NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEO Surveyor Instrument Enclosure Inside Historic Chamber A 

    Source: NASA

    The instrument enclosure of NASA’s Near-Earth Object Surveyor is prepared for critical environmental tests inside the historic Chamber A at the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in December 2024. Wrapped in silver thermal blanketing, the 12-foot-long (3.7-meter-long) angular structure was subjected to the frigid, airless conditions that the spacecraft will experience when in deep space. The cavernous thermal-vacuum test facility is famous for testing the Apollo spacecraft that traveled to the Moon in the 1960s and ’70s.
    The instrument enclosure is designed to protect the spacecraft’s infrared telescope while also removing heat from it during operations. After environmental testing was completed, the enclosure returned to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California for further work, after which it will ship to the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) in Logan, Utah, and be joined to the telescope. Both the instrument enclosure and telescope were assembled at JPL.
    As NASA’s first space-based detection mission specifically designed for planetary defense, NEO Surveyor will seek out, measure, and characterize the hardest-to-find asteroids and comets that might pose a hazard to Earth. While many near-Earth objects don’t reflect much visible light, they glow brightly in infrared light due to heating by the Sun. The spacecraft’s telescope, which has an aperture of nearly 20 inches (50 centimeters), features detectors sensitive to two infrared wavelengths in which near-Earth objects re-radiate solar heat.
    More information about NEO Surveyor is available at: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/neo-surveyor/
    Image credit: NASA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Understanding Cosmic Explosions: StarBurst Arrives at NASA for Testing

    Source: NASA

    StarBurst, a wide-field gamma ray observatory, arrived at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, March 4 for environmental testing and final instrument integration. The instrument is designed to detect the initial emission of short gamma-ray bursts, a key electromagnetic indicator of neutron star mergers.
    “Gamma-ray bursts are among the most powerful explosions in the universe, and they serve as cosmic beacons that help us understand extreme physics, including black hole formation and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions,” said Dr. Daniel Kocevski, principal investigator of the StarBurst mission at NASA Marshall.
    According to Kocevski, neutron star mergers are particularly exciting because they produce gamma-ray bursts and gravitational waves, meaning scientists can study these events using two different signals – light and ripples in space time.

    The merging of neutron stars forges heavy elements such as gold and platinum, revealing the origins of some of Earth’s building blocks.
    “By studying these gamma-ray bursts and the neutron star mergers that produce them, we gain insights into fundamental physics, the origins of elements, and even the expansion of the universe,” Kocevski said. “Neutron star mergers and gamma-ray bursts are nature’s laboratories for testing our understanding of the cosmos.”
    StarBurst will undergo flight vibration and thermal vacuum testing at Marshall in the Sunspot Thermal Vacuum Testing Facility. These tests ensure it can survive the rigors of launch and harsh environment of space.
    Final instrument integration will happen in the Stray Light Facility, which is a specialized environment to help identify and reduce unwanted light in certain areas of the optical systems.

    StarBurst is a collaborative effort led by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, with partnerships with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, the University of Alabama Huntsville, the Universities Space Research Association, and the UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory. StarBurst was selected for development as part of the NASA Astrophysics Pioneers program, which supports lower-cost, smaller hardware missions to conduct compelling astrophysics science.
    To learn more about StarBurst visit:

    StarBurst

    Media Contact:
    Lane FigueroaMarshall Space Flight CenterHuntsville, Alabama256.544.0034lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Dust Shield Successfully Repels Lunar Regolith on Moon

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) successfully demonstrated its ability to remove regolith, or lunar dust and dirt, from its various surfaces on the Moon during Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, which concluded on March 16. Lunar dust is extremely abrasive and electrostatic, which means it clings to anything that carries a charge. It can damage everything from spacesuits and hardware to human lungs, making lunar dust one of the most challenging features of living and working on the lunar surface. The EDS technology uses electrodynamic forces to lift and remove the lunar dust from its surfaces. The “before” image highlights the glass and thermal radiator surfaces covered in a layer of regolith, while the “after” image reveals the results following EDS activation. Dust was removed from both surfaces, proving the technology’s effectiveness in mitigating dust accumulation.
    This milestone marks a significant step toward sustaining long-term lunar and interplanetary operations by reducing dust-related hazards to a variety of surfaces for space applications ranging from thermal radiators, solar panels, and camera lenses to spacesuits, boots, and helmet visors. The EDS technology is paving the way for future dust mitigation solutions, supporting NASA’s Artemis campaign and beyond. NASA’s Electrodynamic Dust Shield was developed at Kennedy Space Center in Florida with funding from NASA’s Game Changing Development Program, managed by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
    Image Credit: NASA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Charlotte County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Charlotte County

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to lessen damage from future disasters.This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.FEMA specialists will be available from March 27 through April 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, at the following location:Charlotte County: Home Depot, 12621 McCall Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33981Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster through   construction and remodeling best practices.An insurance specialist will be present to answer National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) questions. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be on hand to provide updates on FEMA applications and answer questions.Stay in Touch with FEMAIt is important to let FEMA know about any changes to your contact information. You may update contact information or check on the status of your application by:Visiting DisasterAssistance.govCalling FEMA directly at 800-621-3362Using the FEMA app###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disaster.Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account. Also, follow on X FEMA_Cam.  For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready.gov, on Instagram @Ready.gov or on the Ready Facebook page.  
    lindsay.tozer
    Thu, 03/27/2025 – 15:38

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, NSIDC Scientists Say Arctic Winter Sea Ice at Record Low

    Source: NASA

    Winter sea ice cover in the Arctic was the lowest it’s ever been at its annual peak on March 22, 2025, according to NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) at the University of Colorado, Boulder. At 5.53 million square miles (14.33 million square kilometers), the maximum extent fell below the prior low of 5.56 million square miles (14.41 million square kilometers) in 2017. 
    In the dark and cold of winter, sea ice forms and spreads across Arctic seas. But in recent years, less new ice has been forming, and less multi-year ice has accumulated. This winter continued a downward trend scientists have observed over the past several decades. This year’s peak ice cover was 510,000 square miles (1.32 million square kilometers) below the average levels between 1981 and 2010. 
    In 2025, summer ice in the Antarctic retreated to 764,000 square miles (1.98 million square kilometers) on March 1, tying for the second lowest minimum extent ever recorded. That’s 30% below the 1.10 million square miles (2.84 million square kilometers) that was typical in the Antarctic prior to 2010. Sea ice extent is defined as the total area of the ocean with at least 15% ice concentration.
    The reduction in ice in both polar regions has led to another milestone — the total amount of sea ice on the planet reached an all-time low. Globally, ice coverage in mid-February of this year declined by more than a million square miles (2.5 million square kilometers) from the average before 2010. Altogether, Earth is missing an area of sea ice large enough to cover the entire continental United States east of the Mississippi. 
    “We’re going to come into this next summer season with less ice to begin with,” said Linette Boisvert, an ice scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “It doesn’t bode well for the future.”

    Scientists primarily rely on satellites in the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, which measure Earth’s radiation in the microwave range. This natural radiation is different for open water and for sea ice — with ice cover standing out brightly in microwave-based satellite images. Microwave scanners can also penetrate through cloud cover, allowing for daily global observations. The DMSP data are augmented with historical sources, including data collected between 1978 and 1985 with the Nimbus-7 satellite that was jointly operated by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
    “It’s not yet clear whether the Southern Hemisphere has entered a new norm with perennially low ice or if the Antarctic is in a passing phase that will revert to prior levels in the years to come,” said Walt Meier, an ice scientist with NSIDC.
    By James RiordonNASA’s Earth Science News Team
    Media contact: Elizabeth VlockNASA Headquarters

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finding Clues in Ruins of Ancient Dead Star With NASA’s Chandra

    Source: NASA

    People often think about archaeology happening deep in jungles or inside ancient pyramids. However, a team of astronomers has shown that they can use stars and the remains they leave behind to conduct a special kind of archaeology in space.
    Mining data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, the team of astronomers studied the relics that one star left behind after it exploded. This “supernova archaeology” uncovered important clues about a star that self-destructed – probably more than a million years ago.
    Today, the system called GRO J1655-40 contains a black hole with nearly seven times the mass of the Sun and a star with about half as much mass. However, this was not always the case.
    Originally GRO J1655-40 had two shining stars. The more massive of the two stars, however, burned through all of its nuclear fuel and then exploded in what astronomers call a supernova. The debris from the destroyed star then rained onto the companion star in orbit around it, as shown in the artist’s concept.

    With its outer layers expelled, including some striking its neighbor, the rest of the exploded star collapsed onto itself and formed the black hole that exists today. The separation between the black hole and its companion would have shrunk over time because of energy being lost from the system, mainly through the production of gravitational waves. When the separation became small enough, the black hole, with its strong gravitational pull, began pulling matter from its companion, wrenching back some of the material its exploded parent star originally deposited.
    While most of this material sank into the black hole, a small amount of it fell into a disk that orbits around the black hole. Through the effects of powerful magnetic fields and friction in the disk, material is being sent out into interstellar space in the form of powerful winds.
    This is where the X-ray archaeological hunt enters the story. Astronomers used Chandra to observe the GRO J1655-40 system in 2005 when it was particularly bright in X-rays. Chandra detected signatures of individual elements found in the black hole’s winds by getting detailed spectra – giving X-ray brightness at different wavelengths – embedded in the X-ray light. Some of these elements are highlighted in the spectrum shown in the inset.
    The team of astronomers digging through the Chandra data were able to reconstruct key physical characteristics of the star that exploded from the clues imprinted in the X-ray light by comparing the spectra with computer models of stars that explode as supernovae. They discovered that, based on the amounts of 18 different elements in the wind, the long-gone star destroyed in the supernova was about 25 times the mass of the Sun, and was much richer in elements heavier than helium in comparison with the Sun.
    This analysis paves the way for more supernova archaeology studies using other outbursts of double star systems.
    A paper describing these results titled “Supernova Archaeology with X-Ray Binary Winds: The Case of GRO J1655−40” was published in The Astrophysical Journal in May 2024. The authors of this study are Noa Keshet (Technion — Israel Institute of Technology), Ehud Behar (Technion), and Timothy Kallman (NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center).
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.
    Read more from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu
    Visual Description
    This release features an artist’s rendering of a supernova explosion, inset with a spectrum graph.
    The artist’s illustration features a star and a black hole in a system called GRO J1655-40. Here, the black hole is represented by a black sphere to our upper right of center. The star is represented by a bright yellow sphere to our lower left of center. In this illustration, the artist captures the immensely powerful supernova as a black hole is created from the collapse of a massive star, with an intense burst of blurred beams radiating from the black sphere. The blurred beams of red, orange, and yellow light show debris from the supernova streaking across the entire image in rippling waves. These beams rain debris on the bright yellow star.
    When astronomers used the Chandra X-ray Observatory to observe the system in 2005, they detected signatures of individual elements embedded in the X-ray light. Some of those elements are highlighted in the spectrum graph shown in the inset, positioned at our upper lefthand corner.
    The graph’s vertical axis, on our left, indicates X-ray brightness from 0.0 up to 0.7 in intensity units. The horizontal axis, at the bottom of the graph, indicates Wavelength from 6 to 12 in units of Angstroms. On the graph, a tight zigzagging line begins near the top of the vertical axis, and slopes down toward the far end of the horizontal axis. The sharp dips show wavelengths where the light has been absorbed by different elements, decreasing the X-ray brightness. Some of the elements causing these dips have been labeled, including Silicon, Magnesium, Iron, Nickel, Neon, and Cobalt.

    Megan WatzkeChandra X-ray CenterCambridge, Mass.617-496-7998mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
    Lane FigueroaMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Votes to End Defense of Climate Disclosure Rules

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today voted to end its defense of the rules requiring disclosure of climate-related risks and greenhouse gas emissions.

    SEC Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda said, “The goal of today’s Commission action and notification to the court is to cease the Commission’s involvement in the defense of the costly and unnecessarily intrusive climate change disclosure rules.”

    The rules, adopted by the Commission on March 6, 2024, create a detailed and extensive special disclosure regime about climate risks for issuing and reporting companies.

    States and private parties have challenged the rules. The litigation was consolidated in the Eighth Circuit (Iowa v. SEC, No. 24-1522 (8th Cir.)), and the Commission previously stayed effectiveness of the rules pending completion of that litigation. Briefing in the cases was completed before the change in Administrations.

    Following today’s Commission vote, SEC staff sent a letter to the court stating that the Commission withdraws its defense of the rules and that Commission counsel are no longer authorized to advance the arguments in the brief the Commission had filed. The letter states that the Commission yields any oral argument time back to the court.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs executive order to build Los Angeles back faster, prevent future fires

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 27, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom is taking additional steps to speed up the rebuilding process for Los Angeles by further suspending CEQA and the California Coastal Act to expedite the rebuilding of utility and telecommunication infrastructure, including the undergrounding of equipment. 

    LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order to suspend unnecessary permitting and review requirements to accelerate the rebuild of Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades following the devastating January fires. 

    Today’s executive order expedites the process of repairing and replacing electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication infrastructure in communities damaged by the fires. The order also speeds the process of “undergrounding” utility equipment to help communities recover more quickly while building resilience to preventing similar catastrophic fires in the future. 

    “We are determined to rebuild Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades stronger and more resilient than before. Speeding up the pace that we rebuild our utility systems will help get survivors back home faster and prevent future fires.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Previously, Governor Gavin Newsom had called upon the electric utilities serving the firestorm-impacted communities in Los Angeles to begin the process of rebuilding safer and more resilient electric infrastructure, including the undergrounding of such infrastructure.

    The letters sent to Southern California Edison and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, urged the utilities to rapidly develop rebuilding plans for the communities of Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu, including plans for undergrounding electric distribution infrastructure by the end of March.

    Further suspends the Coastal Act 

    Previously, Governor Newsom signed an executive order reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders.

    Today’s directive expands upon that effort and by removing regulatory hurdles that could otherwise prevent utilities from rebuilding quickly and hardening and upgrading equipment following fires. 

    Protecting Californians from future fires

    Since the first day of his administration, Governor Newsom has taken significant action to protect Californians from wildfires.

    This has included hardening the state’s electrical grid to increase resiliency and reliability, and to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from transmission and distribution lines, which include strategies such as undergrounding of lines.

    In response to climate change and heightened wildfire threat, California has expanded resilience efforts through increased investments in fire mitigation and response, community hardening, and emergency preparedness. California’s electric utilities must be part of the solution to this problem.

    Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DBEDT NEWS RELEASE: Visitor Spending Increased in February 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DBEDT NEWS RELEASE: Visitor Spending Increased in February 2025

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

    KA ʻOIHANA HOʻOMOHALA PĀʻOIHANA, ʻIMI WAIWAI A HOʻOMĀKAʻIKAʻI

     

    RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    1. EUGENE TIAN

    CHIEF STATE ECONOMIST

     

    VISITOR SPENDING INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 2025

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 27, 2025

     

     

    HONOLULU – According to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), there were 240,525 total visitors in Hawai‘i on any given day (average daily census) in February 2025, which was an increase from February 2024 (236,008 visitors, +1.9%), but fewer than pre-pandemic February 2019 (246,741 visitors, -2.5%). Total spending by all visitors in February 2025 measured in nominal dollars was $61.7 million per day, up from February 2024 ($57.1 million per day, +8.0%) and much higher than February 2019 ($49.6 million per day, +24.4%).

    2024 was a leap year and included an extra day in February. To directly compare with February 2025 data, the average daily census was used as a measure of visitor volume and visitor spending and air capacity data were stated on a per day basis, where applicable. Total visitor spending and total visitor arrival are presented in the Glance and Island Highlight tables at the end of this news release.

    Among visitors who came by air service in February 2025, the average daily census of 111,573 U.S. West visitors was an increase from February 2024 (108,614 visitors, +2.7%) and February 2019 (96,870 visitors, +15.2%). In February 2025, U.S. West visitors’ total spending was $28.3 million per day, which was more than February 2024 ($25.1 million per day, +13.1) and February 2019 ($17.8 million per day, +58.8%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 69,151 U.S. East visitors was greater than February 2024 (64,408 visitors, +7.4%) and February 2019 (63,462 visitors, +9.0%). U.S. East visitors’ total spending in February 2025 was $19.3 million per day, higher than February 2024 ($16.8 million per day, +14.7%) and February 2019 ($13.3 million per day, +45.1%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 9,992 visitors from Japan declined compared to February 2024 (11,691 visitors, -14.5%) and February 2019 (24,408 visitors, -59.1%). Total spending by Japanese visitors in February 2025 was $2.4 million per day, down from February 2024 ($2.8 million per day, -14.1%) and February 2019 ($5.9 million per day, -58.8%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 20,686 Canadian visitors decreased from February 2024 (20,977 visitors, -1.4%) and February 2019 (29,741 visitors, -30.4%). Total spending by Canadian visitors in February 2025 was $5.0 million per day, higher than February 2024 ($4.7 million per day, +6.2%), but less than February 2019 ($5.5 million per day, -8.7%).

    In February 2025, the average daily census of 25,841 visitors from all other international markets (including visitors from Oceania, Other Asia, Europe, Latin America, Guam, the Philippines and the Pacific Islands) dropped compared to February 2024 (27,166 visitors, -4.9%) and February 2019 (29,939 visitors, -13.7%).

    Among visitors who came to Hawai‘i by out-of-state cruise ships, the average daily census in February 2025 of 3,283 visitors was more than February 2024 (3,152 visitors, +4.1%) and February 2019 (2,322 visitors, +41.4%).

    In February 2025, there were 4,475 transpacific flights with 994,193 seats that serviced the Hawaiian Islands. This averaged out to 160 flights and 35,507 air seats per day, which was a decrease from February 2024 (161 flights with 36,016 seats per day) and from February 2019 (165 flights with 36,106 seats per day). Fewer flights and seats from Japan, Canada, Korea and Australia to Hawai‘i entirely offset growth in air capacity from the U.S. mainland.

    VIEW FULL NEWS RELEASE AND TABLES

     

    Statement by DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka

     

    For February 2025, average daily visitor spending at $256.40 per visitor was the highest level historically in nominal terms. Though the inflation rate is not available for February, it is likely that the visitor spending is an increase (6% in nominal terms) after adjusting for inflation (January 2025 Honolulu consumer inflation was 4.1%).

    As for Canadian visitor arrivals, DBEDT will continue to closely monitor this market. Canada and Hawai‘i have a longstanding relationship and we are cautiously optimistic that although Canadian travel to the continental U.S. may decrease, it may not mean that Hawai‘i visits will decrease in the same manner. At this time, we do not see flight cancelations from Air Canada or WestJet.

    It is encouraging to see that the number of visitors from the continental U.S. increased this February at 1.2 percent higher than last February even though last year was a leap year. Compared with pre-pandemic February 2019, U.S. visitor arrivals increased by 16.6 percent. It is expected that the U.S. East market will perform better this year.

    # # #

     

     

    Media Contacts:

     

    Laci Goshi 

    Communications Officer

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    Cell: 808-518-5480

    Email: [email protected]

     

    Jennifer Chun

    Director of Tourism Research

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    Phone: 808-973-9446

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

    OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    MANA MORIARTY

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR    

         DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 27, 2025

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is issuing a consumer alert regarding the recent bankruptcy filing of the company 23andMe. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection advises Hawai‘i consumers to manage their sensitive information carefully and offers guidance on how to delete or control access to their genetic information stored with the company.

     

    23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, announced its bankruptcy filing on March 23, 2025. In its press release, the company stated it intends to “commence a process to sell substantially all of its assets,” while continuing to operate “in the ordinary course throughout the sale process.” Currently, the company has stated there are no planned changes to how it stores, manages, or protects customer data. However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell customers’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

    Hawai‘i consumers should be aware of the procedures to delete or withdraw consent for the use of their genetic data. Those who wish to delete their genetic data from 23andMe or revoke permission for their DNA samples to be used in research can follow these simple steps:

    How to Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe:

    1. Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
    2. Navigate to the “Settings” section of your profile.
    3. Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
    4. Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
    5. If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
    6. Locate the option to delete your data.
    7. Select “Permanently Delete Data.”
    8. Check your email for a confirmation link and follow the instructions to complete the deletion process.

     

    How to Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:

    If you allowed 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but now wish to opt out, you can update your preferences on your account page under the “Preferences” section.

     

    How to Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used in Research:

    If you previously consented to allowing 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data for research purposes, you can withdraw your consent by visiting the “Research and Product Consents” section of your account settings.

    “Consumers can demand the removal and destruction of their genetic data from 23andMe,” stated OCP Executive Director Mana Moriarty. “The Office of Consumer Protection encourages all 23andMe customers to take action to safeguard their sensitive data against misuse or unauthorized exposure, which can lead to severe consequences such as identity theft and compromised privacy.”

    By taking these actions, Hawai‘i consumers can take control of their genetic information and better protect their privacy. The DCCA is committed to ensuring the safety and privacy of Hawai‘i residents and will continue to monitor this issue.

    For more information on Hawai‘i consumer protection laws and issues, please visit the official DCCA website at https://hdcca.hawaii.gov/s/.

    ###

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Makes Key Announcements for Water Resource Management and the Judiciary

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Makes Key Announcements for Water Resource Management and the Judiciary

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    GOVERNOR GREEN MAKES KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND THE JUDICIARY

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 27, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., has appointed Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), effective immediately.

    Springer will serve through June 30, 2028, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. She has been appointed to the Loea seat on the commission, which is reserved for a member with substantial experience or expertise in traditional Hawaiian water resource management techniques and in traditional Hawaiian riparian usage.

    A kamaʻāina of Kaʻūpūlehu in North Kona, Springer has served on numerous advisory councils, nonprofit boards and state commissions focused on environmental protection, cultural heritage and community-based resource management. She previously served as a member of both the Hawaiʻi County Planning Commission and the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, as well as the Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Her leadership spans organizations such as the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo and the Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee. Through her work, Springer has championed the integration of traditional knowledge and community voices into decisions affecting Hawaiʻi’s land and water.

    “Hannah Springer’s lifelong commitment to ʻāina stewardship, cultural wisdom and public service makes her an invaluable addition to the Commission on Water Resource Management,” said Governor Green. “Her perspective will help ensure that our approach to managing water resources reflects the values and priorities of Hawaiʻi’s people and places. I am proud to appoint her to this important role.”

    Springer expressed humility and enthusiasm upon learning of the appointment. “If confirmed, I look forward to bringing the sensibility of a kamaʻāina of a water-scarce and fire-prone region, to the work of the commission,” she said.

    In his newest Judicial selection, Governor Green has nominated Kauanoe A. D. Jackson to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (island of Hawaiʻi) for a term of 10 years, in accordance with Article VI, Section 3 of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

    Jackson currently serves as the Supervising Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney – West Hawaiʻi office, where she oversees felony prosecutions, supervises attorneys and staff and contributes to administrative leadership. Since joining the office in 2007, she has served in progressively senior roles, including as Circuit Court Co-Supervising Deputy and as a lead prosecutor in several high-profile felony trials. Her 18-year legal career also includes specialized assignments in narcotics and traffic safety, reflecting both breadth and depth in criminal law.

    “Kauanoe Jackson’s extensive courtroom experience, steady leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety and justice make her exceptionally qualified to serve on the bench,” said Governor Green. “Her deep understanding of Hawaiʻi Island’s communities and legal landscape will be a tremendous asset to the Third Circuit.”

    “I am deeply honored by Governor Green’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new capacity. I look forward to upholding justice with fairness, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the people of Hawai‘i Island.”

    A photo of CWRM Loea appointee Springer can be found here.
    A photo of Judicial nominee Jackson can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ARB IOT Group Limited Unveils Cutting-Edge Smart AI Robot to Revolutionize Fertilization in Agriculture

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARB IOT Group Limited (“ARB IOT” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ARBB) has unveiled its AI-powered fertilizer system that seamlessly integrates the intelligent multi-functional agricultural robot (“Smart AI Robot”). This innovation is set to revolutionize modern farming by optimising fertilisation processes, enhancing crop yield, and promoting sustainable farming. This advanced AI-powered robot represents a significant leap forward in precision agriculture.

    The Smart AI Robot features unmanned field operations, modular design, all-terrain capability, centimetre-level positioning, ultra-long endurance, quick-replaceable battery, and precise operation, among others. It can be widely used in various types of plants such as palm oil, durian, lychee, mango, citrus, and orchards to realize unmanned spraying, mowing, fertilizing and delivery. The Company’s AI-powered fertilizer system will contribute to the materialization of a new mode of environmentally friendly agriculture production, through a series of new energy unmanned robotics and a big data platform that carry out intelligent and standardized management of various types of agricultural plants with fully automated fertilization, pesticide application, diagnostic scanning of plant and fruit conditions, and soil NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) measurement.

    It is estimated that by 2027, approximately 35% of Malaysia’s oil palm land will be overaged. Currently, only approximately 17% of such land has trees in the optimal four to eight-year range where motorised cutters could be effective—though their performance remains inconsistent. In Sabah and Sarawak, which account for approximately 55% of Malaysia’s oil palm areas, the terrain is dominated by steep hills and vast peatlands.

    The Company’s AI-powered fertilizer system utilizes cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and real-time soil data analysis to determine the precise amount of fertilizer needed for each section of farmland. When paired with the Smart AI Robot, the system is able to automate fertilizer application, minimize waste, maximize crop yield, and reduce environmental impact.

    “Traditional farming methods often rely on manual labor and generic fertilizer application, leading to inefficiencies and excessive resource consumption. By integrating AI and automation, our Smart AI Robot empowers farmers with more efficient and sustainable farming practices. This technology is a major step towards addressing global food security and environmental challenges” said Dato’ Sri Liew Kok Leong, CEO of ARB IOT. “With our AI-driven solution, farmers can now achieve precision farming at an unprecedented scale, ensuring optimal nutrient distribution tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.”

    Key benefits of the integrated Smart AI Robot include:

    • Precision Application: AI-driven data analytics ensure targeted fertilizer distribution, reducing overuse and underuse.
    • Automation and Efficiency: The autonomous agricultural robot reduces the need for manual labor, operating seamlessly across vast farmlands.
    • Sustainability: By minimizing fertilizer runoff and optimizing nutrient absorption, the system supports eco-friendly farming practices.
    • Cost Reduction: The conversion of solid fertilizers to liquid form leads to cost savings by reducing waste and improving absorption efficiency.
    • Real-time Monitoring: The AI system continuously collects and analyzes soil health and crop growth data, allowing for timely adjustments.

    The convergence of IoT technology with our smart farming system enables real-time monitoring through strategically placed sensors across plantations. These sensors capture data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity and other key environmental factors, providing farmers with instant insights via a central digital hub. This empowers them to make data-driven decisions, respond proactively to environmental changes and optimize farm productivity.

    With a focus on AI-driven advancements, we aim to drive progress in precision agriculture worldwide.

    About ARB IOT Group Limited

    ARB IOT Group Limited is a provider of complete solutions to clients for the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and devices from designing to project deployment. We offer a wide range of IoT systems as well as provide customers a substantial range of services such as system integration and system support service. We deliver holistic solutions with full turnkey deployment from designing, installation, testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning of various IoT systems and devices as well as integration of automated systems, including installation of wire and wireless and mechatronic works.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, such as statements regarding our estimated future results of operations and financial position, our strategy and plans, and our objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

    For further information, please contact:
    ARB IOT Group Limited
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: contact@arbiotgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Kelly Introduce Bill to Cut Red Tape for State DOTs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Under current law, state departments of transportation (DOTs) submit a Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) every four years to the Federal Highway Administration. State TAMPs are planning and budget documents, intended to ensure effective management and long-term functionality of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and the National Highway System. In addition to the TAMPs, State DOTs are required to file separate annual reports with information about the implementation of their TAMPs. These reports reiterate the state’s transportation planning from the TAMP, but require extensive labor hours and tedious review to compile and submit to federal authorities.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act (TAMSA) to streamline reporting requirements by eliminating the annual submissions and incorporating them into the TAMPs every four years. The bill also provides states additional time to remedy any deficiencies, to match the 90-day TAMP deficiency cure period, and allows the Secretary of Transportation to extend this period upon the request of a state.

    “Our bill reduces red tape, easing the burden on state DOTs so they can spend more time actually maintaining roads and bridges instead of filing unnecessary reports,” said Cramer. “It’s a commonsense, responsible way to get rid of bureaucracy while ensuring states remain responsible stewards of their infrastructure.”

    “States shouldn’t have to waste time on redundant federal paperwork when they could be focused on maintaining safe and reliable roads and bridges,” said Kelly. “Streamlining these requirements means more time and resources go directly into improving infrastructure that communities depend on every day, while ensuring appropriate oversight.” 

    “Thank you, Senator Cramer, for working to reduce federal red tape for State DOTs,” said Ron Henke, Director of the North Dakota Department of Transportation. “This proposed common sense change to the Asset Management reporting requirements should save NDDOT numerous hours of work every four years, without decreasing the end benefits to the citizens of North Dakota.”

    “The nation’s state departments of transportation are uniquely equipped to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain a robust program of transportation investments,” said Jim Tymon, Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “We very much appreciate Senator Cramer and Kelly’s efforts to streamline and modernize reporting requirements associated with transportation asset management plans. By removing this federal program burden, the bill will enable state DOTs to place even greater focus on ensuring state of good repair and reducing lifecycle costs.”

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Apprenticeships

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    The American Apprenticeship Act would provide states with tuition assistance funding for apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand access to apprenticeships. The American Apprenticeship Act would provide states with tuition assistance funding to support apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Companion legislation in the House of Representatives is led by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

    “Apprenticeships provide Americans with valuable on-the-job training and skills to work in high-demand fields,” said Klobuchar. “By providing additional tuition assistance for apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, our bipartisan legislation will enable more people to access and benefit from these valuable programs.”

    “Small business owners have told me that one of the biggest challenges they face is finding qualified and trained workers to fill vacant positions,” said Collins. “Apprenticeships help address this issue by aligning employees’ skills with employers’ needs and preparing individuals for a successful future in their chosen field.  During the ongoing workforce shortage, this bipartisan bill would help fill the gap by expanding access to and lowering the cost of apprenticeships, allowing more Americans to take advantage of these programs to gain in-demand skills and obtain good-paying jobs.”

    “People are living paycheck to paycheck – they are in desperate need of a viable pathway to gain and use their skills,” said DeLauro. “The American Apprenticeship Act will help raise wages and reduce worker turnover by investing in workers, helping them gain skills to get good-paying jobs. The programs created under the legislation would allow businesses to create a pipeline of skilled workers while improving their bottom line and strengthening our global competitiveness – so workers win, business wins, and our economy grows.”

    The American Apprenticeship Act would:

    • Award competitive grants to states that have developed effective strategies to diversify, market, and scale Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs;
    • Cover costs associated with participating in Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, including tuition, fees, equipment, and other educational materials; and
    • Analyze the use of apprenticeships for in-demand occupations.

    In addition, Klobuchar and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) have introduced the Apprenticeships to College Act, which would allow workers to earn college credits for completed apprenticeships. Klobuchar and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) have introduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act to help Americans save for skills training, certification, and credential programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 25 years into a new century and housing is less affordable than ever

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, Grattan Institute

    Of all the problems facing Australia today, few have worsened so rapidly in the past 25 years as housing affordability.

    Housing has become more and more expensive – to rent or buy – and home ownership continues to fall among poorer Australians of all ages.

    Housing makes up most of Australia’s wealth, so more expensive homes concentrated in fewer hands means growing wealth inequality, with a marked generational divide.

    To unwind inequality, we need to make housing cheaper, and that means building much more of it.

    Housing has become more expensive

    The price of the typical Australian home has grown much faster than incomes since the turn of the century: from about four times median incomes in the early 2000s, to more than eight times today, and nearly 10 times in Sydney.

    Housing has also become more expensive to rent, especially since the pandemic.

    Rental vacancy rates are at record lows and asking rents (that is for newly advertised properties) have risen fast – by roughly 20% in Sydney and Melbourne in the past four years, and by much more in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

    Home ownership is falling fast among the young

    Rising house prices are pushing home ownership out of reach for many younger Australians.

    In the early 1990s it took about six years to save a 20% deposit for a typical dwelling for an average household. It now takes more than 12 years.

    Unsurprisingly, home ownership rates are falling fastest for younger people. Whereas 57% of 30–34 year-olds owned their home in 2001, just 50% did so by 2021. And just 36% of 25–29 year olds own their home today, down from 43% in 2001.

    And home ownership is falling fastest among the poorest 40% of each age group.

    Fewer homeowners means more inequality

    People on low incomes, who are increasingly renters, are spending more of their incomes on housing.

    The real incomes of the lowest fifth of households increased by about 26% between 2003–04 and 2019–20. But more than half of this was chewed up by skyrocketing housing costs, with real incomes after housing costs increasing by only 12%.

    In contrast, the real incomes for the highest fifth of households increased by 47%, and their after-housing real incomes by almost as much: 43%.

    Wealth inequality in Australia is still around the OECD average but has been climbing for two decades, largely due to rising house prices.

    In 2019–20, one-quarter of homeowning households reported net wealth exceeding $1 million. By contrast, median net wealth for non-homeowning households was $60,000.

    Since 2003–04, the wealth of high-income households has grown by more than 50%, much of that due to increasing property values. By contrast, the wealth of low-income households – mostly non-homeowners – has grown by less than 10%.

    The growing divide between the housing “haves” and “have nots” is largely generational. Older Australians who bought their homes before prices really took off in the early 2000s have seen their share of the country’s wealth steadily climb.

    This inequality will get baked in as wealth is passed onto the next generation.

    Some Australians will be lucky enough to inherit one or more homes. Others – typically those on lower incomes – will receive none.

    To unwind inequality, we need to make housing less expensive

    We haven’t built enough

    Australians’ demand for housing since the turn of the decade is a story of historically low interest rates, increased access to finance, tax and welfare settings that favour investments in housing, and a booming population.

    But one widely-blamed villain – the introduction of the 50% capital gains tax discount in 1999, together with negative gearing – is likely to have played only a small part in rising house prices.

    That’s because the value of these tax advantages – about $10.9 billion a year – is tiny compared to Australia’s $11 trillion housing market.

    Instead, the biggest problem is that housing construction in recent years hasn’t kept up with increasing demand.

    Strong migration over the past two decades has seen Australia’s population rise much faster than most other wealthy countries in recent decades, boosting the number of homes we need. Rising incomes, and demographic trends such as rising rates of divorce and an ageing Australia, have further increased housing demand.

    Yet Australia has one of the lowest levels of housing per person of any OECD country, and is one of only four OECD countries where the amount of housing per person went backwards over the past two decades.

    This is largely a failure of housing policy. Australia’s land-use planning rules – the rules that dictate what can get built where – are highly restrictive and complex. Current rules and community opposition make it very difficult to build new homes, particularly in the places where people most want to live and work.

    More homes would mean less inequality

    Fixing this will allow mores home to get built, moderate house price growth, and reduce barriers to home ownership. In turn, this will reduce the inequalities created by our broken housing system.

    Easing planning restrictions is hard for governments, because many residents don’t want more homes near theirs.

    The good news is that the penny has started to drop and state governments – particularly in Victoria and New South Wales – are making meaningful progress towards allowing more homes in activity centres and on existing transport links.

    But now the real test begins: how will governments respond to the backlash from people who would prefer their communities to stay the same?

    How well governments hold the line against the so-called NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) will tell us a lot about what we can expect to happen to inequality in Australia in the future.

    Grattan Institute began with contributions to its endowment of $15 million from each of the federal and Victorian governments, $4 million from BHP Billiton, and $1 million from NAB. In order to safeguard its independence, Grattan Institute’s board controls this endowment. The funds are invested and contribute to funding Grattan Institute’s activities. Grattan Institute also receives funding from corporates, foundations, and individuals to support its general activities, as disclosed on its website.

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

    – ref. 25 years into a new century and housing is less affordable than ever – https://theconversation.com/25-years-into-a-new-century-and-housing-is-less-affordable-than-ever-250067

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 200,000 Truckloads of Debris Removed from a County in Georgia Recovering from Helene

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

    With more than 1.1 million cubic yards of debris left in Bacon County, Georgia, after Hurricane Helene, the community is recognizing an important milestone in recovery as debris removal operations near the finish line. FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides funds and coordinates alongside our state and county partners to remove widespread debris after disasters.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1abqD2KNcmU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – Secretary-General’s Town Hall
    – South Sudan
    – Sudan
    – Security Council
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Haiti
    – Financial Contribution

    SECRETARY-GENERAL’S TOWN HALL
    This morning, the Secretary-General held a global town hall meeting with UN staff.
    He thanked staff members for their service and encouraged them to continue and persevere with their work despite various political and budget pressures.
    He underscored that it’s important to stay fixed on the fundamentals and emphasized that the United Nations has never been more needed, our values have never been more relevant, and the demands have never been greater.
    He also updated staff members on the financial situation of the Organization and on cash conservation measures and added that he would continue to appeal to donors to reconsider and for Member States to pay up their budget dues.
    The Secretary-General reiterated his support to doing everything possible to support people in need around the world, to exercise our mandate, and to honour staff.

    SOUTH SUDAN
    The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the alarming situation in South Sudan.
    The peacekeeping mission on the ground has called on all Parties in the country to exercise restraint and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The peacekeeping mission is also joining other regional and international peace partners in expressing alarm at the detention under house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar.
    The UN warns that this action takes the country yet one step closer to the edge of a collapse into civil war and the dismantling of the peace agreement.
    The peacekeeping mission is, again, urging the President and First Vice President to resolve grievances, end the military confrontation, uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement and take the country forward together towards the peaceful and democratic future their people deserve.
    It should be clear to all that the people of South Sudan can ill afford to endure the consequences of the civil war.
    As a stark reminder, 9.3 million people are already in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, with conflict, climate and the economic crisis keeping too many people on the very edge of survival.
    It’s vital that the leaders of the country put the interest of the people first and foremost.

    SUDAN
    Turning to Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is following the situation in Khartoum closely, amidst the latest shifts of control in the city. They continue to receive alarming reports of reprisals by armed groups against civilians.
    The UN reiterates that civilians are not a target and that all parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Serious violations must be investigated, with perpetrators held to account.
    Meanwhile, the UN and its humanitarian partners are seizing every opportunity to reach people in need with vital support.
    The World Food Programme says that today 1,200 metric tonnes of food and nutrition assistance were distributed to about 100,000 people in Bahri and Omdurman localities of Khartoum state. These are the first WFP aid trucks to get through to these specific areas within Khartoum since the latest round of hostilities started.
    And the International Organization Migration reports that nearly 400,000 internally displaced people have recently returned to their towns and villages of origin across Al Jazirah, Sennar, and Khartoum states. However, many are returning to areas with little – to no access to – basic services, including shelter, food, and healthcare. Unfortunately, displacement from North Darfur and White Nile states has increased due to heightened insecurity.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=27%20March%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqsfYzw4frE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Post-Flight News Conference

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

    After completing a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts — Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore — are discussing their scientific mission to space.

    The three NASA crew members and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov returned to Earth on March 18. Gorbunov will not participate in the news conference because of his travel schedule.

    Hague, Williams, and Wilmore completed over 900 hours of research while in orbit, conducting more than 150 unique experiments. The crew studied plant growth and development, tested stem cell technology to help patients on Earth, and went on a spacewalk to collect samples from the station’s exterior, studying the survivability of microorganisms in space. Additionally, the crew supported 30 ham radio events with students worldwide and conducted a student-led genetic experiment, helping to inspire the next generation of explorers.

    More info on the event: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-spacex-crew-9-astronauts-to-discuss-science-mission/
    More info on Crew-9’s scientific mission: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/nasas-spacex-crew-9-scientific-mission-on-space-station-concludes/

    Credit: NASA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm6S_DD3F04

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: HHS Announces Transformation to Make America Healthy Again

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

    We are streamlining HHS to make our agency more efficient and more effective. We will eliminate an entire alphabet

    soup of departments, while preserving their core functions by merging them into a new organization called the

    Administration for a Healthy America or AHA. This overhaul will improve the health of the entire nation — to Make

    America Healthy Again.

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8qQxLYTyV8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: March 27th, 2025 VIDEO: ICYMI—Heinrich Joins MSNBC to Discuss Signalgate: “There Were Details in These Exchanges That Put Peoples’ Lives at Risk”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, appeared on MSNBC with Jen Psaki yesterday, where he reacted to Trump Administration intelligence officials lying under oath to his question during Tuesday’s hearing on whether intelligence officials’ Signal group chat included precise information on weapons packages, targets, or timing.

    VIDEO: Heinrich joins MSNBC to discuss senior Trump Administration officials’ reckless, dangerous, and illegal handling of highly sensitive war plans in Yemen, risking the lives of American troops.

    On the Signal chat transcript:

    Jen Psaki: Senator, I know you’ve been living this, trying to get more information, trying to ask very valid legitimate questions. But you hadn’t seen those text messages until this morning. 

    Senator Heinrich: Nope, just like everyone else.

    Psaki: What did you think when you read them? 

    Heinrich: Well, I thought, how can you come and testify in front of Congress, and not think, given everything that’s gone on, that the details would come out? When you have the Director of the CIA, when you have the DNI, just brazenly lying to Congress, how could they not think that this wasn’t going to come out at some point, or that we wouldn’t get to the bottom of it? It is deeply disappointing.

    On Trump Administration officials lying under oath to Heinrich’s question about contents of Signal chat:

    Psaki: Secretary Hegseth also lied about this. They [Directors Tulsi Gabbard and John Ratcliffe] weren’t the only people lying about it. They were sitting there under oath testifying in Congress. 

    Heinrich: Yes. 

    Psaki: It was a text chain they were on. Hard to imagine they didn’t remember those details. Did they lie to you?

    Heinrich: Yeah, they did lie to us. It’s hard to imagine for me that they didn’t all go over the text chain the night before. Or in the run up to even the morning, knowing that this was in the news already. So, it’s incredibly disappointing to see how cavalierly they misrepresented this. And obviously I hadn’t seen those parts of the text chain at that point. But I suspected, and what we would normally really be concerned about showing up outside of what we call the high side, the secure communications infrastructure that we use. Are these operational details? Because that is what can put service members at risk, and this is a case where real lives are on the line. There were intelligence details in these exchanges that may well have put peoples’ lives at risk.

    Psaki: Yeah, the General is making this point that they’re still at risk now. And this now gives the Houthis a better understanding of how these communications happen. 

    Heinrich: That’s exactly right. 

    On an expedited Inspector General investigation into the situation: 

    Psaki: Let me ask you: Senator Roger Wicker said today that the Senate Armed Services Committee is seeking an expedited IG investigation. He’s a Republican senator. We haven’t heard that from a lot of other Republican senators or any others that I’m aware of publicly at this point, but you talk to them privately. Do you think more could come out? Is there more who might call for that?

    Heinrich: I hope. I really hope more [Republican senators] do come out, because the private conversations are: People know this was wrong. People know that it was reckless. No one wants to defend this in the public. Even if you watch the Worldwide Annual Threat Assessment hearing in its totality, you didn’t hear Republicans coming to the defense of this kind of recklessness. We’ll just have to see. You know, there’s this palpable fear of saying anything critical of Team Trump. And to his credit, I think Roger Wicker did what anyone would normally do in this situation, which is just to say, “Let’s get to the bottom of it.”

    Psaki: That’s what IGs are supposed to do. Hence why it’s so problematic that a number of them were fired. Senator, thank you so much, and thank you for continuing to press on this issue. I know there’s many, many more questions out there. 

    Heinrich: We’re not done yet. 

    A recap of Tuesday’s hearing on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Leads Bipartisan Effort to Put Cameras in All Federal Courts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation to allow television cameras in federal courtrooms.

    “The judicial branch has a massive impact on our daily lives and the lives of generations to come, yet few Americans get the chance to see our nation’s courts in action,” Grassley said. “Allowing cameras access to the federal and Supreme Courts would boost transparency and help Americans grow in confidence and understanding of the judiciary.”

    The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act would grant the presiding judge in all federal courts, including the Supreme Court, the discretion to allow cameras in the courtroom, while protecting the identities of witnesses and jurors. The bill also prohibits media coverage of private conversations and includes a three-year sunset provision, requiring Congress to evaluate the impact of media access on the judiciary.

    Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, co-leads the legislation. Additional cosponsors include Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

    Bill text of the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act is available HERE.

    The Cameras in the Courtroom Act would specifically instruct the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of open sessions, unless a majority of the Court decides that doing so would violate due process. Open sessions are sessions where members of the public are already invited to observe court proceedings in person.

    Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) co-leads the legislation. Additional cosponsors include Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

    Bill text of the Cameras in the Courtroom Act is available HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Joins America’s Newsroom to Discuss District-Level Overreach, Previews Bill to Curb Abuse of Nationwide Injunctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News to preview his plans to address the bipartisan issue of nationwide injunctions.

    Video and excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow. 

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO

    On the Growing Crisis of National Injunctions:

    “Over the last 20 years, there’s been massive abuse of these national injunctions, whether we have a Republican president or Democrat president. For the first 150 years, we never had any use of this. And then, maybe for the next 50 years, [they were] sparingly used. But it’s really jacked up.

    “You can’t have a situation where 600 plus different district court judges can make a judgment to apply something nationwide. So, [my upcoming] legislation would…try to limit [district judges’ orders] to the parties to the suit and then [make temporary restraining orders] immediately appealable, so we don’t turn district judges into policy makers.

    “They’re supposed to interpret law, not make law.”

    On Bipartisan Calls for Reform:

    “This is an opportunity where we have a real problem, not just in the Trump administration, but in the Biden administration. So, we’ve had Democrats speak out about this in the past, and Republicans speak out about it.

    “So, I would hope we would get a bipartisan agreement to a piece of legislation. And…even Justice Kagan said that this [use of nationwide injunctions] is abuse.

    “So, I don’t know how much better you can get from both sides of the aisle that we got a problem we have to deal with, and it’s really exploded since Trump has become President of the United States.”

    On Calls to Impeach Judges:

    “You can’t impeach a judge just because you disagree with their opinion, but we want to overcome some of that problem by [addressing] these cases that hang around for a long time, and they may have a national injunction after the money’s already been spent or some appeal goes on and the person has been wrong. That’s why we want to have legislation that would appeal these decisions very quickly.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Min Introduce Legislation to Hold Special Government Employees Accountable, Prevent Them From Using Position for Financial Gain

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Special Government Employees – Like Elon Musk – Have Personal Business Interests Intertwined with Official Government Work

    Bill Would Prevent Special Government Employees From Acting in Their Own Financial Interest

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Congressman Dave Min (D-CA) introduced the Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025, legislation that would create transparency and accountability for special government employees (SGE). Senator Luján and Congressman Min’s bill would ensure that certain SGEs are subject to public financial disclosures and would ensure they abide by the same ethics rules as federal employees after 130 days. 

    “Accountability is critical in government, that is why special government employees should be held to ethical standards that prevent them from using their position for their own financial gain,” said Senator Luján. “This legislation would boost transparency and accountability necessary to ensure special government employees don’t abuse their power. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Min on this important legislation to make certain that special government employees, like Elon Musk, are held to the highest ethical standards and don’t use their position to line their pockets.”

    “Elon Musk and DOGE are operating without any accountability or oversight, and that is unacceptable. This legislation would increase transparency, holding Musk and his cronies responsible to the American people,” said Rep. Min. “I am grateful to work with Senator Lujan on this necessary legislation. No one is above the law, and no one should be using the federal government for their personal gain.”

    An SGE is an officer or employee in the executive branch of the federal government who is appointed to perform limited, services to the government, with or without compensation, for a period not to exceed 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days. The Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025 would provide additional transparency and accountability regarding SGEs:

    1. 130-day limit: The bill would automatically convert any individual serving as an SGE to regular employee status after the individual has served 130 days in any 365-day period. 
    2. Public disclosures: The bill would require public release of the financial disclosure reports of all but the lowest-level SGEs.
    3. Public database: The bill would require the executive branch to maintain a public database of individuals serving with potentially problematic SGE designations.

    The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

    The legislation is supported by the Project on Government Oversight (POGO), State Democracy Defenders Action, Public Citizen, and the Campaign Legal Center.

    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on Trump Administration Gutting HHS by Cutting Nearly Quarter of Workforce, Abruptly Canceling Funding for New Mexico State Health Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Trump Administration Guts HHS by Eliminating Nearly 25% of Workforce, Cuts Over $12 Billion in Federal Grants to Fund Infectious Disease Management and Other Critical Health Services Nationwide Amid Measles Outbreak

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement in response to the announcement from the Trump administration that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is illegally gutting the agency including cutting nearly a quarter of its workforce and eliminating critical subagencies. This is in addition to yesterday’s announcement that more than $12 billion in federal grants to states to support tracking infectious diseases, mental health services, addiction treatment, and other critical health issues have been abruptly canceled.

    “Amid a nationwide measles outbreak, with bird flu spreading worldwide, and as a significant number of Americans face a substance use or mental health conditions, now is not the time to fire our nation’s health workers, ravage our nation’s top health agency, and cut critical resources that support state health services.

    “The Trump administration is blindly taking an axe to the agency responsible for our nation’s public health. When our nation should be working to boost public health, the Trump administration is firing thousands of dedicated health workers who respond to disease outbreaks, oversee scientific research, and strengthen public health. Eliminating nearly a quarter of HHS will not make Americans healthier.

    “Not only is the Trump administration dismantling HHS, but they are also abruptly canceling more than $12 billion in approved federal grants for state health services nationwide, which is a direct attack on our nation’s public health. As the New Mexico Department of Health combats a measles outbreak and fights the opioid crisis, these federal funds – which Congress approved – are meant to help them track infectious diseases, get New Mexicans the substance use support services they need, and boost our state’s public health.”

    These mass firings and abrupt cuts come as a total of 378 confirmed measles cases have been reported by 18 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. In New Mexico, a total of 43 cases have been reported in Lea and Eddy Counties, and one unvaccinated individual has died.

    Senator Luján has repeatedly demanded action from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to contain the measles outbreak. Secretary Kennedy has failed to respond.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Go Getter’ High School Students Explore Data Analytics Profession at UConn Event: ‘It Looks Like a Fun Career’

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Isabella Escobar and Anwesha Gupta, both juniors at Avon High School, spent a few minutes Monday morning in a friendly competition to see whose robot could scoop up more blocks and get them across a goal line.

    They were among 40 students from Avon, Farmington, and Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, who spent part of the day at UConn’s Graduate Business Learning Center, exploring careers in data analytics. The Data Analytics Day event was organized in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southwest New England.

    Gupta’s older sister is studying business in college and that piqued her own interest in the field.

    “I want to major in business and I’m figuring out what direction interests me. I’m testing the water for data analytics,’’ she said. “I’ve enjoyed myself today. It was very fun.’’

    Escobar is also leaning toward a business career, possibly in marketing or international affairs, but is open to other options. “I’m very lucky to be here. I’m excited,’’ she said.

    In addition to learning about emerging technology, including robotics, the students attended programs about communication and leadership, and how Microsoft Excel and Tableau can benefit business.

    During the latter program, professor John Wilson, academic director for the master’s in FinTech program, explained that visual analytics—collecting, analyzing and presenting information in an appealing and easy-to-understand way—is one of the hottest jobs in business today.

    Professor John Wilson, Academic Director for the graduate FinTech program told 40 high school students that careers in data visualization are among the most promising in business. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

    That captured the interest of Capital Prep students Javaris Spencer, a junior, and Sherdon Rodney, a senior.

    “I wanted more information and a better understanding of the data analytics field,’’ Spencer said. “It’s been a good experience so far.’’

    “I learned about the role data analytics plays in life,’’ Rodney said, after viewing a brief introduction to a visual analytics presentation on the impact of domestic violence. “I’ve been thinking about how data has evolved and how it works, and how more companies want to use it. It looks like a fun career.’’

    Julie Armstrong, director of education at Junior Achievement, was excited about the new partnership between her organization and UConn, and felt it would be fruitful.

    “The students are self selected and all are interested in data analytics and in business, and have an aptitude for research,’’ Armstrong said. “The teachers we work with send us the real go-getters who want as much career exposure as possible.’’

    Wilson said the event appeared to be a success.

    “We’ve been tasked with workforce development and creating a pipeline to drive interest in STEM careers early on,’’ he said. “There’s great enthusiasm here today. Many students are interested in careers in analytics, and others are here just to gain a better understanding of what it is.’’

    UConn graduate student Gomathi Ramachandran helped develop the curriculum for the event. Ramachandran, a former educator now working as an educational financial systems analyst, is pursuing an advanced degree in business analytics and program management. She said she could witness the students’ engagement and hopes the program will expand their interests.

    “Growing up, I remember wishing for a mentor who would encourage me to believe in myself and in my ability to learn new things,’’ she said. “Back then, I was often afraid to take risks due to the fear of failure. Now, as an adult, I’m pursuing courses that push me out of my comfort zone daily. I’ve learned to embrace challenging subjects like SQL, visual analytics, and public speaking.’’

    She said she hopes the students who participated in Monday’s program developed curiosity, a belief in themselves and their abilities, and recognize that no concept is too difficult to grasp.
    Junior Achievement serves 35,000 students in Connecticut alone. The organization’s three pillars are financial literacy, career preparation, and entrepreneurship.

    Jeremy Race, President and CEO of the Southern New England chapter, said programs like the Data Analytics Day are invaluable and offer students exposure to high-impact careers that they might not otherwise experience.

    “By partnering with the UConn School of Business, Junior Achievement is providing high school students with unprecedented access to expertise in data analytics, showing them how numbers can tell powerful stories that drive business outcomes,’’ Race said.

    “This collaboration creates a unique bridge between academic theory and real-world application, allowing students to learn directly from professors and student mentors who are at the cutting edge of the field,’’ he said. “We are deeply grateful to our friends at UConn for their commitment to cultivating the next generation of business leaders and for opening their doors to give JA students this glimpse into the world of data-drive decision making.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 19th MSI Research Day Draws Nearly 100

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dr. Jordan Bauer, second-year orthopedic surgery resident, presents at UConn Health’s MSI Research Day, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    Nearly 100 current and future physicians and scientists attended 2025 UConn Musculoskeletal Institute (MSI) Research Day, March 11 at the Cell and Genome Sciences Building.

    The day included oral presentations, a symposium on osteoarthritis, 18 poster presentations, an awards ceremony, and a keynote address from an international leader in the field of cartilage and developmental biology.

    Dr. Ernesto Canalis, MSI co-director, speaks at MSI Research Day at UConn Health, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    “This is a day where clinical and research faculty meet and get together to share recent accomplishments in musculoskeletal research at the University of Connecticut,” says Dr. Ernesto Canalis, professor of orthopedic surgery and medicine and MSI co-director. “It allows for interactions among faculty and presentations by faculty, students, residents, and trainees.”

    It was the 19th MSI research day and the most well-attended since before the pandemic, with the UConn School of Medicine’s Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Medicine, and Neuroscience represented, as well as the UConn School of Dental Medicine’s Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, a joint department of the dental, medical, and engineering schools.

    The keynote speaker was Dr. Maurizio Pacifici, director of research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

    Dr. Maurizio Pacifici, director of research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, delivers the keynote address at UConn Health’s MSI Research Day, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    “Dr. Pacifici was an ideal speaker, as he has first-hand experience translating basic science discoveries into clinical treatment – a core mission of the UConn MSI”, says Dr. Isaac Moss, professor and chair of orthopedic surgery and MSI co-director.

    “Participants leave this event having learned recent advances in musculoskeletal research at UConn, with the opportunity to learn from a national leader,” Canalis says. “Faculty interactions are expected to lead to new collaborative efforts to enhance research in the musculoskeletal field.”

    From left: Research intern Tomer Korabelnikov, Dr. Cory Edgar, clinical research assistant Nandan Nayak, and research intern Rohan Patel are among those who collaborated on projects presented at MSI Research Day at UConn Health, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    Awards presented:

    • Best MD/Ph.D., Marta Stetsiv
    • Best Graduate Student, Biology, Kai Clarke
    • Best Graduate Student, Engineering, Travis Wallace
    • Best Young Innovative Investigator Program, Arianna Cedeño
    • Best Undergraduate Student, Bailey Millis
    • Best Medical Student, Daniel Brocke
    • Best Orthopedic Research Resident Fellow, Lisa Tamburini
    • Best Orthopedic Research Fellow, Rohan Patel

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Tuesday, 1 April 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    69 Macro-financial assistance to Egypt
    Céline Imart (A10-0037/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 70 Customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the USA
    Bernd Lange (A10-0034/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 40 Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024
    David McAllister (A10-0010/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 39 Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024
    Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (A10-0011/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 38 Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024
    Isabel Wiseler-Lima (A10-0012/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 47 Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security     – Motion for a resolution Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Monday, 31 March 2025, 20:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 2 April 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Addressing resource shuffling and ensuring the CBAM’s (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) effectiveness in the European steel industry – E-001119/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001119/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Susana Solís Pérez (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE), Adam Jarubas (PPE), Wouter Beke (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE), François-Xavier Bellamy (PPE)

    The state of the steel industry in Europe is critical, and in its current form, the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) risks exacerbating the situation due to its susceptibility to circumvention and practices such as resource shuffling. These practices allow exporters to direct their cleaner production to the EU while continuing to use more carbon-intensive methods in external markets. This results in competition being distorted and the global reduction of emissions being undermined.

    It is crucial that the Commission include urgent measures in the steel and metals industry action plan to prevent EU producers from facing a competitive disadvantage.

    • 1.What concrete measures does the Commission intend to adopt to tackle resource shuffling and ensure that the CBAM functions as an effective decarbonisation tool rather than a mechanism that merely redistributes emissions globally?
    • 2.Will the Commission address the issue of imports of long direct reduced iron EAF (electric arc furnaces) which, despite being more carbon-intensive than European long scrap-based EAF products, currently face no CBAM obligation?
    • 3.In order to prevent high-emissions producers from masking their true footprint by using averages, does the Commission plan to establish default values to promote the disclosure of real emissions, such as communicating the average emission intensity of the 10 % worst performing installations per country?

    Submitted: 17.3.2025

    Last updated: 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Introduces Pershing County Lands Bill to Support Economic Development, Increase Conservation

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act to expand protections for and improve the management of public lands in the County, and create new conservation and recreation opportunities, while ensuring the revenue from land sales stay in Pershing County. 
    This bill was drafted in collaboration with local officials and stakeholders in order to support long-term economic growth for Pershing County’s rural communities, while also prioritizing the protection and effective management of our public lands. The bill will also transfer land into trust for the Lovelock Paiute Tribe to support the expansion of their Tribal cemetery. This legislation has the support of county commissioners, ranchers, recreationists, conservationists, and private landowners.
    “As Nevada continues to grow, we need to make sure that federal lands are being used in a way that fits the needs of our growing communities,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m working to support responsible economic development while also prioritizing the conservation of public lands. This bill will help boost Pershing County’s local economy and critical industries like mining, while also protecting more than 130,000 acres of public lands. I’ll keep working to ensure that this bill passes in the new Congress and becomes law.”
    “The Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act is vital for the future of Pershing County and our citizens,” said Joe Crim Jr., Chairman of the Pershing County Commission. “Reconciling our checkerboard lands and protecting important Federal lands will ensure we have an ability to grow our economy in the future. We thank Senator Rosen for her support of this important legislation.”
    “Friends of Nevada Wilderness is very grateful for Senator Rosen’s support for reintroducing the Pershing County bill,” said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness. “We have been active partners with stakeholders and local governments working to resolve public lands issues in Pershing County for a number of years. We are excited about the seven beautiful Wilderness areas and we are also excited for the opportunity to block up public and private lands to support appropriate development including green energy along with better conservation and management in the checkerboard area along the railroad and I-80 corridor.” 
    The Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act:

    Designates over 130,000 acres of public lands as wilderness.
    Resolves the checkerboard of alternating parcels of public and private land in Pershing County to allow for more effective land management, and creates new economic development and conservation opportunities.
    Allows specific mining lands to be sold to support the mining industry in Pershing County, a key economic driver in the community, and funds new conservation and restoration activities.
    Requires revenue from the land sales to stay in Pershing County to obtain, conserve, and protect environmentally sensitive areas and support outdoor recreation.
    Transfers land into trust for the Lovelock Paiute Tribe to expand their Tribal cemetery.

    Senator Rosen has been a champion for Nevada’s public lands. Earlier this year, she reintroduced the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act to expand economic development and affordable housing opportunities in Washoe County, support local Tribal communities, increase conservation, and protect public lands and outdoor recreation. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Rosen helped pass the modernization plan for the Fallon Range Training Complex at Naval Air Station Fallon, which was signed into law at the end of 2022. This compromise included Senator Rosen’s Lander County Land Management and Conservation Act, which transferred land to Lander County to improve airports, allow greater access to water infrastructure, increase recreation and outdoor tourism opportunities, and support economic development, while also designating over 14,000 acres of new wilderness.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Leads Colleagues in Demanding Senate Hearings on Trump Administration’s Reckless Mishandling of Classified Military Operations

    US Senate News:

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

    According To New Reporting, Classified Military Operation Details Were Shared In Signal Chat By Secretary Of Defense
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led 15 of her Senate colleagues in a letter calling on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings to investigate why members of President Trump’s national security team were recklessly and illegally discussing classified military operations on unsecured devices. In the letter, the Senators also criticized the incompetence and carelessness of how these Trump officials mishandled the situation and inadvertently added a journalist to the group chat. New reporting details the classified military plans that were discussed in the commercial, unclassified messaging app.
    In addition to Senator Rosen, this letter was signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). All of the Senators who signed are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    “We write to you with grave concern regarding the recent revelations reported in The Atlantic about the Trump Administration’s reckless handling of classified information about U.S. military operations,” wrote the senators. “This gross mishandling of highly classified information has weakened our national security and could have put at risk American lives, particularly the men and women involved in the military strikes in Yemen.”
    “For this reason, we are calling on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to hold joint or separate hearings to investigate this matter fully and get to the bottom of why members of the National Security Council were using unclassified, internet-connected smartphones and channels to discuss highly sensitive military information, when there are known ways to tamper with unclassified devices and when it is possible that dozens of foreign intelligence agencies are targeting the unclassified smartphones used by these senior U.S. government officials,” they continued. “Our national security demands that we act with urgency to uncover the full details of this severe security breach and implement measures to prevent such recklessness in the future.”
    The full letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen has expressed deep concern over this violation of security protocols that put sensitive national security information and the lives of U.S. troops at risk. She released a statement strongly criticizing this inexcusable failure that could have endangered American lives, and called for Senate hearings and disciplinary action on the matter. Senator Rosen also joined a letter to President Trump demanding answers about this use of an unclassified, unsecured group chat for highly sensitive, high-level military planning in violation of our nation’s security protocols and the law.

    MIL OSI USA News –