NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash – Kulgera

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is currently investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred in Kulgera this morning.

    Around 11:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a vehicle had rolled on its side along the Stuart Highway approximately 3 kilometres from Kulgera.

    Emergency services deployed from Alice Springs and Marla and the two vehicle occupants, a male and a female, were located deceased at the scene.

    The Stuart Highway is now closed in both directions and police urge road users to avoid the area where possible.

    Major Crash Investigation Unit have carriage and investigations are ongoing. 

    The number of lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 14.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appeal following fleeing driver incident on Southern Motorway

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Inspector Peter Raynes:

    Police have made two arrests after a fleeing driver incident in South Auckland this evening.

    At around 4.30pm, Police received information about a stolen vehicle travelling north in the Pukekohe area.

    At about 5.08pm, this vehicle was seen travelling on Porchester Road in Papakura.

    This vehicle then entered The Warehouse car park in Takanini Village and collected a female passenger.

    A Police car approached the vehicle and was rammed along with several other cars as it erratically exited the car park.

    Around this time, the Police Eagle helicopter arrived in the area and began tracking the vehicle.

    Shortly after the woman was observed exiting the car with stolen property.

    The vehicle continued travelling recklessly through the surrounding area until eventually entering the Southern Motorway southbound at Takanini.

    Road spikes were successfully deployed at the Bombay offramp.

    The vehicle then re-entered the Southern Motorway heading north before eventually stopping near Ramamara.

    Police were close behind the vehicle when the driver absconded on foot and ran across the motorway into the surrounding area.

    He has since been taken into custody without incident.

    The woman has also been arrested and stolen property recovered.

    Police are aware a number of vehicles may have been damaged throughout the course of this incident.

    Police are asking anyone who has had their vehicle damaged or anyone who witnessed the driving behaviour to contact us.

    Please call 105 using the reference number P062560926.

    ENDS

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The new leader of the Greens sits in the Senate. Why is that so unusual in Australian politics?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney

    The 2025 federal election resulted in some unexpected outcomes, including the loss by the Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, of his seat in the House of Representatives. The new Greens leader is Senator Larissa Waters.

    Does it matter that a party leader sits in the Senate, and why do the leaders of major parties almost always come from the lower House?

    The answer is that by convention, rather than an express constitutional requirement, the prime minister sits in the lower house of parliament. Parties with aspirations to form government therefore choose leaders from among their members in the lower house.

    Prime ministers in the House of Lords

    Historically, in the United Kingdom, prime ministers could sit in either house. In the 19th century, most prime ministers sat in the House of Lords, and two started in the House of Commons and ended their prime ministership in the Lords.

    But in the 20th century, the convention developed of the prime minister holding a seat in the House of Commons.

    This was for three reasons. First, as a matter of practicality, the House of Commons is where the main work of government occurs, and the prime minister’s involvement is needed.

    Second, according to convention, the monarch appoints as prime minister the person who commands the confidence of the lower house, which is hard to do from outside it.

    Third, the House of Lords is not elected, and therefore does not have a democratic mandate. It ceased to be acceptable in the United Kingdom for an unelected person to govern as prime minister.

    When the Conservative prime minister, Harold Macmillan, resigned suddenly for health reasons in 1963, Lord Home was appointed as Conservative Party leader and prime minister. He renounced his earldom and then ran successfully in a byelection for a seat in the House of Commons.

    A prime minister in the Senate?

    In Australia, the position is different because the Senate is elected by the people. A senator can therefore be regarded as having a democratic mandate, although he or she represents a state, rather than being elected by a particular electorate.

    Section 64 of the Commonwealth Constitution requires ministers to be either a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate, with a three month leeway period to become elected. But it does not require that the prime minister sit in the House of Representatives. It is instead a matter of custom, practicality and convention.

    When the prime minister, Harold Holt, went missing while swimming in the ocean in December 1967, the Liberal Party chose Senator John Gorton as its new leader.

    Gorton was appointed prime minister on January 10 1968, despite being a Senator, but resigned from the Senate on February 1 1968 and was elected to fill the vacancy in Holt’s lower House seat on February 24.

    Gorton was therefore prime minister while being a Senator for three weeks, and prime minister without a seat in parliament at all for just over three weeks. It was generally accepted that as prime minister, he should sit in the lower house.

    Premiers in state upper houses

    At the state level, premiers have sometimes sat in the upper house, at least for a short period.

    One notable example is that of Hal Colebatch in Western Australia. In 1919, Colebatch, who was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Council, was acting premier, while the premier, Henry Lefroy, was at a conference in Melbourne. There was an outbreak of Spanish flu in the eastern states. In scenes reminiscent of the COVID pandemic, Colebatch gained immense popularity by slamming shut the state border. His own premier was even prevented from returning home.

    Lefroy eventually resigned as premier, and Colebatch replaced him, despite sitting in the Legislative Council. But Colebatch did not last long in the job. He tried, but failed, to find a lower house seat to move to. In addition, his health was failing, as was his popularity after rioting during a wharf strike led to the death of a worker. So Colebatch resigned as premier, having spent his entire premiership as a member of the Legislative Council.

    In New South Wales, when the Labor premier, Neville Wran, surprised his colleagues by resigning in May 1986, the party elected Barrie Unsworth as its leader.

    Unsworth was a member of the Legislative Council. He was nonetheless appointed as premier. A Labor backbencher in the Legislative Assembly resigned to allow Unsworth to contest his safe Labor seat. Despite a large swing against him, Unsworth narrowly won the seat by 54 votes and continued as premier until 1988.

    Leaders of major and minor parties

    The main problem with a prime minister or premier sitting in the upper house is that the government is formed from the lower house, and the prime minister or Premier must be the person who holds its confidence. This is difficult when there is no direct accountability to the lower house, as it cannot question a prime minister or premier who sits in the other house.

    For this reason, parties that could potentially win government will ordinarily choose a leader from among their members in the lower House, and politicians with leadership ambition will often seek to transfer from the upper to the lower house to enhance their chances to lead.

    Due to the Senate’s proportional voting system, minor parties are more likely to have greater numbers in the Senate than the House of Representatives. It is therefore logical that their leadership should come from the Senate, especially when they are unlikely to have the numbers in the lower House to form a government. But for major parties, their leader is ordinarily chosen from among the members of the House of Representatives, in case government beckons.

    Anne Twomey has received funding from the ARC and sometimes does consultancy work for Parliaments, governments and inter-governmental bodies.

    – ref. The new leader of the Greens sits in the Senate. Why is that so unusual in Australian politics? – https://theconversation.com/the-new-leader-of-the-greens-sits-in-the-senate-why-is-that-so-unusual-in-australian-politics-256578

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Trump’s ‘palace in the sky’ plane gift concerns some Republicans

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Multiple congressional Republicans raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s desire to accept a $400 million airplane from Qatar, as rival Democrats slammed the plan as an illegal foreign donation and national security threat.

    Trump said on Monday that it would be “stupid” for him to refuse Qatar’s offer of the Boeing 747-8 airplane, which would be used as U.S. “Air Force One,” the jet American presidents travel on when they fly around the globe.

    Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told CNN on Wednesday that the offer was “a very simple government-to-government deal,” not a personal gift to Trump, and that “of course” it would be withdrawn if the transaction were deemed illegal.

    The aircraft eventually would be donated to Trump’s presidential library foundation and used by him after leaving office.

    “There will be plenty of scrutiny,” Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota told reporters. “There are lots and lots of issues around that, that I think will attract very serious questions.”

    Trump’s interest in the plane became public as he made a high-profile Middle East trip that included an announcement by state carrier Qatar Airways that it would purchase up to 210 widebody jets from Boeing.

    Experts have said it would take years and hundreds of millions of dollars to make the Qatari aircraft, known as a “palace in the sky,” suitable for use as transportation for the U.S. commander in chief, despite backers of the plan saying it would save money.

    Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the aircraft would have to be checked for surveillance equipment and receive security upgrades.

    “It would be like the United States moving into the Qatari embassy,” Wicker told Politico. “I’m not sure how quickly the Qatari aircraft can be retooled.”

    The Defense Department is already procuring a replacement for the current, aging Air Force One, with delivery by Boeing BA.N expected within a couple of years.

    DEMOCRATS RESPOND

    Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to block all of Trump’s nominees to the Justice Department until the agency reports what it knows about the Qatari offer. Three nominees are currently before the Senate.

    “The attorney general must testify before both the House and Senate to explain why gifting Donald Trump a private jet does not violate the emoluments clause (of the U.S. Constitution), which requires congressional approval,” he said in a speech.

    The Democratic National Committee flew a plane dragging a “Qatar-a-Lago” banner near Trump’s Florida Mar-a-Lago home on Wednesday.

    The action angered nearby Trump supporters. “Whoever’s flying that plane can kiss my ass,” said Steven Drew, a visitor from North Carolina. “As far as I know, Trump’s been trying to do everything to make the country as great as he can, and I’m fully on board with that,” he said.

    Schumer, of New York, said he wants answers to whether the Qatari government would pay for modifications needed to protect the president and secure communications.

    If the U.S. government must bear those costs, Schumer said, “why are American taxpayers being asked to spend hundreds of millions of dollars or more on a plane that will only be used for a year or two?”

    A White House spokesperson on Monday said details of the gift were still being arranged. A new commercial 747-8 costs approximately $400 million.

    Ethics experts have listed a range of Trump activities that could point to the president using his office to enrich himself or his family. Schumer mentioned a $TRUMP meme coin, plans for a new Trump hotel in Dubai, and a new golf course in Qatar.

    Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said that Trump taking the plane would be a mistake.

    “I think it’s not worth the appearance of impropriety,” he told Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” program. “I wouldn’t take it.”

    –Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New taskforce to focus on high visibility patrols in Glenorchy CBD

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    New taskforce to focus on high visibility patrols in Glenorchy CBD

    Thursday, 15 May 2025 – 4:21 pm.

    Tasmania Police is stepping up its focus on reducing anti-social behaviour and retail crime in the Glenorchy municipality, launching Taskforce Respect, a new community campaign involving high visibility patrols in the CBD and shopping areas.
    Inspector Jason Klug said the aim of Taskforce Respect was to enhance public safety and community confidence in the Glenorchy CBD, stretching also into Moonah and Claremont, with officers targeting recidivist offenders and anti-social behaviour.
    “Tasmania Police’s high-visibility foot patrols will continue in retail precincts to disrupt and reduce incidents of crime, with a particular focus on known and repeat offenders,” Inspector Klug said.
    “We’ll also be using drug detection dogs, CCTV footage and CBD exclusion orders to help achieve our goals of helping keep the community safe.”
    Recidivist offenders and youth crime will be a key focus of Taskforce Respect, with Tasmania Police data showing just 57 people made up 50 per cent of youth crime charges across the state in 2024.
    “Our message to these people is simple, if you are offending in the Glenorchy area, then we will be looking out for you,” Inspector Klug said.
    “Our aim is to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment for businesses, residents and visitors.”
    Inspector Klug said there was a deliberate use of the word ‘respect’ in naming the new taskforce, which began operation on Monday, May 12.
    “Our message is about instilling a basic respect for one another in our community,” Inspector Klug said.
    “It is a message, aimed particularly at our youth, in which we say acts of violence and abuse, and acts of retail crime and theft, like we have seen in the past, are unacceptable.
    “We want to help people understand the importance of respect, that is, respect for each other, respect for your community and respect for those businesses and retailers that are operating in our city.”
    Taskforce Respect will build upon successful policing initiatives Operation Swipe in Glenorchy (December 2024) and Operation Saturate (ongoing) across greater Hobart.
    Tasmania Police continues to work in partnership with Glenorchy City Council, businesses and stakeholders such as Metro Tasmania to prevent, resolve and investigate issues of crime and anti-social behaviour that occur in public spaces.
    Supporting police, Crime Stoppers Tasmania ambassador Mark Mewis said Crime Stoppers welcomed the initiative and sought to remind the public that community safety was the responsibility of all Tasmanians.
    “Everyone should be able to enjoy our public spaces without fear or intimidation, and we can further support the police by reporting anti-social behaviour and those engaged in such behaviour anonymously through Crime Stoppers,” Mr Mewis said.
    As part of the official launch of Taskforce Respect, Tasmania Police’s new Poli community outreach van was in attendance to help engage with the Glenorchy community.
    Launched in April, Poli has been developed to increase police visibility and improve engagement in the community.
    “Poli is staffed by members of the Community Engagement Services team, along with local officers, who can discuss local crime issues and provide crime prevention and general advice to residents and business owners. Poli staff can also provide information and resources about personal, residential and business safety, as well as child safety and safeguarding,” Inspector Klug said.
    Information on crimes in the Glenorchy community can be provided to police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au – information can be provided anonymously. If you are in immediate need of police assistance, call Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing woman in Aberdeen (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police today (May 15) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Aberdeen.

         Yiu Wai-lam, aged 74, went missing after she left her residence on Chengtu Road yesterday (May 14) morning. Her family then made a report to Police.

         She is about 1.5 metres tall, 70 kilograms in weight and of fat build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a white shirt with black stripe pattern, dark-coloured trousers, dark blue shoes and carrying a blue shopping bag and a long umbrella. Her right ear is fitted with a hearing aid.

         Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Hong Kong Island on 2860 1040 or 9886 0034 or email to rmpu-hki@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Indian forces launch Operation Nader against terrorists in Tral, heavy firing exchanged

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Security forces on Thursday launched a joint anti-terror operation in the Nader area of Tral, Awantipora, based on special intelligence input. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF were involved in the operation

    The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the operation in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “On 15 May 2025, based on specific intelligence input from an agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Upon being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire. A fierce gunfight ensued. The operation is in progress.”

    On Tuesday, three terrorists — including a local commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit The Resistance Front (LeT/TRF) — were killed in an encounter in Shopian. The operation, carried out by the Army along with J&K Police and the CRPF, led to the recovery of AK-series rifles, grenades, and a large cache of ammunition.

    The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information also confirmed the Shopian encounter, saying that it was launched based on inputs about terrorist presence in Keller Forest.

    India’s ongoing operations build on the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved precise strikes that destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 100 terror operatives were neutralized at key locations, including Bahawalpur, the stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Muridke, a prominent training site for Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: End to the American War on Vietnam Remembered 50 years on

    Source: Workers First Union

    MEDIA RELEASE ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE ON VIETNAM
    The 50th anniversary of the end of the War on Vietnam will be commemorated in Wellington on Friday, 16 May 2025.
    30 April 1975 saw the “fall of Saigon” that brought an end to this horrendous war.
    Former members and supporters of the Wellington Committee on Vietnam (CoV) and associated groups such as Release All Vietnamese Prisoners of Conscience (RAVPOC), the Organisation to Halt Military Service (OMHS) and Medical Aid for Vietnam have been invited to the gathering. Younger and current anti-war activists have also been invited.
    The gathering has been called by former chairs of the Wellington Committee of Vietnam in the early 1970s, Michael Law and Robert Reid, and will include an “Extraordinary Special Meeting of the CoV” to mark the occasion.
    The events will be held at the National Library in Molesworth Street, Wellington.
    From 2.00 pm until 4.30 pm Friday 16 May the Alexander Turnbull Library will have some of its archived material on anti-war protests on display (especially from the Rona Bailey Collection).
    At 5.00 pm the reunion meeting will take place in the Malaga Pasifika Room of the National Library.
    The events will remember the brave struggle of the Vietnamese people for independence, the horrific action and atrocities of the US and allied forces in Vietnam and the protest activity that took place against the war on Vietnam in New Zealand in the 1960s and 1970s.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Porirua Careers Expo a huge hit

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Te Rauparaha Arena was jam-packed for the second Porirua Careers Expo on Tuesday.
    More than 3300 rangatahi from across the city, and wider afield, came through the Arena during the day, taking up the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and education providers and potentially kickstart their career journey.
    There were 90 exhibitors spread out through the main stadium, representing construction and trades, education, tech and professional, Government and health. These included BRANZ, Porirua and Whitby New World supermarkets, Wellington Free Ambulance, Whittaker’s, Le Fale Jobs and Skills Hub, MSD, TechStep, BCITO, TradeMe, NZ Police and Mexted Turf.
    Aotea College Year 13 student Emma Dullabh said it was a fantastic day out.
    “It was so cool to see how passionate the stall holders were about their work, and how happy they were to answer questions. It made the day really enjoyable and I was really inspired. Everyone looked like they were having a great time,” she said.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said the serious side of the expo – opening doors and inspiring young people – was offset by a fun atmosphere with MC Nate Lopa and the Cook Island drummers, along with attendees having the opportunity to win one of either $500 Prezzy cards courtesy of Tranquil IT.
    “This is the second year Porirua has hosted a Careers Expo and all the feedback has been wonderful, as our rangatahi get a look into what opportunities await them once they leave school,” Mayor Baker said.
    “My congratulations to organisers, exhibitors and schools for the work that went in to make this event happen.”
    Some of the feedback collated from stallholders included:
    “There was an exceptional amount of people, the children were engaged and really well prepared.”
    “I had between 45 and 50 engagements and was able to connect with some secondary schools I haven’t been able to connect with in the past.”
    “While we weren’t actively recruiting on the day, our aim was just to be out in the community making ourselves known. We wanted to teach students more about us and engage with them – this was a huge success.”
    “We had some fabulous conversations with young people about the industry.”
    “We had over 50 enquiries for our apprenticeships/pre-trades, with 30 turning into actionable leads.”
    “Love the students being engaged and exploring ideas.”
    “Overall, the organisers should feel very proud – it was a well-executed and impactful day.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Justice Minister He Rong Meets with Chairman of Belarus State Forensic Examination Committee

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese Justice Minister He Rong met with Chairman of the State Forensic Examination Committee of the Republic of Belarus (SFE RB) Alexei Volkov in Beijing on Wednesday, according to a statement published on the official website of the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China.

    He Rong expressed readiness to jointly implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries with the State Forensic Examination Committee of the Republic of Belarus and develop practical cooperation in the field of forensic examination, including scientific research, application of technologies, training and personnel preparation, as well as provide relevant services for the socio-economic development of the two countries.

    Alexey Volkov noted that cooperation between the two sides has achieved fruitful results, and Belarus is ready to further deepen exchanges, mutual learning and cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Govt committed to establishing peace in Naxal-affected region: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing peace in areas affected by Naxalism, highlighting that the efforts of security forces are yielding positive results.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “We are fully committed to establishing peace in the Naxal-affected areas and connecting them with the mainstream of development.”

    Security forces killed 31 Naxalites in the Karreguttalu Hills (KGH) along the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border. The operation, which lasted 21 days, marked a significant milestone in the government’s mission to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, praised the success of the operation, saying that “the Karreguttalu Hills, once ruled by red terror, now proudly hoist the tricolour.” He highlighted the bravery and coordination of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG) for carrying out the mission without any casualties among the security forces.

    Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eliminate Naxalism from its roots. He emphasized that this operation was a major achievement in the ongoing mission for a ‘Naxal-free India,’ and credited the seamless coordination between central and state agencies as part of the Modi government’s “whole-of-government” approach.

    A Complex Operation in Hostile Terrain

    The Karreguttalu Hill region, long considered an impregnable Naxal stronghold, had been home to approximately 300–350 armed cadres from various groups, including the PLGA Battalion, CRC Company, Telangana State Committee, and the technical unit of the Naxalite organization. The operation commenced on April 21, 2025, and concluded on May 11, 2025.

    Senior officials, including CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh and Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Dev Gautam, provided details in a joint press briefing in Bijapur. They confirmed that 31 Naxalites were killed, including 16 women, and 35 weapons were recovered from the encounter sites.

    Authorities also recovered over 450 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of detonator codex wire, and large quantities of explosives, food supplies, and medicines. Four major Naxal technical units involved in manufacturing weapons and explosives were destroyed.

    Strategic Intelligence and Coordination

    A multi-agency special team had been established to gather and analyse real-time intelligence through technical, human, and field-based inputs. This allowed security forces to avoid IED traps and locate key Naxalite hideouts and weapon caches. More than 214 bunkers and hideouts were destroyed as part of the campaign.

    Despite the scorching summer conditions, with temperatures exceeding 45°C and the region’s treacherous mountainous terrain, security personnel remained determined. Eighteen personnel from CoBRA, STF, and DRG had sustained injuries in IED explosions but were reported to be out of danger and receiving treatment.

    Impact on Naxal Presence

    The operation significantly weakened the core infrastructure of the Naxalite movement. Analysis suggested that several senior cadres were either killed or injured. However, due to the remote geography, not all bodies had been recovered by the time the operation concluded.

    The Karreguttalu operation is seen as a turning point in India’s long-standing battle against left-wing extremism. According to government data, 197 hardcore Naxalites had been neutralized in the first four months of 2025 alone. The number of Naxal-affected districts had dropped from 126 in 2014 to just 18 in 2025. Naxal violence incidents had decreased by over 65% in the same period.

    Building on Long-Term Gains

    Since 2019, a total of 320 new security camps had been established in Naxal-affected regions, along with 68 night-landing helipads. The number of fortified police stations had increased from 66 in 2014 to 555 in 2025, strengthening security infrastructure in remote and sensitive areas.

    The long-term effects of this sustained crackdown were visible: large Naxalite formations were now splintered into smaller, less capable units, and the government continued to expand its presence in previously inaccessible areas like the National Park in Bijapur and the Maad region in Narayanpur.

    As part of its Joint Action Plan, the Ministry of Home Affairs had outlined a multi-pronged approach, combining security operations, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes, to uproot the Naxal ecosystem and integrate affected regions into the national mainstream.

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The State Committee for Reconstruction and Development held a symposium with the participation of non-state enterprises to hear their views on the economic situation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Wednesday held a symposium with non-state-owned enterprises to collect their views on the current economic situation and the implementation of policies to stabilize employment and the economy.

    At the symposium, which was chaired by the head of the State Committee for Development and Reconstruction and Development Zheng Shanjie, participants shared their views on the activities of the industry and put forward proposals to stimulate high-quality development of the non-state sector of the economy.

    Representatives of non-state enterprises noted an increase in their ability to counter external risks, emphasizing that they pay special attention to innovation, market diversification and stability of economic activity.

    Despite the complex and volatile external environment, the participants of the symposium expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of enterprises. They noted that the adoption of the Law on the Promotion of the Development of the Non-State Sector of the Economy is considered an important milestone in strengthening legal guarantees for the sector.

    The participants of the symposium proposed to define the priority of support for the non-state sector of the economy in the 15th five-year plan /2026-2030/.

    Zheng Shanjie stressed the need to align macroeconomic policies with the needs of micro entities, promising to improve the ongoing mechanisms for interaction and exchange between the government and enterprises.

    He also promised to speed up the implementation of the developed policies and solve practical difficulties and problems related to the specific sector, and make efforts to stabilize employment, enterprises, the market and expectations.

    The SCRR will advance the development of the 15th Five-Year Plan and ensure effective implementation of policy support measures for non-state enterprises, the official added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 2, Pahiatua closed

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 2 south of Pahiatua is closed following a serious crash.

    It happened around 3pm and involved two vehicles.

    Traffic is being diverted off State Highway 2 at Bridge Road to the south, and Mangahao Road to the north.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    There are serious injuries involved.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pedestrian strike – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A 43-year-old male has been arrested following a pedestrian strike that occurred this morning in Palmerston.

    Around 9:55am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a woman on a mobility scooter had been struck by a vehicle while using a pedestrian crossing on Temple Terrace.

    The 65-year-old woman was thrown from her scooter and suffered multiple injuries to her leg, pelvis and ribs. Emergency Services attended the scene, and she was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

    Police established a crime scene, and the 43-year-old driver, who remained at the scene, returned a positive roadside drug test and was arrested.

    One Temple Terrace outbound lane remains closed, and police urge motorists to avoid the area where possible.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25132429. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: COMPASS DIVERSIFIED SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Compass Diversified Holdings – CODI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW ORLEANS, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 8, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE: CODI), if they purchased the Company’s securities between May 1, 2024 and May 7, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

    Get Help

    Compass Diversified investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-codi/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

    About the Lawsuit

    Compass and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

    On May 7, 2025, the Company issued a press release entitled “Compass Diversified Discloses Non-Reliance on Financial Statements for Fiscal 2024 Amid an Ongoing Internal Investigation into its Subsidiary, Lugano Holding, Inc.,” disclosing that “the Audit Committee of CODI’s Board has concluded that the previously issued financial statements for 2024 require restatement and should no longer be relied upon” and that “[e]ffective May 7, 2025, Lugano’s founder and CEO, Moti Ferder, resigned from all of his positions at Lugano and will not receive any severance compensation.” The Company further disclosed that “[t]he Audit Committee of CODI’s Board of Directors promptly launched an investigation after CODI’s senior leadership was made aware of concerns about how Lugano was potentially financing inventory” and that “[t]he investigation . . . is ongoing but has preliminarily identified irregularities in Lugano’s non-CODI financing, accounting, and inventory practices.”

    On this news, the price of Compass’ shares plummeted approximately 62%, from $17.25 per share on May 7, 2025, to $6.55 per share on May 8, 2025.

    The case is Matthews v. Compass Group Diversified Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-981.

    About ClaimsFiler

    ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

    To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Questions HHS Secretary Kennedy on Cuts to NIH Research, Alzheimer’s Program Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Q&A on NIH Research Indirect Costs Cap: Click HERE to watch and HERE to download
    Q&A on Alzheimer’s Law Implementation: Click HERE to watch and HERE to download
    Washington, D.C. – Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Senator Susan Collins questioned HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Her questions focused on the Department’s proposed cap on indirect costs for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research, as well as how workforce reductions at the Department could harm the implementation of laws such as the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act, a bill Senator Collins authored that was signed into law last year.
    Q&A on NIH Research Indirect Costs Cap
    Senator Collins:
    I chaired, recently, the first Appropriations Committee hearing of the year, and we focused on biomedical research and how important it is that America not lose its global edge in innovation that’s producing life-saving and life-enhancing discoveries. Among the many issues that we covered, as you might expect, the hearing explored the 15%, arbitrary, one-size-fits-all cap that NIH has imposed on indirect, but still research-related, costs for its grants.
    What we heard is that this cap will mean less basic research, fewer clinical trials, and that it will also cause our scientists and researchers to leave the United States and go to other countries. I believe strongly that this proposed cap is poorly thought out, that it’s harmful, and I know that it violates current law, because since 2018 we’ve included in the appropriations bill specific language that prevents NIH from imposing such a cap. So, I know the system needs to be looked at, but are you reviewing how NIH’s approach of this one-size-fits-all 15% cap on indirect costs would affect laboratories, whether they’re private nonprofit labs, or whether they’re in universities, as far as doing crucial biomedical research?
    Secretary Kennedy:
    Senator, we are, and you and I have talked about this issue. And I think the impetus for the cap was that there were a lot of private universities with giant endowments, like Stanford and Harvard, that were getting indirect payments of 78%. What that means, if you get a million-dollar grant, the NIH then has to pay you an extra $780,000 for administrative costs. And a lot of those costs weren’t even going to anything to do with science.
    But I understand the University of Maine, the University of Alabama, many other universities and state universities were not abusing it. We lost about $9 billion a year in those kinds of costs. And so, we have a plan for how to address issues like what’s happening at the University of Maine.
    Q&A on Alzheimer’s Law Implementation
    Senator Collins:
    Mr. Secretary, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and caring for people with this devastating chronic disease costs us some $360 billion a year. I am the author of a law that’s known as the BOLD Act. It takes a public health approach to Alzheimer’s, it educates providers, promotes earlier diagnosis, it helps caregivers and it also promotes lifestyle changes. I have worked very hard to make sure that HHS has the resources to carry out this law, which was just recently extended. I’m concerned that the reductions in force, of approximately 10,000 staff across HHS, will completely undermine this Act.
    For example, the Healthy Aging Branch administers the BOLD Act for Alzheimer’s. It has lost all of its staff. So, how can you ensure that the CDC continues to implement the BOLD Act and the Alzheimer’s programs under it, when all of the staff responsible for that administration have either been placed on administrative leave or let go?
    Secretary Kennedy:
    I know that that division has been folded into the Agency for a Healthy America. And a lot of the reports that whole divisions have been liquidated were just wrong. They were divisions that were being reassigned under the reorg.
    On that budget line, I will work with you, I’m committed. You know, Alzheimer’s has run in my family, as you know. You know my cousin, Maria Shriver, who’s deeply involved in it. The NIH had a very, very checkered history on studying Alzheimer’s because of the amyloid plaque scandal. And we have an opportunity now to do really good science and find a cure very quickly, and also find out, equally importantly, why so many people are getting Alzheimer’s in this generation. I want to make that happen. I want to work with you, Senator, to make sure that that happens and that those programs continue.
    +++
    At a recent U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing chaired by Senator Susan Collins, she questioned Dr. Hermann Haller, President of the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, on how the proposed NIH cap on indirect costs would affect the important biomedical research occurring in Maine and at institutions across the country.
    With Senator Collins’ support, funding for the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act has grown from $10 million in fiscal year 2020 to $34 million in fiscal year 2024. In September 2020, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services received one of the first BOLD Program Awards. This investment has allowed for great progress in implementing the Maine State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. In September 2023, Maine received a second BOLD award from the CDC for Alzheimer’s prevention programs, which provides implementation funding to build on its initial investments and allow the state to carry out the Maine Alzheimer’s Prevention Program and the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 15, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 15, 2025.

    Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. While his Instagram message just said this was the “right time”, his poor recent Test form, mental fatigue and desire to spend more time with

    Curious Kids: if our eyes see upside down, how does the brain flip the picture?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Joyce, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Southern Queensland I heard that we see upside down, but our brain flips the image. How does it do that? –Jasmine, Mount Evelyn, Victoria Our eyes work thanks to light. Objects we can see are either sources of light

    Return of the huia? Why Māori worldviews must be part of the ‘de-extinction’ debate
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nic Rawlence, Associate Professor in Ancient DNA, University of Otago A museum specimen of the extinct huia. Wikimedia Commons/Auckland Museum collection, CC BY-SA The recent announcement of the resurrection of the dire wolf generated considerable global media attention and widespread scientific criticism. But beyond the research questions,

    After an autocratic leader was toppled in Bangladesh, democratic renewal remains a work in progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Intifar Chowdhury, Lecturer in Government, Flinders University Last July, a powerful student-led uprising in Bangladesh toppled the authoritarian, corrupt government led for 15 years by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh now shows modest signs of democratic recovery. Months into its tenure, a transitional government has reopened political

    Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior to return for 40th anniversary of French bombing
    By Russel Norman The iconic Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior will return to Aotearoa this year to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the original campaign ship at Marsden Wharf in Auckland by French secret agents on 10 July 1985. The return to Aotearoa comes at a pivotal moment — when the fight to

    Can we confront cancel culture by finding common ground between moderate leftists and ‘wokists’?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University A.C. Grayling’s new book Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars sees the renowned philosopher wading into the ethical minefields of “woke” activism, cancellation, and conservative backlash. Filled with thoughtful analysis, deep reflection, and fascinating

    Justice on demand? The true crime podcasts serving up Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Cantrell, Senior Lecturer – Writing, Editing, and Publishing, University of Southern Queensland The trial of the so-called “mushroom cook” Erin Patterson, currently underway in the Victorian town of Morwell, continues to generate global attention. The mother of two is charged with three counts of murder and

    This 6-point plan can ease Australia’s gambling problems – if our government has the guts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University WHYFRAME/Shutterstock We have a refreshed and revitalised Australian government, enriched with great political capital. During the last term of parliament before the election, opportunities to address Australia’s raging gambling habit were neglected. Could this

    Whatever happened to Barbie’s feet? Podiatrists studied 2,750 dolls to find out
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cylie Williams, Professor, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University elinaxx1v/Shutterstock What do you get when a group of podiatrists (and shoe lovers) team up with a Barbie doll collector? A huge opportunity to explore how Barbie reflects changes in the types of shoes women

    Economic pessimism is behind the drift of voters to minor parties and independents
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Viet Nguyen, Principal Research Fellow, Macroeconomics Research Program, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne Growing economic pessimism appears to have pushed many voters away from Australia’s two major parties, Labor and the Coalition. Support for minor parties and independents has doubled

    A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato The New Zealand Wars memorial in new Plymouth. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA Anzac Day has come and gone again. But – lest we forget – war and its consequences are not confined to single days in the calendar. Nor

    Newly discovered frog species from 55 million years ago challenges evolutionary tree
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Roy M. Farman, Adjunct Associate Lecturer, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney Australian Green Tree Frog (_Litoria caerulea_). indrabone/iNaturalist, CC BY-NC Australian tree frogs today make up over one third of all known frog species on the continent. Among this group, iconic species such

    Two lizard-like creatures crossed tracks 355 million years ago. Today, their footprints yield a major discovery
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Long, Strategic Professor in Palaeontology, Flinders University Marcin Ambrozik The emergence of four-legged animals known as tetrapods was a key step in the evolution of many species today – including humans. Our new discovery, published today in Nature, details ancient fossil footprints found in Australia that

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Andrew Leigh on more productive work in the age of AI
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s productivity performance has stagnated for years, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers has declared addressing this is a second term priority. “Productivity” is now an added part of the remit of Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh, along with his responsibility for competition,

    Caitlin Johnstone: Israel admits it bombed a hospital to kill a journalist for doing journalism
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone The IDF has admitted to bombing a hospital in order to assassinate a prominent Palestinian journalist in Gaza, Hassan Aslih, explicitly stating that they assassinated him for engaging in journalistic activities. The official Israel Defense Forces account made the following post on

    Men are shaving off their eyelashes on TikTok. Here’s why that might be a bad idea
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Meyer, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy and Pathology, James Cook University Bhatakta Manav/Shutterstock Videos of men removing their eyelashes, by trimming or shaving, have been circulating on social media in recent weeks. This trend is based on the idea short eyelashes look more masculine. Hair can tell us

    Soon, your boss will have to pay your wages and super at the same time. Here’s how everyone could benefit
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Hodgson, Professor, Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University Dragon Images/Shutterstock If you have a job in Australia, you’ve probably noticed each of your payslips has a section telling you how much superannuation will be paid alongside your wages. But while your wages are

    What is the ‘glass cliff’ phenomenon – and why do women often find themselves on the precipice?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerrie-Anne Hammermeister, PhD Candidate in the School of Humanities and Communication, University of Southern Queensland GoodStudio/Shutterstock Speaking to the media after being named leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley was asked if this appointment was an example of the “glass cliff effect”. Ley said “I don’t

    Fiji Indians in NZ ‘not giving up’ on Pasifika classification struggle
    By Susana Suisuiki, RNZ Pacific Waves presenter/producer, and Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor The co-founder of Auckland’s Fiji Centre is concerned that Indo-Fijians are not classified as Pacific Islanders in Aotearoa. This week marks the 146th anniversary of the arrival of the first indentured labourers from British India to Fiji, who departed from Calcutta.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Storm recovery in East Coast Bays

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Following major storms in 2023, Auckland North Community and Development (ANCAD) is working with the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, to facilitate community-led recovery planning in East Coast Bays communities. This is part of a series of partnerships in heavily impacted neighbourhoods across Auckland. Communities are being supported to develop practical plans, which will include activities and priorities to improve well-being and enable them to come out of recovery stronger. 

    A community responds 

    In major 2023 storms, East Coast Bays suburbs like Browns Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay and Campbells Bay were hit with flooding and slips, cutting off roads, shops, and vital services. 

    Even emergency services were affected. The Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club was flooded and forced to relocate — yet still rescued 69 people that day. The club is now working with the community to plan a more resilient future. 

    Around 30 homes in the area have been classified as Category 3, meaning they face serious future risk. These properties are now eligible for council buy-outs, with land use decisions to follow based on safety. 

    Flooding in Mairangi Bay village

    Finding a Way Forward, Together 

    Through a series of community engagements with affected clubs and residents, the top priorities for the community were determined by the community: Knowing Our Neighbours and Leveraging the Community Systems.

    “Two remarkable things stand out about talking with the club management teams severely impacted by the floods: how much care they have for their community, and how resourceful they were to connect with others to help them recover. The community can be so proud to have them as their local leaders,” says Kristi Shaw, community-led storm recovery facilitator in East Coast Bays. 

    “All the conversations so far have had a similar thread – how well we recovered is about how well we have been connected with each other.

    “Our aim is to weave people, groups, and community initiatives to deepen relationships while discovering and leveraging our community systems.” 

    Community initiative and collaboration has developed the Making Visible Workshops and Exhibition to connect residents with each other, and their experiences of living here, now, with the extreme storms. 

    Sharing experiences through artwork 

    Making Visible is a community-led project facilitated by local artist and arts therapist, Wendy Lawson.  

    Through a series of neighbourhood gatherings, residents are invited to bring an object that holds meaning, whether emotionally, symbolically, or as a tangible part of their experience of the storms or storm recovery. Shared stories and objects lead to a co-created artwork that is designed to be temporary, woven from the contributions and materials offered by the group. 

    Wendy knows first-hand what storm impact feels like. 

    Rope used to tether Wendy’s art studio after the 2023 floods; later incorporated into the workshop and exhibition as an object of significance.

    “We’ve already seen how much people care about this coastal landscape and one another. It’s about listening carefully and shaping something meaningful together.” 

    The dynamic artwork, along with shared experiences and insights gathered throughout the workshop, will be curated into the ‘Making Visible’ exhibition at Mairangi Arts Centre from 14–19 June. 

    Get involved 

    If you live in the East Coast Bays and are aged 16 or over, you’re invited to register for one of the upcoming Making Visible Workshops. All you need is a curious mind and a willingness to share. 

    • Sat 17 May, 1pm, Browns Bay Presbyterian Church 
    • Sat 24 May, 1pm, RAFT Studios, Torbay 

    Visit the ANCAD website to register or email kristi@ancad.org.nz for more information. 

    Many hands making together – Making Visible Workshop, process photo.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appealing for information after house fire, Cobden

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police investigating a house fire in Cobden are appealing for information from the public.

    At around 12.10am on Wednesday 14 May, Police were notified of a house fire on Bright Street.

    A scene guard was put in place overnight and Police conducted a scene examination with a Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire investigator today.

    The house fire is being treated as suspicious at this stage.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the surrounding Bright Street area from 11pm Tuesday to 12am Wednesday.

    If you have any information that could assist Police’s investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250515/5998.

    Information can also be provided through Crime Stoppers through 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation launched in Hamilton

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Matt Cranshaw – Waikato Field Crime Manager

    A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a 30 year old woman in Hamilton City this morning.

    The woman died after a vehicle drove into the power pole she was standing next to on the corner of Ohaupo Road and Kahikatea Drive. It was initially reported that two vehicles were involved, however this is not the case.

    Enquiries are being conducted to ascertain the circumstances surrounding these events.

    Investigators and specialists remain at this location with diversions in place. The road is expected to be closed for some time.

    Police extend their thoughts to whānau and friends of the deceased at this difficult time.

    As part of our enquiries into what happened, we are asking anyone with information to get in touch.

    Please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 250515/6763.

    Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Team

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, May 14, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced the Educational and Career Opportunities for Public Safety (EdCOPS) Act, bipartisan legislation to address staffing shortages in law enforcement by providing educational benefits to public safety officers and their dependents.  
    “There is no profession more honorable than one that keeps our streets safe. Our men and women in uniform deserve Congress’ full support. I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation this National Police Week and prove to law enforcement that we have their back every step of the way,” said Senator Hawley.
    “As the son of two police officers, I know how important it is to have experienced, trusted officers on the job. But right now, law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to recruit qualified candidates and losing the people who know their communities best,” said Senator Kelly. “By expanding education and career opportunities, we’re helping officers build a more secure future for themselves and their families. It’s an investment that will help departments keep the experienced, dedicated officers that protect our communities.”  
    Law enforcement agencies across the country face a historic crisis in hiring and keeping qualified officers. The EdCOPS Act would help agencies attract and retain experienced officers by offering financial assistance for higher education to public safety officers who have served for at least eight years with a single employer and agree to serve an additional four years. An eligible public safety officer can transfer unused education benefits to a dependent. 
    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Secures Pledge from RFK to Review ‘Alarming’ Mifepristone Data, Support Bill Cracking Down on Big Pharma Ads

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, May 14, 2025

    Today in a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) secured a commitment from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. that he would review ‘alarming’ new data on the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. RFK Jr. also stated that in light of the new data, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label for mifepristone should change to accurately reflect the adverse effects of the drug.

    A new study on the chemical abortion drug shows 11% of women experience adverse effects serious enough to send them to the ER@SecKennedy just pledged to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the drug – and said the FDA label needs to change
    That’s a win for life pic.twitter.com/gy65iCZjI5
    — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 14, 2025

    “You’ve previously testified to the committee that you would do a top-to-bottom review of mifepristone,” said Senator Hawley. “Do you continue to stand by that, and don’t you think this new data shows that the need to do a full review is indeed pressing?”
    “It’s alarming, and it indicates that at the very least, the label should be changed,”RFK said regarding the new mifepristone data. “I’ve asked Marty Makary at the FDA to do a complete review and report back.”
    RFK Jr. also promised he would submit his own recommendation to President Trump based on the data. This exchange comes after Senator Hawley has advocated for reinstating safety guardrails surrounding mifepristone since the new study was released, from introducing legislation to urging the Department of Justice to reconsider its defense of the Biden Administration’s policy on mifepristone.
    In the same hearing, Senator Hawley also questioned RFK Jr. on his stance towards tax breaks for Big Pharma’s television deals, prompting RFK Jr. to pledge his support for Senator Hawley’s bipartisan, bicameral bill cracking down on Big Pharma’s sweetheart deals.

    Now it’s on the record: @SecKennedy just pledged his support to pass my bipartisan, bicameral bill cracking down on Big Pharma’s sweetheart deals
    Let’s make it illegal for Big Pharma to make taxpayers foot the bill for Pharma advertisements pic.twitter.com/siN1GHd1r0
    — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 14, 2025

    Watch the full hearing here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Joins Immigration Advocates to Reject Republicans’ Extreme Anti-Immigrant Budget Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Joins Immigration Advocates to Reject Republicans’ Extreme Anti-Immigrant Budget Reconciliation Bill

    AUDIO: Padilla slams cuts to crucial services to support Republicans’ mass deportation agendaWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined immigration advocates and his House colleagues to speak out against the extreme anti-immigrant provisions in Republicans’ reconciliation bill and to call on Congressional Republicans to reject harmful policies targeting immigrant communities. During the press conference hosted by the National Immigration Law Center, Padilla slammed Republicans’ plans to cut critical services Americans rely on in order to spend hundreds of billions on President Trump’s mass deportation agenda.
    Padilla criticized the Republican reconciliation bill’s proposed surges in funding for wasteful immigration initiatives, including increased funding for the border wall and immigrant detention centers, and policy changes to eliminate protections for children, reinstate family detention, and allow the continued terrorization of families through mass deportation.
    “They’re bending over backwards to make cuts to health care, to education, even SNAP benefits, the critical nutrition assistance program that so many families rely on. And why? That’s a good question! Why? Because they’re trying to fund more tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy in America. That just wrong, but it gets worse. They’re also trying to fund this massive and cruel deportation campaign that Donald Trump has insisted on.”
    “The huge increases in funding and staffing levels for ICE and CBP are indeed not just an increase in funding — it is a significant policy change. And we’re asking why? What’s the plan? What’s the strategy? Because it’s been so chaotic and disorganized. What’s their response? They say, ‘trust us.’ Trust you? Really?”
    Padilla slammed the Trump Administration for undermining due process, ignoring court orders, instilling fear in immigrant communities, wasting taxpayer dollars for staged photo ops, and sending both undocumented and documented immigrants to prisons in foreign countries. He emphasized the economic consequences of the Administration’s reckless and inhumane anti-immigrant actions. 
    “They’re terrorizing our communities with their raids and violent arrests, and they’re wasting millions and millions of taxpayer dollars for expensive photo ops like the ones they took at Guantánamo Bay.”
    “Because of it, there’s hardworking immigrants, long-term residents of the United States, who are now afraid to go to work, kids afraid to go to school, parents afraid to go to the store.”
    Padilla concluded his remarks by calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to modernize the United States’ immigration system, and vowed to keep fighting to create a pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents.
    “You would think that maybe just for a moment, Republicans would take this reconciliation process as an opportunity to do what they said before they wanted to do and modernize our nation’s immigration system. But they’re not.”
    “I know we still believe that real reform is still possible. Because, yes, we all know we need a secure and orderly and humane border, but we also need to create the pathways to citizenship for the millions that have earned it and deserve it.”
    “And we will get there. We will get there together. But the next steps in this effort begin with fighting back on the cruelty of the proposed reconciliation plan put forth by Republicans. We have to kill that bill.”
    Representatives Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.-03), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.-05), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.-04), and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07) also joined the press conference.
    Senator Padilla is a leading voice in Congress opposing President Trump’s mass deportation agenda and anti-immigrant actions and rhetoric. Last month, Padilla, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), and Representative Jayapal issued a joint statement condemning the Supreme Court’s decision to lift a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, and he joined 14 lawmakers in condemning President Trump’s unlawful invocation of the antiquated law. Padilla previously issued a joint statement with Senators Durbin, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) slamming President Trump for his attempted invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. Last year, Padilla emphasized the dangers and immense economic costs of the Trump Administration’s mass deportation plans during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
    Senator Padilla, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also recently urged the acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate several reports that the Trump Administration is potentially violating strict taxpayer privacy laws by providing highly sensitive and legally protected taxpayer data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and personnel affiliated with Elon Musk across various federal agencies. Padilla, Cortez Masto, and Wyden previously condemned the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) plan to provide sensitive taxpayer information to DHS to locate suspected undocumented immigrants and led a letter to IRS and DHS leadership raising the alarm on reports that DHS and the Department of Government Efficiency had illegally requested this information.
    Audio of Senator Padilla’s remarks is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Shark attack at Port Noarlunga

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are at the scene of a shark attack at Port Noarlunga.

    About 9.45am today (Thursday 15 May), emergency services were called to the Port Noarlunga jetty after reports that a man swimming in the water had been bitten by a shark.

    He was helped from the water and treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

    Swimmers have been evacuated from the water.

    Please avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Pesticides & Veterinary Drugs into the United States

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: California Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Pesticides & Veterinary Drugs into the United States

    Ruben Montes, of Calexico, California, was sentenced in federal court to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay $12,710 in forfeiture for conspiring to smuggle and distribute more than $3 million worth of Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs that are not approved for use in the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EverGen Infrastructure Corp. Announces Receipt of TSX Venture Exchange Final Approval of Real Property Sale and Update to Previously Announced Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverGen Infrastructure Corp. (“EverGen” or the “Company”) (TSXV: EVGN) is pleased to announced that, further to its press release dated March 17, 2025, the purchase and sale agreement dated March 13, 2025 with an effective date of February 28, 2025 (the “Agreement”) between 2065947 Alberta Ltd. and James Betts (collectively, the “Purchasers”) and Fraser Valley Biogas Ltd. (the “Vendor”), a subsidiary of the Company, has received final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”).

    The Agreement was entered into in connection with the disposition of certain real property having a municipal address of 2016 Interprovincial Highway, Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 2H8 and legally described as Parcel Identifier: 010-837-906, Lot 79, Section 13, Township 19, New Westminster District Plan 4211 (the “Property”) by the Vendor to the Purchasers (the “Transaction”) for a total purchase price of $2,620,000 (the “Purchase Price”), with $870,000 (the “Deferred Amount”) to be paid by the Purchasers upon the completion of the sale of a separate property owned by the Purchasers on or prior to December 31, 2025, though the sale is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of May 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of the Transaction provide that certain buildings, structures and equipment situated on the Property and the Company’s existing lease agreements are not included in the Purchase Price.

    In accordance with the terms of the Transaction, the Vendor has leased a portion of the Property from the Purchaser for a term of up to 20 years. The Vendor will pay $186,000 in rent to the Purchasers, calculated on an annual basis, though the amount of rent payable will be reduced to $124,236, calculated on an annual basis, during the time period when the Deferred Amount is outstanding. Additionally, the Purchasers were also assigned a lease between the Vendor and a third-party in respect of a portion of the Property and as a result, certain existing lease payments will now be directed to the Purchasers.

    As James Bett’s is the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, the Transaction involves a Non-Arm’s Length Party (as such term is defined under the polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) and constitutes a “related party transaction” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company is relying on the exemption from the valuation requirement pursuant to Section 5.5(b) (Issuer Not Listed on Specified Markets) of MI 61-101 and from the minority shareholder approval requirement prescribed by Section 5.7(1)(a) (Fair Market Value Not More Than 25 Percent of Market Capitalization) of MI 61-101 as of the time of the Agreement in respect of the Transaction.

    Financing Update

    Further to the Company’s press release dated April 23, 2025, EverGen wishes to provide an update on the previously announced share purchase and reorganization agreement with Ask America, LLC (the “Share Purchase and Reorganization Agreement”) and the connected private placement of common shares of the Company for total gross proceeds of up to CAD$7,000,000 (the “Private Placement”). Subject to final TSXV approval, all material conditions precedent that may be satisfied prior to closing of the Agreement have been satisfied, including receipt of the requisite shareholder approvals, and the Company anticipates closing as soon as final TSXV approval is received.

    About EverGen Infrastructure Corp.

    EverGen, Canada’s Renewable Natural Gas Infrastructure Platform, is combating climate change and helping communities contribute to a sustainable future. Headquartered on the West Coast of Canada, EverGen is an established independent renewable energy producer which acquires, develops, builds, owns and operates a portfolio of Renewable Natural Gas, waste to energy, and related infrastructure projects. EverGen is focused on Canada, with continued growth expected across other regions in North America and beyond.

    For more information about EverGen Infrastructure Corp. and our projects, please visit www.evergeninfra.com.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes”, and or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, regulatory, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the delay or failure to receive required approvals (including shareholder, board, third party, TSXV and regulatory approvals); the timing of completion of the sale of a separate property owned by the Purchasers in relation to the payment of the Deferred Amount; and the closing of the Share Purchase and Reorganization Agreement and the Private Placement, including the acceptance of the TSXV of the Private Placement. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, EverGen assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws.

    Contacts
    EverGen Infrastructure Corp.
    Co-founder & CEO
    Mischa Zajtmann
    604-202-7004
    mischa@evergeninfra.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police respond to disorderly group in Beachlands

    Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority

    15 May 2025

    The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police largely acted within their powers when dealing with a group of young men who were being disorderly in Beachlands on 11 November 2023.

    After attending a couple of parties, the young men were moving around the central area of Beachlands in a disruptive manner. At around 3:00am, a resident called Police to complain a group of intoxicated men were tipping over rubbish bins and being verbally abusive.

    Three officers initially responded, with nine other officers arriving to assist during the hour-long incident. Officers described the young men as being extremely intoxicated, fighting amongst themselves, and being belligerent towards Police. Officers used a variety of tactics to attempt to control and defuse the situation. Five of the young men were arrested; one was charged with fighting in a public place and assaulting Police, and the other four were given formal warnings.

    The Authority conducted an independent investigation into the matter and is satisfied that Police acted within their powers and used reasonable and justified force to take the young men into custody.

    One of the officers kicked a young man in the vicinity of his head while he was handcuffed and lying on the ground. The Authority was not convinced the officer gave a complete account of his recollection of the incident. However, on the evidence, we could not conclude that the kick was intentional. The officer has since resigned from NZ Police.

    Officers failed to follow the correct process when issuing the formal warnings. Therefore, the formal warnings were invalid. As a result of the shortcomings regarding this process, the formal warnings were set aside and messaging was disseminated to Police staff to ensure compliance with policy.

    Public Report 

    Police respond to disorderly group in Beachlands (PDF 385 KB)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: IPCA investigations relating to the conduct of former Deputy Commissioner McSkimming

    Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority

    15 May 2025

    The Independent Police Conduct Authority is investigating allegations of misconduct by former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, following a complaint from a member of the public.

    This comprises oversight of a Police investigation into whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing by Mr McSkimming and a review of whether there has been any related non-criminal misconduct.

    In addition, the Authority is conducting an independent investigation into whether there has been misconduct or neglect of duty by any other Police officer or employee in the course of responding to the allegations.

    The Authority will be making no further comment on these investigations until they are concluded. They are being given priority, but no timeframe for their completion date can be given.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Pesticides & Veterinary Drugs into the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Ruben Montes, of Calexico, California, was sentenced today in federal court to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay $12,710 in forfeiture for conspiring to smuggle and distribute more than $3 million worth of Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs that are not approved for use in the United States.

    “A secure border is vital to ensuring the health and safety of Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who violate our environmental and customs laws and jeopardize the health and safety of our citizens.”

    “Bringing in and selling pesticides and veterinary drugs illegally puts both people and the environment at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “These unregulated products can be harmful to animals, insects, and humans. Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who chooses profit over public safety.”

    According to filings and evidence presented in court, Montes coordinated the smuggling of pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States since 2020. The primary pesticides involved were Taktic and Bovitraz, which are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States. The smuggled veterinary drugs included Tylocet, Terramicina, Tetragent Ares and Catarrol, which are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States.

    Montes requested that his co-conspirators bring pesticides and veterinary drugs — unavailable for purchase in the United States — from Mexico into the United States. Montes and his co-conspirators brought them into the United States without declaring them at the border. He and his co-conspirators then hid the pesticides and veterinary drugs in storage units in Calexico and retrieved them for distribution throughout the United States. Specifically, Montes and his co-defendant Gutierrez, who remains at large, supplied most of the pesticides and veterinary drugs to individuals charged in another case, United States v. Toledo, et. al., (case number 22-cr-1965-JAH, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California). Montes was also involved in shipping about 150 packages of unapproved products to another co-conspirator in Texas.

    According to the EPA, the active ingredient in the pesticides Taktic and Bovitraz is amitraz, which is toxic to bees if released into hives, and then ultimately to humans when it ends up in honey, honeycomb, and beeswax. Misuse of amitraz-containing products in beehives can result in exposures that could cause neurological effects and possibly reproductive effects in humans from the consumption of contaminated honey. Signs of neurotoxicity from exposure to amitraz have been documented in multiple animal species and include central nervous system depression, decrease in pulse rate, and hypothermia.

    Assistant Section Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabet Brown for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling the housing emergency

    Source: Scottish Government

    Increasing housing supply and reducing temporary accommodation use.

    A range of measures have been taken by the Scottish Government to increase investment in housebuilding and help reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation since declaring a housing emergency last year.

    Actions taken in the last year include:

    • Investing £600 million in affordable housing in 2024/25. £40 million of which was used to purchase properties and bring empty social homes back into use.
    • Helping to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation in 12 council areas, according to the latest figures.
    • Making an additional £1 million available to Registered Social Landlords and third sector organisations to prevent homelessness and support people to stay in rented accommodation.
    • Boosting supply through other funding models, including the Charitable Bonds programme which has seen investment of £46m in the past year, supporting the delivery of 325 homes.

    Further action will be taken in the coming year to continue to tackle the housing emergency and ensure more people can access a safe and affordable home, including:

    • Investing £768 million in this financial year in affordable housing, which will support the delivery of 8,000 homes for social and mid-market rent and low-cost home ownership.
    • Providing local authorities with £15 billion this financial year for a range of services, including in homelessness services.
    • £2 million invested through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to continue to reduce the number of privately owned empty homes.

    Commenting, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

    “Providing everyone in Scotland the right to a warm, safe and affordable home is essential to our key priority of eradicating child poverty. The measures we have taken have meant increased investment in the affordable housing sector and fewer families living in temporary accommodation.

    “As a result of our actions, an estimated more than 2,600 households with children have been helped into affordable housing in the year up to December 2024.

    “We have delivered 136,000 affordable homes, with 97,000 of those for social rent, between 2007 and the end of December 2024. We are also working to identify and turn around empty private and social homes and encouraging more funding streams into the sector through our Housing Investment Taskforce.

    “It is encouraging that we are seeing a reduction in families in temporary accommodation in some local authority areas. However, we know there is more to do which is why we have increased the affordable housing budget for this financial year by £200 million to £768 million. In the longer term we will also introduce homelessness prevention measures and a system of long-term rent controls in our Housing Bill.

    “We are determined to tackle the housing emergency and ensure that everyone in Scotland can have somewhere to call home.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –