NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Australia: April crime statistics

    Source: New South Wales – News

    The number of robberies and related offences committed in South Australia have continued to decrease significantly, the latest crime statistics have revealed.

    The April rolling year crime statistics also reveal continuing strong declines in other offence categories including house break-ins, shop theft, car theft and homicides.

    The 13 per cent decrease in robbery and related offending – from 847 to 740 reported offences – in the April period is the fifteenth successive fall in reported offences in that category.

    Within that category aggravated robbery declined by 16 per cent – from 501 to 419 reported offences and non-aggravated robbery by 12 per cent – from 82 to 72 reported offences.

    While the majority of property related offences recorded a decrease in the rolling year period, acts intended to cause injury – which includes all assaults – recorded a minor increase.

    Within that category serious assault resulting in injury dropped by one per cent, or 34 offences, serious assault not resulting in injury rose by seven per cent, or 846 incidents, and common assault increased by one per cent, or 73 incidents.

    Police intelligence reveals that domestic abuse related assaults increased by 10.8 per cent in the month of April, from 843 offences reported to 934 offences reported. Just over 52 per cent of all assaults reported to police in April 2025 were related to domestic abuse, compared with 49.6 per cent in April 2024.

    The number of stranger assaults decreased in April with 312 incidents reported (17.4 per cent of assaults), compared with 391 offences reported (23 pr cent of assaults) in April 2024.

    The number of assaults involving a knife or other bladed weapon remained relatively stable in April 2025 with 129 offences reported compared with 121 offences reported in April 2024.

    The April rolling year figures reveal house break-ins declined by 11 per cent in the period from 5,917 to 5,265 reported offences. This followed an eight per cent decline in the March period, seven per cent in the February period and a five per cent decline in January.

    The number of non-residential break-ins declined by seven per cent from 3,709 to 3,437 reported offences. This followed five per cent declines in March and February.

    Shop theft also showed another significant decrease in the April period with a nine per cent reduction in offending reported – the sixth successive drop. There were 1,604 fewer offences reported in the April period – from 18,735 to 17,131 reported incidents.
    The continued reduction in both house break-ins and shop theft is attributable to ongoing proactive operations targeting recidivist offenders.

    Car theft and theft from a vehicle have both continued to decline in the period. Car theft decreased by seven per cent or 260 offences – from 3,766 to 3,506 offences. This followed a nine per cent drop in March, 11 per cent in February and 12 per cent decrease in January.

    Theft from a motor vehicle declined by 22 per cent in the period – from 9,920 to 7,736 reported offences. This followed a 23 per cent decline in March and a 22 per cent drop in February.

    The number of homicides committed in South Australia has continued to decrease with a 57 per cent decline in the April period – from 23 to 10 reported offences. This followed a 52 per cent decrease in the March period.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Israel strikes Iran nuclear facilities, missile factories

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders on Friday at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

    Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, while Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes.

    Iranian state television reported that Hossein Salami, the chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards corps, had been killed and the unit’s headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children had been killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, it said.

    “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.

    “Moments ago Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody” hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive “a bitter fate for itself”.

    An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets including the facility at Natanz in central Iran. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.

    The United States said it had no part in the operation, which raises the risk of a fresh escalation in tensions in the Middle East, a major oil producing region.

    Alongside extensive air strikes, Israel’s Mossad spy agency led a series of covert sabotage operations inside Iran, Axios reported, citing a senior Israeli official. These operations were aimed at damaging Iran’s strategic missile sites and its air defence capabilities.

    Iranian state media reported that at least two nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in Israeli strikes in Tehran.

    Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.

    “Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

    Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and “prepared across all borders”.

    “We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other. This is a critical operation to prevent an existential threat, by an enemy who is intent on destroying us,” he said.

    Israeli Minister Gideon Saar was holding “marathon of calls” with counterparts around the world regarding Israel’s attack on Iran, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

    U.S. “NOT INVOLVED”

    U.S. President Donald Trump would convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said.

    Iran’s armed forces spokesperson said Israel and its chief ally the United States would pay a “heavy price” for the attack, accusing Washington of providing support for the operation.

    An Israeli official told Israel public broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington on the strikes.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio however said the United States was not involved and Tel Aviv had acted unilaterally for self-defence.

    “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement.

    “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” he added.

    The State Department issued an advisory saying that all U.S. government employees in Israel and their family members should “shelter in place until further notice”.

    The attacks triggered sharp falls in stock prices in early Asian trade on Friday, led by a selloff in U.S. futures, while oil prices jumped as investors scurried to safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc.

    NUCLEAR TALKS DEADLOCKED

    U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment program in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and their Omani mediators. But the talks have appeared to be deadlocked.

    Trump said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen” but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.

    A source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there has been no recent change in the U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei has not authorised the restarting of the nuclear weapons program that was shuttered in 2003.

    Even so, U.S. intelligence had indicated that Israel was preparing a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    The U.S. military was planning for the full range of contingencies in the Middle East, including the possibility that it might have to help evacuate American civilians, a U.S. official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

    (Reuters)

  • Air India Dreamliner crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, 241 dead, one survivor: Air India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 people in what is being described as one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history. Only one passenger survived.

    Flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, went down minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. IST. The aircraft plunged into a residential complex near BJ Medical College, triggering a massive fire and a large-scale emergency response across the city.

    According to Air India, the flight was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including two pilots. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A, is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

    The airline confirmed the tragedy in an official statement on X, saying, “UPDATE: Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.”

    Air India also released a breakdown of the passengers’ nationalities: 169 were Indian, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

    The airline extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and said a dedicated team has been deployed in Ahmedabad to provide support.
    “Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones,” the statement read.

    Air India has pledged full cooperation with the authorities investigating the cause of the crash. Dedicated helplines have been set up for families seeking information. Domestic callers can reach 1800 5691 444, while international callers can dial +91 8062779200.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast issues Statement on Israel’s Preemptive Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Program

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement after Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear program. 

    “A year ago, Iran sent three Americans home under flag-draped caskets who were killed at Tower 22. Within the last three months, Iran attacked Navy warships. What Israel’s preemptive strike ensured tonight is that Iran’s next attack will not be with a nuclear weapon.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump may push Albanese on defence spending, but Australia has leverage it can use, too

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Corben, Research Fellow, Foreign Policy and Defence, University of Sydney

    Ahead of a prospective meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit Canada, two key developments have bumped defence issues to the top of the alliance agenda.

    First, in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles late last month, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth urged Australia to boost defence spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

    This elicited a stern response from Albanese that “Australia should decide what we spend on Australia’s defence.”

    Then, this week, news emerged the Pentagon is conducting a review of the AUKUS deal to ensure it aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda.

    Speculation is rife as to the reasons for the review. Some contend it’s a classic Trump “shakedown” to force Australia to pay more for its submarines, while others say it’s a normal move for any new US administration.



    Read more:
    Trump may try to strike a deal with AUKUS review, but here’s why he won’t sink it

    The reality is somewhere in between. Trump may well see an opportunity to “own” the AUKUS deal negotiated by his predecessor, Joe Biden, by seeking to extract a “better deal” from Australia.

    But while support for AUKUS across the US system is strong, the review also reflects long-standing and bipartisan concerns in the US over the deal. These include, among other things, Australia’s functional and fiscal capacity to take charge of its own nuclear-powered submarines once they are built.

    So, why have these issues come up now, just before Albanese’s first face-to-face meeting with Trump?

    To understand this, it’s important to place both issues in a wider context. We need to consider the Trump administration’s overall approach to alliances, as well as whether Australia’s defence budget matches our strategy.

    Trump, alliances and burden-sharing

    Senior Pentagon figures noted months ago that defence spending was their “main concern” with Australia in an otherwise “excellent” relationship.

    But such concerns are not exclusive to Australia. Rather, they speak to Trump’s broader approach to alliances worldwide – he wants US allies in Europe and Asia to share more of the burden, as well.

    Trump’s team sees defence spending (calculated as a percentage of GDP) as a basic indicator of an ally’s seriousness about both their own national defence and collective security with Washington.

    As Hegseth noted in testimony before Congress this week, “we can’t want [our allies’] security more than they do.”

    Initially, the Trump administration’s burden-sharing grievances with NATO received the most attention. The government demanded European allies boost spending to 5% of GDP in the interests of what prominent MAGA figures have called “burden-owning”.

    Several analysts interpreted these demands as indicative of what will be asked of Asian partners, including Australia.

    In reality, what Washington wants from European and Indo-Pacific allies differs in small but important ways.

    In Europe, the Trump administration wants allies to assume near-total responsibility for their own defence to enable the US to focus on bigger strategic priorities. These include border security at home and, importantly, Chinese military power in the Indo-Pacific.

    By contrast, Trump’s early moves on defence policy in Asia have emphasised a degree of cooperation and mutual benefit.

    The administration has explicitly linked its burden-sharing demands with a willingness to work with its allies – Japan, South Korea, Australia and others – in pursuit of a strategy of collective defence to deter Chinese aggression.

    This reflects a long-standing recognition in Washington that America needs its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific perhaps more than anywhere else in the world. The reason: to support US forces across the vast Pacific and Indian oceans and to counter China’s growing ability to disrupt US military operations across the region.

    In other words, the US must balance its demands of Indo-Pacific allies with the knowledge that it also needs their help to succeed in Asia.

    This means the Albanese government can and should engage the Trump administration with confidence on defence matters – including AUKUS.

    It has a lot to offer America, not just a lot to lose.

    Australian defence spending

    But a discussion over Australia’s defence spending is not simply a matter of alliance management. It also speaks to the genuine challenges Australia faces in matching its strategy with its resources.

    Albanese is right to say Australia will set its own defence policy based on its needs rather than an arbitrary percentage of GDP determined by Washington.

    But it’s also true Australia’s defence budget must match the aspirations and requirements set out in its 2024 National Defence Strategy. This is necessary for our defence posture to be credible.

    This document paints a sobering picture of the increasingly fraught strategic environment Australia finds itself in. And it outlines an ambitious capability development agenda to allow Australia to do its part to maintain the balance of power in the region, alongside the United States and other partners.

    But there is growing concern in the Australian policy community that our defence budget is insufficient to meet these goals.

    For instance, one of the lead authors of Australia’s 2023 Defence Strategic Review, Sir Angus Houston, mused last year that in order for AUKUS submarines to be a “net addition” to the nation’s military capability, Australia would need to increase its defence spending to more than 3% of GDP through the 2030s.

    Otherwise, he warned, AUKUS would “cannibalise” investments in Australia’s surface fleet, long-range strike capabilities, air and missile defence, and other capabilities.

    There’s evidence the Australian government understands this, too. Marles and the minister for defence industry, Pat Conroy, have both said the government is willing to “have a conversation” about increasing spending, if required to meet Australia’s strategic needs.

    This is all to say that an additional push from Trump on defence spending and burden-sharing – however unpleasantly delivered – would not be out of the ordinary. And it may, in fact, be beneficial for Australia’s own deliberations on its defence spending needs.

    Thomas Corben receives funding from the Australian Department of Defence.

    – ref. Trump may push Albanese on defence spending, but Australia has leverage it can use, too – https://theconversation.com/trump-may-push-albanese-on-defence-spending-but-australia-has-leverage-it-can-use-too-258811

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Van Hollen, Padilla Introduce Legislation to Sanction Salvadoran Officials for Human Rights Abuses, Collusion with Trump Administration in Violation of Constitutional Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) are introducing new legislation in a continuation of their efforts to hold El Salvador accountable for its human rights abuses and its collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. The senators’ legislation would apply sanctions on Salvadoran officials and others who have engaged in international human rights violations or worked to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their rights under the U.S. Constitution. The legislation would additionally explicitly sanction President Bukele and Vice President Ulloa, as well as El Salvador’s Ministers of Foreign Relations, Defense, and Justice and Public Security, among others. In addition to its actions alongside the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States, Bukele and his government have continued to jail and persecute innocent Salvadoran citizens, including journalists and human rights advocates such as Ruth López.

    The text of the legislation is available here.

    “Under President Bukele, tens of thousands of Salvadorans and even U.S. residents remain jammed in megaprisons without due process. President Bukele may think he has a friend in President Trump, but he should know that Americans will not tolerate his efforts to undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions—whether in El Salvador or here in the United States,” said Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation with my colleagues to sanction foreign nationals complicit in Bukele’s behavior and the Trump Administration’s illegal actions to deny due process to people living in the United States.”

    “President Bukele and the Government of El Salvador are colluding with the Trump Administration, taking American taxpayer dollars to imprison people as part of a scheme to violate their constitutional rights. We must hold Bukele and his cronies accountable for these wrongful actions as well as for the gross violations of human rights they are committing in El Salvador. This legislation would do just that by placing sanctions on Bukele and those in his government who are responsible for these abuses. We must send a clear signal that these injustices are unacceptable and must end,” said Van Hollen.

    “President Bukele and his regime are continuing to commit abhorrent human rights atrocities and eradicate due process,” said Padilla. “We must hold Bukele and all responsible parties accountable for the suspension of constitutional rights and continued collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. Imposing economic sanctions and visa restrictions on Bukele and his corrupt government is a necessary step to push El Salvador to finally uphold international human rights law and respect fundamental civil liberties.”

    The senators’ legislation is supported by the Latin America Working Group, the Washington Office on Latin America, Human Rights Watch, and Immigration Hub.

     “Senators Van Hollen, Kaine, and Padilla’s bill to impose sanctions on the regime of President Nayib Bukele is timely and importantly puts a spotlight on the gross violation of human rights that have occurred under President Bukele’s state of exception. Since March 2022, 85,000 people have been detained, constitutional guarantees have been suspended, and over 350 people have died while under state custody. Systemic torture and persecution are state policies. Significantly, the bill also addresses the pervasive corruption that has occurred since President Bukele took office and prevents the IMF and other international financial institutions not to lend support. Not one penny of our tax dollars should support this regime until there is an end to the human rights violations, and the rule of law, judicial independence, and government transparency are restored.  All Members of Congress should get behind this bill,” said Vicki Gass, Executive Director, Latin America Working Group.  

    “Targeted individual sanctions for gross human rights violations are a critical diplomatic tool the U.S. can use to push for change and hold authoritarian actors accountable; as El Salvador’s political and human rights crisis deepens, strong international action like this becomes essential,” said Ana María Méndez-Dardón, Director for Central America at the Washington Office on Latin America.

    “We are heartened to see Senators confronting the human rights abuses of government officials in El Salvador. This bill an important reminder that uncritical US government support to President Bukele will not last forever and a recognition that nobody should be deported to Salvadoran prisons,” said Juan Pappier, Deputy Director of the Americas division, Human Rights Watch.

    Additional Background:

    • Sanctions: Imposes property-blocking and visa sanctions on President Bukele, key members of his cabinet, and other foreign persons working on behalf of the Salvadoran government that have:
      • engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including in connection with the ongoing “state of exception” in El Salvador;
      • engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights; or
      • provided material support to any person that has engaged in the above activities.
    • Termination/Snapback of Sanctions: Sanctions cannot be terminated until at least four years after the bill is enacted and unless the President certifies to Congress that the Government of El Salvador is no longer engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and no longer engaged in the scheme, including by accepting U.S. taxpayer dollars, to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their Constitutional rights. If the President determines that either of those conditions resume, then sanctions shall be reimposed.
    • Reporting Requirements: Requires reports to Congress that provide transparency on Salvadoran officials subject to a variety of sanctions authorities, U.S. government assistance to El Salvador, bilateral written agreements between the United States and El Salvador, and compliance with U.S. laws including the Leahy Laws and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Also requires a report on the actions of Salvadoran officials, including President Bukele, to use cryptocurrency as a mechanism for gross corruption, graft, and sanctions evasion.
    • Blocking International Financial Assistance: Instructs the United States to use its voice and vote in international financial institutions to oppose financial assistance to the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.
    • Prohibiting U.S. Funds for El Salvador: Prohibits any U.S. funding for the Government of El Salvador until the appropriate Presidential certification is transmitted to Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Joins Lawmakers, DACA Recipients, Advocates to Call for Permanent Protections Ahead of DACA’s 13th Anniversary Amid Growing Hostility Against Immigrant Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Joins Lawmakers, DACA Recipients, Advocates to Call for Permanent Protections Ahead of DACA’s 13th Anniversary Amid Growing Hostility Against Immigrant Communities

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and mass deportation assaults intensify in Los Angeles and across the country, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, marked the upcoming 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy by urging Congress to take immediate action to deliver permanent protections for millions of families, parents, and individuals who are increasingly at risk amid President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Padilla joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representatives Sylvia R. Garcia (D-Texas-29) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), along with DACA recipients, Dreamers, advocates, and dozens of immigrant youth and leaders from the Home is Here campaign, to call attention to the blaring threats to the future of DACA and push for the passage of the Dream Act.
    From abductions without warrants, deportations without due process, and the end to other temporary programs, the 13th anniversary of DACA is an important reminder that any effort to limit or end DACA will have painful, far-reaching consequences for the national economy and communities in every corner of the United States. California has over 160,000 DACA recipients who have been contributing to the country for years, and if the policy ended, it could cost the nation nearly $650 billion while potentially cutting over 400,000 workers.
    “Time and time again, we’ve seen the same playbook from Donald Trump. When things go wrong, he scapegoats immigrants. To distract the country from his failed agenda, Trump’s rolling out illegal deportations, ignoring due process, and launching ICE raids in my hometown of Los Angeles,” said Senator Padilla. “This week, as we should be celebrating the 13th Anniversary of DACA, I understand the fear of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers because they feel even more at risk. In addition to being our neighbors and loved ones, Dreamers are our teachers and caregivers, nurses and doctors, small business owners and construction workers paying taxes just like the rest of us. We must pass the Dream Act to provide permanent protections for Dreamers who contribute so much to our country and economy, finally giving them the peace of mind they deserve.”
    “In 2010, I sent a letter, joined by the late Senator Richard Lugar, a Republican from Indiana, asking then-President Obama to stop the deportation of Dreamers. And thirteen years ago this week, President Obama responded—he announced the DACA program. More than 835,000 Dreamers have since come forward and received DACA, which has allowed them to contribute more fully to their country as teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, and small business owners. Now in their 13th year of waiting, we, the lawmakers, must honor Dreamers’ patience, act on our promises, and finally provide them a pathway to citizenship. I will continue to fight for them—and I urge my Republican colleagues to join me,” said Senator Durbin.
    “I am someone who takes immense pride in being raised in the United States and have always felt American in every way but on paper. And while I have every reason to feel filled with hate after being discriminated against because of my identity, or seeing the ways hard working people like my parents have had to work twice as hard than the average person just to make ends meet, I still love this country deeply. As we approach the 13th anniversary of DACA, this moment is a reminder that immigrants are integral to this country. This is our home, and we urge Congress to do what we know is possible and popular among the vast majority of Americans: deliver a pathway to citizenship now,” said Adrien, a DACA recipient and College student studying computer engineering.
    “For 13 years, I’ve held up my end of the bargain – to work, go to school, pay my taxes, and stay out of trouble. But for those same 13 years, politicians have dangled my future for political points, all while failing to pass a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers like me. Because of this inaction, we’ve been attacked by the President, the courts, elected officials, and states like Texas, who are trying to take away our work permits, in-state tuition, and more. At this very moment, we’re waiting for a judge to modify his decision that would affect thousands of Dreamers like me.  And that isn’t just a moral failure – it’s an economic disaster waiting to happen. The courts can’t decide our future forever. Congress must finally deliver what they’ve promised for years – a pathway to citizenship, stability, and dignity,” said Mariana, a DACA recipient.
    “For 13 years, DACA has been an extraordinary success for the entire country, clearly demonstrating why the process for undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status must remain our long-term, central goal. Nearly 1 million people can live, work, and contribute openly to the only country they’ve ever called home because of DACA. It’s well past time for Congress to pass a permanent legislative solution that provides certainty to DACA recipients, Dreamers, their families, and the country that relies on them,” said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us.
    “On DACA’s 13th anniversary, it is important to celebrate the wonderful things that DACA has done for our communities across the country and throughout the years. But, we always knew that it was not enough. We need Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for all DACA recipients, immigrant youth, and our entire communities. With our communities under attack in unprecedented ways, we are beyond the point of urgency. We need words to become action,” said Diana Pliego, Senior Campaigns Strategist at NILC.
    “As we mark the 13th anniversary of DACA, Make the Road Nevada stands with thousands of DACA recipients—and with the undocumented youth still left out—who call this country home. DACA has proven the power and promise of offering protections to immigrant communities. But it’s not enough. Year after year, we’ve seen how vulnerable the program remains, and why we need permanent protections now more than ever. Congress must act to finally deliver stability and security to our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and loved ones—because no one’s future should depend on a temporary policy,” said Leo Murrieta, Executive Director with Make the Road Nevada.
    “As someone who was a DACA recipient, I know firsthand how critical this program has been in opening paths to economic mobility not just for recipients but also for our families and local communities. With DACA, recipients have been able to advance their careers as teachers, lawyers, nurses, mental health practitioners, business owners, and other valued employees. As we reflect on the thirteenth anniversary of DACA, while witnessing the militarized chaos sown in Los Angeles, we are also present to the fact that we need a more permanent solution and a pathway to citizenship for the many who call this country home and contribute to its spirit, economy, and culture. Our community has waited far too long for a working immigration system that keeps families together and treats every person regardless of their status with dignity and respect. Congress must act diligently and swiftly to work toward a solution like the Dream and Promise Act that protects the state and the people they represent,” said Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising.
    “DACA was never meant to be the finish line—it was a promise, a lifeline, and a call to action. As families across the country live in renewed fear of enforcement raids, we recommit to the fight for permanent protections. Dreamers are not only essential to our communities—they represent the very best of America’s promise. It’s time for Congress to meet this moment with courage and pass lasting solutions that honor their contributions and humanity,” said María Teresa Kumar, President and Co-Founder of Voto Latino.
    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress for immigration reform. He delivered remarks on the Senate floor earlier this week ahead of DACA’s 13th anniversary, pushing for permanent protections for Dreamers rather than the indiscriminate ICE raids stoking fear in Los Angeles communities. To commemorate the 12th anniversary of DACA, Padilla joined immigration advocates, DACA recipients, and other lawmakers to urge Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and call on former President Biden to protect Dreamers and long-term undocumented communities through executive action. He previously joined his Senate colleagues and directly impacted immigrant youth leaders for a press conference calling on Republicans in Congress to work with Democrats to pass permanent protections for DACA recipients after the 5th Circuit’s 2022 ruling left these recipients in limbo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Bessent Stress Need to Pass Tax Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–At a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) emphasized that allowing the 2017 Trump tax cuts to expire would result in widespread job losses, reduced capital investment and a more-than $4 trillion tax hike on American families and businesses.  Secretary Bessent warned the consequences would be “cataclysmic for the economy if this is not extended and working Americans would bear the brunt.” 

    Secretary Bessent also explained that making the tax cuts permanent will spur increased business investment, job growth and wage increases. He and Chairman Crapo also discussed the bill’s impact on the economy, predicting that, in conjunction with the Trump economic agenda,  the legislation will propel economic growth.

    Click here to watch Senator Crapo’s opening statement and here or above to watch Crapo question Bessent.

    On the impact of allowing the Trump tax cuts to expire:

    Crapo: Nobody can deny that our top focus is to extend the TCJA.  Could you tell us for just a minute what would happen if Congress does not extend the 2017 tax code?

    Bessent: Senator, I believe it would be what is known in economics as a “sudden stop.”  It would be cataclysmic for the economy if this is not extended, and, as always, working Americans would bear the brunt.  There would be job losses, economic losses in markets, a substantial increase in our budget deficit due to a decrease in tax revenues.  It is unthinkable what would happen.

    On the importance of pro-growth tax reform:

    Crapo: Can you talk about the importance of the pro-growth tax provisions, the economic impact and some of the existing and new provisions will have on workers?

    Bessent: Making [TCJA] permanent will be an economic impetus to the U.S. economy as households and businesses have greater certainty.  I’ve met with numerous business leaders, and while they are confident that the bill will pass, without 100 percent surety, they are holding back on their capital expenditure plans. . . . In terms of households, TCJA  led to strong non-inflationary growth, as opposed to what we saw during the Biden years of substantial inflation.  The President’s proposals will benefit working Americans and the bottom 50 percent of wage earners.  So it is a unique combination that it will provide substantial business stimulus and it will provide substantial relief to the affordability crisis that has been generated over the past four years.

    Rebutting criticism that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a tax cut for billionaires:

    Crapo: Critics have called this bill a tax cut for billionaires, even when the data show that middle income families benefited the most from the Trump tax cuts and have the most to lose if they expire.  Can you tell us what the benefits of this legislation are for working families who are still recovering from the cost of record inflation under the previous Administration?

    Bessent: They will see substantial increases in their household income and, more importantly, they will see real wage growth as they did under TCJA, pre-COVID—when hourly workers did better than supervisory workers.  The bottom 50 percent of working Americans had household net worth increases that were substantially in excess of the top 10 percent and 1 percent household increases.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Preliminary findings of audit of recruitment standards

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Deployment Tusha Penny

    Police can today confirm preliminary findings of an audit into the application of recruitment standards for police officers.

    The audit followed the discovery in April that discretion had been applied to some applicants who failed the Physical Appraisal Test (PAT) but were accepted into training at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC).

    We looked at 1022 recruits from 14 wings which started training between January 2024 and April 2025.

    There were eight individuals who did not meet all the requirements of the PAT and were allowed to begin training at the RNZPC.  A further nine passed individual components of the PAT on different dates, in breach of the policy, and were progressed. The policy requires all components be passed during one testing session.

    All subsequently passed the Physical Competency Test (PCT) which is required before a recruit can graduate.

    In the interests of transparency and to assess the full extent to which discretion was being used, the audit was expanded to include all other pre-employment testing over the same time period.

    This included the psychometric test, the English literacy testing and typing.

    Police must be proficient in English. Literacy testing is only required of applicants who do not have level 2 NCEA English or higher or comparable international qualifications.

    Of the 1022 recruits, 267 were required to do the test and 128 did not pass.

    All applicants passed psychometric testing before beginning at RNZPC but 36 that initially failed were allowed to re-sit without a six-month stand down period between tests.

    This stand down period is considered good practice by the provider Police uses to administer this test.

    One person did not pass the typing test, which requires a typing speed of 25 words a minute.

    All recruits who were given discretion and have since graduated did pass all mandatory tests required to graduate.

    In response to the findings, the Commissioner has made it clear that the use of discretion falls short of his expectations and standards.

    He has instructed there is to be no further use of discretion to allow people to enter RNZPC without first meeting all mandatory recruitment standards.

    There will be no exemptions and no circumstances where discretion is applied.

    The findings also raised concerns about inconsistencies and confusion around the criteria and application of discretion in some cases.

    While discretion has long been used in exceptional cases, the audit makes it apparent it has increasingly been accepted as common practise over recent years.

    Any suggestion a tolerance had developed for accepting lower standards than those set for recruitment is of concern to the Commissioner.

    The Police recruitment process is designed to be thorough and robust and there are good reasons for the standards required.

    The literacy assessment is designed to be relevant to the work required of police staff.

    The ability to communicate well under pressure is critical for an officer’s own safety and those of their colleagues, as well as the public.

    Police is committed to serving our communities by having the best possible people in our organisation.

    We have an incredible organisation of men and women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who work hard in, and for their communities.

    NZ Police officers are proud of the standards that are required to join.

    We have many staff who have English as a second language.

    These people add immense value to our organisation and to the communities they work in.

    That is why ESOL support is available at RNZPC for recruits who need it, as well as other learning support for recruits.

    However, all recruits must meet the required standard before they begin training with us.

    Policing is a very rewarding career.

    The findings from this audit will support our ongoing work to recruit and train world-class police officers.

    There is guidance and support on preparing for the pre-entry tests on www.newcops.govt.nz for people who want to join.

    That includes physical training plans to prepare for the PAT and guidance on how to upskill in areas required to meet the requirements.

    The report on the preliminary findings is attached.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sculpture of Yuan Longping, father of hybrid rice, unveiled in Florence academy

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    A sculpture of Yuan Longping, the renowned Chinese scientist known as the “father of hybrid rice,” was unveiled on Thursday at the Georgofili Academy in Florence, Italy. The work was created and donated by Wu Weishan, director of the National Art Museum of China.

    The donation marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, highlighting the two countries’ cooperation in science and art.

    “Everyone in agricultural science knows Yuan Longping,” said Massimo Vincenzini, president of the Georgofili Academy. “He was an outstanding scientist who made a profound impact in the global fight against hunger.”

    Chinese Consul General in Florence Yin Qi said the event symbolized cross-cultural dialogue, coinciding with the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

    In a video message, sculptor Wu Weishan expressed hope that the artwork would inspire deeper exchanges between civilizations.

    Born in 1930, Yuan succeeded in cultivating the world’s first high-yield hybrid rice strain in 1973, which was later grown on a large scale in China and other countries to substantially raise output. He passed away at the age of 91.

    The sculpture will be permanently housed at the Georgofili Academy, one of the world’s oldest agricultural research institutions, founded in 1753. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Africa unlock development potential at key expo

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) opened Thursday in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, drawing a record-breaking of over 30,000 participants from 53 African countries, 11 international organizations and 27 Chinese provincial-level regions, highlighting the dynamic two-way economic ties.

    Under the theme “China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization,” the biennial event, running through June 15, aims to further harness the shared development potential as a concrete follow-up to the 10 partnership actions announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

    From African flavors to tourism offerings, from digital payment solutions to agricultural machinery and clean energy technologies, the expo is expected to further advance the China-Africa partnership in their shared pursuit of modernization.

    People visit the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

    BEYOND TRADITIONAL TRADE

    At this year’s expo, more than 800 African products, ranging from Kenyan black tea to Congolese framed artwork, are scheduled to either debut or expand their presence in the Chinese market, a stable and promising destination supported by favorable policies and platforms.

    The strength of the partnership is reflected in trade data. In 2024, two-way trade reached a record of 295.6 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 4.8 percent year-on-year increase. This solidified China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year. Meanwhile, imports from Africa reached 116.8 billion dollars, up 6.9 percent year-on-year.

    Beyond traditional trade, the expo also showcases progress in value-added production between China and African countries. One example is Rwanda’s chili sauce, which has become a symbol of integrated value chain development.

    Seeking larger-scale and sustainable cooperation, Rwanda’s Gashora Farm partnered in 2024 with Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co. Ltd to launch the Rwanda-Hunan Chili Pepper Industry Demonstration Project, which covers 100 hectares (1 square km). The initiative spans the full value chain, from seedling cultivation to export.

    In the first season after signing of the agreement, 200 tonnes of dried chili were shipped to China. “The Chinese market offers more than just orders. It brings stability and investment,” said Dieudonne Twahirwa, managing director of Gashora Farm. “It gives us partners. This partnership is transforming our business and the lives of farmers.”

    From Kenyan dried anchovies and Madagascan lamb products to rubber from Cote d’Ivoire, cooperation of various forms is expanding across Africa, supporting African countries’ industrialization efforts. This trend has already yielded notable success, including Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone and the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone.

    This photo taken on June 12, 2025 shows guests talking prior to the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

    “The continent’s development priorities are shifting from raw material exports to value-added production,” said Humphrey Moshi, a professor of economics and director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. “The China-Africa relationship is evolving beyond traditional trade, toward deeper industrial collaboration and shared value creation.”

    “It is no longer just about importing, but co-building industrialization,” said Senegalese Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock Mabouba Diagne. “China is a strategic partner that can drive the structural transformation of our agriculture … CAETE serves as a matchmaking platform, enabling such win-win collaborations.”

    EMPOWERING AFRICAN PRIORITIES

    This year’s expo features exhibition zones dedicated to clean energy, modern agricultural machinery, along with 30 events to be held in such areas as industrial collaboration and youth entrepreneurship. The expanded agenda underscores a dynamic partnership aligned with Africa’s priorities, including agricultural modernization, industrialization, and sustainable growth.

    “This expo is even more innovative,” said Okonkwo Chinweuba Innocent, Belt and Road Africa Economic Promotion Initiative Center in Nigeria. “It better connects supply and demand between China and Africa … cooperation is expanding into new areas like digital economy, green development and finance,” he told Xinhua.

    As cooperation deepens in these fast-growing sectors, Chinese solutions are empowering Africa’s industrialization and modernization, key priorities for the continent.

    An exhibitor introduces a sightseeing vehicle to a visitor at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

    For instance, in e-commerce, Chinese expertise contributes to local transformation. To tackle persistent logistical challenges, Kilimall, an e-commerce platform founded by Chinese entrepreneurs in Africa, has introduced the “African overseas warehouse” model to reduce delivery time and facilitate cross-border trade. During the expo, the company is showcasing services designed to help entrepreneurs gain access to both Chinese and African markets.

    Private-sector participation is also gaining momentum. “I would like to see more Chinese companies set up in Kenya to manufacture solar products,” said Arnold Dodo Kageha, a 28-year-old Kenyan entrepreneur who has profited from distributing Chinese clean energy products such as portable power stations.

    “CAETE has become more than just a trade fair,” said Moshi. “It is now a venue through which Africa and China can align their aspirations and work together. It fits squarely within the broader goals of South-South cooperation.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Chairs Hearing on Combatting Chinese & Russian IUU Fishing Threat

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    06.12.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, today chaired a hearing on the threat of foreign illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to Alaska’s fishermen and coastal communities. The hearing focused on strategies to combat foreign IUU fishing, many of which are found in Sen. Sullivan’s Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act. These strategies include blacklisting offending vessels from U.S. ports and waters, bolstering the U.S. Coast Guard’s enforcement capabilities and partnerships, and advancing international and bilateral negotiations to achieve enforceable agreements and treaties. On April 30, 2025, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed Sen. Sullivan’s FISH Act, co-led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I).

    The hearing featured testimony from a panel of expert witnesses, including Gabriel Prout, president of the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers.

    [embedded content]

    “There was a senior Russian official who publicly declared, ‘We know we’re at war with American fishermen.’…What more should we be doing with regard to the unfair competition with Chinese and Russian fleets?” Sen. Sullivan asked. “We’ve talked about their IUU practices, their slave labor practices. Another thing that happens is their governments heavily subsidize their fleet…What are the other things we can be doing and how has the ban on Russian seafood into the U.S. market, including the Chinese communist loophole that we also shut down, helped your industry and other fishermen throughout the country?”

    “The effect of IUU and the importation of it into our markets has been nothing short of devastating,” said Mr. Prout. “When Russia floods the market with illegal, under-priced crab, or any other seafood commodity for that matter, it puts downward pressure on our prices and destabilizes the processors. Processors within Alaska especially rely on numerous revenue sources of different seafood commodities…They use that method to stay afloat, diversifying their portfolio a little bit. If they take a major loss on crab or salmon, it really destabilizes their efforts and it threatens their whole operation. Additionally, fishermen then are potentially looking at a loss of a place to deliver, because the processors are unable to compete with the importation of IUU products, just because of the price difference that is associated with it.

    “As far as the impact of your efforts, it’s had a tremendous impact—banning the importation of Russian crab. One of the most notable products in Alaska, of course, is the Alaskan red king crab. This past season, myself and my family, and all the rest of the fishermen who participated in that, experienced record prices at the dock for their catch. I can confidently say that I believe that wouldn’t have taken effect had there still been a large importation of Russian product coming into the domestic market. So your efforts to stem the flow of that IUU [seafood] have been very obvious to my family and many of the fishermen within Alaska.”

    Other hearing witnesses included Gregory Poling, director and senior fellow of the Southeast Asia Program and the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS); Nathan Rickard, partner at Picard Kentz & Rowe; and Whitley Saumweber, director of the Stephenson Ocean Security Project at CSIS.

    Below is a full transcript of Senator Sullivan’s opening statement at the hearing.

    Today’s hearing will focus on international conflict, criminal activity, and, yes, even slave labor associated with the ocean. We’re particularly focused on the fight for fisheries resources, geopolitical flashpoints where conflict is likely to arise, and the role of both state and non-state actors involved in conflict with criminal activity in the fishing sector. And, of course, we want sustainable, lasting fisheries.

    Additionally, we’ll discuss measures being taken to address the growing challenges and criminal activity surrounding these resources and conflicts, and what more can be done. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, also known as IUU fishing, poses a significant threat to global marine ecosystems, economies, sustainable fisheries, and food security.

    It is estimated that IUU fishing accounts for up to 20 percent of the global catch, which translates to global losses between $10 billion and $50 billion annually for fishing fleets that actually fish legally, like ours in America. The scale of IUU fishing varies by region, with some areas experiencing more severe impacts due to lax enforcement, corruption, and high demand for seafood. Of course, the Chinese Communist Party in China plays a significant role in this problem in the global fishing industry, and is the worst offender of IUU fishing, by far. No surprise.

    The Chinese government has provided billions of dollars in subsidies to its distant water fishing fleets, “gray fleets,” as we sometimes call them, enabling their fishing sector to grow exponentially. According to Global Fishing Watch, China operates approximately 57,000 fishing vessels—57,000—which accounts for 44 percent of the world’s total fishing activity.

    Operating in tandem with the Chinese military to protect its fishing fleet, the Chinese fishing boats benefit from the protection of the Chinese Coast Guard and Navy, ensuring their ability to pilfer resources around the globe. If you care about the environment and healthy ecosystems, this should be a top concern of yours. China is ravaging our oceans.

    The scale of China’s fishing activities raises concerns about the sustainability of global fish stocks around the world, and the geopolitical tensions that can arise from maritime disputes.

    China is a concern, but Russia is as well. Close to Alaska, Russian and other vessels conduct IUU fishing near our exclusive economic zone, our EEZ. Although Russia banned imports of U.S. seafood into Russia over ten years ago, Russia has been able to bring their seafood into the U.S., sometimes using loopholes through China as recently as late 2023.

    IUU fishing is not an issue just for the United States. U.S. fisheries are the most sustainable fisheries in the world, but sustainably sourced, legally caught, high quality seafood can’t compete with illegally sourced seafood that is being plundered from our oceans.

    I might add, due to some great reporting—and I’m going to reference it here in this hearing—from Politico magazine, [and] the New Yorker, China also uses slave labor on many of its fishing vessels. Pretty hard to compete against slave labor if you’re an American fisherman. IUU fishing not only distorts the true cost of seafood sold in markets, but it is often linked overseas with transnational crime, forced and slave labor, and even human and drug trafficking.

    The key to preventing IUU fishing is to lead international efforts to address the issue at its sources globally. Through the years, Congress and the executive branch, Democrats and Republicans, have worked together with global partners and have focused on IUU fishing. I’m proud to see my colleague and friend, Senator Whitehouse, here. He and I recently introduced our Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest, also known as the FISH Act, a bipartisan bill that just recently in this committee passed unanimously. It puts IUU fishing vessels on a blacklist, raises costs for IUU vessel owners and importers, and supports increased Coast Guard enforcement and work with our partners. It builds on previous bipartisan legislation that this committee has championed, particularly Senator Wicker’s Maritime Safe Act.

    In April, President Trump signed an executive order entitled, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.” My office, my team and I were proud to work closely with the Trump administration on this important executive order. This order aims at strengthening measures to combat IUU fishing, including preventing IUU seafood from entering the U.S. market, and supporting international efforts to address the issue at its source. We look forward to working with the administration on these efforts.

    But it’s not all bad news. This is, after all, the subcommittee in charge of the Coast Guard. I believe we are going to be embarking on a golden age for our Coast Guard. In the budget reconciliation bill right now, there is $24.6 billion focused on the Coast Guard of the United States. That will likely be the biggest investment in the Coast Guard in the history of the United States of America. There are a lot of good things happening with regard to our Coast Guard.

    The U.S. has a vital role to play, a leading role to play, in combating IUU fishing through regulatory measures, international cooperation, consumer awareness, and passing the FISH Act. By preventing IUU seafood from entering our market, the U.S. can help protect legitimate fishermen, some of whom we’ll hear from today, and promote sustainable fishing practices worldwide.

    Below is a full transcript of Mr. Prout’s opening statement at the hearing.

    Thank you for the opportunity to appear today to discuss the devastating impact of IUU—illegal, unreported and unregulated—crab fishing, and unfair Russian and Chinese trade practices on American crab fishermen and coastal communities. I’d like to first start by acknowledging and thanking Senator Sullivan, as well as Senator Cantwell, for their long-standing support of independent crab harvesters like myself. Thank you. My name is Gabriel Prout and I am the President of Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers. I represent the majority of quota and vessel owners harvesting king, snow, and bairdi crab in the Bering Sea. I’m also a third-generation commercial fisherman and a vessel owner from Kodiak, Alaska, a seafood powerhouse where hundreds of millions of pounds of product cross the docks each year.

    For nearly 20 years, I’ve worked in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska with two of my brothers, continuing a livelihood passed down from our father and grandfather. In recent years, the collapse of snow crab and red king crab stocks hit us hard. Boats sat tied up, crews were out of work, and families like mine faced deep uncertainty. This fishery isn’t just our livelihood, it is our identity. Crab stocks now appear to be rebounding, but we still need action to protect small fishing families, like mine, especially from the harms of IUU fishing.

    For over 20 years, Russian IUU crab has undercut the economic foundation of our industry. A 2021 U.S. International Trade Commission report found that, in 2019, over 20 percent of U.S. imports of snow and king crab from the Russian far east came from IUU sources. Fortunately, U.S. imports of Russian crab have largely ceased thanks to the embargo that began under President Biden, continued under President Trump, and was strengthened by Senator Sullivan’s work to close the China trans-shipment loophole.

    Still, Russia’s IUU crab continues entering global markets through other channels, suppressing prices and creating unfair competition for U.S. harvesters who follow the law. Russia’s actions extend far beyond IUU. The following are just a few key points.

    It has heavily subsidized its seafood industry to deliberately undercut U.S. competitors; flooded international markets with underpriced seafood following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine to help fund its war; and contributed to an estimated $1.8 billion in losses for the Alaska seafood industry during 2022 and 2023.

    There are also national security concerns. Russian crab is being funneled into the global market through North Korean smuggling networks, where it’s reprocessed and relabeled in China. This collaboration between two sanctioned regimes undermines trade restrictions and raises serious concerns about enforcement and global seafood supply chain integrity.

    Based on years of experience witnessing the impact of Russian IUU on Alaskan crabbers, I respectfully urge the following actions.

    One, expand the seafood import monitoring program and ensure it focuses on species at highest risk for IUU fishing; [and] mandate country-of-origin labeling, also known as “cool labeling” that also applies to cooked crab products.

    Two, expand economic sanctions and trade restrictions, which would extend and strengthen sanctions on Russian-origin seafood and ensure enforcement on the ban of Russian seafood entering through third countries, especially China.

    Expand intelligence sharing agreements with allies. This is under point three. Increase international cooperation and enforcement, increase support for international bodies working to combat IUU fishing, and push for stronger enforcement of port state measure agreements, especially with countries still importing Russian crab around the world.

    Four, provide economic relief to affected communities, establish emergency relief similar to the Seafood Trade Relief Program, and create low-interest loans to help crabbers and fishing fleets modernize gear and remain competitive throughout the world; prioritize support for small, independent, family-owned fishing operations like those that I represent.

    And five, strengthen U.S. enforcement against IUU fishing. Congress should pass Senate Bill 688, the FISH Act, and provide full funding and direction for the U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA to expand patrols, inspections, and enforcements targeting IUU threats.

    For over two decades, Russian IUU crab has undermined American fishermen who follow the rules, invest in sustainability, and support our coastal communities. This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about lost livelihoods, struggling towns and an industry fighting for survival.

    Congress has the opportunity to protect American harvesters and ensure global seafood is harvested legally and sustainably. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue affecting thousands of American fishing families. I look forward to your questions and working with the Committee on effective solutions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Increase in illegal dumping in State forests

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 13 Jun 2025

    Rangers are reminding people leave footprints, not rubbish when visiting our State forests and national parks ahead of school holidays, to avoid hefty fines.

    After noticing an increase in illegal dumping in State forests, rangers are warning people of the potential consequences.

    Environmental vandals left behind a stove, a surfboard and piles of other waste in Benarkin State Forest – demonstrating a clear disregard for the natural environment and the cost of the clean-up.

    Rangers will issue fines to those found responsible as illegal dumping can cause irreparable damage to the environment, tarnishing the experience for other visitors.

    Those who fail to comply with a compliance regulation can face significant fines, including:

    • $2,580 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waste less than 2500L as an individual, and a maximum penalty of $64,520 if the matter proceeds to court.
    • $8,065 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waste less than 2500L for a corporation, and maximum penalty of $322,600 if the matter proceeds to court.
    • $3,226 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waster greater than 2500L as an individual, and maximum penalty of $161,300 if the matter proceeds to court.
    • $12,097 penalty infringement notice for illegally dumping waster greater than 2500L for a corporation, and maximum penalty of $806,500 if the matter proceeds to court.

    Senior Ranger Mark is reminding all visitors of the dangers of illegal dumping, warning the vandals of the penalties that can apply.

    “Rangers have a zero tolerance to people who illegally dump waste, and when necessary, we take strong enforcement action, which can include large fines,” Ranger Mark said.

    “We just recently discovered a range of materials dumped illegally including tyres, Garden waste, general rubbish and household items.

    “Illegal dumping can pollute our water, soil and air, posing a serious risk to our ecosystems.

    “Careless people who dump waste that is flammable create fire hazards that can be quite devastating for our State forests.

    “Most people treat national parks and State forests with respect, but when people illegally dump waste, it ruins the experience for other park goers looking to enjoy nature.

    “Visitors must take their rubbish with them when they leave, to protect our protected areas.”

    Anyone with information about illegally dumped waste is encouraged to call the department on the Pollution Hotline 1300 130 372.

    Media contact: DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Grants awarded for main street projects throughout the state

    Source: US State of Oregon

    regon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 35 matching grants worth over $10,600,000 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that will strengthen local economies. Projects range from façade improvement to basic facilities and housing with awards ranging from $17,900-$400,000.

    The department funded Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant (OMSRG) applications that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development, fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality, and community need.

    Funded projects include:

    • Several projects will address a variety of preservation needs to increase the viability of spaces for existing businesses or opportunities for new businesses. These range from window repair to electrical and plumbing and include projects by Baker City Downtown, Canyonville Main Street Association, City of Estacada, City of North Bend, City of Reedsport, Dallas Downtown Association, Downtown Alliance of Milwaukie, Downtown Corvallis Organization, Friends of La Grande Main Street, Gold Beach Main Street, Historic Willamette Main Street (West Linn), Main Street Cascade Locks, Main Street Grants Pass, Oregon Frontier Chamber of Commerce projects in Condon and Antelope, Port Orford Main Street, Spruce Up Warrenton, St Helens Main Street Alliance, Sutherlin Downtown Development, Inc., Tigard Downtown Alliance, Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce projects in Enterprise, Joseph and Wallowa.
    • Creation of new or improved housing units including projects by Astoria Downtown Historic District Association and Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.
    • Façade restoration projects by the Albany Downtown Association, City of Cornelius, Friends of Old Town Stayton, and Historic Downtown Gresham Association.
    • Structural and roof prepare projects were approved for Thrive Umpqua (Roseburg) and United Community Partners, Inc. (Halfway).
    • Creation of new or improved lodging options by Chiloquin Visions in Progress and Klamath Falls Downtown Association.
    • New construction will be funded by Mosier Main Street and Yamhill Downtown Association.

    Oregon Heritage received a record number of 76 applications which demonstrates a clear need for building related funding. The local organizations participating in the Oregon Main Street Network developed plans based on community input to prioritize needs and solutions for the commercial district and city. The funds brought to the community by the local organizations through this grant will provide significant economic development impacts. “Vibrant downtowns don’t just happen,” notes Oregon Main Street coordinator Sheri Stuart. “They take the collective efforts coordinated by local main street organizations to achieve a community’s vision based on short- and long-term goals. The OMSRG is an important tool to help strengthen local economies by activating underused spaces while preserving and leveraging a community’s heritage.”

    Since its creation by the Oregon Legislature in 2015, the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant has supported building projects to stimulate economic vitality in 59 communities. The local Main Street organizations administer the application and grant processes for the local property owners. These organizations brought between $53,000 to $900,000 to their communities through the life of the program, which awarded grants in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023. For example, the City of Reedsport has improved 10 properties and has six more in progress over multiple grant cycles which represents a significant investment downtown.

    The results demonstrate that the grant is meeting its purpose to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings to facilitate community revitalization. Even with several projects still in progress, the local benefits are remarkable.

    • 92 buildings improved
    • 101 housing units added
    • At least 12 vacant buildings filled
    • 5 intentional ADA improvements
    • 7 structural re-enforcement projects
    • 31 façade restoration projects

    The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, with an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. If funded by the 2025 state legislature, there will be future grant rounds in the 25-27 biennium. The funds must be used to award grants to participating Oregon Main Street Network organizations to acquire, rehabilitate or construct buildings to facilitate community revitalization. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds go to rural communities as defined in the bill.

    To learn more about the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant or the Oregon Main Street Network, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dana M Bergstrom, Honorary Senior Fellow in Ecology, University of Wollongong

    When winter comes to Antarctica, seals and Adélie penguins leave the freezing shores and head for the edge of the forming sea ice. But emperor penguins stay put.

    The existence of emperor penguins seems all but impossible. Their lives revolve around seasons, timing and access to “fast ice” – sea ice connected to the Antarctic coast. Here, the sea ice persists long enough into summer for the penguins to rear their chicks successfully.

    But climate change is upending the penguins’ carefully tuned biological cycles. The crucial sea ice they depend on is melting too early, plunging the chicks from some colonies into the sea before they are fully fledged.

    In the latest bad news for these penguins, research by the British Antarctic Survey examined satellite images from 2009 to 2024 to assess fast-ice conditions at 16 emperor penguin colonies south of South America. They noted an average 22% fall in numbers across these colonies. That translates to a decrease of 1.6% every year.

    This rate of loss is staggering. As the paper’s lead author Peter Fretwell told the ABC, the rate is about 50% worse than even the most pessimistic estimates.

    Emperor penguin colonies can number in the tens of thousands. But these numbers obscure an alarming trend.
    Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

    Breeding while it’s freezing

    Just like polar bears in the Arctic, emperor penguins are the iconic species threatened by climate change in Antarctica.

    Emperor penguins are a highly successful species. They’re the tallest and heaviest penguin alive today. They evolved about one million years ago, and are highly adapted to life in one of Earth’s harshest environments. As of 2009, the emperor penguin population was estimated at just shy of 600,000 birds.

    Unfortunately, they are now in real trouble, because their breeding habitat appears to be reducing.

    At the beginning of every Antarctic winter, the surface of the ocean begins to freeze and sea ice forms. Over March and April, emperor penguins aggregate into raucous breeding colonies along the coast of the ice continent. They need about nine months to care for their chicks, until the young penguins can go to sea and look after themselves.

    The males frequently huddle to keep each other warm and their eggs safe. Meanwhile, the females spend months at sea catching krill, squid and fish, returning in July/August to feed their hungry chicks. When summer finally comes in December, the chicks start to shed their down and grow a dense, waterproof plumage – like a feathery armour against the intensely cold seas off the icy continent.

    Breeding locations are a kind of “Goldilocks” zone. When choosing a home, the penguins have to find a place that is safe but not too far from the fast ice edge where they go to start hunting.

    The greater the distance they have to travel, the longer it takes to return to their offspring, and the chicks may miss out on meals. But if a colony is too close to the edge of the fast ice, the risk increases that the ice breaks up before the chicks are ready to go to sea. Although fast ice can cover vast areas of the ocean surface, its edge is exposed to the swell of the Southern Ocean.

    In recent years, the fast ice in different parts of Antarctica has been breaking up early, before the chicks have moulted into their adult plumage. Without waterproof plumage, chicks perish because the cold water kills quickly. As this happens more often, the size of a colony shrinks.

    How bad is it?

    We don’t yet know if this rate of loss is happening right across Antarctica. The study only covers a the part of the continent that includes the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea.

    What we do know is that Antarctica and its unique biodiversity are not immune to the consequences of still-rising global greenhouse gas emissions.

    In 2021, emperor penguins were listed as endangered by the United States, because the risk of extinction by century’s end had increased. Australia has not yet listed the emperor penguin as a threatened species.

    The new research suggests the future of these iconic birds is not looking good. Until the world gets serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions, sea ice will retreat – and more chicks will fall into the icy water before they are ready to launch.

    Seabird ecologist Dr Barbara Wienecke contributed to this article.

    Dana M Bergstrom is affiliated with the Pure Antarctic Foundation, a group of scientists and artists interested in communicating science and knowledge to the broader community.

    – ref. As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought – https://theconversation.com/as-antarctic-sea-ice-shrinks-iconic-emperor-penguins-are-in-more-peril-than-we-thought-258807

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Dana M Bergstrom, Honorary Senior Fellow in Ecology, University of Wollongong

    When winter comes to Antarctica, seals and Adélie penguins leave the freezing shores and head for the edge of the forming sea ice. But emperor penguins stay put.

    The existence of emperor penguins seems all but impossible. Their lives revolve around seasons, timing and access to “fast ice” – sea ice connected to the Antarctic coast. Here, the sea ice persists long enough into summer for the penguins to rear their chicks successfully.

    But climate change is upending the penguins’ carefully tuned biological cycles. The crucial sea ice they depend on is melting too early, plunging the chicks from some colonies into the sea before they are fully fledged.

    In the latest bad news for these penguins, research by the British Antarctic Survey examined satellite images from 2009 to 2024 to assess fast-ice conditions at 16 emperor penguin colonies south of South America. They noted an average 22% fall in numbers across these colonies. That translates to a decrease of 1.6% every year.

    This rate of loss is staggering. As the paper’s lead author Peter Fretwell told the ABC, the rate is about 50% worse than even the most pessimistic estimates.

    Emperor penguin colonies can number in the tens of thousands. But these numbers obscure an alarming trend.
    Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

    Breeding while it’s freezing

    Just like polar bears in the Arctic, emperor penguins are the iconic species threatened by climate change in Antarctica.

    Emperor penguins are a highly successful species. They’re the tallest and heaviest penguin alive today. They evolved about one million years ago, and are highly adapted to life in one of Earth’s harshest environments. As of 2009, the emperor penguin population was estimated at just shy of 600,000 birds.

    Unfortunately, they are now in real trouble, because their breeding habitat appears to be reducing.

    At the beginning of every Antarctic winter, the surface of the ocean begins to freeze and sea ice forms. Over March and April, emperor penguins aggregate into raucous breeding colonies along the coast of the ice continent. They need about nine months to care for their chicks, until the young penguins can go to sea and look after themselves.

    The males frequently huddle to keep each other warm and their eggs safe. Meanwhile, the females spend months at sea catching krill, squid and fish, returning in July/August to feed their hungry chicks. When summer finally comes in December, the chicks start to shed their down and grow a dense, waterproof plumage – like a feathery armour against the intensely cold seas off the icy continent.

    Breeding locations are a kind of “Goldilocks” zone. When choosing a home, the penguins have to find a place that is safe but not too far from the fast ice edge where they go to start hunting.

    The greater the distance they have to travel, the longer it takes to return to their offspring, and the chicks may miss out on meals. But if a colony is too close to the edge of the fast ice, the risk increases that the ice breaks up before the chicks are ready to go to sea. Although fast ice can cover vast areas of the ocean surface, its edge is exposed to the swell of the Southern Ocean.

    In recent years, the fast ice in different parts of Antarctica has been breaking up early, before the chicks have moulted into their adult plumage. Without waterproof plumage, chicks perish because the cold water kills quickly. As this happens more often, the size of a colony shrinks.

    How bad is it?

    We don’t yet know if this rate of loss is happening right across Antarctica. The study only covers a the part of the continent that includes the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddell Sea.

    What we do know is that Antarctica and its unique biodiversity are not immune to the consequences of still-rising global greenhouse gas emissions.

    In 2021, emperor penguins were listed as endangered by the United States, because the risk of extinction by century’s end had increased. Australia has not yet listed the emperor penguin as a threatened species.

    The new research suggests the future of these iconic birds is not looking good. Until the world gets serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions, sea ice will retreat – and more chicks will fall into the icy water before they are ready to launch.

    Seabird ecologist Dr Barbara Wienecke contributed to this article.

    Dana M Bergstrom is affiliated with the Pure Antarctic Foundation, a group of scientists and artists interested in communicating science and knowledge to the broader community.

    – ref. As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought – https://theconversation.com/as-antarctic-sea-ice-shrinks-iconic-emperor-penguins-are-in-more-peril-than-we-thought-258807

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Condemns Forcible Removal Of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla By Federal Agents

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor after U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was manhandled by federal agents for asking a question at a public press conference in his home state with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

    “This is the stuff of dictatorships,” said Senator Schatz. “There is no context that justifies this action.”

    Senator Schatz continued, “As Trump’s Department of Homeland Security raises the stakes and continues with a series of provocations to justify increasingly authoritarian actions, we have two obligations. One is to establish that, as a legislative branch, we are not going to stand for this. And the other is those people who are peacefully protesting be very disciplined this weekend. Be very peaceful this weekend. If we are going to win, we need to maintain the high ground. And I don’t mean we, blue; we, Democrats. I mean we, Americans, who believe in this system of government. I have never, ever – other than January 6 – been so outraged at the conduct of an administration.”

    A transcript of Senator Schatz’s remarks are below. Video is available here.

    You know, I’ve given a lot of speeches on this floor, and this is the least prepared but the most clear I will ever be. This is the stuff of dictatorships. It is actually happening. A United States Senator was manhandled, shoved to the ground, and cuffed. He identified himself, “I’m Senator Alex Padilla.” That should be enough. That should be enough. A United States Senator who is, by the way, protected by the Speech and Debate Clauses of the Constitution of the United States and a specific statute that allows him to oversee immigration facilities, and he says, “I’m a senator, and I have a question.”

    And to Chris Murphy’s point they said, “Well, he was being disrespectful.” Being disrespectful is legal. Being disrespectful is American. Being disruptive is okay if it’s just using your words and not your body. This is the stuff of dictatorships, and the thing that is making me most terrified is I see zero Republicans, except for the presiding officer, in this chamber. And I understand if it’s not a member of your own party, you want some context. There is no context that justifies this action. Alex Padilla is not required to be impeccable in every single way in order to exercise his responsibilities as an American and as one of the two that represents California in the United States Senate.

    This is the stuff of dictatorships. One of the officers who throws him to the ground, as he’s clearly complying, cuffs him face down on the carpet, and they say there’s no recording in here. It’s a damn press conference. It’s for recording! They didn’t want to hear his speaking.

    And if the internet got it accurately, the Secretary was there and delivering her remarks within earshot the whole time. She has command authority over those agents, who were arresting a leader in the legislative branch. This is not something on the internet for us to argue about. We all know what we saw. We all know what we saw.

    I remain hopeful that Leader Thune and other Republicans can walk us back from the brink, but I am not so sure anymore. As Trump’s Department of Homeland Security raises the stakes and continues with a series of provocations to justify increasingly authoritarian actions, we have two obligations. One is to establish that, as a legislative branch, we are not going to stand for this. And the other is those people who are peacefully protesting be very disciplined this weekend. Be very peaceful this weekend. If we are going to win, we need to maintain the high ground. And I don’t mean we, blue; we, Democrats. I mean we, Americans, who believe in this system of government.

    I have never, ever – other than January 6 – been so outraged at the conduct of an administration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI, MCCLAIN DELANEY, LANDSMAN, CARTER URGE SENATE LEADERSHIP TO STRIKE PROVISION CONDITIONING BEAD FUNDING ON AI MORATORIUM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) led 27 lawmakers in a letter to Senate leadership. The letter urges the Senate to strike a provision in the Senate Commerce Committee’s budget reconciliation text that would condition Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding on states acquiescing to a ten-year moratorium on enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) laws and regulations.  

    “The BEAD program is a once-in-a-generation investment to close the digital divide in areas across our nation that have long been overlooked. Congress created BEAD as the product of thoughtful, bipartisan deliberations to expand affordable broadband access to every American,” wrote the lawmakers. “In contrast, the reconciliation text’s AI moratorium provision represents a reckless and dangerous attempt to force states to forfeit their ability to protect the public from the rapidly escalating risks of unregulated AI and automated decision systems. It is textbook federal overreach.”

    In the absence of a federal AI regulatory framework, California and other states across the nation are embracing common-sense safeguards that ensure innovation and competition can continue to thrive while protecting the public. As AI tools grow more sophisticated and more widely deployed, these state measures are crucial to building consumer trust and ensuring safety. Yet the moratorium, spearheaded by Republicans, would strip states of their authority to respond to new and evolving AI risks—freezing vital consumer protections for a full decade.

    The BEAD program, included as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access nationwide. It funds planning, infrastructure, and adoption programs in all 50 states and is key to closing the digital divide and getting rural and underserved Americans reliable, high-speed internet coverage. Just last week, the Trump Administration released new guidelines that would substantially delay BEAD investments, forcing states to redo their plans. Conditioning this transformative funding on the surrender of state policymaking authority is deeply troubling—and sets a dangerous precedent.  

    “Rather than hold the administration accountable for betraying BEAD’s commitment to connectivity, the AI moratorium provision would destabilize BEAD further by allowing the administration to claw back long awarded funding from states unwilling to relinquish their role in ensuring safe and responsible AI innovation,” the lawmakers continued. 

    Full text of the letter can be found below or HERE.

    Dear Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Cruz, and Ranking Member Cantwell:

    We write to urge you to strike a deeply dangerous provision in the Senate Commerce Committee’s budget reconciliation text that would condition Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding on states acquiescing to a ten-year moratorium on state and local enforcement of their own artificial intelligence (AI) laws and regulations.

    The BEAD program is a once-in-a-generation investment to close the digital divide in areas across our nation that have long been overlooked. Congress created BEAD as the product of thoughtful, bipartisan deliberations to expand affordable broadband access to every American. And a core tenet of BEAD is empowering our states and local communities to use their on-the-ground knowledge to ensure federal broadband dollars go where they are most needed. In contrast, the reconciliation text’s AI moratorium provision represents a reckless and dangerous attempt to force states to forfeit their ability to protect the public from the rapidly escalating risks of unregulated AI and automated decision systems. It is textbook federal overreach.

    Linking critical broadband funding—intended to close the digital divide, support rural communities, and provide lifesaving services to our constituents—to the suppression of state-level AI oversight is both coercive and irresponsible. It forces states to choose between expanding internet access and safeguarding their residents from potentially harmful and untested technologies. The notion that states should be barred—even temporarily—from enacting necessary safeguards or responding to emerging harms undermines democratic governance and public trust. A federally imposed moratorium on state AI regulation, especially as a condition for infrastructure funds, strips state and local governments of their ability to respond to the specific, pressing needs and values of their communities.

    What’s more, this sets a deeply troubling precedent: allowing essential public investments to be weaponized to block legitimate state policymaking on complex and consequential technologies. The consequences of such a trade-off are unacceptable.

    The BEAD Program has obligated all the $42.45 billion allocated to states and territories to advance significant capital for broadband expansion. States are at the one-yard line, ready to reach the end zone and get shovels in the ground. But this success is under threat. After nearly six months of freezing BEAD progress, the administration doubled down on sabotaging BEAD with rule changes that would undo the states’ hard work,

    further delay broadband buildout, drive up costs for consumers, and hamstring states’ flexibility to choose the right mix of technologies to provide the most reliable, scalable, and future-proof internet service available to a location. Rather than hold the administration accountable for betraying BEAD’s commitment to connectivity, the AI moratorium provision would destabilize BEAD further by allowing the administration to claw back long-awarded funding from states unwilling to relinquish their role in ensuring safe and responsible AI innovation.

    We have already seen an outpouring of opposition against the House Republicans’ AI moratorium provision, including bipartisan opposition from state attorneys general state legislators, voters, and over 140 consumer advocacy, online safety, and civil rights groups These, and other growing voices, have highlighted how a ten-year hold on state enforcement and regulation exposes Americans to a growing list of harms as AI technologies rapidly evolve and expand across sectors, from healthcare to employment, education, and housing. The resulting regulatory gap from the AI moratorium provision would decimate the good work that states, led by both Democrats and Republicans, have accomplished to set commonsense AI guardrails, including in transparency and online safety.

    The Senate Commerce reconciliation text fails to address these bipartisan concerns. Instead, it would further harm Americans by depriving a state of critical broadband funding simply because that state wants to exercise its right to protect its residents from AI-specific harms.

    As you are aware, the “Byrd Rule” under the Congressional Budget Act prohibits the inclusion of non-budgetary provisions in reconciliation legislation. The effort to make BEAD funding contingent on a state’s decision to suspend any new AI regulations is not only a dangerous and sweeping policy change—it also plainly violates the Byrd rule.

    For all these reasons, we strongly urge the Senate to reject the AI moratorium provision and preserve both the intent of the BEAD program and the states’ right to regulate emerging technologies in the public interest.

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio

    Source: US Whitehouse

    class=”has-text-align-center”>“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Congressional Bills H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, H.J. Res. 89 Signed into Law

    Source: US Whitehouse

    On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the President signed into law:
     
    H.J. Res. 87, which provides congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision”.
     
    H.J. Res. 88, which provides congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision”.
     
    H.J. Res. 89, which provides congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The ‘Omnibus’ Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision”.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REMARKS: Senator Coons condemns assault of Senator Padilla by administration in fiery floor speech

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) gave a speech on the Senate floor defending his friend and colleague U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) shortly after Senator Padilla was violently forced out of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed in his hometown of Los Angeles.

    “If a Senator of the United States who identifies himself as a senator – in at least the video I just saw – gets handled this way, gets thrown to the ground and handcuffed, what is happening to those who have no such title or voice, if this gentle and decent and caring man is treated this way, what is happening along the margins, in the dark spaces, in the places we cannot see?” said Senator Coons. “So Mr. President, I call on my Republican friends and colleagues to look hard at this moment and say, ‘what comes next?’”

    A transcript of Senator Coons’ comments is available below.

    WATCH HERE.

    Senator Coons: Mr. President, having just viewed a video of my friend and colleague, Senator Alex Padilla, being manhandled, thrown to the ground and handcuffed, after identifying himself as Senator Alex Padilla and attempting to ask a question of the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, in Los Angeles, I am shaken, I am angry, and I am gravely concerned about our path forward in this body and our nation.

    Democracy is a gift hard won and hard earned by the sacrifice of millions who have served, fought, and died. Some in moments of tumult and challenge on the beaches of Normandy, on the fields of Gettysburg. From the very beginning of our nation to this moment, millions of Americans have stepped forward and said, I will risk it all so that my children and those I do not know can live free lives, knowing the burdens of tyranny, knowing what it meant to live under the heel of a king, our forefathers risked everything.

    In nations around the world that I have visited on your behalf as a senator, people yearning for freedom, and people recently free, have come and spoken about how much the American example means to them. Earlier this year, I was at a global security conference, concerned about what was happening in our nation, about our division and the dialogue, and I heard three young parliamentarians from other countries talk about how hard they were working.

    Part of our job, Mr. Speaker, as senators is to ask hard questions, is to pose challenges, is to test the cabinet of the President, to visit federal facilities, to ask questions that are sometimes uncomfortable or unwelcome. Just this week, I was at three committee hearings and had three members of the cabinet in front of me. Did they want to answer my questions? Probably not. But they did.

    If a Senator of the United States who identifies himself as a senator – in at least the video I just saw – gets handled this way, gets thrown to the ground and handcuffed, what is happening to those who have no such title or voice, if this gentle and decent and caring man is treated this way, what is happening along the margins, in the dark spaces, in the places we cannot see?

    So Mr. President, I call on my Republican friends and colleagues to look hard at this moment and say, ‘what comes next?’ What comes next? Are we to be at risk of arrest if we threaten to ask a question or deign to interrupt? Is our very service here as senators hanging in the balance? In this moment, as we all learn more of the facts of what happened in Los Angeles, the future of what will happen here in our country and in the world will wait on your answer.

    Was this an over-response? Was this a misuse of force? Was this a disrespect of the very Senate itself? Is this a moment when, as our founders who wrote the Federalist Papers dreamed, my colleagues in the Senate will show their loyalty to the role, to the check and balance, to the independence of the Senate more than they will show their loyalty to their party and their president and demand an answer, an apology, and a different path forward.

    Or is this a moment when all of us will watch this video of our friend, a member of the Judiciary Committee; a representative – a senator – of Los Angeles in the state of California, being roughly mishandled, and say, ‘too bad, at least it wasn’t me.’ If we answer this moment with silence, we will be damned, and our children and the world will say they didn’t really mean it.

    The members of my family who served in the U.S. military knew that signing on that line meant being willing to give everything, and I believe, and have been told, that they understood that service to be in service of freedom; not in service of any particular president or party, any particular state or moment, but in service of democracy.

    Democracy is a fragile flower, and around the world, people look to what we do to know what they should do. There are petty, tinpot dictators, authoritarians, and strong men around the world who will watch this video and be encouraged and think this is the way to silence their critics.

    I can’t imagine a member of this chamber who knows Alex Padilla, who has had the blessing of sitting with him in moments when he’s asked questions or engaged in discourse, who thinks of him as anything other than a reasoned, reasonable, mild-mannered senator. 

    But even if he were not, even if he were outspoken, loud, aggressive, annoying; the title ‘senator’ and the role that we have should entitle him to ask a question at a press conference. If the result is this mistreatment, heaven help us all. Heaven help our democracy.

    With that, I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump revokes California’s nation-leading electric vehicle mandate

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump moved on Thursday at a White House signing ceremony to eliminate California’s nation-leading vehicle emissions standards, upending the strict rules that had become a template for states across the nation to realize their greenhouse gas ambitions.

    “We officially rescue the U.S. auto industry from destruction by terminating California’s electric vehicle mandate, once and for all,” Trump said at the Oval Office alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin.

    During the ceremony, Trump signed a congressional resolution that overturns a California state rule that would have phased out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. The state makes up about 12 percent of the U.S. population. Its rule has also been adopted by 11 other states and Washington, D.C. The resolution was approved by Congress last month and aims to quash the country’s most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars.

    Trump also signed measures to overturn state policies curbing tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.

    This was “a long-sought victory for some carmakers and oil companies that attacked the rules as unachievable,” said Bloomberg News in its report about the signing, adding that the resolutions Trump signed repeal waivers granted under former President Joe Biden allowing California to set automobile pollution standards that are more stringent than federal requirements.

    Environmentalists have decried Trump’s vows to unwind rules to spur electric vehicle sales — a fixture of his reelection campaign — as an assault on essential protections to help avert the worst effects of climate change, added the report.

    California quickly announced it will challenge the move in court, with California’s attorney general holding a news conference to discuss the planned lawsuit before Trump’s signing ceremony ended at the White House.

    “The move takes place against the backdrop of worsening relations between Trump and Gov, Gavin Newsom, with the president ordering the military to quell unrest in Los Angeles over immigration raids,” noted Politico about the development. “It also comes as Tesla CEO and former White House adviser Elon Musk clashed with Trump last week over electric vehicle policies.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hundreds of firearms seized from Gore property

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have seized nearly 500 firearms from a property in Gore – a shocking discovery that is believed to be one of New Zealand’s largest seizures of weaponry.

    Police are now piecing together exactly how the man came to be in possession of so many firearms, and have begun the process of logging each one into evidence.

    Concerns about the man’s purchasing history led officers to his home in Gore on Friday 6 June to serve a notice of temporary suspension – an order allowing Police to retain a firearms licence holder’s licence and uplift any firearms in the person’s possession.

    A total of 478 firearms of different descriptions were seized, including five pistols, some that may be prohibited firearms, and some that may be restricted weapons, for which the man was not licenced. Significant quantities of ammunition, and firearm parts were also recovered.

    Only six of the 478 firearms were registered in the man’s name, and while some were locked in safes, a large number were unsecure.

    “It’s shocking to see so many firearms unsecured… the scale of it is concerning,” said Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman.

    It was largest seizure of firearms ever seen in the Southern District “by far”.

    No charges have been laid, but that may change, depending on the investigation, Inspector Bowman said. It will look at why the weapons weren’t registered or stored properly, and what was the purpose of such a vast collection.

    Inspector Bowman said it was too soon to say if any of the firearms were destined to be sold to criminal groups. “A number of enquiries are being made into this discovery, but the sheer number of firearms involved means that will take some time.”

    Unusual purchases

    It was the man’s purchase history that caught the attention of officials.

    “Through the Firearms Registry, the Firearms Safety Authority was able to establish the man had purchased multiple firearms since 2023, and not all were registered as they should have been after purchase,” Inspector Bowman said.

    “In buying a firearm, the man was required to register older firearms already in his possession, and we allege that did not happen.”

    Because of the number of firearms located, multiple Police vehicles were required to transport them from the property.

    The firearms, ammo and parts will be held securely by Police until the investigation, and any legal action that may follow, is complete.

    Their future is unclear: “It’s still early days in the investigation and we have a lot of work to do before we get to that point.”

    Swift action after red flags raised

    Firearms Safety Authority Executive Director Angela Brazier, said the case highlighted the value of the Firearms Registry, and of close co-operation between the Authority and frontline Police.

    “Information shared by Police enabled us to quickly suspend the man’s licence for failing to comply with his Registry obligations. Once his licence was suspended, Police could rapidly respond to remove this considerable number of unlawfully held firearms.

    “The majority of firearms licence holders are good law-abiding people. The review of the Firearms Registry released in May confirmed that diversion of firearms to the black market remains a threat to public safety and the Registry mitigates that risk.

    “I acknowledge all licence holders who have filled in the Registry and are doing their bit to make it harder for criminals and other unlicensed people to access firearms.”

    Two years into its five-year journey there are more than 86,000 active licence holders registered, or 38 per cent of active licence holders. Around 29 per cent of those registered did so proactively, without waiting for the legal requirement of an activating circumstance.

    There are more than 425,000 firearms listed in the Registry.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Joins Cortez Masto, Nevada Delegation, and Governor Lombardo To Demand Trump Administration Reverse Course on Nevada Job Corps Center Closure

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Governor Joe Lombardo (R-NV), and Representatives Mark Amodei (R-NV-02), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), and Susie Lee (D-NV-03) in demanding that the Department of Labor (DOL) reverse course on its decision to defund and close Nevada’s Job Corps Program. The bipartisan outcry from Nevada officials at all levels underscores the importance of the Sierra Nevada Job Corps to Northern Nevada and its impact on tens of thousands of unprivileged students, staff, and employers from throughout the state.
    “For more than sixty years, Job Corps has aided millions of low-income individuals gain the skills they need to succeed in the workplace,” wrote the officials. “Job Corps is the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults aged 16-24; and thus, is vital to helping students graduate high school, develop career technical skills, and connect students with employers. At a time when almost three-fourths of jobs require training beyond a high school diploma, Job Corps provides students the opportunity to succeed when they may not initially have the tools to do so.”
    “The Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center in Reno has been a vital economic engine for Northern Nevada, serving approximately 25,000 Nevadans since its opening, and graduating more than 500 vocational students a year,” they continued. “In the 2024 program year alone, nearly 82 percent of its students secured full-time employment with a starting wage of at least $17.97 per hour — nearly $6 above the Nevada’s minimum wage. Furthermore, 75 percent of Sierra Nevada Job Corps participants earn at least one certification required by employers.”
    “The DOL’s imminent stop work order on all Job Corps programming will displace approximately nearly 300 students and 170 staff members at the Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center,” they concluded. “The closure will also compel the Center to evict all of its students, leaving the vast majority at serious risk of homelessness. […] While we appreciate your department working to increase accountability and bring workforce programs into alignment with the Administration’s priorities, we strongly urge you reconsider the decision to cut funding and close Job Corps programs in Nevada and nationwide.”
    Full text of the letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has long supported the Sierra Nevada Job Corps Program and championed investments in job training. Last month, she called on the Trump Administration to reverse course on plans to eliminate federal funding and issue a stop work order for the Job Corps program, which would force the closure of the center in Reno. Rosen has also helped lead the fight in the Senate to protect and fully fund the Job Corps program every year. In August 2024, Senator Rosen visited Sierra Nevada Job Corps to participate in their graduation ceremony.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supercharging residential solar power

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    New Zealand’s residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. In order to shift the tide, the Government is making changes to:

    • Expand the permitted voltage range from +/- 6% +/- 10% – this will help manage the changing flow of electricity sent back to the grid from rooftop solar, as well as growing levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging.
    • Clarify that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing residential buildings.
    • Require councils to process building consents for new homes with solar panels within 10 working days, down from the standard 20 working days.

    Expanding the voltage range allows the Government to future-proof New Zealand’s electricity networks in a cost-effective way by avoiding passing on significant costs of network upgrades needed to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging on to consumers. Modelling suggests that this could boost solar investment and overall generation by 507 GWh through increased solar connections.

    Meanwhile, changes to the Building Act to exempt rooftop solar installation from needing building consent aim to ensure consistent decision-making across the country and remove barriers for homeowners interesting in adopting solar. The shortened building consent process for new homes with solar panels will support Kiwis to incorporate solar into their build plans and make the most of the benefits of rooftop solar. 

    You can read the Ministers’ announcement here:

    Supercharging residential solar power generation(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lee’s visit to Canada for G7 Summit

    Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

    Foreign Affairs

    President Lee Jae-myung will attend the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Alberta, Canada.
    Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung on June 7 told a news briefing, “President Lee has accepted his invitation to attend the G7 Summit from June 15-17 in Alberta, Canada.”

    The meeting will mark President Lee’s debut in summit diplomacy since he took office, with U.S. President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru and the leaders of the U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Canada to attend.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for trafficking illegal immigrants

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas –A Mexican national living in Plano has been sentenced for immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Ana Maria Villa-Flores, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport aliens into the United States and conspiracy to conceal or harbor aliens.  Villa-Flores was sentenced to the maximum term of 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on June 12, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, in January of 2022, twenty-four illegal aliens were located at one of Villa-Flores’ homes. During the investigation, it was determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for recruiting drivers as well as coordinating the smuggling of the undocumented individuals from Mexico to the United States, bringing them to Plano to stay until they could be transported along other routes throughout the United States.  The male individuals were instructed to remove their pants to keep them from escaping.  Federal agents determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for smuggling approximately 254 illegal aliens.

    In 2023, Villa-Flores was prosecuted in the Western District of Texas in connection with her alien smuggling activities.  She was sentenced to four years in federal prison for smuggling approximately 124 illegal aliens.   

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

    This case was investigated by the Dallas and El Paso Homeland Security Investigations and the Plano Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bonamici, Takano Introduce Bill to Help College Students Access SNAP

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON, DC [6/12/25] – Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced legislation to reduce hunger among college students.

    The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act will require institutions of higher education to inform students who receive federal work-study or who are eligible to receive the Pell Grant that they may qualify for SNAP benefits. Institutions would also give qualifying students official documentation of their eligibility, overcoming a common hurdle students face when applying for SNAP benefits.

    “Students can’t reach their full potential if they don’t have enough to eat,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I benefited from Food Stamps while I was working my way through college, and all eligible students should have that same opportunity. I introduced this legislation to help the many college students who have told me about the barriers they face when trying to put food on the table for themselves and their families.” 

    “Students have enough to worry about, putting food on the table should not be one of them,” said Representative Mark Takano. “This bill would make it easier for students to have access to basic needs by notifying them of their eligibility and helping them apply for SNAP benefits. In a time when government programs are being rolled back, I am proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Bonamici that would make a noticeable difference in the life of college students.” 
     

    Bonamici and Takano first introduced the legislation in response to concerns they heard from community colleges and universities about students struggling with food and housing insecurity. According to 2023-2024 survey data from the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, food insecurity affects about 43 percent of students at two-year institutions and about 37 percent of students at four-year institutions, up from 39 percent and 29 percent respectively three years prior.

    The Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act is a part of the Roadmap to College Student Success, House Democrats’ campaign to reform America’s higher education system for students and families. The “roadmap” brings together a series of bold proposals focused on bringing down the cost of college, helping students access a quality degree, and—once students are in school—providing them with the support they need to graduate. Learn more about the Roadmap to College Student Success here.

    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    The Government Accountability Office has recommended USDA Food and Nutrition Service improve its SNAP eligibility information for students and share best practices for notifying students of their potential eligibility. 

    The legislation is endorsed by Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, Bread for the World, The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, the Institute for Higher Education Policy 

    The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), André Carson (D-IN), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), John Garamendi (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), James McGovern (D-MA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D- MS), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Paul Tonko (D-NY). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wool carpets for state houses a win-win

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The return of wool carpets to state homes has been welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson. 
    State housing agency Kāinga Ora announced today that from next month, a new supplier agreement will deliver woollen carpets for the fit-out of new state homes. 
    “The decision is great news for sheep farmers, and all the New Zealanders whose jobs and incomes are tied to the fortunes of our world-leading wool industry. 
    “The Government wants wool producers to have more opportunities like this, which is why in March we issued a directive to 130 Government agencies requiring them to purchase woollen products for building construction and refurbishment, wherever practical and appropriate.
    “Kāinga Ora’s new supplier agreement was made possible because the agency chose to re-open an initially nylon-only carpet tender and give wool a chance to compete.
    “I’m told woollen carpet manufacturers responded very strongly to that opportunity and that the new carpet supply agreements come with no additional cost. 
    “The message is clear: When wool was put back on the table it more than held its own, delivering value for taxpayers and a win for sheep farmers.
    “This proves the value of the Government’s moves to give wool a fair shot in publicly funded procurement decisions. 
    “We have directed that from 1 July all public entities must use woollen fibres, where practical and appropriate, in government buildings. The new policy, announced in April, directs agencies to identify opportunities to use woollen products, and to properly consider a range of factors in procurement including whole-of-life cost, sustainability and health benefits. 
    “We’re leveraging government spending to back the wool industry and the New Zealand economy. I hope private businesses will follow our lead.”
    Mark Patterson says the move continues to deliver on a New Zealand First and National Party coalition agreement to prefer the use of woollen fibres in government buildings.
    “Woollen fibres create safer, healthier and more sustainable living environments for families. 
    “We know farmers will share our enthusiasm about this announcement. It is another example of us doing our bit. The Government is determined to help lift the fortunes of the strong wool sector in supporting our sheep farmers” Mr Patterson says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supercharging residential solar power generation

    Source: New Zealand Government

    • The Government is expanding the permitted voltage range for electricity networks, so Kiwis with solar panels can send more power back to the grid.
    • Changes are being made to clarify that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings. 
    • Councils will be required to process building consents for new homes with solar panels within 10 working days, down from the standard 20 working days.  

    Common sense changes in the energy and building consent systems will drive greater residential solar uptake in New Zealand, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. 

    “New Zealand’s residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. This Government wants to change that so more Kiwis can generate, store, and send their own electricity back to the market. This will allow them to save on their power bills and contribute to a more secure electricity system,” Mr Watts says. 

    “Rooftop solar will play a crucial role in supporting energy security and reducing emissions. But our networks need to be able to better support the growing flow of electricity from consumers, while also dealing with growing demand for more electric vehicle charging. 

    “That’s why we are expanding the voltage range from +/- 6 percent to +/- 10 percent to manage the changing flow of electricity from rooftop solar and EV charging. This will future proof our electricity system and help electrify the economy.  

    “Modelling suggests this change could boost solar investment and overall generation by a whopping 507 GWh through increased solar connections. This is great for the security of our energy supply.” 

    Mr Penk says the building consent system can help accelerate the shift towards renewable energy.   

    “We need the right incentives in place to make rooftop solar a realistic option for Kiwis. 

    “The Government is focused on getting people into safe, affordable homes faster – and we want those homes to be sustainable and future-ready. 
     
    “With the energy system preparing for a surge in residential solar, the consenting process needs to play its part to support the transition.  
     
    “We are proposing changes to the Building Act, that will make it clear that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings.  

    “Right now, decision-making is inconsistent between councils – creating unnecessary barriers for homeowners who want to take responsibility for their environmental impact and make sustainable choices. 
     
    “As a further incentive, we are also proposing that Kiwis who choose to include solar panels in the design of new homes will have their entire building consent fast-tracked and processed in 10 working days instead of the standard 20 working days, saving Kiwis around $400 a day in time and consenting costs.” 
     
    “Delivering the best outcomes for New Zealanders is incredibly important to Minister Penk and me. Expanding the voltage range could help avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrade costs to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging being passed on to Kiwi households,” Mr Watts says.

    “Combined, these common-sense and cost-effective changes will boost the resilience of New Zealand’s electricity supply, make it easier and cheaper for Kiwis to build sustainable homes, and spur New Zealand’s residential solar market into the future.” 

    Notes to editors:

    • New Zealand appliance standards have aligned with international +/-10% voltage requirements since the 1980s, meaning compliant appliances should already operate safely within the new voltage range.
    • Consumers using older devices that don’t meet New Zealand or international appliance standards may use a surge protector, but consistent high-end voltage delivery is unlikely.
    • The expert modelling referred to in this release was prepared by grid connection specialists, ASNA. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –