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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Building affordable homes for Albertans

    [. As a key part of the province’s 10-year Stronger Foundations plan to provide Albertans with safe, stable, affordable housing, Alberta’s government launched the Affordable Housing Partnership Program in 2022.

    Through the latest round of Affordable Housing Partnership Program intakes, more than $203 million in joint provincial and federal funding has been committed to support the construction of new affordable housing units across Alberta. This investment is critical to ensuring low-income Albertans have access to affordable housing as the province’s population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. With 25 new projects receiving funding, more than 2,300 additional affordable housing units will be built across the province.

    “Alberta’s government is focused on results. We’re getting shovels in the ground and roofs over Albertans’ heads. With this record investment, thousands more low-income Albertans will have a safe, affordable home they can count on, so they can move forward with dignity and stability.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

    “We’re building a new generation of housing, using every tool available to build homes at a scale not seen since the Second World War. Partnerships are necessary for building homes that Canadians need. These funds will ensure that Albertans have an affordable place to call home in the years ahead.”

    Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

    Projects were chosen based on community needs, value for taxpayers’ dollars, and support for low-income Albertans. The program encourages creativity and innovation, and supports a range of housing options, including specialized housing, mixed-income housing and mixed-used housing. Funding for the Affordable Housing Partnership Program is eligible for federal cost-matching through the Canada – Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

    “Our government’s bilateral agreement with the government of Alberta has allowed us to work together to build a new and better generation of community and social housing across the province. Complex issues demand innovative solutions, and this strong partnership is necessary for quickly building homes that Canadians need now.”

    Eleanor Olszewski, federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

    “Albertans deserve more than just a house – they deserve a place to call home. This investment provides the foundation that will help thousands of Albertans build a strong, stable future for their families.”

    Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

    This investment in the Affordable Housing Partnership Program is the largest to date, and will significantly increase the supply of affordable housing in the province. Since 2022, Alberta’s government has invested more than $386 million through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program to support the construction of more than 4,000 affordable housing units and shelter spaces. Budget 2025 sets aside $655 million over the next three years for the program, which will support the construction of more than 5,300 units.

    “We know that building affordable housing will be a top priority for many years to come. Today’s announcement is a huge step forward in meeting the need of affordable housing options for all Albertans, we are beyond delighted and honoured to be a partner in meeting those needs.”

    Ivan Beljan, president, Beljan Development and Williams Hall LTD.

    “When our government partners invest in bricks and mortar, they are investing in so much more – stability for families, opportunity for children, dignity for seniors, and a foundation for brighter futures. Together, we build inclusive and diverse communities – the foundation for well-being and belonging.”

    Martina Jileckova, CEO, Onward Homes Society

    Alberta continues to see strong housing starts and increases, while other provinces across Canada are seeing a reduction in housing starts. Throughout 2024, Alberta led the country in housing starts per capita, and that momentum has continued into 2025. Despite making up less than 13 per cent of Canada’s population, from January to March 2025, Alberta built more than 25 per cent of all housing starts in the country.

    Quick facts

    • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. CMHC’s mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC also actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. CMHC’s research and data helps inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. Follow CMHC on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
    • The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services fosters the development of affordable housing and supports access to housing options for Albertans most in need. For more information, visit alberta.ca/assisted-living-and-social-services.
    • Affordable Housing Partnership Program Projects supported through this funding:

    • Edmonton

      • $6 million for 12621665 Canada Association to build affordable housing.
      • $20 million for Civida to build mixed-use, mixed-income affordable housing.
      • $4.05 million for Williams Hall to build mixed-use affordable housing with a focus to support young adults, students, and individuals facing rental barriers.
      • $6.69 million for Brentwood Family Housing Society to build affordable housing for families.
      • $4.67 million for The Mustard Seed Foundation to build supportive housing.

    • Calgary

      • $28.6 million for Calhome Properties (also known as Calgary Housing Company) to build mixed-income affordable housing.
      • $30.5 million for Onward Homes Society to build three affordable housing projects.
      • $13 million for 800 GP Corporation to convert a vacant office tower into affordable housing.
      • $22 million for Calgary Heritage Housing to build three buildings for seniors self-contained units.
      • $3.5 million for Attainable Homes Calgary to build mixed-use, mixed-income affordable housing.
      • $7.54 million for Liberty Housing Organization to build mixed-use affordable housing.
      • $3.08 million for Victory Outreach Foundation to convert a hotel to affordable housing.
      • $6.2 million for Homespace Society to build affordable housing.
      • $2.7 million for the City of Calgary to build mixed-income, mixed-use affordable housing.

    • Rest of Alberta

      • $14.5 million for Homeland Housing to build affordable housing in St. Albert.
      • $8.84 million for Heartland Housing Foundation to build affordable housing in Sherwood Park.
      • $6.43 million for the Town of Banff to build affordable housing.
      • $5.53 million for the Municipality of Jasper to build phase two of the affordable housing project.
      • $3.3 million for Westwinds Communities to build affordable housing in Okotoks.
      • $3.5 million for Truth North Society to build affordable housing in Strathmore.
      • $2.5 million for Canadian Rockies School Division to build affordable housing in Canmore.
      • Land transfer for the Town of Olds to build affordable housing.
      • Land transfer for Heartland Housing Foundation to build affordable housing in Fort Saskatchewan.

    Related information

    • Affordable Housing Partnership Program Guidelines
    • Affordable Housing Partnership Program – Approved projects list

    Related news (optional)

    • Investing in affordable housing for Albertans (Nov. 22, 2024)
    • Building affordable homes and stronger communities (May 10, 2024)
    • More affordable housing for Albertans (July 24, 2023)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Jamaica accedes to Afreximbank, strengthening ties to Global Africa

    Source: APO

    Jamaica has officially acceded to the Establishment Agreement of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), becoming the 13th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member State of the African Multilateral Financial Institution. The historic signing took place on the sidelines of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

    Jamaica’s accession marks a major achievement in the growth of Global Africa: an intercontinental partnership committed to economic transformation and self-determination for African nations and their diaspora. The move unlocks an additional US$1.5 billion financing for Jamaica and other Caribbean economies, raising Afreximbank’s total approved facility for the region to US$3 billion, contingent upon full CARICOM membership.

    Commenting at the signing ceremony, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, emphasised the mutual benefits to both parties:

    “We are thrilled to welcome Jamaica into the Afreximbank family. Jamaica’s accession to the Partnership Agreement marks a pivotal step towards realising the vision of our forefathers—a united and prosperous Global Africa, built on a platform of South-South cooperation. The Partnership Agreement unlocks Afreximbank’s financing solutions, trade facilitation tools, and investment opportunities, empowering Jamaican businesses to access African markets while fostering reciprocal trade.

    Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, expressed his optimism for Jamaica’s membership of the Bank:

    “This is a significant and strategic step that strengthens Jamaica’s ability to access increased trade financing, investment support, and technical assistance. The agreement creates real opportunities for Jamaica to benefit from Afreximbank’s expanding suite of financial instruments, including trade guarantees, project financing, and capital support tailored to the needs of developing economies. It positions Jamaica to tap into new sources of funding for critical sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and the creative industries, while laying the foundation for deeper collaboration between African and Caribbean businesses.”

    This historic signing builds on the momentum of the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), held in Bridgetown, Barbados in September 2022, where Caribbean nations reaffirmed their commitment to closer Africa-Caribbean cooperation. Since then, Afreximbank has hosted successive ACTIFs in Guyana (2023) and The Bahamas (2024), with the fourth forum scheduled for 28–29 July 2025 in Grenada.

    Since establishing its regional office, Afreximbank has approved over US$700 million in financing across the Caribbean, with a pipeline exceeding US$2 billion. Investments have supported key sectors such as energy, tourism, education, and small business development across Barbados, St. Lucia, Suriname, Grenada, and The Bahamas. The Bank also provided over US$4.3 million in pandemic-related assistance through the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) to The Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, and Trinidad & Tobago.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com

    Follow on Social Media: 
    X: https://apo-opa.co/3Iphrco
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4loiEis
    LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4kEeSR5
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44rvTcq

    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Highlights WV’s Impact to NOAA Operations, Weather Warning System Improvement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s questions. 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, participated in a nominations hearing for Dr. Neil Jacobs to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Taylor Jordan to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, and Harry Kumar to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. 

    Senator Capito’s questions focused on West Virginia’s contributions to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operations, as well as nominees’ plans to improve weather warning systems for communities across the country. 

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    ON NOAA’S ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY COMPUTING CENTER IN FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA: 

    SENATOR CAPITO: “The I-79 tech park in Fairmont is a unique asset for NOAA and the broader adoption of AI. The park houses the supercomputing operation with the high-performance computers named Hera and Raya…what is your institutionalization of AI at NOAA and how would you use these assets that I’ve referenced?” 

    ON IMPROVING WEATHER WARNING SYSTEMS: 

    SENATOR CAPITO: “I’d like to pivot to the storms in Texas and weather predicting. Obviously, I live in an area that is prone to rapid flooding like that, but the tragedy we see in Texas is like nothing I’ve seen. It’s unimaginable for many of us. Community engagement, community warning systems, how can that be improved?” 

    DR. JACOBS: “Even if you have a perfect forecast, if you can’t get the information to the people, it’s totally useless. So having a way to distribute the watches and warnings, and particularly in regions that don’t have good cell coverage, I think there’s an opportunity to modernize NOAA Weather Radio…Probably an all-of-the-above approach and modernizing these watches and warnings is something that’s going to be a top priority.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Demands Answers From DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Trump Administration Efforts to Dismantle FEMA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    July 11, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Thursday demanded answers from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is responsible for protecting Americans before, during, and in the aftermath of natural disasters. Murphy’s letter comes in the wake of President Trump’s threats to illegally phase out FEMA and public reporting that Noem’s pick to lead the agency, David Richardson, has been a “no-show” in responding to the devastating floods in Texas that, to date, have killed more than 120 people. 

    “The steady stream of misinformation you and others within the Administration have repeatedly regurgitated regarding FEMA’s past efficacy has made it clear that you and President Trump are hellbent on bringing the agency’s mission to a grinding halt. For nearly four decades, FEMA has been singularly focused on helping people before, during, and after disasters. But under your leadership, it has become an ineffectual and inefficient shell of its former self as the country reels from the tragic fatal flooding in Texas and is in the thick of a hurricane season that is predicted to have an above-normal number of storms,” Murphy wrote.

    Murphy rebuked the Administration’s notion that states could effectively administer disaster response without federal coordination: “The Administration has also not communicated a realistic plan for how FEMA’s important work can continue should the agency be eliminated, instead simply repeating a well-worn and naive mantra that “the states will do it.” Such capacity does not and won’t exist. Even if the states, territories, and tribes could create their own “mini-FEMAs” to continue this work, taxpayers would lose all economies of scale gained at the federal level, instead placing the funding burden on each individual state, territory, and tribe.”

    He demanded to know why DHS has canceled or delayed more than $100 billion in grant payments: “Many of these payments are simple reimbursements for costs already incurred, such as public assistance funding to pay for debris removal and emergency protective measures following a disaster. Funding for other programs has also been halted, including counterterrorism, salaries and equipment for firefighters, flood mitigation and more. Inconceivably, your department also attempted to stop and then actively delayed funding for state and local emergency management agencies – the very agencies that would be tasked with responding to disasters if you are successful in shuttering FEMA.”

    Murphy also called out Noem’s bullying and harassment of FEMA’s dedicated staff: “It is no easy task to pry disaster workers from their work, but you’ve certainly tried through constant rhetoric, threats, unlawful polygraphs, slander, libel, and general demonizing of their agency and their work. It’s an affront to human decency, both for the dedicated FEMA employees themselves and for the disaster victims they support. And to what end? What strategy or vision do these actions serve? What is the benefit to the American people, whom you—like myself, like the President—serve? It’s clear that the only strategy is to remove the relevant knowledge and experience from FEMA in an effort to dismantle it from the inside out.”

    Murphy concluded: “I fear your department is making conscious decisions to increase the risk to—and make life worse for—the American people. As a result, the agency is in the midst of hurricane season with fewer resources and a less experienced staff, which will have life and death impacts on the American people. I look forward to your swift answers to our questions, and to working with you to ensure that negligence in FEMA’s management does not cost American lives and livelihoods.” 

    Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, SFRC Colleagues Demand Answers Regarding State Department Layoffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led colleagues in writing a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing deep concerns with imminent Reductions in Force (RIFs) at the State Department, and requested answers on the Trump administration’s process for carrying out these layoffs. 

    “RIFs should remain a tool of last resort, and if implemented must be conducted according to long-standing procedures that prioritize transparency and a merit-based process for both career civil service employees and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). During a time of increasingly complex and wide-spread challenges to U.S. national security, this administration should be strengthening our diplomatic corps—an irreplaceable instrument of U.S. power and leadership—not weakening it. However, RIFs would severely undermine the Department’s ability to achieve U.S. foreign policy interests, putting our nation’s security, strength, and prosperity at risk,” the senators wrote. 

    Since January, the Foreign Service has shrunk by nearly 25 percent and the number of civil service employees has also decreased due to agency closures, early retirement, and buyouts. 

    “While every administration is entitled to set new priorities and engage in reorganization of executive agencies, we are deeply concerned by the breadth of these RIFs and the lack of clarity and transparency of the Department’s RIF process,” the senators continued. 

    The senators requested a response to the following questions by no later than July 18, 2025: 

    RIF Criteria:

    1. When were RIF lists created, by whom, and against what criteria?
    2. Is the Department choosing to RIF based on current office assignment rather than globally ranking FSOs and civil servants based on grade and skillsets?  If so, why?
    3. Are the lists being updated to reflect Permanent Changes in Station (PCS) or curtailments?
    4. How many veterans and consular coned generalists are included on the list?
    5. It can take years of training for an FSO or civil servant to master diplomatic and negotiation skills, including obtaining fluency in critical languages. Why are skilled officers, including those with specialized language skills not being reassigned? How will the Department fill these specialized skill and experience gaps?

    Foreign Service Officers:

    1. Why is the administration preventing FSOs from transferring into critical vacancies?
    2. Why is the administration preventing candidates who accepted a “handshake” from being paneled to a position they were chosen for based on merit?
    3. What is the rationale for conducting RIFs before the reorganization takes effect?
    4. How many vacant FSO positions will there be worldwide after RIFs are processed? How does the Department plan to fill mission critical posts?
    5. Why is the Department processing RIFs prior to determining the number of vacant positions remaining following your reorganization efforts?
    6. How is the Department protecting the pipeline of FSOs to ensure no critical skill gaps in the future?

    Civil Service:

    1. Civil service employees often come to the Department with specialized experience.  How is the Department working to retain critical, hard to replace employees in the civil service?
    2. How is the Department working to ensure key specialties, knowledge, and personnel are retained and transferred during the reorganization?
    3. Why is the Department refusing to process any lateral moves by civil service employees who have been offered other civil service positions within the Department?
    4. If reducing waste, fraud, and abuse is the goal of the reorganization, why is the Department not efficiently allowing these experienced civil service employees to laterally move into vacant positions they were chosen for based on merit?
    5. If remaining officers are going to be asked to take on additional work, how will they be remunerated for their time and effort? 
    6. Will the hiring and lateral transition freezes be lifted once RIFs are complete?

      

    Reassignment Process:

    1. Will there be a competitive reassignment for high-performing, mission-critical personnel following the RIFs?  If so, what is the timeline and criteria for this reassignment process?  How will the Department communicate these details with its employees?

    The letter is cosigned by Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

    To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Secures Funding for Michigan Priorities in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped the Senate Appropriations Committee pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This bipartisan legislation would fund critical federal agencies and programs that support rural communities, food safety, and America’s robust agricultural economy. The bill also supports Michigan’s agriculture priorities as well as high-impact local projects across Michigan. The bill now advances to the full Senate. 

    “This bill makes investments that matter to Michigan, like strengthening local emergency response efforts, supporting our robust agricultural economy, and improving access to affordable food,” said Senator Peters. “It also delivers resources for food safety initiatives that will help keep all Americans healthy. I’ll keep advocating for these key priorities as this bill moves to the full Senate.” 

    Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering their own funding bills. The Senate and House will then need to reach an agreement on a final funding bill and have it pass both chambers before being sent to the President to be signed into law.

    The bill includes numerous measures led and supported by Peters, including: 

    Funding to Support Communities in Michigan:

    New Fire Truck for City of Alpena: Peters secured $1,105,000 in the bill for the City of Alpena to replace an essential aerial ladder fire truck to help ensure safe and efficient operations.

    Improving Public Safety in Bad Axe: The bill includes $850,000 to support the construction of a new public safety building for the City of Bad Axe. The project would help ensure that first responders have the resources they need to efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies.

    New Fire Engine for the City of Berkley: The bill would provide $385,000 to replace the City of Berkley’s primary front-line fire engine responsible for responding to fire and vehicle extraction emergencies.

    Upgrading Emergency Communications Infrastructure in Big Creek Township: Peters secured $74,000 for the Big Creek Township Fire Department to upgrade its radio system. The new system will ensure department staff can efficiently and effectively communicate when responding to emergencies. 

    New Fire Truck for City of Big Rapids: The bill includes $378,000 for the City of Big Rapids to purchase a new fire truck, which will improve community safety and be used to better protect both people and property. 

    New Aerial Ladder Truck for Escanaba: The bill would provide $700,000 for the Escanaba Public Safety Department to replace an aerial ladder fire truck essential to providing safe and efficient emergency and fire services for the community.

    Training First Responders in Grand Traverse County: Peters secured $80,000 in the bill to support the construction of a new training facility for the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center Authority. The facility would support education and training needs for fire, EMS, local and state law enforcement, and maritime professionals. 

    Improving Wildfire Response in Montcalm: The bill would provide $245,000 for the Lakeview District Fire Department in Montcalm to purchase equipment needed to adequately protect the community and property from growing threats of wildfires. 

    Expanding Access to Child Care in Stanton: Peters secured $225,000 to expand the Central Montcalm Public School’s Early Childhood Center to provide more childcare and educational services for the community. 

    New Plow Truck for Village of Ontonagon: The bill includes $169,000 for the Village of Ontonagon to purchase a new plow truck, which will help keep streets and alleyways clear of snow and ice for the safety of both residents and visitors to the nearby Porcupine Mountains State Park.

    New Fire Engine for the City of Rockwood: The bill would provide $765,000 for the City of Rockwood to purchase a new fire engine to help strengthen its fire response for the community. 

    Improving Library Access in Caro: The bill includes $200,000 secured by Peters, which will be used to modernize a 46-year-old elevator currently in use at the Caro Area District Library.

    Supporting Farmers & Michigan’s Agricultural Sector:

    Funding for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): This bill includes funding for APHIS, which helps farmers combat specialty crop pests. This funding would support Peters’ Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act, legislation that aims to reduce the spread of, and advance research on, the spotted wing drosophila (SWD). SWD an invasive insect that harms fruit growers and their crops in Michigan and across the country.  

    Research to Advance Technology in Agriculture: Peters supported a provision in the bill to provide funding for the Agricultural Research Service Crop Production Program, which would allow researchers to identify and develop new methods for increasing crop production sustainably using emerging technologies. These methods include satellites, geospatial systems, and artificial intelligence. 

    Promoting Urban Farming and Indoor Agriculture Sector: The bill includes funding for the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Program, which seeks to promote urban, indoor, and other innovative agricultural practices that have been adopted for use in both urban and rural areas to bolster local food systems and extend short growing seasons. 

    Boosting Agricultural Research: The bill includes funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which provides funding for key research projects that can contribute to substantial breakthroughs in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Investments from NIFA help ensure that farmers, ranchers, and foresters have access to fair and competitive markets, while supporting resilient growing practices that produce nutritious and affordable foods for American families.

    Strengthen Public Health & Expand Nutrition Assistance:

    Funding to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets: Peters secured $3 million in funding for the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding to facilities who harbor survivors of domestic violence, along with their pets, as well as animal shelters that partner with domestic violence service providers. This program was established by Peters’ PAWS Act, which was signed into law in 2018. 

    Funding to Improve Food Safety: The bill includes funding for the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Human Foods Program, which aims to ensure the food we consume is safe and nutritious, including baby food and infant formula. The bill’s report language will begin the work to support FDA’s oversight of baby formula production and update food labeling and consumer guidance. This language was inspired by Peters’ Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act, which would strengthen FDA’s oversight of infant formula manufacturing and improve the security of our nation’s infant formula supply, ensuring American families have access to safe, affordable formula.

    Language Requiring the FDA to Develop Monitoring Guidelines for Human Cell and Tissue Products (HCT/P): The bill includes language Peters secured that would require the FDA to examine the feasibility of implementing tissue-tracking protocols for HCT/Ps, similar to those required for solid organs and blood products. The bill also requests that the FDA works with other federal agencies to develop routine post HCT/P implant monitoring guidelines similar to current practices for all tissue allograft recipients. This provision builds on Senator Peters’ previous efforts to prevent tuberculosis contaminations in HCT/Ps, including introduction last Congress of the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Products Safety Act, which would establish an education campaign to prevent tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks from infected HCTP donations. 

    Supporting Nutrition Assistance: The bill funds critical programs that help meet the nutrition needs of American families across the country. The bill funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides nutrition assistance to millions of women and children nationwide and includes funding to support fruit and vegetable benefits. 

    The bill also funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which assists millions of Americans every month. Additionally, the bill funds vital nutrition programs aimed at supporting children in school, such as the federal school lunch and breakfast programs, and the Summer EBT program. The funding provided by this bill will support approximately 5 billion lunches and 2.7 billion breakfasts to children across the country. 

    Improving Food Safety: The bill provides funding for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a vital agency that helps protect the safety and resiliency of America’s food supply. 

    Improving Transparency in FDA Oversight: Peters secured language in the bill that would prevent the FDA from using funds for activities that are non-compliant with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which governs the establishment, operation, and termination of advisory committees within the executive branch of the federal government. FACA’s main purpose is to ensure transparency and improve public access to the guidance provided by these committees.

    Improving Public Infrastructure:

    Strengthening Dam Infrastructure: The bill includes $1 million for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Watershed Rehabilitation Program. This program provides technical and financial assistance to communities seeking to extend the service life of aging dam infrastructure and bring dams into compliance with current safety and performance standards. 

    Rental Assistance in Rural Communities: The bill provides funding for rental assistance for Americans living in rural areas to help expand access to safe and affordable housing options.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Fights for a Prosperous America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill and his work to secure American prosperity.

    Watch the video here.

    ”It’s rare to have the opportunity to set an entire nation on a better course for generations.  The One Big Beautiful Bill does just that,” said Ricketts.  ”It prevents a $2,443 tax increase on the average Nebraska family.  It gives Nebraska families and businesses financial freedom and the ability to grow.  It avoids a $4 trillion tax increase on all Americans.”

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts: “It’s rare to have the opportunity to set an entire nation on a better course for generations. 

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill does just that. 

    “It is truly a win for America and Nebraska. 

    “It preserves, protects, and fosters growth. 

    “It strengthens what makes America great. 

    “It reforms and reduces the waste and inefficiencies that weaken us. 

    “One of the most important parts of this bill is lowering taxes. 

    “It extends and makes permanent the 2017 Trump tax cuts. 

    “It leaves more money in the wallets of Nebraskans.  

    “It prevents a $2,443 tax increase on the average Nebraska family. 

    “It gives Nebraska families and businesses financial freedom and the ability to grow. 

    “It avoids a $4 trillion tax increase on all Americans. 

    “Across the country, the average family of four would have seen a $1,700 tax increase without the One Big Beautiful Bill. 

    “In the bill, the highest percentage of tax cuts goes to people making less than $50,000 a year. 

    “Firefighters, nurses, factory workers, and servers who make money on tips or overtime will be the biggest benefactors. 

    “Now, these workers won’t be taxed on the tips and overtime pay that they work extra hard to earn. 

    “Their employers—whether corporations or small businesses—receive incentives to provide workers with childcare. 

    “That’s in addition to a child tax credit that’s being raised to $2,200 per child. 

    “It’s combined with enhancement of the dependent care assistance program, which excludes up $7,500 of dependent care assistance each year. 

    “And topped off with the child and dependent care tax credit which increases the maximum credit rate from 35% to 50% of care costs. 

    “This means that families are supported as they raise their children and other dependents. 

    “More money for Nebraska families and their needs is a win for America’s future. 

    “Supporting small business and expanding job opportunity is another win for Nebraska’s future. 

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill also permanently extends the immediate deduction of research and development costs. 

    “It allows business owners to fully expense heavy machinery and equipment while increasing the dollar limits of expensing for business assets. 

    “These enhancements for investments toward innovation, equipment, and tools will help American manufacturers remain the world leaders. 

    “It also permanently raises the death tax exemption, allowing ranches and farms to stay in the family. 

    “These changes make it easier for Nebraska businesses to reinvest in their companies and pass them on to the next generation. 

    “This helps everyone from farmers and ranchers to manufacturers and restaurant owners. 

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill encourages investment, so America stays the leading innovator.  

    “This creates jobs and innovation. 

    “It rewards ingenuity and entrepreneurship. 

    “And it makes Nebraska companies more competitive on the global stage. 

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill will increase the take-home pay for all Nebraska families. 

    “According to the Council of Economic Advisers, average take-home pay will increase $9,050 per worker in the first four years of the law’s implementation. 

    “For the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the CEA estimated a $4,000 increase in average household wage and salary income. 

    “It will ensure that money stays with Nebraska taxpayers. 

    “It unleashes American dynamism. 

    “It helps Nebraska families and the American worker.  

    “It is indeed One Big Beautiful Bill.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Five Gubernatorial Appointments

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JULY 11, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and filled one county vacancy.

    Nelson Dinsmore, of Meadville, was appointed as the Linn County Presiding Commissioner.

    Mr. Dinsmore is the co-owner and general manager of Butterfield & Associates Grain, Inc, and is a Missouri Certified Crop Advisor. Dinsmore, born and raised in Linn County, remains active in his community, having served on the Meadville Board of Alderman and the Meadville R-IV School Board. Dinsmore earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science & Agronomy from Missouri Western State University.

    Heather Hall, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

    Ms. Hall previously served as Kansas City Missouri’s 1st District Councilwoman, where she advocated for the men and women of the Kansas City Police Department. She also previously served on the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners. Hall has been highly involved in several organizations in the Kansas City community, including Veterans Community Project and Variety KC. Hall earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations from Kansas State University.

    Jim Martin, of Perryville, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

    Mr. Martin is a United States Army veteran and retired instructor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. Martin currently serves as president and director at River TREE Partnership in Perryville, working in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. He previously served as board president for the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield. Martin earned a Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri State University.

    Ken McClure, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

    Mr. McClure previously served as the Mayor of the City of Springfield. Prior to his service to the city, McClure was the vice president for administrative and information services at Missouri State University. McClure, a veteran, has served in multiple levels of city and state government, including service at the City Utilities of Springfield, the Missouri Public Service Commission, and as Chief of Staff for Governor Matt Blunt. McClure earned his master’s degree from the University of Missouri and his bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University.

    Dr. Thomas Prater, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force.

    Dr. Prater is a physician and partner at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the Zone 2 Councilman on the Springfield City Council. He was also a member of the Springfield R-12 Board of Education from 1998 to 2014. Dr. Prater is an active member of the Missouri State Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Five Gubernatorial Appointments

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JULY 11, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and filled one county vacancy.

    Nelson Dinsmore, of Meadville, was appointed as the Linn County Presiding Commissioner.

    Mr. Dinsmore is the co-owner and general manager of Butterfield & Associates Grain, Inc, and is a Missouri Certified Crop Advisor. Dinsmore, born and raised in Linn County, remains active in his community, having served on the Meadville Board of Alderman and the Meadville R-IV School Board. Dinsmore earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science & Agronomy from Missouri Western State University.

    Heather Hall, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

    Ms. Hall previously served as Kansas City Missouri’s 1st District Councilwoman, where she advocated for the men and women of the Kansas City Police Department. She also previously served on the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners. Hall has been highly involved in several organizations in the Kansas City community, including Veterans Community Project and Variety KC. Hall earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations from Kansas State University.

    Jim Martin, of Perryville, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

    Mr. Martin is a United States Army veteran and retired instructor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. Martin currently serves as president and director at River TREE Partnership in Perryville, working in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. He previously served as board president for the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield. Martin earned a Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri State University.

    Ken McClure, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

    Mr. McClure previously served as the Mayor of the City of Springfield. Prior to his service to the city, McClure was the vice president for administrative and information services at Missouri State University. McClure, a veteran, has served in multiple levels of city and state government, including service at the City Utilities of Springfield, the Missouri Public Service Commission, and as Chief of Staff for Governor Matt Blunt. McClure earned his master’s degree from the University of Missouri and his bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University.

    Dr. Thomas Prater, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force.

    Dr. Prater is a physician and partner at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the Zone 2 Councilman on the Springfield City Council. He was also a member of the Springfield R-12 Board of Education from 1998 to 2014. Dr. Prater is an active member of the Missouri State Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Five Gubernatorial Appointments

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JULY 11, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and filled one county vacancy.

    Nelson Dinsmore, of Meadville, was appointed as the Linn County Presiding Commissioner.

    Mr. Dinsmore is the co-owner and general manager of Butterfield & Associates Grain, Inc, and is a Missouri Certified Crop Advisor. Dinsmore, born and raised in Linn County, remains active in his community, having served on the Meadville Board of Alderman and the Meadville R-IV School Board. Dinsmore earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science & Agronomy from Missouri Western State University.

    Heather Hall, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

    Ms. Hall previously served as Kansas City Missouri’s 1st District Councilwoman, where she advocated for the men and women of the Kansas City Police Department. She also previously served on the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners. Hall has been highly involved in several organizations in the Kansas City community, including Veterans Community Project and Variety KC. Hall earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations from Kansas State University.

    Jim Martin, of Perryville, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

    Mr. Martin is a United States Army veteran and retired instructor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. Martin currently serves as president and director at River TREE Partnership in Perryville, working in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. He previously served as board president for the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield. Martin earned a Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri State University.

    Ken McClure, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

    Mr. McClure previously served as the Mayor of the City of Springfield. Prior to his service to the city, McClure was the vice president for administrative and information services at Missouri State University. McClure, a veteran, has served in multiple levels of city and state government, including service at the City Utilities of Springfield, the Missouri Public Service Commission, and as Chief of Staff for Governor Matt Blunt. McClure earned his master’s degree from the University of Missouri and his bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University.

    Dr. Thomas Prater, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force.

    Dr. Prater is a physician and partner at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the Zone 2 Councilman on the Springfield City Council. He was also a member of the Springfield R-12 Board of Education from 1998 to 2014. Dr. Prater is an active member of the Missouri State Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Malnutrition crisis deepens for Sudan’s children as war rages on

    Source: United Nations 2

    Across the five states that make up Darfur, UNICEF data revealed a 46 per cent increase in the number of children treated for SAM in January to May 2025 compared to the same period last year.

    The rate of acute malnutrition has surpassed emergency levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 9 of the 13 localities across Darfur.

    In North Darfur alone, over 40,000 children were admitted for SAM treatment in the first five months of the year – double the number from the same period last year.

    Besieged and starved

    This malnutrition surge comes amid intensifying conflict in North Darfur since April. Entire neighborhoods have been besieged, hospitals targeted by airstrikes, roads rendered impassable while aid convoys have faced looting and violent attacks.

    The situation is particularly catastrophic in El Fasher, where humanitarian access has been nearly completely severed since the RSF militia besieged the city – the last held by Government forces in the region – and cut off assistance in April of 2023.

    UNICEF successfully delivered a batch of supplies to El Fasher earlier this year, but efforts to send additional aid have been blocked.

    “Children in Darfur are being starved by conflict and cut off from the very aid that could save them,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan. “This is a moment of truth; children’s lives depend on whether the world chooses to act or look away.”

    The crisis has triggered mass displacement in the area: in April, nearly 400,000 people fled the Zamzam camp near El Fasher. Many walked up to 70 kilometres to reach Tawila, where more than 500,000 displaced people survive with little access to food, water, or adequate shelter.

    Nationwide crisis

    SAM is the deadliest form of malnutrition, and children suffering from it are highly vulnerable to life-threatening complications and face a high risk of death without proper treatment.

    And the crisis isn’t limited to the Darfur states – SAM admissions rose by more than 70 per cent in North Kordofan, 174 per cent in Khartoum State and a staggering 683 per cent in Al Jazirah State.

    However, the report noted that the rise in admissions in Al Jazirah and Khartoum is partially due to improved security and humanitarian access, enabling more families to reach health centres.

    Compounding the crisis is Sudan’s lean season – a period of food scarcity between harvests – which is rapidly increasing the risk of mass child mortality, particularly in areas already nearing famine thresholds.

    Cholera outbreaks, measles cases and collapsing health services are further aggravating the crisis, putting vulnerable children at even greater risk.

    UNICEF response

    UNICEF and its partners are saving lives by treating the wounded and malnourished, drilling wells and distributing food. But despite their best efforts, the violence is driving needs faster than they can be met.

    UNICEF is calling on all parties to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations and urges renewed diplomatic pressure on all sides for a cessation of hostilities.

    The agency is also appealing to the international community for more lifesaving funds. An additional $200 million is needed this year to sustain and expand essential nutrition services, including treatment for acute malnutrition.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘An unending horror story’: Gangs and human rights abuses expand in Haiti

    Source: United Nations 2

    Left vulnerable, communities then formed self-defence groups and Haitian security forces reinforced their operations and made small gains only to be rebuffed again by gangs.

    And at all stages of this cycle, human rights violations are being committed against civilians, according to a report released on Friday by the UN office in Haiti (BINUH) and the UN human rights office (OHCHR).

    “Caught in the middle of this unending horror story are the Haitian people, who are at the mercy of horrific violence by gangs and exposed to human rights violations from the security forces and abuses by the so-called ‘self-defence’ groups,” said Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    The report also warned about “early signs of criminal governance” in the Centre Department where gangs are beginning to consolidate their gains and act as a de facto governing authority.

    Four years of horror

    Since 2021 and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, gang violence has dominated the capital Port-au-Prince which is now 85 per cent controlled by gangs, says the UN.

    Over 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced because of this violence, representing the largest displacement due to political upheaval in Haitian history.

    Food insecurity among displaced Haitians is rampant, with Haiti one of five countries worldwide which is experiencing famine-like conditions.

    As of March 2025, the violence has also expanded into previously untouched areas of the country, specifically the Artibonite and Centre Departments where 92,000 and 147,000 people have been displaced respectively.

    The report also noted that recently, gangs have begun to expand beyond central Haiti towards the border of the Dominican Republic, with the apparent goal of controlling key roads through which much of the illegal weapons trafficking is happening.

    “The expansion of gang territorial control poses a major risk of spreading violence and increasing transnational trafficking in arms and people,” said Ravina Shamdasani, a UNHCR spokesperson at a briefing in Geneva.

    Human rights endangered

    Between October 2024 and June 2025, 4,864 people in Haiti have been killed by gang violence. At least hundreds more have been injured, kidnapped, raped and trafficked.

    “Human rights abuses outside Port-au-Prince are intensifying in areas of the country where the presence of the State is extremely limited,” said Ulrika Richardson, interim Head of BINUH and UN Resident Coordinator.

    While many of these human rights violations – including the denial of the right to life and physical integrity, sexual violence and forced displacement — are being perpetrated by organized gangs, there are also documented human rights abuses at the hands of Haitian authorities.

    Specifically, between October 2024 and June 2025, there were 19 extrajudicial executions by security forces in the Artibonite and Centre Departments – 17 of them in Artibonite.

    Self-defence groups, which are increasingly prevalent as a result of inadequate State security, have also committed human rights violations, often in the form of lynchings of suspected gang members.

    “The human rights violations and abuses that we have documented are further evidence of why Haiti and the international community urgently need to step up to end the violence,” Mr. Türk said.

    At this point, there have been no documented human rights abuses committed by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission authorized by the United Nations and funded and staffed largely by Kenya.

    No accountability

    The Haitian National Police and MSS have launched multiple operations to regain territory lost to the gangs. While some have been briefly successful, the operations have been unable to maintain a lasting presence or protect local communities, according to the report.

    In fact, the report suggests that in the Centre, the situation is trending in the opposite direction with gangs consolidating territorial gains outside the capital and beginning to institute forms of criminal governance.

    As a result of this persistent insecurity, judicial operations are virtually at a standstill in the Centre and Artibonite Departments.

    “The international community must strengthen its support to the authorities, who bear the primary responsibility for protecting the Haitian population,” said Ms. Richardson.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Returns a Fugitive to Sacramento County to Face Sex Crime Charges

    Source: US FBI

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office and Sacramento Police Department are announcing the successful extradition of Jose Luis Navarro, who fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. Both agencies worked with the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City, Interpol, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs to secure Navarro’s arrest and extradition.

    “No matter where criminals hide, the FBI will not stop until they answer for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Between our global reach and strong international and domestic partnerships, we will ensure fugitives are caught and brought to justice. Today’s extradition sends a clear message. If you run, we will find you.”

    Navarro was wanted by the Sacramento Police Department for the alleged sex crimes against four minor children between 2014 and 2022 in Sacramento, California. A felony no bail arrest warrant was issued for Navarro by the Sacramento Superior Court, charging Navarro with 38 counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 using force/violence, five counts of sex acts with a child under 10 years old, and two counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

    The FBI obtained a federal arrest warrant by criminal complaint for the unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on May 16, 2023, following information indicating that Navarro left the United States to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. A joint investigation by the FBI Legal Attaché in Mexico City, FBI Sacramento field office, and Interpol’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal located Navarro in Vista Hermosa, Michoacán, Mexico, where he was apprehended by Mexican law enforcement partners on March 23, 2025. Navarro was held while the extradition was pending.

    Navarro’s return was funded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “Project Welcome Home,” which provides funding to assist in the transportation of federal fugitives to the United States.

    The FBI continues to collaborate with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with state crimes who flee the jurisdiction. Cases seeking information from the public, including fugitive matters, are posted on the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Most Wanted web page and FBI Most Wanted application. Anyone with information that could assist in these cases may contact their local FBI office, United States embassy, or submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Questions regarding the detention and pending prosecution of Jose Luis Navarro should be directed to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Returns a Fugitive to Sacramento County to Face Sex Crime Charges

    Source: US FBI

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office and Sacramento Police Department are announcing the successful extradition of Jose Luis Navarro, who fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. Both agencies worked with the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City, Interpol, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs to secure Navarro’s arrest and extradition.

    “No matter where criminals hide, the FBI will not stop until they answer for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Between our global reach and strong international and domestic partnerships, we will ensure fugitives are caught and brought to justice. Today’s extradition sends a clear message. If you run, we will find you.”

    Navarro was wanted by the Sacramento Police Department for the alleged sex crimes against four minor children between 2014 and 2022 in Sacramento, California. A felony no bail arrest warrant was issued for Navarro by the Sacramento Superior Court, charging Navarro with 38 counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 using force/violence, five counts of sex acts with a child under 10 years old, and two counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

    The FBI obtained a federal arrest warrant by criminal complaint for the unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on May 16, 2023, following information indicating that Navarro left the United States to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. A joint investigation by the FBI Legal Attaché in Mexico City, FBI Sacramento field office, and Interpol’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal located Navarro in Vista Hermosa, Michoacán, Mexico, where he was apprehended by Mexican law enforcement partners on March 23, 2025. Navarro was held while the extradition was pending.

    Navarro’s return was funded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “Project Welcome Home,” which provides funding to assist in the transportation of federal fugitives to the United States.

    The FBI continues to collaborate with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with state crimes who flee the jurisdiction. Cases seeking information from the public, including fugitive matters, are posted on the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Most Wanted web page and FBI Most Wanted application. Anyone with information that could assist in these cases may contact their local FBI office, United States embassy, or submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Questions regarding the detention and pending prosecution of Jose Luis Navarro should be directed to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Returns a Fugitive to Sacramento County to Face Sex Crime Charges

    Source: US FBI

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office and Sacramento Police Department are announcing the successful extradition of Jose Luis Navarro, who fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. Both agencies worked with the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Mexico City, Interpol, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs to secure Navarro’s arrest and extradition.

    “No matter where criminals hide, the FBI will not stop until they answer for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Between our global reach and strong international and domestic partnerships, we will ensure fugitives are caught and brought to justice. Today’s extradition sends a clear message. If you run, we will find you.”

    Navarro was wanted by the Sacramento Police Department for the alleged sex crimes against four minor children between 2014 and 2022 in Sacramento, California. A felony no bail arrest warrant was issued for Navarro by the Sacramento Superior Court, charging Navarro with 38 counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 using force/violence, five counts of sex acts with a child under 10 years old, and two counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

    The FBI obtained a federal arrest warrant by criminal complaint for the unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on May 16, 2023, following information indicating that Navarro left the United States to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. A joint investigation by the FBI Legal Attaché in Mexico City, FBI Sacramento field office, and Interpol’s Agencia de Investigación Criminal located Navarro in Vista Hermosa, Michoacán, Mexico, where he was apprehended by Mexican law enforcement partners on March 23, 2025. Navarro was held while the extradition was pending.

    Navarro’s return was funded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “Project Welcome Home,” which provides funding to assist in the transportation of federal fugitives to the United States.

    The FBI continues to collaborate with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with state crimes who flee the jurisdiction. Cases seeking information from the public, including fugitive matters, are posted on the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Most Wanted web page and FBI Most Wanted application. Anyone with information that could assist in these cases may contact their local FBI office, United States embassy, or submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov.

    Questions regarding the detention and pending prosecution of Jose Luis Navarro should be directed to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on Threat of 35 Per Cent U.S. Tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston.

    Canadians are again attempting to wade through another round of U.S. threats, misinformation and foolish economics.

    We have been here before. In fact, the bullying behaviour has been constant under this administration. Millions of workers, consumers and businesses on both sides of the border are suffering by the illegal, unnecessary actions of one man.

    This time, it’s the threat of 35 per cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods by August 1, 2025, and it comes at a time when Canada is working in good faith to reach a trade deal.

    This type of childish bullying is no way to treat a neighbour, friend and ally. It’s exactly why Canadians are not buying U.S. products and cancelling trips to the U.S. And it’s why Nova Scotia’s measures around booze and procurement remain in place.

    My dad used to say that there is nothing so bad that something good doesn’t come out of it. Sometimes you have to look a little harder, but there is often something good somewhere. This time, the silver lining is that by attacking Canada, the President has actually made us stronger as a nation.

    Nova Scotia stands with Team Canada. We will continue to work harder to buy local, find new trading partners and remove the internal trade barriers that have held us back in the past.

    They say when others show you who they are, you should believe them. I also believe when others do their worst, we should do our best.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on Threat of 35 Per Cent U.S. Tariffs

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston.

    Canadians are again attempting to wade through another round of U.S. threats, misinformation and foolish economics.

    We have been here before. In fact, the bullying behaviour has been constant under this administration. Millions of workers, consumers and businesses on both sides of the border are suffering by the illegal, unnecessary actions of one man.

    This time, it’s the threat of 35 per cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods by August 1, 2025, and it comes at a time when Canada is working in good faith to reach a trade deal.

    This type of childish bullying is no way to treat a neighbour, friend and ally. It’s exactly why Canadians are not buying U.S. products and cancelling trips to the U.S. And it’s why Nova Scotia’s measures around booze and procurement remain in place.

    My dad used to say that there is nothing so bad that something good doesn’t come out of it. Sometimes you have to look a little harder, but there is often something good somewhere. This time, the silver lining is that by attacking Canada, the President has actually made us stronger as a nation.

    Nova Scotia stands with Team Canada. We will continue to work harder to buy local, find new trading partners and remove the internal trade barriers that have held us back in the past.

    They say when others show you who they are, you should believe them. I also believe when others do their worst, we should do our best.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Pallets are the backbone of global trade but supplies are threatened by theft, loss – and giant bonfires

    Source: ForeignAffairs4

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Liz Breen, Professor of Health Service Operations, School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of Bradford

    Craigyhill bonfire was declared the world’s tallest at a height of 203 feet (63 metres) in 2022. Thousands of pallets were used to build it. Stephen Barnes/Shutterstock

    Pallets don’t usually make headlines. But amid fresh controversy around the traditional July bonfires held in Northern Ireland this year, they’ve suddenly become a talking point. Wooden pallets used in these bonfires are popular due to their stacking ability, and also their colours – which include the red, white and blue of Britain.

    Ordinarily, pallets are used to transport products from manufacturers to retailers. But their numbers are shrinking due to theft and loss – and of course, they cost money to buy, store, use and replace. A study by one of us (Liz) in 2006 quoted a logistics firm that estimated 14 million pallets were generally missing throughout Europe, costing £140 million. And it’s an ongoing problem: millions of products such as pallets and packaging containers are still stolen each year across the continent.

    Just one bonfire in Larne, County Antrim, in July 2021 reportedly used 17,000 pallets in its construction. This year, police are investigating where the pallets used in the same community’s bonfire originated from. Amid speculation that some may belong to Australia-based supply chain firm Chep, that company has stated its pallets can never legally be bought, sold or destroyed.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Pallet losses can lead to logistical disruptions, delayed orders and bare shelves in supermarkets. And the impact is felt by pallet owners, manufacturers, customers and end-users alike.

    Pallets are big business. In the US, around 513 million – mainly wooden, some plastic – are produced each year. In 2021, 48.6 million wooden pallets were produced in the UK, up 8.3% from 2020.

    Rental companies can hold high numbers of pallets, which support the movement of “fast-moving” customer goods – including food, drinks and toiletries. North American firm Peco, for example, manages stock of over 20 million distinctive red wooden pallets across its 90 depots.

    Manufacturers rely on pallets being available to fulfil orders and distribute them to customers quickly. Also known as “returnable transit packaging”, they are valuable assets as they can be maintained and reused. They are usually owned by a pallet pooling agent, which must absorb the loss when they are not returned from customers.

    Why steal pallets?

    Good-condition pallets have a resale value. Both wood and plastic pallets can be deconstructed and sold as components to other industries. Some people even use them to create furniture for homes and gardens.

    Customers may feel these are legitimate upcycled products and won’t think to check where the pallets came from. However, some do have distinctive identification stamps that may remain in upcycled pallet products.

    The organised theft of these products takes its toll on companies. Cargo crime (which includes consumer goods and transportation pallets and containers) is said to cost the UK economy £700 million each year.

    If pallets are not available, production lines may be slowed down or stopped. And it may take longer to produce items, potentially leading to unnecessary transportation as well as greater fuel consumption and emissions.

    But it can also be challenging to map pallet movements and know, at any given time, how many are in transit, with retailers, or lost. Digital tracking solutions such as radio frequency identification can be expensive to implement and are not foolproof. This can make it easy for pallets to go “missing in action”.

    Pallets are a staple mechanism for stock to be received into retailers’ warehouses and distribution centres. Both the size of the pallets and their ownership can be colour-coded – at least some of the blue pallets making headlines this summer in Larne’s red, white and blue tower are thought to be owned by Chep. Warehouse bays are designed with specific pallets in mind – so changes to the pallets can bring extra costs.

    Similarly, replacing lost or stolen pallets comes at a price – which could ultimately be felt by consumers if these costs are passed on by retailers.

    Reducing theft and loss

    Pallet owners cannot afford to continue losing them to theft. Firms that are found using non-compliant or untracked pallets because they have bought them from unauthorised sources can face shipment fines, while other initiatives, such as deposit or voucher schemes or one-for-one exchange plans, could incentivise the return of pallets.

    These practices may influence corporate return behaviour, but the theft of pallets by organised crime gangs is increasing. Changing the materials used to construct pallets could reduce their financial attractiveness and resale value.

    At first glance, a used pallet might look no more useful than discarded wood and be considered fair game for reuse or selling on. But businesses or individuals who collect, sell or purchase stolen pallets are putting themselves at legal risk. Firms found stockpiling or selling-on pallets without permission have faced legal action and even jail in Europe.

    Aside from the legal implications, there are other operational and environmental costs. Each pallet taken out of circulation must be replaced, increasing demand for virgin timber, straining forest resources, and increasing labour costs.

    The humble pallet is the backbone of global trading, and businesses rely on a steady and dependable supply. Pallet services function only if they continue to circulate – but theft and losses undermine this. Without this simple product, everyone from producers to retailers and consumers could end up paying more for the goods they take for granted.

    The Conversation

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Pallets are the backbone of global trade but supplies are threatened by theft, loss – and giant bonfires – https://theconversation.com/pallets-are-the-backbone-of-global-trade-but-supplies-are-threatened-by-theft-loss-and-giant-bonfires-260948

  • Channel crossings: what is a safe and legal route?

    Source: ForeignAffairs4

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gillian McFadyen, Lecturer in International Politics, Aberystwyth University

    Since figures were first recorded in 2018, more than 170,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats, hoping to claim asylum in the UK. Over 20,000 have crossed this year alone, and many dozens have died.

    Over the years, UK governments have tried a number of tactics – returns agreements, increased law enforcement, deportation schemes, and “smashing” organised smuggling gangs – to try and put an end to this dangerous practice. The latest attempt is the government’s new “one in, one out” pilot migration deal with France, which would see the UK accept some asylum seekers with legitimate claims to life in the UK, while sending an equivalent number back to France.



    Read more:
    How UK-France ‘one in, one out’ migration deal will work – and what the challenges could be

    Campaigners, academics and groups that support asylum seekers have long called for the UK to introduce “safe and legal routes”. They argue that this is the only way to reduce demand for unsafe Channel crossings. The logic is that people seeking protection are turning to smugglers and small boats because, for most, there are no other options to enter the UK and claim asylum.

    But what are these routes?

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    A safe and legal route is a scheme or journey approved by the UK government that allows people to enter the country without a visa in order to claim asylum. The 1951 refugee convention says that people have the right to claim asylum. But UK law requires someone to be physically present in the country to do so.

    A safe and legal route stresses that arriving irregularly – for instance, by crossing the Channel in a small boat – is illegal, even though the UN refugee convention is explicit that refugees should not be penalised for how they arrive to claim refuge.

    Does the UK have safe and legal routes?

    The UK has had safe and legal routes available for refugees in the recent past.

    Most schemes are restricted to certain populations and limited in accessibility. For example, two nationality-specific schemes for Afghans were set up in January 2022, after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. These have resettled roughly 34,000 Afghans in the UK.

    The schemes prioritised those who had worked or assisted UK efforts in Afghanistan, as well as assisting vulnerable people such as women and girls at risk, and minority groups. Both routes are now shut.

    The UK also has schemes for Ukrainians and Hong Kongers. The Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukrainians and the now-closed Ukrainian Family Scheme), established in March 2022, have resettled 217,000 to the UK. The Hong Kong scheme is only eligible for British National Overseas status holders and their dependants. Most of these are not recognised, and nor do they identify, as refugees. Since opening in January 2021, 179,000 have been granted a visa to live in the UK.

    There is also the family reunion pathway for those already granted protection in the UK, who can invite spouses or other dependants to join them. This can be viewed as a safe route, but it is specifically for those already with status (refugee or otherwise) in the country. Importantly, those who gain access this way are not given refugee status in their own right, but granted leave to remain that is connected to their family member’s status.

    The UK has also worked closely with UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, since March 2021. The UNHCR identifies vulnerable candidates for resettlement direct from regions of conflict, primarily the Middle East and North Africa. This scheme highlights the value of safe and legal routes and the potential for developing a humane asylum route, but at present it is limited in scope, with only 3,798 people granted safe and dignified resettlement in the UK via this route.

    The prime minister, Keir Starmer, has stressed that the new pilot with France will be limited to people “who have not tried to enter the UK illegally” and who have a strong case for asylum in the UK – again highlighting the strict access and eligibility for this “safe and legal” route.

    White tents with UNHCR printed on them
    A refugee camp in Greece in 2016.
    Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock

    If we look at the map of international conflict today, the majority of people in conflict zones would be ineligible for these schemes. Afghans, Eritreans, Syrians, Iranian and Sudanese are some of the top nationalities arriving via the Channel crossing to the UK, but are provided with no safe or legal routes to sanctuary. Yet, in claiming asylum, 68% of small boat arrivals are ultimately granted status.

    Conflicts in Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan have not led to any bespoke humanitarian refugee protection rights from the UK. In practice, it is legally impossible for most asylum seekers to reach the UK via a safe and legal route as the schemes are so limited in scope.

    Smashing the gangs

    In January 2025, the Refugee Council, an organisation that supports asylum seekers and refugees in the UK, urged the UK to introduce a safe and legal route – in the form of a limited number of refugee visas – in order to stop deaths in the Channel.

    Between 2018 and April 2025, 147 people have died attempting to cross the Channel in small boats, with 2024 being the deadliest year for child migrant deaths.

    The UK government’s most recent approach has been to “smash the gangs” to prevent small boat crossings. But evidence shows that a criminal justice approach, while popular, ultimately leads smugglers to change their business practices – often jeopardising people further as they take longer routes or put more people into boats.

    More safe and legal routes would, on the other hand, reduce demand for smuggling across the Channel, by giving people another option.

    Crucially, even if the UK were to successfully “smash the gangs”, this does not eradicate peoples’ need for protection when fleeing war zones. Safe and legal routes would introduce a compassionate and humane refugee system which adheres with the UK’s obligations under international refugee law.

    The Conversation

    Gillian McFadyen receives funding from ACE Hub Wales, Public Health Wales for the project ‘A Welsh Pathways to Peace: Digital Storytelling and Forced Migration’ (2025-2026).

    – ref. Channel crossings: what is a safe and legal route? – https://theconversation.com/channel-crossings-what-is-a-safe-and-legal-route-246931

  • Don’t let food poisoning crash your picnic – six tips to keep your spread safe

    Source: ForeignAffairs4

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward Fox, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle

    Jenny_Tr/Shutterstock

    Nothing says summer quite like a picnic. Whether you’re lounging on a beach towel, stretched out in a park, or unpacking a hamper in your garden, picnics are a beloved way to enjoy good food in the great outdoors.

    In the UK alone, the picnic food market is worth over £2 billion each year, with millions of us heading out for an alfresco feast with family or friends when the sun is shining.

    But as idyllic as they may seem, picnics come with hidden risks, especially when it comes to food safety. Without access to fridges, ovens or running water, the chances of foodborne illness such as diarrhoea increase. So, how can you keep your spread both delicious and safe?

    Warm, sunny weather is perfect for picnics – and unfortunately, also for bacteria. High temperatures can cause harmful microbes to multiply quickly in certain foods – especially meat, eggs, dairy or salads with creamy dressings. Add in a few flies or some dirty hands, and your picnic could become a recipe for illness.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Food poisoning bacteria can find their way into picnic food from several sources: flies that land on uncovered dishes, unwashed hands, cross-contaminated utensils, or even from leaving perishable food out in the sun too long.

    This is not just a theoretical risk. There have been several well-documented outbreaks linked to picnics, including one event in Texas where more than 100 people developed diarrhoea and fever after eating food contaminated with salmonella. In another case at a church picnic in Ohio, clostridium botulinum – a bacterium that can be fatal – contaminated potato salad and led to one death.



    Read more:
    Salmonella cases are at ten-year high in England – here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe

    Six tips to enjoy your picnic safely

    However, with a few simple steps, you can protect yourself and others while enjoying that alfresco feast:

    1. Keep cold food cold. If you’re bringing dishes that normally need refrigeration (think meats, cheese, egg mayo), don’t pack them until the last minute. Use a cool bag or insulated box with ice packs or frozen water bottles to help keep things chilled. Once you’re out, only take food out of the cooler when it’s time to eat, and always try to keep it in the shade.

    2. Watch the clock. On hot days, perishable foods should be eaten within two hours (or four hours if it’s mild). After that, any leftovers should be thrown away. Don’t be tempted to take food home and refrigerate it “just in case” – one family in Belgium did just that with a salad, and ended up with severe food poisoning two days later.

    3. Wash those hands. Picnics often mean touching tables, grass, pets or public benches – all potential sources of bacteria. Hand sanitiser is your best friend. Use it before handling or eating any food.

    4. Cover up. Insects, especially flies, can carry bacteria and leave them behind when they land. Keep food in sealed containers or cover with foil or clean cloths to protect your spread. This helps keep animals (and rogue seagulls) away too.

    5. Prep fresh produce properly. Salads, fruits and veg are picnic staples, but they must be washed thoroughly before being packed. Even pre-washed leaves can benefit from a rinse. Pack them in clean containers and don’t let utensils touch dirty surfaces.



    Read more:
    New study: Salmonella thrives in salad bags

    6. Keep your utensils clean. Bring enough serving spoons, tongs and plates – and avoid putting them down on picnic tables or the ground. A spare clean plate is always a good idea when it comes to safe serving.

    Enjoy the food, not the fallout

    Picnics should leave you with warm memories – not stomach cramps. By following these food safety basics, you can enjoy your outdoor feast without any unwanted after-effects. From chilled pasta salads to hand-cut fruit or that classic homemade quiche, safe food is happy food.

    So, pack a blanket, grab your cool bag, and soak up the sunshine – just keep the bacteria at bay.



    Read more:
    Food safety: are the sniff test, the five-second rule and rare burgers safe?

    The Conversation

    Edward Fox has received funding from the Food Safety Research Network.

    – ref. Don’t let food poisoning crash your picnic – six tips to keep your spread safe – https://theconversation.com/dont-let-food-poisoning-crash-your-picnic-six-tips-to-keep-your-spread-safe-260834

  • Women with ADHD three times more likely to experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder – new research

    Source: ForeignAffairs4

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jessica Agnew-Blais, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Queen Mary University of London

    PMDD causes symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, depressed mood and anxiety. LightField Studios/ Shutterstock

    Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has historically been under-studied in women. This means we still have a limited understanding of how the condition may uniquely affect women – and what effect monthly hormonal changes may have on women with ADHD.

    But a recent study conducted by me and my colleagues has shown that women with ADHD are at higher risk for mental health struggles associated with the menstrual cycle. We found that having ADHD makes women around three times more likely to experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

    Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), is a serious condition that affects about 3% of women worldwide. The condition can seriously interfere with a person’s everyday life, causing symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, depressed mood and anxiety.

    These symptoms occur in the days before menstruation, and resolve after the period starts. For some, PMDD may lead to severe outcomes, such as being at an increased risk of attempting suicide.



    Read more:
    Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: the frightening psychological condition suffered by Dixie D’Amelio

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    We conducted an online survey of 715 women aged 18 to 34 in the UK. We asked them whether they experienced different symptoms of ADHD or PMDD, whether they’d received an ADHD diagnosis from a doctor and how symptoms interfered with their lives.

    We found that about 31% of women with a clinical ADHD diagnosis also had PMDD, as did around 41% of women who scored high for ADHD symptoms (whether they had been formally diagnosed with ADHD or not). In comparison, only about 9% of women without ADHD met the criteria for PMDD. We also found that women who had ADHD and a clinical diagnosis of depression or anxiety had an even greater risk of PMDD.

    The research showed that the most common PMDD symptoms women experienced were irritability, feeling overwhelmed and depression. But women with ADHD may also be more likely to experience insomnia when they have PMDD.

    A young woman sits on a couch looking sad.

    The PMDD and ADHD link

    Our study isn’t the first to show a link between the two conditions, but it is the first to identify a similar PMDD risk among women with ADHD symptoms, not just among those who were in treatment. We’re also the first to show that people who have ADHD plus depression or anxiety are at an even greater risk of PMDD.

    Other research suggests that women with ADHD may also be at higher risk for mental health problems during other times of hormonal change. For instance, one study found women with ADHD experienced higher rates of depression and anxiety after starting combined oral hormonal contraceptives. Another study found that women with ADHD were more likely to experience depression after giving birth than those without the condition.

    More research is now needed to understand why women with ADHD appear to be more vulnerable to PMDD, and whether this affects what treatments work best.

    It should be noted that our study assesses “provisional PMDD diagnosis”. An official diagnosis requires two months of symptom tracking across the menstrual cycle. But we asked women to remember how they felt across their menstrual cycle rather than tracking how they feel in real-time.

    This means we could be over- or under-estimating PMDD prevalence as we’re relying on participants to recall their symptoms.

    Future research should assess PMDD symptoms among women in real-time as they experience their menstrual cycles to more accurately assess symptoms without having to rely on people’s memory. Additionally, it may be difficult to distinguish PMDD from other disorders that may worsen during the premenstrual period, such as depression or anxiety. Tracking symptoms across the menstrual cycle in real-time would help to disentangle this.

    PMDD can have profoundly negative effects on women’s lives. Some women even report it can make them feel “physically unable to see the joy in things”. Although symptoms can be managed with prescription treatments, this can only happen if the condition is diagnosed by a doctor.

    Our new research shows us that women with ADHD are an at-risk group for PMDD, especially if they also have depression or anxiety. This suggests doctors should consider screening for PMDD among women with ADHD to reduce distress and adverse outcomes associated with the condition.

    The Conversation

    Jessica Agnew-Blais receives funding from the UK Medical Research Council and GambleAware for her research.

    – ref. Women with ADHD three times more likely to experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder – new research – https://theconversation.com/women-with-adhd-three-times-more-likely-to-experience-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-new-research-260222

  • Too much Lena Dunham, Lorde’s new album and a book to break your heart: what to watch, listen to and read this week

    Source: ForeignAffairs4

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jane Wright, Commissioning Editor, Arts & Culture, The Conversation UK

    When I first watched Girls, I remember marvelling at Lena Dunham’s four twenty-something New Yorkers. Sex and the City it was not. I realised wistfully just how much I wished the series had been around when I was in my twenties.

    Dunham’s character Hannah Horvath was like a beacon, illuminating the possibilities of how you could just be yourself in this world – good and bad – without apologising for it. I loved her boldness. Girls was messy, awkward, embarrassing, relatable and real. It was also very funny.

    Now Dunham brings her latest, similarly awkward comedy-drama, Too Much, to Netflix. The series follows the trials and tribulations of Jess (the brilliant Megan Stalter) as she flees New York for London with a broken heart.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    An American with a romanticised movie-informed idea of Britain, Jess sees Blighty as some kind of fantasy creation fashioned by Jane Austen with a little help from Richard Curtis.

    She spends her days obsessing over her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend on Instagram and trying to fit into London life. And then she meets laconic musician Felix (Will Sharpe), who is determined to demolish her romantic notions of a Notting Hill-esque London. Discovering they have an instant connection, Jess is thrust back into dating again, still reeling from the PTSD of her previous relationship.

    Too Much charts the tumultuous experience of becoming an adult, as Jess experiences all the thrills and vulnerabilities of meeting someone new. Mirroring her own relocation to London, Dunham mines a rich seam of fish-out-of-water comedy as Megan navigates a new city and different culture.

    Reviewer Jane Steventon finds the show is a hopeful paean to womanhood, a declaration that messiness, failure and fear are all part of becoming a woman just as much as joy, love and intimacy.

    The idea of intimacy takes on a much darker and more troubling meaning in David Cronenberg’s latest body horror Shrouds in which the protagonist Karsh (Vincent Kassel) finds that technology can help him with the grieving process.

    Discovering that a piece of wearable tech within a shroud can allow him to watch his wife’s corpse decompose via a video link, Karsh believes this can help reclaim her from her illness. But as the plot progresses, lines blur between Karsh’s dreams and reality and the film becomes darker and more ominous.

    This deeply disturbing premise, says film expert Laura Flanagan, allows Cronenberg to explore issues of technology, control and grief, and is all the more chilling when you learn that he embarked on the film after the death of his own wife.

    Musical autobiography

    Simone de Beauvoir, the great feminist French philosopher, once opined: “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” Meaning, it is down to each woman to articulate and determine her own path and transcend any limits of “femininity” imposed by a patriarchal society.

    According to our reviewer Lillian Hingley, the New Zealand singer Lorde unveils that process in her latest album Virgin as she musically explores how her body is changed by what she has been through in her life.

    Hingley discovers a multi-layered collection of songs and videos that lead us through a piece of performance art examining identity, sexuality and a female reproductive system that comes fully loaded with both jeopardy and joy.

    Last week, the Disney musical Hercules opened in London so we sent along Emma Stafford, professor of Greek culture at the University of Leeds to give us her take.

    Despite finding Hercules’ trusty steed Pegasus has been written out of the show and Hades has been somewhat toned down, the innovative role of the five muses has been elevated to a spectacular cross between the chorus of a Greek tragedy and a gospel choir. A terrific cast, impressive visuals, slick stagecraft and magical special effects all mean this high-octane production will delight West End audiences.

    The book that won this year’s Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, The Story of a Heart by Rachel Clarke, has two children at its centre. One is Max Johnson, a healthy nine-year-old whose heart begins to fail, and the other, nine-year-old Keira Ball, a vibrant, pony-mad little girl who is killed in a car accident. Despite their unimaginable grief, Keira’s parents decide to donate her organs. Her precious heart goes to Max, and in that unbearable gift, one child dies, and another child lives.

    Leah McLaughlin, a health services researcher who has spent her career working in the emotionally complex and often obscured world of organ donation, found the book a searingly honest account of the hope and despair of this devastating experience.

    The Conversation

    – ref. Too much Lena Dunham, Lorde’s new album and a book to break your heart: what to watch, listen to and read this week – https://theconversation.com/too-much-lena-dunham-lordes-new-album-and-a-book-to-break-your-heart-what-to-watch-listen-to-and-read-this-week-260893

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More People Working in Saskatchewan Than Ever With 26,300 Full Time Jobs Added in June

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 11, 2025

    The latest labour force numbers from Statistics Canada show that in spite of US and Chinese tariffs, Saskatchewan continues to have the strongest labour market in Canada. Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate among provinces at 4.9 per cent, which is well below the national average of 6.9 per cent. Saskatchewan added 20,500 jobs year-over-year in June.  

    “Saskatchewan heads into the second half of 2025 with the strongest labour market in Canada,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “Our government is committed to maintaining this continued growth ensuring that Saskatchewan people are prepared for the jobs provided by our strong economy.”  

    June 2025 saw all time historical highs (aged 15 and over), with:  

    • Saskatchewan Employment: 636,800
    • Saskatchewan Full-Time employment: 533,800
    • Off-Reserve Indigenous Employment: 67,900
    • Off-Reserve Indigenous Full-Time Employment: 56,500

    Year-over-year, full time employment increased 26,300, an increase of 5.2 per cent. Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 6,300, or 10.2 per cent, for the 12th consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Indigenous youth employment was up 2,200, or 21.8 per cent, for the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Women employment is up 13,200 which is an increase of 4.6 per cent, and employment for men is up 7,300 an increase of 2.2 per cent.

    Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities saw impressive year-over-year growth. Compared to June 2024, Saskatoon’s employment was up 7,600, an increase of 3.8 per cent, and Regina’s employment was up 6,400, an increase of 4.4 per cent. Regina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9 per cent, the fifth lowest among 41 major cities in Canada, and Saskatoon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6 per cent, ranked fourth lowest among major cities.  

    Major year-over-year gains were reported for healthcare and social assistance, up 11,800, which is an increase of 12.7 per cent. Construction is up 6,500, an increase of 14.5 per cent and public administration is up 5,000, an increase of 13.6 per cent.  

    The province continues to see economic growth in other areas. Year-over-year, Saskatchewan ranked 1st among the provinces for growth in the value of building permits an increase of 31.5 per cent and 2nd amongst the provinces for growth in urban housing starts, a significant increase of 211.0 per cent.

    This economic growth is backed by the Government of Saskatchewan’s recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, a roadmap to build the workforce needed to support Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy, and Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy, a plan to increase investment in the province and to further advancing Saskatchewan’s Growth plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Remittix Confirms Native Solana Integration Ahead of RTX Wallet Launch in Q3 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Crypto payments platform expands functionality with high-speed Solana blockchain support as wallet enters final testing phase.

    KOŠICE, Slovakia, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Remittix has officially announced that its upcoming RTX Wallet, set for full release in Q3 2025, will launch with native Solana integration . The feature will allow users to instantly swap Solana (SOL) and SPL stablecoins (USDC, USDT) directly into local currencies, alongside support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP.

    The integration of Solana enhances the real-time functionality of the RTX Wallet, which is currently undergoing TestFlight trials on iOS. An Android beta release is scheduled for August, marking a significant milestone as the company prepares for its official rollout. The Solana upgrade is designed to increase transaction speed, lower settlement fees, and expand RTX’s usability for both consumers and merchants in high-frequency payment environments.

    “With Solana’s scalability and speed—capable of handling up to 50,000 transactions per second—we’re delivering near-instant conversions of digital assets into local currency,” said a Remittix spokesperson. “This means that a merchant in Bogotá or Nairobi can receive a crypto payment and see fiat arrive in their account in under 10 seconds, at a fraction of traditional processing costs.”

    Remittix reports it has surpassed $16 million in presale commitments, with over 549 million RTX tokens sold at a price of $0.0811, and is on track to complete its $18 million soft cap in the coming weeks.

    Designed to streamline global digital payments, RTX Wallet introduces a simplified user interface where cryptocurrency can be converted into local cash via a single tap. Its dual-key security system, combining encrypted mobile storage and facial-recognition-based cloud access, aims to balance ease-of-use with robust control. Built-in merchant features include automated tax savings and spare-change rounding to support micro-savings.

    Upcoming Developments

    • Public Android Beta: Launching in August 2025
    • Freelancer Plug-in: Scheduled for October, enables instant invoicing and settlement in RTX
    • Licensing: Near-final approvals in Brazil and Kenya, two key markets for cross-border transfers

    As Solana’s integration goes live and licensing expands, Remittix is positioning RTX Wallet as a gateway to fast, accessible, and secure real-world crypto payments.

    For more information and updates on the RTX Wallet launch and token presale:

    Website: https://remittix.io
    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Contact:
    Andy Černý
    andy@remittix.io

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Remittix. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e951f1d3-3bba-4346-ad51-b6a91821ab34

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc411938-c374-4400-9af6-e78a32822adf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Remittix Confirms Native Solana Integration Ahead of RTX Wallet Launch in Q3 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Crypto payments platform expands functionality with high-speed Solana blockchain support as wallet enters final testing phase.

    KOŠICE, Slovakia, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Remittix has officially announced that its upcoming RTX Wallet, set for full release in Q3 2025, will launch with native Solana integration . The feature will allow users to instantly swap Solana (SOL) and SPL stablecoins (USDC, USDT) directly into local currencies, alongside support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP.

    The integration of Solana enhances the real-time functionality of the RTX Wallet, which is currently undergoing TestFlight trials on iOS. An Android beta release is scheduled for August, marking a significant milestone as the company prepares for its official rollout. The Solana upgrade is designed to increase transaction speed, lower settlement fees, and expand RTX’s usability for both consumers and merchants in high-frequency payment environments.

    “With Solana’s scalability and speed—capable of handling up to 50,000 transactions per second—we’re delivering near-instant conversions of digital assets into local currency,” said a Remittix spokesperson. “This means that a merchant in Bogotá or Nairobi can receive a crypto payment and see fiat arrive in their account in under 10 seconds, at a fraction of traditional processing costs.”

    Remittix reports it has surpassed $16 million in presale commitments, with over 549 million RTX tokens sold at a price of $0.0811, and is on track to complete its $18 million soft cap in the coming weeks.

    Designed to streamline global digital payments, RTX Wallet introduces a simplified user interface where cryptocurrency can be converted into local cash via a single tap. Its dual-key security system, combining encrypted mobile storage and facial-recognition-based cloud access, aims to balance ease-of-use with robust control. Built-in merchant features include automated tax savings and spare-change rounding to support micro-savings.

    Upcoming Developments

    • Public Android Beta: Launching in August 2025
    • Freelancer Plug-in: Scheduled for October, enables instant invoicing and settlement in RTX
    • Licensing: Near-final approvals in Brazil and Kenya, two key markets for cross-border transfers

    As Solana’s integration goes live and licensing expands, Remittix is positioning RTX Wallet as a gateway to fast, accessible, and secure real-world crypto payments.

    For more information and updates on the RTX Wallet launch and token presale:

    Website: https://remittix.io
    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Contact:
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Correction: RENEW Energy Partners Upgrades Mass General Brigham’s Energy Portfolio to Unlock Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RENEW Energy Partners (RENEW), a leading provider specializing in financing and deploying large-scale energy projects, advances the energy portfolio of Mass General Brigham (MGB), a nonprofit integrated healthcare system and biomedical research organization, with a major upgrade at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Through a new distributed energy generation system, the project increases energy efficiency by an estimated 10%, ensures maximum system uptime, and unlocks capital for new patient care opportunities.

    Reflecting RENEW’s strategy of delivering distributed generation systems without upfront investment, the energy upgrade helps MGB preserve capital while modernizing its infrastructure. RENEW’s system maximizes usable thermal output and optimizes system output to meet the building load requirements. In addition, RENEW will provide operational oversight of the system, ensuring consistent performance and freeing up MGB resources for core healthcare priorities.

    In addition to measurable energy performance gains, the project supports MGB’s Strategic Energy Master Plan (SEMP) goals of reducing energy consumption. With this project, the hospital uses less energy and produces fewer emissions without sacrificing operational or financial performance.

    “Our work with Mass General Brigham demonstrates how customized energy solutions can unlock capital, enhance system reliability and directly support a client’s long-term sustainability vision,” said Charlie Lord, Managing Principal at RENEW Energy Partners. “It’s been a privilege to collaborate with an organization so deeply committed to both patient care and environmental responsibility. We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership as MGB scales its clean energy initiatives.”

    RENEW and MGB began working together on energy upgrade projects in 2021, laying the foundation for an ongoing collaboration now focused on scaling distributed energy upgrades across the MGB network.

    To learn more about this project or RENEW Energy Partners’ distributed generation solutions and services, please contact Nicole Wilson at nwilson@renewep.com.

    About RENEW Energy Partners, LLC
    Founded in 2013, RENEW Energy Partners provides funding, engineering, and asset management solutions for commercial and industrial, as well as institutional clients to help them achieve their decarbonization objectives. RENEW supports clients in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a diverse range of projects, from efficiency upgrades to advanced energy generation solutions. All projects are designed to enhance sustainability without requiring upfront capital investment.

    About Mass General Brigham
    Mass General Brigham is an integrated academic health care system, uniting great minds to solve the hardest problems in medicine for our communities and the world. Mass General Brigham connects a full continuum of care across a system of academic medical centers, community and specialty hospitals, a health insurance plan, physician networks, community health centers, home care, and long-term care services. Mass General Brigham is a nonprofit organization committed to patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. In addition, Mass General Brigham is one of the nation’s leading biomedical research organizations with several Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals. For more information, please visit massgeneralbrigham.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Correction: RENEW Energy Partners Upgrades Mass General Brigham’s Energy Portfolio to Unlock Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RENEW Energy Partners (RENEW), a leading provider specializing in financing and deploying large-scale energy projects, advances the energy portfolio of Mass General Brigham (MGB), a nonprofit integrated healthcare system and biomedical research organization, with a major upgrade at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Through a new distributed energy generation system, the project increases energy efficiency by an estimated 10%, ensures maximum system uptime, and unlocks capital for new patient care opportunities.

    Reflecting RENEW’s strategy of delivering distributed generation systems without upfront investment, the energy upgrade helps MGB preserve capital while modernizing its infrastructure. RENEW’s system maximizes usable thermal output and optimizes system output to meet the building load requirements. In addition, RENEW will provide operational oversight of the system, ensuring consistent performance and freeing up MGB resources for core healthcare priorities.

    In addition to measurable energy performance gains, the project supports MGB’s Strategic Energy Master Plan (SEMP) goals of reducing energy consumption. With this project, the hospital uses less energy and produces fewer emissions without sacrificing operational or financial performance.

    “Our work with Mass General Brigham demonstrates how customized energy solutions can unlock capital, enhance system reliability and directly support a client’s long-term sustainability vision,” said Charlie Lord, Managing Principal at RENEW Energy Partners. “It’s been a privilege to collaborate with an organization so deeply committed to both patient care and environmental responsibility. We look forward to continuing our long-term partnership as MGB scales its clean energy initiatives.”

    RENEW and MGB began working together on energy upgrade projects in 2021, laying the foundation for an ongoing collaboration now focused on scaling distributed energy upgrades across the MGB network.

    To learn more about this project or RENEW Energy Partners’ distributed generation solutions and services, please contact Nicole Wilson at nwilson@renewep.com.

    About RENEW Energy Partners, LLC
    Founded in 2013, RENEW Energy Partners provides funding, engineering, and asset management solutions for commercial and industrial, as well as institutional clients to help them achieve their decarbonization objectives. RENEW supports clients in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a diverse range of projects, from efficiency upgrades to advanced energy generation solutions. All projects are designed to enhance sustainability without requiring upfront capital investment.

    About Mass General Brigham
    Mass General Brigham is an integrated academic health care system, uniting great minds to solve the hardest problems in medicine for our communities and the world. Mass General Brigham connects a full continuum of care across a system of academic medical centers, community and specialty hospitals, a health insurance plan, physician networks, community health centers, home care, and long-term care services. Mass General Brigham is a nonprofit organization committed to patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. In addition, Mass General Brigham is one of the nation’s leading biomedical research organizations with several Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals. For more information, please visit massgeneralbrigham.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Doggett, & Sorenson Lead Call for Urgent Federal Action After Deadly Texas Flood

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), joined by Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) and Congressman Eric Sorenson (IL-17), today led a forceful letter to federal agencies calling for immediate action following the catastrophic flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, that claimed over 100 lives. The letter — sent to President Donald J. Trump, NOAA leadership, and the US Army Corps of Engineers — demands an urgent review of staffing shortages, stalled forecasting improvements, and insufficient flood preparedness that contributed to the disaster.

    The lawmakers point to dangerous gaps in public warning coordination and a 15% reduction in National Weather Service (NWS) staffing since January as critical failures that must be addressed before the next extreme weather event. Accurate weather forecasts are not enough. It is imperative that these warnings are adequately communicated to members of the public and in a way that prompts the appropriate lifesaving action by emergency managers, first responders, and the public at-large.  

    “This flood was not just a natural disaster but a failure of foresight and leadership,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “A changing climate is rewriting the rules of weather, and our federal agencies must keep pace. The American people deserve a weather warning system that does more than sound the alarm. It must be fully staffed and ready to act to ensure that everyone in harms way receives it. This letter is a demand for accountability, but more importantly, it’s a demand for lives to be protected anywhere severe weather strikes.”

    “As Texans in my state are faced with much pain and uncertainty, we cannot wait to ask the hard questions,” said Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Effective oversight saves lives. That is why we need a full account of the ways in which the Trump administration’s recent actions have undermined the federal response, both before and after this catastrophe. Learning from these failures and recognizing that weather intensification driven by climate change increasingly endangers lives will help prevent more tragedies.”

    “As someone who has reported on dangerous floods for my neighbors as a meteorologist in my local community, I know how critical it is for NWS meteorologists, local media, and emergency management coordinators to work together seamlessly and quickly to share urgent warnings,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17). “The deadly toll of the flash floods that hit Texas last week beg the question of what went wrong with the warning systems in place and what more could have been done to prevent this tragedy. The Trump Administration’s cuts to NOAA and the NWS are already having a real impact on the accuracy of our nation’s weather forecasting, creating cause for major concern. That is why I am calling on President Trump, NOAA, and the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a full-scale investigation into what went wrong and what can be done to prevent catastrophes like this in the future.” 

    This tragedy echoes a troubling national pattern of accelerating flash flood disasters that have claimed lives in recent years: 46 lives in the greater New York City area in September 2021, 45 lives in Kentucky in July 2022, 20 lives in Tennessee in August 2021, and 250 lives across the Southeast in September 2024.  These events are not anomalies — they are harbingers of a climate-disrupted future.

    Kaptur, Doggett, and Sorenson request a response within 30 days and underscore that federal weather services must not be the weak link in the nation’s climate resilience.

    A full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here or reading below: 

    July 11, 2025

    Honorable Donald J. Trump 
    President of the United States
    The White House

    1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW 
    Washington, DC 20500

    Laura Grimm
    Chief of Staff, performing the duties of Undersecretary for Commerce of Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
    1401 Constitution Ave NW

    Washington, DC 20230

    Lieutenant General William H. Graham Jr. 
    Commanding General and 56th Chief of Engineers
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

    441 G St NW

    Washington DC, 20314 

    		  

    Dear Mr. President, Ms. Grimm, and General Graham:

    We write with deep concern about the recent flooding in Kerr County, Texas, by both the severity of this event and the structural shortcomings at the federal, state, and local levels that contributed to the tragic loss of life. On July 4, 2025, Kerr County was struck by a flash flood of devastating impact. The Guadalupe River rose by more than 20 feet in less than two hours,[1] engulfing homes and campsites, and leaving over a hundred dead in its wake.[2] This tragedy echoes a troubling national pattern of accelerating flash flood disasters that have claimed lives: 46 lives in the greater New York City area in September 2021,[3] 45 lives in Kentucky in July 2022, 20 lives in Tennessee in August 2021, and 250 lives across the Southeast in September 2024.[4]  These events are not anomalies—they are harbingers of a climate-disrupted future.

    Atmospheric scientists have long warned that warmer air holds more water vapor and thus latent energy produces heavier rainfall. In 1989, the Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, James Hansen, wrote presciently that “the greenhouse effect enhances both ends of the hydrologic cycle…, there is an increased frequency of extreme wet situations, as well as increased drought. Model results are shown to imply that increased greenhouse warming will lead to more intense thunderstorms, that is, deeper thunderstorms with greater rainfall.”[5]

    While the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast may have been accurate, accurate weather forecasts are not enough. It is imperative that these warnings are adequately communicated to members of the public and in a way that prompts the appropriate lifesaving action by emergency managers, first responders, and the public at-large.  We are concerned that there seems to have been a breakdown at this stage starting with the first flash flood watches issued on Thursday afternoon.

    Following a series of catastrophic tornadoes in the spring of 2011 that culminated in the worst tornado in a generation in Joplin, Missouri, NWS acknowledged that accurate forecasts were not enough to protect life and property, and thereby elevated the importance of properly communicating to the public about life-threatening weather events.  As a result, NWS developed the Weather Ready Nation initiative to ensure that Americans knew how to appropriately respond to dangerous weather conditions when alerted by NWS or the private weather enterprise. In support of this effort, Congress codified the position of Warning Coordination Meteorologist in every weather forecast office (WFO) around the country in the 2017 Weather Act.

    While staffing across NWS has long been a bipartisan concern, the staffing reductions mandated by the Department of Government Efficiency has greatly magnified the issue, with NWS losing nearly 15% of its staff nationwide since January.  The forecast accuracy and timeliness during this event in Texas was a testament to the dedication of the local NWS staff who flexed their schedules to ensure adequate coverage during such a high-impact event. That is not a sustainable solution, nor is it reliable enough for the increasing incidence of dangerous weather events.

    In particular, the loss of the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the San Antonio weather forecast office (WFO) and the reduced number of forecasters put the people of Texas at risk. Lacking a full staff complement requires the team to focus only on issuing the forecasts and warnings. Outreach and coordination, a key responsibility of the Warning Coordination Meteorologist, do not occur. Also, we understand that the funding supporting travel to the community for outreach and coordination, including meeting with emergency managers and elected officials, has been suspended. Having the Warning Coordination Meteorologist position and the vacancies filled may have been critical to saving more lives by connecting with as many local community leaders as possible in the hours between the 1 a.m. NWS warning and 4 a.m. when the most dangerous conditions began impacting residents.[6]  

    Given these concerns, we intend to work quickly to enact the Weather Staffing Improvement Act, which will streamline the hiring of federal weather forecasters. Meanwhile, we request that NWS expedites the backfilling of vacancies at all WFOs and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Further, we request that, despite proposed cuts to programs in the fiscal year 2026 budget request, no other reductions in funding or staffing occur without the explicit direction of Congress to programs that support precipitation prediction and decision support or the improvement of those services, including, but not limited to the work of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.

    NWS Director Ken Graham has also laid out strategic priorities to transform NWS’ staffing models and organizational effectiveness, known as “Ken’s 10”.[7] We applaud his thoughtful proposals, though we urge NOAA to provide more detailed information for Congress to consider prior to wholesale implementation.  Further, we urge that any adoption and implementation be done in a measured way so as to prevent any failures in the current system during the transition.   

    We ask that your agencies please provide the following information:

    1. Staffing Cuts: Provide a breakdown of NWS staffing levels since 2017 at WFOs and the National Centers for Environmental Protection.  Identify how many WFOs, and for how long each, has lacked each of the following positions over that time: Meteorologist in Charge, a Science Operations Officer, and a Warning Coordination Meteorologist? What performance impacts have resulted?
    2. Communication Gaps: How did the absence of a Warning Coordination Meteorologist and reduced staffing affect warning distribution, communication and coordination in Kerr County and other nearby jurisdictions? What is the standard operating procedure for such a role in such critical weather events?
    3. Precipitation Prediction: Atlas-15 will provide detailed estimates of maximum probable precipitation rates for any location in the U.S., critical information for planning for severe weather events.  Please explain any reasons for the current delays in Atlas-15’s national release.  Are sufficient funds available for the completion of this tool?  Have any funds been redirected away from this purpose?
    4. Status of PPGC: The Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge (PPGC), an initiative to dramatically improve the accuracy of forecasting when, where, and how much precipitation will occur has been chronically underfunded.  Please provide an update on the current efforts to date and the requirements to make significant progress over the next 5 years.
    5. Adopting Graham’s Priorities: Which of Ken Graham’s ten transformation proposals have been implemented? Provide projected costs and timelines.
    6. Corps Flood Control Improvements: This event also highlights the need for improvements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) who is tasked with flood control across the country. How has the Corps updated its standard operating procedures to recognize the increased risk of extreme precipitation?  What is the status of the adoption of the Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) to reduce flooding risk and maximize water availability? What additional research and monitoring is necessary, and on what timeline, to incorporate FIRO into the Corps’ standard procedures?
    7. Interagency Collaboration: What NOAA and Corps coordination mechanisms are in place to improve rural flood-warning infrastructure and emergency preparedness, including hydrology modeling and flood response planning?
    8. Future Preparedness Plan: Describe plans to adapt federal weather services to the growing frequency of extreme precipitation events attributable to climate change.

    Across America, we are entering a perilous new era of extreme precipitation. The science is clear: a warming world means heavier rains, more frequent flash floods, and rising stakes. Failure to learn from this disaster will only exacerbate future risk. Now is the moment to prioritize investments—restoring NOAA staffing and accelerating research and coordinating flood preparedness across the Federal Government. We respectfully ask for your prompt attention and response within 30 days to ensure federal weather infrastructure is not the weak link in our national resilience.  We further request a quick response to the July 8, 2025 letter from Rep. Doggett, the Dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation.

     

    Sincerely,

    # # #
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The forgotten 80-year-old machine that shaped the internet – and could help us survive AI

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Rudorfer, Lecturer in Computer Science, Aston University

    Many years ago, long before the internet or artificial intelligence, an American engineer called Vannevar Bush was trying to solve a problem. He could see how difficult it had become for professionals to research anything, and saw the potential for a better way.

    This was in the 1940s, when anyone looking for articles, books or other scientific records had to go to a library and search through an index. This meant drawers upon drawers filled with index cards, typically sorted by author, title or subject.

    When you had found what you were looking for, creating copies or excerpts was a tedious, manual task. You would have to be very organised in keeping your own records. And woe betide anyone who was working across more than one discipline. Since every book could physically only be in one place, they all had to be filed solely under a primary subject. So an article on cave art couldn’t be in both art and archaeology, and researchers would often waste extra time trying to find the right location.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    This had always been a challenge, but an explosion in research publications in that era had made it far worse than before. As Bush wrote in an influential essay, As We May Think, in The Atlantic in July 1945:

    There is a growing mountain of research. But there is increased evidence that we are being bogged down today as specialisation extends. The investigator is staggered by the findings and conclusions of thousands of other workers – conclusions which he cannot find time to grasp, much less to remember, as they appear.

    Bush was dean of the school of engineering at MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and president of the Carnegie Institute. During the second world war, he had been the director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, coordinating the activities of some 6,000 scientists working relentlessly to give their country a technological advantage. He could see that science was being drastically slowed down by the research process, and proposed a solution that he called the “memex”.

    The memex was to be a personal device built into a desk that required little physical space. It would rely heavily on microfilm for data storage, a new technology at the time. The memex would use this to store large numbers of documents in a greatly compressed format that could be projected onto translucent screens.

    Most importantly, Bush’s memex was to include a form of associative indexing for tying two items together. The user would be able to use a keyboard to click on a code number alongside a document to jump to an associated document or view them simultaneously – without needing to sift through an index.

    Bush acknowledged in his essay that this kind of keyboard click-through wasn’t yet technologically feasible. Yet he believed it would be soon, pointing to existing systems for handling data such as punched cards as potential forerunners.

    Punched cards were an early way of storing digital information.
    Wikimedia, CC BY-SA

    He envisaged that a user would create the connections between items as they developed their personal research library, creating chains of microfilm frames in which the same document or extract could be part of multiple trails at the same time.

    New additions could be inserted either by photographing them on to microfilm or by purchasing a microfilm of an existing document. Indeed, a user would be able to augment their memex with vast reference texts. “New forms of encyclopedias will appear,” said Bush, “ready-made with a mesh of associative trails running through them, ready to be dropped into the memex”. Fascinatingly, this isn’t far from today’s Wikipedia.

    Where it led

    Bush thought the memex would help researchers to think in a more natural, associative way that would be reflected in their records. He is thought to have inspired the American inventors Ted Nelson and Douglas Engelbart, who in the 1960s independently developed hypertext systems, in which documents contained hyperlinks that could directly access other documents. These became the foundation of the world wide web as we know it.

    Beyond the practicalities of having easy access to so much information, Bush believed that the added value in the memex lay in making it easier for users to manipulate ideas and spark new ones. His essay drew a distinction between repetitive and creative thought, and foresaw that there would soon be new “powerful mechanical aids” to help with the repetitive variety.

    He was perhaps mostly thinking about mathematics, but he left the door open to other thought processes. And 80 years later, with AI in our pockets, we’re automating far more thinking than was ever possible with a calculator.

    If this sounds like a happy ending, Bush did not sound overly optimistic when he revisited his own vision in his 1970 book Pieces of the Action. In the intervening 25 years, he had witnessed technological advances in areas like computing that were bringing the memex closer to reality.

    Yet Bush felt that the technology had largely missed the philosophical intent of his vision – to enhance human reasoning and creativity:

    In 1945, I dreamed of machines that would think with us. Now, I see machines that think for us – or worse, control us.

    Bush would die just four years later at the age of 84, but these concerns still feel strikingly relevant today. While it’s great that we do not need to search for a book by flipping through index cards in chests of drawers, we might feel more uneasy about machines doing most of the thinking for us.

    Just 80 years after Bush proposed the Memex, AIs on smartphones are an everyday thing.
    jackpress

    Is this technology enhancing and sharpening our skills, or is it making us lazy? No doubt everyone is different, but the danger is that whatever skills we leave to the machines, we eventually lose, and younger generations may not even get the opportunity to learn them in the first place.

    The lesson from As We May Think is that a purely technical solution like the memex is not enough. Technology still needs to be human-centred, underpinned by a philosophical vision. As we contemplate a great automation in human thinking in the years ahead, the challenge is to somehow protect our creativity and reasoning at the same time.

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

    – ref. The forgotten 80-year-old machine that shaped the internet – and could help us survive AI – https://theconversation.com/the-forgotten-80-year-old-machine-that-shaped-the-internet-and-could-help-us-survive-ai-260839

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The forgotten 80-year-old machine that shaped the internet – and could help us survive AI

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Rudorfer, Lecturer in Computer Science, Aston University

    Many years ago, long before the internet or artificial intelligence, an American engineer called Vannevar Bush was trying to solve a problem. He could see how difficult it had become for professionals to research anything, and saw the potential for a better way.

    This was in the 1940s, when anyone looking for articles, books or other scientific records had to go to a library and search through an index. This meant drawers upon drawers filled with index cards, typically sorted by author, title or subject.

    When you had found what you were looking for, creating copies or excerpts was a tedious, manual task. You would have to be very organised in keeping your own records. And woe betide anyone who was working across more than one discipline. Since every book could physically only be in one place, they all had to be filed solely under a primary subject. So an article on cave art couldn’t be in both art and archaeology, and researchers would often waste extra time trying to find the right location.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    This had always been a challenge, but an explosion in research publications in that era had made it far worse than before. As Bush wrote in an influential essay, As We May Think, in The Atlantic in July 1945:

    There is a growing mountain of research. But there is increased evidence that we are being bogged down today as specialisation extends. The investigator is staggered by the findings and conclusions of thousands of other workers – conclusions which he cannot find time to grasp, much less to remember, as they appear.

    Bush was dean of the school of engineering at MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and president of the Carnegie Institute. During the second world war, he had been the director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, coordinating the activities of some 6,000 scientists working relentlessly to give their country a technological advantage. He could see that science was being drastically slowed down by the research process, and proposed a solution that he called the “memex”.

    The memex was to be a personal device built into a desk that required little physical space. It would rely heavily on microfilm for data storage, a new technology at the time. The memex would use this to store large numbers of documents in a greatly compressed format that could be projected onto translucent screens.

    Most importantly, Bush’s memex was to include a form of associative indexing for tying two items together. The user would be able to use a keyboard to click on a code number alongside a document to jump to an associated document or view them simultaneously – without needing to sift through an index.

    Bush acknowledged in his essay that this kind of keyboard click-through wasn’t yet technologically feasible. Yet he believed it would be soon, pointing to existing systems for handling data such as punched cards as potential forerunners.

    Punched cards were an early way of storing digital information.
    Wikimedia, CC BY-SA

    He envisaged that a user would create the connections between items as they developed their personal research library, creating chains of microfilm frames in which the same document or extract could be part of multiple trails at the same time.

    New additions could be inserted either by photographing them on to microfilm or by purchasing a microfilm of an existing document. Indeed, a user would be able to augment their memex with vast reference texts. “New forms of encyclopedias will appear,” said Bush, “ready-made with a mesh of associative trails running through them, ready to be dropped into the memex”. Fascinatingly, this isn’t far from today’s Wikipedia.

    Where it led

    Bush thought the memex would help researchers to think in a more natural, associative way that would be reflected in their records. He is thought to have inspired the American inventors Ted Nelson and Douglas Engelbart, who in the 1960s independently developed hypertext systems, in which documents contained hyperlinks that could directly access other documents. These became the foundation of the world wide web as we know it.

    Beyond the practicalities of having easy access to so much information, Bush believed that the added value in the memex lay in making it easier for users to manipulate ideas and spark new ones. His essay drew a distinction between repetitive and creative thought, and foresaw that there would soon be new “powerful mechanical aids” to help with the repetitive variety.

    He was perhaps mostly thinking about mathematics, but he left the door open to other thought processes. And 80 years later, with AI in our pockets, we’re automating far more thinking than was ever possible with a calculator.

    If this sounds like a happy ending, Bush did not sound overly optimistic when he revisited his own vision in his 1970 book Pieces of the Action. In the intervening 25 years, he had witnessed technological advances in areas like computing that were bringing the memex closer to reality.

    Yet Bush felt that the technology had largely missed the philosophical intent of his vision – to enhance human reasoning and creativity:

    In 1945, I dreamed of machines that would think with us. Now, I see machines that think for us – or worse, control us.

    Bush would die just four years later at the age of 84, but these concerns still feel strikingly relevant today. While it’s great that we do not need to search for a book by flipping through index cards in chests of drawers, we might feel more uneasy about machines doing most of the thinking for us.

    Just 80 years after Bush proposed the Memex, AIs on smartphones are an everyday thing.
    jackpress

    Is this technology enhancing and sharpening our skills, or is it making us lazy? No doubt everyone is different, but the danger is that whatever skills we leave to the machines, we eventually lose, and younger generations may not even get the opportunity to learn them in the first place.

    The lesson from As We May Think is that a purely technical solution like the memex is not enough. Technology still needs to be human-centred, underpinned by a philosophical vision. As we contemplate a great automation in human thinking in the years ahead, the challenge is to somehow protect our creativity and reasoning at the same time.

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

    – ref. The forgotten 80-year-old machine that shaped the internet – and could help us survive AI – https://theconversation.com/the-forgotten-80-year-old-machine-that-shaped-the-internet-and-could-help-us-survive-ai-260839

    MIL OSI Analysis –