NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Delegation Introduces Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    06.12.25

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Representative Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), introduced the Chugach Alaska Land Exchange and Oil Spill Recovery Act to direct a land exchange between the federal government and Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach). This exchange would resolve conflicts that exist between the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council’s Habitat Protection Program (the “Program”) goals for federal habitat conservation of surface lands impacted by EVOS and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) promises to Chugach for economic development of subsurface rights under these same lands. 

    The land exchange directed by this legislation would require Chugach to trade 231,000 acres of subsurface estate (under surface fee and conservation easements on surface land owned by the federal government) for 65,403 acres of fee simple land owned by the federal government. Most of the lands that would be exchanged were identified in the Chugach Region Land Study and Report to Congress from December 2022.  Congress directed the study in Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9; 133 Stat. 614) which Murkowski authored.

    “The effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Native people in the Chugach region are still felt –environmentally, socially and economically. We must continue to take steps to move forward with recovery and that includes fulfilling the promises of ANCSA to Chugach, the Alaska Native Regional Corporation,” Senator Murkowski said. “I am proud to reintroduce this legislation, which is a “win-win” for Chugach and the federal government’s EVOS program goals.”

    “In the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill, Chugach Alaska Corporation not only had to deal with the devastating environmental consequences for the region, but also misguided federal restrictions on their ability to develop resources on their lands,” said Senator Sullivan.“Senator Murkowski, Congressman Begich and I are reintroducing legislation to amend ANCSA—as has been done many times throughout history—and facilitate a commonsense land exchange already studied extensively by BLM and the Forest Service. Our legislation will help address the evolving needs of Prince William Sound communities and create economic opportunities and cultural benefits for thousands of Alaska Native shareholders in the Chugach region, as intended under ANCSA.”

    “This land exchange corrects a decades-old misstep that has kept Chugach shareholders from fully benefiting from their own land and resources. With this legislation, we’re protecting our resources while restoring the rights of Alaska Native landowners,” said Congressman Begich. “I am proud to lead this legislation in the House and look forward to working with the delegation to continue restoring Alaska’s right to self-determination and ensuring responsible stewardship of our state’s resources.”

    “We are deeply grateful to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Representative Nick Begich for their unwavering leadership and advocacy on behalf of Chugach and our people and communities,” said Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Chugach Board. “Their decision to reintroduce this legislation underscores the significance of this exchange resolving long-standing split-estate conflicts in the region — not only for our corporation, but for the broader public interest, the State of Alaska, and the federal government. Chugach stands ready to work in close partnership with Congress, federal agencies, and all stakeholders to help advance this process. Our commitment to cooperation is rooted in a shared vision of responsible stewardship, economic opportunity, and enduring respect for our connection to these lands that have sustained our people for millennia.”?

    BACKGROUND:

    On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill discharged approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil (enough to fill 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools) into Prince William Sound and adjoining waters in Alaska. It was one of the most environmentally damaging disasters in world history.

    The Chugach Region experienced great social and economic harm from the oil spill. Government recovery efforts, though well-intentioned, also had negative impacts and did not always include the voices of the Alaska Native people who have stewarded these lands for millennia. Thirty-five years later, the people and the environment are still recovering.

    Through Section 1113 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act of 2019 (sponsored by Murkowski; Public Law 116-9), Congress directed the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture and in consultation with Chugach Alaska Corporation, to conduct a study and provide a report to Congress assessing the social and economic impacts of the EVOS Trustee Council’s Program on Chugach, Chugach lands, and on the Chugach Region. The study was also required to identify sufficient acres of accessible and economically viable federal land that could be exchanged with Chugach.

    Under the Program, the Trustee Council used funds acquired from the companies responsible for EVOS to purchase fee title to 134,121 acres of surface estate lands, and purchased conservation easements on an additional 66,073 acres of surface estate lands, from four of the five Village Corporations in the Chugach Region that had been conveyed to them under ANCSA. Chugach was not a party to any of these acquisitions but owns the subsurface, or mineral estate, for all of the lands in which interests were acquired by the federal government from the Village Corporations under the Program.

    Some surface lands and conservation easements on surface lands acquired by the federal government under the Program went into the state and federal park systems, but most went into the Chugach National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

    The EVOS Program lands (fee surface estate lands and conservation easement lands) are subject to restrictions on any surface development that is inconsistent with maintaining their wilderness characteristics. Therefore, Chugach is effectively prohibited from taking any steps to develop its subsurface interests and needs alternative lands to realize the meaningful economic benefits promised in ANCSA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sexual assault – Ludmilla

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    NT Police Force are investigating an alleged sexual assault on a female over the age of 18 in Ludmilla overnight.

    About 12:15am, police received reports of a female that was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 32-year-old male known to her.

    Police responded but were unable to locate the alleged offender and he remains outstanding.

    St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the female to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment.

    Investigations remain ongoing.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Christchurch man arrested after evading police for months

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Steph McDaniel:

    Police have arrested a 44-year-old Christchurch man who has evaded Police since August last year.

    The man, a known gang associate, had made significant efforts to avoid arrest, including breaching his conditions, failing to appear in court and frequently changing vehicles and addresses.

    Following an extensive investigation into his whereabouts, Police launched a targeted operation involving the newly formed Gang Disruption Unit, the Offender Prevention Team, and the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit.

    Thanks to information provided by the public and swift action by Police, the man was successfully located and arrested yesterday.

    His bail has been opposed, and he is appearing in Christchurch District Court today.

    He now faces 15 charges, 11 of which relate to drive-offs from self-service petrol stations in the Waimakariri area.

    Police remain committed to ensuring offenders are held to account and thank the public for their assistance in bringing this individual into custody.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand 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 Australia: ACT Budget 2025-26: Strengthening Community Sector Support

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 13/06/2025 – Joint media release

    The ACT Government has today announced a significant pre-budget investment to support the Territory’s vital community sector, with a focus on cost and sustainability pressures facing community services organisations.

    As part of the 2025-26 ACT Budget, the Government will provide a $10 million funding boost over two years (2025-26 and 2026-27) for eligible community services sector partners. This investment recognises the increasing demand and cost pressures faced by community organisations that deliver essential services to Canberrans every day.

    Approximately 150 organisations across Canberra are eligible to receive part of this funding boost. To qualify, organisations must be providing services under multi-year funding agreements with ACT Government that receive Community Sector Indexation (CSI). The ACT Government is currently working through a detailed approach to ensure the funding is distributed in a fiscally responsible and fair manner, providing the greatest assurance to community services providers and addressing needs identifying through previous sector sustainability work.

    The two-year funding boost is separate from and additional to annual indexation applied to eligible funding agreements, which is set at 3.35% for 2025-26.

    Treasurer Chris Steel said the pre-budget announcement reflects the ACT Government’s values and its commitment to social equity.

    “This announcement delivers on our commitment to further support the community organisations that deliver the community services that Canberrans need,” Minister Steel said.

    “The sustainability of our community sector is of shared importance for our growing city and the wellbeing we want for our population.

    “These pre-budget measures reaffirm the ACT Government’s commitment to a strong, inclusive, and resilient community sector.”

    Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr said the measures represent a strong show of support for the community sector and the people it serves.

    “We know the community sector is facing increasing pressure from rising costs and growing demand. This funding will help ease those pressures so organisations can continue delivering the services that many Canberrans rely on while government and sector continue to work together to ensure we have the policy and funding settings we need for a sustainable sector and the right supports for our community,” Minister Orr said.

    Quote attributable to ACTCOSS CEO Dr Devin Bowles

    “ACTCOSS is very pleased with the $10 million additional investment in the Canberra community that the Government announced today.

    “The Government’s investment will enable the continuation of many of the vital services that Canberrans expect the community sector to keep delivering.

    “This investment is the good faith signal that the Government recognises the importance of the sustainability of the community sector.

    “ACTCOSS looks forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure that future funding accurately reflects the true cost of delivering essential services to Canberrans.”

    – Statement ends –

    Chris Steel, MLA | Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 2025-26: Joint funding for new Canberra Aquatic Centre and Convention & Entertainment Precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 13/06/2025 – Joint media release

    A landmark partnership between the ACT and Federal Labor Governments will deliver funding for a new Canberra Aquatic Centre and Canberra Convention and Entertainment Precinct.

    The joint funding will deliver design and construction of the aquatic centre at Commonwealth Park and the detailed design and procurement and construction ready status for a new Convention and Entertainment Precinct in the CBD.

    Together, these two projects represent the biggest investment in Canberra’s civic and cultural infrastructure in more than a generation.

    Labor is investing in infrastructure that our growing city needs: major projects that support economic growth, employment and liveability.

    The ACT and Federal Labor Governments have committed $200 million to begin delivering a new National Convention and Entertainment Precinct and a new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Civic. This includes $31.1 million for planning and detailed design work for the Convention and Entertainment Precinct, progressing it to construction readiness, and $68.9 million for the design and construction of a modern aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park. The Albanese Government’s $100 million investment will be matched by the ACT Government across this, and future, Territory Budgets.

    Canberra’s existing convention centre is at capacity and unable to meet future demand. A new, larger facility will allow Canberra to host more summits, conferences, entertainment and sporting events, supporting the ACT’s visitor economy and growing jobs in tourism, hospitality and construction.

    Chief Minister Andrew Barr said this investment demonstrates what can be achieved when the Territory and Federal Governments work together with a shared vision for Canberra’s future.

    “The new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park, located next to the new light rail stops on Commonwealth Avenue, will provide a modern aquatic facility for the Territory and bring more people into the park,” the Chief Minister said.

    “It also unlocks the land needed to deliver the Convention and Entertainment Precinct, with a larger convention centre and an integrated 8,000 seat Entertainment Centre for live music, entertainment, and indoor sporting events.”

    “This precinct will enable Canberra’s place on the live music touring circuit and as a destination for business events, growing our economy and creating more jobs.

    “These investments reflect the ambition of the National Capital Investment Framework, developed in partnership with the Albanese Government. It sets out a clear, collaborative roadmap to deliver the infrastructure our national capital needs, now and into the future.”

    “We are proud to be working closely with the Federal Government to build infrastructure that will make Canberra a better place to live and to visit,” said the Chief Minister.

    The Government is also making major investments in Canberra’s arts and cultural life. The Budget includes support for the delivery of the new Canberra Lyric Theatre that will enhance the Canberra Theatre Centre and attract more productions and touring shows to the capital.

    Treasurer Chris Steel said the 2025–26 Budget reflects Labor’s priorities and values, with investments designed to meet both current needs and long-term goals.

    “This Budget continues to support the economic development of the city through investment in infrastructure fit for our national capital,” Mr Steel said.

    “These major city-shaping projects will stimulate economic growth, support major events and jobs, and help create a more vibrant city centre connected with mass-transit.”

    From transport to culture, from sport to economic development, Labor is delivering on our plan to build a better Canberra.

    – Statement ends –

    Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI 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 China: Over 80 arrested on second night of curfew in US Los Angeles

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

    More than 80 people were arrested on the second night of curfew in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids in the second-largest city of the United States, authorities said on Thursday morning.

    There were 71 arrests for failure to disperse and seven arrests for curfew violation, said the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in a press release, adding that police arrested two people for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, and one person arrested on suspicion for resisting a police officer.

    More than 220 people were arrested on the first night of curfew in the city.

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday local time. She noted that local authorities imposed the limited curfew in response to looting and vandalism that occurred downtown Monday night, following largely peaceful daytime protests.

    The mayor noted that the curfew, which covers approximately one square mile in the downtown area, will remain in place nightly until it’s deemed to be no longer necessary.

    Hundreds of people have been arrested in Southern California since the protests over federal immigration enforcement started on Friday, with more protests having been planned in the coming days across the region and the country.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has made decisions to dispatch over 4,000 National Guard members and about 700 active-duty Marines to the Los Angeles area over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials.

    As of Wednesday, about 2,800 service members, including 2,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines, were deployed to the greater Los Angeles area, said U.S. Northern Command in a news release on Wednesday, adding that the Marines had completed required training and would be serving alongside National Guard soldiers within the next 48 hours. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: India’s foreign ministry says lot of people lost their lives in plane crash in Gujarat

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

    Debris of an Air India plane is seen at the crash site in Ahmedabad of India’s Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India’s foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. [Photo/Xinhua]

    India’s foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in Thursday’s plane crash with 242 people on board an Air India flight to London in the western state of Gujarat.

    The Air India flight had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian on board when it crashed shortly after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

    There were also 12 cabin crew members on board.

    The ministry, however, has not put out an exact figure on the death toll in the plane crash.

    “What has happened in Ahmedabad is a very tragic accident. We have lost a lot of people. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. There are several foreigners. You will receive the updates from the relevant departments — Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India, and others. That is the latest I can share. It is an evolving situation. The rescue operations are on. We need to wait a little more time for exact details to be put out,” India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing.

    Local media reports said that there are no survivors from the ill-fated plane.

    A video of the aircraft flying low and struggling to gain altitude shows the plane going down and exploding in a massive ball of fire.

    Other videos from the site show thick columns of black smoke rising from the ground.

    According to police, the plane crashed directly on the B J Medical College undergraduate hostel mess in Meghani Nagar. The crash caused severe damage to buildings on the premises and several people were reported to be injured.

    A part of the crashed plane landed atop a student hostel, eyewitnesses said.

    Immediately after the crash, authorities rushed fire engines and over two dozen ambulances to the spot to carry out rescue work.

    Police have diverted traffic from the area, and a green corridor has also been established to ferry the injured quickly to the hospital.

    Air India has expressed condolences to the families of all those affected by this devastating event. The airline has changed its logo on social media handles to black after the deadly plane crash.

    The British government has issued a travel advisory, saying they were aware of the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

    “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” reads the advisory.

    Reports said former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was onboard the crashed flight. Web check-in documents obtained by local media said Rupani had completed his check-in in business class on the ill-fated flight.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the plane crash incident as a tragedy and heartbreaking beyond words.

    “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” Modi wrote on social media.

    Meanwhile, world leaders have expressed condolences to the families of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. 

    People conduct rescue work at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad of India’s Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India’s foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. (Str/Xinhua)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: High Court Associate Judge appointed

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Liz Gellert as an Associate Judge of the High Court. 
    Associate Judge Gellert graduated from the University of Auckland in 2003 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts. She was a law clerk with David Williams KC before joining Russell McVeagh’s general commercial litigation team in 2004.
    Associate Judge Gellert joined Simpson Grierson as an Associate in 2007, becoming a Senior Associate in 2008, specialising in banking and finance litigation.
    She joined ASB Bank as head of disputes and corporate advisory in 2017, and spent time as the bank’s legal services acting general manager during 2020 and 2021.
    Since 2021 Associate Judge Gellert has been a litigation partner with Lowndes Jordan in Auckland, with a general commercial litigation practice focusing on general commercial litigation, insolvency, debt recovery, enforcement, regulatory advice and maritime law.
    Her appointment is effective from 21 July and she will sit in Auckland.

    MIL OSI New Zealand 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 Australia: Learner rider detected travelling at 172km/h on icy highway

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Learner rider detected travelling at 172km/h on icy highway

    Friday, 13 June 2025 – 10:26 am.

    A learner rider has had his motorcycle confiscated after he was detected travelling at 172km/h on icy roads yesterday.
    The 18-year-old Newnham rider was detected on the Midland Highway at Perth before being intercepted at Epping Forest by highway patrol officers.
    Senior Constable Rockliff from Northern Road Policing Services said the teenager’s learner licence meant he was subject to a 90km/h speed restriction. 
    “The speed at which this rider was traveling was outright dangerous,” Senior Constable Rockliff said. 
     “It was minus 1 degrees, it was frosty, the roads were busy with commuting motorists, and this learner rider was travelling 82km/h above his 90km/h speed restriction.
    “This could have ended in tragedy for both the rider and other road users.”
    The rider was arrested and charged with a hooning-related offence. 
    His bike has been confiscated for 28 days and he will face court at a later date.
    Anyone with dash cam footage of a blue Kawasaki motorcycle traveling southbound on the Midland Highway from Launceston between 8:45am and 9am Thursday 12 June is asked to provide the footage via the public portal: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/what-we-do/traffic-policing/report/
    Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Methamphetamine And Gun Trafficker Is Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison

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

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jamal Marqui McDaniel, 46, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine and firearms offenses, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    According to court documents and evidence presented during court proceedings, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Asheville Police Department (APD) launched a joint investigation after receiving information that McDaniel was engaged in the illegal sale of narcotics and firearms in the Asheville area. Over the course of the investigation, McDaniel sold methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition on multiple occasions to individuals who were cooperating with law enforcement. Court records show that, in total, McDaniel is accountable for distributing nearly half a kilogram of methamphetamine, and illegally selling eight firearms.

    McDaniel pleaded guilty February 21, 2025, to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF, the DEA, the APD, and the Buncombe Country Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.

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

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poll finds US split on Los Angeles troop deployment

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

    U.S. citizens are almost evenly split over President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles, according to a new Washington Post-George Mason University poll published on Thursday.

    41 percent support the move, 44 percent oppose it, and 15 percent are unsure, according to the text-message survey of 1,015 adults, including 217 Californians, conducted on June 10.

    California residents are more critical, with 58 percent opposing the deployment and 32 percent supporting it. Party lines remain stark.

    Nearly 86 percent of Republicans support the action, compared with 10 percent of Democrats. Meanwhile, 76 percent of Democrats oppose it. Independent voters lean against the troop deployment by a 15-point margin, with 48 percent opposed and 33 percent in favor.

    Trump federalized about 4,000 National Guard members and mobilized 700 Marines last week to reinforce immigration raids in the nation’s second-largest city, saying the troops will protect federal property and assist agents.

    Governor Gavin Newsom has sued, arguing the deployment undermines state authority and stokes unrest; a federal judge heard the emergency motion on Thursday afternoon but have not made a rule immediately.

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew over roughly 2.6 square kilometers of downtown since Tuesday after scattered looting and clashes between protesters and police. The Los Angeles Police Department reported dozens of arrests for curfew violations and vandalism.

    The protests, which began after aggressive ICE raids in immigrant communities, have spread beyond Los Angeles to cities including Chicago, New York, San Antonio, and Spokane, according to multiple media reports. Curfews also have been imposed in multiple locations to curb unrest.

    Despite some incidents of property damage and clashes with police, officials emphasized that the vast majority of residents remain peaceful. Los Angeles County Attorney highlighted that 99.99 percent of residents near protest zones had not engaged in unlawful activities.

    Public opinion on the protests themselves is also divided: 39 percent of Americans support the anti-immigration-enforcement demonstrations, 40 percent oppose them, and 21 percent are undecided. Views of Trump’s broader immigration strategy have turned negative, with 52 percent disapproving and 37 percent approving.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police scale back search in Cradle Mountain

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police scale back search in Cradle Mountain

    Friday, 13 June 2025 – 10:12 am.

    Despite extensive search efforts in the Cradle Mountain area, Victorian man Christopher Inwood has not been located.
    A Tasmania Police helicopter crew worked in the northern section of the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park on Thursday, but there was no sign of the 52-year-old.
    Searches on two previous days involved police officers, SES volunteers, police drone operators, a police helicopter crew and Parks and Wildlife Service rangers.
    Today, Tasmania Police made the decision to scale back the active search.
    “Police will continue to follow up any new leads or information that may assist in locating Christopher,” Western District Search and Rescue Inspector Steven Jones said.
    “Our thoughts remain with his family who are affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
    Mr Inwood’s white Toyota HiAce van was found in the car park of a ranger station about 7.30am on Tuesday.
    He had last been seen in Kindred, in the state’s north, about 8.30pm on Monday and police were operating on the belief Mr Inwood drove from Kindred to Cradle Mountain late Monday night.
    “Extensive search efforts have been undertaken in the area where the missing person was last believed to be,” Inspector Jones said.
    “At this stage, that area has been comprehensively searched, and all reasonable search strategies have been completed.”
    Inspector Jones said Mr Inwood’s vehicle was located on the outskirts of the national park, but there was currently no further evidence to confirm his location.
    “Given the length of time Mr Inwood has been missing and the harsh weather conditions in the area, if he has been fully exposed to the elements, sadly, his chances of survival are extremely low,” Inspector Jones said.
    If anyone has information about the location of Mr Inwood, pictured, or his recent movements, call Tasmania Police on 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bougainville legal dept looking towards sorcery violence policy

    RNZ Pacific

    The Department of Justice and Legal Services in Bougainville is aiming to craft a government policy to deal with violence related to sorcery accusations.

    The Post-Courier reports that a forum, which wrapped up on Wednesday, aimed to dissect the roots of sorcery/witchcraft beliefs and the severe violence stemming from accusations.

    An initial forum was held in Arawa last month.

    Central Bougainville’s Director of Justice and Legal Services, Dennis Kuiai, said the forums’ ultimate goal is crafting a government policy.

    Further consultations are planned for South Bougainville next week and a regional forum in Arawa later this year.

    “This policy will be deliberated and developed into law to address sorcery and [sorcery accusation-related violence] in Bougainville,” he said.

    “We aim to provide an effective legal mechanism.”

    Targeted 3 key areas
    He said the future law’s structure was to target three key areas: the violence linked to accusations, sorcery practices themselves, and addressing the phenomenon of “glass man”.

    A glassman or glassmeri has the power to accuse women and men of witchcraft and sorcery.

    Papua New Guinea outlawed the practice in 2022.

    The forum culminated in the compilation and signing of a resolution on its closing day, witnessed by officials.

    Sorcery has long been an issue in PNG.

    Those accused of sorcery are frequently beaten, tortured, and murdered, and anyone who manage to survive the attacks are banished from their communities.

    Saved mother rejected
    In April, a mother-of-four was was reportedly rejected by her own family after she was saved by a social justice advocacy group.

    In August last year, an advocate told people in Aotearoa – where she was raising awareness – that Papua New Guinea desperately needed stronger laws to protect innocents and deliver justice for victims of sorcery related violence.

    In October 2023, Papua New Guinea MPs were told that gender-based and sorcery violence was widespread and much higher than reported.

    In November 2020, two men in the Bana district were hacked to death by members of a rival clan, who claimed the men used sorcery against them.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Arrested for Murder of Woman Whose Body was Found in Trash Dumpster

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Richard Dyson, 58, of the District of Columbia, was arrested yesterday on charges of second-degree murder while armed, for the murder of 62-year-old Donnella Bryan on or about April 15, 2025. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Dyson was arraigned today before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Robert J. Hildum, where he entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Hildum found probable cause for second degree murder and ordered Dyson held without bond until his preliminary hearing on June 18, 2025 before Judge Michael Ryan. 

                On April 19, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Fifth District officers responded to the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, Northeast, for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim inside a dumpster. The victim was identified as Donella Bryan of the District of Columbia. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim was pronounced deceased.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Cocuzza.

                Charges are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • 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 USA: Quigley Hosts Transparency Panel Discussion, “What’s Next in Transparency: 119th Congress”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, hosted “What’s Next in Transparency: 119th Congress.” Moderated by Law360 Reporter Courtney Bublé, the panel discussion included three government accountability experts.

    As the Founder and Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus, Quigley has spent 16 years in Congress leading bipartisan efforts to increase honesty and trust in government.

    “The cost of corruption is dollars, but the real cost of corruption is the loss of public trust. That trust has been on steady decline for the last 20 years,” shared Quigley in his opening remarks. “If we can improve the openness in communication between the government and the people, we can build a government that works better for the people.”

    The panel’s experts represented a diverse range of views across the political spectrum, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the National Taxpayers Union, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

    “Another thing we need to pay attention to is the destruction of records and agencies discontinuing the practice of maintaining certain records,” said Lauren Harper, Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. “You can not get a FOIA response if an agency has destroyed those documents. Or if it has opted to stop creating those records.”

    “[Members who commit crimes] don’t lose their pensions until they’re finally convicted. That means many can sit in jail, and appeal, and still collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Demian Brady, Vice President of Research at the National Taxpayers Union. “The last piece of transparency we need for that is from the Office of Personnel Management, but they haven’t answered my emails since 2020.”

    “Sunlight in government is essential to a functioning democracy,” said Jason Powell, Policy Director at CREW. “As part of DOGE’s efforts to reshape the government, on April 1st the CDC’s entire FOIA office was suspended without prior notice or without a plan for how the statutorily required work would continue. The CDC is now not able to respond to new [FOIA] requests, existing requests, or make statutorily-required proactive disclosures.”

    To watch a recording of the event, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Pressley Slams Trump and Republican’s Attacks on Judiciary, Checks and Balances

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    GOP’s Big Ugly Bill Would Gut Food Assistance and Healthcare, Restrict Judiciary from Enforcing Court Orders and Holding Trump Administration Accountable

    “This is an intentional and deliberate attempt to undermine the courts, so that the Trump Administration can break the law with impunity.”

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – Today, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) condemned the Trump Administration’s lawless behavior—including their unlawful mass deportations and attacks on immigrant communities—and criticized Republicans’ efforts to undermine the judiciary’s authority to hold Administration officials accountable.

    Congresswoman Pressley highlighted how public interest lawsuits have successfully blocked much of Donald Trump’s harmful anti-immigrant agenda, and explained how Republicans’ big, ugly reconciliation bill would further dismantle checks and balances by restricting the judiciary from enforcing court orders against Trump officials.

    The Congresswoman also criticized Republicans for holding the hearing and dragging Democratic governors away from their states at a time when many governors are having to figure out how to stretch budgets and modify programs to keep their constituents fed and alive.

    A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s question line is available below and the video can be watched here.

    Transcript: Pressley Slams Trump’s Lawless Immigration Agenda and Republican Attacks on Judiciary, Checks and Balances
    House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
    June 12, 2025

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you to our Democratic Governors for being here today. 

    This hearing is an utter and complete waste of your time. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars. 

    Republicans have called you here alleging that you are circumventing federal law. You are not. 

    But you know who is the poster child who is violating federal law daily? The current occupant of the Oval Office, Donald J. Trump. 

    To make matters worse, these hardworking governors had to leave their states to be here in a moment when their work is incredibly difficult. Because Donald J. Trump and his accomplices and co-conspirators, who by the way, Donald Trump doesn’t give a damn about your constituents.

    He doesn’t give a damn about you, he doesn’t even respect the seat you hold and Congress as a co-equal branch of government. 

    But Donald Trump and his accomplices, many of whom are in this room, are hell bent — what you your legacy to be — is that you’re tearing food away from our babies and medical care from our elders. 

    These Democratic Governors have to stand in the gap and figure out how to stretch budgets and modify programs to keep their constituents fed and alive.

    Constituents like this precious little soul that I wish I didn’t have to leave to come be here. Layla, who drew me this rainbow, a five-year-old who lives with a rare liver disease, had a successful liver transplant at Boston Medical Center. Thank God she is thriving today. But Layla will need immuno-suppressant drugs for the rest of her life that are paid for by Medicaid.

    And without Medicaid, well I shudder to think what might happen to Layla. But for sure her family would at least go bankrupt trying to do everything to keep their baby alive. 

    That’s what these governors, that’s the situation that they’ve been put in because your big a** ugly bill and if it comes to pass. 

    And they’re dealing with the fall out of this White House pulling federal grants recklessly. Grown men throwing temper tantrums.

    So again, let me be plain: The Trump Administration is breaking the law, not these Democratic governors. 

    Ms. Perryman, how many legal challenges is the Trump Administration currently facing? 

    MS. PERRYMAN: I believe there’s over 300 right now. 

    REP. PRESSLEY: And Ms. Perryman, can you explain how litigation like this has helped to shield and defend vulnerable communities?

    MS. PERRYMAN: Absolutely, without our courts upholding the rule of law and upholding the rights of people, right now there could be federal funds frozen across the country that would endanger things like Head Start and Meals on Wheels and community safety programs, including community safety programs that help prosecutors and help law enforcement in states and communities across the country. The Administration has terminated over $800 million in Office of Justice program grants that we are having to challenge in court, and the list goes on and on and on.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Ms. Perryman. Thank you for your good work.

    That’s right: in case after case, the media might not want you to know, but we are winning.

    Trump tried to end birthright citizenship – blocked. 

    He tried to shut down asylum – blocked.

    He tried to defund cities – blocked.

    And because we are winning in court, Republicans are trying to change the rules to rig the system. 

    Tucked in the Big, Ugly bill that Republicans voted for is a provision– Section 70302 titled Restriction on Enforcement – that would restrict the judiciary from enforcing court orders and holding government officials accountable. 

    This is an intentional and deliberate attempt to undermine the courts, so that the Trump Administration can break the law with impunity.

    Republicans, Ms. Perryman, pretend to care about law and order. But this provision is the exact opposite. 

    What message does this send to people who count on the courts to protect their rights? 

    MS. PERRYMAN: It suggests that the people that voted for the bill don’t want the American people protected, and that they don’t want them to access their courts and access the ability to protect their rights.

    REP. PRESSLEY: Don’t want the American people protected. That part. 

    Allegedly all in the name of law and order and safety. This is about nothing but power and control and abuse of power and terror, which makes everyone less safe.

    The shame and the sham of it all. I yield back

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mental Health Response Change Programme Phase Two update

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Phase Two of the Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is set to be extended with implementation across a third and final group of districts from Monday.

    This includes:

    •        Health NZ districts: Northland, Taranaki, Whanganui, and MidCentral

    •        Police districts: Northland, Central

    •        Health NZ specific areas: Tokoroa and Taumarunui (Waikato), Taupō (Lakes), Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay), and Waitaki and Southern Lakes (Southern)

    •        Police specific areas within districts: Taupo and Tokoroa (Bay of Plenty), Wairoa (Eastern), and Central Lakes and Waitaki (Southern)

    Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says we remain committed to our joint efforts towards making sure people have access to the right help at the right time, which works best for them.

    “Police have always, and will always, respond when there is an immediate risk to life or safety.  The change is about an increased health-led response, enabling our staff more time to get back into our communities do the work that only Police can.

    Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says a range of mental health support is available for those who need it.

    “This change is about ensuring people requiring mental health support receive the right care at the right time, while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of patients and our staff.

    “I’d like to assure the public there is a range of services to help people in mental distress or those who are concerned about the mental health of whānau.

    “If a person is in serious mental distress or crisis, support is available from their local crisis team. If it’s a life-threatening situation or someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, contact emergency services on 111.”

    Karla added, “I’d like to acknowledge all our teams for their work to prepare for and implement these changes across the motu. It has been positive to hear from our districts that there are strong local partnerships between police and health to support Phase Two implementation, which has generally gone well.”

    Notes to media:

    Phase Two of the mental health response changes began on 14 April and have been implemented in stages.

    Phase two changes include:

    60-minute handover of detained persons in EDs – Police who have detained a person under section 109 of the Mental Health Act and transported them for an assessment, or are responding at the request of health staff for an assessment under section 41 or 110c, will remain in the ED for a maximum of one hour before departing – unless there is an immediate risk to life or safety.

    Changes to mental health assessments in custody will ensure people in distress are assessed appropriately, preferably in a health setting. If someone is placed under the Mental Health Act while in a Police custody suite, they will need to be taken to a health facility within 30 minutes.

    NZ Police and Health NZ districts are not the same (Police has 12, Health has 20), so there are some parts of a Police district which are not included in the comparable Health NZ district or vice versa.

    Contact numbers for local crisis teams are available online at: info.health.nz/mental-health/crisis-assessment-teams

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ has a vast sea territory but lags behind other nations in protecting the ocean

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Conrad Pilditch, Professor of Marine Sciences, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    For the past fortnight, the city of Nice in France has been the global epicentre of ocean science and politics.

    Last week’s One Ocean Science Congress ended with a unanimous call for action to turn around the degradation of the ocean. And this week, the United Nation’s Ocean Conference agenda focused on better protection of marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries and emissions cuts.

    The message is clear. With only five years to the UN’s 2030 target for its sustainable development goal – to conserve the oceans, seas and marine resources – and the Global Biodiversity Framework requirement to protect 30% of the ocean, we need to make significant progress.

    We all attended last week’s meeting, together with more than 2,000 marine scientists from 120 countries. Here, we reflect on New Zealand’s role and obligations to contribute to these global goals.

    Legal imperatives

    Globally, the ocean is warming and acidifying at accelerating rates. New Zealand’s waters are not immune to this, with more marine heatwaves which further stress our threatened marine biodiversity.

    We depend directly on these ocean ecosystems to provide the air we breathe, moderate the impacts of climate change and feed millions of people.

    New Zealand has significant influence on ocean policy – from Antarctica to the sub-tropical Pacific, and within its sea territory, which is 15 times the size of its landmass and spans 30 degrees of latitude.

    The government is required by law to take action to secure a healthy ocean.

    A recent advisory opinion from the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea unanimously found that states, including New Zealand, have obligations under international law to reduce the impacts of climate change on marine areas, to apply an ecosystem approach to marine law and policy, reduce pollution and support the restoration of the ocean.

    New Zealand courts have recognised the need to take a precautionary and ecosystem-based approach to marine management, based on science, tikanga and mātauranga Māori. These legal cases are part of a global upswell of strategic environmental and climate litigation.

    If New Zealand does not comply with these marine legal obligations, it may well find itself before the courts, incurring significant legal and reputational costs.

    New Zealand committed to protecting at least 30% of the world’s coastal and marine areas by the end of this decade.
    Getty Images

    International agreements

    In 2022, New Zealand was one of 196 countries that committed to protecting at least 30% of the world’s coastal and marine areas by 2030 under the Global Biodiversity Framework. New Zealand was an enthusiastic supporter, but only 0.4% of its marine territory is fully protected in no-take marine reserves.

    Former prime minister Helen Clark has criticised the current government for lagging behind on marine protection, especially in failing to ban bottom trawling.

    At this week’s UN ocean summit, a further 18 countries have ratified an agreement known as the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total to 50, still short of the 60 nations needed for it to enter into force.

    New Zealand signed this treaty just before the last general election, but is yet to ratify it. Foreign Minister Winston Peters represented New Zealand at the UN ocean conference, but focused mainly on issues in the Pacific.

    Meanwhile, the government announced sweeping changes to the national direction on environmental policy, including reworking the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement to better enable the use and development of the coastal environment for “priority activities” such as aquaculture, resource extraction, infrastructure and energy.

    Oceanic environmental change is real and accelerating

    Some countries showed that effective leadership can help navigate to a safe future for the oceans. For example, China’s commitment to clean energy has seen carbon dioxide emissions begin to fall for the first time despite higher power consumption.

    At the UN ocean summit, French Polynesia’s president announced his administration would establish one of the world’s largest networks of marine protected areas.

    The cost of inaction far outweighs the economics of the status quo. Ongoing ocean warming is already affecting weather patterns, with more extreme storms.

    It is possible for marine ecosystems to recover quite rapidly if they are protected, at least temporarily. Yet this year, New Zealand’s government found itself in hot water (once again) with both conservationists and Māori for its management of fisheries.

    We argue New Zealand has an opportunity and responsibility to demonstrate it can shift the downward spiral of oceanic degradation.

    The overwhelming message at the half-way point of the UN Ocean Decade is that for marine science to transform the state of our oceans it needs to include Indigenous peoples who have routinely been sidelined from ocean policy discussions despite their longstanding rights and relationships with the ocean.

    New Zealand already has a foundation of transdisciplinary and Indigenous ocean research to develop ocean policies that are fit for local purposes and to answer global calls to action. We have a unique window of opportunity to lead the changes needed.

    Conrad Pilditch currently receives funding from the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.

    Elizabeth Macpherson receives funding from Te Apārangi The Royal Society.

    Karin Bryan receives funding from the Marsden Fund, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment and Waikato Regional Council.

    Simon Francis Thrush receives funding from ERC, Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and the Auckland Foundation

    Joanne Ellis, Karen Fisher, and Rachael Mortiaux do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. NZ has a vast sea territory but lags behind other nations in protecting the ocean – https://theconversation.com/nz-has-a-vast-sea-territory-but-lags-behind-other-nations-in-protecting-the-ocean-258470

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Schmitt Announce Whistleblower Hotline for Biden Mental Decline Cover-Up Tips

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    Hotline Comes Ahead of Cornyn, Schmitt Co-Chairing Judiciary Committee Hearing on Cover-up

    U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) today announced a whistleblower hotline for former White House staff and officials to come forward with any information regarding the cover-up of President Biden’s decline or insight into who was running the country while the President was sidelined:

    “I’m looking forward to next week’s hearing to discuss the important constitutional questions raised by the fact that we don’t know whose finger was on the nuclear button and who was responsible for war and peace given President Biden’s obvious cognitive decline,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This hotline provides an open line of communication for anyone who knows the facts about Biden’s mental acuity to come forward so we can once and for all get to the bottom of what may be one of the greatest political scandals in modern history.”

    Background:

    Sen. Cornyn is pushing to get answers on the alleged cover-up of former President Biden’s cognitive decline by the mainstream media, Biden family, and his inner circle, and he recently sent a letter to the Department of Justice calling for an investigation. Sen. Cornyn is co-leading an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled for June 18, 2025 alongside Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) to investigate who was running the country during President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline while in office and the mainstream media’s subsequent cover-up.

    If you had interactions with President Biden where mental decline was evident and you wish to confidentially share your story, please contact the whistleblower hotline. To submit a tip, email bidentips@schmitt.senate.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Patton Unveils Second-Generation, US-Made, Commercial-Grade, FIPS-140 Ultra-Secure SIP Phone with Enhanced NG911 Compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Patton… Let’s Connect!

    GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patton—world leader and US manufacturer of secure telephony, UC, and networking gear—announces today the new Tone Commander TC7110 ultra-secure SIP phone is now available for pre-order.

    Tone Commander products are designed and manufactured in the USA, ensuring source-of-origin and supply-chain security.

    “The TC7110 combines security, flexibility, and ease-of-use in a modern SIP phone platform,” said Robert R. Patton, CEO of Patton. “This launch reinforces our commitment to delivering trusted, U.S.-manufactured communications solutions to public and private sectors.”

    Innovation. Patton has incrementally innovated the original Tone Commander military-grade SIP-Phone. Enhancements to the commercial grade version include Gigabit, PoE, and fiber connectivity, modern E911 features sets, and updated security modules.

    Secure FIPS-140-2/3 Encryption. The TC7110 offers robust SIP support with TLS and SRTP encryption using FIPS-140-2/3 validated crypto modules. FIPS 140 is the U.S. standard that defines security requirements for hardware, software, and firmware that perform cryptographic functions. The standard is managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), overseen and validated by the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).

    Enhanced NG911. NG911 system enhancements include Specific Location Information Server (LIS) interactions via RFC 5985 (HTTP Enable Location Delivery HELD protocol), storing and relaying location by reference and location by value. The system includes geodetic coordinates (latitude, longitude, and ellipsoidal height) and E911 Gateway functions within the NG911 environment.

    E911 Compliance. The TC7110 supports legislated E911 standards including Kari’s Law for direct 911 calling and Ray Baum’s Act for specific location information. Additional E911 protocols supported include:

    • Automatic Location Information (ALI)
    • Automatic Number Identification (ANI)
    • Compliance with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) regulations
    • RFC 5962 – Location Object represented in a SIP Header (PIDF-LO)

    Key Features of the TC7110 SIP Phone:

    • Security – TLS and SRTP encryption with FIPS-140-2/3 validated crypto and IPv4/IPv6 support.
    • Customizable Interface – Ten programmable, desi-less multifunction keys and 320×240 color display.
    • Cloud Orchestration – Automatically provision, manage, monitor, secure, alert, troubleshoot, analyze and optimize services using the Patton Cloud. Remotely and securely access and control phones, LANs, and over-the-top (OTT) services.
    • Flexible Power Options – Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and includes external power supply.

    For more information about the Tone Commander IP Phone TC7110, go to www.patton.com/tonecommander/tc7110/

    In related news, Patton recently announced the new Tone Commander TC7910 secure SIP Phone that offers three switched gigabit Ethernet ports.

    About Patton

    Patton is a world-renowned manufacturer of networking and communications technology, offering a wide range of solutions including VoIP, Ethernet extension, wireless, and fiber optic products. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Patton has a strong global presence and a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative solutions to a diverse customer base.

    Let’s Connect!

    Media Contact: Glendon Flowers | +1 301 975 1000 | press@patton.com

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0985b3b-de2a-47ba-9143-02e08eed2eab

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Slams Trump EPA’s Polluter-First Agenda and Rollback of Power Plant Pollution Limits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 12, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and a co-chair of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, today issued the following statement after Administrator Zeldin announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed repealing carbon pollution limits for coal-, oil-, and gas-fired power plants and gutting mercury and air toxics protections.

    “The Trump administration’s Polluters First Agenda harms all of us—especially fenceline and frontline communities—all while lining the pockets of fossil fuel executives,” said Senator Markey. “Under the guise of saving Americans money on their energy bills, Trump and Zeldin are ripping away protections from the carbon pollution turbocharging climate disasters and the toxics poisoning lungs. If Trump were serious about tackling the rising cost of living for American families and ensuring the reliability of our electrical grid, he would bring affordable clean energy and storage online—not turn the EPA into Every Polluter’s Ally. I will continue to fight this Polluters First Agenda because Americans deserve an EPA that puts their health over corporate wealth.”

    Under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Clean Air Act, Congress mandated the EPA to set standards that regulate large sources of air pollution like power plants. These rules were incredibly effective at reducing mercury in the air by over 90 percent, as well as other cancer-causing pollutants like lead, nickel, and arsenic. Carbon pollution has led to increasingly frequent billion-dollar climate disasters which are only worsening in severity each year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey, Health, Labor Leaders, Educators, Climate Advocates Host Virtual Teach-In on Trump Administration’s Cuts to Critical Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Health Care and Food Justice Cuts | Climate and Education Cuts

    Washington (June 12, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, yesterday hosted virtual teach-ins on Republicans’ proposed cuts to health care, food security, education, and climate initiatives as part of their Big Billionaire Bill (also called budget reconciliation). Senator Markey, Representative Summer Lee (PA-12), and advocates discussed how these cuts would mean people lose their jobs, their health care, their ability to feed their families, and put the future of our country at risk—all to guarantee tax breaks for billionaires. The budget bill is currently being debated by Senate Republicans after House Republicans passed the Big Billionaire Bill in May.

    “It’s simple: Republicans want to rip health care from 16 million people, tear food away from hungry families, cut off access to education for working class Americans, kill jobs, raise energy bills, and slash efforts to make our air and water cleaner– all to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. They want to do this through hard-to-understand processes, back-room negotiations, and by lying to the American public about what these cuts will do,” said Senator Markey. “I am using every opportunity I can to guarantee people know Republicans are voting against their livelihoods, their lives, and their future if they support this bill. We have the power to stop these cuts. We cannot agonize – we must organize to end this big billionaire boondoggle once and for all. Our future depends on it.”

    “There’s nothing beautiful about forcing families to choose between taking their kids to the doctor or feeding them—but that’s exactly what this budget bill would do if it lands on Trump’s desk. Drastic cuts to healthcare like Medicaid and food assistance like SNAP will hurt millions of people in Western Pennsylvania and across the country,” said Representative Lee. “The power of the people is always greater than the people in power, and in this moment, we must all use our power to pressure Republicans to vote no and put the people first—not the billionaires, not the corporate profiteers, and not the oligarchs in the White House. Lives literally depend on it.”

    “The Republican agenda is clear: raise costs on hardworking families and rip coverage away from millions. If they are successful in making the largest cuts to health care in history, 16 million Americans will lose coverage, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. These Republican attacks on Americans’ health care are as extreme as they are unpopular, and we must do everything we can to stop them from wreaking havoc on this country’s health care system. No one should lose access to life-saving care and coverage just so the ultra-rich can pay less in taxes,” said Anne Shoup, Senior Advisor, Protect Our Care.

    “The Senate must vote ‘NO’ on any budget bill that cuts or weakens SNAP and takes food away from millions of children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Period,” said Salaam Bhatti, SNAP director at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “SNAP is one of the most effective programs out there, fueling the health and well-being of families, as well as our economy. Simply put, a strong and productive country is only possible when everyone has access to food. We urge Senators to oppose any cut to SNAP and instead work towards building a nation free from hunger.”

    “I’ve seen the faces of the people this bill will hurt. I think about the mothers trying to stretch every dollar to keep the lights on, the laid-off workers who need help to get back on their feet, the kids who will go without health care, and the retirees who will go to bed hungry because they can’t afford groceries,” said Zab Martinez, an AFSCME member and Medicaid and SNAP eligibility specialist from Dane County, Wisconsin. “We cannot let this bill pass. I urge you to speak up, write your senators, and demand that they stand with working families, not for billionaire tax giveaways.”

    “Republicans’ Billionaire Tax Scam will take health care away from millions, food out of the mouths of children, and raise costs for everyday families all to give trillions in tax breaks to the wealthy and large corporations. This is a dangerous and irresponsible piece of legislation designed to benefit the richest Americans, while everyday families suffer – and we are going to continue to uplift the voices of the bipartisan majority of Americans who overwhelmingly oppose this harmful bill,” said Michael Linden, Director of Families Over Billionaires.

    “Why would Republicans in Washington gut the basic needs kids and disabled Americans rely on to get by when the cost of groceries and housing are going up? To give the wealthy a tax break. It’s an outrage, which is why over 60% of Americans who hear anything about congressional Republican’s Big Beautiful Betrayal hate it. Now is the time for citizens to learn the consequences of the congressional Republican plan and spread the word so we can stop this Medicaid massacre dead in its tracks,” said Joe Radosevich, Counselor at the Center for American Progress (CAP).

    “Rather than protect Medicare and Medicaid, this bill cuts them, denying healthcare to 14 million people. Rather than strengthen public education, it weakens it. Rather than feeding poor families, it rips food out of their mouths. Education is an opportunity agent, and federal supports should not be used as a piggy bank to defund our already underfunded public schools. The bill includes $20 billion for a reckless school voucher program in the guise of a tax shelter for the well-off. Vouchers syphon crucial funds away from public schools into private hands. They are directly responsible for some of the largest student achievement drops ever recorded and mostly go to parents with kids already in private school,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

    “We have 1,600 workers at Ultium and their jobs are going to be at risk. These are good UAW jobs making $30 an hour, and this bill is going to threaten that. It could have a dramatic impact on the auto industry, on dozens of investments across the entire country,” said David Green, Director of United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 2B. “If we don’t use our voices, they’re going to continue to take them away from us. And we have to fight for what’s right. And I am always going to be on the front line fighting for good union jobs with benefits because that’s how we move this country forward and that’s how we build the middle class.”

    “The energy tax credits on the chopping block during this budget reconciliation process have been utilized by school districts all over the country to install renewable energy projects from roof-top solar arrays to ground-source heat pumps, saving millions of tax-payer dollars on utility bills. These savings can be used to increase teacher salaries and build resilience in communities as schools produce their own power and lighten the load on the energy grid, all while moving us toward a more equitable future powered by clean, renewable energy. In Nevada alone, Washoe County School District is set to receive a $1.7 million check for just one school and Clark County School District, the nation’s 5th largest, has at least five solar eligible projects, including an array on Northeast Career and Technical Academy that is also training future solar installers.  Please urge your Senators to save energy tax credits in their version of the budget reconciliation bill,” said Liz Becker, IRA Campaign Coordinator of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN).

    “The big bad boondoggle bill puts West Virginian communities, especially those most vulnerable to pollution, at risk. With cuts to programs that would facilitate a fair economic transition in Appalachia, such as a grant program to replace gas vehicles with electric vehicles and clean energy tax credits, West Virginians are losing out on the chance for safe and good-paying jobs. Furthermore, cuts to air monitoring, greenhouse gas emission data collection, and environmental review resources make our communities less safe and informed about the air we breathe and the water we drink. West Virginians have suffered with generations of corporate pollution and economic exploitation, and this bill would roll back a critical chance to escape the cycle of environmental injustice on which this country was built,” said Dani Parent, Co-executive Director of West Virginia Citizen Action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to Hospitality NZ Conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good morning, 

    Thank you for inviting me to address the Hospitality Conference 2025 right here in Wellington today. I would like to begin by acknowledging:  

     

    • Nick Keene, National President of Hospitality New Zealand, 
    • Steve Armitage, Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand,
    • members of your Board, and 
    • the members of your team who keep it all running.  

     

    Thank you for the opportunity to be with you here today, to celebrate your success as an industry, and to share what has come through strongly – about how I – and the Government – can support you, our hard-working hospitality industry.  

       

    The last time I saw some of you, I was impressed by the ideas for reform coming from the inaugural Hospitality Summit – that was hosted at Parliament – in December. You made clear   your calls for levelling the playing field with off-licences – simplifying the complexities of licensing – and ensuring we support hospitality businesses to innovate and grow.  

     

    You’ve also made your opinions clear – through other channels – in conversations directly with me – in submissions to Councils – and in your submissions on central government law reform. You have spoken – a lot – and I have been and still am – listening. 

     

    This conference is another opportunity for our nation’s hospitality leaders, innovators, and operators to come together.  It is therefore an honour as the Minister responsible for alcohol policy, to outline some of the Government’s work for the sector.  I am here to reflect back what you have shared – and to talk about how we intend to respond. 

    As you heard earlier from my ministerial colleague, Hon Louise Upston – Minister for Tourism and Hospitality – this Government is focused on growth.  The hospitality and events sector contributes billions to our economy every year.  We know that tourism and hospitality    are areas where there is potential to grow our economy    and increase employment.   

     

    You’ve made it clear that smart changes to our current settings could make it easier to do business – run events – and drink responsibly.   I share your views that supporting a safe consumption environment brings both social and commercial benefits.  

     We know that most New Zealanders do drink responsibly, that going out for dinner with a friend,   going to a festival,   or getting a bottle of wine to enjoy at home – that is part of Kiwi culture, and rightly so. That demand is great for business, great for our culture sector, and great for fostering innovation.  

    I am cognisant of the fact that – at the same time – we need to keep New Zealanders safe. You will have seen that this government is committed to reducing violent crime.  On this front, the Hon Paul Goldsmith and I announced a Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime last year.  That group has already come back to us with a package of reforms which will give Kiwi businesses additional tools to deal with those who are robbing them of their livelihood and economic growth.

     

    We know that your industry has felt the effects of crime – that crime is bad for business and that it’s bad for the people making their way to and from    your business. 

    With this in mind, I’m carefully considering what would make the alcohol space safe for everybody.      However, crafting a considered – coordinated approach takes work – and I am still working through that –      but I want to outline a few key themes that have emerged from our ongoing dialogue:

     

    First, we need to provide more consistency and certainty for events.   

     

    Events are also a big part of the hospitality sector with huge benefits to your businesses – the economy at large – and to the people attending them.  

     

    You’ve raised concerns that special licensing can be inconsistent, and that it’s not always transparent to you why some conditions are required or not.  I am considering a better approach in this area, one that could recognise the range of events and their characteristics.   

     

    Variation will always be a part of this landscape, but I have asked for advice about how to be more consistent and transparent.  You’ve told us that dealing with multiple local Councils provides extra complexity – especially when touring an event    or artist    in multiple towns around the country – so I’m thinking about that too. 

     You’ve also expressed frustration – about the time-consuming process that central Government takes to pass licence exemptions for televised events like the Rugby World Cup. These are exciting events where we want to host both tourists and encourage New Zealanders to come out and celebrate together.  I’m looking at how we can streamline the process to make that happen without the usual rigmarole around getting an exemption.   

     

    Secondly, the process of getting and keeping a liquor licence should be easier. 

     

    Getting an alcohol licence is an important step obviously – for you, but it contributes to the outcomes we all want – everyone enjoying their night out, drinking responsibly – with you.  But I am aware that there are frustrations with the process, and I’m working on clearing the path and making it fairer for all.   

     

     You need a licensing process that is balanced – that can hear the right voices and take into account what the community wants.  That includes the business community – especially small businesses.   

     

    Keeping your licences – is just as important as getting them. I have heard your concerns that changes in the way local councils considers alcohol policy can create uncertainty for you.  However, we also recognise that it’s important for local communities to make the rules for their communities and not central government – but the rules must be fair, and evidence based if it is to quell harm. I’m thinking about how we can find solutions that work for everyone, I expect we will need to meet in the middle on some things – but certainty for businesses and safe communities are a goal. 

     

     Third, we need to keep everyone safe. 

     

    The hospitality industry is about people, and ensuring people are welcome and safe is what you do for a living. I know that the safety of your patrons, and your staff, is paramount.  If it wasn’t your businesses would fail. 

     

    Crime and harm will ruin a good night, and even a life, whether it’s out on Courtney Place, K-Road, or in their own homes.   Our festivals and events aren’t fun – if people get hurt. A safe society is a prosperous society.  

     

    I’m thinking about that too in our alcohol policy, about whether I need to change anything to drive down the violent crime which is causing harm in our communities. 

     

     Lastly, innovation should be supported. 

     

    Operating in a regulatory regime can mean that the law isn’t keeping up    with the innovative practice   shown by business.  The country needs businesses which use new ideas, knowledge and technology to develop better ways of doing things to help the New Zealand economy grow.  

     

    Reducing the regulatory burden on you means you can invest more in technology and innovation to diversify the economy – and, more importantly – give your customers a   good   time.  You’ve made it clear that you want to do things differently – that there are products and ways of working that you want to try.  And I reckon that consumers want that too!  

     

    For example, you will see today the work that the Department of Internal Affairs has done to get a framework for digital identity credentials up and running.  

     

    Five years ago we were only dreaming about the possibility of digital ID – but we are starting to see a shift to embracing technological solutions – and this government is serious about using these technologies. It’s important our regulatory systems keep up with this kind of innovation and encourage uptake, to make it easier for you to do business. 

     

    Finally, I want you to know – that the Government and I – are listening.  Even targeted, specific interventions are important for the businesses they effect.  You will have heard about the changes the Minister for Regulation is making to hairdressing and barber regulations, as an example.  

     

    I can think about some of the issues you’ve raised with me in this same way. No problem – nor business – is too small. 

      

    The feedback you’ve provided about regulatory barriers holding back innovation – is front of mind for me.  Where we can make changes easily, we should.  Where challenges are more complex, we will work together – to navigate them. 

     

    I reckon that I want many of the same things you do, and I’m appreciative of the concerns and successes you’ve shared with me to date.  You have identified the problems – and I am working on some of the solutions for you. 

     

    Thank you for inviting me here today – I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to discuss my thoughts with you.  I look forward to future discussions and encourage you all to keep going – momentum will build as our economy continues to grow – keep doing your amazing work. 

     

    I understand there is now some time for questions. 

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public advisory: Search and Rescue training exercise in Northland

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A controlled training exercise will be conducted in the Tangihua Ranges, Waiotira from Friday 13 through to Sunday 14 June.

    The multi-agency exercise is being led by Police, with support from Land Search and Rescue and will simulate a land-based search and rescue scenario.

    Police, along with other agency personnel, will be in the area during the course of the weekend.

    Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe, who is leading the search exercise, says: “Training is part of a controlled, routine training exercise and is not an emergency event.

    “These exercises enable Police and partner agencies to test our response and systems should an emergency ever arise and there is no immediate risk to the public.

    “We will aim to cause as little disturbance as possible and hope people will understand the importance of us carrying out these types of exercises.”

    ENDS.

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: East Granby Woman Admits $1.1 Million Pandemic Relief Program Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that KAREN GASTON, 44, of East Granby, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to offenses stemming from a scheme to defraud COVID-19 pandemic relief programs of more than $1.1 million.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  The PPP was overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and individual PPP loans were issued by private lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.  The CARES Act also authorized SBA to distribute Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”), which provided working capital to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietors, to meet operating expenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, Gaston controlled certain entities including LNK, Elegant Clinical, Ruby Red LLC, and Diamond Shine LLC.  LNK and Diamond Shine LLC were operational, but shared resources and employees.  Ruby Red LLC had only one client and Gaston was its sole employee.   Elegant Clinical was no longer operational.  Beginning in approximately April 2020, Gaston submitted loan applications to the PPP and EIDL programs that falsely represented the status of the operations, resources, and employees of these entities.  She also filed loan applications at separate financial institutions in order to disguise the true nature of her criminal activity.

    Specifically, Gaston’s loan applications falsely represented that her businesses were all active and operating concerns; falsely represented the number of employees and the amount of wages purportedly paid by the businesses; included copies of fraudulent tax returns and tax related documents; and falsely represented that a family member, used as an applicant on an application, was a part owner of one of her entities.

    Gaston received $1,163,910 in PPP and EIDL loan funds through this scheme.  Instead of using the funds for payroll or other operating expenses, she spent the money on personal expenditures, including travel, food, luxury home goods, expensive jewelry, cars, and paying off her home mortgage.

    Gaston pleaded guilty to wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and making illegal monetary transactions, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

    Gaston has agreed to make full restitution.  She also has agreed to the forfeiture of a ring she purchased in July 2020 from the jeweler Harry Winston for $39,521.63.

    Gaston is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –