NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests, firearms seized following road rage incident

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Dargaville Police have made arrests and seized firearms following a road rage incident in the Kaipara district.

    An investigation has been underway since the incident occurred on the evening of 25 June in Mahuta.

    “Residents encountered dirt bikes doing burnouts and being disruptive,” Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom says.

    “A dispute occurred between some residents and riders when they were asked to leave the area and these requests were ignored.”

    Initially both groups went their separate ways, however Inspector Nordstrom says the incident escalated when the group returned to the area.

    “Two people arrived at the driveway of a property and were allegedly carrying firearms at the time.”

    No firearms were discharged, but Police were contacted and attended the scene.

    Inspector Nordstrom says enquiries resulted in five search warrants being carried out last week.

    “Dargaville Police were assisted by their district colleagues, with members from the Offender Prevention Team, CIB and a detector dog assisting with the operation,” she says.

    Four addresses and one vehicle were searched on Wednesday.

    “Three people were arrested, with three firearms also being seized as part of our enquiries,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

    “Those firearms included a shotgun and two rifles.”

    A 36-year-old man has since appeared in the Whangārei District Court on a charge of intentional damage and a firearms offence.

    He has been remanded in custody to reappear on 28 July.

    A 32-year-old woman also appeared in court on a charge of behaving threateningly.

    Meanwhile, a 43-year-old man is due to appear in the same court next week on two driving offences.

    “Our investigation is continuing into the events of 25 June, so this is by no means over,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

    “There is no place for violence or intimidation in our community, and if this does occur expect Police to be paying you a visit.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Members Padilla, Morelle Continue to Demand Answers on Critical Election Security Oversight

    US Senate News:

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

    Ranking Members Padilla, Morelle Continue to Demand Answers on Critical Election Security Oversight

    Lawmakers continue demanding answers on status of agency’s election security work after insufficient responses, blown deadlines to multiple letters regarding CISA firings and termination of election security efforts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Representative Joe Morelle (N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, reiterated their demands for a copy of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) review of its election security work, as well as a status report of their election-related work and personnel.

    “Despite public claims that the agency continues to provide services to the election infrastructure community (including election officials and vendors) that are available to other critical infrastructure owners and operators, we have heard complaints that CISA staff may be afraid to work with state and local election officials and vendors for fear of retribution. If accurate, this is a very serious issue,” wrote the lawmakers.

    The Ranking Members sent three previous letters to CISA leadership regarding CISA’s pause on all election security-focused activities, the termination of funding for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), and the firings of CISA employees who previously worked on election security, including misinformation and disinformation issues.

    “We remain seriously concerned with reports that CISA plans to cut some 1,300 staff—about half its full-time workforce—and another 40 percent of its contractors, and set a May 21, 2025 deadline for CISA employees to decide whether or not they would opt-in to a workforce transition program. Furthermore, it is our understanding that many employees have already begun the process of leaving CISA—or have already departed—and that restructuring may already be underway. The agency’s continued failure to provide any modicum of transparency to Congress and the public is unacceptable,” added the lawmakers.

    Padilla and Morelle concluded their letter by reminding CISA’s leadership of their responsibility to the congressional committees of jurisdiction for federal elections. In addition to a copy of CISA’s review, Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle demanded a substantive response to all oversight letters and a briefing on the findings of CISA’s assessment no later than July 21, 2025.

    Ranking Members Padilla and Morelle have strongly opposed efforts by the Trump Administration to undermine federal agencies’ election security work. In addition to their previous letters to CISA leadership, Padilla and Morelle expressed serious concerns about the dangerous implications for elections following President Trump’s executive order purporting to bring independent regulatory agencies under total control of the White House.

    Last month, Senator Padilla criticized the Trump Administration’s budget request that proposed a devastating 40 percent cut to the Election Assistance Commission and the complete elimination of all of its Election Security Grants funding to support state election administration as well as a dangerous 18 percent cut to CISA and the complete elimination of its $40 million Election Security Program. Padilla previously led 14 Democratic Senators in calling on Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order and issued a statement slamming the order when it was announced.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Dr. Gottumukkala and Ms. Harrington:

    We write again seeking urgent updates on the status of election-related work at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Given the role of the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration as the committees with primary oversight jurisdiction over federal elections, we request answers to the questions included in this letter, as well as a comprehensive briefing on the status of CISA operations and personnel.

    CISA’s repeated failure to respond to our requests for information while undertaking a significant reshaping of the agency’s personnel and mission is unacceptable. We remain deeply troubled by the lack of information CISA has provided to congressional oversight committees and the lack of substantive responses to our questions.

    Despite public claims that the agency continues to provide services to the election infrastructure community (including election officials and vendors) that are available to other critical infrastructure owners and operators, we have heard complaints that CISA staff may be afraid to work with state and local election officials and vendors for fear of retribution. If accurate, this is a very serious issue.

    Election infrastructure is critical infrastructure and requires the same substantive assistance as other critical infrastructure sectors. As we have noted in prior letters and has been publicly reported, CISA has cut funding and personnel for election security, creating unacceptable doubts about the security of the elections subsector and the level of support and services election officials can continue to expect from CISA.

    We remain seriously concerned with reports that CISA plans to cut some 1,300 staff—about half its full-time workforce—and another 40 percent of its contractors, and set a May 21, 2025 deadline for CISA employees to decide whether or not they would opt-in to a workforce transition program. Furthermore, it is our understanding that many employees have already begun the process of leaving CISA—or have already departed—and that restructuring may already be underway. The agency’s continued failure to provide any modicum of transparency to Congress and the public is unacceptable.

    As we have reiterated in prior letters, CISA, and the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have a responsibility to be transparent and responsive to congressional committees. While we continue to wait for comprehensive responses to our February 13, March 4, and April 17, 2025, letters, the continued staffing changes and funding cuts at CISA have resulted in additional questions.

    To that end, the New York Times reported on June 24, that Edward Coristine—the 19-year-old DOGE employee with a known history as a cybersecurity risk and who was reportedly involved in DOGE activities at DHS—recently resigned. The fact that this individual was still employed by the federal government and that you have failed to provide any meaningful response to our questions regarding DOGE’s access to CISA, raises serious concerns.

    We expect a comprehensive response to our prior questions and the additional questions below no later than July 21. Additionally, we reiterate our request for the latest copy of CISA and DHS’s review of its election security mission, and our request and expectation of a fulsome briefing on the agency’s assessment, including an update on prior, current, and expected changes at CISA, and a detailed explanation of the rationale behind such changes.

    Regarding CISA’s reorganization and personnel:

    1. What is the status of CISA’s reorganization?

    2. Who is responsible for the reorganization plan and its execution?

    3. What level of involvement did DOGE have in CISA’s personnel decisions?

    4. What access were DOGE employees granted to CISA’s information systems and data? What access do DOGE employees still have? What steps has the agency taken to ensure this data remains internal to the agency and secure?

    5. How many federal employees currently remain at CISA, excluding those who have opted into a workforce transition program? Please provide the numbers by division.

    6. How many CISA employees opted-into the deferred resignation program?

    7. How many CISA employees opted-into the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority program?

    8. How many CISA employees opted-into the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment program?

    Regarding CISA’s election security work:

    1. Which division is currently responsible for CISA’s election security work?

    2. What is the status of the CISA/DHS assessment of CISA’s election security work?

    3. CISA has indicated that its assessment of election security work has not impacted the ability of election officials to access cyber and physical security assessments.

    a. How many requests for physical security assessments has CISA received from election officials since January 2025, and how many physical security assessments have been conducted?

    b. How many requests for cybersecurity assessments has CISA received from election officials since January 2025, and how many cybersecurity assessments has CISA conducted?

    c. Is CISA continuing to sponsor security clearances for election officials?

    d. Is CISA continuing to create and update products and guidance documents for the election infrastructure subsector?

    e. Is CISA continuing to provide election officials with cyber, physical, and operational security trainings and exercises?

    4. In May 2024, then-Director Easterly testified to Congress that CISA provided weekly Vulnerability Scanning reports to nearly 1,000 election infrastructure stakeholders identifying vulnerabilities and mitigation recommendations to improve cybersecurity of systems, such as online voter registration systems, and other election management systems. Is CISA continuing to provide Cyber Hygiene Vulnerability Scanning services for election infrastructure systems and networks?

    5. CISA did significant work to protect election infrastructure against the risk of foreign malign influence operations during the 2024 election cycle. What work does CISA plan to continue to do to protect election infrastructure from foreign malign influence operations?

    6. What steps has CISA taken to ensure that election officials and vendors know what services are still available to them?

    7. What is the status of the Election Infrastructure Subsector Government Coordinating Council and the Election Infrastructure Subsector Sector Coordinating Council?

    8. What is the status of the comprehensive evaluation of CISA’s activities over the last six years, and the joint report as ordered by the April 9, 2025, Presidential Memorandum entitled “Addressing Risks from Chris Krebs and Government Censorship”?

    The security of our nation’s election infrastructure is a vital component of our free, fair, and secure elections. We appreciate your attention to this serious matter and expect your answers no later than Monday, July 21.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Simplifying requirements around family trusts

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Government is continuing to cut through unnecessary bureaucracy with reforms to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, which will make life easier for hard-working Kiwi families managing property through family trusts.
    “For thousands of New Zealanders, setting up a family trust is part of securing their financial future, especially when it comes to their home. But under the current AML regime, selling a house held in a trust triggers a burdensome level of document verification and compliance checks that has little to do with actual risk,” Mrs McKee says.
    “Families who’ve worked hard, paid off their mortgage, and saved for the future shouldn’t be treated like potential criminals just because they want to move house.
    Take, for example, a couple who’ve spent 15 years in the same home, raising their children and gradually paying off their mortgage. Like many Kiwi families, they’ve placed their home in a Family Trust to help manage and protect their most valuable asset.
    “If they decide to sell, real estate agents are currently required to collect an overwhelming amount of personal and legal information — including the names and addresses of all beneficiaries, even their children, trustees, and lawyers, along with a detailed explanation and documents to prove how the home was paid for.
    “Under the new reforms, a real estate agent can apply simplified customer due diligence if the sale is clearly low risk. That could mean only:

    Confirming the property’s ownership and trustee details match what’s on the certificate of title
    Verifying the couple’s identity documents and their role as trustees
    Retaining a copy of the trust deed.

    “When there’s clearly nothing untoward going on, there’s no need for invasive investigations or repetitive paperwork.”
    The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that real estate agents, lawyers, and accountants know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.
    “These changes are about recognising that not all customers carry the same risk and it’s time our laws reflected that,” Ms McKee says.
    “New Zealanders who play by the rules, work hard, and save for their future should be supported by the system, not tied up in red tape.”
    This is part of a wider programme of reform to make New Zealand’s AML/CFT regime smarter, more proportionate, and focused on genuine risks.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Cutting red tape so young Kiwis can start saving

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is making changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act that will make it easier for parents to open bank accounts for their children.
    “Opening a bank account for children should be a simple and positive step toward teaching them the value of saving. Unfortunately, regulations designed to prevent serious crimes can make the process unnecessarily difficult,” says Mrs McKee. 
    “The Government is cutting red tape that can make it harder for parents to do the easy thing and open a bank account for their children. 
    “According to the Act, a parent who wants to open an account for their eight-year-old child needs to gather and verify a long list of information, including their child’s address, date of birth, name, and their own authority to act on their child’s behalf. The Act also requires banks to obtain the nature and purpose of the business relationship, evaluate whether further due diligence is required, and monitoring the child’s transactions on an ongoing basis.
    “Under the Government’s new reforms, banks will be allowed to apply a simplified processes when risk is low. This means that if a bank puts measures in place to make a child’s bank account low-risk (e.g. by setting appropriate transaction limits) all that could be required is a birth certificate to confirm the child’s name and date of birth, and prove the relationship to the parent. 
    “They could also skip the intrusive and unnecessary questions about the “nature and purpose” of the account, and reduce or forego ongoing monitoring of a child’s banking activity, until the account’s settings are changed (e.g., removal of transaction limits when a child turns 18).
    The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that businesses like banks know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.
    “This is a common-sense reform. Parents shouldn’t be asked to jump through bureaucratic hoops just to open a bank account for their kids. We’re streamlining the system so that New Zealanders can spend less time on paperwork and more time teaching their children the value of money.
    “These changes reflect the Government’s wider commitment to smarter regulation, focusing on outcomes rather than ticking boxes, and trusting New Zealanders to make responsible decisions without being buried under red tape.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns of Fraud Schemes Following Texas Floods

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

    SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is on alert for fraudsters seeking to profit off the catastrophic and deadly flooding in Texas.

    Millions of people fall victim to scams every year. Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud, occurring at a time when people may be especially vulnerable, or targeting charitable intentions.

    Scammers are known to carry out a variety of fraud schemes, targeting those in the in affected communities. These methods include using phone, text, mail, email, and even going door to door to target residents impacted by damaging storms.

    If you think you may have been preyed upon, submit a report to the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.

    Learn how you can donate safely and avoid scams at the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice webpage.

    You can also report disaster related complaints to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). For more information on common charity and disaster fraud schemes, visit FBI.gov/how-we-can-help-you.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns of Fraud Schemes Following Texas Floods

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

    SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is on alert for fraudsters seeking to profit off the catastrophic and deadly flooding in Texas.

    Millions of people fall victim to scams every year. Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud, occurring at a time when people may be especially vulnerable, or targeting charitable intentions.

    Scammers are known to carry out a variety of fraud schemes, targeting those in the in affected communities. These methods include using phone, text, mail, email, and even going door to door to target residents impacted by damaging storms.

    If you think you may have been preyed upon, submit a report to the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.

    Learn how you can donate safely and avoid scams at the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice webpage.

    You can also report disaster related complaints to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). For more information on common charity and disaster fraud schemes, visit FBI.gov/how-we-can-help-you.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns of Fraud Schemes Following Texas Floods

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

    SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is on alert for fraudsters seeking to profit off the catastrophic and deadly flooding in Texas.

    Millions of people fall victim to scams every year. Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud, occurring at a time when people may be especially vulnerable, or targeting charitable intentions.

    Scammers are known to carry out a variety of fraud schemes, targeting those in the in affected communities. These methods include using phone, text, mail, email, and even going door to door to target residents impacted by damaging storms.

    If you think you may have been preyed upon, submit a report to the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.

    Learn how you can donate safely and avoid scams at the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice webpage.

    You can also report disaster related complaints to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). For more information on common charity and disaster fraud schemes, visit FBI.gov/how-we-can-help-you.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.7.25

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 7, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
     
    Thanne Berg, of Albany, has been appointed Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Berg has been Acting Deputy Director of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control since 2024. She was an Attorney of Hazardous Waste Program at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, from 2023 to 2024. She was Special Advisor to Center Associate Director for the National Aeronautics Space Administration Ames Research Center in 2023. Berg was the Senior Program Advisor at the United State Environmental Protection Agency Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance from 2021 to 2023. She was Associate Director for the Water and Pesticides Branch at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 Enforcement Division from 2016 to 2021. Berg was Attorney Supervisor at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 from 2011 to 2016. She was the National Lead Region Coordinator for Enforcement at the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 2008 to 2010. Berg was Supervisor for Region 9 Superfund Case Development and Cost Recovery for the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 2006 to 2008. Berg was Attorney for the Hazardous Waste Programs of the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 1997 to. She earned a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Alabama. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $203,004. Berg is a Democrat.
     
    Albert Lundeen, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Communications at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Lundeen has been Assistant Secretary in the Office of Public and Employee Communications at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2023. He was Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Media at the California Energy Commission from 2014 to 2021. Lundeen was Media Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager at the Financial Information System for California from 2012 to 2014. He was Partner at LundeenMacdonald from 2011 to 2012. Lundeen was Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the California Department of Public Health from 2009 to 2011. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, a Master of Arts degree in English from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies (Broadcast Journalism) from California State University, Chico. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $167,052. Lundeen is a Democrat.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 7, 2025

    News Recovery moves into next phase with focused plan to fast-track reconstruction and support impacted communities What you need to know: Governor Newsom has announced that debris removal for the Los Angeles firestorm is now substantially complete just six months…

    Jul 4, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring July 4, 2025, as “Independence Day” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONEach year on the Fourth of July, we…

    Jul 3, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – A day after announcing California has more than doubled its Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed legislation to further strengthen the state’s commitment to film and television production:AB 1138 by…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mike Lawler Delivers Historic Tax Relief with Passage of the OBBB

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    The OBBB protects Americans for the largest tax hike in generations, delivers historic tax relief to middle and working class families, strengthens Medicaid, lowers energy costs, and delivers record funding for securing our border.
    Washington, D.C. — 7/3/25…     Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued the following statement after the House voted to approve the final version of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, preventing the largest tax hike in American history and delivering long-overdue relief to middle- and working-class taxpayers.

    Following last week’s confirmation that the final bill preserved Lawler’s SALT compromise, raising the cap to $40,000 with a $500,000 income ceiling and 1% growth for five years, the bill returned to the House and was passed with these core tax provisions intact, including:

    • Extension of key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TJCA) of 2017, like the more than doubling of the standard deduction that most filers take
    • No federal tax on tips or overtime pay
    • Expanded child tax credit
    • Expanded tax credits for seniors
    • Preserved small business deductions
    • Expanded pass-through SALT deductibility

    According to the House Committee on Ways and Means, only two years after being signed into law, real median household income increased by $5,000 and real wages rose by 4.9% under the TJCA, allowing families to pocket more of their hard-earned money. Had these vital tax provisions expired, New Yorkers would have faced the single largest tax increases on small businesses and working-class families, with the average taxpayer in the Lower Hudson Valley facing an 18% tax hike. 

    However, passing an extension will result in a yearly take-home pay increase of up to $14,700 for a typical family in New York, according to the Council of Economic Advisers. Beyond tax relief, H.R. 1 delivers major wins for families, small businesses, and national security, including:

    • Secures the border by hiring tens of thousands of new ICE and Border Patrol agents, restarting construction of the border wall, and restoring enforcement capacity.
    • Lowers energy costs by expanding domestic production, ending burdensome regulations, refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and strengthening America’s energy independence.
    • Protects Medicaid for future generations as well as for the seniors, children, individuals with disabilities, and others who rely on the program within the IDD community.
    • Establishes common sense work requirements in Medicaid for certain able-bodied adults without dependents.
    • Creates an environment through spending rescissions, economic growth, and anti-fraud enforcement measures that will foster an economic boom. 
    • Supports small businesses and job creators by preserving pass-through deductions, expanding expensing rules, and eliminating the threat of higher estate taxes.
    • Modernizes U.S. national defense with $150 billion in investments to strengthen military readiness and deter global threats.
    • Strengthens the farm safety net with the first major update since 2002, expanding ag research, livestock biosecurity, and rural investment.
    • Reforms federal permitting and resource development to streamline infrastructure, energy, and forestry projects while ensuring state revenue-sharing.

    “Today, we delivered on our promise — to stop the single largest tax hike in American history and put more money back in the pockets of Americans,” said Congressman Lawler. “We secured meaningful SALT relief, locked in tax cuts for families and small businesses, and restored fairness for hardworking taxpayers across New York.”

    “This bill is a blueprint for how we can govern responsibly: provide real relief, restore security, and rein in out-of-control spending. The alternative was higher taxes, fewer jobs, and more economic pain. I voted to protect my constituents from that, and today, we got it done,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

    H.R. 1 now heads to President Trump’s desk for consideration of being signed into law. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lawler, Carbajal Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Protections for Rail Workers

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C — 7/1/25… Last week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, reintroduced their bipartisan Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act. The legislation would strengthen workplace protections for railroad yardmasters by giving them the same protections as other railroad yard workers. Yardmasters are the traffic controllers of our country’s rail yards and terminals. 

    “I’m proud to join Rep. Carbajal in reintroducing the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act, a commonsense, bipartisan bill that closes a long-overdue gap in rail safety policy. Yardmasters are essential to the safe and smooth operation of our freight rail system, and it’s only right that they receive the same duty hour protections as other rail employees. This legislation is about protecting workers, improving safety, and ensuring our rail network continues to serve communities and commerce across the country effectively,” said Congressman Lawler.

    “Yardmasters are the traffic controllers of our country’s railroad network. Like their counterparts in aviation, they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of everyone traveling by train,” said Congressman Carbajal. “My bipartisan legislation will improve working conditions and support the professionals who keep America’s railroads running safely and efficiently.”   

    The bipartisan Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act would include railroad yardmasters under federal hours of service requirements which currently cover safety-sensitive rail workers such as locomotive engineers, conductors, switchmen, dispatchers, and signal employees.

    The bill ensures that a yardmaster may not be required or allowed to remain on duty for more than a total of 12 hours, and then must receive a minimum of 10 hours off duty. First introduced in 2019, the Railroad Yardmaster Protection Act passed the House in 2020 as part of the INVEST in America Act. The bill has also been endorsed by SMART, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Athol Five Rivers Highway, southbound lane closed

    Source: New Zealand Police

    The south bound lane of the Athol Five Rivers Highway, Lowther is closed following a bus crash.

    Emergency services are attending.

    There is reportedly black ice in the area.

    Police ask drivers to avoid the area and take alternative routes where possible.

    Police ask people to drive to the conditions and consider black ice during cold times of the day.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Morphett Vale

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating a serious crash at Morphett Vale last night.

    About 10.20pm on Monday 7 July, police and emergency services were called to the intersection of Alexander Avenue and Bains Road after reports of a collision involving a Hyundai sedan and an electric bicycle.

    The rider of the bike, a 28-year-old Morphett Vale woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

    The driver of the sedan, an 18-year-old Christies Beach woman was not injured and is assisting police with their enquiries.

    Major Crash officers attended the scene and roads were closed for several hours but have since reopened.

    Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Driver arrested after crashing stolen car at Athol Park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man was arrested after failing to stop for police in a stolen car at Athol Park overnight.

    About 3.15am on Tuesday 8 July, police tried to pull over a vehicle on Athol Street, Athol Park, however, the driver refused to stop.

    In the brief pursuit, the Holden SUV reached speeds of up to 120 km/h in the 50 km/h zone before trying to turn and colliding with a kerb on Glenroy Street, rendering the car undriveable.

    The driver ran a short distance before being caught in Lavinia Street and arrested.

    Police checks confirmed the Holden had been reported stolen from Salisbury Plain yesterday.

    The 35-year-old Salisbury Park man was charged with illegal use, theft, drive dangerously to evade police, exceed speed and drive disqualified.

    He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today.

    The stolen vehicle was towed from the scene for forensic examination.

    CO TBA

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice travel to Türkiye for security talks

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard and Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer will travel to Ankara on 21 January to launch Sweden and Türkiye’s bilateral security dialogue, Security Compact. During the meeting the ministers will discuss security cooperation and international affairs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice visit Türkiye

    Source: Government of Sweden

    On 21 January 2025, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard and Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer travelled to Ankara to launch Sweden and Türkiye’s bilateral security dialogue, Security Compact. In talks with their Turkish counterparts, joint efforts to combat terrorism and cross-border organised crime and current international affairs were discussed.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Announces 15 Local Projects to Expand Child Care Access, Prevent Wildfires, Upgrade Infrastructure

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    Rep. Pettersen Announces 15 Local Projects to Expand Child Care Access, Prevent Wildfires, Upgrade Infrastructure

    Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) announced she has requested millions of dollars in federal funding for 15 community projects across Colorado’s 7th Congressional District. Pettersen’s projects include efforts to expand access to affordable child care, bolster wildfire prevention efforts, upgrade critical water infrastructure, and more. 

    “At a time when the Trump administration continues to make life more expensive for hardworking families and rip funding away from essential services, I’m working on projects that will address our community’s needs – like expanding access to affordable child care and ensuring every family has a safe place to live,” said Pettersen. “These projects will make a positive difference in the lives of people throughout Colorado’s 7th Congressional District from Lakewood to Salida and everywhere in between. I’ll keep fighting throughout the appropriations process to secure the funds to support these community-driven initiatives.”

    The Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to submit funding requests for initiatives based in their districts. Though each member can submit up to 15 requests, no request is guaranteed. The projects championed by the Office of Representative Pettersen are as follows, in no particular order: 

    • Bright Start Early Learning: $1,985,096 to help build a new childcare facility in Lake County. 
    • Colorado Department of Corrections: $1,500,000 to help rehabilitate a closed childcare facility in Cañon City.
    • Boys & Girls Club of Chaffee County: $1,285,200 to help fund the construction of a new Boys Girls Club facility to provide after-school and summer programs for kids in Buena Vista.
    • Town of Cripple Creek: $1,300,000 to fund the construction of a new childcare facility in Cripple Creek. 
    • Teller County Government: $4,000,000 to expand wastewater capacity and move treatment infrastructure so that it is no longer located in a designated floodplain to help protect the facility from flood damage. 
    • Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: $5,000,000 to fund a program researching satellite data to help detect wildfires sooner and respond quicker. 
    • Town of Alma: $3,000,000 to replace the town’s ineffective wastewater treatment lagoons with a new mechanical treatment facility to enhance local water quality, protect ecosystems, and mitigate contaminating drinking water. 
    • City of Arvada: $14,809,239 to improve a sanitary sewer interceptor to ensure drinking water is not contaminated and protect public health. 
    • Jefferson County Parks and Conservation: $1,000,000 to create a fuel break buffer on either side of roadways to decrease risk of wildfires and increase safety on emergency and evacuation routes. 
    • Chaffee County Sheriff: $1,000,000 to support the costs of construction to fully retrofit a newly purchased property into a Sheriff headquarters and command center, which will house the core of their law enforcement operations, interrogation, armory, evidence storage, records, and response vehicles.
    • Porchlight, A Family Justice Center: $848,749 to expand Porchlight’s ability to serve survivors of domestic violence by covering rental expenses for a large facility and the salaries of a Bilingual Navigator and an Operations Coordinator for one year. 
    • City of Lakewood: $1,000,000 to facilitate the creation of a community hub providing government resources and services to low-income households at risk of homelessness.
    • City and County of Broomfield: $1,800,000 to construct safety improvements around Birch Elementary School to add ADA ramps and curb extensions.
    • City of Lakewood: $2,202,416 for the Colfax Safety Project to enhance safety along the corridor, including: sidewalks, improved pedestrian crossings, amenities, medians, traffic signals, enhanced bus facilities, access control, lighting, and landscaping.
    • Foothills Regional Funding: $2,000,000 to help create affordable housing for seniors and families in the Wheat Ridge and Arvada communities.

    Find more information about Pettersen’s projects by clicking here.

    ###

    To access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Sex Trafficker Is Sentenced To 27 Years In Prison

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant Recruited the Underage Victim While on Federal Supervision for Sex Trafficking a Minor

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Yusef Reynolds, 34, formerly of Delaware, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, or coercion, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Reynolds was on supervised release for a prior federal sex trafficking conviction in Delaware when he met and lured the underage victim, forcing her to engage in commercial sex.

    James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings, of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    “Today’s lengthy sentence is appropriate for a defendant who while on supervised release for sex trafficking a minor engaged in the same behavior—using violence and physical abuse to control a minor and force her to engage in sexual acts for his profit,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson.  “I am proud of the hard work of my office to protect children and hold accountable those who prey on them.”

    “After serving federal prison time for sex trafficking an underage girl, Yusef Reynolds went right back to his predatory ways. Once again, he lured a victim through social media and exploited her for his own profit. The FBI will continue to work with our partners and prioritize punishing those who abuse children,” said Special Agent in Charge Barnacle.

    According to court documents, in 2012, Reynolds was convicted of federal charges for sex trafficking a minor and illegal possession of firearms in Delaware and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Reynolds was released in 2021 and was placed under federal supervision. Court records show that, from December 2021 through January 2022, while on federal supervised release, Reynolds sex trafficked a 16-year-old runaway from Massachusetts he met online. According to court documents, Reynolds used Facebook to contact the minor, who at the time was in North Carolina. Using promises of a better life to lure the victim, Reynolds convinced her to join him in Delaware even though he knew the victim was underage.

    Filed court documents show that Reynolds sent two other individuals to pick up the minor victim and bring her to Delaware. Once there, Reynolds immediately began to sex traffic the minor. Reynolds took pictures of the minor and posted them on a website advertising for commercial sex. After that, Reynolds, either himself or through other individuals he knew or controlled, booked commercial sex appointments for the victim and took all the money the victim earned from the sexual encounters. During that time, Reynolds used a combination of physical and sexual violence, threats, and verbal abuse to force the victim to engage in commercial sex acts and plied the victim with drugs to further coerce her to continue to engage in the commercial sex trade.

    On March 29, 2024, Reynolds pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, or coercion. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for its investigative work and thanked CMPD and the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, both task force members, for their coordination and partnership with the FBI, which led to today’s outcome. FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces operate in nearly every FBI field office. The most effective way to investigate human trafficking is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach among federal, state, local, and tribal partners. The ultimate goal of the task forces is to recover victims and investigate traffickers at the state and federal level.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Joins Hagerty in Bill to End Counting of Illegal Aliens in Electoral College and Congressional Apportionment Votes 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) in introducing the Equal Representation Act which would ensure only legal citizens are factored into the count for Congressional districts and the Electoral College map that determines presidential elections. The current method of counting illegal immigrants for purposes of representation is dangerous as it incentivizes illegal immigration. 
    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this bill in the 118th Congress. 
    “Illegal aliens have no right to congressional representation in this country, and they have no right to determine who our elected leaders are,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The balance of power shouldn’t be weighed down by people who aren’t citizens of this country. Counting illegals in the Electoral College and congressional districts can completely alter the outcome of our elections. Thankfully, President Trump and his administration are deporting illegals in droves. I’m proud to join Senator Hagerty in reintroducing the Equal Representation Act so that ONLY Americans determine our elected leaders.”
    “It is unconscionable that illegal immigrants and non-citizens are counted toward congressional district apportionment and our electoral map for the presidency, which also heavily skews the seat count in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Sen. Hagerty. “While people continue to flee Democrat-run cities, desperate Democrats have back-filled the mass exodus with illegal immigrants so that they do not lose their seats in Congress or their electoral votes, hence artificially boosting their political power and in turn diluting the power of other Americans’ votes. I’m pleased to lead my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that would require a citizenship question on the census and will ensure that only citizens are counted in congressional redistricting.”
    Sens. Tuberville and Hagerty are joined by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) in cosponsoring this legislation.
    Read full text of the legislation here. 
    BACKGROUND:
    Currently, illegal immigrants are counted for congressional district apportionment and, therefore, Electoral College votes. For example, in a state like California, millions of illegal alien residents result in California taking several more congressional seats and Electoral College votes than the states’ population of citizens would justify. In other words, being a magnet for illegal immigration increases the power of a Californian’s vote relative to an individual in another state with less population boost from illegal immigration. This creates a perverse incentive encouraging illegal immigration and resettlement to increase political power.
    Specifically, the Equal Representation Act would:
    Require that the Census Bureau include a citizenship question on any future census to provide a greater understanding of the U.S. population and delineate between citizens and non-citizens for apportionment purposes;
    Prohibit non-citizens from being counted for purposes of congressional district and Electoral College apportionment; and
    Require that the Census Bureau publicly report on certain demographic data.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney

    GREG WOOD/AFP via Getty Images

    As Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen tours the Pacific this week to spruik his government’s commitment to climate action, fossil fuel exporters such as Australia are under unprecedented scrutiny.

    In a landmark ruling on Friday, Latin America’s highest human rights court found countries in that region are legally obliged to protect people from climate harms. The obligation includes tougher government regulations for fossil fuel extraction.

    The finding applies to nations in the Organization of American States. But it adds to a growing number of international rulings clarifying nations’ legal obligations to tackle the climate crisis – especially if they export fossil fuels.

    And it echoes long-held concerns from Australia’s Pacific neighbours: that climate change is an existential threat, and coal and gas exporters have a responsibility to act.

    A legal tide is building

    Australia is a major fossil-fuel exporter. When coal and gas mined in Australia is burned overseas, emissions are three times those of our entire domestic economy.

    Since 2000, Australia has approved more than 700 oil, gas and coal projects. This includes federal approval in May for Woodside’s North West Shelf project – a huge expansion of gas production off Western Australia.

    Emissions from these projects damage Earth’s climate, increasing the risk of harm to people around the world.

    As climate change worsens, the United Nations and others are calling on countries to phase out fossil fuel production. A string of litigation involving human rights and the environment is adding to the pressure.

    In a ruling handed down late last week, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights said people have the right to a stable climate and that states should regulate fossil fuel extraction and exploration.

    The ruling was delivered in Spanish. According to an English translation, it said nation-states should require fossil-fuel companies to:

    take effective measures to combat climate change and related human rights impacts, to conduct appropriate due diligence, to adopt transition plans, and to provide accurate information regarding the impacts of their operations on climate change and human rights.

    The ruling was an “advisory opinion”, and not legally binding. But it establishes the law on human rights obligations for the nations involved, and interpretations of international law for other nations.

    Pictured: judges from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
    JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Images

    It comes as the International Court of Justice weighs up a request from the United Nations General Assembly, to clarify countries’ obligations under international law to protect Earth’s climate and environment from greenhouse gas emissions.

    The campaign for the case was launched in 2019 by a group of law students at the University of the South Pacific.

    This ruling will apply directly to Australia. Judges in the case are likely to take into account the findings of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights – and Australian policymakers will be watching closely.

    International law is catching up with the science

    Key instruments of international law, such as the UN Human Rights Conventions, were developed in the decades before a scientific consensus on global warming.

    But the science has moved on. And it’s now clear that nations have legal obligations to prevent human rights harms arising from climate change.

    In 2022, the UN Human Rights Committee found Australia was failing to meet its obligations to protect Indigenous Torres Strait Islanders from the adverse impacts of climate change.

    In May this year, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, Elisa Morgera, called on nations to end new fossil fuel projects and begin phasing out of fossil fuel production this decade, to protect human rights.

    Australia has argued only the Paris Agreement – which requires countries to set targets to cut domestic emissions – should apply when it comes to mitigating climate change. It has also argued protecting human rights does not extend to obligations to tackle climate change by cutting emissions.

    Such arguments have now been rejected by international courts and tribunals. Continuing to approve new fossil fuel projects, with no plan to phase out fossil fuel production, puts Australia in violation of international legal obligations.

    Australia’s obligations are also being considered in domestic cases. For instance, the Federal Court is next week due to hand down a decision on the government’s obligations to cut emissions to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate impacts. If successful, the case may force the federal government to rapidly reduce emissions.

    The law is not on Australia’s side

    On his trip to the Pacific this week, Chris Bowen will emphasise Australia’s commitment to tackling climate change, and progress discussions on the joint Australia–Pacific bid to host the global COP31 climate talks next year. He told the media:

    Australia and the Pacific’s joint bid for COP31 is about ensuring that the region’s voice shapes global climate action for the benefit of the Australian and Pacific people.

    I look forward to deepening our cooperation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026.

    People in the Pacific now know international law is on their side. Ultimately, a managed shift away from fossil fuels is inevitable – and the time for Australian policymakers to ignore the industry’s climate harms is ending.

    Wesley Morgan is a fellow with the Climate Council of Australia.

    Gillian Moon 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. A top court has urged nations to clamp down on fossil fuel production. When will Australia finally start listening? – https://theconversation.com/a-top-court-has-urged-nations-to-clamp-down-on-fossil-fuel-production-when-will-australia-finally-start-listening-259996

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Commits $20 Million to Initiate the Rebuilding Process for Communities Devastated by Wildfire

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 7, 2025

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a commitment of $20 million to support communities and individuals affected by this year’s devastating wildfires. Through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), a dedicated Recovery Task Team (RTT) has been established to lead the province’s wildfire recovery efforts.

    The RTT – which is led by the SPSA and comprised of representatives from the Ministries of Government Relations, Social Services, and Environment, and Crown Corporations – has conducted a preliminary needs assessment alongside communities that were devastated by wildfire, including Denare Beach, East Trout Lake and others. That assessment identified debris removal and site clean-up as the top priorities. This work will help communities initiate the recovery process.

    “We know that the road to recovery begins with clearing the way to prepare for rebuilding,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod, K.C., said. “This funding is about safely rebuilding lives and supporting our communities every step of the way. I would like to thank the community leaders and the Recovery Task Team who have put in countless hours the last few weeks to start the recovery process together.”

    The Government of Saskatchewan has identified three priority areas for recovery support, with an estimated total cost of $20 million expected to be used as follows:

    • Debris removal and environmental testing;
    • Create, expand, or maintain landfills near impacted communities; and
    • Project management support to assist local recovery efforts.

    The majority of this funding will be delivered through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP). Where PDAP support does not fully cover community needs, additional assistance will be provided.

    The funding is available to communities and individuals who sustained losses during the provincial emergency declaration period (May 29 to June 26, 2025), or who were under a local state of emergency at the time of their loss. 

    The funding announced today is not intended to cover environmental testing or clean-up already provided by personal or business insurance. Individuals and businesses should contact their insurance provider if they haven’t already done so.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Appoints Interim Economic Development Director

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Appoints Interim Economic Development Director

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Maureen Larsen to serve as the Interim Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).

    Larsen currently serves as General Counsel to the Governor and as Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office. Larsen will transition from her current role to the interim role on Monday, July 21. 

    She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont. 

    Governor Pillen thanks Director K.C. Belitz for his service. Belitz’s final day with the state is Friday, July 18.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA to forecast grape production

    Source: US Government environment energy and agriculture

    WASHINGTON, July 7, 2025 – Starting at the end of July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the Grape Inquiry – August 2025 survey to approximately 2,000 U.S. growers. The survey asks for grape acreage and projected production. NASS will forecast 2025 grape production based on the information collected.

    “The information from this survey directly impacts U.S. grape growers,” said USDA NASS Administrator Joseph L. Parsons. “Growers can use the forecast data when making business plans and marketing decisions. The data can also inform programs and projects provided by agencies, Cooperative Extension, state and local governments, and other industry groups in service to our nation’s growers.”

    Growers can respond to the survey securely online at agcounts.usda.gov, by mail, or fax. The information provided is protected and confidential in accordance with federal law (Title V, Subtitle A, Public Law 107-347). For assistance with the survey, please call 888-424-7828.

    The 2025 U.S. grape forecast will be released at noon ET, Aug. 12, 2025, in the Crop ProductionCrop Production report. All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov.

    Mark your calendar for Aug. 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET for a live Stat Chat following the forecast release. Join #NASS Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Lance Honig @usda_nass on X and use #StatChat when posting your question.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Selects Law Enforcement Candidate Hal Nash to Serve as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced she has selected law enforcement candidate Hal Nash to serve as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. Pursuant to the law, the governor selects the candidate from a list of five qualified persons nominated by a board consisting of the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

    Nash currently serves as Chief Corrections Deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The governor sought to identify a tough-on-crime, fair and pro-law enforcement candidate with leadership experience from the list of nominees.

    “In 2019, we amended the law to ensure that the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ paramount duty will always be to ensure public safety, and Hal Nash is well-equipped to maintain the Board’s effectiveness in performing that task. He has a law enforcement perspective, and he has assured me he will approach each decision fairly and with that top goal in mind, which is to keep the people of Alabama safe,” said Governor Ivey. “Since he was a little boy, Mr. Nash dreamed of being in law enforcement, and it was not until age 40, he got his start. However, ever since then, he has been a dedicated member of law enforcement and brings wide-ranging law enforcement and leadership experience to this Board.”

    Nash has been with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for the last five years.

    “I am humbled by the appointment as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles by Governor Ivey and look forward to working with the other board members as we serve Alabama in this important public safety role,” said Nash. “This is not a position to be taken lightly. While remembering that people can choose to change for the better, this task will require weighing the safety of all the citizens of Alabama first. I pray for the wisdom to recognize both as I strive to serve the very best I can.”

    Nash has also held leadership positions in civic organizations, serving as international vice president of the Jaycees, and on various public boards, including as the Chairman of the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Board and the Jackson County Hospital Authority.

    “Here in Jackson County, we are proud Hal has been selected as Chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles,” said Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen. “We know Hal has a wealth of experience in law enforcement, both on the enforcement and corrections sides, and we are confident he will do the state of Alabama well.”

    He also worked as an investigator, narcotics agent, deputy commander and commander under the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office after beginning his Alabama career with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. While in DeKalb County, he served five years with the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force Huntsville Office.

    “I’ve had the privilege of working with Hal for over two decades and have personal experience with his character, integrity and discernment,” said Jackson County District Attorney Jason Pierce. “I am confident that his experiences as a law enforcement officer for multiple jurisdictions as well as working as the Chief Corrections Deputy for the Jackson County Jail gives Hal a unique perspective that well equips him to make the difficult decisions necessary as a member of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He is an excellent appointment.”

    Nash’s experience also includes time with the Chattanooga Police Reserve.

    “A safe Alabama is our goal, and Hal Nash will help build on public safety successes already achieved so far. I am grateful to outgoing Chair Leigh Gwathney, who has stood firm for public safety. Leigh was an important part of our reform of Pardons and Paroles for the better, and I commend her for serving at the helm and helping make a safer Alabama,” Governor Ivey concluded.

    The appointment is effective immediately.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Metsola: “We continue to keep the memories of the victims of Srebrenica alive”

    Source: European Parliament

    President Metsola led members in remembering the victims of the Srebrenica genocide at the opening of the July plenary session in Strasbourg.

    30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

    After opening the session, President Metsola led members in commemorating the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, where thousands of Bosnian Muslims were murdered or disappeared, and tens of thousands more were forcibly expelled from the enclave. Tragically many victims remain unidentified. MEPs paid homage to two survivors of the massacre, Lamasa and Almir Salihović, who were present in the hemicycle. “This House honours you and all survivors, just as we continue to keep the memories of the victims alive”, Metsola said. She went on to quote the words of the Srebrenica Prayer recited every year; “May mothers’ tears become prayers that Srebrenica never happens again”.

    Possible fast-tracking of European Climate Law revision

    The President announced a request by the Greens/EFA Group to apply the urgent procedure under Rule 170(5) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure to the revision of the European Climate Law. The vote will take place on Tuesday.

    MEPs to debate alleged misuse of EU funds by members of the far right

    Statements on the alleged misuse of EU funds by members of the far right and measures to ensure institutional integrity are added as a fifth point on Wednesday afternoon, after the debate on stockpiling strategies. As a consequence, Wednesday’s sitting will be extended until 23:00.

    Requests by several committees to start negotiations with Council and Commission

    The Committees on Budgets, Economic and Monetary Affairs, Transport, Legal Affairs, Employment and Regional Development have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, pursuant to Rule 72, paragraph 1 of the Rules of procedure, on the basis of the reports available on the plenary website.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Virginia Resident Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Interstate Transmission of Extortionate Communication

    Source: US FBI

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Fairmont, West Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution of child sexual abuse material and interstate transmission of extortionate communication, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The two-count Indictment named Ronald John Kirkham Jr., 56, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, Kirkham met his victim online when the victim was 17. In or around 2017, Kirkham persuaded the victim to send naked pictures and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit acts. Years later, Kirkham sent the victim’s photographs back to her, threatening to publish the material online if the victim did not either send him additional photos or videos, or pay him money.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and North Fayette Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Perverse incentives from the Spanish Tax Agency’s bonus schemes – E-002010/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The internal organisation and practices of the Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT) are matters that fall within the scope of national competence.

    The Commission can neither replace the Member States when it comes to drawing up their national tax inspection plans nor determine t he internal organisation and practices of the national tax authorities.

    Notwithstanding the above, in the last years, the Commission has been active in facilitating and ensuring the implementation of EU tax law by the national tax administrations through TADEUS, the Tax Administration European Union Summit.

    TADEUS is a forum that brings together heads and deputy heads of EU countries’ tax administrations and the Commission, to improve administrative cooperation within the EU and to meet common challenges[1].

    As regards the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the Charter), the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Charter are applicable only in situations falling within the scope of EU law[2].

    Since the general organisation and functioning of the AEAT are questions of national competence, the Charter is not applicable. In the present case, it is thus for the concerned Member State to ensure that fundamental rights are effectively respected and protected in accordance with its national law and international obligations.

    • [1] https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/taxation/tax-transparency-cooperation_en.
    • [2] See, Article 51(1) of the Charter and, for instance, judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-617/10 Åkerberg Fransson, paragraph 21.
    Last updated: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Borrowers of loans in Swiss francs – E-001484/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

    Directive 2014/17/EU[1] on mortgage credit agreements introduced specific rules to protect consumers where the credit is denominated in a foreign currency (e.g. explanations on the implications for consumers, right to convert the credit agreement into an alternative currency or other arrangements in place to limit the exchange rate risk ). The directive only applies to mortgage credit contracts concluded as from 21 March 2016.

    Directive 93/13/EEC[2] on unfair contract terms requires Member States to ensure that terms in all consumer contracts are fair and intelligible, and that consumers are not bound by unfair contract terms.

    The Commission does not intervene in contractual agreements between lenders and borrowers. In case of legal disputes, it is for Greek authorities and courts to assess, based on the circumstances of each case, whether Greek banks complied with their obligations regarding the fairness and transparency of contract terms, such as exposing the borrower to a foreign exchange risk[3].

    Regarding enforcement actions, the Commission does not have powers to intervene in individual consumer disputes or to review decisions of national authorities and courts.

    • [1] Directive 2014/17/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 February 2014 on credit agreements for consumers relating to residential immovable property and amending Directives 2008/48/EC and 2013/36/EU and Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 Text with EEA relevance, OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 34-85.
    • [2] Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts, OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29-34.
    • [3] Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-186/16 Andriciuc.
    Last updated: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Weaponisation of migration by Russia and implications for EU security and border policy – E-001633/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Hybrid threats arising from the weaponisation of migration by Russia, assisted by Belarus, pose a risk to sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity of the concerned Member States, but also to the security of the EU as a whole.

    The Commission, together with EU Agencies, have provided support to Member States since Russia and Belarus started using migration for political purposes.

    In December 2024, the Commission adopted a communication on countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU’s external borders[1].

    This communication recalled the legal context in which any exceptional measure to tackle this threat can be taken, taking into account the case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU that provides guidance as regards the conditions and limits.

    The Commission does not have aggregate figures relevant specifically to returns of those third-country nationals who crossed the EU borders with Russia and Belarus.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0570.
    Last updated: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening EU action against organised crime networks’ use of AI – E-001832/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    To strengthen the EU’s capacity to detect, prevent, and combat the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies by organised crime groups, the Commission is taking a multi-pronged approach.

    The AI Act[1] requires high-risk AI system developers to implement risk management and mitigation measures, with similar rules for general-purpose AI models.

    The Horizon program funds research to equip law enforcement with tools to combat AI-related crimes. The Commission and the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation collaborate with digital businesses, such as technology and communication companies, to implement more efficient mechanisms for detecting and responding to the criminal abuse of AI technologies.

    Furthermore, in line with the EU Internal Security: ProtectEU Strategy[2] and in response to the recommendations of the High-Level Group on access to data, the Commission presented a Roadmap[3] setting out the way forward to ensure law enforcement authorities in the EU have effective and lawful access to data.

    The measures in this Roadmap will support better detection, prevention, and investigation of digital crimes and the misuse of emerging technologies, including the misuse of AI by criminals and the abuse of emerging technologies to conceal their digital footprints.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence.
    • [2] Communication on ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy, COM(2025) 148 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0148.
    • [3] Communication on a Roadmap for lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement, COM(2025) 349 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0349.
    Last updated: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening child protection through a harmonised European framework – E-001748/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission Recommendation on integrated child protection systems[1] reaffirms the EU’s commitment to combating all form of violence against children and is driving a coordinated approach to strengthen child protection mechanisms through legislative enhancements, regulatory enforcement and strategic initiatives.

    The Commission is working closely with Member States, stakeholders and civil society to move forward in the implementation of the recommendation, drawing on best practices and building on EU-level legislation, policy measures, and funding.

    Through its Technical Support Instrument, Member States can strengthen their child protection systems to address persistent challenges such as mental health wellbeing and digital safety.

    The EU’s framework includes several legislative instruments to address digital threats. The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD)[2], the Digital Services Act (DSA)[3] and the Better Internet for Kids+ strategy[4] are at the core of the EU toolbox to protect and empower children online.

    Under the DSA, the Commission has opened investigations regarding TikTok and Meta and more recently, commenced proceedings against four porn platforms.

    The Commission is preparing a package to enhance the toolbox which includes, DSA protection of minors’ guidelines[5], an Age Verification Solution[6], an Action Plan against Cyberbullying, an inquiry on social media and mental health, and an evaluation of the AVMSD.

    The Commission is advancing the EU Strategy to combat child sexual abuse[7] including the recast of Directive 2011/93/EU[8] and a new Regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse[9]. As announced in the Protect EU Strategy[10], the Commission will present an Action Plan on the Protection of Children Against Crime.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32024H1238.
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/audiovisual-and-media-services.
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/digital-services-act_en.
    • [4] https://better-Internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/news/new-better-Internet-kids-strategy-out-introducing-bik.
    • [5] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-seeks-feedback-guidelines-protection-minors-online-under-digital-services-act.
    • [6] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-age-verification.
    • [7] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0607.
    • [8] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A60%3AFIN.
    • [9] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022PC0209.
    • [10] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0148.

    MIL OSI Europe News –