NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: Mexico braces for possible US tariffs: president

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Mexico doubts if Washington will enforce the 25 percent tariff but stands prepared if it does, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday.

    “The truth is we do not believe that it will happen, but if it does happen, we also have our plan and we will present it then,” the Mexican president said at a regular press conference.

    Mexico’s Foreign Ministry, headed by Juan Ramon de la Fuente, is in talks with the U.S. government, she said.

    On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U.S. President Donald Trump still plans to apply a 25 percent tariff on all imported products from Mexico and Canada starting Saturday, unless both countries cooperate to resolve the problem of mass immigration and fentanyl trafficking. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Detective Chinatown 1900’ offers witty, heartfelt look at Chinese immigration

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Dai Mo, co-director of “Detective Chinatown 1900,” spoke with China.org.cn about the film’s latest installment, highlighting its exploration of Chinatown’s origins in San Francisco and the historical challenges faced by the overseas Chinese communities in the United States.

    Director Dai Mo. [Photo courtesy of As One Production]

    The first three “Detective Chinatown” films have grossed more than 8.7 billion yuan ($1.2 billion) since the series launched 10 years ago. The films follow the boisterous private investigator Tang Ren, played by Wang Baoqiang, and his introverted, highly intelligent nephew Qin Feng, portrayed by Liu Haoran, as they tackle mystery cases in cities like Bangkok, New York and Tokyo.

    “This time, we wanted to offer audiences a story that feels both familiar and fresh, so we chose a different longitudinal time period to offer a unique perspective,” Dai said. He added that the film not only explores Chinatown’s historical roots but also illustrates the prejudices overseas Chinese faced in 1900.

    For the creative team, the year 1900 is a significant intersection in history. It was the Year of Gengzi in the lunar calendar, a year associated with misfortune in Chinese folklore. The year saw the peak of the Boxer Rebellion amid widespread chaos in China. The Qing dynasty also declared war on foreign powers but was ultimately defeated by the Eight-Nation Alliance, resulting in forced war indemnities.

    In stark contrast, the U.S. was experiencing modernization and prosperity. Chinese immigrants moved to America in search of work, including jobs in railroad construction, but faced severe discrimination, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act. At the same time, the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes gained prominence as a cultural icon. “There were many stories and inspirations from that period for us,” Dai said.

    A poster for “Detective Chinatown 1900.” [Image courtesy of As One Production]

    The leading characters are once again portrayed by Wang Baoqiang and Liu Haoran, but their new roles are entirely different from those in previous installments. Wang plays Ah Gui, a versatile Chinese descendant adopted by an Indigenous American tribe, while Liu takes on the role of Qin Fu, an extroverted practitioner of Chinese medicine. Set in San Francisco in the 1900s, the story centers on the murder of a white woman in Chinatown, for which a Chinese man is the main suspect. This shocking crime ignites public outrage, leading to demands to shut down Chinatown. The duo gets caught up in the investigation, racing against time to reveal the true murderer in a tense battle of wits and bravery.

    As a long-time collaborator with Chen Sicheng, the mastermind behind the “Detective Chinatown” franchise, Dai — director of hits like “Endless Journey” and “Fireflies in the Sun” — described their collaboration in co-directing the film as seamless, owing to the deep mutual understanding they have cultivated over the years. He fondly recalled how Chen would frequently laugh and cry behind the camera during the shoot, describing him as a deeply sensitive person.

    The most ambitious and challenging aspect of the film was constructing a 1:1 replica of San Francisco’s landmarks from over a century ago in just seven months. This replica spans 200,000 square meters at Laoling Film Studio in Shandong province. Supported by the local government and enterprises, the project showcases China’s remarkable construction capabilities. The replica is open to the public during the Spring Festival, giving visitors the chance to explore it after viewing the film.

    A replica of 1900s San Francisco at Laoling Film Studio in Laoling, Shandong province. [Photo courtesy of As One Production]

    Dai noted that the set is incredibly realistic, as the film’s production design department conducted extensive research and collected historical documents to authentically replicate every detail of the props and the set from that era. This included constructing slopes that mirrored the actual geographical features of San Francisco. He added that foreign actors, including Hollywood veteran John Cusack, who stars in the film, were in awe of the replica town during filming.

    The director expressed his hope that the film could serve as an important vehicle for promoting Chinese culture and also bring more resonance to overseas Chinese, while calling for the solidarity of Chinese communities abroad. Additionally, he hopes the film will inspire audiences to explore the history of China during that era. “When audiences engage with this history, they will see how strong we are today and gain a sense of confidence, perseverance and a commitment to continuous self-improvement,” he said.

    Dai said he was excited about the potential for future expansions in the “Detective Chinatown” universe, which could explore different timelines. “Anything is possible,” he laughed. “As long as audiences continue to enjoy their adventures, we are eager to create more.”

    A still from “Detective Chinatown 1900,” featuring the iconic actor Chow Yun-fat. [Photo courtesy of As One Production]

    “Detective Chinatown 1900,” featuring a star-studded cast that includes legendary actor Chow Yun-fat along with comedians Bai Ke, Wei Xiang and Yue Yunpeng, was released on Jan. 29, the first day of the Chinese New Year. The film premiered simultaneously in major markets worldwide, including North America, Australia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. The film is a notable addition to China’s profitable Spring Festival film season, which has seen record-breaking box office performances this year, bolstered by a strong lineup of releases.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreigners savor flavors of Spring Festival in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    “Guonian,” which means “crossing the year,” is more than just a festival marking the arrival of the new year for the Chinese people.
    Though the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is now celebrated in many places worldwide, the true meaning of “Guonian” can only be fully understood by experiencing it in China.
    “The celebration is big, stretching for a month with a lot of food, fireworks and cultural events,” said Kayleen Fangbi from Belgium. “I love it.”
    Lanterns and fairy lights adorn every corner, while shops bustle with people laden with large shopping bags, as observed by a Spanish couple traveling in Beijing just days before the Spring Festival, which fell on Jan. 29 this year.
    Spotting the snake-themed decorations, they decided to look up the meanings of the Chinese zodiac online and discovered that this year is the Year of the Snake. “One of us is a Horse, and the other is a Sheep,” they noted, clearly finding it all quite fascinating.
    Invitations to join in the celebration were shared via the Chinese lifestyle app rednote, with many Chinese netizens offering tips and local authorities promoting festive activities. The surge in activity comes as the app gains many users from the United States and other countries, following the U.S. government’s threat to ban TikTok.
    With the trending hashtag “Chinese New Year,” many foreigners shared about their Spring Festival celebrations virtually from wherever they were, with some expressing the joy of savoring an authentic experience of the holiday in China.
    Beyond the traditional fireworks, decorations, dragon dances, and lion dances, Spring Festival celebrations across China feature distinct local traditions, each adding its unique flavor to the holiday. They all share common themes: family reunions and hope for good fortune in the year ahead.
    The diverse social practices throughout the Chinese New Year celebrations, recently listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, offer international visitors a rich array of experiences during this period.

    Artists perform the traditional Yingge dance in Chaoyang District of Shantou City, south China’s Guangdong Province, Jan. 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)
    In the Chaoshan region of south China’s Guangdong Province, the traditional Yingge dance adds a vibrant New Year atmosphere to the celebrations. Videos showcasing the dance have garnered millions of views, drawing many travelers to spend the Spring Festival in the area.
    The dancers, dressed in colorful costumes that represent ancient heroes and heroines, hold short wooden sticks and perform rhythmic movements, such as swinging the sticks, striking them together, and stamping their feet.
    “I was completely captivated by the strength and precision of their movements, the rhythmic sounds of their stomping and sticks clashing, and their powerful shouts of encouragement,” said Thanita Raemee from Thailand, after watching Yingge Dance performances.
    It’s said that when the lanterns in Yuyuan Garden light up, the Spring Festival begins in Shanghai, one of the top destinations for foreign visitors in China.

    Tourists from the Republic of Korea visit the Yuyuan Garden Mall in east China’s Shanghai, Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Chen Haoming/Xinhua)
    After strolling through the winding corridors and pavilions, a German tourist bought numerous Chinese New Year-themed souvenirs in Yuyuan Garden. “I want to bring the festive blessings to my friends back home,” she said.
    “A major change is that foreign tourists mostly just walked around in the past, but now they bring real spending power,” said Hu Junjie, vice president of Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart (Group) Co., Ltd., adding that they are particularly interested in the lantern displays, traditional Chinese makeup and costumes, special cuisine, and cultural products.
    Tatiana, 70, a visitor from Russia on a trip to the city of Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, said that she and her daughter came specifically to experience the Spring Festival.
    At a local event, she eagerly took part in interactive activities. “Writing the Chinese character ‘Fu (meaning blessing)’ with a calligraphy brush was such a unique experience,” she said. They also enjoyed watching traditional Chinese cultural performances, including the unique Li and Miao ethnic folk dances of Hainan.
    Russia remains Hainan’s largest source of international tourists and a key market for Sanya’s inbound tourism. The resumption and opening of international flight routes and visa-free policy have attracted more Russian tourists to the island.
    China expects a boom in international visitors during this Spring Festival holiday. Data from Trip.com Group shows that inbound tourism orders for the 2025 Spring Festival rose over 30 percent year on year.
    Data released by the Chinese travel services platform Qunar showed that as of Jan. 28, the number of domestic flights booked during the Spring Festival by travelers with non-Chinese passports has increased by 70 percent year on year.
    This surge is driven by a series of visa-free entry and transit policies China introduced in 2024, along with continuously upgraded payment, transportation, and tourism facilities. Besides, the growing popularity of China as a travel destination on social media, fueled by early travelers sharing their experiences, has contributed to the increase.
    In 2024, cross-border trips to China by foreigners surged by 82.9 percent from the previous year, reaching 64.88 million. Of these, more than 20 million inbound foreign trips were made visa-free, marking an impressive increase of 112.3 percent year on year, according to the National Immigration Administration.

    Tourists from Vietnam wait for entry inspection at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)
    To meet an increase in visitors from neighboring countries, such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, the Beijing tourism bureau and leading tourism companies launched special itineraries offering these travelers an opportunity to experience a Beijing-style New Year celebration in just two to three days.
    These short-haul itineraries took visitors to vibrant temple fairs and traditional performances, while also giving them the chance to savor Beijing’s winter delicacies and iconic dishes, such as dumplings, hotpot, and Peking Duck.
    “The Spring Festival is a window to understand China, especially its traditional culture,” said Jiang Yiyi, an expert on leisure sports and tourism at the Beijing Sport University.
    The inscription of the Spring Festival onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list has significantly boosted its global profile. The numerous traditional cultural activities held across China provide foreign visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese traditional culture, according to Jiang.
    Through these diverse activities, foreign visitors can truly experience what British online influencer Shaun Gibson described in his video as a Spring Festival in China that is “warm, lively, delicious, and happy.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference – Auburn

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: G’day everyone. Thanks very much for coming along. I think this sign says it all. If Labor wins the next election, we’ll cut student debt by 20 per cent. It’ll be the first piece of legislation that we introduce to the Parliament after the election and it’ll cut the debt of three million Aussies. Today we’re releasing information on what this means in every state and territory across the country and how much average debt people will see cut if we win the next election.

    What this means for a person with the average student debt is we’ll cut their debt by over 5,000 bucks. That’s real money. That’ll make a real difference. And if you’ve got a student debt of $50,000 it will mean that debt is cut by $10,000. That’ll help a lot of some people in their 20s, in their 30s, who’ve just finished uni, got their first job. They might have just moved out of home and are just getting started. Labor will cut your student debt by 20 per cent. 

    Now compare that to Peter Dutton. The only policy that he’s got to help people with the cost of living is this crazy idea that says that he wants taxpayers to pay for their boss’ lunch. Labor will cut your debt. The Liberals want you to pick up the boss’ tab. It’s as basic as that.

    Today I can also announce that the Student Ombudsman has started work. This is a national first, a National Student Ombudsman. You ask why we need this? Well, the evidence is compelling. One in 20 students at university report being raped. One in six students say they’ve been the victims of sexual harassment and one in two say that when they complain to their university, nothing happens. Now for too long, universities have failed their students on this front and previous governments have failed students as well. 

    I want to give a quick shout out to organisations like End Rape on Campus, STOP and Fair Agenda for never giving up and for fighting for this. For wanting a Student Ombudsman to make sure that when the worst happens to students, that there’s somewhere to go to report, to see that real action happens. And that’s what this Student Ombudsman is all about. They start work today.

    But it’s just the first step. The next step is legislation that I’ll introduce to the Parliament next week to give me the power as the Minister for Education to set up a National Code that will set rules that universities need to comply with. That includes requiring vice chancellors to report to their boards every six months on the actions that they’re taking here, making sure that their staff are properly trained to do the investigations they need to do and to make sure that this Ombudsman’s recommendations have real teeth. This Code will mean that when the Ombudsman makes a recommendation about what a university has to do, this Code will require them to implement it. This is real change that’s long overdue and it’s finally happening. Happy to take questions.

    JOURNALIST: Thanks, Minister. It’s Amanda from Nine here. Just a couple on the second announcement, what kind of powers will the Ombudsman actually have to compel universities to do anything at this stage?

    CLARE: The National Student Ombudsman will have the same sort of powers as a Royal Commission does. It’ll have the power to go into university, it’ll have the power to get documents, it’ll have the power to compel people to give evidence. But not only that, the laws that I’ll introduce into the Parliament this week are the next step. They will make sure that when the Ombo makes a recommendation, that it’s implemented. There are ombudsmen all around the country at the moment doing different things. They have the power to make recommendations, but they don’t have the power to make sure they’re implemented. This Ombudsman will, and they will because of the Code that we will introduce legislation to make real this week.

    JOURNALIST: And you talked a bit about sexual assault on campus there but antisemitism has also been a huge issue over the last couple of months, if not years. So, will the Ombudsman have any kind of powers to try and stop the antisemitism that we’re seeing on university campuses?

    CLARE: The short answer to that is yes. The powers of this Ombudsman are broader than just dealing with complaints from students about sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual violence. They’ll be able to deal with complaints from students about antisemitism or any sort of discrimination or hate that students experience at university. I want our students to be safe. And that’s what the job of this Ombudsman is, to make sure that when the worst happens to students that there’s action that can be taken.

    JOURNALIST: Minister, it’s Josh from Seven News. Just on the debt bill, you said will be the first bill you’ll introduce in the new Parliament. Why not do it in the next two weeks and give students certainty that their debts will be reduced?

    CLARE: We’ve made it very clear when the Prime Minister announced this policy late last year that this is a policy we would take to the next election. We’ve made it clear to 3 million Aussies right across the country that have got a HECS debt that if Labor wins the next election, we will cut your debt by 20 per cent. And this will make a big difference to 3 million Aussies right across the country. What’s the Liberal Party got to offer? They oppose this, Josh. This is the thing people have got to remember when we announced this, the Liberal Party said that they would oppose this. So, if the Liberals win the next Election, this will never happen. We’re making it very clear here today, if Labor wins the next Election, we’ll cut your student debt by 20 per cent.

    JOURNALIST: The PM and Opposition Leader are both at a Lunar New Year event in the electorate of Chisholm today, how important will the Chinese-Australian vote be at the next election? It seems both sides are doing their best to court that vote.

    JASON CLARE: I think everyone’s vote’s going to be critical. You know, in a couple of months time, all Australians will get a chance to vote. They’ll get a chance to choose who they want to run the country for the next three years. And I think the choice is clear. There’s a choice between a Labor government which is acting to help people with the real pressures that they’re under, with the cost of living through tax cuts for every taxpayer, through a $300 energy rebate, through things like the things I’m talking about today, cutting your student debt by 20 per cent, or the Liberal Party that have no real answers at all. And the only policy that they’ve got on this is to make taxpayers’ pay for their boss’ lunch. You know, how crazy is that? This policy is that insane, they had to put out a statement the other day saying it won’t apply to brothels or strip clubs. When you have to put out a statement like that, I think that shows just how insane this policy is. It shows that Peter Dutton hasn’t any real answers for the challenges the Australian people face.

    JOURNALIST: The Trump administration has announced again that it’s going to proceed with tariffs on China. How concerned is the government considering China’s obvious trading economy?

    CLARE: You’re right. China is our biggest trading partner. And the work that we’ve done with China over the last two years, over the last two and a half years, has helped to remove those trade barriers with China. That’s creating jobs here in Australia. When you remove trade barriers for the exports that we sell to China, whether it’s meat or wine or anything else, it creates jobs for farmers, it creates jobs for Aussie workers and that’s a good thing. I think one in four jobs in Australia are related to trade. The things that we dig out of the ground, the things we grow, the things we make and create for our jobs here in Australia. I’d just make the other important point about trade with the US and that is Australia is different to most countries around the world in that America has a trade surplus with Australia. America sells us more than we sell them.

    JOURNALIST: It’s Pablo here from the ABC. Just back on the Ombudsman. The Coalition is being quite critical of the government’s response to anti-Semitism in universities. Have you spoken with the Opposition and do you expect the support on the introduction of this Ombudsman?

    CLARE: The Liberal Party had 10 years to act here and they did bugger all. They did nothing. For 10 years, organisations like End Rape on Campus and STOP and Fair Agenda have been knocking on doors in Parliament House asking for politicians to listen, asking for politicians to act. And the Liberal Party slammed the door on these organisations that are fighting for victims and survivors of sexual assault. I’ve listened and I’ve acted. That’s why we’ve got the Parliament to pass laws to create this Student Ombudsman. It should have happened years ago. It’s finally happening because a Labor government listened and is acting. I hope that the Liberal Party will support this legislation.

    JOURNALIST: And the former boss of the Home Affairs Department, Mike Pezzullo, has been quite critical of the Coalition’s response to the rise in antisemitism and he’s calling for an Operation Sovereign Borders type, multi agency campaign to combat this. Is this something that the government should consider?

    CLARE: The bottom line here is that governments take the advice of our law enforcement agencies on this. Now law enforcement agencies are working hand in glove across the country. Federal agencies and state agencies, federal police, state police, our security agencies, they’re all working closely together and can I give them a shout out. As a former Minister for Home Affairs and a former Minister for Justice, I know how important the work they do is. I’ve got 100 per cent confidence in the work that they’re doing. The work that they’re doing is helping to keep Australians safe. The work that they’re doing is helping to hunt down the perpetrators of these violent evil acts and make sure that they’re locked up. And I back them and I hope that everybody else does too.

    JOURNALIST: Just one more from me, Josh from Seven News. Earlier this week, Peter Dutton claimed the Coalition would be a better friend of China than the Albanese Government. Do you think that claim has any credibility? And should Peter Dutton outline what he’s going to do to improve the relationship?

    CLARE: I think that’s laughable. Just Google what Peter Dutton has said about China over the last 10 years and you’ll realise how ridiculous that statement is.

    JOURNALIST: That’s all the questions we have. Thanks so much for taking us on the phone.

    CLARE: Good on you. Cheers. Thanks, guys.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The far-right is rising at a crucial time in Germany, boosted by Elon Musk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Fitzpatrick, Professor in International History, Flinders University

    With only a few weeks until Germany’s election, Elon Musk has unambiguously thrown his support behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In a video address to a party rally last week, he appeared to urge Germans to “move on” from any “past guilt” related to the Holocaust.

    It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything.

    Troublingly, the AfD is now firmly entrenched as Germany’s second-most popular political party, behind the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Like all parties in German elections, however, it cannot win an outright majority. It is also unlikely to be invited to join any ruling coalition that emerges from the February 23 election.

    But the AfD’s anti-migrant, anti-government sloganeering has already seriously distorted Germany’s public debate and democratic culture, leaving many to ask whether it even needs to win elections to see its policies implemented.

    This was evident following a dramatic week in Germany’s Bundestag.

    First, in a radical break with Germany’s political norms, opposition leader Friedrich Merz deliberately drew on the votes of the AfD on Wednesday to ram a radical anti-asylum seeker motion through the parliament.

    It was the first time in the history of the Bundestag that a parliamentary majority was reached with the help of the far right. Merz’s action was widely condemned as a “taboo-breaking” step towards legitimising the AfD.

    Merz tried to take this a step further with a far-reaching bill to tighten immigration controls on Friday. Although the bill narrowly failed, all of the AfD voted with Merz. Twelve members of his own CDU party refused to back him.

    Merz’s courting of the far right is widely seen as politically unnecessary, given his conservative CDU is already leading the national polls, making him the favourite to succeed the Social Democratic Party (SDP)‘s Olaf Scholz as chancellor.

    This raises a couple crucial questions heading into the election. Is it insiders or outsiders that are playing the biggest role in bringing the far right into the mainstream? And just how big a role will the AfD play after the election?

    The Musk effect

    Musk’s embrace of the AfD should come as no surprise, given the integral part he played in Donald Trump’s election victory in the United States. In the German context, however, his behaviour and statements have taken on darker hues.

    Germans know only too well what is at stake when democracy is eroded by those who abuse its freedoms to attack it. Had Musk’s now notorious Nazi salutes following Trump’s inauguration been performed in Berlin, for example, he might have faced up to three years in prison.

    The catchphrase “never again” has underpinned German politics since the second world war. Yet, the response to Musk’s recent provocations was oddly muted in some sections of the German media.

    The German tabloid Bild made embarrassing excuses for his Hitlerian salute, while others spoke vaguely of a “questionable gesture”.

    With a few notable exceptions, it was left to activists to remind Germans of the severity of this gesture – projecting an image of Musk’s salute on a German Tesla plant, alongside the word “heil”.

    Given the seriousness with which Germany patrols representations of its Nazi past, it was surprising just how few journalists were prepared to state without equivocation that “a Hitler salute is a Hitler salute is a Hitler salute”.

    Merz’s embrace of the far right

    Initially, there were some signs Germany’s main political leaders would decry Musk’s attempts to normalise far-right politics in the country.

    When Musk called the AfD the “last spark of hope” in December, both Scholz and Merz quickly condemned his meddling.

    Scholz has continued to label Musk’s blatant attempts to influence German politics as “unacceptable” and “disgusting”.

    Merz claims to be keeping his distance from Musk. But it appears his strategy for winning the election is not far from what Musk is suggesting – mimicking AfD policies and collaborating with the party on anti-immigration votes.

    In his most radical break with the centrism that characterised the CDU under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, Merz cracked the “firewall” against working with the far-right this week. Knowing just what it meant, he used the AfD’s support to pass the starkly worded nationalist border protection motion in the Bundestag.

    The AfD publicly celebrated their good fortune, calling it a “historic day for Germany”.

    Democratic party leaders, meanwhile, registered their shock and dismay. Merkel herself spoke out against Merz, saying it was “wrong” to “knowingly” work with the AfD.

    Her intervention appears to have been critical to the immigration bill failing on Friday, with many of her former supporters in the CDU withholding their votes.

    What AfD’s rise could mean

    Given the two votes in the past week and Musk’s high-profile intervention, many in Germany now fear a CDU victory in the election could signal more collaboration with the AfD.

    The Left Party has denounced Merz as an AfD puppet and demanded Musk be forbidden from entering Germany.

    The Greens’ Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice chancellor, has said Merz’s nationalist coalition would “destroy Europe”. He has also warned Musk to keep his “hands off our democracy”, prompting Musk to label Habeck “a traitor to the German people”.

    Musk is by no means the cause of the AfD’s popularity, but his embrace of the extremist party has given it a global profile and credibility in circles that might not have otherwise considered supporting it.

    Musk has been a controversial figure in Germany ever since his Tesla “gigafactory” arrived in Brandenburg and was promptly accused of felling 500,000 trees and irreparably damaging precious groundwater reserves. Accusations of Tesla breaching German labour laws and even conducting surprise checks on sick workers have also not endeared him to progressive Germans.

    As some commentators have suggested, it is probably not coincidental the AfD’s plans for the German economy would benefit Musk’s business interests. Economic self-interest alone seems insufficient, however, to explain why Musk has gravitated to the extreme right.

    The same might be said of Merz. Electoral calculations alone cannot explain his risky courting of the far right. He has long been the frontrunner to win the next election. Cosying up to the AfD will only make it harder to form a coalition with either Scholz’s Social Democratic Party or the Greens.

    If these two parties refuse to deal with Merz, the only other bloc large enough to deliver his party control of the government would be the AfD. Would he go so far?

    Whether it is formally part of the next government or not, the AfD and its camp followers (such as Musk) could be set to have a much bigger influence on German politics. How this will change Germany in the long term remains to be seen.

    Matt Fitzpatrick receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. The far-right is rising at a crucial time in Germany, boosted by Elon Musk – https://theconversation.com/the-far-right-is-rising-at-a-crucial-time-in-germany-boosted-by-elon-musk-247895

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two years of employees receiving paid family and domestic violence leave

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Joint with:

    The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
    Minister for Social Services 
    Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
    Member for Kingston
     

    Senator the Hon Murray Watt 
    Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
    Senator for Queensland

    Today marks the second-year anniversary of the Albanese Labor Government’s introduction of paid family and domestic violence leave. 

    Labor believes no one should ever have to choose between their job or their safety.

    As one of the first acts of our Government, Labor ensured all 12.4 million workers in Australia – including casuals – received a minimum legislated entitlement of up to 10 days of paid leave each year.  

    Violence against women and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia. One in three women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in five has experienced sexual violence.

    An independent statutory review into the operation of paid family and domestic violence leave conducted by Flinders University found it is succeeding in supporting the financial security of those escaping or experiencing violence, without jeopardising their income or employment.

    The review found that of the victim-survivors who had taken paid family and domestic violence leave, 91 per cent surveyed said it helped them maintain their income, and 89 per cent said it helped them to retain their employment, with 41 per cent of victim-survivors using the leave to arrange for their safety, 43 per cent to arrange for their children’s safety, 39 per cent to access police services, 22 per cent to access medical services, and 24 per cent to access legal services.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said legislating paid family and domestic violence leave was a milestone achievement which has saved and changed lives. 

    “We know from our many consultations with victim-survivors just how difficult it can be to leave violent situations – and financial means should not be a barrier to safety,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “This entitlement allows people who are working full-time, part-time and casually in Australia to make arrangements to support their safety, and the safety of their families, without fear of losing their jobs or income.

    “We refuse to be a country where people have to sacrifice their safety for a wage. Our legislated 10 days of paid FDV leave provides all employees who are experiencing family and domestic violence the opportunity to build a better life for themselves, free from violence.”

    Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Murray Watt said these changes are an important step towards making sure workers no longer have to choose between their pay and safety.  

    “This change meant for the first time, all Australian employees – including casuals – can access 10 days paid leave each year when impacted by family and domestic violence,” Minister Watt said. 

    “This critical leave entitlement ensures workers can maintain their financial independence through what is an incredibly difficult and terrifying time in their lives and it saves lives.

    “But this entitlement is under threat from Peter Dutton and the Coalition, with Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Michaelia Cash claiming it’s a ‘perverse disincentive’ to employers hiring women.

    “Peter Dutton and Michaelia Cash need to tell Australians whether paid family and domestic violence leave will be part of the “targeted set of repeals” of workplace laws they’ve promised to take to the election.”

    The Government gave small businesses additional time to adjust to the payment and invested $3.4 million to support the creation and updating of resources on paid FDV leave, including those specifically for small business.

    Paid FDV leave is one of many actions the Government has taken to address family and domestic violence. All governments have committed to ending gender-based violence in one generation under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32, supported by Government investment of $4 billion. 

    More information on paid FDV leave is available on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website. 

    Small businesses can find out more about how to support employees impacted by FDV by listening to the Small Business, Big Impact podcast, available on the Acast website, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and a range of other podcast platforms. 

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

    Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on Univision 41

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on Univision 41. The Governor spoke with Mariela Salgado on her affordability agenda, immigration, public safety and more.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: So we’re very blessed that you’re talking to us and we’re very thankful, because we know how busy you are. So when you guys are ready, let us know. Just give me five minutes before we start, so I know we’re good. We’re good? Okay.

    Governor, so the first question is to talk about the economy, and after I’m done with the question, I’ll just do a quick Spanish question. So, when you talk about your agenda, you talk about fighting for New Yorkers families. And I’ve been in your press conferences, and you talk about your family, you allude to your daughter in law and having to spend — and knowing for yourself how expensive things are — and you talk about inflation, and you see how things have gone up. And you’ve heard what New Yorkers are saying, and you’ve presented an array of so many things. When you planned your agenda for this budget, what were the main areas that you were concerned about when you presented that?

    Governor Hochul: I am concerned so much about New York’s struggling families. My own family, my grandparents were immigrants, came here and lived in great poverty. They were migrant farm workers. My grandpa was a steel worker. My parents lived in a trailer park. We were raised having to get our clothes at used clothing stores. And you know, we were not doing well financially for a long time. But what I also know is my experience as a young mom and how expensive it is to pay for the diapers and the formula, and the kids outgrow their clothes every three months. And not just from my life, but I see now my own son and daughter in law struggling as well.

    So I come to a Budget process and look at it as a statement of my priorities of what I want for New Yorkers and New York families, and to be able to firmly say, “I’m on your side, your family is on my fight and here’s what I’m going to do to find countless ways to put money back in your pockets.” And whether it’s the inflation rebate — which puts money back to the people who weren’t paid because of inflation — $500 per family. Someone with children under the age of four — $1,000 per child, school age child $500. Also covering the cost of all school breakfasts and lunches — that’s money back for every parent to be able to not have to spend $1,600 a year.

    You add it all up, plus a middle class tax cut, there are many families in New York who will receive $5,000 more in their pockets. So, I took my own life experience, but also what I’ve seen as Governor going to every corner of the State and here in the boroughs where life can be hard for people — they struggle, they want to be successful — and anything I can do as Governor to relieve them of that burden is what drives me every single day.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Now, those are immediate reliefs: the child tax credit, the rebate. Those are things that people are going to get right away and will see an impact on their pockets. But the child care, as a parent, I know how expensive it is. That’s going to take some time because there are spaces that need to be built and things need to be figured out. So when do you think parents are going to start to see those benefits coming through?

    Governor Hochul: We announced a program that for families earning $108,000 or less, their child care costs are kept at $15 a week. Now think about that. An average family pays, right now, $21,000 a year for child care for one child. You may have two and you’re paying even more, but we are saying that there’s families that are struggling. We should have that expense capped at $15. The problem is, we need to have more providers. We need more facilities. So in my Budget, I understood this, and I’m putting $110 million into building new child care facilities, renovating existing ones and making home child care more available for people as well.

    So there’s no one answer, but we’re working hard. I know people want to know when, but it is hard to try to break through a system where no one paid attention before. I’m New York’s first Mom Governor. I had to leave a job I loved because I couldn’t find child care. I know what that does to your family when one income is gone, or if you’re a single parent and you can’t find anyone to watch your children. So those are real struggles, but it’s something I’m fighting for every day and trying to solve for people, and there will come a time when people will have all the access to affordable child care that they need.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: That’s kind of the question with housing — and we’ll go quickly on with the interview, but — these are the things people need: To go from child care to housing, and you’ve done a couple of things. One is the $100 million investment, which is geared to people who — and I’ll talk about what my community needs, which is trying to have the American dream and be a homeowner. We see that a lot in places like Long Island where people have been struggling to be able to access that. When do you think that would be, you know, a reality for them? And then also we talk about New York City, “City of Yes”; creating more space. That’s a very robust plan — long term — but very robust. More than 80,000 new housing there. So, when do you think people in Long Island, per se, will be able to access those benefits?

    Governor Hochul: Well, with respect to the assistance for first time homebuyers, I want to pass it in my Budget this year and make it available almost immediately. So, let’s get through the Budget. It usually wraps up in the spring, and then we’ll talk about how to get that money out there. So, that is so important because that is the manifestation of the dream: to have your own place to call your own. And this is where your family can grow up, and someday, your own children might live in the neighborhood.

    And the problem with places like Long Island and others, is they’ve not built enough housing to meet the demand for people to want to raise their children there. And I’ve taken this on and it’s been a hard fight, but I did support the City with $1 billion to help the Mayor get the “City of Yes” done. But also, we have thousands and thousands of housing units and apartments that are not online because they need repairs done to them.

    So we’re trying to make it so landlords will make those repairs and bring on more units. So what happens is you flood the zone. You bring in as much housing as you can. And then what happens? Prices start to drop. That’s what we also need to have. So people starting out in that first apartment, you can save the money to get that home. We’ll have that apartment available to them. So it’s, it’s a whole continuum of approaches to it, but no other Governor has worked harder on what is people’s largest expense, whether they’re paying rent or mortgage. And some families are paying half of their income, half of their earnings, in just their housing alone. And that doesn’t consider all the other bills they have in covering the cost of children.

    So I know how important it is. My family struggled. My parents lived in a trailer park. My grandparents had a family of 10 in a tiny, little house with two bedrooms. I grew up with that experience, seeing them live like that, and I know how critical it is for people just to feel that they have that within their reach.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Congestion price was not easy. It was — you had some criticism. First it was one price, then you came to a different, more reduced price, but still people were complaining about what they had to pay because of the economy. We are hearing from people in the Bronx and I’m not sure this is correct, because I’m sure there have to be studies, that some of the people who are driving through the zone are trying to avoid paying the toll, and they’re using their bridges or their roads, and that’s creating more congestion on their roads. Is that something that was considered when that was put in place? Are you going to be looking at it, maybe creating more studies to see if that needs to be tweaked somehow or fixed?

    Governor Hochul: Right. This is a program that was passed back by my predecessor in the Legislature back in 2019. And they did study for many years the environmental impacts and also the traffic impacts. It was supposed to go into effect in June. I knew that $15 was just too much for New Yorkers, especially when inflation was so high. So I paused it. I got a lot of criticism for doing that. But I had to work hard to reduce the price, and we did by 40 percent. So I’m very much aware of the cost and what it does for families.

    But there are areas of our city that are seeing less traffic. But you’re absolutely right, we need to go back to the areas that might be affected in a way that wasn’t anticipated. There is money for traffic mitigation for the Bronx, about $150 million. But also to look at the effects of, if traffic’s congregating — are there higher rates of asthma, for example. I’m very concerned about the health of our children in places like the Bronx. So, of course, this is always going under review and study.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: And another question and I have to talk about the Trump administration because we’ve had conversations with Republican legislators who have told us that there’s a possibility that the new administration might want to somehow revert the plan. Is that something that can happen?

    Governor Hochul: It is already the law. It was supported by the Biden administration and all the — it has already started. So I don’t know if that will happen or not.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Okay. So we don’t really know? If this is something that–

    Governor Hochul: No.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: And to that effect, we’ve heard President Trump speak highly of you. Do you have a relationship with him? Have you talked to him about certain issues? And the reason I bring it up is because immigration is in everybody’s mind and I know that this is a sanctuary state, and it’s not new in New York, and many states have helped the federal government when it comes to immigrants. Now it’s front and stage, but it’s something that’s been done for a long time. But, of course, there is concern and fear right now among people because it’s frontal. So, are you having any connection with them right now? Are you having conversations with Tom Homan?

    Governor Hochul: I have been having conversations. And what I’ve reinforced is the fact that we have always worked with ICE when it comes to removing people who have committed serious crimes. Whether they’re in their own country, they never should have been able to arrive here, or they do something while they’re here. This has happened. So we want to make sure that all of our citizens and all the residents and all the people who have come before, whether they have status or not, that they’re safe from criminals. So we have said we will work with the Trump administration, just like we did with the Biden administration.

    These ICE raids are not something new. There’s just more attention on them. But this has been going on for a while. But, even though we want to support removing criminals, I want people to not live in fear. It is heartbreaking to me to know that there are children not going to school today, or not going to a doctor’s office, someone who’s ill or a senior citizen needs that appointment. They’re not going to churches. So, people’s lives are being so disrupted because of that.

    And I reinforce the administration that we’ll help you with the criminal element, absolutely. But, let’s not go after these families and separate them. Let’s not have a cruel approach to this.

    I mean, we can find them jobs. I said before, we have 400,000 open jobs in the State of New York. We give people work authorization. They can actually do what they came for and what we want them to do, get a job — get a job and work and take care of their family.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: So, you’re having that conversation with them?

    Governor Hochul: Yes.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: And the reason why I bring it up is because we’re hearing stories like this mom, for example, she was 60-years-old and she had an order of deportation. Her mom never told her to do anything. Now she’s an adult, she has kids, and she has to be deported. So things like that. Or you know, somebody who had a DUI 20 years ago and now is a grandparent. I’m not saying that a DUI is something right to do and people need to be accountable. But urging the administration to see it case by case.

    Governor Hochul: We cannot give up our compassion. We cannot be a State where people are not feeling protected and supported. That’s never been who we are as New Yorkers. And we’re proud of that. So again, it is very easy for me to separate someone who will do harm to other people and say, “You do not belong here.”

    But other people should not have that hanging over their heads that they’ve been doing — especially ones who were brought here as children. I mean, think about those individuals. Or someone who may have done something when they’re 20 and now they’re 60 years old. We have to have compassion for people and understand that they’re part of our society. And we cannot reject them now.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: We’re hearing things from — I like speaking with you. I’m sorry, I know we’re running out of time — but we’re hearing things from teachers. I have a very good relationship with teachers from high schools. And they tell me, “Look, we have gang members here.” You know, like from MS-13. And that’s going to happen in Long Island. They’re going to want to come in. Because some of the police are not going to let them in, so they’re going to have to come in. And that’s the reality.

    Governor Hochul: The gangs have to go. I mean, there’s a gang — a dangerous gang from Venezuela — which is showing up here and causing crimes and wreaking havoc. And we have to just round them up and send them back. That’s not legal activity here. And that is exactly what the administration has been doing.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: But I’m also talking about — sorry to interrupt, Governor — the gangs that are in schools who might be like MS-13.

    Governor Hochul: No, no. MS-13 has been here for a long time. I mean, they murdered a 13-year-old girl on Long Island years ago. I met her parents. So, no, they have been here. And they have to be removed. We cannot have gang members operating freely in our schools, whether they’re from a gang, from another country, or they’re a street gang here. We have to protect our children and our teachers in a school environment. That’s a basic necessity.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: I won’t talk about immigration anymore because I don’t have time. I have two more questions, but I want to shift to subway safety. And I think it’s important because the subway is related to the economy, too. There was a very big fear — I think we’re better now. But there was a moment where the perception of fear was scary.

    Because one thing is, “Oh, we’re okay, the crime has gone down.” You know, Mayor Adams kept saying that. Another thing is people having the perception of being afraid and not going, and that’s hard to break. But now I think it’s better than perception. However we are hearing from people that six months patrolling at night might just not be enough.

    So, then there’s the mental health initiatives that might not be hitting on time. So the question is, do you think it’s being done enough?

    Governor Hochul: I’m very impatient when it comes to protecting our subways, and that’s why I took dramatic steps where I have actually used State support, State money, to hire more police officers, to put them on overtime so we can have those patrols all night long. People coming in for their jobs, whether they’re health care workers, they work the night shift, they work at a hotel or a restaurant. I mean, it is scary to be on a train when there’s not a lot of other people, and you feel so vulnerable. That’s why every single train will have two police officers — not one, but two — patrolling during the nighttime hours. We said six months just so we could manage the Budget. I’m willing to look at the numbers, but I do believe that the crimes are going down.

    But as long as there’s still that really frightening story that you hear where someone’s pushed onto the subway track and, or, you know, assaulted. These are horrible crimes. They do create fear. So, I can tell you the statistics. I just had a briefing with the — I guess it was at the breakfast hosted by the new Commissioner of Police — and she gave statistics that are really, really inspiring to know that our police are working so hard to protect our community. And there’s always going to be those cases that grab the attention of the public and are just creating fear. And that’s something that is unfortunate because it’s not the entire story, but how people feel is what matters to me.

    And I want to help break through that. So, we’re going to keep funding this. Every single train car, at my insistence, now has a camera in it. If someone’s committing a crime, they will be caught. And people know that as well. And also, the Commissioner of Police announced a whole initiative dealing with the quality of life crimes.

    And saying that people with mental health issues need to be removed, we support that. We’re trying to change State law in this Budget that says that if someone who’s not able to take care of themselves does harm to others — they cannot live on the subway. The subways are not rolling homeless shelters. We need to get people into supportive care, housing or hospitalizations. So, we have to do more, but there is progress being made.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: So this could be perpetual if needed. I have one more question. I have 30 seconds, so one more question. And it’s a quick one. I just have to ask it. The possibility of Mayor Adams being pardoned by President Trump — what do you think?

    Governor Hochul: I don’t know that that’s going to happen. We’re also hearing about charges being dropped. Two different things could happen: You get pardoned and you’re forgiven for crimes — which is what a pardon does — or if the charges are dropped. That’s a whole different dynamic. It’s still evolving right now, we really don’t know what the outcome is like.

    Mariela Salgado, Univision 41: Thank you very much, Governor.

    Governor Hochul: Wonderful. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker to Serve as Top Democrat on Three Senate Subcommittees in 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced that he will serve as the top Democrat on three Senate subcommittees during the 119th Congress.
    Booker will be the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Derivatives, Risk Management, and Trade, and the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health.
    “On the Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, I will continue my work to reduce consolidation and increase competition in our markets to lower prices for everyday Americans, empower workers, support small businesses, and make our economy work for everyone. This is an opportunity to show Americans how strong and well-enforced antitrust laws can be a solution for kitchen table issues.
    “On the Subcommittee on Commodities, Derivatives, Risk Management, and Trade, I look forward to continuing my work to make sure our farm crop insurance and disaster programs are effective for small farmers and farmers growing fruits and vegetables. I also hope to work in a bipartisan matter to ensure our financial markets are safe, robust, and fair for farmers and ranchers, crypto users, and for everyday Americans concerned about the price of gas and groceries. I also hope we can work together to further clarify and strengthen the regulation of our financial system and improve oversight of digital commodities.
    “I look forward to continuing my work on the subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy. We must continue to engage our African partners to work together and boost trade, protect human rights, strengthen democracy, and promote global health initiatives across the continent. I look forward to working in a bipartisan fashion on these vital priorities so we can ensure a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future for the United States and Africa.”
    The subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights oversees: Antitrust law and competition policy, including the Sherman, Clayton and Federal Trade Commission Acts; Oversight of antitrust enforcement and competition policy at the Justice Department; Oversight of antitrust enforcement and competition policy at the Federal Trade Commission; Oversight of competition policy at other federal agencies. Booker was appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee in January 2018.
    The subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy deals with all matters concerning: U.S. relations with countries in Africa (except those, like the countries of North Africa, specifically covered by other subcommittees), as well as regional intergovernmental organizations like the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. This subcommittee’s regional responsibilities include matters relating to: terrorism and non-proliferation; crime and illicit narcotics; U.S. foreign assistance programs; and the promotion of U.S. trade and exports. In addition, this subcommittee has global responsibility for health-related policy, including disease outbreak and response. Booker was appointed to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January 2017. 
    The subcommittee on Commodities, Derivatives, Risk Management, and Trade oversees: commodity programs, derivatives and digital assets, crop insurance, and agricultural trade. Booker was appointed to the Senate Agriculture Committee in January 2021. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Markus Wagner, Professor of Law and Director of the UOW Transnational Law and Policy Centre, University of Wollongong

    It’s official. On February 1, US President Donald Trump will introduce a sweeping set of new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. China will also face new tariffs of 10%.

    During the presidential campaign, Trump threatened tariffs against all three countries, claiming they weren’t doing enough to prevent an influx of “drugs, in particular fentanyl” into the US, while also accusing Canada and Mexico of not doing enough to stop “illegal aliens”.

    There will be some nuance. On Friday, Trump said tariffs on oil and gas would come into effect later, on February 18, and that Canadian oil would likely face a lower tariff of 10%.

    This may only be the first move against China. Trump has previously threatened the country with 60% tariffs, asserting this will bring jobs back to America.

    But the US’ move against its neighbours will have an almost immediate impact on the three countries involved and the landscape of North American trade. It marks the beginning of what could be a radical reshaping of international trade and political governance around the world.

    What Trump wants from Canada and Mexico

    While border security and drug trade concerns are the official rationale for this move, Trump’s tariffs have broader motivations.

    The first one is protectionist. In all his presidential campaigning, Trump portrayed himself as a champion of US workers. Back in October, he said tariff was “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”.

    Trump hasn’t hidden his fondness for protectionist trade measures.

    This reflects the ongoing scepticism toward international trade that Trump – and politicians more generally on both ends of the political spectrum in the US – have held for some time.

    It’s a significant shift in the close trade links between these neighbours. The US, Mexico and Canada are parties to the successor of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    Trump has not hidden his willingness to use tariffs as a weapon to pressure other countries to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals. This is the epitome of what a research project team I co-lead calls “Weaponised Trade”.

    This was on full display in late January. When the president of Colombia prohibited US military airplanes carrying Colombian nationals deported from the US to land, Trump successfully used the threat of tariffs to force Colombia to reverse course.



    Read more:
    What are tariffs?

    The economic stakes

    The volume of trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico is enormous, encompassing a wide range of goods and services. Some of the biggest sectors are automotive manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and consumer goods.

    In 2022, the value of all goods and services traded between the US and Canada came to about US$909 billion (A$1.46 trillion). Between the US and Mexico that same year, it came to more than US$855 billion (A$1.37 trillion).

    One of the hardest hit industries will be the automotive industry, which depends on cross-border trade. A car assembled in Canada, Mexico or the US relies heavily on a supply of parts from throughout North America.

    Tariffs will raise costs throughout this supply chain, which could lead to higher prices for consumers and make US-based manufacturers less competitive.

    Auto manufacturing stands to be hit hard by Trump’s tariffs.
    Around the World Photos/Shutterstock

    There could also be ripple effects for agriculture. The US exports billions of dollars in corn, soybeans, and meat to Canada and Mexico, while importing fresh produce such as avocados and tomatoes from Mexico.

    Tariffs may provoke retaliatory measures, putting farmers and food suppliers in all three countries at risk.

    Trump’s decision to delay and reduce tariffs on oil was somewhat predictable. US imports of Canadian oil have increased steadily over recent decades, meaning tariffs would immediately bite US consumers at the fuel pump.

    We’ve been here before

    This isn’t the first time the world has dealt with Trump’s tariff-heavy approach to trade policy. Looking back to his first term may provide some clues about what we might expect.

    In 2018, the US levied duties on steel and aluminium. Both Canada and Mexico are both major exporters of steel to the US.

    In his first term, Trump imposed major tariffs on US steel imports.
    ABCDstock/Shutterstock

    Canada and Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs. Ultimately, all countries removed tariffs on steel and aluminium in the process of finalising the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

    Notably, though, many of Trump’s trade policies remained in place even after President Joe Biden took office.

    This signalled a bipartisan scepticism of unfettered trade and a shift toward on-shoring or re-shoring in US policy circles.

    The options for Canada and Mexico

    This time, Canada and Mexico’s have again responded with threats of retaliatory tariffs.

    But they’ve also made attempts to mollify Trump – such as Canada launching a “crackdown” on fentanyl trade.

    Generally speaking, responses to these tariffs could range from measured diplomacy to aggressive retaliation. Canada and Mexico may target politically sensitive industries such as agriculture or gasoline, where Trump’s base could feel the pinch.

    There are legal options, too. Canada and Mexico could pursue legal action through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s dispute resolution mechanisms or the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    Both venues provide pathways for challenging unfair trade practices. But these practices can be slow-moving, uncertain in their outcomes and are susceptible to being ignored.

    A more long-term option for businesses in Canada and Mexico is to diversify their trade relationships to reduce reliance on the US market. However, the facts of geography, and the large base of consumers in the US mean that’s easier said than done.

    The looming threat of a global trade war

    Trump’s latest tariffs underscore a broader trend: the widening of the so-called “Overton window” to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals.

    The Overton Window refers to the range of policy options politicians have because they are accepted among the general public.

    Arguments for bringing critical industries back to the US, protecting domestic jobs, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains gained traction after the ascent of China as a geopolitical and geoeconomic rival.

    These arguments picked up steam during the COVID-19 pandemic and have increasingly been turned into actual policy.

    The potential for a broader trade war looms large. Trump’s short-term goal may be to leverage tariffs as a tool to secure concessions from other jurisdictions.

    Trump’s threats against Denmark – in his quest to obtain control over Greenland – are a prime example. The European Union (EU), a far more potent economic player, has pledged its support for Denmark.

    A North American trade war – foreshadowed by the Canadian and Mexican governments – might then only be harbinger of things to come: significant economic harm, the erosion of trust among trading partners, and increased volatility in global markets.

    Markus Wagner receives funding from the Department of Defence, Australia as a Chief Investigator on a project titled Weaponised Trade.

    – ref. Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war – https://theconversation.com/trumps-25-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico-amp-up-the-risk-of-a-broader-trade-war-248667

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement on M23 Advance in Democratic Republic of Congo

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chris Coons (D-DE), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, issued the following statement:
    “The M23 must immediately cease its occupation of Goma and its advance on Bukavu, stop attacking and killing UN peacekeepers, and allow humanitarian aid to reach the millions affected by their violent campaign. Since M23’s advance on Goma, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and find themselves in a severe and worsening humanitarian crisis, including having to flee for their safety. Rwanda’s support for and participation in M23’s ongoing territorial offensive is destabilizing. It is essential that the Rwandan government withdraw its military from DRC territory, use its influence to halt M23’s advances, and return to the negotiating table. The DRC must also put an end to any and all military cooperation with the FDLR and other UN-sanctioned armed groups. De-escalation by all sides is critical.
    “Furthermore, President Trump’s decision to block all foreign assistance, including to vulnerable areas in eastern DRC, has cut off brave organizations on the ground that are working tirelessly to save the lives of innocent civilians in the region, including women and children. These humanitarian workers deserve immediate and unwavering support and I urge the Trump administration to immediately rescind their blanket freeze on foreign assistance.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on Trump Administration Firing January 6th Prosecutors and F.B.I. Agents

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the Trump Administration firing January 6th prosecutors at the Department of Justice and reportedly targeting hundreds of F.B.I. agents, including some who investigated the insurrection:
    “The President wants the Department of Justice to answer not to the Constitution, and not to the people, but to him. Donald Trump will stop at nothing to exact political retribution now that the keys to the White House are back in his hands. Unfortunately for our democracy, he also has keys to our Supreme Court and both chambers of Congress.
    “President Trump’s nominees for Attorney General and F.B.I. Director said career employees wouldn’t be targets of political retribution, but it already appears to be happening. It’s clear who is, and will always be, in control of the Justice Department—and that is President Trump. My colleagues shouldn’t need any additional evidence.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The far-right is rising at a crucial time in Germany, boosted by Elon Musk

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Matt Fitzpatrick, Professor in International History, Flinders University

    With only a few weeks until Germany’s election, Elon Musk has unambiguously thrown his support behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In a video address to a party rally last week, he appeared to urge Germans to “move on” from any “past guilt” related to the Holocaust.

    It’s good to be proud of German culture, German values, and not to lose that in some sort of multiculturalism that dilutes everything.

    Troublingly, the AfD is now firmly entrenched as Germany’s second-most popular political party, behind the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Like all parties in German elections, however, it cannot win an outright majority. It is also unlikely to be invited to join any ruling coalition that emerges from the February 23 election.

    But the AfD’s anti-migrant, anti-government sloganeering has already seriously distorted Germany’s public debate and democratic culture, leaving many to ask whether it even needs to win elections to see its policies implemented.

    This was evident following a dramatic week in Germany’s Bundestag.

    First, in a radical break with Germany’s political norms, opposition leader Friedrich Merz deliberately drew on the votes of the AfD on Wednesday to ram a radical anti-asylum seeker motion through the parliament.

    It was the first time in the history of the Bundestag that a parliamentary majority was reached with the help of the far right. Merz’s action was widely condemned as a “taboo-breaking” step towards legitimising the AfD.

    Merz tried to take this a step further with a far-reaching bill to tighten immigration controls on Friday. Although the bill narrowly failed, all of the AfD voted with Merz. Twelve members of his own CDU party refused to back him.

    Merz’s courting of the far right is widely seen as politically unnecessary, given his conservative CDU is already leading the national polls, making him the favourite to succeed the Social Democratic Party (SDP)‘s Olaf Scholz as chancellor.

    This raises a couple crucial questions heading into the election. Is it insiders or outsiders that are playing the biggest role in bringing the far right into the mainstream? And just how big a role will the AfD play after the election?

    The Musk effect

    Musk’s embrace of the AfD should come as no surprise, given the integral part he played in Donald Trump’s election victory in the United States. In the German context, however, his behaviour and statements have taken on darker hues.

    Germans know only too well what is at stake when democracy is eroded by those who abuse its freedoms to attack it. Had Musk’s now notorious Nazi salutes following Trump’s inauguration been performed in Berlin, for example, he might have faced up to three years in prison.

    The catchphrase “never again” has underpinned German politics since the second world war. Yet, the response to Musk’s recent provocations was oddly muted in some sections of the German media.

    The German tabloid Bild made embarrassing excuses for his Hitlerian salute, while others spoke vaguely of a “questionable gesture”.

    With a few notable exceptions, it was left to activists to remind Germans of the severity of this gesture – projecting an image of Musk’s salute on a German Tesla plant, alongside the word “heil”.

    Given the seriousness with which Germany patrols representations of its Nazi past, it was surprising just how few journalists were prepared to state without equivocation that “a Hitler salute is a Hitler salute is a Hitler salute”.

    Merz’s embrace of the far right

    Initially, there were some signs Germany’s main political leaders would decry Musk’s attempts to normalise far-right politics in the country.

    When Musk called the AfD the “last spark of hope” in December, both Scholz and Merz quickly condemned his meddling.

    Scholz has continued to label Musk’s blatant attempts to influence German politics as “unacceptable” and “disgusting”.

    Merz claims to be keeping his distance from Musk. But it appears his strategy for winning the election is not far from what Musk is suggesting – mimicking AfD policies and collaborating with the party on anti-immigration votes.

    In his most radical break with the centrism that characterised the CDU under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, Merz cracked the “firewall” against working with the far-right this week. Knowing just what it meant, he used the AfD’s support to pass the starkly worded nationalist border protection motion in the Bundestag.

    The AfD publicly celebrated their good fortune, calling it a “historic day for Germany”.

    Democratic party leaders, meanwhile, registered their shock and dismay. Merkel herself spoke out against Merz, saying it was “wrong” to “knowingly” work with the AfD.

    Her intervention appears to have been critical to the immigration bill failing on Friday, with many of her former supporters in the CDU withholding their votes.

    What AfD’s rise could mean

    Given the two votes in the past week and Musk’s high-profile intervention, many in Germany now fear a CDU victory in the election could signal more collaboration with the AfD.

    The Left Party has denounced Merz as an AfD puppet and demanded Musk be forbidden from entering Germany.

    The Greens’ Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice chancellor, has said Merz’s nationalist coalition would “destroy Europe”. He has also warned Musk to keep his “hands off our democracy”, prompting Musk to label Habeck “a traitor to the German people”.

    Musk is by no means the cause of the AfD’s popularity, but his embrace of the extremist party has given it a global profile and credibility in circles that might not have otherwise considered supporting it.

    Musk has been a controversial figure in Germany ever since his Tesla “gigafactory” arrived in Brandenburg and was promptly accused of felling 500,000 trees and irreparably damaging precious groundwater reserves. Accusations of Tesla breaching German labour laws and even conducting surprise checks on sick workers have also not endeared him to progressive Germans.

    As some commentators have suggested, it is probably not coincidental the AfD’s plans for the German economy would benefit Musk’s business interests. Economic self-interest alone seems insufficient, however, to explain why Musk has gravitated to the extreme right.

    The same might be said of Merz. Electoral calculations alone cannot explain his risky courting of the far right. He has long been the frontrunner to win the next election. Cosying up to the AfD will only make it harder to form a coalition with either Scholz’s Social Democratic Party or the Greens.

    If these two parties refuse to deal with Merz, the only other bloc large enough to deliver his party control of the government would be the AfD. Would he go so far?

    Whether it is formally part of the next government or not, the AfD and its camp followers (such as Musk) could be set to have a much bigger influence on German politics. How this will change Germany in the long term remains to be seen.

    Matt Fitzpatrick receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. The far-right is rising at a crucial time in Germany, boosted by Elon Musk – https://theconversation.com/the-far-right-is-rising-at-a-crucial-time-in-germany-boosted-by-elon-musk-247895

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ Palestinian network advocate Janfrie Wakim praises ‘heroic Gaza’, calls for more action

    Asia Pacific Report

    One of the key early leaders of a national Palestinian solidarity network in Aotearoa New Zealand today praised the “heroic” resilience and sacrifice of the people of Gaza in the face of Israel’s ruthless attempt to destroy the besieged enclave of more than 2 million people.

    Speaking at the first solidarity rally in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau since the fragile ceasefire came into force last Sunday, Janfrie Wakim of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) also paid tribute to New Zealand protesters who have supported the Palestine cause for the 68th week.

    “Thank you all for coming to this rally — the first since 7 October 2023 when no bombs are dropping on Gaza,” she declared.

    “The ceasefire in Gaza is fragile but let’s celebrate the success of the resistance, the resilience, and the fortitude — the sumud [steadfastness] — of the heroic Palestinian people.”

    Wakim was formerly a member of Palestine Human Rights Campaign (PHRC) in Auckland which began in the 1970s. This was later absorbed into the nationwide movement PSNA at a conference in 2013.

    “Israel has failed,” she continued. “It has not achieved its aims — in the longest war [15 weeks] in its history — even with $40 billion in aid from the United States.

    “It has failed to depopulate the north of Gaza, it has a crumbling economy, and 1 million Israelis [out if 9 million] have left already.”

    Wakim said that the resistance and success in defeating Israel’s “deadly objectives” had come at a “terrible cost”.

    “We mourn those with families here and in Gaza and now in the West Bank who made  the ultimate sacrifice with their lives — 47,000 people killed, 18,000 of them children, thousands unaccounted for in the rubble and over 100,000 injured.

    Grieving for journalists, humanitarian workers
    “We grieve for but salute the journalists and the humanitarian workers who have been murdered serving humanity.”


    Janfrie Wakim speaking at today’s Palestine rally in Tamaki Makaurau. Video: APR

    She said the genocide had been enabled by the wealthiest countries in the world and the Western media — “including our own with few exceptions”.

    “Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel would not have been able to commit its atrocities,” Wakim said.

    “And now while we celebrate the ceasefire there’s been an escalation on the West Bank — air strikes, drones, snipers, ethnic cleansing in Jenin with homes and infrastructure being demolished.

    “Checkpoints have doubled to over 900 — sealing off communities. And still the Palestinians resist.

    “And we must too. Solidarity. Unity of purpose is all important. Bury egos. Let humanity triumph.”

    Palestinian liberation advocate Janfrie Wakim . . . “Without its lies, its deflections, its failure to report the agonising reality of Palestinians suffering, Israel could not have been able to commit its atrocities.” Image: David Robie/APR

    90-year-old supporter
    During her short speech, Wakim introduced to the crowd the first Palestinian she had met in New Zealand, Ghazi Dassouki, who is now aged 90.

    She met him at a Continuing Education seminar at the University of Auckland in 1986 that addressed the topic of “The Palestine Question”. It shocked the establishment of the time with Zionist complaints and intimidation of staff which prevented any similar academic event until 2006.

    Wakim called for justice for the Palestinians.

    “Freedom from occupation. Liberation from apartheid. And peace at last after 76 years of subjugation and oppression by Israel and its allies,” she said

    She called on supporters to listen to what was being suggested for local action — “do what suits your situation and energy. Our task is to persist, as Howard Zinn put it”.

    “When we organise with one another, when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress,” she said.

    “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”

    Introduced to the Auckland protest crowd today . . . Ghazi Dassouki, who is now aged 90.

    As a symbol for peace and justice in Palestine, slices of water melon and dates were handed out to the crowd.

    Calls to block NZ visits by IDF soldiers
    Among many nationwide rallies across Aotearoa New Zealand this weekend, were many calls for the government to suspend entry to the country from soldiers in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

    “New Zealand should not be providing rest and recreation for Israeli soldiers fresh from the genocide in Gaza,” said PSNA national chair John Minto.

    “We wouldn’t allow Russian soldiers to come here for rest and recreation from the invasion of Ukraine so why would we accept soldiers from the genocidal, apartheid state of Israel?”

    As well as the working holiday visa, since 2019 Israelis have been able to enter New Zealand for three months without needing a visa at all.

    This visa-waiver is used by Israeli soldiers for “rest and recreation” from the genocide in Gaza.

    Minto stressed that IDF soldiers had killed at least 47,000 Palestinians — 70 percent of them women and children.

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared Israeli actions a “plausible genocide”; Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have branded the continuous massacres as genocide and extermination; and the latest report from UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestine Territories Francesca Albanese has called it “genocide as colonial erasure”.

    Watermelon slices for all . . . a symbol of peace, the seed for justice. Image: David Robie/APR

    War crimes red flags
    Also, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    “All these red flags for genocide have been visible for months but the government is still giving the green light to those involved in war crimes to enter New Zealand,” Minto said.

    Last month, PSNA again wrote to the government asking for the suspension of travel to New Zealand for all Israeli soldiers and reservists.

    Meanwhile, 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails have been set free under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Seventy of them will be deported to countries in the region, reports Al Jazeera.

    Masses of people have congregated in Ramallah, celebrating the return of the released Palestinian prisoners.

    A huge crowd waved Palestinian flags, shouted slogans and captured the joyful scene with their phones and live footage shows.

    The release came after Palestinian fighters earlier handed over four female Israeli soldiers who had been held in Gaza to the International Red Cross in Palestine Square.

    The smiling and waving soldiers appeared to be in good health and were in high spirits.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: EAT & BEYOND ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF AGREEMENT FOR ACQUISITION OF 100% OF MILO MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES INC.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eat & Beyond Global Holdings Inc. (CSE: EATS) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Eat & Beyond” or the “Company”), an investment issuer focused on the global plant-based and alternative protein sector, is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a securities exchange agreement dated January 31, 2025 (the “Definitive Agreement”), which sets out the terms and conditions for the acquisition by the Company of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares and 100% of the outstanding warrants in the capital of Milo Media Technologies Inc. (“Milo Media”) in exchange for securities of Eat & Beyond (the “Transaction”).

    Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, the material terms of the Transaction are as follows:

    • In consideration for the Transaction and on closing thereof, Eat & Beyond will issue an aggregate of 15,000,000 common shares of Eat & Beyond (the “Payment Shares”) to Milo Media shareholders at a deemed price of $0.185 per Payment Share and will issue 15,000,000 common share purchase warrants (“Replacement Warrants”);
    • Each Replacement Warrant will permit the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of Eat & Beyond at the price of $0.05 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance (being the same exercise price and expiration of the original warrants surrendered for cancellation); and
    • There is no hold period for the Payment Shares or the Replacement Warrants pursuant to applicable securities laws.

    The Transaction is an arms-length transaction and no change in management or the Board of Directors of Eat & Beyond is being contemplated at this time. The Definitive Agreement contemplates other material conditions precedent to the closing of the Transaction, including, compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and receipt of all necessary regulatory, corporate, third-party, board and shareholder approvals being obtained, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed, or at all. No finder’s fees are expected to be paid in connection with the Transaction.

    About Milo Media

    Milo Media is a private company existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Milo Media has developed cutting-edge financial infrastructure technology designed to seamlessly integrate digital assets with traditional financial networks. Its intellectual property includes:

    • Advanced Order Routing Software – A dynamic system that optimizes payment pathways on-chain and across the Interledger Protocol (ILP) to maximize liquidity efficiency.
    • Scalable Infrastructure – A modular architecture designed to handle high transaction volumes, enabling financial institutions to interact with the XRP ledger (XRPL) and other blockchain networks effortlessly.
    • Liquidity Provisioning & Automated Market Making (AMM) – Proprietary technology that enhances liquidity access within on-chain and ILP networks, ensuring efficient transaction execution.
    • Compliance & Security Framework – A regulatory framework designed to align with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and help facilitate adherence to jurisdictional standards.

    Strategic Significance of the Acquisition

    The acquisition of Milo Media is intended to provide Eat & Beyond with a first-mover advantage as the first publicly traded company – to the best of the Company’s knowledge – to actively participate in the XRPL ecosystem. Milo Media’s financial infrastructure solutions are expected to enable Eat & Beyond to acquire Ripple (XRP) through active participation on the XRP network, akin to how Bitcoin miners earn Bitcoin. This unique model is expected to position Eat & Beyond to generate value directly from the network’s growth and adoption.

    “By acquiring Milo Media, Eat & Beyond is hopes to strategically position itself at the forefront of blockchain-powered financial infrastructure,” said Young Bann, CEO of Eat & Beyond. “This move is expected to cement our role as early adopters in the digital asset space, providing shareholders with exposure to the XRPL and Ripple while actively contributing to its expansion.”

    About Eat & Beyond

    Eat & Beyond is an investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. Led by a team of industry experts, Eat & Beyond provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors.

    Learn more: https://eatandbeyond.com/

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, and applicable state securities laws.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s business plans and expected future growth, the completion of the Transaction on the terms described herein or at all, the expected benefits of the Transaction, the Company’s future cryptocurrency plans and strategies, the Company’s proposed strategic expansion and growth strategies, the Company’s ability to provide investors with exposure to digital assets, the potential success of the Company’s business and its brand, the growth of XRP and other digital assets and the mainstream adoption of various cryptocurrencies. Forward-looking information reflects the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, including the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute on its business plans; the Company’s ability to raise debt or equity through future financing activities; the Company’s ability to increase its business in cryptocurrency-based technologies; any adverse changes and developments regarding XRP, XRPL or the cryptocurrency ecosystem; the growth and development of decentralized finance and the digital asset sector; any new rules and regulations with respect to decentralized finance and digital assets; the inherent volatility in the prices of certain cryptocurrencies including XRP; increasing competition in the crypto and blockchain industries; general economic, political and social uncertainties in Canada and the United States; currency exchange rates and interest rates; the limited resources of the Company; the Company’s reliance on the expertise and judgment of senior management and the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel; the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies in general; and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

    There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Markus Wagner, Professor of Law and Director of the UOW Transnational Law and Policy Centre, University of Wollongong

    It’s official. On February 1, US President Donald Trump will introduce a sweeping set of new 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. China will also face new tariffs of 10%.

    During the presidential campaign, Trump threatened tariffs against all three countries, claiming they weren’t doing enough to prevent an influx of “drugs, in particular fentanyl” into the US, while also accusing Canada and Mexico of not doing enough to stop “illegal aliens”.

    There will be some nuance. On Friday, Trump said tariffs on oil and gas would come into effect later, on February 18, and that Canadian oil would likely face a lower tariff of 10%.

    This may only be the first move against China. Trump has previously threatened the country with 60% tariffs, asserting this will bring jobs back to America.

    But the US’ move against its neighbours will have an almost immediate impact on the three countries involved and the landscape of North American trade. It marks the beginning of what could be a radical reshaping of international trade and political governance around the world.

    What Trump wants from Canada and Mexico

    While border security and drug trade concerns are the official rationale for this move, Trump’s tariffs have broader motivations.

    The first one is protectionist. In all his presidential campaigning, Trump portrayed himself as a champion of US workers. Back in October, he said tariff was “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”.

    Trump hasn’t hidden his fondness for protectionist trade measures.

    This reflects the ongoing scepticism toward international trade that Trump – and politicians more generally on both ends of the political spectrum in the US – have held for some time.

    It’s a significant shift in the close trade links between these neighbours. The US, Mexico and Canada are parties to the successor of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    Trump has not hidden his willingness to use tariffs as a weapon to pressure other countries to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals. This is the epitome of what a research project team I co-lead calls “Weaponised Trade”.

    This was on full display in late January. When the president of Colombia prohibited US military airplanes carrying Colombian nationals deported from the US to land, Trump successfully used the threat of tariffs to force Colombia to reverse course.



    Read more:
    What are tariffs?

    The economic stakes

    The volume of trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico is enormous, encompassing a wide range of goods and services. Some of the biggest sectors are automotive manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and consumer goods.

    In 2022, the value of all goods and services traded between the US and Canada came to about US$909 billion (A$1.46 trillion). Between the US and Mexico that same year, it came to more than US$855 billion (A$1.37 trillion).

    One of the hardest hit industries will be the automotive industry, which depends on cross-border trade. A car assembled in Canada, Mexico or the US relies heavily on a supply of parts from throughout North America.

    Tariffs will raise costs throughout this supply chain, which could lead to higher prices for consumers and make US-based manufacturers less competitive.

    Auto manufacturing stands to be hit hard by Trump’s tariffs.
    Around the World Photos/Shutterstock

    There could also be ripple effects for agriculture. The US exports billions of dollars in corn, soybeans, and meat to Canada and Mexico, while importing fresh produce such as avocados and tomatoes from Mexico.

    Tariffs may provoke retaliatory measures, putting farmers and food suppliers in all three countries at risk.

    Trump’s decision to delay and reduce tariffs on oil was somewhat predictable. US imports of Canadian oil have increased steadily over recent decades, meaning tariffs would immediately bite US consumers at the fuel pump.

    We’ve been here before

    This isn’t the first time the world has dealt with Trump’s tariff-heavy approach to trade policy. Looking back to his first term may provide some clues about what we might expect.

    In 2018, the US levied duties on steel and aluminium. Both Canada and Mexico are both major exporters of steel to the US.

    In his first term, Trump imposed major tariffs on US steel imports.
    ABCDstock/Shutterstock

    Canada and Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs. Ultimately, all countries removed tariffs on steel and aluminium in the process of finalising the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

    Notably, though, many of Trump’s trade policies remained in place even after President Joe Biden took office.

    This signalled a bipartisan scepticism of unfettered trade and a shift toward on-shoring or re-shoring in US policy circles.

    The options for Canada and Mexico

    This time, Canada and Mexico’s have again responded with threats of retaliatory tariffs.

    But they’ve also made attempts to mollify Trump – such as Canada launching a “crackdown” on fentanyl trade.

    Generally speaking, responses to these tariffs could range from measured diplomacy to aggressive retaliation. Canada and Mexico may target politically sensitive industries such as agriculture or gasoline, where Trump’s base could feel the pinch.

    There are legal options, too. Canada and Mexico could pursue legal action through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s dispute resolution mechanisms or the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    Both venues provide pathways for challenging unfair trade practices. But these practices can be slow-moving, uncertain in their outcomes and are susceptible to being ignored.

    A more long-term option for businesses in Canada and Mexico is to diversify their trade relationships to reduce reliance on the US market. However, the facts of geography, and the large base of consumers in the US mean that’s easier said than done.

    The looming threat of a global trade war

    Trump’s latest tariffs underscore a broader trend: the widening of the so-called “Overton window” to achieve unrelated geopolitical goals.

    The Overton Window refers to the range of policy options politicians have because they are accepted among the general public.

    Arguments for bringing critical industries back to the US, protecting domestic jobs, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains gained traction after the ascent of China as a geopolitical and geoeconomic rival.

    These arguments picked up steam during the COVID-19 pandemic and have increasingly been turned into actual policy.

    The potential for a broader trade war looms large. Trump’s short-term goal may be to leverage tariffs as a tool to secure concessions from other jurisdictions.

    Trump’s threats against Denmark – in his quest to obtain control over Greenland – are a prime example. The European Union (EU), a far more potent economic player, has pledged its support for Denmark.

    A North American trade war – foreshadowed by the Canadian and Mexican governments – might then only be harbinger of things to come: significant economic harm, the erosion of trust among trading partners, and increased volatility in global markets.

    Markus Wagner receives funding from the Department of Defence, Australia as a Chief Investigator on a project titled Weaponised Trade.

    – ref. Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico amp up the risk of a broader trade war – https://theconversation.com/trumps-25-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico-amp-up-the-risk-of-a-broader-trade-war-248667

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Four years on from the Military Coup in Myanmar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Joint statement by Australia, Canada, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States

    Today marks four years since the Myanmar military regime overthrew the democratically elected government in Myanmar, creating one of the largest crises in the Indo-Pacific. Since the coup, the people of Myanmar remain subject to military rule that has deprived many of their rights, democratic aspirations and, for thousands, their liberty and their lives.

    We condemn in the strongest terms the Myanmar military regime’s escalating violence harming civilians, including human rights violations, sexual and gender-based violence, and systematic persecution and discrimination against all religious and ethnic minorities. The military’s airstrikes are killing civilians, destroying schools, markets, places of worship and medical facilities; with almost a 25-fold increase since 2021 this represents an average of three airstrikes per day. The rise in airstrikes in areas with no active conflict has marked a clear escalation by the military.

    We call on the Myanmar military regime to immediately de-escalate violence, ensure unhindered and safe humanitarian access across the country, and we urge all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and fully adhere to International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.

    As of 2025, humanitarian needs have increased twenty-fold since the coup. Over one-third of the population,19.9 million people, are now in need of humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs. An estimated 15.2 million people are in need of food assistance and cases of preventable diseases are on the rise.  

    Increasing needs and ongoing conflict have displaced up to 3.5 million people internally – an increase of nearly one million in the last year. Many more people are forced to flee across Myanmar’s borders. Rising transnational crime, including narcotics production and trafficking, scam centres and human trafficking, harm the people of Myanmar and affect neighbouring countries, risking instability in the broader region.

    The current trajectory is not sustainable for Myanmar or the region. Now is the time for the Myanmar military regime to immediately change course. We strongly urge the Myanmar military regime to cease violence, including harming civilians and civilian infrastructure, release all political prisoners, and engage in genuine and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. These are essential first steps towards any peaceful, democratic transition, reflecting the will of Myanmar’s people.

    We reiterate our support for the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Five Point Consensus, including the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy, in addressing the Myanmar and resultant refugee crisis. We strongly welcome collaboration between the ASEAN and United Nations (UN) Special Envoys. We call on the international community to continue to support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2669 (2022). We underline the need for accountability for all atrocities committed in Myanmar, human rights must be safeguarded, violations and abuses must be prevented.

    We will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and support their vision for an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK announces additional humanitarian funding for Myanmar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Four years on from military coup, additional UK humanitarian funding delivers healthcare to one million people in Myanmar

    • Uplift in support announced four years on from the military coup, as humanitarian needs reach record levels 

    • Despite the ongoing conflict, healthcare will be delivered to nearly one million people across Myanmar in the first half of 2025 including maternal care, nutrition support and disease treatment 

    • New climate resilience funding will help rural communities tackle extreme weather, improve water management and strengthen food security 

    Almost one million vulnerable people in Myanmar will receive essential medical care through UK aid support in the first six months of 2025, helping communities access vital healthcare services despite ongoing conflict. 

    The UK is announcing an uplift of £22.45 million in humanitarian support for 2024/25 to deliver this support, four years on from the military coup.  On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and installed a military regime. Since then, they have used violence and atrocities to maintain power and suppress opposition voices. The UK has consistently called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar. 

    UK funding will provide maternal and child health services to around 107,000 women and children, while 86,000 people will be reached with crucial nutrition support. It is expected that a further 142,000 people will be able to access sexual and reproductive health services and treatment for diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. 

    The life-saving assistance comes as Myanmar faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with nearly 20 million people now requiring aid – a twenty-fold increase since the military coup four years ago. 

    Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds, said:  

    While global attention may shift, the UK will not forget the millions in Myanmar still living through a brutal conflict, creating a humanitarian crisis in a country already vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis. 

    Four years on from the military coup and amid ongoing violence, the UK is matching words with action – providing additional support to meet urgent health needs and tackle long-term climate challenges.

    Over 3.5 million people are now displaced from their homes due to the fighting, 19.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and Myanmar is now seeing a proliferation in serious and organised crime. 

    Typhoon Yagi caused devastation across South-East Asia in September 2024, severely affecting over one million people across Myanmar. Additional funding will help rural communities prepare for future climate-related disasters, through improved food systems and early warning mechanisms, including support for areas recovering from recent typhoons. 

    Agriculture is vital to Myanmar’s economy and without it, the country will find it difficult to rebuild and grow when the conflict finally ends. UK support is planting the seeds for Myanmar’s long-term recovery, restoring security and stability to make the world safer for all of us. 

    The UK continues to support ASEAN’s central role in addressing the crisis. The UK convened a UN Security Council meeting on 30 January, calling for full humanitarian access across Myanmar to help protect civilians and pressed for further action to secure a peaceful democratic future for the Myanmar people. As penholder on Myanmar at the UNSC, the UK will continue to take action to bring stability to Myanmar and the wider region, maintaining our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in the interests of UK national security. 

    Notes to editors 

    • UK humanitarian support to Myanmar in the financial year 2024 to 2025 has increased to £66.45 million from an initial allocation of £44 million (excluding support from the UK’s Integrated Security Fund), following a decision to uplift funding due to increasing humanitarian need. By comparison, support in the 2023 to 2024 financial year began at £30.1 million and concluded at £38.83 million.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Limiting Lame-Duck Collective Bargaining Agreements That Improperly Attempt to Constrain the New President

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

    SUBJECT:       Limiting Lame-Duck Collective Bargaining Agreements That Improperly Attempt to Constrain the New President

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 7301 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Policy and Purpose.  In the final days of the prior administration’s tenure, it purposefully finalized collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with Federal employees in an effort to harm my Administration by extending its wasteful and failing policies beyond its time in office.  For example, the Department of Education negotiated a CBA on January 17, 2025 — 3 days before I took office — that generally prohibits the agency from returning remote employees to their offices.

    Such last-minute, lame-duck CBAs, which purport to bind a new President to his predecessor’s policies, run counter to America’s system of democratic self-government.  CBAs quickly negotiated to include extreme policies on the eve of a new administration are purposefully designed to circumvent the will of the people and our democracy.  Such CBAs inhibit the President’s authority to manage the executive branch by tying his hands with inefficient and ineffective practices.  The Supreme Court has explained that a President “cannot choose to bind his successors by diminishing their powers.”

    Therefore, it is the policy of the executive branch that CBAs executed in the 30 days prior to the inauguration of a new President, and that purport to remain in effect despite the inauguration of a new President and administration, shall not be approved.

    Sec. 2.  Standards for CBA Duration.  (a)  No executive department or agency (agency) or agency employees shall make a CBA governing conditions of employment in the 30 days prior to a change in Presidential administrations that:

    (i)    creates new contractual obligations;

    (ii)   makes substantive changes to existing agreements; or

    (iii)  extends the duration of an existing agreement.

    (b)  Subsection (a) of this section applies only to the extent that its requirements do not prevent CBAs from rolling over under existing contractual provisions.

    (c)  To the extent that subordinate agency personnel have executed a CBA that violates the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, but the applicable agency head has not yet approved such agreement pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 7114(c), such agency head shall promptly disapprove such agreement as inconsistent with the requirements of this memorandum. 

    (d)  The requirements of this section do not apply to CBAs that primarily cover law enforcement officers, as that term is used in 18 U.S.C. 1515(a)(4).

    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  If the Federal Labor Relations Authority or a court of competent jurisdiction issues a final judgment holding that section 2(d) of this memorandum would prevent this memorandum from being considered a Government-wide rule or regulation for purposes of 5 U.S.C. 7117(a)(1), section 2(d) of this memorandum shall be severed and rendered inoperative thereby and given no force or effect.

    (d)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    (e)  The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: National Black History Month, 2025

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
    A PROCLAMATION

     Today, I am very honored to recognize February 2025 as National Black History Month.

         Every year, National Black History Month is an occasion to celebrate the contributions of so many black American patriots who have indelibly shaped our Nation’s history.

         Throughout our history, black Americans have been among our country’s most consequential leaders, shaping the cultural and political destiny of our Nation in profound ways.  American heroes such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, and countless others represent what is best in America and her citizens.  Their achievements, which have monumentally advanced the tradition of equality under the law in our great country, continue to serve as an inspiration for all Americans.  We will also never forget the achievements of American greats like Tiger Woods, who have pushed the boundaries of excellence in their respective fields, paving the way for others to follow. 

         This National Black History Month, as America prepares to enter a historic Golden Age, I want to extend my tremendous gratitude to black Americans for all they have done to bring us to this moment, and for the many future contributions they will make as we advance into a future of limitless possibility under my Administration.

         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 2025 as National Black History Month.  I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    thirty-first day of January, 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Cousins Sentenced: One for the Murder of his Best Friend and both for Conspiracy to Influence a Witness

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Eugene Burns, 32, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced today to a total of 37 years in prison, including 31 years for the murder of Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III in November 2015. Burns was sentenced to an additional six years for conspiring to influence a witness in the murder case. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced co-defendant Tyre Allen, 24, also of Washington, D.C., to three years in prison.

                On October 24, 2024, Burns was convicted by a Superior Court jury of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license. At the time he committed the murder, he was on release in a case pending before the D.C. Superior Court. On October 28, 2024, the jury convicted Burns and Allen of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice (corrupt persuasion of a witness), and obstruction of justice (due administration of justice).

                According to the government’s evidence, on November 14, 2015, defendant Burns lured his best friend, Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, to Burns’s mother’s apartment in the 2900 block of 2nd Street Southeast, Washington, D.C. Burns shot the victim four times, killing him. 

                Burns was previously convicted by a jury, in 2017, of murdering the victim, but the conviction was overturned on appeal in 2020. Following the reversal, Burns and co‑defendant Tyre Allen, Burns’s cousin, conspired to and did obstruct justice by corruptly influencing a witness in the murder case to sign a false affidavit in October 2020 recanting the witness’s prior grand jury and trial testimony incriminating Burns in the murder.           

                In announcing the sentence U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated this case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Washington Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged the work of former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Willoughby and Kevin Flynn for their work on the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles R. Jones and Sharon Donovan, who prosecuted and tried this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Former PNG army commander Jerry Singirok pays tribute to Sir Julius Chan

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    The former Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) commander who defied a government decision to send mercenaries to Bougainville during the civil war in the late 1990s has paid tribute to Sir Julius Chan, prime minister at the time.

    Retired Major-General Jerry Singirok, who effectively ended the Bougainville War and caused Sir Julius to step aside as Prime Minister in 1997, expressed his condolences, saying he had the highest respect for Sir Julius — who died on Thursday aged 85 — for upholding the constitution when the people demanded it.

    “Today, I mourn with his family, the people of New Ireland and the nation for his loss. We are for ever grateful for such a selfless servant as Sir Julius Chan,” he said.

    Retired Major-General Jerry Singirok . . . “We are for ever grateful for such a selfless servant as Sir Julius Chan.” Image: PNG Post-Courier

    As a captain, Jerry Singirok had served on the PNGDF’s first-ever overseas combat deployment in Vanuatu to quell an independence rebellion.

    The decision to send PNGDF forces to Vanuatu was made when Sir Julius was prime minister in 1980.

    Seventeen years later, again under Sir Julius’ leadership, the 38-year-old Singirok was elevated to be the PNGDF commander as the government struggled to put an end to the decade-long Bougainville War.

    Sandline affair
    In late 1996, the Sir Julius-led government signed a secret US$38 million deal with Sandline International, a UK-based mercenary company.

    Under the arrangement, 44 British, South African and Australian mercenaries supported by the PNGDF, would be sent in to Bougainville to end the conflict.

    Singirok disagreed with the decision, disarmed and arrested the mercenaries during the night of 16 March 1997, and with the backing of the army he called for Sir Julius to step aside as prime minster. Sir Julius’ defiance triggered violent protests.

    “Yes, I disagreed with him and opposed the use of mercenaries on Bougainville and the nation mobilised and expelled Sandline mercenaries,” he said.

    “But it did not once dampen my respect for him.”

    Under immense public pressure, Sir Julius stepped aside.

    Throughout the period of unrest, Singirok maintained that the military operation called “Opareisen Rausim Kwik” (Tok Pisin for “Get rid of them quickly”), was aimed at expelling mercenaries and was not a coup against the government.

    His book about the so-called Sandline affair, A Matter of Conscience, was published in 2023.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Baltimore Man of First-Degree Felony Murder While Armed and Related Charges for Killing Unarmed Man in Southeast, D.C.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Ethan Cunningham, 22, of Baltimore, MD was found guilty by a Superior Court jury of two counts of felony murder while armed, and related charges stemming from a May 2022 shooting of James Lee Curtis, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                The jury also found Cunningham guilty of one count of first-degree burglary while armed, one count of attempted robbery while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of PFCOV, one count of carrying a pistol without a license, and one count of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2025.

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on May 10, 2022, the victim, James Lee Curtis, was coming home from getting dinner and picking up his roommate.  As he was entering his building, the defendant, Ethan Cunningham, and an associate followed Curtis into his apartment building.  The defendant brandished a 9mm firearm with an extended magazine and repeatedly assaulted Curtis, demanding he open his apartment door where a child and woman were inside.  When Curtis refused to open the door, the defendant continued assaulting him throughout basement area of the apartment building until Curtis’s roommate tried to intervene.  The defendant then began shooting, striking Curtis once, and striking his roommate’s backpack. The defendant then stood over the roommate who had fallen to the ground and threatened to shoot him before fleeing the building. Curtis died from his injuries shortly thereafter.

                The defendant was arrested on May 30, 2022 and has remained detained since that date.

                This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma McArthur and Natalie Hynum.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Coons warns about Russian efforts against Romania and Moldova in interview with The Counteroffensive

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) sat down with The Counteroffensive’s Tim Mak to encourage continued western support for Romania and Moldova, both of which are victims of intensive Russian coercion campaigns in eastern Europe amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
    Last month, Senator Coons led a congressional delegation to Moldova and Romania, where he saw firsthand Russia’s attempts to undermine the independence and democracy of both countries. Romania, a crucial NATO ally, faced widespread Russian interference in their November presidential election that propelled pro-Russia NATO-skeptic candidate Calin Georgescu to first place before the election was annulled. Meanwhile, Moldova also faced intensive Russian interference, including disinformation and vote-buying campaigns, in its October presidential election and a referendum on joining the European Union, which ultimately passed despite Russia’s efforts. The country is also dealing with an energy crisis, as Russia started off the year by cutting off gas supplies to Moldova’s only power plant, with devastating consequences for Moldovan civilians now struggling through the winter. 
    In the interview, Senator Coons also encouraged President Trump and Republicans not to abandon Ukraine nearly three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country.
    The Counteroffensive: TOP DEM SENATOR: DON’T TAKE EYES OFF MOLDOVA, ROMANIA 
    As violent as the war in Ukraine is, there are broader Russian threats that the United States needs to pay attention to, said Sen. Chris Coons, a senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    Coons recently returned from a Congressional delegation to Moldova and Romania, and gave an exclusive interview with The Counteroffensive to share lessons learned.
    “Russia has a playbook, and it has a set of plays that it’s running,” and not just in Ukraine, he said, referring to hybrid warfare techniques that include threats to Moldova’s energy security and influence operations in Romania.
    “Their sabotage operations are continuing right now across Central and Western Europe: fires and attacks and assassinations; and that their influence operations using social media; cyber attacks; good old fashioned bribery – are actually having an influence on politics,” he warned. “These are not isolated.”
    Read the full article here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Welcomes Spring 2025 Interns

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–Six interns joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s (R-Idaho) Washington, D.C., Boise and Pocatello offices for the winter and spring 2025 terms.
    “The young individuals joining my office for the spring term will get to experience firsthand historic moments with President Trump’s return to office,” said Crapo.  “They will actively engage with Idaho’s constituents, expand their knowledge of the federal policymaking process and grow hard and soft skills important for their next career step.  I am delighted to have them on board for this spring and look forward to their success.”
    Three interns will serve in the Washington, D.C., office:
    Kennedy Cummins is a Murtaugh, Idaho, native and a senior at Boise State University.  She is studying political science.  Kennedy interned in Senator Crapo’s Boise office in the fall.
    Samuel Jardine is an Idaho Falls, Idaho, native a junior at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.  He is studying political science with a professional emphasis in political strategy and a minor in business.
    Madison Schmidt is a senior at Boise State University, pursuing a degree in political science and a certificate in business.  Madison attended high school in Meridian, Idaho.
    Two interns will serve in the Boise office:
    Ellison Winger is a sophomore at Boise State University.  She is majoring in political science and minoring in business.
    Jack Marmor moved to Idaho when he was three-years-old.  He is a senior at Boise State University, pursuing a degree in criminal justice.
    One intern served in the Pocatello office during the month of January:
    Giovanni DeLaRosa is a Pocatello, Idaho, native.  Giovanni is studying political science and business management at Columbia University in New York City.
    Crapo hosts interns in his Washington, D.C., office as well as in the various regional offices throughout Idaho.  The applications for the summer and fall 2025 terms close on March 1.  Students interested in positions for the spring, summer or fall semesters can find more information about the application process, internship expectations, and deadlines for applying on the Senator’s official website at: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/services/for-students/internships 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder of Shoe Reseller Results in 32 Year Sentence

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Killer Convicted of First-Degree Murder and Related Offense for Killing a Shoe Reseller at East River Park Shopping Mall

                WASHINGTON – Darius Anderson, 23, of Washington, DC, was sentenced today to 32 years of in prison for first-degree murder while armed and related offenses in the June 2022 killing of 30-year old Israel Mattocks, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Anderson was found guilty by a jury on September 18, 2024, following a one-week trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The murder occurred in the 3900 block of Minnesota Ave, NE.  Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo handed down the sentence.

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on June 15, 2022, the victim, Mr. Mattocks, a shoe reseller, asked the defendant for help purchasing shoes from Shoe City located at the East River Park Shopping Mall. After the defendant failed to purchase the shoes for Mr. Mattocks, the two had a brief conversation and parted ways. A short time later, the two met again in another nearby local shoe store, DownTown Locker Room. Mr. Mattocks and the defendant had a brief argument. Afterwards, Mr. Mattocks left the store with another individual to return to Shoe City to buy the shoes the defendant failed to purchase. In the meantime, defendant Anderson walked home, dropped off his purchase from the DownTown Locker Room, and returned to the Shoe City. When the victim and the other individual walked out of the Shoe City, Anderson, was waiting, standing to the right entrance of the store, and fired numerous shots at Mr. Mattocks. Mr. Mattocks was shot at least six times – sustaining injuries to his left and right arms, his right chest, and his neck. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

                In announcing this verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.  They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ariel Dean and Stephanie Dinan. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: More Chinese people driving home in NEVs for Spring Festival reunions

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Jan. 31 — More and more Chinese people are choosing to drive home for Spring Festival family reunions using new-energy vehicles (NEVs), aided by better charging and insurance services, according to experts.

    Hua Lei, an official with the Ministry of Transport, said that NEVs are joining the Spring Festival travel rush, the world’s largest annual human migration in China around the Spring Festival, in growing numbers.

    Noting that NEVs accounted for 15.9 percent of road trips during the National Day holiday in October last year, experts expected their share to rise further during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, which officially kicked off on Jan. 14.

    To meet the rising demand for NEV charging, the country has accelerated the construction of charging infrastructure. By the end of 2024, 98 percent of highway service areas had charging facilities, with 35,000 charging stations in place. “Aside from a few remote, high-altitude areas, nearly all (highway) service areas now offer charging options,” said Hua.

    Lots of supercharging piles have been put in place. For instance, in China’s southwestern megacity of Chongqing, 83 highway service areas had completed the construction of supercharging piles before the arrival of the Spring Festival travel rush.

    The new supercharging piles have a significant charging capacity, with a maximum output of 480 kilowatts per charging gun. They can charge NEVs faster than conventional fast-charging piles, enabling NEVs to run for 400 kilometers after charging for just 10 minutes.

    In 2024, China added more than 4.22 million electric vehicle charging poles, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. By the end of last year, the total number of electric vehicle charging poles in the country reached 12.82 million, marking a 49.1 percent year-on-year increase. Of these, public charging poles accounted for approximately 3.58 million, while private charging poles neared 9.24 million.

    The expansion of charging facilities comes amid surging demand for NEVs in China, with both production and sales surpassing 12 million units in 2024, industrial data shows. China has maintained its position as the world’s leading NEV market for 10 consecutive years.

    The number of NEVs in use in China has continued to increase at a faster pace, reaching 31.4 million by the end of 2024, the Ministry of Public Security said earlier this month. It added that the figure marks a 260-fold surge over the past decade, which is attributed to the country’s technological progress in the NEV industry, the improvement of charging infrastructure and the growing eco-friendly awareness of Chinese people.

    The ministry added that in 2024, NEVs accounted for 8.9 percent of the country’s total vehicle ownership, while the number of newly registered NEVs rose by 51.49 percent compared to 2023, reaching 11.25 million.

    To further spur the NEV sector, China unveiled last Friday its first-ever guidelines for the insurance of NEVs, introducing measures aimed at addressing key challenges currently facing the sector, such as high insurance premiums and the risk of being denied coverage.

    The guidelines, jointly issued by the National Financial Regulatory Administration and three other government departments, aim to reduce maintenance costs for NEVs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bay area opportunities abound

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    There are a multitude of insole products on the market, but those designed specifically for foot shapes that cater to locals are rare. This is why Hong Kong youngster Mike Lo launched his own brand, aiming to create insoles that meet the precise needs of users.

    Mike’s vision extends beyond local development and he aspires to penetrate the vast market of Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area.

    Encouraging entrepreneurship

    Establishing a company and developing products necessitates substantial funding.

    The Government is committed to encouraging and supporting Hong Kong youth in pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship. Recognising the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs like Mike, it launched the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area a few years ago.

    The scheme subsidises non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to implement youth entrepreneurship projects, providing seed funding for youth startups and assisting them in setting up business in both Hong Kong and cities within the bay area.

    The “StarAgent” programme launched by Po Leung Kuk is one of these subsidised projects. Through it, Mike’s company successfully secured a grant of $600,000.

    With the funding, he collaborated with a local university to conduct product development and trials, creating more suitable products for seniors suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet and diabetic foot.

    “We also used part of the funds to develop moulds and products in factories in the Mainland,” Mike said.

    After two years of trial and error, Mike ultimately launched his own version of pain-relieving insoles which help improve users’ walking and standing posture, alleviating discomfort in the feet, knees, and lower back.

    Community impact

    Having achieved success in product development, Mike remains committed to giving back to the community.

    He recently visited a public housing estate in Tuen Mun to measure the foot sizes of elderly residents, providing them with pain-relief insoles produced by his company.

    He also attended a foot health awareness event organised by Po Leung Kuk to share foot care knowledge with the elderly.

    Talking about his company’s development, Mike said he is currently planning to expand its business in the bay area.

    Field tour

    Po Leung Kuk Youth Affairs Department Supervisor Catherine Liu noted that young people venturing into other cities in the Mainland inevitably face numerous concerns, including networking issues, startup costs, and local rules and regulations.

    “Our aim is to help them overcome one hurdle after another.”

    In addition to providing up to $600,000 in funding, Po Leung Kuk offers a range of business incubation services, such as one-on-one professional consultations.

    Before young entrepreneurs enter the Mainland market in the bay area, the programme also organises various business seminars.

    Additionally, Po Leung Kuk takes them on visits to cities like Dongguan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. This helps them to familiarise themselves with startup hubs in Mainland cities of the bay area, allowing them to choose the most suitable place for their development.

    Multi-benefit case

    Tony Fung’s extended reality technology company also benefited from the programme and received funding to set up offices in both Guangzhou and Hong Kong. His Hong Kong office focuses on game development, while the one in Guangzhou handles cloud and web development, with the two complementing each other’s strengths.

    Specialised in combining various technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality to create interactive experiences for entertainment and practical use, the content developed by the company involves community education, including themes such as mental health and drug abuse prevention, as well as e-sports.

    With the help of the entrepreneurship programme, Tony is moving forward to expand the firm’s client base throughout Guangzhou and other bay area cities, and engaging with local institutions to introduce services.

    Mutually reinforcing

    The Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a three-year programme. Under Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Clarence Leung highlighted that the first round was extremely well-received.

    The authorities partnered with 16 NGOs to fund a total of 217 teams, with about 70 of them successfully establishing themselves in various innovation and entrepreneurial bases in Mainland cities. As a result, the Government has launched a second round of the scheme.

    Mr Leung said they saw a lot of young teams with a lot of ideas.

    “They put the ideas into practice. We felt that the funding scheme was very successful. That is why we have the second cohort that started last year.”

    In addition to this programme, Mr Leung added that the bureau also supports youth entrepreneurship through three other initiatives.

    These include the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases, which allows young people to explore startup base operations and policies.

    Another strategy involves the Youth Start-up Internship Programme working in collaboration with the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport to provide internships at startup companies.

    One more avenue of support is led by the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area, which organises diverse activities in co-operation with institutions from Guangdong and Hong Kong.

    Collectively, the various initiatives backed by the bureau offer significant support to young entrepreneurs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arizona Couple Pleads Guilty to $1.2B Health Care Fraud

    Source: US State of California

    An Arizona couple pleaded guilty for causing over $1.2 billion of false and fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare and other health insurance programs for expensive, medically unnecessary wound grafts that were applied to elderly and terminally ill patients.

    According to court documents, Alexandra Gehrke, 39, and her husband, Jeffrey King, 46, both of Phoenix, conspired with others to orchestrate the massive scheme. Gehrke ran two companies, Apex Medical LLC and Viking Medical Consultants LLC, that contracted with medically untrained “sales representatives” to locate elderly patients, including hospice patients, who had wounds at any stage and order amniotic wound grafts from a specific graft distributor. Gehrke instructed and financially incentivized the sales representatives to order grafts only in sizes 4×6 centimeters or larger, even if the wound was much smaller, to maximize health insurance reimbursement. Gehrke, through companies she owned and controlled, received over $279 million in illegal kickbacks from the distributor of the grafts in exchange for the orders. Gehrke in turn paid the sales representatives tens of millions of dollars in unlawful kickbacks. Gehrke then referred the patients to a company co-owned by King, which contracted with nurse practitioners to apply the grafts. King’s company fraudulently billed Medicare, TRICARE (the health care program for U.S. service members and their families), CHAMPVA (the health care program for spouses and children of permanently disabled veterans), and commercial insurance plans for the grafts. Gehrke and King, who had no medical training, directed the nurse practitioners to suspend their own medical judgment and apply all grafts ordered by the sales representatives, even when medically unreasonable and unnecessary, which resulted in the application of grafts to infected wounds, wounds that had already healed, and wounds that were not responding to the grafts.

    From November 2022 through May 2024, Gehrke, King, and others, through companies they owned, operated, and controlled, submitted $1,212,005,778 in false and fraudulent claims to health insurance plans. This included over $960 million in false and fraudulent claims to the federal health care programs — Medicare, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA. The federal and private health care insurers paid $614,990,420 based on the false and fraudulent claims.

    In their plea agreements, Gehrke and King agreed to pay restitution in the amounts of $614,990,420 and $605,690,110, respectively. They also agreed collectively to forfeit over $410 million in funds that they obtained from the fraud. To date, the government has seized nearly $100 million in assets that Gehrke and King accumulated from the scheme, including bank account balances exceeding $68 million, four luxury vehicles valued over $980,000, $22 million of life insurance annuities, and jewelry and precious metals.

    Gehrke pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2024, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 11 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. King pleaded guilty on Jan. 31 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona; Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office; Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Director Kelly Mayo of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); and Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) South Central Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI, HHS-OIG, DCIS, and VA-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Shane Butland of the National Rapid Response Strike Force of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Williams for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Republicans Block Resolution Condemning Pardons of Violent J6 Offenders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – During the presidential campaign last year, President Trump pledged to pardon non-violent offenders who participated in the January 6 (J6), 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.  And just days before taking the oath of Office, Vice President -elect JD Vance stated: “obviously people that committed violence against police officers that day should not get a pardon.”
    However, on the first day of President Trump’s second term he commuted the prison sentences for 14 of the most notorious J6 offenders, including leaders of the paramilitary groups the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. Simultaneously, he granted a “full, complete and unconditional pardon” to the rest of the approximately 1,560 defendants, including those convicted of violently assaulting police officers. 
    Many of the people Trump called “patriots” had extensive rap sheets.  Some had prior convictions or pending charges for crimes ranging from rape to sexual abuse of a minor to manslaughter.  While Trump’s pardons did not absolve offenders from every crime they committed in the past, his actions helped every one of them escape justice for their actions on January 6.  Some of the J6ers who got a pardon from Trump have already been arrested for other crimes or involved in deadly altercations with police officers.
    Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pled guilty to assaulting police officers on January 6th.  During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department.
    This week, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined every member of the Democratic caucus in introducing a resolution condemning the pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers.  The resolution simply states: “Resolved, That the Senate disapproves of any pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police officers.”
    But when U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) requested unanimous consent for the resolution on the floor, Republicans blocked the measure, with opposition from Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) objecting on behalf of his colleagues in the majority.
    Unanimous consent is a common route senators take for simple resolutions, military nominations and other actions, but adoption can be blocked if one single senator objects, sometimes on behalf of others.
    “These pardons were a slap in the face of the Capitol Police who stand up every day to protect members of Congress.  They have our back; we should have theirs.  Choosing subservience to President Trump rather than condemning the pardons of the criminals who attacked the Capitol is a shameful betrayal of these dedicated officers,” said Senator Reed.
    Senator Whitehouse stated: “These pardons are an insult to the men and women of the Capitol Police and the DC Police who protected democracy from the brutal rioters on January 6.  Less than two weeks from their pardons, they’re already back committing crimes, and now provide a personal army with demonstrated willingness to commit acts of political violence at the behest of Donald Trump.”
    The senators urged Senate Republicans to work with Democrats to pass the resolution, ensure accountability, and respect for law enforcement officers across the country.
    Among the individuals granted a full, complete, and unconditional pardon by President Trump was a Florida man who attacked a police officer with an explosive device during the J6 assault and was deemed by a federal judge to pose a serious ongoing danger to the general public, particularly to members of law enforcement, if released.
    Another J6 offender who was pardoned was the so-called QAnon Shaman, who, according to press reports declared soon after his pardon: “Now I’m gonna buy some (expletive) guns.”
    And a Missouri woman convicted in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and seen holding the broken nameplate of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), was given a pardon by President Trump, only to be sentenced for another crime: killing a mother of two in a drunken-driving crash.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 31st, 2025 Heinrich, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire.
    “I have worked for years to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico, Los Angeles, and across the West. This includes securing more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base in Albuquerque so that it can support and refuel the most effective firefighting planes that make the most difference for firefighters on the ground by dropping larger loads of fire retardant on blazes,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sheehy on this bipartisan legislation that will help aerial wildfire firefighting contractors continue purchasing excess equipment from the military to support their heavy aircraft. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires.”
    “As a former Navy SEAL and the only aerial firefighter in the Senate, I understand government’s most solemn duty is to keep the American people safe. Combatting the threat of catastrophic wildfires is a year-round mission, and we must ensure our aerial wildfire suppression fleet has the resources needed to protect our communities. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help our brave first responders fight wildfires better, faster, and stronger by streamlining wildland firefighting efforts and removing outdated bureaucratic obstacles to getting the job done,” said Sheehy.
    The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of excess aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. The bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet.
    The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense’s authority to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardant or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again.
    Read more on the bill here.
    Heinrich’s Support for Aerial Firefighting
    Heinrich has long worked to expand and improve aerial firefighting operations in New Mexico to more effectively fight wildfires. In 2022, Heinrich secured more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Those upgrades were completed in 2024 – a major milestone that makes it possible to support and refuel Very Large Air Tanker planes that can drop large volumes of fire retardant on blazes.
    In an op-ed published in the Albuquerque Journal, Col. Mike Power, Kirtland Air Force Base Installation Commander, highlighted the importance of these newly completed upgrades at the Cibola National Forest Air Tanker Base that will help the U.S. Forest Service fight wildfires in New Mexico more efficiently and effectively.  one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.
    “This base upgrade, where now up to 30 Forest Service professionals work to lead the fight against wildfires, includes the larger ramp space for a stronger, more efficient capability to fight wildfires in New Mexico year-round. It now also houses a retardant tank farm,” said Col. Power in the op-ed. “What does that mean to the average New Mexican? It means 75,000 gallons of retardant available at one time, and cuts response time to a fire in half. Ours is one of only two bases in the United States with that capability.”
    Heinrich’s Continued Leadership on Wildfire Recovery
    Heinrich remains focused on delivering the resources New Mexico needs to effectively respond to wildfires and prevent future devastating blazes by restoring the health and resilience of our forests and watersheds.
    Heinrich is keeping up the effort to do right by the New Mexico families whose lives were upended by the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. As communities continue to rebuild, Heinrich will keep working to deliver for every person impacted by that fire and the floods that followed.
    Heinrich, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) successfully secured an additional $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire within the Continuing Resolution that Congress passed in December.
    The Continuing Resolution also extended the period that victims may file claims with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office to March 14, 2025. The lawmakers are continuing to call for the passage of their Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Extension Act, legislation they introduced last year to extend the period a victim can file a claim with the Hermit’s Peak Claims Office through the end of 2027.
    The New Mexico Congressional Delegation has now secured a total of $5.45 billion in federal resources to help New Mexicans recover and rebuild since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
    In November, Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández announced that President Biden’s disaster supplemental request included transfer authority for $1.5 billion to help New Mexicans recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Heinrich, Luján, and Leger Fernández also sent a letter urging the FEMA Director of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and the FEMA Director of the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office to address concerns from New Mexicans about the process for receiving compensationfrom the Claims Office and help families get the relief and compensation needed to recover.
    Additional information on Heinrich’s leadership on Hermit’’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Response and Recovery can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –