NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gomez Condemns Trump Admin Using IRS Data Against Hardworking Immigrant Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) — a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees tax policy — released the following statement after the Trump administration’s Internal Revenue Service agreed to share taxpayer information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target immigrants.

    “The IRS should never be weaponized to target immigrant families,” said Rep. Gomez. “This backdoor deal with ICE shatters decades of trust and may even violate federal law. Taxpayer data is protected for a reason—using it for immigration enforcement won’t secure the border, but it’ll open the door to government overreach and abuse. I’ll do everything I can in the Ways and Means Committee to stop this. No one should fear that filing their taxes puts their family at risk.”

    Under current law, the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 6103) strictly protects the confidentiality of taxpayer information. Historically, the IRS has generally prohibited from sharing tax data with immigration authorities. Any unauthorized disclosure may be a felony offense.

    As the son of immigrants, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) has been a strong advocate for immigrant families. He’s a proud supporter of the Dream and Promise Act of 2025, which would provide a clear path to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. He has called on the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately halt efforts to misuse confidential taxpayer data for immigration enforcement. He is also leading the effort demanding answers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after the agency abruptly froze funding for the Citizenship and Assimilation (C&A) Grant Program, jeopardizing critical services that help lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Findings from the Field: A Research Symposium for Student Scientists

    Source: NASA

    Within the scientific community, peer review has become the process norm for which an author’s research or ideas undergo careful examination by other experts in their field. It encourages each scientist to meet the high standards that they themselves, as writers and reviewers, have aided in setting. It has become essential to the academic writing practice.
    Historically, the peer review process has been limited to higher education and scholars more established in their academic careers. It has been required by only the more reputable publications, which can mean that lesser-known journals that don’t require this rigorous peer review process contain lower quality or less reliable information.
    In an effort to give scientists of all ages the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the advancement of human knowledge in a meaningful and reliable way, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) began publishing Findings from the Field, a journal of student ecological and environmental science, launched in 2017. Students conduct authentic scientific inquiry, subject their research to the peer review process, and submit their revised work for editorial board review before publication—the same process a NASA scientist must go through! This hands-on, real-world experience in scientific communication sharpens these young scientists’ skills and immerses them in the collaborative nature of research—an essential foundation for the next generation of scientists.
    After 7 years and 7 published volumes, Findings from the Field was ready to expand, and the Findings Student Research Symposium was launched. The Symposium was a success from the start, with 65 student scientists joining the event the first year and attendance climbing to 95 for year two. On March 10, 2025, GMRI (the anchor institution for the NASA Science Activation program’s Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) project) welcomed nearly 100 young scientists, ranging from grades 5-12. These students, representing eight schools across Maine and New Hampshire, came together to share their research and engage in an evolving, intergenerational scientific community—one that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and scientific discovery.
    Students presented their research through posters and live presentations, covering topics ranging from invasive green crab species, to the changing landscapes of Ash and Hemlock trees, and more. By connecting students with professional researchers, fostering peer discussions, and providing a platform for publishing legitimate scientific work, the Findings Symposium is a launch pad for the future of the scientific community.
    One important element of the Symposium is the opportunity for young scientists to dialogue with professional scientists. Students engaged with researchers from Markus Frederich’s lab at the University of New England, volunteers from local organizations like Unum and Avangrid, and expert staff from GMRI.
    Student Madalyn Bartlett from Sacoppee Valley Middle School shared, “It makes me feel really proud, because I get to talk to professional scientists that have a lot of experience in this, and it make me feel like I am contributing to something bigger than my school and my community.”
    These interactions emphasize that science isn’t confined to white coats and labs—it’s about curiosity, observation, and shared knowledge. The keynote speaker, Kat Gardner-Vandy from a former NASA Science Activation project team, Native Earth | Native Sky, reinforced this message, inspiring students to see themselves as vital contributors to science and our collective knowledge about the world.
    The Learning Ecosystems Northeast project is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AB94A and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about Learning Ecosystems Northeast: https://www.learningecosystemsnortheast.org/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s First Flight With Crew Important Step on Long-term Return to the Moon, Missions to Mars

    Source: NASA

    The Artemis II test flight will be NASA’s first mission with crew under Artemis. Astronauts on their first flight aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft will confirm all of the spacecraft’s systems operate as designed with crew aboard in the actual environment of deep space.  Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars – for the benefit of all.
    The unique Artemis II mission profile will build upon the uncrewed Artemis I flight test by demonstrating a broad range of SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion capabilities needed on deep space missions. This mission will prove Orion’s critical life support systems are ready to sustain our astronauts on longer duration missions ahead and allow the crew to practice operations essential to the success of Artemis III and beyond.
    Leaving Earth
    The mission will launch a crew of four astronauts from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a Block 1 configuration of the SLS rocket. Orion will perform multiple maneuvers to raise its orbit around Earth and eventually place the crew on a lunar free return trajectory in which Earth’s gravity will naturally pull Orion back home after flying by the Moon. The Artemis II astronauts are NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
    The initial launch will be similar to Artemis I as SLS lofts Orion into space, and then jettisons the boosters, service module panels, and launch abort system, before the core stage engines shut down and the core stage separates from the upper stage and the spacecraft. With crew aboard this mission, Orion and the upper stage, called the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS), will then orbit Earth twice to ensure Orion’s systems are working as expected while still close to home. The spacecraft will first reach an initial orbit, flying in the shape of an ellipse, at an altitude of about 115 by 1,400 miles. The orbit will last a little over 90 minutes and will include the first firing of the ICPS to maintain Orion’s path. After the first orbit, the ICPS will raise Orion to a high-Earth orbit. This maneuver will enable the spacecraft to build up enough speed for the eventual push toward the Moon. The second, larger orbit will take approximately 23.5 hours with Orion flying in an ellipse between about 115 and 46,000 miles above Earth. For perspective, the International Space Station flies a nearly circular Earth orbit about 250 miles above our planet. 
    After the burn to enter high-Earth orbit, Orion will separate from the upper stage. The expended stage will have one final use before it is disposed through Earth’s atmosphere—the crew will use it as a target for a proximity operations demonstration. During the demonstration, mission controllers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will monitor Orion as the astronauts transition the spacecraft to manual mode and pilot Orion’s flight path and orientation. The crew will use Orion’s onboard cameras and the view from the spacecraft’s windows to line up with the ICPS as they approach and back away from the stage to assess Orion’s handling qualities and related hardware and software. This demonstration will provide performance data and operational experience that cannot be readily gained on the ground in preparation for critical rendezvous, proximity operations and docking, as well as undocking operations in lunar orbit beginning on Artemis III.
    Checking Critical Systems
    Following the proximity operations demonstration, the crew will turn control of Orion back to mission controllers at Johnson and spend the remainder of the orbit verifying spacecraft system performance in the space environment. They will remove the Orion Crew Survival System suit they wear for launch and spend the remainder of the in-space mission in plain clothes, until they don their suits again to prepare for reentry into Earth’s atmosphere and recovery from the ocean.
    While still close to Earth, the crew will assess the performance of the life support systems necessary to generate breathable air and remove the carbon dioxide and water vapor produced when the astronauts breathe, talk, or exercise. The long orbital period around Earth provides an opportunity to test the systems during exercise periods, where the crew’s metabolic rate is the highest, and a sleep period, where the crew’s metabolic rate is the lowest. A change between the suit mode and cabin mode in the life support system, as well as performance of the system during exercise and sleep periods, will confirm the full range of life support system capabilities and ensure readiness for the lunar flyby portion of the mission.
    Orion will also checkout the communication and navigation systems to confirm they are ready for the trip to the Moon. While still in the elliptical orbit around Earth, Orion will briefly fly beyond the range of GPS satellites and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites of NASA’s Space Network to allow an early checkout of agency’s Deep Space Network communication and navigation capabilities. When Orion travels out to and around the Moon, mission control will depend on the Deep Space Network to communicate with the astronauts, send imagery to Earth, and command the spacecraft.
    After completing checkout procedures, Orion will perform the next propulsion move, called the translunar injection (TLI) burn. With the ICPS having done most of the work to put Orion into a high-Earth orbit, the service module will provide the last push needed to put Orion on a path toward the Moon. The TLI burn will send crew on an outbound trip of about four days and around the backside of the Moon where they will ultimately create a figure eight extending over 230,000 miles from Earth before Orion returns home.
    To the Moon and “Free” Ride Home
    On the remainder of the trip, astronauts will continue to evaluate the spacecraft’s systems, including demonstrating Earth departure and return operations, practicing emergency procedures, and testing the radiation shelter, among other activities.
    The Artemis II crew will travel approximately 4,600 miles beyond the far side of the Moon. From this vantage point, they will be able to see the Earth and the Moon from Orion’s windows, with the Moon close in the foreground and the Earth nearly a quarter-million miles in the background.
    With a return trip of about four days, the mission is expected to last about 10 days. Instead of requiring propulsion on the return, this fuel-efficient trajectory harnesses the Earth-Moon gravity field, ensuring that—after its trip around the far side of the Moon—Orion will be pulled back naturally by Earth’s gravity for the free return portion of the mission.
    Two Missions, Two Different Trajectories
    Following Artemis II, Orion and its crew will once again travel to the Moon, this time to make history when the next astronauts walk on the lunar surface. Beginning with Artemis III, missions will focus on establishing surface capabilities and building Gateway in orbit around the Moon.
    Through Artemis, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before and create an enduring presence in deep space.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Deep Space Network Starts New Dish, Marks 60 Years in Australia

    Source: NASA

    Canberra joined the global network in 1965 and operates four radio antennas. Now, preparations have begun on its fifth as NASA works to increase the network’s capacity.
    NASA’s Deep Space Network facility in Canberra, Australia celebrated its 60th anniversary on March 19 while also breaking ground on a new radio antenna. The pair of achievements are major milestones for the network, which communicates with spacecraft all over the solar system using giant dish antennas located at three complexes around the globe.
    Canberra’s newest addition, Deep Space Station 33, will be a 112-foot-wide (34-meter-wide) multifrequency beam-waveguide antenna. Buried mostly below ground, a massive concrete pedestal will house cutting-edge electronics and receivers in a climate-controlled room and provide a sturdy base for the reflector dish, which will rotate during operations on a steel platform called an alidade.

    “As we look back on 60 years of incredible accomplishments at Canberra, the groundbreaking of a new antenna is a symbol for the next 60 years of scientific discovery,” said Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Building cutting-edge antennas is also a symbol of how the Deep Space Network embraces new technologies to enable the exploration of a growing fleet of space missions.”
    When it goes online in 2029, the new Canberra dish will be the last of six parabolic dishes constructed under NASA’s Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement Program, which is helping to support current and future spacecraft and the increased volume of data they provide. The network’s Madrid facility christened a new dish in 2022, and the Goldstone, California, facility is putting the finishing touches on a new antenna. 
    Canberra’s Role
    The Deep Space Network was officially founded on Dec. 24, 1963, when NASA’s early ground stations, including Goldstone, were connected to the new network control center at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Called the Space Flight Operations Facility, that building remains the center through which data from the three global complexes flows.
    The Madrid facility joined in 1964, and Canberra went online in 1965, going on to help support hundreds of missions, including the Apollo Moon landings.

    “Canberra has played a crucial part in tracking, communicating, and collecting data from some of the most momentous missions in space history,” said Kevin Ferguson, director of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. “As the network continues to advance and grow, Canberra will continue to play a key role in supporting humanity’s exploration of the cosmos.”
    By being spaced equidistant from one another around the globe, the complexes can provide continual coverage of spacecraft, no matter where they are in the solar system as Earth rotates. There is an exception, however: Due to Canberra’s location in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the only one that can send commands to, and receive data from, Voyager 2 as it heads south almost 13 billion miles (21 billion kilometers) through interstellar space. More than 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) away, Voyager 1 sends its data down to the Madrid and Goldstone complexes, but it, too, can only receive commands via Canberra.
    New Technologies
    In addition to constructing more antennas like Canberra’s Deep Space Station 33, NASA is looking to the future by also experimenting with laser, or optical, communications to enable significantly more data to flow to and from Earth. The Deep Space Network currently relies on radio frequencies to communicate, but laser operates at a higher frequency, allowing more data to be transmitted.
    As part of that effort, NASA is flying the laser-based Deep Space Optical Communications experiment with the agency’s Psyche mission. Since the October 2023 launch, it has demonstrated high data rates over record-breaking distances and downlinked ultra-high definition streaming video from deep space.
    “These new technologies have the potential to boost the science and exploration returns of missions traveling throughout the solar system,” said Amy Smith, deputy project manager for the Deep Space Networkat JPL, which manages the network. “Laser and radio communications could even be combined to build hybrid antennas, or dishes that can communicate using both radio and optical frequencies at the same time. That could be a game changer for NASA.”
    For more information about the Deep Space Network, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/communicating-with-missions/dsn/

    News Media Contact
    Ian J. O’NeillJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-2649ian.j.oneill@jpl.nasa.gov
    2024-048

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Astronaut to Answer Questions from Students in Florida

    Source: NASA

    Students from Dade City, Florida, will have the chance to connect with NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers as she answers prerecorded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related questions from aboard the International Space Station.
    Watch the 20-minute space-to-Earth call at 1 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 11, on NASA+ and learn how to watch NASA content on various platforms, including social media.
    The event, hosted by Academy at the Farm and open to students and their families, will occur in Dade City. Academy at the Farm is a charter school that plans to use the event to connect the students with space exploration and the work being done aboard the space station.
    Media interested in covering the event must RSVP by 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, to Ashley Cantwell at acantwell@academyatthefarm.com or 813-957-8878.
    For more than 24 years, astronauts have continuously lived and worked aboard the space station, testing technologies, performing science, and developing skills needed to explore farther from Earth. Astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through SCaN’s (Space Communications and Navigation) Near Space Network.
    Important research and technology investigations taking place aboard the space station benefit people on Earth and lays the groundwork for other agency missions. As part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency will send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future human exploration of Mars; inspiring Artemis Generation explorers and ensuring the United States continues to lead in space exploration and discovery.
    See videos and lesson plans highlighting space station research at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation
    -end-
    Gerelle DodsonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600gerelle.q.dodson@nasa.gov
    Sandra JonesJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meet Alex Olley: Air Force Veteran Powering the Space Station 

    Source: NASA

    As an Air Force veteran from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Alex Olley now serves as a contract specialist in the International Space Station Procurement Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.  
    Olley joined NASA as a Pathways intern in January 2023 to turn his lifelong goal into a reality—bringing his unique experience in the defense and space industries to support one of humanity’s most ambitious endeavors. 

    Olley manages the procurement of supplies, services, and research for the International Space Station. His role requires sharp attention to federal regulations and a deep understanding of business practices, all while supporting the astronauts who live and work 250 miles above Earth. 
    “I take great pride in the opportunity that I get to contribute to NASA’s mission each day,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful for my time here, and it feels like a significant achievement, especially because many of my friends and family have shared how inspired they are to pursue their own goals as a result.” 

    A quote shared by Johnson’s director of the Office of Procurement, Bradley Niese, became a guiding principle that has shaped Olley’s NASA experience: “People are the mission, and if we take care of the people, the mission will take care of itself.”  
    That mindset has taught him the value of building relationships within the office, which, he says, often leads to smoother operations and greater motivation. 
    “It’s much easier to be passionate about the mission when you know everyone around you shares the same dedication,” he said. “With such a strong support system, I’ve learned that I can achieve anything, no matter how challenging or confusing the task may seem at first.” 
    Early on, however, he struggled with imposter syndrome. “I felt like I didn’t belong or wasn’t good enough to contribute meaningfully toward our goals,” said Olley. “I overcame that feeling by taking a chance and sharing my thoughts on a work process.” 
    To his surprise, his team embraced the idea—and implemented it. That moment became a turning point, eventually leading to Olley becoming one of the office leaders for a wellness initiative called Better toGether—a creative nod to their office code, “BG.” The program was designed to promote physical and mental well-being in the workplace through activities like NASA Moves, an agencywide challenge that encourages employees to track their steps and commit to at least 20 minutes of physical activity each day. Twice a week, Olley leads brief team meetings focused on desk-friendly wellness tips such as stretches to prevent carpal tunnel and improve posture.  

    As NASA looks toward the Moon and Mars through Artemis, Olley is focused on uplifting the Artemis Generation. 
    “I want to pass on my perspective on Johnson’s mission: Dare, Unite, and Explore,” he said. “DARE to take on the challenge and face it head on, UNITE with your peers, and never be afraid to EXPLORE the unknown.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Kick Off 31st Annual Rover Competition

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s annual Human Exploration Rover Challenge returns Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, with student teams competing at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Aviation Challenge course near the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
    Media are invited to watch as hundreds of students from around the world attempt to navigate a complex obstacle course by piloting a vehicle of their own design and production. Media interested in attending or setting up interviews should contact Taylor Goodwin in the Marshall Office of Communications at 938-210-2891 no later than 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10. 
    In addition to the traditional human-powered rover division, this year’s competition expands the challenge to include a remote-control division. The 2025 HERC Handbook includes guidelines for the new remote-control division and updates for the human-powered division.
    Participating teams represent 35 colleges and universities, 38 high schools, and two middle schools from 20 states, Puerto Rico, and 16 other nations.
    The event is free and open to the public, with rover excursions from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT each day, or until the last rover completes the obstacle course. 
    Following the competition, NASA will host an in-person awards ceremony Saturday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. inside the Space Camp Operations Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. NASA and industry sponsors will present multiple awards highlighting team successes throughout the past eight-months-long engineering design project, including awards for best rover design, best pit crew, best social media presence, and many other accomplishments. 
    About the Challenge Recognized as NASA’s leading international student challenge, the Human Exploration Rover Challenge aims to put competitors in the mindset of NASA’s Artemis campaign.  Teams pitch an engineering design for a lunar rover which simulates astronauts exploring the lunar surface while overcoming various obstacles. Eligible teams compete to be among the top three finishers in their divisions, and to win multiple awards, including best vehicle design, best rookie team, and more.  
    The annual challenge draws hundreds of students from around the world and reflects the goals of NASA’s Artemis campaign, which will establish the first long-term presence on the Moon and pave the way for eventual missions to Mars. 
    The event was launched in 1994 as the NASA Great Moonbuggy Race – a collegiate competition to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. It expanded in 1996 to include high school teams, evolving again in 2014 into the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Since its inception, more than 15,000 students have participated – with many former students now working in the aerospace industry, including with NASA.   
    The Human Exploration Rover Challenge is managed by NASA Marshall’s Southeast Regional Office of STEM Engagement and is one of eight Artemis Student Challenges. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement uses challenges and competitions to further the agency’s goal of encouraging students to pursue degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  
    To learn more about the challenge, visit: 
    https://www.nasa.gov/roverchallenge/
    Taylor Goodwin 256-544-0034Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabamataylor.goodwin@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Welcomes Bangladesh as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory

    Source: NASA

    Following a signing ceremony Tuesday in Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka, NASA congratulates Bangladesh as the 54th nation to commit to the safe and responsible exploration of space that benefits humanity.
    “We are thrilled by Bangladesh’s signature of the Accords,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. “Bangladesh affirms its role in shaping the future of space exploration. This is about ensuring that our journey to the Moon – and beyond – is peaceful, sustainable, and transparent. We look forward to working together, to learning from one another, and to seeing how Bangladesh’s incredible talent and vision contribute to humanity’s next great chapter in space.”
    Ashraf Uddin, the secretary of defense for Bangladesh,signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country. Charge d’Affaires Tracey Jacobson for the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, participated in the event, and Petro contributed remarks in a pre-recorded video message.
    “Bangladesh’s commitment to the Artemis Accords will enhance the country’s engagement with NASA and the international community,” said Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. “By signing the accords, Bangladesh builds upon an important foundation for the open, responsible and peaceful exploration of space.”
    In 2020, the United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, and seven other initial signatory nations established the Artemis Accords, a first-ever set of practical guidelines for nations to increase safety of operations and reduce risk and uncertainty in their civil exploration activities. That group of signatories has grown to more than 50 countries today.
    The Artemis Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements, including the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices for responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. 
    Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords
    -end-
    Amber Jacobson / Jennifer DoorenHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600amber.c.jacobson@nasa.gov / jennifer.m.dooren@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Library workers are always there for our communities – now, let’s be there for them

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National Library Workers’ Day on April 8, 2025:

    “This National Library Workers’ Day, AFSCME proudly salutes the dedicated workers who power our nation’s public libraries — safe havens of learning, opportunity and respite. Whether it’s helping a child discover the joy of reading, assisting job seekers, or connecting people with vital resources, library workers are the unsung heroes at the heart of every community.

    “We are proud to count tens of thousands of these essential workers in our union family — the librarians, assistants, clerks, tech specialists, and more who keep our libraries running and our communities strong. But despite their vital contributions, library workers are facing rising threats on the job, from shrinking budgets to censorship, intimidation, and even violence. The Trump administration is defunding the only federal agency which support libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, while Congress is considering massive cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs that will cripple state and local investment in all public services — including libraries.

    “AFSCME members nationwide are getting organized in response to these attacks. We’re growing our union, building strength in numbers and taking a collective stand against anti-worker efforts to defund our public services. If billionaires want to rob our communities of our libraries, they’ll have to go through the labor movement — and we are not moving.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sixty Years in Canberra: NASA’s Deep Space Network

    Source: NASA

    Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43), a 230-foot-wide (70-meter-wide) radio antenna at NASA’s Deep Space Network facility in Canberra, Australia, is seen in this March 4, 2020, image. DSS-43 was more than six times as sensitive as the original antenna at the Canberra complex, so it could communicate with spacecraft at greater distances from Earth. In fact, Canberra is the only complex that can send commands to, and receive data from, Voyager 2 as it heads south almost 13 billion miles (21 billion kilometers) through interstellar space. More than 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) away, Voyager 1 sends its data down to the Madrid and Goldstone complexes, but it, too, can only receive commands via Canberra.
    As the Canberra facility celebrated its 60th anniversary on March 19, 2025, work began on a new radio antenna. Canberra’s newest addition, Deep Space Station 33, will be a 112-foot-wide (34-meter-wide) multifrequency beam-waveguide antenna. Buried mostly below ground, a massive concrete pedestal will house cutting-edge electronics and receivers in a climate-controlled room and provide a sturdy base for the reflector dish, which will rotate during operations on a steel platform called an alidade.
    When it goes online in 2029, the new Canberra dish will be the last of six parabolic dishes constructed under NASA’s Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement Program, which is helping to support current and future spacecraft and the increased volume of data they provide. The network’s Madrid facility christened a new dish in 2022, and the Goldstone, California, facility is putting the finishing touches on a new antenna.
    Image credit: NASA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Style Guidelines for ‘The Earth Observer’ Newsletter 

    Source: NASA

    Introduction

    The Earth Observer Editorial Process

    Types of Articles in The Earth ObserverGeneral article format— Announcement article— Feature article— Hybrid article— In Memoriam article— Kudos article— Summary article

    Guidelines for Preparing Articles for The Earth Observer— Writing for the web— Catchy headline— Naming files— Use visuals to draw the reader in— Search engine optimization—— Headline and subheads—— Links—— Alternate text for graphics— Submitting An Outline— Submitting Your Draft

    Specific Style Guidelines— Acronyms— Affiliations— Capitalize Earth, Moon, Sun— Chemical formulas— Compound words— Cross-references— Dates, months, and seasons— Directions and regions— Footnotes— Formal titles— Hyperlinks, the how and the why—— How to insert a hyperlink— Hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes—oh my!!— Italics and quotes— Items in a series— Numbers— Ordinal numbers— References— References to teams— State abbreviations— Typographical emphasis

    Guidelines for Graphics, Photos, Visualizations, Animations— Inserting figures, photos, animations, and visualizations— Caption, credit, and tags— Graphic/photo requirements

    Final Thoughts

    Introduction
    This document contains guidelines to assist you as you prepare articles for The Earth Observer (EO) newsletter. Our Editorial Team appreciates your cooperation in keeping these guidelines in mind as you prepare articles for submission. Our team reviews every article, but following the style guidelines will expedite the editorial process.
    Please be aware that this style guide is a living document and as such continues to evolve. If it has been a while since you have submitted an article for The Earth Observer, please be sure you are using the latest version of the Style Guide. The date of the most recent update is printed in the footer of the document to make it easier to maintain the most current version of the document.
    Editing is sometimes more art than science, and while the Editorial Team will endeavor to follow the rules that follow in most cases, there may be specific cases where the Executive Editor may decide to deviate from these guidelines.
    The Earth Observer Editorial Process 
    The EO has a robust editorial team to assist with the editorial process to maintain the quality and style of the publication.
    The EO editorial staff includes:

    The editorial process is iterative. The author will typically go through two rounds of edits with the EO Editorial Team. The text is then put into a preview layout on a staging server for the author’s final review before the story is published on the EO website.
    Types of Articles in The Earth Observer
    The Earth Observer provides authors an opportunity to tell their compelling stories of Earth Science. As such it does not impose strict word count limits, but the EO has established certain general guidelines that provide a framework to follow for several types of articles.
    General article format
    Please write articles in MS Word and save as a .doc file.
    The article should begin with an introduction that provides the essentials – who, what, where, when, and why – to provide the reader with an overview of the topic to be discussed. For articles about meetings include the number of people who attended (e.g., in-person and virtual) and the objective of the meeting.
    The introduction paragraph is followed by a transition paragraph that takes the reader into the main content of the article. The article should wrap up with a conclusion.
    The suggested page length for each type of article includes inserted visual elements. In addition to the Word file, please also send separate higher resolution files for graphics, photos, animations, or visualizations. More specific requirements are available in the Guidelines for Graphics, Photos, Visualizations, Animations.
    Announcement article
    Announcement articles promote a variety of topics. Historically this type of article includes releases of new or updated Earth Science data products, information on new tools for processing and viewing data, previews of outreach activities for the Science Support Office (e.g., AGU, Earth Day), and details on upcoming science meetings or workshops (i.e., beyond the information conveyed on the NASA science calendar).
    The article is structured like a Feature article, but it is shorter, no more than two pages, including graphics and captions – see Guidelines for Graphics, Photos, Visualizations, Animations.

    For Example: NASA Invites You to Create Landsat-Inspired Arts and Crafts, The Earth Observer, Mar–Apr 2021, 33:4, 13–14. Other examples are available on the archived issues of The Earth Observer.

    If you have an idea for an Announcement article, please email the EO Editorial Team who will work with you on a draft. The EO Editorial Team emails are available in the section – The Earth Observer Editorial Process
    Feature article
    Feature articles cover a wide range of Earth science topics, including satellite mission launches and historic milestones, field campaign updates, data processing tool tutorials, and summaries of NASA Science Support Office outreach events. Typically, these articles span ~8–14 pages (3000–4000 words). There are cases where longer or shorter articles are acceptable.
    A photo essay format for some topics, such as outreach event summaries, offer an option to convey a significant portion of the information using a collection of photos and descriptive captions.

    For Example: Looking Back on Looking Up: The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

    If you have an idea for an Feature article, please email the EO Editorial Team who will work with you on a draft. The EO Editorial Team emails are available in the section – The Earth Observer Editorial Process
    Hybrid article
    Hybrid articles combine elements of a Feature and a Summary article. Often, these articles start with a few pages of descriptive text about the subject, followed by a summary of a particular meeting. Owing to their hybrid nature, these articles tend to run a bit longer than the standard Summary article. These articles typically range between 8–12 pages (3000–5000 words.)
    If you have an idea for a Hybrid article, please email the EO Editorial Team who will work with you on a draft. The EO Editorial Team emails are available in the section – The Earth Observer Editorial Process
    In Memoriam article
    In Memoriam articles recognize individuals who have played prominent roles in NASA Earth Science. These articles tend to include biographical information about the deceased individual, a brief mention of their education, and a summary of their major career achievements – with emphasis on achievements related to NASA. A typical In Memoriam article layout includes one or more photos, including one of the person being memorialized.

    For Example: In Memoriam: Mary Cleave [1947–2023] The In Memoriam link provides recent examples of In Memoriam articles published in The Earth Observer. Other articles are available by searching the publication’s archived issues.

    This type of article is structured like a Feature article with the exception that the subject is referred to by their first name. In Memoriam drafts should be no more than two pages in Word – including graphics and captions – see Guidelines for Graphics, Photos, Visualizations, Animations.
    If you know someone to eulogize in The Earth Observer for their contributions to NASA Earth Science, please email the EO Editorial Team who will work with you on a draft. The EO Editorial Team emails are available in the section – The Earth Observer Editorial Process
    Kudos article
    Kudos articles acknowledges individuals or groups either within or connected to (funded by) NASA who receive significant NASA-wide awards.
    A Kudo article follows a structure similar to a Feature article. It should be a maximum of one page in Word – including a photo of person(s) or group being honored – see Guidelines for Graphics, Photos, Visualizations, Animations.

    For Example: MOPITT Canadian Principal Investigator Receives Two Awards, The Earth Observer, Mar–Apr 2021, 33:2, 28 [bottom]. Other examples are available by searching through archived issues of The Earth Observer.

    If you know an individual or a group of people worthy of recognition for their NASA-related achievement, please email the EO Editorial Team who will work with you on a draft submission. The EO Editorial Team emails are available in the section – The Earth Observer Editorial Process
    Summary article
    Summary articles provide an overview of recent scientific meetings and/or workshops. Ideally, a Summary article should be no more than 6 pages (~2500 words).
    Provide the flavor of the event rather than describe it in detail. Summarize the overall nature and sense of sessions. The Editorial Team has found that a mix of narrative descriptions of key (usually programmatic) presentations (e.g., plenary sessions) and summaries with less detail for the remaining (e.g., technical) presentations is optimum.
    Now that The Earth Observer is published online, it is the view of the Editorial Team format summary articles using a “minutes-style” report of the meeting. While space no longer precludes publishing such an article as it did in the past, the format does not translate well to the online communication medium. Unless a reader is really interested in the specific topic(s) discussed in the article, it is likely that they will not scroll through to the end – no matter how nice the layout looks.
    If you have an idea for a Summary article, please email the EO Editorial Team who will work with you on a draft. The EO Editorial Team emails are available in the section – The Earth Observer Editorial Process
    Guidelines for Preparing Articles for The Earth Observer
    EOis a hybrid publication, landing somewhere between a science journal and popular science magazine. Therefore, the focus should be on phenomena rather than data. The article provides an opportunity to publicize your mission, research to ~1653 subscribers (as of August 2024) around the world. Please review the content in this guideline before writing your article and reach out to the Editorial Team if you have any questions.
    Writing for the web
    The EO audience ranges from scientists to the general public. When writing an article, use plain language and active voice. When in doubt, write the article so that it would be understandable to a friend or relative not in the field.

    For Example:
    Passive voice: The rate of evaporation is controlled by the size of an opening.
    Active voice: The size of an opening controls the rate of evaporation.

    Avoid using jargon and technical language. When it is necessary to use technical language, please use ITALICS to offset the word in the text. Follow the italicized word with a brief definition or explanation.

    For Example: Inference – formally derived uncertainty for area estimates of biomass, height, or other metrics – can take different forms, each of which includes specific assumptions. In this breakout session, participants considered the strengths and limitations of different inference types (e.g., intensity of computation or the ability to use different models).

    Writing content for a website differs from print. The human eye is more inclined to read shorter paragraphs separated by breaks. It is ideal to keep sentences and paragraphs short.
    Use one space after a period. The two spaces after a period is an artifact of conventional type writers.
    Avoid editorializing in the article. For example, do not characterize a spacewalk as “daring” or “dangerous.” Describe the events factually. If things are described well, readers easily can decide for themselves whether they are daring or dangerous. Never, under any circumstances, insert any personal, political, ideological, or religious opinions or beliefs into NASA news media products.
    Catchy headline
    Write a headline that is short, searchable, and shareable. Try to keep the headline to 60 characters (including spaces). Longer headlines may be invisible to search engines.
    Unlike journal articles, The Earth Observer only includes individuals who made a significant contributions to the EO article. A typical article should only lists one or two authors. In some occasions, an article may have up to four authors. The authors should be formatted as follows:
    First Last, Organization, author email
    If there are more you wish to give credit, consider doing so in an Acknowledgment section, as discussed in the next paragraph.
    Naming files
    For consistency moving documents through the editorial process, please name the file by the file type, the topic, and the author’s last name.

    For Example: announcement_topic_author
     feature_topic_author
     hybrid_topic_author
     memoriam_topic_author
     kudos_topic_author
     summary_topic_author

    Use visuals to draw the reader in
    The Earth Observer is now published online. Visual elements are critical to all EO stories and are a required element to submissions. The Editorial Team would prefer having too many graphics (i.e., photos, figures, animations, and visualizations) than too few. It is helpful to insert this content into the Word file as well as include the graphics as separate files at the time of the initial submission of the draft for editorial review. See the Guidelines for Graphics, Photos, Visualizations, Animations section for more information.
    Search engine optimization
    Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a broad set of techniques to capitalize how search engines, such as Google, scrub content on the internet. By optimizing how articles are written, it is possible to influence where content shows up in an organic, online search. The different approaches can fill an entire book. This style guide provides a few pointers to help tweak articles to optimize how the content appears in online searches.
    Headline and subheads
    A headline should be clear and compelling to reveal what the content is about as well as entice the searcher to click for more. A SEO headline is a ranking factor in search engine results. A headline can be crafted to rank higher in search results, which increases an article’s visibility and generate more clicks. This can be done by using SEO search terms — those terms that a person would type into a search box — in the headline. Shorter headlines (i.e., 60 characters including spaces) are often more effective during searches.
    Subheads provide a way to organize an article and separates the content into digestible sections. Like headlines, subheads can be optimized for SEO searches. Subheads may include key takeaways from the specific section. Keep subheads clear and concise.
    Links
    Earth Observer articles are now being posted online. Footnotes are no longer a functional option, which is a significant change for authors who have published articles in our print issues in the past. It is helpful to hyperlink words or short phrases in the article that directs the reader to additional content from the meeting, such as presentations, poster sessions, talks by attendees, programs/satellites, journal articles, etc. Relevant links should also be added to captions. See the Hyperlinks section for guidance on how to insert and format a hyperlink in the article.
    Internal links tie content in the article to other pages within an organization, such as NASA, to boost site authority. External links direct a reader to sites outside the organization. This approach also drives up site authority in SEO searches. By connecting relevant pages, it will improve article navigation and ensure users can locate relevant information.
    Alternate text for graphics
    Alternate text, or alt text, is the small description added to visual elements on the back end of a website. Search engines use the alt text to identify relevant content. Alt text also improves accessibility for all users. Tools that read webpages aloud can read alt text to help explain what visual elements contain for the visually impaired.
    Alt text should be concise, accurate, and use keywords. Keywords are highly relevant words or phrases associated with the picture and the content of the article.

    For Example: Figure 1. Forty SWOT Early Adopter (EA) teams span the globe with a wide range of operational and applied science project topics.
    Figure credit: NASA
    Key word tag: A global map showing the locations of early adopter organizations.

    Submitting An Outline
    An outline is not requiredprior to submitting the first draft of an article, but an outline may be beneficial for lengthy articles (i.e., features, hybrids). Outlines are particularly helpful for first-time authors or when an author is seeking guidance about the appropriateness of content for The Earth Observer. It is hard for the team to comment without seeing something in writing. More generally, submitting an outline presents an opportunity for the editorial team to provide input on the article during the writing process – as opposed to waiting until the first draft is submitted.
    Submitting Your Draft
    Do not submit a draft for review unless it is complete (i.e., contains all visual elements, captions, credits, and content). Unless you clearly indicate otherwise, the Editorial Team will assume your submission is ready for them to review. Version control problems result when text is updated after reviews have started.
    The initial draft submitted for editorial review should include graphics. including captions and credits. The editorial process is delayed when graphics, credits, and captions are added iteratively once the process has begun.
    Specific Style Guidelines
    Over more than 35 years as a NASA publication, The Earth Observer has developed its own unique style. Please review these specific guidelines detailed below, and let the Editorial Team know if you have any questions. In addition, The Earth Observer also adheres to the NASA Stylebook and Communications Manual, 9th edition (June 2020), which is closely aligned with the AP Stylebook.
    Acronyms
    Science is rife with acronyms. On first usage, always spell out the acronym and follow with the acronym in parenthesis. From that point on in the article, use the acronym. To ensure photos, figures, visualizations, and animations are understandable if removed from the larger text, please spell out acronyms in captions.
    Well-known acronyms (e.g., NASA, U.S., etc.) do not need to be spelled out. Separate the acronym for United States (e.g., U.S.) and United Kingdom (e.g., U.K.) with periods.

    For Example: Level-1 (L1), Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), International Space Station (ISS), Precision Orbit Determination (POD), etc.

    Only capitalize proper nouns as defined by the dictionary or AP style. The Earth Observer style does capitalize the first letter of a specific product that will be turned into an acronym.

    For Example: Do not capitalize the first letter of each word in “solid rocket booster (SBR),” even though the subsequent use of the acronym SRB will appear in the article.

    A compound acronym arises when parentheses occur inside of parentheses. In this situation, use [BRACKETS] for the outer set of parentheses and (PARENTHESES) for those inside.

    For Example: Thomas Neumann [GSFC—Deputy Director of GSFC’s Earth Sciences Division (ESD)] welcomed meeting participants on behalf of the ESD.

    Affiliations
    Use a possessive for an organization when it is part of NASA. Do not use a possessive when using the agency as an adjective.

    For Example: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC); subsequent references would just use “GSFC.”

    For Example: SWOT data products available through PO.DAAC provides centralized, searchable access that is available using an in-cloud commercial web service through the NASA EarthData portal.

    Write out an organization that is not part of NASA.

    For Example: Gustavo Oliveira [Clark University] presented details on the project “Irrigation as Climate-Change Adaptation in the Cerrado Biome of Brazil.”

    When multiple “levels” of affiliation are listed, start with the “top-level” affiliation as a possessive followed by lower level. If the affiliations are mentioned again later in the article, only the acronym for the lowest level needs to be repeated.

    For Example: For NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), subsequent references to this entity would be “GMAO.”

    For Example: For University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), subsequent references to this entity would be “ESSIC.”

    When a person is affiliated with two (or more) distinct entities, separate the two entities by slashes.

    For Example: Project Scientist Felix Landerer (NASA/JPL), followed by detailed assessments of the G-FO mission and operations status from the core SDS centers and flight operations teams.

    When a NASA Center and contractor are listed, please list the NASA Center followed by contractor and separate the two entities by a slash.

    For Example: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)/Global Science & Technology, Inc. (GST).

    Capitalize Earth, Moon, Sun
    NASA capitalizes the first letter in Earth, Moon, and Sun.In addition, do not use the modified ‘the’ before Earth.

    For Example: This strategy acknowledges the urgency of global changes, such as accelerating environmental shifts, understanding Earth’s interconnected systems, and developing scalable information.

    Chemical formulas
    Chemical formulas should be treated like acronyms. Spell out a chemical formula upon first use in an article followed by the chemical formula in parenthesis. Use appropriate subscripts and superscripts in the chemical formula. From that point onward, use the chemical formula in the article.

    For Example: The data show that global and East Asian emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) have decreased since 2010, contrasting India and Southeast Asia’s rising trends. In Southeast Asia, NOx and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions increased from 1990–2018, while black carbon (BC) emissions peaked in 2007.

    Compound words
    Make one word out of all compound words (e.g., multipurpose, multiangle).
    Exception: Hyphenate cases where the same vowel repeats (e.g., bio-optical, multi-imager).
    Cross-references
    It is common to reference a previous EO article to provide context and background for the current story. The Editorial Staff recommends authors cross-reference prior EOarticle. The title of the article, volume, issue, and page range in parenthesis. The information should be italicized, except for “The Earth Observer,” which should be plain text.
    The name of the cross-referenced article should be hyperlinked to that article. You can find past Earth Observer newsletters on the archive page.

    For Example: ESIP was created in response to a National Research Council (NRC) review of the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). (To learn more about EOSDIS, see Earth Science Data Operations: Acquiring, Distributing, and Delivering NASA Data for the Benefit of Society, in the March–April 2017 issue of The Earth Observer [Volume 29, Issue 2, pp. 4–18].) As NASA’s first Earth Observing System (EOS) missions were launching or preparing to launch, the NRC called on NASA to develop a new, distributed structure that would be operated and managed by the Earth science community and would include observation and research, application, and education data.

    Dates, months, and seasons
    When referencing a date, spell out the month, followed by the day (if included) and year. This style differs from AP. A comma always follows a year if the date is written in-line of the sentence.

    For Example: January 27, 2022; January 2022
    For Example: PACE launched on February 8, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

    Capitalize a season followed by a year, but not when just referring to a season.

    For Example: Spring 2022; summer

    Spell out time zones, such as Eastern Daylight Time, and thereafter replace with the acronym (i.e., EDT).

    For Example: In Cleveland, the eclipse began at 1:59 PM. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), with totality spanning 3:13–3:17 PM.

    Directions and regions
    EO articles follow AP style for directions (e.g., north, south, east, west, northeast, southwest, norther, western, southern, eastern). The directions should be lowercase when indicating a compass direction and when it is used to describe sections of states or cities.

    For Example: The cold front is moving east.

    The direction should be capitalized for a proper name or large regions. 

    For Example: NASA’s South/Southeast Asia Research Initiative (SARI) is a regional initiative under the LCLUC program that addresses the critical needs of the South/Southeast Asia region.
    For Example: West Virginia or North Dakota

    Footnotes
    The Earth Observer has transitioned to an online publication. Footnotes will no longer be used in articles. Instead of footnotes, the publication will use hyperlinks to direct readers to additional content. Refer to the section on Hyperlinks for more information on how to include a hyperlink in an article. A good mantra to follow – if you are unsure if a reference is needed, leave it out.
    Formal titles
    Formal titles, such as Ms. or Dr., are used in articles that are more personal, such as Kudos, In Memoriam, and The Editor’s Corner. For all other articles, the professional title is not used. When you introduce a person in the story, present the name in BOLD followed by their agency and position in ITALICS, offset by brackets.

    For Example: First Last [Agency—Job Title] began by providing an update on the status of the new launch date for the. . . .

    After the individual is introduced in the article, EO style follows a particular style for using the name again. If the individual’s name is included in the same paragraph where the person was introduced, only use the last name [UNBOLD]. If the individual is mentioned later in the article, several paragraphs removed from introduction, use the full name [FIRST LAST, UNBOLD].
    Hyperlinks, the how and the why
    Prior to moving online, The Earth Observer used footnotes to reference information in an article. The online publication will now use hyperlinks to refer the reader to additional content on a topic. As a general rule, hyperlink content regarding missions, instruments, field campaigns, models, papers, and other programs named in the article. It is not necessary to link to each individual institution mentioned when individuals are identified in summaries.
    How to insert a hyperlink
    The first step in this process is to identify the anchor text to highlight in the sentence. The anchor text includes a word or phrase that points the reader to additional content.

    For Example: Anchor text: Volume 35 Issue 6 of The Earth Observer

    Find the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for the webpage. The URL is an address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet.

    For Example: URL: https://eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/eo_pdfs/EO%20Nov-Dec%202023-Digital%20508.pdf

    Note: When inserting a link to a prior published article from The Earth Observer’s archive, be certain to capture the URL for the first page of the referenced article, as opposed to the issue’s first page.
    To insert a hyperlink, copy the URL from the website where the additional content can be found. Select the word or phrase to use as anchor text. Do not include an acronym as part of the anchor text for a hyperlink. Select the hyperlink command under the Insert dropdown menu. Paste the URL into the link box. Be sure the ‘Web Page or File’ tab is selected (not the Email tab). The hyperlinked text will appear blue and underlined.

    For Example: It is possible to find this information in Volume 35 Issue 6 of The Earth Observer.
    For Example: The Hyperwall presentation highlighted recent discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mission.

    Hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes—oh my!!
    Hyphen: – A hyphen is used to separate compound adjectives or words.

    For Example: The satellite reached a near-Earth orbit.

    En Dash: – An en dash spans the length of a typed lowercase ‘n.’ This special character is used to separate numbers.

    For Example: The meeting was held March 5–8 in Denver, CO. [Note there is no space between the numbers in this example.]

    The Earth Observer style follows the NASA style guide that uses an en dash to insert a pause in the sentence. The en dash is set apart by a space on either side. In this instance, the en dash is used instead of an em dash.

    For Example: The passport identified six hidden images – all six posters from the Science Explorers Poster Series– strategically placed within the exhibit’s perimeter.

    You can insert an en dash in Word on a Mac by typing the “Option” and “hyphen/dash” keys simultaneously.
    You can also insert an en dash in Word using the Insert tab and select Advanced Symbols. A box will open with a variety of characters. Select “Garamond” from the Font pulldown menu (Garamond is the newsletter’s preferred font), then select the – symbol (or “en dash”) from the array of options displayed. You will then see a confirmation of your selection appear below the symbol options (i.e., “Insert [Garamond] character 150 (Unicode character 2013).” Please note: the character number (150 in the case of Garamond) could be different. For example, an en dash in Palatino font is character 208.

    Em Dash: — An em dash spans the length of a typed lowercase ‘m.’ This special character is used when separating the organization and the job title when introducing a person in the article. In other styles, the em dash is used as a pause in a sentence. Following NASA style guidelines, the pause is provided by the en dash.

    For Example: Thomas Neumann [GSFC—Deputy Director of GSFC’s Earth Sciences Division (ESD)] welcomed meeting participants on behalf of the ESD.

    You can insert an em dash in Word by going to the Insert tab and selecting Advanced Symbols. A box will open with a variety of characters. Select character 151. For more detailed guidance, please refer to the section above regarding how to insert an en dash.

    Italics and quotes
    Place Latin phrases in ITALICS (e.g., in situ, a priori, ad hoc, ex officio) on every appearance in the article. Do not italicize abbreviated Latin phrases (e.g., i.e., a.k.a., et al.). Use the Latin phrase i.e., instead of ‘such as’ and e.g., instead of ‘that is to say.’

    For Example: The Afternoon Satellite Constellation, a.k.a., the“A-Train,” can see Earth in a whole new dimension.
    For Example: Guy Schumann [Water in Sight]explained this Swedish start-up company uses SWOT data to validate in situ gauge data in Malawi.

    Place technical language in the text in ITALICS followed by a definition. Only use the italics on the first usage of the word.

    For Example:There were several large polynyas – areas of open ice where sea ice would be expected – detected.

    Items in a series
    The Earth Observerdeviates from AP style in the use of commas in a list or series. Use the Oxford comma in a series of items.

    For Example: The sensor measures at three different wavelengths corresponding to blue, green, red, and infrared light.

    In more complex series where one of the items is a series of items within a series, it is permissible to use semi-colons to separate the series (see below).

    For Example: The blue, green, and red channels; the two-infrared channels; and ultraviolet channel were all impacted.

    Numbers
    In the article, spell out zero to nine. Use numerals for any number greater than or equal to 10. If a sentence contains several numbers, excluding a year, that are both greater than and less than 10, use the numerals for all numbers.

    For Example: Improving the data calibrations of the acceler­ometer measurements – which are noise contaminated on one of the two G-FO spacecraft – remains a core focus of the project SDS team.
    For Example: The NASA Hyperwall served as the backdrop for 57 Hyperwall Storiesat the meeting, including 8 presentations delivered by the 2023 winnersof the AGU Michael Freilich Student Visualization Competition.
    For Example: Following the project team’s status presentations, there was a 30-minute session to answer questions from the science community and discuss in more detail the mission performance, near-term operations and data processing plans, as well as to gather suggestions and feedback from the community.

    Ordinal numbers
    Ordinal numbers are words representing position or rank in sequential order. The EO follows AP rules in how to present ordinal numbers in an article. Spell out one through nine and use figures for 10 and above. This rule holds for article headlines and subheads.

    For Example: AEOIP Holds Third Annual Workshop
    For Example: As GPM is now well into its 10th year in orbit, the time is fitting to reflect on and celebrate what this mission has accomplished and showcase its contributions to science and society.

    References
    The Earth Observer is not a peer-reviewed journal and typically does not include a list of references. It is helpful to hyperlink key words/phrases to other resources, such as journal articles. See Hyperlinks section to learn how to insert and format this text.
    In rare instances when a formal reference is required (e.g., referencing a Figure that originally appeared in another journal article), please use theAmerican Meteorological Society format.
    References to teams
    In a story, spell out “Science Team (ST)” in the first instance and use the team acronym from that point forward in the story.

    For Example: The Precipitation Measurement Mission (PMM) Science Team (ST) includes more than 20 international partners.

    For other named teams, use the initial caps for the team name and then use “Team” as shorthand afterwards (e.g., “Informatics Team” first time, then abbreviate as “Team” subsequently).
    Do not capitalize generic references to a team (e.g., a team of experts).
    State abbreviations
    The Earth Observer differs from AP style in how it presents state abbreviations. This publication uses the two-letter postal code for state abbreviations.

    For Example: The meeting was held March 5–8 in Denver, CO.

    Typographical emphasis
    Please do not use specialized typographic formatting (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.). Instead, please use internal formatting (e.g., BOLD and ITALIC) as directed in the style guide (e.g., headings, subheads, author/speaker names, etc.). If you do use the specialized typographic formatting, it affects the insertion and layout of text on the EO website, which takes time to correct and slows publication.
    When inserting a table, do not use framed or shaded boxes.
    Units
    Do not spell out units. Use the standard abbreviation. Include both English and metric units in the text. One exception is The Editor’s Corner column, which does not use both the English and metric units.

    For Example: The data collected from G/G-FO has a native resolution of about 300 km (~186 mi).

    Guidelines for Graphics, Photos, Visualizations, Animations
    The EO supports several visual options to enhance the text of an article. A figure refers to a visual display of data. An photo refers to a photograph. An animation is a series of images or model results that illustrate a concept. A visualization is a video of content.
    To maintain a consistent design for The Earth Observer, please insert the graphic, photo, animation, or visualization in the appropriate location in the Word document. Along with the Word document, please submit the photo, graphic, visualization, or animation as separate files.
    Inserting figures, photos, animations, and visualizations
    Upon first usage in the text, include the correct graphic descriptor (i.e., figure, photo, animation, or visualization) and appropriate number in the text in bold. Restart numbering for each visual element type (e.g., Figure 1, Photo 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Photo 2, Visualization 1).

    For Example: The GMI is a 13-channel conically scanning PMW radiometer providing observations across a wide swath (885 km or ~550 mi) to estimate precipitation – see Figure 1.

    The EO editorial staff ask that no additional formatting be used when inserting these files into the Word document. At the location in the text where the photo, figure, animation, or visualization should appear in the story, advance the text by two lines. Place the cursor in the first blank line. Go to the insert tab and select the picture icon. Select ‘Picture from File’ from the dropdown. Navigate to the location on your computer where the file is located and select ‘Insert.’

    Caption, credit, and tags
    After inserting the figure, photo, visualization, or animation, provide a caption and credit. It is important to think of the caption and credit as stand-alone items in the story.
    The graphic may need to be revised to accommodate EO style. Remove indicators, ‘a’, b’, etc from panels or items of note. EO style requires that different panels or points of interest in the graph should use “pointers,” such as top, middle, bottom.
    The caption should be descriptive and not overly technical. It should convey the content in image/figure without relying too heavily on the surrounding text to add context. Relevant links should also be added to captions. Spell out all acronyms, whether for equipment or institutions, are already spelled out in the text, because the image can be lifted from the article and used without the article where it originated. The pointer in the caption should be enclosed in brackets and the text ITALICIZED (e.g., [left]).
    The credit line should include the name of the institution or individual who should be credited for the image/figure/photograph. If an institution is listed, write the name [NO ITALICS]. Ifan individual is listed, include their institution in brackets. If the credit refers to a journal article, please use a reference to the journal (e.g., Williams et al. 2024) and link the credit reference to the DOI for the journal article. Note: there is no period after the credit line.

    For Example:
    Photo 1. Group photo of 2024 Quadrennial Ozone Symposium in-person attendees at the University of Colorado, Boulder’s University Memorial Center.
    Photo credit: Chelsea Thompson [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]
    Photo 2. Sophie Godin-Beekman presents awards during the QOS dinner. Luke Western accepts the Dobson Award [left]; [Herman Smith receives the Farman award [middle]; and Valerie Thouret accepts the Farman award on behalf of Philippe Nédélec [right].
    Photo credits: Irina Petropavlovskikh [CIRES Global Monitoring Laboratory]
    Figure 1.Annual mean anomalies of ozone (%) in the upper stratosphere [top three panels] near 42 km (26 mi) altitude or 2-hPa pressure, and for the lower stratosphere, [bottom three panels] near 22 km (14 mi) or 50 hPa for three zonal bands: 35°N–60°N [top graph in each grouping] , 20°S–20°N [middle graph in each grouping], and 35°S–60°S [bottom graph in each grouping]. Anomalies are with respect to the 1998–2008 baseline. Colored lines correspond to different long-term satellite records. The black line is the merged ground-based dataset. The gray-shaded area shows the range of chemistry–climate model simulations from CCMI-1 refC2 (SPARC/IO3C/GAW 2019).
    Figure credit: from the BAMS State of the Climate in 2023

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kemp: March Tax Revenues Up 7%; Adjusted YTD Up 0.4%

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – The State of Georgia’s net tax revenue collections in March totaled $2.5 billion, for an increase of $163.3 million, or 7 percent, compared to March 2024 when net tax collections totaled nearly $2.34 billion. Year-to-date, net tax revenue collections totaled almost $24.04 billion, for an increase of $543.1 million that was driven largely by the collection of the state’s motor fuel excise tax, which was suspended by Executive Order for a period of two and a half months during FY 2024. Adjusting for the year-over-year motor fuel tax changes, year-to-date net tax revenue collections for the period ending March 31 were up $82.8 million, or 0.4 percent. 

    The changes within the following tax categories account for March’s overall net tax revenue increase:

    Individual Income Tax:  Individual Income Tax collections for the month totaled $1.13 billion, for an increase of $131.3 million, or 13.2 percent, compared to last year when net Individual Tax revenue totaled $998.3 million.

    The following notable components within Individual Income Tax combine for the net increase:

    • Individual Income Tax refunds issued (net of voided checks) increased by $67.3 million or 10.6 percent
    • Income Tax Withholding payments increased by $149.7 million, or 10.5 percent, over March FY 2024
    • Individual Income Tax Return payments were up by $27.2 million, or 28.5 percent, compared to FY 2024
    • All other Individual Tax categories, including Estimated Tax payments, were up a combined $21.7 million

    Sales and Use Tax: Gross Sales and Use Tax collections during March totaled $1.44 billion, for an increase of $18.2 million, or 1.3 percent, from FY 2024. Net Sales and Use Tax increased by $61.2 million or 9.7 percent compared to last year when net Sales Tax totaled $630.7 million. The adjusted Sales Tax distribution to local governments totaled almost $728 million, for a decrease of $2.8 million, while Sales Tax refunds fell by $40.2 million, or 66.2 percent.

    Corporate Income Tax: Corporate Income Tax collections for March decreased by $29.7 million, or 8.3 percent, compared to March 2024 when net Corporate Tax revenues totaled $356.7 million for the month.

    The following notable components within Corporate Income Tax make up the net decrease:

    • Corporate Income Tax refunds issued (net of voids) were down $34.2 million or 38.5 percent from FY 2024
    • Corporate Income Tax Estimated payments increased by $54.9 million, or 972.4 percent, compared to last year
    • Corporate Income Tax Return payments decreased by $70.1 million, or 31.2 percent, from March FY 2024
    • All other Corporate Tax payments, including S-Corporation payments, were down a combined $48.6 million

    Motor Fuel Taxes:  Motor Fuel Tax collections during the month decreased by $2.1 million, or 1.2 percent, from last year when motor fuel tax collections totaled $178.2 million in March.

    Motor Vehicle – Tag, Title & Fees:  Motor Vehicle Tag & Title Fee collections for the month increased by $7.8 million, or 25.5 percent, while Title ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) collections decreased by $0.3 million or 0.4 percent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charles City Man Sent to Federal Prison for Illegal Gun Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A man who possessed a firearm as a felon and domestic abuser was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.

    Dashaune Terrell Burns-Johnson, age 32, from Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 23, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

    Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that on May 22, 2024, Burns‑Johnson brought drugs and a loaded firearm to his neighbor’s house in Charles City.  Burns-Johnson pulled the firearm out of his backpack and pointed it at someone in the house.  Burns-Johnson had previously been convicted of felony and misdemeanor crimes related to domestic abuse assault.

    Burns-Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Burns-Johnson was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Burns-Johnson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

     The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Charles City Police Department.  Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-CR-2033.  

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In “Era of Savage Cuts’, UN Aid Chief Urges Security Council to Provide Security, Resources for Saving as Many Survivors Possible of Russian Airstrikes in Ukraine

    Source: United Nations 4

    Strike in Dnipro Region Last Friday Marks Deadliest Attack Involving Children 

    Russian Federation airstrikes in Ukraine continue to kill and maim civilians — including children at a playground last week — the United Nations top humanitarian official told the Security Council today.  In what he called an “era of savage cuts”, he also appealed to Council members to provide at least the security and resources needed to save as many survivors of this war as possible. 

    “A massive strike in the densely populated city of Kryvyi Rih in the Dnipro region last Friday resulted in multiple civilian casualties,” said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator addressing the 15-member Council. 

    According to local authorities, 18 civilians were killed — including nine children — and 75 others injured when a children’s playground and nearby residential area were struck.  The Office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) in Ukraine, which verified many of the casualties, confirmed it was the single deadliest attack involving children since the start of the war in February 2022. 

    Fighting has also continued unabated in the frontline regions of Kherson, Kharkiv, Donetsk and in the border areas of Sumy, where more than 90 civilian casualties were recorded last week alone.  From 24 February 2022 to 31 March 2025, OHCHR has verified at least 12,910 civilian deaths, including 682 children, and nearly 30,700 injuries across Ukraine, he said.  Meanwhile, 3.7 million people remain internally displaced, with new waves of displacement in the country’s north-east, and nearly 7 million Ukrainian refugees recorded worldwide.  The UN remains unable to access an estimated 1.5 million civilians in Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia. 

    Underscoring the plight of women in this war, he said that since February 2022, pre-term births have accounted for nearly half of all deliveries, putting both mothers and newborns at high risk.  Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has surged by 36 per cent, with displaced and refugee women suffering the most severe mental health challenges and facing critical gaps in protection and care, he warned.  

    Despite Scale of Crisis, $2.6 Billion Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan for 2025 Only 17 Per Cent Funded 

    Despite the scale of this crisis, only 17 per cent of the $2.6 billion required for the 2025 Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been secured.  As a result, the UN is prioritizing limited resources for frontline support, emergency response, evacuations, and aid for the displaced — but more funding is urgently needed.  

    “We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure, as well as negotiations to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea,” Fletcher said.  But as talks continue, so do the bombardments.  Indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited under international law, he recalled.  “Even wars have rules,” he also stressed, urging the Council to ensure that “this era of increasingly belligerent, transactional, self-defeating, nationalism is not also remembered as one of callous impunity and brutal indifference, in which the rights of civilians are discarded again and again with a shrug”.  

    Russian Federation’s Representative:  Strike on Kryvyi Rih was Precision Missile strike on Military Meeting of Unit Commanders and Western Instructors 

    In the ensuing discussion, the Russian Federation’s delegate said the strike on Kryvyi Rih was a precision missile strike on a military meeting of unit commanders and Western instructors.  The strike succeeded in damaging the command of the Ukrainian forces, he said, adding that a gathering of service members and Western officers is a legitimate target for his country’s army.  The fact that a military meeting was happening in a civilian area shows that the Ukrainian army is using civilians as human shields, he said, adding that Ukrainian eyewitnesses have confirmed that a cluster munition was not used.  Dismissing the efforts of the “Ukrainian propaganda machine” regarding this and other strikes, he said video clips by ordinary citizens refute their claims. 

    Civilians must stay far away from gatherings of military officers, he said, adding that Ukrainians are not being told the truth — Kyiv is milking the tragedy that it is responsible for.  Nor will the Ukrainians be told of the continuous shelling of Russian border towns, he said.  The goal of Ukraine and Western countries is to undermine the Russian Federation-United States dialogue, he said, adding:  “What you are doing is far too obvious.”  The ceasefire cannot be misused so “Ukraine can lick its wounds and resume its war”, he said, adding that it is essential to do away with the root causes.  No one will be allowed to use the negotiation process to strengthen Ukraine’s military — the demilitarization of that country is essential, he stressed. 

    United States Representative:  Russian President Vladimir Putin Does Not Want to End War

    The United States representative said that in its bilateral engagements between both Russian Federation and Ukraine, the United States had tabled a proposal in March.  While Ukraine was ready to accept, she recalled, Russian Federation representatives insisted on a more limited agreement which would cover only strikes on energy infrastructure and the elimination of the use of force in the Black Sea.  She called on both the Russian Federation and Ukraine to exercise restraint and demonstrate their commitment to peace.  The Russian Federation must bear in mind that strikes like the one on Kryvyi Rih and executions of prisoners of war have the potential to damage peace efforts.  “We will ultimately judge President Putin’s commitment to peace by Russia’s actions,” she stated. 

    “We can see that Putin does not want to end the war; he is looking for ways to preserve the option of reigniting it in any moment with even greater force,” Ukraine’s delegate said.  Moscow has “not moved one inch away from its genocidal and maximalist war aims”.  On the other hand, Ukraine has taken concrete steps towards peace, while the Russian Federation “continues to drag its feet and commit atrocities”.  “Every missile, every strike killing people every day proves that Russia only wants war,” she went on to say.  Moscow has not only failed to cease its attacks on Ukrainian civilians, but it has also significantly escalated the scale of its assaults. 

    On 4 April, a missile landed near a playground, tearing through homes, schools and restaurants, killing 20 people, including nine children.  She rejected Moscow’s falsehoods about alleged military targets in the area.  “All witnesses and footages from cameras inside and outside the local restaurant debunk Russian representatives’ lies and disinformation,” she said.  It confirms that there was no military presence in the restaurant or in the surrounding area at the time of the strike.  Staying silent about the fact that the Russian Federation is killing children with ballistic missiles is wrong and dangerous.  “It only emboldens the scum in Moscow to continue the war and keep ignoring diplomacy,” she said. 

    Several European Speakers Criticize Russian Federation

    Several speakers from Europe strongly criticized the Russian Federation, with Denmark’s delegate stating that Moscow’s deliberate delays and new preconditions raised for even a partial ceasefire seem particularly cynical given reports that the missile that struck Kryvyi Rih was fired from the Black Sea. “Russia has said it only attacks military targets”, but the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih on 4 April hit residential buildings and a playground.  “We heard claims that a high precision strike has been launched to target a military group that was meeting at a restaurant at the time — trying to justify it as a military target,” Slovenia’s delegate said.  But these claims have been disproved. 

    “Russia is not negotiating in good faith; it’s procrastinating, and its goal continues to be the capitulation of Ukraine,” echoed France’s delegate, Council President for April.  But France and other Europeans “are not sitting on our hands” and continue to work to secure a just and lasting peace.  “It is time for the Kremlin to end its aggression against Ukraine and to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter and it is time for President Putin to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire,” added the United Kingdom’s representative. 

    The representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer, stressed that “there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no negotiations that affect European security without Europe”.  He reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.  There is no doubt “who truly seeks peace and who instead is determined to prolong a ruthless war of territorial conquest”, Czechia’s delegate added.  “Moscow is trying to falsely present itself as a victim” and expecting the world to provide security assurances, “preferably at the expense of legitimate security interests of its neighbours”, Poland’s representative also stated. 

    Focus on Plight of Children

    Estonia’s delegate, speaking also for Latvia and Lithuania, said that Moscow has killed over 600 Ukrainian children since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, while the real numbers might be higher.  That country deserves to be listed in the annexes of the annual Children and Armed Conflicts report for carrying out grave violations against children in Ukraine.  Other Council members, including the delegates of Pakistan, Guyana and Panama, echoed concerns for children living under conflict in Ukraine, with the latter underscoring that “children must never be targets in a war”. 

    Global Impact of War in Ukraine:  Food Insecurity, Energy Crises 

    Some speakers shared ways the war in Ukraine was affecting them with Algeria’s delegate stating that the food insecurity and energy crises resulting from this conflict also hits the civilian population in other regions around the world.  Greece’s delegate pointed out that freedom of navigation in the Black Sea will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains.  The representative of the Republic of Korea expressed concern that the military cooperation between the Russian Federation and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea “is intensifying rather than waning”, as exemplified by last month’s high-level reaffirmation in Pyongyang to implement their Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

    Momentum for Peace Talks 

    Other Council members, including the delegate from China, said that although the situation on the battlefield remains complicated, the momentum for peace talks has emerged.  “The window of peace is opening,” he stated, adding that talks must address the root causes of the crisis.  The Ukraine conflict is complex and restoring peace will require persistent efforts. 

    “The path forward requires sustained commitment to diplomatic solutions and unwavering adherence to intentional humanitarian law,” echoed Somalia’s delegate.  His counterpart from Sierra Leone urged negotiators and intermediators to approach ceasefire discussions objectively, mindful of the contextual underpinnings of this conflict. “We call on all parties to negotiate in good faith in the US-led talks, taking into consideration the legitimate concerns involving both parties,” she said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, Dem Committee Leads Introduce Resolution to Force Vote on Trump Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Richard Neal (MA-01), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee, and Rick Larsen (WA-01), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, introduced a privileged resolution to terminate President Trump’s abuse of “emergency” authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports.

    The resolution would end Trump’s declared national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), an authority he is using to levy a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, along with additional massive tariffs on dozens of key U.S. trading partners. Under the National Emergencies Act, a privileged resolution to terminate the emergency must be acted upon within 15 calendar days, otherwise, it must be brought for a vote to the House floor.

    “Trump is dragging our country into a trade war against our allies and imposing the largest tax increase on the American people in our history – all without a single vote in the House of Representatives. Congress can end this chaos, but Republicans are too busy rolling over for Trump. This resolution would put Republicans on the record about supporting these sweeping tariffs or standing with their constituents,” said DelBene.

    In January, DelBene introduced legislation that would clarify that the president cannot impose import tariffs under the guise of a national emergency without Congressional approval.

    The resolution is cosponsored by Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), William  Keating (MA-09), Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Sean Casten (IL-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20),  Jim Costa (CA-21), George Latimer (NY-16), Dina Titus (NV-01), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Sarah McBride (DE-at Large), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Johnny Olszewski Jr. (MD-02), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), and Ami Bera (CA-06).

    A copy of the resolution can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart Joins Impact with Jackie Nespral on NBC6 Miami

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) joined Jackie Nespral on NBC6’s Impact with Jackie Nespral to discuss immigration, Venezuela, DOGE, Radio and TV Martí, and more.

    [embedded content]

    Click here to watch the full interview.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart, Dean of the Florida Delegation, Welcomes GOP Representatives Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine to the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), swore in Representatives Jimmy Patronis (FL-01) and Randy Fine (FL-06) to serve in the 119th Congress.

    “As Dean of the Florida Delegation, the third-largest delegation in Congress, it is a pleasure to welcome both Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine to the U.S. House of Representatives.

    “Their extensive experience in Tallahassee, having served in both the Florida House and Senate, combined with their strong conservative record on issues like expanding school choice, supporting first responders, veterans, and law enforcement, combatting antisemitism, and standing firmly with allies such as Israel, will be an asset to our Conference and in advancing President Donald J. Trump’s agenda. Together, we will work to get our country back on track and make America great again,” said Congressman Díaz-Balart.

    Representative Patronis previously served as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal. He was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014.

    Representative Fine previously served in the Florida Senate as the only Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature. He earlier served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016-2024.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US, Ghana host African Land Forces Summit in Accra

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army senior leaders salute the flag of Ghana during the opening ceremony of the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaliyah Craven) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Aaliyah Craven) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Virginia Palmer, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, greets Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Defense Minister of Ghana, before the opening ceremony of the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (U.S. Army photo by Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), speaks at the opening ceremony of the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaliyah Craven) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Aaliyah Craven) VIEW ORIGINAL
    4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – More than 40 African Land Force Commanders attended the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 opening ceremony in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (Photo Credit: U.S Army photo by Joseph Essandor) VIEW ORIGINAL
    5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Military leaders from various African countries and the United States converse before the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 opening ceremony in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (Photo Credit: U.S Army photo by Joseph Essandor) VIEW ORIGINAL
    6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Ghana Armed Forces Band performs for military leaders during the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 opening ceremony in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (Photo Credit: U.S Army photo by Joseph Essandor)
    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)greets Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Defense Minister of Ghana, before the opening ceremony of the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Edem Seshie)
    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Land force commanders rise to receive the official party during the opening ceremony of the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Edem Seshie)
    U.S. Army Soldiers salute during the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 opening ceremony in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Edem Seshie)
    Soldiers from various African countries salute during the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025 opening ceremony of in Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2025. Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces, ALFS 2025 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 7-10, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, to address shared security challenges. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Edem Seshie) VIEW ORIGINAL

    ALFS brings together leaders from Africa, Europe and North America to exchange ideas and develop solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing transnational issues. ALFS 2025 intends to build upon previous summits by fostering communication, cooperation and planning among partner nations.

    “Our agenda for the next few days is ambitious,” said Ambassador Virginia Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana. “We are here to optimize our land forces’ capability, to foster interoperability, and to build the crisis response capacities needed to support security and stability.”

    In addition to plenary sessions and small-group discussions, summit attendees will experience Ghanaian culture and view a military demonstration by the Ghana Armed Forces.

    About SETAF-AF

    As the U.S. Army’s operational headquarters in Africa, SETAF-AF builds readiness and operational capability with partners and allies, fosters regional security and stability, and strengthens the U.S. Army’s ability to respond to crises and contingencies in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Africa Command.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2267, NICS Data Reporting Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2267 would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report annually to the Congress on the demographic data of people who were found to be ineligible to purchase a firearm during a background check by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to the extent that data is available. The federal government and states use the NICS to conduct background checks on prospective buyers of firearms to determine whether they are ineligible under federal or state law to make such a purchase.

    Under current policy, DOJ collects some demographic information for each prospective buyer of a firearm as part of the background check. Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO estimates that completing the report would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Canada and Mexico: Economic indicators and trade with EU – 08-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This infographic provides insight into the economic performance of Canada and Mexico compared with the European Union (EU) and examines the trade dynamics between them. For 2024, the growth rate for Canada is expected to be at 1.3%, whereas Mexico is at 1.5%. The trend in inflation rates is continuing to decline, with estimates of 4.7% for Mexico and 2.6% for Canada. Overall trade relations between the EU, Canada, and Mexico have shown positive growth over the last two decades. Since 2020, both Canada and Mexico have seen a significant increase in imports and exports with the EU. Cumulatively, the EU member states are Canada’s and Mexico’s third largest trading partner in goods, representing 8% of their total trade. The other two main trading partners for Canada and Mexico are the US and China, which account for 63% and 9% of goods trade, respectively.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: A Day in the Life – CBP Field Operations Officer | CBP

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

    A career as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer provides unique experiences that will be hard to find in any other job. In this video, actual officers in the field provide insight into the skills needed to be successful in the role, the tools they use, what drives CBP Field Operations Officers, and more.

    Start Your Application: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/apply-now

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #lawenforcement
    #officer
    #nowhiring
    #jobopportunities

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Wright Joins America Reports with John Roberts and Sandra Smith- April 8th, 2025

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wORLFQNQDo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Wright Joins CNBC’s Sara Eisen – April 8th, 2025

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

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Nuclear-Powered Data Centers

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

    Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies require tremendous amounts of stable electricity generation, and some reports estimate that data centers could consume up to 12% of total U.S. energy production in 2028.

    Nuclear power plants have the potential to be a great partner for data centers to provide the constant, reliable, and secure power required to keep data centers running 24/7.

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy works with industry and other stakeholders to extend the life cycles of our current fleet of reactors and to develop new technologies that will help meet future environmental and energy goals.

    Follow us on social media:
    https://www.Facebook.com/nuclearenergygov
    https://www.x.com/GovNuclear
    https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/nuclearenergygov

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oitzaGaXd8M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Bonamici, Salinas Join Colleagues Demanding McMahon Reverse Abrupt Policy Change Halting Funding for Schools Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 08, 2025

    Lawmakers press Trump’s Department of Education about its abrupt halt of funding for state governments and school districts that adds an unnecessary hurdle to reimbursement and will harm students following the pandemic.

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., said today they have  joined Senate and House colleagues in a letter demanding a reversal of a new federal Department of Education policy that imposes new red tape on Oregon and other states that  prevent their access to  pandemic relief funds they are counting on to support students’ learning.

    In their letter  to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the lawmakers press McMahon for immediate reversal of the department’s revision to its longstanding liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 education recovery funding—warning that the department’s change, along with its myriad other harmful actions recently, seriously jeopardizes students’ learning and growth. 

    “We write to request the immediate reversal of the Department of Education’s recent March 28, 2025, action to revise the liquidation extension policy for COVID-19 relief funds,” the lawmakers wrote. “Just over a month ago, the Department announced a policy change to the longstanding extension policy that imposed an additional step for processing of extension reimbursements. … However, on March 28, 2025, with many state extension requests having been approved more than six months ago,  the Department suddenly announced on March 28 that ‘the Department is modifying the liquidation period to end on March 28, 2025,’ the very same day as the announcement.” 

    “In short,” the lawmakers state, “the Department changed the spending rules it affirmed just one month ago, without providing any notice, and imposing more federal red tape.”

    The lawmakers note that the abrupt change—coupled with the mass firings at the Department of Education—seriously threaten the ability of schools to support students’ learning: “When combined with the massive reduction in force announced earlier this month, the Department jeopardizes an estimated $4 billion from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in nearly all of our states and outlying areas and roughly 1,000 school districts nationwide. This action is particularly harmful to rural school districts that faced the greatest disruptions during the authorized program period. This will also have a disproportionate impact on $800 million reserved for identification and support for students experiencing homelessness, which was implemented slowly in many states. The March 28th decision of the Department improperly imposes its will on state and local budget decisions in a manner not contemplated by Congress.”

    The lawmakers also called out that while the Trump administration works to cut off this funding for schools, it is pushing to pass new tax cuts for billionaires: “Let’s be very clear: The abrupt change in the liquidation extension policy is yet another way this administration is seeking to strip educational opportunities for students in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. President Trump and Congressional Republicans are intent in claiming any savings they can in the federal budget that they intend to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.”

    “We believe there is a better way,” they conclude. “We urge you to immediately rescind your March 28 revision to the longstanding liquidation extension policy. Further, we believe you should work with us to start properly executing our federal education laws as Congress intended.”

    The letter was led in the Senate by U.S. Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis. In addition to Wyden the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Angus King, I-Maine, Ed Markey, D-Mass., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-Mo., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Mark Warner, D-Va., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

    In the House, the letter was led by U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-Va. In addition to Bonamici and Salinas, the letter was signed by Representatives Alma Adams, D-N.C., Donald Beyer, D-Va., Julia Brownley, D-Calif., Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, André Carson, D-Ind., Greg Casar, D-Texas, Sean Casten, D-Ill., Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Joe Courtney, D-Conn., Danny Davis, D-Ill., Diana DeGette, D- Colo., Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., Dwight Evans, D-Pa., Shomari Figures, D-Ala., Jesús García, D-Ill., Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., Hank Johnson, D-Ga., Robin Kelly, D-Ill., Timothy Kennedy, D-N.Y., John Larson, D-Conn., Summer Lee, D-Pa., Lucy McBath, D-Ga., Sarah McBride, D-Del., Jennifer McClellan, D-Va., Betty McCollum, D-Minn., Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Mich., Jim McGovern, D-Mass., LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., Donald Norcross, D-N.J., Johnny Olszewski, D-Md., Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, Mark Pocan, D-Mich., Linda Sánchez, D-Calif., Terri Sewell, D-Ala., Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., Lateefah Simon, D-Calif., Darren Soto, D-Fla., Haley Stevens, D-Mich., Mark Takano, D-Calif., Dina Titus, D-Nev., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.Y., Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., and Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.

    The full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Welch, Grassley, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Stop Monopoly of Meat-Packing Industry, Promote Opportunity for Local Ranchers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    April 08, 2025

    Only four companies control 85% of the entire market in the beef industry

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Peter Welch, D-Vt. , Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, today introduced bipartisan legislation to lower skyrocketing grocery bills – particularly for meat and eggs – by cracking down on America’s Big Four meatpackers that are undercutting local ranchers.

    Wyden, Welch, Rounds, and Grassley’s legislation would specifically strengthen the enforcement of existing price-fixing laws to ensure America’s Big Four meatpackers comply, which would allow more opportunities for ranchers and drive down meat prices for shoppers.

    “For too long, Oregon ranchers and consumers have been greedily exploited by the Big Four meatpackers that sneak their way around regulations,” Wyden said. “While local ranchers work tirelessly day and night to support their small business and feed families across the country, these big companies keep raking in bigger bills at the expense of local communities in red and blue states alike. It’s way past time to level the playing field for local ranchers and bring grocery prices down for consumers at the meat counter by better enforcing laws that are already on the books.”

    “Vermonters rely on fresh foods from local farmers and ranchers to feed their families,” Welch said. “But with meat and dairy prices at the grocery store soaring sky high, small producers across the country are struggling to make ends meet and support their businesses. The rapid consolidation of the meatpacking industry further cripples fair competition. Our bipartisan bill will bring down costs for consumers and create opportunities for producers in red and blue states alike.”

    “For decades, America’s Big Four meatpackers’ anticompetitive practices have made it harder for Iowa cattle producers to receive a fair price,” Grassley said. “Our bill empowers USDA, in coordination with the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission, to crack down on bad actors, ensuring a fair and functional marketplace that supports everyone who produces and enjoys quality American meat.”

    “Anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry hurt producers and consumers alike,” Rounds said. “Currently, four large companies, two of which are foreign-owned, control over 80% of the meat processing market. Our legislation would establish an office within the USDA to investigate violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, which will support competition in meat and poultry markets.”

    Today, just four companies control 85% of the beef market and 67% of the pork market, which is up from 36% and 34% in 1980. The Big Four meatpackers are profiteering middlemen that have created a system allowing them to accumulate billions of dollars on the backs of ranchers struggling to make ends meet and shoppers suffering expensive meat and egg prices.

    The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act would create and empower a team of investigators at the United States Department of Agriculture to prevent anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industry by enforcing existing antitrust laws, in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

    Cosponsors in the Senate include Senators Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.

    “Every week, California families sit at their kitchen tables and worry about how they will afford to put food on their kid’s plate,” Schiff said. “At a time when rising grocery prices are making those worries even worse, we need to ensure that large companies aren’t driving up costs through anti-competitive practices. I am proud to join my colleagues from around the country and on both sides of the aisle to hold price gougers accountable and ensure fair competition in our markets for farmers and consumers alike.”

    “The struggle to get by only gets worse for cattle producers year after year, and a lot of that is tied to consolidation in the meat packing industry.  It is certainly not the producers making a profit from the high prices consumers are paying, which indicates something has gone wrong,” Hyde-Smith said.  “This legislation is sorely needed to investigate and pursue any anti-competitive activities that are hurting producers and consumers alike.”

    “Small ranchers are struggling to compete with major meat and poultry corporations, meanwhile these giants rake in record profits and dominate the industry through anticompetitive means,” Blumenthal said. “Local ranchers and consumers alike deserve a fair and free market and strong enforcement against illegal practices like price fixing. That’s why I’m proud to support the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act which would crack down on these megacorporations and lower grocery store bills for Connecticut families.”

    The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act is endorsed by the National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.

    “If the bad actors in the marketplace have nothing to hide, then they should have no problem with reinforcing USDA’s oversight authority through the measures provided in this bill. It’s not enough that producers stand on a level playing field in the marketplace – there also needs to be a referee, with a whistle, there to throw a flag when there’s a penalty. USCA fully supports the Meat Packing Special Investigator Act and would like to applaud our Champions for ‘Competition’ in the Senate who never waiver on supporting producers not just in Oregon, South Dakota, and Iowa – but across the countryside,” said Justin Tupper, President of the United States Cattlemen’s Association.

    “A special investigator at USDA is an important step to cracking down on unfair practices and leveling the playing field for independent livestock producers. Senators Wyden, Rounds, and Grassley get it—strong enforcement keeps monopolies in check. When family farmers and ranchers thrive, so do our rural communities,” said Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union.

    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Grassley Mark National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month with Bipartisan Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as “National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month,” supporting survivors of sexual assault and honoring the critical work done by victim advocates, public safety, law enforcement and health professionals. Their resolution was cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).

    “This month, and every month, we must do all we can to stand with survivors of sexual assault,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to help introduce a bipartisan resolution to support survivors and highlight the difficult but critical work that victim advocates, public safety, law enforcement and health professionals do on a daily basis to respond to and prevent sexual violence. We are grateful for their tireless work to ensure that survivors across the United States have the services they need to heal.”

    The text of the Senators’ resolution can be found HERE.

    Shaheen champions efforts in the Senate to boost services and programs for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 U.S. Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured and helped advance $739.5 million, the highest funding level ever, for grants authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), including $10 million for continued implementation of her Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights grant program.

    In 2016,?Shaheen led the effort?to pass the?Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act, which was signed into law by President Obama. The historic legislation guaranteed rights for survivors of sexual assault in federal cases and led to 21 states adopting similar legislation,?including New Hampshire. Shaheen and Grassley’s bipartisan?Survivors’ Bill of Rights in the States Act was?signed into law?as part of the FY 2023 national defense authorization legislation, and builds on the legacy of Shaheen’s initial legislation by ensuring that all survivors, not just those in federal cases, are protected.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Question HHS Secretary RFK Jr. on Decision to Fire Workers Tasked with Protecting Coal Miner Health and Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), joined by U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushing back on his decision to gut the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firing nearly 900 employees. Recent reporting has indicated that these firings include all employees tasked with protecting the health and safety of coal miners.

    “According to reports, HHS is laying off approximately 873 employees, or two-thirds, of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” the senators wrote. “According to a notification provided to AFGE Local 1969, whose federal employee members are being impacted, all employees working on mining safety and health in NIOSH’s Spokane, WA and Pittsburgh, PA, offices are being let go. ,  The NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division focuses on coal miner safety, and the Spokane Mining Research Division specializes in hard rock mining, and are the two main research hubs for NIOSH’s Mining Research Program. Additionally, reports indicate more than 185 NIOSH employees are being laid off from its Morgantown, WV, office, who also work to protect miner health, among other occupational safety and health activities.”

    The senators also highlighted the immediate impacts of this move, explaining that mining communities are already being left without key health services.

    They continued, “We also have heard from those who work directly with our miner constituents in these communities that the Enhanced Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program is also being decimated. This program provides direct screening services via a mobile medical unit to miners at no cost. NIOSH also supports clinic sites where screening is done, so miners can understand if they are developing black lung or another condition and be as healthy as possible for themselves and their families.”

    In their letter, the senators demanded answers from Secretary Kennedy, questioning how these crucial services will continue with a significantly reduced workforce. The senators requested a written response to the following:

    1.  How many HHS employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety have been fired, put on administrative leave, accepted the deferred resignation program offer, or accepted the VERA/VSIP offer since January 20, 2025? Provide a complete breakdown by agency and position. For each category of employee at each agency, provide information on GS level and veteran status, and clearly state the justification for termination. Include employees who have since been reinstated or placed on administrative leave, noting that change in status. Please provide the latest data available.
    2. How many HHS employees remain who work on mining health and safety? Please provide a complete breakdown by agency and position.
    3. How many additional employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety do you intend to fire following the announcement made on March 27, 2025?
    4. Provide all analyses conducted prior to the reorganization and firings of HHS employees who work in offices that focus on mining safety and health to determine the immediate and long-term impact these firings will have on programs and activities that those employees are tasked with administering. In particular, provide all analyses relating to 1) ensuring statutory obligations will be met, and 2) the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Dear Secretary Kennedy:

    We write today with alarming concern about reports that nearly the entire workforce that works to improve the health of miners was laid off and the office that oversees this work was eliminated. We urge you to reverse course immediately and ensure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues its important work in our states to protect and serve our constituents.

    According to reports, HHS is laying off approximately 873 employees, or two-thirds, of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  According to a notification provided to AFGE Local 1969, whose federal employee members are being impacted, all employees working on mining safety and health in NIOSH’s Spokane, WA and Pittsburgh, PA, offices are being let go. ,  The NIOSH Pittsburgh Mining Research Division focuses on coal miner safety, and the Spokane Mining Research Division specializes in hard rock mining, and are the two main research hubs for NIOSH’s Mining Research Program. Additionally, reports indicate more than 185 NIOSH employees are being laid off from its Morgantown, WV, office, who also work to protect miner health, among other occupational safety and health activities. 

    We also have heard from those who work directly with our miner constituents in these communities that the Enhanced Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program is also being decimated. This program provides direct screening services via a mobile medical unit to miners at no cost. NIOSH also supports clinic sites where screening is done, so miners can understand if they are developing black lung or another condition and be as healthy as possible for themselves and their families.

    Never has there been a more critical time to do this work. A 2023 study conducted jointly by researchers at NIOSH and at the University of Illinois Chicago found that coal miners in central Appalachia—Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky—were eight times more likely to die from respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and black lung than American men who are not miners.  Our constituents are getting more severe disease at younger ages in recent decades, and we might never had known that without the expertise of NIOSH’s work on coal miner health.

    We require more than a fact sheet indicating these duties will be reorganized into an Administration for a Healthy America given the extensive cuts to personnel. In order for us to better understand how the same amount of work can be done with hundreds fewer individuals, please provide responses to the following questions by April 9, 2025:

    1. How many HHS employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety have been fired, put on administrative leave, accepted the deferred resignation program offer, or accepted the VERA/VSIP offer since January 20, 2025? Provide a complete breakdown by agency and position. For each category of employee at each agency, provide information on GS level and veteran status, and clearly state the justification for termination. Include employees who have since been reinstated or placed on administrative leave, noting that change in status. Please provide the latest data available.
    2. How many HHS employees remain who work on mining health and safety? Please provide a complete breakdown by agency and position.
    3. How many additional employees who work in offices that work on mining health and safety do you intend to fire following the announcement made on March 27, 2025?
    4. Provide all analyses conducted prior to the reorganization and firings of HHS employees who work in offices that focus on mining safety and health to determine the immediate and long-term impact these firings will have on programs and activities that those employees are tasked with administering. In particular, provide all analyses relating to 1) ensuring statutory obligations will be met, and 2) the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.

    Art Miller, an expert in mine air quality who has been working for NIOSH since 1996 and for its predecessor before this, was part of the Spokane-area firings. He noted that no one else does this kind of research and that “every worker in this country deserves to go home safe.”  We agree, and urge you to reverse these cuts before it’s too late.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Castor and Senators Welch and King Introduce Bill to Boost Investment in Grid-Enhancing Technologies, Increase U.S. Power Grid Capacity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the United States grapples with rapid new growth in electricity demand and high household energy prices, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), U.S. Senators Peter Welch (VT) and Angus King (ME) introduced the Advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) Act, legislation to boost investments in grid-enhancing technologies that expand the capacity of existing transmission infrastructure.

    “Consumers deserve lower electric bills and a more reliable electric grid. By optimizing the existing grid infrastructure and decreasing the need for costly upgrades, GETs can build a more stable power supply. These technologies pave the way for a more efficient, affordable, and sustainable energy future for everyone,” said Rep. Castor. “In order to quickly bring these projects online and meet growing electricity demand, we must upgrade our old, congested transmission infrastructure.The Advancing GETs Act will help us do that by supercharging the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies that enable transmission operators to maximize the capacity of existing power lines, increase reliability, and lower prices.”

    “We’re at a crucial turning point in our work to achieve a clean energy transition, and meeting this moment requires new investments in clean energy technologies that strengthen the capacity of our transmission system,” said Senator Welch. “The Advancing GETs Act will motivate grid operators and developers to bring new projects online that expand transmission capacity by guaranteeing returns for these targeted, cost-saving investments. Our legislation will be crucial to boosting transmission capacity and will help the United States cost-effectively achieve its clean energy goals while lowering electricity bills and for working families.”

    “As technology improves and grows more efficient, we should incorporate this innovation into our energy grid to better serve American homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure,” said Senator King. “As we work to create a sustainable clean energy future, streamlined transmission is urgently needed. The Advancing GETs Act will create an incentives program to help spur new, smart solutions expanding existing transmission infrastructure. This bill is another step forward in meeting the need for reliable, affordable, and clean electricity.”  

    “Delivering the cheapest power is not part of the business model for utilities who own the grid. This regulatory problem means that grid constraints that could be addressed with low-cost technologies add $3-8 billion to electricity costs every year. The Advancing GETs Act aligns utility and consumer incentives for technologies that can save money and improve grid reliability and security. GETs can be deployed in less than a year to open up the grid for cheaper energy and new industries,” said Julia Selker, Executive Director of the WATT Coalition.

    “At a moment where our country faces unprecedented growth in energy demand, expected to surge 35-50% by 2040, evolving the way we deliver power is as critical as ever. Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) will be needed to quickly and affordably increase transmission capacity. ACP commends Sen. Welch and Rep. Castor for introducing the Advancing GETs Actwhich creates incentives for these technologies. We look forward to working with them as this bill moves through the legislative process,”said Jason Grumet, CEO of American Clean Power Association (ACP).

    GETs are a crucial part of achieving a diversified clean energy transition. They increase grid capacity by allowing grid operators the ability to more dynamically manage the flow of electricity. However, current financial incentives are not encouraging developers to implement GETs. The Advancing GETs Act aims to spur developer investment in GETs by creating a shared savings incentive program to split savings for GETs installation between installers and ratepayers while increasing the U.S.’ grid capacity.

    The Advancing GETs Act requires FERC to establish a shared savings incentive for GETs, which would allow a developer to be reimbursed for the cost of a GETs project, plus some of the cost-savings generated by it. The rest of the savings would go to ratepayers. The bill also includes important cost qualification guardrails to protect consumers.

    Additionally, the Advancing GETs Act includes an annual reporting requirement that directs transmission owners to report costs associated with congestion to FERC and directs FERC to analyze and make this data available to the public. Lastly, it charges the Department of Energy (DOE) with creating an application guide for implementing GETs projects. providing technical assistance to stakeholders interested in GETs, and managing a clearinghouse with examples of implemented GETs projects.

    The Advancing GETs Act is endorsed by the WATT Coalition, American Council on Renewable Energy, Electricity Consumers Resource Council, Natural Resources Defense Council, Solar Energy Industries Association, and Sierra Club.

     Learn more about the bill.

    Read the full text of the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA to Host Data Users’ Meeting on Statistical Programs

    Source: US National Agricultural Statistics Service

    WASHINGTON, April 8, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users’ Meeting on April 29, 2025, starting at 12 p.m. ET. This virtual meeting is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required to attend this event.

    The Data Users’ Meeting is held to share updates to USDA data and statistical products with the public and to solicit input on agency programs important to agriculture. The event is organized by NASS in cooperation with USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board, Farm Service Agency, Economic Research Service, Agricultural Marketing Service, Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Census Bureau.

    “The Data Users’ Meeting is an invaluable resource for our data users, data producers, and all stakeholders involved in U.S. Agriculture,” said Lance Honig, Chair of the Agricultural Statistics Board. “This event fosters an open dialogue and invites feedback that is essential for driving progress and ensuring that NASS can continue to provide timely, accurate and useful statistics in service to U.S. Agriculture.”

    This spring, the Data Users’ Meeting agenda includes agency updates and an open question forum for attendees. A detailed agenda and registration information are on the NASS website. The link to attend the meeting will be emailed to participants after registration. For more information, contact Marisa Reuber at Marisa.Reuber@usda.gov or 202-923-9416.

    MIL OSI USA News –