistleblower and a controversial figure in debates about transparency and national security.

Truth unravels the threads of his story.

Truth reveals the complex legacy of a man whose actions have both championed and challenged modern democracy.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

A complex legacy

The work is set in a spare, black-box space, characterised by Matilda Woodroofe’s bureaucratic brutalist design.

A backdrop of hard mesh enclosures and scaffolded structures evokes a monotonous line of outdoor exercise yards or prison cells. This is flanked by colourless filing cabinets, 80s-style laminated brown desks and office chairs on wheels. A giant LED screen crowns the structure.

The ensemble (Emily Havea, Tomàš Kantor, James O’Connell, Eva Rees and Eva Seymour) weaves together key moments in Assange’s life, revealing the complex legacy of a man whose actions have both championed and challenged modern democracy.

Speaking in chorus at times, the actors perform multiple versions of Assange and other characters. They are journalists, whistleblowers, narrators, and include the key figures of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning.

A terrific and youthful ensemble cast delivers sensitive and energised performances.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

Characterised by Cornelius’ trademark rapid-fire dialogue, the text is tightly calibrated with smart, sparse, dry comments that, at times, comically undercut our Australian sensibilities. As one character says, “the worst thing to be in this country is too smart”.

The ensemble is physically dynamic and vocally strong. They have a particular choreographic fluidity. A spaciousness and attention to timing allows each performance to land. This is a testament both to Dee’s sharp, contained direction, and a terrific and youthful ensemble cast who deliver sensitive and energised performances.

From geek to advocate

The play moves chronologically through Assange’s life. We begin with the rocky early years marked by the dissonance between his sharp intelligence and reputation as computer nerd. We witness his arrests for hacking. We follow his evolution from awkward geek to outspoken advocate for free speech.

The play offers us a nuanced portrait of the WikiLeaks founder who transformed from hacker wunderkind to global lightning rod.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

The play is grounded in comprehensive research, and solo moments featuring Snowden and Manning serve as poignant interludes to the fast-paced narrative of Assange’s life events.

I am struck by the way the work unsettles my preconceptions. The small, stark image of a naked Private Manning in her isolated cell is particularly raw and affecting – but is juxtaposed on stage against Assange’s dubious behaviour towards two young women in Sweden.

The show clips along, all the while unfolding a nuanced consideration of the complexities of reported narratives and the myriad ways in which journalistic narratives are influenced – and controlled.

The delivery to the audience is largely direct-address. This risks becoming tedious, but Cornelius’ intelligent style and the ensemble’s strong performance carries through.

The LED screen is used to great effect. The video design (Meri Blazevski) shifts through rainstorms of binary digits, to list of early Assange manifestos or leaked stories, to pixellated images of actors’ faces as teenage gamers.

The work is set in a spare, black-box space, characterised by Matilda Woodroofe’s bureaucratic brutalist design.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

In a long and shocking sequence, we witness drone footage from the Afghanistan war logs accompanied by the chillingly dispassionate commentary of the operators.

Often, the screen becomes a surface for live video feeds which work to personalise or disembody characters, functioning variously as narrator, witness, and surveillance device. Transitions between closeups, documentation and stark data both drive and complicate the storytelling.

Kelly Ryall’s composition and sound design – often paired with the pulsing or flashing giant texts on the screen – is a retro-electronic tapestry of victory chimes, synthetic bleeps and Pac Man pings. It is all underscored by deep digital tones and rapid analogue tapping of keyboards.

A long artistic relationship

This is an intelligent and thoughtful show that manages to be both complex and entertaining. The play is particularly salient given current global events, challenging us to consider the scale of what we’re up against, how long we should remain silent, and what power – if any – we have to effect change.

In an era of heated debate about transparency and fake news, Truth emerges as a vital and edgy work in the capable hands of two highly respected theatre makers.

The work is testament to the longevity of an artistic relationship between two older women that carries decades of embodied knowledge.

Despite the persistent ageism in Australian theatre that often equates “urgency” exclusively with youth, this work reminds us older artists can and do challenge and disrupt – and bring a special and necessary currency to our cultural life.

Truth is at Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne, until March 8.

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

– ref. A new play about Julian Assange, Truth is an intelligent, thoughtful and unsettling work – https://theconversation.com/a-new-play-about-julian-assange-truth-is-an-intelligent-thoughtful-and-unsettling-work-247909

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: By land and by sea: UK supports US-led military exercises improving African security and stability
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

The UK Armed Forces are working with allies to deliver joint exercises with African partners to protect our people, prosperity and shared values.
UK advisors guide partner forces in urban operations drills at Justified Accord, Kenya (Credit: U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa)

Thursday 20 February 2025 – The UK Armed Forces have been one of the biggest contributors to two large-scale military exercises that are reaching their climax this week across the land and sea of East Africa. The United States is leading both exercises and has brought together over 2,000 personnel from the armed forces of 29 countries, including 22 African nations.

The UK is responsible for delivering component parts of these multinational training exercises, under United States stewardship. The UK has been one of the biggest contributors to the Exercise Justified Accord ‘Field Training Exercise (FTX)’ which sees B Company 3 RIFLES exercise alongside a company from the US 173rd Airborne Brigade, a company of Kenya Army infantry, a troop of Kenyan Marines, Kenya Airforce fixed wing and rotary wing assets and, one infantry platoon each from Tanzania and Somalia.

Exercise Justified Accord is a land multinational exercise being delivered between 10 – 21 February hosted by Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. It began with table-top exercises that have laid the foundation for full-scale live activity, which are now underway. The action-packed drills involve coordinating and executing ground attacks, calling in air-support, urban warfare, using drones, and breaching and clearing buildings, as well as medical evacuations.

Cutlass Express is being conducted simultaneously, mostly in Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania. It is a naval warfare exercise which focuses on boarding various types of vessels at high speed to take command and control. The exercise challenges teams to complete scenarios which become increasingly harder and involve different types of vessels – from boarding small boats and dhows, to gaining control of larger vessels whilst under fire.

In another example of the United Kingdom and the United States being long-term partners for long-term stability and security, Exercise Cutlass Express is taking place for the 15th time, whilst Exercise Justified Accord has been conducted in various forms since 1998. Further joint exercises with African partners are planned for 2025.

Both exercises will ensure that the different forces involved work together to achieve combat objectives and prepare for real-life scenarios where they may have to collaborate quickly and effectively to counter threats in the region.

Falling just after the election of the new African Union Chairperson, the exercises also support the African Union’s security objectives by preparing partners for United Nations and African Union missions in Africa.

It serves as another example of the UK’s support for improved security not just in East Africa, but across the whole of Africa. These include the creation of the history-making, first-ever Kenyan marines and joint-training with the special forces of Nigeria and Ghana.

Olly Bryant, Defence Attaché at the British High Commission Nairobi, said:

The UK is a long-term partner, helping to deliver long-term stability and security across East Africa, and we are proud to be working with our allies on delivering high-capacity and high-quality activity. We are also proud of our security partnerships with our partners across Africa, which protect our people, prosperity and shared interests – we go far when we go together.

EDITOR’S NOTES

Video and photo content

Please find free-to-access video and photo content for Justified Accord here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/JustifiedAccord

Please find free-to-access photo and video content for Cutlass Express here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/CutlassExpress2025

Here is a link to a small selection of photos on Google Drive taken from the sites above: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DOz2ajnRjFK4vAMN7KxajL57RgXO-9aJ?usp=sharing

Background on Exercise Justified Accord

You can find more information here, via U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa.

Background on Exercise Cutlass Express

You can find more information here, via U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.

List of participating nations

Exercise Justified Accord

Angola

Botswana

Djibouti

DRC

Ghana

Kenya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mozambique

Nigeria

Republic of the Congo

Somalia

Tanzania

Tunisia

Uganda

Zambia

France (Observer)

India (Observer)

Italy

Netherlands

United Kingdom

United States

Exercise Cutlass Express

Comoros

Djibouti

Kenya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mauritius

Morocco

Mozambique

Senegal

Seychelles

Somalia

Tanzania

Tunisia

France

Georgia

India (Observer)

United Kingdom

United States

CONTACT

For media enquiries, please contact Tom Walker at the British High Commission Nairobi on tom.walker2@fcdo.gov.uk.

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Published 20 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Households are burning plastic waste as fuel for cooking and heating in slums the world over
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bishal Bharadwaj, Adjunct Research Fellow, Curtin Institute for Energy Transition, Curtin University

Poor people in vast city slums across the Global South are burning plastic to cook their food, warm their homes and boil water for hot showers.

Waste plastic is plentiful and highly flammable. So it’s not surprising people in developing countries, mainly in Africa, Asia and Latin America, are putting it to use – especially as wood is increasingly scarce.

But burning plastic is hazardous, as it releases toxins into the surrounding air – and possibly into the food on the stove.

We wanted to draw attention to this growing problem, which has received little attention to date despite the many potential harms.

In our new “perspective” paper, published in Nature Cities, we explain why so many communities are using plastic as an energy source.

We then explore further research needed and recommend ways for policymakers to tackle the issue.

Mountains of plastic waste

The world has produced more plastic in the past 20 years than the total previously produced since commercial production began in 1950. Roughly half a billion tonnes of plastic is now produced every year.

Plastic production is still accelerating. Global plastic use is predicted to almost triple by 2060 due to soaring demand from a growing population with rising incomes.

Unfortunately, most plastic is not recycled. Instead, it is discarded and ultimately ends up polluting marginal land such as flooded areas and open dumping grounds before making its way into the ocean.

Burning plastic waste for cooking and heating is becoming increasingly common in city slums. a–f, Photographs showing the use of plastic to start a fire in Koshi Province in Nepal (a), a household heating milk by burning plastic in Madhesh province of Nepal (b) and the burning of plastic in Guwahati, India (c), in Enugu, Nigeria (d,e) and in the slums of Lahore, Pakistan (f). Credits for photographs: a, Srijana Baniya; b, Pramesh Dhungana; c, Monjit Borthakur; d,e, Chizoba Obianuju Oranu; f, Sobia Rose.
Bharadwaj, B., Gates, T., Borthakur, M. et al. The use of plastic as a household fuel among the urban poor in the Global South. Nat Cities (2025).

A product of energy poverty in city slums

Increasing urbanisation is reducing access to traditional fuels such as wood and crop residue from farmland.

But plastic is readily available. Low-income households with little or no access to gas or electricity often find themselves living alongside mountains of rubbish.

This plastic, made from fossil fuels, represents a cheap and convenient fuel. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and a nuisance material that people want to be rid of. Plastic is also relatively easy to dry and store, but can burn even when wet. It’s also flexible and pliable, so it can be used easily in traditional cooking arrangements such as basic stoves.

Burning plastic releases toxins such as dioxins, furans and heavy metals into the air. These chemicals are known to cause cancer, heart disease and lung diseases.

The more vulnerable people in the household – including women and children and those who spend more time indoors – tend to be most exposed to the fumes. But the problem also affects people in the neighbourhood and the wider community.

Burning plastic is likely to also contaminate food. For example, eggs from farms near plastic waste incinerators in Indonesia contained hazardous chemicals from burned plastic. However, more evidence is needed around food contamination.

Furthermore, when households burn plastic bottles and other containers, some of the original contents also burn. Given chemicals are poorly regulated, the consequences of burning plastic could be greater still.

Overcoming the problem

A first step to overcoming the problem is understanding the reality of those living in slums. Policy-makers need to recognise these people’s needs and the challenges they face.

Extensive research is needed to design the most effective and inclusive policy interventions. This needs to be addressed if we are to reduce the associated health and environmental impacts on such large populations across the world.

We have gathered a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of researchers from around 35 countries – mostly in the Global South – to better understand the problem. We recently completed a survey of people exposed to the issue such as local government employees, teachers and community workers in more than 100 cities in 26 countries.

We are also examining the emissions from waste plastic during food preparation to determine the extent of contamination in variety of stoves.

Nobody wants to burn plastic waste to cook food, so policies like ban on burning plastic with out contextual intervention will not work. There is a need to design inclusive policy interventions that provide equitable benefits to the wider community. For example, encouraging people to:
- wash any plastic before it is burned, to remove chemical residues
- use improved cookstoves that vent the fumes outside
- expand basic urban amenities like waste management to low income settlements
- provide support to help lift households out of poverty.
Each approach will depend on the specific requirements of the slum settlement. But by implementing multiple approaches in parallel, we can tackle the problem more effectively.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Households are burning plastic waste as fuel for cooking and heating in slums the world over – https://theconversation.com/households-are-burning-plastic-waste-as-fuel-for-cooking-and-heating-in-slums-the-world-over-250265
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On the morning of February 19, 1945, the first wave of United States Marines landed on the island of Iwo Jima — commencing 36 long, perilous days of gruesome warfare, and one of the most consequential campaigns of the Second World War. With ruthless fervor, the Japanese struck our forces with mortars, heavy artillery, and a steady barrage of small arms fire, but they could not shake the spirit of the Marines, and American forces did not retreat.

Five days into the conflict, six Marines ascended the island’s highest peak and hoisted Old Glory into the summit of Mount Suribachi — a triumphant moment that has stood the test of time as a lasting symbol of the grit, resolve, and unflinching courage of Marines and all of those who serve our Nation in uniform.

After five weeks of unrelenting warfare, the island was declared secure, and our victory advanced America’s cause in the Pacific Theater — but at a staggering cost. Of the 70,000 men assembled for the campaign, nearly 7,000 Marines and Sailors died, and 20,000 more were wounded.

The battle was defined by massive casualties, but also acts of gallantry — 27 Marines and Sailors received the Medal of Honor for their valor during Iwo Jima. No other single battle in our Nation’s history bears this distinction. Eighty years later, we proudly continue to honor their heroism.

American liberty was secured, in part, by young men who stormed the black sand shores of Iwo Jima and defeated the Japanese Imperial Army eight decades ago. In spite of a brutal war, the United States–Japan Alliance represents the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Nonetheless, our victory at Iwo Jima stands as a legendary display of American might and an eternal testament to the unending love, nobility, and fortitude of America’s Greatest Generation. To every Patriot who selflessly rose to the occasion, left behind his family and his home, and gallantly shed his blood for freedom on the battlefields at Iwo Jima, we vow to never forget your intrepid devotion — and we pledge to build a country, a culture, and a future worthy of your sacrifice.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 19, 2025, as the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. I encourage all Americans to remember the selfless patriots of the Greatest Generation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Woman charged with arson over West Launceston fire

Source: Tasmania Police

Woman charged with arson over West Launceston fire

Thursday, 20 February 2025 – 1:52 pm.

A woman has been charged with arson following a fire at a West Launceston residence overnight.
Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania Police were called to Merrys Lane about 10.30pm Wednesday after reports a structure was on fire.
A man, who was inside the property at the time of the fire, had escaped without injuries and contacted emergency services.
Crews from Launceston and Prospect fire brigades attended and contained the fire.
Damage has been estimated at approximately $400,000.
A woman – who was also outside the residence when emergency services arrived – was arrested by police.
A fire investigation determined the fire was deliberately lit and the woman – a 52 year old of no fixed address – has since been charged with arson and detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court tonight.
Anyone with information or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the fire should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Exclude Catastrophe Mitigation Payments from Income Taxes

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined nine of their Senate colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025 to prevent disaster mitigation funds from being taxed as part of gross income. These funds help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
“Coloradans know the damage caused by wildfires and other natural disasters too well. This is a critical step we can take to keep our families and homes safe and give communities the resources they need to rebuild,” said Hickenlooper.
“This commonsense legislation takes a critical step toward empowering individuals and communities to better protect themselves from the devastating effects of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene,” said Tillis. “By excluding qualified catastrophe mitigation payments from income tax, we are incentivizing property owners to make the necessary improvements that reduce damage and save lives. This proactive approach to disaster preparedness not only helps families rebuild faster but strengthens our resilience in the face of future disasters.”
“The devastating fires in Southern California underscored the urgent need to empower homeowners to take proactive steps to keep their families and homes safe,” said Padilla. “As these disasters become more frequent and more extreme due to the climate crisis, we should incentivize — not penalize — taxpayers for protecting their homes. That’s why the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act would provide a tax exemption on payments from state-based programs for homeowner investments in critical disaster-related improvements.”
“Louisianans understand the impact of devastating storms, but with the help of state and local programs, we have tools to rebuild and return to wholeness,” said Cassidy. “If communities need tax relief, let’s give it to them!”
“We have seen how natural disasters have devastated communities around the country, and we must ensure we have the resources and programs in place to respond,” said Schiff. “Homeowners should not face additional taxes for wanting to protect their homes and our bipartisan legislation will provide the needed tax relief to help affected Americans recover from these disasters.”
The bill defines a “qualified catastrophe mitigation payment” as any amount received for making improvements to an individual’s property for the sole purpose of reducing the damage that would be done to such property by a windstorm, earthquake, flood, or wildfire.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Building climate resilience into food systems in the Eastern Gangetic Plains

Source: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

The world’s highest concentration of rural poverty occurs in the Eastern Gangetic Plains of Bangladesh, India and Nepal – a region that is home to 450 million people.

Livelihoods in this part of the world rely greatly on agriculture. Opportunities to work with smallholder farmers can lay the foundations for a more productive, sustainable and diversified agricultural economy.

Among the research-for-development professionals on the ground is a team working on the Rupantar project, an ACIAR-supported initiative led by Dr Tamara Jackson of the University of Adelaide.

The Rupantar project operates at a whole-of-system level. It spans both social and farming practices and extends all the way through to policy settings, market opportunities and other agrifood system barriers holding smallholders back. It also builds on prior investments by ACIAR and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Included in this integrated approach are considerations for climate impacts.

This concern saw 15 team members from the Rupantar project visit the University of Adelaide and regional South Australia and Victoria in October 2024. Funded as part of a DFAT Australia Awards Fellowship program, the study tour focused on climate resilience and adaptation.

The Rupantar project

‘Rupantar’ has a common meaning in Bangla, Hindi and Nepali. It means change on a level so profound that it is transformative. Launched in 2021, the Rupantar project is identifying opportunities for inclusive and diversified food production innovation.

Given the partnership model typical of ACIAR projects, these opportunities need to be priorities for local communities. They also need to be sustainable and to fit with longer-term climate, nutrition and available water resource projections.

Achieving this level of integration requires working on multiple levels at the same time. There is ground-up innovation – from personal to organisational. Then there are high-level policies that work down and can make important change on the ground.

Our hypothesis is that an integrated approach to livelihood change – coupled with inclusive and collaborative approaches – will result in more effective and sustainable development pathways.

Dr Tamara Jackson,
University of Adelaide

‘So, our goal is to understand the processes and practices needed to diversify food production in ways that improve farm livelihoods and reduce inequity, production risk and unsustainable resource use.’

The on-the-ground work with smallholders is implemented at sites in West Bengal (India), Rangpur (Bangladesh) and Koshi Province (Nepal). Implementation involves actioning ‘diversification pathways’ that were co-developed collaboratively with local partners.

Diversification pathways

The aim of these pathways is twofold. The first is to test diversification options and select the most appropriate crop and livestock options that are priorities for local communities. These are then implemented within existing networks and are aligned with institutional settings.

The second aim is to monitor the changes associated with the pathways, including long-term sustainability.

The project is also mindful that diversification can look very different to different members within households and can include off-farm income from seasonal male migration and greater reliance on women household members.

In all, three types of diversified systems are being explored:

• plant-based production, including crops and horticulture
• livestock-based, including chickens, goats and dairy that are especially important to women’s income
• irrigation-constrained systems.

‘The project is working on strengthening what already works about a farming system in the Eastern Gangetic Plain and building on innovations from prior projects, such as ACIAR’s introduction of conservation agriculture cropping practices,’ said Dr Jackson.

Long-running ACIAR initiatives in the Eastern Gangetic Plains worked with smallholder farmers across Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to introduce sustainable practices and innovations to intensify production.

The project team has spent the first 2 years on the ground running baseline surveys and mapping villages to better understand the system.

Implementation started in 2023 once it became clear what would work best in different settings. The visit to Australia in 2024 provided project partners with opportunities to observe what diversified and climate-resilient Australian farms look like.

Participants included Rupantar project partners from provincial government, cooperatives, farmer producer companies, NGOs, local university partners and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.

Climate-smart innovation

Dr Jay Cummins from International Agriculture for Development hosted the study tour group and developed the course that focused on addressing the climate realities in collaboration with the Rupantar project.

The 20-day study tour was entitled ‘Supporting climate-smart, resilient food production networks in the Indo-Gangetic Plains’.

Key experts shared their experiences responding to climate change and on-farm visits examined how Australian agriculture builds climate resilience into its practices in different environmental and socioeconomic settings.

‘Included were visits to more rainfed, dryland cropping systems in the Mallee and, in addition, to irrigated production systems in the Murray–Darling Basin,’ said Dr Cummins.

The Australia Awards program provided a valuable mechanism to connect the participants with a whole range of Australian organisations and professionals, which in turn will help build international networks and collaboration.

Dr Jay Cummins
International Agriculture for Development

In the Eastern Gangetic Plain, food production can be heavily focused on wet season rice crops. In Australia, the visitors were able to explore dry season opportunities for diversified production of crops and livestock, including in mixed farming systems. They saw how Australian farmers manage risks around water scarcity and drought. At South Australian Riverland sites, discussions included irrigation and water management that present different diversification options.

Participant perspectives

Loxton farmer Brycen Rudiger (left)discusses the challenges of growing wheat in the Mallee region with Nepali participant Gautam Bhupal (right).

Among the participants were Dr Deepa Roy from India, Ms Bimala Pokhrel from Nepal and Dr Mamunur Rashid from Bangladesh.

Dr Roy is an agricultural extension expert based at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India. She told ACIAR that smallholder farmers in the Eastern Gangetic Plains face numerous challenges that can lock them into poverty.

These range from small and fragmented landholdings that make mechanisation difficult, to a lack of agronomic knowledge, limited agricultural support services, limited market access, financial constraints and climatic hazards.

‘Through the course several key insights and learnings emerged that may help our farmers in understanding and adopting climate resilient technologies,’ said Dr Roy.

Key insights for participants included:

• assessing the carbon footprint of farming and taking action to reduce it
• introducing efficient soil moisture management strategies such as mulching
• adopting agronomic practices such as crop rotations and climate-resilient crops
• building soil fertility
• advocating for improved climate forecasting
• adopting grower-led research and extension
• developing digital tools to monitor the adoption of innovation
• providing financial management training to smallholder farmers
• using podcasts and radio to provide farm advisory services.

Overall, Dr Roy said that the course equipped attendees with a holistic understanding of climate-smart practices. ‘It helped us not only to strengthen technical knowledge but also to develop critical soft skill and a deeper understanding of sustainable climate resilient farming.’

It’s a point of view shared by Ms Pokhrel, who works with the Ministry of Industry Agriculture and Cooperatives in Koshi Province, Nepal. She said the course enriched efforts to both help farmers and policymakers with future planning. And it worked by enhancing both her professional and personal capacity.

‘What stood out was the extent that Australian farmers have already adopted technology to mitigate against climate change,’ said Ms Pokhrel. ‘This was particularly stark when it came to soil health and sustainable soil management practices. One of the key learnings is that we can tailor these practices for our context in the Koshi Province and, in that way, improve crop productivity by improving soil health.’

Mr Rashid agreed. He is a research fellow at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. He noted that while ACIAR is helping to introduce conservation agriculture to Bangladesh, South Australian farmers have already adopted these soil and soil-moisture conserving practices.

They are also growing more legume crops for soil health and fertiliser benefits, adopting risk-aversion strategies amid climate variability, and introducing carbon farming to adapt to climate change.

Improved water management

Both Ms Pokhrel and Mr Rashid were especially impressed by Australian water management systems in drought-prone landscapes. They think these kinds of Australian practices have a role to play at the project sites.

While the cost and expertise required to adopt and maintain technologies such as drip irrigation systems used in Australia may be beyond the capacity of many smallholder farmers, the study tour has already inspired a new water conservation pilot project.

The Bangladesh team will launch ‘Conserving soil moisture through mulching technique in chili farming’ in the Rupantar project areas, focusing on farmers in northern Bangladesh, who experience frequent floods and droughts.

The Rupantar project delegation on tour in the northern Mallee of South Australia.

‘This initiative aims to use soil moisture and reduce irrigation in chilli farming, aided by Chameleon soil water sensors that can support decision-making for the farmers of the Rupantar project,’ said Mr Rashid.

Ms Pokhrel was greatly impressed by the grower-centric research, development and extension infrastructure built around farmers’ needs in Australia. For her, this was typified by organisations such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Almond Board.

She thinks there are opportunities to ‘sensitise’ the different boards in Nepal to this approach.

Surprises for the project partners included the large size of farms given the small number of people working in agriculture.

What also surprised us is the rate of technology adoption by farmers, along with their dedication and the satisfaction they receive from the agricultural profession.

Ms Bimala Pokhrel
Nepal

‘Mallee Sustainable Farming System was impressive and working with farmers groups and developing the communication material in local languages are the things that we can develop for our smallholder farmers too.’

Finally, they praised the networking opportunities provided by the course, including with farmers, and opportunities to understand the people, country and culture.

ACIAR Project WAC/2020/148: ‘Transforming smallholder food systems in the Eastern Gangetic Plain’

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Shaheen Blasts Trump Administration’s Reckless Firing of FAA Personnel Critical to Aviation Safety
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

(Washington, DC) – On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) raised concerns for public safety after the Trump Administration recklessly decided to fire hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel critical to aviation safety. This week’s decision will further strain the system at a time when incidents and near-misses are at a high. Last week, Shaheen and U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) sent a bipartisan letter calling on Acting Administrator of the FAA, Chris Rochelau to urgently work with Congress to address air safety workforce staffing shortages. You can watch her remarks in full here.

Key Quotes:
- “Many towers and facilities are operating buildings and on equipment that’s five, ten, even fifteen years old and when something goes wrong, they need to know there’s someone on call to fix things because lives literally depend on it. Americans need to know that the skies are secure and that their safety is a top priority.”
- “I think we should do everything we can to make government run efficiently and effectively. But indiscriminately freezing hiring across the board [and] pushing out thousands of civil servants makes that problem worse, not better.”
- “I don’t think people elected Donald Trump to dismantle this country’s air traffic control system. I think they elected him because they wanted to see inflation go down, they wanted to see their grocery prices reduced, they wanted to see help with rental costs, mortgage rates, with energy costs, and what have we seen in the weeks since Donald Trump got inaugurated? No effort to address any of those things.”
Full Remarks as Delivered:

I come to the floor today to call attention to the Trump Administration’s unconscionable disregard for air safety.

Last month, here in Washington, we saw the deadliest commercial aviation event on U.S. soil in over 23 years.

And while this loss of life was horrifying, it was unfortunately not unimaginable.

In recent years, near misses at airports across the country have increased, and the incident at DCA illustrated just how quickly these dangerous situations can take a turn for the worst.

Several times last year, runway incidents were narrowly avoided, due in no small part to the heroic actions of certified professional air traffic controllers who staff our towers.

These controllers are hardworking Americans.

They often log six-day weeks and ten-hour days—and that’s on a good week.

So even before this week’s misguided and, frankly, stupid—I mean, I have to say, I think it’s a stupid decision to lay off hundreds of FAA workers and air traffic controllers who have been overworked and understaffed.

And this is not a new problem.

We’ve known about it for years.

For years in Congress, we’ve been sounding the alarm about the need to invest in our air traffic control workforce.

In last year’s FAA reauthorization bill, we worked in a bipartisan fashion to address this issue—to support our air traffic control workforce so they can do their vital, often lifesaving jobs effectively.

By partnering with the National Air Traffic Control Union and the FAA, we successfully adopted a new staffing method, model, staffing model, in the reauthorization bill, and they’ve been making good progress, but of course we have more work to do.

It’s important to acknowledge that any response to the tragedy at Reagan National Airport must include a commitment to reinforce all parts of our aviation safety workforce.

Controllers would be the first ones to tell you that they don’t work in a vacuum.

The equipment they use is maintained by hundreds of dedicated support personnel who go through years of highly specialized training.

Many towers and facilities operate in buildings and on equipment that’s five, ten, even fifteen years old, and when something goes wrong, they need to know that there’s someone on call to fix things because lives literally depend on it.

Americans need to know that the skies are secure and that their safety is a top priority.

Sadly, I can’t say that the actions we’re seeing from this administration does any of that.

Secretary Duffy said he wants to surge air traffic controller hiring.

I agree with him on that.

We can and we should hire more air traffic controllers, but not at the expense of the rest of FAA’s workforce.

We can hire any number of air traffic controllers tomorrow, but without the dedicated support staff that make their work possible, it wouldn’t matter.

So how is the Administration responding to the American people’s distress over increasingly frequent close calls and, indeed crashes, sadly, like the one we saw in Toronto this week?

Well, over the weekend this administration fired nearly 400 FAA employees, some of them in my state of New Hampshire.

We heard an outpouring of concern over the weekend from controllers, pilots, airlines and passengers who want to know that they’re going to be safe when they fly.

I’m sure the Administration must be hearing this too.

But when asked about the impact of the irresponsible and reckless effort, this is what Secretary Duffy had to say, he said and I quote, “zero critical safety personnel were let go.”

Well, so I’m not sure I understand this.

We’re telling the American people that if a communications system goes down while the plane is approaching the runway, the person who knows how to get it back up and running isn’t critical?

That if the power goes out at an en-route facility while 747s are flying overhead, the eighteen fired maintenance personnel who know how to turn the lights back on won’t be necessary?

That the staffers who develop innovative safety and flight procedures every time there is an incident, to make sure your plane takes off on time and arrives safely, are fair game to be fired?

Because we just lost 13 of them.

And to anyone who’s worried about our national security, good news: According to this administration, the FAA employees working on a classified radar system to detect cruise missiles, aren’t all that important either, and they also were fired.

So I’m going to say that again because this administration thinks that the civil servants at the FAA’s National Airspace System Defense Program are apparently not critical to our safety.

None of this makes me or my constituents sleep better at night, but I bet you it makes our enemies happy.

The Administration has tried to defend this by saying that everyone who [they] fired was probationary.

They’d like you to believe that these are all brand-new employees.

Sort of the philosophy that the last one in, is the first one out.

But that’s not how the system works, and it sure as heck isn’t how you keep Americans safe.

In fact, employees who were promoted based on stellar performance within the last year, many of them who have been with the FAA for ten or fifteen years, are also labeled as probationary employees when they start their new positions.

So in fact, the Administration just fired some of the people with the most experience, not the least.

And this speaks to what is a bigger problem.

Time and again, we’re seeing this happen with so-called “government efficiency,” in quotes, experts.

Listen, like most of us in this chamber, I think we should do everything we can to make government run efficiently and effectively, but indiscriminately freezing hiring across the board, pushing out thousands of civil servants, makes that problem worse, not better.

Last week, hundreds of employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration were fired without warning.

This week, the Administration is scrambling to try and hire most of them back because they didn’t realize they oversee our nuclear stockpile.

And the Department of Energy fired more than a thousand employees, including three-quarters of the State and Community Energy Program’s office.

Now, I don’t know if the people who are making these decisions in the Administration even know what that office does.

But I can tell you that in New Hampshire we depend on them because they help keep weatherization programs up and running, they support emergency operations in the wake of disasters.

And with folks in New Hampshire dealing with some of the highest home heating costs, who are worried about how they’re going to keep themselves warm this winter, and states around the country still recovering from floods and fires and winter storms, I can’t imagine why anybody would think that it’s a good idea to get rid of the people who are helping make sure those programs operate.

And then on Monday, we found out that dozens of USDA employees, so the Department of Agriculture, who have been working to prevent bird flu, were fired.

And then the White House realized what they had done, they panicked and they tried to bring them back.

Now that’s on top of all of the people around the globe who have been monitoring the bird flu potential epidemic—who have already been fired with the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

And just this afternoon, we heard that nearly 500 employees at the National Institute of Standards and Technology would be fired, including almost 60 percent of the CHIPS office.

So the effort that we stood up, that this Congress stood up, to try and make sure we could compete with China, with Taiwan in the production of semiconductors, which are included in almost everything we use from our cell phones to our refrigerators to our cars, 60 percent of those people are now gone.

So who’s going to provide that effort that we need in order to compete with China?

These are the staff that make sure our high-tech semiconductor manufacturing industry stays competitive.

Example after example shows that the firings that Elon Musk has taken credit for have not been thought through.

Either he’s doing it deliberately in an effort to undermine the United States or he’s doing it because he’s so ignorant he has no idea what any of these people do or what their operations do.

Either way, it’s inexcusable.

I heard from a constituent this week who works, who worked, past tense, for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for 24 years, and she just took a job as a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last year.

Her job focused on implementing the Pittman-Robinson Wildlife Restoration Act.

As my colleagues on both sides of the aisle know, this involves conserving bird and wildlife habitat, hunter education and shooting ranges.

Its funds come not from taxpayer dollars, but from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment.

And yet, her job was terminated under the guise of government efficiency.

She has a mortgage; she has kids in college who need health care coverage, but her main ask to me was to help put a stop to these firings and to simply help her get her job back because like most of our public servants, she cares about the mission of her work.

Over and over, we’re seeing this administration take out irresponsible, reckless initiatives with devastating consequences for critical positions without taking a second to think through or learn about what those positions do.

And when things inevitably break as a result, they don’t own up to their mistakes.

Instead, they try to convince you that keeping the lights on at control towers or inspecting airplane engines, making plans to manage some of the busiest airspace in the country really isn’t critical to your safety.

Well, I don’t believe that and I don’t think you should either.

For the sake of the American people, we can and we must do better.

I don’t think people elected Donald Trump to dismantle this country’s air traffic control system.

I think they elected him because they wanted to see inflation go down, they wanted to see their grocery prices reduced, they wanted to see help with rental costs, with mortgage rates, with energy costs and what have we seen in the weeks since Donald Trump got inaugurated?

No effort to address any of those things.

All we’ve seen is an effort at retribution against his perceived enemies, at firing and undermining of services and programs within the government to serve the American people.

For the sake of our citizens, we must do better.

I’m calling on this administration to right this wrong as quickly as possible, before it’s too late.

I yield the floor.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three people taken into custody on Karangahape Road

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Three people have been arrested following a firearms incident in Herne Bay this afternoon.

At around 1.30pm, information was received that a man was carrying a firearm on Hamilton Road.

A Police camera operator observed the man getting into a vehicle and tracked it travelling along Jervois Road.

Police units conducted an armed traffic stop on Karangahape Road.

As the traffic stop was being carried out, a passenger ran from the vehicle and attempted to get into a vehicle passing by.

Our staff prevented this from occurring and arrested the 35-year-old man, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

No injuries have been reported.

Police arrested two other occupants of the vehicle, a man and woman aged 30, without incident.

On searching the vehicle, Police have recovered a paintball gun.

Charges are being considered for what has unfolded this afternoon.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 521st CRS Airmen battle cold in PACIFIC DAGGER

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Many historic American military operations in the Pacific were set on steaming jungle islands, but the US Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility includes some cold and snowy places. PACIFIC DAGGER, an exercise designed to test skills needed in an INDOPACOM contingency scenario, included a new desired learning objective for the 521st CRS “Hydras”: cold weather operations. The Westover’s 439th Airlift Wing “Dogpatch” training area hosted tents, generators, a forklift, and bundled-up Airmen.

“Our mission is simple, but complex. It’s to rapidly assess, open, operate, sustain, and defend expeditionary airfields and aerial ports. And the reason we’re out here today is we’re putting the Hydras through a pretty tough expeditionary test,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Frost, commander of the squadron. “We put the whole Contingency Response Element through these cold-weather paces while dealing with difficult force protection condition change injects and chemical and biological attack injects. And our airmen did the test.”

PACIFIC DAGGER was the first time the 521st CRS Senior Enlisted Leader, Chief Master Sgt. Mark Erwin, saw a Contingency Response Element in action. “The rate at which people accomplish their tasks, some of which were not inherent to their own Air Force Specialty, that’s what really impressed me. We have some professionals in certain AFSC’s that are knocking out some technical tasks, but they need extra hands of people pitching in. They looked for the task at hand, and everybody got after it. It was really cool to watch.”

Contingency Response Airmen routinely practice responding to chemical & biological threats as well as armed opposing forces. In the wooded winterscape at Westover, the Hydras found themselves scraping freezing rain off their gas masks and knocking ice from their weapons before they could engage the enemy during a firefight.

Tech. Sgt. David Cope, security forces assessor with the 621st Contingency Response Group, observed and coached the exercise participants. “Any exercise is valuable to be able to practice the ‘hub-and-spoke’ situation, coordinating with other squadrons to employ real-time intelligence updates. However, the weather puts many of us in a completely new situation. The cold and ice impacts everything from tent zippers to how we operate our generators. The team found out how important toe warmers are, and that [chemical, biological, and radiological] protective clothing also helps protect from the cold.”

“When you don’t operate in the cold, there are things you don’t know,” said Erwin. “Coming out here, we’re learning and getting that experience, so if we have to deploy somewhere cold, we’ve got lessons learned to overcome problems. That way we can focus on whatever new problems occur whenever they come up.”

MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Hamas proposes ‘all for all’ prisoner-for-hostage swap with Israel

Source: China State Council Information Office

Released Palestinian prisoners are welcomed upon arrival in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Feb. 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hamas said on Wednesday that it had submitted a proposal to Israel, through mediators, for a comprehensive prisoner-for-hostage swap based on the principle of “all for all” as part of ongoing negotiations.

A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the proposal calls for “the immediate release of all Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in exchange for Israel releasing all Palestinian prisoners in its custody.”

The official did not specify whether the proposal is part of the first phase of the agreement or linked to the upcoming second phase of negotiations.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem affirmed the movement’s readiness for “a one-time prisoner swap in the second phase.”

However, he stressed that such a deal must be “part of an agreement leading to a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.”

Israel has not yet issued an official response to the proposal, while international efforts continue to push negotiations forward.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Birthday celebrations at state championships

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

After moving from Sydney to Springhurst in 2008 Stewy Fryar was encouraged to join CFA by the brigades then Captain.

It wasn’t long after he joined up that Stewy was fighting the Black Saturday fires and afterwards was eager to get even more involved with his new brigade and joined a team for his first ever state championships competition.

“Kevin Atteridge, the Captain at the time, took me under his wing and told me I would be perfect for these firefighting games and so it all just started from there,” Stewy said.

15 years later Stewy is still competing in the championships and has also taken up a role coaching both junior and senior teams for Springhurst and he said he particularly enjoys coaching the juniors.

“It gives them really good training, even though we aren’t using flames it is good for their skills, good for discipline, gets them really involved and I try to instill all the CFA values in them,”

Stewy said.

“My son has just started and I look forward to the next few years getting to do it with him.”

This year’s state championships fall on Stewy’s 53rd birthday and he said he can’t think of a better way to spend his birthday.

“I probably only have a few more left in me because I am getting up to that age, so I am really going to make the most of it,” he said.

Stewy said he loves the “camaraderie” of the championships and even though winning medals is a good motivator it is the sense of community that keeps him coming back year after year.

“You meet new people, it’s lots of fun, a bit of an adrenaline rush, there is nothing negative about it,” he said.

Submitted by CFA Media

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Structure fire – Whitewood Road – Howard Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) responded to a structure fire on Whitewood Road overnight.

At 2am, NTFRS received reports of a structure fire on private property behind the service station on Whitewood Road, Howard Springs impacting a shed and demountable.

Several career and volunteer firefighting units swiftly responded, including several pump appliances, the HAZMAT rehabilitation trailer, large water tanker, rescue tender and volunteer grassfire units, who immediately worked to bring the fire under control.

An evacuation of impacted properties was initiated while firefighters worked to extinguish the fires.

NT Police, Power and Water Corporation and St John Ambulance attended the scene. No injuries were reported during the incident.

NTFRS brought the fire under control by 5am and crews remain on the scene as a precaution.

The two structures on the property sustained considerable damage.

A crime scene has been established and NTFRS fire investigators and NT Police are working together to determine the cause of the fire.

Anyone with information is urged to make contact with police on 131 444.

Media contact:

Rickie Abraham

8923 9803

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Luján Calls Out Republican Budget That Will Increase Everyday Costs for American Families

US Senate News:

Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
Senate Republicans are pushing a partisan budget resolution that will make it harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, and get a quality education

Video of the speech is available HERE.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, delivered a floor speech calling out Republican plans to dramatically cut funding for programs that all Americans rely on like health, nutrition, and public services. He highlighted the staggeringconsequences for working families, including diminished access to health care and higher costs, at a time when federal employees are being illegally fired.
Senator Luján’s full speech is available below:
Mr. President, over the past week, Elon Musk and Donald Trump have fired thousands of federal workers, many of them in New Mexico, without warning. The calls that I get to my office from constituents all across New Mexico express concern, surprise, and alarm. They don’t know what’s going to happen next. They’re worried about a project.
A professional that I spoke to, who works for the Bureau of Indian Education and has a responsibility to help diagnose and support students with disabilities, asked, “Do I stay and help these kids? What’s going to happen with this stuff?”
Now, whether it’s our neighbors who work to support the national labs to keep us safe, or friends who work at the United States Department of Agriculture helping our farmers and ranchers feed our nation, these illegal mass firings are impacting communities across every corner of New Mexico. Let me sum this up: what I keep hearing from New Mexicans every day is: Please help me. Speak up. Say something. Do something. Bring attention to what’s happening—to the harm that’s being caused in our communities, for all of our constituents.
This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about right or wrong. It’s about real people. Now, instead of protecting these jobs and helping our fellow Americans, Senate Republicans are pursuing a partisan budget resolution that will make it even harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, or get an education for their kids.
Now, this is, quite frankly, chaos, and it’s chaos that the American people cannot afford. New Mexicans and Americans from all walks of life rely on the programs that Republicans are now attacking. These are programs that feed seniors, veterans, children, and the disabled. These are programs that house our veterans and keep folks warm during these winter months.
And why are Republicans ripping these services away from people who need them? To fund this Trump tax scam—now it’s 2.0. The American people and constituents across New Mexico told me back in 2017, “This feels like a scam.” What Republicans are saying is that middle-class families are going to get everything in this tax cut. But what we saw play out was that if you were making millions of dollars, you did okay—you got the brunt of everything in this tax scam. Lying to the face of the American people. That’s what happened in 2017, and it certainly feels the same now.
Now, let’s talk about one possible outcome of this budget resolution. In New Mexico, Medicaid covers 75% of births and supports around 92,000 children in my home state. Across the country, nearly 40% of babies are born with the help of Medicaid. For these babies and pregnant women, this program is vital—offering a chance to grow up healthier and have the best opportunity to succeed. We should all want that for our constituents. That’s not partisan.
Now, unfortunately, Republicans have made it clear that they are determined to slash Medicaid. They tried it in 2017. When my Republican colleagues are interviewed and asked the question, “Are you going to cut Medicaid?” they certainly attempt, in every form and fashion, to say, “No, no, no, we’re not going to touch it—we’re just going to leave it up to the states.” Let me translate what that means.
What Republicans in Congress are going to do is work to eliminate every federal dollar for Medicaid. There’s this acronym—FMAP—it’s a federal matching program to make Medicaid work across America. That’s what they’re going after. And if you visit with anyone across America who knows anything about how this program works, they will all tell you—without these federal dollars, this program goes away.
This Republican budget resolution sets the stage for dismantling Medicaid, which could result in pregnant moms and babies losing health care. That’s just one possible outcome.
As I said earlier, the American people deserve honesty and transparency. Look, I understand if my Republican colleagues want to do this. Just own up to it. Tell the American people what you want to do. Let them know. Just be honest with them. That’s the least the American people deserve.
Last week in the Budget Committee, I offered a number of commonsense amendments to help lower costs for families, strengthen border security, safeguard health care, promote American manufacturing and businesses, and invest in public safety.
Top of mind for many Americans, I offered an amendment to ensure that Elon Musk and his companies are not profiting off the same government that he’s dismantling. Elon Musk, who was not elected by the American people, is pursuing an extreme agenda to serve his own interests and greed—all while the American people are paying the price for it.
If Republicans are serious about tackling the issues and lowering costs, let’s work together. You have partners here ready to do this for the American people. But my Republican colleagues know better than I that what’s happening under this president and Elon Musk is that the cost of goods continues to go up.
I don’t know how many of you were at the grocery store this weekend in this chamber, but if you haven’t been—go by. Go by and try to buy some eggs. You will see a sign that limits you to maybe a dozen, maybe two, and you’re going to see the costs going up and up and up. Milk, butter—you look at it, you see it, you name it—it’s all increasing in price.
What happened to President Trump saying on day one he was going to lower the cost of these goods for the American people? It’s not happening.
Look, to sum this up—Americans will not be able to make ends meet if Senate Republicans dismantle the programs that make our country strong and secure to advance yet another tax scam.
Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Harrogate man arrested after weapons found

Source: South Australia Police

Police have arrested a man after an investigation led them to locating homemade explosive items, firearms and weapons at his address.

On Wednesday 19 February, police from Mount Barker arrested and charged a 41-year-old man from Harrogate with possess a prohibited weapon, possess a firearm without a licence, possess a dangerous article, manufacture an explosive and two counts of unlawful possession.

The arrest followed a search of the male’s home where police located knuckledusters, two gel blasters, two large PVC pipe-based cannons, two small homemade explosive devices, illicit drugs and prescribed drug equipment.

Police also located a stolen boat and trailer and two motorbikes, suspected of being stolen.

Police are making further enquiries to identify the owner of the bikes.

The man was refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today, Thursday 20 February.

CO2500007271

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – An end to the mugginess at last – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd February – Muggy conditions finally come to an end as rain and fresh southwesterlies spread from the south. The rain is expected to ease off towards the end of the weekend with dry sunnier skies increasing.

MetService is forecasting yet another muggy day for North Islanders today (Thursday), little did we know that we would be looking forward to cooler conditions after the ‘not so welcomed’ delayed start to summer earlier on in the year. Rain will move up the South Island along with a change to cooler, less humid air brought by southwesterly winds.

A band of showers spreads onto the lower North Island Friday morning, then up the island through the day with those southwesterlies finally bringing some respite after the muggy conditions. Sunnier skies start to increase in the east of the South Island and the south of the North Island, but not before a period of occasionally heavy showers and possible thunderstorms in Canterbury, north of Ashburton, up to Wairarapa during the afternoon and evening.

On Saturday a high-pressure system sits out to the west, allowing for fresh southwesterlies to persist over the country.

MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says, “Another front moves up the South Island on Saturday resulting in wet weather in the west, however things are looking drier for those in the east with the exception of areas south of Alexandra”.

Largely sunny skies are expected for the North Island on Saturday, which should be a good day for outdoor enthusiasts, especially if you do not mind a southwesterly breeze. “It is looking like optimum weather for football’s A-League New Zealand derby on Saturday afternoon between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix with sunny skies expected” added Shiviti.

From Sunday into early next week, the high-pressure brings largely settled weather across the country, with only a few areas seeing showers. However, a rain band is set to move onto the South Island late Monday into Tuesday, briefly interrupting the settled weather.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: NTFES to deploy third contingent interstate this year

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Fire and Emergency Services will deploy 17 members to Western Australia today to assist with wildfires which have been burning south of Perth for over a week.

Several wildfires are currently burning in Shannon, Boorara-Gardner and D’Entrecasteaux National Parks near Windy Harbour, Boorara Brook and Meerup, with several watch and act warnings in place across southern WA.

The Western Australian Government formally requested assistance from all jurisdictions on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from NTFES who arranged for a large contingent of NT Fire and Rescue Service and Bushfires NT staff to depart Darwin on Thursday.

Upon arrival in Perth the contingent will be stationed across the southwest and are expected to spend the next week working alongside colleagues from WA and NSW and QLD.

The team, consisting of volunteers and staff from NT Fire and Rescue Service and Bushfires NT will assist with firefighting operations.

Acting Commissioner NT Fire and Emergency Services, Collene Bremner said the team were ready to step up to assist our WA colleagues during this critical time.

“Our highly skilled crews will assist on the fire ground and within the Incident Management Team (IMT) with a range of tasks that they’re well prepared and experienced in delivering,” she said.

“The remote and rugged landscapes in southern WA are like NT conditions which our members highly skilled and trained in working in. Given the scale of the wildfires currently burning across the southwest region we are more than happy to provide additional capacity to aid in the response efforts – our staff are well-trained and ready to go.”

“Our thoughts are with all of those on the front line of this sustained response and those residents impacted by the fires.”

This deployment highlights the dedication and core values of the newly established NTFES agency. Many of these individuals put their personal lives on hold to assist communities, as well as others in need during times of crisis.

The recent formation of the NT Fire and Emergency Services, which combines the NT Fire and Rescue Service, NT Emergency Service, and Bushfires NT into one agency, enhances our ability to respond to emergencies while prioritising community resilience.

Media contact:

Rickie Abraham

89239803

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: CDC layoffs strike deeply at its ability to respond to the current flu, norovirus and measles outbreaks and other public health emergencies

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jordan Miller, Teaching Professor of Public Health, Arizona State University

The CDC played an instrumental, if imperfect, role in the response to COVID-19. JHDT Stock Images LLC/iStock via Getty Images

In just a few short weeks, the Trump administration has brought drastic changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health. Beginning with the removal of websites and key public health datasets in January 2025, the Trump administration has taken actions to dismantle established public health infrastructure as part of its second-term agenda.

In addition, the administration has begun a widespread purge of the federal public health workforce. As of Feb. 19, around 5,200 employees at the CDC and the National Institutes of Health had been let go. About 10% of the CDC’s staff have been removed, with plans for additional firings.

As a teaching professor and public health educator, I, like thousands of other health professionals, rely on CDC data and educational resources throughout my work. CDC websites are the first stop for health information for my students and for health care practitioners, and are vital to protecting the U.S. from infectious diseases, like avian flu and COVID-19, as well as noninfectious health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Here’s a quick look at what the CDC does to protect Americans’ health, and how it’s likely to be affected by the Trump administration’s actions:

Gutting the CDC’s capacity

Prior to the February cuts, the CDC employed over 10,000 full-time staff in roles spanning public health, epidemiology, medicine, communications, engineering and beyond to maintain this critical public health infrastructure.

In addition to the centers’ wide variety of functions to protect and promote public health in the U.S., a vast amount of research in the U.S. relies on CDC data. The CDC obtains data from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia, which is collated into widely utilized databases such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Health Interview Survey and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Several of these datasets and CDC websites were removed at the start of the second Trump term, and while they are currently back online due to a federal court order, it remains to be seen if these important sources of information will remain accessible and updated going forward.

The CDC also publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which allows for ongoing and timely surveillance of key health conditions. The reports cover a wide range of topics, including wildfires, motor vehicle accidents, autism, asthma, opioids, mental health and many others. The CDC plays a central role in monitoring and reporting the spread of flu in winter months through its FluView, which informs clinical practice as well as public health interventions.

Physicians are reporting that their ability to respond to the surges in respiratory viruses they are seeing has been hobbled by the missing data and by prohibitions on CDC staff communicating outside the agency.

The CDC’s famed “disease detectives,” part of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, appear to have been spared following public outcry after more than half of its members were initially told they would be let go as part of the Feb. 14 mass layoffs.

It remains to be seen if this group will remain intact long term. Concerns are growing that shakeups to the nation’s infectious disease surveillance teams will hamper the government’s ability to respond effectively at a time when avian flu and measles are growing concerns in the U.S.

The CDC’s headquarters are in Atlanta.
Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

History of the CDC

The CDC began as a small branch of the U.S. Public Health Service in 1946 as an outgrowth of successes fighting malaria in southern states during World War II and before. Its founder, Dr. Joseph W. Mountin, envisioned that it would come to serve all states, addressing all communicable diseases. Since that time, the CDC has evolved into the nation’s premier public health organization, leveraging both clinical and population health sciences to prevent and mitigate challenges to the nation’s health.

In its first 40 years, the CDC helped eradicate smallpox and identify the causes of Legionnaires’ disease, toxic shock syndrome and HIV.

As the country’s primary health challenges have shifted from communicable diseases to noncommunicable ones over recent decades, the organization has adapted, expanding its reach and priorities to meet changing public health needs. The CDC also has the ability to flex and scale up efforts rapidly when needed to respond to novel outbreaks, which is essential for containing infectious diseases and preventing escalation.

CDC’s global reach

Recognizing that health does not exist in a vacuum, the CDC also operates internationally to mitigate health challenges that could threaten health in the U.S. over time. The agency is active in addressing diseases that are endemic in certain areas, such as tuberculosis and HIV. It also responds to outbreaks from emerging threats, like Ebola and Marburg virus disease.

The CDC played a crucial role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating with the World Health Organization, domestic health agencies and others to plan and execute a robust response.

In 2024, the CDC worked with the WHO to respond to a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda that lasted for several months. On average, about half of people infected with Marburg virus do not survive, so early detection and effective response are essential to prevent loss of life and contain outbreaks before they spread widely.

On Jan. 20, 2025, the White House announced President Donald Trump’s plans to withdraw from the WHO. This move further weakens the country’s ability to manage and mitigate threats to Americans’ health and national security.

Not only does the WHO do essential work to protect children around the world from needless death due to starvation, but it monitors and responds to infectious diseases. The U.S. has been the largest contributor to the WHO, with approximately 12%-15% of its operating costs coming from the U.S. That means that removal of U.S. support will also affect the WHO’s capacity to respond to international public health issues.

As the COVID-19 pandemic made plain, a delayed response to infectious disease outbreaks can exponentially increase long-term costs and consequences. It remains to be seen what impact the established relationships between the CDC and the WHO will have on their ability to coordinate effectively during times of crisis.

The CDC’s work around the world helps to stop outbreaks before they spread – and reach the U.S.

Future health care workforce threatened

The reach, flexibility, adaptability and robust foundation of relationships developed over the past eight decades enable the CDC to respond to threats quickly, wherever in the world they arise. This is important for protecting health, and it plays a vital role in global and national security as well.

In addition to its direct actions to promote public health, the CDC provides workforce development and training to help create an enduring public health infrastructure in the U.S. and abroad. This is more important than ever, as systemic factors have placed pressure on health professionals. The domestic public health workforce has shrunk drastically, losing 40,000 workers since the start of the Great Recession in 2009 due to economic constraints and social pressures during the pandemic. The CDC’s workforce development efforts help counteract these trends.

Public health workers were reporting high rates of burnout and stress even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which the pandemic worsened. Cuts to the federal workforce, as well as funding for public health programs, will no doubt add to these strains.

Jordan Miller received funding from CDC in the past.

– ref. CDC layoffs strike deeply at its ability to respond to the current flu, norovirus and measles outbreaks and other public health emergencies – https://theconversation.com/cdc-layoffs-strike-deeply-at-its-ability-to-respond-to-the-current-flu-norovirus-and-measles-outbreaks-and-other-public-health-emergencies-248486

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Introduces Bill To Raise Minimum Age To Buy Assault Weapons; Legislation Would Help Prevent Tragedies Like 2022 Buffalo Supermarket Shooting

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating shootings in U.S. history, including the 2022 mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY, in which 10 people were killed.

Gun violence is a national crisis, claiming over 46,000 lives in 2023 — the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history. Assault weapons, originally engineered for military combat to maximize damage, are frequently used in mass shootings because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds. More than 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles. Furthermore, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines result in more than 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

“Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America today. Year after year, deadly assault weapons inflict devastating and avoidable harm on our families, schools, and communities, causing children, parents, and teachers to live with the fear that the next school shooting may happen in their community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Age 21 Act offers a critical safeguard to prevent such tragedies, decreasing the threat of gun violence against our kids. I am proud to support this legislation, and I will fight hard for its passage this Congress.”

The Age 21 Act’s restrictions on the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21 would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers. Additionally, the legislation would bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items, with limited exceptions for specific circumstances such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

The Age 21 Act was originally introduced by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). In addition to Senator Gillibrand, it is cosponsored by 17 senators: Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Senator Gillibrand is a longtime champion for commonsense gun safety legislation. She wrote the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act, which formed the centerpiece of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act’s (BSCA) anti-gun trafficking statute. So far, law enforcement has used the statute to take over 3,000 illegal guns off the streets and charge hundreds of suspected traffickers. In 2023, Senator Gillibrand also cosponsored the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act, federal legislation that would ban online distribution of blueprints for the 3D printing of firearms and help prevent the proliferation of “ghost guns,” and the Fair Legal Access Grants (FLAG) Act, which would ensure that any person filing a red flag petition, also known as an extreme risk protection order (ERPO), has access to the legal representation, counsel, and resources needed to be heard and successfully file an ERPO. She has also supported legislation to expand background checks to the sale and transfer of all firearms.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025

Category: Natural Disasters

CFA responded to a fire on a solar farm in Raywood, outside Bendigo at about 5.50pm on Thursday 20 February.

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