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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar Announces 2025 Service Academy Appointments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    span>Miami, FL – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) proudly announced the appointment of four outstanding students from Florida’s 27th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies. These exceptional young men and women were nominated by the Congresswoman and accepted by their respective academies for the Class of 2029.

    “It is an incredible honor to nominate such talented and patriotic young leaders to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Rep. Salazar. “I was deeply impressed by their passion to serve our country and defend America’s values around the world. I have no doubt they will represent South Florida with pride, strength, and excellence—and make our community proud.”

    The appointed students are: 

    • Lucia Castillo-Rios – U.S. Naval Academy

    Palmetto Bay | Our Lady of Lourdes Academy

    • Austin Nelson – U.S. Air Force Academy

    Palmetto Bay | Cutler Bay Senior High

    Miami | Palmetto Senior High School

    • Natan Rowand – U.S. Military Academy at West Point

    Cutler Bay | Westminster Christian School

    These appointments reflect the students’ academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to serving our country. Each service academy offers a rigorous education and military training, preparing cadets and midshipmen to become the next generation of officers in the United States Armed Forces.

    Background

    Our nation’s service academies represent the gold standard of excellence, leadership, and integrity for America’s armed forces, making acceptance into these institutions an extraordinary honor and achievement. The honor of attending a U.S. service academy comes with a solemn obligation: graduates must serve at least five years in the U.S. military. Each year, the nomination process is highly competitive. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar interviews many exceptional applicants from across the district, evaluating academic performance, leadership, character, and dedication to service.

    Each congressional office may nominate up to fifteen individuals per academy vacancy. 

    To request a nomination from Congresswoman Salazar, you can start by visiting Rep. Salazar’s website or by emailing FL27.ACADEMY@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Tackling barriers to collecting road traffic fines and parking charges from foreign motorists – E-001123/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Parking policy and enforcement is primarily a municipal matter falling under Member States’ competence.

    Technical barriers to be addressed at national level in the future could include for example the use of the latest digital and technical interoperable solutions for parking to scan licence plates.

    As regards parking fees levied by city authorities, there is currently no EU legislation for the cross-border data transfer of vehicle- or vehicle holder-data to follow up parking offences, unless such offences constitute road safety related traffic offences (such as, dangerous parking).

    If so, Directive (EU)2015/413 as amended[1] will be applicable in the future and the EU-wide information exchange system (e.g. based on EUCARIS[2]) will be available for cross-border data exchange for enforcement purposes.

    For parking fees levied by private companies, the European Small Claims Procedure[3] to collect unpaid fees may be used.

    Council Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties[4] can be applied in cross-border cases for non-payment of financial penalties in case its strict conditions are met.

    The procedure applies to all offences for which financial penalties can be imposed, including road traffic offences. The final decision imposing the financial penalty must be issued by a criminal court or an administrative authority.

    In the latter case the law has to provide for the person concerned the opportunity to have their case tried by a court having jurisdiction in particular in criminal matters[5].

    Only the most severe parking offences (dangerous parking or stopping) meet these criteria. Member States can refuse to recognise and execute the decision, if the financial penalty is below EUR 70.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202403237.
    • [2] https://www.eucaris.net/.
    • [3] https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/dealing-with-customers/solving-disputes/european-small-claims-procedure/index_en.htm. The procedure covers claims up to EUR 5 000 (excluding expenses) in any EU country except for Denmark.
    • [4] OJ L 076 22.3.2005, p. 16.
    • [5] See Article 1 (a) (ii) and (iv) of Council Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA.
    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – US trade tariffs: measures to support the Greek fruit processing industry – E-001530/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU recently adopted countermeasures against the United States (U.S.) tariffs on steel and aluminium[1] but suspended those for 90 days[2] to allow sufficient space and time for negotiations towards a mutually satisfactory solution. Should these negotiations not be successful, the adopted countermeasures can automatically enter into force.

    The EU also continues preparatory work for possible further proportionate countermeasures in response to other additional U.S. import tariffs.

    The EU also has at its disposal internal measures to address impacts on EU agricultural producers from situations of market disturbance, including for Greek fruit producers and processing industry.

    M ore broadly, the Commission will continue to work on diversifying trade with other partners than the U.S.

    Regarding possible trade diversion from China caused by the U.S. tariffs, the Commission is monitoring imports closely to ensure that it detects in good time any potential increase in imports due to trade diversion.

    An Import Surveillance Task Force is set up for this purpose. Should there be any noticeable increase in Chinese imports, the EU will be ready to respond appropriately.

    U nder the EU-Türkiye trade regime for agricultural products, Türkiye’s liberalisation of agricultural trade towards the EU remains indeed more limited than the EU’s liberalisation towards Türkiye.

    A key objective of modernising the Customs Union with Türkiye would be to achieve mutually enhanced market access for trade in agricultural products. However, progress on this modernisation has been stalled when the Council ceased work on it in 2018.

    • [1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 of 14 April 2025 on commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States of America and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/886, OJ L, 2025/778, 14.4.2025, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/778/oj.
    • [2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/786 of 14 April 2025 suspending commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2882, OJ L, 2025/786, 14.4.2025, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/786/oj.
    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Strengthening specialized health care in Alberta

    Three specialized areas of care – cancer care, organ and tissue services, and emergency health services – are now under the purview of Acute Care Alberta through the creation of three new provincial health corporations. These corporations became legal entities on June 1 and will be fully operational later this year. Acute Care Alberta will oversee integration of these programs across the health system, allowing Alberta Health Services (AHS) to focus on delivering hospital care.

    “Cancer care, emergency services, and organ and tissue donation and transplantation are key to a high-functioning health care system. By establishing these provincial health corporations, we are making sure that Albertans in need of these specialized services get the skilled and specific care they require.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

    “These provincial health corporations will be dedicated to improving system outcomes, building workforce sustainability and providing specialized expertise. Most importantly, they will focus on offering Albertans the very best care when they need it.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services

    “Acute Care Alberta will ensure Albertans in need of these crucial health care services receive dedicated care and experience a seamless patient journey throughout the province’s acute care system.”

    Dr. Chris Eagle, interim president and CEO, Acute Care Alberta

    Cancer Care Alberta will focus solely on providing timely, cutting-edge treatment and services for all Albertans with cancer. It will have enhanced oversight and responsibility for managing its workforce and capital and operational funding related to cancer care. Cancer Care Alberta will also establish a dedicated process to address complaints.

    Give Life Alberta will have oversight of all organ and tissue donation and transplantation in the province, including streamlining current processes, advancing organ and tissue donation and transplantation, as well as planning and developing programs for these crucial services. Clinical services will remain with AHS.

    Engaging with the emergency services community

    The new provincial health corporation for emergency health services will oversee all aspects of emergency care in Alberta. It will focus on faster response times, workforce recruitment and retention, and better coordination of critical services to ensure timely care and efficient resource use across the province.

    Transitioning emergency health services to a separate organization under Acute Care Alberta marks a fresh start, allowing for more responsive decision-making, targeted workforce strategies and greater accountability to the minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, and Albertans. Alberta’s government is working with emergency health services staff and paramedics through a branding exercise to develop a new name and logo for emergency health services.

    Throughout the refocusing work, Albertans are accessing health care as they always have. There has been no impact to front-line health care workers and their continued dedication to delivering excellent health care to Albertans.

    Related news

    • Reinforcing legislation, refocusing health care (May 1, 2025)
    • Advancing cancer care and organ tissue services (April 8, 2025)
    • Refocusing acute care funding in Alberta (April 7, 2025)
    • Refocusing emergency services (March 10, 2025)
    • Refocusing continuing care for the future (Jan. 30, 2025)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 1, Clarence closed

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 1, Clarence is currently closed near Clarence Valley Road due to a vehicle fire.

    The fire was reported at around 6:20am.

    No injuries have been reported.

    Detours are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Launches Agency-Wide AI Tool to Optimize Performance for the American People

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    June 02, 2025

    [embedded content]

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today launched Elsa, a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool designed to help employees—from scientific reviewers to investigators—work more efficiently. This innovative tool modernizes agency functions and leverages AI capabilities to better serve the American people.
    “Following a very successful pilot program with FDA’s scientific reviewers, I set an aggressive timeline to scale AI agency-wide by June 30,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Today’s rollout of Elsa is ahead of schedule and under budget, thanks to the collaboration of our in-house experts across the centers.”
    Built within a high-security GovCloud environment, Elsa offers a secure platform for FDA employees to access internal documents while ensuring all information remains within the agency. The models do not train on data submitted by regulated industry, safeguarding the sensitive research and data handled by FDA staff.
    “Today marks the dawn of the AI era at the FDA with the release of Elsa, AI is no longer a distant promise but a dynamic force enhancing and optimizing the performance and potential of every employee,” said FDA Chief AI Officer Jeremy Walsh. “As we learn how employees are using the tool, our development team will be able to add capabilities and grow with the needs of employees and the agency.”
    The agency is already using Elsa to accelerate clinical protocol reviews, shorten the time needed for scientific evaluations, and identify high-priority inspection targets.
    Elsa is a large language model–powered AI tool designed to assist with reading, writing, and summarizing. It can summarize adverse events to support safety profile assessments, perform faster label comparisons, and generate code to help develop databases for nonclinical applications. These are just a few examples of how Elsa will be used across the enterprise to improve operational efficiency.
    The introduction of Elsa is the initial step in the FDA’s overall AI journey. As the tool matures, the agency has plans to integrate more AI in different processes, such as data processing and generative-AI functions to further support the FDA’s mission.
    Prioritizing efficiency and responsibility, the FDA launched Elsa ahead of schedule using an all-center approach. Leaders and technologists across the agency collaborated, demonstrating the FDA’s ability to transform its operations through AI.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

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

    Content current as of:
    06/02/2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA launches police use-of-force database

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — The Attorney General’s Office announced today the launch of the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS), which is ready to collect use-of-force data from the state’s law enforcement agencies in an effort to improve transparency, trust and evidence-based policymaking.

    The exchange is a publicly available, cloud-based platform to help the public see and analyze police use-of-force data. The database, established with robust bipartisan support from the Legislature in 2021, was developed through significant collaboration with law enforcement, community leaders, and criminal justice researchers.

    State law requires law enforcement agencies in the state to report incidents involving specific types of force, such as when an officer uses a firearm, Taser, pepper spray, canine, or strikes a person with a weapon or their body. Agencies must report information about the officer and person involved in these use-of-force incidents, such as their age, gender, race and ethnicity.

    Law enforcement agencies have through September 2 to begin reporting data. Going forward, agencies must submit use-of-force data monthly. Information about the outcome of an investigation of an incident will be updated within 30 days of when the investigation is complete. WADEPS does not collect personally identifiable information about community members who interact with police.

    “A single location with clear, standardized and contextual information will help the public better understand the use of force in Washington,” Attorney General Nick Brown said in a letter sent to law enforcement agencies today. “Law enforcement and policymakers will have common tools to better analyze force and make informed decisions about policing policies and practices.”

    WADEPS is operated by Washington State University under a grant agreement with the Attorney General’s Office. A key feature of the system is its ability to put use of force in context. The public will be able to examine whether rates of force differ across different types of incidents, such as police response to an assault, traffic incident, or mental health 911 call.

    “The launch of the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety marks a critical step forward in ensuring transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making in our justice system,” said Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-Tacoma, sponsor of the original legislation. “This collaborative effort between law enforcement, community leaders, and researchers will help build trust and improve public safety outcomes for all Washingtonians. I’m so proud to have championed this work and look forward to seeing its impact.”

    State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, sponsored the bill’s companion legislation in the House prior to being appointed to the Senate in 2022.

    “When we understand the cause of an issue, we can fix it,” Lovick said. “This new data exchange represents Washington state’s commitment to trust, transparency, and accountability. When to use force is one of the most difficult decisions a peace officer must face and we must all work together to ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, in our communities.”

    Several law enforcement agencies were early participants in the program. Fife Police Chief Pete Fisher said his department was excited about “WADEPS’ mission to enhance transparency, accountability and real-time analysis of police use of force incidents.”

    “Use of force and force outcomes are extremely complex, impacted and influenced by myriad variables that vary significantly between jurisdictions — such as differences in location (e.g., city versus county), crime rates, and numerous other factors. These frequently changing factors make meaningful analysis extremely difficult,” Fisher said. “I have a great deal of confidence that WADEPS can be a mechanism to help police and community members better understand police use of force. If employed properly, it will provide the insight needed to allow police to tailor policy, training, and response for better outcomes. At the same time, it offers a way to demonstrate to stakeholders and the public that the vast majority of police use of force encounters are lawful and reasonable.”

    -30-

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

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ensuring New Yorkers Keep Cool during Extreme Heat

    Source: US State of New York

    n Global Heat Action Day, Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted new and enhanced resources available to protect New York communities from extreme heat this summer. Measures will help New Yorkers access affordable cooling at home and at cooling centers, provide additional support for cool and resilient buildings, help keep kids cool at schools, and offer new tools and expanded funding for communities to prepare for and adapt to extreme heat and mitigate urban heat islands. The New York State Department of Health also launched its interactive New York State Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard that will allow the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their areas and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

    “Scorching summer temperatures and increasing extreme weather events threaten the lives and well-being of New Yorkers across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why I’m directing State agencies to take action and ensure all New Yorkers can afford and access relief from the full spectrum of heat risks.”

    Heat waves and other extreme heat events are likely to happen again this summer and New York State agencies are working to implement initiatives recommended by the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan to help New Yorkers prepare for heat’s negative health and environmental impacts. A range of new and enhanced resources are available for individuals, local governments, and community-based organizations, including:

    • New support for cooling at home: With the new Essential Plan Cooling program, NY State of Health will provide eligible Essential Plan members a free air conditioner to help keep their homes cool. This will complement assistance available in 2025 through the HEAP Cooling program which served more than 23,000 households in 2024.
    • Better access to cooling centers: New resources are available to help connect New Yorkers with safe spaces for cooling. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) will continue to coordinate with local health departments and emergency managers to update the Cooling Center Finder throughout summer 2025. DOH offers new resources to provide information about best practices for setting up cooling centers and how these locations could serve as clean air centers. Round 8 of the Climate Smart Communities grant program is now open, making $22 million available to fund GHG mitigation and climate adaptation projects, including establishing cooling centers.
    • Additional support for cool buildings: Funding available through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) supports weatherization and clean and efficient heating and cooling that can improve extreme heat resilience at homes, community anchor institutions, schools, and more. The Office of General Services’ new “Decarbonization and Climate Resiliency Design Guide” was released for new and majorly renovated State building projects to assess and reduce climate risk (including extreme heat and Urban Heat Islands) through proactive design.
    • New investments in cool schools: The Education Law newly requires public school districts and BOCES to develop an extreme heat policy, which establishes certain temperature thresholds. NYSERDA offers additional funding to install clean cooling and heating at schools, for example through funding as part of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
    • Enhanced tools and funding for cool communities: Preliminary extreme heat exposure maps and DOH’s Heat Vulnerability Index help communities understand exposure and vulnerabilities. Programs such as Climate Smart Communities fund communities in planning, designing, and implementation solutions. New and expanded funding supports nature-based solutions such as urban forests, urban farms, and community gardens to cool neighborhoods and mitigate heat islands. Governor Hochul’s New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative expanded outdoor swimming through the Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation grant program and advanced capital projects for swimming facilities in underserved communities through the NY SWIMS Round One competitive grant program.

    Implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan

    New York State also marks significant progress on the first year of implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP) with the first readiness update now available. In June 2024, Governor Hochul, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the EHAP Work Group released the plan with nearly 50 actions by State agencies to address extreme heat impacts across four tracks (local planning and capacity building, community preparedness and workers’ safety, resilient buildings and access to cooling, and advancing ecosystem-based adaptations). DEC is coordinating the implementation of the plan in partnership with NYSERDA and the members of the Work Group, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and the State Department of Health (DOH).

    During the first year implementing the plan, State agencies made significant progress in developing new resources that help communities address impacts of extreme heat. The full update on implementation progress is available here.

    Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Extreme heat driven by our changing climate is contributing to serious public health consequences and threats to New Yorkers, particularly New Yorkers in communities of color and communities historically overburdened by pollution. DEC and our agency partners released the Extreme Heat Action Plan last year under Governor Hochul’s directive and applaud the significant programs and efforts underway to protect lives and advance efforts to ensure our communities are better prepared to respond to severe weather.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “On Global Heat Action Day, New York State is strengthening its commitment to providing access to reliable, efficient, and affordable cooling solutions in communities across the state. The resources announced today show tremendous progress in implementing the Extreme Heat Action Plan, assuring all New Yorkers – including the most vulnerable – that relief will be available during the hottest months of the year.”

    Staying Safe During Extreme Heat

    The dangers of extreme heat can affect everyone, regardless of age, physical shape, or existing health conditions. The body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature during extreme heat and, without taking proper measures, this can lead to heat-related illness or even death.

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Extreme heat can be deadly, so it’s important that New Yorkers take it seriously. Governor Hochul has made addressing extreme heat a priority as multiple days of high temperatures are becoming more common here in New York. Our state agencies have worked together to make resources available for communities and residents, including free air conditioners to help those eligible keep their homes cool and a comprehensive online tool to assist individuals looking for cooling centers. I urge everyone to prepare now for the extreme temperatures coming our way this summer.”

    State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As extreme heat becomes more frequent and severe due to climate change, it’s critical that we equip New Yorkers with the tools and resources they need to stay safe and healthy. These new initiatives will not only expand access to cooling centers and protect vulnerable populations, but also help build healthier, more resilient communities. We’re proud to work alongside Governor Hochul and our state partners to ensure that every New Yorker, especially those most at risk, can find relief from extreme heat.”

    Information about what the public can do during hot weather and how to locate cooling centers can be found on DOH’s Extreme Heat website.

    The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can also provide an air conditioning unit to income-eligible households that include someone with a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat, or households with young children or older adults. Applications will continue to be accepted until funding runs out. For more information, visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or contact your local office for the aging at 1-800-342-9871.

    Groups most at risk are:

    • People who work outdoors or indoors without air conditioning
    • Adults aged 60 years and older
    • Infants, children, and those who are pregnant
    • People with chronic health conditions
    • Those with physical and cognitive disabilities
    • Those with no access to air conditioning
    • Individuals who live alone or are unhoused
    • Athletes
    • Pets and service animals
    • People living in cities because asphalt and concrete store heat longer and release heat more slowly at night. This produces higher nighttime temperatures and is known as the “urban heat island effect.”

    Another important heat safety tip is to never leave children or pets unsupervised in hot cars. There is a real and severe danger when leaving children or pets unsupervised in a car even when temperatures don’t “feel” hot. At 60 degrees outside, after just one hour a closed car can get as hot as 105 degrees.

    Supporting Local Extreme Heat Action

    New York State continues to make investments in programs to help mitigate extreme heat and other climate impacts. Currently, $22 million is available through the Climate Smart Communities grant program to fund climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, including for projects that help communities plan for and adapt to extreme heat. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025. More information is available on DEC’s website.

    New York State’s Climate Agenda

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barnwell County man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Steven Jeffrey Lynch, 62, of Blackville, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

     

    Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Lynch. Investigators state Lynch possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Lynch was arrested on May 28, 2025. He is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (§16-15-410), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Delegation: Over $80 Million to Support ODOT’s Natural Disaster Recovery Efforts

    US Senate News:

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

    June 02, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden—along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—announced the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is receiving to $83,215,245 for work it completed to repair roads and other critical infrastructure that were deeply damaged during natural disasters. The federal funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will be used to reimburse ODOT for its vital work that was needed to ensure communities across the state can continue to recover from years of severe weather events.

    “From the deadly 2020 Labor Day fires to last year’s ice storms, Oregonians in every corner of our state have faced deadly weather events in recent years, which have taken a heavy toll on the infrastructure needed to move safely,” said Merkley. “Supporting disaster recovery efforts should be a nonpartisan issue, and these critical federal funds will support ODOT’s work to repair and rebuild the roads and other important infrastructure that powers our communities. I will keep working to ensure Oregon has the tools needed to recover and become more resilient in the face of future storms while we take on the climate chaos that is intensifying these disasters.”

    “The ongoing climate crisis continues to fuel more extreme weather events and wildfires every year,” said Wyden. “Reliable infrastructure is essential to ensuring that first responders and crews are able to effectively protect our communities and beautiful outdoor spaces. I applaud this federal award to ODOT for crucial infrastructure projects across Oregon, and will continue to advocate for more resources to keep our communities safe and connected.”

    “Reliable roads are essential for safety, connections, and the economy,” said Bonamici. “This much-needed funding will make a significant difference in repairing important routes people use that were damaged by severe weather.”

    “These Emergency Relief grants are crucial for getting our roads and bridges repaired after wildfires and ice storms, especially as climate change continues to make both summer and winter weather events more frequent and more extreme,” said Hoyle. “Communities have been waiting for this support, and I’m glad to see the Department of Transportation respond to our delegation’s call. This funding means safer travel, faster recovery, and stronger communities. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Oregon gets the resources it needs to rebuild and prepare for the future.”

    “Wildfires, winter storms, and flash floods are becoming increasingly dangerous – and costly – for our communities,” said Salinas. “My Oregon colleagues and I have been working hard to secure the resources that our state needs to recover and rebuild from these disasters, including funding to repair damaged roads and highways. I’m glad that our efforts are paying off, and I look forward to seeing these dollars put to good use to improve the safety of all Oregonians.”

    “Strong infrastructure is essential to keeping Oregonians connected,” said Dexter. “This funding will help us rebuild roads and bridges damaged by the natural disasters that have become far too common. Every community deserves a transportation system that’s safe, resilient, and reliable—for our families and our economy.”

    “As wildfire seasons get worse and climate disasters happen more often, our communities and our constituents will need our help,” said Bynum. “We have to deliver the resources and support they need as soon as possible. This funding is critical in helping us rebuild the roads and infrastructure that Oregonians rely on for work, school, emergency services, and more.”

    The federal investments for Oregon come through eight awards under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FHWA Emergency Relief Program, which helps communities hurt by natural disasters and catastrophic events by providing federal funding for them to repair damaged roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

    “Oregon, like every state, relies on the federal government to support our response to disasters,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler. “Having confidence in that support is critical to our ability to respond to crises at the scale they demand, repair our transportation system to keep Oregon’s economy moving, and to protect Oregonians from disasters like ice storms, wildfires and flash floods. I want to thank Senators Merkley and Wyden, the rest of Oregon’s federal delegation, and our federal partners for advocating for our state and for the safety of Oregonians.”

    Details of the federal funding for ODOT’s natural disaster recovery are as follows:

    • $30,735,975 to repair damages following the 2020 Labor Day fires. The wildfires statewide caused damage to federal-aid highways from fire, fallen trees, and falling rocks.
    • $23,210,956 for work that repaired damages sustained during severe winter weather in December 2022. The significant rains across Western Oregon caused flooding and landslides. One landslide threatened to block I-84, and a large portion of a hillside came down and wiped-out Highway 101.
    • $20,000,000 for infrastructure repairs following the January 2024 ice storm. This significant winter storm covered much of Oregon in ice, causing trees and power lines to come down across roads and damage signs. The same storm dropped several inches of rain in Southern Oregon, causing flooding and landslides.
    • $3,164,000 to repair damages following a series of severe winter storms in December 2021. The storms brought excessive rain and high winds across the state of Oregon, lasting until January 10, 2022. Multiple large landslides occurred, temporarily limiting access to I-84, OR 138, OR 30, and several others. Culverts blew out, causing multiple roadway collapses.
    • $2,765,399 for work to repair damages from severe storms in February 2019. The storms caused heavy snow and ice accumulation, high winds, flooding, landslides, and erosion in the southwestern and western parts of the state, resulting in critical transportation failures, loss of power and communications capabilities, and emergency mass care needs.
    • $2,500,000 for repairs following a series of severe storms in December 2023. The storm system brought heavy rains, flooding, and landslides to five counties and was so severe it caused two roads to collapse—Miami Foley and Sandlake in Tillamook County. It also caused the temporary closure of State Highways 101 and 26. Other federal-aid roads were damaged by scour, washouts, debris flows, and mudslides.
    • $538,915 for wildfire recovery efforts following the 2017 fire season. These fires significantly impacted transportation systems in the following counties: Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lane, Linn, Marion, and Multnomah.
    • $300,000 for infrastructure recovery efforts following an atmospheric river in January 2021. The severe storm brought heavy rain across Oregon, causing flooding, landslides, roads to wash out on US 30, I-84, and sinkholes on Hwy 101 and many other major highways across Oregon in early January 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Statement On Trump Justice Department No Longer Cooperating With ABA Vetting & Rating Process Of Judicial Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    May 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding the Trump-Bondi Justice Department overturning decades of precedent by no longer cooperating with the American Bar Association (ABA) process for vetting and rating of judicial nominees:

    “This is a seismic change in the judicial nominations process—an unjustified and blatantly political move by the Trump Administration. This decision overturns a practice that has been in place fornearly 70 years under Republican and Democratic Administrations alike in order to provide cover for unqualified and extreme nominees who would crumble under a nonpartisan review by their peers.

    “This decision will ultimately ease the confirmation process for Trump nominees who have demonstrated bias against protected classes, don’t have the judicial temperament to rule fairly from the bench, or don’t have the requisite experience to be confirmed to lifetime appointments as federal court judges, negatively impacting generations of Americans.”

    The ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary has been conducting independent peer evaluations of the professional qualifications of judicial nominees since the Eisenhower Administration. The purpose of the rating is to evaluate the professional competence, integrity, and judicial temperament of each nominee. Notably, during the first Trump Administration, 10 judicial nominees were found “Not Qualified” by the ABA—the reasons ranged from lack of temperament to lack of experience—while all 235 confirmed lifetime judges during the Biden Administration had at least a “Qualified” rating, if not a “Well Qualified” rating.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth, Rep. Kelly Introduce “Wear Orange” Resolution In Observance Of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, Honor Hadiya Pendleton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 02, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today introduced the bicameral “Wear Orange” Resolution, which designates June 6, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the entire month of June as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Each year, nearly 43,000 people in the United States are killed, and 97,000 injured by gun violence. 

    June 2 is the birthday of Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in a Chicago park in 2013, just days after performing in the parade for President Obama’s second inauguration. This tragic event moved the lawmakers to designate the first Friday in June as a time to recognize Hadiya nationally.

    In Hadiya’s memory, the resolution encourages people to wear orange, the color hunters wear for safety, to promote awareness of gun violence, and to serve as a reminder that people are not targets. Additionally, this resolution aims to bring community leaders together and encourage new approaches to creating safer communities.

    “Think about this for a moment—guns are now the number one killer of America’s children. And one in five Americans now say they’ve lost a loved one to gun violence,” Durbin said. “Our country’s gun violence epidemic is simply unacceptable. Hadiya Pendleton was only 15 years old when she was senselessly shot and killed in Chicago. On what would have been—should have been—her 28th birthday, I will proudly ‘Wear Orange’ as a sign of my dedication to finally putting an end to this public health crisis.”

    “It’s devastating how often our country is forced to grieve before another wave of senseless gun violence shatters more lives,” said Duckworth. “During this year’s Gun Violence Awareness Month, we must not only honor the victims of gun violence in Chicago and throughout our country, but we must also recommit to taking action that will help keep our children and our communities safe. American families depend on it.”

    “When I fight to end gun violence, I fight for every survivor and victim, including Hadiya Pendleton, who was killed in the Second District just months before I was sworn into office,” said Kelly.“Since Hadiya’s family and friends started Wear Orange, the color has become a beacon for action and advocacy. Today, on what would have been Hadiya’s 28th birthday, we remember her legacy and dedicate ourselves to ending this public health crisis that has stolen too many lives.”

    Along with Durbin and Duckworth, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ruben Gallego (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

    Full text of the resolution is available here.

    –30–

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dornoch Common Good Fund enables completion of lifeboat station

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Sutherland County Committee have today approved a revised budget for the Dornoch Common Good Fund which includes a grant of £25,000 to the East Sutherland Rescue Association.

    The grant will be used to construct a concrete apron at Dornoch Lifeboat Station and install a water tank for firefighting in the vicinity of Dornoch Beach car park.

    Chair of Sutherland County Committee, Councillor Richard Gale, said: “I am delighted that we have agreed a revised budget which will help support the completion of Dornoch Lifeboat Station. The station is a vital part of our community, and the volunteer team is a true asset to Sutherland.”

    East Sutherland Rescue Association opened the new lifeboat station in 2022 which is a dedicated facility ready to respond to emergency callouts from HM Coastguard. The station covers approx. 50 miles of coastline from Helmsdale harbour to Balintore plus inland waters in Sutherland and Ross-shire.

    Cllr Gale: “The new lifeboat station is a fantastic facility, and I’m pleased that the Dornoch Common Good Fund can play a part in funding some of the remaining small jobs still to be completed. The work to construct a new concrete apron at the front and side of the lifeboat station will not only help to make lifeboat operations safer but will also facilitate safe and improved access to the beach for pedestrians.”

    The £35,000 grants and contributions budget for the Dornoch Common Good Fund was agreed in February 2025 and will now be increased to £60,000 to facilitate the additional grant to Dornoch Firth Independent Lifeboat.

    2 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sutherland County Committee adopts Area Place Plan

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Sutherland County Committee have today agreed to adopt the Sutherland County Area Place Plan.

    They also agreed to support and promote the plan where possible, giving it consideration within other plans, strategies, development and funding opportunities across Sutherland.

    Chair of Sutherland County Committee, Councillor Richard Gale, said: “The Area Place Plan aims to capture the aims and aspirations of our local communities to ensure that Sutherland can thrive as a sustainable, liveable and prosperous community. We will engage with local people to understand the issues and opportunities most important to them and work together to ensure this plan makes a real difference.”

    The Sutherland Area Place Plan was developed in conjunction with the Sutherland Community Partnership (SCP), with the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust leading the review of existing priorities. Face-to-face consultation was carried out throughout the county followed by a series of community engagement sessions in Bettyhill, Kinlochbervie, Golspie, Lochinver and Bonar Bridge.

    The emerging priorities of Sutherland have been categorised under three main pillars of People, Place and Prosperity in the Plan which will provide a stronger framework for communities and empower them to drive and deliver change in their areas. Priorities include access to healthcare, community resilience, housing, infrastructure, employment, education and tourism.

    Cllr Gale continued: “Community engagement helps us to build a shared understanding of how a place-based approach can shape our vision for the future. By ensuring local voices are heard, we can establish a partnership approach to informing decisions on service delivery, encouraging community collaboration and making best use of the resources available to local people. Area Place Plans are community led, and I look forward to working together to determine how we can best deliver on the priorities that mean the most to the people of Sutherland.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Food in Schools project surveys underway

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council’s ‘Food in Schools’ project is a key component of the Council’s Delivery Plan and the Redesign Board Chaired by the Convener of the Council – Councillor Bill Lobban has today (Monday 2 June 2025) launched a range of surveys to better understand the various components of food provision in school settings.

    The surveys will be issued by Head Teachers, on behalf of the Food in Schools project team, to current pupils (P1-S6), parents and carers, teachers and non-teaching staff (e.g. Pupil Support Assistants). The Council’s school catering staff and Councillors are also being invited to complete surveys to enable the project team to gather feedback and data for review by the Redesign Board.

    Convener of the Council and Chair of Redesign Board, Cllr Bill Lobban said: “Food in Schools is a wide ranging project that cuts across several Council policy areas and services such as waste and recycling as well as school catering. The Redesign Board is fully supportive of the Food in Schools project which is a key part of the Council’s Delivery Plan, and we look forward to reviewing the findings and data from the surveys.”

    The Council currently serves 18,000 lunches per day in 173 primary schools and 29 secondary schools and is moving gradually to an annual menu.  From 2026 we will update our menus every 12 months after the Easter Break. 

    Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson added: “The Council is striving towards improving Food in Schools to help support pupils’ health and wellbeing but to also improve the take up of the food offering provided in schools and to reduce food waste. We continue to consult with pupils and staff to improve the food choices and recipes available.

    “Food waste in our schools is a key area where we could see greater efficiencies as well as environmental benefits. I encourage our young people and families to support the ‘Food in Schools’ project by completing the surveys that will help shape positive changes.”

    Stakeholders will be invited to take part in tailored surveys over the next two weeks, the results of which will be reported to a future meeting of the Redesign Board. Following an initial workshop with the Redesign Board, the focus of these surveys is take-up of school meals, including free school meals, our current operating model and learning from leading practice, and reducing the cost of food by reducing the amount of food waste. After the survey results have been analysed, further work will be undertaken to review the scope of the project and the range of inter-connected policy areas which support this important service for our young people.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Highland Council to trial ballot paper overlay to make voting more accessible 

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    In a recent survey of blind and partially sighted people, only a quarter feel that the current system allows them to vote independently and in secret. We want to change that. 

     The Highland Council is trialling a new tactile aid, called a ballot paper overlay during the  Ward 6, Cromarty Firth and Ward 10 Eilean a’ Cheò by-elections. This is a simple, cost-effective cardboard template which is placed over a ballot paper. The overlay has cut out areas which match up with the voting boxes on the ballot paper. There are braille and embossed areas next to each voting box which help the user find their way around the ballot paper. it can easily be separated from the ballot paper, after voting, to maintain secrecy. 

     When used alongside an audio reading of the ballot paper, the overlay can act as a self-service solution for blind and partially sighted voters to vote independently and in secret. 

     Returning Officer, Derek Brown said: “I am delighted that we will be trialling the ballot paper overlay when voters in Wards 6 and 10 go to the polls on Thursday 19 June. When everyone can cast their vote freely and confidently, we all move closer to a fairer, more representative society.  Accessible voting isn’t just a right—it’s a powerful reminder that every person matters, and every vote shapes the future we share.” 

     The Highland Council is trialling this aid in advance of the Scottish Parliament elections to provide voter feedback and raise awareness of this new accessibility aid. There are other aids available in the polling station, including magnifiers and large print ballot paper copies, staff are there are support you when you vote. 

     If you, or someone you support needs assistance or information about what we can do to support you when vote in a polling station, please contact the Elections Team election@highland.gov.uk or visit Local Government By-election | Local Government Elections | The Highland Council 

    2 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Applications Now Open for Highland Council’s Strategic Events Grant

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is pleased to announce the official launch of its new Strategic Events Grant Fund, a £75,000 initiative designed to support the region’s dynamic events sector and strengthen the local economy during the quieter shoulder and off-season months.

    From today, Monday 2nd June, event organisers across the Highlands can apply for grants ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 to support public events scheduled between September 2025 and March 2026. The fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme and aims to stimulate tourism, celebrate local culture, and encourage sustainable economic growth.

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:

    “We’re excited to officially open applications for this important fund. Events are a powerful way to bring communities together, attract visitors, and showcase the unique character of the Highlands. By supporting strategic events during the off-season, we’re helping to extend the tourism calendar and build a more resilient regional economy.”

    The fund is open to a wide variety of public events, including music, food and drink, cultural, sports, and nature-based festivals. Priority will be given to events that demonstrate strategic value, such as those that encourage overnight stays, promote responsible tourism, and align with national and regional strategies including Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024–2035 and The Highland Council’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024–2030.

    Applications are open now and will close at midnight on Monday 30 June 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-July.

    For full eligibility criteria and to apply, visit Apply for Event Funding | Organising Events | The Highland Council

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boyle Slams Trump Administration for Closing Local Job Corps Centers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

    PHILADELPHIA, PA — Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s order to shut down every Job Corps center nationwide—including the Keystone Center in Hazelton, the Philadelphia Center, and the Red Rock Center in Lopez—by June 30, 2025:

    “Job Corps centers are economic engines that support hundreds of good-paying local jobs, keep our communities thriving, and strengthen our broader economy. Closing them now delivers a devastating blow to working families, undermines the workforce pipeline Congress unanimously funded, and jeopardizes Pennsylvania’s economic health. I will continue fighting to keep these centers open, safeguard local jobs, and protect our state’s economic future.”

    Background:

    On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor issued “Termination for Convenience” notices to all 99 Job Corps centers—ordering closures by June 30, 2025—despite funding having been appropriated through June 30, 2026.  Since 2023, more than 4,200 Pennsylvania residents have enrolled at these centers, which collectively train over 1,350 young adults each year, sustain nearly 450 local jobs, and generate more than $67 million annually for our economy. The Philadelphia Center alone serves 400 students in eight in-demand career areas—Construction, Healthcare, Culinary Arts, and Renewable Resources—employs 92 local staff, and contributes roughly $17 million each year to the region.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Maricopa County of State of Arizona in US suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from Maricopa County of State of Arizona in US suspendedIssued at HKT 19:10

    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 2) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Maricopa County of the State of Arizona in the United States (US), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

    A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 12 290 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 1.19 million poultry eggs from the US in the first three months of this year.

    “The CFS has contacted the American authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    Ends/Monday, June 2, 2025
    Issued at HKT 19:10

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – LGBTQIA+ support and outreach by EU institutions, agencies, offices and bodies – E-002021/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002021/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Roman Haider (PfE)

    Today being International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), I am requesting information on the support provided to LGBTQIA+ people by EU institutions, agencies, offices and bodies.

    • 1.What specific programmes, initiatives or support measures are there at EU level with which the Commission and its agencies, offices and bodies provide support to LGBTQIA+ communities?
    • 2.What strategies are the Commission and its agencies, offices and bodies pursuing in order to raise the public profile of LGBTQIA+ issues?
    • 3.What external contractors are involved in actions and outreach in connection with LGBTQIA+ issues, and what criteria play a role in their selection and in defining their remit?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategic Dialogue with the defence industry in the context of the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 – E-002087/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002087/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE)

    On 12 May 2025, a Strategic Dialogue between the Commission – represented by President von der Leyen and Commissioner for Defence and Space Kubilius – and the defence industry took place. This was followed on 19 May by an Implementation Dialogue with Commissioner Kubilius. Both events are part of the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030[1] process and aim to capture the industry’s perspective ahead of the Defence Omnibus.

    The Strategic Dialogue was organised with limited transparency: invitations were sent at short notice, the list of participating companies was limited and no information has been made public on the inputs from industry or the Commission’s response. President von der Leyen named six key challenges: fragmentation of demand and supply, regulatory barriers, access to raw materials, rapid innovation cycles, access to finance and skilled labour shortages. Small groups were formed to continue the exchange.

    I would therefore like to ask the Commission:

    • 1.What concrete industry inputs and demands were discussed, how did the Commission respond and what measures were considered in response to the six challenges?
    • 2.Does the Commission plan a regular dialogue with the defence industry beyond the omnibus, and how will transparency regarding participation and the content of discussions in future dialogues be ensured?
    • 3.On what basis were participating organisations selected?

    Submitted: 23.5.2025

    • [1] JOIN(2025)0120.
    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Transgender healthcare and the cross-border healthcare directive – E-002089/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002089/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lynn Boylan (The Left)

    Within Ireland, the transgender community regularly rely on Directive 2011/24/EU[1]. There is no national policy for transgender healthcare, and available services are limited within the country. The main publicly-funded gender clinic is estimated to have a 2000 person, 13 year waiting list for new referrals for assessment, and requires a complete assessment for all patients, including those previously diagnosed and receiving treatment from other services.

    • 1.Considering the Directive and the case of W.W. v Poland – ECHR 31842/20, should patients who have been diagnosed and received treatment in other Member States, either publicly or privately, and who subsequently move to Ireland, be able to continue their care in Ireland, that is, without having to wait 13 years for a complete reassessment and without their treatment being interrupted while waiting?
    • 2.Considering Article 8.5 and Article 8.6.d of the Directive, would a 13-year wait to begin assessment generally be considered timely and medically justifiable for cross-border healthcare to be approved for medically necessary healthcare?
    • 3.Should private services, including private health insurance, accept referrals and diagnoses from medical professionals registered in other Member States, as they would from equivalent Irish-registered medical professionals?

    Submitted: 23.5.2025

    • [1] Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 45, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/24/oj.
    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Timeline and process for the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement – P-002105/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002105/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rima Hassan (The Left)

    A majority of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers have called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The responsibility now lies with the Commission to assess whether the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government are compatible with the respect for fundamental rights, as required under Article 2 of the Agreement.

    We urge the Commission to ensure that this review lives up to its mission as the ‘guardian of the Treaties’ (Article 17 TEU), and ask it to clarify:

    • 1.What is the timeline and process for the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement?
    • 2.What process or approach is being used for this assessment?

    Submitted: 26.5.2025

    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The impact of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act on environmental criteria and the treatment of protected areas – E-002086/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002086/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Li Andersson (The Left)

    The aim of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) is to ensure that 10 % of the EU’s needs for strategic raw materials are met with materials produced on its territory. This will bring to the fore the environmental and social effects of mining that had previously been hidden owing to the EU’s importing of its minerals, mainly from the Global South.

    A project that meets the criteria laid down in Article 6 of the CMRA can obtain the status of a strategic project. Under those criteria, projects must be implemented sustainably, in particular as regards the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts. However, strategic status allows for accelerated permitting procedures and derogations from environmental directives such as the Habitats and Water Framework directives.

    In Finland, the first strategic projects have raised environmental concerns. The expansion of Terrafame, a mining company, was partially overturned by an administrative court, partly because of the risk of a major accident. On the other hand, the Sakatti mining project is being planned in the area of Viiankiaapa, which is home to one of Europe’s last string bogs (also known as aapa mires). The site is protected under both Natura and Finland’s national marshland protection scheme. The environmental impact assessment procedure has already shown that the mine would cause the water level in the mire to drop. As a result the grounds for protecting it would be lost and, ultimately, the mire would be destroyed.

    • 1.When the first sites with strategic project status in Finland are clearly environmentally destructive, the question arises as to what exactly the environmental criteria are for obtaining strategic project status?
    • 2.Has the EU created a gap in its high level of environmental protection with regard to mining projects by establishing derogations from the most effective directives in EU environmental legislation – the Nature and Water Framework directives – with a view to stepping up strategic autonomy?
    • 3.How will environmental protection with regard to mining projects be implemented in the future, and when it is possible for sites protected by nature conservation schemes to be used for mining projects, does the EU have any zones which are identified as absolutely prohibited areas?

    Submitted: 23.5.2025

    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Energy sovereignty and Turkish interference – how is Greece being protected? – E-001887/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001887/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    The energy sovereignty of EU Member States is a key element of both national security and the EU’s common energy strategy. Greece is facing continual external pressure from Türkiye, which is carrying out illegal exploration and drilling activities in maritime zones under Greek sovereignty or jurisdiction, in violation of international law.

    Turkish interference in the Eastern Mediterranean not only undermines Greece’s sovereign rights, but also jeopardises energy stability and the European strategy for ending dependence on external energy providers. The Commission’s inaction in relation to this ongoing challenge raises legitimate concerns about its effectiveness in protecting the EU’s interests.

    Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

    • 1.How can it help to ensure Greece’s energy sovereignty while Türkiye is carrying out illegal drilling and research activities within the Greek continental shelf and EEZ?
    • 2.What action has it taken to prevent non-EU countries from undermining the EU’s energy security, at a time when Greece is being confronted with constant pressure and disputes over its maritime sovereignty from Türkiye?
    • 3.Does it consider that tolerating Turkish interference in the Eastern Mediterranean is compatible with the EU’s commitments to defending the sovereignty of the Member States and reinforcing the EU’s energy independence?

    Submitted: 12.5.2025

    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Timberlea — RCMP charges a man following armed and barricaded incident

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has charged a man following an armed and barricaded incident that occurred in Timberlea.

    Shortly after midnight on June 1, RCMP officers responded to a disturbance at a residence on Lakehigh Cres.

    Investigators learned that a man armed with a knife had gained entry into the home through the front door and threatened to harm himself. When a female occupant, who was known to the man, asked him to leave, he refused and barricaded himself inside.

    After approximately three hours of communicating with the RCMP Crisis Negotiation Team, the man exited the home and was safely arrested.

    The 33-year-old woman and three children who were inside the home at the time of the incident were unharmed.

    The man has been charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with a Probation Order and Mischief. He was remanded in custody yesterday and is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial court today.

    File #: 25-76875

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU dependence on Russia in the ITER nuclear fusion project and the roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports – E-002074/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002074/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Andrea Wechsler (PPE), Borys Budka (PPE), Matej Tonin (PPE)

    The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) aims to achieve fusion power production at power plant scale. The Russian Federation is part of the project.

    In its recent roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports[1], the Commission announced further steps to reduce its dependence on them. However, it remains silent on the topic of fusion energy and, as a result, on the membership, governance involvement, funding (9.1 %) and intellectual property contributions to ITER from the Russian Federation. Moreover, Russia is largely contributing ‘in kind’ through, for instance, the delivery of components for the power supply and protection of the superconducting magnets.

    • 1.How does the Commission plan to phase out dependence on Russian participation in ITER in relation to membership, government involvement, funding and contributions in kind, and what role could the proposal for the European radioisotope valley initiative play in this context?
    • 2.How does the Commission plan to secure the operation of ITER in the light of the dependency on Russian intellectual property rights?
    • 3.Will the Commission support the establishment of an independent EU fusion energy project and a diversification of the fusion industry landscape through increased funding to private sector companies?

    Submitted: 22.5.2025

    • [1] COM(2025)0440.
    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Proposed liquefied natural gas facility in Pesaro, Italy – E-002065/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002065/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carola Rackete (The Left)

    In view of the ongoing construction approval for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Pesaro (Italy), which has been granted on a site classified as high-risk (R4 floodplain, seismic zone with sand liquefaction, and proximity to homes and schools), and considering that the project was approved without a full set of environmental and safety documents, including an updated internal emergency plan, hydrogeological assessment and cumulative risk modelling:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of this case?
    • 2.Will the Commission assess whether Italy is in breach of the EU precautionary principle (Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), the Seveso III Directive[1] (2012/18/EU), and the Aarhus Convention in relation to this and similar projects authorised via the Simplification Decree (DL 76/2020)?

    Submitted: 22.5.2025

    • [1] Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances, OJ L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/18/oj.
    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Dermatologist Agrees to Pay $1.4 Million to Resolve Claims of Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Funds

    Source: US FBI

    Spokane, Washington – The United States Attorney’s Office announced William Philip Werschler, age 66, of Spokane, Washington, along with his businesses Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research L.L.C., and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C., have agreed to pay $1,400,000 to resolve claims under the False Claims Act related to alleged mis-spending of funds intended to benefit struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic.  EIDL funds were to be used solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury to a business caused by the COVID-19 disaster, such as paying payroll, health insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.  EIDL funds were not to be used for personal purposes or to obtain real property or to refinance indebtedness which was incurred prior to the disaster event is a prohibited use of EIDL funding.

    According to the settlement agreement, beginning no later than April 2020 and continuing until at least July 2022, Werschler applied for EIDL loans for his businesses: Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research, and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C. 

    Shortly after receiving EIDL funds, Werschler made personal purchases of a 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 and a 1997 Porsche Carrera for a total of $252,375.00.  Werschler also used $553,143 to purchase two properties across from his Spokane Dermatology Clinic.  The purchase of personal automobiles and real property are both contrary to the proper use of EIDL funds.  The global resolution entered into by Werschler and his companies also resolved related criminal charges.

    This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations, the FBI, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. 

    The settlement agreement can be viewed at the link below.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Forum for Nagorno-Karabakh proposed by the Swiss Parliament – E-002049/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002049/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nicolas Bay (ECR)

    The Swiss Parliament recently proposed organising a forum for dialogue with representatives of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh within the next year to discuss the conditions for the return of Armenian populations displaced from the region. To ensure its effectiveness, the forum will need to be organised in coordination with international organisations[1].

    In this context, the active participation of the European Union in the organisation of this forum would send a strong signal of its support for lasting peace in the region and respect for the rights of displaced populations.

    Will the Commission take full part in the organisation of this forum, alongside the Swiss authorities and other international actors, in order to ensure its success?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.parlament.ch/en/ratsbetrieb/suche-curia-vista/geschaeft?AffairId=20244259
    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –