NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy on Putin: “We need to cut off his sale of oil.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    Watch Kennedy’s comments here. 

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) delivered the following remarks on the U.S. Senate floor: 

    “Now, regardless of how you feel about the war in Ukraine, I think most fair-minded people can agree on two things. Number one: Vladimir Putin, who runs Russia—not the people of Russia, but their leadership—is a thug. He’s a pirate. He has blood under his fingernails. He can’t be trusted.

    “The second thing that I think most fair-minded Americans can agree on is that we would all like to see the war ended. . . . I think Ukraine is willing to negotiate a reasonable settlement, but it takes two to tango, and we are not going to have a settlement until President Putin decides it is in his best interest to stop the war. “Not in Russia’s best interest because I don’t think he cares about his people. I think the war will stop when Putin thinks it is in his best interest. 

    “And I don’t think he is going to think it is in his best interest until he feels the pressure, Mr. President, because dealing with Putin is like dealing with most tyrants: It is like hand-feeding a shark. You can’t reason with them. You have to make them feel the pain. 

    “A lot of people think of Russia and think of Putin as this gigantic country with a lot of wealth and power, and that is not really the case. Yes, they have nuclear weapons, but, actually, the Russian economy is pretty small. . . . The Russian economy is only about $2 trillion. New York state, in America, has a bigger economy than Russia, and I think we need to keep that in mind.

    “Russia’s economy is also not terribly diversified. It is mostly oil. . . .  Number one: The price of oil is down. We know that. Number two: Russia is spending all of its money fighting the war with Ukraine, which has hurt other parts of its economy.

    “The point I am trying to make, Mr. President, is: When you are dealing with a tyrant like Putin and you are trying to bring him to the negotiating table, what you have to do is get him down and choke him. And the way to get President Putin down and choke him is through his cash flow. Putin—and, remember, I am not talking about the good people in Russia. I am talking about their leadership. I am talking about Vladimir Putin, the thug. 

    “Putin is only able to prosecute his war through cash flow generated by his sale of oil. That is the only way. Without that cash flow from oil, he can’t continue. We need to cut off his money. We need to cut off his sale of oil.

    “Now, we already have sanctions on Russia, and Europe has sanctions on Russia, but Russia has figured out how to evade those sanctions and continue to sell its oil. For example, India is buying a lot of Russia’s oil. China is buying a lot of Russia’s oil, but we can stop that.

    “We have a bill—87 of us have signed on— that would apply what is called secondary sanctions on Russia. Our bill would not only sanction Russia and its sale of oil, but it would sanction everybody who buys Russian oil, a big difference.

    “It would say to those who want to buy Russian oil: If you want to buy Russian oil, have at it—knock yourself out—but you are not going to be able to do business with America, and you are not going to be able to use the American dollar, which is the world’s currency, to do business in America. It will put Putin on his knees within three months, and he won’t have any choice but to come to the bargaining table.

    “Now, President Trump has been very patient. President Biden wasn’t patient; he was giving. I remember when President Biden said to Putin: Well, you know, we don’t want you to go into Ukraine, but if it is just a little excursion, it might be okay. I remember that. What do you think Putin did? Do you remember hand-feeding a shark? He went right into Ukraine.

    “President Trump, on the other hand, has really tried to be rational and negotiate with Putin and say: Look, we need to have an amicable solution to satisfy both sides. Ukraine is willing. Putin has done nothing but embarrass our president and our country.

    “The time has come to put Russia on its knees. I hate to see it for the Russian people, but the time has come to put Putin on his knees. Get him down and choke him. The only way you are going to do that is to cut off his cash flow. And the only way you are going to cut off his cash flow is to cut off his oil sales because that is at least a third—and probably 40%—of his money.

    “We have no choice. Otherwise, this war could go on forever.

    “Now, we have the bill locked, loaded, and ready to go. We are waiting for President Trump to give us the high sign because we want to stay together. The president is the one who is trying to negotiate the peace, but I hope President Trump will seriously consider letting us pull the trigger because it is the only thing—it is the only thing—that is going to get Vladimir Putin to the table.

    “I wish the world weren’t like that. There are just some people—I don’t know why. If I make it to heaven, I am going to ask. But there are some people in this world, they are not sick; they are not misunderstood; they are not mixed up. It is not really that their mom or daddy didn’t love them enough. They are just bad people. They are. And some of them run countries, and one of them is Vladimir Putin. So, let’s go do what we have to do.”

    Watch Kennedy’s speech here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Introduces Bill to Ban Radical Gender Ideology in Schools

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today introduced the Say No to Indoctrination Act to codify President Trump’s executive order preventing taxpayer dollars from funding radical gender ideology in K-12 schools.

    “Schools should prepare our children for the future, not promote radical gender ideology,” said Risch.“The Say No to Indoctrination Act puts an end to woke education practices in K-12 schools and makes President Trump’s common-sense policy permanent.”

    Senator Risch’s bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and has received support from Concerned Women for America and American Principles Project.

    “Children should not be radicalized, indoctrinated or taught gender ideology in public elementary or secondary schools funded by federal tax dollars,” Crapo said. “This legislation places commonsense guardrails around the use of these dollars in public education, which will ensure schools are providing foundational instruction in subjects like mathematics and reading rather than divisive concepts of gender ideology.”

    “For far too long, radical left-wing ideology has preyed on K-12 students in our nation’s school systems. It’s high time we put a stop to these woke lesson plans that take advantage of children and undermine parental rights. I am proud to join Senator Risch and my colleagues to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding public schools that teach gender ideology,” said Budd.

    “As American students lag behind globally in math, reading, and writing, the last thing our taxpayer-funded teachers and schools should be doing is teaching radical leftist nonsense like so-called gender theory,” said Marshall. “I’m proud to support this legislation to codify President Trump’s executive order, and ensure our children’s education is focused on meaningful, future-ready skills, not woke ideology.

    “Parents send their kids to school to learn the skills they need to succeed later in life, not to be indoctrinated with radical gender ideology. There are only two genders—male and female, and not a single penny of federal funds should go to schools that teach anything different,” said Schmitt.

    “Our children go to school to be educated, not indoctrinated,” said Tuberville. “I’ve always said that education is the key to unlocking opportunity. But under Joe Biden, Democrats turned our children’s classrooms into woke propaganda HQ. Schools should focus on teaching kids to read, write, and do math. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Say No to Indoctrination Act to get woke politics out of the classroom.”

    The Say No to Indoctrination Act codifies the Executive Order President Trump issued on January 20, 2025, declaring that no taxpayer dollars be sent to K-12 schools that teach or promote radical gender ideology.

    Risch has long fought to eradicate radical gender ideology. In May, Risch introduced the Protecting Minors in Federal Health Plans Act, which would prohibit Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans from covering gender transitions for minors. Risch also introduced the Dismantle DEI Act to codify President Trump’s executive order terminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and initiatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Engagement begins to support implementation of Infrastructure Projects Act

    Public engagement is open to support implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act, which aims to get shovels in the ground quicker for critical projects that people need in their communities.

    The act received royal assent in May 2025.

    First Nations, members of the public and interest-holders, such as municipalities, business organizations, environmental groups and construction partners, are invited to share their thoughts on the development of two key parts of the legislation over the summer:

    1. Provincially significant projects criteria – a regulation to establish the minimum criteria for projects to be designated as provincially significant, so they can access streamlining tools that will help reach decisions quicker.
    2. Qualified professional certifications – a regulation to develop a qualified professional-reliance model to create permitting efficiencies, while maintaining accountability and high standards.

    Methods of engagement will include:

    • online surveys;
    • opportunities to provide written submissions;
    • meetings; and
    • advisory groups.

    In addition, engagement on the expedited environmental-assessment process is planned to start in fall 2025.

    For more information and to get to involved, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/infrastructure

    Learn More:

    To read the news release about the introduction of the legislation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0018-000403

    To read the Infrastructure Projects Act, visit:
    https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/overview/43rd-parliament/1st-session/bills/3rd_read/gov15-3.htm

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minimum Wage Set to Increase October 1

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 10, 2025

    On October 1, 2025, minimum wage in Saskatchewan will increase to $15.35 per hour.

    Saskatchewan’s minimum wage is calculated using an indexation formula, which gives equal weight to changes to the Consumer Price Index and Average Hourly Wage for Saskatchewan.

    “By raising the minimum wage, we are continuing to support workers and deliver on our commitment to affordability,” Deputy Premier and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said. “Saskatchewan’s low personal tax rates continue to make our province a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

    In 2022, the Government of Saskatchewan indicated it would make incremental increases to minimum wage which resulted in a 27 per cent increase from $11.81 per hour to $15 per hour by 2024. With that commitment having been met, the indexation formula is again in place.

    In addition to indexation, the 2025-26 Budget delivered on 13 affordability commitments which included reducing income taxes for every resident, family and small business in our province.

    “We know the benefits that increasing the minimum wage will have for employees, but we also want to create a balance for employers,” Reiter said. “Over the next few months, we will be working together with the Chambers of Commerce and other key stakeholders to understand the implications of increasing minimum wage for the business community and the impact on Saskatchewan’s economy.”

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Gladys Wasylenchuk
    Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-2411
    Email: gladys.wasylenchuk@gov.sk.ca 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Regional health councils give Albertans a voice

    Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system. 

    The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.

    “By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone. I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

    “Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services

    “A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”

    Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

    “Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

    Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.

    Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.

    Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.

    “As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”

    Kim Simmonds, CEO, Primary Care Alberta

    “The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”

    Dr. Chris Eagle, interim CEO, Acute Care Alberta

    “Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”

    Dr. Sayeh Zielke, CEO, Assisted Living Alberta

    “Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”

    Kerry Bales, CEO, Recovery Alberta

    Indigenous Advisory Council

    Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.

    With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.

    Related information

    • Advisory councils – Health
    • Terms of Reference: Regional Advisory Councils
    • Member Handbook

    Related news

    • Ensuring a successfully refocused health system (Nov. 18, 2024)
    • Get involved in Alberta’s health advisory councils (April 16, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures $720 Million from Eight Drug Companies for Fueling the Opioid Crisis

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced eight pharmaceutical companies will pay approximately $720 million for their role in manufacturing opioid pills that fueled the ongoing nationwide epidemic of opioid addictions. These funds will help deliver critical resources to communities throughout New York and the nation to combat the opioid crisis. New York will receive up to $38.7 million from the eight companies. To date, Attorney General James has secured more than $3 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts.

    “For years, drug companies prioritized profits at the expense of struggling New Yorkers who became trapped in deadly opioid addictions,” said Attorney General James. “While communities throughout our state continue to suffer from the opioid crisis, these resources will help us begin to heal. I will continue to work to hold those responsible for the opioid crisis accountable and ensure that New Yorkers who have been most affected get the support they need.” 

    The eight companies and the total amounts they will pay in funding to address the opioid crisis are:  

    • Mylan (now part of Viatris) will pay $284,447,916 over nine years;
    • Hikma will pay $95,818,293 over one to four years;
    • Amneal will pay $71,751,010 over 10 years;
    • Apotex will pay $63,682,369 in a single year;
    • Indivior will pay $38,022,450 over four years;
    • Sun will pay $30,992,087 in one to four years;
    • Alvogen will pay $18,680,162 in a single year; and
    • Zydus will pay $14,859,220 in a single year.  

    Payments will begin as soon as 2026. The eight companies will also provide $14 million in additional funding and Mylan, Hikma, Amneal, and Indivior will provide opioid addiction treatment medications or cash in lieu of this product to participating states valued at approximately $86 million. All companies besides Indivior will be prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products and making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill. They must also put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior will not manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid addiction.  

    For New York, the settlement negotiations were led by Special Counsel Monica Hanna and Assistant Attorney General Matthew Conrad with the assistance of the Deputy Director of Research and Analytics Gautam Sisodia and Data Scientist Kenneth Morales, under the supervision of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. In addition to New York, the settlements were negotiated by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.  

    Attorney General James is a national leader in holding accountable the companies that fueled the opioid crisis and securing resources to help combat the epidemic of addictions and overdoses. To date, Attorney General James has secured more than $3 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts from companies including, Purdue, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt, Allergan, Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen. Attorney General James has also led multistate coalitions in reaching settlements for billions of dollars with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart for their roles in failing to properly regulate opioid prescriptions. Additionally, Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition of states secured settlements with consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the marketing firm Publicis Health for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces $720 million settlement with eight opioid drug makersRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson today announced approximately $720 million nationwide in settlements with eight drug makers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. Based on the overwhelming participation by attorneys general across the country, all eight defendants have agreed to proceed with a sign-on period for local governments. South Carolina could receive up to $10 million in all. 

    “The opioid epidemic has devastated tens of thousands of families in South Carolina and across the country, and we’ve been working for years to hold the companies responsible for it accountable,” said Attorney General Wilson. “The money from these settlements, along with other settlements we’ve announced before, will go toward opioid treatment programs and efforts to prevent future victims of opioid addiction.”

    The eight defendants and the total amount they will pay in funds to address the opioid crisis as part of the deal are:  

    • Mylan (now part of Viatris): $284,447,916 paid over nine years 
    • Hikma: $95,818,293 paid over one to four years 
    • Amneal: $71,751,010 paid over 10 years 
    • Apotex: $63,682,369 paid in a single year 
    • Indivior: $38,022,450 paid over four years 
    • Sun: $30,992,087 paid over one to four years 
    • Alvogen: $18,680,162 paid in a single year 
    • Zydus: $14,859,220 paid in a single year 

    (Note: The dollar amounts listed don’t equal exactly $720M – this is the maximum amount if states get all the abatement payments and take cash in lieu of pharmaceutical products (medication-assisted treatment.))

    In addition to these abatement payments, several of the settlements allow states to receive free pharmaceutical products or cash in lieu of these products. Additionally, seven of the companies (not including Indivior) are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products, making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill, and are required to put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior has agreed not to manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid use disorder.  

    The settlements were negotiated by North Carolina, California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Signed 313 Bills Into Law

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Governor Josh Green, M.D., took action on 313 of the 321 bills enrolled during the 2025 regular session of the Hawai‘i State Legislature. Of those, Governor Green conducted 13 bill signing ceremonies to bring together community leaders and stakeholders to discuss and highlight impactful legislation. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke led efforts for broadband access and expanded Preschool Open Doors through two bill signing ceremonies as acting governor.

    Significant milestones during this legislative bill signing session include the enactment of the state budget:

    On June 30, Governor Green signed House Bill 300 (Act 250, SLH 2025), the executive biennium budget, which appropriates $19.8 billion across all means of financing in fiscal year 2026 and $19.7 billion in fiscal year 2027. It includes $10.53 billion in general funds in fiscal 2026 and $10.58 billion in fiscal 2027.

    CIP funding within the budget comprises $3.3 billion across all means of financing in fiscal 2026 and $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2027. General obligation bonds to support statewide construction projects allocates $1.4 billion for fiscal 2026 and $432 million for fiscal 2027.

    Governor Green line-item vetoed $110 million across the fiscal biennium, representing less than half a percent of the roughly $40 billion state budget. These reductions demonstrate fiscal prudence in maintaining a stabilized state budget amid emerging federal funding uncertainty.

    Additional key legislation enacted includes:

    On May 27, Governor Green signed Senate Bill 1396 (Act 96, SLH 2025) into law, establishing the nation’s first Green Fee to combat the ever-evolving climate crisis that threatens the state. Guided by recommendations from the Climate Advisory Team (CAT), established by Governor Green, comprehensive climate and community-based policies identified the need for a sustainable funding source to support climate resiliency. Dialogue between key stakeholders and the tourism industry contributed to a collaborative effort to find solutions to safeguard the environment.

    The signing of this bill strengthens infrastructure and funds initiatives through the revenue generated by a 0.75% increase to the transient accommodation tax. Revenues will fund environmental stewardship, climate and hazard mitigation and sustainable tourism.

    On May 30, Governor Green signed Senate Bill 1300 (Act 139, SLH 2025), expanding access to free school meals for Hawai‘i public school students. The legislation aims to eliminate barriers for students experiencing food insecurity, allowing keiki to focus on learning and extracurricular activities. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, free school meals will be available to all qualifying students under the National School Lunch Program. The following school year, eligibility will expand to include ‘ohana with income below 300% of the federal poverty level. The act appropriates $3.3 million to the Department of Education over the two school years to subsidise free school meals.

    On June 30, Governor Green signed House Bill 1483 (Act 243, SLH 2025), strengthening legislation relating to fireworks crimes and increasing the criminal penalties for violators. These newly enacted provisions aim to safeguard Hawai‘i residents and communities by setting stronger deterrences and implementing additional regulatory measures to support the prosecution of fireworks-related crimes.

    To further enhance enforcement, the legislation works to streamline the judicial process by amending the traffic and emergency period infractions adjudication system to include fireworks infractions. The addition shall expedite the handling of the high-volume fireworks violation and reduce the burden on the courts.

    On July 7, Governor Green signed Senate Bill 1044 (Act 296, SLH 2025), reactivating the Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF) to provide insurance coverage in scenarios where the private market fails to do so. To provide additional insurance coverage options, the bill enhances the powers of the Hawaiʻi Property Insurance Association (HPIA) and establishes the Condominium Loan Program to help buildings remain insurable, and mandates the Insurance Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at developing sustainable strategies for market stabilization.

    On July 8, Governor Green signed House Bill 1001 (Act 301, SLH 2025), establishing the Maui Wildfires Settlement Trust Fund to support the funding for the claims of settlement arising from the 2023 Maui wildfires. The bill appropriates $807.5 million to support the state’s portion of the total $4.037 billion settlement agreement. This funding provides timely compensation for survivors as an alternative to lengthy litigation.

    To prioritize victims and their families, provisions in Act 301 specify that property and casualty insurance companies can only recover payments made to a policyholder through a statutory lien.

    Additionally, Governor Green signed House Bill 1064 (Act 302, SLH 2025), effectuating the Phase Three report provided by the Fire Safety Research Institute, to improve the state’s fire preparedness and response following the 2023 Maui wildfires. The recommendations provided intent to set improvements to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

    Under Act 302, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is transferred to the Department of Law Enforcement and is to be led by the State Fire Marshal, the first in the state in nearly 46 years. The measure establishes roles, duties and discretionary authority for both the Office and the State Fire Marshal. To further integrate this role into the state, organizational structure amendments clarify responsibility and reporting requirements for the State Fire Marshal and the State Fire Council.

    Part of the State Fire Marshal’s responsibility is to provide centralized analysis of fire occurrences from across the state using the annual records submitted by each county’s fire chief. The legislation establishes the biennial statistical report requirement to keep the public informed and to provide the legislature with reports regarding the office’s operations.

    Governor Green signed more than 300 additional bills, separate from the public bill signing ceremonies.

    “This legislative session delivered many important wins, and I’m deeply grateful to the Hawai‘i State Legislature for championing measures that serve our people and protect our ‘āina,” said Governor Green. “At the same time, we faced real challenges, especially the uncertainty of federal funding, which put critical lifelines for our communities at risk.”

    It was the foresight and resilience of our communities — and our willingness to listen — that helped move many of these bills across the finish line. I remain committed to advocating for key administrative priorities, including housing, homelessness, healthcare, wellness and resilience, and climate action. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, healthier and more sustainable future for all of Hawai‘i.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Over the past three months, California seized $476 million worth of unlicensed cannabis products

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 10, 2025

    What you need to know: In the second quarter of 2025, the state’s cross-agency enforcement efforts – including UCETF’s largest operation to date – resulted in the seizure of 185,873 pounds of illicit cannabis product valued at $476 million.

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that the state seized $476 million worth of illegal cannabis between April and June, thanks to the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW).

    As a proof point of California’s commitment to the legal cannabis industry, the state seized over 92 tons of illicit cannabis product in the past three months alone. I thank the federal, state, and local partners who conducted these enforcement efforts for protecting consumers and supporting our legal cannabis market.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    In the efforts announced today, UCETF received support from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

    Combined enforcement highlights from April through June include:

    •       413,302 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
    •       185,873 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
    •       214 warrants served
    •       77 firearms seized
    •       93 arrests

    “Our teams continue to take an aggressive and proactive approach to eliminating unlicensed cannabis activities,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “We will remain laser-focused on dismantling illicit cannabis operations until they are all permanently shut down.”

    “Over the past quarter, UCETF conducted numerous highly strategic operations that significantly impacted the daily activities of illegal cannabis operators,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “This success would not be possible without the continued support and dedication of our partners throughout the state.”

    In May, UCETF conducted its largest successful operation to date with 200 sworn officers and staff from state, local, and federal agencies participating in an enforcement effort spanning 4,600 square miles in the Central Valley. Through 71 search warrants, officials seized:

    • 105,700 illicit cannabis plants
    • 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis valued at $123.5 million 
    • Nine firearms

    A unified strategy across California 

    Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 950 tons, or over 1.9 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.6 billion through over 1,700+ operations.

    The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

    To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – PCC infiltrates Portugal – the need to boost European cooperation – P-002759/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002759/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ana Miguel Pedro (PPE)

    Recent reports from the Brazilian authorities show that the transnational criminal group First Capital Command (Primeiro Comando da Capital, PCC) has established a worrying operational presence in Europe, with Portugal having been identified as the main point of infiltration. 87 active PCC members have already been identified on Portuguese territory, of which 29 are being held in national prisons.

    This situation represents a direct threat to the internal security of the European Union. The PCC is infiltrating prisons, exploiting weaknesses in logistics chains and building narcotrafficking and money laundering networks.

    The group’s standard of operation demonstrates a high level of organisation, adaptation and strategic ambition, with the PCC seeking to take over control of critical drug entry points into the EU.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to strengthen police and judicial cooperation, improve the sharing of intelligence and tighten control in strategic ports to curb the rise of criminal networks in Europe?
    • 2.How will the new EU-Brazil agreement with Europol be used to identify and stop groups such as the PCC before they take hold in Europe?
    • 3.How does the European Commission assess the possibility of carrying out an analysis to classify the PCC, bearing in mind that a number of the group’s activities already meet the legal criteria of terrorism?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    Last updated: 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Announces Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar to Chair State Employees’ Insurance Board, Appoints Bo Offord as Agency Commissioner

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced she will appoint Bo Offord to serve as commissioner of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Stephanie McGee Azar, after leading the Medicaid Agency for over 13 years, will become the chief executive officer of the State Employees’ Insurance Board of Directors (SEIB).

    “As Alabama’s longest consecutively serving Medicaid commissioner, Stephanie Azar has proven herself a skillful manager of the state’s public health insurance program for low-income families,” said Governor Ivey. “She successfully directed annual Medicaid budgets for more than 13 years and shepherded the passage of legislation to create and fund the first Alabama Medicaid Reserve while maintaining a balanced budget. I am grateful to Stephanie for her years of invaluable service, and I am confident she will continue to serve the state well through her new position at SEIB.

    “Meanwhile, Bo Offord has diligently helped guide the Alabama Medicaid Agency for close to two decades, serving as assistant general counsel, deputy general counsel and general counsel. He has demonstrated the necessary expertise to ensure the Agency remains on the sound footing Commissioner Azar established, and I look forward to his leadership as he assumes his new role of Medicaid commissioner.”

    A graduate of The University of Alabama and Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, Offord began practicing law in 2007. Since he joined the Alabama Medicaid Agency in 2010, he has represented and advised the Medicaid Agency in probate, circuit and appellate matters, as well as in complex federal regulatory issues.

    “It is an honor to be appointed by Governor Ivey to serve as the next commissioner of the Alabama Medicaid Agency,” said Offord. “I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Alabama in this capacity. I had the privilege to work with Commissioner Azar for 15 years, witnessing firsthand her professionalism and leadership. I am certain she will have nothing but success at the State Employees Insurance Board.”

    Offord’s appointment is effective July 16, 2025.

    An official headshot of Bo Offord is attached.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Wins at Idaho Supreme Court Over Taxpayer Misuse Investigation

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Wins at Idaho Supreme Court Over Taxpayer Misuse Investigation

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador won a unanimous Idaho Supreme Court victory affirming his authority to investigate alleged misuse of government grants issued to charitable organizations in the state of Idaho. The Court reversed the ruling that blocked the Attorney General from obtaining information from 19 grant recipients. The Court affirmed his authority to issue civil investigative demands (CIDs) under the Idaho Charitable Assets Protection Act (“ICAPA”), the Idaho Charitable Solicitation Act (“ICSA”), and the Idaho Consumer Protection Act. Under this investigative authority, the Attorney General may issue CIDs to any person who he has “reason to believe” possesses relevant information regarding a suspected violation of ICAPA and ICSA.  “The Idaho Supreme Court unanimously confirmed we have full authority to investigate potential misuse of charitable funds and to seek information from anyone who may have relevant knowledge,” said Attorney General Labrador. “We have worked cooperatively with many entities throughout this process. Those who have worked with us understand that our goal is not to punish grant recipients but to ensure taxpayer funds were used according to state law. We will continue to defend the investigative powers the Legislature has entrusted our office.” In 2021, the Idaho Legislature established the Community Partner Grant Program using American Rescue Plan Act funds provided by Congress to help states address COVID-19’s impact on school-aged children, including learning loss. The Legislature appropriated a total of $72 million—$36 million in 2021 and $36 million in 2022—with specific restrictions requiring the funds be used only for in-person educational and enrichment activities serving children ages 5 through 13. In 2023, Attorney General Labrador received reports alleging certain grant funds were improperly used contrary to statutory requirements. He issued Civil Investigative Demands to grant recipients and others who the Attorney General believed might have knowledge of the alleged misuse of charitable funds.  The Court determined that grant funds fit within the statutory definition of charitable donations, giving the Attorney General clear authority to seek information under Idaho’s charitable protection laws. The Court ruled that the Attorney General can demand information from anyone he has reason to believe possesses relevant knowledge about suspected violations. The Court held that a single request for information within one of the 35 investigative demands was overbroad and remanded it to the district court, while upholding the Attorney General’s authority to seek relevant information. The Court declined to award attorney fees.
    Idaho Supreme Court Opinion Here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European subsidies for South African wine producers – E-002728/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002728/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Céline Imart (PPE), Daniel Buda (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Jessika Van Leeuwen (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    At a time when the European wine sector is experiencing an unprecedented crisis – marked by large-scale restructuring within its own vineyards, mass grubbing up, and growing distress among producers, including tragic cases of suicide – the South African wine sector has announced the release of a EUR 15 million EU subsidy to ‘promote diversity and inclusivity’ in farms across the country.

    Beyond the legal considerations, the decision to release such an amount at the current time is a serious moral and political failure: how can financial support such as this for a non-EU country be justified when winegrowers in France and across Europe are on the brink of collapse, and essential funding is lacking?

    Given the foregoing:

    • 1.Where exactly do the funds for this subsidy come from?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to activate all possible political and legal levers to suspend or reverse this funding?
    • 3.Will the Commission only react when tractors are rolling over the cobblestones of the Schuman roundabout?

    Submitted: 3.7.2025

    Last updated: 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin tells Fox News: Trump Worked with Congress Every Single Day to Secure Our Borders in His OBBB

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin tells Fox News: Trump Worked with Congress Every Single Day to Secure Our Borders in His OBBB

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined a special edition of Fox News’ Hannity with guest host, Kellyanne Conway. The senator called out the outrageous silence from Democrats as attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have skyrocketed 690 percent since January. He also detailed how President Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) is vital to deliver his promises on border security.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On how the left’s rhetoric is inspiring attacks against ICE:

    “It was a coordinated attack. They were in tactical gear. They had devices that would block the signal of cell phones so they couldn’t be tracked. When the police responded, they ambushed them, that’s a coordinated attack. Now, if this was any other situation, Democrats would be out there, at the very least, would be calling for gun control. They have said absolutely nothing. Why? Because they’re the ones that have fanned the flames for this to happen. They’re the ones that’s literally calling on blood. Axios put out that a Democrat politician is calling for those to ratchet up their activities and spill blood when it comes to defending against ICE…”

    “It’s actually very disturbing, because this is their base, and this is where the Democrat Party has went. They have built their base off anger and fear.”

    On the highlights of the OBBB’s border security measures:

    “The wall that President Trump started building in 2017, as 45 [45 POTUS], it was done by executive orders. But what happened when [President] Biden came in is they immediately started tearing it down and selling the material for pennies on the dollar.” 

    “What we did on the ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ is we made it into law, not an executive order, so the next president can’t simply stop. We funded it, fully funded $46 billion to finish a wall the entire southern border. Now that’s huge. We also funded 10,000 new ICE agents. Now it’s not just ICE, but it’s ICE and other agencies that are able to do the same thing. Border agents and ICE, they’re two separate different things, border patrols our border ICE can actually go into the interior and actually arrest people that are here illegally, but they have different entities that we worked closely with Secretary Noam to make sure we had it right. Then they increase the amount of judges we have to speed through these individuals that claimed asylum…”

    “At the same time, we also we have to remember that the drugs and the trafficking isn’t just coming across land, it’s actually coming across the sea too. So we have to work with our Coast Guard. We put in $24 billion to upgrade the Coast Guard. Sometimes they are overlooked. They need new vessels, they need new aircraft, they need new infrastructure. So, President Trump put a heavy emphasis, and he worked with Congress every single day to make sure that we are secured on our southern and northern border.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: This tropical plant builds isolated ‘apartments’ to prevent battles among the aggressive ant tenants it relies on for survival

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Guillaume Chomicki, Professor of Evolutionary Biology, Durham University

    When aggressive ant species come in contact, deadly conflicts ensue G. Chomicki

    In the middle of the South Pacific, a group of Fijian plants have solved a problem that has long puzzled scientists: How can an organism cooperate with multiple partners that are in turn competing for the same resources? The solution turns out to be simple – compartmentalization.

    Imagine an apartment building where unfriendly neighbors might clash if they run into each other, but smart design keeps everyone peacefully separated. In our new research published in the journal Science, we show how certain plants build specialized structures that allow multiple aggressive ant species to live side by side inside them without ever meeting.

    Ants and plants cooperate in Fijian rainforest

    Squamellaria plants are epiphytes – meaning they don’t have roots attached to the ground, and instead grow on another plant for physical support. They live high up in the rainforest canopy, in the South Pacific.

    Because they don’t have direct access to the soil’s nutrients, Squamellaria plants have evolved an original strategy to acquire what they need: In a mutually beneficial relationship, they grow structures that appeal to ants looking for a place to live. This kind of long-term relationship between species – whether helpful or harmful – is called symbiosis.

    Here’s how it works in this case. The base of the Squamellaria plant stem forms a swollen, hollow structure called a domatium – a perfect place for ants to live. Domatia gradually enlarge to the size of a soccer ball, containing ever more plant-made houses ready for ants to move into. Each apartment can house a colony made up of thousands of ants.

    A multicompartment Squamellaria (S. tenuiflora) in its natural habitat: rainforests in Fiji. This large plant likely contains a dozen or more compartments.
    G. Chomicki

    The relationship between the ants and the plants is mutualistic, meaning both parties benefit. The ants gain a nice sturdy and private nest space, while the plants gain essential nutrients. They obtain nitrogen and phosphorus from the ants’ feces and from detritus – including dead insects, plant bits and soil – that the ants bring inside the domatium.

    However, tropical rainforest canopies are battlegrounds for survival. Ants compete fiercely for nesting space, taking over any hollow branch or space under tree bark. Any Squamellaria ant house would thus be at risk of being colonized and taken over by other incoming ants, disrupting the existing partnership.

    Until now, it was unclear how the cooperative relationships between ants and plants remain stable in this competitive environment.

    Walls keep the peace

    Our first hint about what keeps the peace in the Squamellaria real estate came when we discovered several ant species living in the same plant domatium. This finding just didn’t make sense. How could aggressively competing ant species live together?

    We investigated the structure of domatia using computed-tomography scanning, which revealed an interesting internal architecture. Each plant domatium is divided into distinct compartments, with thick walls isolating each unit. Independent entrances prevent direct contact between the inhabitants of different units. The walls safeguard the peace as they prevent encounters between different ant species.

    A 3D model of a Squamellaria tenuiflora domatiium based on CT-scanning data reveals its compartmentalization. Each color-coded cavity is a distinct ‘ant apartment,’ isolated of the others, but connected to the outside.
    S. Renner & G. Chomicki

    Back in the lab, when we removed the ant apartments’ walls, placing inhabitants in contact with their neighbors, deadly fights broke out between ant species. The compartmentalized architecture is thus critical in preventing symbiont “wars” and maintaining the stability of the plant’s partnership with all the ants that call it home. By minimizing deadly conflicts that could harm the ants it hosts, this strategy ensures that the plant retains access to sufficient nutrients provided by the ants.

    This research reveals a new mechanism that solves a long-standing riddle – the stability of symbioses involving multiple unrelated partners. Scientists hadn’t previously discovered aggressive animal symbionts living together inside a single plant host. Our study reveals for the first time how simple compartmentalization is a highly effective way to reduce conflict, even in the most extreme cases. The ant colonies are living side by side, but not really together.

    What’s next

    The key to conflict-free living of multipartner symbioses discovered in these Fijian plants – compartmentalization – is likely important in other multispecies partnerships. However, it remains unknown whether compartmentalization is widespread in nature. Research on cooperation between species has long focused on pairwise interactions. Our new insights suggest a need to reinvestigate other multispecies mutualistic symbioses to see how they maintain stability.

    Guillaume Chomicki receives funding from UKRI.

    Susanne S. Renner received previous funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG)

    – ref. This tropical plant builds isolated ‘apartments’ to prevent battles among the aggressive ant tenants it relies on for survival – https://theconversation.com/this-tropical-plant-builds-isolated-apartments-to-prevent-battles-among-the-aggressive-ant-tenants-it-relies-on-for-survival-260674

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update on measles cases in B.C., ensuring people remain protected

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can cause severe disease and complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death. It can spread through air. People can pass the virus to others before they show symptoms, and the virus can stay suspended in the air in a room for several hours.

    Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis. Three to four days after the onset of fever, a rash develops. It generally begins on the face, then spreads rapidly to the rest of the body.

    There has been a resurgence of measles activity in Canada in recent years, with several thousand confirmed cases reported nationally in 2025, after 146 cases were reported in 2024. Cases occur largely in people who were unimmunized or under-immunized (only received one dose). There is also significant measles transmission in other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and Africa. This is usually the source of cases seen in Canada.

    Measles vaccines have been part of B.C.’s immunization program since 1969, with a second dose (and a comprehensive catch-up campaign for children, youth, and young adults) added to the schedule in 1996.

    In B.C., measles vaccine is provided as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for the first dose and is recommended for children beginning at their first birthday. A second dose, generally with measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (MMRV), is given at school entry (age 4-6 years).

    How to check your immunization records:

    • Check immunization records for adults and children through the Health Gateway.
    • If the records are not in the Health Gateway:
      • Adults and children may have received a paper record at the time of immunization. For example, in B.C., immunizations may be recorded in the Child Health Passport.
      • If the immunization record is incomplete in Health Gateway and people have a paper record, they can submit the record.
      • If people don’t have a paper record, they can:
        • Contact the health-care provider that gave the vaccines.
        • Contact the community health nurse if the vaccines were given in a First Nations community.
        • If people have moved to B.C. from another province or country, contact the immunization provider or local public health unit and ask to have the records sent to them.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Fine for Illegal Parking in Some Hospital Lots in Halifax

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Drivers who park illegally in Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General sites) and IWK Health Centre parking lots can be fined $500 starting today, July 10.

    “Free on-site parking at health facilities is for patients, visitors and authorized staff. We want to discourage drivers from parking at these sites without a valid reason and crowding out legitimate users,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “We hope this step will be a strong deterrent for anyone considering parking at a hospital or healthcare facility who is not seeking or providing care.”

    The Province has created new regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act that allow parking enforcement officers to issue tickets to drivers of vehicles parked illegally in designated hospital parking lots in Halifax.

    The Health Authority Parking Lots Pilot Project Regulations:

    • impose a fine of $500 for parking in specific hospital parking lots if not attending a Queen Elizabeth II or IWK facility
    • list authorized users, including patients, healthcare providers, health authority employees, visitors, volunteers and service providers
    • list documents that can be used to show the person is properly parking in the lot (e.g. a health authority exit pass, health authority ID, etc.).

    Parking tickets will be issued by a peace officer or a special constable. Both health authorities – Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health – will have special constables authorized to issue parking tickets.

    Quick Facts:

    • the ticket amount is $536.60, but will be reduced to $500 if it is paid during the first 60 days after it is issued, in accordance with the Summary Offence Tickets Regulations
    • the QEII Health Sciences Centre includes buildings on two sites in Halifax – the Halifax Infirmary site includes Camp Hill Veterans Memorial, Abbie J. Lane Memorial and the Halifax Infirmary; the Victoria General site includes the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, the Centre for Clinical Research, and the Bethune, Mackenzie, Dickson, Victoria and Centennial buildings

    Additional Resources:

    Health Authority Parking Lots Pilot Project Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/2025-129.pdf

    News release – Free Parking at Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/30/free-parking-hospitals-healthcare-facilities

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Statement on Failure of Universal Consent Measure in Senate

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Rep. Dina Titus Statement on Failure of Universal Consent Measure in Senate

    Congresswoman Dina Titus released the following statement after the Senate declined to consider a measure to restore the gambling loss deduction to 100% from 90%:

    “The failure of the Senate’s unanimous consent measure is not surprising. The Senate got us into this mess and it’s now time for both chambers to unite behind my bipartisan FAIR BET Act to ensure that average and high-stakes gamblers do not pay taxes on money they never won. If we do not do this, more gamblers will move to unregulated and untaxed offshore markets; more gamblers will not report winnings; and revenue and jobs will be lost, not just in Las Vegas, but across the nation. We will all be losers if the FAIR BET Act is not passed by Congress and signed by the President.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dina Titus Statement on Failure of Universal Consent Measure in Senate

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Rep. Dina Titus Statement on Failure of Universal Consent Measure in Senate

    Congresswoman Dina Titus released the following statement after the Senate declined to consider a measure to restore the gambling loss deduction to 100% from 90%:

    “The failure of the Senate’s unanimous consent measure is not surprising. The Senate got us into this mess and it’s now time for both chambers to unite behind my bipartisan FAIR BET Act to ensure that average and high-stakes gamblers do not pay taxes on money they never won. If we do not do this, more gamblers will move to unregulated and untaxed offshore markets; more gamblers will not report winnings; and revenue and jobs will be lost, not just in Las Vegas, but across the nation. We will all be losers if the FAIR BET Act is not passed by Congress and signed by the President.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $33,915 DOT Grant to Cumberlands Airport Commission

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    Griffith Announces $33,915 DOT Grant to Cumberlands Airport Commission

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the Cumberlands Airport Commission, based in Wise County, Virginia, a $33,915 grant. The funding supports a tree removal project that helps bring the airport into conformity with current standards. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Tree removal projects are essential in optimizing the safety of aircraft and passengers.

    “This DOT grant for $33,915 helps Cumberlands Airport Commission identify and eliminate obstructions to the Lonesome Pine Airport.”

    BACKGROUND

    As part of the grant funding, the Cumberlands Airport Commission will conduct an environmental analysis.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $33,915 DOT Grant to Cumberlands Airport Commission

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    Griffith Announces $33,915 DOT Grant to Cumberlands Airport Commission

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the Cumberlands Airport Commission, based in Wise County, Virginia, a $33,915 grant. The funding supports a tree removal project that helps bring the airport into conformity with current standards. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Tree removal projects are essential in optimizing the safety of aircraft and passengers.

    “This DOT grant for $33,915 helps Cumberlands Airport Commission identify and eliminate obstructions to the Lonesome Pine Airport.”

    BACKGROUND

    As part of the grant funding, the Cumberlands Airport Commission will conduct an environmental analysis.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Designate Astria Toppenish as a Critical Access Hospital

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Designate Astria Toppenish as a Critical Access Hospital

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to allow Astria Toppenish to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital, which is currently ineligible for certain rural hospital support due to unique geographic and economic factors and the number of patients it serves.

    “This legislation helps address the unique financial situation of Astria Toppenish by allowing them to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital. Certain rural hospitals like Astria Toppenish face unique challenges qualifying for adequate federal reimbursements as the demand for services continues to rise. While there is plenty of work to be done in addressing these challenges, this legislation is a strong first step in reforming the way we support rural hospitals providing critical health services to our communities.” said Rep. Newhouse.  

    This legislation would directly benefit Astria-Toppenish as it delivers critical healthcare services to the area but is not currently eligible for CAH status. This status would allow it to access financial benefits that allow other rural hospitals to continue providing care to the communities they serve. 

    “I’m proud of the collective work done to propel forward legislation for a Critical Access Hospital designation for Astria Toppenish Hospital. This rural facility serves a vital role in the Yakima Valley, especially for the residents of Toppenish and the Yakama Nation. Without this hospital, families would be left without access to timely, lifesaving care—and that’s simply unacceptable,” said Brian Gibbons, President and CEO of Astria Health. 

    Gibbons continued, “Astria Health has stretched resources as far as they can go, doing everything possible to keep the doors open. But no health system—especially one serving multiple underserved communities—can continue reallocating funds without consequences.” 

    Cathy Bambrick, Administrator for Astria Toppenish Hospital, added, “A Critical Access designation would allow Toppenish hospital to receive enhanced reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid patients—who make up the majority of those treated at our facility. It’s a commonsense, fiscally responsible solution that supports rural health, preserves access to care, and upholds our commitment to underserved populations.” 

    The CAH designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. To accomplish this goal, CAHs receive certain benefits, such as cost-based reimbursement for Medicare services. 

    See full bill text here. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Designate Astria Toppenish as a Critical Access Hospital

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Designate Astria Toppenish as a Critical Access Hospital

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to allow Astria Toppenish to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital, which is currently ineligible for certain rural hospital support due to unique geographic and economic factors and the number of patients it serves.

    “This legislation helps address the unique financial situation of Astria Toppenish by allowing them to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital. Certain rural hospitals like Astria Toppenish face unique challenges qualifying for adequate federal reimbursements as the demand for services continues to rise. While there is plenty of work to be done in addressing these challenges, this legislation is a strong first step in reforming the way we support rural hospitals providing critical health services to our communities.” said Rep. Newhouse.  

    This legislation would directly benefit Astria-Toppenish as it delivers critical healthcare services to the area but is not currently eligible for CAH status. This status would allow it to access financial benefits that allow other rural hospitals to continue providing care to the communities they serve. 

    “I’m proud of the collective work done to propel forward legislation for a Critical Access Hospital designation for Astria Toppenish Hospital. This rural facility serves a vital role in the Yakima Valley, especially for the residents of Toppenish and the Yakama Nation. Without this hospital, families would be left without access to timely, lifesaving care—and that’s simply unacceptable,” said Brian Gibbons, President and CEO of Astria Health. 

    Gibbons continued, “Astria Health has stretched resources as far as they can go, doing everything possible to keep the doors open. But no health system—especially one serving multiple underserved communities—can continue reallocating funds without consequences.” 

    Cathy Bambrick, Administrator for Astria Toppenish Hospital, added, “A Critical Access designation would allow Toppenish hospital to receive enhanced reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid patients—who make up the majority of those treated at our facility. It’s a commonsense, fiscally responsible solution that supports rural health, preserves access to care, and upholds our commitment to underserved populations.” 

    The CAH designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. To accomplish this goal, CAHs receive certain benefits, such as cost-based reimbursement for Medicare services. 

    See full bill text here. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As extension period nears mid-way point, those who haven’t filed 2024 income taxes are urged to do so as soon as possible

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ith the halfway point of the income tax filing extension period approaching, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2024 tax return to do so as soon as they can.

    “July 15 may be just the halfway point of the extension period, but for most people who haven’t yet filed their tax year 2024 return there’s no reason not to file now,” said Department of Revenue Director David Gerstenfeld.

    Some people may not have filed because they didn’t have money to pay what they owe, but an extension to file is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Those who didn’t file and haven’t paid are only racking up additional late payment penalties and interest by waiting.

    “Even if they can’t pay the full amount they owe, they should pay what they can as soon as they can to help lower penalties and interest,” the director said. “For those who can’t pay all they owe, filing a return offers them the opportunity to set up a payment plan with the state.”

    Besides not being able to pay, people file for an extension for all kinds of reasons. Some are waiting on additional information or documents. Others are experiencing hardship in the days before the deadline and have to direct their attention elsewhere. Some people just put it off or forget.

    “Whatever the reason, as soon as they have what they need, they should file,” Gerstenfeld said.

    For some taxpayers, filing can mean receiving a refund.

    Several free filing options and in-person tax assistance options remain available during the summer months.

    One of those options is Direct File Oregon. More than 13,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns with Direct File Oregon this year. Nearly 4,700 of those filers connected to Direct File Oregon after first filing their federal returns through IRS Direct File, which is still available through the end of the filing season.

    So far in 2025, the department has processed more than 2.05 million of an expected 2.2 million returns. That leaves approximately 150,000 Oregon taxpayers who still need to file their tax year 2024 returns.

    “Some tax situations are complex and require extra time—even months—to prepare, but most aren’t,” he said. “Filing as soon as you can makes good sense. It can save money and provide some peace of mind.”

    Taxpayers with questions can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As extension period nears mid-way point, those who haven’t filed 2024 income taxes are urged to do so as soon as possible

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ith the halfway point of the income tax filing extension period approaching, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2024 tax return to do so as soon as they can.

    “July 15 may be just the halfway point of the extension period, but for most people who haven’t yet filed their tax year 2024 return there’s no reason not to file now,” said Department of Revenue Director David Gerstenfeld.

    Some people may not have filed because they didn’t have money to pay what they owe, but an extension to file is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Those who didn’t file and haven’t paid are only racking up additional late payment penalties and interest by waiting.

    “Even if they can’t pay the full amount they owe, they should pay what they can as soon as they can to help lower penalties and interest,” the director said. “For those who can’t pay all they owe, filing a return offers them the opportunity to set up a payment plan with the state.”

    Besides not being able to pay, people file for an extension for all kinds of reasons. Some are waiting on additional information or documents. Others are experiencing hardship in the days before the deadline and have to direct their attention elsewhere. Some people just put it off or forget.

    “Whatever the reason, as soon as they have what they need, they should file,” Gerstenfeld said.

    For some taxpayers, filing can mean receiving a refund.

    Several free filing options and in-person tax assistance options remain available during the summer months.

    One of those options is Direct File Oregon. More than 13,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns with Direct File Oregon this year. Nearly 4,700 of those filers connected to Direct File Oregon after first filing their federal returns through IRS Direct File, which is still available through the end of the filing season.

    So far in 2025, the department has processed more than 2.05 million of an expected 2.2 million returns. That leaves approximately 150,000 Oregon taxpayers who still need to file their tax year 2024 returns.

    “Some tax situations are complex and require extra time—even months—to prepare, but most aren’t,” he said. “Filing as soon as you can makes good sense. It can save money and provide some peace of mind.”

    Taxpayers with questions can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Opens Investigation into the State of Minnesota for Race- and Sex-Based Hiring Practices

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the State of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Department of Human Services, to determine whether it has engaged in race- and sex-based discrimination in its state employment hiring practices.

    In a policy issued earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Human Services requires its hiring supervisors to provide a “hiring justification when seeking to hire a non-underrepresented candidate.” Hiring supervisors who do not comply with the policy “may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.” The policy seems to be part of a broader effort by the state to engage in race- and sex-based employment practices in its “affirmative action” objectives.

    The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section will investigate whether Minnesota is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, sex, and other protected characteristics, pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

    “Minnesotans deserve to have their state government employees hired based on merit, not based on illegal DEI,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

    “Federal law has long prohibited employment policies that discriminate based on race or sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department refuses to tolerate such conduct, and states invite investigation when they engage in biased hiring practices tied to protected characteristics.”

    You can read the notice letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Curtis Introduce Bill to Counter Chinese Sabotage of Taiwan’s Critical Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Bipartisan legislation aims to protect Taiwan’s undersea communication cables against “gray zone tactics” used by China
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT), members of the Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act. This bipartisan bill would protect Taiwan’s critical communications infrastructure and deter malicious “gray zone” activities by the Chinese Communist Party. The cables—critical for global communication and commerce—have repeatedly been targeted by China for undercover sabotage to undermine Taiwan’s security and sovereignty.
    “The Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing efforts to target Taiwan’s undersea cable infrastructure don’t just threaten Taiwan’s national security, but connectivity and communication around the world,” said Senator Rosen. “Senator Curtis and I are introducing this bipartisan legislation to bolster collaboration between our two nations in order to protect these underground cables and impose sanctions on any adversary that targets this critical infrastructure. I will continue to push back on China’s growing aggression, and its attempts to undermine democracy.”
    “We can’t stand idle as China ramps up its tactics to isolate Taiwan, including by sabotaging its vital undersea cables,” said Senator Curtis. “By improving systems and increasing cable resiliency, our bipartisan legislation sends a clear message: the United States stands with Taiwan and our allies in defending shared infrastructure, sovereignty, and freedom.”
    Senator Rosen has prioritized strengthening the U.S.–Taiwan partnership and defending Taiwan against growing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. She introduced and helped pass into law via the annual defense bill the bipartisan Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act to enhance joint cyber defense efforts, and she led the introduction of the bipartisan TAIWAN Security Act to bolster defense and supply chain cooperation. She has also been a consistent leader in pushing back against authoritarian influence more broadly.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Blasts Trump Administration Over Budget Cuts Kneecapping Wildfire Preparedness in Oregon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    July 10, 2025

    Senator cites concerns he’s heard at briefings in Southern Oregon and statewide

    Video can be found here

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today demanded answers from the Trump Administration about how its proposed U.S. Forest Service budget cuts, funding and hiring freezes and recent reorganization of federal wildland firefighting will undermine Oregon’s preparedness for this fire season. 

    “Instead of moving quickly, you all have trotted out another new and described ‘improved’ reorganization in the middle of a very dangerous fire season,” Wyden said to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. “Nobody in my home state said we need to have the Forest Service less involved in fighting fires, but that is the net effect of your organizational plan.”

    In February Trump issued an illegal, blanket freeze on previously approved federal funding for critical programs, including those that help Western states prepare for fire season. During the hearing, Wyden reiterated warnings from fire officials in Southern Oregon, where he heard firsthand accounts of how Trump’s staffing and funding cuts are starving Oregon’s communities of the resources they need to prepare for and respond to fires.

    After ordering the funding freeze, Trump also issued an Executive Order to reorganize the national wildland firefighting apparatus within the Department of the Interior, but the agencies have not shared their plans for doing so with Congress, or how it will hurt states like Oregon.

    At today’s hearing, Wyden also warned that starving federal agencies of the resources they need and intentional mismanagement of forests and public lands is setting the stage to justify future selloffs of public lands. Wyden cited extreme public backlash over the Republicans’ scheme to sell off public lands under their budget bill earlier this month, which forced Senate Republicans to back off their proposal.

    Wyden has been a longtime champion of sustainable forestry and common-sense policies to reduce the risk of wildfire.  In June, Wyden led colleagues in introducing the bipartisan National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 that would invest in hazardous fuels management to reduce the risk of blistering infernos by increasing the pace and scale of prescribed burns during cooler, wetter months. Wyden also has advocated for repairing and updating critical infrastructure for disaster response, announcing over $80 million for infrastructure repairs and $9.7 million for rural airports across Oregon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOGE Caucus Co-Chairs Lead House Effort to Eliminate Billions in Wasteful Payments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—In response to more than $160 billion in fraudulent payments in Fiscal Year 2024, DOGE Caucus co-chairs Congressmen Aaron Bean (FL-04), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Pete Sessions (TX-17) introduced the Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act to combat financial fraud and theft of taxpayer dollars. 

    This landmark bill will require the U.S. Department of the Treasury to enforce strict payment verification measures, cementing a key DOGE initiative to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability in government spending.

    Upon introduction, Congressman Bean said, “For too long, improper and fraudulent payments have drained resources and undermined trust in government spending. The American people deserve responsible stewardship of their tax dollars, and this bill delivers exactly that. By ensuring federal payments are accurate, transparent, and verifiable, we are eliminating billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. This legislation brings real oversight and integrity to the way Washington manages taxpayer dollars.”

    “Republicans in Congress remain focused on reining in wasteful spending, streamlining our bureaucracy, and making Washington work better for Americans. This legislation will help eliminate billions of dollars of improper payments by implementing pre-payment verification and up-to-date information on ongoing payments. This is a positive step in curbing fraudulent spending and enhancing fiscal accountability,” said Congressman Moore.

    “I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation that brings increased transparency and accountability to the U.S. Treasury. As Co-Chair of the DOGE Caucus, I’m committed to stopping waste before it happens. With $162 billion in improper payments reported in Fiscal Year 2024, this commonsense bill will help protect taxpayer dollars and prevent fraud,” said Congressman Sessions.

    BACKGROUND 

    This bill would promote financial integrity and ensure accountability to American taxpayers by requiring the U.S. Department of the Treasury to:

    • Provide a complete description of the payment prior to disbursing funds.
    • Link the payment to a verified budget account.
    • Cross-check the payment against government databases to ensure accuracy and eligibility.

    Along with these preventive measures, all expenditures will be publicly accessible on USAspending.gov, including annual updates for ongoing transactions.

    Click here to view the bill and here to view a section-by-section breakdown.

    Fellow DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost and Senator Jeff Merkley Introduce Bicameral Pro Renters Bill, the End Junk Fees for Renters Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    July 10, 2025

    Frost and Gomez First Introduced the Bill to Increase Affordability and Transparency for Renters in 2023

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) announced the introduction of bicameral legislation aimed at addressing the housing crisis and standing firmly with working-class renters – the End Junk Fees for Renters Act.

    Frost’s bill, which is being co-led by Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) in the House, chair of the Congressional Renters Caucus, comes as Florida and the U.S. face a housing affordability crisis that continues to squeeze working people and renters, too often forcing people to slip into homelessness at a time when cities are criminalizing folks who cannot afford to keep a roof over their heads.

    Congressmen Frost and Gomez first introduced the bill in July of 2023 to put an end to the growing number of excessive and dishonest junk fees renters face when looking for and securing housing.

    The End Junk Fees for Renters Act cracks down on junk fee profiteering by landlords and empowers tenants. Specifically, the legislation:

    • Cracks down on junk fees by banning application and screening fees;

    • Puts an end to late fee profiteering by capping late fees at 3% of monthly rent and requiring a 15-day grace period; 

    • Requires that landlords disclose in the rental contract:

      • Past and present litigation with tenants;

      • Ongoing pest and maintenance issues;

      • Rent increase percentages year after year over the last ten years and;

      • The total amount due each month to effectively eliminate surprise fees.

    • Would help consumers comparison shop and make more informed choices when it comes to renting, inevitably driving down overall costs in the rental market and improving living conditions.

    “Donald Trump ran for office under the promise of making American’s lives more affordable – that was a flat-out lie. Six months in, and Trump and Congressional Republicans have proven they only care about the ultra-wealthy, the 1%. Because if they cared about working people, bills like the End Junk Fees for Renters Act would be voted on today to offer immediate and straightforward financial relief to renters,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “This is about standing firmly on the side of renters and working people while holding greedy landlords and leasing companies accountable for nickel and diming people every chance they get. It’s time to end the ridiculous fees and fight for housing justice and transparency.” 

    “Billionaire corporations and huge rental companies are hiding fees and added costs to drive up rents and line their own pockets,” said Senator Merkley. “The End Junk Fees for Renters Act fights back against corporate landlords trying to squeeze every dime out of renters that they possibly can. Let’s crack down on these junk fees to ensure all Americans have a fair shot at a safe, affordable roof overhead and the power to fight back against absurd costs.”

    “At a time when Donald Trump and Republicans are stripping away benefits from millions of Americans, households that rent have enough to worry about without being weighed down by hidden application costs and junk late fees. This bill will restore faith and transparency to the renting process by putting an end to the profiteering of predatory landlords and property managers,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. “In my district, where up to 80% of households rent, this bill will lift an unnecessary financial burden and help working families build real stability.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –