NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Free trivia spots to try in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • Canberra has lots of venues that offer weekly trivia.
    • This story lists over 15 Canberra venues that host trivia.

    Looking for a fun and free way to catch up with mates? Trivia nights are the perfect answer.

    Whether you’re a pop-culture junkie, history buff or you just want a laugh, trivia is a great way to spend time with family or friends and not break the bank.

    There are many Canberra venues that offer free trivia. We’ve rounded up over 15 great spots to try across the city, from Monday to Thursday.

    MONDAY

    Hopscotch, Braddon

    Enjoy two hours of fun-filled trivia every Monday and Wednesday at 7pm.

    Monday’s trivia is hosted by Fame Trivia, and Wednesday’s by Quiz Meisters.

    The Pedlar, Campbell

    Compete for prizes at The Pedlar’s trivia, every Monday at 7pm.

    PJs in the City, Canberra City

    Grab your work mates and head from the office to the pub for some Monday night trivia.

    There are prizes to win, great food to eat and lots of fun to be had.

    TUESDAY

    The Lighthouse Pub, Belconnen

    Lighthouse offers general trivia every Tuesday night. Register at 7pm for 7:30pm start.

    Both winners and those who come second last get a prize. There will also be drink giveaways during the game.

    The Durham Castle Arms, Kingston

    Flex your mental muscles at the Durham’s trivia, hosted every Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7:30pm.

    Keep an eye out for a themed night. They recently hosted a ‘Simpsons’ trivia.

    The Hellenic Club, Woden 

    Enjoy trivia every Tuesday at 7pm at the Woden club.

    There’s food and beverage prizes, and the chance to play for a cash jackpot.

    The Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham

    Head down to one of Canberra’s oldest pubs for a bit of IQ Trivia.

    Trivia is on every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm.

    Verity Lane Market, Canberra City

    Enjoy Fame Trivia every Tuesday night at Verity Lane, from 6pm-8pm.

    Have a laugh, eat some great food and win some prizes!

    WEDNESDAY

    3rd Space, Hackett

    Italian and Trivia? Yes please.

    Every Wednesday from 7pm enjoy a two-hour quiz at 3rd Space featuring on-screen videos and interactive live games.

    The Alby, Woden

    Southsiders can enjoy trivia every Wednesday at 7pm at The Alby.

    There will be prizes, giveaways and great food.

    To All My Friends, Cook

    This cosy pub at Cook shops offers trivia every Wednesday night at 7pm.

    Tables book up fast so book a table for you and your mates in advance.

    The Duxton, O’Connor

    Enjoy trivia every Wednesday at The Duxton. Arrive at 6;30pm for a 7pm start.

    Food and drinks are available to enjoy while you play.

    Bookings are essential. Reserve a table.

    The Hellenic Club, Canberra City

    Put your brain to the test at Hellenic Club in the city every Wednesday at 7pm.

    There’s food and beverage prizes, and the chance to play for a cash jackpot.

    THURSDAY

    Casey Jones Pub, Gungahlin

    Test your knowledge at Casey Jones’ trivia every Thursday night at 7pm.

    There will be great prizes to win.

    Gang Gang, Downer

    Enjoy wonderful woodfired pizzas and trivia at Gang Gang, every Thursday night at 7pm.

    This trivia covers everything from pop culture, politics, geography, musical clues, movie clues, and more!

    Mooseheads, Canberra City

    Larry from Fame Trivia hosts Mooseheads’ trivia every Thursday night.

    Challenge your knowledge and win awesome prizes.

    Although these dates and times were correct at the time of publishing, please ensure you always check with the venue for up-to-date information and timeframes.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salem Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A Salem, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Friday for possessing and trafficking more than 40 pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.

    Rico Anthony Russell Rigutto, 46, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

    According to court documents, on December 14, 2021, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, investigators arranged a controlled buy of counterfeit oxycodone pills from Rigutto. Investigators observed him arrive and depart the meeting location, after which they conducted a traffic stop on Rigutto.  

    Investigators searched Rigutto’s vehicle and seized approximately 3,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and a firearm with a machine gun conversion switch. Machine gun switches, sometimes referred to as “Glock switches,” are small attachments used to convert firearms from semi-automatic to fully-automatic.

    Later the same day, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant on Rigutto’s residence. During the search, investigators located and seized 20,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, 28 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of heroin, approximately $100,000 in cash, and fifteen firearms, including an AR-15 rifle and another handgun with a conversion switch.

    On January 19, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Rigutto with possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin with the intent to distribute and possessing a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    On April 18, 2023, Rigutto pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. However, on March 5, 2024, Rigutto failed to appear for his sentencing and an arrest warrant was issued.

    On August 2, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) located and arrested Rigutto for failing to appear. USMS also found a firearm during the arrest.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

    If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

    If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: On Fox, Cornyn Discusses Co-Chairing Hearing on Alleged Biden Health Cover-Up, Big Beautiful Bill Coming to the Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    DALLAS – Today on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his efforts 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, including Sen. Cornyn’s recent letter to the Department of Justice calling for an investigation and an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing he will lead alongside Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), as well as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which the Senate is expected to begin processing next week. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    On the Upcoming Hearing on the Alleged Cover-Up of Biden’s Decline:

    CORNYN: “We need to get past the failures of the media, which were legend as you pointed out, or the political issue of ‘Were you for Biden or against Biden?’ This is about a constitutional crisis, where we basically have a mentally incompetent president who’s not in charge.”

    “The question is: Who is in charge? Whose finger is on the nuclear button or has the nuclear codes? Who can declare war? How do we defend the nation when we have basically an absent president? And those are Constitutional issues we need to address and correct.”

    CAIN: “You’re not one known for inflammatory language, respectfully, and so when I hear you say today we have a Constitutional crisis and ‘Whose finger was on the nuclear button,’ literally, who was responsible for war and peace is the right, exact question to be asking about what happened in this country.”

    CORNYN: “That’s why we’ve asked Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, to look into this to see what federal laws have been violated.”

    “Congress’ responsibility is actually bigger than just that. It is to provide oversight and to make sure that there’s more transparency for future presidents so we understand how this happened and how can we prevent it from happening again.”

    On Senate Considering the One Big Beautiful Bill:

    “We have 53 Republicans, and we need to get to the magic number 51, which means that we’re going to have to get virtually everybody on board. But I think building on what the House has done, in terms of savings—Elon Musk and DOGE have identified incredible examples of egregious misspent taxpayer dollars.”

    “Rescissions and the like— there is a lot of work that we can do to build on what the House did and get it to the President.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Tracking crime from the cradle: why some people keep breaking the law while most of us never do

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ayda Kuluk, PhD Candidate in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University

    Alena Lom/Shutterstock

    A major Australian study tracking more than 80,000 Queenslanders from birth to adulthood reveals stark differences between men and women in patterns of criminal behaviour.

    These patterns offer insights into effective crime prevention strategies.

    Our findings point to a clear takeaway: most people will never seriously come into contact with the criminal justice system. But for the small proportion who do, their paths into crime are shaped early and differently for men and women.

    That means crime prevention efforts need to start earlier and be tailored to the experiences of those most at risk.

    A rare opportunity

    Our research followed more than 83,000 people born in Queensland in 1983 and 1984, and linked their early life records with official police data to understand who offended and how their patterns changed over time.

    Few studies worldwide have followed such a large population from childhood through to early adulthood.

    This gave us a unique opportunity to examine not just if people committed crime but when, how often and the types and seriousness of their offences.

    Most people don’t offend but some do – repeatedly

    The clearest finding was also the most reassuring: the vast majority of people never commit serious offences.

    That means efforts to prevent crime can be more precisely targeted, ensuring interventions focus on a smaller, high-risk group rather than the general population.

    Non-offending was most prevalent, but five distinct offending groups for both men and women were identified.

    Among men, these ranged from those who rarely offended to a small group that started early and continued into adulthood, and another that mostly offended during adolescence but later stopped.

    In contrast, most women fell into the low or non-offending groups. Only a small proportion followed a pattern of serious or repeat offending.

    These trajectories were categorised as follows:

    Women:

    • non-offending: 79.9%
    • adolescent-limited low: 8.5%
    • adult-onset low: 8.6%
    • early adult-onset escalating: 1.3%
    • early onset young adult peak: 1.4%
    • chronic early adult peak: 0.4%

    Men:

    • non-offending: 54.4%
    • low: 31.0%
    • early adult-onset low: 6.5%
    • early onset young adult peak: 4.8%
    • chronic adolescent-onset: 2.2%
    • chronic early adult peak: 1.1%

    Among the women who did offend, there were notable differences compared to men – not just in frequency but in the types of offences, how often they had contact with police and their experience with youth detention.

    Patterns differ by sex

    For boys and young men, those in the persistent offending group had earlier and more frequent contact with police, were more likely to face serious charges and often experienced youth detention.

    For girls and young women, fewer entered the system overall but those with repeat contact showed distinct patterns: their offences tended to differ from those of men, with a greater focus on property-related crimes as well as drug and traffic violations, rather than the more frequent violent crimes seen among young men.

    While they were less likely to be detained, their level of system contact was higher than that of most men in the low offending group.

    These differences suggest sex shapes not just the likelihood of offending, but the nature of offending and how people interact with the justice system.

    One-size-fits-all crime prevention won’t work

    Our findings suggest a nuanced approach to crime prevention – one that recognises both the gendered nature of offending and the early life experiences that shape it.

    For boys and young men, this could mean early identification of behavioural issues, stronger support in schools and support to create stable, safe home environments.

    For girls and young women, more effective interventions might involve trauma-informed care (an approach that acknowledges past trauma and prioritises safety, trust and empowerment), along with tailored mental health support and services focused on recovery.

    These gender-sensitive approaches are not just about being fair, they’re about being effective and equitable. When we better understand the roots of offending behaviour, we can design policies that reduce it.

    Why early intervention matters

    It’s easy to think of crime as something that starts with a police report or a court appearance. But the conditions for offending, or avoiding it, are often set much earlier.

    Here are two real-life examples.

    What if we saw a child’s aggression at school not as “bad behaviour” but as a red flag for family violence at home? What if a teenage girl’s shoplifting was a symptom of trauma or mental illness?

    This research reinforces the value of early, targeted intervention.

    That doesn’t just mean more programs, it means smarter programs, ones that focus resources on those most at risk in ways that match their lived experience.

    Our study is one of the most comprehensive of its kind in Australia. It confirms that while most people never offend, a small group follow early, distinct pathways into crime.

    Recognising these patterns gives us a powerful opportunity: to design earlier and more targeted prevention. That means fewer people in the justice system and healthier, safer communities for everyone.

    If we want to stop crime before it starts, we need to start early, and we need to pay attention to the very different paths children may be on.

    Ayda Kuluk does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Tracking crime from the cradle: why some people keep breaking the law while most of us never do – https://theconversation.com/tracking-crime-from-the-cradle-why-some-people-keep-breaking-the-law-while-most-of-us-never-do-257130

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump administration gives Harvard 30 days to contest int’l students ban

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

    This photo taken on May 24, 2025 shows a view of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. Trump administration is giving Harvard 30 days to contest U.S. Justice Department’s ban on the university’s enrolling international students, according to a “Notice of Intent to Withdraw” it from the Student and Exchange Visitor’s Program filed with U.S. government on Thursday.

    The five-page notice included reasons why the government was stopping the college from hosting foreign students and gave the school 30 days to respond with a sworn statement or other evidence “to rebut the alleged grounds for withdrawal.”

    In the meantime, U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs said that she will order the Department of Homeland Security and State Department not to make any changes to Harvard’s student visa program indefinitely.

    Burroughs said, “I want to maintain the status quo,” to allow Harvard to continue hosting international students on visas at this time.

    Burroughs has told Harvard’s lawyers and the Justice Department lawyers to work out an agreement to stop the revocation of the student visa program for the time being.

    “It doesn’t need to be draconian, but I want to make sure it’s worded in such a way that nothing changes,” she said.

    Harvard says it is being unfairly retaliated against. Whereas the Justice Department says that’s not true, and they will allow for additional administrative proceedings with the university over the student visa program.

    By issuing the notice, the Trump administration was trying to defuse the situation before the court’s crucial hearing and decision for Harvard’s international student population, local media reported Thursday.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the ban on May 22. “Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” she said.

    Noem then shared a letter addressed to Harvard, explaining the decision was due to the school’s “insufficient response” to the administration’s requests to limit the power of students and faculty over its actions and to immediately report foreign students who violate campus conduct.

    She noted the school may regain its certification by supplying U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with criminal records relating to “nonimmigrant” students at the school.

    But Harvard President Alan Garber refused to comply with the government requirements, saying institutions need to double down on their “commitment to the good of the nation” and be firm in what they stand for.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US federal judge halts policy banning Harvard University from enrolling international students

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

    This photo taken on May 24, 2025 shows a view of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A U.S. federal judge on Thursday extended a Temporary Restraining Order on Trump Administration’s policy that aimed to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students.

    Temporary Restraining Order “will remain in place” while parties confer and submit either a joint proposed preliminary injunction order or individual proposed orders for the judge to consider, after which time a final preliminary injunction order will be issued, according to court document from the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

    Judge Allison Burroughs held a hearing on the case Thursday morning.

    On May 22, the Homeland Security Department announced the revocation of Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, effectively barring the university from enrolling international students.

    On May 23, Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over this policy. On the same day, Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s ban, requiring that the status quo be maintained until a hearing could be held.

    Before the hearing on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department submitted a notice to the court. This document, dated May 28, was issued by the Homeland Security Department to Harvard. The notice stated that the Trump administration would give Harvard 30 days to contest the policy. CNN reported that this move marked a shift in the administration’s previously hardline stance on the issue following judicial intervention.

    At the same time, the Trump administration continued to exert pressure on Harvard. On Wednesday, Trump stated that the proportion of foreign students at Harvard should be limited to about 15 percent. Additionally, Trump reiterated his demand for the university to submit a list of its foreign students.

    According to data from Harvard University, as of the fall semester of 2023, international students accounted for more than 27 percent of the total student population. Currently, Harvard enrolls nearly 6,800 international students and scholars from over 140 countries and regions, most of whom are pursuing graduate programs.

    The revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll international students is one of the latest moves by the Trump administration to pressure the university. Previously, Harvard had billions of dollars in funds frozen after refusing the government’s demands for significant reforms to its governance structure, hiring practices, and admissions policies.

    The Trump administration also threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status and launched multiple investigations into the university.

    Since returning to the White House, Trump has targeted several U.S. universities, warning that failure to adjust their policies would result in funding cuts. Key demands from the Trump administration include eradicating anti-Semitism on campus and eliminating diversity initiatives favoring minority groups.

    U.S. public opinion widely believes that the Trump administration has focused on institutions like Harvard because Republicans view these universities as strongholds of leftist liberals or Democrats.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed, Warren, Wyden Urge Investigation to Determine if DOGE Employees’ Committed Criminal Violations of Federal Ethics Laws

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Government Ethics (OGE), and Inspector Generals at the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) urging their offices to investigate whether Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees broke the law by working to dismantle government agencies while holding hundreds of thousands of dollars in private companies. The lawmakers are Ranking Members of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Senate Armed Services Committee; and Senate Finance Committee, respectively. 

    “These DOGE employees’ conflicts of interest and role in the mass firings at CFPB, Treasury, and IRS undermine the integrity of their decision-making and the actions taken by the agencies where they work,” the three senators wrote.

    Recent reporting by Politico revealed that Tom Krause, the leader of the Treasury’s DOGE team, has financial holdings worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in companies like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, PNC, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Santander—all companies that have business before Treasury or provide services to the Department. Krause has also been responsible for leading Treasury’s efforts to modernize the Treasury’s IT and financial infrastructure while owning shares of big tech companies like Google, Oracle, and Amazon. 

    Krause and two other Treasury employees, Todd Newnam and Linda Whitridge, also own shares of Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, which for years has attempted to sabotage the IRS Direct File program. Direct File allows taxpayers to file their taxes for free and directly with the IRS instead of using private sector programs like TurboTax. In recent months, DOGE fired the program’s development team and the Trump administration has reportedly decided to end the program. 

    “It would be deeply disturbing if DOGE employees with a financial stake in Intuit were involved with overseeing and dismantling the Direct File initiative, which would directly benefit Intuit and these employees’ financial holdings,” the lawmakers wrote. 

    ProPublica also recently reported that Gavin Kliger, a DOGE aid at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), was warned by ethics officials that he held stock in companies that “employees are forbidden from owning.” These holdings include as much as $715,000 of investments in barred companies such as Apple Inc., Tesla Inc., Alphabet Inc., and two cryptocurrencies, all companies subject to investigation by the CFPB. Three days later, despite ethics officials’ warnings, Kliger participated in layoffs at the agency, including firing the ethics lawyers that warned him of his conflicts. 

    At least one expert has described Mr. Kliger’s actions as “look[ing] like a pretty clear-cut violation’” of the federal criminal conflict-of-interest statute, which could carry a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison. 

    “Together, these three examples underscore what appears to be a pervasive problem with Elon Musk and DOGE employees trampling ethics rules and laws to benefit their own pockets at the expense of the American public,” wrote the senators. 

    The senators called on the DOJ, OGE, and Inspectors Generals of the Treasury, Office for Tax Administration, and the Federal Reserve to investigate the legality of these employees’ conflicts and whether they have violated federal ethics laws. 

    “Neither Mr. Musk nor those working on his behalf in DOGE are above the law, and if they have failed to follow it, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other relevant government officials should act to hold them accountable,” the senators concluded.

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Dear Attorney General Bondi, Acting Director Greer, Ms. Sciurba, Ms. Hill, and Mr. Gibson:

    We write regarding new reports that DOGE employees at the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have been engaged in the dismantling of these agencies while holding hundreds of thousands of dollars of stock in private companies benefitting from these individuals’ efforts to eliminate key programs, staff, and policies. This poses a clear conflict of interest and potential criminal violation of federal ethics law, which bars any Federal government employee from “participat[ing] personally and substantially…[in any] particular matter in which [they] … ha[ve] a financial interest.” A willful violation of the law would subject these individuals to a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison. We request that your offices investigate this matter.

    Neither Mr. Musk nor those working on his behalf with DOGE are above the law, and if they have failed to follow it, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other relevant government officials should hold them accountable.

    First, earlier this month, reporting revealed that Tom Krause, the leader of Treasury’s DOGE team and top official overseeing Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, has financial holdings worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in companies that have business before Treasury or provide services to the Department. Some of Mr. Krause’s holdings—including hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of shares of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, PNC, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Santander—are in financial institutions that provide financial services to and purchase U.S. debt securities directly from Treasury. In addition, Mr. Krause has also been responsible for leading Treasury’s efforts to “modernize its IT and financial infrastructure,” despite owning shares of big tech firms like Google, Oracle, and Amazon. Experts have described this as “a massive, glaring red flag of a conflict of interest.”

    Second, the same report also indicated that Mr. Krause and two other Treasury DOGE team members—Todd Newnam and Linda Whitridge—own shares of Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, which has been engaged in a years’ long attempt to sabotage the IRS’ free tax filing program, “Direct File.” This easy-to-use program allows taxpayers to file their taxes for free and directly with the IRS, rather than use private sector tax preparation software like TurboTax. Troublingly, the program has been targeted for elimination by DOGE: months after Musk posted that DOGE had “deleted” a team that contributed to Direct File’s development, reports surfaced that the Trump Administration had decided to end the program. It would be deeply disturbing if DOGE employees with a financial stake in Intuit were involved with overseeing and dismantling the Direct File initiative, which would directly benefit Intuit and these employees’ financial holdings.

    Third, last month, ProPublica reported that Gavin Kliger, a DOGE aide at the CFPB, was warned by ethics attorneys “that he held stock in companies that employees are forbidden from owning — and was advised not to participate in any actions that could benefit him personally.” These holdings include as much as $715,000 of investments in barred companies such as Apple Inc., Tesla Inc., Alphabet Inc., and two cryptocurrencies. These companies are on the CFPB’s “Prohibited Holding” list since they are “subject to examination by the Bureau.”

    Three days later, Mr. Kliger “participated in mass layoffs at the agency anyway, including the firings of the ethics lawyers that warned him” of his conflicts. The conflicts are obvious: “a defanged and downsized consumer watchdog is unlikely to aggressively regulate those and other companies, freeing them of compliance costs and the risk associated with examinations and enforcement actions. That in turn could boost their stock prices and benefit … Kliger.” At least one expert has described Mr. Kliger’s actions as “look[ing] like a pretty clear-cut violation’” of the federal criminal conflict-of-interest statute

    Together, these three examples underscore what appears to be a pervasive problem with Elon Musk and DOGE employees trampling ethics rules and laws to benefit their own pockets at the expense of the American public. These DOGE employees’ conflicts of interest and role in the mass firings at CFPB, Treasury, and IRS undermine the integrity of their decision-making and the actions taken by the agencies where they work.

    To be clear, there continues to be uncertainty about the specific circumstances surrounding these individuals’ conflicts, including whether they may have divested from some or all of their conflicted holdings, whether their actions may have constituted involvement in “particular matters” that will have a “direct and predictable effect” on their financial interests, or whether they may have received waivers from relevant Designated Agency Ethics Officials or White House officials. But the American people deserve answers regarding whether their own interests may have been undermined by Trump Administration officials that acted in violation of federal ethics laws.

    Given these open questions, we ask that your offices investigate this matter. The Treasury Inspector General (Treasury IG), Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and Inspector General of the Federal Reserve (Fed IG) should conduct a broad review of whether these and other DOGE representatives may have engaged in illegal or inappropriate efforts at the Treasury, IRS, and CFPB. The Department of Justice (DOJ) should investigate whether these and other DOGE representatives may have violated federal ethics law by abusing their official roles for the benefit of private companies in which they have a vested financial interest. We also ask that the Office of Government Ethics examine this matter and recommend any potential violations for appropriate enforcement action.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Van Hollen Urge GAO to Continue Investigating Administration’s Withholding of Congressionally Appropriated Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, have sent a letter to the U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to continue to investigate the Administration’s withholding of Congressionally appropriated funds. The GAO has the authority to determine whether the Administration is violating the Impoundments Control Act by illegally withholding funds, and the Senators’ letter follows GAO’s recent finding that the Department of Transportation was in fact doing so. In their letter, the Senators press GAO to continue working on the 39 cases and counting of potentially illegal impoundments it has identified and stress that the GAO must move forward with or without the Administration’s cooperation.

    “As members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we have tracked with growing alarm the pauses and cancellation of federal funding across agencies since the start of the Trump Administration. We have noted at least $430 billion in funding has been blocked, an amount equivalent to nearly a third of the discretionary budget,” the Senators begin.

    “Agencies were required to submit spend plans for fiscal year 2025 on April 29, but most did not supply plans or provided insufficient detail to allow the Committee to ensure they are allocating resources in accordance with the law. The Administration has also stopped publicly posting apportionment documents as required by the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2023, weakening Congress’s ability to conduct effective oversight,” they continue.

    “In a Committee hearing on April 29, you testified that the GAO has 39 ongoing investigations into potentially illegal impoundments. […] In your testimony on April 29, you indicated that in some cases you were waiting on information from agencies on their justifications for funding freezes. We appreciate that GAO works to ascertain intent as part of any investigation under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), and that your good faith requests for information from the Administration allow you to obtain a fuller picture of the circumstances surrounding a withholding. […] However, GAO was similarly stonewalled by the prior Trump Administration, when the Office of Management and Budget and the State Department failed to provide necessary information about potential impoundments of Foreign Military Financing Funds. GAO noted then, and we agree, that the delay in response had “constitutional significance” as it obstructed an investigation that Congress delegated to GAO under the ICA,” they note.

    The Senators go on to urge, “As Congress begins deliberations on the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, it is critical that we understand how the Administration is executing current law, and whether, through programmatic delay or illegal impoundment, funds are in danger of expiring without obligation. If the Administration is breaking the law without consequence, the fundamental separation of powers and Congressional power of the purse is under serious threat. We encourage you to continue to report to Congress as quickly as possible on any violations of the ICA. In the event of a violation, Congress has also invested GAO with the authority to file suit to ensure funds are spent in accordance with the law.”

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Comptroller Dodaro,

    As members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we have tracked with growing alarm the pauses and cancellation of federal funding across agencies since the start of the Trump Administration. We have noted at least $430 billion in funding has been blocked, an amount equivalent to nearly a third of the discretionary budget.

    Agencies were required to submit spend plans for fiscal year 2025 on April 29, but most did not supply plans or provided insufficient detail to allow the Committee to ensure they are allocating resources in accordance with the law. The Administration has also stopped publicly posting apportionment documents as required by the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2023, weakening Congress’s ability to conduct effective oversight.

    As the President enters his fifth month in office, the argument that programs are simply paused for review becomes increasingly less credible. In addition, executive orders and public statements from the President, his cabinet, and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency indicate a clear intention to stop funding for certain agencies and programs entirely. Those statements have frequently aligned with the cancellation of grants and contracts, indicating that they are implementing cuts in fiscal year 2025 in violation of appropriations law, rather than proposing cuts for fiscal year 2026 for Congressional consideration.

    As you know, Congress has authority under the Constitution to appropriate funds, and the Executive Branch must expend those funds as the law dictates. And as GAO has stated, “Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law.”

    In a Committee hearing on April 29, you testified that the GAO has 39 ongoing investigations into potentially illegal impoundments. We appreciate GAO’s completion of its first legal opinion, that the Department of Transportation violated the recording statute and the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) by improperly recording program liabilities and illegally withholding mandatory funds for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The NEVI program was authorized by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and, as you noted, “[t]he Constitution grants the President no unilateral authority to withhold funds from obligation.” We agree with your conclusion, and will expect the Department of Transportation to immediately make the withheld funds available to the states.

    In your testimony on April 29, you indicated that in some cases you were waiting on information from agencies on their justifications for funding freezes. We appreciate that GAO works to ascertain intent as part of any investigation under the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), and that your good faith requests for information from the Administration allow you to obtain a fuller picture of the circumstances surrounding a withholding.

    However, GAO was similarly stonewalled by the prior Trump Administration, when the Office of Management and Budget and the State Department failed to provide necessary information about potential impoundments of Foreign Military Financing Funds. GAO noted then, and we agree, that the delay in response had “constitutional significance” as it obstructed an investigation that Congress delegated to GAO under the ICA.

    GAO also noted, in its investigation of the illegal impoundment by the Department of Defense that occurred at the same time, that while OMB provided an explanation for the withholding, its explanation did not adequately justify the action. GAO said that “the burden to justify a withholding of budget authority rests with the executive branch.” You reiterated that in your decision on the Department of Transportation’s illegal withholding of NEVI program funds. In the absence of fulsome responses from the Administration, we encourage GAO to carefully examine the public record, including court records in cases filed against agencies, to inform your investigation into whether agencies are demonstrating the intent to illegally impound funds.

    As Congress begins deliberations on the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, it is critical that we understand how the Administration is executing current law, and whether, through programmatic delay or illegal impoundment, funds are in danger of expiring without obligation. If the Administration is breaking the law without consequence, the fundamental separation of powers and Congressional power of the purse is under serious threat.

    We encourage you to continue to report to Congress as quickly as possible on any violations of the ICA. In the event of a violation, Congress has also invested GAO with the authority to file suit to ensure funds are spent in accordance with the law.

    We appreciate the investigations GAO has already undertaken and your vital role in carrying out the ICA to ensure that the President faithfully executes the law as required by our Constitution. We look forward to your legal opinions and analysis of the Administration’s fiscal year 2025 implementation.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Meets with WA State Emergency Management Leaders, Hears How Trump’s Attacks on FEMA Threaten Emergency Response Ahead of Wildfire Season

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senators Murray, Merkley, WA & Oregon Fire Officials Lay Out How Trump is Putting Wildfire Preparedness & Response at Risk

    ***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL FROM EVENT HERE***

    ***AUDIO HERE***

    Sultan, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion with emergency management leaders in Washington state to hear about the impacts of the Trump administration’s attacks on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies, and how these changes are already affecting communities around the state as they respond and prepare for disasters. As climate change continues to increase the severity and unpredictability of natural disasters like wildfires, communities across Washington State need to be able to rely on help from the federal government to both respond to disasters and to prepare for them—but the Trump administration’s reckless and chaotic policy changes are putting that work in jeopardy. Joining Senator Murray for the roundtable were: Lucia Schmit, Emergency Management Director at Snohomish County; Julie de Losada, Chief of Emergency Management at Skagit County; Angel Cortez, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Tulalip Tribes; Hannah Cleverly, Washington State Emergency Management Association Secretary and Deputy Director at Grays Harbor County Emergency Management; Sharon Wallace, Deputy Director of the Washington State Emergency Management Division; Chandra Fox, Deputy Director at Spokane County Emergency Management; and Tony Miller, Director of Emergency Management at Yakima County.

    “I am incredibly grateful for all the work our emergency responders do to protect our families—whether it’s floods, tsunamis, wildfires, or mudslides—and I was glad to have the opportunity to hear from emergency management leaders today about the importance of planning and preparing for natural disasters before they strike,” said Senator Murray. “Unfortunately, we have a new administration that doesn’t understand that—and doesn’t seem to care if their policies put people in danger. Trump and his DHS Secretary want to eliminate FEMA completely. They are doing all they can to leave us less prepared by proposing to slash FEMA’s budget, pushing out thousands of employees, freezing funds that were already allocated, and cancelling BRIC grants and other critical programs. It is sending our communities reeling and creating painful and unnecessary chaos for disaster response efforts in Washington state and across the country. States rely on federal support, both to respond to disasters and prepare for them, and the Trump administration’s reckless policy changes have already put years of emergency management preparation work, and lives, at risk. I will keep shining a spotlight on how Trump’s senseless decisions to destroy our emergency management system are threatening the safety of our families and communities.”

    Under the Trump Administration, FEMA has undergone significant cuts to staff and funding reductions, leading to worries about the agency’s ability to respond and address disasters effectively. The Trump Administration has proposed to cut FEMA’s budget in the coming fiscal year, pushed out approximately 2,000 full-time staff, from terminations and employees participating in the deferred resignation program, roughly one-third of the total staff employed at the end of 2024, frozen over $100 billion in previously awarded FEMA grants and disaster assistance, and canceled the Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which supports states, local and territorial governments, and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk. BRIC has invested over $5 billion in projects nationwide, reducing harm from floods, wildfires, and more. Senator Murray recently led a letter with Senators Van Hollen, Tillis, and Murkowski urging Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson to reinstate the BRIC grant program—in Washington state, over $200 million in BRIC funding across 67 applications was impacted.

    “All disasters begin and end at the local level. This has always been true. But one of the things that makes this nation strong is how we all come together to help during the hard times,” said Lucia Schmit, Snohomish County Emergency Management Director. “When the slide buried the Steelhead Haven neighborhood and Highway 530 near Oso in 2014, killing 43, responders from over 120 organizations—including from other counties and states—waded into the mud. We were all able to work together because of the critical role the federal government plays in supporting a common emergency management system. To hazard that partnership courts disaster.”

    “I want to thank Senator Murray for her leadership at the federal level to ensure we are prepared for and can respond to emergencies of all types,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “Our county is no stranger to emergencies like landslide, floods, or fires. We live in a remarkably beautiful place, and that comes with the responsibility to limit risks and respond to needs in communities near powerful rivers, active volcanoes, and expansive forests. The federal government has been a key partner in that work, but proposed changes threaten to fracture that partnership. In the long run, I would expect reduced support for planning, mitigation, and recovery to cost our nation more, both in dollars and human suffering.”

    “Skagit County is facing increasingly complex threats such as coastal and riverine flooding, encroaching wildfires, and the potential for the Cascadian earthquake. We already have the frameworks in place to address these challenges with FEMA, but effective emergency management is only possible if federal agencies fulfill their obligation to being a reliable and enduring partner to local emergency responders. The federal government must not abandon communities during times of crisis, and we call on them to adhere to their responsibility to support local jurisdictions in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery,” said Julie de Losada, Skagit County Emergency Management Chief.

    “Tribes being a sovereign nation, each individually unique, comes with its own sets of challenges. The uncertainty of FEMA potentially being dismantled and pulling up critical funding leaves tribes in a position that makes it harder to implement mitigation strategies, plans, response and to recover in the event or prior to a disaster happening. Tribes also face a historical challenge with their local and state governments that you and I are both aware of,” said Angel Cortez, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Tulalip Tribes. “The reality of today is we need FEMA, and FEMA needs us. We need our states and local partners, and they need us too. None of us will be able to go through a major disaster alone. For disasters are not restricted to borders, political ideologies, or economic status.”

    “Whether you call it FEMA reform, change, restructuring, or transformation—what matters is that it’s thoughtful, strategic, incremental, and grounded in the real needs of our communities,” said Sharon Wallace, Deputy Director of Washington’s Emergency Management Division.

    “Effective and sustainable resilience in the face of wildland fire requires cooperation and collaboration across all levels of government.  We need to have engaged federal partners supporting our efforts in Public Education, Fuels Reduction, and Incident Management, as well as Response and Recovery,” said Chandra Fox, Deputy Director at Spokane County Emergency Management. “The Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program provides essential funding to Fire Agencies and community partners, directly supporting fuels reduction and home hardening efforts at the local level.  Without this funding opportunity, these efforts would be severely curtailed, limiting their effectiveness and reach.”

    Senator Murray is a leading voice pushing back against the Trump administration’s attacks on FEMA and other federal agencies, including NOAA and the U.S. Forest Service, that support disaster preparedness and response in Washington state and across the country. At a budget hearing, Senator Murray grilled Secretary Kristi Noem on the Department of Homeland Security’s sweeping funding freeze, including FEMA disaster relief and public safety grants, and its plans to weaken FEMA and recent denials of disaster declarations. Last week, Senator Murray led Washington state’s entire congressional delegation in a letter President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider the denial of Washington state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration as a result of the devastating windstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides caused by a bomb cyclone that struck Washington state in November 2024. Murray previously led the entire delegation in a letter urging President Biden to grant the request for a Major Disaster Declaration in January.

    Earlier this month, Senator Murray held a press conference with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and wildfire officials in Washington state and Oregon to sound the alarm on how the Trump administration’s funding freezes and punishing cuts to the workforce at the U.S. Forest Service and other key agencies are seriously undermining wildfire preparedness and response in Washington state and Oregon and putting communities at risk. Senator Murray is working to secure critical investments in wildfire suppression and mitigation—and in our firefighters. Last year, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she secured nearly $22 million in funding for wildfire risk reduction projects across Washington state as part of the USFS Wildfire Crisis Strategy. In the Interior and Environment appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2024, she worked to include essential investments in wildfire preparedness and suppression. And in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured $25 million in funding for wildfire mitigation projects across Washington state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Sexual assault – Karama

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 31-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault outside of a shopping centre in Karama overnight.

    About 12:20am, Police CCTV Operators observed a sexual assault occur on an unconscious female outside the shopping centre. The male fled the scene before police arrival.

    Strike Force Trident detectives responded and arrested the male at a residence nearby.

    The female victim was attended to by police.

    Sex Crimes Section has carriage of the investigation.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Seizure of 3D printed handguns

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Seizure of 3D printed handguns

    Friday, 30 May 2025 – 9:24 am.

    Police have seized two 3D printed handguns, ammunition and illicit drugs during a search of a Risdon Vale property.
    Officers from the Tasmania Police Southern Drugs and Firearms Unit, the Dog Handling Unit and specialist resources conducted the search on Thursday.
    As a result, a 29-year-old man has been charged with several drug-related offences, including possessing a controlled drug, possessing a controlled plant, cultivating a controlled plant and selling a controlled drug.
    He has also been charged with unlawful possession of property and with possessing ammunition when not the holder of an appropriate licence.
    Police investigations are continuing into the 3D printed firearms found at the property.
    Anyone with information about the possession of illegal firearms, or parts, can contact police on 131 444, or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays expected following crash, Māngere East

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a two car crash in Māngere East.

    The crash, at the intersection of Massey Road and Gray Avenue, was reported to Police at about 10.54am.

    At this stage there are no reports of injury.

    Motorists are being advised to expect delays or seek an alternative route while the scene is cleared.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Offender Is Sentenced To More Than 15 Years In Prison For Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. –Ronald Lee Peak, 45, of Hendersonville, N.C., was sentenced today to 188 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office, and Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.

    According to court records and court proceedings, law enforcement learned that Peak was distributing firearms and methamphetamine in and around Asheville and Hendersonville. Investigators used a confidential informant (CI) to purchase firearms and methamphetamine from Peak at least two times between July and August 2022. The first time Peak sold the CI a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number in Hendersonville, and later, sold 36.82 grams of methamphetamine in Asheville. The second time Peak sold the CI 27.175 grams of methamphetamine and a .32 caliber pistol.

    Peak pleaded guilty on August 16, 2024, to distribution of methamphetamine. Court records indicate Peak has prior state convictions and as a result he qualified for an increased sentence as a career offender. Peak will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons after he completes his state prison sentence.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Buncombe Country Sheriff’s Office, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Asheville Police Department 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 USA: DOE Announces New Supercomputer Powered by Dell and NVIDIA to Speed Scientific Discovery

    Source: US Department of Energy

    BERKELEY— During a visit to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced a new contract with Dell Technologies to develop NERSC-10, the next flagship supercomputer at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) user facility at Berkeley Lab. The new system, due in 2026, will be named after Jennifer Doudna, the Berkeley Lab-based biochemist who was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry in recognition of her work on the gene-editing technology CRISPR.

    The new supercomputer, a Dell Technologies system powered by NVIDIA’s next-generation Vera Rubin platform, will be engineered to support large-scale high-performance computing (HPC) workloads like those in molecular dynamics, high-energy physics, and AI training and inference—and provide a robust environment for the workflows that make cutting-edge science possible.  

    This announcement reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to restoring the gold standard of American science and unleashing the next great wave of innovation. Doudna will be one of the most advanced supercomputers ever deployed by the Department, advancing U.S. leadership in the global race for AI.

    “The Doudna system represents DOE’s commitment to advancing American leadership in science, AI, and high-performance computing,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “It will be a powerhouse for rapid innovation that will transform our efforts to develop abundant, affordable energy supplies and advance breakthroughs in quantum computing. AI is the Manhattan Project of our time, and Doudna will help ensure America’s scientists have the tools they need to win the global race for AI dominance.”

    “At Dell Technologies, we are empowering researchers worldwide by seamlessly integrating simulation, data, and AI to address the world’s most complex challenges,” said Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO, Dell Technologies. “Our collaboration with the Department of Energy on Doudna underscores a shared vision to redefine the limits of high-performance computing and drive innovation that accelerates human progress.”

    “Doudna is a time machine for science — compressing years of discovery into days,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Built together with DOE and powered by NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin platform, it will let scientists delve deeper and think bigger to seek the fundamental truths of the universe.”

    “The Doudna supercomputer is designed to accelerate a broad set of scientific workflows. We are collaborating with NVIDIA and Dell to prepare our 11,000 users to effectively use this system’s exciting new workflow capabilities,” said NERSC Director Sudip Dosanjh. “Doudna will be connected to DOE experimental and observational facilities through the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), allowing scientists to stream data seamlessly into the system from all parts of the country and to analyze it in near-real time.”

                                                                                                      ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The road leading up to introduction of bill S-2

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    Key Moments: 

    • In 2018 and 2019, there was a collaborative consultation process on reform with First Nations. Input was received from over 650 participants, representing 395 First Nation communities and/or a tribal councils. The conclusion was that Canada should work with First Nations to proactively address issues related to registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act.
    • In 2019, An Act to amend the Indian Act in response to the Superior Court of Quebec decision in Descheneaux c. Canada (Procureur général), Bill S-3, came into full force, eliminating various sex-based inequities in the registration provisions of the Indian Act. 
    • In 2020 the Final Report to Parliament on the Review of S-3 acknowledged that residual inequities still remained in the Indian Act. These included the impacts of a family history of enfranchisement on entitlement to registration, an inequity that exists to this day. 
    • In June 2021, on behalf of 16 individual plaintiffs, Juristes Power Law launched a Charter challenge seeking to end the inequities and exclusion faced by families descended from forebears who were enfranchised under earlier versions of the Indian Act. This is referred to as the Nicholas v. AGC civil claim. 
    • In March 2022, the litigation was placed in abeyance, in order to allow the parties to pursue an out of court legislative solution to end the ongoing impacts of enfranchisement. 
    • The Department held over 50 virtual engagement sessions, which included more than 300 participants, from August to December 2022. 
    • Further consultation with First Nations, Indigenous organizations who represent non-status First Nations, and other interested or impacted individuals, will be required to co-develop options to address the broader suite of remaining issues in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act.
    • On January 6, 2025, Bill C-38 died on the Order Paper, following Parliament dissolution due to the election.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Leg Up on the Mitre Flats

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Wairarapa Police are reminding hikers, as winter sets in, to ensure they dress for all weather eventualities.

    It comes after a woman injured her ankle hiking in the Tararua Ranges last week.

    Despite the pain of a fracture ankle, which happened during a fall about an hour out from “the Pines”, the woman was able to keep warm while help arrived.

    Detective Constable Richard Butler says the injured woman and her friend were well-equipped with overnight gear.

    “We always recommend hikers take warm clothing or a jacket, even if only going on a day walk, as conditions can change quickly.

    “A Personal Locator Beacon can also be a lifesaver when things don’t go to plan.

    “In this case, the injured woman’s friend was able to hike further along the track to obtain cell phone reception and call emergency services.”

    Wairarapa Search and Rescue volunteers deployed, along with an ambulance officer and a wheeled stretcher.

    Murray Johnston, Chairman of Wairarapa SAR, says the team were well-versed in rescues, but the more prepared people were for the outdoors, the better.

    “Our volunteers did a fantastic job, and wheeled the woman to safety for further medical treatment.

    “If you’re heading into the outdoors, our advice is enjoy yourself, but make sure you’re prepared in the event something happens.”

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Huge line-up for Spilt Milk Festival return

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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

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

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sergeant smells trouble after stopping driver on phone

    Source: New Zealand Police

    An officer patrolling the roads in Waiuku earlier this week got more than he bargained for after pulling over a motorist using his phone while driving.

    Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says the driver was signalled to stop on Kent Street after he was spotted using his cellphone while driving.

    “While speaking to the man the officer has noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

    “A search of the vehicle has then located eight bags of cannabis, weighing more than two kilograms, in the passengers footwell as well as a significant amount of cash.”

    Inspector Hoyes says a knife was also located in the man’s pocket.

    The 24-year-old man will reappear in Pukekohe District Court on 30 July charged with possession for supply of cannabis, possession of a knife in a public place and failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.

    “In the interest of road safety, the man was also issued with an infringement for using his mobile phone while driving.

    “This is yet another example of great Police work and keeping our community safe by removing these harmful substances from our streets.”

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police seeking information about vehicle in relation to Waikaia fires

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Brian McKinney, Gore CIB

    Gore Police are continuing to investigate a suspicious house fire in Waikaia last year.

    Just after midnight on Wednesday 21 February 2024, emergency services were called to the fire on Elswick Street.

    The investigation team have now identified a vehicle of interest, and we’re keen to know more about its movements around the time of the fire.

    The vehicle is a red BMW Z3 convertible, like the one pictured, which was seen leaving the Waikaia township at speed around the time of the fire. On that same night, the vehicle was also observed travelling towards the Riversdale area, again at speed.

    We would like to speak to anyone who has information about this vehicle, or one matching the description. Additionally, if anyone has any footage of this vehicle in the area around 21 February 2024.

    If you have any information that could assist, please contact Police via 105 either over the phone or online.

    Reference file number 240222/8704.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHS Exposes Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Sanctuary jurisdictions undermine the rule of law and endanger the lives of Americans and Law Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a comprehensive list of sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens. Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal illegal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in grave danger. This action follows the signing of an Executive Order by President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025. The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and the Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify and publicly highlight jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

    DHS is committed to exposing these lawless jurisdictions to the public and making them accountable for not respecting the rule of law.

    “These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”

    Each jurisdiction listed will receive formal notification of its non-compliance and all potential violations of federal criminal statutes. DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.

    Review the jurisdictions list.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Government Employee Arrested for Attempting to Provide Classified Information to Foreign Government

    Source: US State of Vermont

    An IT specialist employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was arrested today for attempting to transmit national defense information to an officer or agent of a foreign government.

    Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested today in northern Virginia, and will make his initial court appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia tomorrow.

    According to court documents, Laatsch became a civilian employee of the DIA in 2019, where he works with the Insider Threat Division and holds a Top Secret security clearance. In March 2025, the FBI commenced an operation after receiving a tip that an individual — now known to be Laatsch — offered to provide classified information to a friendly foreign government. In that email, the sender wrote that he did not “agree or align with the values of this administration” and was therefore “willing to share classified information” that he had access to, including “completed intelligence products, some unprocessed intelligence, and other assorted classified documentation.”

    After multiple communications with an FBI agent — who Laatsch allegedly believed to be an official of the foreign government — Laatsch began transcribing classified information to a notepad at his desk and, over the course of approximately three days, repeatedly exfiltrated the information from his workspace. Laatsch subsequently confirmed to the FBI agent that he was prepared to transmit the information.

    Thereafter, the FBI implemented an operation at a public park in northern Virginia, where Laatsch believed he would deposit the classified information for the foreign government to retrieve. On or about May 1, 2025, FBI surveillance observed Laatsch proceed to the specified location and deposit an item. Following Laatsch’s departure, the FBI retrieved the item, which was a thumb drive later found to contain a message from Laatsch and multiple typed documents, each containing information that was portion-marked up to the Secret or Top Secret levels. The message from Laatsch indicated that he had chosen to include “a decent sample size” of classified information to “decently demonstrate the range of types of products” to which he had access.

    After receiving confirmation that the thumb drive had been received, on May 7, Laatsch allegedly sent a message to the FBI agent, which indicated Laatsch was seeking something from the foreign government in return for continuing to provide classified information. The next day, Laatsch specified that he was interested in “citizenship for your country” because he did not “expect[] things here to improve in the long term.” Although he said he was “not opposed to other compensation,” he was not in a position where he needed to seek “material compensation.”

    On May 14, the FBI agent advised Laatsch that it was prepared to receive additional classified information. Between May 15 and May 27, Laatsch again repeatedly transcribed multiple pages of notes while logged into his classified workstation, folded the notes, and exfiltrated the classified information in his clothing.

    On May 29, Laatsch arrived at a prearranged location in northern Virginia, where Laatsch again allegedly attempted to transmit multiple classified documents to the foreign country. Laatsch was arrested upon the FBI’s receipt of the documents.

    Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, and Executive Director Lee M. Russ of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Office of Special Projects made the announcement.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Air Force OSI and with thanks to the Defense Intelligence Agency for its cooperation.

    Trial Attorneys Christina Clark and Mark Murphy of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Kromberg for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Government Employee Arrested for Attempting to Provide Classified Information to Foreign Government

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    An IT specialist employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was arrested today for attempting to transmit national defense information to an officer or agent of a foreign government.

    Nathan Vilas Laatsch, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested today in northern Virginia, and will make his initial court appearance in the Eastern District of Virginia tomorrow.

    According to court documents, Laatsch became a civilian employee of the DIA in 2019, where he works with the Insider Threat Division and holds a Top Secret security clearance. In March 2025, the FBI commenced an operation after receiving a tip that an individual — now known to be Laatsch — offered to provide classified information to a friendly foreign government. In that email, the sender wrote that he did not “agree or align with the values of this administration” and was therefore “willing to share classified information” that he had access to, including “completed intelligence products, some unprocessed intelligence, and other assorted classified documentation.”

    After multiple communications with an FBI agent — who Laatsch allegedly believed to be an official of the foreign government — Laatsch began transcribing classified information to a notepad at his desk and, over the course of approximately three days, repeatedly exfiltrated the information from his workspace. Laatsch subsequently confirmed to the FBI agent that he was prepared to transmit the information.

    Thereafter, the FBI implemented an operation at a public park in northern Virginia, where Laatsch believed he would deposit the classified information for the foreign government to retrieve. On or about May 1, 2025, FBI surveillance observed Laatsch proceed to the specified location and deposit an item. Following Laatsch’s departure, the FBI retrieved the item, which was a thumb drive later found to contain a message from Laatsch and multiple typed documents, each containing information that was portion-marked up to the Secret or Top Secret levels. The message from Laatsch indicated that he had chosen to include “a decent sample size” of classified information to “decently demonstrate the range of types of products” to which he had access.

    After receiving confirmation that the thumb drive had been received, on May 7, Laatsch allegedly sent a message to the FBI agent, which indicated Laatsch was seeking something from the foreign government in return for continuing to provide classified information. The next day, Laatsch specified that he was interested in “citizenship for your country” because he did not “expect[] things here to improve in the long term.” Although he said he was “not opposed to other compensation,” he was not in a position where he needed to seek “material compensation.”

    On May 14, the FBI agent advised Laatsch that it was prepared to receive additional classified information. Between May 15 and May 27, Laatsch again repeatedly transcribed multiple pages of notes while logged into his classified workstation, folded the notes, and exfiltrated the classified information in his clothing.

    On May 29, Laatsch arrived at a prearranged location in northern Virginia, where Laatsch again allegedly attempted to transmit multiple classified documents to the foreign country. Laatsch was arrested upon the FBI’s receipt of the documents.

    Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, and Executive Director Lee M. Russ of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Office of Special Projects made the announcement.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Air Force OSI and with thanks to the Defense Intelligence Agency for its cooperation.

    Trial Attorneys Christina Clark and Mark Murphy of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Kromberg for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 100+ illegal aliens during targeted enforcement operation in Tallahassee

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    TALLAHASSEE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 100 illegal aliens during a targeted enforcement operation at construction sites in the in Tallahassee during a joint agency operation May 29.

    The multiagency operation, directed by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee, with significant assistance from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Florida Highway Patrol, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, U.S. Marshals Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, led to the arrest of illegal aliens from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuelans, Colombia, and Honduras to name a few.

    One was taken into state custody for resisting arrest and is being charged with four counts of assault on law enforcement officers. Another attempted to pull a weapon on officers.

    “These types of enforcement actions aim to eliminate illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for America’s lawful workforce,” said ICE HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI Tallahassee, working alongside our state, local, and federal partners, will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation.”

    ICE officials have continually emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

    Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

    For more information about ICE HSI Tallahassee and its efforts to enhance public safety in Florida, follow us on X at @HSITampa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ocala Woman Indicted For Bank Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Christina Gates Thagard (40, Ocala) with bank robbery. If convicted, Thagard faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Thagard was arrested on May 24, 2025. She is currently detained pending the resolution of the case. 

    According to the indictment, on May 3, 2025, Thagard took money belonging to TD Bank by using force, violence, and intimidation. The bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    The 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 Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award & Dag Hammarskjöld Medal Ceremonies [bilingual, as delivered; All-English below]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Moments ago, I laid a wreath to honour Peacekeepers.

    Four thousand four hundred of our precious blue helmets have lost their lives since United Nations peacekeeping was established – seventy-seven years ago today. 

    In their memory I would like to ask all present in this room to observe a moment of silence.

    [PAUSE for silence]

    Thank you.

    We all pay tribute to those brave women and men who died – far from home and far from their loved ones – while serving humanity’s most noble cause: peace.

    Today, we honour with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, 57 peacekeepers who paid the ultimate price for the cause of peace last year, as well as another who lost his life in 1973.

    We hold them all in our hearts.

    And we grieve with their families and loved ones.

    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

    Dear Friends,

    Peace is the foundations of the United Nations and with peacekeeping at it’s corner stone.

    This message was reinforced earlier this month at the Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin.

    Over 130 countries and partners stood up for peacekeeping — and to make concrete commitments to strengthen it.

    It was a moving testimony to the fact that the worth and work of our peacekeepers are recognised in every corner of the world…

    And a tribute to peacekeeping and to peacekeepers – to all those we honour today.

    Over the decades, more than two million women and men have served in 71 missions on four continents. 

    I am deeply grateful to our Member States for these invaluable contributions.   

    In the communities and countries in which they serve, UN peacekeepers are an important symbol of the United Nations at its best 

    And together, they have helped improve millions of lives:

    Protecting people, preserving peace, and providing hope… 

    Rebuilding infrastructure, repairing institutions and ensuring lifesaving assistance.

    With their support, nations around the world have made the transition from war to peace.

    And many of those countries now contribute peacekeepers themselves – using their experiences to help others in need. 

    We must ensure this essential global resource can thrive over the long term.

    Chers amis,

    En ces temps difficiles et tendus, cela signifie qu’il faut adapter le maintien de la paix aux nouvelles réalités. 

    Les missions de maintien de la paix des Nations Unies sont confrontées à des situations complexes dans un monde complexe : le terrorisme, une criminalité qui ne connaît pas de frontières ; et la désinformation qui les rend vulnérables aux attaques.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir – adopté l’année dernière aux Nations Unies – comprend un engagement à adapter nos efforts de paix à un monde en mutation.

    La première étape – une revue des opérations de paix de l’ONU – est en cours.

    Et nous continueront à travailler avec les États membres, et d’autres, pour obtenir des résultats.

    Nous le devons aux femmes et aux hommes courageux qui ont servi – et péri – sous notre drapeau bleu.

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    Today, as we honour the fallen, we also celebrate the achievements of peacekeepers in the past, present and future.  

    Including critical role of women in preventing, securing, and maintaining peace.

    This was recognized by the United Nations Security Council twenty-five years ago in Resolution 1325.

    A quarter of a century on, it is a miserable truth that women are still routinely excluded and marginalized in peace processes.

    United Nations has made determined efforts to change this:

    To build diverse and inclusive teams…

    And to support, protect and empower women in areas where we work.

    Today we recognize two leading women:

    Squadron leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana, the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year…

    And Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone, the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year. 

    The Military Gender Advocate of the Year award recognises dedication and effort in promoting the principles of Resolution 1325.

    And Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme demonstrates these qualities in abundance.

    As the Military Gender Adviser in the Interim Security Force for Abyei, her outreach has built strong community links, and brought gender perspective in the field.

    Her work helped us to better understand the concerns of women and girls, and to craft possible solutions, together.

    That has played a vital role in enabling the force to respond to the needs of the local community.

    And she has also conducted an intensive health campaign for the local community on gender-based violence and ending child marriage. These have had a long-lasting impact.

    Thank you, Squadron Leader, for your service.

    The UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award celebrates role models in peace operations. 

    And UN Police Officer Superintendent Zainab Gbla is certainly that.

    She has served in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei for the past two years, in the dual role of gender officer and police trainer.  

    When she arrived, the area in which she served had no place for children to learn.

    And so, she got to work:

    Initiating a school program…

    Providing educational materials and support, particularly for disadvantaged children…

    And establishing a mentorship program for girls.   

    She initiated projects to provide women with sustainable incomes, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school in a nearby town.  
      
    And, as a police trainer, she taught a diverse range of subjects vital to establishing the rule of law.  

    Thank you, Superintendent, for everything you have done.

    The efforts of these outstanding women have helped to strengthen the bonds between the Abyei mission and the local community – an invaluable gift for any peacekeeping operation.

    Let me offer my heartfelt congratulations to both of you for your achievements, and for receiving these awards today. 

    I am deeply proud of you both, just as I am proud of all our peacekeepers — past, present and future.

    Our peacekeepers selflessly serve the world.

    Let us ensure we serve them, in honour of their service and sacrifice – today and every day.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Moments ago, I laid a wreath to honour Peacekeepers.

    Four thousand four hundred of our precious blue helmets have lost their lives since United Nations peacekeeping was established – seventy-seven years ago today. 

    In their memory I would like to ask all present in this room to observe a moment of silence.

    [PAUSE for silence]

    Thank you.

    We all pay tribute to those brave women and men who died – far from home and far from their loved ones – while serving humanity’s most noble cause: peace.

    Today, we honour with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, 57 peacekeepers who paid the ultimate price for the cause of peace last year, as well as another who lost his life in 1973.

    We hold them all in our hearts.

    And we grieve with their families and loved ones.

    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

    Dear Friends,

    Peace is the foundations of the United Nations and with peacekeeping at it’s corner stone.

    This message was reinforced earlier this month at the Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin.

    Over 130 countries and partners stood up for peacekeeping — and to make concrete commitments to strengthen it.

    It was a moving testimony to the fact that the worth and work of our peacekeepers are recognised in every corner of the world…

    And a tribute to peacekeeping and to peacekeepers – to all those we honour today.

    Over the decades, more than two million women and men have served in 71 missions on four continents. 

    I am deeply grateful to our Member States for these invaluable contributions.   

    In the communities and countries in which they serve, UN peacekeepers are an important symbol of the United Nations at its best 

    And together, they have helped improve millions of lives:

    Protecting people, preserving peace, and providing hope… 

    Rebuilding infrastructure, repairing institutions and ensuring lifesaving assistance.

    With their support, nations around the world have made the transition from war to peace.

    And many of those countries now contribute peacekeepers themselves – using their experiences to help others in need. 

    We must ensure this essential global resource can thrive over the long term.
     
    Dear Friends,

    In these strained and difficult times, that means adapting peacekeeping to new realities. 
     
    UN peacekeeping missions face complex situations in a complex world: terrorism; crime that knows no borders; and misinformation making them vulnerable to attacks.
     
    The Pact for the Future – adopted last year at the United Nations – includes a commitment to adapt our peace efforts to a changing world.
     
    The first step – a review of UN Peace Operations – is underway.
     
    And we will continue to work with Member States, and others, to deliver.
     
    We owe it to the brave women and men who have served – and died – under our blue flag.

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    Today, as we honour the fallen, we also celebrate the achievements of peacekeepers in the past, present and future.  

    Including critical role of women in preventing, securing, and maintaining peace.

    This was recognized by the United Nations Security Council twenty-five years ago in Resolution 1325.

    A quarter of a century on, it is a miserable truth that women are still routinely excluded and marginalized in peace processes.

    United Nations has made determined efforts to change this:

    To build diverse and inclusive teams…

    And to support, protect and empower women in areas where we work.

    Today we recognize two leading women:

    Squadron leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana, the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year…

    And Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone, the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year. 

    The Military Gender Advocate of the Year award recognises dedication and effort in promoting the principles of Resolution 1325.

    And Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme demonstrates these qualities in abundance.

    As the Military Gender Adviser in the Interim Security Force for Abyei, her outreach has built strong community links, and brought gender perspective in the field.

    Her work helped us to better understand the concerns of women and girls, and to craft possible solutions, together.

    That has played a vital role in enabling the force to respond to the needs of the local community.

    And she has also conducted an intensive health campaign for the local community on gender-based violence and ending child marriage. These have had a long-lasting impact.

    Thank you, Squadron Leader, for your service.

    The UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award celebrates role models in peace operations. 

    And UN Police Officer Superintendent Zainab Gbla is certainly that.

    She has served in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei for the past two years, in the dual role of gender officer and police trainer.  

    When she arrived, the area in which she served had no place for children to learn.

    And so, she got to work:

    Initiating a school program…

    Providing educational materials and support, particularly for disadvantaged children…

    And establishing a mentorship program for girls.   

    She initiated projects to provide women with sustainable incomes, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school in a nearby town.  
      
    And, as a police trainer, she taught a diverse range of subjects vital to establishing the rule of law.  

    Thank you, Superintendent, for everything you have done.

    The efforts of these outstanding women have helped to strengthen the bonds between the Abyei mission and the local community – an invaluable gift for any peacekeeping operation.

    Let me offer my heartfelt congratulations to both of you for your achievements, and for receiving these awards today. 

    I am deeply proud of you both, just as I am proud of all our peacekeepers — past, present and future.

    Our peacekeepers selflessly serve the world.

    Let us ensure we serve them, in honour of their service and sacrifice – today and every day.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Facing Up To Life In Federal Prison For Firearm And Drug Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of a six-count indictment charging Darius Reshodd Alexander (29, Eustis) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. He faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, up to 5 years in prison on the controlled substances offenses, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to life, for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, which must be served consecutively to one another and to any other prison term imposed in the case. 

    According to the indictment, Alexander has five previous felony convictions. On December 3, 2023, and on October 16, 2024, he was in possession of marijuana and firearms, which he carried during and in relation to the marijuana-trafficking crimes. At the time of the December 2023 offenses, Alexander had three prior felony convictions. At the time of the October 2024 offenses, however, he had five felony convictions—two of which he had just received the month prior. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Daytona Beach Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

    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 Security: Buffalo and Jamestown man going to prison for selling cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nicholas Gaskin, 37, of Buffalo and Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that in March 2022, Jamestown Police officers stopped a vehicle in which Gaskin was a passenger. Gaskin was arrested because of an active arrest warrant. Officers searched Gaskin and recovered approximately 12 grams of crack cocaine and $1,766.00 in cash. Following Gaskin’s arrest, investigators searched his Jamestown residence and recovered a semi-automatic pistol, ammunition $158 in cash, a quantity of suboxone pills and strips, six grams of suspected and drug paraphernalia. The investigation also included four controlled purchases of cocaine from Gaskin.

    The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Browning man found guilty of attempted strangulation and assault charges on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who assaulted a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was found guilty today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, a federal jury found William Alvin Potts, 62, guilty of attempted strangulation and assault by striking, beating, or wounding. Potts faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for October 8, 2025. Potts will remain released on conditions pending further proceedings.

    The government alleged in court documents that on June 28, 2024, Potts physically assaulted Jane Doe. That morning a verbal argument escalated to name-calling. Potts then threw a chair to the side and grabbed Jane Doe by the neck. He pushed her backward while applying pressure to her throat and neck. Eventually he pushed her into the corner of the entry wall to the living room. Potts pushed her backward for approximately ten feet, at which point, their legs tangled, and Doe fell to the ground. Potts landed on top of Jane Doe and proceeded to physically strike her with his fists. A witness stopped the assault and physically pulled Potts off Jane Doe. Jane Doe experienced significant pain after the assault and sought treatment at the Browning Community Hospital. Doe suffered a spinal fracture and continues to experience pain.

    Potts was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted to pushing Doe. He said he pushed her to make her go down the hall and they then both fell. He denied striking her.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo man charged with possession of a machinegun

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Mercado a/k/a Yvng Fabii, 24, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a machinegun and possession of a firearm with a removed, altered and obliterated serial number. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Louis M. Testani, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 9, 2024, Buffalo State University police officers responded to an altercation during a men’s basketball game. While officers were trying to identify the parties involved, Mercado began to run away. When confronted by law enforcement, he stopped running, raised his arms, and stated, “I got the thing on me.” When questioned as to what he had, Mercado stated, “I got the joint on me.” During a pat down on Mercado, officers found a loaded pistol with a suspected machine gun conversion device and extended magazine. Law enforcement later learned that the firearm had a defaced serial number.

    Mercado made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr. and was held pending a detention hearing.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tampa Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years For Possessing A Firearm And Ammunition As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Brandon Palmore (30, Tampa) to six years and six months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Palmore to forfeit a Sig Sauer firearm and assorted rounds of ammunition possessed during the commission of the offense. Palmore pled guilty on March 12, 2025.

    According to court records, agents were conducting surveillance on Palmore at an apartment complex in Tampa in relation to an outstanding arrest warrant and observed him walking to his vehicle. As Palmore was given commands to exit the vehicle, he was seen reaching toward the center console and passenger floorboard areas of the vehicle. A Sig Sauer handgun was found where Palmore was seen reaching. The handgun was loaded and had previously been reported stolen. Prior to the offense, Palmore knew he had been convicted of multiple felonies, including convictions for aggravated assault and shooting at, within, or into a vehicle in 2019. The 2019 convictions resulted from an incident where Palmore fired a handgun into an occupied vehicle. As a convicted felon, Palmore is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

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

    MIL Security OSI –