NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-Evening Report: Governments are becoming increasingly secretive. Here’s how they can be made to be more transparent

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabrielle Appleby, Professor of Law, UNSW Law School, UNSW Sydney

    Transparency is vital to our democratic system of government.

    It promotes good government, spurring those in power into better practice. Even when what is revealed is pretty revolting, transparency means those transgressions are known, and accountability for them can follow.

    Transparency is particularly important for people who otherwise do not have access to government, who are not “in the room” or “at the table”, whether that be directly or through lobbyists or other connections.

    But recent data reveal government transparency in Australia is on the decline. Given the connection between transparency and a well-functioning democracy, this is deeply concerning.

    The Albanese government’s compliance rate with Senate orders for documents is the lowest of any government since 2016, and the second-worst of any government since 1993. Disclosures under freedom of information laws have dropped dramatically over the past decade.

    The problem isn’t a lack of solutions, but that governments appear perpetually unwilling to open up.

    How should transparency work?

    In Australia, there is a complex system of institutions and laws that provide government accountability and transparency.

    Outside of the blunt instrument of electoral accountability through the ballot box, the parliament, and in particular the non-government-dominated Senate, plays a key role in providing accountability and transparency.

    The transparency work of the Senate is supplemented by a number of regimes, chief among them freedom of information. Under freedom of information, members of the public can request specific information from government departments and agencies, and this is supported by a “freedom of information champion”, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

    To work properly, these schemes and regimes need the ongoing support, cooperation and buy-in (literally in the form of funding) from government. This has, at times, been less than forthcoming, which can hobble their operation in different ways.

    There are also several reasons why a government might refuse to publicly disclose what it is doing. Former High Court Chief Justice Harry Gibbs said “government at a high level cannot function without some degree of secrecy”.

    But limits and exceptions to transparency regimes are controversial. Does there need to be an exception at all? Does a particular document fall within the exception?

    The government holds the upper hand in asserting whether a document falls within an exception, because they are the ones who know what the documents are. This gives rise to cynicism that these exceptions can be and are being abused.

    Documents remaining buried

    This cynicism may be warranted, as two recent reports by the Centre for Public Integrity show successive governments lack true commitment to transparency.

    The first report was about Senate orders for the production of documents and how often the government complies with them.

    One of the Senate’s most powerful tools in holding the executive to account is its ability to order the production of government documents.

    But governments have a long history of avoiding compliance with Senate orders. They either outright refuse to respond, or offer broad claims of “public interest immunity” over sensitive documents, such as those relating to national security, Cabinet, federal relations or law enforcement.

    While the Senate can sanction ministers who refuse to comply with its orders, such as through suspending them from the chamber, it has historically done little in response to government insouciance.

    This means we don’t know whether the public interest immunity claims being made over the documents are valid, and there is currently no mechanism to find out.

    The recent data show the government’s compliance rates with Senate orders to produce documents have fallen from 92% in 1993–96, to approximately 33% for the current parliament.

    This is a low that only the Abbott/Turnbull government in the 44th parliament has the ignominious record of beating in the past 30-odd years.

    It is coupled with the government increasingly claiming public interest immunity. Public interest immunity rejections as a proportion of non-compliance sat at 61% over the 46th Parliament, this rose to almost 68% over the Albanese government’s first term.

    These averaged roughly one claim per week under Albanese, compared with about one claim every three weeks under by the Morrison government in the 46th parliament.

    What about freedom of information?

    The second report is on the operation of the Commonwealth’s freedom of information (FOI) regime.

    The Albanese government’s performance on delivering transparency this way is a mixed bag.

    First, the good news: the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is better resourced, first-instance processing times have improved, and more of the reviews received by the OAIC are being finalised.

    But the plaudits end there.

    Whereas the proportion of requests granted in full stood at 59% in 2011–12, by 2023–24 it had fallen to just 25%.

    Over the same period, outright refusals have ballooned from 12% to 23%.

    The precipitous decline in the “refusal gap” (the difference between the proportion of requests granted in full and those refused) is alarming.

    Moreover, it’s difficult to have confidence in the correctness of these refusals. In 2023–24, almost half of initial decisions were found to be flawed following internal review.

    Processing timeframes are also cause for significant concern. Average processing time for Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reviews has blown out from 6 months in 2016-17, to 15.5 months in 2023-24.

    Fixing the mess

    Of course, numbers are not a full story. But they also cannot be denied, and these tell a damning story for government.

    So how could they be addressed?

    The Senate should adopt an independent legal arbiter to oversee claims for public interest immunity. This would discourage secrecy by providing an independent review mechanism for parliament to check the government’s immunity claims.

    For this reform to work, the Senate must not shy away from flexing its enforcement muscles either. The government must know that lack of transparency has consequences.

    In response to the freedom of information crisis, there’s a number of reforms that could improve transparency. These cover:

    • legislative changes such as clarifying that existing applications are not invalidated with a change in minister or portfolio title

    • greater resourcing to support information officer training and ongoing monitoring

    • and increasing parliamentary oversight of the regime.

    Transparency is not an elite concern, but one of those who are otherwise not in the room. It is the peoples’ concern. Governments, however, have incentives to keep the status quo.

    So even though Labor spoke a big transparency game in opposition, they have done little in government. We need to demand that they do.

    The author would like to thank Catherine Williams, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Integrity, for her contributions to this article.

    Gabrielle Appleby is a Director of the Centre for Public Integrity.

    – ref. Governments are becoming increasingly secretive. Here’s how they can be made to be more transparent – https://theconversation.com/governments-are-becoming-increasingly-secretive-heres-how-they-can-be-made-to-be-more-transparent-262012

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why UK recognition of a Palestinian state should not be conditional on Israel’s actions

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Scott, Professor in Law, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    The announcement this week by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the recognition of a Palestininian state has been welcomed by many who want to see a ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in the region.

    In contrast to other recent statements on the status of Palestine, however, the UK has said it will recognise Palestine as a state in September

    unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long term sustainable peace, including through allowing the UN to restart without delay the supply of humanitarian support to the people of Gaza to end starvation, agreeing to a ceasefire, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

    Until this week, the UK’s position had been that recognition would only follow a negotiated two-state solution in Israel-Palestine. Other countries have now begun to shift from that position, too.

    The latest UK statement was preceded by announcements from France on July 25 and Canada on July 31 that they too would recognise Palestine as a state in September.

    But the UK position is different in one important way: it is conditional on Israel failing to comply with its international humanitarian obligations in Gaza and the West Bank.

    In other words, recognition of Palestine as a state by the UK is being used as a stick to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire. Should Israel agree to those conditions, the UK will presumably not recognise Palestine as a state in September, but will revert to its original position on a two-state solution.

    Conditional recognition subject to action by Israel – a third state – represents an unwelcome and arguably dangerous departure from international practice.

    While recognition (or otherwise) of states is inherently political – as demonstrated by the unique status of Taiwan, for example – it is not and should not be made conditional on the action or inaction of third states.

    How states are recognised

    According to the Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, a state must have a permanent population, territory, an independent government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states, as well as self-determination.

    Palestine has arguably met all these criteria, with the possible exception of an independent government, given the level of Israeli intervention in the West Bank and the current situation in Gaza.

    Although recognition by other states is arguably not a formal criterion of statehood, it is very difficult to function as a state without reasonably widespread recognition by other states.

    Some 147 countries – two-thirds of UN members – now recognise the State of Palestine, including Spain, Ireland and Norway, which made announcements in 2024.

    Those choosing not to formally recognise a Palestinian state are now in a small minority, including Australia and New Zealand. This is inevitably leading to calls in those countries to change position.

    Australia is considering such a shift, subject to conditions similar to those set out by Canada – including the release of Israeli hostages, the demilitarisation of Hamas, and reform of the Palestinian Authority.

    New Zealand is currently maintaining its longstanding position of recognising Palestine within the context of a two-state solution. On July 30, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and 13 of his counterparts issued a joint statement – the “New York Call” – demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reiterating “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution”.

    The statement also asserted that “positive consideration” to recognise the state of Palestine is “an essential step towards the two-state solution”.

    Better options are available

    The UK’s position, however, introduces another dynamic. By using recognition of Palestine as a tool to punish Israel for its actual and alleged breaches of international law in Gaza, it is implicitly failing to respect Palestine’s right to self-determination.

    If Palestine deserves statehood, it is on its own terms, not as a condition of Israel’s policies and actions.

    But it is also setting a dangerous precedent. Countries could choose to recognise (or not recognise) states to pressure or punish them (or indeed other states) for breaches of international law. Such breaches may or may not be connected to the state actually seeking recognition.

    This is important, because the post-colonial settlement of geographical boundaries remains deeply insecure in many regions. As well, low-lying island nations at risk of losing territory from sea-level rise may also find their status challenged, as territory has traditionally been a requirement of statehood.

    The UK’s apparent conditional recognition of Palestine is only likely to increase this international instability around statehood.

    While the UK’s announcement may be “clever politics” from a domestic perspective, and avoids outright US opposition internationally, it has conflated two separate issues.

    The better option would be for the UK to recognise Palestine as a state, joining a growing number of countries that plan to do so in advance of the UN General Assembly meeting in September. It could make this subject to conditions, including the release of hostages and exclusion of Hamas from Palestinian governance.

    And it should continue to press Israel to agree to a ceasefire in addition to the other demands set out in its announcement, and hold Israel accountable for its gross breaches of international law in Gaza. It can back up those demands with appropriate diplomatic and trade sanctions.

    New Zealand, too, has a range of options available, and can help increase the pressure on Israel by using them.

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

    – ref. Why UK recognition of a Palestinian state should not be conditional on Israel’s actions – https://theconversation.com/why-uk-recognition-of-a-palestinian-state-should-not-be-conditional-on-israels-actions-262345

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for August 1, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on August 1, 2025.

    Why UK recognition of a Palestinian state should not be conditional on Israel’s actions
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Scott, Professor in Law, University of Canterbury Getty Images The announcement this week by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the recognition of a Palestininian state has been welcomed by many who want to see a ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in the region. In

    Governments are becoming increasingly secretive. Here’s how they can be made to be more transparent
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabrielle Appleby, Professor of Law, UNSW Law School, UNSW Sydney Transparency is vital to our democratic system of government. It promotes good government, spurring those in power into better practice. Even when what is revealed is pretty revolting, transparency means those transgressions are known, and accountability for

    Wood fires, warm drinks, hot water bottles: 5 expert tips on how to avoid burns this winter
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Martin, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, School of Biomedical Sciences, Pathology and Laboratory Science, The University of Western Australia Alex P/Pexels It’s a cold, crisp evening and the air carries a chill that bites. As temperatures drop and houses get colder, we turn to trusted sources of

    Is Australia becoming a more violent country?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samara McPhedran, Principal Research Fellow, Violence Research and Prevention Program, Griffith University Almost every day, it seems we read or hear reports another family is grieving the murder of a loved one in a street brawl, another business owner is hospitalised after trying to fend off armed

    The royal commission recommended abolishing time limits on abuse cases – a year on, nothing has changed
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zoë Prebble, Lecturer in Criminal Law, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Among the 138 recommendations of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry’s final report to parliament was a clear call: remove the legal time limits that prevent survivors of historic

    Industrial-scale deepfake abuse caused a crisis in South Korean schools. Here’s how Australia can avoid the same fate
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Scanlan, Senior Lecturer in Health Information Management, University of Tasmania South Korea’s deepfake crisis triggered a wave of protests in 2024. Anthony WALLACE / AFP Australian schools are seeing a growing number of incidents in which students have created deepfake sexualised imagery of their classmates. The

    Colombia is producing more cocaine than ever – and more is reaching Australian shores
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cesar Alvarez, Lecturer in Terrorism and Security Studies, Charles Sturt University Members of the Colombian anti-narcotics police test cocaine after a drug bust. RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images Imagine an area larger than the Australian Capital Territory, nearly twice the size of London and four times that

    How can I tell if I am lonely? What are some of the signs?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marlee Bower, Senior Research Fellow, Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney gremlin/Getty Images Without even realising it, your world sometimes gradually gets smaller: less walking, fewer days in the office, cancelling on friends. Watching plans disintegrate on the chat as

    Rockabye baby: the ‘love songs’ of lonely leopard seals resemble human nursery rhymes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucinda Chambers, PhD Candidate in Marine Bioacoustics, UNSW Sydney CassandraSm/Shutterstock Late in the evening, the Antarctic sky flushes pink. The male leopard seal wakes and slips from the ice into the water. There, he’ll spend the night singing underwater amongst the floating ice floes. For the next

    Shark tales, a sinking city and a breathless cop thriller: what to watch in August
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexa Scarlata, Lecturer, Digital Communication, RMIT University As the cool nights continue, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a new batch of captivating films and series. This month’s streaming highlights bring a little bit of everything, from gripping true crime, to thought-provoking political drama, and

    A Hawaiian epic made in NZ: why Jason Momoa’s Chief of War wasn’t filmed in its star’s homeland
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Duncan Caillard, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology Jason Momoa’s historical epic Chief of War, launching August 1 on Apple TV+, is a triumph of Hawaiians telling their own stories – despite the fact their film and TV production industry now struggles

    As protesters condemn Western media ‘complicity’, Gaza journalists struggle for survival
    Asia Pacific Report Protesters demonstrated outside several major US media outlets in Washington this week condemning their coverage of the genocide in Gaza, claiming they were to blame over misinformation and the worsening catastrophe. Banging pots and pans to spotlight the starvation crisis, they accused the media of “complicity in genocide”. Banners and placards proclaimed

    The company tax regime is a roadblock to business investment. Here’s what needs to change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Robson, Deputy Chair, Productivity Commission, and Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology Erman Gunes/Shutterstock Productivity growth is a key driver of improvements in living standards. But in Australia over the last decade, output per hour worked grew by less than a quarter of its 60-year average.

    Grattan on Friday: Aggrieved Liberals stamp their feet, testing Sussan Ley’s authority
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As any leader of a political party knows, when you demote people they can become difficult, or worse. Among Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s multiple problems are two very unhappy former frontbenchers. Sarah Henderson, who was opposition education spokeswoman last term,

    Espionage cost Australia $12.5 billion in 2023-24, ASIO boss Mike Burgess says
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Espionage cost Australia $12.5 billion in 2023-24, according to a study by ASIO and the Australian Institute of Criminology. The figure includes the direct costs of known espionage incidents, including state-sponsored theft of intellectual property, as well as the indirect

    Labor well-placed to win three Bass seats in Tasmanian election, giving left a total of 20 of 35 MPs
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Labor is well-placed to win three seats in the electorate of Bass at the Tasmanian election, although its party totals imply it deserves only two. This would

    The Muslim world has been strong on rhetoric, short on action over Gaza and Afghanistan
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Australian National University When it comes to dealing with two of the biggest current crises in the Muslim world – the devastation of Gaza and the Taliban’s draconian

    Kids need to floss too, even their baby teeth. But how do you actually get them to do it?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dileep Sharma, Professor and Head of Discipline – Oral Health, University of Newcastle Jonathan Borba/Pexels A survey from the Australian Dental Association out this week shows about three in four children never floss their teeth, or have adults do it for them. Many of the survey respondents

    Grief is the Thing with Feathers comes to the stage with a glorious intensity of purpose
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Huw Griffiths, Associate Professor of English Literature, University of Sydney Brett Boardman/Belvoir The idea of the titular Crow in Ted Hughes’ poems is wild, untameable and irreducible to words. In an early poem in the sequence, words come at Crow from all angles but he just ignores

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: independent MP Allegra Spender on making tax fairer for younger Australians
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With parliament now finished its first fortnight’s session, attention will soon be on the government’s August 19-21 economic reform roundtable, bringing together business, unions, experts and community representatives to pursue consensus on ways to lift Australia’s flagging productivity. Independent member

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why UK recognition of a Palestinian state should not be conditional on Israel’s actions

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Karen Scott, Professor in Law, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    The announcement this week by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the recognition of a Palestininian state has been welcomed by many who want to see a ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in the region.

    In contrast to other recent statements on the status of Palestine, however, the UK has said it will recognise Palestine as a state in September

    unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long term sustainable peace, including through allowing the UN to restart without delay the supply of humanitarian support to the people of Gaza to end starvation, agreeing to a ceasefire, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

    Until this week, the UK’s position had been that recognition would only follow a negotiated two-state solution in Israel-Palestine. Other countries have now begun to shift from that position, too.

    The latest UK statement was preceded by announcements from France on July 25 and Canada on July 31 that they too would recognise Palestine as a state in September.

    But the UK position is different in one important way: it is conditional on Israel failing to comply with its international humanitarian obligations in Gaza and the West Bank.

    In other words, recognition of Palestine as a state by the UK is being used as a stick to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire. Should Israel agree to those conditions, the UK will presumably not recognise Palestine as a state in September, but will revert to its original position on a two-state solution.

    Conditional recognition subject to action by Israel – a third state – represents an unwelcome and arguably dangerous departure from international practice.

    While recognition (or otherwise) of states is inherently political – as demonstrated by the unique status of Taiwan, for example – it is not and should not be made conditional on the action or inaction of third states.

    How states are recognised

    According to the Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, a state must have a permanent population, territory, an independent government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states, as well as self-determination.

    Palestine has arguably met all these criteria, with the possible exception of an independent government, given the level of Israeli intervention in the West Bank and the current situation in Gaza.

    Although recognition by other states is arguably not a formal criterion of statehood, it is very difficult to function as a state without reasonably widespread recognition by other states.

    Some 147 countries – two-thirds of UN members – now recognise the State of Palestine, including Spain, Ireland and Norway, which made announcements in 2024.

    Those choosing not to formally recognise a Palestinian state are now in a small minority, including Australia and New Zealand. This is inevitably leading to calls in those countries to change position.

    Australia is considering such a shift, subject to conditions similar to those set out by Canada – including the release of Israeli hostages, the demilitarisation of Hamas, and reform of the Palestinian Authority.

    New Zealand is currently maintaining its longstanding position of recognising Palestine within the context of a two-state solution. On July 30, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and 13 of his counterparts issued a joint statement – the “New York Call” – demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reiterating “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution”.

    The statement also asserted that “positive consideration” to recognise the state of Palestine is “an essential step towards the two-state solution”.

    Better options are available

    The UK’s position, however, introduces another dynamic. By using recognition of Palestine as a tool to punish Israel for its actual and alleged breaches of international law in Gaza, it is implicitly failing to respect Palestine’s right to self-determination.

    If Palestine deserves statehood, it is on its own terms, not as a condition of Israel’s policies and actions.

    But it is also setting a dangerous precedent. Countries could choose to recognise (or not recognise) states to pressure or punish them (or indeed other states) for breaches of international law. Such breaches may or may not be connected to the state actually seeking recognition.

    This is important, because the post-colonial settlement of geographical boundaries remains deeply insecure in many regions. As well, low-lying island nations at risk of losing territory from sea-level rise may also find their status challenged, as territory has traditionally been a requirement of statehood.

    The UK’s apparent conditional recognition of Palestine is only likely to increase this international instability around statehood.

    While the UK’s announcement may be “clever politics” from a domestic perspective, and avoids outright US opposition internationally, it has conflated two separate issues.

    The better option would be for the UK to recognise Palestine as a state, joining a growing number of countries that plan to do so in advance of the UN General Assembly meeting in September. It could make this subject to conditions, including the release of hostages and exclusion of Hamas from Palestinian governance.

    And it should continue to press Israel to agree to a ceasefire in addition to the other demands set out in its announcement, and hold Israel accountable for its gross breaches of international law in Gaza. It can back up those demands with appropriate diplomatic and trade sanctions.

    New Zealand, too, has a range of options available, and can help increase the pressure on Israel by using them.

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

    – ref. Why UK recognition of a Palestinian state should not be conditional on Israel’s actions – https://theconversation.com/why-uk-recognition-of-a-palestinian-state-should-not-be-conditional-on-israels-actions-262345

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China champions global cooperation on wetland conservation at COP15

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

    Amid growing global attention to wetland conservation, China’s efforts and achievements in this field are particularly eye-catching at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), due to conclude in Victoria Falls on Thursday.

    From building the world’s largest number of international wetland cities to achieving legislative breakthroughs and forging capacity-building partnerships with other countries, China has embraced a comprehensive approach to wetland protection, deeply rooted in ecological civilization and its unwavering support for global efforts.

    An aerial drone photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows volunteers taking a boat to inspect the breeding habitat of migrant birds at a wetland on the estuary of the Baisha River in Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province. (Photo by Wang Haibin/Xinhua)

    SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

    At the height of summer, deep within the East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve in central China’s Yueyang city, Hunan province, schools of fish swim freely in the lake, deer bound through the forests, and birds sing joyfully among the trees.

    “We are proud to say that the wetlands are now the ecological calling cards of Yueyang,” said Yu Ge, a representative of the city who attended COP15 in the resort city of Victoria Falls in the Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe.

    The COP15, themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” brought together government representatives to strengthen international commitments to wetland conservation and to highlight the vital role of wetlands in sustaining ecological health, biodiversity and climate resilience.

    Yu actively promoted Yueyang at every event during his short stay in Zimbabwe, warmly inviting participants from different countries to explore the city. With approximately 285,200 hectares of wetlands, Yueyang has stepped up its conservation efforts in recent years and was officially recognized as an international wetland city at this year’s COP15.

    A total of nine Chinese cities won the prestigious title during the meeting, bringing the total number of such cities in China to 22, the highest in the world, showcasing the country’s significant achievements in wetland conservation.

    According to China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration, China currently boasts 56.35 million hectares of wetlands, ranking fourth in the world. It is also home to 82 Wetlands of International Importance and five national parks.

    Yan Zhen, deputy head of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration, said during the meeting that in recent years, China has continuously improved its legal and institutional framework for wetland conservation, comprehensively protected wetland ecosystems, and actively engaged in international cooperation, continuously contributing to global wetland protection efforts.

    “Over the last 20 years, China has made significant progress in wetland conservation, marking a turning point that has led to a more balanced and sustainable relationship between humans and nature,” Yan said.

    SHINING EXAMPLE

    China became a party to the Ramsar Convention in 1992 and hosted COP14 in 2022, during which it was elected as chair of the standing committee to lead the convention process for the following three years.

    This photo taken on July 22, 2025 shows a herd of yaks in a wetland near Mapam Yumco Lake in Burang County of Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

    In an exclusive interview with Xinhua during COP15, Musonda Mumba, secretary general of the Convention on Wetlands, said she assumed the role six weeks before the opening of COP14 and felt “very fortunate” to start the journey with China. “China has provided leadership in making sure that all the draft resolutions made at COP14 were dealt with and delivered in a timely manner.”

    China’s Wetland Protection Law, effective since June 2022, is the country’s first dedicated legislation on wetlands, providing a comprehensive legal framework for wetland conservation, restoration, management and sustainable use.

    Hailing the law as a “shining example” to the world, Mumba said, “China is one of the very few countries that actually have a wetland law. And that for me is also incredibly impressive, because not only does the law talk about having inventory, having the right data, managing these wetland systems, it also talks about the role of cities and why these cities matter.”

    The success in wetland conservation has not only benefited China’s biodiversity, but also contributed to the health of cross-border ecosystems by integrating wetland protection with other environmental goals, such as migratory bird conservation, she noted.

    Moreover, China’s efforts to raise awareness have sparked a significant increase in global interest in wetland conservation over the past years, she added.

    “Indeed, if you look across the world, China has taken a leadership position in doing the right thing for wetlands,” Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, a global not-for-profit organisation, told Xinhua on the sidelines of COP15.

    He applauded China for its leading role in the global wetland preservation agenda, noting that China’s status as a major investment partner in the world makes it a key player in safeguarding the health of wetland ecosystems.

    “Through the trade relations that China has, and the investments that China has all over the world, (China) is also connected to (other) very important wetlands worldwide,” Krijger said.

    While development is welcome, there is a need to maintain a balance between development and the health of wetlands, he said, adding that he is eager to visit Chinese wetland cities in the future to learn how they achieve urban development while reaping the benefits of preserving the wetlands.

    UNWAVERING COMMITMENT

    In many rapidly developing regions of Africa, urban expansion has taken a toll on wetlands, a growing issue that communities and policymakers are striving to address.

    This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2023 shows little swans resting at a wetland in Yueyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. (Photo by Cao Zhengping/Xinhua)

    According to Wetlands International’s Director for East Africa Julie Mulonga, many African countries have policies in place to protect wetlands, but there is a lack of investment in implementation measures.

    Local communities and indigenous knowledge play a crucial role in effectively driving wetland conservation efforts, she said, adding that China’s wetland management experience could provide a valuable reference and its advanced technology could go a long way in helping the continent achieve green development.

    Over the years, China has been actively supporting many African countries in wetland governance through legislative exchanges, technical training and talent development, helping enhance their ability to restore and preserve wetlands.

    Wetlands are crucial for ecological resilience, and their future hinges on unwavering international cooperation, said Xia Jun, director general of the International Cooperation Department at China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration. “This profound understanding underpins China’s unwavering commitment to its conservation.”

    In 2024, China launched the International Mangrove Center (IMC) in the southern city of Shenzhen to promote global mangrove conservation, sustainable use and international cooperation.

    Xia described the IMC as a landmark initiative that reflects the spirit of global cooperation.

    With the support of the IMC, the Mangrove Conservation Foundation, a private foundation based in China, has been carrying out programs in African countries such as Madagascar and Kenya to help preserve mangroves, which are vital coastal ecosystems along the continent’s shorelines, Sun Lili, co-founder and executive board chair of the foundation, told Xinhua.

    Christine Colvin, Freshwater Policy Lead, WWF International, said: “This COP is really important in terms of setting goals for the next period, for the next decade, and the strategic plan for the contracting parties to Ramsar, and it prioritises international cooperation.”

    Colvin said that China is demonstrating to municipalities and local governments around the world how to bring nature back into cities and design new urban areas that are more permeable, allowing the natural water cycle to function.

    Commending China for leading the way in this field, the WWF official said they are looking forward to continuing cooperation with China to boost global efforts to preserve wetlands and build more permeable sponge cities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Offer Reward for Information in Quadruple Homicide

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Lake County, TN – In the search for fugitive Austin Drummond, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information that leads to Drummond’s arrest.

    Drummond is charged with First-Degree Murder of four people; ages 21, 20, 38, and 15, in Lake County on July 29, 2025. Additional charges include Aggravated Kidnapping, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He is considered armed and dangerous.

    The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is the lead agency, and the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is assisting TBI and has adopted the case for a fugitive investigation.

    “Getting Austin Drummond in custody is a priority. Anyone with information about where we can find him should call us immediately. You will remain anonymous,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller.

    Tipsters can call the U.S. Deputy Marshals assigned to the case at (901) 406-2044, (901) 661-2955, or submit a USMS Web Tip.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Austin Drummond

    Source: US Marshals Service

    NOTICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: Before arrest, verify warrant through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If subject is arrested or whereabouts known, contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office, American Embassy/Consulate, call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using U.S. Marshals Service Tips.

    For More Information Scan Code Above.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE #3: Concern for welfare – Alice Springs Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force continues to hold serious concerns for the welfare of 26-year-old Gach, who has been missing since the afternoon of Monday 28 July.

    Extensive search efforts, coordinated by the NT Police Force’s Search and Rescue Section (SRS), have now entered their fourth day. The operation continues to be centred around an area approximately 21km west of Alice Springs and involves more than 50 personnel from NT Police, NT Emergency Services, NT Fire and Rescue Service, and Parks and Wildlife NT.

    Ground teams, ATVs, drones, the Dog Operations Unit, and a Jet Ranger helicopter have now covered more than 500km² of rugged terrain since the search commenced on Tuesday.

    Gach is described as being of Sudanese appearance, with dark skin, a slim build, short curly hair, and approximately 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing cream tracksuit pants, a black t-shirt, a red/orange puffer jacket, and dark-coloured shoes.

    Police are maintaining close contact with Gach’s family and urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444.

    In particular, police urge anyone who may have seen Gach in the vicinity of Larapinta Drive, Standley Chasm, or Simpsons Gap on the evening of Monday 28 July is encouraged to reach out.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Child exploitation arrest

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man has been arrested after child exploitation material was located at his home today.

    On Friday 1 August, investigators from the South Australian JACET, a joint taskforce between South Australia Police and Australian Federal Police, attended a northeast suburbs home as a result of an online conversation between the accused and a covert online police officer.

    The house was searched and a mobile phone, computer hard drives and a computer were seized.

    Child exploitation material was located on the devices by Digital Evidence Section specialists and further examinations will continue.

    Also during the search, investigators located three gel blasters.

    A 38-year-old man from the northeastern suburbs was arrested and charged with disseminating child exploitation material, possessing child exploitation material and three counts of possessing a firearm without a licence.

    He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

    “This operation is a stark reminder of the realities of child sexual exploitation and the proliferation of child sexual abuse material on the internet, and the need for proactive measures to address these crimes against our children,” said Chief Inspector George Fenwick Manager, of the Special Crimes Investigation Section.

    “Without my officers being online and in these chat forums, we may never have identified this man or his offending.”

    Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

    CO2500196535

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Young artist’s work brings bus shelter to life

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    You can view the reconciliation mural at O’Connor shops.

    In brief:

    • There’s a new reconciliation mural in an O’Connor bus shelter.
    • Noah Yong, a year 6 student at Turner Primary School, created the reconciliation artwork.
    • Wiradjuri artist Kalara Gilbert brought the reconciliation mural to life.

    A reconciliation artwork created by a young student has breathed new life into an O’Connor bus shelter.

    The mural was designed by Noah Yong, a year 6 student at Turner Primary School.

    The whole school participated in a 2025 Reconciliation Day poster competition. Noah won first place, and his two classmates came second and third.

    Noah’s artwork represents the country, water, fauna, and community.

    ‘The centre shows First Nations people holding Australia, which includes all the different communities of Aboriginal Australia – this links with the 2025 Reconciliation Day theme Bridging Now to Next,’ he said.

    Wiradjuri artist Kalara Gilbert helped bring Noah’s mural to life.

    ‘The equal placement of the Aboriginal and Australian flags reflects unity and respect, while the Aboriginal flag’s precedence acknowledges Indigenous peoples as the land’s First Custodians,’ she said.

    ‘The surrounding patterns I’ve painted represent the journey for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’

    Wiradjuri artist Kalara Gilbert.

    This is the second bus stop in Canberra to be painted in honour of Reconciliation Day.

    Displaying the artwork in a public bus shelter helps to ensure conversations about reconciliation happen every day.

    View the mural at the O’Connor shops bus shelter on Sargood Street.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/31/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn Holds Hearing on Protecting Americans’ Privacy Online

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) chaired a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing, where she examined how a national data privacy framework can protect Americans’ personal information across state lines, empower consumers, and promote responsible innovation: 

    Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s opening remarks during the Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing.

     Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s questions during the Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing.

    Americans Are Vulnerable without a National Data Privacy Framework

    Senator Blackburn: “The absence of a comprehensive national data privacy framework has left millions of Americans vulnerable… For years now, I have been clear we need a national privacy standard that is comprehensive and enforceable. One that empowers consumers, promotes innovation and ensures accountability. It should prioritize transparency, minimize data collection and provide meaningful consent, not just a box to check.”

    Senator Blackburn Has Led the Fight to Protect Americans in the Virtual Space

    Senator Blackburn: “It is past time for Congress to take up this issue, to take action to pass a bill and see that bill signed into law. We should also acknowledge how closely this issue is tied to the safety of our children online. Senator Blumenthal and I have worked diligently on the Kids Online Safety Act, which would require platforms to design their product for children’s well-being in mind, not just for their bottom line. We’ve seen time and again how data driven algorithms target kids with addictive content and expose them to harmful material. Business models that profit from children’s vulnerabilities must be reined in. It is absolutely disgusting that our children are the product when they are online. And through the Open App Market Act that I introduced with Senator Klobuchar, I have worked to increase competition and consumer choice in the digital marketplace. Whether it’s protecting your personal data, your right to download the apps you want, or your ability to access services, the common thread is this: users, not tech giants, should be in control of the individual user’s life.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US sanctions Palestinian Authority officials, Palestine Liberation Organization members

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

    The U.S. Department of State on Thursday announced sanctions that deny visas to officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

    “It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department said in a press release.

    The department noted it reported to the U.S. Congress that both organizations “are not in compliance with their commitments under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002.”

    It claimed that the PA and PLO took actions to “internationalize its conflict with Israel” at international organizations such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

    It also accused them of “continuing to support terrorism including incitement and glorification of violence,” and “providing payments and benefits in support of terrorism to Palestinian terrorists and their families.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Lok Sabha to take up Goa ST representation bill and Merchant shipping bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Parliament has a list of important businesses for Friday, which includes The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, and ‘The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024’.

    According to the list of business in the Lok Sabha, the bills will be moved for passage. The House also has private members’ business.

    Minister Prataprao Jadhav will make a statement regarding the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 137th and 150th reports of the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on Vaccine Development, Distribution Management and Mitigation of Pandemic Covid-19 pertaining to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    The Lok Sabha will take up the ‘The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024’ for further consideration.

    The bill was introduced by the Union Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, on December 17, 2024.

    The bill aims to enable reservation of seats in accordance with Article 332 of the Constitution for effective democratic participation of members of Scheduled Tribes and to provide for the readjustment of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa, in so far as such readjustment is necessitated by inclusion of certain communities in the list of the Scheduled Tribes in the State of Goa, according to the list of business in Lok Sabha.

    Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will move ‘The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024’ to update and unify existing law to align with international maritime treaties.

    The legislation will consolidate the law relating to ports, promote integrated port development, facilitate ease of doing business and ensure the optimum utilisation of India’s coastline; establish and empower State Maritime Boards for effective management of ports other than major ports; establish the Maritime State Development Council for fostering structured growth and development of the port sector; provide for the management of pollution, disaster, emergencies, security, safety, navigation, and data at ports; ensure compliance with India’s obligations under international instruments to which it is a party; take measures for the conservation of ports; provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes. The Bill will be tabled for consideration and passage.

    In the Rajya Sabha, seven ministers will lay papers on the table concerning their ministries.

    The House will also see statements made by two Ministers.

    Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekha will make the following statements regarding: (a) Status of implementation of the Recommendations contained in the 2nd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (18th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2024-25) pertaining to the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources).

    (b) Status of implementation of the Recommendations contained in the 6th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (18th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2025-26) pertaining to the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources).

    Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu will make a statement regarding the Status of implementation of Recommendations/Observations contained in the 3rd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways(18th Lok Sabha) on Demands for Grants (2025-26) about the Ministry of Railways.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Environmental Justice Caucus Co-Chairs Markey, Duckworth, Booker Slam Trump Administration Plan to Eliminate EPA’s Ability to Protect Public Health from Climate Change

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (July 31, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.)—co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus—issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced his proposal to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding, a landmark determination that requires the EPA to address greenhouse gas emissions and pollution because of the threat that climate change poses to public health and welfare. By rescinding the endangerment finding, the Trump administration will effectively declaw the EPA, giving big businesses a green light to pollute our air and devastate environmental justice communities.

    “Once again, the Trump administration is sacrificing our children’s future to protect polluters in the present. Trump and Zeldin are annihilating the key legal foundation that requires our government to act on climate change because it threatens the health of Americans—their repeal of the endangerment finding is ignorant, runs counter to scientific fact and will put lives at risk. Environmental justice communities are particularly threatened by this wrong-headed decision, since they are most exposed to climate impacts and have the fewest resources to protect themselves. The Trump administration must reverse this decision—it flies in the face of science, the law, and our moral responsibility to protect our future.”

    As co-chairs of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, Markey, Duckworth, and Booker have long pushed to strengthen and defend environmental justice efforts across the country. Earlier this month, the three condemned Republicans’ cuts to environmental justice grants that were included in Donald Trump’s Big, Beautiful Betrayal. Earlier this week, Markey held a press conference outside EPA headquarters to rail against the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the endangerment finding. In March, Duckworth and Booker condemned the Trump administration for shutting down all of EPA’s environmental justice offices and slashing over 30 EPA regulations that have helped protect our nation’s public health and the environment for decades.

    In February, Markey, Duckworth, and Booker—along with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)—urged EPA Administrator Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Duckworth and Booker led the charge to create. Markey, Duckworth, and Booker also helped introduce legislation that would permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in response to Attorney General Bondi’s order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Builds Bipartisan Momentum with Reintroduction of His Warehouse Worker Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF)

    Washington (July 31, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Haley Stevens (MI-11), today reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Warehouse Worker Protection Act, legislation to prohibit dangerous speed quotas and that threaten warehouse worker safety and lead to high injury rates. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

    Major corporations often institute speed and productivity quotas for warehouse workers that force workers past their physical limits, leading to high injury rates. One in 15 Amazon warehouse workers is injured at work seriously enough to need days off or light duty to recover. Nearly 2 million Americans work in warehouses nationwide.

    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would institute the basic standards necessary to ensure all workers experience a safe and dignified workplace. The bill would prohibit the use of dangerous speed quotas that rely on intrusive surveillance, interfere with workers’ ability to use the bathroom and take guaranteed breaks, and push workers past safe physical limits. The bill would also prohibit measures that prevent workers from exercising their right to unionize.

    “Workers deserve to clock in knowing they will return home safe and healthy at the end of their shift. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would protect the basic health and dignity of workers from corporate bosses who time and again have prioritized unfettered greed and profit over their own people,” said Senator Markey. “I am proudly in solidarity with nearly two million warehouse workers nationwide in the fight to ensure that their rights, safety, and dignity are protected.”

    “Corporations need to prioritize their workers’ safety and well-being over profits. This bipartisan legislation will hold the warehouse industry accountable while combatting the industry’s worst practices. It’s time to put workers’ safety first and treat them with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Hawley.

    “Corporate profits should never be placed above the safety and dignity of American workers,” said Senator Smith. “The Warehouse Worker Protection Act ends secret, aggressive productivity metrics and surveillance methods used by major companies, and instead puts power back in the hands of the workers who experience these conditions every day. Workers should never have to choose between their health and their next paycheck, and should not be harmed in service of corporate greed – this bill takes an important step in establishing safe, just workplaces for all.”

    “In 2022, three New Jersey warehouse workers tragically died on the job within weeks of each other, bringing attention to working conditions and injury rates in warehouses. Businesses can keep workers safe and earn a profit, but that’s only possible with more transparency and accountability,” said Congressman Norcross. “As a former electrician, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a coworker on the job. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act takes necessary steps to ensure everyone can come home from work safely.”

    “Amid the vast expansion of shipping and online shopping, the warehouse workers keeping this economy moving have been left behind,” said Senator Marshall. “For too long, companies have been implementing outlandish quotas, cutting into workers’ rights and leading to injuries. That ends with this bill. I’m proud to support Senator Markey in providing proper protections for workers, ending the fear of abusive quotas.”

    “Amazon and other abusive warehouse employers are squeezing their workers for every penny of profit, leaving behind tired and broken bodies,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “These corporate criminals are destroying good jobs in an industry that once supported a strong middle class. But one thing stands in their way—that’s the Teamsters Union, along with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who understand what’s at stake. It’s time to pass the Warehouse Worker Protection Act and put workers’ safety over corporate profits.”

    “Everyone deserves a guarantee of safety and dignity on the job, but retail giants like Amazon are raking in record profits on the backs of their workers, subjecting them to incredibly high rates of injury, unsustainable pace pressures, and punitive surveillance systems,” said Patricia Stottlemyer, Labor Rights Policy Lead at Oxfam America. “The re-introduction of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act is a critical step toward finally securing the safeguards and protections that these workers desperately need.”

    “Every day, we face unrealistic quotas and unsafe conditions just to keep our jobs at Amazon. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act gives us hope that our lives and safety will finally matter more than productivity rates. We fought for this law — and with support from Awood Center and national coalitions like Athena, we made it happen. Now we need Amazon to comply with the law or face consequences. It’s been in effect for a year, and they’re still falling short,” said an Amazon warehouse worker, supported by Awood Center, a worker center in Minnesota that uplifts East African immigrant workers.

    “At a time when Amazon warehouse workers like me are being injured at twice the rate as workers at other warehouses, this bill is a monumental step forward to holding companies like Amazon accountable and finally getting the workplace protections we deserve,” said Ronald “Mr. Ron” Sewell, an Amazon associate at ATL6 in Georgia and leader with United for Respect. “My coworkers and I are constantly putting our safety at risk to meet Amazon’s backbreaking productivity quotas, and we’ve had enough. Our lives are not expendable – we need real change to improve safety on the job, and this bill will help make that a reality.”

    “For too long, multi-billion dollar corporations like Walmart and Amazon have gotten away with forcing warehouse workers to meet unreasonable daily quotas — leading to countless injuries on the job — just so they can grow their profits. It’s long past time for that to change,” said Terrysa Guerra, Co-Executive Director of United for Respect. “These protections for warehouse workers will usher in a new era of accountability for these companies, and most importantly, will help improve workplace safety for hundreds of thousands of low-wage warehouse workers. United for Respect is thrilled to support this legislation.”

    “We’ve seen that when workers try to meet unattainable distribution center quotas, they get hurt; when they file for workers comp for their injuries, they get denied or fired. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act will protect workers from harm and blatant violation of their rights in an industry that treats them as expendable, and lead to safer, more dignified working conditions for the people who make life easier for the rest of us. Since New York’s version of this law went into effect in June, warehouse workers have already been feeling more secure in their rights. That’s something every single worker in the country deserves to feel—and why it’s so important that we pass the federal Warehouse Worker Protection Act as soon as possible,” said Vanessa Cid, Labor Organizer at For the Many.

    “Amazon’s greed has created a nationwide worker injury crisis as they put profit over people time and time again,” said Theodore A. Moore, Executive Director of ALIGN, leader of the New Yorkers for a Fair Economy coalition. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to regulate warehouse safety in New York, but it’s time to take federal action and ensure that one of the richest companies in the world keeps their workers safe everywhere. We applaud Senator Markey’s leadership and urge Governor Hochul to lead the way with strong enforcement of New York’s Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act.”

    “We are facing a workplace injury crisis in warehouses across America,” said Irene Tung, Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst at the National Employment Law Project. “NELP’s research has found that the digital surveillance and disciplinary practices at companies like Amazon create a climate of fear for workers and astronomically high injury rates at warehouses. We urgently need the Warehouse Worker Protection Act to rein in these abuses and support workers’ right to organize for autonomy and safety on the job.”

    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National Employment Law Project (NELP), the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam America.

    In May 2024, Senator Markey, along with Senator Smith and then Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), first introduced the Warehouse Worker Protection Act. In September 2024, Senator Markey celebrated the bipartisan momentum growing behind the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Hindmarsh Valley

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Hindmarsh Valley.

    Just before 1.15pm on Friday 1 August, police were called to the intersection of Victor Harbor Road near Hindmarsh Tiers Road after reports of a two-car crash.

    Northbound traffic on Victor Harbor Road is being diverted at Hindmarsh Tiers Road and southbound traffic is diverted at Crows Nest Road.

    Please avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Knife robberies fall under dedicated new taskforce

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Knife robberies fall under dedicated new taskforce

    Communities hit hardest by knife crime see a drop in offences and more weapons removed from the streets.

    The number of robberies involving a knife – or the threat of one – have dropped after months of targeted police action in seven highest risk areas, according to new data published by government today.  

    After seeing a stark rise in knife-enabled robbery in the year to June 2024, driven by a 14% increase across seven police forces, the Home Secretary set up a dedicated police taskforce last October and after just nine months of activity, there has been a 6% overall reduction compared with the previous year across those highest risk areas – with places like the West Midlands seeing a substantial annual drop of 25%.

    The reduction has been driven by intense police efforts and a range of tactics, including upping visible patrols, using drones, knife arches and detection dogs to support police on the ground, and deploying plain clothes officers.  

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper:

    Since day one we have acted with urgency to turn the tide on knife crime, which destroys lives and devastates communities.  

    When we came to office, knife-enabled robbery was increasing at a concerning rate, but we have now started to drive numbers of those offences down through the work of our dedicated taskforces, and as a result, we have also seen the first small reduction in overall knife crime for four years.

    The drop in knife enabled robbery in key problem areas shows the impact that our strong new action on knife crime is having, but we now need to supercharge these efforts through more smart and targeted interventions. Anyone can be a victim of knife crime, but new ‘hex mapping’ technology shows that the vast majority of knife crime is concentrated in a relatively small, hyper-concentrated number of areas. 

    As part of the Plan for Change, we will use that new technology to support our mission to halve knife crime over the next decade. In the 2020s, the way to be ‘tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime’ is also to be smart on crime, using the latest technology to target criminals and problem areas, and keep the country safe.

    The announcement comes as a ban on ninja swords come into force today – the first part of the government’s manifesto commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law, and latest step under the pledge to halve knife crime in the next decade.

    Ahead of the ban, at least a thousand deadly weapons have been handed in following the country’s largest weapons surrender scheme.

    Launched in June, the Home Office developed this scheme with members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime to provide a broader range of ways the public could surrender weapons outside of police stations. This saw Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, driving a custom built and fully secure surrender van, across London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, and Words4Weapons supplying 37 new surrender bins, all funded by the Home Office. The surrender van will also be deployed at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. 

    Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan said:  

    Ronan was just 16 years old when his life was stolen by a 22-inch ninja sword that should never have been so easy to buy. Ronan’s Law is not only a step towards justice for my son, but for every parent who wants to see their child come home safely.

    This law is about saving lives, closing dangerous loopholes, and holding those responsible to account.   

    The government’s knife surrender scheme has been a sign of commitment to tackling the scourge of knife crime. While there is still much more to do, these are significant steps in the right direction.

    Sandra Campbell, CEO of Word 4 Weapons said:   

    For over 16 years, Word 4 Weapons has played a leading role in the UK’s national weapon surrender schemes, enabling thousands of knives and dangerous items to be taken off the streets through our network of secure and accessible surrender bins. 

    These initiatives are designed to help save lives, raise awareness, and give communities a practical way to reduce harm.    

    We therefore welcome the government’s decision to ban dangerous weapons like ninja swords, a move that reinforces the importance of community-led approaches to tackling knife and weapon-related violence. We remain committed to supporting this work and expanding our efforts to build safer public spaces for all.

    Ronan’s Law will also see the government bring in the toughest measures to date to tackle the sale of weapons online – requiring retailers to report bulk or suspicious knife orders to the police; put in place more stringent age verification checks and impose significant fines on tech executives whose platforms fail to prevent illegal sales. 

    As part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade the Home Office is also delivering a pilot using sophisticated new mapping technologies to target hyper-concentrated knife crime hotspots, backed by up to £5 million this year.

    This funding will be targeted towards 50 of the top 100 hyper-local knife crime hotspots to trial targeted intervention tactics and prevent further offending. This could include using more facial recognition and advanced knife detection technology, or the use of police drones to support the increased presence of police officers in our communities – part of the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

    These activities are taking place against the backdrop of the summer long Safer Streets Initiative launched by the Home Secretary to tackle town centre crime, which is delivering a smarter, more visible police and community operation across the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Operation Cloud and Advance Unite to Tackle Illicit Trade and Anti-Social Behaviour

    Source: City of Birmingham

    A coordinated enforcement operation between Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team and West Midlands Police has led to the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal goods.

    The action forms part of the ongoing Operation Cloud and the force-wide Operation Advance, both aimed at tackling crime, anti-social behaviour, and the sale of illicit products across the city.

    The raid, which took place earlier this month at multiple commercial premises and associated vehicles in Birmingham, resulted in the seizure of:

    • 40 large nitrous oxide canisters and related paraphernalia
    • More than 780 illicit vapes
    • 1,980 illicit and counterfeit cigarettes
    • More than 115 packets of oral snuff/smokeless tobacco
    • Nearly 50 unsafe counterfeit inflatable toys
    • 125 sachets of unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicine

    A concealed compartment was also discovered at one of the premises which contained a large quantity of nitrous oxide cannisters and illicit tobacco. A male suspect was also arrested at the scene.

    This latest enforcement builds on the success of Operation Cloud, which has been active since September 2024 and has already removed nearly £7 million worth of illegal goods from circulation. The operation targets the sale of illicit vapes, nitrous oxide, counterfeit tobacco, and other harmful products that pose serious risks to public health and safety.

    Last week’s action also forms part of Operation Advance, West Midlands Police’s force-wide initiative delivering 24 hours of high-impact policing activity. Officers from across departments joined forces with the Council’s Trading Standards teams to disrupt criminal activity, enforce public space protection orders, and reassure communities through high-visibility patrols.

    Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “This joint operation is a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve through partnership. Illegal goods like these are not only dangerous to health—especially for young people—but also fuel wider criminality and anti-social behaviour. We will continue to take robust action to protect our communities and uphold the law.

    “These products are often sold without any regard for safety standards, and in many cases, are deliberately marketed to appeal to children and teenagers. The presence of such goods in our neighbourhoods undermines community wellbeing and contributes to a cycle of harm that affects families, schools, and local businesses.

    “Through Operation Cloud and Operation Advance, we are sending a clear message: Birmingham will not tolerate the illegal trade of harmful products. We are committed to working with our partners to make our city safer, cleaner, and more resilient for everyone.”

    Ch Supt Tom Joyce, of Birmingham Police, said: “This was a fantastic day of really high-profile activity, using everyone from neighbourhood officers, to intelligence, traffic, firearms, gangs officers, investigators and more.

    “The activity is designed to be really visible and reassuring, while making a real impact in communities across the whole city.

    “This is all about making our town centres safe and welcoming for everyone, while making them hostile places for anyone wanting to commit crime.

    “Advance will be returning to Birmingham later in the year when we will be out in full force again to have that significant impact that using teams from across the West Midlands brings.

    “In the meantime, Birmingham officers will continue working 24/7 to make the city safer and help and support people when they need us most.”

    The Council is now pursuing a closure order for the premises under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This follows the recent enforcement of the national ban on single-use vapes, which came into effect on 1 June 2025.

    Birmingham’s Trading Standards team has already seized over 14,000 illegal or non-compliant vapes since the launch of Operation Cloud.

    Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or sales of illegal goods via by contacting the Council’s Trading Standards team on 0121 303 9360 or the West Midlands Police on 101.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update: Serious crash at Hindmarsh Valley

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Please note, the South Australia Police media releases feature on this site for four weeks following publication. If you are searching for an older media release or news item please contact the SAPOL Media Section, telephone (08) 7322 3848 or email sapol.mediasection@police.sa.gov.au

    01 Aug 2025 4:37pm

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Hindmarsh Valley.

    More

    01 Aug 2025 12:32pm

    A man has been arrested after child exploitation material was located at his home today.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 5:54pm

    A man has been arrested following a fatal crash last week.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 5:33pm

    A rider has been taken to hospital following a serious crash at Ethelton this evening.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 2:49pm

    Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, the Officer in Charge of Major Crime provided an update to the media in relation to human remains being located in scrubland near Port Lincoln, believed to be that of Julian Storey.

    More

    31 Jul 2025 11:01am

    Three alleged Rebels members were arrested for criminal association on Wednesday 30 July.

    More

    30 Jul 2025 6:36am

    An intruder was arrested after breaking into a Tonsley business overnight.

    More

    30 Jul 2025 6:27am

    A man was arrested after being caught on a construction site at Ridgehaven overnight.

    More

    30 Jul 2025 11:01am

    South Australia Police (SAPOL) has partnered with Dementia Support Australia (DSA) to create a police-only 24-hour helpline to better support people living with dementia.

    More

    29 Jul 2025 12:15pm

    A man has died following a fatal crash at Angle Vale this morning.

    More

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with over 40 theft offences

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been charged with over 40 offences as part of an ongoing investigation into reports of shoplifting in Waltham Forest.

    Mark Stavrou, 32 (15.10.1992) of Sherwood Close, Walthamstow has been charged with 41 counts of theft, two counts of burglary and one count of criminal damage.

    The charges follow his arrest on Thursday, 21 July, in connection with multiple shoplifting offences at supermarkets and petrol stations across Chingford. The offences date between Saturday, 10 May, and Thursday, 31 July.

    He will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 August.

    Stavrou has previously been charged with 67 burglary offences. He will enter a plea for these on Thursday, 7 August, at the same court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police complete search of Parnkalla trail

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Branch and Port Lincoln Police, supported by SES personnel and a cadaver dog, have finished a detailed search of the Parnkalla Trail area in connection with the murder of Julian Story.

    A number of items were located during the search. All recovered evidence will be forwarded to Forensic Science SA for detailed scientific examination over the coming days.

    Police extend their gratitude to the many members of the Port Lincoln community who have come forward with information to aid this investigation.

    At this stage, there are no further searches planned, and investigators will now await the results of the forensic analysis.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Churches Conservation Trust members: 1 August 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Appointment of Churches Conservation Trust members: 1 August 2025

    The King has approved the nomination of Trustees of the Board of the Churches Conservation Trust.

    The King has approved the nomination of Bishop Andrew Rumsey, Dr Ingrid Samuel OBE, Lord (Stephen) Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Michael Bithell JP, Vivienne King and Reverend Canon Timothy Goode.

    Andrew Rumsey read history at the University of Reading before training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and doctoral studies at King’s College, London. Ordained in 1997, he has held a variety of parish posts in London and Southwark and was appointed Suffragan Bishop of Ramsbury in 2018. Andrew is the joint National Church of England Lead for Church and Cathedral Buildings, and is a writer, musician and champion for Anglican heritage.

    Dr Ingrid Helene Samuel OBE was educated at McGill University, Canada, obtaining BA in History, she then gained a M Litt and PhD in Modern History at Jesus College, Cambridge. In 2004 Ingrid was Head of Culture for the London Olympic Bid and between 2005 – 2011 has held several roles in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport including Head of Properties and Ceremonial Branch, Head of Heritage, and Head of Heritage and Architecture. Additionally, in 2011 she took up the role of Placemaking and Heritage Director with the National Trust.

    Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, obtaining an MA in History. From 2021-2024 Stephen was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, and previously was Political Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Adviser to the Home Secretary.

    Michael Bithell JP was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, completing a MA in Engineering Science and post-graduate studies in Manufacture and Management at Cambridge University. Now retired, Michael was Group Finance Director of United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation from 2015 to 2022. Previously, he worked for Deloitte LLP for 23 years, as Director, National Quality & Risk; and Director, Corporate Finance Government & Infrastructure. He has a number of voluntary and non-executive positions, including as a member of London Diocesan Synod, Finance Committee and Non-Property Investment Committee, as a Magistrate and an Honorary Steward of Westminster Abbey.

    Vivienne King was educated at Keele University obtaining a BSoc Sci in Law and Politics in 1983, subsequently completing a Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in 1985. In 2010 and 2012 she completed a Corporate Finance Programme with Cranfield University and in 2021 undertook Business Sustainability Management with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. After seven years as Real Estate Associate with Herbert Smith Freehills, Vivienne joined The Crown Estate in 1994 as a Senior Solicitor and was subsequently Director of Business Operations & General Counsel. She was CEO of the Soho Housing Association from 2016 to 2020, CEO of Revo and then Head of Real Estate Social Impact at The Good Economy. In March 2024 Vivienne founded Impactful Places, an independent sustainability consultancy.

    Timothy Goode has been the Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster since September 2023. Previously he was Rector of St Margaret’s Lee in South East London, and a member of General Synod and Archbishops’ Council. Tim is a member of the National Disability Task Group, which advises the Archbishops of Canterbury and York on disability issues and he led the first debate on disability at the General Synod in July 2022. Tim was a secondary school teacher at the Roehampton Institute and Director of Music of Homefield School from 1995-2007. He trained for ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon and served his title at Croydon Minster, in the Diocese of Southwark and was ordained priest in 2010. From September 2012 to May 2018, he was Team Vicar of St Luke’s Whyteleafe and St Peter and St Paul, Chaldon, part of the Caterham Team ministry. From 2013 to 2021 he was additionally the Southwark Diocesan Disability Advisor. Tim was made an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral in September 2020 and has been a trustee of the Churches Conservation Trust since November 2020. He has now been re-appointed in the role for a second term until October 2028.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Financial Action Task Force conducts on-site assessment in SA

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Africa Joint Group has concluded an on-site assessment visit to South Africa, which was aimed at verifying the implementation of reforms to address money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

    The on-site assessment took place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Pretoria, completing the last step before the October 2025 FATF Plenary can consider whether to remove South Africa from its greylist.

    The FATF Joint Group held meetings with South African government officials and representatives of financial institutions and Designated Non-Bank Financial Institutions. 

    “At the conclusion of the meetings, the FATF Africa Joint Group held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, who both assured the FATF of the South African government’s political commitment to continue to sustainably improve the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system,” National Treasury said on Thursday.

    The on-site visit followed the announcement by the June 2025 FATF Plenary that South Africa had substantially completed all the 22 action items that were contained in the Action Plan that was adopted when South Africa was greylisted in February 2023.

    Following the completion of the 22 action items in the Action Plan, the June 2025 FATF Plenary noted that South Africa’s progress warranted an on-site assessment to verify that critical AML/CFT reforms have been implemented, and that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain progress.

    “After the conclusion of the onsite visit, the FATF Africa Joint Group will submit a report to the October 2025 FATF Plenary, which will consider any recommendations from the report on whether South Africa can be delisted from the FATF greylist.

    “Deputy Ministers Masondo and Nel thanked the FATF Africa Joint Group for its collegial working relationship with the South African government delegation since the country’s greylisting in February 2023, and further assured the FATF Africa Joint Group that the South African government will continue actively partnering with the FATF Global network in preserving and advancing the integrity of the South African and global financial systems,” National Treasury said.

    Treasury will not be issuing further media statements or conducting interviews until the FATF Plenary concludes its next Plenary Meeting on 24 October 2025 and issues its post-plenary outcomes media statement. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Free State government urges parents to vaccinate children

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Friday, August 1, 2025

    As part of ongoing efforts to prevent the further spread of measles, the Free State Department of Health has called on parents and guardians to ensure that they and their children are up to date with their vaccinations, in accordance with the provisions of the Road to Health Booklet.

    The department reported 93 laboratory confirmed cases of measles as of week 29 in the Lejweleputswa District.

    “Since the first positive case was detected in the private health sector on 23 February 2025, the department has taken decisive action to control the outbreak. The initial cases in Lejweleputswa were followed by a series of confirmed cases, with the most affected sub-district being Matjhabeng, which accounts for 42 of the total cases. 

    “The Nala area has also seen an increase in cases, necessitating continued vigilance and response efforts,” the department said on Thursday.

    The department reported that the outbreak in Mangaung has been declared over, which it described as a testament to the effectiveness of the outbreak response measures. 

    In Lejweleputswa, while sporadic cases have been observed from weeks 20 to 29, the department said the outbreak is under control. 

    The focus remains on the areas with higher numbers of unvaccinated individuals, particularly in Matjhabeng and Nala.

    “The department urges all residents to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with higher case numbers. The Free State Department of Health is dedicated to protecting the health of communities and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

    The department has implemented the following interventions as part of the ongoing management of the measles outbreak:

    • Outbreak response teams have been mobilised and resuscitated to address the situation effectively. The department has initiated outbreak response activities in Nala to curb the rising cases.
    • The department has improved community awareness through the distribution of information, education and communication (IEC) materials. This initiative aims to educate the public on measles prevention and encourage vaccination.
    • The department has made significant improvements in completeness of immunisation feedback (CIF) and ensured the collection of blood specimens for all laboratory samples.
    • Provincial support has been extended to the affected district throughout the outbreak. The department has collaborated with the South African Police Service (SAPS), as the local law enforcement, and community leaders to enhance outbreak awareness and response.
    • All laboratory-confirmed cases have been managed appropriately, with patients receiving the correct dose of Vitamin A and being monitored for signs and symptoms of the disease.

    – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extremists use gaming platforms to recruit – study

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    New research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology reveals how extremist groups are exploiting the popularity of video games to recruit and radicalise impressionable users.

    The study shows that gaming-adjacent platforms, which allow users to chat and live stream while playing, are being used as “digital playgrounds” for extremist activity and that video game players are being deliberately “funnelled” by extremists from mainstream social media platforms to these sites, in part because of the challenges faced in moderating them.

    The research was carried out by Dr William Allchorn and Dr Elisa Orofino, senior research fellows at Anglia Ruskin University’s International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI), and includes interviews with platform content moderators, tech industry experts and those involved in preventing and countering violent extremism.

    It found that far-right extremism is the most common ideology shared on these gaming-adjacent platforms. This includes content promoting white supremacy, neo-Nazism and anti-Semitism, often accompanied by misogyny, racism, homophobia and conspiracy theories, including references to QAnon.

    Islamist extremism was also reported, though less frequently, alongside “extremist-adjacent” material such as the glorification of school shootings – all content that violates the terms of service of mainstream platforms but often evades detection.

    The study explains that hyper-masculine gaming titles, such as first-person shooter games, have particular appeal to extremists, and highlights how the unique nature of online gaming brings together strangers with a common interest.

    After initial contact, funnelling takes place where interactions move to the less regulated gaming-adjacent platforms, providing an environment where extremists can socialise, share propaganda and subtly recruit.

    One interviewee in the study explained how grooming might start: “That’s where you have matchmaking. It’s where you can build quick rapport with people. But that’s the stuff that very quickly moves to adjacent platforms, where there’s sort of less monitoring.”

    A recurring concern among participants was the danger of younger users coming under the influence of extremist influencers, who combined streaming live game play with extremist narratives.

    Participants highlighted that law enforcement need to better understand how these platforms and their subcultures operate, and also emphasised the importance of educating parents, teachers and children about the risks of online radicalisation.

    Moderators who took part in the study expressed frustration at inconsistent enforcement policies on their platforms and the burden of deciding whether content or users should be reported to local law enforcement agencies.

    In-game chat is unmoderated, but the moderators still report being overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of harmful content, including the use of hidden symbols often used to circumvent banned words.

    AI tools are being used to assist with moderation, but they struggle to interpret memes or when language is ambiguous or sarcastic. Phrases such as “I’m going to kill you” may be common in gameplay, but difficult for automated systems to interpret in context.

    “These gaming-adjacent platforms offer extremists direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences and they have become a key tool for extremist recruitment.

    “Social media platforms have attracted most of the attention of lawmakers and regulators over the last decade, but these platforms have largely flown under the radar, while at the same time becoming digital playgrounds for extremists to exploit.

    “The nature of radicalisation and the dissemination of extremist content is not confined to any single platform and our research identified a widespread lack of effective detection and reporting tools.

    “Many users don’t know how to report extremist content, and even when they do, they often feel their concerns aren’t taken seriously. Strengthening moderation systems, both AI and human, is essential, as is updating platform policies to address content that is harmful but technically lawful. Decisive action works and platforms can be doing more to help curb the spread of extremism.”

    Dr William Allchorn, Senior Research Fellow at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey to be consulted on proposal to introduce new fire safety regulations01 August 2025 Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey to be consulted on proposal to introduce new fire safety regulations Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey, or are involved… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    01 August 2025

    Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey to be consulted on proposal to introduce new fire safety regulations Islanders who live in tall residential buildings in Jersey, or are involved in their ownership or management, are to be consulted on a proposal from the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs to introduce new fire safety regulations for tall residential buildings in Jersey. 

    The proposed regulations would directly implement some of the key recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Phase One inquiry report which are aimed at maintaining and where necessary, improving safety for residents of tall residential buildings. Tall residential buildings, TRBs, are defined, in Jersey as those buildings which are 11 metres tall and above. 

    Typically, these are blocks of flats where there are five or more stories, including the ground level. In some limited cases, this can include four-storey blocks of flats. 

    Jersey currently has more than 125 of these buildings providing homes to thousands of islanders, including both renters and owner occupiers. 

    In the regulations, tall residential buildings are defined as buildings which meet all of the following criteria: 

    • contains a top storey more than 11 metres above ground level 
    • contains two or more residential dwellings (typically flats) 
    • contains common parts through which residents evacuate in the case of an emergency (typically shared corridors and stairways).

    Speaking about the proposals, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, said: “Islanders will recall that Grenfell Tower was a 24-floor tall block of flats in London in which a significant fire occurred in 2017, leading to the tragic death of 72 people. Thankfully, no similar fires have occurred here, but that does not mean we should not seek to make the places where so many Islanders live as safe as possible.”

    In England, a similar set of regulations to those being proposed by the Minister were introduced in January 2023 known as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Since the introduction of the English regulations, Jersey’s Fire and Rescue Service has been working closely with local property managers and building owner groups to implement the requirements on a voluntary basis in their buildings. 

    This approach has allowed property managers and building owners to become more familiar with the requirements and provided the Minister’s team with the opportunity to assess the impact of the regulations in England before designing something similar for Jersey. 

    “Throughout this work, it has been clear that fire safety responsibilities are taken very seriously. Approximately 19 per cent of Jersey’s tall residential buildings are estimated to be closely meeting the English regulatory requirements, with some others partially achieving them. 

    “However, the fact that the requirements are currently voluntary risks investment and time being de-prioritised in favour of other areas.” 

    While there has been no significant evidence of excessive fire risk, Jersey’s tall residential buildings as a group are now at risk of falling behind similar buildings in England in three areas: 

    • The frequency of routine checks taking place on key fire safety features such as self-closing fire doors, fire service lifts, dry risers and smoke control systems and resolution of any issues 
    • The provision of fire safety instructions to residents 
    • The quality of building information provided to the Fire Service to help them tackle fires in tall residential buildings where the risk and complexity can be higher.

    While Jersey’s building byelaws will have ensured tall residential buildings are built to local fire safety standards, there is currently no dedicated Jersey fire safety law that requires these buildings to manage and maintain their fire safety measures on an ongoing basis. 

    Deputy Le Hegarat added: “Creating regulations to implement some of the key building fire safety recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Phase One inquiry report is a logical and sensible step in the light of the inquiry’s findings.” 

    States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander, Jason Masterman said: “As firefighters, our top priority is keeping Islanders safe, especially in the places they call home. The proposed fire safety regulations for tall residential buildings are a vital step toward that goal. 

    “They will ensure key safety features, like self-closing fire doors, smoke control systems, and fire service lifts, are regularly checked and maintained. Residents will also receive clear fire safety information, and our crews will have access to simple accurate building floor plans and signposting to help them respond more effectively in emergencies.” 

    The consultation opens on Monday 4 August and will be available on gov.je. ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Marquette National Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette National Corporation (OTCQX: MNAT) today reported year-to-date net income of $6.6 million compared to net income of $13.2 million for the first six months of 2024. Earnings per share for the first six months of 2025 were $1.52, as compared to income of $3.02 per share for the comparable period in 2024.

    At June 30, 2025, total assets were $2.23 billion, an increase of $22 million, or 1%, compared to $2.21 billion at December 31, 2024. Total loans increased by $32 million to $1.44 billion compared to $1.41 billion at the end of 2024. Total deposits increased by $20 million, or 1%, to $1.76 billion compared to $1.74 billion at the end of 2024.

    Paul M. McCarthy, Chairman & CEO, said, “the primary reason for the decrease in consolidated earnings was a lower level of unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio in 2025. The decrease in unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio was partially offset by an increase in realized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio and an increase in net interest income. Other comprehensive income was positive for the first six months of 2025 and helped deliver an increase to tangible book value per share in 2025. Tangible book value per share increased by $2.69 during the first six months of 2025.”

    Marquette National Corporation is a diversified financial holding company and the parent of Marquette Bank, a full-service, community bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland. The Bank has branches located in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois.

    For further information on financial results, visit: https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/MNAT/disclosure.

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. 
    This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “bode”, “predict,” “suggest,” “project”, “appear,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” ”annualize,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “likely,” “might,” “potential,” “continue,” “annualized,” “target,” “outlook,” as well as the negative forms of those words, or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

    A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the implementation of policies proposed by the new presidential administration, including tariffs, mass deportations and tax regulations; (iii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East), or other adverse events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iv) new or revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (v) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the bank failures in 2023; (vi) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company’s commercial borrowers; (vii) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (viii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (ix) unexpected results of acquisitions which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (x) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (xi) changes in consumer spending; (xii) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (xiii) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiv) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (xv) credit risk and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including CRE loans); (xvi) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (xvii) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (xviii) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xix) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (xx) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxi) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xxii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiii) changes in the interest rates and repayment rates of the Company’s assets; (xxiv) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework, and (xxv) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

    Marquette National Corporation and Subsidiaries
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
                 
    Balance Sheet        
               06/30/25       12/31/24 Percent
    Change
      Total assets   $2,229,653 $2,207,663 1%
      Total loans, net     1,421,815   1,390,799 2%
      Total deposits     1,759,649   1,739,799 1%
      Total stockholders’ equity   185,298   173,579 7%
             
      Shares outstanding   4,366,911   4,367,477 0%
      Book value per share $42.43 $39.74 7%
      Tangible book value per share $34.34 $31.65 8%
             
             
    Operating Results        
        Six Months Ended June 30,
    		 Percent
    Change
         2025   2024 
    		  
      Net Interest income $25,003 $22,486 10%
      Provision for credit losses   619   1,894 -67%
      Realized securities gains, net   9,996   1,261 *
      Unrealized holding gains (losses) on equity securities and exchange traded funds   (4,825)   16,294 *
      Other income   7,767   8,264 -6%
      Other expense   28,453   28,533 0%
      Income tax expense   2,233   4,645 -52%
      Net income   6,636   13,233 -50%
             
      Basic and fully diluted earnings per share $1.52 $3.02 -50%
      Weighted average shares outstanding   4,367,277   4,381,037 0%
             
      Cash dividends declared per share $0.62 $0.56 11%
             
      Comprehensive income $14,442 $12,348 17%
               
      * Not meaningful        
               

    For more information:
    Patrick Hunt
    EVP & CFO
    708-364-9019           
    phunt@emarquettebank.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia Judicial Sector – AJOA Condemns Attacks on Coroner

    Source: Justice Steven Moore, President of the Australian Judicial Officers Association – 1 August 2025

    The Australian Judicial Officers Association (AJOA) calls on the Attorney General of the Northern Territory to defend the Northern Territory Coroner against personal attack.

    This follows an extraordinary attack on the Coroner in the Northern Territory Parliament by the Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence on 29 July 2025.

    “Public discussion and debate about the work of the courts is an essential part of our democracy”, AJOA President Justice Steven Moore said.

    “But it must not undermine judicial independence and the vital work of the courts. Personal attacks by politicians on members of the judiciary have that effect and only undermine public confidence in the courts”.

    “In saying that the Coroner lacked ‘humility’ and ‘bravery’, and that she was ‘more focused on the reveal rather than the result’, the Minister unfairly belittled the integrity and professionalism of the Coroner in important proceedings of great public interest”.

    “There is no place for such personal attacks on judicial officers in our public debate”.

    The Australian Judicial Officers Association is the professional association of judges and magistrates in Australia.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair assumes charge as Controller Personnel Services

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, AVSM, NM, has assumed charge as the Controller Personnel Services (CPS) at the Indian Navy on July 31. On taking over the new responsibility, the senior officer paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honouring the sacrifices of India’s brave soldiers.

    Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Vice Admiral Nair is a specialist in Communications and Electronic Warfare. Over his distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he has held several key command, operational, and staff appointments.

    A Surface Warfare Officer, the Flag Officer’s sea tenures include service on INS Krishna, INS Kora, and INS Mysore. He has served as Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer and later as Fleet Communications Officer of the Western Fleet, during which he was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff commendation for his contribution to the non-combatant evacuation of Indian nationals from Beirut during the Israel-Lebanon conflict in July 2006.

    Vice Admiral Nair has commanded INS Kirch (Missile Corvette), INS Chennai (Guided Missile Destroyer), and INS Vikramaditya (Aircraft Carrier). He has also served in various important shore appointments, including as Directing Staff at the Naval War College, Goa, Officer-in-Charge at Signal School, and Commodore (Personnel) at the Directorate of Personnel, Naval Headquarters. He was also a member of the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council (INSOC), the Indian Navy’s think tank.

    An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the US Naval War College, Newport, USA, Vice Admiral Nair has been the recipient of several prestigious international awards, including the Robert E. Bateman International Award, Vice Admiral James H. Doyle Military Operations and International Law Prize, and the International Leadership Prize. He holds an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies from Mumbai University.

    He was awarded the Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) in 2000 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in January 2025.

    Upon promotion to Flag rank, Vice Admiral Nair served as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy and Plans), where he played a pivotal role in formulating the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP 2022–37) and Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (MIPP 2022–37). He subsequently commanded the Western Fleet in 2023–24 and led Operation Sankalp to safeguard India’s maritime interests in the region.

    Before assuming his current post, he served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government opposes smears by EU against Police’s lawful enforcement actions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (August 1) strongly opposes and disapproves of the slanderous remarks by the European Union (EU) on the HKSAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from Hong Kong. 

         A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. The ‘Hong Kong Parliament’ is an organisation that aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting ‘self-determination’, promulgating the so-called ‘Hong Kong Constitution’, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People’s Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of the People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, thereby suspected of committing the offence of ‘Subversion’ contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). Thus, the Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and placed the persons on a wanted list. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

         “Extraterritorial effect for offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong. Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate.

         “We have to stress that both the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication, and the freedoms of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applicable to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as in other places in the world, many of the rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that certain rights and freedoms including the freedom of expression may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order, the rights and freedoms of others, etc. Regarding an extremely small minority of organisations and individuals endangering national security, the HKSAR Government will not condone their criminal acts and will not give up pursuing them, including adopting all practical measures to bring those fugitives endangering national security who have absconded from Hong Kong to justice.”

         The spokesman emphasised, “Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law. No country or organisation should harbour criminals nor try to exonerate these people with different excuses.”

         The spokesman reiterated, “The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands that the EU immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –