NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Secretary Edgar Joins HSI Drug Trafficking Warrant Operation in Los Angeles

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Deputy Secretary Edgar Joins HSI Drug Trafficking Warrant Operation in Los Angeles

    strong>Los Angeles, CA – On Friday, Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar joined Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles in a warrant operation that resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker

    “Day in and day out, our HSI agents are empowered under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem to remove gang members, criminals, and drugs from our communities,” said Deputy Secretary Edgar

    “I’m thankful for the frontline heroes who keep Americans safe from the worst of the worst law breakers

    ”

    The HSI Los Angeles Special Response Team executed three state search warrants that resulted in the arrest of wanted fugitive

    Search warrants were executed in La Puente, Pomona, and Compton, California regarding an ongoing drug trafficking investigation for cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine

    Pedro Sainz Minjarez was arrested for an outstanding warrant regarding possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy

    This is a joint investigation involving the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the United States Marshals Service

    Deputy Secretary Edgar, coleader of the HSTF, also led a meeting Friday with partners in Los Angeles to discuss delivering President Trump’s priorities

    Under the HSTF, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice have joined in a historic partnership to tackle crime and keep Americans safe

     
    Participants of the meeting included representatives from the Los Angeles HSI, ATF, ERO, FBI, and U

    S

    Attorney offices

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Maritime Spatial Planning – Greece’s non-compliance with European law – P-001602/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001602/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    According to Directive 2014/89/EU[1], Member States were required to adopt and implement maritime spatial plans by 31 March 2021. Greece has not yet complied, which affects not only its national interests but also the interests of the EU as a whole, as it undermines the uniform application of European law and the sustainable development of maritime areas.

    The Greek government invoked force majeure, namely the negotiations on the delimitation of the EEZ with Egypt, among others. However, on 27 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union definitively condemned Greece for its non-compliance (case C-128/24[2]), rejecting the argument by noting that the obligation to comply cannot be suspended due to bilateral negotiations and that Member States must comply with their obligations regardless of internal or external factors, and imposed a fine. On 16 April 2025, the Greek Government hastily published an ‘MSP Charter’.[3]

    In view of the above, does the charter in question meet the requirements of the directive and is it sufficient to suspend the administrative fine that Greece is paying for its non-compliance immediately, following the rulings against it by the European Court?

    Submitted: 22.4.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/89/oj?eliuri=eli%3Adir%3A2014%3A89%3Aoj&locale=el.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A62024CJ0128
    • [3] https://www.mfa.gr/gia-proti-fora-sti-chora-thalassios-chorotaxikos-schediasmos-2/
    Last updated: 28 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun – A10-0081/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    PROPOSAL FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DECISION

    on the request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun

    (2024/2102(IMM))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun by the Prosecutor General of Poland, dated 29 October 2024, transmitting a request submitted by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw, in connection with criminal proceedings brought against Grzegorz Braun, and announced in plenary on 14 November 2024,

    – having regard to the fact that Grzegorz Braun is deemed to have renounced his right to be heard under Rule 9(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

    – having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011, 17 January 2013, 19 December 2019 and 5 July 2023[1],

    – having regard to Article 105(2) and (5) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland,

    – having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A10-0081/2025),

    A. whereas, by letter dated 29 October 2024, the Prosecutor General of Poland transmitted a request for the waiver of the immunity of Grzegorz Braun, submitted by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw, in relation to several alleged offences that occurred in 2022 and 2023;

    B. whereas, according to the request, on 1 March 2022, in the building of the National Institute of Cardiology – State Research Institute, Grzegorz Braun allegedly violated the bodily integrity of a public official who was acting in his capacity as Director of the National Institute of Cardiology, during and in connection with the performance of official duties by this public official; whereas the alleged actions constitute an offence under Article 222(1) of the Polish Criminal Code, concurrently with Article 191(1) of the Polish Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 11(2) of that Code;

    C. whereas, on 1 March 2022, Grzegorz Braun allegedly insulted the Director of the National Institute of Cardiology, during and in connection with the performance of official duties by this public official, by making accusations against him and by streaming the events over the internet, which could allegedly have damaged the official’s public reputation and rendered likely a loss of the necessary trust placed in him to perform his role as Director of the National Institute of Cardiology and exercise the profession of doctor; whereas the alleged actions constitute an offence under Article 226(1) of the Polish Criminal Code, concurrently with Article 212(1) and (2) of the Polish Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 11(2) of that Code;

    D. whereas, on 27 January 2023, Grzegorz Braun allegedly damaged a Christmas tree and destroyed decorations that were the property of two Polish associations whose offices were in the building of the Regional Court in Kraków, and whereas causing such damage constitutes an offence under Article 288(1) of the Polish Criminal Code;

    E. whereas, on 30 May 2023, at the headquarters of the German Historical Institute in Warsaw, Grzegorz Braun allegedly damaged property belonging to the German Historical Institute, which constitutes an offence under Article 288(1) of the Polish Criminal Code;

    F. whereas, on 30 May 2023, Grzegorz Braun allegedly failed to leave the headquarters of the German Historical Institute despite being asked to do so by an authorised person, which constitutes an offence under Article 193(1) of the Polish Criminal Code;

    G. whereas, on 12 December 2023, within the premises of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, Grzegorz Braun allegedly publicly insulted a group of people on the grounds of their religious affiliation and allegedly publicly insulted an object of religious worship (a menorah) by extinguishing its lit candles with a fire extinguisher, thereby allegedly offending the religious sentiments of Jews, which constitutes an offence under Article 257 of the Polish Criminal Code, concurrently with Articles 195(1) and 196 of the Polish Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 11(2) of that Code;

    H. whereas, on 12 December 2023, within the premises of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, Grzegorz Braun allegedly violated the bodily integrity of an aggrieved party who intervened with a view to protecting public order, by aiming at the aggrieved party the spray from a fire extinguisher containing a powdery substance; whereas Grzegorz Braun allegedly caused minor damage, lasting up to seven days, to the health of the aggrieved party, which constitutes an offence under Article 157(2) of the Polish Criminal Code, concurrently with Article 217a of the Polish Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 11(2) of that Code;

    I. whereas the investigation carried out in connection with the alleged offences outlined in the waiver request was initially opened on 25 May 2023, at which time Grzegorz Braun enjoyed immunity as a Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland; whereas on 17 January 2024, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland granted consent for criminal charges to be brought against Grzegorz Braun in connection with the offences outlined in the request; whereas Grzegorz Braun was elected to the European Parliament in the European elections in June 2024; whereas Grzegorz Braun was therefore not a Member of the European Parliament at the time of the alleged offences;

    J. whereas the alleged offences and the subsequent request for the waiver of his immunity are not related to an opinion expressed or a vote cast by Grzegorz Braun in the performance of his duties within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

    K. whereas Article 9, first paragraph, point (a), of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union provides that Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own State, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament;

    L. whereas, in accordance with Article 105(2) and (5) of the Polish Constitution, from the day of the announcement of the results of the elections until the day of the expiry of his or her mandate, a Deputy shall not be subjected to criminal accountability without the consent of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and he or she shall be neither detained nor arrested without the consent of the Sejm, except for cases when he or she has been apprehended in the commission of an offence and in which his or her detention is necessary for securing the proper course of proceedings;

    M. whereas the purpose of parliamentary immunity is to protect Parliament and its Members from legal proceedings in relation to activities carried out in the performance of parliamentary duties and which cannot be separated from those duties;

    N. whereas, in accordance with Rule 5(2) of its Rules of Procedure, parliamentary immunity is not a personal privilege of the Member but a guarantee of the independence of Parliament as a whole, and of its Members;

    O. whereas, in this case, Parliament found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, which is to say factual elements indicating that the intention underlying the legal proceedings in question is to undermine the Member’s political activity in his capacity as a Member of the European Parliament;

    P. whereas Parliament cannot assume the role of a court, and whereas, in a waiver of immunity procedure, a Member cannot be regarded as a defendant[2];

    1. Decides to waive the immunity of Grzegorz Braun;

    2. Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the competent authorities of the Republic of Poland and to Grzegorz Braun.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration releases 2024 Annual Report

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration releases 2024 Annual Report

    The latest Annual Report of the OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (CCA) has now been published. The 2024 report provides an account of the CCA’s institutional matters over the past year and the efforts made by members of the CCA’s Bureau to raise awareness of the Court and its potential.
    The report highlights CCA President Emmanuel Decaux’s address to the OSCE Permanent Council on 2 May 2024. The Court’s use as a key instrument for peacefully resolving conflicts and its significant role within the OSCE framework was emphasized by Decaux in the annual presentation of the CCA’s activities.
    Further highlights include a case study of the first-ever simulation of conciliation proceedings within the Court. The simulation was hosted at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana in December 2024 as part of efforts to bolster a deeper understanding of the Court’s role, potential and purpose.
    A special dedication in the report also honors the first president of the Court, Robert Badinter, who passed away in 2024. He played an instrumental role in establishing the CCA and served as its President from its founding in 1995 until 2013. In tribute to his legacy, the CCA published in March 2024 a selection of the proceedings from the CCA’s 30th anniversary seminar held in 24 November 2022.
    The OSCE Court of Conciliation and Arbitration provides a set of mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. The Court was established by the Convention of Stockholm, which entered into force on 5 December 1994. To date, 34 OSCE participating States have ratified the Convention.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 4.25.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 25, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Suzanne Martindale, of Oakland, has been appointed Chief Deputy Commissioner at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Martindale has been the Senior Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Consumer Financial Protection at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation since 2021, and a Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law since 2019. Martindale was a Student Loan Justice Fellow at the Student Borrower Protection Center from 2018 to 2021. She held multiple positions at Consumer Reports from 2010 to 2021, including Senior Policy Counsel and Western States Legislative Manager, Senior Attorney, and Staff Attorney. She was a Pro Bono Attorney at the East Bay Community Law Center from 2015 to 2018. She is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco. Martindale earned a Juris Doctor degree from University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Arts degree in Humanities from University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $207,600. Martindale is registered without party preference.

    Yvonne Hsu, of Washington D.C., has been appointed Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs at the California Civil Rights Department. Hsu was the Chief of Staff of Rural Housing Service at the United State Department of Agriculture from 2023 to 2025. She was the Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum from 2021 to 2023. Hsu was a Senior Housing Policy Specialist at the National Council of State Housing Agencies from 2020 to 2021. She was a Senior Advisor at the Office of United States Representative Katherine Clark in the United States House of Representatives from 2019 to 2020. Hsu was an Independent Consultant from 2018 to 2019. She held multiple positions at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017, including Policy Advisor at the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and Special Assistant for Public Engagement at the Office of Public Affairs. Hsu held multiple positions in the Office of United States Representative Adam Schiff in the United States House of Representatives from 2008 to 2014, including Senior Legislative Assistant and District Representative. Hsu was the Outreach Coordinator at the Housing Rights Center from 2006 to 2008. She earned a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Sociology and History from the University of California, Riverside. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $160,200. Hsu is a Democrat.

    Jaimie Huynh, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of Strategic Engagement, Equity and Partnerships at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Huynh has been Acting Deputy Secretary for Environmental Justice and Equity at the California Environmental Protection Agency since 2025, where she has held multiple roles since 2022, including Environmental Justice Scientific Advisor and Climate Change Advisor. She was an Environmental Justice Enforcement Liaison at the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery from 2018 to 2022. Huynh was a California Sea Grant Fellow at the California State Lands Commission from 2017 to 2018. She earned a Master of Advanced Studies degree in Climate Science and Policy and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Environmental Systems – Policymaking from the University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $144,972. Huynh is a Democrat. 

    Robert Jenkins, of Victorville, has been appointed Administrator of the Veterans Home of California, Barstow at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Jenkins has been Acting Administrator of the Veterans Home of California, Barstow since 2024, where he has held multiple roles since 2012, including Staff Services Manager II and Health and Safety Officer. Jenkins was a Firefighter/Security Officer Captain at the Veterans Home of California, Yountville, at the California Department of Veterans Affairs from 2010 to 2012. He was a Structural Firefighter at the Tule River Tribal Reservation Fire Department from 2009 to 2010. Jenkins was a Paid Call Firefighter/Engineer at the San Bernardino County Fire Department from 2009 to 2010. He was a Correctional Facility Fire Captain at the California Institution for Men-Chino Fire Department from 1997 to 2008. Jenkins was a Correctional Facility Firefighter at the Centinela Fire Department from 1993 to 1997. He was a Paid Call Firefighter/Captain at the San Bernardino County Fire Department from 1986 to 1997. Jenkins was a GS-06 Firefighter/Driver Operator at the Barstow Logistics Marine Base Fire Department from 1992 to 1993. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $160,428. Jenkins is a Democrat.

    Joseph “Joe” Nation, of South Lake Tahoe, has been appointed to the Independent Emissions Market Advisory Committee. Nation has been a Professor of the Practice in the Public Policy and Human Biology Programs at Stanford University since 2007. He was the Principal at Joe Nation Consulting from 1992 to 2024. Nation was the Senior Advisor to the President at the RAND Corporation from 1991 to 2024. He was an Assemblymember for District 6 in the California State Assembly from 2000 to 2006. He was an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of San Francisco from 1992 to 2000. Nation is a member of the Economic Advisory Board, Bay Area Council, and Climate Cabinet Action. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Public Policy Analysis from Pardee RAND Graduate School, a Master of Science degree in Diplomacy and Security from Georgetown University, and Bachelor of the Arts degrees in Economics, German, and French from University of Colorado, Boulder. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Nation is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: More Californians than ever are connecting with earthquake warning services as the MyShake app reaches over 4 million downloads. SACRAMENTO – During Earthquake Preparedness Month, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a major milestone: the…

    Apr 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is working with state, local, and federal agencies in a historic project to repopulate the North Yuba River with native fish and help protect the state’s waterways and ecosystems.  MARYSVILLE – Governor Gavin Newsom announced a…

    Apr 24, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Leia Bailey, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Bailey has been Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bun Scrambling Final to be held at Cheung Chau next Monday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Bun Scrambling Final to be held at Cheung Chau next Monday 
         Trophies will be awarded to the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up in the men’s division and the champion in the women’s division. The Full Pockets of Lucky Buns award will continue to be presented to the participant who gathers the most buns.
     
         An opening ceremony for the Bun Scrambling Final will be held at 11.30pm on Monday. By tradition, the final competition will start at midnight. An invitation relay will be held immediately after the individual competition. In anticipation of a high volume of spectators, the organisers, together with the Islands District Office, Police, Transport Department (TD) and government departments concerned will implement the following measures.
     
         Four spectator zones will be set up on the competition night at the soccer pitch of Pak Tai Temple Playground, which can accommodate about 1 650 people. Distribution of free admission tickets will start at 10pm. Members of the public can line up at Pak She First Lane, next to the Cheung Chau Fire Station, and along Ping Chong Road for the tickets. Each person will be given one ticket on a first-come, first-served basis while tickets last. Spectators with tickets should follow the instructions of the Police and the organisers for entry into Zone 1 to Zone 4 starting from 10.30pm.
     
         Public notices will be put up at Central Pier No. 5 on the arrangements of the event. Similar notices and enquiry counters will also be set up at Cheung Chau Ferry Pier and the entrance of Pak Tai Temple Playground where relevant staff will address public enquiries.
     
         The organisers will pay close attention to the weather conditions in that evening. For public safety, the Bun Scrambling Final may be cancelled under inclement weather (e.g. thunderstorms). As stipulated in the prospectus, the awards would then be determined based on the selection contest results. Since the Bun Scrambling Final is traditionally held in a specified period during the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the competition would not be rescheduled.
     
         The Police will conduct crowd-control measures. Members of the public should follow the instructions of the Police and the organisers, and be patient in crowded places.
     
         The TD will closely monitor passenger demand for public transport services, and will closely liaise with ferry and bus companies in making appropriate arrangements.
     
         To facilitate members of the public to leave Cheung Chau after the event, the ferry company will operate a special service from Cheung Chau to Central at 1.15am on May 6.
     
         The bus companies will operate special bus route No. 104R from Central Pier No. 5 to Mong Kok from about 1.10am to 2.30am on May 6.
     
         In addition, overnight bus routes including Citybus route Nos. N8X (to Siu Sai Wan) and N90 (to South Horizons), Cross-Harbour Tunnel route Nos. N182 (to Kwong Yuen), N619 (to Shun Lee), and Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) route Nos. N373 (to Fanling), and N368 (to Yuen Long West) will be diverted via Central Pier No. 5 from their first departures on May 6. The diversion arrangements will last on that day until about 2am (for route No. N8X), about 2.15am (for route No. N90) and about 2.50am (for the remaining routes aforementioned).
     
         Citybus overnight bus route Nos. N930 (departure at 1.35am to Tsuen Wan Discovery Park), N952 (departure at 1.25am to Tuen Mun Chi Lok Fa Yuen), N962 (departures at 1.15am and 1.45am to Tuen Mun Lung Mun Oasis) and KMB overnight bus route No. N960 (departure at 1.25am to Tuen Mun Kin Sang Estate) will also be diverted via Central Pier No. 5.
     
         A temporary bus stop of the routes concerned will be designated outside Central Pier No. 5 for passengers’ convenience. 
     
         For emergency rescues, St John Hospital will arrange for manpower to respond to possible needs. The Government Flying Service will send its search and rescue team to provide assistance if necessary.
    Issued at HKT 11:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Senior appointment in Police Force (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Yip Wan-lung, was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police with effect from today (April 28), taking up the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), following the appointment of former Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming, as the Commissioner of Police on April 2, 2025.
     
    Brief biographical notes on Mr Yip Wan-lung are set out below:
     
    Mr Yip joined the Hong Kong Police Force as an Inspector in 1991. Serving predominantly in the crime stream throughout his police career, he has a wealth of experience in the field of criminal investigation.  He has worked in a variety of crime posts relating to criminal intelligence, serious and organised crime investigation, as well as policy-making.

    He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 2014 and Chief Superintendent in 2017. In 2020, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner and took charge of the Crime Wing. In 2022, he became Director of Crime and Security upon promotion to Senior Assistant Commissioner.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Anti-Christian Bias Task Force, Terrorists Captured, Debunking Fake Media | This Week at DHS

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    It was a busy week at DHS: Secretary Noem joined the first Department of Justice led Anti-Christian Bias Task Force. U.S. Border Patrol posted a 99.99 percent drop in catch and release of migrants at the border. ICE has arrested over 200 terrorists, including one of India’s most wanted. DHS debunked the false narrative of the mainstream media that criminal illegal aliens are “victims of the system.” The Secretary met with top podcasters, radio hosts and new media to spotlight the Department’s work to keep Americans safe. And DHS has made improvements to the Systematic Alien Verification Entitlement Program, known as the SAVE database.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYwxrggrmus

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Kyrgyzstan

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Kyrgyzstan

    Statement by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at Kyrgyzstan’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Let me welcome the Minister and his delegation, and salute his government’s efforts to implement the recommendations from its last review. Not least, we commend its efforts on gender equality and welcome their constructive role on this Council.

    Let me also urge his Government to uphold its obligations under the ICCPR and the commitments accepted at its last review.
    We recommend that the Kyrgyz Republic:
     

    1. Ensure the treatment of NGOS is in line with international human rights obligations, and that it removes regulations for NGOS to provide information not stipulated by the ‘Law on Non-Commercial Organisations’.
       
    2. Maintain the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture as an independent and separate National Preventative Mechanism and provide adequate resources to the Centre to continue to effectively carry out its mandate.
       
    3. Adhere to the principles enshrined in the Kyrgyz Constitution by amending the Code of Offences to decriminalise defamation and insult, and instead use civil litigation in line with international human rights obligations.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information on cross-boundary passenger traffic estimation and arrangements for Labour Day Golden Week of Mainland

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information on cross-boundary passenger traffic estimation and arrangements for Labour Day Golden Week of Mainland  
         During the upcoming Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland (from May 1 to 5), the Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that around 5.71 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points. The ImmD, in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 4.90 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on May 3 (Saturday) and May 5 (Monday), with around 590 000 passengers and 580 000 passengers respectively.
      
         The ImmD estimates that the passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 230 000, 210 000 and 150 000 passengers respectively.
      
         To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the ImmD has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks.
     
         Furthermore, the ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The ImmD will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
     
         To avoid congestion and longer-than-usual waiting times for immigration clearance, the ImmD advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at boundary control points are available on the website of the ImmD at www.immd.gov.hk 
         For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the ImmD reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
     
         Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to the reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
     
         About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. To further enhance the clearance efficiency of control points and allow more Hong Kong residents to use the fast and convenient e-Channel service, starting from March 31, the ImmD has adjusted the applicable age for e-Channel service for holders of smart identity cards. Eligible Hong Kong permanent residents aged 7 to 10 years old, who are at least 1.1 metres tall and hold a smart identity card and a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, can use the e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points. Moreover, the Contactless e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.
     
         In addition, all control points have introduced self-service departures for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure), which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.
     
         Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile App, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.
     
         The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements is tasked with holistically co-ordinating and steering the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, as well as strengthening information dissemination to enable the public and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.
    Issued at HKT 17:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: T1 Energy Welcomes Key Additions to Leadership Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas and NEW YORK, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — T1 Energy Inc. (NYSE: TE) (“T1,” “T1 Energy,” or the “Company”) announced the additions of Andy Munro as Chief Legal Officer and Russell Gold as Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications, effective May 1st. The appointments add to T1’s already deep energy expertise as it builds a vertically integrated, solar and storage manufacturing and technology leader in the United States.

    “We are excited to welcome Andy and Russell to the T1 senior leadership team,” said Daniel Barcelo, T1’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. “Andy and Russell are respected leaders and prominent voices in the solar energy industry. Their additions underscore T1’s aspiration to build a leader in the U.S. solar-plus-storage market and highlight our ability to attract key talent.”

    Andy Munro brings more than 30 years of legal and management experience to T1 Energy, having spent the last decade working in the solar energy, manufacturing, and technology industry. Mr. Munro joins T1 from SOLARCYCLE, a pioneer in solar panel recycling, technology, and manufacturing. Previously, he served as Chief Legal and Policy Officer at Calypso Energy, a U.S. solar cell and module manufacturing and technology company, and General Counsel at Qcells North America, a leader in U.S. solar manufacturing, technology, and development. Prior to that, Mr. Munro worked at the law firm of Latham & Watkins, where he focused on complex commercial, corporate and financing transactions for technology companies. Mr. Munro holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. in Economics/Business from UCLA.

    “I believe the future of energy depends on a strong and innovative American solar manufacturing and technology industry and I am passionate about building a U.S.-based solar supply chain. I look forward to expanding T1’s operations and building a preeminent American solar energy manufacturing and technology company,” said Mr. Munro.

    Russell Gold joins T1 Energy after a distinguished career as both an author and journalist, most recently for Texas Monthly, which followed a 21-year tenure as an investigative reporter focused on the energy industry for the Wall Street Journal. He is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and a two-time winner of the Gerlad Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism. Mr. Gold is the author of Superpower: One Man’s Quest to Transform American Energy, and The Boom, which was nominated for the FT Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year prize. He graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in History.

    “I am enthusiastic about joining the T1 Energy team and getting a chance to help shape the future of American energy,” said Mr. Gold. “The challenge of our time is to build a domestic, affordable, and renewable energy system and T1 is at the forefront of that effort.”

    About T1 Energy

    T1 Energy Inc. (NYSE: TE) is an energy solutions provider building an integrated U.S. supply chain for solar and batteries. In December 2024, T1 completed a transformative transaction, positioning the Company as one of the leading solar manufacturing companies in the United States, with a complementary solar and battery storage strategy. Based in the United States with plans to expand its operations in America, the Company is also exploring value optimization opportunities across its portfolio of assets in Europe.

    To learn more about T1, please visit www.T1energy.com and follow us on social media.

    Investor contact:

    Jeffrey Spittel
    EVP, Investor Relations and Corporate Development
    jeffrey.spittel@T1energy.com
    Tel: +1 409 599-5706

    Media contact:

    Amy Jaick
    SVP, Communications
    amy.jaick@T1energy.com
    Tel: +1 973 713-5585

    Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation with respect to the Company’s aspiration to build a vertically integrated solar and storage manufacturing leader in the United States, ability to attract key talent, and plans to expand its operations; the growth of a U.S.-based solar energy industry; and the Company’s effort to build a domestic, affordable, and renewable energy system. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual future events, results, or achievements to be materially different from the Company’s expectations and projections expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in (i) T1’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 31, 2025, (ii) T1’s post-effective amendment no. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on January 4, 2024, and (iii) T1’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on September 8, 2023 and subsequent amendments thereto filed on October 13, 2023, October 19, 2023 and October 31, 2023. All of the above referenced filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    T1 intends to use its website as a channel of distribution to disclose information which may be of interest or material to investors and to communicate with investors and the public. Such disclosures will be included on T1’s website in the ‘Investor Relations’ section. T1, and its CEO and Chairman of the Board, Daniel Barcelo, also intend to use certain social media channels, including, but not limited to, X, LinkedIn and Instagram, as means of communicating with the public and investors about T1, its progress, products, and other matters. While not all the information that T1 or Daniel Barcelo post to their respective digital platforms may be deemed to be of a material nature, some information may be. As a result, T1 encourages investors and others interested to review the information that it and Daniel Barcelo posts and to monitor such portions of T1’s website and social media channels on a regular basis, in addition to following T1’s press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts. The contents of T1’s website and its and Daniel Barcelo’s social media channels shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c4e0233-5fcd-43e1-9607-ff0d94a58a75

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Facilities enhanced for Golden Week

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government will introduce various measures to enhance facilities around the High Island Reservoir East Dam, adding to convenience for visitors during the Mainland’s Labour Day Golden Week.

    The measures are in response to a significant increase in the number of visitors accessing the East Dam during recent weekends and the Ching Ming Festival holiday.

    A large number of visitors on these days have taken taxis to the East Dam in the morning, causing severe traffic congestion on Sai Kung Man Yee Road and markedly increasing the travel time for Green Minibus (GMB) Route No. 9A, from Pak Tam Chung to the East Dam.

    At present, GMB Route No. 9A on the Pak Tam Chung-East Dam route serves passengers on weekends and public holidays, with a frequency of 15-20 minutes. The service hours for departures from Pak Tam Chung are between 9.30am and 6.40pm, while those for departures from the East Dam are between 10am and 7pm.

    As more visitors are expected in the East Dam area during the Golden Week holiday period, from May 1 to 5, various departments will enact enhancement measures.

    Co-ordination between the Transport Department (TD) and the operator concerned will allow GMB Route No. 9A services to be boosted subject to passenger demand. Furthermore, the operator will, on a trial basis, extend the service to May 2, a weekday.

    The TD and the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) will also take measures to enhance passenger queuing arrangements.

    In the event of the road section concerned experiencing heavy traffic, the TD will make an announcement through various channels advising members of the public to plan ahead for their journeys.

    It will also set up a messaging sign at a suitable location ahead of the AFCD’s Pak Tam Chung Barrier to inform visitors of traffic conditions on the roads leading to the East Dam area.

    For its part, the Water Supplies Department has arranged for contractors to carry out temporary improvement works at some locations on Sai Kung Man Yee Road to facilitate the manoeuvring of traffic. The works have been substantially completed.

    The AFCD will strengthen management of the country park area surrounding the East Dam. This includes deploying additional personnel to patrol the region, and the enhancement of cleaning services as necessary.

    In collaboration with the Tourism Commission and the Tourism Board, the AFCD will also enhance promotion of other hiking trails within Hong Kong’s country parks and disseminate hiking guidelines to tourists.

    Police will deploy uniformed officers to direct traffic in strategic areas at peak visitor arrival and departure times, and to help facilitate pedestrian flows. The force will also take action to combat any illegal acts by taxi drivers.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Career Insight: NCA Trainee Solicitor

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Case study

    Career Insight: NCA Trainee Solicitor

    An NCA trainee provides an insight into their training within the National Crime Agency (NCA)

    The National Crime Agency (NCA) plays a key role in the fight against serious and organised crime in the UK. As a trainee within NCA Legal you will get the opportunity to work on a wide range of issues, from seizing assets to advising on live operations.

    As a trainee you will normally undertake four seats across the two years, with exposure to a huge breadth of work. The order of the seats is subject to change depending on NCA Legal priorities, but will be designed to ensure you get the maximum out of each.

    Within our Civil Litigation Team, you will have the opportunity to work on a range of matters which could include judicial reviews, civil claims, inquests and public inquiries, and to work with colleagues across the Agency. Often these are high profile cases and inquiries. During my seat I spent time in the Court of Appeal, working with senior KCs and was given an opportunity to work on my own caseload supervised by a senior lawyer. Whilst this early responsibility may seem daunting, NCA Legal fosters a culture of collaboration and encouragement that quickly builds your confidence.

    Within our Financial Disruptions Litigation Team, you will work on a collection of high-profile asset recovery cases. These are usually fast-paced, and offer a great opportunity for trainees to work closely with senior lawyers and counsel at an early stage. Cases often involve forfeiture of high-value assets such as property, bank accounts and recently crypto assets, and provide trainees with an opportunity to work alongside international partners.

    Trainees have a number of options for their third seat, including a chance to be seconded outside the Agency. Past trainees have worked in the Home Office to gain policy experience, advising ministers on the passage of bills through Parliament. Other trainees, like myself, have used their third seat to gain experience in a different team within NCA Legal. These include our Commercial and Employment Team, who advise on employment matters including tribunals, and advise the Agency in relation to its commercial dealings, including compliance with new public procurement legislation. Another is our Disruptive Actions Litigation Team, who advise on disruptions to criminal activity including civil orders and sanctions.

    Finally, trainees will complete a seat in our Data and Operational Advisory Team, who provide legal advice to teams across the Agency. This means that the caseload in this seat can be incredibly broad, allowing you to advise on ongoing operations, international liaison, extradition and data sharing. In this seat you will come to understand the incredible range of work the NCA undertakes, and how your role in NCA Legal is pivotal to achieving the Agency’s objectives to protect the public from serious and organised crime.

    Training at the NCA is a totally unique experience. It offers you the opportunity to develop a wide breadth of legal knowledge and experience, in novel and often high-profile matters – and importantly, within a training culture that ensures you will be supported, challenged and valued.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Buckinghamshire events director sentenced for Covid fraud

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Buckinghamshire events director sentenced for Covid fraud

    Bounce Back Loan fraudster convicted following Insolvency Service investigations

    • William Blenkarn claimed he did not know he was not entitled to a second Bounce Back Loan for MJB Events Limited 

    • Blenkarn obtained double the amount of Covid support his company was entitled to as a result of his fraudulent declaration  

    • Money from the loan was then transferred to a new company Blenkarn had set up just weeks into the pandemic

    The owner of two Buckinghamshire-based events companies has been handed a suspended sentence after receiving £100,000 in Covid support funds when he was only entitled to half that figure. 

    William Blenkarn secured two Bounce Back Loans worth £50,000 each for his MJB Events Limited company, breaking the rules of the scheme which specifically stated that businesses could only have a single loan. 

    The 48-year-old then transferred £41,000 from the company’s bank account to his second business – MJB Entertainment Group Ltd – which had only been set up weeks before his fraudulent application. 

    Blenkarn, formerly of London End, Beaconsfield, but now living in Spain, was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday 24 April. 

    He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    William Blenkarn’s company received double the amount of public money it deserved due to his false declaration when applying for a second Bounce Back Loan. 

    This was taxpayers’ money and Blenkarn made matters worse by moving a significant proportion of the loan over to his new company which had only been trading for a few months.

    MJB Events was incorporated in January 2016 and was described as an events company. MJB Entertainment Group was set up in early April 2020. 

    Blenkarn told the Insolvency Service that MJB Entertainment Group was created to manage and book artists but developed into organising a range of charity events. 

    The company also described itself as providing additional services such as marquee design and wedding planning. 

    Blenkarn applied to two different banks for £50,000 Bounce Back Loans – the maximum allowed under the scheme – on behalf of MJB Events in May 2020. 

    For his second application, Blenkarn ticked the online declaration to certify that this was the only application made on behalf of the business. 

    Despite this, Blenkarn claimed he did not know that he could only apply for one loan for each company. 

    Two payments of £25,000 and £16,000 were then made to MJB Entertainment Group from the bank account belonging to MJB Events in July 2020. 

    These transactions left the MJB Events account overdrawn by around £25,000 at the time liquidators were appointed in June 2021, depriving creditors of the funds. 

    Blenkarn also breached his duties as a director by failing to deliver accounting records for MJB Events to the liquidator as he was required to do by law. 

    The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s best seafood spots, as voted by you

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Want to eat your seafood with a side of beautiful views? Snapper and Co is the picture-perfect spot. Image: Tourism Australia

    In Brief:

    • We asked Canberrans on the @WeAreCBR Instagram account where to find the best seafood in Canberra.
    • This list includes different locations you can find seafood.

    Canberra might be missing a beach, but there is no shortage of delicious spots to grab some seafood.

    We asked on the @WeAreCBR Instagram account where to find the best local seafood, whether it’s your classic fish and chips, or something a little more fancy like paella.

    Here are the top recommendations:

    Seafood buffet at the Hyatt Hotel

    Wanting to load up a plate with fresh seafood goodies? And maybe go back for more? The Hyatt Hotel offers Friday and Saturday evening seafood buffets, and you can even grab a cheeky dessert while you’re at it.

    Seafood at Med

    Med in Barton is serving up numerous seafood dishes. Kingfish, octopus and king prawns are all available, plus many more delicious dishes.

    Octopus at Saint Malo

    Dive headfirst into this delicious Mediterranean cuisine! There are various seafood dishes on the menu, but the standout is the octopus with black garlic and kipfler potatoes.

    Seafood and a view and Snapper & Co

    Visit Canberra’s iconic lakeside and snap up some fish and chips. With views of Telstra Tower and Lake Burley Griffin, this is one to add to your summer bucket list.

    Kickin Inn

    Looking to have a bit of everything? Kickin Inn is Canberra’s home to the famous seafood boil bags! Get everything mixed into a bag with your choice of sauce and add-ons, dig in and enjoy! But don’t forget your bib.

    Calamari Salad from Space Kitchen

    Looking to add some fresh greens into your seafood? This calamari is served with a Thai style salad and fresh papaya.

    Seafood at Water’s Edge

    Dine in a dome right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. With various seafood options ranging from crab to the fish of the day, you’re sure to enjoy this meal with a view!

    Oysters at Corella

    Like the finer things in life? The Appellation oysters at Corella are a fan favourite. Served with a lemon myrtle vinegar and the choice of half a dozen or the full dozen.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder following fatal stabbing in Twickenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met detectives have named a man who died in a stabbing in south-west London as they charge a man with murder.

    Harpal Singh Roopra, 38, died after being found with stab wounds in Ellerman Avenue, Twickenham, at 23:39hrs on Saturday, 26 April.

    His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

    George Luka, 45 (28.12.79), of Ellerman Avenue, Twickenham, was charged on Monday, 28 April with murder. He will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court later this morning.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged in Southall murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of Michael O’Donnell in Southall have charged a man.

    The 66-year-old was found dead after officers were called to a residential property in Samara Drive at 10:56hrs on Wednesday, 23 April.

    A 54-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has now been charged.

    Christopher Donnelly, 54 (11.04.71), of Samara Drive, Southall, was charged on Sunday, 27 April with murder and fraud by false representation.

    He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, 28 April.

    A 28-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed pending further enquiries.

    Michael’s family continue to be supported by officers and have been informed of this development.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Health promotion scholarships to inspire next generation of leaders

    Source: South Australia Police

    A $660,000 funding boost from Healthway will support the next generation of health promotion leaders through a scholarship program run by the Australian Health Promotion Association.

    Healthway CEO Colin Smith said six exceptional graduates have recently been awarded a Health Promotion Scholarship, providing them with an incredible opportunity to launch their career.

    “This program is among the few capacity building workforce programs available nationally in public health,” he said.

    “Each scholarship, valued a $110,000 each, pays for 12 months full-time salary, working at an organisation of the graduate’s choice on a project they want to develop.

    “Congratulations to all scholarship recipients, we look forward to your contributions to health promotion in the years to come.”

    Australian Health Promotion Association National President Melinda Edmunds expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnership with Healthway.

    “Over 30 years, we have provided opportunities for 85 graduates and 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship recipients,” she said.

    “Not only does this scholarship program pave the way for the next generation of WA health promotion leaders, but it significantly boosts the health promotion capacity within the host organisation.”

    “For many past recipients, their contributions have been so significant that the host organisations have chosen to retain them even after the scholarship has ended,” she said.

    To find out more visit Health Promotion Scholarships.

    Scholarship recipient

    Host organisation

    Project description

    Jade Ashwell from Wanneroo

    Foodcore

    Project aims to empower Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) educators through capacity building activities and
    direct food and nutrition support and resources

    Charlene Carlisle
    from Jane Brook
    Aboriginal recipient

    Act Belong
    Commit at Curtin

    Project aims to promote mindful movement for children and young people through the Deadly Minds Project, a culturally safe Indigenous yoga teacher training. Deadly Minds supports children’s social and emotional
    wellbeing by teaching mindfulness based movement
    practices with a trauma informed lens and integrating
    them with cultural knowledge.

    Laura Thum from Inglewood

    Collaboration for
    Evidence, Research, and Impact in Public Health, Curtin

    Project aims to support Western Australian health
    promotion organisations to increase meaningful
    participation in peer-based health promotion by
    underserved populations, specifically young people,
    LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally and
    linguistically diverse backgrounds, by establishing and
    piloting a capacity-building Community of Practice
    (CoP), PEER+.

    Isabelle Falantin from Broome

    Regional recipient

    Broome Regional
    Aboriginal Medical
    Service

    Project aims to create a preventative health program
    targeted at primary schools that encourages children to
    engage with a range of healthy behaviours.

    Samantha Elliott from Carine

    National Nutrition
    Foundation

    Project aims to create health promotion and nutrition
    education messages specifically tailored for adolescents aged 12-17.

    Kirsty Mullane from Sorrento

    North Metropolitan
    Health Service

    Project aims to facilitate local solutions to food
    insecurity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
    people livingin the north metropolitan catchment of
    Perth.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New community outreach van launched to engage with local communities

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    New community outreach van launched to engage with local communities

    Monday, 28 April 2025 – 1:47 pm.

    Tasmania Police has launched a new community outreach van to help engage with local communities.Speaking at the launch in George Town today, Commissioner Donna Adams said that the initiative was a direct response to recommendations from the Weiss Review, Tasmania Police Community Survey and Commission of Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings, and aimed to proactively bring services and information to communities who need them or have traditionally had little or no opportunity to engage with Tasmania Police.“These recent reviews have told us that our community expects better, more visible, and in-person engagement between Tasmania Police and community members,” Commissioner Adams said.“The reviews have also told us we need to continue to build trust with vulnerable community groups and Tasmanian sport and recreation organisations for the purpose of preventing, identifying and reporting grooming, and child sexual abuse.“Together with partnering organisations like Neighbourhood Watch, PCYC, and Crime Stoppers, Poli and the team are available to visit communities and community groups around the state to achieve these outcomes.”“Poli will provide visibility in the communities where they need police most.“At a time where there is a greater than ever demand for frontline policing services, you can expect that Poli will provide an additional avenue for members of the community to discuss issues important to the community and that our partner organisations may be able to assist in providing advice and assistance.“Together we can ease the pressure by adopting new community-focused solutions that ensure community safety and efficiency.”Commissioner Adams said that the Community Engagement team will take Poli to Deloraine and Agfest over the coming days before undertaking engagements in the south, the east coast and the north west coast in the next few weeks.“It’s a way of taking our people and some of our services and information directly into communities to engage with Tasmanians. It allows us to have a high-visibility police presence in vulnerable and priority communities and those that have limited opportunity to engage with Tasmania Police for key services,” she said.Funding was provided by the Tasmanian Government to support Tasmania Police in engaging and building trust with the community.Poli is being staffed by members of the Community Engagement Services team, along with local officers who will attend local events, including schools, community and sporting events, and be on hand to:• discuss local crime issues and provide crime prevention and general advice to residents and business owners• provide information and resources about personal, residential and business safety, as well as child safety and safeguarding• customise Poli’s visit to the community/community group’s needs.Poli is also available to support other key Tasmania Police initiatives such as firearm amnesties and recruitment, as well as providing information on how to identify grooming, and keeping children and young people safe from sexual abuse.Commissioner Adams said that a broader Tasmania Police Stakeholder Engagement Strategy was currently being developed, which would outline a coordinated approach to community engagement across the state and action plans to deliver key initiatives over the three-year life of the strategy.“By continuing to work together as an organisation, I am certain that this outreach initiative will prove to be a significant and positive change in how we provide targeted and focused police services to the Tasmanian community now and into the future.”For more information, check out www.police.tas.gov.au/poli

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Ngamai Wilam – Victoria’s first publicly funded residential treatment centre for eating disorders

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    We’re ensuring Victorians with an eating disorder get the care and support they need with Victoria’s first public residential eating disorder treatment centre, Ngamai Wilam.

    Operated by Alfred Health in Armadale, Ngamai Wilam is a brand new, purpose-built 12 bed residential centre, offering 24/7 support in a safe, home-like setting, providing specialist care for Victorians aged 18 and over who are living with an eating disorder.

    Delivering on the objectives of the Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024-31, the establishment of this centre represents a shift in our system towards a stepped model of care, where care is available and tailored to an individual’s needs and circumstances – where we have services that are designed to meet people where they are at.

    By providing treatment, support, and care in a welcoming, home-like environment, Ngamai Wilam gives individuals the best chance at lasting recovery.

    The centre’s approach to care has been co-designed with people who have lived experience of eating disorders, alongside families, carers, health professionals, advocacy groups, and experts. By centring lived and living experience in both the design of the built environment and the model of care, Ngamai Wilam offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment, care and support for individuals impacted by eating disorders as well as their families, carers and supporters.

    The name, Ngamai Wilam (pronounced Nah-may Will-ahm) is inspired by the story of Nala, a wise spirit who created the first sunrise and sunset. Resonating strongly with the naming group, sunset is a reminder that as the day fades, so too can difficulties, where sunrise brings the promise of fresh beginnings and renewed strength to confront challenges.

    Ngamai Wilam represents a transformative approach to care for individuals with eating disorders. With a strong focus on family and chosen supports, Ngamai Wilam is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that promotes long-term recovery.

    Read more about what we’re doing to tackle the rising prevalence and severity of eating disorders in the Victorian eating disorders strategy 2024-31.

    Further information

    Ngamai Wilam will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week with onsite staff support, and will be integrated with existing eating disorder services across the state.

    Treatment is free to consumers accessing Ngamai Wilam as a publicly funded service. Equitable access to care is provided to all Victorians with a diagnosed eating disorder.

    Ngamai Wilam will progressively open to a 12-bed capacity across 2025. More information on referral pathways is available on the Alfred Health websiteExternal Link.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating after shots were fired at a house on Cobham Place in Hastings early this morning.

    The incident was reported to Police at around 3am today. Witnesses reported seeing possibly two people leaving the area on a quad bike at around the same time.

    Our initial enquiries indicate that this incident is not linked to the ongoing tensions between Mongrel Mob and Black Power in Eastern District.

    We would like to hear from anyone with information which might assist our investigation. We are particularly interested in any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at around the time of the shooting.

    If you can help, please contact Police via 105, quoting file number 250428/4796.

    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 Australia: Fellowship to promote young people’s mental health in Perth’s east

    Source: South Australia Police

    Curtin University’s Dr Jonathan Sae-Koew has received Healthway’s prestigious Early Career Research Fellowship to work in collaboration with the Y WA to co-design and evaluate strategies for promoting the mental health of young people in the City of Belmont.

    Heathway CEO Colin Smith said Dr Sae-Koew’s Fellowship, worth $396,711 over the next three years, will support those teenagers who need it most.

    “We know it is challenging for young people to thrive when resources and opportunities are limited.”

    “Through this fellowship, we will be able to identify the most impactful ways to enhance their mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

    Dr Sae-Koew said his project will initially focus on working with the Y WA in the City of Belmont to adapt their existing youth programs to help young people reach their full potential and become productive, engaged members of society.

    “We’re not starting again here, we’re building on what is already out there via some great service providers, such as the Y WA and their Base@Belmont Youth Centre, to support and promote models of work in other local government areas,” he said.

    “We’ll be helping them to refine their existing services and map out what additional support might be needed to promote positive mental health.”

    This announcement coincides with the opening of Healthway’s Health Promotion Research and Scholarship Programs for 2025. More than $800,000 in grants is available through the Health Promotion Research Scholarship, Aboriginal Health Research Scholarship and Health Promotion Research Fellowship programs, which are designed to support researchers in improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for Western Australians.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two in hot water following risky break in

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A pair of alleged burglars in the middle of removing a hot water cylinder and copper piping from a Tikipunga property have been caught in the act.

    Police were alerted to a burglary at a property undergoing renovation on Thomas Street just after 9.30am yesterday.

    The homeowner reported seeing, through security cameras, two people allegedly inside the premises removing items from the home.

    Whangārei Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, says Police were notified after two people were seen breaking into the property, which is currently under construction.

    “The Police Dog Unit, Delta, has responded and apprehended two people allegedly trying to run out the back of the property with tools.

    “One person suffered a minor dog bite as a result.

    “CCTV footage proved invaluable in this case, alerting the homeowner to the pair entering the property and allowing them to see the footage in real time.

    “CCTV is a great security measure and not only can it alert you as incidents are happening, but it is also a crucial tool in identifying offenders and providing critical evidence.”

    A 32-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman have been charged with burglary and will appear in Whangārei District Court today.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 28, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 28, 2025.

    Reefs in the ‘middle’ light zone along NZ’s coast are biodiversity hotspots – many are home to protected species
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James J Bell, Professor of Marine Biology, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington James Bell, CC BY-SA The latest update on the state of New Zealand’s environment paints a concerning outlook for marine environments, especially amid the increasing push to use the marine estate for

    Pokies line the coffers of governments and venues – but there are ways to tame this gambling gorilla
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charles Livingstone, Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University Recently, much public attention has been given to the way online wagering and its incessant promotion has infiltrated sport and our TV screens. Despite a 2023 parliamentary inquiry that recommended new restrictions on online

    Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada’s election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Asgary, Professor, Disaster & Emergency Management, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies & Director, CIFAL York, York University, Canada A car attack at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver just two days before Canada’s federal election has killed at least 11 people and injured many

    Is Canada heading down a path that has caused the collapse of mighty civilizations in the past?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Hoyer, Senior Researcher, Historian and Complexity Scientist, University of Toronto Canada is, by nearly any measure, a large, advanced, prosperous nation. A founding member of the G7, Canada is one of the world’s most “advanced economies,” ranking fourth in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s

    Rwanda’s genocide: why remembering needs to be free of politics – lessons from survivors
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Lakin, Lecturer, Clark University Memory and politics are inherently intertwined and can never be fully separated in post-atrocity and post-genocidal contexts. They are also dynamic and ever-changing. The interplay between memory and politics is, therefore, prone to manipulation, exaggeration or misuse by clever actors to meet

    In talking with Tehran, Trump is reversing course on Iran – could a new nuclear deal be next?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey Fields, Professor of the Practice of International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences A mural on the outer walls of the former US embassy in Tehran depicts two men in negotiation. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images Negotiators from Iran and the United States are set

    ‘I were but little happy, if I could say how much’: Shakespeare’s insights on happiness have held up for more than 400 years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cora Fox, Associate Professor of English and Health Humanities, Arizona State University Joanna Vanderham as Desdemona and Hugh Quarshie as the title character in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of ‘Othello.’ Robbie Jack/Corbis via Getty Images What is “happiness” – and who gets to be happy? Since

    What will the UK Supreme Court gender ruling mean in practice? A legal expert explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Maine, Senior Lecturer in Law, City St George’s, University of London jeep2499/Shutterstock The Supreme Court’s decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers will mean changes in how trans people in the UK access services and single-sex spaces. In the highly anticipated judgment announced

    What are ‘penjamins’? Disguised cannabis vapes are gaining popularity among young people
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Chung, PhD Candidate, National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland Stenko Vlad/Shutterstock E-cigarettes or vapes were originally designed to deliver nicotine in a smokeless form. But in recent years, vapes have been used to deliver other psychoactive substances, including cannabis concentrates and

    Used EV batteries could power vehicles, houses or even towns – if their manufacturers share vital data
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daryoush Habibi, Professor and Head, Centre for Green and Smart Energy Systems, Edith Cowan University EV batteries are made of hundreds of smaller cells. IM Imagery/Shutterstock Around the world, more and more electric vehicles are hitting the road. Last year, more than 17 million battery-electric and hybrid

    Climate change and the housing crisis are a dangerous mix. So which party is grappling with both?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher and Sustainable Future Lead, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Australia is running out of affordable, safe places to live. Rents and mortgages are climbing faster than wages, and young people fear they may never own a home. At the same time,

    Why film and TV creators will still risk it all for the perfect long take shot
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kristian Ramsden, PhD Candidate, University of Adelaide Apple TV In the second episode of Apple TV’s The Studio (2025–) – a sharp satirical take on contemporary Hollywood – newly-appointed studio head Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) visits the set of one of his company’s film productions. He finds

    Is there a best way to peel a boiled egg? A food scientist explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paulomi (Polly) Burey, Professor in Food Science, University of Southern Queensland We’ve all been there – trying to peel a boiled egg, but mangling it beyond all recognition as the hard shell stubbornly sticks to the egg white. Worse, the egg ends up covered in chewy bits

    Australia once had ‘immigration amnesties’ to grant legal status to undocumented people. Could we again?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Dehm, Senior Lecturer, International Migration and Refugee Law, University of Technology Sydney The year is 1972. The Whitlam Labor government has just been swept into power and major changes to Australia’s immigration system are underway. Many people remember this time for the formal end of the

    Independents may build on Australia’s history of hung parliaments, if they can survive the campaign blues
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University Major parties used to easily dismiss the rare politician who stood alone in parliament. These MPs could be written off as isolated idealists, and the press could condescend to them as noble, naïve and unlikely to succeed. In

    Peter Dutton: a Liberal leader seeking to surf on the wave of outer suburbia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In searching for the “real” Peter Dutton, it is possible to end up frustrated because you have looked too hard. Politically, Dutton is not complicated. There is a consistent line in his beliefs through his career. Perhaps the shortest cut

    Albanese has been a ‘proficient and lucky general’. But if he wins a second term, we are right to demand more
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Strangio, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Monash University Barring a rogue result, this Saturday Anthony Albanese will achieve what no major party leader has done since John Howard’s prime-ministerial era – win consecutive elections. Admittedly, in those two decades he is only the second of the six

    Peter Dutton declares Welcome to Country ceremonies are ‘overdone’ in heated final leaders’ debate
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Marks, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Partnerships, Western Sydney University Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have had their fourth and final leaders’ debate of the campaign. The skirmish, hosted by 7News in Sydney, was moderated by 7’s Political Editor Mark Riley. Cost of

    Election Diary: a cost-of-living election where neither leader can tell you the price of eggs
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The fourth election debate was the most idiosyncratic of the four head-to-head contests between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Apart from all the usual topics, the pair was charged with producing one-word responses to pictures of

    Trump’s war on the media: 10 numbers from US President’s first 100 days
    Reporters Without Borders Donald Trump campaigned for the White House by unleashing a nearly endless barrage of insults against journalists and news outlets. He repeatedly threatened to weaponise the federal government against media professionals whom he considers his enemies. In his first 100 days in office, President Trump has already shown that he was not bluffing.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Murdered officer honoured on milestone day

    Source: New South Wales – News

    South Australia Police (SAPOL) and the South Australian Police Historical Society has today commemorated Police Foundation Day by unveiling a memorial plaque in Hindmarsh Square for an officer killed on duty.

    Dignitaries including Lord Mayor, the Honourable Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM, Minister of Police Stephen Mullighan, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM LEM united with other guests this morning to honour and remember 23-year-old Foot Constable John McLennan Holman, who was tragically murdered at the location on 23 February 1929.

    Police Foundation Day is held annually on 28 April to commemorate SAPOL’s founding in 1838, being the oldest centrally organised police service in Australia, and one of the oldest civilian police services in the world.

    “Today, we pay tribute to Constable John McLennan Holman who had his life tragically cut short early in his policing career,” Commissioner Stevens said.

    “Constable Holman was a promising young officer who was held in the highest esteem by fellow comrades and his dedication to the job sadly eventuated in the loss of his life.

    “Since the establishment of South Australia Police in 1838, 62 police officers have been killed in the line of duty. This is a stark reminder of the dangers police face when protecting the community.”

    During a historical address, former Deputy Commissioner and Police Historical Society member John White revisited the tragic 1929 incident as part of the memorial service.

    “Constable Holman’s death brought about a shock wave across the community,” he said.

    “This memorial reminds us of the sacrifice this young officer made in the vicinity of where he was heartbreakingly killed.”

    Foot Constable Holman and fellow constables Budgen and Marshall responded unarmed to a report of shots being fired at Grenfell Street. Upon arrival, they reportedly found the area strangely quiet, with a motorcycle and sidecar parked unattended.

    Seizing the machine, the constables travelled a short distance when suddenly confronted by two men, one John Stanley McGrath, who suddenly shot Constable Holman after he dismounted and identified as a police officer.

    “Both men turned and ran away while, unarmed and wounded, constables Holman and Budgen bravely gave chase. Shot in the abdomen, Constable Holman collapsed while Constable Budgen continued chase, calling for backup from a nearby Constable King,” Mr White told the crowd.

    “Following a vicious gunfight involving Constable King, McGrath was shot in the leg and fell. When

    Constable Budgen leant over the offender, he heard a click and, fortunately, realised McGrath was out of ammunition.”

    Once McGrath and his accomplice were apprehended, Constable Holman was found unconscious and conveyed to the then Adelaide Hospital, where he sadly died from his wounds an hour later.

    Constable Holman had only joined the service two years prior in 1927 and was due to be married a week later. McGrath was found guilty of his murder in July 1929 and sentenced to death. This was later commuted to life imprisonment, but he was released after serving only 13 years.

    On Monday 25 February 1929 a state funeral was held for the fallen constable, seeing thousands line Adelaide streets in respect and disbelief.

    “For their actions on 12 May 1930, Constables Budgen and King were awarded the King’s Police Medal for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in recognition of the fearless discharge of their duty at the risk of death on February 23, when Constable Holman was fatally shot,” Mr White added.

    Minister of Police Stephen Mullighan paid his respects at today’s memorial and acknowledged the work of all police, past and present.

    “Today, decades on, we honour the sacrifice of a young officer who died tragically far too soon,” he said.

    “The State Government acknowledges the ongoing risk and sacrifice our brave police continue to take on while protecting fellow South Australians. “

    Meanwhile, Constable John McLennan Holman is also remembered and honoured on the South Australia Police Roll of Honour and Wall of Remembrance, and the Australian National Police Memorial Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.

    Bill Prior, President of the SA Police Historical Society, former Deputy Commissioner and Police Historical Society member John White, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, Honourable Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM and The Hon Stephen Mullighan MP, Minister for Police at today’s Police Foundation Day memorial event in Hindmarsh Square.

    Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM with the unveiled plaque dedicated to Constable John McLennan Holman, who was killed on duty in 1929.

    In 2025 we recognise and honour the passing of Constable John McLennan Holman who died as a result of a fatal gunshot, whilst he was in the execution of his duty on 23 February 1929 in Hindmarsh Square Adelaide.

    Foot Constable John McLennan Holman and his  gravesite. The gravesite was restored in 1998 with funding from the Police Association of South Australia.

    The Register state funeral coverage February 26, 1929.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 4WD and adventure show rolling into Wanneroo

    Source: South Australia Police

    Lock your diffs and hold on to your grab handles! The City of Wanneroo is bringing the Ready 4 Adventure Show to Wanneroo this May.

    Running in high-range from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 May, the show promises three action-packed days of all things 4WD, caravanning, camping, boating and fishing – right here in the heart of Wanneroo.

    Well-known among adventure lovers, Ready 4 Adventure started as a popular magazine before becoming a TV series on Channel 9. Now, it’s bigger, bolder and live, designed to immerse attendees in the ultimate outdoor lifestyle experience.

    City of Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the event would be the first major outdoor adventure exhibition held north of the river, delivering exciting benefits for local residents and businesses, and an action-packed experience for people from all over Perth and beyond.

    “We’re proud to bring this fantastic event to the Wanneroo Showgrounds and showcase our City as a vibrant destination for large-scale community events,” Mayor Aitken said.

    “This is a great opportunity for locals to soak up a weekend of fun, inspiration and discovery, and for visitors to experience the incredible spirit of Wanneroo and everything we have to offer in our vibrant City.”

    The show will feature an extensive lineup of exhibitors and attractions, including:

    • Caravan and 4WD displays
    • Australia’s leading 4WD and accessory brands
    • Market alley, offering adventure gear, local products and unique finds
    • Food trucks and live cooking demos, including smoked meat specialists
    • Licensed bar area
    • Kid’s and family zone with carnival rides and entertainment for all ages.

    There will also be live demonstrations and special attractions, including:

    • 4×4 track demonstrations by YouTube personality Mad Matt and Eureka 4×4
    • The Shark 6 Stage, presented by BYD, with expert talks and cooking demos
    • Show & Shine competition for 4WD enthusiasts.

    Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor explorer or simply looking for a great day out, the Ready 4 Adventure Show is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

    It’s going to be an unmissable event, and to celebrate, the City of Wanneroo is giving away 10 double passes to the show.

    All you need to do is head to the City of Wanneroo Facebook page, find the giveaway post, and tag who you’d bring along for your chance to win.

    Buy tickets online and find more information, visit ready4adventure.com.au.

    This event is owned by Media Junction and Interact Digital and proudly sponsored by the City of Wanneroo.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Glenross

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    olice can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Glenross on 29 March.

    He was 32-year-old Robert Douglas Ralston, from Wakari, Dunedin.

    Our thoughts remain with those close to him at this difficult time.

    A 31-year-old man is due to reappear in the Dunedin District Court on 6 May facing a charge of manslaughter.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Joins Over 175 Members of Congress to Demand Trump Administration Preserve and Expand Free Tax Filing Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – In response to recent reporting that the Trump administration plans to end the Direct File program, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led over 175 Congressional Democrats in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Acting IRS Commissioner Michael Faulkender, slamming the administration’s reported decision and demanding instead that officials preserve and expand Direct File. 

    Direct File is a free, easy-to-use tax filing program that has already delivered significant benefits to taxpayers. In 2024, during the program’s pilot phase, Direct File saved the average user $160 in tax return fees and hours of effort preparing their return. Users overwhelmingly love the program: 98 percent of Direct File taxpayers in 2025 were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their experience, a world-class figure. Yet, new reporting indicates that the Trump Administration “plans to eliminate the IRS’ Direct File program.”

    “The Trump Administration’s dismantling of a program that makes tax filing easier and free for millions of Americans is shameful. Taxpayers have spoken loudly and clearly: Direct File works well for them, and more Americans want access to it,” wrote the lawmakers. 

    Even before reports that the Trump Administration planned to end Direct File, the Trump Administration had already sabotaged the program during its time in office. This filing season, the Trump Administration fired the team at the Treasury Department that had been running awareness campaigns about Direct File, scaled back communications promoting the program, and did little to partner with local groups and media outlets to promote the program. In February, Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tweeted that the team that helped build Direct File, “has been deleted.” While Direct File remained operational after Musk’s tweet, “Direct File usage immediately fell by roughly one quarter.”

    The lawmakers demanded that Secretary Bessent and Acting IRS Commissioner Faulkender provide a written commitment to preserve and expand Direct File for the 2026 tax season and beyond by May 5, 2025. 

    You can read the full letter to Secretary Bessent and Commissioner Michael Faulkender here or below:

    Dear Secretary Bessent and Acting Commissioner Faulkender:

    We write in response to public reporting indicating that the Trump Administration plans to end the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Direct File program. Ending this free, easy-to-use, and popular program would be an insult to American taxpayers, eliminating an important alternative to commercial options provided by the tax prep industry. We write to seek your written commitment that you will preserve and expand Direct File for next year’s tax filing season and beyond.

    In the first two years of its existence, Direct File has already delivered significant benefits to taxpayers across the country. In 2024, during the program’s pilot phase, Direct File saved the average user $160 in return fees and hours of effort preparing their return. Ninety percent of users rated their experience with the program positively. A year later, Direct File has improved in important ways. For this year’s tax filing season, Direct File was accessible in 25 states and used pre-populated taxpayer data to make the filing process smoother. Users delivered rave reviews: 98 percent of Direct File taxpayers in 2025 were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their experience, a world-class figure.

    However, the tax prep industry has fought Direct File at every turn, even before its inception. It’s no secret why: a free, easy-to-use tax filing program requires the industry to compete for taxpayer business and is a direct threat to the industry’s bottom line. Accordingly, these companies have spent millions on lobbying in the hopes of ending Direct File, encouraging Republican Members of Congress to ask the Trump Administration to kill the program.

    New reporting indicates that the Trump Administration “plans to eliminate the IRS’ Direct File program.” But even before this reporting, the Trump Administration had been sabotaging Direct File’s success since taking office. For example:

    • The Trump Administration fired the team at the Department of the Treasury that had been running awareness campaigns about Direct File
    • The Trump Administration dramatically scaled back communications efforts at the IRS and Treasury to promote Direct File. In contrast to the Biden Administration’s efforts last year, the Trump Administration issued almost no public statements promoting the program and did little to partner with local organizations and media outlets to promote Direct File.
    • Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tweeted that 18F, a group that helped agencies build digital services like Direct File, had been “deleted.” In response to the tweet, public reporting, with little pushback from the Trump Administration, suggested that Direct File had been ended as well. While Direct File remained operational after Musk’s tweet, “Direct File usage immediately fell by roughly one quarter.”

    According to partners and state governments, uncertainty about Direct File’s future and the future of the IRS itself created by DOGE’s attacks on the IRS and public reports of DOGE’s improper access to taxpayer data may also have hampered the program’s success.

    The Trump Administration’s dismantling of a program that makes tax filing easier and free for millions of Americans is shameful. Taxpayers have spoken loudly and clearly: Direct File works well for them, and more Americans want access to it. On behalf of those taxpayers, we seek your written commitment by May 5, 2025 that you will preserve and expand Direct File for the 2026 tax season and beyond.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    The following Senators also signed the letter: Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Timothy Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elisa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). 

    The following Representatives signed the letter as well: Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Gabo Amo (D-R.I.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Troy Carter (D-La.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gilbert Cisneros (D-Calif.), Yvette Clark (D-N.Y.), Steven Cohen (D-Tenn.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.),, Herbert Conaway (D-N.J.), Gerald Connolly (D-Va.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Valerie P. Foushee (D-N.C.), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-Texas), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Md.), Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-Ill.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.), Julie Johnson (D-Texas), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), William R. Keating (D-Mass.), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), George Latimer (D-N.Y.), Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Jennifer L. McClellan (D-Va.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Robert J. Menendez (D-N.J.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-Md.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Calif.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Bradley Scott Schneider (D-Ohio), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.), Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.I.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Ohio), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Derek T. Tran (D-Calif.), Nikema Williams (D-Ga.), Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Marc A. Veasey (D-Texas), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Eugene Simon Vindman (D-Va.), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.). 

    The following groups endorsed the letter: Americans for Tax Fairness, Public Citizen, Economic Security Project Action, MoveOn, United for Respect, P Street, 20/20 Vision, Young Invincibles, Patriotic Millionaires, Groundwork Action, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, Meals4Families, Beyond Careers, Grow Brooklyn, National Consumer Law Center, Color of Change, End Child Poverty California, Consumer Action, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, Northwest Progressive Institute, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, Accountable.US, United for a Fair Economy, Responsible Wealth, National Association of Social Workers, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Golden State Opportunity, OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling, North Carolina Council of Churches. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Statement on the Retirement of Senator Dick Durbin

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement after Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will not run for re-election in 2026:

    “I’ve been proud to serve alongside my friend Senator Dick Durbin ever since he became a Member of the House of Representatives in 1983. He is the same person now that he was then: a principled leader, a gifted consensus builder, and an energetic advocate for Illinoisans and all Americans. That will remain true after he retires from the Congress at the end of the 119th Congress, as he announced earlier today.

    “Dick is a model legislator. That was evident from working with him on the House Appropriations Committee early in his career in Congress. He knew how to bring Democrats and Republicans together to fulfill our institution’s most basic responsibility of funding the government. Crucially, as the second highest ranking Democratic leaders in the Senate and House respectively, Dick and I coordinated closely to secure groundbreaking legislation. He was invaluable in the effort to unite Democrats behind historic bills like the Affordable Care Act, the American Rescue Plan, and the Inflation Reduction Act. He also helped us garner modest Republican support on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and other critical legislation.

    “Dick has delivered results at a time when gridlock is the norm in the Senate. That is a testament to his congeniality, pragmatism, and determination. From his successful effort to regulate smoking to his ongoing leadership on the DREAM Act, he knows how to cut through the partisan noise and find common ground. His retirement is a great loss for our Congress and country. I have no doubt that my friend’s legacy of accomplishment will only grow in the 119th Congress and beyond.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada’s election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Asgary, Professor, Disaster & Emergency Management, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies & Director, CIFAL York, York University, Canada

    A car attack at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver just two days before Canada’s federal election has killed at least 11 people and injured many more.

    The carnage along a street lined with food trucks took place shortly after one of the men vying to become Canada’s prime minister — New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh — attended the event. A shell-shocked Singh observed a moment of silence in Penticton, B.C., during another campaign stop the next day.

    A 30-year-old Vancouver resident has been arrested, but the motivation behind the attack is unknown.

    Vancouver police say the suspect has mental health issues and was known to police prior to the attack. Police also told a news conference there was no indication there was a need for extra policing at the festival, deeming it to have a “low threat level.”

    What goes into making that calculation, and is a public event ever truly low-risk?

    Vancouver police hold a news conference on the SUV attack. (CTV News)

    Difficulties of crowd management

    The Vancouver SUV attack is now classified as a crowd-related or mass gathering type of disaster. There have been cases of public vehicle-ramming attacks in Canada in the past, in particular the 2018 Toronto van attack that left 10 people dead.

    While it’s not yet known whether the Vancouver attack was targeted, there were clearly weaknesses in crowd management for such a large gathering. These types of attacks have been on the increase over the past decade and are now considered one of the prime threats to mass gatherings in public spaces and streets.

    Unfortunately, many mass gathering events do not allocate either sufficient resources or time for crowd management procedures, particularly those related to risk and emergency management.

    Organizing mass gathering events in public spaces should factor in different threats, including the potential for car ramming, and implement effective mitigation and preparedness measures.

    ‘Soft targets’

    Many public spaces where these events take place are vulnerable to car attacks. Evidence shows that mass gatherings are soft targets, meaning they’re easily accessible to large numbers of people and have limited security, protective and warning measures in place. Extreme precautions are needed to protect the public from such attacks so that they don’t become mass casualty events.

    Those in attendance should be aware that public spaces generally lack physical barriers, or the proper distribution of them, to resist car or vehicle attacks.

    While public awareness programs exist for other hazards such as flooding, earthquakes and extreme weather events, it’s now clear that such awareness and education are needed for mass public gatherings too.

    Police should be aware that relying on limited surveillance may not be sufficient to identify such threats at the scene. Vehicle access and traffic control should be in place throughout such events. Lack of warning systems to quickly inform the crowd about an ongoing attack further increases the impacts of vehicular attacks.

    Much of the focus on these types of events has been on the motivations of the attackers. Since a considerable number of vehicle-ramming attacks have been attributed to terrorism, communities or events with the perception of lower terrorism threats may not pay close enough attention to this type of threat.



    Read more:
    Toronto’s most recent car attack was a targeted crime, not a mass attack

    Impact on the election?

    Canadians aren’t likely to get many more details about the Vancouver attack until after voting day on Monday. Could the tragedy have an impact on the outcome of the federal election?

    Past and recent studies have drawn different conclusions about the impact of disasters on election results.

    According to what’s known as retrospective voting theory, voters judge governments on how they manage disasters, particularly highly publicized, tragic events, when casting their ballots. Voters can evaluate governments based on their handling of the disaster and the amount of effort they have put into minimizing risk.

    Some studies have found that local governments were rewarded after disaster events, including Calgary after the 2013 floods, several Italian municipal governments after earthquakes, local government officials in Brazil amid municipal drought declarations and civic elections in Japan after earthquakes, tsunamis and floods.



    Read more:
    Why Canada needs to dramatically update how it prepares for and manages emergencies

    Voters can and do punish or reward governments and elected politicians based on the effects of recent disasters on them and governments’ responses to them.

    But given how soon the Canadian election is being held after the disaster occurred — and the record number of voters who have already cast their ballots in advance polls — this tragedy isn’t likely to have a substantial impact.

    Hopefully, however, it will have an influence on how organizers, police and other authorities manage public crowds and events at a time when vehicle-ramming attacks are becoming a recurrent threat. Those elected this election should prioritize efforts to ensure communities can have safer mass gathering events.

    Ali Asgary 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. Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada’s election – https://theconversation.com/vancouver-suv-attack-exposes-crowd-management-falldowns-and-casts-a-pall-on-canadas-election-255395

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –