NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • Trump calls for Israeli PM’s trial to be cancelled

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for Israel to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or cancel his corruption trial, saying the U.S. would save him like it did his country.

    Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in Israel on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust – all of which Netanyahu denies. The trial began in 2020 and involves three criminal cases. He has pleaded not guilty.

    “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State (of Israel),” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he had learned that Netanyahu was due to appear in court on Monday.

    Israeli media have reported that cross-examination of Netanyahu began on June 3 in a Tel Aviv court and was expected to take about a year to complete.

    Israeli President Issac Herzog has the power to pardon Netanyahu but has been quoted by Israeli media as saying that a pardon is “not currently on the table.” He also said that “no such request had been made,” according to the reports.

    Trump extolled Netanyahu as a “warrior” but also said in his post: “It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu.”

    That appeared to be a reference to U.S. involvement and support for Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.

    It was unclear if Trump meant the U.S. could do anything to aid Netanyahu in his legal battle.

    The Republican president described the case against the Israeli leader as a “witch hunt,” a term Trump has frequently applied to U.S. attempts to prosecute him.

    The warm words contrasted with the rare rebuke he issued on Tuesday over Israel’s post-ceasefire strikes on Iran.

    “Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before. The biggest load that we’ve seen. I’m not happy with Israel,” he told reporters.

    Iran and Israel, he added, had been fighting “so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: China harnesses biomass energy to power green transition

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

    At a biomass power plant in the city of Xuzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, giant mechanical claws repeatedly feed bundles of dried straw onto conveyor belts. The straw is then transported to furnaces and converted into clean energy.

    This facility can process around 300,000 tonnes of agricultural residues like wheat, corn and rice straw annually, producing over 220 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

    “That’s equivalent to saving about 90,000 tonnes of coal and cutting roughly 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year,” said Zhang Yunfei, director of the dispatch center at State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company.

    Biomass energy is largely derived from agricultural and forestry waste, livestock manure and organic refuse — materials once dismissed as mere waste. With the rise of clean energy technologies and increasing environmental awareness, China is viewing these materials as a vital part of its energy transition.

    “Fewer farmers now burn straw in the fields, a practice that poses fire hazards and pollutes the air. Instead, crop residues are transported to modern biomass power plants,” Zhang said.

    “Xuzhou is rich in biomass resources and holds significant potential for energy conversion,” Zhang added. The city now operates 17 large-scale biomass plants with a combined installed capacity of 335.6 megawatts, generating nearly 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

    China is one of the world’s most biomass-rich countries. Statistics from the Biomass Energy Industry Promotion Association show that the country produces approximately 3.5 billion tonnes of agricultural, forestry and household biomass resources annually. However, the utilization rates remain relatively low.

    In January, China’s first national energy law came into effect, calling for the tailored development of biomass power based on regional conditions.

    Shanghai in east China has established pilot projects to convert biomass into green methanol, aiming to drive a low-carbon transformation in international shipping and build green fuel supply capacity of 300,000 tonnes within the city by 2030.

    Meanwhile, enterprises in Anhui Province, also in east China, are scaling up biogas liquefaction and carbon capture initiatives, converting discarded straw and livestock waste into purified methane for liquefied bio-natural gas.

    At a circular economy industrial park in the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu, advanced facilities process around 500 tonnes of corporate kitchen waste daily.

    “About 90 percent of kitchen waste can be recycled into biomass natural gas for the city’s gas grid, or converted into nutrient-rich soil for landscaping,” said Huang Yuanchen, general manager of an environmental protection company in the park.

    “It’s not just kitchen waste. Tree branches and fallen leaves can also be recycled and processed into biomass fuel pellets for use in thermal power plants,” Huang revealed, while noting that his company can process 100 tonnes of green waste daily, generating annual fuel pellet sales of up to 9 million yuan (roughly 1.26 million U.S. dollars).

    Yu Tong, president of the China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development, emphasized that achieving carbon neutrality demands transformative changes in energy consumption. “Biomass energy is abundant and versatile. It can be solid, liquid or gas — and can replace fossil fuels across multiple sectors.”

    According to a 2025 China biomass energy industry report, the country’s installed biomass power capacity had reached 45.99 million kilowatts by the end of 2024, with total power generation hitting 208.3 billion kilowatt-hours and biogas output reaching about 500 million cubic meters.

    “To bring biomass power to the power grid, centralized control systems are being rolled out for real-time monitoring of power plant performance and output, enhancing both power generation efficiency and stability,” said Li Yi, head of development planning at State Grid Xuzhou Power Supply Company.

    Yang Xudong, a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing, underscored the further potential of biomass utilization.

    “Biomass energy can be easily stored and transported, and can serve as an alternative to other commercial fuels. It not only yields substantial economic returns, but retains its carbon-neutral identity.”

    “In the future, further efforts should be made to optimize the entire biomass value chain and boost biomass energy consumption to fully unleash its green potential,” Yang added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey, House Partners Mark National Gun Violence Awareness Month with Slate of Gun Safety Bills to Address Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Watch: Sen. Markey commemorates Gun Violence Awareness Month
    Washington (June 25, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, today announced a package of gun violence prevention bills that would significantly decrease the pervasive threat of gun violence across the United States by putting an end to the three-dimensional (3D) printing and distribution of “ghost guns,” strengthen accountability measures for irresponsible gun dealers, help banks detect and report suspicious activity related to mass shootings, establish rules that prohibit the marketing of firearms to children, and strengthen state-by-state gun-licensing regulations through federal incentives.
    “Every day, more than 125 people in the United States die from gun violence,” said Senator Markey. “Our communities barely have a moment to mourn before gun violence in our schools and on our streets steals the lives of more Americans and rips families apart. We can’t keep living like this, and Americans can’t keep dying like this. This National Gun Violence Awareness Month, I am reintroducing my gun safety package, which includes commonsense solutions so that not one more life is lost to this unnecessary, man-made public health crisis. I will continue fighting to end the epidemic of gun violence and save lives.”
    Senator Markey was joined by several colleagues who introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “It’ll take a multi-pronged approach to end the ongoing gun violence crisis in our country and ensure no community has to face the tragedy my hometown of Parkland did,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23). “That’s only become more urgent with developments from new technology, which is why I’m once again teaming up with Sen. Markey to block 3D-printed ghost guns and devices from our streets. Not only is this equipment nearly impossible to trace, but it can also increase the lethality of traditional firearms. With the safety risk that 3D-printed firearms and accessories pose to communities everywhere, I’m urging Congress to keep our families safe and pass this commonsense bill.”
    “Gun violence takes the lives of innocent people across our country every day, and the vast majority of guns used in violent crimes can be traced back to just a handful of dealers,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02). “Our bill will crack down on firearm dealers who break the law, give law enforcement the tools to hold them accountable, and save lives by stopping the flow of firearms used in acts of violence.”
    “We must use every tool at our disposal to combat America’s gun violence epidemic,” said Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-04). “This bill does just that by activating already existing infrastructure – usually used for detecting financial crimes – to find patterns of behavior that precede mass shootings and terrorist attacks, so we can prevent it. I am grateful to Senator Markey for his continued partnership, on this bill, and in our shared mission to stop tragic loss of life from gun violence.”
    “Gun violence is a public health crisis that subjects families and survivors to deep pain and intergenerational trauma that no one should have to endure,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). “Our constituents deserve meaningful policy action to save lives – and the MASS Act would do just that by creating stricter regulations around firearm purchasing and drastically reducing gun violence. This Gun Violence Awareness Month I am proud to partner with Senator Markey to confront this epidemic head on and advance common-sense solutions nationwide.”
    Today, Senator Markey and his colleagues reintroduced five gun violence prevention bills:
    The 3D Printed Gun Safety Act, led by Rep. Moskowitz (FL-23) in the House, would prohibit the online distribution of blueprints and instructions that allow for the 3D printing of firearms. The proliferation of “ghost guns” is partly attributed to the ease of assembling firearms using 3D printed technology. Because 3D printing allows individuals to make firearms out of plastic, these guns may be able to evade detection by metal detectors at security checkpoints. This legislation is endorsed by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, March For Our Lives, and Newtown Action Alliance.
    The Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act, led by Rep. Magaziner (RI-02) in the House, would strengthen accountability measures for irresponsible gun dealers violating the law, and provide the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) additional resources for enforcement. This legislation would ensure that guns do not end up in the wrong hands by authorizing more frequent inspections of gun dealers, increasing penalties for serious offenses, and strengthening the Department of Justice’s authority and discretion in enforcing gun laws. This legislation is endorsed by Everytown, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, March For Our Lives, and Newtown Action Alliance.
    The Gun Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act, led by Rep. Dean (PA-04) in the House, would direct the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect and analyze information from financial institutions to determine what indicators, if any, might precede a mass shooting or terrorist attack. FinCEN would then be required to issue an advisory on how financial institutions use these indicators to comply with regulations. This legislation is endorsed by Giffords, March For Our Lives, and Newtown Action Alliance.
    The Making America Safe and Secure (MASS) Act, led by Rep. Pressley (MA-07) in the House, would incentivize states to adopt gun-licensing standards similar to those proven effective in Massachusetts and other states. Massachusetts has comprehensive gun licensing laws, and not coincidentally, one of the lowest gun death rates in the nation. The MASS Act would authorize the Department of Justice to make funding available to states that implement and maintain comprehensive licensing standards for gun owners and dealers. This legislation is endorsed by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, March For Our Lives, and Newtown Action Alliance.
    The Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules that prohibit the marketing of firearms to children. The gun industry consistently makes false and misleading claims about firearm safety and unfairly exploits children and teenagers through unfair and deceptive marketing practices that ultimately lead to fatal consequences. This legislation is endorsed by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, March For Our Lives, and Newtown Action Alliance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Mamdani’s stunning upset in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary carries risks, rewards for national Democrats

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected upset in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday exhilarated progressive activists, who had banded together to prevent the more moderate former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo from triumphing.

    But the surprise outcome also generated excitement from a very different group of people: national Republicans.

    Soon after it became clear that Mamdani, a 33-year-old state lawmaker, was likely to prevail, Republican Vice President JD Vance sent congratulations on social media to the “new leader of the Democratic Party.” The Republican’s congressional campaign arm called him an “antisemitic socialist radical” and promised to tie him to every vulnerable Democrat in next year’s midterm elections.

    And on Wednesday, Republican President Donald Trump – a native New Yorker – piled on, writing on social media, “It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor.”

    The reactions underscore both the risks and the rewards for the Democratic Party – still trying to find its footing five months into Trump’s term – in having an unabashed left-wing nominee running in the country’s biggest city this fall.

    Mamdani’s campaign, which drew plaudits for its cheery tone and clever viral videos, could help energize young voters, a demographic that Democrats are desperate to reach in 2026 and beyond. His rise from a virtual unknown was fueled by a relentless focus on affordability, an issue Democrats struggled to address during last year’s presidential race.

    “Cost of living is the issue of our time,” Neera Tanden, the chief executive of Democratic think tank Center for American Progress wrote on X in response to Mamdani’s win. “It’s the through line animating all politics. Smart political leaders respond to it.”

    His history-making candidacy – Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, would be the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor – could also drive engagement among Asian and especially Muslim voters, some of whom soured on the party after the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

    “These elections aren’t about left, right or center, they’re about whether you’re a change to the status quo. People don’t want more of the same, they want someone who plays a different game,” said Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson.

    But Mamdani’s criticism of Israel and his democratic socialism are also likely to show up frequently in Republican attack ads. Much of the Democratic establishment had lined up behind Cuomo, including former President Bill Clinton, partly out of unease over Mamdani’s platform. Mamdani has repeatedly said he is not antisemitic.

    “I think he’s an easy target for Republicans who want to use scare tactics to talk about the Muslim mayor from New York City who’s uber-left,” said Patrick Egan, a political science professor at New York University. But Egan noted, Mamdani has also proven to be an adept politician.

    “When people get exposed to this guy, they tend to like him,” he said.

    NO APOLOGY

    Basil Smikle, a political analyst and professor at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, said heavy-handed attacks on Mamdani could backfire by energizing “a lot of the Democratic voters to want to push more against Trump.”

    “I don’t think it hurts Democrats in the long run,” he said. “I actually think it helps them.”

    For his part, Mamdani seemed ready to embrace his role as a party leader, telling supporters in his victory speech that he would govern the city “as a model for the Democratic Party – a party where we fight for working people with no apology.” He vowed to use his mayoral power to “reject Donald Trump’s fascism.”

    Democratic voters say they want a new generation of leaders and a party that concentrates on economic issues, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month.

    “The Democratic Party is trying to figure itself out,” said Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University in New York.

    While Mamdani enters the general election as the favorite in a city dominated by Democrats, the race is more unsettled than usual.

    Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, is running as an independent after his popularity plummeted following his indictment on corruption charges and the subsequent decision by Trump’s Justice Department to drop the case. Cuomo also retains the ability to run as an independent, though he has not yet decided whether to do so.

    The Republican candidate is Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels. Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor, is running as an independent, as well.

    The primary had become a two-man race by Election Day between Mamdani and Cuomo, echoing other Democratic nominating contests in which the party’s establishment and liberal wings have wrestled for power. But it was also a generational clash between Mamdani and Cuomo, the 67-year-old scion of a New York political family.

    That said, Cuomo carried plenty of personal baggage, four years after he resigned the governorship amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has denied.

    “Some people were voting for Mamdani to express their displeasure for Cuomo,” Greer said.

    Mamdani’s unlikely ascension bore some of the same hallmarks of similar rises for two other democratic socialists, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both of whom endorsed his campaign.

    Sanders, an independent, emerged as a leading Democratic presidential candidate in 2016 and 2020, while Ocasio-Cortez pulled off an upset in 2018 by defeating a longtime incumbent Democrat.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli Mossad chief says Iran operation to continue

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, June 26 (Xinhua) — Israeli intelligence chief Mossad David Barnea said in a video released by the agency on Wednesday that the organization will continue its activities in Iran.

    In the video, D. Barnea addresses the staff of the task force on Tuesday, just hours after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran came into effect.

    “We will continue to closely monitor all of Iran’s projects, which we already know about in great detail,” he said.

    He noted that “through precise intelligence, advanced technology and unimaginable combat capabilities, we helped the Air Force disrupt Iran’s nuclear program, establish air superiority over Iran and reduce the missile threat, thereby ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.”

    In the video, she also thanked the US Central Intelligence Agency “for our joint work.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Gunmen attack Mexican Street Festival, leaving 12 dead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 12 people were killed and nearly 20 others wounded in a brutal overnight attack in the Mexican city of Irapuato, located in the state of Guanajuato, after gunmen opened fire during a festive street celebration honouring St. John the Baptist, local authorities have confirmed.

    The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday (local time) as residents gathered to dance and drink in a community housing complex. A video circulating on social media captured moments of joy– a live band playing, people dancing before panic erupted as gunshots rang out, sending the crowd fleeing in terror.

    Rodolfo Gomez Cervantes, a local official from Irapuato, addressed a press conference on Wednesday, confirming that the death toll had risen to 12 and that about 20 others were receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the attack.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the violence and called for swift justice. “It is very unfortunate what happened. An investigation is underway,” she said in a statement, as federal and state security forces scrambled to piece together what transpired and identify those responsible.

    Guanajuato, a state situated northwest of Mexico City, has become one of Mexico’s most violent regions in recent years. Criminal groups have been waging deadly turf wars for control over drug routes, extortion networks, and other illicit enterprises.

    The state recorded 1,435 homicides in the first five months of 2025 — more than double the number seen in any other Mexican state, according to local media reports.

    This latest massacre comes just a day after five people were killed in separate violent incidents across Guanajuato, according to the state attorney general’s office. It also follows a similar attack last month, when gunmen stormed a Catholic Church event in the town of San Bartolo de Berrios, killing seven attendees.

    Authorities have yet to name suspects or confirm which criminal organisation may be behind the recent violence in Irapuato. Investigations are underway. (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – A wet and windy run up to the school holidays – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th June – Severe weather will affect much of the country in the coming days.

    • Orange Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for parts of Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, the Buller District and Taranaki Maunga ending by Friday evening. 
    • Orange Strong Winds Warnings are in place for the Marlborough sounds and Wellington today (Thursday). 
    • Heavy Rain Watches also cover the Bay of Plenty, Taupō, Taihape, northern Whanganui, Dunedin and North Otago from Friday afternoon. 
    • A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Northland for Friday morning for possible downpours. 
    • A Heavy Snow Watch is in place for Central Otago and Canterbury High Country south of the Rangitata River overnight from Friday into Saturday.  

    Today (Thursday) severe weather affects northern parts of the South Island.

    • Rainfall rates as high as 25mm/h have been recorded in the Tasman District. The heavy rain is expected to persist into Friday. 
    • Wind gusts more than 120km/h have been recorded in Wellington. 
    • Heavy rain affected the west coast of the South Island earlier this morning, meanwhile Christchurch woke to a balmy 17.4°C due to the foehn effect, which also melted the Alexandra ice rink. 

    MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley says, “The Nelson and Tasman Region has had significant rain recently, and we’re expecting a lot more to fall by Friday evening.” Before the end of Friday, northern parts of the South Island will likely see more than a month’s worth of rain. Expect the rivers to be running high and surface flooding present.

    On Friday the heavy rain will affect most of the North Island. Before dawn, squally thunderstorms are expected to arrive in Northland. These bring the risk of heavy downpours and strong wind gusts. As the front moves across the island, the risk of thunderstorms spreads to other regions of the North Island and top of the South.  

    Overnight into Saturday the winds will shift southerly, directing heavy rain at Dunedin and Otago with the possibility of heavy snow above 600 meters inland. This could affect alpine roads.

    Michael adds “Sunday looks like the better day to travel if you’re going away for the school holidays because the severe weather is expected to ease. If you’re going skiing, I’d recommend staying cozy and dry while the fresh snow falls.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Secure Nearly $34 Million in Federal Funding to Support Rural Nevada Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), alongside Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), announced that Nevada will receive nearly $34 million in federal funding through the Department of the Interior’s Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program to support essential services in rural counties across the state. PILT payments provide yearly federal funding to local governments that can’t collect property taxes on federal land, helping them pay for essential services like law enforcement, firefighting, public schools, and infrastructure. These funds offset lost revenue and support vital services like public safety, road maintenance, and education. This year’s allocation is nearly $1 million more than last year’s, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure that Nevada communities receive the resources they need.
    “I’m committed to making sure that Nevada receives its fair share of federal funding to help support local law enforcement, bolster public education, and fund critically‑needed infrastructure repairs,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped secure more than $33 million in PILT funding this year to support rural communities across Nevada so they can afford essential services that benefit our state and help Nevadans succeed.”
    “Nevada’s rural communities rely on PILT funding to complete projects and carry out critical services,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am pleased to announce this funding – close to a million more than last year – to ensure local governments across the Silver State can continue to deliver for families that call our rural counties home.”
    Senator Rosen has consistently fought to deliver results for Nevada’s rural communities through targeted legislation and federal funding. In February, she helped introduce bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which provides essential funding for schools, roads, and law enforcement in rural counties across the state. With her support, this bipartisan legislation passed the Senate last week. In December 2024, Senator Rosen secured nearly $1 million through the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program to expand access to education and job training in Elko, Humboldt, Lander, Nye, Pershing, and White Pine counties. Last year, she helped secure nearly $33 million in federal PILT funding to support vital services in rural Nevada.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 26, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 26, 2025.

    ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia towfiqu ahamed/Getty Images When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”. What exactly

    ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care. But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair

    Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed

    Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasmine Titova, PhD Candidate, CQUniversity Australia When tennis legend Serena Williams retired in 2022, she stated: If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Many

    Papua New Guinea police blame overrun system for prison breakouts
    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Police in Papua New Guinea say the country’s overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody. Chief Superintendent Clement Dala made the comment after 13 detainees escaped on Tuesday in Simbu Province, including eight who were facing murder charges. Dala said an auxiliary policeman who

    Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaimie Monk, Research Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Phil Walter/Getty Images New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market means low-income families face big constraints on their accommodation options. This involves often accepting housing that is insecure, cold, damp or in unsuitable neighbourhoods. But little is known about

    From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Yes, Victoria’s efforts to wean households off gas have been dialled back. But it’s still real progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trivess Moore, Associate Professor in Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University MirageC/Getty On the question of gas, Victoria’s government faces pressure from many directions. The Bass Strait wells supplying Australia’s most gas-dependent state are running dry. Gas prices shot up in 2020 and have stayed high.

    From HAL 9000 to ME3AN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Remote cave discovery shows ancient voyagers brought rice across 2,300km of Pacific Ocean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hsiao-chun Hung, Senior Research Fellow, School of Culture, History & Language, Australian National University Ritidian beach, Guam. Hsiao-chun Hung In a new study published today in Science Advances, my colleagues and I have uncovered the earliest evidence of rice in the Pacific Islands – at an ancient

    500,000 Australians live with mental illness but don’t qualify for the NDIS. A damning new report says they need more support
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney stellalevi/Getty Half a million Australians are living with moderate to severe mental illness, but they don’t qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and cannot access the support

    ‘I’m not going to give up’: how to help more disadvantaged young people go to uni and TAFE
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucas Walsh, Professor and Director of the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, Monash University Oliver Rossi/ Getty Images On Wednesday, Education Minister Jason Clare hailed an increase in the numbers of Australians starting a university degree. In 2024, there was a 3.7% increase in Australian

    New climate reporting rules start on July 1. Many companies are not ready for the change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Baird, Senior Lecturer , University of Tasmania PaeGAG/Shutterstock A new financial year starts on July 1. For Australia’s large companies, that means new rules on climate-related disclosures come into force. These requirements are the culmination of years of planning to ensure companies disclose climate-related risks and

    Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato The winter school holidays will mean families across Aotearoa New Zealand will be looking for indoor activities to entertain children. With millions of visitors each year, museums focused on the country’s history will inevitably play host to

    Philly psychology students map out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Zillmer, Professor of Neuropsychology, Drexel University Rittenhouse Square Park in Center City made it onto the Philly Happiness Map. Matthew Lovette/Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What makes you happy? Perhaps a good night’s sleep, or a wonderful meal with friends? I am the director

    Macron invites all New Caledonia stakeholders for Paris talks
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2. The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually

    Opposition starts on challenge of crafting (yet another) energy policy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The opposition is commencing the challenging task of framing a new energy policy, including deciding whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Liberal leader Sussan Ley, appearing at the National Press Club, announced a Coalition

    Election flows reveal nearly 90% of Greens preferenced Labor ahead of Coalition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Minor party preference flows for the federal election have been released, with Labor winning Greens preferences by 88.2–11.8, while the Coalition won One Nation preferences by 74.5–24.5.

    Australia’s native bees struggled after the Black Summer fires – but a world-first solution brought them buzzing back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kit Prendergast, Postdoctoral Researcher, Pollination Ecology, University of Southern Queensland Kit Prendergast (@bee.babette_performer) After a devastating bushfire, efforts to help nature recover typically focus on vertebrates and plants. Yet extreme fires can threaten insects, too. After the Black Summer fires of 2019–20, I embarked on world-first research

    Wild swings in the oil price make the Reserve Bank’s job harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra It looks, at least for now, as though tensions in the Middle East are easing somewhat. It appears much less likely Iran will try to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which flows about a fifth of

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 26, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 26, 2025.

    ‘Do not eat’: what’s in those little desiccant sachets and how do they work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kamil Zuber, Senior Industry Research Fellow, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia towfiqu ahamed/Getty Images When you buy a new electronic appliance, shoes, medicines or even some food items, you often find a small paper sachet with the warning: “silica gel, do not eat”. What exactly

    ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care. But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair

    Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed

    Parenthood or podium? It’s time Australian athletes had the support to choose both
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasmine Titova, PhD Candidate, CQUniversity Australia When tennis legend Serena Williams retired in 2022, she stated: If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Many

    Papua New Guinea police blame overrun system for prison breakouts
    By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Police in Papua New Guinea say the country’s overrun courts and prisons are behind mass breakouts from police custody. Chief Superintendent Clement Dala made the comment after 13 detainees escaped on Tuesday in Simbu Province, including eight who were facing murder charges. Dala said an auxiliary policeman who

    Stable public housing in the first year of life boosts children’s wellbeing years down the track – new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaimie Monk, Research Fellow, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Phil Walter/Getty Images New Zealand’s unaffordable housing market means low-income families face big constraints on their accommodation options. This involves often accepting housing that is insecure, cold, damp or in unsuitable neighbourhoods. But little is known about

    From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Yes, Victoria’s efforts to wean households off gas have been dialled back. But it’s still real progress
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trivess Moore, Associate Professor in Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University MirageC/Getty On the question of gas, Victoria’s government faces pressure from many directions. The Bass Strait wells supplying Australia’s most gas-dependent state are running dry. Gas prices shot up in 2020 and have stayed high.

    From HAL 9000 to ME3AN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Daniel, Associate Lecturer in Communication, Western Sydney University © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Filmgoers have long been captivated by stories about robots. We are fascinated by their utopian promise, their superhuman intelligence and, in the case of the cyborg, their often uncanny resemblance to

    Remote cave discovery shows ancient voyagers brought rice across 2,300km of Pacific Ocean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hsiao-chun Hung, Senior Research Fellow, School of Culture, History & Language, Australian National University Ritidian beach, Guam. Hsiao-chun Hung In a new study published today in Science Advances, my colleagues and I have uncovered the earliest evidence of rice in the Pacific Islands – at an ancient

    500,000 Australians live with mental illness but don’t qualify for the NDIS. A damning new report says they need more support
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney stellalevi/Getty Half a million Australians are living with moderate to severe mental illness, but they don’t qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and cannot access the support

    ‘I’m not going to give up’: how to help more disadvantaged young people go to uni and TAFE
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucas Walsh, Professor and Director of the Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, Monash University Oliver Rossi/ Getty Images On Wednesday, Education Minister Jason Clare hailed an increase in the numbers of Australians starting a university degree. In 2024, there was a 3.7% increase in Australian

    New climate reporting rules start on July 1. Many companies are not ready for the change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Baird, Senior Lecturer , University of Tasmania PaeGAG/Shutterstock A new financial year starts on July 1. For Australia’s large companies, that means new rules on climate-related disclosures come into force. These requirements are the culmination of years of planning to ensure companies disclose climate-related risks and

    Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato The winter school holidays will mean families across Aotearoa New Zealand will be looking for indoor activities to entertain children. With millions of visitors each year, museums focused on the country’s history will inevitably play host to

    Philly psychology students map out local landmarks and hidden destinations where they feel happiest
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eric Zillmer, Professor of Neuropsychology, Drexel University Rittenhouse Square Park in Center City made it onto the Philly Happiness Map. Matthew Lovette/Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images What makes you happy? Perhaps a good night’s sleep, or a wonderful meal with friends? I am the director

    Macron invites all New Caledonia stakeholders for Paris talks
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2. The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually

    Opposition starts on challenge of crafting (yet another) energy policy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The opposition is commencing the challenging task of framing a new energy policy, including deciding whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Liberal leader Sussan Ley, appearing at the National Press Club, announced a Coalition

    Election flows reveal nearly 90% of Greens preferenced Labor ahead of Coalition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Minor party preference flows for the federal election have been released, with Labor winning Greens preferences by 88.2–11.8, while the Coalition won One Nation preferences by 74.5–24.5.

    Australia’s native bees struggled after the Black Summer fires – but a world-first solution brought them buzzing back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kit Prendergast, Postdoctoral Researcher, Pollination Ecology, University of Southern Queensland Kit Prendergast (@bee.babette_performer) After a devastating bushfire, efforts to help nature recover typically focus on vertebrates and plants. Yet extreme fires can threaten insects, too. After the Black Summer fires of 2019–20, I embarked on world-first research

    Wild swings in the oil price make the Reserve Bank’s job harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra It looks, at least for now, as though tensions in the Middle East are easing somewhat. It appears much less likely Iran will try to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which flows about a fifth of

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran ratifies plan to halt cooperation with IAEA

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

    The Iranian parliament on Wednesday approved the general outlines and details of a plan to suspend the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    The bill was approved at an open session of the parliament in the Iranian capital Tehran, with 221 votes in favor and one abstention, reported the ICANA news agency affiliated with Iran’s legislative body.

    According to the report, the plan requires the Iranian administration to suspend its cooperation with the IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

    The plan stipulates that, given the violation of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel and the United States through attacking the country’s peaceful nuclear facilities and jeopardizing its interests, the Iranian government is duty-bound to immediately suspend any kind of cooperation with the IAEA based on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement until a number of preconditions are met.

    It lists the conditions as ensuring respect for Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the security of the country’s nuclear centers and scientists within the framework of the UN Charter and the complete recognition of Iran’s inherent rights under the NPT, especially the enrichment of uranium on Iranian soil.

    Elaborating on the plan, Seyed Mohammad Nabavian, an Iranian lawmaker, said it was not focused on Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT, as the country was committed to the treaty and had announced that its nuclear activities were all peaceful, ICANA reported.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage.

    On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.

    Following Iran’s attack, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel would begin around 0400 GMT Tuesday. Both sides later confirmed the start of the ceasefire. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy calls for return to political settlement of Iran nuke issue

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

    Fu Cong (C, front), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting on Iranian nuclear issue at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for the return to the track of political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

    China is of the view that there is still hope for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue as diplomatic means have not been exhausted, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council.

    It is necessary for all parties to draw lessons from the crisis, restart dialogue on an equal footing and promote the return to the track of a political settlement, he said.

    First thing first is to stop the fighting, he said, adding that China has taken note of the current developments on the ground and looks forward to the realization of a genuine ceasefire.

    “The parties concerned should take practical measures to prevent the situation from escalating again. Meanwhile, the international community must make efforts to cool down the situation and promote dialogue and negotiation,” he said.

    To balance the objectives of nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he called on Iran to continue to abide by its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and all other parties to fully respect Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a state party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Noting that China supports all efforts to relaunch negotiations, he said the Security Council should play a constructive role in assisting parties in building trust, bridging differences and creating conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations.

    Relevant countries should abandon the practice of threatening to activate “the snapback mechanism” for sanctions against Iran at every turn as this will only aggravate tensions and confrontations and even further jeopardize diplomatic efforts, he said.

    “A proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue has a direct bearing on the authority and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime and is crucial to peace and stability in the Middle East,” said Fu.

    “At present, the situation in the region is at a critical and crucial juncture. China calls on all parties to act with a higher sense of urgency and responsibility to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible and resume negotiations at the earliest possible date,” he said.

    As a permanent member of the Security Council and a party to the Iran nuclear deal, China will continue to maintain an objective and impartial position, strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, build synergy, and uphold fairness and justice, with a view to playing a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East and promoting a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Zelensky, Trump discuss steps to ceasefire

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

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that he discussed steps toward a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    “We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace. We spoke about how to protect our people,” Zelensky said on social media platform X.

    Ukraine appreciates the attention and the readiness of the United States to help bring peace closer, Zelensky said.

    Zelensky and Trump met on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Demands Update On DOJ’s Implementation Of Law To Combat Gun Trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Core Of Gillibrand’s Anti-Gun Trafficking Legislation Passed As Part Of The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
    Provision Got More Than 3,000 Guns Off The Streets In Just Over 2 Years
    Since Trump Has Taken Office, DOJ Has Stopped Providing Congress With Updates On Progress Being Made To Fight Trafficking
    Ahead of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is requesting an update on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) progress in implementing the anti-gun trafficking statute passed as part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). In previous years, DOJ provided regular updates on the number of alleged firearm traffickers charged and the number of illicit firearms seized using this statute. However, since President Trump took office, these updates have stopped. Gillibrand is requesting that Attorney General Bondi provide a prompt update on what progress DOJ has made in prosecuting dangerous criminals and getting weapons off our streets. 
    “Three years ago, Congress passed the first significant federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years,” said Senator Gillibrand. “In that time, the bill has had tremendous success in getting guns and criminals off our streets. But since President Trump took office, the Justice Department has stopped providing Congress with regular updates on what, if any, progress is being made in fighting gun trafficking. We need full transparency as we continue to implement this legislation, and I am calling on Attorney General Bondi to provide comprehensive data immediately.” 
    Senator Gillibrand’s Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act formed the centerpiece of BSCA’s anti-gun trafficking provision. Gillibrand first introduced the bill in 2009 after meeting with the family of Nyasia Pryear-Yard, who tragically lost her life at 17 years old when she was shot by a perpetrator using an illegally trafficked gun. Gillibrand worked with Nyasia’s mother, Jennifer Pryear, to pass the bill into law, and they attended the bill signing together in 2022. As of September 2024, the statute had been used to charge 423 defendants and secure at least 119 convictions, as well as take more than 3,000 illegal guns off our streets, including 317 AR-15s and AR-style weapons, 478 machine gun conversion devices, and 206 ghost guns.
    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi is available here or below: 
    Dear Attorney General Bondi,
    As we approach the three-year anniversary of the enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), I write to request an update on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) implementation of the anti-gun trafficking statute, 18 U.S.C. 933 (“trafficking in firearms”). In years past, the Department worked diligently with my office to provide timely and comprehensive reports pertaining to the effectiveness of the anti-gun trafficking statute, demonstrating the Department’s success in using the statute to charge hundreds of firearm traffickers and seize thousands of illicit firearms. Since January 20, 2025, requests to the Justice Department for these reports from my office have gone unanswered.
    Firearms trafficking remains a significant driver of gun violence in the United States. The illicit movement of firearms across state lines floods communities with deadly weapons and allows criminals to get their hands on firearms they would not otherwise be able to possess. This is a particularly pernicious issue in states like New York, where state-level efforts to implement gun safety measures are consistently undermined by the steady influx of illegal firearms from neighboring states. Reports from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have found that nearly 230,000 firearms were trafficked in more than 7,700 cases from 2017-2021 and that unlicensed sellers were the largest source of trafficked firearms.2 Additionally, approximately 80% of firearms connected to a crime and recovered by law enforcement in New York come from out of state.
    In the absence of a dedicated federal law to criminalize interstate firearms trafficking, authorities historically had to rely on a patchwork of weak, easily exploitable statutes to prosecute offenders. This made enforcement extremely difficult and allowed traffickers to operate with little fear of serious consequences. After over a decade of pursuing legislation to close this trafficking loophole and make firearms trafficking a federal crime, I was pleased to see the core of my anti-gun trafficking legislation established in BSCA. Now, under 18 U.S.C. 933, it is illegal to “ship, transport, transfer, cause to be transported, or otherwise dispose of any firearm to another person in or otherwise affecting interstate or foreign commerce, if such person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the use, carrying, or possession of a firearm by the recipient would constitute a felony.” The law also barred the receipt of such firearms “if the recipient knows or has reasonable cause to believe that such receipt would constitute a felony.” Offenders face up to 15 years in prison and must forfeit any property and proceeds related to the violation.
    Authorities have successfully used the statute to break up firearms trafficking operations large and small. In many cases, multiple defendants have been arrested and indicted after attempting to traffic dozens of firearms – often to undercover agents themselves. Charges have been brought against suspected gang members, leaders of gun trafficking rings, and previously convicted felons. In its last communication with my office in late 2024, the DOJ reported that it had prosecuted 489 defendants so far under 18 U.S.C. 933. During your confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, you stated your commitment to “enforcing federal gun laws as appropriate and in accordance with the relevant facts and law.” BSCA was a historic piece of legislation – the first significant federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years – but to truly maximize its intended benefits, diligent enforcement, implementation and transparency is required. I look forward to hearing from you and to continuing to work together on these issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Trump’s Rescission Package Would Devastate Local Public Radio, TV Stations Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Rescissions package that Senate Republicans are debating—and House Republicans passed—would rescind every dollar of federal support for 1500+ local public radio and TV stations nationwide 

    Sweeping cuts would hit rural stations hardest, force layoffs nationwide, and even jeopardize lifesaving emergency alerts people count on 

    Washington, D.C. – Ahead of a hearing on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescissions request with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how the request to zero out $1.1 billion in funding Congress has already appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) would hurt communities nationwide who count on the programming offered by the over 1500+ public radio and TV stations the funding supports.

    1500+ STATIONS ACROSS AMERICA SET TO LOSE CRITICAL SUPPORT IF PACKAGE PASSES 

     [Full map and CPB data available here] 

    The rescissions package requested by President Trump that the House of Representatives passed in full earlier this month would rescind two years of advance funding Congress has provided for CPB to support public media in fiscal years 2026 and 2027—ripping away support that over 1500 public radio and TV stations all over the country rely on to keep broadcasts on air and deliver impartial news and critical updates that people count on every day.  

    For 50+ years, Congress has provided advance appropriations for CPB to help insulate stations’ programming decisions from politics—and to provide them with the certainty they need to keep the lights on. 

    ALL 50 STATES TO LOSE OUT SIGNIFICANTLY 

    Every state in the country is set to lose critical funding for local public radio and TV stations if the CPB funding is rescinded.  

    FUNDING ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK 

    State  Funding 
    Alabama  $5,408,997  
    Alaska  $12,023,34  
    Arizona  $7,424,661  
    Arkansas  $3,187,528  
    California  $57,105,735 
    Colorado  $7,655,017  
    Connecticut  $3,017,018  
    Delaware  $133,048  
    District of Columbia  $18,275,757 
    Florida  $24,944,99  
    Georgia  $6,558,857  
    Hawaii  $4,292,969  
    Idaho  $3,341,916  
    Illinois  $12,818,816 
    Indiana  $9,388,508  
    Iowa  $4,723,772  
    Kansas  $3,989,434  
    Kentucky  $6,627,021  
    Louisiana  $6,530,752  
    Maine  $2,895,498  
    Maryland  $6,357,641  
    Massachusetts  $22,549,33  
    Michigan  $11,818,761  
    Minnesota  $17,228,752 
    Mississippi  $2,824,520  
    Missouri  $8,677,805  
    Montana  $2,837,807  
    Nebraska  $6,297,290  
    Nevada  $3,881,471  
    New Hampshire  $1,795,240  
    New Jersey  $2,282,024  
    New Mexico  $5,841,697  
    New York  $42,556,210  
    North Carolina  $8,236,216  
    North Dakota  $2,564,579  
    Ohio  $13,341,101  
    Oklahoma  $3,485,600  
    Oregon  $7,468,534  
    Pennsylvania  $14,492,945  
    Rhode Island  $1,082,244  
    South Carolina  $3,488,714  
    South Dakota  $3,038,524  
    Tennessee  $7,365,199  
    Texas  $17,719,507  
    Utah  $7,103,835  
    Vermont  $2,043,510  
    Virginia  $99,465,449  
    Washington  $10,106,644  
    West Virginia  $1,790,242  
    Wisconsin  $8,498,812  
    Wyoming  $1,870,865 

    The totals above detail the funding each state received in fiscal year 2024—the latest full year of data available. [CPB DATA] 

    LIFESAVING EMERGENCY ALERTS IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY 

    When disasters and other threats strike, public radio and TV stations nationwide not only provide critical updates to those affected who may be cut off from other communications channels, they also play an instrumental role in delivering emergency alerts. 

    Since 2013, public TV stations have helped the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system deliver emergency alerts to people’s cell phones via the stations’ own transmitters when cell companies’ connections fail. In 2024, over 11,000 alerts were issued by federal, state, and local authorities via the PBS WARN system. 

    Similarly, the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS), which is managed by NPR, helps send presidential emergency alerts to local public radio stations nationwide—allowing critical communications to reach people, even when the internet or cellular connections fail.  

    Here are just a few recent examples of how CPB-funded stations and systems have helped disaster survivors: 

    • When wildfires ravaged southern California earlier this year, public media stations provided real-time updates and information to over 18 million people—and issued 100+ geo-targeted Wireless Emergency Alerts, like fire weather warnings, evacuation warnings and orders, and curfew notices. 
    • When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, one local public radio station provided essential real-time updates and news as internet and cell services were down. 
    • When severe floods swept across central and eastern Kentucky this year—causing people to lose power and internet connections—local public radio let people know the latest weather reports, evacuation orders, where to take shelter, and how to apply for aid. 

    Zeroing out all CPB funding will seriously jeopardize stations’ ability to continue serving critical, lifesaving alerts and cut resources specifically provided to maintain and strengthen these emergency alert systems. 

    RURAL COMMUNITIES HIT HARDEST 

    Nearly half of all CPB grantees serve rural communities—and these rural stations are disproportionately reliant on CPB funding to keep their broadcast on air. Federal funding supports an average of 17% of rural stations’ revenue versus 9% for non-rural stations.  

    In total, 120 rural stations rely on federal funding for at least 25% of their revenue—and over 30 stations count on it for at least half. Some stations in the most remote parts of the country depend on federal support for even more of their revenue and could be forced to immediately shut down operations if CPB is defunded. 

    If this support is ripped away, stations will be forced to cut back on programming, lay off staff, and even take their broadcasts off the air.  

    “Should the Senate go along with the House and claw back this funding,

    we’re going to see probably a third of our public radio stations go dark.” 

    — Ed Ulman, CEO of Alaska Public Media 

    “We are in a rural area, so a lot of areas don’t have cellphone service.  

    A lot of people do rely on the radio to get much of their information.”  

    — Station Manager at KGVA 88.1 in Montana 

    EDUCATIONAL TOOLS FOR KIDS DEFUNDED 

    Rescinding all CPB funding would rip away federal investments in all manner of educational programming for kids. CPB grants support local programming across the country to educate young Americans about civics, provide educational tools and programming, and much more. Rescinding the funding would also cut off all federal support for PBS LearningMedia, a free digital learning website accessed by more than 1.4 million users each month, which supports teachers and helps students learn and understand new and complex concepts. 

    AMERICANS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT THIS FUNDING 

    A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that by a two-to-one margin, the American people overwhelmingly favor continuing federal funding for NPR and PBS, which receive support via CPB grants.  

    CUTTING THIS SUPPORT WILL DO NOTHING TO TACKLE OUR NATIONAL DEBT 

    Eliminating support for these stations will do next to nothing to address our annual deficit or growing national debt. The $1.1 billion Congress has already provided for two years of funding for public media represents less than 0.16% of all federal spending in fiscal year 2025 alone.  

    If President Trump and congressional Republicans want to tackle the deficit and our national debt, they can start by not passing their so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which will add $4 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says US to hold talks with Iran next week

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States will hold talks with Iran next week.

    “We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement,” Trump said during a press conference in The Hague following the NATO summit.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel is going “very good.”

    “I think it’s (going) very good. Israel came back yesterday,” Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in The Hague, referring to his Tuesday warning to Israel to halt airstrikes on Iran.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage.

    On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.

    Following Iran’s attack, Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel would begin around 0400 GMT on Tuesday. Both sides later confirmed the start of the ceasefire.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran accuses US over ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ – passes bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou,

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    At least 79 killed and 391 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza over the last 24 hours, including 33 killed and 267 injured while seeking aid at the US-Israel “humanitarian” centres.

    *

    Three killed and 7 injured by settler pogrom on the town of Kafr Malik, northeast of Ramallah; setting fire to houses and cars, and protected by soldiers. Israeli forces shot and killed 15-year-old Rayan Houshia west of Jenin as they retreated from resistance fighters, after using a civilian home as military barracks; also invading several towns across the West Bank, firing teargas into al-Fawar refugee camp south of Hebron, sound-bombs near the Jenin Grand Mosque in the north, and arresting several Palestinians.

    Al Quds/Jerusalem’s old city faced low visitor numbers even after restrictions were lifted by the Israeli occupation. Jerusalem Governate reported 623 homes and facilities demolished by Israel since October 2023.

    *

    Palestinian political prisoner Amar Yasser Al-Amour was released after 2.5 years without charge or trial in Israeli prisons. Thousands remain detained illegally in this way. Another freed prisoner Fares Bassam Hanani mourned his mother who passed away while he was imprisoned. Mohammad al-Ghushi, also freed, was taken to hospital to have his kidney removed due to torture and medical neglect he faced in Israeli prisons.

    *

    The unexpected ceasefire between Israel, America, and Iran appears to be holding for now. Iranian officials say the US “torpedoed diplomacy” and have passed a bill to halt cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fugitive’s Accomplice Killed as U.S. Marshals, Puerto Rico Police Arrest Most Wanted in Mayaguez

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Hato Rey, PR – One person was killed as the U.S. Marshals Violent Offenders Task Force and Puerto Rico Police early Monday arrested in Mayaguez a man wanted for attempted murder and other charges on a warrant that carried a bail of $1.2 million.

    Jose M. Rodriguez-Torres, aka “La J,” 26, the subject of the arrest and one of Puerto Rico’s 10 Most Wanted fugitives, was wanted on a state warrant for attempted murder, possession, transportation and use of firearms without a license, and tampering with an electronic monitoring device.

    Rodríguez-Torres had removed his electronic monitoring bracelet during his trial for the 2021 attempted murder of the chief executive of the company Flan-es-Cedó. He had been convicted in absentia for a June 27, 2021, massacre on PR-3345 in the Lavadero neighborhood of Hormigueros, where two brothers were killed, and was sentenced to 229 years in prison for that case. In addition, he had an active federal warrant issued in 2023 for drug trafficking and firearms charges.

    While law enforcement officers were executing the arrest warrant, they identified Rodríguez-Torres, along with two other individuals in a car. When the fugitive spotted the agents, he attempted to flee, driving against traffic until crashing into an official vehicle.

    According to preliminary reports, one of the rear passengers brandished a black firearm, prompting agents to return fire. The individual was identified as José A. Chevrés Ramos, 29, a resident of Cabo Rojo with a prior criminal record for robbery. He was fatally shot by agents during the pursuit. Chevrés Ramos also had pending warrants for his arrest.

    The FBI and the Puerto Rico Special Investigations Bureau assisted in the investigation but did not assume jurisdiction. The Criminal Investigation Corps of the Puerto Rico Police Department is handling the investigation, and the state prosecutor’s office has formally filed charges with the court. The judge found cause for all the charges filed against Rodríguez-Torres and Eliezer Graniela-Barreto (also a passenger in the vehicle), including attempted murder of federal agents and pointing a firearm at law enforcement.

    A bail bond of $4,200,000 was set but not posted, and both individuals were subsequently booked into state prison.

    Three firearms were seized from the vehicle and will be analyzed by the Forensic Sciences Institute’s ballistics laboratory. Two of the three weapons had been modified to fire automatically.

    “Our communities can trust that our Deputy U.S. Marshals, together with our partners from the Puerto Rico Police Department, will not relent in their efforts to remove violent offenders from our streets and bring them to justice,” said Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico. “Enforcing the law and ensuring public safety is dangerous work, and unfortunately, incidents like these are sometimes the result. We always urge fugitives to surrender, accept responsibility, and face the consequences of their actions. However, we will not stop. We will continue to search for them and fulfill our mission as agents of law and order.”

    The U.S. Marshals Service encourages the community to continue to collaborate with our deputies on tips that help find the whereabouts of a fugitive by contacting our local office at (787) 766-6540, calling the U.S. Marshals Service Communication Center at 1 (800) 336-0102, or submitting tips using the USMS Tips App.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Blasts Judicial Nominee Emil Bove for Holding Loyalty to Trump Above the Rule of Law

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Blasts Judicial Nominee Emil Bove for Holding Loyalty to Trump Above the Rule of Law

    WATCH: Padilla presses Bove on his repeated lies and abuse of power

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) pressed Third Circuit Court of Appeals nominee Emil Bove on his extensive track record of lies, poor temperament, and political retribution during his Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing. Padilla slammed Bove for his role in firing dozens of Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors who worked on January 6 cases and the DOJ’s decision to drop the corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for assistance with President Trump’s mass deportations.

    Bove joined the Trump Administration’s DOJ in January 2025, first as Principal Deputy Attorney General and then Acting Deputy Attorney General, and has been integrally involved in some of the most significant Trump DOJ scandals. He also recently served as Trump’s personal lawyer in Trump’s classified documents case, a 2020 election interference case, and the Stormy Daniels hush money case.

    Padilla underscored that Bove’s nomination represents the latest example of Trump picking nominees not based on qualifications, but based on personal loyalty. He highlighted Bove’s consistent pattern of undermining the rule of law for political purposes, including purging the DOJ of employees prosecuting the January 6 rioters. Bove, who had himself worked on January 6 cases while an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, called the January 6 prosecutions “a grave national injustice,” and ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to produce a list of everyone involved in them.

    • “It’s become clear that President Trump clearly has one litmus test when selecting people to appoint: it’s not experience, it’s not dedication to our country or the rule of law, it’s whether or not the potential nominee is willing to bend or ignore the law to satisfy the President’s whims. Now, I understand that elections have consequences, and one consequence is that a president who is elected will get to nominate judges for the duration of his term or her term, but selecting someone with such a deep track record of vindictive, duplicitous behavior, of abuse of power — that is and must be treated as unacceptable.”
    • “From Mr. Bove’s time with the Southern District of New York, to his time representing Donald Trump, to his time at the Trump Justice Department, it’s been demonstrated that he will not let the law stand in the way of doing what he wants. That’s why, as soon as Mr. Bove joined the Justice Department in an acting, unconfirmed capacity, he began an effort to purge the Department of Justice of perceived, ‘enemies,’ like the January 6 prosecutors.”

    Bove repeatedly sidestepped Senator Padilla’s questions on the January 6 insurrection, admitting he did not even know how many of the January 6 prosecutors were fired, and how many January 6 rioters President Trump pardoned. Padilla emphasized that Trump himself did not know the exact number of pardons, but estimated around 1,500 people — an impossible number to thoroughly vet before pardoning them. He warned of the dangerous message the condoning of political violence sends to the American people.

    • “To think that on the first day in office, he would have considered case by case, that volume of files to make the determination that they should be pardoned — that’s clearly not believable, and we know that dozens of those pardoned had prior criminal records, including rape, sexual abuse of a minor, domestic violence, and more.”

    Padilla also blasted Bove for his involvement in the decision to dismiss criminal corruption charges against Mayor Adams in exchange for his assistance in enacting the Trump Administration’s cruel anti-immigrant agenda.

    • “Mr. Bove’s actions in this case led eight prosecutors, eight, including the interim U.S. attorney Danielle Sassoon, who had clerked for Justice Scalia, to resign. But instead of firing him, Donald Trump plans to give him a lifetime appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in New Jersey, a state that Mr. Bove has very, very little ties to.”

    Watch Senator Padilla’s questioning of Bove here.

    Additionally, Padilla asked a second panel of four Trump judicial nominees, all nominated to the District Courts in Florida, a series of questions about whether the Executive Branch — including the President — must follow court orders.

    Earlier this week, Senator Padilla joined Senate Judiciary Democrats in requesting personnel records relevant to Emil Bove from Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton. Padilla and Senate Judiciary Democrats previously filed a professional misconduct complaint against Bove with the New York State Bar, citing reported misconduct in moving to dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The Senators expressed grave concern over Bove’s actions and requested a disciplinary investigation.

    More information on the hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Blasts Judicial Nominee Emil Bove for Holding Loyalty to Trump Above the Rule of Law

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Blasts Judicial Nominee Emil Bove for Holding Loyalty to Trump Above the Rule of Law

    WATCH: Padilla presses Bove on his repeated lies and abuse of power

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) pressed Third Circuit Court of Appeals nominee Emil Bove on his extensive track record of lies, poor temperament, and political retribution during his Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing. Padilla slammed Bove for his role in firing dozens of Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors who worked on January 6 cases and the DOJ’s decision to drop the corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for assistance with President Trump’s mass deportations.

    Bove joined the Trump Administration’s DOJ in January 2025, first as Principal Deputy Attorney General and then Acting Deputy Attorney General, and has been integrally involved in some of the most significant Trump DOJ scandals. He also recently served as Trump’s personal lawyer in Trump’s classified documents case, a 2020 election interference case, and the Stormy Daniels hush money case.

    Padilla underscored that Bove’s nomination represents the latest example of Trump picking nominees not based on qualifications, but based on personal loyalty. He highlighted Bove’s consistent pattern of undermining the rule of law for political purposes, including purging the DOJ of employees prosecuting the January 6 rioters. Bove, who had himself worked on January 6 cases while an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, called the January 6 prosecutions “a grave national injustice,” and ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to produce a list of everyone involved in them.

    • “It’s become clear that President Trump clearly has one litmus test when selecting people to appoint: it’s not experience, it’s not dedication to our country or the rule of law, it’s whether or not the potential nominee is willing to bend or ignore the law to satisfy the President’s whims. Now, I understand that elections have consequences, and one consequence is that a president who is elected will get to nominate judges for the duration of his term or her term, but selecting someone with such a deep track record of vindictive, duplicitous behavior, of abuse of power — that is and must be treated as unacceptable.”
    • “From Mr. Bove’s time with the Southern District of New York, to his time representing Donald Trump, to his time at the Trump Justice Department, it’s been demonstrated that he will not let the law stand in the way of doing what he wants. That’s why, as soon as Mr. Bove joined the Justice Department in an acting, unconfirmed capacity, he began an effort to purge the Department of Justice of perceived, ‘enemies,’ like the January 6 prosecutors.”

    Bove repeatedly sidestepped Senator Padilla’s questions on the January 6 insurrection, admitting he did not even know how many of the January 6 prosecutors were fired, and how many January 6 rioters President Trump pardoned. Padilla emphasized that Trump himself did not know the exact number of pardons, but estimated around 1,500 people — an impossible number to thoroughly vet before pardoning them. He warned of the dangerous message the condoning of political violence sends to the American people.

    • “To think that on the first day in office, he would have considered case by case, that volume of files to make the determination that they should be pardoned — that’s clearly not believable, and we know that dozens of those pardoned had prior criminal records, including rape, sexual abuse of a minor, domestic violence, and more.”

    Padilla also blasted Bove for his involvement in the decision to dismiss criminal corruption charges against Mayor Adams in exchange for his assistance in enacting the Trump Administration’s cruel anti-immigrant agenda.

    • “Mr. Bove’s actions in this case led eight prosecutors, eight, including the interim U.S. attorney Danielle Sassoon, who had clerked for Justice Scalia, to resign. But instead of firing him, Donald Trump plans to give him a lifetime appointment to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in New Jersey, a state that Mr. Bove has very, very little ties to.”

    Watch Senator Padilla’s questioning of Bove here.

    Additionally, Padilla asked a second panel of four Trump judicial nominees, all nominated to the District Courts in Florida, a series of questions about whether the Executive Branch — including the President — must follow court orders.

    Earlier this week, Senator Padilla joined Senate Judiciary Democrats in requesting personnel records relevant to Emil Bove from Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton. Padilla and Senate Judiciary Democrats previously filed a professional misconduct complaint against Bove with the New York State Bar, citing reported misconduct in moving to dismiss charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The Senators expressed grave concern over Bove’s actions and requested a disciplinary investigation.

    More information on the hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Colac HQ seeks support volunteers

    Source:

    CFA’s District 6 Headquarters Brigade is calling for new volunteers to help with support roles in the area.

    The HQ brigade is quite unique compared to other brigades as they undertake a range of roles to help our operational firefighters without the need to jump on the back of a fire truck.

    In particular, the brigade is searching for new or existing CFA members to be part of the District Driving Unit and Logistics Unit.

    District 6 HQ Brigade Secretary Tracy Wood said both of these roles are non-operational and undertake interesting activities to help support CFA during an emergency.

    “The driving unit provides critical support to our members by driving vehicles and trailers to the fireground or incident, transporting crew members and helping facilitate vehicle changeovers and relocations,” Tracy said.

    “Those interested would need a current driving license, experience in towing and reversing trailers and confidence to drive in all conditions including nighttime, gravel roads, rain and smoky environments.

    “The logistics unit provides ground support at incidents, help setting up and packing up gear, assisting with the distribution of catering and restocking supplies.

    “Again these members would need a current driving license, good communication skills, navigational skills and the ability to lift and move heavy objects is also desirable.

    “Members don’t need to be available all the time. We’re trying to build a team with a mix of people who can help at different times including daytime and after hours.

    “This role could be especially suitable for shift workers or newly retired people who are looking for a way to contribute to helping the community during an emergency, without the need to be a firefighter.

    “Joining our brigade is also a great venture for meeting new people and building a greater sense of inclusion within the local area.

    “All of our members have grown very close and we always welcome any new volunteers with open arms.”

    The HQ brigade is based in Colac but would provide support for our brigades across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shire area.

    Those interested in joining, or want to learn more, can contact Jessica Brittain on 0477 551 503 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to give us a hand. 

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) Blasts RFK Jr. For Lying to a Sitting Senator, the American People About His Dismantling of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Vaccine Efficacy and Safety

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Just hours ago, at the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – the first pediatrician elected to Congress and co-chair of the Congressional Doctors Caucus – blasted Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for lying to Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and the American people about his dismantling of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and his undermining of vaccine efficacy and safety.

    “I just want to tell you that for most of us sitting here right now, we believe Senator Cassidy more than we trust you when it comes to vaccinations. It sounds to me like you gave him the answer he needed to hear in order to get his confirmation vote, and then as soon as you were Secretary, you turned around and did whatever you wanted – you fired all 17 members [of ACIP],” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “Mr. Secretary, you are now on the record – you lied to Senator Cassidy, you have lied to the American people, you have lied to parents about vaccines for 20 years, and I also want to be clear that I will lay all responsibility for every death from a vaccine-preventable at your feet.”

    To watch Congresswoman Schrier’s full remarks, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Opposes Homeland Security Funding Measure That Would Cripple Federal Disaster Assistance To State And Local Governments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and of its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, voted yesterday in the full committee against the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations measure.  

    The FY 2026 Homeland Security bill proposes a total discretionary allocation of $66.4 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, an increase of $1.3 billion over the FY 2025 enacted level.

    Combined with the additional $26.5 billion for disaster response and $6.3 billion for programs offset by fee collections, the bill proposes to spend a total of $99.1 billion for the Department of Homeland Security in FY 2026. 

    The bill supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service and more.

    “While the measure funds many critical Hawai‘i and Indo-Pacific priorities I requested, I regrettably had to vote against this version because it dangerously underfunds disaster mitigation and cybersecurity initiatives, ultimately leaving Americans less safe,” said Case. “The Committee also was forced to draft the bill in the dark because the administration failed to provide a detailed budget request, and this is a dangerous precedent to support.”

    In his remarks to the full committee here, Case focused specifically on critical FEMA assistance to for the Maui wildfire disaster as well as proposed cybersecurity cuts.

    Through his assignment on the Subcommittee, Case secured $1 million for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency’s (HIEMA) Emergency Operations Center IT Modernization Project. This is one of Case’s Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects that specifically focuses on local needs in Hawai‘i. The project will fund the procurement and installation of touchscreen monitors for a new information wall at the emergency operations center to facilitate emergency response communications and instantaneous information sharing.

    “These facilities will share information in real time so that emergency responders can make informed decisions and take necessary actions to save lives and protect property in the event of a disaster,” said Case. 

    The House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here.  

    Case also secured a number of other key programs and provisions for Hawai‘i, including:

    ·         $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants, which support state and local emergency management agencies like HIEMA. 

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which is a major source of funding for county fire departments.

    ·         $360 million for FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program. 

    ·         $60 million for increased Coast Guard operations and support funding in the Indo-Pacific, to include workforce support in housing, medical and childcare access for Coasties in Hawai‘i.

    ·         $15 million for the Coast Guard’s Honolulu Homeport Project, which funds expansion of operations and cutter maintenance activities at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         $101 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, a $10 million increase over FY 2025, which funds University of Hawaii’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center. 

    ·         $60 million for another Coast Guard Medium Endurance Cutter to be stationed in the Indo-Pacific.  

    ·         $40 million for FEMA’s Next Generation Warning System. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on the opportunity for the Coast Guard to acquire additional pier and related space at Base Honolulu. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on unmet requirements for the infrastructure at the Coast Guard’s Air Station Barbers Point. 

    ·         Language encouraging TSA to address potential degradation of security scanning equipment at open-air airports.

     The measure also includes the following priorities requested by Case: 

    ·         $14.4 billion for the Coast Guard. 

    ·         $54 million for the National Computer Forensic Institute, through which 397 state and local law enforcement officers from agencies in Hawai‘i have received a host of forensic training courses.

    ·         Report language supporting the growth of CISA support in the Pacific Islands. 

    ·         Language requiring a report on Coast Guard engagement and needs in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         Language requiring a briefing on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which is a major issue in the Indo-Pacific. 

    ·         $615 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative under FEMA. 

    ·         $520 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides funding to protect against terrorism and other threats. 

    ·         $95 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, which protects critical transportation infrastructure from acts of terrorism. 

    ·         $105 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. 

    ·         $100 million for FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program. 

    ·         $45 million for the TSA Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program. 

    This measure is one of the twelve bills developed by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2026 (commencing October 1, 2025). The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.   

    A summary of the bill is available here.  

    ### 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville on The Bottom Line: “Today’s a great day to fire Jerome Powell”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Dagen McDowell and Guy Benson on The Bottom Line to discuss his recent calls for President Trump to fire the Chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell. 

    Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s interview can be found below, or viewed on YouTube or Rumble.

    McDOWELL: “Our next guest says, ‘Today’s a great day to fire Jerome Powell.’”

    BENSON: “He is Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, and he joins us right now. Alright, Senator. So clearly, the President is very frustrated with Jay Powell. Powell was saying that he’s expecting this inflation to show up at some point. I guess the question that I have is: what if it doesn’t? How long does he wait?”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Well, he’s playing god, is what he’s doing. And inflation is as low as it’s been in months. And by the way, he did lower rates right before the election—for Kamala Harris. But, yeah, FJP– ‘Fire Jerome Powell’. We put that out every day online, and we’ve gotten a lot of hits from that. He’s killing our farmers, our small businesses, and the middle class, because there’s no homes for sale. The problem is people liked that 3% interest rate they got years ago–back before everything went to hell in a handbasket. And now, it’s up to 7-8%. Nobody wants to sell. There’s no homes out there. So, he’s putting the middle class and small businesses and farmers in tough shape.”

    McDOWELL: “Well, even the stock market, Senator, is telling him to cut rates, because the 2-year Treasury is well below–it’s at like 3.8%–well below the overnight lending rate that the Federal Reserve controls, which is at 4.25-4.5 [%]. I’ll tell you who’s gonna push him out. You don’t need to fire him and rattle the market. [Who is going to] push him out will be […] fellow Fed governors like Bowman, Waller, and Austan Goolsbee have all come out and said, ‘Yeah, we’re probably gonna need to cut rates in July.’ They’re pushing him and embarrassing him. And I venture a guess, they might want his job, and I can’t wait to see the infighting develop. That will just be the most delicious soap opera.” 

    BENSON: “Like Conclave.” 

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Yeah. They’re pushing back right and left. We had Scott Bessent, the Secretary of Treasury, here for lunch today, and he spoke about the very same thing. They’re starting to infight a little bit. But at the end of the day, he’s playing politics. And he’s played politics. When I first got here 5 years ago, he came to my office and I asked him, you know, ‘Are you ever gonna raise rates?’ He waited forever to raise rates, you know, when Joe Biden went in, and then he kept raising. Now, he’s not not even thinking about lowering the rates. Miki Bowman, by the way–she’s Vice Chair of the [Federal Reserve]. I’ve known her for a long time. She’s very, very good. But she did not vote for those rate increases before the election. And, of course, she knew politics were involved. But we got to get politics out of all this mess. If he would drop 100 points down–which is basically one point today–that would save $300 or $400 billion dollars for the American taxpayers for a year. That’s a lot of money, and our debt is so high. We’ve got to find some way to pay it off.”

    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-OSI USA: Fact check: Claims swirling on California gas prices

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 25, 2025

    What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.  

    SACRAMENTO – California gas prices are 20 cents lower than one month ago and 17 cents lower than one year ago – despite a swirl of misinformation drawing attention to current prices.

    According to a 2024 report, thanks to major improvements in fuel efficiency, California drivers rank 45th in the nation for gasoline consumption and 21st in spending on gasoline per capita. Trump’s tariffs and policies impacting the price of crude oil stand to swing gas prices far more than any state policy. 

    Driven by misinformation pushed by Republican lawmakers and the oil industry, there remains a lot of speculation about California gas prices. Here are the facts.

    CLAIM: California gas prices will go up by 65 cents or higher on July 1. 

    FALSE. There are two separate changes to fuel prices expected on or around July 1 – a legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 cents. 

    • Gas tax: California’s gasoline tax will increase by 1.6 cents per gallon, starting July 1, as required by law. This annual inflation increase was enacted by the Legislature in 2017 to help pay for road repairs – and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 when they rejected a repeal attempt. 
    • Fuel standard: Additionally, changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – which is not a tax – have been requested to go into effect on July 1. Experts at UC Davis estimate this program, first established by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could add between 5 and 8 cents per gallon – well below one extreme projection that showed 65 cents. In the long term, LCFS is estimated to reduce fuel costs for Californians per mile by 42% – translating to savings of over $20 billion in gasoline costs every year by 2045. Studies also show that LCFS credit prices have no correlation with gasoline prices.

    CLAIM: Gas prices could top $8 a gallon by next year.  

    FALSE. That number – widely reported in the media – comes from an unscientific analysis whose author has close ties with the oil industry and has been on the payroll of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The author fails to provide evidence to support his main claim and only relies on vague references to models with no details on what those models are based on. Other experts, such as these Stanford economists, say gas price increases based on recent refinery announcements are likely to be negligible. 

    Correcting the record

    Republican lawmakers in Congress recently echoed false claims about California gas prices in a letter. Here’s what they got wrong. (View full-size here.)

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Oregon Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by the Harney County Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Oregon small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the Harney County flooding occurring March 12-April 15.

    The declaration covers the Oregon counties of Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, Lake and Malheur as well as the Nevada counties of Humboldt and Washoe.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    Beginning Friday, June 27, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC hours of operation are as follows:

    HARNEY COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Harney County Senior Center
    17 S. Alder Ave.
    Burns, OR  97720

    Opens at 12 p.m., Friday, June 27

    Mondays – Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    Closed Friday, July 4 for Independence Day

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 25, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 25, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Guizhou launches Level III emergency response to rainstorms

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

    GUIYANG, June 25 — Southwest China’s Guizhou Province has activated a Level III emergency response for meteorological disasters triggered by rainstorms, effective from 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, as a new round of heavy rain continues to affect the region, according to the provincial meteorological authorities.

    The rainfall is forecast to sweep from the northeast to the central southwest of the province over the next two days, with expected precipitation ranging from heavy rain to rainstorms. Some areas are likely to experience torrential rain, according to the Guizhou Meteorological Service.

    From 8 a.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday, eight county-level regions, including Qixingguan, Dafang, and Xiuwen, experienced torrential rain, while 34 counties reported heavy rainfall.

    At 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, the provincial meteorological observatory upgraded its blue alert for rainstorms to a yellow alert, warning rainstorms are expected in parts of Guiyang, Liupanshui, Anshun, and Tongren, among others. Some areas may experience torrential rain.

    Authorities have issued alerts over the high degree of overlap between the upcoming and previous rainfall zones, with soils now near saturation, increasing the risks of secondary disasters such as mountain torrents, landslides and mudslides.

    China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most severe and a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OEM Director Visits Wasco County to Support Rowena Fire Recovery

    Source: US State of Oregon

    strong>ROWENA, Ore. – On June 18, Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon visited Wasco County to meet with local officials and community members impacted by the Rowena Fire. The visit included a tour of fire-damaged areas and a stop at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), where displaced residents are receiving critical recovery support.

    In addition to the tour, Director McMahon met with Wasco County Emergency Manager Sheridan McClellan to discuss local needs and ongoing coordination efforts. She also joined a fire impact tour led by Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue Fire Chief David Jensen, where she witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by the Rowena Fire, including destroyed homes, scorched landscapes and community infrastructure loss.

    To date, the Rowena Fire has destroyed more than 50 residences, nearly 91 nonresidential commercial properties, and 18 additional minor structures. Director McMahon heard powerful stories from evacuees who shared their experiences of evacuation and loss.

    “I was deeply impressed by the coordination and tireless efforts of our first responders, local officials and state agency partners who are working around the clock to support the community impacted by the Rowena Fire. The level of dedication and collaboration on display in Wasco County is a true testament to Oregon’s emergency response system. Hearing stories of how quickly people were able to evacuate thanks to timely OR-Alert notifications was a powerful reminder of how critical preparedness and communication are during an emergency.”

    The Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal have been key partners in providing firefighting support. OEM extends its deepest gratitude to all firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel, and recovery workers who have responded to this devastating event and continue to support the community in the days ahead.

    A special thank you to Fire Chief David Jensen and Emergency Manager Sheridan McClellan for their time, leadership, and for providing the tour of the impacted areas.

    All Oregonians are encouraged to sign up for local emergency notifications at www.oralert.gov to receive alerts about evacuations, hazards, and other critical information in their area.

    If you would like to support those affected by the Rowena Fire, please consider donating to relief and recovery efforts here:
    https://uwcg.ejoinme.org/RowenaFireReliefRecoveryFund

    Photo Captions for attachments:

    Photo-001

    Fire Chief David Jensen and OEM Director Erin McMahon speak with a Wasco County resident who was able to evacuate with his dog just in time. We’re grateful he is safe—and thankful for the swift work of first responders!

    Photo-002

    Pictured at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in The Dalles: OEM Regional Coordinator Tabetha Daugherty, OEM Director Erin McMahon and Fire Chief David Jensen, working together to support wildfire recovery efforts in Wasco County.

    Photo-003

    This image shows the devastating aftermath of the Rowena Fire—what was once a residential area, now reduced to rubble alongside a burned vehicle. Our hearts are with all those affected. If you’re able, please consider donating to support relief and recovery efforts: https://uwcg.ejoinme.org/RowenaFireReliefRecoveryFund

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Warren Raises Concerns On Risks of Endless War Against Iran, Presses Commander Nominee for Answers on Military Preparations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    June 25, 2025
    Warren: “Donald Trump is once again playing red light, green light. This time, war with Iran.” 
    Warren: “Only Congress can declare war, and the Senate must vote immediately to prevent another endless war.”
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed her concerns to Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, nominee for Commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), regarding President Trump’s dragging the United States into a war with Iran without Congressional approval. 
    On June 21, President Trump ordered strikes against three nuclear facilities in Iran, warning that there were “many targets left to strike” and threatening “tragedy” if Iran did not surrender immediately. Prior to the strikes, the U.S. intelligence community was in agreement that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the United States and that Iran was not close to building a nuclear weapon. The president is claiming the war is “over,” but the ceasefire continues to change every few hours. 
    Senator Warren questioned Vice Admiral Cooper on if President Trump has communicated any plans for American troops in Iran, pressing for an answer on whether plans for troop deployment are being made and if the U.S. is preparing for a protracted war. Vice Admiral Cooper refused to provide specific answers but confirmed that the military is always prepared for various contingencies.
    President Trump and his administration initially stated that the goal was to end Iran’s nuclear program, not regime change, and declared victory while providing no evidence to support that claim. On Sunday, the president reversed course, posting, “If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be regime change?” 
    “Our service members who volunteer to give so much have a right to know that the President of the United States values their lives and sends them into harm’s way only when we clearly have a plan to understand how this protects the United States of America,” said Senator Warren. 
    “I’m very concerned about the president’s on-again, off-again explanations of why this bombing has taken place and that he’s doing it with no constitutional authority,” continued Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren also criticized reports that the current Trump administration is considering dismantling all institutions that mitigate and reduce civilian harm. Vice Admiral Cooper committed to prioritizing preventing civilian harm, saying failing to do so “risks degrading our credibility and trust and puts troops at risk,” and if confirmed, “I’ll continue to take an organization that has moved, I believe, from compliance to having civilian harm risk mitigation as part of our culture.” 
    Senator Warren reaffirmed that only Congress can declare war and called on her colleagues in the Senate to vote against another endless war.
    Transcript: Hearings to examine the nominations of Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, USN, to be admiral and Commander, United States Central Command, and Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich, USAF, to be general and Commander, United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, both of the Department of DefenseSenate Armed Services CommitteeJune 24, 2025
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to both of you on your nominations. So, it seems like Donald Trump is once again playing red light, green light. This time, war with Iran. 
    Three nights ago, he bombed three sites and warned of, quote, “many targets left to strike” and threatened, quote, “tragedy,” if Iran did not immediately capitulate. Last night, he declared the war is over. But now the ceasefire seems to be changing every few hours, and no one seems to know if it will hold. Now, no one wants Iran to have a nuclear weapon, but experts in intelligence have told us time and time again, Iran’s nuclear program cannot be bombed out of existence. 
    So, the question is, what is President Trump’s plan? Another endless war in the Middle East? 
    Vice Admiral Cooper, you are currently the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command. You are nominated to be commander, but you’re already there. You don’t decide policy. Obviously, you carry out the president’s orders. So today, I just want to ask you, if you have any clarity from President Trump, the commander in chief who chose this war, on what comes next. 
    So, Vice Admiral Cooper, has President Trump communicated to you whether or not he could contemplate American troops fighting in Iran?
    Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II: Senator, as we sit here today, as has been well described, a very dynamic time, literally right now, as we’re sitting here. The military’s number one priority is the safety and security of our men and women in the Middle East. That remains our priority. As I look to the future with the prospect of confirmation, my obligation, and in fact, my duty, would be to provide the Secretary of Defense and the President a range of options to deal with policies that he would lead.
    Senator Warren: So, are you working on plans to deploy troops if the president orders it? 
    Vice Admiral Cooper: Senator, as you well know, we are working on plans every single day. I think this forum isn’t the appropriate forum to talk about specific plans on force posture or what we’re doing today. Certainly could capture that in a classified environment that, I understand, is later this afternoon.
    Senator Warren: So, I’m just trying to get whether or not there are plans. I’m not asking for what the plans are in particular, but I take it from what you’re saying the president has not ruled out American boots on the ground in Iran?
    Vice Admiral Cooper: Senator, I think from a military perspective, it’s critically important today that we provide the maximum latitude and decision space to the Secretary of Defense and the president to decide on key plans and directions, and we’ll be standing by to execute those as is our duty to do.
    Senator Warren: So, on Saturday, President Trump and his administration claimed that the goal was to end Iran’s nuclear program, not regime change, and declared complete victory with no evidence to support that. And then on Sunday, the president reversed course, posting, quote, that, “If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be regime change?” And yesterday, he congratulated everyone on a ceasefire and said, quote, “God bless Iran.” 
    Vice Admiral Cooper, has President Trump communicated to you how long he intends this war could go on if the ceasefire breaks? 
    Vice Admiral Cooper: Senator, our role, from a military perspective, is to remain ready for a wide range of contingencies and protect our people, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. 
    Senator Warren: So that means you’re preparing for a protracted war. Is that right?
    Vice Admiral Cooper: I think it would be inappropriate to comment on any specific action, but we’re prepared for a wide range of contingencies, which is what would be expected.
    Senator Warren: Well, I’m just asking about your preparations. I’m not asking what actions you will take. Our service members who volunteer to give so much have a right to know that the President of the United States values their lives and sends them into harm’s way only when we clearly have a plan to understand how this protects the United States of America. I’m very concerned about the president’s on-again, off-again explanations of why this bombing has taken place and that he’s doing it with no constitutional authority. Only Congress can declare war, and the Senate must vote immediately to prevent another endless war. 
    So, I want to raise one more question, and that is reports that the Trump administration now wants to dismantle reforms developed under the first Trump administration to prevent civilian harm. Killing civilians is not only wrong, it threatens national security. General Stanley McChrystal called it insurgent math, meaning that for every civilian you kill, you create 10 new enemies. 
    Vice Admiral Cooper, why is it important to U.S. national security to prevent civilian harm?
    Vice Admiral Cooper: Well, Senator, first, thank you for your advocacy and passion on this issue. I share your same passion. I think it’s a national security issue. It risks degrading our credibility and trust and puts troops at risk. And if confirmed, I’ll continue to do what I do today, which is take an organization that has moved, I believe, from compliance to having civilian harm risk mitigation as part of our culture. It’s important.
    Senator Warren: I appreciate that. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch to Mark July 2023 and July 2024 Flood Anniversaries with Tour, New Bill to Fix FEMA 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    On the tour, Welch will unveil the Disaster AID Act, new legislation to improve FEMA and cut red tape 
    Welch to host Listening Sessions for Vermonters in Burke, Killington, and Barre 
    MONTPELIER, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will travel across Vermont next week to discuss his new bill to fix the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 
    Senator Welch will visit nine towns and cities—Hardwick, Lyndon, Barton, Burke, Killington, Ludlow, Weston, Barre, and Montpelier—and meet with community leaders and flood-impacted Vermonters. He will also hold Listening Sessions in Burke, Killington, and Barre. The Senator’s tour and introduction of the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act will mark the anniversary of catastrophic flooding across Vermont in July 2023 and July 2024. 
    Senator Welch’s new Disaster AID Act will cut red tape and empower state and local governments, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster recovery.  
    This tour is open to the media, and every stop will be considered on-the-record. Please plan to wear weather-appropriate clothing.  
    LOGISTICS:  
    WHAT: Senator Peter Welch’s tour of nine flood-impacted towns across Vermont and the unveiling of the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act.  
    TOUR SCHEDULE: 
    Tuesday, July 1: Hardwick; Lyndon, Barton, Burke 

    In the Northeast Kingdom, Senator Welch will convene community leaders to discuss the importance of supporting hazard mitigation and protecting disaster aid funding. He will also discuss the need to improve FEMA staffing issues. 

    Wednesday, July 2: Killington; Ludlow; Weston 

    In Southern Vermont, Senator Welch will discuss the need to make the application and aid delivery processes more efficient and effective.  

    Monday, July 7: Central Vermont: Barre, Montpelier 

    In Central Vermont, Senator Welch will meet with community leaders to discuss the importance of cutting through red tape and empowering state and local governments in the long-term disaster recovery process.  

    LISTENING SESSIONS: 
    Senator Welch invites flood-impacted Vermonters to join him on Tuesday, July 1 in Burke; Wednesday, July 2 in Killington; or in Barre on Monday, July 7.  

    *** Locations and timing provided upon request and subject to change. Space is limited. Media interested in attending these events are kindly asked to RSVP to Aaron_White@welch.senate.gov; 202-960-0677 *** 
    ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:  
    Senator Welch has been outspoken in opposing any attempt by the Trump Administration to dismantle FEMA. Earlier this year, Senator Welch published a guest essay in The New York Times entitled: “Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It.” In his piece, Senator Welch outlined why President Trump’s actions to undermine and potentially dissolve FEMA are misguided—but also committed to working with the President on good faith efforts to reform the agency’s long-term recovery process.  
    In December 2024, Senator Welch helped shape and pass a comprehensive disaster aid package, which delivered more than $100.4 billion of relief for states like Vermont recovering from climate disasters. The disaster aid package contained many of Senator Welch’s top priorities for the State: dedicated help for Vermont’s flood-impacted farmers, flexible spending through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief fund, money for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, and support for businesses, among many other important provisions. 

    MIL OSI USA News –