Category: Transport

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – Warmer weather brings increased risks to dogs – NZVA

Source: NZ Veterinary Association

Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets away from highly toxic karaka berries and algal blooms this summer, and to contact their veterinarian immediately if they think their dog has swallowed them.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) encourages owners to walk dogs on a leash if toxic algae or karaka berries could be in the vicinity as both can make dogs incredibly ill.

NZVA Head of Veterinary Services Companion Animal Sally Cory says at this time of year pets are spending more time outdoors and have more access to things that can harm them. “Unfortunately, dogs are attracted to karaka berries and toxic algae because of the strong smell,” she says. “Even small amounts can be dangerous, so if you think your dog has eaten karaka berries or toxic algae, call your veterinarian immediately and they will advise you what to do next.”

The karaka tree fruits annually between January and April, dropping orange berries containing the alkaloid, karakin, which may be poisonous to dogs. Consumption of the berries by canines – who love their sweet taste – can lead to impaired neurological function, respiratory failure, and even death. Clinical signs can be delayed from between 24 hours and a week or more following ingestion.

Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria, appears in rivers and lakes as black, green, or brown slime on rocks, and as brown or black ‘mats’. Symptoms can develop within 30 minutes and include panting, lethargy, muscle tremors, twitching, and convulsions.

“When walking your dog near fresh water at this time of year, be mindful if it’s been dry and the water is potentially stagnant, or if it has rained heavily after a dry period as this can cause algae mats to dislodge,” Sally says. “Toxic algae has a strong, musty odour which dogs are attracted to and the toxic reaction can be fast. Remember if humans are advised not to swim somewhere, dogs shouldn’t swim there either.”

Sally advises dog owners to keep an eye on information provided by local councils as signage may not always be installed at parks, rivers, and lakes. You can look up the potential risks of a destination by visiting Land Air Water Aotearoa.

Sally also urges puppy and dog owners to make sure their pets are fully vaccinated against parvovirus as cases tend to rise when dogs spend more time in public spaces when the weather is warmer. Dogs can become infected by ingesting the virus through direct contact with contaminated faeces, surfaces, or objects, such as food bowls. The virus can even be transmitted on footwear. Signs of illness usually occur within three to seven days of exposure and may include severe, often bloody diarrhoea; vomiting; lethargy; decreased appetite; fever or low body temperature; rapid dehydration; and in severe cases, death.

“We have started to see an increase in parvovirus cases already this season,” Sally says. “It is a highly contagious, viral disease, but it is preventable with appropriate vaccination.” Those most at risk are young (six weeks to six months), unvaccinated, or incompletely vaccinated puppies.

Similarly, vaccinations need to be kept up-to-date for canine cough (kennel cough), an infectious respiratory disease that spreads when dogs are in close contact, such as at the beach, in parks, on walks, and in boarding kennels or daycare facilities. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure your dog is protected against parvovirus and canine cough.

The summer months also bring the risk of bee sting reactions, incidents of dogs swallowing too much salt water, and grass seeds becoming lodged in ears and between toes, so keep an eye out for these too while out and about enjoying the warmer weather.

Signs of karaka poisoning include:

– Vomiting or diarrhoea

– Abdominal pain

– Reduced appetite

– Paralysis of back legs

– Loss of balance

– Convulsions

– Breathing slower than usual (which can lead to paralysis of breathing muscles).

– If you think your dog has eaten any karaka berries, contact your vet immediately.

Signs of toxic algae poisoning include:

– Panting

– Lethargy

– Muscle tremors

– Twitching

– Convulsions

– If your dog is showing any of these symptoms after being in contact with a waterway, contact your veterinarian immediately.

More information on these topics can be found on the NZVA website:

Toxic Algae

Karaka Berries

Parvovirus

Canine Cough

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Historic Booth Street bridge set to close to vehicle traffic

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo will permanently close the historic Booth Street Bridge over Bendigo Creek to vehicle traffic from February 2025.

The Booth Street bridge is one of six remaining Monier reinforced concrete arch bridges built in Bendigo over 120 years ago between 1900 and 1902 by Monash & Anderson. The Monier bridges are significant because they demonstrate an important stage in the development of reinforced concrete technology and early twentieth century engineering.

In 2008 the City reduced the load limit of the Booth Street Bridge to five tonne to slow and reduce the deterioration of the structure. In 2020 a further engineering investigation and load testing was undertaken which found that the capacity of the bridge had continued to reduce since the 2008 inspection.

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Brian Westley said the decision to close the bridge to vehicle traffic has been undertaken due to the continuing deterioration of the bridge and the significant and costly repairs that would need to be undertaken for it to continue to remain open.

“The City is responsible for maintaining over 300 bridges and only has limited funds to undertake renewal projects which need to be prioritised,” Mr Westley said.

“Repairing the bridge was considered under the City’s bridge renewal program. However, it was not deemed to be a high priority when compared to the other bridge renewal projects that are needed in Greater Bendigo.

“Traffic counts have shown that the Booth Street Bridge carries a volume of approximately 430 vehicles per day and the surrounding road network is considered adequate to absorb this traffic. Using Laurel/Wade Street as an alternative would only require vehicle to travel an additional 250 metres.

“Therefore, closing the bridge to vehicles but leaving it open to pedestrians and cyclists is considered the most beneficial and cost-effective option and the City has made the decision to permanently close the bridge to vehicle traffic given the low usage and easily accessible alternate routes.”

As part of the bridge closure some minor works will take place including the installation of a court bowl turn around area and installation of vehicle barriers on the High Street side of the bridge, and some kerbing/vehicle barriers on the Old High Street side.

MIL OSI News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth interview on ABC News Breakfast

Source: Ministers for Social Services

29 January 2025

E&OE TRANSCRIPT

Topics: Updated Australia’s Disability Strategy; Inflation; AI chatbot DeepSeek; Election.

JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: Now, Australians with disability are the focus of the Federal Government today as it commits to additional changes, months after a scathing Royal Commission was handed down. An updated Disability Strategy will be launched by the Social Services Minister, Amanda Rishworth, who I am happy to say, joins us now from Geelong. Minister, good morning.

AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Great to be with you.

JAMES GLENDAY: So, there’s a specific focus on homelessness in this updated Strategy. How many people are going to be covered by this document?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: This Strategy is actually a Strategy for all people with disability. The 5.5 million Australians living with disability. We know that if they are going to be able to fully participate in community life, then we need to make sure that our communities, our housing, is more accessible. And so that is what the Strategy is all about. How do we make our communities, our homes, more accessible. There has been a lot of consultation done with people with disability and it was highlighted that while housing has been a focus of Australia’s Disability Strategy, that homelessness and the prevention of homelessness for people with disability needed to be a focus as well. And so, what the Strategy will do is actually get all levels of government, state government and Commonwealth government, making sure that when it comes to homelessness services, there will be a particular focus on meeting the needs of people with disability. And when it comes to building homes, that there will be a focus in making sure that those homes are more accessible as well, so that people with disability have more choice over where they live.

JAMES GLENDAY: We’re going to have more on this story on the ABC throughout the day. And thank you for persisting through that alarm behind you there, Minister. Just on another topic, of course, cost of living is a very, very big issue for a lot of Australians at the moment. And some key inflation figures are out today. Are you expecting that data will be enough to convince the Reserve Bank to deliver that much anticipated first rate cut?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: First, I’d say obviously the Reserve Bank is independent, it makes its own decisions. But I would say what our Government has been doing is really focused on fighting inflation. Of course, we inherited a situation where inflation had a six in front of it and was going up. The most recent figures, it had a two in front of it and is coming down. We’ve also seen wages up and of course unemployment low. So, we’ve been working really hard to make sure that we are fighting inflation, at the same time supporting people with cost of living measures and making sure that we’re seeing wages go up and of course, making sure there’s jobs for people. So, this has been the really important work our Government’s been doing and doing what we can to fight inflation and give the best possible conditions for the Reserve Bank to make its decision.

JAMES GLENDAY: You would have seen yesterday, no doubt, that a lot of people have been downloading a new Chinese AI chatbot, DeepSeek, which has triggered a share market sell off. Some analysts this morning arguing this is good for competition in the global AI arms race. Others that this is a potential risk to national security. What is your view?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, firstly, I would say broadly AI has so much potential to help us in our daily lives and have an impact. In fact, when we think about people with disability, I’ve seen circumstances where AI has helped them do their job. So, it has a lot of potential if it’s used safely, responsibly and ethically. And so, I think the question’s got to be how we are preparing our country for these new AI tools that will be coming out. And we’re doing that in a number of ways. Whether it’s the ethics code, whether it’s the safety standards or indeed the mandatory guardrails. These are all important pieces of legislative and regulatory architecture that we need to have in place to make sure that people can trust AI. So, these are the challenges we’ve got. So, AI presents a huge opportunity but we do need to make sure that the guardrails are in place to make sure it’s done ethically and safely, importantly as well.

JAMES GLENDAY: Just on a guardrail, TikTok, another Chinese-owned app is banned from Government devices in Australia which probably tells us all we really need to know about what security agencies think of the app. Do you expect that this new chatbot, this new DeepSeek, will be subjected to similar rules pretty quickly?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: We get very good advice through our security agencies. I won’t predict what those agencies will do. But we have got incredibly good cyber capabilities that apply to Government but also support businesses in the community as well. So, we’ve taken cyber and the threat that cyber can have on our community very seriously which is why we’ve put together a cyber strategy. We have a whole range of things of security in place. So, look, I will wait. I have to be honest, I haven’t quite caught up with the revolution. I mean I haven’t downloaded any of these things yet. I’m still old school. I write my speeches myself.

JAMES GLENDAY: It’s not on your phone. I’m sure we’re going to hear more on this later. It is outside your portfolio, so that’s fair enough. Just finally Minister, this caught my eye and the election is not too far away. I read that in your South Australian electorate, your main opponent for the Liberal Party is going to be another Rishworth. Your cousin, in fact. How do you feel about that?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Oh, look, I haven’t been in contact with my opponent. It’s a democracy. Anyone can run. So, you know. I’ll be putting what I stand for and my record forward at this election and I’m really proud to stand by the fact that I’ve fought very hard for my electorate every single day I’ve been the local member. I’ll be standing on that record and my commitment to my community.

JAMES GLENDAY: Are you sure? Are you worried at all, though? There’s going to be two Rishworths. Is there a risk of confusion? Could you bleed a few per cent of the vote? I know you’ve got a very safe seat.

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Oh, well, look, I’ll have to be honest. My community knows me. They know what I stand for. I’ve been out and about, and so I’ll be making sure that people know what I stand for. And I think, when they go into the ballot box, they’ll be making a considered choice and I hope they will vote for me.

JAMES GLENDAY: All right, Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth, thank you for your time this morning and thank you for taking so many questions outside your portfolio area.

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Thank you.

MIL OSI News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Crash survivors’ emotional reunion with rescuers

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Hastings Fire Station was the setting for an emotional reunion last week as Mark Stockwell came face-to-face with the emergency crews who freed him after a tree crushed his car.

Mark was driving home during a storm on Coolart Road in Tuerong last August when the freak incident occurred, trapping him in his vehicle with serious injuries.

Emergency services arrived swiftly, but it took a challenging 90 minutes of coordinated effort from Hastings, Langwarrin and Dromana CFA members, VICSES, Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria Police to safely extricate him.

Accompanied by his wife and son, Mark used the reunion as an opportunity to personally thank the first responders for their dedication and teamwork.

“Words can’t express how grateful I am. Every time I’m at home, I think about all these guys, and I tear up,” Mark said.

“I get to be a dad, and I get to be a husband because of them.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for what they’ve done and what they continue to do.

“They have families and could be at home, but instead, they’re out there rescuing people like me. It’s incredible.”

Recalling the events of that day, Mark said: “I don’t really remember much about it. I just recall thinking, ‘I think I’ve been in an accident,’ and I was coming in and out of consciousness.

“The guys were trying to keep me awake, but I kept drifting. I remember one moment of pain, like waking from a dream, and thinking, ‘I can’t feel my leg, my back is sore, my neck hurts.’

“I saw the airbag and thought, ‘Why’s my airbag out? I must have been in an accident. That’s pretty much all I remember.”

Several key personnel on scene that day also shared their perspectives on the incident and what it meant to see Mark’s recovery firsthand.

Quotes attributable to CFA Incident Controller Georgia Densley:

“Rescues like this one really highlight the strength of teamwork between CFA and our emergency service partners.

“Everyone on scene played their part, including Mark, who stayed calm under immense pressure, which made our job that much easier.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see him here today and to witness his recovery firsthand.”

Quotes attributable to Dutchy Holland, VICSES Hastings Unit Controller:

“As first responders, having the chance to meet and talk with community members who we support in their time of need is an extremely rewarding experience.

“I’m very proud of our volunteers who were able to provide timely and much-needed aid alongside other emergency service providers to effect a positive outcome in this instance.”

Quotes attributable to MICA Paramedic Angus Bowden:

“Being able to reconnect with a patient and see him thrive after such a serious incident is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Mark was not only trapped, but appeared to have sustained multiple traumatic injuries.

“In this case, the combination of advanced clinical care and collaboration played a crucial role in the patient’s survival and recovery. From start to finish, it was a remarkable team effort, with paramedics, firefighters and SES working together to achieve the best possible outcome.”

Submitted by CFA media

MIL OSI News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mawer Selected as One of Alberta’s Top Employers

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the third consecutive year, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. has been named as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2025, an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This is a recognition given to only 85 organizations across the province that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

“Securing a spot among Alberta’s Top Employers for the third year in a row is truly an honour,” says Audra Campbell, Head of Human Resources. “This accomplishment reflects our continued commitment to creating a great workplace, built on a strong culture and made possible by the dedication and teamwork of everyone at our firm.”

Mawer provides a well-rounded benefits package that prioritizes health and mental wellness, including an annual $5,000 learning stipend to support professional growth. Our flexible hybrid work model, enhanced parental leave, and strong commitment to community involvement further reflect our values. Through our employee matching program, we match up to $3,000 in donations, fundraising efforts, or volunteer hours contributed to registered charities, empowering our team to make a meaningful impact.

More information about career opportunities at Mawer can be found at https://www.mawer.com/careers/.

About Mawer Investment Management Ltd.
Founded in 1974, Mawer is an independent investment firm managing portfolios for a broad range of foundations and not-for-profit organizations, pension plans, strategic alliances, and individual investors. For more information, visit Mawer at www.mawer.com.

About Canada’s Top 100 Employers
Founded in 1992, Mediacorp Canada Inc. is the nation’s largest publisher of employment periodicals. Since 1999, the Toronto-based publisher has managed the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, which includes 19 regional and special-interest editorial competitions that reach millions of Canadians annually through a variety of magazine and newspaper partners, including The Globe and Mail. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, one of Canada’s largest job search engines, used by millions of job seekers annually to find new job postings and discover what the nation’s best employers are offering.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Joanna Crozier
Head of Marketing and Communications
+1 (403) 267-1964
jcrozier@mawer.com

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Endorsing Resolution, General Assembly Calls Upon All Stakeholders to Implement 2024–2034 Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Text on UN Cooperation with Community-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Also Adopted

The General Assembly today adopted a resolution containing the “Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034” — which focuses on diversifying economies, promoting trade, supporting jobs and enhancing climate resilience over the next 10 years in that group of nations — calling upon all stakeholders to commit to implementing it.

In that action programme — listed in the annex of document A/79/L.21 — the Assembly recommitted to expediting action on the Sustainable Development Goals, calling for increased investment, including through international cooperation, and taking necessary measures to harmonize skills development and training programmes at the national and regional levels.

The Programme of Action, which was originally adopted 24 December 2024 (see Press Release GA/12671), also lays out Member States’ commitments to substantially increasing investment from all sources in research and development, and in building accessible, reliable and affordable digital infrastructure. The Assembly committed to doubling the contribution of manufacturing value added to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the landlocked developing countries by 2034. Further, 193-member body urged development partners to support landlocked developing countries in strengthening strategic coherence between trade and investment policies, and industrial policy objectives.

“The 570 million people living in the landlocked developing countries deserve nothing less,” said Assembly President Philémon Yang (Cameroon). “For too long, they have faced unique challenges to trade, connectivity and development,” he added. Recent shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising prices worldwide, geopolitical tensions and the deepening impact of climate change, have only intensified their vulnerabilities.

“The combined gross domestic product of landlocked developing countries in 2023 came in at 8 per cent below pre-pandemic projections,” he went on to say, commending these countries for their “resilience and ability to quickly reverse negative trends”. The Assembly, “the great drum that gives voice to all peoples and nation”, will monitor implementation of the programme of action, he pledged.

Rabab Fatima, Secretary-General of the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, said the group of countries face profound challenges. To address their issues, the new Programme of Action proposes regional agricultural hubs, which can help transform the sector and spearhead efforts toward sustainable development.

“Internet usage is far below the global average,” she added, emphasizing the need to bridge the gender gap in the area. On trade, she said that landlocked developing countries face 40 per cent higher trade costs than coastal States. Climate finance remains grossly insufficient for landlocked developing countries, she added, noting that the Programme of Action underscores the need to urge development partners to honour their official development assistance (ODA) commitments.

“This instrument must be a catalyst to eliminate structural barriers,” said Diego Pary Rodríguez (Bolivia), Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries. Many of these countries have taken many measures to diversify their economies, but the Programme of Action has the potential to build new alliances that can provide them with the economic, political and technological tools to overcome barriers.

He pointed out that the lack of development of regional transport corridors continues to undermine their participation in global trade. “Trade remains a critical means for the landlocked developing countries to achieve economic growth,” he said. “We also ask for your support in capacity-building initiatives that will allow landlocked developing countries to comply with global trade standards,” he added, stressing the importance of fostering international cooperation in the transfer of clean technology to strengthen responses to climate change.

Cooperation between United Nations and Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries

By adopting a text titled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries” (document A/79/L.43), the Assembly also stressed the importance of strengthening the cooperation between the Community and United Nations specialized agencies and other entities and programmes.

By other terms of that resolution, the Assembly stressed the importance of partnership and cooperation between the UN and other relevant organizations, including the Community, to improve coordination and cooperation in peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

Appointment of Member of Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions

On other matters, the Assembly appointed Alexandra Arias (Dominican Republic) as a member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for a term of office beginning on 31 January and expiring on 31 December. She replaces Olivio Fermín, also of the Dominican Republic, who resigned effective 31 January.

Application of Article 19 of UN Charter

The Assembly also noted that Antigua and Barbuda has made the payments necessary to reduce its arrears in assessed contributions to the United Nations below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation

Source: The White House

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Policy and Purpose. Across the country today, medical professionals are maiming and sterilizing a growing number of impressionable children under the radical and false claim that adults can change a child’s sex through a series of irreversible medical interventions. This dangerous trend will be a stain on our Nation’s history, and it must end.

Countless children soon regret that they have been mutilated and begin to grasp the horrifying tragedy that they will never be able to conceive children of their own or nurture their children through breastfeeding. Moreover, these vulnerable youths’ medical bills may rise throughout their lifetimes, as they are often trapped with lifelong medical complications, a losing war with their own bodies, and, tragically, sterilization.

Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called “transition” of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.

Sec. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this order:

(a) The term “child” or “children” means an individual or individuals under 19 years of age.

(b) The term “pediatric” means relating to the medical care of a child.

(c) The phrase “chemical and surgical mutilation” means the use of puberty blockers, including GnRH agonists and other interventions, to delay the onset or progression of normally timed puberty in an individual who does not identify as his or her sex; the use of sex hormones, such as androgen blockers, estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, to align an individual’s physical appearance with an identity that differs from his or her sex; and surgical procedures that attempt to transform an individual’s physical appearance to align with an identity that differs from his or her sex or that attempt to alter or remove an individual’s sexual organs to minimize or destroy their natural biological functions. This phrase sometimes is referred to as “gender affirming care.”

Sec. 3. Ending Reliance on Junk Science. (a) The blatant harm done to children by chemical and surgical mutilation cloaks itself in medical necessity, spurred by guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which lacks scientific integrity. In light of the scientific concerns with the WPATH guidance:

(i)   agencies shall rescind or amend all policies that rely on WPATH guidance, including WPATH’s “Standards of Care Version 8”; and

(ii) within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall publish a review of the existing literature on best practices for promoting the health of children who assert gender dysphoria, rapid-onset gender dysphoria, or other identity-based confusion.

(b) The Secretary of HHS, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, shall use all available methods to increase the quality of data to guide practices for improving the health of minors with gender dysphoria, rapid-onset gender dysphoria, or other identity-based confusion, or who otherwise seek chemical or surgical mutilation.

Sec. 4. Defunding Chemical and Surgical Mutilation. The head of each executive department or agency (agency) that provides research or education grants to medical institutions, including medical schools and hospitals, shall, consistent with applicable law and in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, immediately take appropriate steps to ensure that institutions receiving Federal research or education grants end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.

Sec. 5. Additional Directives to the Secretary of HHS. (a) The Secretary of HHS shall, consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate actions to end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children, including regulatory and sub-regulatory actions, which may involve the following laws, programs, issues, or documents:

(i)    Medicare or Medicaid conditions of participation or conditions for coverage;

(ii)   clinical-abuse or inappropriate-use assessments relevant to State Medicaid programs;

(iii) mandatory drug use reviews;

(iv)   section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;

(v)    quality, safety, and oversight memoranda;

(vi)   essential health benefits requirements; and

(vii) the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases and other federally funded manuals, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.

(b) The Secretary of HHS shall promptly withdraw HHS’s March 2, 2022, guidance document titled “HHS Notice and Guidance on Gender Affirming Care, Civil Rights and Patient Privacy” and, in consultation with the Attorney General, issue new guidance protecting whistleblowers who take action related to ensuring compliance with this order.

Sec. 6. TRICARE. The Department of Defense provides health insurance, through TRICARE, to nearly 2 million individuals under the age of 18. As appropriate and consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a rulemaking or sub-regulatory action to exclude chemical and surgical mutilation of children from TRICARE coverage and amend the TRICARE provider handbook to exclude chemical and surgical mutilation of children.

Sec. 7. Requirements for Insurance Carriers. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, shall:

(a) include provisions in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) programs call letter for the 2026 Plan Year specifying that eligible carriers, including the Foreign Service Benefit Plan, will exclude coverage for pediatric transgender surgeries or hormone treatments; and

(b) negotiate to obtain appropriate corresponding reductions in FEHB and PSHB premiums.

Sec. 8. Directives to the Department of Justice. The Attorney General shall:

(a) review Department of Justice enforcement of section 116 of title 18, United States Code, and prioritize enforcement of protections against female genital mutilation;

(b) convene States’ Attorneys General and other law enforcement officers to coordinate the enforcement of laws against female genital mutilation across all American States and Territories;

(c) prioritize investigations and take appropriate action to end deception of consumers, fraud, and violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by any entity that may be misleading the public about long-term side effects of chemical and surgical mutilation;

(d) in consultation with the Congress, work to draft, propose, and promote legislation to enact a private right of action for children and the parents of children whose healthy body parts have been damaged by medical professionals practicing chemical and surgical mutilation, which should include a lengthy statute of limitations; and

(e) prioritize investigations and take appropriate action to end child-abusive practices by so-called sanctuary States that facilitate stripping custody from parents who support the healthy development of their own children, including by considering the application of the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act and recognized constitutional rights.

Sec. 9. Enforcing Adequate Progress. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the heads of agencies with responsibilities under this order shall submit a single, combined report to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, detailing progress in implementing this order and a timeline for future action. The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall regularly convene the heads of agencies with responsibilities under this order (or their designees) to coordinate and prepare for this submission.

Sec. 10. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of any of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

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

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

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

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

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    January 28, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – ProCare reflects on progress made towards equitable health outcomes by committing to Te Tiriti o Waitangi Principles
Source: ProCare

Over the last four years, primary healthcare provider, ProCare, has made significant progress on embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi across all aspects of the business, but acknowledges there is still more to do.

In 2021, ProCare made a commitment to align to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and deliver key actions to help improve equity in healthcare in its ‘ProEquity’ strategy. This strategy came after extensive engagement with staff and wider stakeholders on steps ProCare could take towards achieving more equitable health outcomes.

Some of the key achievements during the last few years were:

Significant improvements in the employee survey in relation to understanding Te Tiriti, cultural responsiveness, and inclusivity

Appointing Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Tangata Whenua Directors

Establishing formal partnerships with Māori-led community organisations like Smear Your Mea and Taumata Koorero

Launching outreach services to improve access to healthcare services for Māori and Pacific communities

Developing cultural training programmes and mobile apps to support cultural competency.

Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO, says: “Embedding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi adopted from the Ministry of Health – Whakamaua Māori Health Action Plan, enabled us to have a core focus on equity across our business over the last four years, and we are proud of what we have achieved so far. Feedback from our staff on the importance of Te Tiriti has consistently trended upwards, so it’s great to see the hard work by the team being recognised.

“We’ve recently conducted an audit of the strategy, reflecting on where we were at in 2021, what we have achieved so far, and areas of opportunity going forward. This has been great as we enter 2025, ensuring we bring all teams back to alignment and focus on a core direction,” says Norwell.

Mihi Blair, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Māori, Mana Taurite (GM of Māori Health and Equity), says: “Our achievements as a business have been a result of shared commitment and collective effort across ProCare, as well as building authentic and collaborative relationships with not only Māori, but Pacific, and the diverse population groups that make up Tāmaki Makaurau.

“Utilising Te Tiriti principles, we have continued to build on our achievements, through actions like appointing Marama Royal, Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, to the ProCare Co-operative Board, welcoming Dr Minnie Strickland as a Pacific Representative on our Clinical Quality Committee, developing resources such cultural apps Ihi and Tala Moana, and giving our staff and practices access to our Te Pūheke training programme, endorsed by the Royal College of General Practice, to support them with cultural responsiveness,” says Blair.

“Our actions are a great step forward for ProCare, but we recognise there is still work to. This includes looking into how we can embed equity into all facets of the business. This could be advocating for funding and developing frameworks that align with Te Tiriti, co-designing services with the community, exploring more partnerships, embedding Te Tiriti as a key part of any policy and performance, and more,” concludes Blair.

To find out more about ProCare’s Equity Journey – Te Amorangi, read this infographic: https://www.procare.co.nz/media/3894/te-amorangi-procares-equity-journey.pdf

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau.

For more information go to www.procare.co.nz
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Washington joins multistate suit over federal financial assistance freeze

Source: Washington State News

OLYMPIA — Washington state today joined 21 other states suing the Trump administration over its illegal freeze of all federal financial assistance, which directly threatens the health and safety of Washingtonians reliant on a variety of federally funded programs by potentially withholding billions in funds from the state.

The direction issued Monday by the federal Office of Management and Budget to pause financial assistance programs could impact childcare and special education grants, highway planning and construction dollars, energy cost assistance rebates, substance abuse treatment, and nursing care for veterans, among other programs.

The White House says the pause is to ensure the funds are “advancing Administration priorities.”

“The White House justifies this damaging move with culture war alarmism, but in reality they’re robbing governments and service providers of funds that keep people safe and serve urgent needs in all of our communities,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “People’s jobs are at stake. Services for veterans are at risk. Health care and education would be taken from children. Programs that support crime victims could vanish. These examples are the tip of the iceberg.”

If funding is cut off for these programs, even temporarily, it would interfere with critical state programs, drastically worsen Washington’s budget shortfall, and make it nearly impossible for state agencies and the Legislature to intelligently prioritize budgeting needs.

“Presidents have significant powers and elections have consequences,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “However, President Trump’s refusal or inability to advance his priorities in a lawful and constitutional manner is creating needless and cruel chaos. We’re confident that the courts will, once again, determine that he is exceeding his authority.”

The administration’s memo does not explain any legal authority for this action, because they have none. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island, lays out the various ways the Trump administration is breaking federal law by freezing a broad swath of financial assistance programs beyond the scope of its authority while also usurping the role of Congress.

The complaint seeks to enjoin the Trump administration from enforcing or implementing the memo and requests a judicial declaration that the memo is unlawful.

Read the filing here.

This lawsuit is led by the attorneys general of New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

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Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man with History of Violence Sent to Federal Prison for Possessing Sawed-Off Shotgun

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

A man with a history of violence was sentenced today, to 10 years in federal prison.

Conrad Lyons, age 36, from Sioux City, received the prison term after an August 26, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of receipt and possession of a National Firearms Destructive Device not registered to the possessor, i.e., a sawed-off shotgun.

Evidence in this case revealed that on March 23, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m., law enforcement received a report of an altercation in an apartment in Sioux City, Iowa, involving Lyons (who is a felon) and several other individuals. Reports indicated the altercation involved a large machete-style knife, and that Lyons had a “sawed-off shotgun”. Law enforcement responded to the apartment in Sioux City where the altercation took place. Outside of the apartment, law enforcement encountered an individual, who confirmed there had been an altercation, and identified some of the individuals, but the individuals inside the apartment were reluctant to cooperate.

Further, on March 23, 2024, at approximately 8:22 p.m., law enforcement observed Lyons and two other individuals, walking in Sioux City, Iowa. As law enforcement approached, Lyons dropped a black backpack and walked into the street. The other individual attempted to throw a machete into a storm drain. The individuals were stopped by police. The machete was retrieved, and through the open zipper of the backpack, law enforcement observed a barrel and what appeared to be a cut-off gunstock that was covered with a sock. It was later determined Lyons was in possession of the sawed-off shotgun.

Lyons has a history of violent offenses, failure on supervision, disciplinary violations in custody and a history of eluding, resisting and fighting with law enforcement. Lyons criminal history includes (1) assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer, in the United States District Court of Nebraska; (2) assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country, in the United States District Court of Nebraska; and (3) assault by striking, beating, and wounding, in the United States District Court of Nebraska.

Lyons was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Lyons is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 24-CR-4026.

Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Maplewood Man Accused of Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ST. LOUIS – A man from Maplewood, Missouri has been arrested on charges accusing him of selling machine gun conversion devices.

Tanario Darden, 22, was arrested Monday and pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two felony counts: transporting prohibited weapons without a license and transferring machine guns. He was indicted on those charges January 22.

The indictment says Darden transported and sold one or more machine guns between April 1, 2024, and August 30, 2024.

Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A motion seeking to have Darden held in jail until trial says he was using a social media account to sell machine gun conversion devices (MCDs).

MCDs, also known as switches or auto sears, convert a semi-automatic firearm into fully automatic weapon, which is defined as a machine gun under federal law.

“These highly dangerous devices can convert a run-of-the-mill firearm into a weapon of war, transforming a street corner into a combat zone, devastating entire communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard G. Hansen of the ATF Kansas City Field Division.

The transporting prohibited weapons charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The machine gun charge carries a penalty of 10 years in prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Protect American Fishermen from Cartels

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in reintroducing legislation to target illegally caught red snapper and tuna imports. The senators introduced similar legislation last Congress.
The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper or tuna imported into the United States. Snapper poaching continues to be an issue across the Gulf of America, as Mexican fishermen illegally catch red snapper, smuggle it into their country, and then confuse American consumers by selling our fish back to us.
“Alabama lands 34 percent of all recreationally caught Red Snapper in the Gulf,” said Senator Tuberville. “Unfortunately, our domestic Red Snapper industry is being undermined by Mexican fishermen who are illegally catching American snapper in the Gulf, smuggling them into Mexico, and then reselling the same fish back to American consumers. In addition to taking business away from Alabama’s fishermen, many of the profits from these illegal fishing operations are funding the cartels. I’m proud to join Senator Cruz in introducing the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to stop illegal Red Snapper from flooding our markets and bankrupting our great fishermen.”
U.S. Senators Tuberville and Cruz were joined by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
BACKGROUND:
Mexican fishermen cross the maritime border between Texas and Mexico on small boats called “lanchas” to illegally catch red snapper in U.S. waters and return to Mexico. The fish are sold in Mexico or mixed in with legally-caught red snapper then exported back into the United States across land borders. Red snapper is one of the most well-managed and profitable fish in the Gulf of Mexico, but illegal fishing by Mexican lanchas puts law-abiding U.S. fishermen and seafood producers at a competitive disadvantage. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities violate both national and international fishing regulations.
Cartels engaged in drug smuggling and human trafficking also engage in the profitable illegal fishing of red snapper. The same fishing boats and fishermen who catch red snapper also smuggle drugs and humans for the cartels, and these profits support the organization.
Technology exists to chemically test and find the geographic origin of many foods, but not for red snapper or tuna. The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would develop a field test kit the Coast Guard could use to accurately ascertain whether fish were caught in Mexico or U.S. waters, thus allowing federal and state law enforcement officers to identify the origin of the fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper or tuna before it is imported back into the U.S.
With the help of machine learning, NIST scientists are currently able to chemically determine the geographic origin of foods, including strawberries, apples, cherries, ginseng, ginkgo, beef, honey, and rice. Using those same methodologies, these scientists believe it would be possible to determine the geographic origin of red snapper. This would allow law enforcement to have a better understanding of the networks that support illegal fishing. It would also reduce the financial incentives for the crime, since the fish could no longer be sold back into the United States. If successful, this method could be expanded to identify other IUU fish.
MORE:
Tuberville Takes Aim At Cartels Engaged in Illegal Red Snapper Fishing
Tuberville Voices Concerns About New Federal Red Snapper Limits
Tuberville, Colleagues Advocate for Management Flexibility to Preserve Red Snapper Season
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: In Veterans Affairs Hearing, King Argues VA Hiring Freeze, Lack of Health Care Data Essentially a “Denial of Benefits”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King today argued that a lack of health care data and the current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hiring freeze are denying veterans the benefits they rightly deserve. In a hearing of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), King questioned Naomi Mathis, the Assistant National Legislative Director for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and John Eaton, the Vice President for the Complex Care Wounded Warrior Project, about the lack of health care data comparing the VA direct care and non-VA community care providers. He also made clear that hiring freezes will make it more difficult for VA staff to carry out their duties, resulting in a decrease in quality care for veterans.
“This electronic medical records problem started with a no bid contract about five years ago, six years ago, that was extended by the last administration. I still don’t understand why we don’t go out to the market. I’m sorry you mentioned Epic Senator, because Epic is a successful medical record system that I observed in my system. Well, okay, in any case, it seems to me, in order to analyze the issue of the relationship between VA direct care and community care, we need more data. We know exactly the VA wait times and all those kinds of things. We don’t have that kind of data in terms of the private sector. I know in the private sector, in Maine, it is pretty hard to get a get an appointment, and particularly with a specialist. So, I think in order to make policy here, Mr. Chairman, we need some information. We need to have cost comparisons. We need to have time comparisons, wait times. So everybody’s nodding, but that won’t show up in the record. Could somebody say yes,” asked Senator King.
“Yes. Senator, I wholeheartedly agree. There is no data coming back out of the community back into VA and there is no sort of accountability either when the records don’t show up back to VA. So, you have a provider, a primary care provider, say at VA, that may have sent a patient out to the community for specialized care and the information when the patient comes back to VA, the information is not coming back, therefore that provider is not able to provide an accurate treatment plan for that patient,” replied Mathis.
“So we don’t have a handle on cost, quality or time. Is that correct,” questioned Senator King.
“Correct, Senator,” said Mathis.
“And, by the way, when we’re talking about the time of VAs responsibility and backlogs, a staff freeze isn’t going to help that problem. If there are fewer people to answer the phone, fewer people to process claims, that’s only going to exacerbate the problem, not make it any better. And I note that the that the administration the other day appeared to walk back part of the hiring freeze with regard to direct care providers, but to deny, but to leave a hiring freeze in effect that has fewer people responding, processing claims and those kinds of things. That’s in effect, a denial of benefits itself. Is it not, Mr. Eaton,” Senator King asked again.
“Yes,” responded Eaton.
Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. An advocate for amplifying veteran voices, Senator King held a field hearing focusing on long-term care in Maine. Additionally, last spring led a letter urging further investments in traumatic brain injury research, the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and introduced legislation to provide safe firearm storage for veterans. In 2024, Congress passed Senator King’s bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ access to health care and benefits.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Grassley Seek Presidential Explanation For IG Dismissals

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
January 28, 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, requested President Donald Trump provide the lawfully-required substantive rationale behind his recent decision to dismiss Inspectors General (IGs) from 18 offices. The Senators additionally asked President Trump to share the names of each official who will serve in an acting IG capacity and urged the President to quickly nominate qualified and nonpartisan individuals to permanently fill the current IG vacancies. This weekend, Durbin released a statement after President Trump unlawfully fired independent inspectors general across multiple federal agencies.
IGs are nonpartisan watchdogs responsible for identifying and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse at federal agencies. IGs serve at the President’s disposal. However, a Grassley-authored amendment signed into law as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the President to provide written, detailed communication informing Congress of the President’s decision to dismiss or transfer an Inspector General at least 30 days before taking action to do so.
“While IGs aren’t immune from committing acts requiring their removal, and they can be removed by the president, the law must be followed. The communication to Congress must contain more than just broad and vague statements; rather, it must include sufficient facts and details to assure Congress and the public that the termination is due to real concerns about the Inspector General’s ability to carry out their mission,” the Senators wrote.
“This is a matter of public and congressional accountability and ensuring the public’s confidence in the Inspector General community, a sentiment shared more broadly by other Members of Congress,” the Senators continued. “IGs are critical to rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within the Executive Branch bureaucracy, which you have publicly made clear you are also intent on doing.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
January 28, 2025
Dear President Trump:
We write to you today concerning the reported firing of Inspectors General (IGs) from 18 offices.[1] Congress was not provided the legally required 30-day notice and case-specific reasons for removal, as required by law.[2] Accordingly, we request that you provide that information immediately.
On December 23, 2022, the “James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023” was signed into law and included provisions from the Securing Inspector General Independence Act, which was introduced by a bipartisan group of members.[3] Those provisions require that the President “shall” communicate to Congress in writing 30 days before removing or transferring an IG from office the “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for the removal or transfer.[4] The law also prohibits an IG from being placed on non-duty status during the 30-day period preceding the date of removal or transfer unless the continued presence of the Inspector General in the workplace poses a threat as described by requirements in the Administrative Leave Act and the President submits a report to Congress.[5]
While IGs aren’t immune from committing acts requiring their removal, and they can be removed by the president, the law must be followed.[6] The communication to Congress must contain more than just broad and vague statements, rather it must include sufficient facts and details to assure Congress and the public that the termination is due to real concerns about the Inspector General’s ability to carry out their mission.[7]
This is a matter of public and congressional accountability and ensuring the public’s confidence in the Inspector General community, a sentiment shared more broadly by other Members of Congress. IGs are critical to rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within the Executive Branch bureaucracy, which you have publicly made clear you are also intent on doing.
Accordingly, we request that you provide Congress with a written communication that contains the “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for each of the IG’s removed. Further, we request the name of each official that will serve in an acting capacity and that you work quickly to nominate qualified and non-partisan individuals to serve in these open positions.
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[1] Yamiche Alcindor, Vaughn Hillyard and Laura Strickler, Trump fires 18 inspectors general overnight in legally murky move, NBC News (Jan. 25, 2025) https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-fires-multiple-inspectors-general-legally-murky-overnight-move-rcna189261.
[2] Id.; see Pub. L. 117-263.
[3] See S. 587, Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2021, 117th Congress (introduced Mar. 4, 2021) https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/587/text.
[4] Pub. L. 117–263.
[5] Id.; see 5 U.S.C. § 6329b(b)(2)(A)(i)-(iv) (2) Requirements.-An agency may place an employee in leave under paragraph (1) only if the agency has-(A) made a determination with respect to the employee that the continued presence of the employee in the workplace during an investigation of the employee or while the employee is in a notice period, as applicable, may- (i) pose a threat to the employee or others; (ii) result in the destruction of evidence relevant to an investigation; (iii) result in loss of or damage to Government property; or (iv) otherwise jeopardize legitimate Government interests.
[6] Pub. L. 117–263.
[7] Pub. L. 117–263.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Minneapolis Mayoral Aide and Safari Restaurant Co-Owner Both Plead Guilty in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

MINNEAPOLIS –Two more defendants pleaded guilty for their roles in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents, from approximately April 2020 through January 2022, Abdulkadir Nur Salah, 38, of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and Abdi Nur Salah, 37, of St. Paul, Minnesota, knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud a federal child nutrition program designed to provide free meals to children in need. The co-conspirators obtained, misappropriated, and laundered millions of dollars in program funds that were intended as reimbursements for the cost of serving meals to children. The defendants exploited changes in the program intended to ensure underserved children received adequate nutrition during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rather than feed children, the defendants took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic—and the resulting program changes—to enrich themselves by fraudulently misappropriating millions of dollars in federal child nutrition program funds.

According to court documents, Abdulkadir Nur Salah was co-owner and operator of Safari Restaurant, a site that received more than $16 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. Abdi Nur Salah registered Stigma-Free International, a non-profit entity used to carry out the fraud scheme with sites throughout Minnesota, including in Willmar, Mankato, St. Cloud, Waite Park, and St. Paul. Abdi Salah also worked for the City of Minneapolis as a Senior Policy Aide to the Mayor.

As part of their plea agreement entered today, each defendant agreed that a variety of assets and money were derived specifically from their fraud scheme and are thus subject to forfeiture to the United States. For Abdulkadir Salah that includes: $309,993.51 seized from Bell Bank account for Cosmopolitan Business Solutions d/b/a Safari Restaurant; $435,512.44 seized from Bell Bank account for 3017 LLC; $472,889.08 seized from Northeast Bank account for 3017 LLC; real estate property located at 2722 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For Abdi Salah, that includes $343,418.98 seized from Star Choice Credit Union account for Stone Bridge Development, LLC; real estate properties located at 8432 Noble Avenue, North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (known previously as Kelly’s 19th Hole) and 2529 12th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Both pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Charles City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

A man who possessed meth with intent to distribute it was sentenced today to more than 7 years in federal prison.

Jeremy Thomas Scott, age 46, from Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 17, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine.

At the guilty plea, Scott admitted that he was a passenger in a van that was stopped by law enforcement on I-35 on June 6, 2024, in Cerro Gordo County. Law enforcement had received a tip that Scott was traveling to Iowa from California with multiple pounds of methamphetamine.

A K-9 was deployed around the van and provided a positive alert. Scott admitted to having a methamphetamine pipe in the door of the van where he was seated and claimed everything in the van was his. A search of the van by the ISP troopers found approximately 4 pounds of methamphetamine seized from inside a Rice Krispies box.

Scott was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Scott was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Scott is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fletcher and was investigated by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa State Patrol.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 24-CR03031.

Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Tufts Medical Center Doctor Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

BOSTON – A former anesthesiologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston was sentenced today for attempted sex trafficking of a child.

Sadeq Ali Quraishi, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2024, Quraishi was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child.

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Quraishi’s heinous actions and underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation. Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who fuel the market for child sex trafficking and hold them accountable for their crimes. This sentence reflects our dedication to identifying those who prey on our most vulnerable and holding them accountable for their inhumane acts,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.

“As a doctor, Quraishi was in a position of public trust. He abused that trust when he actively sought out and agreed to pay to sexually abuse a child. Fortunately, instead of the vulnerable child he planned to meet, he was met with an undercover HSI special agent,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “It is a heartbreaking truth that children are trafficked every day, but HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to fight the exploitation of children here in Massachusetts and around the world.”

In November 2022, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation designed to identify and apprehend people who sought to pay for sex with children. To that end, law enforcement placed advertisements online offering commercial sex with two young girls who were purportedly 12 and 14 years old.

Quraishi, then a practicing anesthesiologist at Tufts Medical Center, responded to one of the advertisements. Through an ensuing text conversation with undercover agents posing as the seller of the two girls, Quraishi agreed to pay $250 for a sex act to be performed by a 14-year-old girl. Shortly thereafter, Quraishi obtained cash from an ATM, and drove from his Boston home to a Waltham hotel to meet with the purported seller. Once at the hotel, he met with an undercover agent, confirmed he had the money to pay for the commercial sex act, and accepted a keycard he believed would give him access to the room where the 14-year-old girl would be. During that meeting, Quraishi was arrested and found to be in possession of exactly $250.

If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

U.S. Attorney Foley and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Lauren A. Graber of Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Marshall County Man Sentenced for Role in a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – KC Vanover, age 48, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Vanover was working with others to sell hundreds of grams of methamphetamine in Marshall County and elsewhere. The organization’s source of supply was in Georgia. Vanover has prior convictions for grand larceny and battery.

Vanover will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Investigative agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration-Wheeling; the Drug Enforcement Administration-Clarksburg; the Drug Enforcement Administration-Cleveland; the Drug Enforcement Administration-Detroit; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia State Parole; the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department; the Moundsville Police Department; the Marshall County Prosecutors Office; the Wheeling Police Department; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Department; the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office (Ohio); the Belmont County Drug Task Force (Ohio); the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Benwood Police Department; and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (Ohio).

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man Admits Transporting Minor to Super Bowl, St. Louis for Prostitution

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ST. LOUIS – A Missouri man pleaded guilty Tuesday and admitted transporting a minor across state lines for sex.

JoeMarius Green, 24, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of transporting a minor across state lines to engage in prostitution. Green’s co-defendant, Chantel Robinson, 20, pleaded guilty in November to one felony count of possession of child pornography.

Green admitted as part of his plea that he took a female minor and others from Dallas to Kansas City on Feb. 12, 2023, to engage in prostitution during the Super Bowl. After about four days, Green took the victim and others to a St. Louis area hotel for the same reason. Green admitted managing the online prostitution ads, renting hotel rooms, setting price points for sex acts and taking all cash proceeds from the victim’s commercial sex acts.

Robinson admitted engaging in commercial sex acts, taking sexually explicit and sexually suggestive photos of minors and posting online advertisements for commercial sex acts. She oversaw the prostitution activities of minors when Green was absent.

Green is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25. The charge carries a penalty of 10 years to life in prison. Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced April 8. Her charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Apprehends 2 Suspects Connected to Deadly Shooting in Austin

Source: US Marshals Service

Austin, TX – Members of the U.S. Marshals-led Lone Star Fugitive Task Force today arrested a juvenile* who is one of two suspects sought for a Jan. 24 murder in Austin.

Another suspect, Bill Tarlue Nyanway, 18, of Austin, was arrested Jan. 27 and charged with tampering with physical evidence that stemmed from the shooting incident.

The Austin Police Department, Homicide Division investigated the shooting incident in the 10200 block of Wildhorse Ranch Trail and obtained arrest warrants in the Austin Municipal Court Jan. 27 for the two individuals believed to be connected to the deadly shooting incident.

When Austin Police, Fire and Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to the location, they discovered a white sedan which had been reported crashed in a ditch near Manor Excel Academy, and a victim had been shot. They attempted life-saving measures on the victim, who was ultimately pronounced deceased on scene.

The Austin Police Department requested assistance from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in the Austin Division to locate and apprehend both suspects.

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force initiated a fugitive investigation and arrested Nyanway in the 9400 block of North Lamar Blvd without incident, booking him into the Travis County Jail where he will await further judicial proceedings.

The juvenile was arrested without incident in the 14500 block of Heartland Drive in Manor and was transported to the Austin Police Headquarters.

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin –

Austin Police Department-Tactical Intelligence Unit
Georgetown, Round Rock, and San Marcos Police Department
Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
Texas Attorney General’s Office
Texas Department of Criminal Justice OIG
Texas Department of Public Safety
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
U.S. DHS/Homeland Security Investigations

*USMS policy generally prohibits naming juvenile suspects.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reeves: I am going further and faster to kick start the economy
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Chancellor unveils new plans to deliver the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035.
Rachel Reeves will today vow to go ‘further and faster’ to deliver the government’s Plan for Change to kick start economic growth and put more pounds in people’s pockets.

Chancellor to unveil plans to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that will add up to £78 billion to the UK economy according to industry experts, catalysing growth of UK science and technology.

Comes after Chancellor last week announced National Wealth Fund and Office for Investment will take new approaches to spur regional growth across the UK.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will today vow to go “further and faster” to kick start the economy, as she unveils new plans to deliver the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035 according to industry experts.

In a speech in Oxfordshire, the Chancellor will tell regional and business leaders that economic growth is the number one mission of this government and its Plan for Change. She will declare that Britain’s economy has “huge potential” and is at the “forefront of some of the most exciting developments in the world like artificial intelligence and life sciences.”

She will back the redevelopment of Old Trafford and will review the Green Book – the government’s guidance on appraisal – in order to support decisions on public investment across the country, including outside London and the Southeast.

The speech comes after the Chancellor last week announced a new approach for the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and the Office for Investment (OfI) to work with local leaders to build pipelines of incoming investment and projects linked to regional growth priorities. This includes the NWF trialling Strategic Partnerships in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, and Glasgow City Region and the OfI piloting an approach in the Liverpool City Region and the North East Combined Authority to connect their regions to central government and industry expertise in order to unlock private investment.

Reeves will say “low growth is not our destiny, but that economic growth will not come without a fight. Without a government that is on the side of working people. Willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s course for the better.”

The Chancellor is expected to say:

Britain is a country of huge potential. A country of strong communities, with local businesses at their heart.

We are the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in the world like artificial intelligence and life sciences. We have great companies based here delivering jobs and investment in Britain.

And we have fundamental strengths – in our history, our language, and our legal system – to compete in a global economy.

But for too long, that potential has been held back. For too long, we have accepted low expectations, accepted stagnation and accepted the risk of decline. We can do so much better.

Low growth is not our destiny. But growth will not come without a fight. Without a government that is on the side of working people. Willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s course for the better.

That’s what our Plan for Change is about. That is what drives me as Chancellor. And it is what I’m determined to deliver.

In her speech the Chancellor will announce:

The Environment Agency has lifted its objections to a new development around Cambridge that could unlock 4,500 new homes and associated community spaces such as schools and leisure facilities as well as office and laboratory space in Cambridge City Centre. This was only possible as a result of the government working closely with councils and regulators to find creative solutions to unlock growth and address environmental pressures.

That the government has agreed for water companies to unlock £7.9bn investment for the next 5 years to improve our water infrastructure and provide a foundation for growth. This includes nine new reservoirs, such as the new Fens Reservoir serving Cambridge and the Abingdon Reservoir near Oxford.

Confirming funding towards better transport links in the region including funding for East-West Rail, with new services between Oxford and Milton Keynes this year and upgrading the A428 to reduce journey times between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

Prioritisation of a new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital as part of the New Hospitals Programme bringing together Cambridge University, Addenbrookes Hospital and Cancer Research UK.

Support for the development of new and expanded communities in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and a new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford, to expand the region’s economy.

That she welcomes Cambridge University’s proposal for a new large scale innovation hub in the city centre. As the world’s leading science and tech cluster by intensity, Cambridge will play a crucial part in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.

A new Growth Commission for Oxford, inspired by the Cambridge model, to review how best we can unlock and accelerate nationally significant growth for the city and surrounding area.

Appointment of Sir Patrick Vallance as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion to provide senior leadership to ensure the Government’s ambitions are delivered.

The Chancellor is expected to say:

Oxford and Cambridge offer huge economic potential for our nation’s growth prospects.

Just 66 miles apart these cities are home to two of the best universities in the world two of the most intensive innovation clusters in the world and the area is a hub for globally renowned science and technology firms in life sciences, manufacturing, and AI.

It has the potential to be Europe’s Silicon Valley. The home of British innovation.

To grow, these world-class companies need world-class talent who should be able to get to work quickly and find somewhere to live in the local area. But to get from Oxford to Cambridge by train takes two and a half hours.

There is no way to commute directly from towns like Bedford and Milton Keynes to Cambridge by rail. And there is a lack of affordable housing across the region.

Oxford and Cambridge are two of the least affordable cities in the UK. In other words, the demand is there but there are far too many supply side constraints on economic growth in the region.

Designed to take advantage of the region’s unique strengths and potential, the announcements are further evidence of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy in action as it seeks to create the right conditions to increase investment in our leading growth sectors like life sciences, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

She will add:

Taken together, these announcements show that for the first time a government is providing real leadership to deliver this project with a clear strategy for the entire region backed by funding for the housing and infrastructure we so badly need.

The speech comes after the Chancellor last week announced a package of investment reforms to spur regional growth across the UK. Rachel Reeves set out a new approach for the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and the Office for Investment (OfI) to work with local leaders to build pipelines of incoming investment and projects linked to regional growth priorities. Putting local knowledge and leadership at the forefront, there will be tailored strategies for each region to ensure investment matches local needs and drives sustainable growth. Putting the government’s Plan for Change into action, the Chancellor set out that the goal is to harness growth everywhere to rebuild Britain and usher in a decade of national renewal. Measures included the NWF trialling Strategic Partnerships in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, and Glasgow City Region and the OfI piloting an approach in the Liverpool City Region and the North East Combined Authority to connect their regions to central government and industry expertise in order to unlock private investment.

Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance said:

The UK has all the ingredients to replicate the success of Silicon Valley or the Boston Cluster but for too long has been constrained by short termism and a lack of direction.

This government’s Plan for Change will see an end to that defeatism. I look forward to working with local leaders to fulfil the Oxford-Cambridge corridor’s potential by building on its existing strengths in academia, life sciences, semiconductors, AI and green technology amongst others.

Together we will build the infrastructure and partnerships needed to join up this region’s academia, investors and business so that we can boost growth, deliver innovations and create new jobs that improve all our lives.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:

Well connected communities are a cornerstone for growth. East West Rail will not only provide better links and lasting benefits to Oxford and Cambridge, but to all the surrounding areas.

I’m also delighted to announce a brand new station at Tempsford, which will be game changing for the region – allowing a new community and businesses to grow, unlocking faster and smoother access to opportunities, and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

More details

Yesterday, Moderna completed the build for their new vaccine production and R&D site in Harwell, Oxfordshire. They have committed to invest over £1 billion in R&D in the UK, strengthening our position as a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.

£78 billion added to the UK economy. Source: Public First research for the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board (2025).

Dr Andy Williams, Chair of the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board said:

The announcements today are extremely positive for the region and for the country. As Chair of the OxCam Supercluster Board, which comprises 45 members across business, academia, and investors, we know that the region has the potential to deliver truly remarkable growth in the coming decade and beyond, as evidenced by the research published this week. Achieving £78 billion in cumulative economic value by 2035 requires us to work dynamically and pro-actively across government, the private sector, educational institutions, and the investment community, to fully harness OxCam’s strengths and address its weaknesses. With the experience and knowledge of Sir Patrick Vallance leading this effort, we are excited by the opportunity to co-design a policy prospectus that will allow the OxCam Growth Corridor to realise its potential as a global centre for science and innovation.

Dipesh J. Shah OBE, Chair of the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership said:

I welcome the Chancellor’s drive to accelerate growth in the Oxford to Cambridge corridor and her support for strategic investments in enabling infrastructure. The region houses internationally acclaimed clusters of innovation in each of the growth sectors for the nation. Already one of the world’s great science powerhouses, the region’s full potential will rely on connecting its incredible ecosystems of businesses, places and communities. Investments announced today will spur more and will help local leaders to deliver on their ambitious plans for their communities.

Professor Alistair Fitt, Chair of Arc Universities Group and Vice-Chancellor Oxford Brookes University said:

This region hosts a great diversity and scale of universities. Together we offer a wide range of key contributions: globally renowned research brilliance, the powerhouse of skills provision provided by cutting edge teaching, world class knowledge transfer and commercialisation. Our universities, working in close partnership, in alliance with others – particular the private sector – are organised into the Arc Universities Group. We stand ready for the challenge. We welcome the oversight and experience that the leadership of Sir Patrick Vallance brings to the region, and we look forward to helping deliver the Chancellor’s aspirations for growth.

Darius Hughes, UK General Manager for Moderna said:

We are proud to call Oxfordshire our home with the recent completion of construction of the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre in Harwell. Today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to growth and innovation, and we look forward to delivering British-made vaccines to the UK public, advancing cutting-edge research, and strengthening partnerships in this globally significant region.

Steve Bates, CEO of the UK Bioindustry Association said:

The UK is a global leader in biotech innovation and attracts the most venture capital in Europe. New figures we’ve published this week show that biotech is a vibrant growth sector of the UK economy with an exceptional ability to attract global investment. Delivering the infrastructure needed to support the growth at pace – especially in the Oxford Cambridge growth corridor- is key to the success of our sector.

The government is continuing to work with local partners to deliver sustainable growth in Cambridge, with the additional homes and infrastructure the city needs. Peter Freeman and the Cambridge Growth Company are building the evidence base for an infrastructure-first growth strategy to realise the full potential of Cambridge and improve lives for residents.

The Chancellor today announced that delivery of a new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford will be accelerated by 3-5 years. The station will link services directly to London, with services in under an hour. It will eventually also be an interchange with the East West Rail station.

The A428 (Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet) scheme will improve journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. The scheme will see a new 10-mile dual carriageway delivered, as well as three grade separated junctions, three tier at Black Cat roundabout (A1/A421) and two tier at Cambridge Road (B1428) and Caxton Gibbet (A428/A1198) junctions, respectively. Main construction began in December 2023 and the road is expected to open in 2027.

The Environment Agency have lifted their opposition to new development around Cambridge (Waterbeach and the Beehive centre). This unlocks the delivery of 4,500 new homes and associated community spaces such as schools and leisure facilities as well as office and laboratory space in Cambridge City Centre. This demonstrates how the government, councils, and regulators are working together to find solutions that unlock growth and address environmental pressures.

The government has agreed water companies’ water resources management plans, including Cambridge Water’s, unlocking a now-confirmed £7.9bn investment in water resources in the next 5 years to provide a foundation for growth and improving our water infrastructure. These plans include nine new reservoirs, including the new Fens Reservoir serving Cambridge to South East Strategic Reservoir Option (Abingdon Reservoir) near Oxford.

The Chancellor will announce a new Growth Commission for Oxford, similar to the Cambridge Growth Company to bring together key stakeholders across the city and review how best to tackle the barriers that are constraining development of new housing and infrastructure to accelerate growth in the city.

AI Growth Zones, as recommended in the AI Action Plan launched by the PM earlier this month, are designated areas designed to fast-track the development of AI-focused data centres and supporting infrastructure. By concentrating government support on planning and energy, AIGZs aim to attract significant private investment, accelerate the build-out of critical AI infrastructure, and drive local economic regeneration. The first AI Growth Zone will be in Culham, Oxfordshire and the Chancellor today announced a ‘call for expressions of interest’ from regional and local authorities and industry, to inform the next stage of the AI Growth Zones programme. This will help us understand early opportunities and inform the next stage of the programme in what the government regards as a key growth sector in its modern Industrial Strategy.

On Monday 20th January the Health Secretary announced the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is being prioritised for investment as part of wave 1 of the New Hospital Programme. This scheme will improve cancer survival rates by centralising Cambridge University Hospital cancer services under one roof and will further improve the proposition for the life sciences sector in the region, with AstraZeneca and CRUK researchers co-located at the facility, integrating the clinical and research models of cancer services. In doing so it will help create three new research institutes to be integrated with NHS clinical care helping to provide 10 new clinical trials per year and foster increased collaboration between top scientists and clinicians.

The Chancellor will welcome Cambridge University’s plans for a new largescale innovation hub in the heart of the city. The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 has ranked Cambridge as the world’s leading science and technological cluster by intensity for the third consecutive year.

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Published 28 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government invests in improved flood protection in the Village of Tahsis
Source: Government of Canada regional news

From: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/housing-infrastructure-communities/news/2025/01/federal-government-invests-in-improved-flood-protection-in-the-village-of-tahsis.html (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

French version: https://www.canada.ca/fr/logement-infrastructures-collectivites/nouvelles/2025/01/le-gouvernement-federal-investit-dans-lamelioration-de-la-protection-contre-les-inondations-dans-le-village-de-tahsis.html (can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)

Improvements to flood protection infrastructure will help the Village of Tahsis become more resilient to riverbank and coastal floods after a combined investment of more than $2.8 million from the federal, provincial and local governments.

This project involves constructing two flood walls and an earth berm along North Maquinna Drive from north of Rogers Street to Head Bay Road to safeguard the village from extreme-weather events. These new protective measures will include internal drainage improvements such as catch basins, leads and flap gates along the roads. There will also be rock or other material installed to protect shoreline structures against water, wave or ice erosion and to stabilize the riverbank.

These upgrades will protect existing local public and private assets and essential infrastructure such as the public works yard, the fire hall, water supply and well pumping station, as well as schools, which are currently at risk of flooding from storms and rising sea levels.

Quotes:

“Our government is taking action to increase communities’ resilience and support people’s safety in the face of extreme weather events. Effective flood prevention measures help protect people, property and livelihoods. The Government of Canada will continue to work with our partners to mitigate the effects of natural disasters so that Canadians can continue to adapt in a changing climate.”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“In Tahsis and communities throughout the province, we’re working to build a stronger and climate-ready future for everyone. These improvements in the Village of Tahsis will help protect people – including young students – and critical infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding for years to come.”

The Honourable Kelly Greene, B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

“On behalf of Tahsis council and the entire community, I thank the federal and provincial governments for recognizing the importance of protecting small, remote communities, like Tahsis, from climate-change impacts. The funding for this project means our residents, businesses, school and day care, first responders and critical infrastructure will be protected from future flood events.”

Martin Davis, Mayor of the Village of Tahsis

Quick Facts:
- The federal government is investing $1,156,861 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
- The Government of British Columbia is investing $963,954, and the Village of Tahsis is contributing $771,337, with support from the provincial government.
- The Government of Canada previously announced funding toward the first two phases of this project in June 2021.
- The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.
- Including today’s announcement, over 157 infrastructure projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia, with a total federal contribution of more than $600 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $428 million.
- Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Learn More:

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Green Infrastructure Stream: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html

Housing and Infrastructure Project Map: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government delivering free broadband for 30,000 unconnected Australian families
Source: Australian Ministers 1

The Albanese Government has announced an additional $4.9 million in funding to NBN Co to extend the free School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to 30 June 2028, to ease cost of living pressures and narrow the digital divide for unconnected families with school children.

More than 23,000 families across the country are already accessing free NBN broadband through the SSBI, and this additional funding will assist more families to access the program.

Families save around $1,000 a year through the program, and it allows children who otherwise would have difficulty accessing the internet connections that are crucial to modern learning to have the same opportunities as their peers.

The program was due to finish in 2025. The extension will now allow the free services to continue for new and existing families until 30 June 2028, with up to 30,000 places available in the program. It brings the Albanese Government’s total investment in the program to $13.7 million.

To be eligible, families and carers must:
- have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school;
- have no active broadband service over the NBN network in the last 14 days; and
- live in a premises where they can access standard NBN services.
Once a family is assessed as eligible, they are issued with a unique voucher which they can redeem with one of the participating internet providers. The free service begins from the day the service is activated until 30 June 2028 and is available across all NBN technologies

To apply, families and carers are encouraged to contact the National Referral Centre run by Anglicare Victoria on 1800 954 610 (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm AEDT) or visit: www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

For more information on the program visit: School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Art.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future, and that means investing in our children and their education.

“The School Student Broadband Initiative is making a serious difference for thousands of families who now are able to enjoy the benefits of having reliable internet at home – a must in our increasingly digital world.

“It is a fantastic milestone that 23,000 families are now benefitting from this cost of living measure – with the extension meaning families have even more time to sign up and be supported by free NBN broadband.

“The program is helping Australians from all walks of life, including those who have escaped domestic and family violence, who no longer have to deal with the burden and uncertainty of mobile internet usage and data cost or the need to travel to use public Wi-Fi networks just so their children can complete their homework.

“The success of this program to date wouldn’t be possible without the support of NBN Co, retail service providers, state and territory governments, schools, community organisations and charities, and I thank them for their ongoing work to help the initiative reach even more families.”

MIL OSI News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $24.6 Million for Chaves Residents

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $24.6 Million for Chaves Residents

Federal Disaster Assistance Tops $24.6 Million for Chaves Residents

ROSWELL, New Mexico — It has been just over three months since former President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for the state of New Mexico following the Oct. 19-20 Severe Storm and Flooding in Chaves County. To date, more than $24.6 million in federal assistance has been approved for New Mexican families affected by the disaster.FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have approved grants and loans for more than 3,000 recovering homeowners, renters and businesses in Chaves County. This assistance helps pay for eligible losses and disaster-related damage repair and replacement of homes and personal property, temporary housing, cleaning and sanitizing, moving and storage, childcare, medical and dental expenses and other needs of New Mexicans affected by the storm and flooding.“FEMA collaborates closely with all our federal, state and local stakeholders to help New Mexicans affected by the disaster as they recover. We must remember that this is a long-term effort, but one that will be critical in building a more resilient and stronger Roswell,” said José Gil Montañez, Federal Coordinating Officer for New Mexico.As of Jan. 27, FEMA Individual Assistance totaled more than $17.8 million in grants to eligible homeowners and renters, including:More than $8.88 million in housing grants to help pay for home repair, home replacement and rental assistance for temporary housing.  More than $8.94 million in grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs, such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses. FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs)The VALs mission is to establish, foster and maintain relationships among government, voluntary, faith-based and community partners. Through these relationships, the VALs support the delivery of inclusive and equitable services and empower and strengthen capabilities of communities to address disaster caused unmet needs. In addition, VALs coordinate with local partners to assist with the collection and distribution of in-kind and monetary donations to aid in the Chaves County recovery process. By coordinating appeals through local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs), the VALs have identified nearly $146,000 in additional FEMA Individual Assistance for Chaves County recovery. State and local VOADs have also distributed more than $461,000 in financial assistance to Chaves County survivors to support immediate needs and recovery efforts.Public Assistance  FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program for the October flooding reimburses the state, counties, local governments, tribes, and certain private nonprofits (including houses of worship) for eligible costs of disaster-related debris removal and emergency protective measures. PA in Chaves County is available, on a cost -sharing basis: FEMA pays 75%, the state 25%. FEMA has received eight applications for project funding under the PA program. Of those, seven projects are now under review. Small Business AdministrationThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $6.8 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations. Of that amount, more than $6 million was approved for homeowners and renters with over $2.9 million distributed. Approving more than $476,000 to Chaves – County business, SBA has distributed over $300,000 to assist in their recovery.Applicants may apply at https://lending.sba.gov. Business owners also may apply in-person by visiting SBA Business Recovery Center at the Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Arts and Sciences Center. The deadline to apply to SBA for property damage was Jan, 2, 2025. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Aug. 1, 2025.For the latest information on the Chaves County recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6
alexa.brown
Tue, 01/28/2025 – 20:43

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Woman Sentenced for Fraud Scheme Involving Claims for Unnecessary Respiratory Tests Submitted with COVID-19 Tests

Source: United States Attorneys General

A California woman was sentenced today to nine years in prison for her role in fraudulently submitting claims to governmental and private insurance programs during the COVID‑19 pandemic for expensive respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) tests that were medically unnecessary and never ordered by health care providers.

According to court documents, Lourdes Navarro, 66, of Glendale, and Imran Shams owned and controlled Matias Clinical Laboratory, doing business as Health Care Providers Laboratory (HCPL). Navarro and Shams conspired to obtain nasal swab specimens that enabled HCPL to test for COVID-19, as well as to obtain testing orders from physicians and other medical professionals. The specimens were collected from, among others, residents and staff at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and similar types of facilities, and from students and staff at primary and secondary schools, for the purported purpose of conducting screening tests to identify and isolate individuals infected with COVID-19. However, Navarro and Shams caused HCPL to perform RPP tests on most of the specimens, even though only COVID-19 testing had been ordered and there was no medical justification for conducting RPP tests on asymptomatic individuals who needed only COVID-19 screening tests. Through HCPL, Navarro and Shams billed approximately $369 million for the RPP tests to Medicare, the Health Resources and Services Administration COVID-19 Uninsured Program, and a private health insurance company, and were reimbursed approximately $46.7 million for fraudulent claims.

Navarro was also ordered to forfeit $11,662,939 in funds that the government had previously seized from three bank accounts. The total amount seized and forfeited from Navarro and Shams is $14,518,485. Navarro also was ordered to pay $46,735,400 in restitution.

Navarro pleaded guilty on Oct. 5, 2023, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Shams pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2023, in the Central District of California to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and concealment of his exclusion from Medicare and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Jan. 30, 2024. In addition, on May 29, 2024, Shams was sentenced to five years in prison in connection with his 2017 plea in the Eastern District of New York to conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, and defrauding the United States by obstructing the lawful functions of the IRS, of which three years were ordered to run consecutive to the Central District of California sentence.

Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Rochelle Wong of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Gary A. Winters and Raymond E. Beckering III of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maxwell Coll for the Central District of California handled the financial penalties.

The Justice Department’s COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force marshals the resources of the department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa Analysis – Perennial War in DRC is a Scorn at Africa’s sovereignty

Analysis by Mike Omuodo

A phone vibration drew my attention to an incoming message – a friend had sent a message with an attachment and a note reading, “This is so sad and needs to stop! The message was followed by some crying emojis.

Curious, I opened the attachment. It was a photo of some of the carnage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – to be precise, the photo of corpses of those killed in the DRC’s never ending war, piled like some wastes from a city garbage truck. My heart bled for the children and women of DRC, the main victims of this horrendous war!

The war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has killed over 6 million people over decades, stands as a stark reminder of the continent’s internal and external challenges. Despite Africa’s rich history, cultural diversity, and growing potential, the persistent violence in the DRC represents a failure of both African leadership and the international community to address a crisis that undermines the very notion of African unity, independence, and self-determination.

The DRC, endowed with an abundance of natural resources—diamonds, gold, copper, coltan—should be one of Africa’s most prosperous countries. Instead, it has become a battlefield where local militias, foreign corporations, and regional powers exploit its riches, leaving its people in poverty and suffering. This is a direct affront to the vision of African sovereignty, which seeks to ensure that African resources benefit Africans and not external actors or corrupt elites.

The inability of African nations to decisively intervene and resolve the conflict in the DRC highlights a painful reality: while African leaders have championed unity and cooperation through platforms like the African Union (AU), they have largely failed to protect one of their own from decades of exploitation and war. The silence and inaction of many African governments on the DRC crisis is a scorn to the idea of Pan-Africanism, which promises solidarity and collective action in the face of injustice.

The war in the DRC is also a reflection of how foreign interests continue to meddle in African affairs, undermining Africa’s sovereignty. Since colonial times, external powers have exploited the DRC for its natural resources, leaving the country in a state of perpetual conflict. Today, multinational corporations and foreign governments continue to benefit from the illegal extraction of the DRC’s minerals, funding armed groups and prolonging instability.

African leaders have a moral and political obligation to assert Africa’s control over its own resources and territory. Allowing foreign actors to dictate the fate of one of the continent’s richest nations not only diminishes the sovereignty of the DRC but also weakens the entire continent’s ability to defend its economic and political interests.

Failed Governance

At the heart of the DRC crisis is the failure of governance. While external actors have played a significant role in the conflict, internal divisions, corruption, and weak leadership within the DRC have exacerbated the situation. Successive governments have struggled to maintain control over vast portions of the country, allowing warlords and militias to fill the power vacuum.

However, the broader failure lies in the inability of African leaders to come together and address these internal issues through diplomatic pressure, peace-building, and robust intervention. Instead, some regional powers have been accused of further destabilizing the country by supporting rebel groups and exploiting the chaos for their own gains. This lack of leadership not only prolongs the suffering of millions of Congolese but also erodes trust in Africa’s ability to solve its own problems.

Strategic Imperative

This war shouldn’t be seen merely as Congo’s problem but as a moral and strategic imperative for the entire African continent. The ongoing conflict undermines Africa’s collective goals of peace, security, and economic development. It destabilizes a region that is critical to the future of Africa, limits economic growth, and diverts attention from pressing continental issues such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and healthcare.

Allowing the DRC to remain in a state of war or even degenerate further into the abyss reflects poorly on the African Union and regional organizations like the East African Community and Southern African Development Community (SADC), which have the capacity to mediate and intervene. If African leaders do not act now to stop the violence and build sustainable peace, it will signal a failure to live up to the founding principles of these organizations and African independence itself.

Reclaiming sovereignty

This war is not just a humanitarian catastrophe; it is a direct challenge to Africa’s ability to assert control over its own destiny. The conflict has exposed the fragility of African sovereignty and the vulnerability of the continent’s vast resources to external exploitation. To truly live up to the promise of a united, independent, and prosperous Africa, African leaders must rise to the occasion, reclaim the DRC’s sovereignty, and bring an end to this senseless war.

Inaction or passive diplomacy will only deepen the wounds and prolong the suffering. It’s time for Africa to lead by example, assert its political will, and save the DRC from becoming a permanent scar on the continent’s legacy. The war in the DRC cannot be allowed to continue as a scorn upon Africa’s sovereignty.

* The writer is a pan-African Public Relations and Communications expert based in Nairobi, Kenya.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to report by World Weather Attribution looking at climate change attribution of the LA wildfires

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

January 28, 2025

A report by by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) looks at climate change and the likelihood of wildfire disaster in LA.

Prof Gabi Hegerl FRS, Professor of Climate System Science, University of Edinburgh, said:

“Given the short timeline that WWA aims for this is a very thorough analysis of the role of climate change and also El Nino conditions contributing to the fires in Los Angeles. The authors determine several factors that have contributed to this disaster, from severely dry conditions to high fire weather indices, late arrival of winter rains etc. Several of these factors point to high fire risk, both due to El Nino conditions and global warming. Overall the paper finds that climate change has made the Los Angeles fires more likely despite some statistical uncertainty. This is a carefully researched result that should be taken seriously. El Ninos come and go, but as long as the climate warms we will continue to see increasing risk of this hazard. Adapting to it will help, and the authors make some suggestions, but this example is one of many of how climate change increases the risk of deadly and costly disasters.”

Dr Karsten Haustein, Climate Scientist, Leipzig University, said:

“I remember a stark and dire warning of an US-based weather forecaster just before the fires. Sadly, he was absolutely spot on. The extremely hazardous mix of dry and windy conditions led to unprecedented destruction, displacing tens of thousands of people and costing billions of dollars. Naturally, folks want to know what role climate change played in this catastrophic disaster.

“Following two very rapid attribution studies by teams from UCLA (California) and IPSL-CNRS (France), now WWA has released their comprehensive rapid attribution study. The former two have already highlighted that climate change did play a role and made the fires more likely. Especially the so-called ‘hydroclimate whiplash’, where wetter than average years are followed by drier than average years, contributed to the devastating outcome. While these year-to-year variations are normal given the strong ENSO teleconnection in the region (El Niño leads to wetter conditions and vice versa for La Niña), now wet gets wetter and dry gets drier for longer.

“Hence one of the key messages of the WWA study is that the dry season in the region lasts longer than it used to be (23 days), increasing the risk for very dry conditions to overlap with strong (St Ana) winds, which occur mainly in winter. While WWA does not find increasing wind speeds during St Ana events, they do find that the risk for such a dry season has already increased by 35%, with a 6% increase in fire intensity.

“WWA highlights that a more in-depth analysis is required to make conclusive statements about changes in atmospheric circulation that favour such cut-off lows. But the thermodynamic climate change fingerprint (drier and warmer) is clearly present. So is the problem of exposure in the region. Houses are not build to withstand fire. Instead, they are fuelling the fires. A tinderbox when combined with built up vegetation from the preceding two wet seasons. All these aspects are meticulously discussed in WWA’s new attribution study.

“Their press release accurately summarises the scientific findings. The team involved was larger than ever, including the UCLA colleagues mentioned above. All methods used to conduct the analysis are peer-reviewed. The results do confirm prior research such as, for example, the hypothesised ‘hydroclimate whiplash’. The team also mentions the deficits of global climate models to simulate such wind events, which is why no attribution statement regarding the frequency of occurrence or magnitude of the St Ana winds is made.”

‘Climate change increased the likelihood of wildfire disaster in highly exposed Los Angeles area’ by Clair Barnes et al. was published by World Weather Attribution at 22:00 UK time on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

Declared interests

Prof Gabi Hegerl: “No competing interests, occasional collaboration with some of the study’s authors.”

Dr Karsten Haustein: “No conflict of interests.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speed limit reduction reversals begin
Source: New Zealand Government

Reversals to Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions begin tonight and will be in place by 1 July, says Minister of Transport Chris Bishop.

“The previous government was obsessed with slowing New Zealanders down by imposing illogical and untargeted speed limit reductions on state highways and local roads.

“National campaigned on reversing the blanket speed limit reductions at the last election, and over 65 per cent of submitters during consultation on the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 agreed.

“Reversing the speed limit reductions where safe to do so is also part of the National-ACT coalition agreement.

“Where Labour was about slowing New Zealand down, the coalition Government is all about making it easier for people and freight to get from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible, which will help drive economic growth and improved productivity.”

The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 requires NZTA and local councils to reverse all speed limits lowered since January 2020 on several categories of roads back to their previous limits by 1 July 2025.

“Labour’s Kieran McAnulty said recently that as Associate Transport Minister under the previous government he’d asked NZTA to review the SH2 Wairarapa speed limit, and that they told him no. It seems he just shrugged and accepted that,” Mr Bishop says.

“Today provides a classic example of our Government’s determination to stop letting government agencies put things in the too-hard basket, and instead to push forward for actual results.

“Today provides a classic example of our Government’s determination to stop letting government agencies put things in the too-hard basket, and instead to push forward for actual results.

“The first state highway to reverse will be the section of SH2 between Featherston and Masterton, where the speed limit reduction in early 2023 under the previous government met with huge community hostility – the exact road that Kieran McAnulty failed to get any action on. This change which will take effect overnight tonight.

“To ensure this process happens efficiently, over the next few months NZTA will incorporate the automatic speed reversal work alongside planned maintenance and project works.

“I have also released a further list of 49 sections of state highway for further public consultation so local communities can have their say on keeping their current lower speed limit or returning to the previous higher speed. Public consultation on those sections begins tomorrow and will run for six weeks.

“In terms of local road changes, councils have until 1 May 2025 to advise NZTA of the specified roads subject to reversal under the new Rule.”

The new rule requires reduced variable speed limits outside schools during pick up and drop off times.

“We are prioritising the safety of Kiwi kids by introducing reduced speed limits outside schools during pick-up and drop-off times. We want to see these changes brought about quickly,” Mr Bishop says.

“By 1 July 2026, local streets outside a school will be required to have a 30km/h variable speed limit. Rural roads that are outside schools will be required to have variable speed limits of 60km/h or less.

“Throughout the world, 50km/h is used as the right speed limit to keep urban roads flowing smoothly and safely. The evidence on this is clear – comparable countries with the lowest rates of road deaths and serious injuries, such as Norway, Denmark, and Japan, have speed limits of 50km/h on their urban roads, with exceptions for lower speed limits.

“These countries have strong road safety records, targeting alcohol, drugs, and speeding. Our Government has a clear focus on improving road safety outcomes with clear targets to ensure Police are focussed on the most high-risk times, behaviours, and locations.”

Notes to editor:

Attached fact sheets:
- 38 sections of state highway for speed limit auto reversal
- 49 sections of state highway for community consultation
Under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule signed by previous Transport Minister Simeon Brown in September 2024, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and councils are required to reverse all speed limits lowered since January 2020 on several categories of specified roads back to their previous limits by 1 July 2025.

To give effect to the new Rule, NZTA will automatically reverse speed limits on 38 sections of the state highway network back to their previous higher speed limit, and publicly consult on a further 49 sections before final decisions are made whether to reverse them or not.

Public consultation on 49 sections of state highway will begin on 30 January 2025 and run for six weeks.

Further note:

The reference to Mr McAnulty’s comments regarding SH2 in the Wairarapa is taken from Kate Judson’s article in The Wairarapa Times-Age, Jan 25 2025: Slow road back to 100kph for Wairarapa motorists:

Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty said he was not convinced SH2 speeds south of Greytown would change by July because the decision rested with NZTA.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they said they’ll put it up to 100kph if the road gets improved,” he said.

“I know how resolute NZTA were on it. I was associate transport minister and looked them in the eye and said, ‘I want you to review the speed limit,’ and they said no.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SECURING MISSOURI’S FUTURE: Governor Kehoe Delivers First State of the State Address
Source: US State of Missouri

JANUARY 28, 2025

Jefferson City — JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe delivered his first State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly, outlining his legislative and budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

Governor Kehoe opened his first address to the 103rd General Assembly by reflecting on lessons learned to stay humble from his mentor, Dave Sinclair, with a commitment to working with the members of the legislature during his time as governor.

“I said earlier that I will never forget my roots. Well, I’ve sat where you sit. I understand the pressures you face. And I want to work with you—not against you—because I believe we can only secure Missouri’s future if we work together,” said Governor Kehoe.

Governor Kehoe’s speech focused on the policy priorities that have remained a central focus at the start of his administration, beginning with public safety.

“Any efforts we may make to improve the lives of Missourians–whether it be education opportunities, cutting taxes, or expanding childcare–none of it matters if Missourians aren’t safe,” Governor Kehoe said. “Securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety.”

Public Safety

During his speech, Governor Kehoe discussed the actions his administration took on Inauguration Day, signing six executive orders developed based on input from law enforcement to launch the Safer Missouri initiative.

To support law enforcement recruitment and retention efforts, Governor Kehoe’s budget recommends funding to bolster the existing Missouri Blue Scholarship Program for law enforcement basic training and $10 million in new funding to assist local communities who prioritize public safety with equipment and training needs through the Blue Shield Program.

The budget also includes $2.5 million to support the sheriff’s retirement system for another year, and funding for a new crime lab in Cape Girardeau, serving the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E region.

As part of the Safer Missouri initiative, Governor Kehoe urged the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive crime bill that includes increasing penalties for crimes like violent rioting and fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle, cracking down on criminals who participate in reckless stunt driving and street racing, and efforts to increase oversight and accountability of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

To combat the fentanyl crisis and identify areas of high fentanyl use in schools across the state, Governor Kehoe’s budget includes a $4 million investment for fentanyl testing in wastewater systems at schools. Governor Kehoe also encouraged the legislature to take action on increasing penalties for fentanyl trafficking.

Economic Development

Governor Kehoe emphasized his efforts to make Missouri a welcoming state for business investment. From manufacturers, to retail, to Missouri’s sports teams: businesses who provide jobs and opportunities to Missourians are an important part the state’s economic success.

In order to compete with other states, the Kehoe Administration will focus on reducing taxes and cutting regulations, so families keep more of their own money, and so job creators look at our state to expand and hire more hard-working Missourians.

Governor Kehoe announced that he has directed the Missouri Department of Revenue to work with his staff on a sustainable and comprehensive plan to eliminate the individual income tax once and for all.

And, knowing that infrastructure and economic development go hand in hand, Governor Kehoe’s budget includes a reappropriation of last year’s 100 million dollars for rural road improvements to ensure all of those funds are invested in rural infrastructure.

Governor Kehoe’s speech focused largely on solving the biggest challenge to the child care crisis: addressing the current regulatory environment.

In an effort to make the child care regulations easier to understand and navigate, Governor Kehoe issued Executive Order 25-15, charging the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-Office of Childhood with a complete re-write of the child care regulations.

The budget also includes $10 million to offer grant funding opportunities to support partnerships between employers, community partners, and the child care industry to make more child care slots available for Missouri families.

In an effort to provide timely payments for the child care providers who partner with the state to provide care, providers will receive payments from the state at the beginning of the month on enrollment, starting in fiscal year 2026.

To build on Missouri’s career and technical education opportunities, Governor Kehoe’s budget includes $15 million in new funding to address equipment, space, and operational needs of career and technical centers across the state, as well as an increase of $5 million on an annual basis to support increased operational costs.

The budget includes increased funding to expand career counseling to more high schools across the state, so that students can talk to school counselors about their future career path, whether that includes college or not.

Governor Kehoe also signed Executive Order 25-16 establishing the Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge, instructing DESE to put a plan in place for better coordination among key stakeholders, including K-12 schools, local business and industry, and higher education to improve the state’s career and technical education programs and infrastructure.

Agriculture

Securing the future of agriculture also means investing in the next generation. Governor Kehoe’s budget includes $800,000 in permanent funding for Missouri FFA.

Additionally, the budget includes $55 million in new bonding to support the construction of a 40,000 square foot covered multi-use livestock barn and 80,000 square foot stalling barn to house equine and other livestock at the Missouri State Fair’s new arena, which was previously supported by the legislature and is now under construction.

Education

Governor Kehoe is a proud supporter of education in all of its forms–public schools, private schools, charter schools–as long Missouri’s children are getting a quality education that best meets their needs.

To expand school choice, Governor Kehoe urged the General Assembly to pass voluntary open enrollment in public schools.

Governor Kehoe’s budget also includes $50 million in general revenue funding to bolster the ESA program.

This year, Governor Kehoe’s budget recommends a $200 million increase for the Foundation Formula, the largest increase since the current Formula was created. And, over $370 million to fully fund the state’s commitment for school transportation needs. For teachers, the budget includes $33 million to fund teacher salaries. Additionally, the budget includes $30 million for Small School Grants to support the continued success of our small rural school districts, the heartbeat of their communities.

Governor Kehoe also signed Executive Order 25-14 establishing the School Funding Modernization Task Force to recommend changes to the Foundation Formula to better serve students and families.

Government Improvements
To continue to recruit and retain quality state team members, Governor Kehoe announced a statewide time of service pay plan increase for state employees.

Governor Kehoe also previewed action on DEI programs in state government and support for creating Missouri’s own version of a DOGE initiative. He committed to working with the General Assembly on these efforts in the coming weeks.

During his speech, Governor Kehoe recognized special guests for their achievements and commitment to the people of Missouri:

Special Guests of the Governor
- Lizzy Schott
- Safer Missouri Initiative Group
- Alena Malone
- Adeline Thessen
- USS Missouri Crew Members
Governor Kehoe emphasized there are safer choices than abortion in Missouri and committed to helping pregnant women know these exist, including the Pregnancy Resource Centers across the state. The budget includes support for alternatives to abortion with $4 million in additional funding to benefit expecting and new mothers, a more than 50% increase to existing services.

Governor Kehoe closed the speech thanking veterans and service members, adding that his proposed budget includes an additional $10 million of general revenue funding to our Missouri Veterans Homes.

“Our work in this building is only possible because of those who came before us: the sacrifices of our brave service men and women,” said Governor Kehoe. “Under the Kehoe Administration, NO veterans home will close due to a lack of state funding.”

To view a full transcript of Governor Kehoe’s speech and special guest bios, please see attachments. To view the FY2026 Budget in Brief, please see attachment.

The FY26 Executive Budget will be available here at 3:00 p.m. To view the executive orders signed by Governor Kehoe, visit this link.

Pictures from today’s events, including special guests, will be available on Flickr. An archived video of the 2025 State of the State is available at mo.gov/live.

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MIL OSI USA News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: McKeesport Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearm

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a violation of federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Paul Kirk, 29, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on August 22, 2023, Kirk fled from McKeesport Police officers during a traffic stop. Upon Kirk’s being taken into custody a short distance from the traffic stop, officers found a loaded handgun in the defendant’s pocket. Kirk has multiple previous felony convictions. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain in custody.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and McKeesport Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kirk.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025