Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
SANTA RITA, Guam – Divers from the Republic of Singapore Navy, embarked on the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme (73), visited U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam on June 11 to discuss operations, share challenges, and tour the Sentinel-class patrol boat USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139).
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard actively participated in the semi-annual bilateral Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on June 4 to 5, 2025, at Joint Task Force-Micronesia (JTF-M) Headquarters.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)
WASHINGTON – Today, the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee met to consider its Fiscal Year 2026 bill. The measure was approved by the Subcommittee, which Congressman Valadao chairs.
“As the Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, it’s been an exciting few weeks working to draft a bill that demonstrates our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in how Congress manages its own operations,” said Congressman Valadao. “This legislation reins in unnecessary spending, focuses on core needs, and ensures that every dollar is justified and accountable to the American people. It also fully funds sworn staffing needs for Capitol Police to ensure the Capitol complex, Members of Congress, and all who work and visit here are safe. I thank Chairman Cole for his leadership throughout this process and look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to get this bill over the finish line.”
Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said, “The foundation of our work is service to the American people, and this FY26 bill reflects that commitment through targeted and responsible investments. It supports functions core to democracy and upholds the oversight and accountability duties of Congress. The safety of the Capitol complex for constituents and visitors and operations of national institutions are also prioritized. Chairman Valadao’s bill puts the American people first – in strengthening the institutions that represent them, protecting effective governance, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”
Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao began the markup with remarks on the bill. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:
I am pleased to introduce the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriation bill for the subcommittee’s consideration.
I’d like to begin by thanking our subcommittee Members in attendance for their input and support throughout the hearing season and during the formulation of the bill we present for consideration this evening. I’d like to specifically thank Ranking Member Espaillat for his contributions and valuable insights.
This bill provides $5 billion – a 5.3 per cent decrease from the fiscal year 2025 enacted House level. As the legislative branch, we believe it is our responsibility to lead by example and make responsible funding decreases where appropriate.
I want to take a moment to recognize the tragic events that took place in Minnesota since Congress was last in session. Political violence has no place in our country, and I continue to pray for the victims and those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
As appropriators on the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, we have the unique responsibility to provide for the safety and security for Members of Congress and the United States Capitol complex, the heart of Democracy in the world.
The bill under consideration today includes increased funding for the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police, including double the annual amount requested for mutual aid reimbursements. It also continues to carry the increase in the Members’ Representational Allowance that began in 2017 for the purpose of providing Member security when they are away from the Capitol complex.
It is my understanding that the House Sergeant at Arms is developing a number of proposals regarding additional security measures for Member consideration. In the days ahead, we look forward to reviewing and discussing these proposals with our colleagues to determine the most appropriate path forward. As you all are aware, this subcommittee mark is the first step of this bill’s journey, and we look forward to continuing the discussion on security measures, particularly when we go to conference with the Senate where we will be able to address these concerns in a united fashion.
Again, I’d like to thank all Members for their thoughtful contributions to the Legislative Branch Subcommittee’s bill and report. I also want to thank the subcommittee staff on both sides. From the majority, Lori Rowley and April Lyman, and from the minority, Faye Cobb. Thank you for the many hours of work resulting in this product and for your efforts to include as many Member priorities as possible.
###
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video and statement after speaking with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Nashville and joining them for a ride-along operation targeting a criminal illegal alien convicted of child sexual abuse.
Just this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released new data revealing that ICE agents now face a 500% increase in assaults. Senator Blackburn recently introduced the Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act to make it illegal to dox federal law enforcement officials as Democrat politicians dox and threaten to dox federal agents, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler, and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
“You really don’t appreciate the amount of work that goes into apprehensions and deportations until you speak with the men and women who are working so hard behind the scenes every single day and see the risks they take firsthand. As ICE officers face a 500% increase in assaults against them, we owe these agents a debt of gratitude for all that they do to keep us safe,” said Senator Blackburn. “Lawless, left-wing politicians are fueling the surge in assaults against law enforcement officers who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. In stark contrast, President Trump and his administration are standing up for law-abiding citizens over criminal illegal aliens by empowering ICE agents to do their jobs.”
Click here to download this video.
RELATED
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Acting Superintendent Lincoln Sycamore, Eastern District Commander:
Police will be closely monitoring the movements of those travelling from Napier through to Hastings for a funeral tomorrow morning around 9am.
Motorists can expect to see a large number of gang members and associates travelling around the region both this evening and tomorrow.
We’re reminding all those who are travelling on our roads to not act in any way that can put yourself and other road users at risk. Motorists should also expect delays.
Police will be investigating any unlawful behaviour, and where enforcement action can not be taken at the time, expect our staff to follow up.
If you have concerns for your safety, or witness any illegal behaviour from those involved, please call 111 immediately.
To report or send in any footage of the group engaging in illegal activity on our roads, please make a report online at 105.police/govt.nz, call Police via 105 or make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
June 23, 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a bicameral spotlight forum entitled “Defending the Rights of the People: States and Congressional Allies Fight Back Against Trump’s Constitutional Abuses,” with a panel of Democratic state Attorneys General who are combatting the Trump Administration’s egregious and unlawful actions through litigation. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) is leading the forum with Durbin.
Key quotes:
“Our country is currently facing several catastrophic challenges that the Trump Administration is ignoring or exacerbating in favor of fomenting a domestic political crisis through their lawless and cruel directives—and unfortunately, Congressional Republicans have been willing to ignore.”
“The last two weeks alone have tragically illustrated this. President Trump ordered an unprecedented deployment of the U.S. military in Los Angeles and federal agents shoved and handcuffed our colleague, Senator Padilla, while he was trying to get answers for these abuses. Days later, a horrific political assassination occurred in Minnesota… But instead of focusing on the problem at hand, our Republican counterparts are insulating the Administration from scrutiny.”
“This lack of oversight and accountability would not stand when I was Chair of the Committee on this side. I constantly fought for agency oversight and accountability from a Democratic administration. To take just a few examples of issues that we should be addressing at the moment: The Trump Administration has removed dozens of senior officials with decades of national security experience and placed a 22-year-old recent college graduate with no threat prevention experience in charge of our primary terrorism prevention center… The Justice and Homeland Security Departments have diverted thousands of law enforcement agents away from combating drug trafficking, terrorism, violent crimes against children, cybercrimes, and gun violence to participate in a mass deportation campaign.”
“In addition to the Administration openly violating and denouncing the rule of law, President Trump and his allies have also persisted in lodging unprecedented and unacceptable attacks on the federal judiciary. In one particularly egregious example on Memorial Day, the President referred to members of the bench as ‘USA hating judges’ and ‘monsters who want our country to go to hell.’”
“The lawlessness of this Administration is having damaging effects on the rights, liberties, and pocketbooks of everybody. And in this disturbing environment, many Americans have no greater ally than their states’ Attorneys General, who are engaged in multi-pronged efforts to protect the Constitution, the public interest, and hold the federal government to account. They are protecting the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship, challenging unlawful detention procedures, and fighting the Administration’s refusal to disperse funds appropriated by Congress.”
“I appreciate the work that state Attorneys General have done to defend our constituents. I want to continue that partnership today.”
Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
With President Trump’s increasing attacks on our constitutional order and failure to confront political violence, the legislative branch and state governments must step in and do everything in their power to defend the rule of law and protect the American people.
During today’s hearing, lawmakers will hear firsthand testimony from Democratic Attorneys General from across the country leading this fight on behalf of their constituents and the American people, including: Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Massachusetts; Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota; Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois; and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, New Jersey.
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US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned state Attorneys General at a bicameral spotlight forum entitled “Defending the Rights of the People: States and Congressional Allies Fight Back Against Trump’s Constitutional Abuses,” with a panel of Democratic state Attorneys General who are combatting the Trump Administration’s egregious and unlawful actions through litigation. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) led the forum with Durbin.
Durbin first questioned the Attorneys General about the Trump Administration abusing due process, specifically regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mass deportation efforts. During his questioning, Durbin recounted a visit he made to an immigration court on Friday in Chicago to see firsthand what is happening during these immigration hearings.
“We know what’s happening in some of these cases—these people [immigrants] are appearing for hearings and the federal government—ICE—is standing up and saying ‘we’re dismissing the charges against this individual so there’s no case to consider,’ and at that point, [ICE] detain[s] them and deport[s] them to some country they once lived. There was that fear in the courtroom… This is [a] clear abandonment of basic due process… These are people who are trying to follow the law of America and get their day in court… I would like to ask each of you—have you run into similar issues of due process in your state and have any suggestions on what we [Congress] ought to be doing?” Durbin asked.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul responded that as a child of Haitian immigrants, he went through the immigration process himself. He continued to say that it is “unconscionable” what ICE is doing to the immigrants who are complying with the immigration process and responding to notices to appear in court and then are detained. He continued to say that it is the “furthest thing from due process.” AG Raoul also stated that he is defending the Trust Act in Illinois—which makes “certain that our law enforcement resources are not misused for immigration enforcement.”
Durbin has criticized the Trump Administration’s ongoing abuse of immigrants to attack the fundamental rights of all Americans. The United States Constitution lays out certain fundamental principles that define our country, including freedom of speech, due process, and the separation of powers. This Administration has used immigration to attempt to undermine our constitutional order and the rule of law, including— unprecedented attacks on due process.
Durbin then noted what he is hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearings and how Trump Administration nominees are responding to questions about the separation of powers and their oath to the Constitution.
“If you follow the questioning that’s been asked of judicial nominees over the last two decades—and I’ve served on the Senate Judiciary [Committee] during that period of time—it has changed dramatically under the Trump Administration. We are now asking nominees to the Department of Justice, even nominees to the bench, whether or not they believe an executive [branch official] has to follow a court order or whether they can defy a court order. That is so fundamental to due process and the rule of law,” said Durbin.
Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
With President Trump’s increasing attacks on our constitutional order and failure to confront political violence, the legislative branch and state governments must step in and do everything in their power to defend the rule of law and protect the American people.
During today’s hearing, the lawmakers heard firsthand testimony from Democratic Attorneys General from across the country leading this fight on behalf of their constituents and the American people, including: Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Massachusetts; Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota; Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois; and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, New Jersey.
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24 June, Jerusalem – As international focus shifts to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Israeli forces have ramped up their activities in the West Bank. Increased military operations in Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarem governorates, along with additional troop deployments, have led to heightened restrictions on Palestinians. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) warns that these actions exacerbate the already dire situation for Palestinians in the West Bank, who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and essential services, especially since October 2023. MSF urges an immediate halt to measures that contribute to forced displacement and a system of annexation, including prolonged military presence, movement restrictions, demolitions, excessive use of force, and denial of basic services.
“On June 13 the Israeli forces raided my village in Tulkarem, they took over two residential buildings and turned them into military barracks, displacing the people who were living there. Since then, they have been patrolling the village regularly, conducting investigations, interrogations, arrests, searches, and detentions.” Karim*, MSF staff member
“Over the past week, West Bank communities have seen their lives further controlled by an occupying power while the world looks away. This cannot continue.” Simona Onidi, project coordinator Jenin and Tulkarem.
On 13 June, the day the escalations started, the Israeli authorities blocked all major Israeli checkpoints and road gates entrances to Hebron for four days. This forced people seeking medical care to cross between areas on foot, forcing critically ill people to walk long distances, taking the risk of being shot at, or being prevented from crossing at all.
“On 14 June, I tried to take my brother from Bethlehem to a medical appointment in Hebron – a trip that should take 25 minutes. But due to the new Israeli restrictions, all main entrances and exits were closed. It took us three hours, and in the end, despite being very ill, he had to walk through a closed checkpoint on foot, like many others, which is not safe.” Oday Al-Shobaki, communications officer.
MSF has suspended mobile clinics in Hebron and Nablus that provide mental health, sexual reproductive care, and basic healthcare due to these checkpoint closures and security concerns from the intensified military operations. In Jenin and Tulkarem, mobile clinics had to adapt working hours, running on some days, not others, because of Israeli forces’ presence in nearby villages. This has forced patients to rely on phone consultations.
Military operations and violent raids by the Israeli army have been going on for years in the West Bank. 2022 saw a then-record number of Palestinian deaths due to violence by Israeli forces or settlers. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have increased the number of coercive measures and use of extreme physical violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank including severe movement restrictions, military raids, and systemic barriers to essential services.
In January 2025, the Israeli forces began the ‘Iron Wall’ military operation in northern West Bank, which is still ongoing. Violently emptying well-established camps and preventing any return. More than 42,000 people have been forcibly displaced and left without stable homes and with limited access to food, water, and medical care.
“This latest wave of restrictions and violence over the last week, seems to be an opportunity for Israeli forces to entrench control, deepen the fragmentation of Palestinian communities and further the system that the International Court of Justice has described as amounting to racial segregation and apartheid. We urge third states to move beyond words of condemnation and put real pressure on Israeli authorities to end excessive force and lift movement restrictions blocking access to essential services and humanitarian aid, scaling up support for displaced and isolated communities across the West Bank.” Simona Onidi, project coordinator, Jenin and Tulkarem.
(*name changed.)
MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 3, Ōhaupō is closed at the intersection with West Road following a crash.
The three-vehicle crash happened at about 12:10pm.
No serious injuries have been reported.
Diversions are in place via Forkert Road (northbound) and Kaipaki Road (southbound).
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing its search for 19-year-old Regen who has not been seen since Sunday.
Regen is believed to have departed his home address in Ngukurr on Sunday 22 June at 6am and did not arrive at his destination. It is believed Regen was travelling on a motorbike towards the Nulawan Outstation, 23km to the east of Ngukurr Community.
Yesterday, the Search and Rescue Section (SRS) deployed aerial assets including Police Airwing, Challenger Jet Aircraft and helicopters to conduct searches in the area.
Local police, alongside members from Numbulwar and Katherine, and with the assistance of local rangers and community volunteers, coordinated a ground search, and door knocks have been conducted in Ngukurr Community. Members from the Territory Response Group (TRG) were also deployed to assist with the ground search utilising ATVs and motorbikes.
Search efforts are expected to continue today, with additional resources from the Territory Safety Division (TSD) and NT Emergency Services volunteers being deployed.
Police hold concerns for Regen’s welfare and urge anyone with information to call Triple Zero (000) or 131 444. Please quote reference P25168347.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 24/06/2025
The ACT Government is delivering on its commitment to support a new, modern home for RSPCA ACT, with an initial $2 million investment to progress pre-construction work on the much-anticipated Project Home facility.
The grant will enable RSPCA ACT to advance critical work including finalising the facility’s design, securing development approvals and commencing procurement processes ahead of construction.
Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne said the investment marks a significant milestone in the delivery of a purpose-built, fit-for-purpose facility that will enhance animal welfare in the ACT.
“This is an exciting step forward in building a better home for RSPCA ACT and the animals they care for,” Minister Cheyne said.
“The current facilities are ageing and no longer meet the needs of the animals housed there, nor the community and staff. A modern facility will improve safety, support best practice in animal management and deliver better outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.”
“We’re working closely with RSPCA ACT to ensure this project is delivered in a way that meets community expectations and supports their vital work across the Territory,” Minister Cheyne said.
“The ACT Government met with the RSPCA ACT Board and CEO last week to discuss the project’s next phase, with strong commitment from all parties to get the project construction ready.”
“This new facility will support RSPCA ACT to continue their crucial role as a strategic partner of the ACT Government in promoting animal welfare and protecting companion animals across our city,” Minister Cheyne said.
The initial $2 million investment will enable RSPCA ACT to partner with a designer and builder to determine how to complete the facility within the balance of the ACT Government’s total $40 million commitment. The remainder of the funding will be released in a second grant when the project is ready to move into the construction phase.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the funding reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to delivering on election promises while supporting the infrastructure needs of key community partners.
“This funding is part of our responsible Budget strategy to invest in projects that make a meaningful difference – in this case, supporting the RSPCA to provide modern, safe and compassionate care for animals,” said Treasurer Chris Steel.
– Statement ends –
Chris Steel, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases
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 Missouri small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, heavy rains, large hail, flooding and flash flooding occurring April 29. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Kehoe on June 21.
The disaster declaration covers the Missouri counties of Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Stone and Webster as well as the Kansas county of Cherokee, and the Oklahoma county of Ottawa.
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 damages, 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 nonprofits, and 2.81% 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 Wednesday, June 25, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) 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 DLOCs hours of operations are as follows:
|
GREENE COUNTY Opens at 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 25 |
LAWRENCE COUNTY Opens at 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 25 |
|
NEWTON COUNTY Opens at 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 25 |
|
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. 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 23, 2026.
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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.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that Israel and Iran have reached a formal agreement to implement a complete and total ceasefire, marking what he called the end of the “12-Day War.”
U.S. President Donald Trump walks toward the South Lawn to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
In a post on his Truth Social platform at 6:02 p.m. Monday, Trump congratulated both nations and revealed that the ceasefire will begin in approximately six hours, following the completion of each side’s ongoing military operations. The ceasefire will initially last 12 hours, during which the opposing side will maintain a posture of “peace and respect.”
According to Trump, Iran will initiate the ceasefire, followed by Israel 12 hours later, culminating in an official declaration of the war’s end at the 24-hour mark.
“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will,” Trump wrote, “I would like to congratulate both countries… on having the stamina, courage, and intelligence to end what should be called ‘THE 12 DAY WAR.’”
Calling the agreement a breakthrough that “could have saved the Middle East from years of destruction,” Trump ended his announcement with a sweeping message of unity: “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”
There has been no immediate confirmation from Israeli or Iranian officials. White House and Pentagon sources have yet to issue official statements.
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Lee Underhill, Wellington CIB
An investigation is underway following the discovery of human remains at an address in Ōwhiro Bay on Sunday (22 June).
On Monday afternoon a Police team were in the area after a homeowner located remains in his garden.
The remains have been identified as human, and enquiries will look to determine how old these remains are, followed by a formal identification process, which may take some time.
Anyone with information that may assist as to the identity of the remains and how they came to be at the location is encouraged to contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online.
Please reference file number 250622/3189.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: United States Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/23/2025 07:45 PM EDT
06/23/2025 07:17 PM EDT
Source: United States Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/23/2025 07:45 PM EDT
06/23/2025 07:17 PM EDT
Source: US Department of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secured a legal victory in its efforts to remove the worst-of-the-worst illegal aliens. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 order, staying a District Court’s order pending appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
With this decision, DHS can finally exercise its undisputed authority to deport criminal illegal aliens–who are not wanted in their home country–to third countries that have agreed to accept them. This order comes after an activist judge caused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the eight barbaric criminals to be stranded in Djibouti.
Attributable to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:
“The Supreme Court ruling is a victory for the safety and security of the American people. The Biden Administration allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood our country, and now, the Trump Administration can exercise its undisputed authority to remove these criminal illegal aliens and clean up this national security nightmare.
“If these activist judges had their way, aliens who are so uniquely barbaric that their own countries won’t take them back, including convicted murderers, child rapists and drug traffickers, would walk free on American streets.
“DHS can now execute its lawful authority and remove illegal aliens to a country willing to accept them.
“Fire up the deportation planes.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 23 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is on an official visit to China, in Beijing on Monday.
Noting that China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important partners, Li said that under the strategic guidance of their leaders, the traditional friendship between China and Singapore has been continuously deepened since the establishment of diplomatic relations 35 years ago, with bilateral relations enhanced and practical cooperation achieving fruitful results.
He said that China is willing to work with Singapore to uphold the traditions of mutual respect and trust, equality and mutual benefits, while maintaining close high-level exchange, enhancing strategic communication, and consolidating political mutual trust.
Li said that China stands ready to make full use of its bilateral cooperation mechanism with Singapore, implement their cooperation plan for the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and expand and strengthen flagship cooperation projects. China is also ready to increase the scale of two-way trade and investment, actively expand cooperation in third-party markets, and foster new cooperative initiatives in areas such as the digital economy, the green economy, artificial intelligence, smart cities and ocean energy.
He called on the two countries to strengthen exchange in education, culture, tourism and media, and to adhere to open regionalism and true multilateralism, actively promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and maintain the stability and smooth operations of global industrial and supply chains.
China is willing to work with ASEAN member states, including Singapore, to promote the timely signature and implementation of the upgraded Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area pact, implement the high-quality Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and accelerate the process of regional economic integration, Li said.
Wong said that Singapore looks forward to maintaining close high-level exchange and cooperation in various fields with China, deepening friendship and mutual trust, and promoting flagship cooperation projects such as the Suzhou Industrial Park. It is also willing to explore cooperation potential in emerging fields such as the digital economy, the green economy, artificial intelligence and biomedicine, and to expand third-party cooperation and enhance people-to-people and cultural exchange.
Wong noted that Singapore is full of confidence in the Chinese economy, and is willing to enhance communication and collaboration with China on regional and multilateral platforms to safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system.
Source: United States Army
USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany – The U.S. Army Lodging Operation of the Year Award recognizes outstanding performance and dedication in Army lodging operations, and U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria’s Army Lodging in Hohenfels recently received the award in the small category (1-60 rooms).
The Hohenfels lodging facilities were established 1951 and have since been integral to supporting training activities and operations.
“We are getting recognized for something that the team here has put a lot of hard work into over the last year, and I’m just really proud of what they’ve done,” said hotel manager Clifford Martin. “We focused a lot on customer service over the last couple of years, and I think we’ve been able to provide that to the guests, the Soldiers and our scores and our staff and everything reflects that at this point.”
Winning organizations exhibit outstanding leadership by prioritizing customer service, fostering strong employee relations, ensuring effective financial management, and optimizing back-of-house systems critical to maintaining seamless operations.
“Winning this award brings a lot of pride to me,” Martin said. “I’ve had the opportunity to really work with a great team. And in doing so, we’ve been able to offer a great facility to the guests for PCS and TDY into the Hohenfels area. So I am just really grateful and honored to have the team that we have here to be able to provide this service to the Soldiers.”
The Army lodging team in Hohenfels consists of 18 staff members, and together they take care of 40 guest rooms spread across six buildings.
“With everybody who is coming here, we are the first people that they come see, and we provide them with a place to stay and get them acclimatized to the area,” said assistant manager Marshall Smith. “And then we also support everybody going into the training area as they come and stay with us. So they have a place to come back to every night.”
Army lodging guests range from Department of Defense travelers on official business, military members and their Families traveling on permanent change of station orders, retirees and military Families
“This is a testament; it’s impressive to win this,” said USAG Bavaria commander Col. Stephen C. Flanagan, when he took part in the award presentation. “There are so many Army lodges all around the world, and you are one of the best. And it’s really important right now to take care of our warfighters and everyone that supports them coming through.”
The Hohenfels Army Lodging is dedicated to provide quality lodging and hospitality services to their patrons to support the garrison’s mission and the community.
“And I know you’re also working with older facilities, and we are working on that,” Flanagan said. ”What shines through is the customer service and the teamwork and that leaves everyone with a better experience. And you clearly go above and beyond to earn this award.”
Some of the buildings are from 1949; A new Army Lodging facility is planned for 2028. The new six-floor facility will offer 82 apartments.
Flanagan also presented the garrison coin to the lodging staff as part of the presentation.
Source: United States Army
FORT POLK, La. – More than 4,000 Soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard trained throughout June at Fort Polk, undergoing one of the Army’s most demanding combat training events in preparation for an upcoming overseas deployment.
Known since the Vietnam War era as “Tigerland,” Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center have become synonymous with forging combat-ready Soldiers through intense, realistic training. For Iowa’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, this rotation marks a pivotal moment: their first full brigade deployment since 2010.
At the Joint Readiness Training Center, or JRTC, Soldiers are evaluated under pressure. Their minds are stressed, their physical limits are tested and their endurance is pushed to the edge. From junior enlisted Soldiers to senior Iowa Army National Guard leaders, all participants endure mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.
The JRTC is one of four Army combat training centers. The others are the Joint Multinational Readiness Cente in Hohenfels, Germany; the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
The JRTC, however, is known for being the most grueling. The simulated combat environment, complete with force-on-force scenarios and constant stressors, provides Soldiers with some of the most realistic training they will encounter in their careers.
“There are a lot of methods that we use to test Soldiers while they’re in the training area. One is simply the stress and pressure of combat,” said Brig. Gen. Derek Adams, the senior trainer for rotation 25-08. “We try to simulate that as best we can.”
As the senior trainer, Adams works closely with observer-coach/trainers and the JRTC leadership to design, execute and evaluate the training rotation. He coordinates with the operations group, which oversees the exercise, monitors unit performance across all warfighting functions and delivers objective feedback through after-action reviews to improve readiness at every level.
“JRTC emphasizes DOD’s priorities of lethality, warfighting and readiness by training the entire brigade combat team, from the individual Soldiers to the brigade combat team level,” Adams said. “It’s a large, complex organization, and this training reflects that.”
This type of training marks a broader shift in Army doctrine.
The Army is transitioning from the counterinsurgency operations of the past two decades to large-scale combat operations, or LSCO. Large-scale combat operations prepare Soldiers for potential conflicts with near-peer adversaries by emphasizing large-scale maneuvers, complex logistics and sustained combat power.
“LSCO changes sustainment operations sheerly in the magnitude of what occurs,” said Col. Tony Smithhart, commander of the 734th Regional Support Group. “You’re talking about large numbers of Soldiers, large numbers of equipment.”
The Regional Support Group is structured to provide logistical support to up to 20,000 Soldiers in a deployed environment. As the Regional Support Command for the JRTC, the RSG was tasked with coordinating all sustainment efforts. This included feeding more than 5,800 Soldiers, managing medical treatment and staging and preparing more than 2,500 pieces of equipment for operation.
Planning for the JRTC began more than a year before the first boots hit the ground.
“I made my first trip to Fort Polk about 18 months ago to determine the actual area we’d operate in,” Smithhart said. “Since then, my team at the 734th Regional Support Group has returned about six times to coordinate with Fort Polk staff, validate our node concepts and rehearse operations to support reception, staging, onward integration and base camp management.”
The JRTC has earned its reputation. The environment is humid and rainy, the terrain is unforgiving and the scenarios evolve constantly.
All of these factors come together to form a stressful and taxing exercise, but one that will toughen Soldiers. Despite numerous aspects working against them, the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, proved they not only have the grit to complete their upcoming deployment successfully but also to complete any mission that is asked of them.
“The scale of this operation is critical to the development of our Soldiers,” Smithhart said. “It’s been called a generational training opportunity, and I believe that’s accurate.”
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Source: United States Army
TORUŃ, Poland — Soldiers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, recently spent two weeks in Torún, Poland, training alongside members of the Polish Territorial Defence Force.
Since 1993, the Illinois National Guard and Poland have been partners in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program — an initiative that pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for joint military training and subject matter expert exchanges.
The recent two-week training focused on sniper operations, combat medical care, the Javelin anti-tank weapon system and remote observer techniques.
For the sniper teams, the goal was to strengthen leadership skills in employing and overseeing sniper sections as well as developing advanced sniper expertise.
“Our goal as a training team is to ensure we are equipping the Polish snipers with the tools to employ themselves against drones and thermal environments,” said Sgt. 1st Class Hussein Mashal, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard. “By merging our techniques with theirs and the lessons learned from the Ukrainian war, we hope to strengthen their sniper employment capabilities and survivability.”
In the medical realm, Soldiers with the Illinois Army Guard’s C Company, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, shared casualty care treatment procedures — from the point of injury to the final point of care.
This iteration included complex training scenarios that allowed participants to triage and evaluate casualties in a realistic, stressful simulated combat environment.
“It’s always worth it working with the National Guard,” said Polish TDF 2nd Lt. Jakub Piotrowski, a medical team member and instructor. “We do the same things in different ways so it’s worthwhile to see how a different army is doing the same thing and then be able to cooperate with it.”
Javelin instructors echoed that sentiment.
“The Polish soldiers were extremely motivated and eager to learn,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Broden, a training noncommissioned officer with C Company, 1st Bn., 178th Inf. Regt. “They were always asking questions and were very hands on with the equipment.”
Previous training exchanges meant many of the Polish soldiers already had foundational knowledge of the Javelin systems. That allowed the training to advance quickly to more strategic and tactical discussions, said Broden.
For the forward observer teams — or remote observers — the focus was on establishing the fundamental skills for indirect fire coordination, a capability the TDF is actively strengthening as they expand artillery capabilities.
“We started off pretty basic with basic call for fire and then basic joint fires observer skills,” said U.S. Army Master Sgt. William Aitken, an operations NCO with the 33rd IBCT. “It’s kind of an abbreviated forward observer program for the TDF.”
The training also included high tech capabilities — such as employing small drones – combined with improvised concealment techniques to help Polish soldiers observe from a distance while staying hidden. The team practiced setting up hasty observation posts, coordinating drone feeds with command elements, and minimizing visual and electronic signatures — skills directly influenced by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Overall, the training helped strengthen and continue the 30-plus year partnership.
“Our partnership with Poland, which began in 1993 and included 19 years of co-deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, is the gold standard of deployments,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, the Illinois National Guard’s assistant adjutant general for Army. “We learn, we teach and we develop new tactics and techniques together with each critical knowledge exchange event. Our capabilities have improved, we’ve expanded our capacity and our partnership has grown even stronger the past two weeks.”
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Source: United States Army
VICENZA, Italy – The military communities of U.S. Army Garrison Italy, including Vicenza and Camp Darby, are mourning the loss of Gene Willie Strahan Jr., a devoted automotive mechanic, beloved colleague and cherished friend.
Strahan knew cars—especially BMWs, his favorite. Friends described him as a gentle giant who loved car shows, fishing and spending time with his tiny dog, Thor.
A U.S. Army veteran, Strahan served in Germany in the 1980s. As a civilian, he began working in Mannheim, Germany. He later moved to Camp Darby, where he worked as a contractor and later at the post exchange. Many remember him from his time at Camp Darby’s Auto Skills Center. Following downsizing there, Strahan relocated to Vicenza, where he worked at the Auto Skills Center, part of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
Strahan’s love of cars translated to a sincere dedication to community members who sought his help. He offered mechanical expertise to soldiers and civilians at Caserma Ederle with humility and genuine warmth. A few minutes in the shop with Strahan often felt more like catching up with an old friend than speaking with a mechanic.
Over the years, Strahan earned several awards for his work. But his joy came from engaging with the community and making connections that lasted.
News of his June 10 passing sparked an outpouring of online condolences from Americans and Italians in Vicenza and Camp Darby, as well as friends around the world who remembered his kindness during their time in Italy.
Jimmy Roddy, DFMWR’s Business Recreation Division chief, first met Strahan 24 years ago at Camp Darby. There, Strahan helped organize the summer car show and became known for offering help to anyone with automotive issues.
“A big guy, big smile with a bigger heart—always helpful,” Roddy said. “He was very low-key, for as big as he was. He was a gentle giant.”
Nicknamed “The Frenchman” by fishing buddies, Strahan was born on Dec. 7, 1963 in France into a military family. He grew up around Army bases, to include time in Germany.
Timothy Gordon, a friend from the Camp Darby days, recalled spending long hours fishing Italian rivers with him—a tradition that continued after both relocated to Vicenza. Another shared passion was cars.
“If you asked him about a BMW, he could tell you about it from top to bottom,” Gordon said.
In Vicenza, Strahan was often seen with Thor, a canine companion that went with him nearly everywhere.
“The smallest dog you could imagine with the biggest man you could ever imagine,” Gordon said. “People would just watch them walk down the road. He just loved small dogs.”
Strahan also befriended Soldiers, including Spc. Haron Palomo, a volunteer at the Auto Skills Center. Over the past two years, they joked, shared stories and discussed car repairs while Palomo restored a 1993 Honda Civic. As he did with other customers, Strahan offered tips on finding affordable parts.
“Sadly, he didn’t get to see it finished,” Palomo said.
Strahan is survived by his mother, daughter, sister and brothers, including Michael Strahan, a television host and former professional football player.
A memorial service will be held at noon on June 25 at Caserma Ederle’s Chapel. A second service is scheduled for noon on June 26 at Camp Darby’s chapel.
Source: United States Army
TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria and Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden celebrated their official partnership May 22, 2025, marking the beginning of an initiative that creates an innovative learning environment.
This partnership aims to support and promote the exchange between practical and theoretical learning, which is achieved by integrating OTH students and faculty into real-world projects with USAG Bavaria.
“This is a massive win-win,” said Dwayne D. Key II, deputy to the garrison commander at USAG Bavaria. “I’m most excited not just about meeting the students and seeing ourselves through their eyes. And I think this present generation of learners is so phenomenal.”
With the support of 120 professors across its four faculties and 54 degree programs, OTH Amberg-Weiden serves approximately 4,200 students and is known for its innovative, future-oriented education.
Professor Dr. med. Clemens Bulitta, president of OTH Amberg-Weiden, emphasized the importance of this new addition to the university’s partnership network.
“It’s all about networking and about bringing people together,” Bulitta said. “When you bring people together, they will exchange thoughts, create ideas, become innovative, and they will drive and strengthen partnership and push developments. And now you become part of this network and the doors are opening on both sides.”
“This partnership drives innovation,” said Lukas Miserra, management analyst for USAG Bavaria. “It strengthens USAG Bavaria by integrating academic expertise and fostering collaboration between students and professionals with the garrison, providing valuable insights and practical experience.”
Both sides expressed enthusiasm for growing the partnership and involving more regional actors in future cooperation.
“There’s so much linked here in in this region and such a longstanding tradition of exchange between the communities,” Bulitta said. “We want to get to the point where young people become part of this exchange culture. Bringing people together opens options.”
Source: US State of Missouri
JUNE 23, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, at a press conference in St. Louis, Governor Mike Kehoe announced his appointments to the citizen-led St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners. The board, established by the passage of landmark public safety legislation in House Bill (HB) 495, is charged to be the governing body of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD).
“This board represents a renewed commitment to public trust and local oversight,” said Governor Kehoe. “By bringing together respected voices from across the city who support the men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, we are ensuring that public safety efforts reflect the needs, values, and concerns of the people of St. Louis and the department. These appointments mark a significant move toward transparency, collaboration, and a safer future for the city.”
The six-member board includes the St. Louis City Mayor Cara Spencer, who will participate with full voting authority, four governor-appointed voting members who are residents of the city, and one governor-appointed non-voting commissioner who either resides or owns property in the city.
Governor Kehoe’s appointments include the following individuals:
The board will begin work immediately, with the assistance of Transition Director Derek Winters, to ensure an orderly and responsible implementation period, without disruption to residents of the city and commissioned and civilian personnel of the SLMPD. During the implementation period, the commissioners will work to determine the board’s policies for meetings and bylaws and begin their work in overseeing the Chief of Police and the department’s policies, contracts, assets, and budgets. The day-to-day operations of the department will remain under the leadership of the Chief of Police.
All media inquiries related to the board may now be directed to the SLMPD, at media@slmpd.org. A webpage with headshot photos for the board is forthcoming.
For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the St. Louis City Police Board of Commissioners, as designated in HB 495, click here.
###
Source: US Marshals Service
Tampa, FL – The U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force – Tampa Office, acting on a collateral lead from the USMS Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force in Eastern Tennessee, June 19 arrested in Florida a man wanted in Tennessee on 32 felony counts of sexual abuse and exploitation of three Blount County juvenile minors.
Giovannie Torres, 30, of Tampa, was arrested at his home on a 32-count indictment including the following charges issued by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office:
Torres is scheduled to be extradited to Tennessee within 30 days to face his charges in Blount County.
The BCSO Investigation unit began an inquiry into Torres in late December 2024 when three female juvenile victims (two 14-year-olds and one 13-year-old) came forward with information that an individual they believed was a male juvenile befriended them on Snapchat. That individual then began coercing the girls into sending him inappropriate photos and videos. When the victims refused, the suspect threatened them by telling them he knew where they lived and that he would release the photos and videos publicly if they didn’t continue communications with him. He also mailed inappropriate materials to one of the victims. Using a series of investigative techniques, the Blount County Sheriff’s investigator identified Torres as the perpetrator of these crimes as well as tied him to victims in other states.
With the help of the U.S. Marshals Eastern District of Tennessee Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force – Tampa, Torres was arrested on the 32 charges earlier this year, however, a Florida judge released Torres with no bond conditions or instructions to report to Tennessee. After his release, Torres began communications with other victims outside of Tennessee.
The U.S. Marshals Service – FCRFTF took Torres into custody Friday evening.
Law enforcement authorities urge parents to monitor their children’s online activity.
Source: US Marshals Service
Tampa, FL – The U.S. Marshals Service Middle District of Florida, in conjunction with a vast array of partners, led missing child operation in June that resulted in the recovery or safe location of 60 critically missing children from across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
Operation DRAGON EYE, the product of a multidisciplinary task force of federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as social service entities, the medical community, and non-governmental organizations planning and executing a two-week initiative geared to recover or safely locate the most critically missing youth, has been deemed the most successful missing child operation in USMS history. The USMS defines “critically missing” children as those at risk of crimes of violence or those with other elevated risk factors such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, crime exposure, or domestic violence.
This operation had three primary objectives: recover critically missing youth, provide them with essential services including appropriate placement, and to deter bad actors exploiting missing child vulnerabilities.
DRAGON EYE resulted in eight arrests, including charges of human trafficking, child endangerment, narcotics possession, and custodial interference.
Recovered children were provided with medical resources, nourishment, social services, and child advocates. Operation DRAGON EYE child welfare and social service partners said they are proud of this operation’s achievements.
“I have to curtail my enthusiasm because of the sensitivity of the victims involved in this operation, but the successful recovery of 60 missing children, complemented with the arrest of eight individuals, including child predators, signifies the most successful missing child recovery effort in the history of the United States Marshals Service; or to my knowledge, any other similar operation held in the United States,” said William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida. “The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children ranging from age 9 to 17 were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care. This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youth will not return to the streets to be further victimized.”
USMS law enforcement partners played essential roles in the success of Operation DRAGON EYE, and include the following agencies: Florida Attorney General’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sherriff’s Office, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, St. Petersburg Police Department, Tampa Police Department, BayCare, Bridging Freedom, Bridges of Hope, Children’s Home Network, Children’s Network of Hillsborough County, Family Support Services Pasco Pinellas Counties, More Too Life, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Redefining Refuge.
“The success of Operation DRAGON EYE is a testament to what’s possible when agencies unite with a shared mission to protect children,” said Callahan Walsh, Executive Director, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. “We’re proud to have supported the U.S. Marshals Service and our partners in Florida to recover these missing children and provide critical support to those who need it most. NCMEC is honored to stand alongside these teams and will continue working tirelessly to help make sure that every child has a safe childhood.”
The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 enhanced the USMS discretionary authority to assist other law enforcement agencies with the recovery of missing, endangered or abducted children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender was involved. The U.S. Marshals have a Missing Child Unit to oversee and manage the implementation of its enhanced authority under the act. Upon request, the Marshals assist other law enforcement agencies with the recovery of “critically missing children,” who have gone missing under circumstances that indicate an elevated risk to the child. Since 2015, when the Marshals received enhanced authority under the act, the agency has located or recovered more than 3,967 missing children. The U.S. Marshals have located or recovered missing children in 66 percent of cases received. Of those recovered, 61 percent were found within seven days. The U.S. Marshals are leading the way in a nationwide effort to rescue and recover missing and exploited children, thereby aiding in the prevention of human trafficking.
Source: United States Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 06/23/2025 05:15 PM EDT
06/23/2025 04:50 PM EDT
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
Ahead of Dobbs Anniversary, Lawmakers Slam GOP Budget That Slashes Health Care Coverage, Defunds Planned Parenthood
Pressley Shines Light on the Life-Saving Work of Planned Parenthood, Underscores Critical Need to Confront Converging Black Maternal Mortality and Reproductive Justice Crises that Cost Adriana Smith her Life
Video
BOSTON – Today, ahead of the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision that dismantled the basic right to abortion care, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, and the women of the Massachusetts delegation, Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts President Dominique Lee for a press conference in solidarity with Planned Parenthood as they collectively fight to stop Republicans’ latest attack on reproductive freedom in the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill.
Their advocacy comes as Donald Trump and Republicans are advancing a cruel budget reconciliation bill that would defund Planned Parenthood health centers, bar private health insurers on the ACA marketplace from offering abortion coverage, and slash Medicaid health care coverage — leaving over 300,000 Massachusetts residents unable to access basic health care services.
“As we mark three years since the devastating day the Supreme Court denied us our bodily autonomy and ripped away the basic right to abortion care in America, we recommit to fighting for families across this country to access the basic medical care they need to survive, to be safe in birth, to be treated with human dignity,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “It starts by defeating Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill – their shameful reconciliation bill that would put necessary health care further out of reach for millions of people and would drastically defund Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood clinics across this nation are quite literally saving lives – often the only option for miles for life saving cancer screenings, affordable birth control, and compassionate prenatal care. We will never yield to Trump and Republicans’ agenda to make America a nation of forced birth – this is not an inevitability, and I’m proud to join Whip Clark, Senator Warren, and Congresswoman Trahan in standing with Planned Parenthood in our fight to restore true bodily autonomy and reproductive justice.”
“Tomorrow will mark three years since Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. For three years, the Republicans have marched nonstop toward their ultimate goal of a national abortion ban — with total control over women’s health care in every state, including Massachusetts,” said Whip Clark. “And now, we have their Big, Ugly Betrayal of Women Budget, which will impose the single biggest health care cut in our country’s history and inflict the biggest assault on women’s health care since Dobbs. To put it simply, this is a life-and-death fight every day. Republicans are choosing to make life harder and more expensive and more dangerous for America’s 170 million women and girls. All to help America’s 900 billionaires.”
“Since Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we’ve seen a new form of hell at every turn. Now, Republicans in Congress are on track to pass a bill that amounts to a backdoor ban on abortion — even in states where it’s protected. Republicans’ bill to cut Medicaid and defund Planned Parenthood is a one-two punch to women across the country, and we are not going to let them get away with it,” said Senator Warren.
“Three years ago, Donald Trump’s Supreme Court opened the floodgates to extreme abortion bans in GOP-controlled states across the country – bans that criminalize doctors, endanger women’s lives, and force survivors of rape to carry pregnancies against their will,” said Rep. Trahan. “Now, Republicans in Washington are trying to punish states like Massachusetts for protecting access to abortion by withholding federal health care funding for families who need it most. It’s a coordinated effort to force every state to fall in line with Trump’s anti-abortion, anti-woman agenda, and we have to do everything in our power to stop it from passing.”
“The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ is a backdoor abortion ban, even in safe-haven states like Massachusetts,” said Dominique Lee, president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “This bill would ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood by blocking Medicaid reimbursement, which could impact half of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ budget. PPLM serves more than 30,000 patients annually, and nearly 40% of them are on Medicaid. If this bill passes, it won’t matter that abortion is legal here. People could lose access to abortion, birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings and other care from the provider they trust most. Planned Parenthood will not abandon our patients, our staff, or our communities, but we need everyone with us to help stop this attack on people’s health and freedom.”
A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s opening remarks is available below and the video is available here.
Transcript: Pressley, Clark, Warren, Trahan Stand with Planned Parenthood, Condemn Proposed Cuts to Reproductive Health Care Under GOP’s Big Ugly Bill
Boston, MA
June 23, 2025
Good morning. In a couple of days, our daughter, Cora, will turn 17, and as we’re looking at colleges, you know, one factor that shapes that decision – and it’s a key factor – is where she’ll be able to access healthcare. That’s now a part of our calculus and our decision-making.
This morning, she asked me, in the wake of recent events in the Middle East, “Are we going to be okay?”
She has shared with me her concerns for classmates who are immigrants, who have expressed anxiety and fear about going away for a vacation, and whether or not they’ll be able to come back into the country – and they were born here.
So every day that she asks me, “Are we going to be okay?” – it becomes harder and harder to answer that question with confidence that “Yes, we will be.”
But standing here shoulder-to-shoulder with my colleagues, you certainly fortify me in this work and in that belief that we will be okay and we will get to the other side of this. Thank you all for being here today.
I want to echo the sentiment offered by our Whip a moment ago that Congress should do everything in its power to reign in Trump and to prevent an endless war in Iran.
I want to underscore the urgency of protecting our reproductive freedom – I reiterate this in my role as the Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus.
So we have to do everything to protect our reproductive freedom and preventing Republicans’ shameful – and it is shameful – reconciliation bill from putting necessary health care further out of reach for millions of Americans.
When we say an abortion ban, what does that really mean?
A nation of forced birth.
A nation of forced birth – what could be more violent than that?
What could be more void of common sense and compassion in a country that does not yet have universal childcare, paid leave – an administration that seems to be hostile towards women, attacking our freedoms at every turn, degrading Head Start.
There are 80 million Medicaid recipients in this country. 40% of births in this country are covered by Medicaid.
So I want to say thank you to our partners in good at Planned Parenthood, who labor in love day in and day out, navigating a very perilous and unpredictable terrain. Thank you for showing up for Massachusetts to provide our constituents with essential health care.
And I’ll just share when I came here in 1992 to, you know, pursue a higher learning – in a city where I did not know a soul – and found myself experiencing debilitating pain, I came to Planned Parenthood and was diagnosed with uterine fibroids.
And I was met with compassion and community and embrace, and that meant everything.
Again, I did not know a soul. I knew no one. But I knew that I could get answers and help with Planned Parenthood.
Later, as a survivor of campus sexual assault, I also returned to Planned Parenthood for counseling and STI testing. So I just want to personally, again, just express my heartfelt gratitude for the entire team here, from your security to providers and the like.
Every time we’re in Washington and folks across the aisle – mostly, but not only, white men – start to attack the critical work of Planned Parenthood, I know the moment they open their mouth that they’ve never sat across from a dedicated Planned Parenthood provider or patient, because if they had, they would understand the vital importance of this work.
Planned Parenthood is often the only accessible health care provider for families. In the Massachusetts seventh, we are fortunate to have a real density of health care services – but in many parts of the country, the only place you can access care for miles is a Planned Parenthood.
And Planned Parenthood clinics across this nation are quite literally saving lives. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for miles for life saving cancer screenings.
Regardless of zip code, they are the trusted provider folks turn to for preventative and routine medical care. Planned Parenthood is the place you can go to to get affordable birth control and compassionate prenatal care.
The attacks on Planned Parenthood are nothing new. In this moment, they are far more coordinated and sinister than we have ever seen, however.
Those who aim to rob people of this essential health care in their communities are using every tool – the courts, complicit state houses in many states, and notably this Big Ugly Bill in Congress.
Imagine having the full power and authority of the United States government, controlling the White House and the Senate, and you choose to go after cancer screenings for mothers.
The cruelty is the point.
At this point, Republicans can’t deny that they’re actually in the business of making people across America sicker, poor and more vulnerable.
I walked in here today with a heavy heart, with Adriana Smith on my mind.
Adriana Smith was a 30-year-old nurse and the mother to a vibrant six-year-old when she experienced debilitating headaches – her pain was dismissed, not believed. She was sent home from the hospital without the care she needed. She woke up gasping for air, arrived at the hospital, and shortly thereafter, was declared brain dead. The blood clots the doctors had missed had claimed her life.
But to be a black woman in America means that not only was Adriana’s pain dismissed and her son robbed of a mother – no, because of an extreme abortion ban in Georgia, the hospital stated that they could not take her off of life support.
And because she was nine weeks pregnant when she was declared brain dead, about a month past a missed period, the hospital would not allow Adriana’s family to make sensitive end of life medical decisions for their loved one. The hospital made her body an incubator.
This week, baby Chance was delivered by a posthumous emergency C section and remains in the NICU. Adriana’s family was finally able to lay her to rest and to pick up the pieces as they navigate their deep grief.
I wish I could say that Adriana’s story is a horrific anomaly, but we are experiencing up close the converging crises of black maternal mortality and denials of essential abortion care in this post Dobbs decision world.
None of us are free until all of us are free.
So this week, as we mark the three years since the devastating day the Supreme Court denied us our bodily autonomy and ripped away the basic right to abortion care in America, we recommit to fighting for families across this country to access the basic medical care they need to survive, to be safe in birth, to be treated with human dignity.
This is not an inevitability.
A more just America is possible, and it starts by defeating this Big Ugly Bill before it dismantles essential health care in America.
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Source: US FBI
Baltimore, Maryland – Travis Sentell Howell, 46, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to distributing 80 kilograms of cocaine.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division.
According to the guilty plea, beginning in fall 2022, the FBI and DEA investigated a drug trafficking conspiracy involving several individuals distributing cocaine in the Baltimore area, including Howell. During the investigation, investigators obtained court-authorized wiretaps for Howell’s phones. Investigators intercepted telephone calls during which Howell and co-conspirators used coded language to discuss distributing cocaine, arranging meetings, and obtaining cash proceeds from the conspiracy. Based on wiretaps and surveillance work, law enforcement observed Howell and co-conspirators conducting suspected drug transactions in various locations in Baltimore.
Investigators learned that, during the conspiracy, Howell obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine from the west coast. After the cocaine arrived, Howell redistributed it to customers in the Baltimore area. He paid for the cocaine by, among other things, traveling to the west coast and providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to couriers.
On June 4, 2024, investigators executed federal search warrants on several residences associated with suspected members of the drug trafficking organization, including a residence associated with Howell. During the search, investigators recovered approximately $13,182 in cash, a money counter, gold Rolex watch, and other jewelry. At the locations associated with other members of the conspiracy, investigators recovered more than five kilograms of cocaine, a pill press and pill press parts, empty glassine wrappers, gas mask, Narcan, cutting agents, digital scales, and cash.
After the execution of the search warrant, Howell acknowledged that for multiple years he received multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and redistributed it to other individuals in the Baltimore area. Howell stated that during the time of the investigation, he obtained approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine and redistributed it to other individuals. He also explained that during a trip to Los Angeles, the week before the search warrant, Howell transported $180,000 of U.S. Currency, which he provided as payment for cocaine to transport back to Baltimore for distribution. Howell admitted that he made multiple short trips to Los Angeles, which he explained was to provide payment for cocaine and that all payments were for at least $100,000 or more.
The parties agree that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Howell will be sentenced to nine years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for August 18.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DEA for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins who is prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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