NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI China: Jacky Cheung reaches historic 1,000-concert milestone

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Hong Kong pop legend Jacky Cheung has become the first Chinese-speaking artist in history to hold 1,000 concerts during a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years.

    Jacky Cheung poses at a celebration party in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

    Known as the “God of Songs” by his fans, Cheung, 63, reached a historic milestone on Feb. 23 as he completed the 218th concert of his current “Jacky Cheung 60+ World Tour” in Haikou, Hainan province. The concert also marked the 1,000th show across his 10 tours, a testament to his impressive singing career. Beginning in 1987 with his first solo tour, the “Jacky Cheung 87 Concert” at the Hong Kong Coliseum, he has performed in more than 100 cities across 18 countries and regions, entertaining over 10 million fans.

    “What does 1,000 concerts mean to me?” Cheung emotionally reflected on stage during the concert on Sunday. “It’s a reflection of the past 40 years, where I’ve spent nearly 3,000 hours standing on this stage. I’ve poured all my sincerity and love into every performance.”

    He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, saying: “To every fan who has supported me, whether you’re here with me tonight or not, my journey has been shaped by your unwavering love and encouragement. Without you, I would never have had the chance to do what I love most. These 40 years, these 1,000 shows — they were made possible by you.”

    Jacky Cheung performs at his 1,000th concert in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

    As Adam Granite, executive vice president of market development at Universal Music Group (UMG), pointed out, very few artists in the world have reached this milestone. “Jacky Cheung’s remarkable achievements over the past 40 years have far surpassed the boundaries of the Chinese music industry,” Granite said. “From record-breaking album sales to the global reach of his music and the unparalleled scale of his tours, Cheung has solidified his place as one of the world’s most iconic superstars.”

    Although Cheung has always said that breaking records was never his goal, his tours have consistently set new benchmarks. Notable highlights include: In 1995, his “Jacky Cheung Concert 1995” became the first tour by a Chinese artist to reach 100 shows. His “The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour” from 2007 to 2008 attracted over 2 million people across 105 concerts. His 2010 “Jacky Cheung 1/2 Century World Tour,” celebrating his 50th birthday, drew over 2 million attendees in a single year, earning a Guinness World Record for the “largest combined audience for a live act in 12 months,” and eventually wrapped up with 146 shows across 77 cities in 18 months, attended by a total of 2.8 million fans. From 2016 to 2019, his “A Classic Tour” set another record with 233 shows — the highest number for a single tour by a Chinese artist — drawing more than 4.5 million people. Now, his ongoing “Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour,” which began in 2023, has already completed 218 performances, with even more expected.

    Jacky Cheung’s music career began in 1984 when he joined PolyGram Records, which later became a subsidiary of UMG, and he has since released more than 50 albums. The superstar was dubbed one of Hong Kong’s “Four Heavenly Kings” in the Cantopop and Mandopop scene in the 1990s, alongside Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau and Leon Lai. Over the years, he has mesmerized fans with smash hits such as “Loving You More Every Day,” “Goodbye Kiss,” “True Love” and “Wait Until Flowers Wither.”

    Jacky Cheung receives a plaque marking his 1,000th concert from Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

    Regarded as one of the most influential Chinese artists worldwide, he has won numerous prestigious awards, including the World Music Award (1996) for World’s Best-Selling Asian Artist and the Billboard Music Award (1994) for Most Popular Asian Singer. Additionally, seven of his albums have been certified as bestsellers in Hong Kong by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

    Beyond music, Cheung has also had a notable film career, starring in more than 70 movies, including classics like “As Tears Go By,” “The Swordsman” and “July Rhapsody.” He has also ventured into stage musicals, creating the groundbreaking Cantonese Broadway-style production “Snow.Wolf.Lake.” In addition to playing the male lead, he served as the artistic director for the production.

    To commemorate his 1,000th concert milestone — an achievement that not only cemented his unparalleled legacy in the Chinese music industry but also contributed to the global rise of Chinese pop music — UMG executives presented Cheung with a special gift on Feb. 23: a 3-meter-long scroll painting capturing his remarkable journey. The painting intricately depicts the stage design, lighting and iconic look of each of his tours, set against a backdrop of fans holding light signs.

    Jacky Cheung receives a Chinese scroll marking his 1,000th concert from music executives in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

    “Mr. Cheung is not only our pride but also a defining figure in the Chinese music scene,” said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China. “His unparalleled artistry, remarkable professionalism and every breakthrough he has achieved in bringing Chinese music to the global stage continue to inspire us. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, promoting the influence of Chinese culture on the world stage.”

    Gary Chan, managing director of Universal Music Hong Kong and senior vice president of Universal Music Greater China, noted that Cheung has become a symbol not just of Hong Kong’s pop music, but of a shared memory for Chinese people globally. “We believe his legacy will continue to serve as a beacon to inspire the next generation of musicians from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, leading them to new heights,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Co-Leaders announce plans to launch Green Budget this year

    Source: Green Party

    Green Party Co-Leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick have announced the party’s plans to deliver a Green Budget this year to offer an alternative vision to the Government’s trickle-down economics and austerity politics.   

    “New Zealanders care about each other and the planet we live on. Our Green Budget will lay out the plan for an economy that respects and protects those things, instead of exhausting and exploiting both,” says Green Party co-leader and spokesperson for Finance Chlöe Swarbrick.

    “Poverty, and all the social ills that stem from it, doesn’t come from nowhere. It comes from a tolerance of extreme inequality. It comes from the privatisation of profit and the socialisation of cost.

    “In December, we released He Ara Anamata, our Emissions Reduction Plan, which showed how we could reduce emissions five times faster than the Government’s proposed ‘plan’. It showed we can not only reduce the cost of living, but increase quality of life.

    “Our Green Budget will build on that to continue to show precisely how a different world is possible, and entirely within our reach,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

    “More and more tamariki continue to fall through the cracks and live below the poverty line, as a result of this Government’s choices; the choices to gut housing for our most vulnerable, to gut school lunches, to gut our health system and put growing pressure on our health workers,” says Marama Davidson.

    “We all depend on each other when times are rough. People want to care for each other – manaakitanga is part of human nature. This is the core value that will underpin our Green Budget.

    “Our mokopuna deserve better, and we can deliver better by channelling community power and finally putting people and planet ahead of profit,” says Marama Davidson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray on Government Funding, Republicans’ Plan to Cut Health Care for Kids to Give Tax Breaks to Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “There is simply no way to realize the trillions in cuts they are calling for without kicking kids and families off Medicaid.”
    ***VIDEO HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, at Senate Democrats’ weekly press conference, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke about ongoing government funding talks and Republicans’ budget resolution that will be considered on the House floor tonight, which gives billionaires—like President Trump and Elon Musk—a tax break at the expense of working families’ health care and so many other programs they count on.
    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:
    “On Sunday, the leader of the Republican Party, Elon Musk, tweeted that he thought a government shutdown would be, quote: ‘great.’
    “That’s one totally out-of-touch billionaire who needs a serious reality check. Elon may never depend on receiving benefits on time, but for everyone else, shutdowns are painful and costly.
    “Democrats, however, do not want a shutdown. We are at the table, negotiating in good faith to fund the government.
    “But Republicans are the majority—in the House and in the Senate. If they want our votes, they need to work with us. We are close on topline spending, but we need to know Republicans are willing to work with us to protect Congress’ power of the purse—and I welcome any and all ideas they may have on how we can work together to do just that.
    “That is the absolute bare minimum—and it is frankly not asking a whole lot. Republicans should not be so eager to let Elon Musk cut off cancer research or clean energy jobs in their districts. They should not follow Elon towards a shutdown.
    “Now, even though March 14th is just around the corner, Republicans aren’t really focused on funding the government—and that’s because their number one priority is passing more tax cuts for billionaires.
    “Here in the Senate, last Friday, just before 5 AM, Republicans rammed through their pro-billionaire, anti-middle class budget blueprint.
    “Possibly as soon as tonight in the House, Republicans are planning to do even worse. To pass their massive tax giveaways for billionaires, Republicans are going to defund Medicaid, slash veterans’ benefits, and force kids to go hungry.
    “And I want to be clear: the congressional districts with the highest enrollment for Medicaid in my state are represented by Republicans.
    “There is simply no way to realize the trillions in cuts they are calling for without kicking kids and families off Medicaid. They are cutting health care for the children they represent to cut taxes for billionaires.
    “Hurting kids—making it so a child can’t see a doctor—to give Elon Musk a tax break he doesn’t need? If that’s the path Republicans want to go down, then I am going to make sure everyone knows it.
    “To the American people, now’s the time to tune in to C-SPAN.
    “Now is the time to give your Republican Congressman an earful.
    “Now is the time to text your family group chat.
    “Now is the time to do everything we possibly can to protect health care for our kids and families.
    “Every American should understand their story and their voice will make a difference in this fight. Congress needs to hear you—so my advice is to get loud.
    “I will be using my voice and my vote to make sure kids can see a doctor and to make sure kids don’t go hungry. I’ll be voting no to give billionaires more tax cuts while kicking kids off their health care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1 Drury to Manukau northbound closure tonight and tomorrow nights

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 1 will be closed to northbound traffic between the Drury Interchange and the Manukau Interchange overnight tonight (Wednesday 26 February) and tomorrow (27 February).

    The closure will also impact the below on- and off-ramps.

    • Drury northbound on-ramp
    • Papakura northbound off-ramp
    • Papakura interchange (Loop & Diamond) northbound on-ramp   
    • Takanini northbound off-ramp and on-ramp
    • Hill Road northbound on-ramp
    • SH1 Manukau northbound off-ramp
    • SH1 northbound to SH20 northbound Link

    The SH1 northbound closure between the Drury Interchange and the Manukau Interchange will be in place between 10pm and 5am. The above ramp closures and other lane restrictions may be in place before the advertised closure times for this section of SH1.

    Northbound traffic will be detoured via Great South Road and Redoubt Road.

    During this time, different contractors will undertake road works as part of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project, as well as general motorway maintenance activities, such as line marking, lighting, stormwater improvements and barrier maintenance, between Papakura and Manukau.

    These works have been coordinated and scheduled over two nights to maximise the amount of work carried out while minimising overall disruption to motorists.

    People are asked to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys.

    This work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

    NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while this important work is completed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Work on Timaru’s Evans St starts Monday, 3 March

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A month’s largely daytime road re-surfacing along Timaru’s SH1 Evans St gets underway next week (Monday, 3 March), says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    The area being re-surfaced is between Te Weka St and Beverley Road, close to 400 metres, 7 am to 7 pm.

    Two-way traffic will be maintained for most of this work but some side roads will be affected, says Chris Chambers, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA in South Canterbury.

    • Beverley Road intersection will be closed throughout.
    • Trafalgar St will be left in/left out with an intersection closure when it is being re-surfaced.

    “This work is dependent on dry, warm conditions to ensure the new surface sticks and will be long-lasting,” says Mr Chambers. “If it rains or temperatures drop significantly, the project may be extended. We will endeavour to keep all the business owners and residents around our work sites informed throughout.”

    NZTA thanks everyone in Timaru for slowing to 30km/hour through this work site over the next four or more weeks and being alert for pedestrians using the traffic islands.

    Consultation on no-stopping lines/removal of parking

    This consultation is underway until mid March. The proposed no-stopping lines are part of the plan to widen Evans St to two lanes in each direction through this section of SH1 to improve traffic movements/efficiency. NZTA will inform people of the outcome and any changes to the existing road layout before the line marking for the re-surfacing project, starting 3 March, is completed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fall in love with Tāwharanui Regional Park

    Source: Auckland Council

    When it comes to Tāmaki Makaurau’s most loved regional parks, there’s a good reason why Tāwharanui is a favourite among many Aucklanders – once you set foot on its white-sand shores, you’ll be forever smitten.

    Add to that the highly swimmable waves, rock pools teeming with marine life, and the piercing call of kiwi at night, and the scene is set for a glorious day at the beach or a memorable camping trip.

    Make a day of it

    At just more than an hour from downtown Auckland, Tāwharanui Regional Park is far away enough that you feel like you’ve left behind the urban hustle and bustle, but not so far that anyone will be asking ‘are we there yet?’. There are no shops near the park, so pack a picnic or stop off in Matakana Village for supplies before embarking on the 20-minute drive along the peninsula.

    You’ll know when you’ve arrived because you can only enter the park via the automatic gates in the 2.7km predator-proof fence, which keeps introduced predators like stoats, rats and possums out so that native birdlife can flourish.

    Make a splash

    Dreamy Anchor Bay is a popular spot for swimmers, surfers and boogie boarders. At low tide, you can climb the rocky shelf to the left of Anchor Bay and explore the rock pools for octopus, starfish and sea anemones – the rocks can be sharp so wear suitable footwear. You can even go for a dip in the larger pools – one is the size of a hot tub – while the waves crash beside you. Remember to just look at the sea creatures and don’t touch, as Tāwharanui is a protected marine reserve.

    Go exploring

    Head out to the bush on one of the walking tracks. The Ecology Trail is a 4km loop that will take you through native bush, streams, beaches, and regenerating wetlands where you might spot the endangered pāteke (brown teal). Other rare birds to look out for include the takahē and the tīeke (North Island saddleback). If you’re after a decent mission, the 9km North/South Coast Tracks takes around four hours and will treat you to stunning views at the end of the peninsula.

    Stay the night

    If you’ve got a few days, book a tent site. Located to the left of Anchor Bay, beside a quieter stretch of beach, the campground sits at the base of a grassy hill beloved by kids who spend hours boogie boarding down its slopes or hanging out along the ridge as the sun sets. There is also an all-modes and vehicle-based campground too.

    Be sure to book early as the campground often fills up months in advance. And if camping’s not your thing and you want the comfort of a bathroom (the campsite has a long drop), Tāwharanui Bach sleeps six people and is located around the other side of the park.

    You might see a kiwi

    If you’re staying over, pack some red cellophane and put it over your torch to increase your chances of spotting the growing population of North Island brown kiwi that bash and crash their way along the beachside paths at night.

    If you are lucky enough to see a kiwi on your visit, sit or stand quietly and observe them. Make sure you give them their space, and don’t chase or harass them.

    Volunteer

    Help protect this precious taonga by volunteering with Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI), which has been working with Auckland Council for 21 years. Choose from a range of jobs that fit your fitness level and enthusiasm, including monitoring kiwi calls, participating on community planting days and setting traps.

    Visit tossi.org.nz or follow TOSSI on Facebook for more information.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Bay Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Sexual Abuse Of Victim In Marin Headlands

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Esbin Ramirez-Garcia, 28, of Rohnert Park, pleaded guilty today to aggravated sexual abuse of a victim while in the Marin Headlands.

    Defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 22, 2024, on one count of aggravated sexual abuse in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(a).  In pleading guilty, Ramirez-Garcia admitted that late in the evening on Aug. 2, 2024, while giving the victim, with whom he had a prior relationship, a ride from her workplace in his truck, he asked her to get back together with him.  Ramirez-Garcia and the victim got into an argument and she refused to resume their relationship.  Defendant deviated from the route to the victim’s home.  The victim asked to be let out of the vehicle, but Ramirez-Garcia grabbed her with his hand and continued driving, forcing her to accompany him.

    According to the plea agreement, Ramirez-Garcia then drove his truck to a parking lot in the Marin Headlands, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and parked just after midnight.  Ramirez-Garcia admitted that he forcibly placed his body on top of the victim’s body while she sat in the passenger seat and sexually assaulted her.

    Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Costin, and National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Acting Special Agent in Charge Betsy Smith made the announcement.

    Defendant has been in custody since August 2024.  Ramirez-Garcia’s sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup.  Defendant faces a statutory maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Chen and Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Wistar Wilson are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Maureen French, and Fernanda Gonzalez.  This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli airstrikes target Damascus, southern Syria

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Powerful explosions were heard in Damascus and its outskirts on Tuesday night as Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes targeting multiple locations in southern Syria, local media and witnesses reported.

    According to state media correspondents, Israeli jets were spotted flying over Daraa province, while residents in Damascus reported hearing low-flying aircraft and the sound of multiple airstrikes.

    Initial reports indicate that four Israeli airstrikes hit the Al-Kiswah area, south of Damascus. Meanwhile, an Israeli military incursion was reported in the village of Ain al-Bayda in the Quneitra countryside, near the Syrian-Israeli border.

    The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that Israeli warplanes targeted border sites between Syria and Lebanon, specifically in the Juroud Nabi Sheet region opposite the Syrian town of Serghaya in rural Damascus.

    The observatory added that an Israeli drone strike earlier in the same area killed two unidentified individuals.

    There has been no immediate comment from the Syrian authorities regarding the strikes. The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the region, accompanied by increased Israeli military activity in recent weeks.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislator holds talks with Mongolian official

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan, chairman of Mongolia’s State Great Hural, which is the Mongolian parliament, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Zhao Leji, China’s top legislator, held talks with Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan, chairman of Mongolia’s State Great Hural, which is the Mongolian parliament, in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Mongolia in various fields has achieved fruitful results in recent years.

    China is willing to work with Mongolia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, use the construction of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future as a guide, and push forward the steady, sustained growth of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.

    Zhao noted that upholding good-neighborliness and friendship is a strategic choice that both sides have made, conforming to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, adding that China and Mongolia should pursue mutual benefits and strengthen cooperation in various fields.

    He said that the two sides should hold history as a mirror, work together to safeguard the UN-centered international system, and defend the victorious outcomes of World War II. The NPC of China is willing to maintain long-term friendly relations with Mongolia’s State Great Hural, and is ready to strengthen China-Mongolia exchange and cooperation between national and local legislatures, as well as special committees, to contribute to the development of the two countries in an improved manner.

    Zhao also spoke about the system of China’s NPC, as the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress is set to open soon.

    Echoing Zhao’s remarks, Amarbayasgalan said that Mongolia adheres firmly to the one-China principle, and stands ready to deepen the synergy of development strategies between the two countries and strengthen cooperation in such fields as transportation ports, energy, agriculture and electric vehicles.

    The Mongolian State Great Hural is willing to strengthen friendly exchange with the NPC of China, give full play to the role of the regular exchange mechanism between the two countries’ legislatures, and make positive contributions to promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ensure Veterans’ Access to High-Quality Mental Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, which would require an independent organization outside of the government to conduct a study to assess the quality of care veterans receive for mental and addiction health treatment from providers within and outside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    “Every veteran must receive the care and services they need to address the risk of suicide and addiction,” said Dr. Cassidy. “There is no room for failure.”
    “The brave men and women who served our nation should never be denied access to the high-quality care they deserve,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation recognizes the unique mental health challenges our veterans face and aims to improve the VA system by providing an independent evaluation of the quality of life we’re providing for our nation’s bravest.”
    Cassidy and Cornyn were joined by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Fetterman (D-PA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in introducing the bill.
    The VA is home to the nation’s largest integrated health care system that provides comprehensive health services to U.S. military veterans who are enrolled. However, recent estimates indicate that as many as 70% of VA-eligible veterans received their care from external providers. Given the high rate of veteran suicide due to mental and addiction health conditions, a study is needed to better understand if current practices provide our veterans with the best mental and addiction quality of care. 
    The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act would require an independent and objective organization outside of the VA to conduct a study to:
    Analyze the results of comparable instances of addiction and mental health care between inside and outside providers using objective criteria such as symptom scores and suicide risk; 
    Ascertain to what extent outside providers are using evidence-based practices in the treatment of addiction and mental health issues;
    Identify potential gaps in coordination between internal and external providers in responding to individuals seeking addiction or mental health care;
    Evaluate the availability of coordinated care for veterans who have separate or related conditions which may be impacting their mental health;
    Assess providers’ military cultural competency;
    Gauge the ease and flexibility of sharing medical records with a veteran’s health care team;
    Consider to what extent providers are conducting outcome monitoring throughout a veteran’s treatment to track progress or lack thereof;
    And measure overall patient satisfaction.
    The legislation is supported by the Disabled American Veterans Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Veteran Health Care Policy Initiative.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Blocks Democrat Attempt to Sabotage Bipartisan Effort to Address Opioid Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today blocked Democrats’ efforts to undermine his Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act on the Senate floor. The HALT Fentanyl Act, supported by Republican and Democrat lawmakers, makes permanent the class-wide scheduling of deadly fentanyl-related substances, set to expire at the end of March. 
    On Thursday, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is planning to vote on the HALT Fentanyl Act. Cassidy led the bill’s introduction on a bipartisan basis with U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). In an effort to undermine this legislative process, Democrats attempted to ram through a bill earlier today that would only temporarily extend the class-wide scheduling. This would create greater uncertainty for law enforcement who rely on the classification to combat the opioid crisis.  
    “For years, Congress has failed to make the Schedule I classification of fentanyl-related substances permanent. Our law enforcement cannot continue to have this uncertainty,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We must pass the HALT Fentanyl Act as soon as possible to make this classification permanent. Democrat attempts to undermine these bipartisan efforts only embolden the drug cartels exploiting our communities with deadly drugs.” 
    After blocking Democrats legislation, Cassidy asked for a Senate vote on the House companion to the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives this month by a strong bipartisan vote of 312 to 108, with 98 House Democrats voting in favor. Senate Democrats blocked this bipartisan legislation from passing the Senate floor.  
    Click here to watch Cassidy’s full remarks objecting to Democrats’ legislation.       
    See below for the remarks as prepared for delivery. 
    Mr. President,
    For years, Congress has refused to make a definitive, a permanent decision. It has failed to make the Schedule I classification of fentanyl-related substances permanent. Law enforcement needs this permanent change to combat the opioid crisis and go after the criminals flooding our communities with deadly drugs.  
    Congress’ inaction only emboldens China, drug cartels, and other criminals who exploit our communities. That cannot happen. We need a lasting solution. 
    Mr. President, there is no reason to do a temporary extension. We have the bipartisan votes to make the Schedule I classification permanent. 
    This Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee, with the support of Judiciary Chairman Grassley and Senator Heinrich, is marking up the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act. This legislation permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances.  
    Let’s be clear, the HALT Fentanyl Act is not controversial. For two consecutive Congresses, it passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. There are enough votes to pass HALT in Judiciary Committee, and on the Senate floor this Congress.  
    My Democrat colleague’s delays that permanency. Schedule I classification will once again be in jeopardy when the next deadline comes around. Our law enforcement cannot continue to have this uncertainty.  
    That is why after my objection, I will ask unanimous consent to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act. This legislation has already passed the House of Representatives and has bipartisan support in the Senate. I hope all my Democrat colleagues join me in supporting this bill. 
    We have a responsibility to provide law enforcement the tools they need to address the scourge of deadly drugs in our communities. Failure to act puts Americans in harm’s way.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Further arrests for gang insignia breaches following Operation Poster

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant James Keene:

    Today, Police have made further arrests following an investigation into gang insignia breaches during the tangi for a senior Mongrel Mob member late last year.

    On 14 December 2024, a major Police operation was carried out in Napier for the funeral. At the time, Police made three arrests for displaying gang insignia and four arrests for disorder offences.

    During the operation, Police noted several other breaches where people were displaying gang insignia. Today we have executed 13 search warrants across the Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Wairoa, Auckland, and Dannevirke areas to seize these items.

    Police have arrested 11 people: four in Wairoa, four in Hawke’s Bay, one in Dannevirke, one in Auckland, and one in Gisborne. They are all due to appear in their respective district courts in the coming week, and further arrests are likely.

    At the addresses Police seized 13 items of gang insignia, including 11 gang patches, one t-shirt, and one pair of shorts.

    Police also located several other unlawful items, including a replica pistol, a taser, ammunition, and 22 cannabis plants.

    These items highlight the dangerous role gangs play within our communities.

    We hope the arrests today are a clear reminder that Police are committed to enforcing the gang insignia legislation and that we will be taking every opportunity to not only follow up on these breaches but also any other illegal gang activity.

    While it is not always possible to take immediate action on the day, our gang disruption units are dedicated to targeting the unlawful activity of gangs. We will not tolerate intimidation or breaches of the law, and this action today demonstrates that.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employers and Manufacturers say New citizen arrest powers a dangerous escalation

    Source: EMA

    The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the expansion of citizen’s arrest powers announced by the government today could significantly raise the health and safety risks faced by workers in the retail sector and seems unlikely to effectively reduce shoplifting.
    EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald says business owners are being encouraged to put themselves and their staff in harm’s way, which is in breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
    “Employers have a duty of care not to put their people in harm’s way and encouraging staff to restrain or try to make a citizen’s arrest against offenders deliberately puts employees in the frame for injury. Health and safety applies to all businesses.
    “The impact of theft is often far greater on small businesses who can’t absorb the losses so readily, but the impact of possible harm is also great on friends and families if things go wrong.
    “Our concern is that these proposals will lead to an escalation in violence. If an offender believes they will be met with aggression, they will come prepared.
    “In addition, far from discouraging thefts or aggression in retail workplaces, we believe this will result in swarming behaviour in which a number of offenders will be present to create numerical superiority. Those are outcomes that no-one wants.”
    New crime data released yesterday showed a drop in violent crime for first time since 2018.
    Ram raids have reduced 58% between 2023 and 2024 and total violent crime has reduced by 2%.
    A 40% increase in foot patrols by police has much to do with discouraging these behaviours.
    The concerning 12% increase in retail theft and related offences can be met the same way, with a heightened presence of trained police, says McDonald.
    “Police officers undergo months of training on the correct level of force that is acceptable in apprehending suspects.
    “They are the experts in de-escalating violence and their increased presence in shopping centres and other retail areas is the safest solution, alongside preventative measures, the ability to recover goods and effective trespass laws.”
    Section 48 of the Crimes Act 1961 states that you can use reasonable force in self-defense, including resisting restraint by a member of the public.
    “We are very concerned about judgement calls being put in the hands of sometimes young or inexperienced workers in the retail sector and the very real danger of violence being the outcome,” says McDonald.
    “It’s more likely that those who try to restrain offenders will also face a greater risk of prosecution themselves, if they are perceived to have stepped over the boundary of what is reasonable restraint.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pedestrian dies following Courtenay Place crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A 66-year-old woman from Germany has died in hospital following a crash on Courtenay Place on Monday night (24 February).

    The woman was a pedestrian and was hit by a vehicle as she crossed the street about 8.25pm. Sadly, she passed away in hospital this afternoon.

    The victim’s family have travelled to New Zealand. Police are providing them with support and liaising with the German Embassy.

    An investigation into the crash and its cause remains ongoing.

    No charges have been laid at this time.

    We would still like to hear from anyone with footage of the incident. If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online or call 105. Please use the reference number 250224/0187.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Revised concept design for Girrawheen Hub Precinct redevelopment

    Source: Government of Western Australia

    The Girrawheen Hub Precinct redevelopment is progressing to detailed design after Council approved an updated concept design for the facility at its February meeting.

    The revised concept includes a single-story hub with an increased floor area that incorporates the existing hub, senior citizens centre, library, community centre and community garden functions.

    Now with more efficient use of the site, it will see increased car parking, expanded parklands and a new outdoor event space.

    The change from a two-storey facility to single-story will allow construction to be delivered in a single stage, reducing the overall construction time.

    Community consultation for the revised concept design will start in March.

    For more information on the Girrawheen Hub Precinct redevelopment project, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Investigation announced into former police officer

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Investigation announced into former police officer

    Wednesday, 26 February 2025 – 12:41 pm.

    Media outlets are reminded to be mindful of the following national guidelines when reporting on this matter.https://www.childsafety.gov.au/what-we-do/reporting-child-sexual-abuse-guidance-media-and-victims-and-survivors
    Tasmania Police will appoint specialist investigators to examine the conduct of former police officer Dale Cook, with independent oversight from the Integrity Commission.
    On Sunday the officer was arrested and charged by the Tasmanian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), comprising members of Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
    He was charged with accessing child exploitation material and will next appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in March 2025.
    Following his arrest the officer was stood down from duty effective immediately, and he has since resigned from Tasmania Police.
    Today, Commissioner Donna Adams said the Tasmania Police investigation will be run concurrently with the JACET criminal investigation.
    “The investigation will be run with independent oversight from the Integrity Commission and will examine his entire career to determine whether there has been any other criminal offending or misconduct during his time with Tasmania Police,” she said.
    “If any criminal matters relating to federal law are identified, they will be referred to the AFP.”
    “Any criminal matters relating to Tasmanian law will be investigated by Tasmania Police.”
    Commissioner Adams recognised the distress caused to the community and those who know the officer facing these allegations, particularly those who have worked alongside him.
    “As confronting as it is to see a Tasmania Police officer accused of these crimes, uncovering and exposing this kind of alleged behaviour is how we will continue to fight against the abuse and exploitation of children, and work to keep our children and young people safe.
    “The JACET investigation, arrest and laying of charges in this case highlights how our processes are working, and we’ll continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to stop those who seek to harm our children and young people.
    “The behaviour alleged to have taken place is criminal and targets the most vulnerable members of our community – it is a complete breach of the trust placed in this individual personally and professionally,” she said.
    “As an organisation, we will continue to make the improvements needed to better protect children and support victim-survivors and ensure the values and behaviour of Tasmania Police meets the high standards expected by the community.”
    Commissioner Adams said she continued to encourage anyone with information about child sexual abuse to come forward.
    “Every piece of information, no matter how small, can help build a picture for investigators,” she said.
    “There are several different options for reporting.”
    “People can report directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.”
    “Anyone can report concerns or incidents involving police at our Child and Youth Safe web page: dpfem.tas.gov.au/childsafe or complaints portal: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/about-us/compliments-and-complaints/. Information can be provided anonymously.”
    “Matters can also be reported directly to the Integrity Commission or the Office of the Independent Regulator.”
    “Support for victim survivors is available through Arch, and people have the choice of reporting this way too – if they want to.”
    The Tasmanian Government’s Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/
    Support services are available via https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: This budget proves anti-union extremists are more concerned about tax breaks for billionaires than helping working people

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after the House passed a budget plan to gut Medicaid, SNAP and essential public services nationwide:

    “This budget proves that anti-union extremists in Congress are more concerned with giving the wealthy trillions in tax cuts than helping working people. Voters across the country are packing town halls to demand no cuts to Medicaid or SNAP. They’re calling representatives asking them to save public services. They want elected leaders who will lower rising costs on everything from rent to food. But instead of listening to workers, the House moved forward on a budget plan that will cause millions to lose their health care, increase food insecurity for families, and jeopardize Medicare and Social Security in the long term. It’s shameful.

    “Public service workers will continue to organize against these billionaire attacks. From nurses to home care providers to corrections officers, AFSCME members and retirees have dedicated their lives to making our communities healthier, safer and

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why do we fall for wellness scams? Our cultural biases and myths are often to blame

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jesse Ruse, Clinical Psychologist, PhD Candidate, University of Sydney

    Netflix

    Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar has renewed interest in Belle Gibson’s infamous wellness scam, reminding us how vulnerable we can be to deception. While Gibson’s scheme eventually collapsed, her story highlights how fraudsters can exploit our psychological and cultural biases to lure us into wellness traps.

    Part of our culture includes the shared mythologies and symbols that help us make sense of the world. These stories and symbols seem to make our lives more “efficient” by surpassing tedious fact-checking. Over time, these cultural codes become embedded into our psychologies, operating as background biases that shape our decision-making.

    By becoming aware of these biases, we can develop a more critical approach to evaluating information presented to us. In doing so, we can protect ourselves from the Belle Gibsons of the world.

    A desire for inner bodily purity

    One pervasive wellness mythology suggests health can be found in the “pure” state of the body, and that illness occurs when outside contaminants pollute the body.

    As anthropologist Mary Douglas notes, we symbolically equate the “inner” with purity and the “outer” with pollution. This leads to efforts to protect ourselves from outside threats. We are disgusted by the idea of the harmful “outside” getting inside and violating the body’s inner sanctum.

    Gibson’s cookbook and app promoted a diet that claimed inner health problems (such as cancer) are the result of outside contamination, in this case by “bad” foods.

    This symbolism also appears in various diets that advocate for removing certain types of food, such as sugar or gluten, to achieve a state of inner sanctity and, therefore, health.

    Similarly, various “clean eating” diets will specifically link certain foods to cleanliness and others to dirtiness. In their most extreme form, these diets constitute orthorexia, a clinical condition defined by an “obsession” with healthy eating.

    The allure of ‘ancient wisdom’

    Each day we face an overwhelming array of choices, from the products we use to how we construct our identities. As people living in modern, affluent societies we are, as philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre put it, “condemned to be free”.

    In this context of choice overload and decision fatigue, ancient wisdom offers a seductive simplicity: a return to simpler times.

    In 1953, psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan observed that we possess a nostalgia for an idealised golden age (regardless of whether it ever truly existed). We yearn for a mythical era of simplicity, safety and happiness. This psychological bias for the past manifests as a deep reverence for “ancient wisdom”, seemingly passed down through generations and untainted by modern influence.

    This preference can be seen in our instinctive trust in grandparents’ remedies and traditional healing practices, even when scientific evidence doesn’t always support them. Gibson and others co-opt this nostalgia by selling us products that connect us to the past.

    Suspicion of industrial-scale production

    Our minds are often suspicious of large-scale and complex manufacturing processes, and will often devalue industrially produced products.

    This scepticism of scale stems from negative associations with factory work, questionable standards and a history of multinational corporations prioritising profit over people. As a public, we are growing understandably weary of the multinational companies whose influence we can’t seem to escape. Politicians often further this narrative by claiming that globalisation – replacing local cottage industries with industrialised mega-companies – screws the little guys like you and me.

    Gibson capitalised on a growing suspicion of the industrial-scale pharmaceutical industry to promote her bespoke “homegrown” wellness products. Locally-made goods often have increased value simply because they are made on a smaller scale, regardless of their quality or materials.

    Historically, various groups including the Luddites and the hippie movement have rejected the industrial push. More recently, we saw these dynamics play out in COVID-19 vaccine denial, which partially stems from suspicions of the pharmaceutical companies.

    A preference for natural over artificial

    Culturally, the concept of the “natural” holds powerful meaning, positioning things found in nature as inherently superior to those manufactured by humans (deemed “artificial”).

    This natural/artificial dichotomy establishes a symbolic framework in which natural remedies, raw foods and authenticity represent the “proper” order of things – how life should be. The “appeal to nature” bias persists because it resonates with our collective intuition that modern life has somehow disconnected us from important truths or healthier ways of living.

    Research has demonstrated we tend to have a positive association with the concept of the “natural”, which we understand as objects not altered by human intervention. This preference isn’t merely aesthetic. It also reflects our belief in a moral order.

    Gibson famously claimed alternative therapies – most notably apple cider vinegar – helped treat her alleged cancer. Similar patterns appear throughout the wellness industry, where influencers and companies market products by emphasising their natural origins and minimal processing.

    These claims leverage our psychological bias toward natural remedies, even when the scientific evidence for their efficacy is lacking.

    Jesse Ruse 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 do we fall for wellness scams? Our cultural biases and myths are often to blame – https://theconversation.com/why-do-we-fall-for-wellness-scams-our-cultural-biases-and-myths-are-often-to-blame-250790

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s anti-graft chief urges rule-based discipline inspection, supervision work

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Li Xi, China’s top anti-graft official, on Tuesday urged persistent efforts to make discipline inspection and supervision work more procedure-based, law-based and standardized.
    Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), made the remarks at a mobilization and arrangement meeting for a yearlong campaign to achieve the objective.
    In his remarks, Li called on discipline inspection and supervision agencies at all levels to carry out the campaign through high-caliber and high-quality work, and to foster a contingent of personnel who maintain absolute loyalty to the Party, have moral integrity, demonstrate a keen sense of responsibility, dare to confront difficulties, and are capable of overcoming obstacles.
    Inspection and supervision agencies nationwide should improve comprehensively in terms of political integrity, competence, anti-corruption work, conduct and discipline, and they should never turn a blind eye to internal problems, he said.
    Li also urged efforts to improve the quality and effectiveness of case handling in accordance with relevant regulations, disciplines and the law, as well as efforts to enhance the cultivation of discipline inspection and supervision personnel, and to guide them in gaining a rule-of-law mindset and applying that approach to their work.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Stephen Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today chaired a hearing examining the nomination of Mr. Stephen A. Feinberg to be the next Deputy Secretary of Defense.
    In his opening statement, Chairman Wicker discussed the catastrophic national security environment, in which China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly aligned. He added that Feinberg’s experience in the private sector offers an opportunity to advance an agenda prioritizing speed, accountability, and efficiency at the Department, and that Feinberg would play a key role in refocusing the Department on those values.
    Chairman Wicker also raised his landmark defense policy reports – “21st Century Peace Through Strength” and “Freedom’s Forge” as examples of the kind of work required to reform the Pentagon to restore our military and rebuild our defense industrial base.
    Stephen Feinberg is the CEO of Cerberus Capital Management, one of the nation’s top private equity firms. Feinberg also served as Chairman of President Trump’s Intelligence Oversight Board, as well as Chairman of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board from 2018 to 2021.
    Read Senator Wicker’s opening statement as delivered below.
    I thank our guest for being here. And we are here this morning to consider the nomination of Stephen Feinberg, who’s been nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Defense.
    If confirmed, Mr. Feinberg would join the Department of Defense during the most dangerous security environment since World War II. He would oversee the operations of the Department as it faces an emerging Axis of Aggressors. This dangerous coalition, which is characterized by military cooperation between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, presents a complex and far-reaching set of threats. Make no mistake: our enemies do not want a 21st century defined by peace and prosperity for the American people.
    Mr. Feinberg would be a crucial part of the team task with meeting those threats. Unfortunately, the defense investments we’ve made during the Cold War have long since evaporated. Defense spending is near record lows as a percentage of our gross domestic product, and all aspects of our military forces are now in dire need of repair or replacement.
    Our Navy, once the envy of all seafaring nations, is now too small and too old to meet the growing demands of our combatant commanders. Our nuclear forces used to be the most robust and effective on the planet. Now they are decades older than their intended service lives. Our Air Force continues to shrink. We have yet to figure out how to scale innovative weapons into mass production. We have a $200 billion backlog in basic maintenance that leaves our troops living and working in substandard conditions — $200 billion just dealing with living and working conditions. And I could go on.
    Clearly, there are many things that need fixing at the Department of Defense. Fortunately, Mr. Feinberg has spent his entire career fixing things. I believe he will make a very fine Deputy Secretary of Defense.
    Mr. Feinberg ran a highly successful large organization for three decades, making him eminently qualified to run the Pentagon effectively. He brings extensive experience at the intersection of international economics and national security. Mr. Feinberg is remarkably attuned to the scope and scale of the challenges we face, as well as the opportunities we might exploit. His work on National Defense is significant, and has ranged from Subic Bay acquisition to counter-Huawei efforts, and from spectrum sharing to hypersonic testing.
    Unlike the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy does not often make high-profile policy speeches or travel around the world to engage with allies and adversaries. I do not expect to see much of Mr. Feinberg in the news if he is confirmed. But make no mistake: the Pentagon cannot function without a capable Deputy.
    In many ways, the Deputy runs the day-to-day operations of the department – driving the budget process, managing the principal staff assistance, and ensuring the Secretary of Defense is provided with data-driven and thoughtful options.
    In Mr. Feinberg, President Trump has found a deputy who combines cutting-edge private sector skills with a thorough understanding of U.S. national security interests and the Department of Defense.
    Today, we will hear Mr. Feinberg’s views on issues facing the Department of Defense. I look forward to his thoughts on my proposals. Last year I released a report entitled “21st Century Peace Through Strength.” I hope this can serve as a blueprint to reinvigorate and rebuild our military.
    Additionally, I released a Pentagon reform and innovation plan called “Restoring Freedom’s Forge: American Innovation Unleashed.” I hope it brings much needed reforms and fundamentally changes the way the department does business. We must cut red tape and get better weapons to our troops faster, all while maximizing taxpayer dollars.
    So, I thank Mr. Feinberg and his family and his friends for being here today. I believe he has a lot to offer as the Department of Defense directs its focus to lethality, efficiency, speed, and accountability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: National Care Standards Regulations still not being met – Experiences of Care in Aotearoa 2023/24 released

    Source: Aroturuki Tamariki – the Independent Children’s Monitor

    The latest report on Experiences of Care in Aotearoa has found that tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) are still not receiving the minimum standard of care required by the National Care Standards Regulations. The Regulations have been in place since 2019.

    The report on agency compliance with the National Care Standards Regulations for the period 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 was published by Aroturuki Tamariki – Independent Children’s Monitor today. Chief Executive Arran Jones says agencies with custody and care of tamariki and rangatahi are required to comply with these regulations.

    “With custody of almost 99 percent of tamariki and rangatahi in care, our findings are mostly about Oranga Tamariki. When the State takes custody of a child, its job is to care for and protect them. Oranga Tamariki is not alone, all government agencies need to see themselves as guardians of these children and make sure they are safe, well cared for, and have their needs met,” Mr Jones says.

    “This is our fourth monitoring report and the very slow pace of change shows that the underlying issues are not being addressed in a way that will make a difference to the lives of tamariki and rangatahi in care. The care standards are fundamentally about social work practice, if that’s enabled the standards will be met.

    “Social workers are not always able to work effectively, including completing meaningful plans and assessments, visiting tamariki and rangatahi as often as they need, and supporting caregivers and whānau.

    “As a result, one third of children are still not being visited by their social worker as often as required, sixty percent of caregivers are not visited as planned and almost a third of rangatahi experience no planning at all for their transition to adulthood.

    “Tamariki and rangatahi in care are not prioritised for government services, and funding does not follow the child. We consistently heard about stand-offs between government agencies over who is responsible for paying. Social workers, caregivers and whānau have to seek out services and supports child-by-child, relying on established relationships and goodwill, rather than there being a system that automatically responds to need.

    “Tamariki and rangatahi, including those who later become involved in youth justice, are often taken into care because they have been abused or neglected. Ensuring they get the help and support they need will give them the best chance to go on and have good lives. Failure to do so can perpetuate the harm,” says Mr Jones.

    The report found more tamariki and rangatahi are being abused in care. In 2023/24, 507 tamariki and rangatahi (nine percent of those in care) were found to have been abused or neglected while in the custody of Oranga Tamariki. The areas where disproportionate levels of abuse continue to occur are in secure residences (mostly by other rangatahi in the residence) and when tamariki and rangatahi return to their parents’ care while in the custody of Oranga Tamariki. For those returned home, supports are not always in place for the parents, and social workers are not visiting when they should.

    When rangatahi are getting ready to leave care for adulthood at 18, many get help from the transition service. Often this help comes too late, with only 14 percent referred when they become eligible at 15 years old, and just over half by the age of 16. Oranga Tamariki is often not doing the things it is required to do to prepare young people for leaving care.

    “The issues identified in our latest Experiences of Care in Aotearoa report are not new. If they can be addressed, we might start to see progress towards provision of the minimum standard of care. Until then, tamariki and rangatahi will continue to miss out.

    “We welcome the extent to which Oranga Tamariki has engaged with this report, and that it will be used to drive performance. However, we are already eight months into the next reporting period and, based on what we have heard so far from our most recent monitoring visits, we are unlikely to see improvement in our next report. From our most recent monitoring visits we’ve heard how the 2024/25 contract funding decisions have damaged relationships, and restricted services that social workers can call on,” says Mr Jones.

    Read the report https://aroturuki.govt.nz/reports/eoc-23-24

    Notes:

    The National Care Standards Regulations came into effect in 2019 and set out the minimum standards required when a child comes into care. These regulations apply to Oranga Tamariki, Open Home Foundation and any other agency with custody and care responsibilities.

    Aroturuki Tamariki – the Independent Children’s Monitor checks that organisations supporting and working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, are meeting their needs, delivering services effectively, and improving outcomes. We monitor compliance with the Oranga Tamariki Act and the associated regulations, including the National Care Standards. We also look at how the wider system (such as early intervention) is supporting tamariki and rangatahi under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act.

    Aroturuki Tamariki works closely with its partners in the oversight system, Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Child Care – Save the Children calls for immediate action to meet minimum standards for children in care, following new report

    Source: Save the Children

    Save the Children is deeply concerned by the lack of progress to ensure all children in care are receiving the minimum standard of care required by the National Care Standards and Related Matters Regulations (NCS Regulations).
    Today’s report by Aroturuki Tamariki, the Independent Children’s Monitor highlights the lack of progress of Oranga Tamariki to meet the minimum regulatory care standards that are requirements for children in the care of the State over the past four years, and do not expect to see progress by the next report one year from now.
    “The Royal Commission of Inquiry has illuminated the painful failures of the past where many children were let down by the State, subjected to horrifying levels of abuse and harm while in the care of the State. Sadly, this report shows that abuse and harm to children while in care of the State remains a current issue,” says Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey.
    “It is unacceptable that funding cuts are impacting the delivery of care and protection of children in vulnerable situations. Adequate investment is required to ensure our care system is working effectively and cohesively, protecting and improving the lives of children that have already experienced significant harm or neglect.
    “Enduring failures to meet the minimum standards required by the National Care Standard Regulations are not good enough.”
    Ms Southey says significant areas of concern include unacceptably high numbers of children in care continue to be harmed, with highest rates of harm occurring in secure residential care settings or when children return home to their families.
    The report shows 23 % of tamariki and rangatahi were found to have been abused in secure residences, with 18 % of the harm caused by residence staff and 79 % by other rangatahi. For tamariki and rangatahi returned home to the care of a parent while in the custody of Oranga Tamariki, 11% of tamariki and rangatahi were abused or neglected.
    “Failure to complete assessments and care plans for all children is worrying, as is the lack of collaboration of agencies across the care and protection systems potentially leading to gaps creating risks that children could be harmed instead of being protected,” says Ms Southey.
    “There are strong expectations that when a child is being harmed or at serious risk of harm and the State is required to step in, that the situation for that child will dramatically improve, that their care and protection is guaranteed, and that the State will uphold their parental responsibilities to ensure the child’s rights and wellbeing are met in the short and longer duration of their care. The role of social workers, working alongside tamariki, carers and families is critical to achieving this.”
    Save the Children is calling for immediate action based on the findings of the report to change the trajectory to meet the minimum care standards, ensure that all children have required assessments completed, and up to date care plans in place that are communicated to and developed with the children they are about.
    Other areas that urgently need to be improved include ensuring all children that are 18 years transitioning out of the care system are well supported in the next steps of their lives to have emotional support, housing, financial support, support to access employment or undertake further education.
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – PSA appoints Fleur Fitzsimons as a National Secretary

    Source: PSA

    PSA Assistant Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons has been appointed as a National Secretary of the country’s largest union, PSA President Virgil Iraia says.
    Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is led by two National Secretaries and Fleur will join National Secretary Duane Leo as co-leader of the union.
    To ensure continuity the PSA has appointed Fleur ahead of National Secretary Kerry Davies’ retirement later in year. Kerry has spent 40 years working for the union movement, mainly with the PSA, and has been National Secretary for six years.
    Virgil says the PSA was pleased that a candidate of Fleur’s ability had stepped up to replace Kerry, whose experience and leadership had been vital to the work of the PSA.
    “Kerry has done an outstanding job for the PSA, and we were looking for a strong and able candidate to step into the senior leadership role at a time when members were facing a hostile political and economic environment.
    “Fleur will bring her considerable experience and skills to this role. Her skills will help us keep advocating for properly funded public and state services, health care, local government and community services, and for recognition of the importance of the work of our members who deliver these,” Virgil says.
    Fleur has 20 years’ experience working for the PSA as an organiser, media adviser, solicitor, Assistant Secretary, and most recently as an Acting National Secretary.
    She also served as a Wellington City Councillor for five years, and is a former President of the Victoria and New Zealand University students’ associations.
    “We have a lot of work to do in response to the Government’s attacks on public, community and health services. I am looking forward to the challenge” Fleur says.
    The PSA is the union of 95,000 members, working in the Public Service, State Sector, Health, Local Government and Community and Public Services.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Releases Snapshot Report Showing How Proposed Medicaid Funding Cuts Could Devastate WA Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.25.25

    Cantwell Releases Snapshot Report Showing How Proposed Medicaid Funding Cuts Could Devastate WA Health Care

    Central and Eastern Washington at highest risk with Medicaid on chopping block — 70% of children in Central WA’s Congressional District 4 are on Medicaid; rural hospital leaders warn of closings

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as House Republicans continue to debate whether they will make significant cuts to Medicaid, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that slashing Medicaid to fund tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy would have on Washington state’s health care system — especially in Central and Eastern Washington.

    The snapshot report includes new data on the percentage of Medicaid patients in each of the State of Washington’s U.S. congressional districts, as well as by region. Congressional District 4 (Central Washington) and Congressional District 5 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid. Seventy percent of children in District 4 are on Medicaid.

    The report also includes information provided by rural Central and Eastern Washington hospitals, showing how crucial Medicaid funding is for their survival. “We’re struggling to keep our doors open … the only thing left to cut is the hospital itself,” the report quotes Astria Toppenish Hospital Administrator Cathy Bambrick as saying.

    Based on interviews and statements from more than a dozen health organizations statewide, the report details how Medicaid cuts — and the subsequent service cuts by providers — would likely affect all Washingtonians.

    Children:

    47% of WA children are on Medicaid. “Babies could die,” says Dr. Jason Deen, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and pediatric cardiologist at the University of Washington who treats children across Washington state, as children like those he treats could lose access to life-saving specialty care without Medicaid.

    Farmers: 

    Rural hospitals in Central and Eastern Washington would be hardest hit by these cuts. “It is not uncommon for our small family farmers to be on a Medicaid program,” says Garfield County Hospital District CEO Mat Slaybaugh.

    People with chronic conditions:

    Without health care coverage, people with chronic conditions won’t get the consistent care they need. “People are going to be dying in their homes,” says Spokane-area nurse Jessica Grove. 

    Anyone with a medical emergency:

    Medicaid helps people avoid the emergency room; it also funds first responders in our state. Cuts to the program could mean overcrowded ERs and longer wait times for ambulances. “Every Washingtonian should be concerned about any funding cuts that could lead to slower response times in a life-threatening emergency,” says Dennis Lawson, President of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. 

    Sen. Cantwell’s snapshot report on Washington state is available HERE. 

    Medicaid is the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Washington state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, ensures that eligible Washingtonians can afford to seek health care and see providers when they need to.  The program also ensures that hospitals — which are required to treat everyone, regardless of their ability to pay — receive reimbursements for the significant number of low-income people they serve. About 1.8 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health.

    Congressional Republicans are proposing deep cuts to Medicaid through the budget reconciliation process. President Trump has said that he opposes cuts to Medicaid, however he has also said that he supports the House Republican budget plan — which includes cuts to Medicaid. Late last week, Senate Republicans launched the budget resolution process, which would allow them to fold budget cuts and policy changes into a single package for an up-down vote. The House is expected to vote on a competing budget resolution this week, and the two chambers will eventually have to reconcile their plans and finalize the package’s details. 

    During Trump’s first term, he supported — and Sen. Cantwell opposed — an effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act that would have cut Medicaid by $800 billion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Plead Guilty In Bribery And Fraud Investigation At Newark Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – Three men have pleaded guilty in connection with a bribery and fraud investigation pertaining to business at Newark Liberty International Airport (“Newark Airport”), Caroline Sadlowski, Attorney for the United States, announced.

    Edward Dolphin, 65, of Tomball, Texas, pleaded guilty on February 19, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Quraishi in Trenton federal court, to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. James Wajda, 59, of Cement City, Michigan, pleaded guilty on February 19, 2025, before District Judge Quraishi, to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Ronald Delucia, 70, of Wayne, New Jersey pleaded guilty today before District Judge Quraishi to a two-count Information charging conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud (Count One) and conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Count Two).

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Dolphin was an employee of an airline that operated at Newark Airport. From at least as early as 2014 through in or about April 2017, he was an Airport Operations Hub Vendor Manager, and from in or about April 2017 through in or about November 2022, he was a Manger of Hub Business Partners. In his positions at the airline, Dolphin was able to influence which companies would be awarded certain contracts. Dolphin traded this influence for bribes and kickbacks. For example, Dolphin received bribes from Delucia, who was Chief Operating Officer and later Chief Executive Officer of a company that provided a range of services to airlines at Newark Airport, including the airline for which Dolphin worked. Delucia’s company paid Dolphin up to $31,500 per month, totaling $1 million, in exchange for Dolphin’s assistance in securing work for Delucia’s company. In addition, Dolphin received approximately $70,000 from another vendor in exchange for Dolphin’s influence in the process of awarding a busing contract. Dolphin received approximately $278,000 from another vendor in exchange for his influence in the process of awarding a snow removal contract. Finally, Dolphin received approximately $262,000 in exchange for his influence in the process of awarding an aircraft cleaning contract. In total, Dolphin received over $1.6 million in bribes and kickbacks.

    Wajda was the Chief Operating Officer for a Des Plaines, Illinois based company that provided various services to an airline at Newark Airport, including cabin cleaning services. In or about December 2021, the company had a contract with the airline to load provisions onto the airline’s planes. In or about March 2022, Wajda conspired with Delucia, agreeing that Delucia’s company would invoice Wajda’s company for a “dispatcher” to assist in the transportation of the provisions, as if Wajda’s company had subcontracted Delucia’s company to assist in dispatching the trucks transporting provisions to the aircraft. Delucia’s company then fraudulently invoiced Wajda’s company for work that Delucia’s company did not in fact provide, and Wajda’s company paid the invoices. Delucia then kicked back a portion of the fraudulently obtained funds to Wajda through Wajda’s personal limited liability company. Pursuant to this agreement, Delucia’s company invoiced Wajda’s company $150,000 for services that were never rendered. Wajda, in turn, received approximately $38,600 from this scheme.

    In addition to pleading guilty to the conduct involving Dolphin and Wajda, Delucia also admitted his role in conduct involving Alok Saksena, Anthony Rosalli, and Lovella Rogan, who each previously pleaded guilty in this investigation. Rosalli, Saksena, and Rogan all held positions with the airline that enabled them to influence which companies the airline would award certain contracts to at Newark Airport. The defendants conspired to receive bribes and kickbacks from Delucia’s company in exchange for helping Delucia’s company obtain lucrative airline contracts at Newark Airport.

    For example, in or about September 2021, Delucia’s company bid on a contract to renovate restrooms at Newark Airport. Saksena, Rosalli, and Rogan sat on the selection committee and each of them voted to award the contract to the company. In exchange for their  help in obtaining the $19.7 million restroom renovation contract, and with the expectation that they would use their positions to help the company obtain future contracts, Delucia’s company agreed to pay for significant renovations at their personal residences, including renovating and building bathrooms, renovating a deck, installing floors and sheetrock, and renovating a kitchen. Delucia’s company also gave them valuable items, including electronics and jewelry. The total value of the bribes paid was approximately $539,000 to Saksena; approximately $276,000 to Rosalli; and approximately $409,000 to Rogan.

    “The defendants exploited their positions within their respective companies to enrich themselves while defrauding others. Defendants’ commercial bribery and fraud corrupts the fairness of our economic system. We will hold to account those who break the law to line their own pockets.”

    Attorney for the United States Caroline Sadlowski

    “The schemes conceived and executed by these individuals to defraud the airline operating out of Newark Airport are reprehensible. The individuals who benefited with monetary and other high-value gain are being held responsible for the bribery and corruption they had hoped would fly under the radar,” Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly said.

    “Blatant corruption like this erodes public trust and robs honest businesses of fair opportunities,” said Port Authority Inspector General John Gay. “This case is a stark example of individuals exploiting their positions for personal gain, putting greed ahead of the public good. We’re grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI as we root out fraud, hold bad actors accountable, and protect the integrity of the systems that keep our region moving.”

    Dolphin, Wajda, and Delucia each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. Sentencing for Dolphin is scheduled for June 24, 2025. Sentencing for Wajda is scheduled for June 24, 2025. Sentencing for Delucia is scheduled for July 1, 2025.

    Attorney for the United States Caroline Sadlowski credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, investigators from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General John Gay, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the charges.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine J. Calle and Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

    All other co-conspirators identified in the Informations are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel: David Wikstrom, Esq., Counsel to Edward Dolphin

                                Paul Flannery, Esq., Counsel to James Wajda

                                Paul Faugno, Esq., Counsel to Ronald Delucia

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Transportation Company and Owner Sentenced to Probation and Criminal Fines for Tampering with Pollution Monitoring Devices

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.–A Fairview, Oregon transportation company and its owner were sentenced in federal court today for knowingly and intentionally tampering with emissions monitoring devices in violation of the Clean Air Act.

    Clancy Logistics, Inc., located in Fairview, Oregon, and its owner, Timothy Curtis Clancy, 55, of Sherwood, Oregon, were each sentenced to three years’ probation. They were also ordered to pay a fine of $101,510, jointly and severally. 

    According to court documents, between October 2019 and July 2023, Clancy tampered with federally mandated monitoring devices by performing “deletes and tunes” to emission control systems for at least thirteen diesel semi-trailer trucks operated by his companies. Clancy, as owner of Clancy Logistics, oversaw the illegal modification of vehicles, including engaging in and directing employees to remove the emissions control equipment and tune the onboard diagnostic systems so it could no longer detect the removal of control equipment. Clancy Logistics knowingly operated the altered vehicles. 

    On September 13, 2024, Clancy Logistics and Clancy were charged by criminal information with two counts of Clean Air Act tampering. On September 18, 2024, they each pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a monitoring device.

    This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. It was prosecuted by Andrew Ho, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Gwendolyn Russell, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Chinese dating simulator Love and Deepspace now has a period tracker – it signals a shift in mobile gaming

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Harkin, Lecturer, Games, School of Design, RMIT University

    Papergames

    24/7 companionship. Spend time with him whenever you want.

    This is the promise made by Love and Deepspace, a mobile romance game by the Chinese company Papergames.

    Some think video games are all guns and cars, but romance games or “dating simulators” are immensely popular, especially among young women.

    Love and Deepspace reached 50 million users across more than 170 countries and regions in January. Despite their popularity, dating sims, as they are known for short, usually fly under the radar in discussions about games.

    Meanwhile, a recent major update for Love and Deepspace has furrowed some brows by introducing an unusual new feature: a period tracker.

    Need help keeping track of tasks?

    Dating sims offer a fantasy of romantic, intimate companionship. Otome games (from the word “maiden” in Japanese) are a sub-genre of dating sims that are catered to women. They offer a suite of boyfriends to choose from – each attentive, caring and, of course, incredibly handsome.

    Ideal in every way except being fictional.

    Love and Deepspace is a science-fiction otome game that stands out with its unusual blend of combat, magic, dating and gacha (meaning random rewards) microtransactions – which are controversial for their parallels to gambling.

    Its latest update introduced a Remind Me feature, where players can ask their virtual boyfriends to remind them of daily tasks and special events, as well as their upcoming period. Players input information about their menstrual cycle and the game then generates its own predictive calendar and notifications.

    The player’s in-game boyfriend will offer to pick up some sanitary products or even reach towards the screen and provide an imaginary abdomen massage.

    The millions of users drawn to a fantasy about considerate men says a lot about the frustrations women have with modern dating and dating apps.

    Women are conscious of the conservative gender roles within otome games, but at the same time find pleasure in their focus on the female gaze and ability to explore their sexual desire privately.

    In China, where otome games are especially popular, censorship of explicit content for women has intensified. These games are able to convey sexually suggestive themes that are subtle enough to elude censorship.

    Otome games are not new

    Otome games have been around for three decades.

    Angelique, a game made by an all-women team in 1994, is considered to be the first. It helped set the stage for other boyfriend fantasy media for women as seen in the rising popularity of “boyfriend ASMR” on audio and video platforms today. These are designed to directly address the listener in both sensual and everyday scenarios.

    Video games have changed a lot since then, especially as mobile devices have evolved to be more intimate, accompanying us everywhere.

    Love and Deepspace is introducing more features including “Quality Time”, which rewards players for working or studying with the game open. The rewards come in the form of an animated man sighing and whispering into the player’s headphones.

    ‘Feel his deepening breath, rising heartbeat, and the trickle of sweat. He’s working out together with you!’
    Love and Deepspace/X

    Periods and privacy

    Love and Deepspace’s period reminders mirror existing period tracker apps, though they do not incorporate the usual fertility date predictions or ability to log symptoms and sexual activity. That’s probably a good thing.

    Period tracker apps have faced scrutiny for mishandling users’ data. Popular period tracker app Flo has faced a lawsuit in the British Columbia Supreme Court in Canada for sharing personal data to third-party tech firms, including Facebook and Google, which use the data for targeted advertising.

    Meanwhile, the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States has threatened many people’s bodily autonomy and made them concerned about the legal risks of sharing personal biological information.

    Love and Deepspace’s privacy policy states any menstruation data is only used for the prediction and reminder features, and that it will not be shared with any third parties without the player’s consent.

    The banning of the Chinese-owned platform TikTok in the US was driven by fears of foreign influence and data privacy. Yet our privacy may not be safer with a US company than a Chinese one.

    US-owned companies have been just as liable to sell sensitive information to third parties, such as location data to abortion clinics and gay clubs.

    Australia’s Privacy Act does not just apply to Australian companies. Papergames could be sanctioned if it breaches its privacy policy.

    That said, it is unlikely many users will be familiar with the policy or read future changes made to it. It is best to always practise caution when entering any kind of personal information in platforms, apps or video games.

    A potential shift

    Period tracking is not a core component in the game. But this new feature signals a potential shift towards more mobile games integrating popular app functions, such as health data.

    Instead of a casual time-filler, mobile games like Love and Deepspace are competing for players’ attention over other apps – which is concerning given its controversial gacha random rewards.

    It’s also possible the game’s designers are picking up on a widespread desire for men to care more about their partner’s periods.

    Stephanie Harkin 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. Chinese dating simulator Love and Deepspace now has a period tracker – it signals a shift in mobile gaming – https://theconversation.com/chinese-dating-simulator-love-and-deepspace-now-has-a-period-tracker-it-signals-a-shift-in-mobile-gaming-250497

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Republic of Gamers Announces Next-Gen RTX 50 Series Laptop Lineup – Now Available for Pre-Order in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced the arrival of its 2025 NVIDIA® RTX™ Laptop GPU line-up of equipped devices – now available for pre-order. ROG’s cutting-edge line-up involves the latest from NVIDIA, with innovative graphics technologies like DLSS 4 and Frame Generation to enjoy ray tracing without sacrificing performance. Our line up available for pre-order includes: ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18, ROG Strix G16, and ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16, on online retailers including Best Buy, Memory Express, CDW, Canada Computers and selected retailers.

    ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18: Unleashing Ultimate Power and Precision

    At the heart of our line-up is the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 16 & SCAR 18, equipped with the most powerful RTX 50 Series Laptop GPU’s NVIDIA has to offer. They’re also equipped with a built in MUX Switch and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, these laptops are engineered handle the most demanding AAA titles, high-performance applications, and intensive multi-tasking with ease.

    Complementing this power is ROG’s Intelligent Cooling technology, which incorporates a custom vapor chamber, sandwiched heatsink, and advanced Tri-Fan Technology. Enhanced further with Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU, this thermal system keeps temperatures low and reduces noise levels to 45dB, allowing gamers to fully unleash their hardware’s potential in even the most extended sessions.

    With up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a spacious up to 4TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, the Strix SCAR Series delivers exceptional speed, storage, and smooth multitasking. The tool-less access design makes it easy to upgrade both memory and storage, empowering users to stay at the cutting edge of technology. Additionally, the AniMe Vision array on the lid and full-surround Aura RGB light bar across the chassis allow gamers to customize their devices and create a distinctive, personal aesthetic.

    ROG Strix G16: Empowering Every Gamer

    Designed to unite squads and elevate gaming experiences, the ROG Strix G16 deliver fast AAA gaming performance and seamless content creation, powered by Intel’s® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 275HX. Paired with NVIDIA RTX™ 50 Series Laptop GPUs, these devices offer unmatched performance and stunning graphics. With up to 32GB of DDR5 5600MHz RAM, they ensure smooth multitasking and efficient handling of resource-intensive applications. The advanced Tri-Fan Technology, full-width heatsink, and full-surround vents provide exceptional thermal management, allowing users to maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions.

    The ROG Strix G16 is equipped with dual PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD slots and designed for future-proofing, with Intel models supporting PCIe Gen 5 on both slots this allows for seamless storage upgrades. With customizable hotkeys for quick access to essential functions, the Strix G16 empower gamers to rise to victory. 

    ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16: Ultra-Portable Gaming at its Best

    The ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 are prime choices for gamers and creators seeking portability without sacrificing performance. Crafted from a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, these laptops balance lightweight design with structural durability. The G16 is powered by up to the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 285H, while the G14 features up to an AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor. They come equipped with up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 on the G16 and up to an RTX™ 5080 on the G14, delivering top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking on the go.

    To maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions, the Zephyrus series incorporates an advanced cooling system that includes 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans, and either a vapor chamber or a robust set of heat pipes depending on the configuration. With weights of just 3.46lbs for the G14 and 1.95 Kg (4.30 lbs) for the G16, alongside a thickness of 1.59cm (0.63”) for the Zephyrus G14 and 1.49cm (0.59”) for the Zephyrus G16 at their thinnest section, these ultra-thin laptops excel in portability. They also feature Slash Lighting and are available in a stylish Platinum White option, making a bold visual statement.

    AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

    The new 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18, ROG Strix G16, and ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16 are now available for pre-order through online retailers including Best Buy, Memory Express, CDW, Canada Computers, and selected retailers.

    Additional availability will be listed on the ASUS website later in Q1, with shipments expected to start from late March.

    For more information, contact your local ASUS representative.

    SPECIFICATIONS

    ROG Strix SCAR 18 

    Config Model Name  G835LX-XS99-CA G835LX-XS97 G835LW-XS97 G835LW-BS97-CB G835LR-XS96
    Marketing Name  ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) 
    Operating System  Windows 11 Pro 
    Color  Off Black 
    Weight  3.30 Kg (7.28 lbs)
    Dimensions  39.9 x 29.8 x 2.35 ~ 3.20 cm (15.71″ x 11.73″ x 0.93″ ~ 1.26″)
    Display  18″, ROG Nebula HDR, Mini LED, 240Hz, 2560×1600, 500 nits (SDR), 1200 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR, 1200:1 contrast ratio 
    Processor  Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX 2.7 GHz

    (36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
    Graphics  NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU

    24GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU

    16GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU

    12GB GDDR7
    Memory  64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM)  32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM)  64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM)  32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM) 
    Storage  2TB + 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)

    		 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)

    		 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)

    		 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)

    		 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
    Webcam  1080p FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello
    Wi-Fi  Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 
    IO Ports  1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 
    2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 
    3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 
    1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 
    1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack 
    Battery  90 Whr 
    AC Adapter  Rectangle Conn, 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal 
    MSRP  C$6,999  C$6,499 C$5,299 C$5,299 C$4,499
    Where to buy link  Best Buy

    Canada Computers

    ASUS    		 Best Buy

    Canada Computers

    Memory Express

    ASUS    		 Best Buy

    Canada Computers

    Memory Express

    ASUS    		 Best Buy

    ASUS    		 Canada Computers

    ASUS

     
    ROG Strix SCAR 16

    Config Model Name  G635LX-XS99-CA G635LX-XS97 G635LW-XS97 G635LR-XS96
    Marketing Name  ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025)
    Operating System  Windows 11 Pro
    Color  Off Black
    Weight  2.80 Kg (6.17 lbs)
    Dimensions  35.4 x 26.8 x 2.28 ~ 3.08 cm (13.94″ x 10.55″ x 0.90″ ~ 1.21″)
    Display 16″ ROG Nebula HDR, Mini LED, 240Hz, 2560×1600, 500 nits (SDR), 1200 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR, 1200:1 contrast ratio 
    Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX 2.7 GHz

    (36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
    Graphics  NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU

    24GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU

    16GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU

    12GB GDDR7
    Memory  64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM) 32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM)
    Storage  2TB + 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)

    		 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)

    		 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)

    		 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
    Webcam  1080p FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello
    Wi-Fi  Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 
    IO Ports  1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 
    2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 
    3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 
    1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 
    1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack 
    Battery  90 Whr 
    AC Adapter  Rectangle Conn, 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal 
    MSRP  C$6,699 C$5,999 C$4,999 C$4,499
    Where to buy link  Best Buy

    Canada Computers

    ASUS    		 Best Buy

    Canada Computers

    CDW

    ASUS    		 Best Buy

    Canada Computers

    ASUS    		 Canada Computers

    ASUS


    ROG Strix G16 (2025) 

    Config Model Name  G615LW-XS96-CA G615LR-DS96-CA
    Marketing Name  ROG Strix G16 (2025) 
    Operating System  Windows 11 Pro 
    Color  Off Black 
    Weight  2.65 Kg (5.84 lbs)
    Dimensions  35.4 x 26.8 x 2.28 ~ 3.08 cm (13.94″ x 10.55″ x 0.90″ ~ 1.21″)
    Display  16-inch, 2.5K (2560 x 1600, WQXGA), 240HZ, 3ms, G-SYNC, 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS, anti-glare display, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, Dolby Vision HDR
    Processor  Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX

    2.7 GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
    Graphics  NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU

    16GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU

    12GB GDDR7
    Memory  32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM)
    Storage  1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD

    (2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
    Webcam  1080p FHD IR Webcam 
    Wi-Fi  Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 
    IO Ports  1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 
    2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 
    3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 
    1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 
    1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack 
    Battery  90 Whr 
    AC Adapter  Rectangle Conn, Up to 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal 
    MSRP  C$4,299 C$3,599
    Where to buy link  Best Buy

    Canada Computers

    ASUS    		 Canada Computers

    ASUS


    ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) 

    Config Model Name  GA403WW-RS96-CA GA403WR-DS96-CA
    Marketing Name  ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) 
    Operating System  Windows 11 Pro  Windows 11 Home 
    Color  Platinum White
    Weight  1.57 Kg (3.46 lbs)
    Dimensions  31.1 x 22.0 x 1.59 ~ 1.83 cm (12.24″ x 8.66″ x 0.63″ ~ 0.72″)
    Display  14″, ROG Nebula, OLED, 120Hz, 2880 x 1800, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR 
    Processor  AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 Processor

    2.0GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.1GHz, 12 cores, 24 Threads); AMD XDNA™ NPU up to 50TOPS
    Graphics  NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU

    16GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU

    12GB GDDR7
    Memory  32 GB LPDDR5X 8000 (on board)  32 GB LPDDR5X 7500 (on board) 
    Storage  1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (1 x SSD PCIE 4.0) 
    Webcam  1080p FHD IR Webcam 
    Wi-Fi  Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 
    IO Ports 1 x USB 4.0 (PD, DP support) 
    1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 
    2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 
    1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 
    1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack
    1x card reader (microSD) (UHS-II)
    Battery  73 Whr 
    AC Adapter  Rectangle Conn, 200W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal 
    MSRP  C$4,299 C$3,699 
    Where to buy link  ASUS Best Buy

    ASUS


    ROG Zephyrus G16 

    Config Model Name  GU605CX-XS98-CA GU605CW-XS98-CA GU605CR-XS98-CA
    Marketing Name  ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) 
    Operating System  Windows 11 Pro 
    Color  Platinum White
    Weight  1.95 Kg (4.30 lbs)
    Dimensions  35.4 x 24.6 x 1.49 ~ 1.74 cm (13.94″ x 9.69″ x 0.59″ ~ 0.69″)
    Display  16″, ROG Nebula, OLED, 240Hz, 2560×1600, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR 
    Processor  Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H

    2.9 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 16 cores, 16 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
    Graphics  NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU

    24GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU

    16GB GDDR7

    		 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU

    12GB GDDR7
    Memory  64 GB LPDDR5X 7467 (on board) 
    Storage  2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (2 x SSD PCIE 4.0) 
    Webcam  1080p FHD IR Webcam 
    Wi-Fi  Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 
    IO Ports  1 x Thunderbolt 4 (PD, DP support) 
    1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 
    2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 
    1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 
    1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack
    1x card reader (SD) (UHS-II, 312MB/s
    Battery  90 Whr 
    AC Adapter  Rectangle Conn, 240W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal 
    MSRP  C$5,499 C$4,799 C$4,299
    Where to buy link  Best Buy 

    Canada Computers

    Memory Express

    ASUS

    		 Best Buy
     
    Canada Computers

    Memory Express

    ASUS    		 Best Buy
     
    ASUS


    NOTES TO EDITORS

    Where to buy links:

    2025 ROG Gaming Laptops: https://rog.asus.com/content/2025-rog-gaming-laptops/

    ROG Strix SCAR 18 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-18-2025/

    ROG Strix SCAR 16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-16-2025/

    ROG Strix G18 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g18-2025/

    ROG Strix G16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g16-2025/

    ROG Zephyrus G14 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g14-2025/

    ROG Zephyrus G16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g16-2025-gu605/

    ROG Flow Z13 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/

    ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusrog

    ROG X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus_rog

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus

    ASUS Global Twitter: https://www.x.com/asus

    About ROG

    Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a844e4b-61d1-4a8d-a25e-66e5fe44bbd8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Unleashing private sector’s dynamism for high-quality development

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Half a month before the annual sessions of China’s top legislature and political advisory body, a high-level symposium on private enterprises was convened, sending a signal of strong support for private businesses.

    The symposium, attended by President Xi Jinping, underscored the Chinese authorities’ latest endeavor to bolster confidence and boost the development of the private sector, which is key to the country’s high-quality development.

    Unswerving support

    During the symposium, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the basic principles and policies for the development of the private sector have been incorporated into the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and “cannot and will not be changed.”

    This message highlighted the country’s unswerving commitment to the sector. During a similar symposium in November 2018, Xi said that private enterprises and private entrepreneurs “belong to our own family” and the sector should only grow stronger instead of being weakened.

    From the symposiums and key meetings that outline plans for the country’s reform and development to Xi’s visits to private companies, the country’s support for the private sector has been evident.

    During a group discussion at the country’s “two sessions” in 2023, after listening to Zeng Yuqun, chairman of private firm CATL, the Chinese leading battery maker, Xi expressed his hope that the country’s new energy industry would seize opportunities and ride the tide, while ensuring both development and security. Xi also urged the authorities to provide support and guidance for private enterprises during times of difficulty.

    Founded in 2011 in Ningde, east China’s Fujian Province, CATL has quickly risen to become one of the world’s leading industry players and its “Shenxing Plus” battery has drawn worldwide attention for high energy density and fast-charging capabilities.

    Among key policies to ramp up the growth of the private sector, China set up a bureau under its top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), in 2023. The country is also pushing forward the legislative process of its first basic law specifically aimed at promoting the development of the private sector.

    Under a nurturing policy environment, the private sector has become a prominent part of the country’s economy, driving innovation, employment and overall economic growth.

    Private firms now make up more than 90 percent of the country’s total enterprises, with their numbers more than quintupling between 2012 and 2024. Their global presence has also expanded, with the number of Chinese private firms in the Fortune Global 500 list rising to around 30.

    Yet the sector’s development is now at a pivotal moment: Domestically, China is battling headwinds, including insufficient demand to reinforce its economic recovery while fostering innovation-driven development; globally, businesses have to navigate escalating trade tensions, rising protectionism, and the latest wave of technological revolution that is transforming industries, production models and lifestyles.

    Despite the difficulties and challenges, it is important to see the path forward and the bright future, stay committed to development, bolster confidence, and maintain an enterprising spirit, Xi said at the latest symposium.

    High-quality development

    The Chinese authorities have encouraged private enterprises to embrace high-quality development, which is viewed as both a strategic imperative and a necessity for them to thrive in the increasingly complex and competitive global landscape.

    On many occasions, Xi has urged private enterprises to unswervingly pursue high-quality development, boost independent innovation and strengthen their core competitiveness.

    Private enterprises have already been the backbone of the country’s innovation drive, accounting for more than 90 percent of high-tech companies.

    The private sector also contributes to more than 70 percent of the country’s technological innovation achievements. Among the country’s national-level “little giant” firms — a term that refers to novel elites of small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in manufacturing, specializing in a niche market and boasting cutting-edge technologies — the proportion of private companies has surpassed 80 percent.

    From competitive electric vehicles and DeepSeek, a rising star in artificial intelligence, to Unitree Robotics, a pioneer in humanoid robot development, private enterprises are at the forefront of China’s economic transformation.

    To empower the sector, the NDRC pledged to further remove market access barriers, revise the market access negative list for private enterprises in a timely manner, and encourage greater private sector participation in major national projects and programs.

    Authorities also vowed to tackle challenges such as difficulties and high costs of financing for private businesses, address payment arrears owed to private enterprises, and effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of private businesses and entrepreneurs in accordance with the law.

    These efforts are not just about clearing hurdles, but fostering an ecosystem which further unleashes private enterprises’ dynamism and ensures that they can fully capitalize on the opportunities in front of them.

    With the rapid development of education, science and technology, a vast and high-caliber talent pool and workforce, well-developed industrial and infrastructure systems, and a supersized market of more than 1.4 billion people with huge potential, the private sector enjoys abundant new opportunities and greater headroom for development, Xi said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW pet laws go under the microscope

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 26 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Local Government

    Pet owners and members of the public are being invited to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, with the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to conduct a wide-ranging review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (CA Act).

    For the first time in two decades the government will review these laws to greater support responsible pet ownership and ensure the wellbeing of pets and the safety of communities.

    The review will examine all aspects of the care and management of companion animals in NSW, including addressing the urgent need to prevent dogs and cats from entering the pound and rehoming system.

    It will also explore actions taken in other jurisdictions and the role and enforcement responsibilities of councils. Key issues under consideration include:

    • cat management
    • preventing dog attacks
    • pounds and rehoming services
    • registration and desexing
    • stakeholder roles and responsibilities and the regulatory tools available under the legislation
    • responsible pet ownership education and training.

    The review of the CA Act will be informed by several NSW parliamentary inquiries, including the inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage, the inquiry into pounds and the inquiry into the management of cat populations. The findings and recommendations from recent coronial inquests into fatal dog attacks in NSW will also be considered.

    To support the review, the Office of Local Government has released a discussion paper canvassing three key focus areas:

    • the framework for encouraging responsible ownership of companion animals
    • the compliance and enforcement role of councils
    • animal welfare and rehoming.

    Pet owners, councils, rehoming organisations, veterinarians and other stakeholders can provide feedback on the discussion paper before 4 May 2025 by responding to consultation questions.

    To view the discussion paper and provide feedback visit the website of the Office of Local Government.

    Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

    “There are more than 4.7 million dogs and cats kept as pets in NSW, providing love and companionship to so many people across the state.  

    “However, the laws around pet ownership haven’t been reviewed in 20 years.

    “With pet ownership on the rise and increased pressure on council pounds and rehoming organisations, it is important to assess if the current laws are still fit for purpose.

    “We need strong laws that hold pet owners to account and make sure owners take responsibility for their pets at home and in public spaces.

    “The government wants to hear from all interested stakeholders to shape this review and ensure a wide range of perspectives are considered as the government progresses this important work.”

    MIL OSI News –