NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian Citizen Charged with Illegal Re-entry into U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Brazil has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The one-count Indictment named Paulo Henrique Fernandes Evaristo, 25, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, on March 5, 2025, Fernandes Evaristo was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States on or about October 7, 2021.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Justin E. Lewis is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville to Lead First Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee Hearing with Service Academy Superintendents

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    Tuberville to focus on making sure our service academies are educating and training future military leaders, not indoctrinating them
    WASHINGTON – As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) will lead a hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26, with the superintendents of the U.S. military academies. This is the first time in over 30 years that the service academy superintendents have testified before Congress. In his role as Personnel Chairman, Senator Tuberville is laser-focused on ensuring that military academies are aligned with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s vision of focusing on lethality, not woke politics.
    Last week, President Trump announced he was appointing Senator Tuberville to serve on the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Air Force Academy.
    Senator Tuberville released the following statement ahead of the hearing:
    “Our Service Academies are responsible for educating and training the next generation of military leaders who will protect our interests at home and abroad. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, woke propaganda made its way into our military, including our service academies. The American people overwhelmingly rejected Democrats’ divisive DEI ideology on November 5th. Now with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth at the helm, our military is shifting its focus back to lethality and merit, not woke politics.  
    Tomorrow’s hearing is an opportunity for superintendents to show American taxpayers what they are doing to implement President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s plan for our service academies. At the end of the day, these institutions are taxpayer-funded and should be 100% focused on educating and training war fighters, not pushing a political agenda. I look forward to tomorrow’s hearing.”
    Witnesses include:
    Lieutenant General Steven Gilland, Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy
    Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy
    Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy
    Livestream the hearing here at 2:30pm ET/1:30pm CT.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Sanction Gaza Terrorist Group Responsible for Attacks Against Americans and Israelis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introducedthe Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act. The bipartisan, bicameral bill wouldsanction the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), which is the third-largest terror group in Gaza. The PRC has claimed responsibility for over 100 terror attacks against Americans and Israelis. PRC members joined Hamas in murdering Americans and Israelis on October 7, 2023. U.S. Representatives David Kustoff (R-TN-08) and Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) lead companion legislation in the House.
    “The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) is the third-largest terrorist organization in Gaza and another puppet of Iran,” said Senator Ricketts. “Despite decades of attacks against Americans and Israelis, including on October 7th, the PRC has yet to be properly sanctioned for its barbarism. This bill will help hold accountable every terrorist that participated in the October 7th attacks.”
    “For years, the Popular Resistance Committees have carried out terrorist attacks against Israelis, Americans, and Palestinians,” said Senator Schiff. “They were willing and cruel participants with Hamas during the horrific October 7th massacre, killing innocent Israelis and taking and holding hostages after that terrible attack. Any organization engaging in this level of violence should be sanctioned under U.S. law and officially designated as a terrorist group. The United States stands with Israel, and this is an important step to holding those responsible for October 7th accountable.” 
    “The terrorists responsible for the barbaric October 7th attack on Israel must be held accountable for their abhorrent actions against innocent men, women, and children,” said Representative Kustoff.“For years now, the Popular Resistance Committees, the third largest terror group in the Gaza strip, have terrorized Israelis and Americans in the region. Enough is enough. I am pleased to join Rep. Sherman to introduce this crucial legislation that will sanction the PRC.”
    “Every day that we fail to sanction the terrorist Popular Resistance Committees – which have murdered Americans and Israelis for decades, and participated in the barbaric October 7th massacre including by taking hostages – is another day that we fail to secure justice for their victims,” said Representative Sherman. “It is long overdue that the Popular Resistance Committees are designated as a terrorist organization and sanctioned, alongside Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. I’m proud to reintroduce my legislation to finally hold these monsters accountable for the terror they have wreaked on innocents in the region.”
    Bill text can be found here.
    BACKGROUND:
    The two largest terrorist groups in Gaza are Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), which have long been sanctioned. Despite its record of terror, the PRC is not currently a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. It is past time that the PRC, whose ranks include former operatives from Hamas and PIJ, join them on the U.S.’s list of designated terrorist groups.
    The Popular Resistance Committees participated in Hamas’s horrific October 7th massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, Americans, and others, as well as widespread torture and sexual violence as well as the abduction of some 250 hostages. The PRC proudly boasted about their involvement on their social media channels, issuing a statement on October 7th claiming joint responsibility for the massacre. The PRC’s posts stated that the PRC killed and captured IDF soldiers; the posts shared photos of items taken from their victims.
    The Popular Resistance Committees have a long history of carrying out terror attacks across Israel and the Palestinian territories. In 2003, the PRC bombed a United States diplomatic convoy which injured a U.S. diplomat and killed 3 American security guards. In 2004, PRC terrorists murdered pregnant Israeli woman Tali Hatuel and her 4 daughters, 11-year-old Hila, 9-year-old Hadar, 7-year-old Roni, and baby Meirav who was only 2 years old. The PRC has also targeted Palestinians in terror attacks, including the 2005 assassination of Palestinian Security Services chief Moussa Arafat.
    Despite multiple State Department reports identifying terror attacks committed by the Popular Resistance Committees, the group has never faced U.S. sanctions. This legislation would finally hold the PRC accountable for its long history of heinous terror attacks by applying long-overdue sanctions on the group.
    Specifically, the bipartisan bill:
    Designates the PRC as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization;
    Places financial asset-blocking sanctions on the PRC and its members, preventing them from accessing the U.S. financial system;
    Places visa-blocking sanctions on the PRC and its members.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: dLocal Announces CFO Transition due to Health Reasons

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — dLocal (Nasdaq: DLO), a leading cross-border payments platform, announced today that Mark Ortiz will step down from his role as Chief Financial Officer due to an unforeseen health issue that requires attention. The transition will take effect once the company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F including the 2024 annual audited financial statements (and in any event, no later than May 1, 2025).

    The Board of Directors has appointed Jeffrey Brown, who currently serves as VP Finance, to act as interim Chief Financial Officer while it conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent successor.

    “Over the past year, Mark has been instrumental in developing and implementing our financial strategy,” said Pedro Arnt, Chief Executive Officer of dLocal. “The Board and team extend their sincere appreciation for his leadership and contributions, and wholeheartedly support his decision to prioritize his health. We all wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

    Mr. Brown brings extensive financial expertise, having previously held leadership roles at Bank of America, RPX Corporation and more recently as the CFO at Geopagos. “We are confident in Jeff’s ability to guide our finance team during this transition,” added Mr. Arnt.

    Mr. Ortiz will, to the extent possible and permitted by his health, make himself available during the search and transition period as an advisor to the company. “Serving as CFO of dLocal has been an honor. While this is not the timing or circumstance I had envisioned for my departure, my health now requires my full focus. I have the utmost confidence in the leadership team and the company’s strong financial foundation, and I aspire to assist them to ensure a smooth transition. I remain a firm believer in the company’s future.”

    dLocal remains committed to executing its strategic plan and driving long-term value for shareholders. The company will provide further updates as the CFO search process progresses.

    About dLocal

    dLocal powers local payments in emerging markets connecting global enterprise merchants with billions of emerging market consumers across APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Through the “One dLocal” concept (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send pay-outs and settle funds globally without the need to manage separate pay-in and pay-out processors, set up numerous local entities, and integrate multiple acquirers and payment methods in each market.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements convey dLocal’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements regarding dLocal involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dLocal’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of dLocal’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, dLocal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date hereof.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    investor@dlocal.com 

    Media Contact:

    media@dlocal.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Evolution Petroleum Announces Upcoming Investor Events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: EPM) (“Evolution” or the “Company”) announced today that members of the Company’s management team plan to participate in several upcoming events.

    • Water Tower Research Fireside Chat – March 26, 2025
      Evolution will participate in a virtual fireside chat hosted by Water Tower Research (“WTR”) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT. The event will feature an in-depth conversation with Company management regarding its pending acquisition of non-operated assets in New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana and the ongoing development activity in the Chaveroo field and the SCOOP/STACK play along with management’s outlook to build value through the asset acquisition market. This event is open to all investors. Registration for the event is available here. Replays of the webcast will also be available after the event.
    • A.G.P.’s Virtual Energy Conference – April 2, 2025
      Management will host one-on-one meetings with institutional investors during A.G.P.’s Virtual Energy Conference on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Investors interested in scheduling a meeting should contact their A.G.P. representative or the Company’s investor relations contact listed below.
    • 2025 Louisiana Energy Conference – May 27-29, 2025
      Evolution will participate in the 2025 Louisiana Energy Conference, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from May 27–29, 2025. Management is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion and conduct one-on-one meetings with attending investment professionals. Additional event details and registration information are available at louisianaenergyconference.com.

    Evolution’s latest investor presentation is available on the “Events & Presentations” page of Evolution’s IR website at ir.evolutionpetroleum.com.

    About Evolution Petroleum

    Evolution Petroleum Corporation is an independent energy company focused on maximizing total shareholder returns through the ownership of and investment in onshore oil and natural gas properties in the U.S. The Company aims to build and maintain a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties through acquisitions, selective development opportunities, production enhancements, and other exploitation efforts. Properties include non-operated interests in the following areas: the SCOOP/STACK plays of the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma; the Chaveroo Oilfield located in Chaves and Roosevelt Counties, New Mexico; the Jonah Field in Sublette County, Wyoming; the Williston Basin in North Dakota; the Barnett Shale located in North Texas; the Hamilton Dome Field located in Hot Springs County, Wyoming; the Delhi Holt-Bryant Unit in the Delhi Field in Northeast Louisiana; as well as small overriding royalty interests in four onshore Texas wells. Visit www.evolutionpetroleum.com for more information.

    Contact

    Investor Relations
    (713) 935-0122
    ir@evolutionpetroleum.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Saskatchewan Introduces PST on Vapour Products

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 25, 2025

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced amendments to The Provincial Sales Tax Act, 2025 to remove the provincial sales tax (PST) exemption on vapour products. Effective June 1, 2025, the provincial sales tax rate of six per cent will apply to all vapour products in addition to the existing vapour products tax. 

    “Today’s amendment exemplifies our government’s commitment to fair tax administration,” Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter said. “Shortly, equivalent taxation will apply to all vapour and tobacco products sold in Saskatchewan. This will help discourage the use of these products, especially among youth, who are at risk of long-term, negative health impacts.”

    Initially announced as part of the 2025-26 Budget, the PST on vapour products is anticipated to increase PST revenues by $3 million annually. However, the benefits are expected to reach far beyond tax revenue. 

    Nicotine exposure is known to harm healthy brain development in youth and young adults, which can lead to problems with learning, memory and mood and can increase the risk of addiction to other substances.

    “We applaud the Saskatchewan Government for its recent announcement that a provincial sales tax will be added to all vapour products,” Lung Saskatchewan President and CEO Erin Kaun said. “Increased taxation is one of the most effective strategies in reducing consumption, particularly among youth. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to support a healthier Saskatchewan.”

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Newark investigation leads to conviction of Pennsylvania man for conspiring to distribute cocaine

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    CAMDEN, N.J. — A Pennsylvania man was found guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine following an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation.

    Marvin Murphy, 48, of Philadelphia, was convicted on March 18 after a two-day bench trial at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Camden. Murphy was remanded into custody after the verdict.

    “Murphy and his co-conspirators had ill intentions of pedaling poison into American communities from coast to coast,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “Their devious plan to traffic at least ten kilograms of cocaine into New Jersey was thwarted thanks to our partnership with HSI San Diego and Mount Laurel Police.”

    According to the investigation, from June 2021 through July 13, 2021, Murphy conspired with Carl Lee Holloway, Lavinston Lamar, and others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

    On June 23, 2021, Holloway traveled to San Diego, California, to meet with an undercover agent posing as a drug dealer. Holloway and the undercover agent discussed arranging a drug deal in New Jersey during which the undercover agent would deliver at least 10 kilograms of cocaine for Holloway and his associates. During the meeting, Holloway called Murphy, and the two proceeded to communicate about the drug deal during the subsequent weeks.

    On July 13, 2021, Holloway, Murphy, and Lamar separately arrived at a hotel in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, each with bags containing U.S. currency collectively totaling over $340,000. They met with undercover agents inside a hotel room at the hotel. They briefly inspected one of the kilograms of cocaine previously brought into the room by undercover agents, after which agents entered the room and arrested Holloway, Lamar, and Murphy.

    Holloway was previously sentenced to 120 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to his involvement in the same conspiracy. Lamar was previously sentenced to 114 months in prison, which was later reduced to 100 months, after Lamar pleaded guilty to his involvement in the same conspiracy and to violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests Brazilian national convicted of drug trafficking in home country

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Dirlei Da Luz Da Silva, 35, a citizen of Brazil wanted by Brazilian authorities for failing to appear and serve his 12 year, 10-month sentence for drug trafficking related crimes, in Long Branch, New Jersey, March 21.

    “We are committed to arresting aliens who have been involved in criminal activity, whether it be in the U.S. or overseas,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.

    Da Luz was arrested March 6, 2024, by the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas. The Border Patrol served Da Luz with a notice to appear before releasing him on an order of release on recognizance, pending removal proceedings.

    Brazilian authorities issued a criminal arrest warrant for Da Luz in January.

    The FBI assisted ICE with the arrest, and Da Luz remains in ICE custody.

    Learn more about ICE ERO Newark’s mission to increase public safety in our New Jersey communities on X at @ERONewark.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mar 25, 2025 ATU: Transportation Secretary Duffy’s Call to Make Transit Safe Again is Welcome News for Transit Workers and Riders

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    John Costa, International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest union representing public transit workers in the U.S., issued the following statement to praise Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Trump Administration for working to make public transportation safer for both passengers and transit workers. 

    “Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s letter to NY MTA to ‘clean up the subway’  was right on target and long overdue. He’s right. People do deserve the right to convenient, affordable, and safe public transportation, whether they are riding the subway in New York City or a bus in West Palm Beach, FL. And we really appreciate the DOT’s request for information on worker assaults.

    “If our customers do not feel safe, they are not going to ride. That is common sense. And for bus drivers, the FTA’s own numbers show that there has been a staggering 232 percent increase in assaults on transit workers in recent years. They get punched, slapped, spit on, stabbed, and shot on a regular basis. Two of our members were murdered on the job in recent months.

    “On behalf of the more than 7,000 ATU members working at NYC Transit in Queens, Staten Island, and Brooklyn and more than 20,000 members living in the NYC metropolitan area, I want to thank President Trump for calling out our employer and demanding better safety and security for everyone.

    “While we do not support withholding federal funding, it is clear that much more needs to be done to protect transit riders and workers.

    “The Secretary’s call for fare enforcement is spot on. Fifty percent of our riders on the bus in NYC don’t pay, costing the agency millions of dollars. We need more transit ambassadors on the trains and buses to enforce fares and keep the peace. And yes, it’s time for fully enclosed bus operator workstations to protect workers from vicious attacks which of course also put the general public at risk.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Team Wins 2024 Collier Trophy

    Source: NASA

    The innovative team of engineers and scientists from NASA, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, and more than 40 other partner organizations across the country that created the Parker Solar Probe mission has been awarded the 2024 Robert J. Collier Trophy by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). This annual award recognizes the most exceptional achievement in aeronautics and astronautics in America with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles in the previous year.   
    “Congratulations to the entire Parker Solar Probe team for this well-earned recognition,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. “This mission’s trailblazing research is rewriting the textbooks on solar science by going to a place no human-made object has ever been and advancing NASA’s efforts to better understand our solar system and the Sun’s influence, with lasting benefits for us all. As the first to touch the Sun and fastest human-made object ever built, Parker Solar Probe is a testament to human ingenuity and discovery.”

    On Dec. 24, 2024, Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach to the Sun, passing deep within the Sun’s corona, just 3.8 million miles above the Sun’s surface and at a top speed of close to 430,000 mph, ushering in a new era of scientific discovery and space exploration.
    “This award is a recognition of the unrelenting dedication and hard work of the Parker Solar Probe team. I am so proud of this team and honored to have been a part of it,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. “By studying the Sun closer than ever before, we continue to advance our understanding of not only our closest star, but also stars across our universe. Parker Solar Probe’s historic close approaches to the Sun are a testament to the incredible engineering that made this record-breaking journey possible.”
    Three novel aerospace technology advancements were critical to enabling this record performance: The first is the Thermal Protection System, or heat shield, that protects the spacecraft and is built to withstand brutal temperatures as high as 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Thermal Protection System allows Parker’s electronics and instruments to operate close to room temperature.
    Additional Parker innovations included first-of-their-kind actively cooled solar arrays that protect themselves from overexposure to intense solar energy while powering the spacecraft, and a fully autonomous spacecraft system that can manage its own flight behavior, orientation, and configuration for months at a time. Parker has relied upon all of these vital technologies every day since its launch almost seven years ago, in August 2018.
    “I am thrilled for the Parker Solar Probe team on receiving this well-deserved award,” said Joe Westlake, director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. “The new information about the Sun made available through this mission will improve our ability to prepare for space weather events across the solar system, as well as better understand the very star that makes life possible for us on Earth.”
    Parker’s close-up observations of solar events, such as coronal mass ejections and solar particle events, are critical to advancing our understanding of the science of our Sun and the phenomena that drive high-energy space weather events that pose risks to satellites, air travel, astronauts, and even power grids on Earth. Understanding the fundamental physics behind events which drive space weather will enable more reliable predictions and lower astronaut exposure to hazardous radiation during future deep space missions to the Moon and Mars.
    “This amazing team brought to life an incredibly difficult space science mission that had been studied, and determined to be impossible, for more than 60 years. They did so by solving numerous long-standing technology challenges and dramatically advancing our nation’s spaceflight capabilities,” said APL Director Ralph Semmel. “The Collier Trophy is well-earned recognition for this phenomenal group of innovators from NASA, APL, and our industry and research partners from across the nation.”
    First awarded in 1911, the Robert J. Collier Trophy winner is selected by a group of aviation leaders chosen by the NAA. The Collier Trophy is housed in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington.
    “Traveling three times closer to the Sun and seven times faster than any spacecraft before, Parker’s technology innovations enabled humanity to reach inside the Sun’s atmosphere for the first time,” said Bobby Braun, head of APL’s Space Exploration Sector. “We are all immensely proud that the Parker Solar Probe team will join a long legacy of prestigious aerospace endeavors that redefined technology and changed history.”
    “The Parker Solar Probe team’s achievement in earning the 2024 Collier is a shining example of determination, genius, and teamwork,” said NAA President and CEO Amy Spowart. “It’s a distinct honor for the NAA to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable team that turned the impossible into reality.”
    Parker Solar Probe was developed as part of NASA’s Living With a Star program to explore aspects of the Sun-Earth system that directly affect life and society. The Living With a Star program is managed by the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Applied Physics Laboratory designed, built, and operates the spacecraft and manages the mission for NASA.
    By Geoff BrownJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Eases Floodplain Requirements for Federally Funded Projects, Reducing Burden on American Communities

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    em>The agency revokes implementation of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard following Presidential Executive Order
    WASHINGTON — Today, FEMA announced that it has stopped implementing certain floodplain management requirements for federally funded projects. This action—directed by President Donald J. Trump on his first day in office—reduces administrative burdens on local communities to recover more quickly from disasters.
    The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Policy 206-25-005 (FFRMS) required certain construction projects to adopt a strict standard that addressed flood risk. Stopping implementation will reduce the total timeline to rebuild in disaster-impacted communities and eliminate additional costs previously required to adhere to these strict requirements. 
    Effective March 25, 2025, FEMA-funded projects will not be subject to this standard. FEMA has stopped all implementation activities and policies are no longer in effect.
    In 2015, President Barack Obama created the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and developed a process for further soliciting and considering stakeholder input with Executive Order 13690.  President Trump revoked this standard with Executive Order 13807 in 2017. In 2021, President Joseph R. Biden reinstated the FFRMS through Executive Order 14030 to address climate related financial risk. 
    On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump rescinded the FFRMS in Executive Order 14148: Initial Rescission of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.
    The FFRMS requirements applied to FEMA direct actions and grant-funded actions under Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA), Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) involving new construction, substantial improvement and repairs to address substantial damage. FEMA’s regulations at Title 44 Part 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, remain in effect. In determining whether a proposed action for federal funding is in the floodplain, FEMA will use the 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain and flood elevation for non-critical actions and the 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplain and flood elevation for critical actions (such as the construction of fire and police stations or hospitals). 
    Additional information about Executive Order 14148 rescinding the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard:
    Flood Maps and the National Flood Insurance ProgramThe Federal Flood Risk Management Standard had no effect on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps as it does not apply to the National Flood Insurance Program’s mapping process. In addition, the process of updating or creating a flood map is not impacted by this rescission. 
    The FFRMS did not affect National Flood Insurance Program premium rates or inform mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements.  
    Impacts of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Recission on FEMA Grant ProjectsA Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) documents a project’s environmental review and any applicable project conditions, under FEMA grant programs. For grant recipients, the stop of Federal Flood Risk Management Standard implementation is for all projects that do not have a REC issued as of March 25, 2025, regardless of whether full or partial FFRMS implementation would have applied. 

    For new projects, FEMA will notify applicants that the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard will not apply. The 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain (non-critical actions) and 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplain (critical actions) will be used to determine the floodplain for these projects.
    For pending projects where a Record of Environmental Consideration has not been issued, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard will not apply. The 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain (non-critical actions) and 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplain (critical actions) will be used to determine the floodplain for these projects.
    For projects with a completed environmental review, if FEMA has issued a Record of Environmental Consideration between 2021-2025 for a project with Federal Flood Risk Management Standard conditions, regardless of whether the project has been obligated, FEMA will take no action and require no action from recipients. If a recipient is interested in amending their project scope of work to remove Federal Flood Risk Management Standard conditions, they should contact their FEMA Regional Office.  If an amendment is requested, FEMA will conduct a new environmental review. 

    For more information about the floodplain management requirements, visit FEMA’s website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Demonstrates New Wildland Fire Airspace Management System

    Source: NASA

    NASA researchers conducted initial validation of a new airspace management system designed to enable crews to use aircraft fight and monitor wildland fires 24 hours a day, even during low-visibility conditions.  
    From March 17-28, NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project stationed researchers at multiple strategic locations across the foothills of the Sierra de Salinas mountains in Monterey County, California. Their mission: to test and validate a new, portable system that can provide reliable airspace management under poor visual conditions, one of the biggest barriers for aerial wildland firefighting support. 
    The mission was a success. 

    [embedded content]

    “At NASA, we have decades of experience leveraging our aviation expertise in ways that improve everyday life for Americans,” said Carol Carroll, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at agency headquarters in Washington. “We need every advantage possible when it comes to saving lives and property when wildfires affect our communities, and ACERO technology will give responders critical new tools to monitor and fight fires.” 

    One of the barriers for continued monitoring, suppression, and logistics support in wildland fire situations is a lack of tools for managing airspace and air traffic that can support operations under all visibility conditions. Current aerial firefighting operations are limited to times with clear visibility when a Tactical Air Group Supervisor or “air boss” in a piloted aircraft can provide direction. Otherwise, pilots may risk collisions. 
    The ACERO technology will provide that air boss capability for remotely piloted aircraft operations – and users will be able to do it from the ground. The project’s Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS) is a suitcase-sized solution that builds on decades of NASA air traffic and airspace management research. The PAMS units will allow pilots to view the locations and operational intents of other aircraft, even in thick smoke or at night. 
    During the testing in Salinas, researchers evaluated the PAMS’ core airspace management functions, including strategic coordination and the ability to automatically alert pilots once their aircrafts exit their preapproved paths or the simulated preapproved fire operation zone.  
    Using the PAMS prototype, researchers were able to safely conduct  flight operations of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft operated by Overwatch Aero, LLC, of Solvang, California, and two small NASA drones. 
    Flying as if responding to a wildfire scenario, the Overwatch aircraft connected with two PAMS units in different locations. Though the systems were separated by mountains and valleys with weak cellular service, the PAMS units were able to successfully share and display a simulated fire zone, aircraft location, flight plans, and flight intent, thanks to a radio communications relay established by the Overwatch aircraft.  
    Operating in a rural mountain range validated that PAMS could work successfully in an actual wildland fire environment.   
    “Testing in real mountainous environments presents numerous challenges, but it offers significantly more value than lab-based testing,” said Dr. Min Xue, ACERO project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. “The tests were successful, providing valuable insights and highlighting areas for future improvement.”

    Pilots on the ground used PAMS to coordinate the drones, which performed flights simulating aerial ignition – the practice of setting controlled, intentional fires to manage vegetation, helping to control fires and reduce wildland fire risk. 
    As a part of the testing, Joby Aviation of Santa Cruz, California, flew its remotely piloted aircraft, similar in size to a Cessna Grand Caravan, over the testing site. The PAMS system successfully exchanged aircraft location and flight intent with Joby’s mission management system. The test marked the first successful interaction between PAMS and an optionally piloted aircraft. 
    Fire chiefs from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) attended the testing and provided feedback on the system’s functionality, features that could improve wildland fire air traffic coordination, and potential for integration into operations. 
    “We appreciate the work being done by the NASA ACERO program in relation to portable airspace management capabilities,” said Marcus Hernandez, deputy chief for CAL FIRE’s Office of Wildfire Technology. “It’s great to see federal, state, and local agencies, as it is important to address safety and regulatory challenges alongside technological advancements.” 

    These latest flights build on successful PAMS testing in Watsonville, California, in November 2024. ACERO will use flight test data and feedback from wildland fire agencies to continue building out PAMS capabilities and will showcase more robust information-sharing capabilities in the coming years.  
    NASA’s goal for ACERO is to validate this technology, so it can be developed for wildland fire crews to use in the field, saving lives and property. The project is managed by NASA’s Airspace Operations and Safety Program and supports the agency’s  Advanced Air Mobility mission. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Advisory: Secretary Noem Announces Trip to El Salvador, Colombia, and Mexico

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Media Advisory: Secretary Noem Announces Trip to El Salvador, Colombia, and Mexico

    ASHINGTON, DC – This week, the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will travel to El Salvador, Colombia, and Mexico

    Below are more details on the Secretary’s trip

      
    Travel Pool: 
    Print: The Wall Street Journal, Michelle Hackman  
    Photo: AP, Alex Brandon 
    TV: Fox News, Krista Garvin, Ali Rad, and Mahreon Johnson 
     
    DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE 
    Wednesday, March 26th: El Salvador  
    Secretary Noem tours Terrorist Confinement Center CECOT with the Minister of Justice Gustavo Villatoro 
    Secretary Noem meets with President Nayib Bukele   
    Thursday, March 27th: Colombia 
    Secretary Noem meets with Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez, National Police General Carlos Fernando Triana, and Migration Director Nigeria Renteria   
    Secretary Noem meets with President Gustavo Petro   
    Friday March 28th: Mexico 
    Secretary Noem meets with President Sheinbaum and Foreign Minister Juan Ramon De La Fuente  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Month Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following February Severe Storms and Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: One Month Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following February Severe Storms and Flooding

    One Month Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following February Severe Storms and Flooding

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford counties who experienced damage or losses caused by the February severe storms and floods have one month to apply for federal disaster assistance

    The deadline to apply for federal assistance is April 25

       Applicants who wish to apply for disaster assistance should have the following information ready for their registration: Social Security number; pre-disaster address of the primary residence; name of all occupants of the pre-disaster household, types of insurance coverage; current telephone number and mailing address; bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of financial assistance, if eligible

    Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional information

    Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and is not intended to compensate for all losses caused by a disaster

    The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts

    The first step to receive FEMA assistance is to apply

    There are four ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA mobile app, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or calling 800-621-3362

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

    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
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 14:59

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Preliminary Flood Maps for Hays County, Texas Ready for Public View

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Preliminary Flood Maps for Hays County, Texas Ready for Public View

    Preliminary Flood Maps for Hays County, Texas Ready for Public View

    DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in the cities of Buda, Creedmoor, Hays, Kyle, Mountain City, Niederwald, San Marcos and Uhland; and the unincorporated areas of Hays County, Texas

    Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements

    Community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps

    For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Hays County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)

    SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding

    Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development to help lessen the impacts of a flooding event

    FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of areas most likely to flood

     Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA)

    A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs

    Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema

    dhs

    gov

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

    fema

    gov/fmcv FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc

    fema

    gov/portalFor more information about the flood maps:Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps

    fema

    gov/fhm/fmx_main

    html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon)

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

    dhs

    gov

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

    Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart

    gov

    toan

    nguyen
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 14:33

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

    West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

    CHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – West Virginia renters in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who experienced losses due to the winter floods from February 15 – 18, 2025 may be eligible for disaster recovery assistance from FEMA and the U

    S Small Business Administration (SBA)

    Renters may be eligible for Individual Assistance grants from FEMA to help with such disaster-related expenses as:Renting a new place to live when the renter’s previous home was significantly damaged or lost due to the disaster

    Disaster-related medical and dental expenses

    Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as appliances and furniture; textbooks and computers used by students; and work equipment or tools used by the self-employed

    Repair or replacement of vehicles damaged by the disaster

    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

    Renters who sustained losses can apply for assistance 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 will be 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 impacted counties, FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Logan, Mercer, McDowell, 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

    – 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    – 3 p

    m

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

    m

    – 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    – 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 SundaysDRCs are open to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    In addition to applying for FEMA assistance, renters can also apply for a U

    S

    Small Business Administration disaster loan

    Residents can apply online at sba

    gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba

    gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance

    Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service

    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
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 13:33

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Aircraft Wing Undergoes Crucial NASA Icing Testing

    Source: NASA

    In the future, aircraft with long, thin wings supported by aerodynamic braces could help airlines save on fuel costs. But those same wings could be susceptible to ice buildup. NASA researchers are currently working to determine if such an issue exists, and how it could be addressed.
    In the historic Icing Research Tunnel at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, scientists and engineers are testing a concept for a transonic truss-braced wing. Their goal: to collect important data to inform the design of these potential efficient aircraft of the future.

    A transonic truss-braced wing generates less drag in flight compared to today’s aircraft wings, requiring an aircraft to burn less fuel. This revolutionary design could make the wing more prone to ice buildup, so it must undergo a series of rigorous tests to predict its safety and performance. The data the research team has collected so far suggests large sections of the frontmost part of the wing (also known as the leading edge) will require an ice protection system, similar to those found on some commercial aircraft.
    NASA Glenn can simulate icing conditions in its Icing Research Tunnel to identify potential challenges for new aircraft designs. These tests provide important information about how ice builds up on wings and can help identify the most critical icing conditions for safety. All commercial aircraft must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate in all kinds of weather.

    This research is part of NASA’s work to mature transonic truss-braced technology by looking at issues including safety and how future aircraft could be integrated into U.S. aviation infrastructure. Boeing is also working with NASA to build, test, and fly the X-66, a full-sized demonstrator aircraft with transonic truss-braced wings. Because the experimental aircraft will not be flown in icy conditions, tests in the Icing Research Tunnel are providing answers to questions about ice buildup.
    This work advances NASA’s role in developing ultra-efficient airliner technologies that are economically, operationally, and environmentally sustainable. For about two decades, NASA has invested in research aimed at advancing transonic truss-braced wing technology to the point where private sector aeronautics companies can integrate it into commercial aircraft configurations. NASA invests in this research through initiatives including its Advanced Air Transport Technology project, which investigates specific performance aspects of transonic truss-braced wing concepts, such as icing. The Advanced Air Transport Technology project is part of NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Views IM-2 on Moon’s Surface

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) imaged Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 on the Moon’s surface on March 7, just under 24 hours after the spacecraft landed.
    Later that day Intuitive Machines called an early end of mission for IM-2, which carried NASA technology demonstrations as part of the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign.

    The IM-2 mission lander is located closer to the Moon’s South Pole than any previous lunar lander.
    LRO is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Launched on June 18, 2009, LRO has collected a treasure trove of data with its seven powerful instruments, making an invaluable contribution to our knowledge about the Moon. NASA is returning to the Moon with commercial and international partners to expand human presence in space and bring back new knowledge and opportunities.
    More on this story from Arizona State University’s LRO Camera website
    Media Contact:Nancy N. JonesNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Views Blue Ghost on Moon’s Surface

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) imaged Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar lander on the Moon’s surface the afternoon of March 2, not quite 10 hours after the spacecraft landed.

    The delivery is part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign. This is the first CLPS delivery for Firefly, and their first Moon landing.
    LRO is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Launched on June 18, 2009, LRO has collected a treasure trove of data with its seven powerful instruments, making an invaluable contribution to our knowledge about the Moon. NASA is returning to the Moon with commercial and international partners to expand human presence in space and bring back new knowledge and opportunities.
    More on this story from Arizona State University’s LRO Camera website
    Media Contact:Nancy N. JonesNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Strives to Leave No One Behind

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Strives to Leave No One Behind

    FEMA Strives to Leave No One Behind

    FEMA customer service teams are calling applicants with disabilities to provide personal assistance as part of the agency’s commitment to ensure disaster recovery resources are available to everyone who was affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    Disasters are traumatic for everyone including the 20% of Americans who have some form of physical, mental health, sensory, intellectual or cognitive disability

    A disaster can take away the key components that enable people with disabilities or access and functional needs to live independently or to communicate with others

     Tennesseans in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties who have applied for FEMA assistance may receive a call, text or email from the customer service team

    Calls and texts may come from an unknown number

    Applicants are encouraged to answer these calls

    Beware of fraud calls — only FEMA knows an applicant’s nine-digit application number

    FEMA representatives can provide this number to verify it is a legitimate FEMA call

     FEMA is reviewing applications and reaching out to survivors who may benefit from an additional level of assistance

      FEMA is working to be proactive in meeting the needs of the whole community, including survivors who are experiencing barriers in their recovery

    The specialists ensure that all survivors, particularly those with additional needs, receive the assistance they need to rebuild and recover

    The specialists are also reaching out to learn about disability-related needs such as medical support assistance, medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology lost or damaged during the Sept

    26-30 storms

     Remember that help from FEMA is just a phone call away

    Survivors can get answers from trained specialists at the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362)

     
    kwei

    nwaogu
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 12:51

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4488-4490: Progress Through the Ankle-Breaking Terrain (West of Texoli Butte, Climbing Southward)

    Source: NASA

    Written by Lucy Lim, Planetary Scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

    Earth planning date: Friday, March 21, 2025
    It’s the start of spring here in the Northern Hemisphere on Earth, but in Gale Crater on Mars our rover is still heading into the depths of Martian winter. We’re just a few weeks away from Mars’ aphelion — the time when it’s farthest from the Sun. The Mars-Sun distance varies more significantly than the Earth-Sun distance because of the greater eccentricity of Mars’ orbit, and its effect on the Martian weather is correspondingly more important.
    As my colleague mentioned in the previous blog post, the layered sulfate bedrock in this region is broken up into large blocks that often make the driving tough going. The drive in the sol 4486 plan went very well, however, moving Curiosity nearly 35 meters (about 115 feet) southward and upward. Our new workspace is in one of the “light-toned” stripes that can be seen in the orbital imagery and is correspondingly full of light-toned laminated blocks typical of what we’ve seen before in this geologic unit.
    For the second plan in a row we were also able to use the rover arm, due to the rover having parked in a stable position — not always a given in this terrain! This enabled us to plan a pair of compositional measurements by the APXS on a bedrock target (“Solstice Canyon”) to assess both the bedrock composition after dust removal and the effect of the ubiquitous dust on the instrument at other locations where the rock cannot be brushed. Our other compositional measurement tool, the LIBS, was also recruited for a co-targeted measurement on Solstice Canyon.
    The second LIBS measurement and a MAHLI observation went to the one distinctive, potentially diagenetic, feature visible among all of the light-toned workspace blocks, a small grayish patch that looks like a vein or a coating in the images available at planning (“Black Oak”). The planned observations will give us both the composition and morphology of it in much greater detail.
    A long-distance RMI imaging mosaic was planned to investigate some ridges on an as-yet-unnamed butte off to the west. The ridges may be evidence of the same type of diagenetic activity that produced the boxwork structures that are the next major science target for Curiosity. A passive spectral raster was also planned for a potential boxwork region. As we won’t be able to rove to every potential boxwork on Aeolis Mons, longer-distance views such as these can give us a sense of how widespread the boxwork-forming activity may have been.
    Mastcam imaging included some follow-up on a hummocky sedimentary feature (“Pino Alto”) and documentation of textures in the nearby local bedrock (“Piedra Blanca”) as well as documentation imagery for the two LIBS targets.
    Finally, the modern Martian atmosphere was investigated with measurements by APXS and the ChemCam passive imager to track abundances of argon and oxygen, respectively, as they vary with the Martian seasons. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistance

    West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistance

    West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistanceCHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – West Virginia renters in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who experienced losses due to the winter floods from February 15 – 18, 2025 may be eligible for disaster recovery assistance from FEMA and the U

    S Small Business Administration (SBA)

    Renters may be eligible for Individual Assistance grants from FEMA to help with such disaster-related expenses as:Renting a new place to live when the renter’s previous home was significantly damaged or lost due to the disaster

    Disaster-related medical and dental expenses

    Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as appliances and furniture; textbooks and computers used by students; and work equipment or tools used by the self-employed

    Repair or replacement of vehicles damaged by the disaster

    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

    Renters who sustained losses can apply for assistance 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 will be 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 impacted counties, FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Logan, Mercer, McDowell, 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 25601Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    – 3 p

    m

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

    m

    – 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    – 2 p

    m

    Closed Sundays Closed April 26 McDowell County (Welch) Disaster Recovery Center McDowell County Disaster (Bradshaw) Recovery Center   Board of Education Office900 Mount View High School RoadWelch, WV 24801Hours 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 Sundays Bradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817Hours 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 Sundays DRCs are open to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    In addition to applying for FEMA assistance, renters can also apply for a U

    S

    Small Business Administration disaster loan

    Residents can apply online at sba

    gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba

    gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance

    Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service

    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

    kimberly

    fuller
    Mon, 03/24/2025 – 21:30

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentuckians Impacted by February Storms and Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentuckians Impacted by February Storms and Flooding

    Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentuckians Impacted by February Storms and Flooding

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to help those whose vehicles were damaged due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred February 14 – March 7

    The first step is for survivors to file a claim with their insurance company if they have a comprehensive policy

    This type of policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle

    Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs

    Apply with FEMA even if you have insurance

    FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled

    To be eligible for FEMA assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:The vehicle was damaged during the February 14 – March 7 storms within the disaster-designated area

    The applicant can provide proof of ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title

    The vehicle was in compliance with the commonwealth of Kentucky’s registration and insurance requirements at the time of the disaster

    The applicant has no other usable vehicle

    Applicants with more than one storm-damaged vehicle, must write a statement explaining why the household needs more than one working vehicle

    The statement should include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle

    How to Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

    To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema

    gov/drc

    Call FEMA at 800-621-3362

    Multilingual operators are available

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

    Apply at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Download and use the FEMA app

    Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources

    Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba

    gov/disaster

    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
    Mon, 03/24/2025 – 20:53

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Engineering Reality: Lee Bingham Leads Lunar Surface Simulation Support for Artemis Campaign

    Source: NASA

    If you design a new tool for use on Earth, it is easy to test and practice using that tool in its intended environment. But what if that tool is destined for lunar orbit or will be used by astronauts on the surface of the Moon?
    NASA’s Simulation and Graphics Branch can help with that. Based at Johnson Space Center in Houston, the branch’s high-fidelity, real-time graphical simulations support in-depth engineering analyses and crew training, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and success of complex space endeavors before execution. The team manages multiple facilities that provide these simulations, including the Prototype Immersive Technologies (PIT) Lab, Virtual Reality Training Lab, and the Systems Engineering Simulator (SES).
    Lee Bingham is an aerospace engineer on the simulation and graphics team. His work includes developing simulations and visualizations for the NASA Exploration Systems Simulations team and providing technical guidance on simulation and graphics integration for branch-managed facilities. He also leads the branch’s human-in-the-loop Test Sim and Graphics Team, the Digital Lunar Exploration Sites Unreal Simulation Tool (DUST), and the Lunar Surface Mixed-Reality with the Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) projects.

    Bingham is particularly proud of his contributions to DUST, which provides a 3D visualization of the Moon’s South Pole and received Johnson’s Exceptional Software of the Year Award in 2024. “It was designed for use as an early reference to enable candidate vendors to perform initial studies of the lunar terrain and lighting in support of the Strategy and Architecture Office, human landing system, and the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program,” Bingham explained. DUST has supported several human-in-the-loop studies for NASA. It has also been shared with external collaborators and made available to the public through the NASA Software Catalog.  
    Bingham has kept busy during his nearly nine years at Johnson and said learning to manage and balance support for multiple projects and customers was very challenging at first. “I would say ‘yes’ to pretty much anything anyone asked me to do and would end up burning myself out by working extra-long hours to meet milestones and deliverables,” he said. “It has been important to maintain a good work-life balance and avoid overcommitting myself while meeting demanding expectations.”

    Bingham has also learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “You can’t be an expert at everything or do everything yourself,” he said. “Develop your skills, practice them regularly, and master them over time but be willing to ask for help and advice. And be sure to recognize and acknowledge your coworkers and teammates when they go above and beyond or achieve something remarkable.”

    He hopes that the Artemis Generation will be motivated to tackle difficult challenges and further NASA’s mission to benefit humanity. “Be sure to learn from those who came before you, but be bold and unafraid to innovate,” he advised.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five months after launch, San Bernardino public safety efforts yield 858 arrests, 66 stolen vehicles recovered

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 25, 2025

    What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom launched the joint San Bernardino operation in October 2024, the efforts have led to 858 arrests and 66 recovered stolen vehicles.

    Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the ongoing joint law enforcement operation in San Bernardino has resulted in 858 arrests, including 140 felony arrests, 66 stolen vehicles recovered, and 28 illicit firearms seized since the operation’s launch in October.

    As we continue prioritizing the safety and security of our communities statewide, the efforts done regionally in the San Bernardino area between state and local law enforcement are helping keep bad actors off the streets and holding them accountable for their actions.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The enhanced operation in the region places additional CHP personnel in San Bernardino to help clamp down on property theft and violent crime, including gun violence. The CHP’s operation adds special law enforcement units on the ground and in the air — targeting sideshow activities and stolen vehicles.

    On March 16, due to an enhanced public safety presence in the area and augmented resources dedicated through the state budget, officers were able to arrest a road rage incident suspect using high-tech camera technology. The suspect had fired at a neighboring vehicle on Interstate 10 using a black semiautomatic handgun. CHP officers were able to arrest the suspect the same day in a neighboring city.

    In an effort to continue combatting criminal activity and freeway violence, this camera network allows law enforcement agencies to identify vehicle attributes beyond license plate numbers, enabling the CHP, local law enforcement, and allied agencies to search for vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement. Similar efforts have been used to fight crime in the Bay Area.

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Through a state, county, and city partnership, the CHP saturates high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. The Newsom administration has provided similar CHP support to regional crime hot spots throughout California, including Bakersfield and the Bay Area. 

    In August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.

    California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Recent news

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    News What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate….

    Mar 24, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom, in partnership with the Legislature, is announcing the largest-ever funding award of $76 million to 347 community groups and nonprofit organizations to protect them from hate-motivated violence. Sacramento, California –…

    Mar 21, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE FOR MAUI STATE FOREST RESERVES SCHEDULED IN APRIL, March 24, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE FOR MAUI STATE FOREST RESERVES SCHEDULED IN APRIL, March 24, 2025

    Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

         JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE FOR MAUI STATE FOREST RESERVES SCHEDULED IN APRIL

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    March 24, 2025

     

    KAHULUI – Sites in upcountry Maui will close for the month of April to allow for trail repairs and fuel mitigation work. The DLNRDivisions of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and State Parks (DSP) will close the Kula State Forest Reserve, Waipoli Access Road, Kahikinui Forest Reserve – Papaʻanui Tract, and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area (SRA) from Tuesday, April 1, 2025 through Wednesday, April 30, 2025 to allow for work to be completed.

    Any forest or park permits for Polipoli Spring SRA for that period are being canceled. All roads, hunting areas, trails and facilities and activities including hiking, biking, camping and hunting that are associated with these areas will be affected by these closures.

    The Waipoli Access Road will be closed from the Waipoli access road gate (white) to the Skyline Trailhead gate.

    For more information, contact the Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) office at 808-984-8100. To report violations, the public is advised to contact the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) at 808-873-3990. Closure dates and times may be subject to change on short notice.

    # # #

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Patti Jette

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396 

    Email: [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

    Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

    KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA LAWELAWE KANAKA

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    RYAN I. YAMANE

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    JOSEPH CAMPOS II

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

    TRISTA SPEER

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    HAWAIʻI STATE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD ANNOUNCES

    2025 AWARDS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 24, 2025

    HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Commission on Fatherhood (HS-COF) is pleased to announce its 2025 awards and sponsorship opportunities, which recognize and support fathers, businesses and nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening families and communities throughout the state. These awards serve to highlight the commission’s commitment to promoting healthy family relationships by underscoring the vital role fathers play in the lives of their children.

    Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 16, 2025.

    Aloha Father of the Year Award
    The Aloha Father of the Year Award celebrates outstanding fathers and father figures from various counties and districts who have prioritized their ‘ohana while balancing careers and community involvement. Fathers, as defined by this award, include any male caregivers who exemplify dedication and love for their families. Nominations are now open, and community members are encouraged to recognize inspiring fathers who make a difference.

    Parent-Friendly Business of the Year Award
    This award recognizes businesses that prioritize the well-being of employees and their families, demonstrating leadership in fostering a supportive work environment and community. Eligible businesses must:

    • Be in good standing and reputable in the state of Hawai‘i.
    • Have leadership and policies that emphasize positive and healthy role models.
    • Make significant contributions to the community or the state of Hawai‘i.
    • Commit to strengthening families through educational programs or family support initiatives.
    • Serve as ambassadors of aloha, fostering inclusivity and equity for all.

     

    Sponsorship Award – Up to $1,500 for Nonprofits
    The HS-COF is offering financial support to Hawai‘i-based nonprofit organizations that provide programs or services related to fathers. Organizations may apply for funds up to $1,500 to support Father’s Day events, fatherhood programs, or other community initiatives. Funds must be used for non-payroll expenses related to the event or program.

    Eligibility and Restrictions:

    • Organization must be registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating in the state of Hawai‘i.
    • Events, programs, or services must be conducted or offered in Hawai‘i.
    • Awarded funds must be used by October 30, 2025, with preference given to programs taking place by June 30, 2025.

    How to Apply:

    1. Complete and sign the application(s) below – by April 16, 2025.

    Aloha Father of the Year – click here

    Parent-Friendly Business of the Year – click here

    Sponsorship Award – click here 

    1. Submit applications via email to [email protected] or by mail to:
      Hawaiʻi State Commission on Fatherhood Chair / P.O. Box 339 / Honolulu, HI 96809-0339.
    2. If mailed, follow-up by email or call 808-550-0080 to confirm receipt.

    # # #

    For More Information:

    Chair, Jeff Esmond                                                             

    [email protected]                        

    https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/fatherhood/

    For Media Inquiries Only:

    Amanda Stevens, Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Human Services

    [email protected]

    About the Commission on Fatherhood
     An increasing body of evidence indicates that children are more likely to thrive with the support, guidance and nurturing of both parents. Yet, many children across the country are growing up without fathers. As a result, they may lack appropriate male role models and face greater risks of health, emotional, educational, and behavioral problems during their developmental years. Motivated by a renewed understanding of a father’s vital role in family and community life, the 2003 Hawaiʻi State Legislature established the Commission on Fatherhood through Act 156; in June 2007, Hawaiʻi Act 190 made it permanent.

    NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be punishable under state and federal law. If you have received this communication and/or attachments in error, please notify the sender via email immediately and destroy all electronic and paper copies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-44 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ LEADS FIGHT TO STOP PRESIDENT TRUMP FROM SHUTTING DOWN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-44 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ LEADS FIGHT TO STOP PRESIDENT TRUMP FROM SHUTTING DOWN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

    Posted on Mar 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

    ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ LEADS FIGHT TO STOP PRESIDENT TRUMP FROM SHUTTING DOWN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

     

    AG Lopez Leads Coalition Seeking Preliminary Injunction to Block Mass Layoffs and the Elimination of Core Services at the Department of Education

     

    News Release 2025-44

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    March 24, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Lopez today led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction as part of its lawsuit to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education (ED).

     

    On March 13, Attorney General Lopez and the coalition filed the lawsuit after the Trump administration announced plans to eliminate 50 percent of ED’s workforce. Following a March 20 Executive Order directing the closure of ED and President Trump’s March 21 announcement that, in addition to implementing layoffs, the ED must “immediately” transfer student loan management and special education services outside of ED, Attorney General Lopez and the coalition are seeking a court order to immediately stop the mass layoffs and transfer of services.

     

    “The Department of Education is essential, and it cannot be eliminated or incapacitated by the Trump administration without violating federal law,” said Attorney General Lopez. “The 50% cut to the department’s workforce and transfer of department functions to other agencies causes grave harm to our state and our students. We are asking the court to step in to halt the department’s destruction.”

     

    “Closing the U.S. Department of Education is a potentially catastrophic blow to students, especially those who rely on federal aid and support services to access higher education. At the University of Hawaiʻi, this decision threatens over 100 critical programs and hundreds of jobs across our campuses. We strongly support this legal challenge to defend the future of public education and the communities we serve,” said University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel.

     

    “The move to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education threatens critical programs that directly support our students, including those with disabilities, English learners, students experiencing unstable housing, and those in our highest-need schools,” said Hawai‘i Department of Education Superintendent Keith T. Hayashi. “In addition to funding, we rely on the department’s guidance to ensure compliance, plan for the school year, and sustain essential services across the state. Even with assurances that core programs will continue, a shift of this magnitude risks serious disruptions. We appreciate Attorney General Lopez’s leadership in standing up for the stability our schools depend on, and we remain committed to working with our partners to protect educational opportunities for all students.”

     

    As Attorney General Lopez and the coalition assert, the Trump administration’s attacks on ED have already had serious consequences for families and students throughout the country. Mass layoffs of ED staff have led to the closure of ED’s Office for Civil Rights locations throughout the country. Critical funding for state school systems has also been delayed. As the attorneys general argue, states rely on billions of dollars every year in funding for elementary and secondary education, services for children with disabilities, vocational education, adult education, and other crucial services. All of these programs will be severely disrupted if the administration’s incapacitation of ED is not stopped.

     

    Attorney General Lopez and the coalition argue in their lawsuit and motion for a preliminary injunction that the Trump administration’s attacks on ED are illegal and unconstitutional. ED is an executive agency authorized by Congress, with numerous laws creating its various programs and funding streams. The coalition’s lawsuit asserts that the executive branch does not have the legal authority to unilaterally dismantle it without an act of Congress. In addition, the attorneys general argue that ED’s mass layoffs violate the Administrative Procedures Act.

     

    The state of Hawaiʻi is represented in this litigation by Solicitor General Kalikoʻonālani Fernandes, Deputy Solicitors General Ewan Rayner and Caitlyn Carpenter, and Special Assistant to the Attorney General Dave Day.

     

    Joining Attorney General Lopez in filing the lawsuit and today’s motion are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office: 808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Faster, More Frequent Bus Service to LaGuardia Airport

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today unveiled a $160 million proposal to create faster, more frequent and more reliable service on the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus line that connects the airport with the subway in Jackson Heights and the Long Island Rail Road and subway in Woodside.

    “The transformation of LaGuardia airport into a world-class destination that is recognized for its excellence is an integral part of our bold vision for a new era in New York, and that starts with much needed enhancements in transportation to and from the airport,” Governor Hochul said. “This new funding will advance several transportation projects, provide new bus lanes, reduce congestion and overcrowding, and install new traffic lights to prioritize buses into the airport. I’m proud to celebrate these accomplishments and look forward to creating a world-class transit option.”

    The Port Authority Board of Commissioners will vote on the funding proposal at its meeting on March 27. Today’s announcement comes after months of collaboration between the PANYNJ and the MTA, the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York State Department of Transportation to move forward with the Q70 improvements, which will include:

    • Traffic signals that will prioritize the Q70 bus on Roosevelt Ave and Broadway to minimize travel time
    • An exclusive bus lane on the shoulder of the northbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway between Northern Blvd and Astoria Blvd, to increase service reliability between Jackson Heights and LaGuardia Airport
    • Increased frequencies during peak periods (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) starting June 1 to accommodate increased ridership
    • A new, specially designated bus pick-up and drop-off area near Terminal C with direct, exclusive road access to avoid congestion on the airport roads
    • Wayfinding and lighting improvements at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av / 74 St (7, E, F, M, R) and 61 St-Woodside Stations (7, LIRR) to improve the customer experience
    • Enhanced branding and signage to promote the improved service

    At the request of Governor Kathy Hochul, a wide-ranging analysis of transit options to LaGuardia Airport began in late 2021 and was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of well-recognized outside engineering, construction and transportation firms. The three-member independent, outside expert panel of world-class transportation leaders was established at the Governor’s request to oversee the study and to make recommendations based on the analysis, and the panel recommended substantial improvements to bus service to LaGuardia Airport.

    This panel consisted of Mike Brown, former commissioner of Transport for London and former managing director of Heathrow Airport; Janette Sadik-Khan, principal at Bloomberg Associates and former commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation; and Phillip A. Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport and former CEO of Los Angeles Metro. The MTA worked closely with the engineering/construction firms and the expert panel throughout the study and attended all panel meetings.

    Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “This proposal will fund the development of the faster, more reliable mass transit link the expert panel envisioned and passengers traveling to our world class LaGuardia Airport deserve. The installation of bus-only lanes on the expressway portions of the route will create a bus link that will be a fast trip to the airport with the bus able to avoid congestion.

    Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said, “Across the region, the Port Authority is making historic investments in new airport facilities that will be among the world’s finest. But the finest airports deserve equally modern and efficient public transportation connections, which is why the Port Authority is investing in vastly improved bus connections to LaGuardia Airport.”

    MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “There’s no reason a first-class New York travel experience should be limited to the new LaGuardia Airport. These common sense, road-tested bus improvements are going to make the ride to and from Queens a lot smoother and faster for tens of thousands of passengers.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships

    Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced an executive order to create a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, chaired by Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Senator Eddie Settle, and NC Community Colleges President Dr. Jeffrey Cox. He also met with students at Forsyth Tech Community College and toured the Transportation Technology Center. 

    “Our state’s greatest asset is our people, and to invest in our future, we must invest in our people. No state will outwork North Carolina when it comes to developing our workforce,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to sign this executive order and launch this council to keep delivering on the promise of North Carolina – that where you come from should never limit how far you can go.”

    “North Carolina’s workforce is the backbone of our thriving business climate,” said NC Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “I look forward to working together to identify and amplify strategies that help North Carolina’s workers and businesses continue to thrive.”

    “There is a lot of good work being done around North Carolina’s main streets and towns, and they need skilled workers to reap the benefits of our growing economy,” said Senator Eddie Settle. “I am proud to co-chair this council so that we can find ways to strengthen North Carolina’s workforce and attract more employers to every corner of our state.”

    “I am proud to co-chair this Council to work alongside Governor Stein’s team, the NC General Assembly and businesses and industries across the state to ensure our NC Community College System continues to expand apprenticeship and other workforce credential programs to give every citizen in North Carolina the skills they need to get a well-paying job in our modern economy,” said North Carolina Community College System President Jeffrey Cox.

    Governor Stein believes that every North Carolinian should have a shot at success – finding a good-paying job or starting a small business – no matter their background. Last month, he visited Wake Tech Community College to tour its auto tech lab and proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month. In January, Governor Stein joined Surry-Yadkin Works and Altec Industries to launch the Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) Program. Governor Stein recently released his state budget proposal, which invests $256 million in workforce development and pays for free community college for students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields. 

    Mar 25, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –