NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Transformation of the EU – from peace project to war economy – E-001164/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001164/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE)

    On 4 March 2025, Commission President von der Leyen announced her ‘ReArm Europe’ plan. The aim is to mobilise up to EUR 800 billion by activating the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact and by taking on mutualised debt in breach of the Treaty. In doing so, the Commission is not only driving forward the debt Union and the erosion of national sovereignty in an impressive fashion, but is also transforming the EU from a former peacemaker into an actor of war. The most recent statements by EPP group leader Manfred Weber, according to which Europe must move towards becoming a military economy and put in place a common European command to command the rearmed national armies, are also illustrative of this shift. The zeitgeist of peace-destroying bellicosity that is rampant in Brussels is thus heading for an alarming climax, while the rest of the world – with the USA under President Trump leading the way – is focussing on an imminent peaceful solution.

    • 1.In the light of the EU’s erstwhile peace objectives, how does the Commission justify the gradual destruction of national sovereignty and the mutualisation of debt for military purposes in breach of the Treaty?
    • 2.Is the Commission pursuing the goal of a war-oriented economy and the establishment of a central command over national armies?
    • 3.Is it not irresponsible for the Commission to be preparing for a military escalation with Russia while the USA is striving for an early peace agreement with that very country?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Potential financing of EU projects by USAID – E-000928/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000928/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alexander Jungbluth (ESN)

    The United States Governmental Agency for International Development (USAID) is suspected of having hugely influenced the political decision-making process in EU Member States, among others, by making payments in the billions to questionable NGOs and media outlets worldwide. After US President Donald Trump put an end to these alleged illegal activities, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, 63 NGOs tied to George Soros applied for EU funding.[1]

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm that 63 George Soros-linked NGOs have requested EU funding? If so, which ones, how much money has been applied for, for what intended purpose and has any funding been approved?
    • 2.Has the Commission itself or any organisation associated with it ever received money from USAID or any USAID-linked body and, if so, how much and for what purpose?
    • 3.What specific action is the Commission taking to prevent foreign funding from influencing the political decision-making process in EU Member States?

    Submitted: 5.3.2025

    • [1] https://x.com/PM_ViktorOrban/status/1891788592730476821
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Provocative EU funding for the jihadist regime that is killing people in Syria – E-001155/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001155/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), Kostas Papadakis (NI)

    A few months after Türkiye, Israel and the US intervened in Syria and jihadists toppled the state, thousands of killings and atrocities have been taking place, with religious and ethnic minorities and political opponents being targeted in particular. The EU, as well as the Nea Dimokratia Government in Greece and the other parties – which had welcomed this intervention by intentionally spreading illusions about an ‘inclusive political process’ and a ‘smooth democratic transition’ – have been proven wrong. It is indicative that the December 2024 European Council conclusions referred to ‘a historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country’.

    The much-hailed partition of Syria is demonstrably being dictated by major conflicting geostrategic interests pursued by the USA, Türkiye, Israel, Russia, the EU and others, and by the desire of monopolistic groups to exploit the country’s wealth as well as trade and energy corridors.

    Can the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following:

    • 1.What view does she take of the fact that the EU is supporting, provocatively defending and providing funding worth EUR 2.5 billion – as announced by the President of the Commission – for the jihadist regime that is killing people in Syria and committing horrific crimes and atrocities against the Syrian people, children, religious and ethnic minorities and political opponents?
    • 2.What view does she take of the fact that the EU and national governments, such as that of Greece, are complicit in promoting the partition of Syria and the persecution of its people?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in Alberta just got easier

    When it comes to setting up shop, any good business owner knows the key to success is location, location, location. Alberta offers thousands of acres of prime real estate in top locations, providing unmatched opportunities for prosperity for businesses and entrepreneurs.

    In the face of a changing geopolitical landscape, Alberta’s government remains committed to maintaining a strong business environment that attracts investment, while supporting economic growth and prosperity for Albertans. Alberta’s government is investing in cutting-edge tools and technology to help businesses thrive and attract large-scale investments to the province.

    Alberta’s Site Selector Tool is a free online service that helps connect businesses and investors to the best locations in Alberta. It combines real-time property listings with key data on infrastructure and socio-economic insights on communities, making it easy to choose where to expand or invest. With almost 7,000 available properties already featured on the tool, Alberta’s business community is empowered with access to free, easy-to-use data and a platform to pinpoint local opportunities.

    “When it comes to innovative solutions for investment attraction, the Alberta Site Selector Tool is best in class and has the potential to help us attract high-quality jobs and billions of dollars in investment.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    With the launch of new features on the tool, Alberta’s government is helping investors take their research to the next level and make their data-driven business decisions even more seamless with enhanced access to information supporting a range of sectors including agriculture, energy, data centres, manufacturing and more.

    “Time is money – and Alberta’s improved Site Selector Tool gives businesses the gift of both. By using technology to simplify investment decisions, we’re making Alberta the most attractive and straightforward place to do business in Canada.”

    Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation

    Investors can now activate new layers of data that capture a property’s proximity to infrastructure such as high-load corridors, mainline railways and international airports as well as high-capacity powerlines, substations, power generation, natural gas service areas and fibre internet. Investors can also access regional statistics on labour force availability, including labour force by occupation and industry, unemployment rates and graduate rates by degree program.

    The tool also boasts new functionality that saves investors and regional economic developers time, including the ability to:

    • Drop a pin on a map to generate location-specific data.
    • Save a custom view of the site that captures preferred filters and data layers.
    • Share and add properties to a list of favourites that can be downloaded to a spreadsheet or PDF to view later.

    This suite of enhancements was rolled out based on ongoing feedback from users, including municipalities and economic development organizations.

    “As the investment attraction agency for the Edmonton Metro Region, Edmonton Global uses the site selector tool regularly to answer questions from prospective investors, partners and team members. This information, along with insights from other data tools, helps us guide investors to make well-informed decisions for their businesses.”

    Jeff Bell, director of research & business intelligence, Edmonton Global 

    Since its launch in April 2024, the Alberta Site Selector Tool has been providing innovative ways for investors to find opportunities in Alberta while enabling economic development partners to promote their communities as a destination of choice to potential investors.

    Alberta remains the best place in Canada to invest due to its low tax environment, red tape reduction efforts and business-friendly policies. The Alberta government’s policies are attracting record investment, creating thousands of jobs and further diversifying the economy. Through investments like the Site Selector Tool, Alberta is building on its reputation as a province with unlimited opportunity.

    Related information

    • Alberta Regional Dashboard & Site Selector

    Related news

    • New tool making investing even easier in Alberta (April 2, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – New suburb-level property insights as NZ housing market turns a corner – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic
    Property values across New Zealand are showing signs of recovery, with more than half of suburbs recording stable or rising prices in the first quarter of 2025.
    The latest Mapping the Market update from CoreLogic NZ provides suburb-level insights across 2,661 areas for houses and 1,077 areas for flats/townhouses, offering the most comprehensive view of property values in the country.
    CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the data confirms that while affordability remains a challenge, improving market conditions are supporting a shift in property values.
    “New Zealand’s housing market has started to turn, driven largely by lower mortgage rates. Over the past three months, 54% of suburbs saw house values stabilise or increase, with a similar trend for flats or townhouses at 56%,” Mr Davidson said.
    “While this recovery is in its early stages, the strongest gains have tended to be concentrated in more affordable areas, where buyers appear to be capitalising on relatively lower property values.”
    Houses on the West Coast, particularly some suburbs in Buller and Grey District, saw values increase by 6% or more over the past quarter, reinforcing the role of affordability in driving market activity.
    Among the main centres, Dunedin’s Waldronville (3.9%), Hamilton’s Temple View (3.5%), and Christchurch’s Kainga (3.3%) recorded some of the strongest gains for standalone houses.
    For flats and townhouses, Glenleith in Dunedin (6.2%) and Grenada North in Wellington (4.8%) led the upturn, while areas such as Deanwell in Hamilton (4.1%) and Auckland North Shore’s Bayview (3.5%) also recorded notable growth.
    Mr Davidson said signs of stabilisation in previously weaker markets suggested demand was gradually beginning to return.
    “The number of suburbs experiencing price declines has narrowed, indicating the early stages of an upturn. Fewer than 230 suburbs saw house values drop by 2% or more over the past three months, while only 111 suburbs recorded similar declines for flats and townhouses,” he said.
    However, he cautioned that recovery remains uneven, with economic conditions, supply levels, and lending constraints continuing to influence local markets.
    “Some areas are stabilising or rising, but others remain affected by high listing volumes and economic uncertainty. The resurgence in values suggests improving sentiment, but we expect the pace of recovery to remain measured as affordability constraints and credit conditions limit momentum.”

    Enhanced market intelligence with new digital mapping

    The Mapping the Market online tool has been significantly expanded, now featuring suburb-level data split by property type. This enhanced dataset allows homebuyers, investors, and policymakers to assess value trends across different housing types using a single, standardised methodology.
    The interactive digital map, available at CoreLogic NZ Mapping the Market, provides current median values across every major suburb. With an intuitive interface, it offers a clear visual representation of where buyers can find properties within their budget.
    Mr Davidson said the latest insights reaffirm the affordability advantages of some regional markets.
    “Lower-priced housing markets are leading the recovery, particularly in West Coast districts such as Buller and Grey, where affordability remains a key driver. Suburbs within major centres, such as Waldronville in Dunedin and Temple View in Hamilton, are also showing signs of renewed demand.”

    NZ’s most expensive and affordable suburbs

    Auckland’s most expensive suburb remains Herne Bay, with a median house value of $3.15 million, while Oriental Bay tops the list in Wellington ($1.57 million) and Merivale in Christchurch ($1.33 million).
    For flats and townhouses, Queenstown continues to dominate, with median values in Queenstown Hill reaching $1.52 million, while Auckland’s Stonefields ($1.37 million) and Campbells Bay ($1.23 million) also rank among the highest.
    More affordable housing options remain available in regional areas, with median property values significantly lower in some parts of Buller and Grey Districts, as examples.

    A cautious recovery ahead

    While more suburbs are showing early signs of a market rebound, Mr Davidson expects the pace of growth to remain gradual due to economic conditions, high listing volumes, and credit constraints.
    “The downturn appears to be largely over, but the upturn in 2025 could be subdued,” he said.
    “The affordability gains seen in recent years are still in place and while lower interest rates may provide a lift, factors like high listings supply levels and restrained lending conditions to some degree – such as the debt to income ratio limits – could temper the recovery.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Support for Wildfire Survivors Tops $2 Billion

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Federal Support for Wildfire Survivors Tops $2 Billion

    Federal Support for Wildfire Survivors Tops $2 Billion

    LOS ANGELES – As of March 25, just over two months since the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by the president, FEMA and its federal partners have made more than $2 billion available to disaster survivors

    Federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has topped $2 billion

    That number includes:$101 million in FEMA housing and other needs assistance

    $2 billion in home and business loan offers from the SBA, the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain nonprofits

    31,941 household have been approved for FEMA funds, including: $24,316,400 in housing assistance for short-term rental assistance and home repair costs$76,431,025 in other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental, and lost personal possessions

    Two Disaster Recovery Centers remain open at UCLA Research Park and Altadena Recovery Center

    In total, the centers have logged 32,511 survivor visits

    At the centers, residents may speak in person to representatives from federal and state programs, the American Red Cross and various nongovernmental nonprofits and community groups

    In partnership with the State of California, Los Angeles County, and local officials, FEMA will continue helping California’s individuals and families get back on their feet and jumpstart their recovery

    The deadline to apply for both FEMA and SBA disaster assistance is March 31, 2025

    How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    On the FEMA App

    By calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service

    Assistance is available in multiple languages

    Lines are open Sunday–Saturday, from 4 a

    m

    – 10 p

    m

    Pacific Time

    At a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

    To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator

    For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster AssistanceApply for SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans:Online at sba

    gov/disaster By calling SBA’s Customer Service Center hotline at 800-659-2955

     People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access relay services

    By emailingDisasterCustomerService@sba

    govAt a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center, where you can submit a completed application or SBA representatives can help you apply

    To find a BRC near you, go to Appointment

    sba

    gov

    Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending

    sba

    gov or other locally announced locations

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

    California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process

    Visit CA

    gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

    alberto

    pillot
    Wed, 03/26/2025 – 17:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA May Contact You by Phone

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA May Contact You by Phone

    FEMA May Contact You by Phone

    FEMA Representatives Calling Kentucky Storm SurvivorsFEMA representatives are reaching out to survivors of the February severe storms that have applied for disaster assistance

    Representatives may call for a variety of reasons such as issues with applications (missing documents, insurance settlement paperwork, etc

    ), follow-up on access and functional needs and/or to schedule inspections at the address where the damage was reported

    Representatives may also be calling eligible survivors for the Direct Temporary Housing Program

    In these instances, phone calls may come from unknown phone numbers or unfamiliar area codes

    If you receive a phone call from FEMA, don’t share your personal information unless you are sure the person you are talking to is a legitimate FEMA representative

    If you receive a call from someone stating they are a FEMA representative, but you are skeptical, do not give out any information

    Call 800-621-3362 to verify the call is legitimate

    If you suspect fraud, please send an email to StopFEMAFraud@fema

    dhs

    govWhen an applicant calls the Helpline to speak with a FEMA representative, they may be asked to share personal information to verify identity

    How to Apply for FEMA AssistanceIf you live in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson, or Woodford county, and haven’t yet applied for FEMA assistance, you may still complete an application

    The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Friday, April 25

    You can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to meet face to face with specialists from FEMA to get assistance filling out your application

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) and other state and local agencies are also in DRCs to answer questions about disaster assistance and other recovery resources

    You may also upload any documents needed for applications at the centers

    If you are unable to visit a DRC, there are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

    If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube

    com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Wed, 03/26/2025 – 16:57

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How Can I See the Northern Lights? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 54

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]

    How can I see the northern lights?
    To see the northern lights, you need to be in the right place at the right time.
    Auroras are the result of charged particles and magnetism from the Sun called space weather dancing with the Earth’s magnetic field. And they happen far above the clouds. So you need clear skies, good space weather at your latitude and the higher, more polar you can be, the better. You need a lot of patience and some luck is always helpful.
    A smartphone can also really help confirm whether you saw a little bit of kind of dim aurora, because cameras are more sensitive than our eyes.
    The best months to see aurorae, statistically, are March and September. The best times to be looking are around midnight, but sometimes when the Sun is super active, it can happen any time from sunset to sunrise.
    You can also increase your chances by learning more about space weather data and a great place to do that is at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
    You can also check out my project, Aurorasaurus.org, where we have free alerts that are based on your location and we offer information about how to interpret the data. And you can also report and tell us if you were able to see aurora or not and that helps others.
    One last tip is finding a safe, dark sky viewing location with a great view of the northern horizon that’s near you.
    [END VIDEO TRANSCRIPT]
    Full Episode List
    Full YouTube Playlist

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Norman Rockwell Commemorates Gemini Program with Grissom and Young

    Source: NASA

    In his painting called Grissom and Young, American painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell captures technicians helping NASA astronauts John Young and Gus Grissom suit up for the first flight of the Gemini program in March 1965. NASA loaned Norman Rockwell a Gemini spacesuit to make this painting as accurate as possible.
    Since its beginning, NASA has used the power of art to communicate the extraordinary aspects of its missions in a way that connects uniquely with humanity. NASA’s original art program, started in 1962 under the direction of Administrator James Webb, included a diverse collection of works from artists such as Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Annie Leibovitz.
    See more art inspired by NASA.
    Image credit: Norman Rockwell

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers in North Carolina Will Transition to Locally Operated Resource Centers March 31

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers in North Carolina Will Transition to Locally Operated Resource Centers March 31

    Disaster Recovery Centers in North Carolina Will Transition to Locally Operated Resource Centers March 31

    HICKORY, N

    C

    – FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Western North Carolina will transition to locally operated Resource Centers March 31 and will cease operation as FEMA centers at 2 p

    m

    on March 29

    The centers will operate Monday-Friday 8 a

    m

    to 5 p

    m

    and FEMA will have specialists to help people apply for FEMA assistance and update application status

    The U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) also will have specialists to help people apply for disaster loans

    The centers will be locally operated, state and federally supported

    After Tropical Storm Helene, FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management and the U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) coordinated with local communities to open 33 centers where residents could meet face to face with specialists to get help with FEMA assistance, SBA disaster loans and state recovery resources

    Since October, these centers have received more than 78,500 visits

    This week, to find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center visit fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362

    It is not necessary to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance: Go online to DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App, or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other, give FEMA your number for that service

    Deadline for FEMA applications is April 7

    joseph

    arbid
    Wed, 03/26/2025 – 17:06

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Sky’s Not the Limit: Testing Precision Landing Tech for Future Space Missions

    Source: NASA

    Nestled in a pod under an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft wing, flying above California, and traveling up to the speed of sound, NASA put a commercial sensor technology to the test. The flight tests demonstrated the sensor accuracy and navigation precision in challenging conditions, helping prepare the technology to land robots and astronauts on the Moon and Mars. 
    The Psionic Space Navigation Doppler Lidar (PSNDL) system is rooted in NASA technology that Psionic, Inc. of Hampton, Virginia, licensed and further developed. They miniaturized the NASA technology, added further functionality, and incorporated component redundancies that make it more rugged for spaceflight. The PSNDL navigation system also includes cameras and an inertial measurement unit to make it a complete navigation system capable of accurately determining a vehicle’s position and velocity for precision landing and other spaceflight applications. 

    The aircraft departed from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and conducted a variety of flight paths over several days in February 2025. It flew a large figure-8 loop and conducted several highly dynamic maneuvers over Death Valley, California, to collect navigation data at various altitudes, velocities, and orientations relevant for lunar and Mars entry and descent. Refurbished for these tests, the NASA F/A-18 pod can support critical data collection for other technologies and users at a low cost. 
    Doppler Lidar sensors provide a highly accurate measurement of speed by measuring the frequency shift between laser light emitted from the sensor reflected from the ground. Lidar are extremely useful in sunlight-challenged areas that may have long shadows and stark contrasts, such as the lunar South Pole. Pairing PSNDL with cameras adds the ability to visually compare pictures with surface reconnaissance maps of rocky terrain and navigate to landing at interesting locations on Mars. All the data is fed into a computer to make quick, real-time decisions to enable precise touchdowns at safe locations. 

    Since licensing NDL in 2016, Psionic has received funding and development support from NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate through its Small Business Innovative Research program and Tipping Point initiative. The company has also tested PSNDL prototypes on suborbital vehicles via the Flight Opportunities program. In 2024, onboard a commercial lunar lander, NASA successfully demonstrated the predecessor NDL system developed by the agency’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Webb Sees Galaxy Mysteriously Clearing Fog of Early Universe

    Source: NASA

    Using the unique infrared sensitivity of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, researchers can examine ancient galaxies to probe secrets of the early universe. Now, an international team of astronomers has identified bright hydrogen emission from a galaxy in an unexpectedly early time in the universe’s history. The surprise finding is challenging researchers to explain how this light could have pierced the thick fog of neutral hydrogen that filled space at that time.
    The Webb telescope discovered the incredibly distant galaxy JADES-GS-z13-1, observed to exist just 330 million years after the big bang, in images taken by Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) as part of the James Webb Space Telescope Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES). Researchers used the galaxy’s brightness in different infrared filters to estimate its redshift, which measures a galaxy’s distance from Earth based on how its light has been stretched out during its journey through expanding space.

    The NIRCam imaging yielded an initial redshift estimate of 12.9. Seeking to confirm its extreme redshift, an international team lead by Joris Witstok of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, as well as the Cosmic Dawn Center and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, then observed the galaxy using Webb’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph instrument.
    In the resulting spectrum, the redshift was confirmed to be 13.0. This equates to a galaxy seen just 330 million years after the big bang, a small fraction of the universe’s present age of 13.8 billion years old. But an unexpected feature stood out as well: one specific, distinctly bright wavelength of light, known as Lyman-alpha emission, radiated by hydrogen atoms. This emission was far stronger than astronomers thought possible at this early stage in the universe’s development.
    “The early universe was bathed in a thick fog of neutral hydrogen,” explained Roberto Maiolino, a team member from the University of Cambridge and University College London. “Most of this haze was lifted in a process called reionization, which was completed about one billion years after the big bang. GS-z13-1 is seen when the universe was only 330 million years old, yet it shows a surprisingly clear, telltale signature of Lyman-alpha emission that can only be seen once the surrounding fog has fully lifted. This result was totally unexpected by theories of early galaxy formation and has caught astronomers by surprise.”

    Before and during the era of reionization, the immense amounts of neutral hydrogen fog surrounding galaxies blocked any energetic ultraviolet light they emitted, much like the filtering effect of colored glass. Until enough stars had formed and were able to ionize the hydrogen gas, no such light — including Lyman-alpha emission — could escape from these fledgling galaxies to reach Earth. The confirmation of Lyman-alpha radiation from this galaxy, therefore, has great implications for our understanding of the early universe.
    “We really shouldn’t have found a galaxy like this, given our understanding of the way the universe has evolved,” said Kevin Hainline, a team member from the University of Arizona. “We could think of the early universe as shrouded with a thick fog that would make it exceedingly difficult to find even powerful lighthouses peeking through, yet here we see the beam of light from this galaxy piercing the veil. This fascinating emission line has huge ramifications for how and when the universe reionized.”
    The source of the Lyman-alpha radiation from this galaxy is not yet known, but it may include the first light from the earliest generation of stars to form in the universe.
    “The large bubble of ionized hydrogen surrounding this galaxy might have been created by a peculiar population of stars — much more massive, hotter, and more luminous than stars formed at later epochs, and possibly representative of the first generation of stars,” said Witstok. A powerful active galactic nucleus, driven by one of the first supermassive black holes, is another possibility identified by the team.
    This research was published Wednesday in the journal Nature.
    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    Downloads
    Click any image to open a larger version.
    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
    View/Download the research results from the journal Nature.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Bethany Downer – Bethany.Downer@esawebb.orgESA/Webb, Baltimore, Md.
    Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    Read more about cosmic history, the early universe, and cosmic reionization.
    Article: Learn about what Webb has revealed about galaxies through time.
    Video: How Webb reveals the first galaxies
    More Webb News
    More Webb Images
    Webb Science Themes
    Webb Mission Page

    What Is a Galaxy?
    What is the Webb Telescope?
    SpacePlace for Kids
    En Español
    ¿Qué es una galaxia?
    Ciencia de la NASA
    NASA en español 
    Space Place para niños

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Starling and SpaceX Starlink Improve Space Traffic Coordination

    Source: NASA

    As missions to low Earth orbit become more frequent, space traffic coordination remains a key element to efficiently operating in space. Different satellite operators using autonomous systems need to operate together and manage increasing workloads. NASA’s Starling spacecraft swarm recently tested a coordination with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, demonstrating a potential solution to enhance space traffic coordination.
    Led by the Small Spacecraft Technology program at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, Starling originally set out to demonstrate autonomous planning and execution of orbital maneuvers with the mission’s four small spacecraft. After achieving its primary objectives, the Starling mission expanded to become Starling 1.5, an experiment to demonstrate maneuvers between the Starling swarm and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, which also maneuver autonomously.
    Coordination in Low Earth Orbit
    Current space traffic coordination systems screen trajectories of spacecraft and objects in space and alert operators on the ground of potential conjunctions, which occur when two objects exceed an operator’s tolerance for a close approach along their orbital paths. Spacecraft operators can request notification at a range of probabilities, often anywhere from a 1 in 10,000 likelihood of a collision to 1 in 1,000,000 or lower.
    Conjunction mitigation between satellite operators requires manual coordination through calls or emails on the ground. An operator may receive a notification for a number of reasons including recently maneuvering their satellite, nearby space debris, or if another satellite adjusts its orbit.
    Once an operator is aware of a potential conjunction, they must work together with other operators to reduce the probability of a collision. This can result in time-consuming calls or emails between ground operations teams with different approaches to safe operations. It also means maneuvers may require several days to plan and implement. This timeline can be challenging for missions that require quick adjustments to capture important data.
    “Occasionally, we’ll do a maneuver that we find out wasn’t necessary if we could have waited before making a decision. Sometimes you can’t wait three days to reposition and observe. Being able to react within a few hours can make new satellite observations possible,” said Nathan Benz, project manager of Starling 1.5 at NASA Ames.
    Improving Coordination for Autonomous Maneuvering
    The first step in improving coordination was to develop a reliable way to signal maneuver responsibility between operators. “Usually, SpaceX takes the responsibility to move out of the way when another operator shares their predicted trajectory information,” said Benz.
    SpaceX and NASA collaborated to design a conjunction screening service, which SpaceX then implemented. Satellite operators can submit trajectories and receive conjunction data quickly, then accept responsibility to maneuver away from a potential conjunction.
    “For this experiment, NASA’s Starling accepted responsibility to move using the screening service, successfully tested our system’s performance, then autonomously planned and executed the maneuver for the NASA Starling satellite, resolving a close approach with a Starlink satellite,” said Benz.
    Through NASA’s Starling 1.5 experiment, the agency helped validate SpaceX’s Starlink screening service. The Office of Space Commerce within the U.S. Department of Commerce also worked with SpaceX to understand and assess the Starlink screening service.
    Quicker Response to Changes on Earth
    The time it takes to plan maneuvers in today’s orbital traffic environment limits the number of satellites a human operator can manage and their ability to collect data or serve customers.
    “A fully automated system that is flexible and adaptable between satellite constellations is ideal for an environment of multiple satellite operators, all of whom have differing criteria for mitigating collision risks,” said Lauri Newman, program officer for NASA’s Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis program at the agency’s headquarters in Washington.
    Reducing the time necessary to plan maneuvers could open up a new class of missions, where quick responses to changes in space or on Earth’s surface are possible. Satellites capable of making quicker movements could adjust their orbital position to capture a natural disaster from above, or respond to one swarm member’s interesting observations, moving to provide a more thorough look.
    “With improved access and use of low Earth orbit and the necessity to provide a more advanced space traffic coordination system, Starling 1.5 is providing critical data.  Starling 1.5 is the result of a successful partnership between NASA, the Department of Commerce, and SpaceX, maturing technology to solve such challenges,” said Roger Hunter, program manager of the Small Spacecraft Technology program. “We look forward to the sustained impact of the Starling technologies as they continue demonstrating advancements in spacecraft coordination, cooperation, and autonomy.”    
    NASA Ames leads the Starling projects. NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate funds and manages the Starling mission. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSTA Hyperwall Schedule

    Source: NASA

    NASA Science at Commodity Classic Hyperwall Schedule, March 26-29, 2025
    Join NASA in the Exhibit Hall (Booth #779) for Hyperwall Storytelling by NASA experts. Full Hyperwall Agenda below.

    THURSDAY, MARCH 27

    11:00 – 11:15 AM —— Do NASA Science in Your Classroom —— Marc Kuchner
    11:15 – 11:30 AM —— My NASA Data Satellite Data for All —— Angie Rizzi
    11:30 – 11:45 AM —— Lunar and Meteorite Sample Disk Program —— Suzanne Foxworth
    11:45 – 12:00 PM —— DIY Digital Tools: Creating Smart Assets —— Jessica Swann
    1:00 – 1:15 PM —— DIY: Immersive Virtual Field Trips —— Jessica Swann
    1:15 – 1:30 PM —— Kahoot- Weather Terms —— Erin McKinley
    1:30 – 1:45 PM —— Digital Plug and Play Lessons for Your Middle or High School Classroom —— Jessica Swann
    1:45 – 2:00 PM —— Soar to New Heights with the NASA TechRise Student Challenge —— Marisa Cleghorn
    2:00 – 2:15 PM —— GLOBE Clouds: Connecting Satellite Data to Your Classroom —— Jessica Taylor
    2:15 – 2:30 PM —— Step Up to Remote Sensing with STELLA (Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment) —— Mike Taylor
    2:30 – 2:45 PM —— My NASA Data’s New Earth System Data Explorer —— Angie Rizzi
    2:45 – 3:00 PM —— Apollo to Artemis: Sample Collection and Curation —— Kim Willis
    3:30 – 3:45 PM —— Interactive Ways for Learners to Explore NASA Content & Assets —— Astro Materials Docent
    4:00 – 4:15 PM —— Soar to New Heights with the NASA TechRise Student Challenge —— Marisa Cleghorn
    4:15 – 4:30 PM —— Lunar and Meteorite Sample Disk Program —— Suzanne Foxworth
    4:30 – 4:45 PM —— Step Up to Remote Sensing with STELLA (Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment) —— Mike Taylor

    FRIDAY, MARCH 28

    9:15 – 9:30 AM —— Soar to New Heights with the NASA TechRise Student Challenge —— Marisa Cleghorn
    9:45 – 10:00 AM —— Interactive Ways for Learners to Explore NASA Content & Assets —— Astro Materials Docent
    10:00 – 10:15 AM —— Digital Plug and Play Lessons for Your Middle or High School Classroom —— Jessica Swann
    10:15 – 10:30 AM —— GLOBE Clouds: Connecting Satellite Data to Your Classroom —— Jessica Taylor
    10:30 – 10:45 AM —— Do NASA Science in Your Classroom —— Marc Kuchner
    10:45 – 11:00 AM —— DIY: Immersive Virtual Field Trips —— Jessica Swann
    11:00 – 11:15 AM —— Apollo to Artemis: Sample Collection and Curation —— Kim Willis
    11:15 – 11:30 AM —— My NASA Data’s New Earth System Data Explorer —— Angie Rizzi
    11:30 – 11:45 AM —— Step Up to Remote Sensing with STELLA —— Mike Taylor
    11:45 – 12:00 PM —— DIY Digital Tools: Creating Smart Assets —— Jessica Swann
    1:00 – 1:15 PM —— Lunar and Meteorite Sample Disk Program —— Suzanne Foxworth
    1:15 – 1:30 PM —— Soar to New Heights with the NASA TechRise Student Challenge —— Marisa Cleghorn
    1:30 – 1:45 PM —— Kahoot
    1:45 – 2:00 PM —— Apollo to Artemis: Sample Collection and Curation —— Kim Willis
    2:00 – 2:15 PM —— Step Up to Remote Sensing with STELLA —— Mike Taylor
    2:15 – 2:30 PM —— SpacePhys Lab: A Heliophysics VR Experience for Education and Outreach —— Stephen Zaffke
    2:30 – 2:45 PM —— Do NASA Science in Your Classroom —— Marc Kuchner
    2:45 – 3:00 PM —— GLOBE Clouds: Connecting Satellite Data to Your Classroom —— Jessica Talyor
    3:30 – 3:45 PM —— Interactive Ways for Learners to Explore NASA Content & Assets —— Astro Materials Docent
    3:45 – 4:00 PM —— Lunar and Meteorite Sample Disk Program —— Suzanne Foxworth
    4:00 – 4:15 PM —— My NASA Data Satellite Data for All —— Angie Rizzi
    4:15 – 4:30 PM —— Kahoot

    SATURDAY, MARCH 29

    9:15 – 9:30 AM —— Apollo to Artemis: Sample Collection and Curation —— Kim Willis
    9:45 – 10:00 AM —— DIY: Immersive Virtual Field Trips —— Jessica Swann
    10:00 – 10:15 AM —— Lunar and Meteorite Sample Disk Program —— Suzanne Foxworth
    10:15 – 10:30 AM —— Do NASA Science in Your Classroom —— Marc Kuchner
    10:30 – 10:45 AM —— Digital Plug and Play Lessons for Your Middle or High School Classroom —— Jessica Swann
    10:45 – 11:00 AM —— Step Up to Remote Sensing with STELLA (Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment) —— Mike Taylor
    11:15 – 11:30 AM —— DIY Digital Tools: Creating Smart Assets —— Jessica Swann
    11:30 – 11:45 AM —— Kahoot
    11:45 – 12:00 PM —— My NASA Data’s New Earth System Data Explorer —— Angie Rizzi

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pulse Oximeter Basics

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Image

    Español中文한국의TagalogTiếng Việt
    We need oxygen to survive. Sometimes the amount of oxygen in the blood falls too low for the body to function well. Asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the flu, and heart disease are among the health conditions that can cause oxygen levels to drop. Being at higher altitudes, where the amount of oxygen in the air can be less than at sea level, can be another factor that can cause oxygen levels to drop.
    One way to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood is by using a device called a pulse oximeter, or pulse ox.  A pulse oximeter can estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood without having to draw a blood sample.
    What is a pulse oximeter?
    A pulse oximeter is a device that is usually clipped on a fingertip and uses light beams to estimate a person’s blood oxygen level (oxygen saturation) and their pulse rate.
    Most pulse oximeters show two or three numbers. The most important number, oxygen saturation level, is usually abbreviated SpO2, and is presented as a percentage. The pulse rate (similar to heart rate) is typically abbreviated PR. Sometimes there is a third number for strength of the signal.
    Oxygen saturation values are between 95% and 100% for most healthy individuals but sometimes can be lower in people with lung and heart problems, for example. Oxygen saturation levels are also generally slightly lower for those living at higher altitudes.
    Using a pulse oximeter
    If you are using a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels at home, in addition to your pulse oximeter reading, keep track of your symptoms and how you feel. Contact a health care provider if you are concerned about the pulse oximeter reading, or your symptoms are serious or get worse.
    To get the best reading when using a pulse oximeter at home:

    Follow your health care provider’s advice about when and how often to check your oxygen levels.
    Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
    When placing the pulse oximeter on your finger, make sure your hand is warm, relaxed, and held below the level of the heart. Remove any fingernail polish on that finger.
    Sit still and do not move the part of your body where the pulse oximeter is located.
    Wait a few seconds until the reading stops changing and displays one steady number.
    Write down your oxygen level and the date and time of the reading so you can track any changes and report these to your health care provider.

    Be familiar with signs or symptoms of low oxygen levels:

    Bluish coloring in the face, lips, or nails.
    Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a cough that gets worse.
    Restlessness and discomfort.
    Chest pain or tightness.
    Fast/racing pulse rate.

    Be aware that some people with low oxygen levels may not show any or all these symptoms. Only a health care provider can diagnose a medical condition such as hypoxia (low oxygen levels). Pulse oximeter readings should be considered in context with other information, including signs and symptoms of low oxygen.
    As with any device, there is always a risk of an inaccurate reading. Be aware multiple factors can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading, such as poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, current tobacco use, and use of fingernail polish.
    Categories of pulse oximeters and FDA clearance
    Certain pulse oximeters are intended for medical purposes and are primarily used in hospital settings or doctors’ offices. Pulse oximeters for medical purposes are typically used to monitor (i.e. trending or spot checking) oxygen saturation levels of patients to help in clinical decision-making.
    Currently, a small number of these pulse oximeters intended for medical purposes are available over the counter (OTC) following clearance by the FDA.
    There also are pulse oximeters that are sold as general wellness products or sporting/aviation products. These are not reviewed or evaluated by the agency before being available to the public. Such products are often sold directly to consumers in stores or online and are intended for estimating oxygen saturation often for purposes of general wellness (such as encouraging a general state of health or healthy lifestyle).
    The FDA recognizes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people purchased OTC pulse oximeters that are considered general wellness products. These products are not evaluated by the agency for use in clinical decision-making or determining whether to seek medical intervention.
    Current scientific evidence suggests there are some accuracy differences in pulse oximeter performance between individuals with lighter and darker skin pigmentation. The FDA previously informed patients and health care professionals that although pulse oximetry is useful for estimating blood oxygen levels, pulse oximeters have limitations and a risk of inaccuracy under certain circumstances, including use on patients with darker skin pigmentation, that should be considered.
    In addition to the safety communication, to address concerns around the accuracy of these devices, the FDA held advisory committee meetings, published a discussion paper for comment, and published a draft guidance in January 2025 that outlines proposed recommendations to help improve the accuracy and performance of pulse oximeters that are used for medical purposes across the range of skin pigmentations.
    Reporting Problems with a Device
    If you experienced a problem or injury that you think may be related to a pulse oximeter, you can voluntarily report it through the FDA’s MedWatch program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How NASA’s Perseverance Is Helping Prepare Astronauts for Mars

    Source: NASA

    The rover carries several swatches of spacesuit materials, and scientists are assessing how they’ve held up after four years on the Red Planet.
    NASA’s Perseverance rover landed on Mars in 2021 to search for signs of ancient microbial life and to help scientists understand the planet’s climate and geography. But another key objective is to pave the way for human exploration of Mars, and as part of that effort, the rover carries a set of five spacesuit material samples. Now, after those samples have endured four years of exposure on Mars’ dusty, radiation-soaked surface, scientists are beginning the next phase of studying them.
    The end goal is to predict accurately the usable lifetime of a Mars spacesuit. What the agency learns about how the materials perform on Mars will inform the design of future spacesuits for the first astronauts on the Red Planet.

    “This is one of the forward-looking aspects of the rover’s mission — not just thinking about its current science, but also about what comes next,” said planetary scientist Marc Fries of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, who helped provide the spacesuit materials. “We’re preparing for people to eventually go and explore Mars.”
    The swatches, each three-quarters of an inch square (20 millimeters square), are part of a calibration target used to test the settings of SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals), an instrument on the end of Perseverance’s arm.
    The samples include a piece of polycarbonate helmet visor; Vectran, a cut-resistant material used for the palms of astronaut gloves; two kinds of Teflon, which has dust-repelling nonstick properties; and a commonly used spacesuit material called Ortho-Fabric. This last fabric features multiple layers, including Nomex, a flame-resistant material found in firefighter outfits; Gore-Tex, which is waterproof but breathable; and Kevlar, a strong material used in bulletproof vests that makes spacesuits more rip-resistant.
    Martian Wear and Tear
    Mars is far from hospitable. It has freezing temperatures, fine dust that can stick to solar panels and spacesuits (causing wear and tear on the latter), and a surface rife with perchlorates, a kind of corrosive salt that can be toxic to humans.
    There’s also lots of solar radiation. Unlike Earth, which has a magnetic field that deflects much of the Sun’s radiation, Mars lost its magnetic field billions of years ago, followed by much of its atmosphere. Its surface has little protection from the Sun’s ultraviolet light (which is why researchers have looked into how rock formations and caves could provide astronauts some shielding).
    “Mars is a really harsh, tough place,” said SHERLOC science team member Joby Razzell Hollis of the Natural History Museum in London. “Don’t underestimate that — the radiation in particular is pretty nasty.”
    Razzell Hollis was a postdoctoral fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California from 2018 to 2021, where he helped prepare SHERLOC for arrival on Mars and took part in science operations once the rover landed. A materials scientist, Razzell Hollis has previously studied the chemical effects of sunlight on a new kind of solar panel made from plastic, as well as on plastic pollution floating in the Earth’s oceans.
    He likened those effects to how white plastic lawn chairs become yellow and brittle after years in sunlight. Roughly the same thing happens on Mars, but the weathering likely happens faster because of the high exposure to ultraviolet light there.
    The key to developing safer spacesuit materials will be understanding how quickly they would wear down on the Martian surface. About 50% of the changes SHERLOC witnessed in the samples happened within Perseverance’s first 200 days on Mars, with the Vectran appearing to change first.
    Another nuance will be figuring out how much solar radiation different parts of a spacesuit will have to withstand. For example, an astronaut’s shoulders will be more exposed — and likely encounter more radiation — than his or her palms.
    Next Steps
    The SHERLOC team is working on a science paper detailing initial data on how the samples have fared on Mars. Meanwhile, scientists at NASA Johnson are eager to simulate that weathering in special chambers that mimic the carbon dioxide atmosphere, air pressure, and ultraviolet light on the Martian surface. They could then compare the results generated on Earth while putting the materials to the test with those seen in the SHERLOC data. For example, the researchers could stretch the materials until they break to check if they become more brittle over time.
    “The fabric materials are designed to be tough but flexible, so they protect astronauts but can bend freely,” Fries said. “We want to know the extent to which the fabrics lose their strength and flexibility over time. As the fabrics weaken, they can fray and tear, allowing a spacesuit to leak both heat and air.”
    More About Perseverance
    A key objective for Perseverance’s mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover is characterizing the planet’s geology and past climate, to help pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and is the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith.
    NASA’s Mars Sample Return Program, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), is designed to send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis.
    The Mars 2020 Perseverance mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program (MEP) portfolio and the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach, which includes Artemis missions to the Moon that will help prepare for human exploration of the Red Planet.
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed for the agency by Caltech in Pasadena, California, built and manages operations of the Perseverance rover.
    For more about Perseverance:
    News Media Contacts
    Andrew GoodJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-393-2433andrew.c.good@jpl.nasa.gov
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Month of FEMA Assistance in West Virginia; Stay in Touch with FEMA

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: One Month of FEMA Assistance in West Virginia; Stay in Touch with FEMA

    One Month of FEMA Assistance in West Virginia; Stay in Touch with FEMA

    CHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – Today, March 26, 2025, marks one month since FEMA Individual Assistance was declared for West Virginia following the winter floods on February 15 – 18, 2025

    Since then, FEMA and the state of West Virginia, along with other partner agencies and organizations, have been working to provide resources and connect with the residents in the impacted areas

     To date, six counties – Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming – have been designated for Individual Assistance

    FEMA Individual Assistance provides assistance to meet basic needs for eligible individuals and households impacted by the winter floods

    Additionally, 10 counties have been designated for Public Assistance

    FEMA Public Assistance provides grants so that communities, and the general public as a whole, can respond to and recover from the floods

    “Under the leadership of Governor Morrisey, the state of West Virginia remains dedicated in its commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by the winter floods,” said WVEMD Director GE McCabe

    “We appreciate the ongoing partnership with FEMA, local governments, and communities to ensure those impacted receive the assistance they need

    We urge all eligible residents to apply for Individual Assistance and remain in contact with FEMA throughout the recovery process

    ”If you registered your damages through a state survey, you still need to register separately for FEMA Individual Assistance

    The information from the state survey was used to help the damage assistance teams scope the extent of the damages

    But residents in the designated counties must additionally apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and may receive help with expenses related to essential items, temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs as a result of the winter flooding

    “It has been a remarkable coordinated effort between local, state, and federal agencies to execute response and recovery missions to the residents and communities of West Virginia who were impacted by the storm,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark O’Hanlon

    “FEMA has been working diligently to connect with residents and ensure they have registered for Individual Assistance, by setting up six disaster recovery centers, canvassing communities and speaking to residents at their homes, visiting community locations, and messaging the four ways that residents can apply

    We encourage all residents in the six counties to apply for Individual Assistance and to stay in touch with FEMA about the status of their application

    ” Over 1,600 people have visited a Disaster Recovery Center in West Virginia and more than 3,475 West Virginians have applied for FEMA Individual Assistance

    Residents, both homeowners and renters, in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who sustained losses can apply for Individual Assistance or track the status of their application in several ways:Visiting DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Downloading the FEMA App

    Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages

    If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service

    Speaking with someone in person

    Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are on the ground in impacted communities, walking door-to-door to share information and help residents apply for FEMA assistance

    In coordination with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) and officials in the impacted counties, FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming Counties

    At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can get help applying for federal assistance, update your application, and learn about other resources available

    Logan County Disaster Recovery CenterMercer County Disaster Recovery CenterSouthern WV Community & Technical College100 College DriveLogan, WV 25601 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed Sundays  Lifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    to 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    to 2 p

    m

    Closed Sundays Closed April 26McDowell County (Welch) Disaster Recovery Center McDowell County Disaster (Bradshaw) Recovery Center  Board of Education Office900 Mount View High School RoadWelch, WV 24801 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturday March 29: 9 a

    m

    to 1 p

    m

    , weather dependentClosed on SundaysBradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817 Hours of operation:Monday to Saturday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Closed SundaysMingo County Disaster Recovery CenterWyoming County Disaster Recovery CenterWilliamson Campus1601 Armory DriveWilliamson, WV 25661 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysWyoming Court House24 Main AvePineville, WV 24874 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysAs a reminder, accepting FEMA funds will not affect eligibility for Social Security – including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefit programs

     FEMA assistance does not need to be repaid, but residents should file insurance claims as soon as possible

    By law, FEMA cannot cover expenses that have already been covered by other sources like insurance, crowdfunding, local or state programs, donations, or financial assistance from voluntary agencies

    The deadline for residents to apply for Individual Assistance is April 28, 2025, and when applying for FEMA Individual Assistance, provide your 911 address as the location at the time of disaster to ensure accuracy in your application

    For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd

    wv

    gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4861, and www

    facebook

    com/FEMA

    ### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters

    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

      
    kelly

    magarity
    Wed, 03/26/2025 – 13:12

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Precision Drilling Corporation 2025 First Quarter Results Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Precision Drilling Corporation (Precision) intends to release its 2025 first quarter results after the market closes on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and has scheduled a conference call to begin at 11:00 a.m. MT (1:00 p.m. ET) on the next day, Thursday, April 24, 2025.

    To participate in the conference call please register at the URL link below. Once registered, you will receive a dial-in number and a unique PIN, which will allow you to ask questions.

    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIfac587dca2994a30be564b41d99b43ac

    The call will also be webcast and can be accessed through the link below. A replay of the webcast call will be available on Precision’s website for 12 months.

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/gifawh57

    About Precision

    Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as Alpha™ that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Our drilling services are enhanced by our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which bolsters our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.

    Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS”.

    Additional Information

    For more information about Precision, please visit our website at www.precisiondrilling.com or contact:

    Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    403.716.4500

    800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
    Website: www.precisiondrilling.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited Reports Fiscal 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: OXBR), (“Oxbridge Re” or the “Company”), which together with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of tokenized Real-World Assets (“RWAs”), initially in the form of tokenized reinsurance securities, and reinsurance business solutions to property and casualty insurers in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, today reported its results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

    “SurancePlus is entering its third year in the Real World Asset (RWA) space, leveraging blockchain technology to tokenize targeted reinsurance contracts. As a Nasdaq-listed company, Oxbridge Re, through its subsidiary SurancePlus Inc., became the first public company to issue a security token in reinsurance—bridging the gap between the SEC, blockchain, and tokenization. This innovation significantly lowers the barrier to entry for an asset class that traditionally required millions of dollars to access, enabling participation with as little as $5,000 while maintaining rigorous AML and accreditation checks—often completed in under four minutes,” said Jay Madhu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Oxbridge Re. “We are proud of our success in this space and look forward to further expanding SurancePlus in the Security Token and RWA sector, effectively democratizing access to reinsurance while ensuring strict transparency and compliance. With the RWA tokenization market currently projected to reach as much as $30 trillion by 2030, SurancePlus is well positioned to capitalize on this substantial growth opportunity.”

    Mr. Madhu continued “Subsequent to the year end, the Company completed a reverse direct offering raising gross proceeds of $3 million. These steps reflect our continued focus on strengthening the Company’s capital position while pursuing scalable growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving market. Looking ahead, we believe Oxbridge Re is well positioned to build on this momentum. Our subsidiary, SurancePlus Inc. has recently announced a strategic partnership with Plume, a blockchain platform supporting over $4.5 billion in assets and more than 18 million unique addresses. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding distribution for our tokenized reinsurance offerings. As institutional and retail interest in real-world asset tokenization continues to accelerate, we remain focused on scaling our platform with discipline, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, SurancePlus has launched its 2025–2026 tokenized reinsurance offerings, introducing a new balanced-yield security targeting a 20% annual return, while continuing its high-yield offering targeting a 42% annual return. By broadening our range of risk-return options, this year’s structure is designed to attract to a broader investor base, reinforcing our mission to make institutional-grade reinsurance accessible through compliant, blockchain-powered real-world assets.”

    Financial Performance

    Net premiums earned for the three months ended December 31, 2024, were $595,000 compared to $523,000 in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net premiums earned increased to $2,303,000 from $1,255,000 in the prior year. This increase is primarily attributed to the higher rates on contracts as well as the prior period recognizing only seven months of premiums due to the acceleration of premiums on contracts in force during at December 31, 2022. In contrast, the current year ended December 31, 2024 accounted for a full twelve (12) months of premiums.

    For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company generated net loss of $460,000 or $0.05 per basic and diluted loss per share compared to a net loss of $2.67 million or $0.46 per basic and diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $2.7 million or $0.45 per basic and diluted loss per share compared to net loss of $9.9 million or $1.69 per basic and diluted earnings per share in the prior year. The decline in Q4 and fiscal 2024 is primarily due to a decrease in the negative change in the fair value of our investment in Jet.AI (which was sold subsequent to the year-end) as well as the company accounting for non-controlling interests’ portion of its income.

    Total expenses, including losses and loss adjustment expenses, policy acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses, were $497,000 and $2.1 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, respectively, compared to $535,000 and $2.3 million, respectively, for the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in 2024 is due to expense fluctuations along with efficiencies associated with SurancePlus offerings being recognized during the year, in addition to previous recognition of costs associated with Maxim equity distribution agreement in 2023.

    At December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents were $5.8 million compared to $3.7 million at December 31, 2023.The increase is primarily due to new collateral deposits for treaty year ending May 31, 2025 more than offsetting funds being released from the underlying trusts for treaty year ending May 31, 2024.

    Subsequent to year end, the Company completed a reverse direct offering raising gross proceeds of $3 million.

    Financial Ratios

    Loss Ratio. The loss ratio, which measures underwriting profitability, is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred to net premiums earned. The loss ratio remained consistent at 0% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

    Acquisition Cost Ratio. The acquisition cost ratio, which measures operational efficiency, compares policy acquisition costs with net premiums earned, decreased marginally to 11.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 11.2% in the prior year.

    Expense Ratio. The expense ratio, which measures operating performance, compares policy acquisition costs and general and administrative expenses with net premiums earned. The expense ratio decreased to 94.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024, from 185.2% for the prior year due to lower general and administrative expenses in 2024. The decrease is due to the higher levels of premium earned and lower general administrative expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Combined ratio. The combined ratio, which is used to measure underwriting performance, is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. The combined ratio decreased to 94.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024, from 185.2% for the prior year. The decrease is due to the higher levels of premium earned and lower general administrative expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Conference Call

    Management will host a conference call later today to discuss these financial results, followed by a question and answer session. President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Madhu and Chief Financial Officer Wrendon Timothy will host the call starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.

    Date: March 26, 2025
    Time: 4.30 p.m. Eastern Time
    Toll-free number: – 877-524-8416
    International number: +1 412-902-1028

    Please call the conference telephone number 15 minutes before the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact InComm Conferencing at +1-201-493-6280
    media@incommconferencing.com

    A replay of the call will be available by telephone replay after 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day of the call until April 09, 2025.

    Toll-free replay number: 877-660-6853
    International replay number: +1-201-612-7415
    Conference ID: 13752504

    About Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited

    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (www.OxbridgeRe.com) (NASDAQ: OXBR, OXBRW) (“Oxbridge Re”) is headquartered in the Cayman Islands. The company offers tokenized Real-World Assets (“RWAs”) as tokenized reinsurance securities and reinsurance business solutions to property and casualty insurers, through its subsidiaries Oxbridge Re NS, SurancePlus Inc. and Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited.

    Insurance businesses in the Gulf Coast region of the United States purchase property and casualty reinsurance through our licensed reinsurers Oxbridge Re NS and Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited.

    Our Web3-focused subsidiary, SurancePlus Inc. (“SurancePlus”), has developed the first “on-chain” reinsurance RWA of its kind to be sponsored by a subsidiary of a publicly traded company. By digitizing interests in reinsurance contracts as on-chain RWAs, SurancePlus has democratized the availability of reinsurance as an alternative investment to both U.S. and non-U.S. investors.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on 26th March 2025. The occurrence of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release, even if the Company’s expectations or any related events, conditions or circumstances change.

    Company Contact:
    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited
    Jay Madhu, CEO
    345-749-7570
    jmadhu@oxbridgere.com


    OXBRIDGE RE HOLDINGS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Consolidated Balance Sheets

    (expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share and share amounts)

        At December 31,  
        2024     2023  
                 
    Assets                
    Investments:                
    Equity securities, at fair value (cost : $1,532 and $1,926)     113       680  
    Cash and cash equivalents     2,135       495  
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents     3,758       3,250  
    Premiums receivable     1,059       977  
    Other investments     48       2,478  
    Loan Receivable     –       100  
    Due from related party     –       63  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs     109       101  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     148       9  
    Prepayment and other assets     94       96  
    Property and equipment, net     1       4  
    Total assets   $ 7,465       8,253  
                     
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                
    Liabilities:                
    Notes payable to EpsilonCat Re and DeltaCat Re Token Holders     1,732       1,523  
    Notes payable to noteholders     118       118  
    Unearned premiums reserve     991       915  
    Operating lease liabilities     148       9  
    Accounts payable and other liabilities     366       356  
    Total liabilities     3,355       2,921  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity:                
    Ordinary share capital, (par value $0.001, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 6,379,002 and 5,870,234 shares issued and outstanding)     6       6  
    Additional paid-in capital     34,105       32,740  
    Accumulated Deficit     (30,163 )     (27,414 )
    Total Oxbridge shareholders’ equity     3,948       5,332  
    Non-controlling interests     162       –  
    Total shareholders’ equity     4,110       5,332  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     7,465       8,253  


    OXBRIDGE RE HOLDINGS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited)
    (expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except per share amounts)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
                 
    Revenue                                
    Assumed premiums     –       (26 )     2,379       2,170  
    Change in unearned premiums reserve     595       549       (76 )     (915 )
                                     
    Net premiums earned     595       523       2,303       1,255  
    SurancePlus Management Fee Income     –       –       312       300  
    Net investment and other income     60       62       248       303  
    Interest and gain on redemption of Series A-1 Preferred Shares     47       –       47       –  
    Interest and gain on redemption of loan receivable     –       –       41       –  
    Unrealized loss on other investments     (208 )     (2,561 )     (2,145 )     (8,945 )
    Change in fair value of equity securities     (72 )     71       (260 )     38  
                                     
    Total revenue   $ 422       (1,905 )   $ 546       (7,049 )
                                     
    Expenses                                
    Policy acquisition costs and underwriting expenses     66       61       254       141  
    General and administrative expenses     431       474       1,917       2,183  
                                     
    Total expenses   $ 497       535     $ 2,171       2,324  
                                     
    Loss before income attributable to tokenholders and non-controlling interests     (75 )     (2,440 )     (1,625 )     (9,373 )
                                     
    Income attributable to tokenholders     (246 )     (232 )     (962 )     (542 )
    Loss before income attributable to non-controlling interests     (321 )     (2,672 )     (2,587 )     (9,915 )
                                     
    Income attributable to non-controlling interests     (139 )     –       (139 )     –  
                                     
    Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders     (460 )     (2,672 )     (2,726 )     (9,915 )
                                     
    Loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders                                
    Basic and Diluted     (0.05 )     (0.46 )     (0.45 )     (1.69 )
                                     
    Weighted-average shares outstanding                                
    Basic and Diluted     6,121,020       5,870,234       6,099,051       5,867,129  
                                     
    Performance ratios to net premiums earned:                                
    Loss ratio     0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
    Acquisition cost ratio     11.1 %     11.7 %     11.0 %     11.2 %
    Expense ratio     83.5 %     102.3 %     94.3 %     185.2 %
    Combined ratio     83.5 %     102.3 %     94.3 %     185.2 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agriculture Committee adopts two decisions to enhance transparency, notifications

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Agriculture Committee adopts two decisions to enhance transparency, notifications

    Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs) allow a specified quantity of a product to be imported at a lower tariff rate, while any quantity exceeding that limit is subject to higher tariffs.
    Triennial reviews of Nairobi and Bali decisions
    The Chair announced that members successfully concluded the third triennial review of the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition in December 2024 through a written procedure. The outcome package includes the Review Report (G/AG/39 ) and a decision on a comprehensive export competition notification requirements and formats (G/AG/2/Add.2 ). This streamlines the relevant notification requirements adopted in 1995 (G/AG/2 ) and integrates the export competition questionnaire (ECQ) from the Nairobi Decision. She thanked members for their constructive engagement in reaching consensus.
    Members also adopted a key document on enhanced transparency of TRQ administration notifications (RD/AG/134/Rev.2)  in order to implement the Bali Decision on Tariff Rate Quota administration. Members hailed the successful adoption of the decision on TRQ notifications (G/AG/2/Add.3), recognizing it as the culmination of months of hard work and productive dialogue.
    Members also launched discussions on the second triennial review of the operation of the Bali Decision and shared their expectations of the review.
    Updates on agricultural market developments, food security
    Members heard updated reports from the World Food Programme(WFP), the International Grains Council (IGC) and the World Bank on the latest developments in food security and agriculture. The organizations were invited to the Committee to share information and experiences as a follow-up to  the report and recommendations of the work programme undertaken pursuant to the MC12 declaration on food insecurity.
    The WFP warned that the world is entering a period of high uncertainty, marked by a worsening global food security crisis and humanitarian funding cuts. It estimated that 343 million people suffered from acute food insecurity across 74 countries in 2024 — nearly 200 million more than pre-pandemic levels.
    The WFP stressed that conflict remains the primary driver of food insecurity in war zones, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza and Somalia. Other factors, such as climate change, economic instability, rising food prices and currency depreciation, continue to affect food supply in developing economies.
    The WFP urged governments to find political solutions to end conflicts, strengthen food systems and enhance support for local economies. It also called for governments to secure funding to protect vulnerable populations and build community food resilience.
    The IGC projected record grain production and a global rebound in grain trade in 2025–26, driven by strong demand from Asia and Africa, as well as other positive market trends. The IGC also outlined its ongoing efforts to improve and standardize trade statistics for rice through better classification of rice types in global trade. It has also developed a dashboard for net food-importing countries to track market changes and refine food security strategies.
    The World Bank echoed concerns raised by the WFP and IGC, stating that acute food insecurity remains at record levels, with an estimated 713–757 million people undernourished. It introduced its Global Challenge Program on Food and Nutrition Security, which includes early warning systems, cross-sectoral approaches to nutrition, and improved access to climate finance for smallholders.
    The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to nutrition security, emphasizing its alignment with global efforts such as the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris and its integration of nutrition objectives across health, agriculture and social protection investments.
    Members thanked the international organizations for their updates. Some highlighted concerns over food insecurity in least developed countries (LDCs) and net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs), citing conflict, climate change and high import dependency as key challenges. Others emphasized the need for greater financial support for food and climate resilience while urging the WTO to address the root causes of food insecurity through further agricultural reforms.
    Members also discussed follow-up to Food Security Work Programme recommendations (G/AG/38) from the 12th Ministerial Conference. The Chair commended members’ efforts in implementing some of these recommendations within the Committee and the Working Group on Trade, Debt and Finance. Some members stressed the need to turn recommendations into concrete actions, including informal dedicated workshops to share experiences.
    Review of the NFIDC list 
    Divergences remain on the annual review of the NFIDCs list, which is undertaken annually in the Committee’s March meeting. Some members favoured a data-based review exercise requiring NFIDCs to present updated statistics, whereas some others saw no basis to submit such data by NFIDCs beyond their inclusion in the list.
    The discussion concluded without a common understanding of whether the annual review had been accomplished. Some members called for continued discussions in subsequent meetings, while others opposed extending talks beyond the annual March meeting. At the same time, members agreed that the current list (G/AG/5/Rev.12) remains valid unless consensus dictates otherwise.
    Review of agricultural policies
    A total of 208 questions were raised by members concerning individual notifications and specific implementation matters during the meeting. This peer review process allows members to address issues related to the implementation of commitments outlined in the Agreement on Agriculture. Of these, 31 issues were raised for the first time, while 15 were recurring matters from previous Committee meetings.
    The 31 new items covered a range of topics, including Australia’s food and fibre program, Brazil’s rural initiative, Canada’s multiple farm and dairy support programs, and the European Union’s tariffs on Russian agri-food imports. Other topics included India’s sugar support and tariff changes on Bourbon whiskey, Indonesia’s various farm support policies, and Japan’s support for CO₂ reduction and fertilizer procurement. Members also reviewed Paraguay’s financial assistance to farmers, Switzerland’s farm payments, Thailand’s debt relief measures and rice support, Türkiye’s tax and pricing systems, the United Kingdom’s productivity-boosting scheme, and the United States’ applied tariffs and multiple farm support programs.
    Since the previous meeting in November 2024, a total of 110 individual notifications have been submitted to the Committee, covering market access, domestic support, export competition and notifications in the context of the NFIDC Decision. The majority of these notifications — 45 in total — pertain to export competition.
    The Chair urged members to submit timely and complete notifications and to respond to overdue questions, stressing the critical importance of enhanced transparency.
    All questions submitted for the meeting are available in G/AG/W/252. All questions and replies received are available in the WTO’s Agriculture Information Management System (AG IMS).
    Technology transfer
    The Chair reported productive discussions at an informal meeting on 13 February regarding guidance on how to pursue further discussions on technology transfer in 2025.
    Some members expressed interest in shifting discussions from experience-sharing to the WTO framework of rules and its role in promoting agricultural innovations and technologies. While they acknowledged that the Agreement on Agriculture provides a clear policy and legal basis for agricultural technology transfer — essential for improving food security and rural development — barriers remain in accessing these technologies, highlighting the need for affordable innovations. To address these challenges, these members suggested future seminars to discuss both policy considerations under the Agreement on Agriculture and practical country case studies.
    Some members also emphasized the need for the Committee to further explore sustainable agriculture, with a focus on practical, expert-led discussions. One suggestion was to highlight the importance of capacity building in developing economies, supported by strengthened collaboration with regional research centres.
    The Chair noted the need to continue discussions on this agenda item at the next meeting, which will help the incoming Chair plan future work.
    Other business
    The Chair said that the election of the new Chair will be considered at the June meeting, as the consultation process is still ongoing.
    The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) briefly introduced its 2025 work plan (G/AG/GEN/248). In close cooperation with the WTO, the IICA will organize a seminar in Paraguay in the second half of the year to train government officials from the region on improving their notification capacity and negotiation skills.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting of the Committee on Agriculture is scheduled for 23-24 June 2025.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Dominican Republic: The fight against racism must be respected and protected by the authorities

    Source: Amnesty International –

    On 21 March, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Amnesty International calls on the Dominican authorities to comply with their international obligations to respect and guarantee the right to defend human rights without discriminating against those fighting structural racism in the country. In this regard, Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, said:

    “The authorities must act decisively in the face of the increasing threats against those defending the human rights of Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent affected by statelessness and Afro-descendants. Failure to do so could result in physical violence and the permanent silencing of a part of Dominican civil society.”  

    The authorities must act decisively in the face of the increasing threats against those defending the human rights of Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent affected by statelessness and Afro-descendants. Failure to do so could result in physical violence and the permanent silencing of a part of Dominican civil society

    – Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    The Dominican authorities must end the anti-human rights discourse, practices, policies and decisions that sustain structural racism and have created an enabling environment for discrimination. This includes guaranteeing the right to nationality of Dominicans of Haitian descent who were made stateless in 2013 through judgment 168-13 of the Constitutional Court, and ending the racist migration policy based on the collective expulsions of Haitians and the racial profiling of black persons.

    The authorities must also refrain from making stigmatizing statements against Haitian migrants, Dominicans of Haitian descent and those who defend their rights. This includes ending denials and acknowledging the arbitrariness and human rights violations committed as part of a racist migration policy, as well as ceasing to put the blame on the Haitian migrant population for the deterioration of public services such as education and health.

    The lack of guarantees and protection measures to enable individuals to exercise their right to defend human rights, the context of attacks on defenders and an environment of structural racism result in indirect racial discrimination, as these conditions restrict access to justice for victims of racism and racial discrimination. The state has an obligation to adopt effective measures for protection, access to justice and reparation, and to cooperate with organizations to prevent racial discrimination.

    “The government’s racist policies have validated a climate of terror. In the bateyes – communities made up of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent – fear of migration operations is prevalent. We have received painful testimonies from people who, despite having their documentation in order, are reluctant to seek medical care or go to work because of this fear,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International.

    The government’s racist policies have validated a climate of terror. In the bateyes – communities made up of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent – fear of migration operations is prevalent. We have received painful testimonies from people who, despite having their documentation in order, are reluctant to seek medical care or go to work because of this fear

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International

    It is alarming that racist discourse has also increased in the media and on social media. This has led to a digital siege that is stigmatizing, discrediting and defamatory, and even includes threats against human rights defenders. Amnesty International has heard of cases where personal details have been published – a practice known as “doxing” –, which is not only a violation of privacy, but also a threat to the person’s physical integrity in a context of xenophobia and systemic racism. Women defenders have told Amnesty International that the messages they receive are usually misogynistic. There is at least one documented case of cyberattacks succeeding in disabling the website of a non-governmental organization.

    Since the end of last year, the Sociocultural Movement for Humanitarian and Environmental Work (MOSCTHA) and the National Commission on Human Rights reported attacks against their headquarters. The media and the Participación Ciudadana organization also reported similar incidents. As rallies that espouse and promote racist and xenophobic discourse multiply, racial justice defenders have expressed fears that the digital and verbal threats they receive may materialize into physical attacks.

    The authorities have also curtailed freedom of expression in public spaces on the basis of racial prejudice. On 8 March, police officers disrupted a public event to mark International Women’s Day because they confused a syncretic expression of Dominican national culture with a song in Creole. In addition to unjustifiably restricting the freedom of peaceful assembly of those present, their intervention constituted a violation of cultural rights based on racial stereotypes on grounds of language, reflecting the stigma against Haitian culture and those who are perceived to be allies of the Haitian population. The authorities should facilitate rather than restrict peaceful anti-discrimination events in physical public spaces, in line with the objectives stated by the organizers, and ensure that police operations are carried out free from racial bias.

    In this regard, Johanna Cilano, regional researcher for the Caribbean at Amnesty International, stated: “The government has an international obligation to protect any attack against human rights defenders, including those who oppose the Dominican Republic’s racist migration policy. Failure to do so sets a dangerous precedent for the freedom of expression of anyone in the country.”

    The government has an international obligation to protect any attack against human rights defenders, including those who oppose the Dominican Republic’s racist migration policy. Failure to do so sets a dangerous precedent for the freedom of expression of anyone in the country

    – Johanna Cilano, regional researcher for the Caribbean at Amnesty International

    Finally, these threats and attacks against human rights defenders must be investigated independently and impartially without discrimination, including an investigation into possible discriminatory motives. Only if the state acts, provides preventive protection measures and condemns these actions will there be any guarantee that they will not happen again. Amnesty International has received information regarding complaints lodged with the Attorney General’s Office and the National Police, which are allegedly not being investigated with due diligence, and progress whereon would depend solely on the efforts of the defenders involved.

    “President Abinader has the opportunity to take concrete steps to strengthen respect for critical voices and ensure an environment in which the defence of racial justice is protected. Moving in this direction would not only reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights but would also prevent these violations from becoming normalized and affecting any individual who expresses views that differ from those who promote discrimination,” said Ana Piquer.

    President Abinader has the opportunity to take concrete steps to strengthen respect for critical voices and ensure an environment in which the defence of racial justice is protected. Moving in this direction would not only reaffirm the country’s commitment to human rights but would also prevent these violations from becoming normalized and affecting any individual who expresses views that differ from those who promote discrimination

    – Ana Piquer, Americas director for Amnesty International.

    Amnesty International urges the government of the Dominican Republic to adopt urgent and enhanced measures to guarantee the right to defend human rights without discrimination, especially for those fighting racial discrimination.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Ecuador: Justice has failed the Warriors for the Amazon, but their fight continues

    Source: Amnesty International –

    On 30 January 2025, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court dismissed an extraordinary action for protection brought by the “Guerreras por la Amazonia” (Warriors for the Amazon). This group of activists, supported by the Union of People Affected by Texaco’s Oil Operations (UDAPT), the “Eliminen los Mecheros, Enciendan la Vida” (Remove the flares, Ignite life) group and their own communities, won a court ruling in 2021 that ordered the elimination of gas flares in the Ecuadorian Amazon and reparation measures for violation of their rights to health and a healthy environment.

    The protection action brought by the Warriors was aimed at ensuring that the reparation measures ordered would be properly implemented, including through the removal of flares located close to population centres. Amnesty International submitted an amicus curiae to the Court, pointing out the ambiguous definition of “population centres” and the distance of the flares from such centres, which has allowed the Ecuadorian authorities to simply give the appearance of complying with the ruling.

    Although the Court acknowledged a lack of compliance with the ruling, it dismissed the action on grounds that “the right to due process in the guarantee of motivation was not violated”. Thus, the Warriors of the Amazon and their communities received neither justice nor meaningful reparations. Pablo Fajardo, from UDAPT and the “Eliminen los Mecheros, Enciendan la Vida” collective, stated: “The plaintiffs and the legal team supporting them have shown that the ruling of the Court of Sucumbíos has significant flaws and ambiguities, creating loopholes that have allowed the state, including the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, to evade compliance with the ruling. With their decision, the judges of the Constitutional Court have only prolonged the violation of the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs and the people of the Amazon region.”

    The plaintiffs and the legal team supporting them have shown that the ruling of the Court of Sucumbíos has significant flaws and ambiguities, creating loopholes that have allowed the state (…) to evade compliance with the ruling. With their decision, the judges of the Constitutional Court have only prolonged the violation of the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs and the people of the Amazon region

    -Pablo Fajardo from UDAPT and the “Eliminen los Mecheros, Enciendan la Vida” collective

    Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, also condemned the decision. “Due to the vagueness of the original ruling, this unfortunate decision by Ecuador’s Constitutional Court allows the state of Ecuador to continue operating gas flares, which will result in the rights of the Warriors for the Amazon and their communities going up in flames and suffocating in toxic gases, with millions more people being affected because of their contribution to climate change. The Ecuadorian Amazon is burning, and with every gas flare that continues to operate, the future grows darker for all.”

    Due to the vagueness of the original ruling, this unfortunate decision by Ecuador’s Constitutional Court allows the state of Ecuador to continue operating gas flares, which will result in the rights of the Warriors for the Amazon and their communities going up in flames and suffocating in toxic gases, with millions more people being affected because of their contribution to climate change. The Ecuadorian Amazon is burning, and with every gas flare that continues to operate, the future grows darker for all

    -Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International

    Despite the Court’s decision, the Warriors for the Amazon were defiant that they would continue to fight. “We will NOT falter, we will not give up, we will not be beaten. We will continue to fight for our future, for our life, for our land,” they declared.

    We will NOT falter, we will not give up, we will not be beaten. We will continue to fight for our future, for our life, for our land

     -Warriors for the Amazon

    Additional information:

    Despite a favourable ruling for the Warriors in 2021, gas flaring has not ceased. The activists brought an action before the Constitutional Court on 28 October 2021, in which they argued that the ruling was vague and imprecise, making it difficult to enforce. According to the ruling, gas flares near populated areas were to be removed within 18 months, and all others by 2030. Given the ambiguity in the ruling, the state company Petroecuador has discretionally established that any flares located more than 150 metres from any population centre need not be removed until 2030, despite evidence showing that harmful health and environmental effects are felt over a distance of up to 5,000 metres. The Warriors for the Amazon have expressed their objection to the decision of the Constitutional Court in a public statement, with the UDAPT supporting the activists in a separate statement.

    For further information or to arrange a meeting, please contact [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Leaders must unite to resist all who undermine the international legal order, in Ukraine and beyond

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Speaking ahead of Thursday’s summit in Paris, where a coalition of states bringing together leaders across Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Türkiye will discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:

    “As European and other leaders come together to affirm their determination to defend Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, Amnesty International calls on them to prioritize justice for Ukraine and center their proposals on human rights protection for all.  

    “Russia has perpetrated all manner of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including deadly deliberate airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the torture and enforced disappearance of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war, and executions and killings of individuals in Russian captivity. It has also overseen the forcible transfer of children to Russia, the suppression of non-Russian identities and a campaign of harassment and intimidation to ensure compliance with Russian authorities in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

    “We urge leaders at the summit to do all within their power and authority to put a stop to these heinous crimes, protect the people of Ukraine and uphold their rights to justice, accountability, and reparation. We call on the leaders to ensure that those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression have their voices heard and their needs met.

    By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    “As the people of Ukraine and many others caught up in the world’s conflicts demonstrate daily, justice and freedom from oppression are secured though resistance that upholds human rights, shared values and a clear-minded vision for a better, more just future.

    “The coalition of European and other states must recognize that their stand for Ukraine is grounded on a broader vision: a vision for the freedom and human security of Ukrainians and all people the world over; a vision grounded in the promise of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today’s leaders must defend those standards steadfastly, without fear or favour.

    “In this instance, it is the Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin that are the aggressors. But many world leaders, from Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump to Xi Jinping and Nayib Bukele, are actively undermining the international rule of law. We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe – and many of them finding comfort in Presidents Putin and Trump’s shared disdain for international law and willingness to sacrifice justice and victims’ rights.

    “European Leaders in particular must be alert to this ominous trend. They must reject the double standards that have become the hallmark of European international policy, painfully evident in its failure to protect the people of Gaza from Israel’s genocide. By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    “Instead, Europe must build a different, broader and much stronger international coalition – one capable of withstanding not only Russia’s belligerent ambitions, but also of protecting human rights, and the multilateral and international legal order. Supporting Ukraine demands that they hold all governments to the same standards they apply to Russia. It demands too that they enforce the arms embargo to Sudan and rectify all instances of double standards. Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive the European leaders’ position of any international credibility.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Leaders at Paris summit urged to defend international rule of law ‘without fear or favour’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Leaders from Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Türkiye to meet tomorrow in Paris

    The coalition will discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression

    Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive European leaders’ position of any international credibility

    ‘We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe’ – Agnès Callamard

    Speaking ahead of Thursday’s summit in Paris, where a coalition of states bringing together global leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “As European and other leaders come together to affirm their determination to defend Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, Amnesty International calls on them to prioritise justice for Ukraine and center their proposals on human rights protection for all.  

    “Russia has perpetrated all manner of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including deadly deliberate airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the torture and enforced disappearance of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war, and executions and killings of individuals in Russian captivity. It has also overseen the forcible transfer of children to Russia, the suppression of non-Russian identities and a campaign of harassment and intimidation to ensure compliance with Russian authorities in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

    “We urge leaders at the summit to do all within their power and authority to put a stop to these heinous crimes, protect the people of Ukraine and uphold their rights to justice, accountability, and reparation. We call on the leaders to ensure that those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression have their voices heard and their needs met.

    “The coalition of European and other states must recognise that their stand for Ukraine is grounded on a broader vision: a vision for the freedom and human security of Ukrainians and all people the world over; a vision grounded in the promise of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today’s leaders must defend those standards steadfastly, without fear or favour.

    “In this instance, it is the Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin that are the aggressors. But many world leaders, from Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump to Xi Jinping and Nayib Bukele, are actively undermining the international rule of law. We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe – and many of them finding comfort in Presidents Putin and Trump’s shared disdain for international law and willingness to sacrifice justice and victims’ rights.

    “European Leaders must reject the double standards that have become the hallmark of European international policy, painfully evident in its failure to protect the people of Gaza from Israel’s genocide. By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    “Europe must build a different, broader and much stronger international coalition – one capable of withstanding not only Russia’s belligerent ambitions, but also of protecting human rights, and the multilateral and international legal order. Supporting Ukraine demands that they hold all governments to the same standards they apply to Russia. It demands too that they enforce the arms embargo to Sudan and rectify all instances of double standards. Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive the European leaders’ position of any international credibility.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: National Medal of Honor Day 2025 at The White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “On National Medal of Honor Day, it was my Great Honor to recognize our Nation’s BRAVEST HEROES and incredible PATRIOTS who have been awarded the military’s highest honor. Thank you!” –President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR1Pqn-ka8k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Mar. 26, 2025

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNgOLNy9low

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Participates in a Women’s History Month Event

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37yfOP8cVPQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio Visits the Foreign Service Institute

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    The mission of the ⁨@FSI4000⁩ is to provide high-quality, innovative training, and resources to empower foreign affairs professionals, advancing U.S. foreign policy to serve the American people. FSI hosts a series of trainings on topics ranging from tradecraft to information technology to leadership training, as well as offering instruction in 60 languages.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70eq_Vx7csc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Holness – 1:35 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State, Marco A. Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 26, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNeIdpU5wmo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State, Marco A. Rubio holds a joint press availability with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 26, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eiK-RNLl9c

    MIL OSI Video –