NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Legislation to Protect SBA Workers in Sanctuary Cities, Remove Offices Out of Sanctuary City Jurisdictions

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Brad Finstad’s (R-Minn.) legislation to relocate U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offices out of sanctuary city jurisdictions.

    His legislation, H.R. 2931 – Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, ensures that SBA employees are not put at risk by violent illegal aliens. It would relocate SBA offices into jurisdictions which do not limit their cooperation with federal agencies charged with immigration enforcement.

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Finstad issued the following statements:

    “Sanctuary cities should not be rewarded for violence and unlawful behavior,” Chairwoman McClain said. “It’s telling that 195 Democrats opposed a bill to protect SBA employees. Democrats have stooped so low that they now even prioritize illegal aliens over the federal bureaucrats they have vowed to defend.”

    “By circumventing federal law and encouraging illegal immigrants to come into our communities, failed sanctuary city policies have created a growing public safety crisis,” Rep. Finstad said. “Today, my legislation, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, passed on the House Floor. This important legislation codifies two of President Trump’s pro-business executive orders that protect SBA employees and safeguard our entrepreneurs by relocating SBA offices out of sanctuary cities. In doing so, it ensures that communities which uphold the rule of law will have access to the resources they need to better serve small business owners. I am proud that my House colleagues passed this legislation, and I look forward to supporting it through the legislative process.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes Legislation to Block Taxpayer-Funded SBA Assistance from Going to Illegal Aliens

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) issued statements after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to require proof of citizenship for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance applications.

    Specifically, the bill – H.R. 2966 – ensures SBA support goes to legal, eligible applicants.

    “The American people are tired of illegal aliens taking advantage of taxpayer-funded programs. House Republicans just voted to stop this insanity while 190 Democrats voted to continue these wasteful practices. We will keep putting Americans first and keep putting Democrats on the record defending the misuse of taxpayer dollars,” Chairwoman McClain said. “Thank you to Rep. Van Duyne for leading this common-sense legislation.”

    “By passing my American Entrepreneurs First Act, House Republicans have, once again, come together to support common sense reforms protecting America’s hard earned tax dollars from being lost to waste, fraud, abuse, and theft by hostile foreign actors,” Rep. Van Duyne said. “The American Entrepreneurs First Act ensures Small Business Administration funds are directed to American businesses and not accessible by individuals or businesses with foreign or undocumented ownership and verifies the age of all recipients. I urge our Senate colleagues to quickly pass this important measure which is supported by President Trump and SBA Administrator Loeffler as a vital verification step to confirm American tax dollars are being spent to strengthen American small businesses.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain Condemns Antisemitic Attacks in Colorado and Across the U.S., Thanks Law Enforcement Officers for Keeping Americans Safe

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) voted today in favor of two House Resolutions—H. Res. 481 and H. Res. 488—to denounce antisemitic attacks, reaffirm her commitment to confronting antisemitism across the United States, and express appreciation to law enforcement, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for keeping Americans safe.

    H. Res. 481, sponsored by Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-N.J.), expresses that Congress fully condemns the rise in antisemitic attacks across the United States, including the June 1, 2025, terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, the May 21, 2025, attack against two Israeli embassy staffers, and the April 13, 2025, attempted assassination of Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, and his family.

    H. Res. 488, sponsored by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), also denounces the antisemitic terrorist attack that occurred in Boulder, Colorado. The attacker shouted “Free Palestine,” an antisemitic slogan that calls for the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. The resolution also expresses appreciation for the law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, for keeping Americans safe.

    Chairwoman McClain released the following statement: 

    “American Jews have a target on their back. They should not have to be scared to go to school, a synagogue, or simply be Jewish. It doesn’t have to be this way. But so long as Democrats collectively refuse to denounce, condemn, or even agree that this is problematic, the Jewish community will continue to have to live in fear. Things have got to change, and House Republicans are committed to being part of the solution,” Chairwoman McClain said. “House Republicans stand with law enforcement officers, and, unfortunately, House Democrats voted against thanking ICE, too.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Havre man sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Havre man who possessed fentanyl was sentenced today to 168 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Isaiah Starr Standingrock, 33, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that on August 26, 2023, Standingrock attempted to evade law enforcement, leading to a high-speed pursuit on and off the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. During the pursuit, Standingrock called 911 several times, threatening to shoot officers and/or himself. Officers watched Standingrock throw various items out of his car window throughout the pursuit, including what appeared to be a gun (which was never recovered) and a blue Nike backpack (which was recovered and later searched). Standingrock later threw a pistol holster at officers during a brief standoff. Ultimately, Standingrock was taken into custody without incident.

    In a search incident to arrest, officers seized $430 in various denominations of cash, as well as various empty syringes and a plastic bag. Officers observed what appeared to be fentanyl pills in plain view in the vehicle.

    Officers then located a .40 caliber S&W round and a .38 caliber SPL +P round, as well as a syringe and tin foil in the blue Nike backpack. They recovered suspected fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder, a tube containing powder residence, a digital scale containing white powder, a flip phone and a gold iPhone from the vehicle search.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, and the Hill County Sheriff’s Office.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain Backs Law Enforcement Officers, Votes to Reverse Biden-era ‘Defund the Police’ Policies

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) voted in favor of Rep. Andrew Garbarino’s (R-N.Y.) bill—H.R. 2096, Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act—to reverse Biden-era ‘defund the police’ policies and equip law enforcement officers with the resources they need to do their jobs.

    Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Garbarino issued the following statements after the U.S. House passed H.R. 2096:

    “The violence we are seeing in Los Angeles and around our country is a clear example of why we need to support our law enforcement in all capacities. They are putting their lives on the line to protect us,” Chairwoman McClain said. “The Biden administration’s, efforts to defund the police have led to more violence and rising crime rates in places like Washington, D.C. In contrast, House Republicans are committed to supporting our brave law enforcement officers and addressing workforce and retention challenges. I thank Rep. Garbarino for leading this crucial effort to reverse harmful ‘defund the police’ policies.”

    “The House’s passage of my bill, the Protecting Our Nation’s Capital Emergency Act, is a critical step toward restoring law and order in Washington, D.C. The Metropolitan Police Department is facing a public safety crisis brought on by reckless policies that have stripped officers of basic protections and left the force dangerously understaffed,” Rep. Garbarino said. “This legislation helps right that wrong by giving MPD the tools and support they need to recruit, retain, and protect. Congress has a duty to ensure our nation’s capital is safe, and today’s vote sends a clear message: we back the badge, and we refuse to let violent crime take over D.C.”

    H.R. 2096 reverses provisions of D.C.’s Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Specifically, it restores the Metro Police Department officer union’s ability to bargain on disciplinary matters and re-establish clear timelines for carrying out discipline for alleged officer misconduct.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Pfluger’s Statements after the U.S. House Passed a Bill to Prohibit Noncitizens from Voting in D.C. Local Elections

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    Chairwoman McClain and Rep. Pfluger’s Statements after the U.S. House Passed a Bill to Prohibit Noncitizens from Voting in D.C. Local Elections

    Washington, June 10, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. August Pfluger’s (R-Texas) H.R. 884, which prohibits non-U.S. citizens from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and repeals the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, a D.C. law.

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and Rep. Pfluger released the following statements:

    “House Republicans passed legislation to restore trust in our election system, particularly in our nation’s capital. Unlike Democrats, we will not allow illegal immigrants to dilute the votes of actual Americans. Only Americans should be able to vote in U.S. elections. It’s as simple as that,” Chairwoman McClain said.

    “Free and fair elections are a prerequisite for a healthy republic. The radical DC Council’s decision to allow noncitizens—including illegal aliens and foreign agents—to vote in local elections dilutes the voting power of the citizen voter. That power must be defended, and I am thrilled House Republicans took action today to do so. Anyone who voted against this legislation, voted for the transfer of political power away from legal voters. With the House passage of my legislation today, we are one step closer to restoring the sanctity of the voting process to ensure that only American citizens are voting in our nation’s capital,” Rep. Pfluger said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Detroit arrests a convicted arsonist and a convicted murderer in the same day

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DETROIT – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Detroit arrested two criminal aliens in Detroit June 10. Ahmad Fareez Thabateh, 49, a Palestinian, and Kassim Saleh Wasil, 70, a Yemeni , who will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

    Thabateh has a final order of removal and has a previous conviction of arson in Pontiac, Michigan.

    Wasil also has a final order of removal and has a criminal history to include 2nd degree murder, assault, resisting or obstructing an officer, and cruelty to a dependent adult.

    “A convicted murderer and an arsonist are just some of the many public safety threats and immigration violators that our officers work to take off the streets every day,” said acting Detroit Field Office Director Kevin Raycraft. “I’m proud of their efforts to safeguard communities across Michigan and Ohio.”

    Members of the public can report immigration crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit and @HSIDetroit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Laundered Over $800,000 of the Proceeds of a Business Email Compromise Scheme that Defrauded a Cedar Rapids Church

    An accountant and adjunct business instructor who laundered over $800,000 of the proceeds of a multi-state business email compromise scheme was sentenced today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

    Margo Ann Williams, age 63, from Scranton, Pennsylvania, received the prison term after a September 12, 2024, jury verdict finding her guilty of one count of bank fraud, three counts of money laundering, three counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.

    The evidence at trial showed that, between December 2022 and July 2023, five victims—a Cedar Rapids church, two businesses, a non-profit, and an individual—had their electronic payments misdirected due to hacked email accounts.  The email accounts were hacked while the victims were in the process of making large wire and automatic clearinghouse (“ACH”) transactions to others.  The victims received “spoofed” emails that falsely appeared to come from legitimate and trusted sources.  The fraudulent emails contained instructions to change the routing information for the wire and ACH transactions.  Unbeknownst to the victims, those accounts listed in the new instructions belonged to Williams.  After receiving “spoofed” emails, the victims instructed their banks to wire the funds according to the new payment instructions.  Williams received the funds into bank accounts she controlled, and then she rapidly transferred the stolen money to other bank accounts that she controlled.  Williams eventually transferred stolen funds to two national cryptocurrency exchanges and an individual in Florida.

    For example, in June 2023, a Cedar Rapids church was engaged in a $7 million renovation of its campus.  The hackers compromised the email account of the project’s architect and caused the church to receive “spoofed” emails in which the email domain of the project’s general contractor was slightly changed.  As a result, the church representatives thought they were engaged in email correspondence with the project’s general contractor when, in truth, unknown individuals were impersonating the general contractor’s employees.  As a result, the church unwittingly wired over $466,000 to Williams’s shell corporation, “MBCI & Evercorp, LLC.”  Other victims in the business email compromise scheme included a hotel manager in Colorado, a large non-profit in Washington state, a self-employed homebuilder in Montana, and a general commercial contractor in Pennsylvania.

    During the scheme, Williams repeatedly opened bank accounts at major national banks, including one in the name of her shell corporation.  As the banks discovered the fraud and closed the accounts, Williams continued to open new accounts at other banks in an effort to continue to perpetrate the fraud.  Williams claimed at trial that she was doing so at the direction of a famous British actor with whom she had formed a romantic relationship.  Williams earned approximately $25,000 from the scheme.  Williams made many personal purchases with the stolen money, including an Apple Watch and a Louis Vuitton handbag.

    Williams was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Williams was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment.  She was ordered to make $594,037.41 in restitution to her victims.  She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Kyndra A. Lundquist and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Williams was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.

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

    The case file number is 23-CR-64.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waco Man Federally Indicted After Allegedly Shooting Police K9 with Machine Gun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WACO, Texas – A federal grand jury in Waco returned an indictment today charging a Waco man with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

    According to court documents, Darrin King allegedly fled from Waco Police officers, who were dispatched to a civil disturbance involving a firearm on May 28. A police K9 was deployed in pursuit of King, who allegedly produced a firearm and fired multiple shots at the dog, striking the K9 twice in the neck and once in the chest. King was subsequently taken into custody and the firearm was recovered. The firearm was allegedly equipped with a machinegun conversion device (MCD), also known as a “Glock switch,” allowing the firearm to fire as a fully automatic weapon. MCDs are defined as machineguns under the National Firearms Act, even when not installed.

    The injured K9 survived his life-threatening injuries but, due to the extent of the injuries, will be medically retired.

    King faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waco Police Department are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Blanton is prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Youth Parliament ‘Future Youth Voice’ Conference

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The annual Highland Youth Parliament (HYP) conference will take place at Inverness Leisure and Canal Park, Inverness on Friday (13th June).

    Highland young people are focusing on future youth voices and what they would like a future Highland to look like. HYP is 25 years old this year so young people have been asked to bring a time capsule item to represent their area (to be opened again in 2050) and will be asked questions in a review of Highland Youth Parliament and related structures to improve how young people are supported to have a say, how this is promoted to young people and to help widen reach and representation.

    The conference is expected to have approximately 100 young people from across the 29 secondary school areas in Highland participating at the event.

    There will be stalls in the morning from a range of organisations and services working with young people across Highland and Highland Council youth development officers and young people will display the work they do out in areas around having a voice and making changes for improvement of services for young people in their local areas.

    This will be followed by input from Jake MacCulloch, Chair of Highland Youth Parliament and Lauren McKittrick, the Highland Youth Convener.

    The Scottish Youth Parliament will also speak with Highland young people re their work and consult on their new manifesto.

    Kate Lackie, Assistant Chief Executive – People, The Highland Council will also speak with young people about The Highland Council’s Our Future Our Highland Programme then young people will break out in to groups to discuss wider topics of Education, Employment, Leisure and Recreation, Transport, Roads and Infrastructure, Environment and Health and Social Care, and highlight issues and actions they would like HYP to focus on in these areas.

    Young people will then have the opportunity to participate in a Walk and Talk a Mile to discuss a couple of questions which will contribute towards the development of the 2026-2029 Children’s Services Plan, incorporating the Highland Children and Young People’s Participation Strategy.

    The group will also be offered some fun and interesting activities – a free swim and gym session from High Life Highland. Inverness Leisure will also provide line dancing, Highland Archive Centre are offering a family history session and Inverness Botanics will be providing some interesting tours of the gardens and the work they do.

    Highland Youth Convener, Lauren McKittrick said: “The HYP conference provides a platform for each area in the Highlands to be represented by the young people who call it home. I am looking forward to hearing the unique perspectives these young people will bring while discussing some of the important themes affecting the future landscape of the Highlands. There is no better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Highland Youth Parliament than a day full of engaging discussions, fun activities, and a time capsule!”

    Jake MacCulloch, Chair of Highland Youth Parliament added: “Having attended the HYP conference last year as a young person myself and now this year as Chair, I’m so excited to see how the day plays out. It is such an amazing opportunity for young people to take part in, where they can voice their views and take part in activities and workshops tailored to certain topics! Like usual we will also have stalls from organisations supporting young people. This year we also have stalls from youth groups throughout Highland to show the amazing work they’ve been doing as we are celebrating 25 years of the Highland Youth Parliament, I’m sure we are going to have a great time.” 

    Kate Lackie,  The Highland Council’s Assistant Chief Executive – People said: “The Council has a good track record of working proactively with the Highland Youth Parliament. It is important that voices of our children and young people are heard and taken seriously, especially when it comes to future policy making, which is why I am delighted to be leading a session seeking input into the Council’s key strategic priority areas.   I am sure the conference will be an excellent platform to network, share good practice and look to the future. I wish everyone taking part a very enjoyable and successful event.”

    Before the conference, Highland young people can participate in online training sessions, provided by The Highland Council and partners such as Scottish Youth Parliament and Education Scotland. They will cover a range of topics such as what it means to be a Highland Youth Parliament member, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, elegant challenging and campaigning online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Støre of Norway: 10 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with Prime Minister Støre of Norway: 10 June 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway this afternoon. 

    They agreed on the importance of this afternoon’s announcement between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom, confirming sanctions on two Israeli Ministers for their repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution, which ensures a safe and secure future for Israelis and Palestinians.

    Discussing the publication of last week’s Strategic Defence Review, the leaders agreed that the UK and Norway are key partners, showcased through Norway’s vital contribution to the Carrier Strike Group. 

    They agreed on the vital importance of all NATO allies stepping up on our collective defence at an increasingly dangerous time for the world. 

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM’s remarks in Downing Street meeting with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar: 10 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM’s remarks in Downing Street meeting with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar: 10 June 2025

    PM’s remarks in Downing Street meeting with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Aguiar.

    Let me just start by saying thank you so much for coming in, and you’re very welcome.

    I know you’ve got some plans that you want to show us, so we’re very much looking forward to seeing those plans, to honour Bebe, Alice and Elsie.

    I know that the plan is very much developing on the idea of the gardens in a very special way, and so we’re looking forward to seeing that.

    There’s already the prospect of some funding to go towards the gardens to make them exactly as you want them.

    And as a proper honour to the three girls, I’m really pleased to tell you today that the government will make up the rest of the money, so that as from today, you know that this project is secure and will go ahead.

    Thank you for coming to show us the plans. Thank you for your continued courage and resilience.

    As I’ve said to you all a number of times, I think most people in the country would say they wouldn’t know how to deal with the situation, but you’ve shown courage and resilience and come forward with these plans, which will then be a great honour and an incredible thing for so many people and for children as they make use of the gardens, which is a wonderful thing to do. So thank you very much for that.

    And also we sit here as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, but we sit here as human beings with families of our own. And we sit here on behalf of millions of people who would love to see the plans and to say well done for bringing them forward and getting to this point.

    So through us, the thanks of millions of people in this country. I know there’ll be a sense that all of us alongside you will want to see these plans.

    I think when they understand the concept of what you’re doing here, I think they’ll be really moved and touched by it. So thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public drop-in session set to take place for Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC)

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    As part of its public consultation, Highland Council is to hold a drop-in event on the Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC), giving members of the public an opportunity to view more detailed information on the range of potential options for the future of leisure services currently provided at TRACC.  Council officers will be on hand on the day to meet with those attending and discuss the potential options.

    The drop-in will take place on Thursday, 12 June between 2pm-8pm and will be held in the Games Hall of TRACC.

    Additionally, in May, a survey was launched to enable the views of the local community to be captured.  This survey remains open and members of the Tain community are encouraged to participate in the process to ensure the views of the local community are fully understood, which will ultimately assist in assessing the potential impact of each proposed option and support the decision making process for the future of TRACC.

    Submit your views by accessing the response forms using the web addresses below.

    Response Form 1 – Individual Community Stakeholders and Users (www.bit.ly/tracc-form1)

    Response Form 2 – Young People (www.bit.ly/tracc-form2)

    Response Form 3 – Community Groups (www.bit.ly/tracc-form3)

    Members of the community who completed the survey before it was amended (on Sunday 11 May 2025) are free to resubmit their response on the updated form. 

    10 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join The Highland Council in supporting Clean Air Day 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is proud to be taking part in this year’s Clean Air Day – the UK’s largest air pollution awareness campaign – on 19 June 2025. Supported by Global Action Plan and Health Equals, the initiative is a vital step in helping our communities understand the health risks of air pollution and the simple actions we can all take to make a difference.

    One of the contributors to poor air quality is engine idling — when car engines are left running while stationary – which can significantly increase harmful emissions.  Changing idling behaviour will be the focus of this year’s events.

    Why this campaign matters

    • Air pollution affects us from before our first breath to our last.
    • Children are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of polluted air.
    • Idling engines contribute to unnecessary emissions and fuel waste.
    • By switching off engines, we can all help reduce pollution and protect our environment.

    To celebrate Clean Air Day, Highland Council’s Environmental Health Team will have an information stall at the entrance to the Victorian Market Food Hall, Inverness on Thursday 19 June from 11:00 to 15:00 and will be speaking to drivers around the town centre, providing a great opportunity to engage with the public and raise awareness on air pollution issues.

    In the run-up to Clean Air Day, the team will also be revisiting schools who previously took part in an Air Quality Project to monitor air quality around school premises.  This project had identified distinct peaks in pollution levels during school drop-off and pick-up times and pupils will be supported to run an Anti-Idling Campaign to raise awareness of the negative impacts of engine idling which will help encourage positive change. 

    Each participating school will be provided with an ‘Anti-Idling’ sign for their drop-off zone, an information pack and toolkit to help them run their campaign and a banner for installation at their school gate on the campaign launch day.

    Participating schools will help raise awareness by:

    • Teaching pupils about why clean air matters.
    • Supporting pupils as they lead this important initiative.
    • Encouraging staff and parents to turn off their car engine when waiting outside the school.

    For more information on how to participate in Clean Air Day, visit the Clean Air Day website.

    10 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Happy to hand over the keys to a robot? Augmented reality might help

    Source:

    11 June 2025

    Would you trust a driverless car? A 2024 global survey involving nearly 8000 participants suggests most people are wary of handing over the steering wheel to sensors, cameras and computer algorithms.

    However, a new study by Australian and French researchers shows that augmented reality (AR) could increase overall confidence in autonomous vehicles by simulating the experience and allowing drivers to personalise the AR interface.

    The University of South Australia (UniSA) and IMT Atlantique created a sophisticated virtual reality driving simulator using headsets, testing seven AR visualisations with 28 participants, where information about driving conditions was added, modified and even removed from the simulation.

    The participants were aged 22-50 and included 18 males and 10 females.

    AR can deliver real-time, critical information directly onto the windshield or dash, alerting drivers to potential hazards and obstacles, speed limits and navigation directions. The technology uses sensors to deliver the data, ensuring that drivers stay focused on the road while accessing critical information.

    Driving-related AR visuals included navigation paths, incoming vehicle alerts and pedestrians; and non-driving visuals ranged from aesthetic modifications to points of interest, such as cafes and dinosaur parks.

    The researchers found that participants’ trust in autonomous vehicles was “significantly increased” when AR was used to add or change driving-related information, tailoring visual cues based on a driver’s preference, attention patterns and stress levels.

    “Trust is a major barrier to the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles,” says UniSA and IMT Atlantique PhD candidate Hoa Tran, who led the study.

    “Despite autonomous vehicles being generally safer than human drivers in routine conditions, there is a global reluctance to fully embrace them, but augmented reality might be able to change that.

    “The AR visuals helped participants understand the autonomous vehicle’s decision-making process, which is especially important in complex traffic scenarios,” Hoa says.

    Even non-driving related additions, like landmarks or interior design enhancements in the car, improved trust among users. However, they also carried a greater risk of driver distraction.

    Conversely, removing certain types of information – such as unnecessary pedestrian visuals or visual obstructions in the car – was helpful for reducing mental clutter, but it negatively affected user confidence.

    “The message is that less isn’t always more,” says co-author UniSA researcher Dr James Walsh.

    “The design of AR in autonomous vehicles needs to balance clarity with user comfort and personal preference.”

    Researchers suggest future work should involve real-world testing in higher-quality simulators, as well as trials involving a more diverse demographic.

    “Our findings support the idea that trust in driverless cars can be built not just through more information, but the right information,” Dr Walsh says.

    “Impact of Adding, Removing and Modifying Driving and Non-Driving Related Information on Trust in Autonomous Vehicles” is authored by Thi Thanh Hoa Tran, Assoc Prof Etienne Peillard and Prof Guillaume Moreau from IMT Atlantique, and Dr James Walsh and Prof Bruce Thomas from the University of South Australia. DOI: 10.1109/VRW66409.2025.00277

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contacts for interview:

    Dr James Walsh E: james.walsh@unisa.edu.au
    Hoa Tran E: thi-thanh-hoa.tran@imt-atlantique.fr

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to address the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal regarding Canada’s economy and industrial priorities

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 10, 2025 – Montréal, Quebec 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development Canada for Quebec Regions will participate in a discussion regarding Canada’s economy and industrial priorities, organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal.

    Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

    Time: 8:30 am (ET)

    Location: Montréal, Quebec

    Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

    Note: The activity will be held in French.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Budget to address domestic, family and sexual violence

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon Issues Statement on ICE Activities in Omaha

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Bacon Issues Statement on ICE Activities in Omaha

    Washington, June 10, 2025

    Bacon Issues Statement on ICE Activities in Omaha

    Washington – “We understand people’s concerns for their loved one’s safety and have full confidence and expectations that ICE will operate within their legal authority and treat people with respect. Our office does not receive reports on individual enforcement and removal operations, but we support the rule of law. We encourage anyone with questions and concerns to contact ICE’s toll-free number 888-351-4024. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.” -Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02).

    In addition, Rep. Bacon’s District Director and Director of Outreach went to the ICE facility and gathered the following information:

    • ICE served a civil warrant to one facility only-Glenn Valley Foods
    • The warrant was in relation to stolen identities
    • ICE verified that Glen Valley Foods complied with E-Verify 100% and is a victim in this as well
    • People who may have family members who have been detained can call ICE at 402-536-4861. This number is for family members only.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Saying yes to more housing

    Source: New Zealand Government

    City-shaping changes are coming to New Zealand’s largest city, ensuring that Auckland can fully harness the economic growth benefits of the new City Rail Link, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Minister Simeon Brown say.
    The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill (the Bill) has been reported back to Parliament today by the Environment Committee, containing significant changes to enable housing growth in our largest cities.
    “After many months, Auckland Council and the Government have reached agreement to free up more land for housing, particularly around City Rail Link (CRL) stations. These are some of the most significant changes to the shape of Auckland since the Auckland Unitary Plan,” Mr Bishop says.
    “It doesn’t make sense that we have single story houses on quarter acre sections a stone’s throw away from stations that, in a year or so, will see trains every few minutes. 
    “The Government and the Council are investing billions in CRL and have a shared vision for stations that become hubs for public transport, mixed use development and new housing.
    “Successive Governments and Councils have failed to grasp this opportunity for economic growth in New Zealand’s largest city. This is how modern, growing cities all around the world operate, and now it’s Auckland’s turn.”
    “Today’s announcements are a result of Auckland Council and the Government working together to deliver a plan for more housing that works for Auckland.  The Bill now has the effect of abolishing the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) in Auckland while requiring more housing density around key public transport corridors – a common sense solution for Auckland,” Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says.
    “Auckland must grow to fully meet its potential as a world-leading city. The one sized-fits-all approach of the MDRS was not appropriate for Auckland. Today’s announcement will ensure our city grows where it makes the most sense and maximise on the significant investment made in the City Rail Link.”
    “I want to thank Auckland Council, particularly Mayor Brown and Councillor Richard Hills, for their pragmatic approach to solving these complex challenges over many months,” Mr Bishop says.
    “Mayor Brown has previously described this situation as “RMA gymnastics” and he is right, but I am confident that these arrangements align with our shared vison of density and development in places that work for Aucklanders.”   
    Removing ability to opt-out of the MDRS
    “The Bill as introduced provided councils with the flexibility to opt out of the MDRS, if they could show they had provided for 30 years of housing growth in their district and unitary plans,” Mr Bishop says.
    “Councils have been going through plan changes for years in order to incorporate the MDRS. Most councils have already substantially completed their plan changes through this process, with just three (Auckland, Christchurch and Waimakariri) yet to finish.
    “Th practical reality is that if councils did vote to “opt out” of the MDRS, they would have to pass a new plan change to do so, and due to the length of time this typically takes under the RMA, by the time this was complete, the Government’s new planning system is expected to be in place.
    “Fundamentally, it would have achieved nothing, but cost ratepayers a lot. “The Government has therefore taken the pragmatic view that it would be sensible to remove the ability for councils to opt out of the MDRS and to work on bespoke legislative solutions for Auckland and Christchurch instead.”
    New plan change for Auckland 
    “Auckland’s intensification plan change, PC78, has been underway since 2022. Progress has been slow for many reasons, including the Auckland floods. The intensification plan change process does not allow Auckland to “downzone” certain areas due to natural hazard risk – only to “upzone” them – and the Council wrote to the government asking them to fix this problem,” Mr Bishop says.
    “The Government has therefore agreed to change the Bill to allow Auckland to withdraw PC78. However, the government is determined to unlock housing capacity in Auckland and fix our housing crisis and has taken steps to ensure this is achieved.
    “Earlier in the year I directed Auckland Council to bring forward decisions on the parts of PC78 that relate to the city centre, requiring final decisions to be made by the end of May. Auckland Council met this requirement, finalising this part of PC78 on 22 May 2025. 
    “These decisions made by the council are a step forward in increasing development capacity in Auckland’s CBD, but there is more work to be done.
    “The Bill as reported back from the committee now allows Auckland Council to remove the remaining parts of PC78, but requires them to process a new plan change urgently. This plan change must be notified by 10 October this year, and must enable housing capacity equal to or greater than that enabled by PC78.
    “As I’ve indicated, the Government is keen to see greater density around public transport, particularly City Rail Link stations. The Bill therefore now also requires Auckland to allow for greater density around the key CRL stations of Maungawhau (Mount Eden), Kingsland, and Morningside.
    “Auckland Council must enable within a walkable distance from these stations heights and densities reflective of the higher demand for housing and business in these areas. This requirement goes further than the existing requirements under the NPS-UD, and I expect heights and densities that ensure we make the most of the opportunities offered by this transformational transport project.
    “The government is also considering whether further amendments to the Bill to fully maximise development opportunities around other CRL stations as necessary, and I will have more to say in due course.”
    30 years of growth for Christchurch 
    “Christchurch City Council also requires a bespoke solution, as they have made a number of decisions on their plan change to implement the MDRS and NPS-UD, known as PC14, but have yet to complete it,” Mr Bishop says. 
    “Last week I released my decisions on the recommendations from the Council on parts of PC14. These decisions will enable a greater level of development in and around Christchurch City’s urban centres.
    “Christchurch City Council is currently required to finalise the MDRS components of PC14 by December 2025. The Bill will allow Christchurch to withdraw the MDRS parts of PC14 provided they allow for 30 years of housing growth at the same time. Assessment of that target will be made by me based on advice from officials.”
    Additional changes 
    “In addition to these changes, the Environment Select Committee has recommended a suite of changes to improve the workability of the Bill and help unlock growth in infrastructure and energy, farming and the primary sector,” Mr Bishop says.
    The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill will have its second reading in the coming weeks and is expected to pass into law in mid-2025.”
    Note to Editors: 
    Waimakariri District Council were much further progressed in their plan change than Auckland and Christchurch, and are expected to make decisions on their plan change on 30 June, before the Bill’s expected third reading.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: International migration: April 2025 ? Stats NZ information release

    International migration: April 2025 – information release

    11 June 2025

    International migration statistics give the latest outcomes-based measure of migration, which includes estimates of migrants entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts

    Annual migration

    Provisional estimates for the April 2025 year compared with the April 2024 year were:

    • migrant arrivals: 145,000 (± 1,100), down 27 percent
    • migrant departures: 123,700 (± 900), up 15 percent
    • annual net migration: gain of 21,300 (± 1,400), compared with a net gain of 90,900 (± 200).

    Annual migrant arrivals peaked at 234,800 in the year ended October 2023.

    Annual migrant departures provisionally peaked at 124,000 in the year ended March 2025.

    Annual net migration peaked in the year ended October 2023, with a gain of 135,500.

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: International travel: April 2025 ? Stats NZ information release

    International travel: April 2025 – information release

    11 June 2025

    International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts

    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors

    Overseas visitor arrivals were 267,300 in April 2025, an increase of 42,200 from April 2024. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • Australia (up 33,800)
    • United Kingdom (up 4,000)
    • United States (up 3,300)
    • Hong Kong (up 1,600)
    • Indonesia (down 1,100).

    The increase in the number of overseas visitors from Australia in April 2025 compared with April 2024 was partly related to the timing of school holidays. Easter and school holidays’ impact has more information.

    The total number of overseas visitor arrivals in April 2025 was 87 percent of the 307,400 in April 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic).

    Visit our website to read this information release:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alabama Chiropractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Obstruction

    Source: US State of California

    Shortly after trial began, an Alabama chiropractor pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion and obstructing the IRS.

    The following is according to court documents and evidence admitted at trial: Gary Forrest Edwards, of Shelby County, Alabama, owned and operated the chiropractic practice Hoover Health & Wellness Center. After not filing income tax returns for many years, in 2015, Edwards filed tax returns for 2009 through 2013. He later filed a tax return for 2017. On these returns, Edwards admitted that he owed more than $2.5 million in taxes. Nevertheless, he did not pay the taxes he reported due and did not pay the interest and penalties assessed against him.

    Edwards took steps to thwart the IRS’s efforts to assess and collect taxes against him, including concealing financial accounts he owned from the IRS, transferring funds from accounts he owned to accounts in only his spouse’s name, filing false court documents to terminate federal tax liens against his property, and lying to IRS criminal investigators.

    Edwards will be sentenced later this year. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the evasion charge and a maximum sentence of three years in prison on the obstruction charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco for the Northern District of Alabama will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Isaiah Boyd of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Garnett for the Northern District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pakistani National Extradited to Face Charges in Connection with Plot to Carry Out ISIS-Inspired Mass Shooting at Jewish Center in New York City

    Source: US State of California

    A Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was extradited to the United States on June 10, in connection with an indictment filed in the Southern District of New York. Khan was charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Khan is scheduled to make an initial appearance in court on June 11.

    “The foreign terrorist organization ISIS remains a clear and present danger to the American people, and our Jewish citizens are especially targeted by evil groups like these,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice is proud to help secure this extradition, and we will prosecute this man to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Khan allegedly tried to enter the United States to commit an attack on the Jewish community in New York City, planning an ISIS-inspired mass shooting around the one-year anniversary of the attack on Gaza by Hamas,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thankfully, the great work of the FBI and our partners shut that down, and Khan has now been extradited to New York to face American justice. I want to thank our teams and partners for their diligent work in this case and executing the mission.”

    “As alleged, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan attempted to enter the United States to carry out a deadly terrorist attack on a Jewish center in New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “He planned to use automatic weapons to kill as many members of our Jewish community as possible, all in support of ISIS. Khan’s deadly, antisemitic plan was thwarted by the diligent work of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors in this Office who are committed to rooting out antisemitism and stopping terror. Thanks to their efforts, Khan will now face justice in New York.”

    Khan was provisionally arrested in Canada on Sept. 4, 2024 based on a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. As alleged in the complaint, Khan, who resided in Canada, attempted to travel from Canada to New York City, where he intended to use automatic and semi-automatic weapons to carry out a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish center in Brooklyn, New York. Khan began posting on social media and communicating with others on an encrypted messaging application about his support for ISIS in or about November 2023, when, among other things, Khan distributed ISIS propaganda videos and literature. Subsequently, Khan began communicating with two undercover law enforcement officers (collectively, the UCs).

    During those conversations, Khan confirmed that he and a U.S.-based ISIS supporter (Associate-1) had been planning to carry out an attack in a particular U.S. city (City-1). Among other things, Khan said that he had been actively attempting to create “a real offline cell” of ISIS supporters to carry out a “coordinated assault” in City-1 using AR-style rifles to “target[] Israeli Jewish chabads . . . scattered all around [City-1].” During subsequent conversations, Khan repeatedly instructed the UCs to obtain AR-style assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials to carry out the attacks, and identified the specific locations in City-1 where the attacks would take place. Khan also provided details about how he would cross the border from Canada into the United States to conduct the attacks. During these conversations with the UCs, Khan emphasized that “Oct 7th and oct 11th are the best days for targeting the jews” because “oct 7 they will surely have some protests and oct 11 is yom.kippur.”

    On or about Aug. 20, Khan changed his target location from City-1 to New York City. After initially suggesting certain neighborhoods in New York City to the UCs, Khan decided to target Location-1, a Jewish center located in Brooklyn, New York. Khan told the UCs that he planned to carry out this attack on or around Oct. 7, 2024 — which Khan recognized as the one-year anniversary of the brutal terrorist attacks in Israel by Hamas, a designated FTO, which, on Oct. 7, 2023, launched a wave of violent, large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel. In support of his choice of New York City as his target location, Khan boasted that “New york is perfect to target jews” because it has the “largest Jewish population In america” and therefore, “even if we dont attack a[n] Event[,] we could rack up easily a lot of jews.” Khan proclaimed that “we are going to nyc to slaughter them,” and sent a photograph of the specific area inside of Location-1 where he planned to carry out the attack.

    Thereafter, Khan continued to urge the UCs to acquire AR-style rifles, ammunition, and other equipment for his attack, including “some good hunting [knives] so we can slit their throats.” Khan repeatedly reiterated his desire to carry out the attack in support of ISIS, and discussed planning for the attack, including by identifying rental properties close to Location-1 and paying for a human smuggler to help him reach and cross the border from Canada into the United States. During one communication, Khan noted that “if we succeed with our plan this would be the largest Attack on US soil since 9/11.”

    On or about Sept. 4, as Khan said he planned to do in connection with his attack, Khan attempted to reach the U.S-Canada border. To do so, Khan used three separate cars to travel across Canada towards the United States, before he was stopped by Canadian authorities in or around Ormstown, Canada, approximately 12 miles from the U.S.-Canada border.

    Khan is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and one count of attempting to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI’s New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the case. The Justice Department is grateful to Canadian law enforcement for their actions in this matter. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division accomplished the extradition of Khan from Canada.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaylan E. Lasky and David J. Robles for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A complaint or an indictment merely contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Fighting Discrimination Against U.S. Workers

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Justice Department Fighting Discrimination Against U.S. Workers

    The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a settlement agreement with Epik Solutions, a California technology recruiting company, to resolve Epik Solutions’ violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by preferring to recruit foreign H-1B visa holders over U.S. workers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission meets June 17-18 in Independence

    Source: US State of Oregon

    NDEPENDENCE, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene June 17 and 18 in Independence, Oregon to discuss rulemaking, small land purchases and legislative updates.

    On June 17, commissioners will take a water trail boat tour and then conduct a work session on the Salmonberry Trail and Central Business Services from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Independence Event Center, 555 South Main Street.

    On June 18, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at Independence Event Center, 555 South Main Street to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. and will be open to the public.

    Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting if attending online, and is available online at https://bit.ly/registerjuncommission. The deadline to register to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., June 16. No advance registration is required to speak in person at the meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. June 16 to OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.

    The full agenda and supporting documents will be posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

    • Request to adopt a proposed rule change (OAR 736-024-0015) to prohibit driving on the ocean shore in Manzanita as requested by the Manzanita City Council due to safety concerns.
    • Request to adopt a proposed rule update (OAR 736-015-0030) to expand the 25% out-of-state surcharge to parking permit fees for visitors who do not live in Oregon, which would increase daily parking permit fees by $2 for out-of-state visitors.
    • Request to open rulemaking for implementation prior to House Bill 3190, which reauthorizes the Special Assessment of Historic Properties program as a 10-year benefit for commercial, income-producing historic properties.
    • Request to open rulemaking contingent on the passage of Senate Bill 838B, which would provide OPRD a limited exemption from the state’s Public Contracting Code— to better serve park visitors and support local businesses based on the agency’s 24/7 operations schedule. The exemption does not apply to surplus property, information technology, photogrammetric mapping or telecommunications.
    • Request to purchase a 37-acre parcel of property next to Silver Falls State Park for $960,000. The land could provide needed staff housing, emergency response access and is located near the future Visitor Center near North Falls, which would provide easy access for staff.

    Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.

    The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Kim, Castro Lead Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S.-ASEAN Relations 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, ahead of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia & Pacific Subcommittee hearing titled, “Building Bridges, Countering Rivals: Strengthening U.S.-ASEAN Ties to Combat Chinese Influence,” Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim (CA-40) joined Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) to reintroduce the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations (PARTNER) with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Act.  

    The PARTNER with ASEAN Act of 2025 would amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to include a formal extension of said privileges to ASEAN, solidifying U.S.-ASEAN Relations.   

    “When the United States shows up as the partner of choice for our Indo-Pacific allies and partners, we win. ASEAN plays a central role in building strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congresswoman Kim. “The PARTNER with ASEAN Act strengthens our alliances, promotes open markets, and affirms our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to deepen our partnerships with ASEAN member states and advance U.S. leadership on the global stage.” 

    “This legislation is an important step between the close and strategic partnership of the United States and Southeast Asian Nations. For decades, ASEAN has contributed to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and has increasingly grown in its geopolitical importance. This legislation promotes U.S. leadership in the region as well as mutually beneficial dialogue with surrounding countries and regions,” said Congressman Castro.  

    The United States has worked closely with ASEAN for more than four decades and became the first non-member to name an ambassador to ASEAN in 2008, as well as the first non-member to establish a dedicated Mission to ASEAN in 2010.   

    The International Organization Immunities Act, enacted in 1945, governs how the United States extends the rights and treaties generally accorded to embassies of countries that have diplomatic relations with the United States to international organizations like ASEAN. The U.S. typically extends automatic privileges and immunities to international organizations to which it belongs (e.g., the UN, NATO), but a special act of Congress is needed to extend recognition to international organizations with which the United States is not a member (e.g., ASEAN).  

    This legislation was first introduced in 2022 and passed the United States House of Representatives in March 2023. Bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Duckworth in 2024, and the provisions of this bill was included in S. 1579, introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) and reported out of SFRC on a bipartisan basis on June 5, 2025. 

    Read the PARTNER with ASEAN Act of 2025 here.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Address the Syphilis Epidemic

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani reintroduced a bipartisan, bicameral effort to address the syphilis epidemic and ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and infants are as healthy as possible.  

    The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states on the best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS).  

    Syphilis is a highly treatable and preventable disease that was nearly eradicated in the 1990s. However, in recent years, we have seen an increase in syphilis cases, with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that infections are at the highest levels since the 1950s. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported that cases of congenital syphilis rose by 244% from 2018 to 2022. 

    “As rates of congenital syphilis continue to rise in Arizona’s newborns, we must ensure that our mothers, families, and healthcare professionals have access to information, treatment, and solutions they need to address this highly preventable disease,” said Ciscomani. “Information saves lives and I am proud to co-lead the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act to promote and expand access to screenings and treatment for syphilis to ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and babies are as healthy as possible.” 

    Ciscomani is joined by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM). Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced companion legislation. 

    “We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants,” said Stansbury. “Congenital Syphilis is treatable, and it is critical HHS provides treatment, support, and education. I am proud to sign on to the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act so women and babies in New Mexico get the care and treatment they deserve.”   

    “The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease,” said Wicker. “The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will expand access to life-saving screening and treatment for congenital syphilis.” 

    “We must do more to help stop the increase of babies born in New Mexico with congenital syphilis,” said Heinrich. “My Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will help us improve screening and treatment to protect pregnant mothers and babies in New Mexico from this fully treatable condition.” 

    This legislation is supported by March of Dimes, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), and Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health. 

    David C. Harvey, Executive Director of the NCSD: “Congenital syphilis is a national public health crisis—and it’s a crisis we can prevent. This bill ensures that every state has the tools and guidance needed to detect and treat syphilis in pregnancy. No woman or baby should suffer or die from a disease we have the power to stop.”  

    Karen Martinot, DNP, WHNP, Director of Programs & Clinical Administration, Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health: “Affirm is proud to support the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act. As the HHS OPA funded Title X Family Planning Grantee in the state of Arizona, our staff are keenly aware of the devastating consequences of undetected or undertreated syphilis on babies and families in Arizona. Affirm is committed to be part of solutions aimed to increase access to syphilis screening and timely treatment, educate health professionals and our communities, and decrease stigma around this vitally important health topic. Our babies are counting on us to reduce maternal and infant syphilis. We look forward to celebrating the passage of this bill 

    Read the full bill here.  

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Fry (SC-07) Urges Administration to Uphold Offshore Drilling Ban off South Carolina’s Coast

    Source:

    Congressman Fry (SC-07) Urges Administration to Uphold Offshore Drilling Ban off South Carolina’s Coast

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging the Department of the Interior to maintain the moratorium on offshore oil and gas leasing off the South Carolina coast.

    During President Trump’s first term, he issued a memorandum on offshore drilling off the coast of South Carolina exempting it from offshore oil and gas projects, a move that protected the state’s coastline and the industries that depend on it.

    In his letter, Congressman Fry expressed his support for American energy dominance and President Trump’s energy agenda while also emphasizing the need for energy policies that reflect the unique economic and environmental character of individual regions. South Carolina’s coastline is a vital part of the state’s economy, and tourism and maritime industries serve as major economic drivers—especially in Horry and Georgetown Counties.

    “There is no question that America must unleash its domestic energy potential and cut red tape, and President Trump has my full support for his energy dominance agenda,” said Congressman Fry. “At the same time, energy development must also be smart, balanced, and regionally appropriate. In many of our coastal communities in South Carolina, there is broad bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling. I urge Secretary Burgum to maintain the current exemption on offshore leasing off of South Carolina’s coast and ensure that our coastline continues to thrive for generations to come.”

    Read the full letter here. 

    Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Timeline for the three key EU budgetary procedures in 2025 – 10-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    As every year, two annual procedures are central to the budgetary work of the European Parliament and the other institutions – agreeing on the 2026 budget, and granting discharge for the implementation of the 2024 budget. In addition, in 2025, the process of agreeing the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years from 2028 will also get under way. This timeline sets out the main steps in the three procedures up to end 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Calls for the Next FAA Administrator to Protect the 1,500-Hour Pilot Training Requirement

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) released the following statement regarding the importance of the 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement and urges the next FAA Administrator to remain committed to enforcing this law.

     

    “As Chair of the Aviation Safety Caucus, I applaud President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy for their bold vision to take American air travel into the future by modernizing our outdated air traffic control system. Their commitment to finally delivering this long-overdue, critical upgrade is exactly what we need to restore American excellence in aviation.

     

    “The next FAA Commissioner will be pivotal in executing this transformative undertaking. I believe Mr. Bedford has the potential to be a strong steward of the President’s vision, however, to truly ensure safety in our skies, he must commit to upholding the lifesaving 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement. This law was passed in the wake of the tragic Flight 3407 crash that exposed serious deficiencies in pilot training for regional carriers. Thanks to the incredible advocacy of the Flight 3407 victims’ families, the standards were strengthened, and the results speak for themselves: there has not been a single commercial airline crash due to pilot error since it was enacted. That’s not coincidence – that’s policy working as it was intended. 

     

    “In last year’s FAA reauthorization, Congress expressly upheld these standards. If confirmed, I strongly urge Mr. Bedford to enforce the law as written. We must ensure that our progress never comes at the cost of passenger safety, and I will fight every day to make sure we do.”

     

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