NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Financing of ‘The European Qur’an’ project – E-002376/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002376/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Catherine Griset (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Christophe Bay (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    In an article published in Le Journal du Dimanche on 13 April 2025, it was revealed that a project entitled ‘The European Qur’an’, which receives funding to the tune of EUR 9.8 million from the European Research Council, aims to show that the Qur’an played a role in shaping European identity between the 12th and 19th centuries, and still does so now.

    This claim is all the more unusual from a historical point of view as the European institutions do not even recognise the Christian roots of Europe. It is also at odds with a widely shared historical observation that the European identity arose partly on the basis of resistance to Arab-Muslim and Ottoman invasions.

    • 1.Has the Commission made sure that no beneficiary of the funding concerned has links with the Muslim Brotherhood or political Islamism?
    • 2.Is it not the case that the financing of projects like this, which seek to deconstruct European history, is in reality motivated by a desire to justify mass immigration?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Broadening EUNAVFOR MED IRINI’s mandate – E-000975/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 11 March 2025, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2025/488 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/472 on the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI). This decision followed the strategic review of the operation, which was conducted before the scheduled expiry of the operation’s mandate on 31 March 2025.

    Under its new mandate and secondary to its other tasks, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI will now, within its means and capabilities, conduct monitoring and surveillance activities and gather information on illicit activities other than the trafficking of arms and related material and illicit exports of petroleum from Libya, as well as information useful for the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and for contingency planning.

    Any further changes to the operation’s mandate require unanimity among the Council members. It is not for the Council to speculate on potential future changes to the mandate.

    Regarding the Honourable Member’s second and third questions, the Council does not comment on the operational details of military operations.

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Broadening EUNAVFOR MED IRINI’s mandate – E-000975/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 11 March 2025, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2025/488 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/472 on the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI). This decision followed the strategic review of the operation, which was conducted before the scheduled expiry of the operation’s mandate on 31 March 2025.

    Under its new mandate and secondary to its other tasks, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI will now, within its means and capabilities, conduct monitoring and surveillance activities and gather information on illicit activities other than the trafficking of arms and related material and illicit exports of petroleum from Libya, as well as information useful for the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and for contingency planning.

    Any further changes to the operation’s mandate require unanimity among the Council members. It is not for the Council to speculate on potential future changes to the mandate.

    Regarding the Honourable Member’s second and third questions, the Council does not comment on the operational details of military operations.

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU inaction in the face of the threat from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – E-000867/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and persons and entities belonging to the IRGC under several EU restrictive measures regimes[1].

    The Council regularly reviews these restrictive measures in light of developments in Iran.

    The listing of a person, group or entity under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (CP 931)[2] must satisfy the conditions set out in Article 1(2) to 1(4) of that Common Position, which provides a definition of persons, groups and entities ‘involved in terrorist acts’ as well as a definition of ‘terrorist acts’ for this purpose, and specifies the requirements related to the adoption of a decision by a national competent authority in respect of the persons, groups and entities concerned.

    The addition of any new organisations to the list of persons, groups and entities covered by the measures in Articles 2 and 3 of CP 931 is subject to the adoption of a Council decision by unanimity.

    • [1] Iran human rights sanctions regime, Iran weapons of mass destruction sanctions regime, Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region regime, the territorial integrity of Ukraine sanctions regime, the regime in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine and the Syria sanctions regime.
    • [2] Council Common Position of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism 2001/931/CFSP (OJ L 344 28.12.2001, p.93).
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ireland’s schools and UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – E-002363/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002363/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

    In the recent Commission staff working document, entitled ‘2025 Country Report – Ireland’, which accompanies the Commission communication entitled ‘Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the economic, social, employment, structural and budgetary policies of Ireland’ (COM(2025)0207), there is an acknowledgement that the segregated ‘special schools’ are not in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

    • 1.Could the Commission outline what supports, including financial supports, are available to Ireland to increase special classes within mainstream schools to cater for children with additional needs?
    • 2.What funding opportunities are there for targeted treatments within the school environment to assist with diagnoses, development and ongoing learning, such as speech and language therapy and additional resources teachers?
    • 3.What funding opportunities are there for other therapeutic treatments, play therapy counselling, nurture programme teachers and other related techniques?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ireland’s schools and UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – E-002363/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002363/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

    In the recent Commission staff working document, entitled ‘2025 Country Report – Ireland’, which accompanies the Commission communication entitled ‘Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the economic, social, employment, structural and budgetary policies of Ireland’ (COM(2025)0207), there is an acknowledgement that the segregated ‘special schools’ are not in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

    • 1.Could the Commission outline what supports, including financial supports, are available to Ireland to increase special classes within mainstream schools to cater for children with additional needs?
    • 2.What funding opportunities are there for targeted treatments within the school environment to assist with diagnoses, development and ongoing learning, such as speech and language therapy and additional resources teachers?
    • 3.What funding opportunities are there for other therapeutic treatments, play therapy counselling, nurture programme teachers and other related techniques?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Poland’s security in the context of European defence – P-001348/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Decisions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) are taken by the European Council and the Council acting unanimously. Pursuant to Article 31(3) of the Treaty on European Union, the decision to allow the Council to act by a qualified majority in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), in cases other than those referred to in Article 31(2) TEU, is adopted unanimously by the European Council. This does not, however apply to decisions having military or defence implications. National security remains the sole responsibility of each Member State.

    Regarding the Honourable Member’s second and third questions, it is not for the Council to speculate or to comment on the positions of individual Member States.

    The Honourable Member is invited to refer to the conclusions of the Special meeting of the European Council of 6 March 2025, which address European Defence.

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU – E-002331/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002331/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    According to the ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2024’ report, the OECD considers health professions in Europe to be in crisis. In the EU as a whole, there is a shortfall of 1.2 million doctors, nursing professionals and midwives. The WHO describes it as a ticking bomb: Without immediate action, healthcare staff shortages could have disastrous consequences. Moreover, the situation regarding healthcare staff in the EU is significantly worse than it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Union’s crisis prevention strategy, the Commission seeks to take over key responsibilities from the Member States in the area of health, inter alia through the Critical Medicines Act and the Union of Skills, as well as with the help of various EU agencies and authorities. The Commission has explained that in order to safeguard citizens’ wellbeing, it is proposing additional measures in order to better cope with a series of threats, including pandemics and all manner of health emergencies.

    • 1.What does the Commission intend to do to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?
    • 2.What sum does the Commission intend to invest to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU – E-002331/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002331/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    According to the ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2024’ report, the OECD considers health professions in Europe to be in crisis. In the EU as a whole, there is a shortfall of 1.2 million doctors, nursing professionals and midwives. The WHO describes it as a ticking bomb: Without immediate action, healthcare staff shortages could have disastrous consequences. Moreover, the situation regarding healthcare staff in the EU is significantly worse than it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. With the Union’s crisis prevention strategy, the Commission seeks to take over key responsibilities from the Member States in the area of health, inter alia through the Critical Medicines Act and the Union of Skills, as well as with the help of various EU agencies and authorities. The Commission has explained that in order to safeguard citizens’ wellbeing, it is proposing additional measures in order to better cope with a series of threats, including pandemics and all manner of health emergencies.

    • 1.What does the Commission intend to do to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?
    • 2.What sum does the Commission intend to invest to overcome the disastrous shortage of healthcare workers in the EU?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on cyber security incident

    Source: City of Oxford

    Thursday, 19 June 2025

    Oxford City Council was subject to a cyber security incident over the weekend of 7/8 June.

    An unauthorised presence was detected within our network. Our automated security systems kicked in, removed the presence and minimised the access the attackers had to our systems and databases.

    We then rapidly deployed external cyber security specialists to support us and proactively took down each of the Council’s main systems to carry out full security checks and investigate the incident.

    These precautionary measures resulted in disruption to some of our services over the last week, our staff have been working hard to minimise impact on our residents but we would like to sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this has caused to people wanting to access our services.

    We’re pleased to say that most of our systems are now safely up and running again, and the remaining systems should be back online this week. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we’ve worked through this.

    As a result of these precautionary checks, we can confirm that the Council’s email systems and wider digital services remain secure and safe to use.

    Unfortunately, the attackers were able to access some historic data on legacy systems. We have now identified that people who worked on Oxford City Council-administered elections between 2001 and 2022, including poll station workers and ballot counters, may have had some personal details accessed. The majority of these people will be current or former Council officers. There is no evidence to suggest that any of the accessed information has been shared with third parties.

    Investigations continue to identify as precisely as we can what was accessed and what, if anything, might have been taken out of our systems. There is no evidence of a mass download or extraction of data.

    We understand that people will be concerned and today we have individually contacted people potentially affected to explain what happened, what support is available, and the steps we’re taking to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again.

    We know how important it is to protect the information we hold. We take that responsibility extremely seriously, and this unlawful breach of Council systems is deeply regrettable for all impacted. We have already taken action to prevent any further unauthorised access to our systems, and we have reported the incident to the relevant government authorities and law enforcement agencies. A full investigation into the incident is ongoing.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Moscow during the day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    According to weather forecasters, rain, heavy in places, and thunderstorms are expected in Moscow until 9 p.m. on June 19. Wind gusts during thunderstorms can reach 15 meters per second.

    Residents are asked to be careful on the streets, not to take shelter under trees and not to be near advertising boards and shaky structures.

    In an emergency, you must call the emergency services at the single number: 112 or the single helpline of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the city of Moscow: 7 495 637-31-01.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155490073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The final of the “Startup as a Diploma” competition: support students of the State University of Management and get inspired by the best project ideas

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 27, the National Center “Russia” will host the final of the All-Russian competition of final qualifying works in the format “Startup as a Diploma”, the operator of which is the State University of Management.

    Guests of the event will be able to meet the best startuppers and experts, learn how student startups are launched and what opportunities exist for their development, get inspired by student projects and take part in a prize draw.

    The Final program includes:

    Finalists’ presentation; Presentation “Startup as a Diploma 2.0”; Awarding of winners; Interactive platforms; Exhibition of TOP-50 projects; Partners’ stands and networking.

    Let us remind you that our students Danila Yakovlev and Mikhail Zorin are participating in the final. We invite everyone to come to the final and support the guys, as well as get inspired to work in the new academic year.

    Pre-registration is required.

    We look forward to seeing you on June 27 at 10:00 at the National Center “Russia” at the address: Moscow, Krasnopresnenskaya embankment, 14, pavilion No. 3 (western entrance).

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Over 3,000 to participate in GSI’s IDY 2025 celebrations across India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, is gearing up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 with a series of events across the country. Embracing the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, the organisation has planned 50 yoga sessions in 46 different locations, reinforcing its commitment to promoting holistic well-being.
     
    The GSI will organise guided yoga sessions at its Central Headquarters in Kolkata, as well as at regional and state unit offices. Special sessions will also be conducted at 12 geo-heritage sites, six drilling field camps, and three training centres.
     
    Over 3,000 participants, including GSI employees, school children, and members of local communities, are expected to join the nationwide campaign. These sessions will highlight the unifying and health-boosting aspects of yoga, while encouraging collective participation from diverse regions and backgrounds.
     
    As part of the preparations, GSI will also participate in the Countdown Event for IDY 2025. This special session, featuring a live yoga demonstration, will be held in Hyderabad on 20th June and will be attended by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy.
     
    With these initiatives, the Geological Survey of India continues to actively support the national movement towards health and wellness. The widespread observance reflects GSI’s ongoing efforts to blend traditional practices like yoga into the daily lives of its scientific and administrative community, while also engaging with the general public.
     
    The International Day of Yoga is observed globally on 21st June each year to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and to inspire individuals to adopt it as a way of life.

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Halts New Clinical Trials That Export Americans’ Cells to Foreign Labs in Hostile Countries for Genetic Engineering

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    For Immediate Release:
    June 18, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced an immediate review of new clinical trials that involve sending American citizens’ living cells to China and other hostile countries for genetic engineering and subsequent infusion back into U.S. patients – sometimes without their knowledge or consent.
    This action by the FDA follows mounting evidence that some of these trials failed to inform participants about the international transfer and manipulation of their biological material and may have exposed Americans’ sensitive genetic data to misuse by foreign governments including adversaries.
    This practice was made possible by a data security rule finalized under the Biden Administration in December 2024 and implemented in April 2025 by the U.S. Department of Justice. While the rule imposed export controls to limit sensitive data transfers to countries of concern, the Biden Administration specifically requested and approved a sweeping exemption that allowed U.S. companies to send trial participants’ biological samples — including DNA — for processing overseas as part of FDA-regulated clinical trials. This exemption applied even in cases involving companies partially owned or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
    “The previous administration turned a blind eye and allowed American DNA to be sent abroad — often without the knowledge or understanding of trial participants,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. “The integrity of our biomedical research enterprise is paramount. We are taking action to protect patients, restore public trust, and safeguard U.S. biomedical leadership.”
    The FDA is actively reviewing all relevant clinical trials that relied on this exemption and will require companies to demonstrate full transparency, ethical consent, and domestic handling of sensitive biological materials. New trials that cannot meet these standards will not proceed.
    The agency is also working closely with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that no federally funded research is compromised by these practices. Additional enforcement and policy measures could be forthcoming.
    This action is part of a broader national effort to implement Executive Orders 14117 and 14292, which direct the federal government to prevent the exploitation of sensitive biological data by foreign adversaries and ensure research funding flows only to secure, transparent, and U.S.-compliant institutions.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    06/18/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Mexico Battles Wildfires

    Source: NASA

    As extreme drought gripped parts of New Mexico in June 2025, firefighters battled large wildland fires in the southwestern part of the state. The two largest were the Buck and Trout fires, which, as of June 18, had together burned more than 80,000 acres (32,000 square kilometers) since igniting on June 11 and 12, respectively. High winds, low humidity, and dry tinder—grass, brush, and timber—have fueled their rapid spread.
    The OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8 captured these images of the fires on June 14, 2025. Burned area is evident in the false-color images, which show shortwave infrared, near infrared, and visible light (bands 7-5-4). This band combination makes it easier to identify unburned vegetated areas (green) and the recently burned landscape (brown). Bright orange indicates the infrared signature of actively burning fires. The Trout fire, burning about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Silver City, is shown above. The Buck fire, burning to the north of the Trout fire, is below.

    NASA fire tracking tools showed the Trout fire perimeter had grown significantly larger in the days after Landsat captured these images. By June 18, it had reached the edge of Lake Roberts and threatened communities along Sapillo Creek. Residents of about 2,000 homes live within evacuation zones and have been forced to leave, according to news reports. NASA fire tracking tools showed less growth of the Buck fire, which was 25 percent contained on June 18.
    On June 17, New Mexico’s governor issued an emergency declaration in response to the Trout fire, which allowed emergency responders to request additional support from federal or other entities. More than 875 firefighting personnel were responding to the fire on June 18, including hotshot crews, hand crews, dozers, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, according to InciWeb. As of that date, the blaze was zero percent contained, though no infrastructure had been reported as damaged or destroyed. Several communities downwind of the Trout fire faced hazardous air quality.
    NASA Earth science missions have detected elevated levels of certain gases and particles around the fire that can contribute to poor air quality. The TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) mission, for instance, detected plumes of nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde streaming from the fire on June 17. TEMPO is the first space-based instrument designed to continuously measure air quality above North America with the resolution of a few square miles.
    NASA’s satellite data are part of a global system of observations that are used to track fire behavior and analyze emerging trends. Among the real-time wildfire monitoring tools that NASA makes available are FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System), the Worldview browser, and the Fire Event Explorer.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Curiosity Blog, Sols 4573-4574: Welcome to the Uyuni Quad

    Source: NASA

    Written by Lauren Edgar, Planetary Geologist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center
    Earth planning date: Monday, June 16, 2025
    Over the weekend Curiosity successfully wrapped up activities at the “Altadena” drill site and got back on the road. The approximately 48-meter drive (about 157 feet) was successful, and placed the rover in the next mapping quadrangle (informally referred to as a quad). 
    As a reminder, the rover’s exploration area has been divided into 1.5 kilometer by 1.5 kilometer square quads, and each quad is named after a town of less than 100,000 people. As Curiosity explores features within a quad, we assign informal target names that correspond to geologic formations and features from that town on Earth.
    Uyuni, Bolivia, is the gateway city near the world’s largest salt flats (salars), and it seems like an appropriate name as Curiosity explores drier depositional environments higher in the Mount Sharp stratigraphy. The team is excited to use some new target names that will draw from Uyuni and surrounding areas, including the Atacama Desert in Chile, which hosts many Mars analog sites including eolian features, studies of life in extreme environments, and some of the world’s great observatories. A fitting theme for this next phase of exploration!
    As for today’s two-sol plan, we have a good balance of contact science, remote sensing, and another long drive. The team planned APXS and MAHLI on a nodular bedrock target named “Flamingo” to assess its chemistry and texture. In the targeted remote sensing block, the science team planned a Mastcam mosaic of “Los Patos” to characterize a depression which may be related to a small impact crater or boxwork structures, along with a Mastcam image of “La Lava” to investigate an interesting dark block. There are also several Mastcam mosaics of nearby troughs to assess active surface processes, and documentation images for ChemCam observations. The plan includes a ChemCam LIBS observation on a target named “Tacos” to assess the local bedrock, and a long-distance RMI mosaic to evaluate sedimentary structures at “Mishe Mokwa” butte. Then the rover will drive about 56 meters (about 184 feet) to the southwest, and take post-drive imaging to prepare for the next plan. On the second sol, Curiosity will complete a ChemCam calibration target activity, a Mastcam data management activity, and a few Navcam activities to monitor clouds and dust in the atmosphere.
    We’re looking forward to exploring more of Uyuni as we work our way toward the larger exposure of boxwork structures that lie ahead, and the clues they hold to ancient Mars conditions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Homeland Security Warns about the Spike in China-Based Technology Firms’ Smuggling of Signal Jammers

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Homeland Security Warns about the Spike in China-Based Technology Firms’ Smuggling of Signal Jammers

    he Department of Homeland Security issued a warning on the rise in Chinese-manufactured signal jammers to the United States, which pose a threat to public safety and civilian aviation

    Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen a roughly 830% increase in seizures since 2021, despite Chinese companies’ attempts to subvert inspection

    Signal jammers can be used to disrupt a range of radio frequency channels, and pose a threat to emergency response, law enforcement and critical infrastructure

    South American illegal aliens jam calls to local police during home invasions or bank robberies in Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia

    In February 2025, law enforcement in Texas recovered a signal jammer while arresting an illegal alien from Chile

    In December 2024, a criminal used a jammer as law enforcement responded to a burglary

    “Signal jammers have been used by illegal aliens across the country to jam communications during police operations, bank robberies, burglaries, and other dangerous crimes

    Under the vigilance of CBP, national security begins at America’s ports

    As Chinese manufacturers attempt to smuggle signal jammers, we will continue to seize these tools of terrorism

    President Trump and Secretary Noem will always protect America’s critical infrastructure and law enforcement

    ” – DHS Spokesperson

    U

    S

    federal law already prohibits the private import, operation, marketing, or sale of any signal jamming equipment that interferes with law enforcement communications, GPS, or radar

    Chinese counterparts could be amenable to cooperation because signal jammers are banned in Beijing for public use

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Beach Leash Laws are for the Protection of Monk Seal Pups, June 18, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Beach Leash Laws are for the Protection of Monk Seal Pups, June 18, 2025

    Posted on Jun 18, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    BEACH LEASH LAWS ARE FOR THE PROTECTION OF MONK SEAL PUPS

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    June 18, 2025

    HONOLULU – A 43-year-old woman was issued a civil resource violation for having a dog on a beach in a state park Saturday by the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). Photographs of the encounter show the dog off its leash and walking with a group of adults and children. The violation has a $100 fine. The same day, two other people were cited for the same offense.

    The initial citation resulted from an incident in which an off-leash dog ran straight at a resting Hawaiian monk seal on O‘ahu’s North Shore, causing the male seal, named Holokai and tagged as RG40, to move away into the water. A DOCARE officer and a volunteer with Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response (HMAR) approached the group playing with the dog in the water.

    Dogs, on-leash or not, are prohibited within most Hawai‘i state parks and except for service dogs, are never allowed on beaches under the jurisdiction of the DLNR Division of State Parks. The same rules apply to state Natural Area Reserves, under the jurisdiction of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).

    Hawaiian monk seals are protected under both state and federal laws. Violations of these laws can result in warnings, citations, or more severe penalties depending on various factors, such as the severity of the violation, and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

    This incident illustrates the importance of following leash laws, especially during this time of year. The 2025 pupping season for endangered Hawaiian monk seals is well underway, with 11 pups born on O‘ahu so far.

    While mothers do birth year-round, March through August is typically the peak season. This is when pups are born on sandy shorelines across the state. This is a critical and vulnerable time for one of the world’s rarest marine mammals.

    The endemic Hawaiian monk seal is a federally and state protected species with an estimated population of 1,600 individuals. Pup survival is vital to the recovery of the species, and off-leash dogs pose a serious threat. Curious or aggressive dogs, even if well-intentioned, can easily injure or kill a young seal. The dogs themselves are also at risk. Hawaiian monk seals are wild animals with powerful jaws and a defensive bite. A protective mother can cause deep wounds, broken bones, or severe infections in dogs.

    It’s essential to remember that beaches are important resting areas for monk seals, especially during the summer. Keeping your dog leashed is a simple action that can help save a monk seal pup’s life. Harm can result from a disturbance in seal’s natural behaviors and repeated disturbances could cause seals to abandon their pups or abandon birth beaches.

    Dog walkers are urged to always keep dogs leashed and avoid areas where monk seals are known to rest or nurse their pups. Always follow posted signs and guidance from marine wildlife officials. The City and County of Honolulu has a list of on- and off-leash dog parks around O‘ahu. Please see the link below.

    Community awareness and responsible behavior are key to the survival of Hawaiian monk seals. With everyone’s kōkua, seal pups can grow up safely and return to have their own pups.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video Courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Ka‘ena Point State Park seals (May 27, 2023):

    Photographs – Dog and seal encounter on Lyman’s Beach (June 15, 2025):

    City and County of Honolulu dog walking areas:

    Report sightings or concerns to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline:

    888-256-9840.

     

    Media Contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Beach Leash Laws are for the Protection of Monk Seal Pups, June 18, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Beach Leash Laws are for the Protection of Monk Seal Pups, June 18, 2025

    Posted on Jun 18, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    BEACH LEASH LAWS ARE FOR THE PROTECTION OF MONK SEAL PUPS

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    June 18, 2025

    HONOLULU – A 43-year-old woman was issued a civil resource violation for having a dog on a beach in a state park Saturday by the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). Photographs of the encounter show the dog off its leash and walking with a group of adults and children. The violation has a $100 fine. The same day, two other people were cited for the same offense.

    The initial citation resulted from an incident in which an off-leash dog ran straight at a resting Hawaiian monk seal on O‘ahu’s North Shore, causing the male seal, named Holokai and tagged as RG40, to move away into the water. A DOCARE officer and a volunteer with Hawai‘i Marine Animal Response (HMAR) approached the group playing with the dog in the water.

    Dogs, on-leash or not, are prohibited within most Hawai‘i state parks and except for service dogs, are never allowed on beaches under the jurisdiction of the DLNR Division of State Parks. The same rules apply to state Natural Area Reserves, under the jurisdiction of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).

    Hawaiian monk seals are protected under both state and federal laws. Violations of these laws can result in warnings, citations, or more severe penalties depending on various factors, such as the severity of the violation, and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

    This incident illustrates the importance of following leash laws, especially during this time of year. The 2025 pupping season for endangered Hawaiian monk seals is well underway, with 11 pups born on O‘ahu so far.

    While mothers do birth year-round, March through August is typically the peak season. This is when pups are born on sandy shorelines across the state. This is a critical and vulnerable time for one of the world’s rarest marine mammals.

    The endemic Hawaiian monk seal is a federally and state protected species with an estimated population of 1,600 individuals. Pup survival is vital to the recovery of the species, and off-leash dogs pose a serious threat. Curious or aggressive dogs, even if well-intentioned, can easily injure or kill a young seal. The dogs themselves are also at risk. Hawaiian monk seals are wild animals with powerful jaws and a defensive bite. A protective mother can cause deep wounds, broken bones, or severe infections in dogs.

    It’s essential to remember that beaches are important resting areas for monk seals, especially during the summer. Keeping your dog leashed is a simple action that can help save a monk seal pup’s life. Harm can result from a disturbance in seal’s natural behaviors and repeated disturbances could cause seals to abandon their pups or abandon birth beaches.

    Dog walkers are urged to always keep dogs leashed and avoid areas where monk seals are known to rest or nurse their pups. Always follow posted signs and guidance from marine wildlife officials. The City and County of Honolulu has a list of on- and off-leash dog parks around O‘ahu. Please see the link below.

    Community awareness and responsible behavior are key to the survival of Hawaiian monk seals. With everyone’s kōkua, seal pups can grow up safely and return to have their own pups.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video Courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Ka‘ena Point State Park seals (May 27, 2023):

    Photographs – Dog and seal encounter on Lyman’s Beach (June 15, 2025):

    City and County of Honolulu dog walking areas:

    Report sightings or concerns to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline:

    888-256-9840.

     

    Media Contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – INCREASED FUNDING, UPDATED EQUIPMENT, ENHANCED MONITORING AND ENGAGED COMMUNITIES, June 18, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – INCREASED FUNDING, UPDATED EQUIPMENT, ENHANCED MONITORING AND ENGAGED COMMUNITIES, June 18, 2025

    Posted on Jun 18, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    INCREASED FUNDING, UPDATED EQUIPMENT, ENHANCED MONITORING AND ENGAGED COMMUNITIES

    Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! Campaign Highlights New Era of Wildfire and Drought Awareness

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    June 18, 2025

     

    LĪHUʻE, Kaua‘i — At a news conference here today, state, county and nonprofit organizations involved in wildfire noted that since the devastating series of fires in August 2023, people are finally beginning to pay attention to the risk. They also emphasized that many parts of Hawai‘i continue to be impacted by prolonged drought conditions. Drought is already impacting an estimated 386,000 people across the state.

     

    During the 10th Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! campaign kickoff, Mike Walker, state protection forester with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) commented, “When I started the job in 2017, DOFAW had a wildfire suppression budget of $600,000. One fire in California would use that amount in a matter of hours. By 2023, the division was able to get about $4 million for fire suppression.”

     

    It took fires on Maui and Hawai‘i Island, including the deadly Lahaina fire on August 8, 2023, to bring Hawai‘i’s overall lack of funding support for firefighting efforts, suppression and prevention costs into sharp focus. “So, unfortunately it does really take a tragedy for people to wake up and realize we have a problem and start to address it,” Walker added. DOFAW and its partners had long sought better support for wildland fire efforts.

     

    This year could see a repeat of severe wildland fire conditions due to increasing drought conditions, particularly now in the eastern part of the state.

     

    The U.S. Drought Monitor of June 12 shows extreme drought conditions on the north slopes of Mauna Kea, and a sliver of southeast Hawai‘i Island. The rest of the island is experiencing abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions.

     

    All of Maui Nui (Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kahoolawe) is in moderate-to-severe drought. The south sides of O‘ahu and Kaua‘i and all of Ni‘ihau currently have abnormally dry conditions.

     

    Genki Kino, a forecaster in the Honolulu Office of the National Weather Service said,

    “We just had the second-driest wet season in the last 30 years. We’re already seeing vegetation dry out, turn brown and become more receptive to wildfire ignitions. Over the next few months, drier conditions will likely persist with drought conditions worsening across the entire state. We urge everyone to be aware of forecasts calling for windy and dry conditions that often lead to elevated fire danger.

    DLNR Chair Dawn Chang, who also co-leads the state drought council, echoed the concerns from a drought perspective. “This is early June, and we just saw a fire start on here on Kaua‘i last week, a larger one on Maui, just three days ago, and one on O‘ahu at Schofield Barracks. As drought conditions intensify, so too will the fire danger. The two go hand-in-hand and this is why, again this year, we continue to encourage water conservation measures, not only for firefighting purposes, but long-term for the preservation of fresh drinking water supplies.”

    The visibility of the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), which co-leads the Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! initiative with DLNR, has risen tremendously and internationally since the 2023 fire events.

    Elizabeth Pickett, HWMO Co-Executive Directed commented, “We’ve been on the forefront of providing science-based information, education and outreach about wildfire for the past 25 years. Until 2023, we flew under the radar, but now many people are energized about protecting the homes and communities from wildfire.”

    For example, the national Firewise USA campaign, which HWMO administers, has grown exponentially from 14 communities across Hawai‘i to more than 30 in the application process or already approved. “Clearly people are beginning to understand the risks they, their families and their livelihoods face when wildfires are looming,” Pickett said.

    The amount of financial support from state and county governments, along with new firefighting apparatus and improved technology, is a long list. But, as Kaua‘i Fire Chief Mike Gibson noted, it takes years from the time you order a new truck or pumper for them to arrive.

    “Fire engines from the time we order them, take about four years before they’re delivered. Brush trucks help us the most because they’re four-wheel drive. Over the past four years, we’ve ordered six new ones. By the end of this summer, we expect to finally get our first three,” Gibson said.

    The 2025 Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! campaign includes radio, television and social media PSAs and written and visual resources to help people, agencies and the media develop messages they can use in their communities, with neighbors, or with mass audiences. Island-specific resources are listed in the attachment.

    “This effort has always been very collaborative, with more than 30 partners across the state involved. Sharing information and resources is a critical piece toward making Hawai‘i more fire safe and aware,” Pickett concluded.

    Similarly, Chang added, “The Hawai‘i Drought Council has dozens of stakeholders including government agencies, water suppliers, private industry and agricultural interests. We’re all in this together and the more we can work together doesn’t mean we can stop natural forces, but it does mean that we can try and not exacerbate the risks or outcomes because we lacked awareness and action.”

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video, interviews, and photographs:

    Island-specific resources and explanation attached

     

     

    HD video – Zoom recording of Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! news conference (June 18, 2025):https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/A9J7OD8ZWAYN078UTOMF6/Wildfire-and-Drought-News-Conf-Zoom.mp4?rlkey=umx1qe193atilp2bcl9ovrkls&st=6o2artdl&dl=0

     

    Links to clean HD video and photographs of the Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT news conference will be distributed separately.

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    Email: Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – HUNTING SEASON AT KAʻOHE GAME MANAGEMENT AREA OPENS, June 17, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – HUNTING SEASON AT KAʻOHE GAME MANAGEMENT AREA OPENS, June 17, 2025

    Posted on Jun 17, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    DAWN N.S. CHANG

    CHAIRPERSON

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

     

    MUZZLELOADER/SHOTGUN HUNTING SEASON AT KAʻOHE GAME MANAGEMENT AREA OPENS JULY 3

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    June 17, 2025

    HILO, Hawai‘i – The Kaʻohe Game Management Area (GMA) on Hawai‘i Island will open to game mammal hunting with a muzzleloader or shotgun (with slug) on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The season will continue through Sunday, August 31, excluding August 27-28 when the area will be closed for ungulate management operations by DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) staff.

    Conditions and restrictions will apply for this hunt. The daily bag limit will be four pigs of either sex per hunter, per day. There is no limit for sheep or goat harvest. All hunters and non-hunter assistants must wear an exterior garment (shirt, vest, jacket, or coat) made of commercially manufactured, solid blaze-orange material or solid blaze-orange mesh with a maximum mesh size of one-eighth inch.

    Game law violations or any suspicious activity can be reported to the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) Hilo office at 808-974-6208 during regular business hours. To report suspected violations on weekends, holidays, or after hours, call the DLNR enforcement hotline at 808-643-DLNR (3567). Please note that the GMA may be closed to hunting and other public access at any time due to wildland fire or fire hazard. 

    For more information, contact DOFAW’s Hilo office at 808-974-4221.

    # # # 

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    Photographs – Game mammal hunting (various):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3obg0yb7j0www6zwkx2pl/AGMqJD-rsceR_jM6Xe6SFyc?rlkey=fze15mtjgegvjjt8ltey4wnnl&st=ne7g1u3d&dl=0

     

    Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi Hunting Page: https://outdoor.hawaii.gov/hunting/

    OuterSpatial App: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/app/

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai‘i

    Phone: 808-587-0396

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR Media Advisory-Location Change for Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! news conference

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR Media Advisory-Location Change for Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! news conference

    Posted on Jun 17, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

    DAWN CHANG

    CHAIRPERSON

    ANNUAL WILDFIRE & DROUGHT LOOKOUT! CAMPAIGN

     

    MEDIA ADVISORY

    June 17, 2025

    What: The 10th Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! awareness campaign and media availability kicks-off next week with a news conference on Kaua‘i. This year, the DLNR has produced island-specific media packages which include recorded interviews, video, and photographs. This material is embargoed until 4:00 a.m. on June 18 but is being released to the media now for advance production. (Please see updated attachment)

    When: News Conference, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

    Where: Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, 3990 Ka’ana Street, Līhuʻe

    or via Zoom:

    Who:

    • Genki Kino, National Weather Service forecaster
    • Michael Gibson, Kaua‘i Fire Chief
    • Michael Walker, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, state protection forester
    • Dawn Chang, DLNR Chair and co-chair Hawai‘i Drought Council
    • Elizabeth Pickett, Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization Co-Executive Director

    This news conference is open only to credentialed media representatives. Media are asked to join the conversation at least 5 minutes prior to the start of the Zoom.

    # # #

    Media resources:

    Attached

    Media contact:
    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai‘i

    Phone: 808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims LGBTQ Pride Month

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 18, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring June 2025, as “LGBTQ+ Pride Month.”

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    This month – and every month – California supports and celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community as they take pride in who they are and whom they love.

    The LGBTQ community has fought tirelessly for their very right to exist and to be treated with the respect and equality that everyone deserves. But their fight is far from over. Members of the LGBTQ community around the world face continuous, hate-fueled discrimination and violence. Across the country, deplorable efforts targeting our LGBTQ community are undoing decades of progress, attacking our foundational rights and freedoms as Americans. Data from 2023 shows that more than 1 in 5 hate crimes are motivated by anti-LGBTQ bias, disproportionately impacting transgender people, particularly Black transgender women.

    Just this year, even just this month, there have been efforts to erase the legacy of LGBTQ achievements and leaders, from omitting the true and full history of Stonewall to changing the name of USNS Harvey Milk. In the 2025 legislative session, around 600 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across the United States. This threat of violence against the LGBTQ community is both systemic and individual, and encouraged by a hostile federal administration, which denies the existence of transgender people altogether, to the point of omitting the “T” in LGBTQ.

    This kind of hate and intolerance is not new; from the Briggs Initiative to the AIDS crisis to the fight for gay marriage and basic equality, the LGBTQ community has endured much. However, there has also been enormous progress, due to the unrelenting work of the community itself.

    There is still farther to go. Marsha P. Johnson reminded us that there is “No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” We must keep moving forward, advancing progress as LGBTQ people and allies alike, and we must hold the line against those who attempt to roll back rights.  

    During Pride Month, we rededicate ourselves to the continued fight. California has long been a leader in LGBTQ rights and protections, and we are proud to continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with all members of this community to protect and build on our progress toward a better and safer future for all.

    With the rainbow flag proudly raised over the State Capitol, California stands with LGBTQ people throughout the state and across the country. Together, we will continue to demand equal rights for all to create a California for all.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as “LGBTQ+ Pride Month.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 17th day of June 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

    Press releases, Proclamations

    Recent news

    Jun 18, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for the City of Malibu to assist in recovery from the December 2024 Franklin Fire that caused significant damage to the local area and threatened the lives of thousands. The emergency…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 16 Superior Court Judges: six in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; one in San Diego County; two in San Francisco County; three in Santa Clara County; one in San…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: After more than 170 events last week celebrating California’s state parks, Governor Newsom and his administration are calling out federal cuts to National Parks and public lands. SACRAMENTO – As the Trump administration threatens the future…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues emergency proclamation to help the City of Malibu recover from Franklin Fire

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 18, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for the City of Malibu to assist in recovery from the December 2024 Franklin Fire that caused significant damage to the local area and threatened the lives of thousands. 

    The emergency proclamation authorizes the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to provide assistance to the City of Malibu under the California Disaster Assistance Act, among other provisions.

    The text of today’s emergency proclamation for the city of Malibu can be found here.

    Press releases, Proclamations

    Recent news

    Jun 18, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 16 Superior Court Judges: six in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; one in San Diego County; two in San Francisco County; three in Santa Clara County; one in San…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: After more than 170 events last week celebrating California’s state parks, Governor Newsom and his administration are calling out federal cuts to National Parks and public lands. SACRAMENTO – As the Trump administration threatens the future…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: Two sites in San Francisco are the latest to be transformed under Governor Newsom’s executive order converting excess and underutilized state land into affordable housing.  SAN FRANCISCO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementing the EPBD to ensure genuine energy savings by levering measured performance – E-002357/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002357/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Niels Flemming Hansen (PPE)

    The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduces a pivotal shift towards measured energy performance (Annex I), which assesses a building’s actual energy consumption. This data-driven approach is a significant improvement over the theoretical models used for traditional Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which often fail to reflect real-world energy use.

    Adopting measured performance is critical for ensuring that building renovations deliver verifiable energy savings, thereby enhancing accountability, de-risking investments and building public trust. However, the successful EU-wide implementation of this principle depends entirely on clear guidance from the Commission and robust support for Member States.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.What specific actions will the Commission take to develop and disseminate clear guidance for Member States on the effective implementation of measured energy performance, as introduced in the recast EPBD?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to support the development of a harmonised, pan-European certification scheme for measured performance systems to ensure their reliability and comparability across the EU?
    • 3.Given that other international partners, such as the United Kingdom, have already begun to shift renovation policies towards a measured performance framework, what steps will the Commission take to analyse the lessons learned from these experiences to inform best practice within the EU?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementing the EPBD to ensure genuine energy savings by levering measured performance – E-002357/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002357/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Niels Flemming Hansen (PPE)

    The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) introduces a pivotal shift towards measured energy performance (Annex I), which assesses a building’s actual energy consumption. This data-driven approach is a significant improvement over the theoretical models used for traditional Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which often fail to reflect real-world energy use.

    Adopting measured performance is critical for ensuring that building renovations deliver verifiable energy savings, thereby enhancing accountability, de-risking investments and building public trust. However, the successful EU-wide implementation of this principle depends entirely on clear guidance from the Commission and robust support for Member States.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.What specific actions will the Commission take to develop and disseminate clear guidance for Member States on the effective implementation of measured energy performance, as introduced in the recast EPBD?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to support the development of a harmonised, pan-European certification scheme for measured performance systems to ensure their reliability and comparability across the EU?
    • 3.Given that other international partners, such as the United Kingdom, have already begun to shift renovation policies towards a measured performance framework, what steps will the Commission take to analyse the lessons learned from these experiences to inform best practice within the EU?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Handling the OPEKEPE scandal – E-002308/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002308/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    The extensive agricultural subsidy fraud scandal in Greece, uncovered by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, led to a EUR 283 million fine from the Commission on OPEKEPE and calls into question its accreditation as a paying agency. Following investigations into thousands of fake VAT numbers, false declarations of ownership, lack of controls and indications of political cover-up, the Greek Government launched a restructuring plan in cooperation with DG AGRI. In this context, a 12-month restructuring plan for OPEKEPE has been put into effect, which includes its abolition and transfer to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), the full digitalisation of procedures, the reconstitution of the Board of Directors and institutional oversight by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of the progress of the OPEKEPE reconstruction plan?
    • 2.How does the Commission assess the closure of the organisation and the transfer of payments to the IAPR, and does the Commission intend to impose an alternative management regime (e.g. through the EU)?
    • 3.How is it being ensured that law-abiding farmers will not be deprived of aid during this critical transition?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Handling the OPEKEPE scandal – E-002308/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002308/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    The extensive agricultural subsidy fraud scandal in Greece, uncovered by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, led to a EUR 283 million fine from the Commission on OPEKEPE and calls into question its accreditation as a paying agency. Following investigations into thousands of fake VAT numbers, false declarations of ownership, lack of controls and indications of political cover-up, the Greek Government launched a restructuring plan in cooperation with DG AGRI. In this context, a 12-month restructuring plan for OPEKEPE has been put into effect, which includes its abolition and transfer to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), the full digitalisation of procedures, the reconstitution of the Board of Directors and institutional oversight by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of the progress of the OPEKEPE reconstruction plan?
    • 2.How does the Commission assess the closure of the organisation and the transfer of payments to the IAPR, and does the Commission intend to impose an alternative management regime (e.g. through the EU)?
    • 3.How is it being ensured that law-abiding farmers will not be deprived of aid during this critical transition?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding Greek ports – E-002368/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002368/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    For several months of the year, the Aegean and Ionian islands are exposed to extreme weather events and in many cases ships face objective difficulties in approaching. In the winter months, the situation is particularly difficult and often extremely dangerous due to strong winds.

    This problem is clearly visible in the port of Karlovasi on the island of Samos, which – as experts have pointed out – remains unprotected from strong northern winds, as an expansion some years ago was left unfinished. According to experts, funding for the port is desperately needed, so that two internal jetties (moles) can be built to protect the port’s inner harbour and make it easier for vessels to dock. In the Gulf of Marathokampos in Samos, the southern winds cause major problems for the port’s operations, as well as serious problems in terms of the gulf’s erosion. The ports requiring direct funding are large in number and can be found in most Aegean islands. Ports in the Ionian Sea, such as in Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia, face similar problems.

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.Does it intend to provide funding for projects in the ports of the islands, which are key to regional development, so that they can remain fully operational even in extreme weather events?
    • 2.Are there plans to upgrade port infrastructure to make it more resilient?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding Greek ports – E-002368/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002368/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    For several months of the year, the Aegean and Ionian islands are exposed to extreme weather events and in many cases ships face objective difficulties in approaching. In the winter months, the situation is particularly difficult and often extremely dangerous due to strong winds.

    This problem is clearly visible in the port of Karlovasi on the island of Samos, which – as experts have pointed out – remains unprotected from strong northern winds, as an expansion some years ago was left unfinished. According to experts, funding for the port is desperately needed, so that two internal jetties (moles) can be built to protect the port’s inner harbour and make it easier for vessels to dock. In the Gulf of Marathokampos in Samos, the southern winds cause major problems for the port’s operations, as well as serious problems in terms of the gulf’s erosion. The ports requiring direct funding are large in number and can be found in most Aegean islands. Ports in the Ionian Sea, such as in Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia, face similar problems.

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.Does it intend to provide funding for projects in the ports of the islands, which are key to regional development, so that they can remain fully operational even in extreme weather events?
    • 2.Are there plans to upgrade port infrastructure to make it more resilient?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –