NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Extradite Austin Fugitive Intercepted by Foreign Officials in Panama

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Austin, TX – The U.S. Marshals, working with the Department of State, and Panamanian Officials received custody of a man who had been sought by the Austin Police Department on a warrant issued May 17, 2024, for aggravated kidnapping. 

    Brayan Estiven Rios, 29, Columbian national, was wanted by the Austin Police for a robbery that occurred July 19, 2022, in the 2500 block of Francisco Street. According to the affidavit, a victim reported to have been forced into a vehicle at gunpoint and was further instructed to withdraw a large sum of money from her bank account. 

    In April, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Department of Justice – Office of International Affairs, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office communicated with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to facilitate the extradition of Rios, who was intercepted by officials in Panama.

    On May 22, Panamanian officials handed Rios over to the USMS for extradition back to the United States. After arriving at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, he was transported and booked into the Travis County Jail, where he will await further judicial proceedings. 

    The Department of Homeland Security filed an immigration detainer on Rios, who is a Columbian national and has no legal status in the United States. 

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Panamanian authorities to secure the extradition of Rios.

    Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin – 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pallone Blasts Trump for Pulling the Ladder Up on New Jersey’s Youth with Job Corps Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to shut down Job Corps centers, including one in Edison, NJ:

    “Donald Trump ran on being a job creator, but all he’s done is destroy opportunity. Now he’s shutting down Job Corps centers in New Jersey, gutting a program that helps young people train for real careers and build better lives.

    “In Edison alone, Job Corps has trained and advanced the lives and careers of thousands of students with over 300 currently enrolled. 

    “Job Corps has served as a lifeline – especially for low-income students – offering training in high-demand fields and a path to stability. This move doesn’t just cut a program; it pulls the ladder up behind the next generation.

    “Trump’s economic legacy is becoming crystal clear: layoffs, trade chaos, rising prices, and now, a full-on attack on workforce development. I won’t sit back while he undermines our communities. I’ll keep fighting to protect the investments that actually help people get ahead.”

    Ashton Stripling, the Edison Job Corps Center Director, added: 

    “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm we have received official notice that the Job Corps program received an official letter of termination of convenience. This is not just a program—this is a lifeline. As a former Job Corps student who rose through the ranks to become Director of the Edison campus, I can personally attest to the power of this program to transform lives.

    “For so many of our students, this place is more than just a school—it’s their home, their source of food, clothing, stability, and the education they need to build a future. With this closure, hundreds of young people are at risk of being displaced, and many will return to environments lacking the very support systems they came here to escape.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders – Funding eligibility

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Eligibility criteria
    If you are approved to provide work-based delivery, AEWV holders that undertake work-based learning with you may be eligible for TEC funding. To be eligible, they must:

    For more information about ‘domestic student’ requirements, see:
    Other valid domestic enrolments
    Which programmes are funded?
    TEC publishes a list of funded programmes for work-based learners with AEWVs here:
    List of funded programmes for eligible AEWV work-based learners (XLSX 73 KB)
    If a work-based learner with an AEWV meets the eligibility criteria, funding will apply. To determine when a specific programme becomes eligible for funding, see the ‘Programme list’ section under the ‘Instructions’ tab. Check this list regularly. It changes in response to policy, immigration and programme changes.
    What if a learner is not eligible?
    If an AEWV holder does not meet the criteria to be an eligible learner, they will not qualify for funding, unless they fall into a different category of people eligible to be treated as domestic learners. Find out more at Other valid domestic enrolments. 
    Learners ineligible for funding may still be able to access both provider-based and work-based learning. However, international fees will apply. Individuals with holiday or work visa types do not meet the criteria; the visa must be an AEWV.
    Eligibility for Fees Free
    AEWV learners who are eligible for TEC funding for work-based learning are treated as domestic learners, so they may be eligible for Fees Free.
    Find the complete list of Fees Free eligibility criteria at the Fees Free website.
    Learners enrolled in work-based learning before 1 January 2023
    Before 2023, all individuals working legally in New Zealand and enrolled in work-based learning were eligible for TEC funding under the Industry Training Fund. This included individuals with visas other than residency visas.
    From 1 January 2023, limits were placed on funded work-based learning for international workers, to align eligibility more closely with funded provider-based study. As a result, fewer international workers are eligible for TEC funding.
    However, any learner who enrolled in work-based learning before 1 January 2023 is still eligible for TEC funding until they complete their programme of training, if they meet all other fund requirements. This is because they started their training under the previous policy settings.
    If the learner changes employers but continues the same programme, they will remain eligible for TEC funding.
    However, if the learner withdraws from or changes their programme, any new enrolment will be subject to the eligibility criteria in place at the time they enrol.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rising dairy prices lift export prices – Stats NZ media and information release: International trade: March 2025 quarter

    Rising dairy prices lift export prices – media release

    3 June 2025

    Export prices rose 7.1 percent in the March 2025 quarter, led by dairy prices, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    “Export prices have been increasing since March 2024 and are now 17 percent higher than they were a year ago,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

    Prices for dairy products (New Zealand’s top export commodity) rose 10 percent, led by a 13 percent increase in milk powder prices compared with the December 2024 quarter.

    “The increase in dairy prices was shared across all of the major dairy categories,” Ward said.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Vehicle fire – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police are calling for information in relation to a vehicle fire that occurred in Alice Springs on Saturday evening.

    Around 8:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received multiple reports of a vehicle fire on Barrett Drive. It is alleged that two females and a male were involved in an altercation before one of the females set the vehicle alight.

    NT Police and NT Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and the fire was extinguished.

    The three allegedly involved in the altercation are assisting police with their enquiries.

    Investigations remain ongoing.

    Police urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25147814. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Not-for-profit

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (GloBE rules) provide for a coordinated system of taxation intended to ensure multinational enterprise groups (MNE groups) are subject to a global minimum tax rate of 15% in each of the jurisdictions where they operate.

    On 10 December 2024, the Taxation (Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax) Act 2024 (the Act) received Royal Assent. It is part of a primary legislation package which implements the framework of the GloBE rules in Australia.

    Certain entities in MNE groups are excluded from the operation of the Australian global and domestic minimum tax. Relevantly, the Act provides an exclusion for entities considered to be a ‘non-profit organisation’.

    The ATO will consult with members of the Not-for-profit Stewardship Group and tertiary education sector representatives to inform its understanding of the scope of the ‘non-profit organisation’ exclusion and broader administration of the new measure.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Intermediaries

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Our commitment to you

    We are committed to providing you with accurate, consistent and clear information to help you understand your rights and entitlements and meet your obligations.

    If you follow our information and it turns out to be incorrect, or it is misleading and you make a mistake as a result, we will take that into account when determining what action, if any, we should take.

    Some of the information on this website applies to a specific financial year. This is clearly marked. Make sure you have the information for the right year before making decisions based on that information.

    If you feel that our information does not fully cover your circumstances, or you are unsure how it applies to you, contact us or seek professional advice.

    Copyright notice

    © Australian Taxation Office for the Commonwealth of Australia

    You are free to copy, adapt, modify, transmit and distribute this material as you wish (but not in any way that suggests the ATO or the Commonwealth endorses you or any of your services or products).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs New Laws To Make Colorado Safer

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed a number of new laws that will make Colorado safer and get tough on crime by investing in local law enforcement, supporting the families of fallen officers, and cracking down on gun theft. Before signing these new laws, Governor Polis addressed the terrorist attack in Boulder, applauding the first responders, brave bystanders and sending his thoughts to the victims and their families. 

    • SB25-310 – Proposition 130 Implementation, sponsored by Senators Kirkmeyer and Bridges, and Representatives Bird and Taggart
    • HB25-1062 – Penalty for Theft of Firearms, sponsored by Representative Armagost and Majority Leader Duran, and Senators Hinrichsen and Pelton
    • SB25-205 – Firearm Serial Number Check Request Procedure, sponsored by Senator Hinrichsen, and Representatives Espenoza and Lindstedt 

    “We continue working to make Colorado safer for everyone and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made this year. From investing in our local law enforcement and supporting the families of fallen officers, to cracking down on gun theft by increasing penalties and making it easier to identify stolen guns, and making it harder to sell stolen goods online. I appreciate the work of the legislators who continue to prioritize the safety of our communities, and look forward to implementing these new laws to support safety across our state,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed SB25-168 – Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking, sponsored by Senators Bright and Roberts, and Representatives Armagost and Espenoza.

    “Colorado is proud of the wild lands and animals here in our state, and this new law will help prevent wildlife trafficking by increasing the penalties for this illegal act. These wild animals are part of our identity, and we are taking further steps to ensure they stay in their natural habitats here in our great state,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis signed the following bills to protect transit workers, help young Coloradans leave the criminal justice system, and provide support for those experiencing mental health challenges. 

    • HB25-1146 – Juvenile Detention Bed Cap, sponsored by Representatives Bird and Woog, and Senators Kirkmeyer and Amabile
    • SB25-041 – Competency in Criminal Justice System Services & Bail, sponsored by Senators Michaelson Jenet and Amabile, and Representatives Bradfield and English 

    “These new laws take important steps to increase bed capacity to help young Coloradans get the support they need to get out of the criminal justice system and expand access to needed mental health supports. All of this work is so important to reducing crime, and I thank the bill sponsors for their efforts to make Colorado safer,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed the following bills administratively, all of which are focused on public safety: 

    “Making Colorado safer requires all of us working together and I was proud to sign these new laws to make Colorado safer from every angle. I thank all of the sponsors who worked on these bills for their commitment to increasing safety and security in our great state,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    • SB25-288 – Intimate Digital Depictions Criminal & Civil Actions, sponsored by Majority Leader Rodriguez, and Representatives Titone and Soper
    • HB25-1250 – Gun Violence Prevention & Parents of Students, sponsored by Representative Hamrick, Majority Leader Duran, and Senator Cutter
    • SB25-079 – Colorado Vending of Digital Assets Act, sponsored by Senators Rich and Roberts, and Representatives Taggart and Jackson
    • SB25-281 – Increase Penalties Careless Driving, sponsored by Senators Carson and Snyder, and Representatives Espenoza and Armagost
    • SB25-146 – Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Checks, sponsored by Senators Rich and Michaelson Jenet, and Representatives Hartsook and Lukens
    • HB25-1098 – Automated Protection Order Victim Notification System, sponsored by Representatives Stewart and Soper, and Senators Michaelson Jenet and Gonzales
    • HB25-1183 – Colorimetric Field Drug Test Working Group, sponsored by Representatives Gilchrist and Bacon, and Senators Ball and Daugherty
    • SB25-273 – 14 Days Hospitals Retain Blood Draws for Investigations, sponsored by Senator Roberts, and Representatives Smith and Soper
    • HB25-1275 – Forensic Science Integrity, sponsored by Representatives Soper and Zokaie, and Senators Weissman and Frizell
    • SB25-034 – Voluntary Do-Not-Sell Firearms Waiver, sponsored by Senator Kipp and Representatives Boesenecker and Jackson.
    • SB25-189 – Require Jury to Determine Prior Convictions, sponsored by Senators Liston and Snyder, and Representatives Soper and Espenoza
    • SB25-187 – Sunset Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Program, sponsored by Senators Hinrichsen and Sullivan, and Representatives Martinez and Weinberg
    • HB25-1195 – First Responder Voter Registration Record Confidentiality, sponsored by Representatives Johnson and Martinez, and Senators Mullica and Baisley
    • HB25-1112 – Local Authorities Enforce Vehicle Registration sponsored by Representatives Titone and Hamrick, and Senators Exum and Frizell
    • HB25-1298 – Judicial Performance Commissions, sponsored by Representatives Carter and Richardson, and Senators Exum and Michaelson Jenet
    • HB25-1290 – Transit Worker Assault & Funding for Training, Sponsored by Representatives Lindstedt and Valdez, and Senators Mullica and Kirkmeyer 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Fights to Secure Millions for New Mexico

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    $158.45 million in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) requests will support essential local projects

    WASHINGTON D.C. — As the U.S. House of Representatives begins marking up appropriations bills in the House this week, Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) submitted 15 Congressionally funded community projects, totaling $158,450,000 for communities across New Mexico in the upcoming 2026 budget process. Since coming to office, Rep. Stansbury has secured CPF funding for 37 projects focused on tackling New Mexico’s biggest challenges in public safety, housing, healthcare, education, protecting our lands and waters, and investing in our future.   

    “I came to Congress to support the needs of New Mexico using every tool available,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “As the Administration targets funding and resources our communities depend on, Community Project Funding is one of the most powerful tools we have to deliver investments necessary to support lasting and generational change for communities across our state. These 15 projects will help deliver vital healthcare and behavioral health services in rural communities, help seniors and families experiencing homelessness, help tackle the fentanyl crisis and public safety issues, protect our cultural heritage, and deliver water to communities across the state.  I am proud to work with the state, local, and tribal leaders who are working every day to address these needs on the ground.” 

    After more than a decade, Congress resumed congressionally directed spending for community projects four years ago.  Since then, Rep. Stansbury has secured millions in funding for fire, emergency, and public safety services, housing and food assistance, healthcare and behavioral health programs, economic development, and youth and education programs across the state.  Past submissions for Fiscal Year 2022,Fiscal Year 2023, and Fiscal Year 2024 budgets are available online. Last year, Rep. Stansbury submitted $104 million in CPF requests to support New Mexico, but Republicans stripped FY25 Community Project Funding from their Continuing Resolution.

    This year Rep. Stansbury submitted 15 projects to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration, pending approval through the Congressional budget and appropriations process. Projects this year were restricted to a limited number of federal programs, and only state, local, and Tribal governments and eligible entities are permitted to receive funding. The House Appropriations Committee will consider these requests alongside other submissions as part of the FY 2026 appropriations process, which begins with Appropriations Committee markups this week.

    Once the Appropriations Committee approves projects, they will be subject to passage in both Chambers of Congress before being signed into law. This process will likely extend into fall, with the Fiscal Year 2016 beginning on October 1. 

    A summary of the 15 projects submitted by Rep Stansbury is provided below: 

    Investing in Public Safety Across the State 

    Lincoln County, Regional Wildfire Mitigation Public Safety and Training Complex – $3,000,000 
    Funding will support building a new Regional Public Safety and Training Center to help address wildfires and boost the region’s ability to hire, train, certify, and retain firefighters.

    Fort Sumner, Fire and Rescue Fire Station – $ 1,300,000  
    Funding will support building a new fire station in Fort Sumner to serve the community on the West side of the Pecos River, allowing timely emergency response and a new community hub in the Sunny Side subdivision.

    State Police Department, Technical Capabilities Improvements – $1,650,000  
    Funding will enable NM State Police to improve wireless and other technical capabilities statewide. This includes improving 5G technologies, cellular routers, and Automated License Plate Readers, increasing real-time situational awareness and allowing for more informed and rapid decision-making for first responders. 

    Albuquerque Police Department, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Mobile Lab Vehicle – $800,000  
    Funding will enable the City of Albuquerque to add a new CSI Mobile Lab vehicle to update its current fleet and help meet expanded public safety needs across the Albuquerque metro area. 

    Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Public Safety Vehicles – $1,000,000  
    Funding will support BCSO’s replacement of an aging fleet of vehicles to enhance operations and reduce maintenance costs to meet public safety needs across the Bernalillo County area.   

    Addressing Rural Healthcare and Behavioral Health Needs 

    Valencia County, Acute Care Hospital – $8,000,000  
    Funding will support construction of a state-of-the-art acute care hospital in Los Lunas, designed to meet the healthcare needs of the growing rural communities of Valencia County. This hospital will be a critical lifeline for local residents increasing access to both emergency and inpatient care.  

    Sandoval County, Behavioral Health Clinic – $8,000,000  
    Funding will support the construction of a comprehensive behavioral health and resource center in the Town of Bernalillo, in partnership with a broad set of local, tribal, and county stakeholders to address community needs related to addiction, housing, mental health and family services. This center will serve a large number of rural and remote communities across Sandoval County, providing a first-of-its-kind regional hub for urgent and ongoing medical and behavioral health needs.  

      

    Addressing Homelessness, Housing Insecurity, and Supporting Vulnerable Families 

    Bernalillo County, Affordable Housing – $2,000,000  
    Funding will provide housing for low- and moderate-income families in Downtown Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. This project will provide safe and stable temporary housing for seniors and families in need of housing support.   

    Albuquerque, Transitional Housing for Families – $1,000,000  
    Funding will support the purchase and rehabilitation of transitional housing for vulnerable families experiencing crisis. This project will help families grow out of emergency and short-term shelters and into longer term housing while they continue to get back on their feet. 

    Albuquerque, Senior Stability Shelter – $1,700,000  
    Funding will support building a new permanent shelter for seniors who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Albuquerque. This project will provide safe and stable permanent housing in a vulnerable part of the city.   

    Protecting Our Water Infrastructure

    Middle Rio Grande Pueblos, Rio Grande Pueblo Irrigation Infrastructure – $82,700,000   
    Funding will provide long-overdue support for improving acequia and irrigation infrastructure for the six middle Rio Grande Pueblos and addressing deferred maintenance, repairs, and upgrades needed for improvements in agricultural irrigation on Pueblo lands.

    City of Santa Rosa, Drinking Water Pipelines Project – $4,000,000  
    Funding will support construction of a major project for improving drinking water supplies in the City of Santa Rosa and replacing aging infrastructure impacting drinking water pipelines.  

    Town of Bernalillo, Wastewater Project – $20,000,000  
    Funding will support the rehabilitation of the Town of Bernalillo’s aging wastewater treatment plant, extending the service life of its infrastructure and future growth in the community to protect water supplies.   

    Village of Corrales, Wastewater Treatment Facility – $20,000,000  
    Funding will help install a treatment facility and expand wastewater collection across the Village of Corrales to protect local groundwater from septic system contamination, conserve water resources by recycling treated wastewater, and supporting long-term sustainability.  

    Protecting our Cultural Heritage and Historic Buildings 

    Estancia and East Mountains, Estancia Town Hall Renovation – $3,300,000 
    Funding will support planning and capital improvement repairs of the historic Estancia Community Center. The community center serves as a vital hub, offering access to essential services, educational programs, and support for generations of New Mexicans. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road cone digital hotline opens

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    Concerns about road cone use anywhere in New Zealand can now be reported to WorkSafe New Zealand through a new digital hotline on the WorkSafe website.

    The hotline is part of a 12-month pilot, brought about by work health and safety reforms announced by the Government(external link), to tackle overcompliance in temporary traffic management.

    The initiative aims to get those deploying cones to be more proportionate and balanced, while maintaining worker and public safety.

    “The pilot aims to reduce unnecessary cones on the road. While cones are primarily there to manage the speed and flow of traffic and help keep everyone safe, there can be times when usage is excessive. We will engage with those involved with temporary traffic management and provide information to influence them to take a more risk-based approach to the use of cones on the road,” says WorkSafe’s Chief Executive Sharon Thompson.

    Once a report is received through the digital hotline, WorkSafe will assess it to determine the appropriate response. This could include contact with those responsible for the roadwork site, sending an inspector out, and educating the parties involved on what the law and guidance is.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Views sought on new Building Product Specifications

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    Dr Dave Gittings, Manager, Building Performance and Engineering, said: “This new document streamlines the process for those looking to use proven and tested overseas products, knowing they will be accepted through the consenting system.”

    “The draft Building Product Specifications document released today contains specifications and overseas standards that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code. 

    “Designers will be able to use overseas products that comply with any one of these standards and specifications to show the building work meets overall Building Code requirements.

    “Today we are releasing the proposed first version of this document which contains specifications and standards for products that we already know and use, such as windows, plasterboard and cladding. 

    “We will be rolling out further updates to this document over time, as well as developing other pathways for recognising overseas products.

    “We think there’ll be a lot of interest in the changes – from councils who will be using the Building Product Specifications when assessing compliance – to designers, builders and developers keen to understand what other options are out there, and I’d like to encourage everyone to have their say.”

    Find out more and have your say:
    Give feedback on the Building Product Specifications

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GAZA – Dozens of Palestinians massacred at US-Israel backed food distribution sites- MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Jerusalem: Dozens of Palestinians were killed and hundreds more injured yesterday, 1 June, as they waited for food at the newly created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution centres in Rafah and close to the Netzarim Corridor, according to the Ministry of Health.

    Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams joined the mass casualty response in Nasser hospital, Khan Younis. Patients told MSF they were shot from all sides by drones, helicopters, boats, tanks and Israeli soldiers on the ground.

    “Today’s events have shown once again that this new system of aid delivery is dehumanising, dangerous and severely ineffective. It has resulted in deaths and injuries of civilians that could have been prevented. Humanitarian aid must be provided only by humanitarian organisations who have the competence and determination to do it safely and effectively,” states Claire Manera, MSF emergency coordinator.

    MSF teams at Nasser hospital treated patients with serious injuries today. Some patients in critical condition are still undergoing surgery. But with the blood banks almost empty, medical staff themselves have had to donate blood.

    “The hospital corridors were filled with patients, but unlike what I have witnessed before, where most of the patients were women and children, today it was mainly men. They lay in their beds in the hallways because the rooms are already packed with injured people. They had visible gunshot wounds in their limbs, and their clothes were soaked with blood,” says Nour Alsaqa, MSF communications officer. “They looked shattered and distraught after trying to secure food for their children, returning instead injured and empty handed. Outside, there was shouting, sirens, a constant rush of new arrivals to the emergency room. Amid the chaos, we received confirmation that a colleague’s brother had been killed while attempting to collect aid from the distribution centre,” she adds. Mansour Sami Abdi, a father of four, described the chaos: “People fought over five pallets. They told us to take food—then they fired from every direction. I ran 200 metres before realising I’d been shot. This isn’t aid. It’s a lie. Are we supposed to go get food for our kids and die?”

    “I was shot at 3:10am. As we were trapped, I bled constantly until 5:00am. There were many other men with me. One of them tried to get me out. He was shot in the head and died on my chest. We had gone there for nothing but food — just to survive, like everyone else,” says Mohammad Daghmeh, 24, a displaced person in Al-Qarara, Khan Younis.

    This is the second time this new system of aid distribution has led to bloodshed. On 27 May, the first afternoon of distribution in Rafah, Israeli forces shot dozens of people as wholly insufficient amounts of basic lifesaving supplies were distributed amid chaos.

    As a result of the total siege that was imposed by the Israeli authorities on 2 March, 100 per cent of Gaza is now at risk of famine, according to the United Nations. Since 19 May, the few hundred food trucks brought in – an insufficient fraction of what is needed – have spread despair among the 2 million plus people who have been largely deprived of food, water, and medication for three months now. Totally or partially blocking humanitarian aid to enter Gaza has aggravated the situation of all Gazans.

    MSF reinforces that, along with displacement orders and bombing campaigns that kill civilians, weaponising aid in this manner may constitute crimes against humanity. Only a lasting ceasefire and the immediate opening of Gaza’s borders for humanitarian aid – including food, medical supplies, fuel and equipment – can ease this man-made catastrophe.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: WorkSafe changes a welcome step towards modern, supportive regulation

    Source: EMA

    The change in focus for WorkSafe New Zealand is long overdue and should assist employers in keeping workers safer while having fewer concerns about being punished, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
    The changes – including a new letter of expectations, a restructured funding model, and a legislative rewrite of the regulator’s core purpose – represent a significant shift in the approach to health and safety regulation in New Zealand.
    The EMA has long advocated for a more balanced, collaborative model that fosters partnership and practical support for employers and workers.
    ‘Hello, what can we do to help?’ may be the new greeting from a WorkSafe inspector, says EMA Manager of Employment Relations & Safety Paul Jarvie.
    “These reforms will help modernise WorkSafe into a regulator that promotes compliance through education rather than fear,” he says.
    “This is a welcome and necessary change. For years, businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – have felt they were being policed rather than supported.
    “We’ve heard consistently from our members that the culture of enforcement-first created a climate of fear and concealment, rather than clarity and cooperation. This meant businesses were reluctant to call in WorkSafe for assistance because they were worried about simply being fined without getting the help or guidance they originally sought to avoid or manage a potential risk in the workplace.
    “That feedback has come through strongly from our members for many years and Minister van Velden heard the concerns during her roadshow events with small to medium businesses last year. The EMA has been calling for a shift towards an enabling, advisory-based regulator – and it’s pleasing to see the government respond.”
    The announcement includes a redefinition of WorkSafe’s role, with a greater emphasis on early engagement, targeted guidance, and clear, consistent advice.
    Updating and streamlining more than 50 guidance documents and re-prioritising critical risk areas are among the first steps being taken.
    “Cleaning up of WorkSafe advice documents is long overdue and must continue,” Jarvie says.
    “Clear expectations, consistent advice, and a shared goal of risk reduction should be the foundation of our health and safety system. New Zealand workplaces are safer when employers and regulators work in partnership.”
    The EMA also supports the move to involve industries more directly in developing Approved Codes of Practice, with WorkSafe providing guidance and oversight.
    “Industry knows its risks best,” says Jarvie. “Empowering businesses to help shape the standards they work to – with proper regulatory oversight – is a smart, pragmatic approach that will deliver better compliance and ultimately, better outcomes for workers.”
    The EMA assisted the Minister ’s review roadshow and found strong support from our members for these changes. The EMA is actively involved in supporting our members to meet and surpass their health and safety obligations through our comprehensive training programme.
    The EMA looks forward to continuing to work with the government, WorkSafe, Unions and other key stakeholders to ensure the transition achieves its intended purpose: a modern, fit-for-purpose regulator focused on outcomes, not bureaucracy.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: The M&A Class Action Firm Is Investigating the Merger: SSBK, LNSR, iCAD and BSGM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Southern States Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSBK), relating to the proposed merger with FB Financial Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, Southern States’ shareholders will receive 0.800 shares of FB Financial common stock for each share of Southern States stock.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 26, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/southern-states-bancshares-inc-ssbk/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • LENSAR, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNSR), relating to the proposed merger with Alcon. Under the terms of the agreement, LENSAR shareholders will receive $14.00 per share, with an additional non-tradeable contingent value right offering up to $2.75 per share in cash conditioned on the achievement of certain milestones.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for July 2, 2025.        

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/lensar-inc-lnsr/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICAD), relating to the proposed merger with RadNet, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, iCAD stockholders will receive 0.0677 shares of RadNet common stock for each share of iCAD common stock held at the closing of the merger.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for July 14, 2025.     

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/icad-inc-icad/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • BioSig Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: BSGM), relating to the proposed Merger with Streamex Exchange Corporation, pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, the Company, through ExchangeCo, will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Streamex (the “Purchased Shares”) from the Shareholders.

    Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/biosig-technologies-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Is Investigating The Merger – PRA, AXL, SWTX and VIGL

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA), relating to the proposed merger with The Doctors Company. Under the terms of the agreement, ProAssurance stockholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 24, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/proassurance-corporation-pra/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AXL), relating to the proposed merger with Dowlais Group plc. Under the terms of the agreement, Dowlais shareholders will be entitled to receive, per share of Dowlais’ common stock, 0.0863 shares of new AAM common stock, 42 pence per share in cash and up to a 2.8 pence of Dowlais FY24 final dividend prior to closing.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/american-axle-manufacturing-holdings-inc-axl/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWTX), relating to the proposed merger with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, SpringWorks shareholders will have the right to receive $47.00 in cash per share of SpringWorks stock held.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/springworks-therapeutics-inc-swtx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Vigil Neuroscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: VIGL), relating to the proposed merger with French company, Sanofi. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will acquire Vigil for an upfront payment of $8.00 per share of common stock in cash. Vigil shareholders will also receive a non-tradeable contingent value right entitling the holder to potentially receive an additional $2.00 per share in cash payable following the first commercial sale of VG-3927 if achieved within a specific period. The total equity value of the transaction, including the potential CVR payment, represents approximately $600 million on a fully diluted basis.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/vigil-neuroscience-inc-vigl/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government protects thousands of miles of bus services from being scrapped

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government protects thousands of miles of bus services from being scrapped

    Bus Services Bill will give local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on.

    • bus passengers across the UK – particularly the vulnerable – will be protected from sudden cuts to their services thanks to the Bus Services Bill, which has passed its second reading
    • Local Transport Minister visits Blackpool, seeing first-hand how locally controlled bus routes are restoring trust in public transport
    • empowering local leaders, government invests recent record £1 billion to improve bus services and drive up living standards by delivering the Plan for Change

    Thousands of bus passengers who rely on vital routes to get to work, school or the doctors will be protected from sudden and uninformed cuts to services thanks to the government’s Bus Services Bill.

    In a move that will protect thousands of miles of vital bus routes, the Bus Services Bill will end the plight of bus routes being scrapped at short notice, tightening requirements for cancelling vital bus routes – especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers.

    Councils will identify socially necessary local services, and working with bus operators, put in place strict requirements before these services can be changed or cancelled.

    As the Bus Services Bill reached its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday (2 June 2025), the Transport Secretary called for greater accountability and reliability for bus services. MPs have also begun to have their say on proposals to protect vital services and empower local authorities to make the decisions that will benefit their communities.

    The bill, which has already passed through the House of Lords, will improve access to opportunities that drive up living standards and so grow the economy, as part of the Plan for Change.

    Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England, but approximately 300 million miles of bus services operating outside London were slashed from 2010 to 2024, with passengers left frustrated at the lack of accountability. 

    MPs also debated how the bill will allow local authorities to emulate the success of locally controlled bus networks.

    To mark the milestone, the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visited Blackpool last week to hear first-hand from passengers how the locally controlled Blackpool Transport buses have put their needs first to deliver services that allow them to access jobs and social opportunities that drive up their quality of life.  

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:  

    We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on. Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments.

    We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up living standards and growing the economy in line with our Plan for Change.

    The plans will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control services and shape routes to work better for local people. 

    As part of this, the government will also reduce some of the complexities and red tape involved in bus franchising, including reducing the minimum period between local areas taking control and being allowed to run services.

    The bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose not to pursue full ownership.  

    The government is also investing a near £38 million to bring 319 new zero emission buses to communities across England, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in England to improve bus infrastructure with new bus stops and digital timetables, introduce more frequent and more reliable buses and expand fare discounts.   

    The bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that staff, including drivers, undertake training to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, including acts of violence against women and girls. 

    Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

    Deregulation of buses came at the expense of passengers, with a shrinking network, high fares and a service not fit for the rapid growth and scale of ambition we are seeing in Greater Manchester.

    As the first area to bring buses back under local control, our Bee Network is putting people and businesses before profit, reversing decades-long decline in buses with rapidly growing numbers of passengers served by a more reliable, affordable and integrated network. This is central to supporting economic growth, higher productivity, access to new jobs, homes and public services and opening up opportunity for all.

    This bill is vital to reforming transport networks across the country, putting power back in the hands of locally accountable leaders to ensure services work for the communities they serve.

    North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:

    On my first day as mayor, I started the legal process to bring buses back under public control because good public transport is how we unlock growth and opportunity for local people. I hear every day from people fed up with poor bus services.

    This can’t go on, so I’m pleased the government is working with mayors and local authorities to bring in legislation that will support our effort to improve bus networks across the country. It is crucial we fix the broken bus market so we can provide the reliable, affordable public transport people need.

    Professor Karen Lucas, Director of Manchester Urban Institute, said:

    The new buses bill will finally put a halt to the decimation of socially necessary services after years of unregulated cuts that have left many vulnerable people and low-income and rural communities stranded. This is a good first step in the right direction, but more local action is needed.

    Lydia Horbury, Bus Users UK Director for England, said:

    The protection of socially necessary bus services is vital to ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, income, or ability – can access education, employment, healthcare and their wider community. For too long, communities have been left stranded by sudden cuts to lifeline routes.

    Strengthening the framework around these services, as proposed in the Bus Services Bill, is a crucial step toward building a truly inclusive and reliable transport network outside London. We support any measures which empower local authorities to safeguard these routes and the passengers who depend on them.

    Ben Plowden of Campaign for Better Transport said:

    Buses are the most used form of public transport, connecting millions of people to jobs and education, shops and services, friends and family. Preserving vital bus services has long been central to our campaigning, so the new protections in the Bus Services Bill are very welcome indeed.

    Protecting existing services and identifying and filling gaps in the network is the way to ensure everyone can access opportunities and stay connected.

    Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

    The government has moved rapidly to bring about better buses by providing local leaders with the right tools to improve services for their communities. We welcome the Bus Services Bill and its commitment to back passengers and the services they rely upon.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bank on the UK in volatile times’ Trade Secretary tells G7 and European businesses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Bank on the UK in volatile times’ Trade Secretary tells G7 and European businesses

    Trade Secretary’s message comes after UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and EU

    • Jonathan Reynolds to meet G7 and EU counterparts in Paris and Brussels to discuss economic security and global trade.
    • Trade Secretary targets economic growth and jobs, saying deals with India, US and EU make UK the most connected economy for global business.
    • Visit shows how Plan for Change is reducing trade barriers that will boost exports to the EU.

    The UK is a country that counterparts and businesses can bank on in increasingly uncertain and volatile times, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will tell G7 and EU ministers and commissioners on a three-day visit to Paris and Brussels.

    He will deliver the message at a G7 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Paris before travelling to Brussels for talks with EU counterparts and a speech to business representatives, policymakers, and diplomats at the European Policy Centre’s Economic Security Forum.

    The Trade Secretary’s message comes after the UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and the European Union, positioning the UK as a global champion of free trade, delivering for British businesses and putting money in the pockets of working people.

    This will be delivered through the expected GDP increase by £4.8 billion thanks to the India deal, nearly £9 billion added to the UK economy by 2040 through the EU deal and the thousands of jobs saved across the country because of the deal with the US.

    He is also expected to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Šefčovič to progress implementation of the trade deals and ensure businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

    Jonathan Reynolds will use the visit to reinforce that Britain is open for business as part of this Government’s Plan for Change to deliver on its core mission to grow the economy, raise living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Ahead of the visit, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our deals with the US, EU and India are proof that the UK is the most connected country in the world to do business. Along with our modern Industrial Strategy, our Plan for Change is making the UK a safe, stable bet in uncertain times.

    We recognise our relationship with G7 allies and EU counterparts must continue to evolve and deliver a better trading environment for our businesses and exporters.

    That’s why we want to wipe away costly, business-blocking barriers and open up opportunities to grow our economy, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

    The Business Secretary will use his visit to call for the UK’s new relationship with the EU to help businesses, and with almost 100,000 UK businesses exporting goods to the EU last year, and the upcoming Trade Strategy, the UK is continuing its work to build on the recent deals and tear down barriers to doing business around the world.

    As part of the trip the Business and Trade Secretary will also discuss the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy being published this Spring in his first ever in person meetings with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the Industrial Strategy Stephane Séjourné and Executive Vice-President for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera.

    The Business and Trade Secretary will also use the visit to hold in-person meetings with Laurent Saint-Martin, Don Farrell and Maninder Sidhu, the Trade Ministers of France, Australia and Canada respectively.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: First Ministers’ statement on building a strong Canadian economy and advancing major projects

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “Today, Canada’s First Ministers met in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to build a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canadian economy. This marks the first time that a First Ministers’ Meeting has taken place in Saskatchewan in over 40 years.

    “First Ministers expressed their deep concern regarding the wildfire situations across Canada, including in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, and pledged to continue to provide assistance and support to impacted provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities.

    “First Ministers discussed the federal government’s plan to remove trade barriers and advance major projects of national interest, including by tabling their One Canadian Economy legislation, so Canada can be stronger at home and abroad.

    “First Ministers agreed to work together to accelerate major projects in support of building a strong, resilient, and united Canada. As a first step, First Ministers discussed projects of national interest which fit the following criteria, subject to consultation with Indigenous Peoples whose rights may be affected:

    • Strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience, and security.
    • Offer undeniable benefits to Canada and support economic growth.
    • Have a high likelihood of successful execution.
    • Are a high priority for Indigenous leaders.
    • Have clean growth potential, such as the use of clean technologies and sustainable practices.

    “First Ministers also agreed to continue the discussion on projects of national interest, working with provincial and territorial governments.

    “This is a first step in implementing a broader set of reforms to overhaul the project assessment process. A significantly improved, streamlined project assessment process is necessary for Canada to grow its economy to become the strongest in the G7 and a global energy superpower.

    “First Ministers are committed to immediately begin to address project approval and permitting efficiency and timelines for all projects. Premiers welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to ensuring all federal assessment decisions are rendered within two years, beginning with projects of national interest. First Ministers also agreed to work toward efficiently and effectively implementing ‘one project, one review’ with the goal of a single assessment for all projects, in a manner that respects federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdiction, enhancing co-ordination activities on permitting and eliminating duplication. This will help kickstart economic growth and ensure that projects get built in a timely manner. First Ministers pledged to fulfil the Crown’s duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples and discussed ways to strengthen Indigenous ownership and partnerships to provide Indigenous communities with generational economic opportunities.

    “Nation-building infrastructure and corridors, such as highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, nuclear projects, clean and conventional energy projects, and electricity transmission systems, are crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security, and economic competitiveness. First Ministers agreed that Canada must work urgently to get Canadian natural resources and commodities to domestic and international markets, such as critical minerals and decarbonized Canadian oil and gas by pipelines, supported by the private sector, that provide access to diversified global markets, including Asia and Europe. First Ministers also agreed to build cleaner and more affordable electricity systems to reduce emissions and increase reliability toward achieving net zero by 2050. In order to generate economic and social benefits, this work must be done by bringing together the right conditions, including Indigenous equity and participation, and deferring to provincial and territorial environmental assessments, where applicable.

    “First Ministers also discussed needed investments in dual-use infrastructure in Northern and Arctic communities that will address Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security goals, meet local community needs, advance national energy independence, and unlock the North’s economic potential. Indigenous equity and participation will be pivotal to the success of these projects. Premiers acknowledged the federal commitment to move quickly to improve Canada’s defence capabilities and meet international spending targets.

    “Through recent federal, provincial, and territorial efforts and actions led by the Committee on Internal Trade and the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, significant progress has been made toward removing internal trade barriers and further facilitating the movement of goods, services, and workers across the country. Recognizing there is more work to do, First Ministers committed to unlock multilateral, economy-wide mutual recognition and labour mobility, while respecting Québec’s specificity. First Ministers directed the Committee on Internal Trade to rapidly conclude a comprehensive Mutual Recognition Agreement covering consumer goods, in alignment with the Committee on Internal Trade discussions, with implementation by December 2025. In addition, they directed their Ministers of Transport to work together to rapidly expand the trucking pilot. They also agreed to a 30-day service standard for pan-Canadian credential recognition.

    “First Ministers also stressed the importance of creating a new economic and security relationship with the United States to remove the unjustified American tariffs – including longstanding unjustified duties on softwood lumber – and create a more stable and predictable trade environment. They underscored they all have a role to play to achieve this.

    “The federal government committed to working urgently to remove Chinese tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood products. First Ministers emphasized the critical importance of regular and ongoing engagement with China at the highest level to improve the overall trade relationship. In the face of ongoing tariffs, they also discussed opportunities to diversify trade and broaden market access for Canadian exporters.

    “First Ministers emphasized the importance of joint efforts to maintain safe and secure communities, including by enhancing the criminal justice system through meaningful and urgent bail and sentencing reforms supporting law enforcement, addressing delays in the criminal justice process, and reviewing risk assessment for sentencing and release of repeat sex offenders and individuals charged with intimate partner violence and gender-based violence crimes. First Ministers recognized the devastating impact the toxic illegal drug supply is having on Canadian communities and committed to dismantling the illicit drug trade, including fentanyl and its precursors. First Ministers directed federal-provincial-territorial Attorneys General and Ministers of Justice and Public Safety to bring forward an action plan to promote safe and vibrant communities for consideration at a future meeting.

    “First Ministers agreed to continue to work collaboratively and address the priorities of all Canadians in every region of the country. To that end, they will meet regularly to drive action on shared priorities vital to Canada’s security and economic resilience.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Scams, fraud and other illicit activity: AUSTRAC puts crypto ATM operators on notice

    Source: Australian Department of Communications

    AUSTRAC has refused to renew a crypto ATM operator’s registration and placed operating conditions, including transaction limits, on other Australian crypto ATM providers.
    The conditions come after an AUSTRAC taskforce flagged worrying trends in crypto ATM compliance.
    AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said over several months, the taskforce observed customer activity that bears the hallmarks of scams, fraud, and other illicit activity.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seniors’ Week 2025: Minister Nixon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar: Benson Should Endorse SAVE Act After Illegal Voter Flees to China

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Moolenaar: Benson Should Endorse SAVE Act After Illegal Voter Flees to China

    On Friday, federal prosecutors unsealed details regarding a new criminal case against Haoxiang Gao, a Chinese national who attended the University of Michigan and illegally cast a ballot in the 2024 election. The FBI alleges Gao fled the United States for China in January using a second passport to avoid prosecution. Congressman John Moolenaar made the following statement in response to the new case: 

    “It is disgraceful Haoxiang Gao was able to illegally vote in our state in the first place, and now he will likely never face the consequences of his actions after fleeing the country. Secretary Benson has said for months that she opposes strengthening our nation’s election
    laws to stop non-citizens from voting. She said the justice system would hold lawbreakers accountable. Now we see that is not the case. This student had his vote counted in our election last November and escaped justice on her watch. Secretary Benson should endorse the SAVE Act and do more to proactively prevent non-citizens from voting.”

    The SAVE Act would require every person registering to vote to present proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill passed the House earlier this year in a bipartisan vote of 220-208. 

    In April, Moolenaar was joined by all six of his GOP colleagues from Michigan in calling on Benson to justify her opposition to the SAVE Act in light of an internal review of the 2024 election that found an additional 15 non-citizens voted in the state.  

    The United States does not have an extradition treaty with China, so Gao will likely never face prosecution for illegally voting.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Key West Firefighter Charged with Possession of a Destructive Device and a Short-Barreled Rifle (DOJ)

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

    lass=”text-align-justify”>MIAMI – A former Key West firefighter made his initial appearance in federal court today to face an indictment charging him with the possession of a destructive device and possession of a short-barreled rifle.

    According to the indictment, on March 14, Vincent Michael Vega, 38, was in possession of a combination of parts used in converting a device into a destructive device, i.e. an explosive bomb or similar device. Vega was also in possession of a modified semi-automatic rifle, which had a barrel of less than 16 inches. The firearms were not registered to Vega in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Mallory of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, made the announcement. 

    ATF Miami is investigating the case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Hannah is prosecuting the case.  

    An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-10023.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Admit to Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization (DOJ)

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

    ARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three people have admitted to working in a large-scale drug operation in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.  

    Juan Carlos Suarez-Lugo, age 55, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Alexis Alvarado, age 38, of Ranson, West Virginia, each pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Mauricio Antonio Alvarado-Flores, age 38, a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and illegal reentry.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores were working together and with others to sell drugs for the drug trafficking organization.

    Suarez-Lugo, Alvarado, and Alvarado-Flores each face at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for the drug charge. Alvarado-Flores faces up to two years in prison for the illegal reentry charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

    The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff’s Office; Grant County Sheriff’s Office; Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California. 

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Parex Resources Announces Appointment to the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parex Resources Inc. (“Parex” or the “Company”) (TSX: PXT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alberto Consuegra to the Board of Directors (the “Board”).

    Effective June 1, 2025, Alberto Consuegra has been appointed to the Board as an independent director. Alberto has more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector. Most recently, Mr. Consuegra served as the Chief Operating Officer of Ecopetrol, Colombia’s national oil company, and for a period of time acted as the Company’s interim Chief Executive Officer. He has also served as the President of Cenit Transporte y Logística de Hidrocarburos S.A.S., the Vice President of Supply and Services of Ecopetrol, and held several executive positions at Equion Energia Ltd. and BP Exploration.

    Mr. Consuegra graduated from Universidad de Cartagena with a civil engineering degree and holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University.

    “We are excited to welcome Alberto to our Board of Directors and believe his Colombia-focused energy expertise will contribute to the ongoing success of Parex,” commented Wayne Foo, Chair of Parex’s Board of Directors.

    About Parex Resources Inc.

    Parex is one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in Colombia, focusing on sustainable conventional production. The Company’s corporate headquarters are in Calgary, Canada, with an operating office in Bogotá, Colombia. Parex shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PXT.

    For more information, please contact:

    Mike Kruchten
    Senior Vice President, Capital Markets & Corporate Planning
    Parex Resources Inc.
    403-517-1733
    investor.relations@parexresources.com

    Steven Eirich
    Senior Investor Relations & Communications Advisor
    Parex Resources Inc.
    587-293-3286
    investor.relations@parexresources.com

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/e1b365f5-664e-4232-871f-df46382cc069

     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Pushes for USDOT’s “Earnest and Continued Collaboration” Following Announcement of EWR Runway Reopening, and Booker Advocacy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    NEWARK, N.J. – Following United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy’s visit to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

    “This afternoon, Secretary Duffy visited EWR and highlighted the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s reopening of one of EWR’s major runways 13 days ahead of schedule, marking the completion of a $121 million infrastructure upgrade. I applaud the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for their work to get this rehabilitation completed ahead of schedule. This is an important first step toward helping alleviate and streamline air traffic. However, EWR requires comprehensive federal investments to properly address the needs of New Jersey’s travelers, boost resources to support and train our region’s air traffic controllers, and maintain the airport’s operational integrity. This means emergency supplemental funding for the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO) to properly modernize air traffic control infrastructure at airports nationwide, including at least $2 billion to replace the aging copper wire infrastructure and radar communication technology that Newark Liberty International Airport relies on. The ongoing situation in Newark requires earnest and continued collaboration across all levels of government, and I’m a willing partner. I’m hopeful that the Department of Transportation will continue to work with me and my colleagues in Congress on this issue to bolster one of our nation’s busiest airports–– one that tens of thousands of New Jerseyans rely on every day,” said Booker.

    On May 6, 2025, Senator Booker penned an urgent letter to Secretary Duffy asking the United States Department of Transportation to take steps to immediately address regional air traffic controller staffing shortages and detail all steps the agency is taking to remedy Newark Liberty International Airport’s reported telecommunication failures. The full May 6, 2025 letter can be found here.

    On May 14, 2025, following additional reported telecommunication failures at Newark Liberty International Airport, Senator Booker led members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation in a letter to Senate and House Appropriations Chairs demanding at least $2,000,000,000 in emergency funding to strengthen FAA air traffic control infrastructure. The full May 14, 2025 letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Cornyn on Senate Priorities for Pres. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) underscored the urgency of addressing our national debt in the Senate’s version of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and detailed additional priorities for the legislation, including extending the Trump tax cuts to avoid an average tax increase of $3,000 in Texas and implementing work requirements for means-tested programs. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “One of the most important things that we need to do in this budget reconciliation process is to finally come to grips with our national debt.”

    “We are now spending more money on interest on the national debt than we are to defend our nation, which is the number one job of the federal government.”

    “If we want the United States to maintain its standing in the world, if we want to be able to have the resources to defend the nation and deter our adversaries, we have to at least begin to get our fiscal house in order, and this bill — the big, beautiful bill from the House — we’re going to make it even more beautiful here in the Senate.”

    “I was happy to see that the House bill included work requirements that go into effect in 2026, and I hope the Senate will include this policy in our bill as well.”

    “Failure is not an option. If the President’s tax cuts are not extended, the American people will face the largest tax increase in American history… back home in Texas, my constituents will see their taxes increase on average $3,000 next year.”

    “As I’ve traveled my state as I did during the course of this most recent recess, my constituents have emphasized to me time and time again how much they are depending on these tax cuts being renewed, especially our small businesses that have depended on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to hire more staff, to purchase equipment that they could then expense, and to provide additional benefits to their employees.”

    “All of these small businesses, which are the primary job-creating engine in America, would be hurt, and would suffer increased costs, and have to cut somewhere in their business.”

    “The American people are depending on us to pass the President’s agenda through this One Big Beautiful Bill.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Indicative allocations by year

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Last updated 3 June 2024
    Last updated 3 June 2024

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    The indicative allocation is our early estimate of each tertiary education organisation’s on-Plan funding. It indicates what you could receive for the following year if your Investment Plan is approved for funding.
    The indicative allocation is our early estimate of each tertiary education organisation’s on-Plan funding. It indicates what you could receive for the following year if your Investment Plan is approved for funding.

    We calculate this using a set of allocation methodologies, which are specific to each fund. We review and revise these every year to make sure they’re aligned to funding determinations and the current tertiary environment.
    Your indicative allocations will be made available from 3 June and can be accessed through the My Allocations and Payments app on Ngā Kete. 
    2026 indicative allocations
    2026 Global indicative allocation methodology (PDF 841 KB)
    Historical indicative allocation methodologies

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Construction begins on new Metcalfe Fire Station

    Source:

    Metcalfe FIre Brigade Captain Graeme Smith and Mary-Anne Thomas MP

    Construction is officially underway on a new fire station for Metcalfe Fire Brigade, marking a major milestone for the local community.

    CFA Acting Deputy Chief Officer for North West Region Gavin Wright joined brigade members on-site for a ceremonial sod turn on Sunday 2 June, commemorating the start of the project.

    The new station, to be built on Malmsbury-Metcalfe Road, will replace the brigade’s current facility located nearby.

    Metcalfe Fire Brigade Captain Graeme Smith said the upgraded station will better support the brigade’s operations for years to come.

    “We’ve been working with the community and pushing for this project, so to see it finally happening is just fantastic,” Graeme said.

    “Our hope is that it’ll also serve as a staging area for any large-scale incidents in the region.
    It’s not just an asset for the brigade — it’ll benefit the entire community.”

    Graeme added the new station is also expected to boost recruitment.

    “When it’s completed, we think it’ll be a real drawcard for new members,” he said.

    “We’ll be able to offer state-of-the-art facilities and a great environment to be a part of.”

    The new fit-for-purpose station will include a motor room with two reverse-in bays, operational areas, dedicated storage, a multipurpose room, and external car parking. It will also feature separate turnout areas and private change facilities to support both male and female volunteers.

    Acting Deputy Chief Officer Gavin Wright said the new design reflects CFA’s commitment to volunteer safety, inclusivity, and sustainability.

    “Sustainability features such as solar panels, rainwater recycling, EV charging readiness, and water-sensitive landscaping have all been incorporated,” he said.

    “This facility is built not just for today, but for the future needs of the brigade and the broader community.”

    Established in 1885, Metcalfe Fire Brigade currently has 54 members (17 women and 36 men), 29 operational firefighters, and two tankers. The brigade responds to an average of 20 incidents a year across Mount Alexander Shire.

    Construction is expected to be completed by early 2026.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Secretary of State Weber Secure Court Ruling Invalidating Fresno County’s Unlawful Voter Law, Measure A

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, June 2, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. today issued a statement following the California Superior Court’s decision invalidating Measure A, which attempted to amend Fresno County’s charter to move elections for district attorney and sheriff away from the presidential cycle to the gubernatorial cycle. Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber filed a lawsuit challenging Measure A last year, arguing that Measure A is preempted by a state law that explicitly requires counties to hold these elections during the presidential election cycle, which traditionally has higher turnout. In its decision, the Superior Court permanently blocks Fresno County from enforcing Measure A, finding that the measure violates California’s election law.

    “There is nothing more fundamental to American democracy than the right to vote and make your voice heard,” said Attorney General Bonta. “With Measure A, Fresno County threatened to undermine that fundamental right, intentionally seeking to move elections for sheriff and district attorney to off years when voters are far less likely to show up and cast a ballot. Our democracy works best when everyone can participate. I’m proud to have worked with Secretary of State Weber to have permanently blocked this unlawful measure.”

    “Our democracy works best when more citizens can participate in our elections,” said Secretary of State Weber. “Today’s ruling helps ensure more voices are heard through the ballot box in Fresno County’s elections for district attorney and sheriff.”

    A copy of the court’s order is available here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The winners of the PROproject competition visited the Mir Moscow State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 1, a unique excursion to the Moscow State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company “Mir” was held for applicants of the State University of Management and winners of the All-Russian competition “PROproject”.

    The guests were met by the Deputy Chairman of the MIR TV and Radio Broadcasting Company Irina Flyur. All doors were opened for the guys: control rooms, studios and even the most secret place – the server room, which ensures continuous broadcasting.

    The TV channel staff willingly shared their experience of creating news stories and revealed the secrets of the on-air backstage, and at the end of the tour, all the children received memorable gifts and took memorable photos.

    “Thanks to the tour, we looked behind the scenes and saw the large-scale work that is going on behind the screen. I couldn’t even imagine what a colossal amount of work must be done to ensure that people receive high-quality and verified content in real time,” shared his impressions one of the winners of the PROproekt competition, Alexander Shcherbak.

    Some of the participants admitted that they were seriously considering a career as a journalist.

    “Many thanks to the organizers – GUU and MIR, everything was really cool. The excursion was interesting, we immersed ourselves in the creation of television and radio broadcasts, learned some secrets of professionals – technicians, directors, editors, designers, TV presenters and others. Now I know exactly where I want to study and work in the future,” said excursion participant Gleb Serdyuk.

    The PROproject competition has been held by the Department of Project Management of the State University of Management since 2018. The Interstate Television and Radio Broadcasting Company Mir is one of the main partners of the competition and, as part of International Children’s Day, conducted an excursion for the winners of the competition.

    We thank our partners for giving the guys the opportunity to look behind the scenes of the largest media holding in the CIS countries and Georgia.

    Photos provided by MGTRK Mir.

    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 –