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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Committee Closes One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee this afternoon closed its one hundred and forty-fourth session in Geneva after adopting its concluding observations on the reports of Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam, which were reviewed during the session.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chairperson, said the Committee had come to the end of a productive session and commended the Committee members for their commitment and professionalism.  The Committee had held constructive dialogues with Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam.   The concluding observations would be issued on the Committee’s webpage later today. 

    Mr. Soh said also during the session, the Committee adopted nine lists of issues prior to reporting related to Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Denmark, Ghana, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Sweden and Switzerland.

    On individual communications, the Committee considered 22 drafts, including one draft decision prepared in accordance with the simplified format adopted by the Committee at its one hundred and fortieth session. The drafts related to 51 communications: 26 were decided on the merits, 12 communications were declared inadmissible, and 13 communications were discontinued.  Regarding the communications decided on the merits, the Committee found violations in 25 of them.

    The Committee also adopted the follow up report on concluding observations of Armenia and Germany. 

    Mr. Soh said the Committee’s one hundred and forty-fifth session was scheduled to take place in March 2026, instead of October 2025 as originally planned, due to the financial crisis.  The Committee greatly regretted the cancellation of the October session, which was unprecedented in the Committee’s 50-year history.  As a result, the Committee had convened an emergency meeting with States parties at this session and he expressed appreciation for the 60 States that had attended and were committed to finding solutions which enabled the Committee to fulfil its mandate.   

    At its next session from 2 to 19 March 2026, the Committee is scheduled to review the periodic reports of Andorra, Canada, Chad, Republic of Moldova and Slovakia, and adopt lists of issues prior to reporting on Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hungary, Mexico and Senegal, as well as the list of issues on Rwanda.

    In closing, Mr. Soh expressed appreciation to members of the bureau as well as the members of the Secretariat, the Petitions Section, United Nations entities, civil society and all those who made the session possible. 

    Before the meeting closed, several Committee Members took the floor, discussing the unique and challenging situation which the Committee had found itself in, and the impact that the financial crisis had on the work of the Committee.  Despite the constraints, the current session had still been productive, and the Committee would continue to strive to ensure the human rights of people all around the world.  Experts thanked all those responsible for the success of the current session.  It was hoped Member States could come together to solve the current challenges, and that all sessions could take place next year as planned. 

    The Committee’s next session is scheduled to be held from 2 to 19 March 2026, during which it will review the reports of Andorra, Canada, Chad, Republic of Moldova and Slovakia.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CCPR25.019E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Norma Torres and Pete Aguilar Lead Call to Reopen Inland Empire Job Corps Center Following Abrupt Closure and Court Orders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    July 17, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Inland Empire Representatives Norma Torres and Pete Aguilar, joined by Reps. Raul Ruiz, Judy Chu, and Mark Takano, sent a letter demanding immediate action from the Department of Labor (DOL), Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to fully reopen the Inland Empire Job Corps Center in San Bernardino, California. The letter also calls on DOL to follow recent federal court orders to keep the Job Corps Centers open and for the Trump Administration to reverse its reckless May 29 announcement to shut down the Job Corps program, which provides at-risk youth career pathways in business and industry.

    The Job Corps is a national program with over 120 centers across the country offering tuition-free education and job training to low-income youth ages 16-24. The center in San Bernardino has served the Inland Empire community for decades. On May 29, the Trump Administration started shutting down Job Corps Centers, forcing hundreds of students, many of whom live in the Inland Empire Job Corps Center, to leave the campus with just a few days’ notice and limited support.

    Congress appropriated nearly $1.8 billion to Job Corps programs in Fiscal Year 2024, with funding continuing at that same level in Fiscal Year 2025. The Trump Administration’s decision to shut down the program contradicts its own stated goals of putting American workers first and will take away opportunities for young people in the Inland Empire, especially at a time when many industries, such as construction and manufacturing, are facing labor shortages.

    “As Members of the Inland Empire Congressional Delegation, we express our extreme concerns regarding your announcement to implement a nationwide “phased pause” in the Job Corps program. This led to the abrupt changes for the Inland Empire Job Corps Center at 3173 Kerry St. in San Bernardino that serves our communities, forcing more than 120 students to leave,” said the members. “The Job Corps program has, for over 50 years, offered tuition-free education for low-income young people ages 16 through 24 to help complete their high school education, train them for good-paying careers, and help them get jobs. As such, we demand you strictly follow the federal court’s June 4, 2025, temporary restraining order and June 25, 2025, preliminary injunction.”

    “The Job Corps program currently serves around 25,000 young Americans nationwide, offering them a lifeline and the opportunity to learn critical vocational and technical job skills to enter the workforce. Since 2023, more than 6,200 Californians have enrolled in Job Corps, with more than 2,400 of them coming from the counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles. Until the abrupt and chaotic changes, the Inland Empire Job Corps Center served 340 students, teaching them much-needed skills to work in careers and trades industries, such as automotive, construction, homeland security, manufacturing, transportation, health care.”

    “We demand that DOL take swift action to reopen the Inland Empire Job Corps Center and allow students to return and resume their program. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to a prompt response,” the members continued. 

    Representatives Torres and Aguilar are committed to working with local partners to protect the futures of Job Corps students and the economic health of the Inland Empire.

    Full letter text

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Seneca County, New York

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Seneca County, New York

    Public Invited to Review Flood Maps in Seneca County, New York

    Seneca County, N

    Y

    – FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Seneca County, New York

    Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period

     The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials

    Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments

     The 90-day appeal period will begin July 23, 2025

    Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements

    They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect

    An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim

    Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress

    If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment

    The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals

    Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps

    Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator

    The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc

    fema

    gov/fmcv

    For more information about the flood maps:Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go

    usa

    gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon)

    Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema

    dhs

    gov

     Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding

    There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone

    Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www

    floodsmart

    gov

    Seneca County, NY Flood Mapping MilestonesJuly 23, 2024 — Flood Risk Review Meeting to review draft flood hazard data

    December 5, 2024 — Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released

    January 6, 2025 — Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance

    February 12, 2025, and June 4, 2025 — Open House Meetings with public to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map

    July 23, 2025 — Appeal Period starts

    Winter 2026* — New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect

    (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process

    )If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 2 Office of External Affairs at (212) 680-3699 or at FEMA-R2-ExternalAffairs@fema

    dhs

    gov

     
    kate

    macedo
    Thu, 07/17/2025 – 18:38

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Launch SNIFS, Sun’s Next Trailblazing Spectator

    Source: NASA

    July will see the launch of the groundbreaking Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph mission, or SNIFS. Delivered to space via a Black Brant IX sounding rocket, SNIFS will explore the energy and dynamics of the chromosphere, one of the most complex regions of the Sun’s atmosphere. The SNIFS mission’s launch window at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico opens on Friday, July 18. 
    The chromosphere is located between the Sun’s visible surface, or photosphere, and its outer layer, the corona. The different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere have been researched at length, but many questions persist about the chromosphere. “There’s still a lot of unknowns,” said Phillip Chamberlin, a research scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder and principal investigator for the SNIFS mission.  

    The chromosphere lies just below the corona, where powerful solar flares and massive coronal mass ejections are observed. These solar eruptions are the main drivers of space weather, the hazardous conditions in near-Earth space that threaten satellites and endanger astronauts. The SNIFS mission aims to learn more about how energy is converted and moves through the chromosphere, where it can ultimately power these massive explosions.  
    “To make sure the Earth is safe from space weather, we really would like to be able to model things,” said Vicki Herde, a doctoral graduate of CU Boulder who worked with Chamberlin to develop SNIFS.  

    The SNIFS mission is the first ever solar ultraviolet integral field spectrograph, an advanced technology combining an imager and a spectrograph. Imagers capture photos and videos, which are good for seeing the combined light from a large field of view all at once. Spectrographs dissect light into its various wavelengths, revealing which elements are present in the light source, their temperature, and how they’re moving — but only from a single location at a time. 
    The SNIFS mission combines these two technologies into one instrument.  
    “It’s the best of both worlds,” said Chamberlin. “You’re pushing the limit of what technology allows us to do.” 
    By focusing on specific wavelengths, known as spectral lines, the SNIFS mission will help scientists to learn about the chromosphere. These wavelengths include a spectral line of hydrogen that is the brightest line in the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, and two spectral lines from the elements silicon and oxygen. Together, data from these spectral lines will help reveal how the chromosphere connects with upper atmosphere by tracing how solar material and energy move through it. 
    The SNIFS mission will be carried into space by a sounding rocket. These rockets are effective tools for launching and carrying space experiments and offer a valuable opportunity for hands-on experience, particularly for students and early-career researchers.

    “You can really try some wild things,” Herde said. “It gives the opportunity to allow students to touch the hardware.” 
    Chamberlin emphasized how beneficial these types of missions can be for science and engineering students like Herde, or the next generation of space scientists, who “come with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of new ideas, new techniques,” he said. 
    The entirety of the SNIFS mission will likely last up to 15 minutes. After launch, the sounding rocket is expected to take 90 seconds to make it to space and point toward the Sun, seven to eight minutes to perform the experiment on the chromosphere, and three to five minutes to return to Earth’s surface.  

    [embedded content]
    A previous sounding rocket launch from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This mission carried a copy of the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE).Credit: NASA/University of Colorado Boulder, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics/James Mason

    The rocket will drift around 70 to 80 miles (112 to 128 kilometers) from the launchpad before its return, so mission contributors must ensure it will have a safe place to land. White Sands, a largely empty desert, is ideal. 
    Herde, who spent four years working on the rocket, expressed her immense excitement for the launch. “This has been my baby.” 

    By Harper LawsonNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Scrapping of the Canadian digital tax and US pressure – E-002829/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002829/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tom Vandendriessche (PfE)

    The Canadian government recently announced the suspension of its planned digital tax to avoid tensions with the United States and relaunch trade talks. This decision was taken under direct diplomatic pressure from Washington, despite previous Canadian pledges on fair taxation of digital technology companies.

    Within the EU, effective measures against tax avoidance by large digital platforms have also failed to materialise as yet. Initiatives are often postponed or weakened under the influence of international pressure.

    In view of this:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of Canada’s decision to scrap its digital tax under pressure from the United States?
    • 2.Does the Commission face similar pressures from third countries, in particular the US, regarding its own proposals for a digital tax?
    • 3.What is the state of play regarding European plans to tax digital services in a fair way, both within and outside the OECD framework?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Danish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities

    Source: European Parliament

    Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of 2025. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

    Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

    On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the Presidency will focus on easing the administrative burden for farmers while continuing to promote the green transition and animal welfare. Concluding the current negotiations on the common agricultural policy (CAP) simplification package and starting discussions on the post-2027 CAP will also be priorities.

    Several MEPs called for fair conditions between farmers inside and outside the EU in connection with the Mercosur Agreement and animal welfare. They asked how the presidency will help guarantee the EU’s protein and fertiliser self-sufficiency and support organic farmers. Others raised the issue of ensuring that the green transition does not compromise the agriculture sector’s sustainability.

    Regional Development Committee

    On 15 July, Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre argued that cohesion policy should continue to play a crucial role in the EU budget, as the Presidency works on proposals for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). She said that funding should also support competitiveness and be flexible in the face of unexpected events. Ms Bjerre highlighted the need to strengthen rule of law conditionality in the allocation of EU funds.

    MEPs agreed on the need to modernise cohesion policy and make it more flexible, but asked for the Presidency’s support in defending the policy’s core purpose – reducing inequalities between regions – and the role of regions and local authorities.

    Legal Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stressed the need to boost EU competitiveness but also to protect common values while advancing the green and digital transition. He committed to make progress on draft bills on the protection of adults and insolvency, while promoting rules on parenthood.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, will strive to simplify existing rules for the benefit of EU businesses in the upcoming negotiations on sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations. Mr Bødskov also intends to advance the patent package and the “28th regime” initiative (a single set of EU rules to support innovation).

    MEPs inquired about plans to strengthen the rule of law, fight illegal migration and improve licensing, considering the planned withdrawal of the proposal on standard essential patents. They also asked for work to move ahead on the special tribunal for the crime of aggression, for measures to ensure that simplification does not lead to deregulation, and for efforts to balance rights and copyright in the context of new technologies.

    Foreign Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said that the Presidency wants to advance EU accession negotiations with all candidate countries. She also added that the EU must act more independently to ensure its security. The dialogue with Türkiye will continue, but its accession negotiations will remain on hold.

    MEPs called for more support for some candidate countries on their EU path. They also enquired on possible new strategic partners for the EU, given recent developments in relations with the US, and called for the deepening of relations with Latin America. They also asked what steps the Presidency intends to take to help the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

    Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety Committee

    On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, highlighted the need to simplify EU legislation for farmers and food producers, and to promote innovation through tools such as new genomic techniques, on which the Presidency aims to strike a deal with Parliament. He stressed the importance of making the EU’s agri-food sector more competitive while maintaining high standards of sustainability and food safety. Other priorities include an EU strategy for plant-based proteins, animal welfare, and action to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

    MEPs raised questions about the future of the CAP, demanding greater fairness, increased support for smaller farms, and clear targets for pesticide reduction. MEPs also enquired about trade agreements, such as with Mercosur, and a possible ban on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

    Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on the EU 2040 climate target, to offer clear guidance for climate action, investment, and industrial competitiveness. He underlined the need for an agreement before the COP30 in Brazil on 10–21 November 2025, to show EU leadership and unity.

    Some MEPs raised concerns about energy affordability and the social impact of the new emissions trading system, while others stressed excessive flexibility would undermine the 2040 target.

    Civil liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the Presidency would prioritise work on the fight against serious cross-border and organised crime, action to improve victims’ rights, and police cooperation to counter migrant smuggling. The Presidency will also advance work on the directive and regulation to combat child sexual abuse.

    Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, called for implementation of the “Preparedness Union” strategy to strengthen EU security, resilience and preparedness. The Presidency will advance work on the reformed EU civil protection mechanism, the stockpiling strategy and measures to protect critical infrastructure.

    MEPs asked the Presidency about progress on the directives on combating corruption and victims’ rights. According to the Justice Minister, work on both will continue promptly as a priority. MEPs and the Ministers also discussed law enforcement access to data, and measures against terrorism and online radicalisation.

    Kaare Dybvad, Minister for Immigration and Integration, emphasised the need to implement the Asylum and Migration Pact in full. The Presidency will work on proposals on safe third countries, safe countries of origin and a common approach to returns. He also mentioned the possibility of developing external partnerships and possible return hubs in third countries, stressing the need to uphold international law and human rights. Other priorities are action to combat migrant smuggling and the EU talent pool.

    On Migration and Asylum Pact implementation, MEPs asked about the solidarity platform, protection of human dignity, and cooperation with third countries. The minister replied that priority should be given to people in need of refugee status. Economic migrants must use legal channels, and those with no right to stay need to be returned to their home countries.

    Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs, said the Presidency aimed to strengthen the link between respect for EU values and access to EU funds, enhance the Council’s rule of law dialogues, and support tools such as the Commission’s rule of law report. It will also work to reinforce the conditionality mechanism in the next long-term budget, by increasing funding for it and ensuring more automatic application.

    Some MEPs raised concerns about the situation in Hungary, and called for a stronger conditionality mechanism and better protection of media freedom and civil society. Others called for clarity on the definition of rule of law, and raised the issues of spyware use against journalists and the situation in Gaza.

    Employment and Social Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen stressed that the Presidency would focus on investing in skills, fair labour mobility, strengthening social dialogue, and occupational health. She aims to advance the revision of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (CMRD) and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers. Minister for Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Hæstorp Andersen highlighted the need to improve independent living for persons with disabilities and to improve access to sustainable and affordable housing.

    MEPs highlighted the lack of legislative proposals in social areas and voiced concern about the future of the European Social Fund+. They stressed the need to strengthen the European Labour Authority, and addressed the working conditions of non-EU nationals, the lack of skilled workers, and the migration of qualified workers. Others asked for action on employment rights for persons with disabilities, the coordination of social security systems, and the European Child Guarantee.

    Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee

    On 15 July, Caroline Stage Olsen, Digital Affairs Minister, emphasised the need for action to boost investment and cut red tape. Special attention will be given to protecting minors online through firm Digital Services Act enforcement, new age verification rules and action to tackle addictive design. She supported postponing elements of the AI Act to give business, especially smaller companies, more time to comply.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, stressed the Presidency’s intention to tackle customs challenges, unfair competition, slow growth and job loss. The minister also expressed strong support for the green transition and the need to advance work on simplification packages and regulatory burden reduction targets.

    MEPs asked about the Presidency’s plans to work on e-commerce, the posting of workers, attracting talent and the “28th regime” (a single set of EU rules to support innovation). They also enquired about digital policy loopholes and the Digital Fairness Act, and the need to advance negotiations on the late payments regulation and the European defence industrial strategy.

    Development Committee

    On 15 July, Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called for a stronger Team Europe approach, given the widening gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available. Presidency priorities include the Global Gateway, the Samoa Agreement, the EU-African Union (AU) Summit, human rights and the sustainable development goals. The Presidency will champion external action in negotiations on the next long-term EU budget.

    MEPs stressed the importance of development aid and the need to make sure foreign investment upholds human rights, while also voicing concern over irregular migration. They called for a broader EU presence at the next EU-AU Summit, and asked about the Presidency’s plan for the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

    Public Health Committee

    On 16 July, Sophie Løhde, Danish Minister for Interior and Health, highlighted the need to strengthen EU preparedness through efficient medical countermeasures, ensure better access to medicines, and address antimicrobial resistance. She shared the Presidency’s commitment to finalising the Council’s position on the critical medicines act, hoping an agreement with Parliament could be reached on the pharmaceutical package by the end of the year.

    MEPs quizzed the minister on medicine affordability, rare diseases, and healthcare workforce shortages. Some called for a greater focus on women’s health, action against PFAS contamination, and improved EU coordination of health and military crisis preparedness.

    Constitutional Affairs Committee

    On 16 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said the Presidency priorities were to advance a merit-based EU accession process and uphold the rule of law. She also highlighted the need to reinforce democratic resilience, for instance through the Commission’s Democracy Shield and improved transparency of foreign interests. The Presidency is also committed to strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and pursuing institutional reforms within the existing treaty framework.

    MEPs raised questions on the link between internal EU reforms and future accessions, the use of qualified majority voting to overcome institutional deadlocks, the right of inquiry, and electoral reform. Bjerre replied that the lack of consensus among member states on possible treaty changes made that a less feasible path.

    Security and Defence Committee

    On 16 July, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that one of the priorities was to continue to support Ukraine politically, militarily and financially, and work on integrating the Ukrainian defence industry into the EU one. This includes paving the way for Ukrainian companies to set up facilities in the rest of Europe. He also mentioned the need for Europe to be able to defend itself by 2030 by increasing its defence readiness and production, and freeing up defence financing.

    MEPs questioned the minister on a range of topics, including the use of frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, a dedicated European defence fund, removing hurdles to support the Ukrainian defence industry, and the pros and cons of non-EU country access to EU defence funds.

    Fisheries Committee

    On 16 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said the Presidency would prioritise the green transition, simplification, including for the Ocean Pact, and better regulation of fisheries. They will also focus on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea for 2026 to allow fishers to plan early.

    MEPs highlighted fleet renewal, the Baltic Sea’s herring situation and the MFF’s role in achieving sustainability, simplification, and climate goals. They expressed concern over the 24-metre fleet renewal restriction and called for specific funding mechanisms for the Ocean Pact. Finally, they welcomed the focus on 2026 fishing quotas and sustainability objectives.

    Transport and Tourism Committee

    Boosting competitiveness, easing the administrative burden, ensuring a green transition in transport and tourism, but also military mobility, are the main drivers of Danish presidency, said Thomas Danielsen, Minister of Transport on 16 July. He hoped to start talks with MEPs on passenger rights and rules on counting CO2 emissions, as well as to finish negotiations on railway capacity infrastructure. Morten Bødskov, Minister of Business, Industry and Financial Services, added the Presidency perspective on shipping transport and upcoming EU ports and maritime industry strategies.

    The majority of transport committee MEPs welcomed the Presidency priorities, the ambition to reach a Council position on weights and dimensions rules, while some questioned the focus on the green transition. On passenger rights, MEPs were frustrated with the Council decision to force into a tight deadline to reach a deal on future rules, and asked the minister not to forget the multimodal part of the package.

    Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

    On 16 July, Minister for Environment and Gender Equality, Magnus Heunicke, outlined priorities including combating gender-based violence, promoting equal opportunities by involving men and boys, and strengthening LGBTQI equality amid rising hate and harassment. He announced that a Council meeting on 17 October would focus on equality and non-discrimination.

    MEPs raised concerns about the absence of an EU-wide consent-based definition of rape, the lack of progress on the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive, the under-representation of women in government, and the stalled horizontal anti-discrimination directive. In response, Heunicke confirmed that there would be a discussion on a consent-based rape definition, and that finalising the Victims’ Rights Directive negotiations was a priority.

    International Trade Committee

    On 16 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen named agreements on the revised general scheme of preferences (GSP) and the foreign investment screening review as being among his priorities. The phasing-out of Russian gas imports and ratification of the trade agreement with Mercosur are also high on the agenda. The Presidency will also work to negotiate a new trade relationship with the US, while being prepared for other scenarios.

    MEPs welcomed the priorities, particularly on concluding the Mercosur Agreement, phasing out Russian gas imports and concluding the revision of the GSP. Some MEPs also questioned the Presidency on how EU-Israel trade relations should evolve given the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

    Culture and Education Committee

    On 16 July, Mattias Tesfaye, Minister for Education and Youth, said that Presidency wanted to make vocational education and training more attractive, ensure learning mobility, and focus on how the digitalisation affects learning outcomes. The Presidency will also prioritise negotiations on the next generation of Erasmus+ and on the European education area.

    Many MEPs expressed their concerns about the future of the Erasmus+ programme and enquired about the protection of children online, recognition of competences, and the safety of young students in the workplace.

    Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Minister for Culture, Media and Sports Policy, highlighted the need to prohibit the use of images, voice and other personal features in deepfakes or lifelike imitations. The EU Copyright Regulation should be updated to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the cultural and creative sectors, either by guaranteeing fair remuneration for rights holders or by achieving the best possible conditions for licensing agreements. In sport, the Presidency promises to do more to uphold democratic values and integrity in the awarding of international sports events.

    MEPs asked for measures to help EU countries implement the European Media Freedom Act and highlighted the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. MEPs also raised issues such as protecting heritage against natural disasters and gender equality programmes in sport.

    Industry, Research and Energy Committee

    On 16 July, Caroline Stage Olsson, Minister for Digital Affairs, outlined two priorities: enhancing digital competitiveness and protecting minors online. She advocated for reducing the administrative burden on business and for strategic investment for a more sovereign Europe. She also highlighted work on enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA), stricter regulations for age verification and data protection, and the establishment of a competitiveness fund.

    Some MEPs stressed the need to reduce dependency on non-European tech companies and to balance regulation with simplification, to foster innovation while protecting consumers. Questions were asked about the impact of the DSA on free speech and privacy, and about investment in less connected regions.

    Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, outlined four priorities: enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities, supporting Ukraine, fostering cooperation with NATO and strengthening the EU’s defence against hybrid threats. He also stressed the importance of the European defence industry programme (EDIP) to this end.

    Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, focused on cybersecurity and highlighted three priorities: strengthening EU cyber resilience, framing a robust EU response to cyber crises, and simplifying the EU cyber legislation framework.

    MEPs enquired about the creation of a unified European defence market, the standardisation of defence products, and the need for joint procurement to enhance defence capabilities. Questions also focused on Baltic Sea security and measures to counter potential sabotage. Concerns were voiced about Europe’s dependency on non-European defence suppliers.

    Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, emphasised the importance of a secure, clean and affordable energy supply, as well as of a stronger energy sector, focusing on renewable and clean energy produced locally. He called for an approach that would balance environmental protection with economic competitiveness and for Europe to phase out its dependency on Russian energy.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs focused on competitiveness and highlighted the need for increased investment in green technologies and new critical technologies such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, biotech, and quantum. Mr Bødskov also stressed the need to simplify regulations to foster innovation and growth.

    MEPs stressed the need for a more efficient regulatory environment to foster innovation and competitiveness. They expressed concerns about high energy prices and highlighted the importance of investing in clean energy technologies and infrastructure to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several MEPs questioned the balance between environmental protection and economic competitiveness, and called for a more pragmatic approach to regulation that would not stifle innovation and growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, Miller-Meeks, Castor, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, and Harshbarger Introduce EARLY Act to Reauthorize Breast Cancer Awareness Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “Like so many women in the United States, I heard those devastating words no one wants to hear: ‘you have breast cancer.’ My personal experience battling this terrible disease led to the creation of the EARLY Act, which was designed to help educate women and their health care providers about the specific threats and warning signs of breast cancer in younger women that lead to early detection, diagnosis, and survival,” said Wasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA2 gene mutation at age 41 and after 15 months of surgery, has been cancer free for 17 years. “Reauthorizing the EARLY Act means that we will continue the vital work of educating young and higher risk women about their breast health and do everything we can to save more lives.”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) introduced legislation to reauthorize and continue funding for the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act (EARLY) Act.

    In the United States, the most common cancer diagnosed among women is breast cancer, where the average risk for developing it sometime in her life is about 1 in 8. More than 316,000 new diagnoses and 42,000 deaths expected from breast cancer in 2025. And with incidences rising in younger women each year, the earlier its caught, the better the chance to survive and overcome this devastating health challenge.  

    Key to early detection and treatment starts with education and awareness. This especially is true for younger women, and those at higher risk of death, like ethnic and racial populations who too often face an aggressive form of breast cancer and are not able to catch it till later.  

    “Like so many women in the United States, I heard those devastating words no one wants to hear: ‘you have breast cancer.’ My personal experience battling this terrible disease led to the creation of the EARLY Act, which was designed to help educate women and their health care providers about the specific threats and warning signs of breast cancer in younger women that lead to early detection, diagnosis, and survival,” said Wasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA2 gene mutation at age 41 and after 15 months of surgery, has been cancer free for 17 years. “Reauthorizing the EARLY Act means that we will continue the vital work of educating young and higher risk women about their breast health and do everything we can to save more lives.” 

    “As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating a breast cancer diagnosis can be, and I’ve also seen how early detection can save a life,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks. “Too many young women, especially those at higher risk, are being left in the dark. The EARLY Act changes that. It empowers women with the knowledge they need to detect cancer sooner, fight harder, and live longer. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to protect women, strengthen families, and save lives.”

    “Far too many young women face breast cancer without the knowledge or support they need to fight back,” said Castor. “For 15 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has used the EARLY Act to ensure these young women aren’t alone by supporting outreach and resources that meet them where they are. I’m proud to support this bipartisan reauthorization to ensure the continuation of these critical initiatives that empower women to understand their risks, advocate for their health and get the tools they need to fight the disease.”

    “In my work with hospitals and health leaders across PA-1, one fact remains clear: early detection is the most effective tool we have to reduce cancer mortality. As Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I’ve worked to expand access to screening, education, and risk-based interventions. The EARLY Act is targeted, data-driven policy—built to close detection gaps, reach high-risk populations sooner, and reduce the number of women diagnosed too late. That’s how we save lives—and that’s the standard every public health initiative should meet,” said Fitzpatrick.

    “There’s no question that early diagnosis saves lives, and the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better for patient outcomes. With rates of breast cancer rising, especially among younger women, it’s critical we redouble our efforts to raise awareness about early screening and detection – and it’s critical these efforts focus on high-risk populations,” said Dingell. “I’m proud to co-lead this reauthorization and remain committed to ensuring we secure federal funding for continued cancer research and education.”

    “I’ve seen firsthand the power of early education and prevention in the fight against breast cancer. Too many women, especially those in high-risk and underserved communities, are still being diagnosed too late. The EARLY Act has proven effective in closing that gap by giving young women the tools and information they need to understand their risk, recognize early warning signs, and take action,” said Harshbarger. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reauthorizing this life-saving program that can save women’s lives.”

    The EARLY Act became law in 2010. Its success centers around authorizing three programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), designed to empower young and high-risk women to better focus their attention on this deadly disease. 

    This includes the Bring Your Brave campaign, which amplifies stories of real women to raise awareness of breast cancer in young women between the ages 18-44, and encourages them to understand their risk and the signs and symptoms. It also funds the Young Breast Cancer Survivors Program, which provides grants to several non-profit organizations aimed at delivering supportive services and resources to increase patients’ survival and improve their quality of life. And it offers continuing medical education (CME) courses for health care providers about breast cancer. 

    After fifteen years of successful implementation, it is now time to again reauthorize the EARLY Act to ensure that it continues to reach even more young and higher risk women across the United States. Reauthorizing the EARLY Act is vital to continuing to save women’s lives.

    Click here to read the full bill.

    The EARLY Act is endorsed by:

    • American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
    • AdvaMed
    • Axogen
    • BRCAStrong
    • Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition
    • Breast Cancer Ruckus
    • Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer
    • Cancer Support Community
    • DenseBreast-info, Inc 
    • FORCE
    • GE HealthCare
    • Gilda’s Club South Florida
    • Hologic
    • Living Beyond Breast Cancer
    • Prevent Cancer Foundation
    • Sharsheret
    • Susan G. Komen
    • Tigerlily Foundation
    • Women’s Health Advocates 

    • Young Survival Coalition

    “Reauthorizing the EARLY Act is critical to protecting the lives of young and high-risk women nationwide,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “”This legislation ensures that individuals and their health care providers have access to essential programs that offer the tools, education, and support needed to better understand breast health and detect cancer risks early—when it matters most. ACS CAN is grateful to Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) along with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) for their bipartisan leadership on this life-saving effort. Without swift action, we risk losing a vital resource in the fight against breast cancer.”

    “The Prevent Cancer Foundation proudly supports the reauthorization of the EARLY Act, which has been vital in helping young women — especially those at increased risk for breast cancer — and their health care providers understand the importance of breast health. We applaud Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Castor, Dingell, Miller-Meeks, Harshbarger and Fitzpatrick for championing this critical effort to advance awareness and early detection of breast cancer for better health outcomes.” Jody Hoyos, CEO Prevent Cancer Foundation

    “The evidence is clear – early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Over 95 percent of women who receive an early diagnosis can see high rates of survival with treatment. That number drops to 30 percent when breast cancer is caught at later stages. Yet, younger women – aged 25 to 40 – are diagnosed with more aggressive cancers at significantly higher percentages than women at average risk.  Brem Foundation applauds reintroduction of the EARLY Act, which educates young women, helps identify who is at higher risk for early breast cancers, and helps to drive self advocacy in breast health. Simply put, this bill will save lives.” Dr. Rachel Brem, Chief Medical Officer Brem Foundation & Professor and Vice-Chair, GW Cancer Center

    “This legislation plays a critical role in educating patients and healthcare professionals about breast cancer risks, early detection, and prevention—particularly among younger women and underserved populations,” said Emily Hansen, senior director of Resensation by Axogen. “Continued investment in awareness, education, and innovation is essential to ensuring more informed, empowered care decisions that will lead to better outcomes.”

    “The Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act is a critical step forward in empowering young and high-risk women with the knowledge they need to take control of their breast health. Early education saves lives by ensuring women and their healthcare providers are informed about risks, prevention, and proactive care options. At BRCAStrong, we believe knowledge is power and this legislation embodies that belief by helping to close gaps in awareness and ultimately reduce breast cancer’s impact on our community,” said Tracy Milgram, Founder of BRCAStrong.

    “Tigerlily Foundation proudly stands with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Senator Klobuchar in supporting the reintroduction of the EARLY Act, a critical lifeline for young and high-risk women and their providers. When we first championed this legislation in 2009, we knew it would save lives—and it has. The EARLY Act’s education campaigns, provider training, and grant programs have empowered women with knowledge and tools to advocate for their breast health, while equipping clinicians to better serve them. But our work isn’t done. With disparities persisting—especially for young, Black and other underserved women—we must ensure this vital legislation continues to bridge gaps in awareness, access, and care. Together, we can rewrite the narrative for the next generation, because every woman deserves the chance to live a full life,” said Maimah Karmo, Founder & CEO, Tigerlily Foundation.

    “When I promised my sister Suzy I would do everything in my power to end the devastation of breast cancer, we knew early detection would be the key. The EARLY Act has given thousands of young women a fighting chance through education, awareness, and action. I am proud to support its reauthorization, and the Promise Fund stands firmly behind this life-saving legislation,” said Nancy G. Brinker, Co-Founder, Promise Fund and Founder, Susan G. Komen

    ####

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Marshall Renew Bipartisan Push to Crack Down on Illegal Drug Activity on Social Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) today reintroduced the bipartisan Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act to require social media companies to work with federal agencies to combat the sale and distribution of illicit drugs on their platforms. The Senators’ bipartisan bill would ensure that social media companies turn over basic information relating to illicit online fentanyl activity to federal agencies – empowering state and local law enforcement to use this data to combat fake fentanyl-laced pills and prosecute those who prey on America’s youth. 
    “In recent years, we’ve seen the startling role that social media has played in fueling the substance use disorder crisis impacting New Hampshire by making it easier for young people to get their hands on these dangerous drugs. It’s past time that Congress step in to put a stop to it,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan bill would hold social media companies accountable to their obligation to keep our kids safe by requiring that they report illicit drug activity on their platforms and work with law enforcement to stop it. Families and communities across this country have dealt with enough heartbreak – as the substance use epidemic evolves, so must our response.” 
    The Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act is named after two young men who both tragically lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning after purchasing a pill from social media. It is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Todd Young (R-IN). 
    In recent years, organized drug cartels have dominated fentanyl trafficking in the country, and they have set up large, sophisticated distribution networks online via social media. In investigating fentanyl-related poisoning and deaths in teenagers and young adults, law enforcement agencies have found an alarming rate of these deadly pills acquired through platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. Unfortunately, federal agencies do not have the data to intervene and prevent these illegal activities. The Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act would require social media companies and other communication service providers to take on a more active role in working with federal agencies to combat the illegal sale and distribution of drugs on their platforms. This critical data will also empower state and local law enforcement to combat fentanyl, methamphetamine and fake fentanyl-laced pills and prosecute those who prey on America’s youth. Fentanyl remains the most dangerous drug threat facing Americans, and fatal poisonings are the fastest growing among adolescents, teenagers and young adults. After a decrease of deaths involving opioids from an estimated 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024, drug-related deaths are rising across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
    Shaheen has spearheaded crucial legislation and funding to fight the substance use disorder epidemic, including through her leadership on the pivotal U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which funds the U.S. Department of Justice. Shaheen recently introduced her bipartisan Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act to help prevent youth opioid use and overdoses by establishing a new grant program that allows current or former Drug-Free Communities (DFC) coalitions to partner with schools to provide resources educating students about the dangers of synthetic opioids. Shaheen has also helped enact the FENTANYL Results Act to increase global cooperation in the fight against synthetic drug trafficking and the HALT Fentanyl Act to permanently schedules all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act to ensure law enforcement can keep them off the streets and hold drug traffickers accountable. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Schmitt Introduce the Graham Hoffman Act to Increase Penalties for Crimes Against First Responders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) recently introduced the Graham Hoffman Act, which will make it a federal crime to assault first responders. This legislation is named in honor of Graham Hoffman, a paramedic from Kansas City who was attacked and killed in the line of duty in April. Intended to fill gaps in state laws, the Graham Hoffman Act will allow the federal government to pursue charges against criminals who assault first responders in certain circumstances where the federal government can exercise jurisdiction. 

    “First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve our protection when they answer the call to help others,” said Senator Hassan. “This bill honors the memory of fallen heroes by holding criminals that attack those who serve and protect our communities fully accountable for their crimes and sending a clear message that targeting and attacking first responders will not be tolerated.” 

    “Graham Hoffman was a courageous firefighter-paramedic whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of a known criminal who had been released from custody shortly before the attack. This tragic loss underscores the urgent need to protect our first responders, who put their lives on the line to serve our communities. This legislation, in honor of Graham, ensures that anyone who assaults or kills a first responder faces the full force of federal law,” said Senator Schmitt.   

    Click here to read the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Opening Remarks at Full Committee Mark Up of Military Construction-VA, Commerce-Justice-Science Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following opening remarks as the committee meets to consider the draft fiscal year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies and Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations acts.

    Senator Murray’s opening remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “Thank you very much, Chair Collins.

    “We are here to resume consideration of the CJS bill and to take up the MilCon-VA bill—and I do want to thank our MilCon-VA subcommittee leaders, Senator Boozman, and Senator Ossoff for all of your hard work.

    “It is a good thing that by working together, we were able to put together a solid bill that invests in folks back home. This is the way the process should work: Senators coming together and finding common ground on common sense investments.

    “But I do have to acknowledge the elephant in the room here. It is no secret the path to advancing more of our bills is going to be harder because of the unprecedented, partisan rescissions bill that Republicans just passed.

    “It is extremely frustrating to see so many of the colleagues that have worked with us to pass funding bills turn around and vote to rip away the funding that we all agreed on.

    “I have never seen anything like it because the Senate has never done anything like it. We have never—until now—passed a purely partisan rescissions bill. It is a dangerous new precedent. And it poses some hard questions my colleagues across the aisle need to start answering. Because Russ Vought has not been subtle: round two of these partisan cuts are on their way soon. He said that this morning.

    “So, what do my colleagues want to do? Do they want to turn this into the Rescissions Committee? Because that is one path we could end up going down, and as of now we are one big, alarming step down it.

    “It is not the path I want go down. I want to see us turn back to what has historically made this Committee so powerful—and so worth being on—in the first place. Which is working together to advance bills that deliver for our constituents and get signed into law. And it is unfortunate that many members of this body have voted to make that a whole lot harder. That is the reality—and there is no ignoring it.

    “Now, I do believe our work here is as important as ever: writing bills that make the voice of the Senate, and the voices of our constituents heard, instead of letting Donald Trump and Russ Vought make the decisions with a forever CR. There is no doubt in my mind the bills that we negotiate—together—will be far preferable to the partisan House bills that cut like there’s no tomorrow or another slush fund CR.

    “We have already seen this President abuse the power from the last CR to ignore our bipartisan decisions, spend taxpayer dollars as he sees fit, and rob money from blue states—exactly as I warned about. We’ve already learned that lesson the hard way. We cannot throw in that towel again and let OMB hold up funding for our states or zero out projects we secured for folks back home. That’s part of why bipartisan bills are so important. But everyone has to understand, getting to the finish line always depends on our ability to work together in a bipartisan way. And it also depends on trust—trust.

    “And as I warned on the floor, bipartisanship doesn’t end with any one line being crossed, it erodes over time—bit by bit. And frankly, I am alarmed by how quickly that erosion is happening right now, over the last six months, and certainly over the last 24 hours.

    “We are racing in the wrong direction, and it is really on my colleagues across the aisle to decide if they are going to hit the brakes or go over the cliff. The question of whether forging a bipartisan path is hopeless or not will depend very much on whether this Committee is able to lock arms, and whether our colleagues will defend bipartisan deals from a budget chief who believes quite plainly that Congress—and appropriators—should have as little say as possible on federal spending.

    “I appreciate that two Republican members of this Committee ultimately took a principled stand against the partisan rescissions package, I really hope that more will join us in standing up for our power of the purse.

    “Now, turning back to the bills before us today—the MilCon-VA bill is one that I care very deeply about. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, the programs we fund in our MilCon-VA bill are very personal to me.

    “Doing right by our vets, getting them the care they need and the support they were promised, is a moral obligation. I’ll have more to say as we debate the bill—including areas I’d like to have done more.

    “But the bottom line is—it delivers the funding needed to support safe and updated infrastructure for our troops and their families and to keep our word to our veterans.

    “As the Chairman noted, we will also take up the CJS bill. I spoke last week about the serious concerns I share with Senator Van Hollen. And it is frustrating that after a bipartisan amendment was taken up, instead of advancing the bill, we recessed and are only now taking it back up with consideration of a partisan amendment.

    “My hope is that we can ensure the integrity of the process for the FBI site, and it’s protected along with the prerogatives of this committee. I am prepared to see what happens as this bill moves forward but will probably vote no if it does not get addressed.

    “With that, I will turn it back over to Chair Collins.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Votes to Pass President Trump’s DOGE Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released the following statement after voting to pass President Trump’s rescissions request to cut $9 billion in wasteful spending found by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    “Living within your budget means making some hard, and not so hard, decisions,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is a long overdue step towards addressing America’s spending problem.”
    Cassidy has continuously pushed for defunding NPR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Trump, Cassidy Photos from HALT Fentanyl Act Bill Signing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released photos with President Trump during the signing of his Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which gives law enforcement another tool by permanently scheduling fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act.
    “Proud to work alongside President Trump to take this historic step against the scourge of fentanyl. Together, we will make America fentanyl-free!” said Dr. Cassidy.
    During the event, President Trump thanked Cassidy for his effort to pass the bill. Cassidy released a statement immediately following the bill signing yesterday.
    Click here to download photos from the meeting.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces Audit the Fed Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    July 17th, 2025

    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Rand Paul (R-KY) has reintroduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, famously known as ‘Audit the Fed” legislation to require a full audit of the Federal Reserve’s operations and increase congressional oversight of its decision-making. In conjunction with the bill’s reintroduction, Senator Paul also released the latest edition of his Waste Report, which exposed the Federal Reserve’s $600 million cost overrun on renovations to its Washington, D.C. headquarters—now projected to cost taxpayers $2.5 billion in total. The report underscores the lack of transparency and accountability at the Fed, which remains exempt from a full audit by Congress or the Government Accountability Office.

    “No institution holds more power over the future of the American economy and the value of our savings than the Federal Reserve,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s long past time for Congress to stop shirking its duty and hold the Federal Reserve accountable.”

    “It is Congress’ duty to hold the Fed accountable,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). “For too long, the Federal Reserve has operated behind closed doors while making decisions that impact the American economy. Throughout my service in Congress, I have worked to audit the Fed, and this legislation is necessary to shine a light on the Fed’s operations and provide transparency to Congress and American taxpayers.”

    “Idahoans deserve to know what the Federal Reserve is doing to our nation’s economy,” said Senator Jim Risch (R-ID). “Congress must hold the Fed accountable and pull back the curtain on the actions of this unelected Washington establishment.”

    “I support this effort to provide more transparency to the American people and more insight into how the Federal Reserve operates. This bill is a common-sense step towards good government,” said Senator Todd Young (R-IN).

    The Federal Reserve Transparency Act would require the independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a complete audit of the Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Banks within one year of enactment and to report its findings to Congress within 90 days of completing the audit.

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R- FL), and John Barrasso (R-WY).

    The bill is supported by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Frontiers of Freedom Institute, and Young Americans for Liberty.

     Read the bill HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/15/2025 Blackburn, Thune, Kelly Call on USICAO to Raise Mandatory Commercial Pilot Retirement Age

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) sent a letter to U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization (USICAO) Chargé d’Affaires Anthony Clare urging them to support ICAO’s effort to raise the mandatory commercial pilotretirement age. This would reduce the pilot shortage and increase safety by ensuring the most qualified and experienced pilots are on the flight deck.

    As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to dominate international organizations around the world, the United States must not allow our adversary to lead international aviation standards, build goodwill with our allies, or gain a competitive advantage over the U.S.

    Global Data Confirms Experienced Pilots Have Less Accidents than Junior Pilots 

    During the 14th Air Navigation Conference held last year from August 26th to September 6th, the ICAO advanced formal action directed at raising or even eliminating the institution’srecommended pilot retirement age of 65 years. This initiative—led by Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the International Air Transport Association— makes it increasingly likely that the international community will move to increase the suggested retirement age in the near future. Such a move would be consistent with data from around the world, which confirm that experienced pilots have fewer accidents than junior pilots. Therefore, it would stand to reason that raising or eliminating the pilot retirement age—coupled with the existing rigorous technical and medical testing that pilots undergo—would result in a reductionof accidents by closing the experience gap and retaining the greatest level of experience our passengers expect on the flight deck. In fact, many countries around the world already allow pilots above the age of 65 to fly and have been doing so without compromising safety.”

    Senator Blackburn Has Led the Effort to Raise the Mandatory Commercial Pilot Retirement Age 

    “Last Congress, in the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Blackburn led several of her colleagues in an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorizationwhich would have raised the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age from 65 to 67. This amendment did not alter any other qualification to become a commercial pilot and was widely supported by industry.”

    USICAO Must Not Cede Its Leadership Role to China by Sitting on the Sidelines of this Debate

    “The United States is one of ICAO’s largest member states and one of 36 states that make up the ICAO Council. The USICAO is tasked with improving the safety, security, and sustainability of civil aviation in the U.S., and, as such, has an obligation to advocate for changes to international standards to benefit American consumers and our dominance in the skies. Therefore, the USICAO should not spend this debate sitting on the sidelines. As I know you understand, if the United States cedes our leadership role in this space on the international stage, China—who is presently and actively joining our partners to advocate for raising the pilot retirement age—will gladly fill that void.”

    Click here to read the full letter. 

    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/16/2025 Blackburn, Peters Pass Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy to help strengthen U.S. leadership in global manufacturing.

    “A resilient domestic manufacturing base with a national strategic plan will strengthen the United States’ competitiveness,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Manufacturing Council Act would support our workforce by increasing communication and collaboration across different industries.”

    “To support manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the United States, we need our industry partners, economic developers, lawmakers, and workers reading from the same playbook,” said Senator Peters. “A National Manufacturing Advisory Council would help bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and industry experts to strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges in the industry and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming decades.”

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would be made up of manufacturing, labor, and education leaders to advise both Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on how best to ensure the United States remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce. 

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year to advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that impact U.S. manufacturing. It would also propose solutions to challenges and problems facing manufacturers in the United States. The Advisory Council would be required to:  

    • IDENTIFY AND ASSESS the effects of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging needs for United States manufacturing competitiveness.  
    • SOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors – including businesses and labor groups – as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing.   
    • PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary addressing global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on ways to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing – as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of new technology and worker training and education priorities.  
    • IDENTIFY REGULATORY ISSUES encountered by the domestic manufacturing sector and provide advice on how to mitigate issues through a favorable environment for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.  

    “We applaud Senator Blackburn for introducing this bill to improve the federal government’s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,” said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM). “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.”  

    “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Gary Peters for their continued leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,” said Kip Eideberg, American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.”     

    “We commend Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) for introducing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,” said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “This council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and defense industrial base. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.”  

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act is also supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC).   

    In May, the Senate also passed Blackburn’s and Peter’s Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act which would strengthen federal efforts to attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/17/2025 Blackburn Statement on Senate Passing $9 Billion Rescissions Package to Cut Wasteful Government Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 to cut $9 billion of wasteful government spending. With America’s national debt now sitting at $37 trillion after four years of reckless, far-left spending under the Biden administration, the rescissions package is an important step to restoring fiscal sanity.

    “The American people gave us a mandate to stop reckless spending and get our national debt under control,” said Senator Blackburn. “For years, American taxpayers have been bankrolling biased public media, foreign spending that undermines our values, and other outrageous things like electric buses in Rwanda and climate programs in Mexico. The rescissions package that Senate Republicans just passed eliminates billions in wasteful spending, and it is an important step toward restoring fiscal sanity and economic security.”

    THE RESCISSIONS ACT OF 2025

    Below are highlights of the billions in wasteful government spending the rescissions package will cut: 

    • Reckless spending on biased public media:

    o    Eliminates nearly $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the organization that funnels taxpayer dollars into a politically biased media system, including NPR and PBS, that has pushed left-wing ideology on the taxpayers’ dime for years. Click here for a list of examples of left-wing bias at NPR and PBS.

    • Foreign spending on programs that undermines American values and interests:
      • $3.9 million for strengthening integrity, equality, and democracy for LGBTQI+ population of the Western Balkans;
      • $2.5 million to teach children how to make environmentally friendly “reproductive health” decision;
      • $2.4 million to make aid more considerate of “sexual orientation and gender identity;”
      • $2.1 million for “climate resilience” in Asia, Latin America, and Africa;
      • $750,000 to “Yemen Community Resilience;” and
      • $500,000 for a gender equality and empowerment hub.
    • Funding to international organizations that work against American interests:
      • $135 million for the corrupt World Health Organization, which covered for Communist China throughout the COVID pandemic;
      • $33 million for the UN Population Fund, whose funding has gone towards providing tampons for transgender individuals in Bangladesh, a campaign to promote LGBTQ ideology in Rio de Janeiro, and “third-gender” community centers in Southeast Asia; 
      • $8 million for the UN Human Rights Council, which supports dictators and repressive regimes while demonizing our ally, Israel.
    • Funding for outrageous projects at the expense of American taxpayers:
      • $21 million for wind farms in Ukraine;
      • $18 million to improve gender diversity in the Mexican street lighting industry;
      • $6 million for “Net Zero Cities” in Mexico;
      • $4.4 million for the “Melanesian Youth Climate Corps;”
      • $4 million for “sedentary migrants” in Colombia;
      • $3 million for an Iraqi version of Sesame Street; 
      • $3 million for sexual reproductive health in Venezuela;
      • $2.4 million to make aid more considerate of “sexual orientation and gender identity;”
      • $1 million for voter ID in Haiti;
      • $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda; and
      • $500,000 for Peruvian biodiversity.

    RELATED

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Statement on Senate Passage of the Rescissions Package

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) issued the following statement after the passing of the rescissions package.
    “The American people gave us a mandate to eliminate wasteful spending and address our $37 trillion national debt. Early this morning, the Senate voted to pass the first rescissions package, cutting $9 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse,”said Senator Marshall. “Kansans’ taxpayer dollars deserve careful stewardship and efficient use—this is another promise made, promise kept by President Trump. Delivering significant savings that the American people voted for.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall & Shaheen Reintroduce Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Drug Activity on Social Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), reintroduced the Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act, which would require social media companies and other communication service providers to take on a more active role in working with federal agencies to combat the illegal sale and distribution of drugs on their platforms. This critical data will also empower state and local law enforcement to combat fake fentanyl-laced pills and prosecute those who prey on America’s youth.
    “For four years, Joe Biden’s reckless open borders allowed fentanyl to flood our communities, creating a crisis in every state. We still lose a Kansan a day to fentanyl poisoning,” said Senator Marshall. “Cooper Davis was a bright young man from Johnson County who tragically died from a pill laced with fentanyl purchased on the social media platform: Snapchat. The Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act requires social media platforms to report any drug activity on their platform to law enforcement. We will not rest in our fight until no Kansan loses their life to fentanyl poisoning.”
    “In recent years, we’ve seen the startling role that social media has played in fueling the substance use disorder crisis impacting New Hampshire by making it easier for young people to get their hands on these dangerous drugs. It’s past time that Congress step in to put a stop to it,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bipartisan bill would hold social media companies accountable in keeping our kids safe by requiring that they report certain illicit drug activity on their platforms and work with law enforcement to stop it. Families and communities across this country have dealt with enough heartbreak – as the substance use epidemic evolves, so must our response.” 
    The Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act is named after two young men who both tragically lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning after purchasing a pill from social media.
    Cooper Davis from Johnson County, KS, tragically lost his life to fentanyl poisoning in the summer of 2021. Cooper died after taking half a fake pill that contained a lethal dose of fentanyl, which was believed to be purchased from a Missouri drug dealer through the social media platform Snapchat. Following his passing, Cooper’s family launched the non-profit ‘Keepin’ Clean for Coop’ to keep his memory alive to save lives, raise awareness, and educate students and families.
    Devin Norring was a 19-year-old from Hastings, Minnesota, who unexpectedly died from fentanyl poisoning in 2020. In his honor, his family started the Devin J. Norring Foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of dealers selling fake pills and other illicit substances online.
    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Todd Young (R-Indiana), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota).
    “Fentanyl overdoses claim the lives of tens-of-thousands of Americans each year, many of whom suffered accidental poisonings after taking deadly pills marketed on social media platforms,” said Senator Grassley. “After successfully passing the HALT Fentanyl Act into law, Senate Republicans are continuing to advance legislation to combat America’s fentanyl crisis and save lives. Congress must hold Big Tech accountable for its ongoing role in the illicit drug trade.” 
    “Today, it is all too easy for drug dealers to target kids through social media platforms while Big Tech stands idly by. Devastation caused by fentanyl-laced pills is both tragic and preventable. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to hold Big Tech accountable for the unlawful drug activity that takes place online,” said Senator Durbin. “By requiring social media companies to report illicit fentanyl trafficking occurring on their platforms, the bipartisan Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act will equip law enforcement with the information they need to actively fight fentanyl and protect the most vulnerable Americans, our kids.”
    “Fentanyl is devastating communities in Indiana and across our nation, and we need to do more to address the flow of these drugs, including distribution via social media, that are poisoning young Americans,” said Senator Young. “The Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act will give law enforcement officials more tools to combat the illegal sale and distribution of drugs.” 
    The legislation is supported by the families of Cooper Davis and Devin Norring, as well as National HIDTA Directors Association, Snapchat, Partnership for Safe Medicine, the U.S. Deputy Sherriff’s Association, The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies, Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse, the Community Anti-Drug Coalition Association, the Alexander Neville Foundation, the National FOP, and the Kansas Sheriffs Association.
    “Our family continues to be extremely grateful for Senator Marshall and his colleague’s dedication to this legislation. We are both honored and saddened to have another name, Devin Norring, added to this bill,” said Libby Davis, Mother of Cooper Davis. “However, the harsh reality is that there are thousands of other teenagers’ names that could be added to this bill because they too lost their lives in this same tragic way. Each with a story demonstrating that this can happen to ANY FAMILY. We, as parents and grandparents, do so many things to keep our kids safe, from baby gates, car seats, and seatbelts, to bike helmets, sunscreen, and vaccinations. This is no different. We need our legislators to come together and get this bipartisan bill across the finish line so that countless children can be saved, theirs being no exception.”
    “Our family & the Devin J. Norring Foundation wholeheartedly support the Cooper Davis & Devin Norring Act – legislation that serves as a critical step toward protecting families from the deadly threat of fentanyl sold through social media,” said The Family of Devin J. Norring & the Devin J. Norring Foundation. “This bill honors the lives of Cooper and Devin by holding tech companies accountable and giving law enforcement the tools they need to respond to this crisis. No parent should have to search for answers in a system that shields predators. It’s time for truth, transparency, and action.” 
    Click here to read the full bill text.
    Background:

    In recent years, organized drug cartels have dominated fentanyl trafficking in the country, and they have set up large, sophisticated distribution networks online via social media.
    In investigating fentanyl-related poisoning and deaths in teenagers and young adults, law enforcement agencies have found an alarming rate of these deadly pills acquired through platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. Unfortunately, federal agencies do not have the data to intervene and prevent these illegal activities.
    The Cooper Davis Act would require social media companies and other communication service providers to take on a more active role in working with federal agencies to combat the illegal sale and distribution of drugs on their platforms. This critical data will also empower state and local law enforcement to combat fake fentanyl-laced pills and prosecute those who prey on America’s youth.
    Fentanyl remains the most dangerous drug threat facing Americans, and fatal poisonings are the fastest-growing among adolescents, teenagers, and young adults.
    After a decrease of deaths involving opioids from an estimated 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024, drug-related deaths are rising across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Research Council Adds Full Scale Laser Sorter to Its Mining Industry Services

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 17, 2025

    The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is well-positioned as a global mineral sorting and separation centre of excellence with the addition of a full-scale laser sorter to the wide array of services it offers to the mining industry. 

    SRC’s Minerals Liberation Sorting Centre is the only third-party, independent testing centre to offer bench-to-pilot scale testing and offers front-to-back solutions for mining industry clients in early exploration, later stage exploration, established mining, and post-mining stages. SRC’s sorting centre now offers full production-scale sensor-based sorting services via XRT (X-ray transmission) and laser testing, services that no other independent testing centre in the world can boast. 

    “With the recent addition of a full-scale laser sorting unit, SRC will further strengthen its capability to run real-world scenario testing and deliver efficient, cost-effective and sustainable sorting solutions to the mining industry in Saskatchewan and beyond,” Minister Responsible for SRC Warren Kaeding said.  

    Sensor-based sorting technologies are widely used in various sectors like recycling and food production, but in the mining industry specifically, it is changing how companies evaluate mine design and economics. 

    Not only does sensor-based sorting offer improved efficiency, but it can reduce waste, environmental impact and operational costs for a company. Using sensor-based sorting, a mining company can generate waste streams earlier in the process based on mineralogical differences detected by sensors. By removing waste early, particle ore sorting can increase feed grade to the mill, minimize operational footprints, reduce water and energy usage and lower operating costs. 

    SRC’s comprehensive three-stage testing regime assists clients in selecting the most appropriate sensor-based sorting technology, progressing from mineral characterization to targeting and modelling and then to pilot-scale testing. Using this method, SRC has successfully implemented sensor-based sorting solutions for various commodities, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings.  

    “We can test all major sorting technologies on the market and have developed custom-made, sensor-based solutions for various applications,” President and CEO of SRC Mike Crabtree noted. “Our interdisciplinary team, comprising geologists, mineralogists and engineers, ensures a complete approach to sensor-based sorting technology integration, making it a reliable partner for mining companies looking to adopt these advanced sorting solutions.”  

    The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization. As a catalyst for innovation, SRC focuses on providing leading-edge services and solutions to the agriculture, energy, environment and mining industries with major projects in nuclear and rare earth elements. With a workforce of more than 400 employees and nearly 80 years of applied research and development experience, SRC supports 1,400 clients in more than 15 countries. 

    For more information about SRC’s sorting and separation services, visit src.sk.ca/services/sensor-based-sorting.  

    View our media kit for photos and video of SRC’s Minerals Liberation Sorting Centre. 

    -30- 

    Francois Biber  
    External Relations 
    Saskatchewan Research Council  
    Phone: 306-385-4187 
    Email: Francois.Biber@src.sk.ca 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Climate scientists calculate role human-caused climate change plays in shifting weather extremes

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 17, 2025 – Gatineau, Quebec

    Environment and Climate Change Canada is committed to climate research into how and why the country’s climate has changed over the decades. Research like this will help us predict future changes and provide Canadians with a deeper understanding of how human-caused climate change affects extreme weather events, like heat waves and cold snaps.

    This summer, climate scientists are using the Rapid Extreme Weather Event Attribution system to analyze heat waves across Canada to determine how CO2 and other emissions from human activities impacted extreme heat. During the summer of 2024, climate scientists analyzed the 37 most extreme heat events across Canada. In all cases, they found that the heat waves were likely because of climate change.

    This summer, human-caused climate change already made two heat waves in Canada much more likely to occur. This means that human influence on the climate made the following events at least two to 10 times more likely to occur:

    Yukon (June 20 to 23)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 22.0 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature: 6.5 °C

    Alberta (May 28 to 31)

    • Peak daily high temperature during the heat wave: 28.8 °C
    • Degrees above normal daily high temperature: 11.3 °C

    Analysis of how weather events are linked to human-caused climate change relies on advanced climate models and observations to compare today’s climate with what existed in the pre-industrial era (1850 to 1900). Comparison allows climate scientists to answer the question, “What role did human-caused climate change play in this event?” and provides concrete results that can be quickly understood.

    This past winter, climate scientists also piloted a new function to analyze climate change’s impact on cold weather events. As the global climate continues to warm, extreme cold temperatures are becoming less frequent. This work provides Canadians with direct insight into how human-caused climate change and its devastating impacts are affecting their lives and weather today and see these changes as they unfold.

    Canadians are encouraged to regularly monitor weather forecasts, take all weather alerts seriously, and get prepared for weather-related events by developing an emergency plan and being ready to adjust their travel plans.

    Canadians can download the WeatherCAN app to receive weather alert notifications directly on their mobile devices. Alerts help Canadians prepare to face severe weather events, save lives, and reduce the impacts on property and livelihoods.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Southbound I-5 paving project in Everett set to begin

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Significant lane closures necessary while crews repave, replace bridge joints

    EVERETT – Traffic through Everett is about to be a bit bumpier, but the ride through the area will ultimately be a lot smoother. A paving project is set to begin along a 4-mile stretch of southbound Interstate 5 from Broadway Avenue to 100th Street Southeast.

    On Saturday, July 19, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin the I-5 Southbound 100th Street Southeast to Broadway Avenue paving project by closing four left lanes on southbound I-5 at 41st Street, as well as access from Broadway Avenue to the southbound I-5 HOV lane.

    As work progresses, crews will close as many as four of the six lanes along this stretch of I-5 for daytime and nighttime work. People traveling southbound through Everett should expect to see delays for the next 14 weeks.

    This work also requires on- and off-ramp closures, with signed detours guiding travelers to the next exit.

    WSDOT is still finalizing dates for additional lane reductions and ramp closures and will announce them once they are set.

    The project also replaces traffic loops, pavement markings and aging bridge joints.

    More than 95,000 vehicles travel along this stretch of I-5 per day. The $6.1 million project will create a better ride and preserve the highway for years to come. WSDOT expects to finish construction in fall 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Co-Leads Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration Rule That Would Make It Harder for Americans to Obtain Health Coverage Under the ACA

    Source: US State of California

    By the Trump Administration’s own estimates, the rule will cause up to 1.8 million people to lose their health insurance

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led with the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New Jersey, a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging an unlawful final rule promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would create significant barriers to obtaining healthcare under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Trump Administration’s final rule would make numerous amendments to rules governing federal and state health insurance marketplaces which the administration estimates will cause up to 1.8 million people to lose their health insurance, while causing millions more to pay increased insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles. The final rule also excludes coverage of gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit (EHB) under the ACA. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the HHS and CMS rule is arbitrary and capricious, contrary to law, and violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The coalition is also seeking preliminary relief, and a stay, to prevent the challenged portions of the final rule from taking effect in the Plaintiff States before the August 25 effective date.

    “Far from delivering on their promises to drive down costs and ‘make America healthier’ the Trump Administration’s HHS and CMS are doing their best to make it harder and more expensive for Americans to obtain health insurance and access care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “These sweeping changes would impose onerous verification requirements, junk health insurance premiums for some consumers, shorten enrollment periods in federal and state healthcare exchanges like Covered California, deprive up to 1.8 million Americans of health insurance, drive up out-of-pocket healthcare costs and so much more. It’s unlawful and it’s wrong – we’re meeting the Trump Administration in court to defend Americans’ healthcare coverage.”

    Congress enacted the ACA in 2010 to increase the number of Americans with health insurance and decrease the cost of healthcare. Fifteen years later, the Act continues to meet its goals, with annual enrollment on the ACA marketplace doubling over the past five years, resulting in over 24 million people signing up for health insurance coverage in plan year 2025 on the ACA exchanges and receiving subsidies to make such coverage affordable, including millions of people in the Plaintiff States. Now, with less than four months until open enrollment for plan year 2026 begins, the Trump Administration’s final rule would abruptly reverse that trend, erecting a series of new barriers to enrollment that will deprive up to 1.8 million people of insurance coverage by the Administration’s own estimates, and significantly drive up the costs incurred by Plaintiff States in providing healthcare, including increasing state expenditures on Medicaid, uncompensated emergency care, and funding other services provided to newly uninsured residents.

    California has approximately two million ACA plan enrollees, the third highest of any state. The final rule by HHS would make substantial changes to the operation of the ACA marketplaces, including adding new bureaucratic barriers, imposing an automatic monthly charge on all automatically reenrolled consumers who qualify for $0 premiums, shortening the open enrollment period for signing up for health coverage, and making other changes which will make coverage less affordable for millions of individuals nationwide. The final rule would also exclude gender-affirming care as an EHB on federal exchange plans, leaving states responsible for paying for the portion of insurance premiums attributable to any such coverage (but the availability of such care in California would not be impacted).  

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the HHS and CMS rule is unlawful, arbitrary and capricious, and would cause significant harm to states and their residents. All of the challenged marketplace changes implemented by the final rule will be harmful to individual consumers and state and local governments. The final rule imposes burdensome and costly paperwork requirements, limits the opportunities to sign up for health coverage, substantially increases cost-sharing limits, and forces exchanges and consumers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to prove eligibility for coverage and subsidies. These changes will result in direct and immediate costs to States as well as harms tied to decreased enrollment.

    In filing the lawsuit, California Attorney General Bonta, Massachusetts Attorney General Campbell, and New Jersey Attorney General Platkin are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. 

    A copy of the complaint and motion for preliminary injunction will be made available here and here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AssureSoft Represents LATAM in the Stevie® Awards for Great Employers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Only Latin American-founded company offering nearshore software development services recognized among the winners in the 2025 Employer of the Year category.
    • Judges recognized AssureSoft’s talent development strategy and its ongoing efforts to drive community impact, promote gender equity, and upskill tech professionals in Latin America.

    COCHABAMBA, Bolivia, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AssureSoft, a nearshore software outsourcing company with operations in Latin America and the United States, has been named the winner of a Silver Stevie® Award in the Employer of the Year – Computer Software category.

    The Stevie® Awards recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. This year, more than 1,000 nominations from organizations of all sizes in 35 nations were submitted for consideration in a wide range of HR-related categories.

    Judges highlighted AssureSoft’s people-first culture, as well as the company’s integrated and inclusive talent development strategy, noting the impact of programs that blend community outreach with employee retention. Also, the company’s commitment to community impact, gender equity, and youth upskilling—especially within the Latin American context—was recognized, as it “highlights a deep, authentic investment in both people and purpose.”

    “Our team members have always been the cornerstone of our success,” said Daniel Gumucio, CEO of AssureSoft. “This Stevie Award validates our long-standing investment in culture, inclusion, and talent development. We remain committed to building a workplace that inspires innovation, engagement, and long-term growth for both our talent and our clients.”

    In 2024, AssureSoft achieved an eNPS of 70— above the Tech Industry average of 32—and maintained an attrition rate of 16%, compared to the 36.7% industry average.1 These numbers stand out in a sector where retention and workplace culture are constant challenges.

    Details about the Stevie Awards for Great Employers and the list of 2025 Stevie winners are available here.

    To learn more about AssureSoft’s initiatives, read their latest Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion Report.

    About AssureSoft

    AssureSoft is a nearshore software outsourcing company with 19 years of experience. With a team of 500+ developers distributed across Latin America, the company provides tailored solutions to U.S. and Canada-based clients through staff augmentation, dedicated software development teams, and end-to-end software outsourcing services. AssureSoft’s headquarters are located in Miami; it operates offices in California and has development centers in four cities across Bolivia and Paraguay. Additionally, the company has development teams in Brazil, Colombia and Peru.

    AssureSoft adheres to global standards in information security compliance and talent development. The company is ISO 27001-certified and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for five consecutive years. Discover more at www.assuresoft.com

    1The Tech Employee Experience

    For Media Inquiries:
    Catalina Soto Pizano
    Corporate Communications Manager
    AssureSoft
    catalina.soto@assuresoft.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Discusses Importance of Government Efficiency at State Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the importance of government efficiency with Michael Rigas, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.
    “I was governor of Nebraska, and one of the things we focused on was government efficiency,” said Ricketts.   “In fact, we actually combined different agencies together, similar to what you’re doing with your different offices here.  One of the other things we did is we trained 30,000 people of our state teammates in Lean Six Sigma, which is a process improvement methodology we’ve discussed.  Because of that investment, we were able to save our state teammates 900,000 hours of their time by finding simpler steps. So, we reduced the amount of time it took them to it took them to do things and saved taxpayers $115 million.  The private sector has competition to drive that.  Government obviously does not.”
    Ricketts also agreed with statements made by Secretary Rubio, that the current organizational chart of the State Department is unrecognizable.
    “Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase that if everything’s a priority, nothing’s a priority.  One of the ways that you could assess that is by looking at an org chart,” said Ricketts.  “So, I decided to look at the org chart…  Visually, you can see that it’s just a lot more complicated after the Biden administration.  In fact, I count there’s 16 additional bureaus and offices that were added over the last two decades.  And you know, to me, this is an indication that there could be bureaucratic bloat in your organization, similar to what maybe you just described here, and not that organizations shouldn’t change. Organizations should change, and they should adapt to the new circumstances…  More does not necessarily translate to better.”
    Click here to watch more.
    Senator Ricketts’ comments were made in a hearing of the Committee on Foreign Relations entitled: “Reforming the State Department to Compete in the 21st Century.”  The witness was State Department Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Fights to Protect America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill and his work to protect America.
    Watch the video here.
    “Lasting prosperity depends on lasting security,” said Ricketts.  “No nation can thrive without secure borders and a strong military.  The One Big Beautiful Bill is the strongest national security and border security package in American history.  This bill protects the good life in Nebraska.”
    TRANSCRIPT:
    Senator Ricketts: “Thank you for joining our press call today. 
    “Lasting prosperity depends on lasting security.
    “No nation can thrive without secure borders and a strong military.  
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill is the strongest national security and border security package in American history.  
    “This bill protects the good life in Nebraska.
    “Under the Biden Administration every state was a border state. 
    “Illegal immigration has real consequences for every state, including Nebraska.  
    “We have seen the flow of fentanyl, the rise of human trafficking, and its terrible consequences on Nebraskans.
    “We have lost young lives like Taryn Lee Griffith.
    “This bill gives law enforcement the tools to fight back and protect our communities while restoring the rule of law.   
    “Nebraska families deserve a federal government that secures our border and enforces the law.  
    “President Biden oversaw 10.5 million illegal border encounters.  
    “We are still seeing the effects of the Biden Border Crisis in Nebraska.  
    “Just last week, authorities arrested two members of the violent MS-13 gang in Omaha.  
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill responds with a historic investment in border security.  
    “It includes $46.5 billion to complete the border wall system, including roads, fiber, sensors, and cameras.  
    “It provides $10 billion in grants to reimburse states for the costs of Biden’s federal failure.  
    “Another $6.1 billion goes to cutting-edge surveillance tools that will give Border Patrol agents better eyes on the ground.  
    “The bill also creates jobs by providing funding for the hiring of 16,000 new immigration and customs agents while expanding detention capacity to end catch-and-release.
    “The security threats we face do not stop at our borders, we must also deter foreign adversaries and threats.
    “Nebraska’s airmen, missile programs, and military bases help defend our country every day.  
    “We are proud to host key parts of America’s defense infrastructure, and we understand the importance of peace through strength.
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill includes over a $150 billion dollar in investment in America’s defense, making it clear to Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea that we will meet any threats with force and resolve.   
    “It strengthens the Defense Production Act, so our military supply chains remain resilient and ready for any challenge. 
    “It includes $25 billion for the Golden Dome, a layered missile defense shield that will protect Americans from evolving threats.  
    “It provides $29 billion for shipbuilding and expanding the maritime industrial base, that includes funds for a Virginia-class submarine, two destroyers, new oilers, and unmanned surface vehicles.
    “Our Coast Guard will be bolstered, to be able to counter drug and human trafficking as well as deter adversaries in the Arctic.
    “This is through funding for 17 new icebreakers, 21 new cutters, and more than 40 helicopters and 6 new planes.
    “There’s funding for the advanced X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, developing the B-21 bomber fleet, ramping up munitions production, and applying artificial intelligence to the battlefield.
    “Through these investments, we are demonstrating peace through strength. 
    “The bill also helps reverse dangerous recruitment trends in our military.  
    “Under President Trump, we are seeing record-breaking recruitment numbers.  
    “We are renewing the warrior spirit.  
    “That is good news for America’s readiness and morale.  
    “It’s bad news for America’s adversaries.
    “For Nebraska, the bill brings real investment.  
    “It includes $2.5 billion for risk reduction activities tied to the Sentinel ICBM program, which will be partly based in Western Nebraska.  
    “It also includes $168 million to accelerate production of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, also known as SAOC, at Offutt Air Force Base.  
    “These investments will mean more jobs, more innovation, and a stronger defense posture right here in Nebraska.
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill keeps America secure and protects Nebraskans.  
    “It honors the brave women and men who serve in uniform, defend our borders, and operate from bases across the state.  
    “As President Trump responds to rising global threats and reverses Biden’s open border policies, this bill gives our nation the resources to act.  
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill protects Nebraska and protects America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Reinforces Medicaid and CHIP Integrity by Strengthening Eligibility Oversight and Limiting Certain Demonstration Authorities

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking steps to restore accountability and safeguard the long-term integrity of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Through newly issued letters to states, CMS is emphasizing a clear shift away from policies that extend beyond statutory limits, specifically policies on continuous eligibility and workforce initiatives. This shift in approach reflects the agency’s commitment to preserving these vital programs for the most vulnerable Americans and using taxpayer dollars carefully. These initiatives require large investments of federal funds, estimated at more than a billion dollars. Specifically:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 17, 2025 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 171717

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1217 PM CDT Thu Jul 17 2025

    Valid 181200Z – 191200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE
    NORTHERN PLAINS…AND OVER MUCH OF VIRGINIA INTO NORTH CAROLINA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of South
    Dakota and Nebraska into southern Minnesota and Iowa. Additional
    strong to severe storms may occur across portions of West Virginia,
    Virginia and North Carolina.

    …Northern Plains…
    A midlevel, low-amplitude wave will move from the Dakotas into MN
    during the day, with a cold front gradually moving south from
    western SD into western NE. Southwest winds at 850 mb will aid lift
    and theta-e advection from ND into northern MN, with early day
    elevated thunderstorms expected.

    As heating occurs, low pressure will develop from south-central SD
    into central NE, with convergence focused in this region. At least
    isolated cells are expected from southeast SD into central NE by
    00Z, with hail and localized wind potential. Additional cells will
    likely drop southeast out of eastern WY during the evening, with
    localized hail/wind potential.

    Model solutions vary regarding MCS potential during the evening from
    SD/NE into southern MN/IA, but it does appear likely at least
    localized corridors/clusters of storms will persist through the
    night as capping will not be particularly strong, and southwest 850
    mb flow aids warm advection. Damaging gusts are conditionally
    possible.

    …WV/VA into NC…
    Neutral height tendencies will exist on Friday as an upper high
    remains just to the south, and an upper trough exits the
    northeastern states. Westerly midlevel flow will average 25-35 kt as
    a weak surface trough develops near the VA/NC border during the
    afternoon.

    Daytime heating combined with 70s F dewpoints will lead tall CAPE
    profiles with over 2000 J/kg MLCAPE and precipitable water over
    2.00″. Storms will form over the higher terrain along the WV/VA
    border and spread east during the afternoon. Additional development
    is likely near the surface trough into southern VA to northern NC.
    Given favorable time of day coincident with peak heating, locally
    damaging outflow winds may occur.

    ..Jewell.. 07/17/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 0600Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 17, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Jul 17, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Thu Jul 17 16:25:54 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 171625

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1125 AM CDT Thu Jul 17 2025

    Valid 171630Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS NORTHERN
    NEW ENGLAND AND THE NORTHERN HIGH PLAINS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered damaging winds and a tornado are possible across northern
    New England this afternoon. A confined corridor of large hail and
    severe gusts appears possible from north-central Montana to
    southwest North Dakota this evening.

    …Northeast…
    Midday visible-satellite imagery shows cloud breaks and surface
    observations show warming temperatures which imply a destabilizing
    airmass. A lead, convectively enhanced disturbance evident in
    radar/satellite imagery, is moving east across southern Quebec,
    while an upstream larger-scale mid-level trough continues eastward
    across Ontario and into Quebec later today. A cyclone will develop
    northeast from eastern Ontario into eastern Quebec while a cold
    front pushes through the Lower Great Lakes and through much of the
    Northeast through mid evening. The deep moisture through much of
    the troposphere and weak lapse rate profiles, which were sampled by
    the 12 UTC Buffalo and Albany, NY raobs, will undergo moderate
    destabilization by early to mid afternoon. Although forcing for
    ascent will favor Quebec into northern New England, scattered
    thunderstorms will likely develop from Maine southward into southern
    New England. The greatest potential for some organized storms will
    favor northern New England where stronger effective shear (30-40 kt)
    and adequate buoyancy will promote a wind-damage threat with the
    stronger storms. Forecast sounding over northern Maine show
    enlarged hodographs for a few hours, which may aid in low-level
    mesocyclone development and perhaps a risk for a tornado. Lower
    coverage of severe is forecast farther south where weaker shear will
    tend to limit storm intensity. The severe activity will likely
    diminish by the early to mid evening.

    …Northern High Plains…
    Model guidance continues to show a focused corridor of supercell
    thunderstorm potential from north-central MT to southwest ND, mainly
    this evening. Water-vapor imagery shows a mid-level shortwave
    trough rotating southeastward across the southern part of the
    Canadian Rockies moving towards the northern High Plains. Forecast
    soundings this afternoon show elongated hodographs amidst modest
    buoyancy, which would support the development of a supercell or two
    during the evening. Large hail is the primary hazard with this
    activity but severe gusts may occur on a localized basis. An
    isolated hail/wind risk may persist along the ND/SD border vicinity
    overnight.

    …Mid-Atlantic to the Southern High Plains…
    A surface front draped over the south-central Plains
    east-northeastward into the mid MS/OH Valleys will focus scattered
    thunderstorm activity this afternoon. The eastern part of this
    broader region over the Mid-Atlantic into the OH Valley will be
    displaced from the mid-level trough over influencing storm activity
    over the Northeast. A remnant MCV and outflow from overnight storms
    in the MO/KS/OK vicinity will aid in developing storms and perhaps
    localized threats for sporadic hail/wind mainly this afternoon.
    Isolated damaging winds may also occur with thunderstorms that
    develop east of the central Appalachians this afternoon, even though
    coverage should be somewhat less.

    ..Smith/Lyons.. 07/17/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1698

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1698

    Mesoscale Discussion 1698
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1209 PM CDT Thu Jul 17 2025

    Areas affected…VT…NH…ME

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch likely

    Valid 171709Z – 171945Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…80 percent

    SUMMARY…Increasing thunderstorm coverage and intensity is
    anticipated across New England this afternoon and evening.
    Environmental conditions will support potential severe thunderstorms
    capable of damaging wind gusts and perhaps a tornado or two.

    DISCUSSION…Visible satellite imagery continues to show deepening
    cumulus within the broad warm sector in place across much of New
    England this afternoon. This deepening is fostered by a combination
    of strengthening ascent and diurnal destabilization. The airmass
    across the region is very moist, with dewpoints in the low 70s and
    PW values around 2 inches. Expectation is for both continued
    destabilization and persistent forcing for ascent to result in the
    development of scattered to numerous thunderstorms. Mid-level flow
    is forecast to strengthen throughout the day as a low-amplitude
    shortwave trough moves through southern ON and QC.

    The resulting combination of buoyancy and shear should support
    transient supercell structures across much of the region,
    particularly across ME where the mid-level flow will be the
    strongest. Damaging gusts will be the primary risk with most of
    these storms. More southerly surface winds are anticipated across ME
    as well, strengthening the low-level shear and enhancing the tornado
    potential with any more persistent updrafts. Overall severe coverage
    will likely be high enough to merit watch issuance.

    ..Mosier/Smith.. 07/17/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…CAR…GYX…BTV…ALY…

    LAT…LON 47296949 47456858 47186781 46506780 45526843 42847105
    43047321 43997363 45007321 45137173 45337099 45977038
    47296949

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…85-115 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…55-70 MPH

    Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 521 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Watch 521 Status Reports

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