NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Advancements in Space Continue Generating Products on Earth  

    Source: NASA

    The latest edition of NASA’s Spinoff publication, which highlights the successful transfer of agency technology to the commercial sector, is now available online.
    For nearly 25 years, NASA has supported crew working in low Earth orbit to learn about the space environment and perform research to advance deep space exploration. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have learned a wealth of lessons and tried out a host of new technologies. This work leads to ongoing innovations benefiting people on Earth that are featured in NASA’s annual publication.  
    “The work we do in space has resulted in navigational technologies, lifesaving medical advancements, and enhanced software systems that continue to benefit our lives on Earth,” said Clayton Turner, associate administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Technologies developed today don’t just make life on our home planet easier – they pave the way to a sustained presence on the Moon and future missions to Mars.” 
    The Spinoff 2025 publication features more than 40 commercial infusions of NASA technologies including: 

    A platform enabling commercial industry to perform science on the space station, including the growth of higher-quality human heart tissue, knee cartilage, and pharmaceutical crystals that can be grown on Earth to develop new medical treatments.  
    An electrostatic sprayer technology to water plants without the help of gravity and now used in sanitation, agriculture, and food safety.  
    “Antigravity” treadmills helping people with a variety of conditions run or walk for exercise, stemming from efforts to improve astronauts’ fitness in the weightlessness of space.  
    Nutritional supplements originally intended to keep astronauts fit and mitigate the health hazards of a long stay in space.  

    As NASA continues advancing technology and research in low Earth orbit to establish a sustained presence at the Moon, upcoming lunar missions are already spinning off technologies on Earth. For example, Spinoff 2025 features a company that invented technology for 3D printing buildings on the Moon that is now using it to print large structures on Earth. Another group of researchers studying how to grow lunar buildings from fungus is now selling specially grown mushrooms and plans to build homes on Earth using the same concept.  
    Spinoffs produce innovative technologies with commercial applications for the benefit of all. Other highlights of Spinoff 2025 include quality control on assembly lines inspired by artificial intelligence developed to help rovers navigate Mars, innovations in origami based on math for lasers and optical computing, and companies that will help lead the way to hydrogen-based energy building on NASA’s foundation of using liquid hydrogen for rocket fuel.  
    “I’ve learned it’s almost impossible to predict where space technology will find an application in the commercial market,” said Dan Lockney, Technology Transfer program executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “One thing I can say for sure, though, is NASA’s technology will continue to spin off, because it’s our goal to advance our missions and bolster the American economy.”  
    This publication also features 20 technologies available for licensing with the potential for commercialization. Check out the “Spinoffs of Tomorrow” section to learn more.
    Spinoff is part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and its Technology Transfer program. Tech Transfer is charged with finding broad, innovative applications for NASA-developed technology through partnerships and licensing agreements, ensuring agency investments benefit the nation and the world.  
    To read the latest issue of Spinoff, visit: 
    https://spinoff.nasa.gov
    -end-
    Jasmine HopkinsHeadquarters, Washington321-431-4624jasmine.s.hopkins@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 15 Years Ago: STS-130 Delivers Tranquility and Cupola to Space Station

    Source: NASA

    On Feb. 8, 2010, space shuttle Endeavour began its 24th trip into space, on the 20A assembly mission to the International Space Station, the 32nd shuttle flight to the orbiting lab. The STS-130 crew included Commander George Zamka, Pilot Terry Virts, and Mission Specialists Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson, Nicholas Patrick, and Robert Behnken. During the nearly 14-day mission, they worked jointly with the five-person Expedition 22 crew during nearly 10 days of docked operations. The mission’s primary objectives included delivering the Tranquility module and the cupola to the space station, adding 21 tons of hardware to the facility. Behnken and Patrick conducted three spacewalks to aid in the installation of Tranquility.  

    Endeavour rolled out to Launch Pad 39A on Jan. 6, 2010, targeting a Feb. 7 launch. The crew arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Feb. 3 to prepare for launch. Inclement weather delayed the initial launch attempt by 24 hours. On Feb. 8, at 4:14 a.m. EST, space shuttle Endeavour lifted off, carrying its six-person crew. The flight marked Robinson’s fourth trip into space, previously serving as a mission specialist on STS-85, STS-95, and STS-114, Zamka’s, Hire’s, Patrick’s, and Behnken’s second time in space, having flown on STS-120, STS-90, STS-116, and STS-123, respectively, while Virts enjoyed his first taste of weightlessness. 

    After reaching orbit, the astronauts opened the payload bay doors, deployed the shuttle’s radiators, and removed their bulky launch and entry suits, stowing them for the remainder of the flight. They spent six hours on their second day in space conducting a detailed inspection of Endeavour’s nose cap and wing leading edges, taking turns operating the shuttle remote manipulator system, or robotic arm, and the Orbiter Boom Sensor System.  
    On the mission’s third day, Zamka assisted by his crewmates brought Endeavour in for a docking with the space station. During the rendezvous, Zamka stopped the approach at 600 feet and completed a pitch maneuver so astronauts aboard the station could photograph Endeavour’s underside to look for any damage to the tiles. Zamka then manually guided Endeavour to a docking at the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 attached to the Harmony module. After docking, the crews opened the hatches and the five-person station crew welcomed the six-member shuttle crew. Patrick and Expedition 22 Flight Engineer Timothy “T.J.” Creamer used the space station robotic arm to remove the inspection boom and hand it off to the shuttle arm operated by Hire and Virts. At the end of the day, Behnken and Partick entered the station’s airlock, reduced its pressure and breathed pure oxygen for an hour before and an hour after sleep to rid their bodies of nitrogen to prevent the bends. 

    The astronauts completed the major transfer activity of the mission on flight day five, a highly choreographed spacewalk and robotics effort to move the Tranquility and cupola modules from the shuttle to the station. Behnken and Patrick exited the airlock to begin the mission’s first excursion, first venturing to the shuttle payload bay to remove launch locks from Tranquility. Virts and Hire used the station arm to remove the joined modules from the payload bay and attach it to the Unity module’s port side. Behnken and Partick connected temporary heater and data cables to the new module. This first spacewalk lasted six hours 32 minutes. The next day, the joint crews began outfitting Tranquility and preparing to relocate the cupola from the end of the module to its Earth-facing port. 
    On the mission’s seventh day, some of the astronauts continued outfitting and configuring the new modules. In the meantime, Behnken and Patrick stepped outside for a five-hour 54-minute excursion, to install ammonia coolant loops and thermal blankets to protect the ammonia hoses, and outfitted Tranquility’s Earth-facing port to accept the cupola. 

    The next day, Hire and Virts, assisted by Expedition 22 Commander Jeffery Williams, used the station’s robotic arm to relocate the cupola. On flight day 9, Behnken and Patrick operated the station arm to relocate the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 from Harmony to Tranquility. The crews continued internal cargo transfers and began outfitting the cupola.  
    On the mission’s 10th day, Patrick and Behnken completed their third and final spacewalk. During the five-hour 48-minute excursion, they removed thermal blankets and launch locks from the cupola, installed handrails, connected the second cooling loop on Tranquility, and connected heater and data cables. Inside the cupola, Hire and Virts installed the robotics workstation. Across their three spacewalks, Behnken and Patrick spent 18 hours 14 minutes outside. 

    The crews spent flight day 11 outfitting Tranquility with systems racks and other equipment moved from the Destiny U.S. Laboratory module. Virts finished installing robotic workstation equipment in the Cupola. Behnken and Partick transferred their spacesuits back to the shuttle for return to Earth. The crew received a phone call from President Barack Obama and several schoolchildren. Zamka and Virts used the shuttle’s thrusters to reboost the space station.  
    The next day, after holding a news conference with reporters on the ground, shuttle commander Zamka and station commander Williams held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally declare Tranquility and the cupola open for business. After a final meal together, the two crews held a farewell ceremony, returned to their respective spacecraft, and closed the hatches.  

    On flight day 13, with Virts at the controls, Endeavour undocked from the space station, having spent nearly 10 days as a single spacecraft. The astronauts used the shuttle’s arm and boom sensors to perform a late inspection of Endeavour’s thermal protection system. On flight day 14, Zamka and Virts tested the orbiter’s reaction control system thrusters and flight control surfaces in preparation for the next day’s entry and landing.  
    On Feb. 22, Hire and Robinson closed Endeavour’s payload bay doors. The six astronauts donned their launch and entry suits and strapped themselves into their seats. Zamka and Virts fired Endeavour’s two Orbital Maneuvering System engines to bring them out of orbit and Zamka guided Endeavour to a smooth touchdown at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The landing capped off a successful mission of 13 days, 18 hours, six minutes and 217 orbits of the Earth. Workers at Kennedy towed Endeavour to the processing facility to prepare it for its next and final flight, STS-134 in May 2011, and the astronauts returned to Houston for a welcoming ceremony at Ellington Field. 
    Watch the crew narrate a video about the STS-130 mission.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CISA and FBI Warn of Malicious Cyber Actors Using Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities to Compromise Software

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    CISA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have released a Secure by Design Alert, Eliminating Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities, as part of their cooperative Secure by Design Alert series—an ongoing series aimed at advancing industry-wide best practices to eliminate entire classes of vulnerabilities during the design and development phases of the product lifecycle. “Eliminating Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities” describes proven techniques to prevent or mitigate buffer overflow vulnerabilities through secure by design principles and best practices.

    Buffer overflow vulnerabilities are a prevalent type of defect in memory-safe software design that can lead to system compromise. These vulnerabilities can lead to data corruption, sensitive data exposure, program crashes, and unauthorized code execution. Threat actors frequently exploit these vulnerabilities to gain initial access to an organization’s network and then move laterally to the wider network.

    CISA and FBI urge manufacturers review the Alert and, where feasible, eliminate this class of defect by developing new software using memory-safe languages, using secure by design methods, and implementing the best practices supplied in this Alert. CISA and FBI also urge software customers demand secure products from manufacturers that include these preventions. Visit CISA’s Secure by Design Pledge page to learn about our voluntary pledge, which focuses on enterprise software products and services—including on-premises software, cloud services, and software as a service (SaaS).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Why Does the Moon Look Larger at the Horizon? We Asked a NASA Scientist: Episode 50

    Source: NASA

    Why does the Moon look larger on the horizon? The short answer is, we don’t know.

    [embedded content]

    We’ve been talking about this for 2,000 years. Aristotle mentions it. And in our own time, scientists are designing experiments to figure out exactly what’s going on. But there’s no consensus yet.
    Here’s what we do know.
    The atmosphere isn’t magnifying the Moon. If anything, atmospheric refraction squashes it a little bit. And the Moon’s not closer to us at the horizon. It’s about 1.5 percent farther away. Also, it isn’t just the Moon. Constellations look huge on the horizon, too.
    One popular idea is that this is a variation on the Ponzo illusion. Everything in our experience seems to shrink as it recedes toward the horizon — I mean clouds and planes and cars and ships. But the Moon doesn’t do that. So our minds make up a story to reconcile this inconsistency. Somehow the Moon gets bigger when it’s at the horizon. That’s one popular hypothesis, but there are others. And we’re still waiting for the experiment that will convince everyone that we understand this.
    So why does the Moon look larger on the horizon? We don’t really know, but scientists are still trying to figure it out.
    [END VIDEO TRANSCRIPT]
    Full Episode List
    Full YouTube Playlist

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Telescopes Deliver Stellar Bouquet in Time for Valentine’s Day

    Source: NASA

    A bouquet of thousands of stars in bloom has arrived. This composite image contains the deepest X-ray image ever made of the spectacular star forming region called 30 Doradus.
    By combining X-ray data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory (blue and green) with optical data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope (yellow) and radio data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (orange), this stellar arrangement comes alive.

    Otherwise known as the Tarantula Nebula, 30 Dor is located about 160,000 light-years away in a small neighboring galaxy to the Milky Way known as the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Because it one of the brightest and populated star-forming regions to Earth, 30 Dor is a frequent target for scientists trying to learn more about how stars are born.
    With enough fuel to have powered the manufacturing of stars for at least 25 million years, 30 Dor is the most powerful stellar nursery in the local group of galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the LMC, and the Andromeda galaxy.
    The massive young stars in 30 Dor send cosmically strong winds out into space. Along with the matter and energy ejected by stars that have previously exploded, these winds have carved out an eye-catching display of arcs, pillars, and bubbles.
    A dense cluster in the center of 30 Dor contains the most massive stars astronomers have ever found, each only about one to two million years old. (Our Sun is over a thousand times older with an age of about 5 billion years.)
    This new image includes the data from a large Chandra program that involved about 23 days of observing time, greatly exceeding the 1.3 days of observing that Chandra previously conducted on 30 Dor. The 3,615 X-ray sources detected by Chandra include a mixture of massive stars, double-star systems, bright stars that are still in the process of forming, and much smaller clusters of young stars.
    There is a large quantity of diffuse, hot gas seen in X-rays, arising from different sources including the winds of massive stars and from the gas expelled by supernova explosions. This data set will be the best available for the foreseeable future for studying diffuse X-ray emission in star-forming regions.
    The long observing time devoted to this cluster allows astronomers the ability to search for changes in the 30 Dor’s massive stars. Several of these stars are members of double star systems and their movements can be traced by the changes in X-ray brightness.
    A paper describing these results appears in the July 2024 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.
    Read more from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu
    Visual Description
    This release features a highly detailed composite image of a star-forming region of space known as 30 Doradus, shaped like a bouquet, or a maple leaf.
    30 Doradus is a powerful stellar nursery. In 23 days of observation, the Chandra X-ray telescope revealed thousands of distinct star systems. Chandra data also revealed a diffuse X-ray glow from winds blowing off giant stars, and X-ray gas expelled by exploding stars, or supernovas.
    In this image, the X-ray wind and gas takes the shape of a massive purple and pink bouquet with an extended central flower, or perhaps a leaf from a maple tree. The hazy, mottled shape occupies much of the image, positioned just to our left of center, tilted slightly to our left. Inside the purple and pink gas and wind cloud are red and orange veins, and pockets of bright white light. The pockets of white light represent clusters of young stars. One cluster at the heart of 30 Doradus houses the most massive stars astronomers have ever found.
    The hazy purple and pink bouquet is surrounded by glowing dots of green, white, orange, and red. A second mottled purple cloud shape, which resembles a ring of smoke, sits in our lower righthand corner.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Successfully Joins Sunshade to Roman Observatory’s ‘Exoskeleton’

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope team has successfully integrated the mission’s deployable aperture cover — a visor-like sunshade that will help prevent unwanted light from entering the telescope — to the outer barrel assembly, another structure designed to shield the telescope from stray light in addition to keeping it at a stable temperature.

    “It’s been incredible to see these major components go from computer models to building and now integrating them,” said Sheri Thorn, an aerospace engineer working on Roman’s sunshade at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “Since it’s all coming together at Goddard, we get a front row seat to the process. We’ve seen it mature, kind of like watching a child grow up, and it’s a really gratifying experience.”
    The sunshade functions like a heavy-duty version of blackout curtains you might use to keep your room extra dark. It will make Roman more sensitive to faint light from across the universe, helping astronomers see dimmer and farther objects. Made of two layers of reinforced thermal blankets, the sunshade is designed to remain folded during launch and deploy after Roman is in space. Three booms will spring upward when triggered electronically, raising the sunshade like a page in a pop-up book.

    The sunshade blanket has an inner and outer layer separated by about an inch, much like a double-paned window. “We’re prepared for micrometeoroid impacts that could occur in space, so the blanket is heavily fortified,” said Brian Simpson, Roman’s deployable aperture cover lead at NASA Goddard. “One layer is even reinforced with Kevlar, the same thing that lines bulletproof vests. By placing some space in between the layers we reduce the risk that light would leak in, because it’s unlikely that the light would pass through both layers at the exact same points where the holes were.” Over the course of a few hours, technicians meticulously joined the sunshade to the outer barrel assembly — both Goddard-designed components — in the largest clean room at NASA Goddard. The outer barrel assembly will help keep the telescope at a stable temperature and, like the sunshade, help shield the telescope from stray light and micrometeoroid impacts. It’s fitted with heaters to help ensure the telescope’s mirrors won’t experience wide temperature swings, which make materials expand and contract. “Roman is made up of a lot of separate components that come together after years of design and fabrication,” said Laurence Madison, a mechanical engineer at NASA Goddard. “The deployable aperture cover and outer barrel assembly were built at the same time, and up until the integration the two teams mainly used reference drawings to make sure everything would fit together as they should. So the successful integration was both a proud moment and a relief!”

    Both the sunshade and outer barrel assembly have been extensively tested individually, but now that they’re connected engineers are assessing them again. Following the integration, the team tested the sunshade deployment. “Since the sunshade was designed to deploy in space, the system isn’t actually strong enough to deploy itself in Earth’s gravity,” said Matthew Neuman, a mechanical engineer working on Roman’s sunshade at NASA Goddard. “So we used a gravity negation system to offset its weight and verified that everything works as expected.” Next, the components will undergo thermal vacuum testing together to ensure they will function as planned in the temperature and pressure environment of space. Then they’ll move to a shake test to assess their performance during the extreme vibrations they’ll experience during launch. Technicians will join Roman’s solar panels to the outer barrel assembly and sunshade this spring, and then integrate them with the rest of the observatory by the end of the year.  The mission has now passed a milestone called Key Decision Point-D, marking the official transition from the fabrication stage that culminated in the delivery of major components to the phase involving assembly, integration, testing, and launch. The Roman observatory remains on track for completion by fall 2026 and launch no later than May 2027. To virtually tour an interactive version of the telescope, visit: https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/interactive/
    By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Media contact:
    Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.301-286-1940

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Is Still Here in South Carolina

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Is Still Here in South Carolina

    FEMA Is Still Here in South Carolina

    COLUMBIA, S.C. –If you are a Hurricane Helene survivor of South Carolina on your road to recovery, you should know that FEMA is still here. FEMA, collaborating with South Carolina Emergency Management Division, is focused on finding long-term recovery solutions for individuals and communities affected by the disaster. Survivors who have questions about their application can still contact FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call toll-free 800-621-3362.The telephone line is open daily, and help is available in many languages. 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 a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions. about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. To date, FEMA has provided more than $269 million in federal assistance to more than 242,000 individuals and households affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina. This money is offered to help pay for housing repairs, personal property replacement, and other recovery efforts.
    gerard.hammink
    Wed, 02/12/2025 – 13:55

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers in Coffee and Lowndes Counties to Close Permanently This Week; FEMA Representatives Relocating

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers in Coffee and Lowndes Counties to Close Permanently This Week; FEMA Representatives Relocating

    Disaster Recovery Centers in Coffee and Lowndes Counties to Close Permanently This Week; FEMA Representatives Relocating

    The Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Coffee and Lowndes counties are set to close permanently this week. FEMA representatives will relocate to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center (BRC) and Business Resource Assessment Center (BRAC) to continue assisting survivors for Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene. DRCs are currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Coffee County DRC – closing permanently at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14Coffee County Service Center         1115 West Baker Hwy.Douglas, GA 31533Coffee County BRC – FEMA representatives will be here starting 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15Satilla Regional Library200 S. Madison Ave.Douglas, GA 31533Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday; closed Sunday. Lowndes County DRC – closing permanently at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15Valdosta State University Foundation, Inc.901 N. Patterson St.Valdosta, GA 31601Lowndes County BRAC – FEMA representatives will be here starting 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18Lowndes County Civic Center, 2102 E. Hill Ave. Bldg. DValdosta, GA 31601Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Sunday: ClosedThe Feb. 7 deadline for Georgia survivors of Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4–20) and Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24–Oct. 30) in the 63 counties designated for Individual Assistance to apply for FEMA disaster assistance has now passed. To check on the status of your application, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. You may also use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. You can also contact the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861 for assistance with your application or visit an SBA BRC or BRAC.
    jakia.randolph
    Wed, 02/12/2025 – 13:17

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Recognizing Employee Excellence

    Source: NASA

    Two NASA Glenn Research Center employees were among 19 agency researchers recognized as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). 

    Lyndsey McMillon-Brown was recognized for leadership in photovoltaic research, development, and demonstrations. She was the principal investigator for a Science Technology Mission Directorate-funded Early Career Initiative where she led the development of perovskite photovoltaics, which can be manufactured in space. The team achieved sun-to-electricity power conversion efficiencies of 18%. They tested the durability of the solar cells by flying them in low Earth orbit for 10 months on the Materials International Space Station Experiment platform.   

    Timothy M. Smith was recognized for achievements in materials science research, specifically in high-temperature alloy innovation. Building upon his dissertation work, he designed a new high-temperature superalloy with radically improved high-temperature durability. Additionally, he helped develop a new manufacturing process that could produce new metal alloys strengthened by nano oxide particles. This led to the development of a revolutionary high- temperature alloy (GRX-810) designed specifically for additive manufacturing.  
    The PECASE Award is the highest honor given by the U.S. government to scientists and engineers who are beginning their research careers.  

    NASA Glenn Employee Named AIAA Fellow

    Brett A. Bednarcyk, a materials research engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, has been named an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow. His work is focused on multiscale modeling and integrated computational materials engineering of composite materials and structures. He has co-authored two textbooks on these subjects. 
    AIAA Fellows are recognized for their notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences, or technology of aeronautics and astronautics.  

    Glenn’s Dr. Heather Oravec Named Outstanding Civil Engineer  

    The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Cleveland Chapter has named Dr. Heather Oravec, a mechanical engineering research associate professor supporting NASA Glenn Research Center’s Engineering and Research Support (GEARS) contract team, the 2024 Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year. Oravec is a research leader in the areas of terramechanics and off-road tire development for planetary rovers and works in NASA Glenn’s Simulated Lunar Operations (SLOPE) Lab. 
    This award honors a civil engineer who has made significant contributions to the field and to the community, furthering the recognition of civil engineers through work and influence. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Fire Safety Test Took on Reduced Gravity

    Source: NASA

    An experiment studying how solid materials catch fire and burn in the Moon’s gravity was launched on Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital flight this month. 
    Developed by NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland together with Voyager Technologies, the Lunar-g Combustion Investigation (LUCI) will help researchers determine if conditions on the Moon – with reduced gravity – might be a more hazardous environment for fire safety. 

    [embedded content]
    The video shows a plastic rod and cotton-fiberglass fabric being burned during a ground test of the Lunar-g Combustion Investigation (LUCI) experiment. Scientists will compare the ground test video to the video recorded on the Blue Origin flight. Credit: Voyager Technologies

    On this flight, LUCI tested flammability of cotton-fiberglass fabric and plastic rods, and once launched, the payload capsule rotated at a speed to simulate lunar gravity. NASA Glenn researchers will analyze data post-flight.

    LUCI’s findings will help NASA and its partners design safe spacecraft and spacesuits for future Moon and Mars missions. 
    For more information on LUCI and the mission, visit. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Glenn Holds Day of Remembrance 

    Source: NASA

    NASA observed its annual Day of Remembrance on Jan. 23, honoring the members of the NASA family who lost their lives in the pursuit of exploration and discovery for the benefit of humanity. The annual event acknowledges the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. 
    NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro and astronaut Kayla Barron participated in an observance at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of the men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. 

    Several agency centers also held observances for NASA Day of Remembrance. NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland hosted an observance on Jan. 28 with remarks from Center Director Dr. Jimmy Kenyon and a keynote address from the acting director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kelvin Manning.  
    Kenyon reflected on the loss of the astronauts and the impact on their families. A large part of honoring their legacy, he said, is committing to a culture of safety awareness and practices. Learning what went wrong is vital to safely moving forward into the future. He then introduced a video recognizing the fallen heroes.  

    Manning, who worked with the families of the Apollo I astronauts to learn their stories and honor their legacy through an exhibit at NASA Kennedy, shared insights into the causes of the tragedy. He talked about the lessons learned through the investigation that resulted in increased measures for astronaut safety. 
    Kenyon then carried a memorial wreath to the front of the stage. NASA Glenn’s Amanda Shalkhauser played Taps, which was followed by a moment of silence. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unicoi County’s Ballad Health Hospital Awarded $9.8 Million to Rebuild After Helene Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Unicoi County’s Ballad Health Hospital Awarded $9.8 Million to Rebuild After Helene Flooding

    Unicoi County’s Ballad Health Hospital Awarded $9.8 Million to Rebuild After Helene Flooding

    The State of Tennessee and FEMA have approved $9.8 million to replace Ballad Health’s hospital in rural Erwin which was destroyed when Tropical Storm Helene swept across Eastern Tennessee in late September. The 10 in-patient bed hospital, which sits along the banks of the Nolichucky River in the southern Appalachian mountains, has been serving the local community and surrounding agricultural area since 1953. Over the years, it has expanded and modernized, offering bone density testing, echocardiography, the latest diagnostic imaging technology and a sleep medicine lab. The newest facility was completed in October 2018 at a cost of $30 million.Helene’s floodwaters encircled the Ballad Health hospital on Sept. 27, rising at least 8 feet inside the single-story building, racing through examining rooms, labs and patient rooms. Trained hospital and National Guard pilots used helicopters to airlift patients and staff to safety from the roof. Emergency workers also rescued dozens of people by boat to a nearby high school. Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, FEMA’s share to rebuild the hospital is $7,389,240; the nonfederal share is $2,463,080. Work to be completed includes architectural and engineering design services that use modern best construction practices and applicable codes and standards.The cost estimate for replacing the hospital was generated using FEMA’s Rapid Assessment with Public Infrastructure Data, which uses geospatial and aerial imagery as well as available Federal Highway Administration and State Department of Transportation data. The scope of work will be updated when the surveys and assessments are completed. Because Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses state applicants 75% of the eligible costs of repairs to existing structures. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred those costs. The remaining 25% represents nonfederal funds.The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program, providing funding to help communities responding to and recovering from major presidentially declared disasters or emergencies. Helene swept across Tennessee Sept. 26-30 and the president approved a major disaster declaration on Oct. 2, allowing FEMA to pay for disaster-damaged infrastructure.
    kwei.nwaogu
    Wed, 02/12/2025 – 19:58

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trafficking drugs for Mexican Cartel lands Laredo man in prison for more than 16 years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 37-year-old man has been sentenced for conspiring to distribute a large quantity of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Gavino Cadena pleaded guilty Nov. 10, 2022.

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered Cadena to serve a total of 194 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court considered Cadena’s extensive criminal record, including his involvement with Cartel del Noreste (CDN) and the Tango Blast gang. Records also showed that while in custody awaiting sentencing in this case, Cadena was involved in numerous altercations with rival gang members such as Hermano Pistoleros Latinos, including incidents involving weapons.

    The court found Cadena to be a leader/organizer within the drug trafficking organization. He coordinated the drug loads, paid co-conspirators for their involvement and reported directly to cartel leaders in Mexico. Cadena was held responsible for organizing the offloading and transport of more than 8,000 pounds of marijuana from multiple tractor trailers in Laredo that had been imported from Mexico.

    “The Department of Justice is going to use all available avenues to crack down on cartel activity operating inside our country,” said Ganjei. “The drug trade inevitably leads to violence, and so every drug dealer or cartel member taken off the street makes our communities a little bit safer.”

    Throughout the course of this multi-year investigation, which includes two related indictments, authorities seized more than 17 tons of marijuana valued at approximately $16.4 million.

    To date, a total of 22 people, including several Mexican nationals, have been convicted for their roles in the conspiracy to transport narcotics for CDN. Their sentences have ranged from 18 months to 168 months in prison.

    Cadena will remain in custody pending a transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Laredo Police Department conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; Border Patrol; Customs and Border Protection; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. National Guard; Webb County District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and Constable’s Office Precincts 1 and 4; Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Blue Indigo Task Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Day and Anthony Evans prosecuted this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Richard R. Barker to Serve as Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Following the recent resignation of the Honorable Vanessa R. Waldref, and by operation of the Vacancies Reform Act, Richard R. Barker is now serving as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

    Acting United States Attorney Barker has over a decade of experience as a career prosecutor, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2014.  During his career, Barker has held the positions of First Assistant United States Attorney, Tribal Liaison, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Coordinator, Digital Asset Coordinator, and Public Affairs Officer.  From 2014 – 2019, Barker served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the nation’s capital, where he served as a dedicated homicide prosecutor.  In early 2019, Barker joined the Eastern District of Washington, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) in the Spokane office.

    Acting United States Attorney Barker has dedicated his career to serving victims of violent crime, while handling numerous homicide and violent crime cases. Late last year, Barker was lead counsel with AUSA Michael J. Ellis in the trial of Zachery Holt and Dezmonique Tenzsley for the double murder of two Tribal members and the attempted murder of a federal officer on the Colville Indian Reservation. In 2023, Barker successfully prosecuted Ronald Craig Ilg, who attempted to hire hitmen on the dark web to harm his wife and a former work colleague.

    Throughout his career, Acting United States Attorney Barker also has handled several significant drug trafficking prosecutions.  In 2023, Barker and AUSA Stephanie Van Marter prosecuted the “Fetty Bros” Drug Trafficking Organization, which was distributing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and other drugs into Eastern Washington and using extreme violence to insulate their organization. Barker later served as lead counsel in the removal of more than 161,000 fentanyl-laced pills and 80 pounds of methamphetamine from rural Washington. In his efforts to further address the fentanyl crisis, Barker worked closely with now former U.S. Attorney Waldref and the City of Spokane to create a Special U.S. Assistant Attorney position focused on prosecuting those responsible for illegal narcotics impacting the Spokane area.

    As First Assistant United States Attorney, Barker has supervised the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s litigating units, which include the Criminal, Civil, and Appellate Divisions. As the Chief Deputy to the U.S. Attorney, Barker helped establish the District’s dedicated Appellate Division and worked closely with the Office’s administrative team to obtain additional DOJ resources for increasing public safety throughout Eastern Washington. Barker also played a pivotal role in opening the District’s Branch Office in Richland Washington, and he has been instrumental in the office’s efforts to increase resources for prosecuting cases on Native American Reservations. In early 2024, Barker played a key role in hiring the district’s first MMIP AUSA, who is fully dedicated to prosecuting cases of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People.  For Barker’s dedication to working with Native American communities and improving public safety, he received a Department of Justice Director’s Award in 2024.

    “I have loved serving as a federal prosecutor and working so closely with federal, state, local, and Tribal leaders to seek justice and protect our communities,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington has an incredible team of attorneys and support staff, who are fully dedicated to protecting the citizens of Eastern Washington and our nation. It is truly inspiring to serve alongside such an excellent group of professionals, who have dedicated their careers to doing the right thing each and every day.”  

    Outgoing U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “Acting U.S. Attorney Barker is an exceptional leader, a gifted attorney, and a tireless advocate for justice. His unwavering dedication to protecting the communities of Eastern Washington is evident in everything he does. It has been an honor to work alongside him as my First Assistant, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve with integrity, determination, and a deep commitment to upholding the law, as he takes on this new role as the chief law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Washington.”

    Acting United States Attorney Barker graduated with highest honors from Brigham Young University Law School. After graduation, Barker clerked for the Honorable J. Clifford Wallace on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Honorable G. Murray Snow on the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.  Following his clerkships, Acting United States Attorney Barker worked in private practice for Davis Polk, LLP, in Washington D.C.

    Outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Barker serves as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law, where he has taught courses in Trial Advocacy and Conflicts of Law. Barker also serves as a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexico Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing More than Eight Pounds of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Yakima, Washington – On February 10, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Santiago Rojas-Rangel (“Charapo”), age 51, of Mexico, to 151 months in prison on methamphetamine distribution charges. Judge Dimke also imposed 5 years of supervised release. When imposing the sentence, Judge Dimke noted Rojas-Rangel’s “complete and utter lack of respect for the law in this country.”

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in early 2024 agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Rojas-Rangel was selling methamphetamine in and around Yakima, Washington.  Between February and May 2024, the DEA conducted several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Rojas-Rangel totaling approximately 8 pounds. The purchase of the illegal drugs was carefully monitored and controlled by DEA agents.

    Ramirez Sanchez was previously convicted in Yakima County Superior Court on two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine in December 2019 for offenses that occurred in 2016.  He was sentenced to a total of 44 months and 1 day of confinement. Rojas-Rangel has also previously been deported from the United States and illegally re-entered, before engaging in further drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Washington.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of dangerous repeat drug offenders,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Mr. Rojas-Rangel entered the United States illegally and then distributed large quantities of methamphetamine into the Yakima community.  I am grateful for the dedication of our federal, state, and local partners and for the incredible team of prosecutors, who dedicate their careers to keeping our communities safe.”

    “Methamphetamine traffickers prey on their communities for profit,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners work especially hard to ensure accountability for repeat drug offenders, like Mr. Rojas-Rangel, with this richly deserved prison sentence.”

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.

    1:24-cr-02045-MKD

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Delivers a Message to the People of Jordan

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

    President Trump’s Message to the People of Jordan:

    “You are very, very fantastic people with tremendous brilliance and energy… you have a King who is a tremendous man… King Abdullah II is one of the true great leaders of the world.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdmP230Tctw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – RC-B10-0106/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Inese Vaidere, Michał Wawrykiewicz
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tobias Cremer
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Roberts Zīle, Marlena Maląg, Ivaylo Valchev, Alexandr Vondra, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    (2025/2522(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular that of 28 November 2024 on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud[1],

    – having regard to Georgia’s status as an EU candidate country, granted by the European Council at its summit of 14 and 15 December 2023,

    – having regard to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which demands the implementation of all possible measures to guarantee Georgia’s complete integration into the EU and NATO,

    – having regard to the final report of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on 26 October 2024,

    – having regard to Rules 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the democratic backsliding in Georgia has dramatically accelerated since the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024, which were deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities, and failed to meet international democratic standards and Georgia’s OSCE commitments; whereas these elections violated the democratic norms and standards set for free and fair elections, failing to reflect the will of the people and rendering the resulting ‘parliament’, and subsequently the ‘president’, devoid of any democratic legitimacy; whereas from the very beginning of its activity, the current Georgian parliament has operated as a one-party (Georgian Dream) organ, which is incompatible with the essence of pluralistic parliamentary democracy;

    B. whereas Article 2 of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement[2] concerns the general principles of the agreement, which include democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms;

    C. whereas Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution states that the constitutional bodies must take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union;

    D. whereas the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, publicly condemned the parliamentary elections as rigged, declared that she would not recognise them and called for an international investigation; whereas the current Georgian regime, led by the Georgian Dream party and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has orchestrated an unconstitutional usurpation of power, systematically dismantling democratic institutions, undermining judicial independence and eroding fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, thereby deepening Georgia’s political and constitutional crisis;

    E. whereas Georgia has officially held the status of EU candidate country since December 2023; whereas on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would delay initiating accession talks with the EU and reject its financial assistance until the end of 2028, disregarding the country’s constitutional commitment to European integration and effectively undermining Georgia’s sovereign Euro-Atlantic aspirations;

    F. whereas on 28 November 2024, peaceful mass anti-government protests began across the country, demanding new, free and fair elections, an end to political violence and repression, and the return of the country to its European path; whereas the protests have been taking place without interruption for over 75 days;

    G. whereas on 14 December 2024, the de facto parliament held a ‘presidential election’ with a single candidate from the Georgian Dream party, former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected with 224 out of 225 votes cast;

    H. whereas Georgia’s self-appointed authorities have plunged the country into a fully fledged constitutional and political crisis, as well as a human rights and democracy crisis; whereas this has been marked by the brutal repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives, with judges, prosecutors and police officers actively fabricating politically motivated administrative and criminal charges against protesters, journalists and opposition figures detained during peaceful anti-government demonstrations; whereas, as of December 2024, more than 460 people have been arrested or punished since the protests began, with this number growing by the day;

    I. whereas riot police deliberately lacking force identification numbers have forcefully dispersed protesters with tear gas and water cannons; whereas numerous journalists have reported being targeted and beaten, and having their equipment destroyed and personal items stolen; whereas dozens of protesters have been brutally assaulted, and several hundred people have been arrested; whereas Georgia’s Public Defender has revealed that 80 % of those detained reported experiencing violence and inhumane treatment at the hands of law enforcement officers; whereas despite international condemnation, the illegitimate Georgian Government has awarded medals to officials involved in the crackdown;

    J. whereas independent media outlets, including TV Formula, TV Mtavari and TV Pirveli, face severe operational and financial constraints due to the regime’s interference, while dozens of media representatives are being subjected to various forms of intense physical and psychological pressure; whereas numerous violent attacks on journalists have been documented, including the severe beatings of Aleksandre Keshelashvili, Maka Chikhladze and Giorgi Shetsiruli, and the harassment of detained journalist Saba Kevkhishvili; whereas on 12 January 2025, the Georgian authorities arrested journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been in pre-trial detention since then and is on hunger strike in solidarity with all political prisoners in Georgia; whereas she faces between four and seven years in prison;

    K. whereas, on the night of 14 January 2025, Giorgi Gakharia, opposition leader of the For Georgia party and former Prime Minister, and Zviad Koridze, journalist and Transparency International activist, were physically assaulted by Georgian Dream officials in separate incidents at the same venue in Batumi;

    L. whereas on 2 February 2025, Nika Melia, a leader of the pro-European Akhali party, and Gigi Ugulava, the former mayor of Tbilisi, were arrested during the anti-government protests and subjected to physical violence in detention; whereas on 12 January 2025, Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa political movement, was detained in Batumi;

    M. whereas the de facto Georgian authorities have used disproportionate force and excessive violence against peaceful protesters and resorted to arbitrary mass arrests to thwart dissent; whereas independent human rights organisations have reported the systemic mistreatment of detainees, including torture; whereas to date, not a single law enforcement official involved in the brutal crackdowns, arbitrary arrests and mistreatment has been brought to justice;

    N. whereas the self-appointed authorities introduced new draconian legislation that came into force on 30 December 2024 and amended the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offences and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, imposing further arbitrary restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, introducing, among other things, hefty fines for putting up protest slogans and posters, and granting police the power to detain individuals ‘preventively’ for 48 hours on suspicion of planning to violate the rules governing public assembly; whereas on 3 February 2025, the Georgian Dream party unveiled further draft legislation designed to tighten control, ramping up penalties for a variety of offences directly targeting protestors, critics and political dissent, such as harsher punishments for ‘insulting officials’, the criminalisation of road blocks and an increase in the duration of administrative detention from 15 to 60 days;

    O. whereas on 27 January 2025, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement for Georgian diplomats and officials, but failed to impose individual sanctions in response to the continued crackdown; whereas the Hungarian and Slovak Governments have been consistently blocking impactful EU-wide sanctions, preventing the remaining 25 Member States (EU-25) from effectively introducing sanctions against the self-appointed Georgian authorities;

    P. whereas several Member States, including Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Czechia, have imposed bilateral sanctions on some Georgian politicians, judges and other officials responsible for the brutal crackdown on protesters, violations of human rights and abuse of the rule of law; whereas in December 2024, the United States sanctioned Bidzina Ivanishvili, alongside Georgia’s ‘Minister of Internal Affairs’ Vakhtang Gomelauri and Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department Mirza Kezevadze, for their involvement in brutal crackdowns on media representatives, opposition figures and protesters; whereas the UK and Ukraine have imposed similar sanctions on high-level Georgian officials; whereas Ivanishvili, through hastily adopted laws tailored to his personal situation, is moving his offshore assets to Georgia in anticipation of further sanctions;

    Q. whereas on 29 January 2025, Georgian Dream announced that it would withdraw its delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) after it demanded new, genuinely democratic parliamentary elections, the release of political prisoners and accountability for perpetrators of violence; whereas UN experts have condemned the pattern of repression and human rights violations in Georgia, while the OSCE has called this suppression a serious breach of the right to freedom of assembly;

    R. whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party convened the new parliament in violation of the country’s constitution, resulting in a boycott of parliament by the opposition; whereas on 5 February 2025, the self-appointed ‘parliament’ voted to approve the early termination of the mandates of 49 out of 61 members of parliament, representing the Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia and the United National Movement, in order to strip them of their immunity and facilitate their arrest and prosecution; whereas the same ‘parliament’ established a commission to punish former ruling party United National Movement;

    S. whereas a growing number of civil servants have been dismissed after speaking out against the halting of Georgia’s EU accession process; whereas Georgian Dream has amended laws on public service, simplifying procedures to dismiss public servants, several of whom have been dismissed for participating in protests, in a clear attempt to silence critical voices;

    1. Condemns the Georgian Dream ‘authorities’ and urges them to immediately cease the violent repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives; underlines that Georgia’s self-appointed authorities are currently violating fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the core international obligations of the country, thereby undermining decades of democratic reforms driven by the country’s political class and civil society; considers Georgia as a state captured by the illegitimate Georgian Dream regime; expresses deep regret over the fact that the ruling Georgian Dream party has abandoned its path towards European integration and NATO membership; recalls that the ongoing democratic backsliding and adoption of anti-democratic laws has effectively suspended Georgia’s EU integration process; reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and their wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country;

    2. Does not recognise the self-proclaimed authorities of the Georgian Dream party established following the rigged election of 26 October 2024, which was neither free nor fair, was held in violation of democratic norms and standards, and did not reflect the will of the people of Georgia; underlines that the extensive electoral fraud has undermined the integrity of the election process, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the result and eroded public trust, both domestically and internationally, in any new government;

    3. Calls for the EU and its Member States, as well as national parliaments and interparliamentary institutions, not to recognise the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream one-party parliament and their appointed president; calls, therefore, on the international community to join the boycott of the self-proclaimed Georgian authorities;

    4. Continues to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia and representative of the Georgian people; praises her efforts to peacefully steer the country back towards a democratic and European path of development; calls on the President of the European Council to invite President Zourabichvili to represent Georgia at an upcoming European Council meeting and at the next European Political Community summit;

    5. Underlines that the settlement of the current political and constitutional crisis in Georgia can only be achieved by way of new parliamentary elections; demands that new elections take place in Georgia within the next few months in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process; encourages the Member States and EU officials to firmly demand new elections and to make any future engagement explicitly conditional on setting a new date for parliamentary elections and establishing a mechanism to ensure they are free and fair;

    6. Calls on the Council and the Member States, particularly the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose immediate and targeted personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family and his companies, and to freeze all his assets within the EU for his role in the deterioration of the political process in Georgia, enabling democratic backsliding and acting against the country’s constitutionally declared interests of Euro-Atlantic integration; calls on the French Government to strip Bidzina Ivanishvili of the Legion of Honour and impose individual sanctions on him; welcomes, in this regard, the sanctions imposed bilaterally by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Czechia, as well as those already imposed by the US and the UK;

    7. Calls for the EU and its Member States, in particular the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose personal sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party Kakha Kaladze, and Chair of the Georgian Dream party Irakli Garibashvili; calls for them to extend these sanctions to judges, including those of the Constitutional Court of Georgia who are passing politically motivated sentences, and representatives of the law enforcement services, as well as to financial enablers tacitly or openly supporting the regime and the owners of regime-aligned media outlets, including TV Imedi, Pos TV and Rustavi 2 TV, for their role in spreading disinformation and seeking to manipulate public discourse in order to sustain the current ruling party’s authoritarian rule;

    8. Calls on the Council and the Member States to impose sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili’s network of enablers, elite entourage, corrupt financial operatives, propagandists and those facilitating the repressive state apparatus, including, among others, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, Uta Ivanishvili, Tsotne Ivanishvili, Bera Ivanishvili, Gvantsa Ivanishvili, Alexander Ivanishvili, Shmagi Kobakhidze, Ucha Mamatsashvili, Natia Turnava, Ivane Chkhartishvili, Sulkhan Papashvili, Giorgi Kapanadze, Tornike Rizhvadze, Ilia Tsulaia, Kakha Bekauri, Lasha Natsvlishvili, Vasil Maglaperidze, Grigol Liluashvili, Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Rukhadze, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, Tamaz Gaiashvili, Anton Obolashvili and Gocha Enukidze;

    9. Maintains the view that the measures taken so far by the EU in response to the flagrant democratic backsliding and reneging on previous commitments does not yet fully reflect the severity of the situation in Georgia and the latest developments; welcomes the Council’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials, but considers it as only a first step, which must be followed by tougher measures; deplores the obstruction by the Hungarian and Slovak Governments of the Council decisions on introducing sanctions against individuals responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia;

    10. Emphasises that respect for fundamental rights is vital to the EU’s visa liberalisation benchmarks; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to review Georgia’s visa-free status, with the possibility of suspension if it is considered that EU standards on democratic governance and freedoms are not being upheld;

    11. Strongly condemns the brutal violence and repression used by Georgia’s ruling regime against peaceful protesters since 28 November 2024; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and those detained during the anti-government protests; demands the release of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on hunger strike for over four weeks now because of her unjust detention and risks facing critical, irreversible and life-threatening consequences; denounces the assault and beating of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, resulting in his hospitalisation, followed by the arrest on 2 February 2025 of political leaders including Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava, as a shocking escalation of state-orchestrated violence by Georgian Dream and its allies against peaceful demonstrators and political opponents; reminds of the detention of Elene Khoshtaria on 12 January 2025 in Batumi; 

    12. Reiterates its solidarity with the people of Georgia and its vibrant civil society in fighting for their legitimate democratic rights and for a European future for their country; urges the Georgian Government to reverse its current political course and return to implementing the will of the Georgian people for continued democratic reforms that would reopen the prospect of future EU membership;

    13. Strongly condemns the enactment of draconian legislation that imposes unjustified restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and demands the annulment of such recently adopted repressive legislation; urges the Georgian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and to ensure prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of unlawful and disproportionate use of force by the law enforcement agencies; considers that the Georgian justice system has been weaponised to stifle dissent, instil fear and silence free speech;

    14. Calls for the ‘Georgian authorities’ to take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and to investigate all instances of violence and misconduct by law enforcement agencies; emphasises the importance of fostering a democratic environment where media, civil society and the opposition can operate freely without fear of retaliation or censorship;

    15. Demands an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into police brutality and the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators; calls for those responsible for human rights violations, including law enforcement and government officials ordering acts of repression, to be held fully accountable before the law;

    16. Denounces the launch of an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office on 8 February 2025 into non-governmental organisations accused of aggravated sabotage, attempted sabotage and assisting foreign and foreign-controlled organisations in hostile activities aimed at undermining the state interests of Georgia, for which they could receive multiple-year sentences; views this action as further escalation of repression by the regime, misuse of the judicial system and accelerated democratic backsliding;

    17. Condemns the broader campaign of attacks by the Georgian authorities vilifying civil society organisations and reputable international donors that support democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Georgia;

    18. Denounces the termination by Georgian Dream of the mandates of 49 opposition members of parliament as a sign of further democratic backsliding, and considers this the latest move in Georgian Dream’s attack on political pluralism in the country;

    19. Welcomes PACE’s decision to challenge the credentials of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation due to democratic backsliding and human rights abuses; supports PACE’s call for Georgia to immediately initiate an inclusive process involving all political and social actors, including the ruling party, the opposition and civil society, to urgently address the deficiencies and shortcomings noted during the recent parliamentary elections and to create an electoral environment conducive to new, genuinely democratic elections to be announced in the coming months;

    20. Notes that Georgia, once a front runner for Euro-Atlantic integration, is undergoing an accelerated process of democratic backsliding, in a seemingly deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the will of the Georgian people no longer determines the country’s future, which could result in the country taking the Belarussian path of political development, transitioning from the current authoritarian state to a dictatorial regime;

    21. Deplores the decision of Irakli Kobakhidze to suspend accession talks and reject EU funding until the end of 2028; recalls that all polls consistently show the overwhelming support of the Georgian population for a Euro-Atlantic future; expresses strong support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people;

    22. Calls for an immediate and comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia due to the democratic backsliding; calls on the Commission to review the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in the light of the self-declared Georgian authorities’ breach of the general principles, as laid down in Article 2, namely respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms; points out that non-fulfilment of obligations may result in the conditional suspension of economic cooperation and privileges afforded by the Agreement;

    23. Welcomes the Commission’s decision to cease all budgetary support to the Georgian authorities and to suspend the initiation of any future investment projects; encourages the Commission to terminate all financial support for ongoing projects; calls for a moratorium on all investment projects in the field of connectivity; calls on the Commission to start identifying economic sectors of relevance to the oligarchic interests that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule, with a view to a potential future decision about restrictive measures or economic sanctions; calls on the Commission to start identifying connectivity projects that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule and to consider their suspension until a rerun of the parliamentary elections;

    24. Condemns the climate of intimidation and polarisation fuelled by statements by Georgian Government representatives and political leaders, as well as by attacks against political pluralism, including through disturbing cases of intimidation and violence against the Georgian democratic political forces and repeated threats to ban opposition parties, to arrest their leaders and even ordinary supporters, and to silence dissent; underlines that anything but the full restoration of Georgia’s democratic standards will entail a further deterioration of EU-Georgia relations, make any move towards EU accession impossible and result in additional sanctions;

    25. Calls on the Commission to swiftly redirect the frozen EUR 120 million originally intended as support for the Georgian authorities to enhance the EU’s support for Georgia’s civil society, in particular the non-governmental sector and independent media, which are increasingly coming under undue pressure from the ruling political party and the authorities, as well as to support programmes supporting democratic resilience and electoral integrity; calls for the EU’s funding mechanisms to be adjusted to take into account the needs that arise in a more hostile and anti-democratic environment; highlights the urgency of the need to support civil society in the light of growing repression and the suspension of activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and therefore urges the Commission to ramp up support without delay;

    26. Expresses deep concern about the increasing Russian influence in the country and about the Georgian Dream government’s actions in pursuing a policy of rapprochement and collaboration with Russia, in spite of its creeping occupation of Georgian territory; deplores, in this regard, the growing anti-Western and hostile rhetoric of the Georgian Dream party’s representatives towards Georgia’s strategic Western partners, including the EU, and its MEPs and officials, and Georgian Dream’s promotion of Russian disinformation and manipulation;

    27. Strongly reiterates its urgent demand for the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds, specifically for the purpose of seeking medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the self-appointed authorities bear full and undeniable responsibility for the life, health, safety and well-being of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and must be held fully accountable for any harm that befalls him;

    28. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES offers a golden opportunity for Reel Makers and Professional Ad Filmmakers to shine as celebrites

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES offers a golden opportunity for Reel Makers and Professional Ad Filmmakers to shine as celebrites

    Hurry up! Only two days left, don’t miss this chance to have your work recognized on a global stage, Submit your entry by February 15th

    WAVES Awards of Excellence as part of the Create in India Challenge, attracts global submissions, uniting creators from over dozen countries & more than 52 Indian institutes like NIDs, IITs & SRFTI

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 6:46PM by PIB Delhi

    Do you have a vision that speaks through the lens and a story that unfolds in every frame? If creativity runs through your veins the WAVES Awards of Excellence presents a golden opportunity

    The much-anticipated Student Showreels & Professional Ad Film Competition is officially open for submissions! Submit your entry by February 15th.

    Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with ASIFA India, a UNESCO-recognized global NGO promoting animation, is hosting WAVES Awards of Excellence as part of the Create in India Challenge. These awards celebrate exceptional achievements in Animation, Visual Effects, and Extended Reality (XR), reinforcing India’s creative leadership on the global stage.

    About the awards

    There are two competition categories:  Student Showreels (No time restriction) and Professional Ad Films (limit 60 seconds). The submissions reflect themes of India’s socio-cultural landscape, and modern technology like:

    • Wellness & Yoga

    • Gaming for Social Impact

    ASIFA India has witnessed an exceptional response with enthusiastic participation

     

    ASIFA India has received an overwhelming response with 1238 submissions of finished works from various demographics: Students (75%), Professionals (25%), Women (35%) and Emerging Creators (50%). The participation of women and young creators underscores the challenge’s role in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and fresh perspectives in India’s AVGC sector.

                                       

    Submissions have been promoted across various continents, resulting in over 60 global entries from 13 countries, such as Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Greece, Cyprus, Iran, Finland, the Philippines, Germany, Sri Lanka, Puerto Rico, China, and Mexico. Global Animated Film association Asifa (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) is promoting the competition globally via its 40 Chapters in various counties.

    ASIFA also received submissions from more than 52 institutions in India and abroad. Leading global educational institutions like BAU Centro Universitario de Artes y Diseño de Barcelona, Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at UTD, Tehran University of Art, Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Academy Of Art University, Academy of Design, Colombo, Kennesaw State University student have submitted their top entries to this prestigious festival.
    Students from Prestigious Indian Institutions including all NID, IITs (IDC School of Design and DOD at various IIT’s), SRFTI, Symbiosis, Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art, Banasthali Vidyapith, Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, BIT Mesra, UID, Srishti Manipal have also submitted their best work.

    Glimpses of Submissions of Waves Awards of Excellence

    WAVES Winners Gain Global Opportunities

     

    Winners will receive in-person support for portfolio review by experts, opportunity to interact with global jury from US, Greece & India. They will also receive networking opportunities by direct engagement with key stakeholders, including international studios, producers, and government officials for potential career opportunities. Animation studios and independent developers will receive guidance on funding, IP development, and business scalability.

    ASIFA India organized series Meet ups across 15 Indian sub-chapters to inspire creators from various cities for their participation in the upcoming WAVES Awards of Excellence. In the session ‘Deep Dive into Excellence from Mentors’ eminent global Jury like Briana Yarhouse from USA & Dr. Anastasia Dimitra from Athens, Greece gave tips to participants.

    Global Jury Members Briana Yarhouse, Dr.Anastasia Dimitra sharing their expertise during a Virtual Meet recently, joined by Deanna Morse(Member of Oscars), Celebrity Artist Dhimant Vyas, BN Vichar& Others..Session Moderated by Sanjay Khimesara, President, Asifa India & Vinita Bachani, Core Committee Member

     

    For more information and to submit your work, visit the submission portal here:

    https://www.asifaindia.com/waoe/

     

    About ASIFA INDIA

    ASIFA India is a non-profit organization established in 2000 with the goal of promoting the art, craft, and profession of VFX, Animation & Gaming in India. ASIFA India has been working tirelessly to create a platform for creators including- Animators, Vfx & Gaming artists, students, and professionals to network, learn, and showcase their work.

    ******

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha/Shatrunjay kumar

    (Release ID: 2102429) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Proclaims February as Career and Technical Education Month

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Proclaims February as Career and Technical Education Month

    Governor Josh Stein Proclaims February as Career and Technical Education Month
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein and Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt joined students and administrators at Wake Technical Community College to issue a proclamation designating February as Career and Technical Education month. 

    Governor Stein also toured the auto tech labs at Wake Tech and spoke to school administrators, apprenticeship students, and business leaders to discuss issues facing North Carolina’s workforce.  

    “We intend to make North Carolina the #1 state for apprenticeships in the nation. Investing in career and technical education is key to creating an economy in North Carolina that works for everyone,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Alongside our community colleges and corporate partners, we can shape the workforce of the future right here in North Carolina.”

    “Our community colleges are a wonderful source of opportunity and a great way to train our workforce for the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt. “I’m looking forward to working with Governor Stein on career and technical education and making sure we invest in training and apprenticeship programs across our state.”

    “We were incredibly excited to welcome Governor Stein to our campus,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. “Wake Tech is home to nearly 50,000 career technical students, 150 corporate apprenticeship partners, and some of the best workforce education facilities in the country.”

    Governor Stein is committed to growing North Carolina’s economy by investing in workforce development and job training. This includes strengthening apprenticeships and investing in community college career and technical education programs in high-demand industries that give North Carolinians the opportunity to succeed. 

    Feb 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Announces Tar Heel Artists to Receive North Carolina Heritage Awards

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Announces Tar Heel Artists to Receive North Carolina Heritage Awards

    Governor Josh Stein Announces Tar Heel Artists to Receive North Carolina Heritage Awards
    jejohnson6

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that six traditional artists or groups will receive the 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards for their lifetime contributions to the state’s cultural vitality. The N.C. Heritage Award is the state’s highest honor for traditional artists.

    The 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards honorees are: Gaurang Doshi, a North Indian classical musician from Winston-Salem; Helen Gibson, a woodcarver from Brasstown; The Glorifying Vines Sisters, a gospel quartet from Farmville; Chester McMillian, a Round Peak guitarist from Mount Airy; and Herman and Loretta Oxendine, Lumbee traditional artisans from Pembroke. Loretta Oxendine passed away Oct. 6, 2024, and will be honored posthumously.

    Since 1989, the N.C. Heritage Awards have recognized North Carolinians who have significantly influenced culture in their communities, such as teaching or training local artists, making seminal recordings or objects, being recognized as the sole or one of few practitioners continuing the tradition, or continuing an art form or style that can be traced back along a lineage of artists for generations. The 2025 honorees were all nominated by their peers and selected through a panel process.

    “North Carolina’s traditional arts community embodies the joy and diverse culture of our great state,” said Governor Stein. “I congratulate the 2025 Heritage Award recipients for their accomplishments and thank them for their contributions to North Carolina’s cultural life.”

    “This year more than ever, we are reminded of the value of our local traditions and the importance of safeguarding those art forms for future generations,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “This group of artists tells the extraordinary story of our state’s rich cultural heritage.”

    “Recipients of the North Carolina Heritage Awards represent the abundance of North Carolina’s cultural life,” said Jeff Bell, executive director of the N.C. Arts Council. “We celebrate the exceptional groups and individuals who dedicate their entire lives not only to a practice but also to their communities. Through them, we honor the importance of all North Carolinians.”

    The 2025 North Carolina Heritage Awards ceremony will take place at the A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh on June 7, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., and will feature performances and demonstrations by each artist. PineCone, the Piedmont Council on Traditional Music, will partner with the N.C. Arts Council to produce the ceremony as part of its Down Home concert series. Tickets are available now at www.pinecone.org.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 10, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eyes to the Skies for the N.C. Bird Count at Aquarium

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Eyes to the Skies for the N.C. Bird Count at Aquarium

    Eyes to the Skies for the N.C. Bird Count at Aquarium
    jejohnson6

    KURE BEACH

    All eyes will be on the skies Friday, Feb. 14, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) hosts the Great Backyard Bird Count. NCAFF environmental educators will inspire the community to join the count and launch newly minted bird counters on an exciting journey to earn an NC Bird Count badge. Special activities throughout the day offer an exciting time for anyone and everyone to help scientists gather information on birds in the state to support their conservation. Visitors will be able to walk out the doors of the Aquarium or use binoculars at the birding window to start counting right away.

    Science Across NC
    There will be four days of bird counting! The North Carolina Bird Count, organized by Science Across NC, runs Feb. 14-17, and includes more than 30 organizations across the state. This is a good excuse and a unique opportunity for people to experience the natural world happening in their own neighborhood.

    “Birds are important species to observe, because healthy habitats for birds are also healthy homes for many other animals. Birds are also fun to watch, because they are usually easy to find and active throughout the year,” said Sammy Calderon, NCAFF environmental educator.

    Take the First Step
    Anyone can participate in the count, and it takes only a few steps to get plugged into the action. The first step is to create a free eBird account through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology ebird.org or their app, available for Android and Apple. Then, it’s just a matter of visiting a favorite spot to watch birds and enter the information into the app.

    “The more people who join the count, the better,” said Calderon. “We are excited about inspiring the community to participate in the count and also take conservation action like turning off lights to reduce light pollution for migrating birds, among other ways to protect them.”

    How to Protect Songbirds

    • Use bird-friendly window treatments
    • Turn off lights at night to reduce light pollution for migrating birds.
    • Purchase certified Bird Friendly© coffee to preserve neotropical bird wintering grounds.
    • Keep cats indoors to prevent predation of songbirds.
    • Select grass-fed beef to help save grassland birds.
    • Purchase certified sustainable paper products to help preserve the nesting grounds of boreal forest songbirds. Better yet, choose reusable items.

    Why it Matters
    Bird count is a big help in identifying local bird populations, migration patterns and other data that supports the conservation of birds. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the first-ever comprehensive assessment of net population changes in the U.S. and Canada reveals across-the-board declines that scientists call “staggering”:

    • All told, the North American bird population is down by 2.9 billion breeding adults, with devastating losses among birds in every biome.
    • Forests alone have lost 1 billion birds.
    • Grassland bird populations collectively have declined by 53%, or another 720 million birds.

    AZA SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction
    NCAFF is accredited through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the highest standards in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science and recreation. Another way the Aquarium team supports bird conservation is through AZA SAFE: North American Songbirds (NAS). NAS is part of the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction program. SAFE NAS focuses on more than 300 species in the order Passeriformes that spend part of their annual cycle in North America. Songbird population declines in North America persist because of habitat loss, climate change, building collisions, and predation from outdoor domestic cats.

    For more information, visit Count Birds With Us, contact Sammy Calderon or call 910-772-0500.

    Online Tickets Required
    While at the Aquarium, visitors will also find immersive experiences including two families of Asian small-clawed otters, a couple of alligators and a 235-000-gallon habitat with two sand tiger sharks. The Bird Count activities are included with admission. Online reservations are required to visit the Aquarium at NCAFF Tickets.

    About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher  
    The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $12.95 ages 13-61; $10.95 children ages 3-12; $11.95 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; EBT card holders: $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. General information: ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

    Feb 10, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why federal courts are unlikely to save democracy from Trump’s and Musk’s attacks

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Maya Sen, Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

    Many people may look to federal courts as a bulwark of the U.S. Constitution. Jose Luis Pelaez/Stone via Getty Images

    State governments, community groups, advocacy nonprofits and regular Americans have filed a large and growing number of federal lawsuits opposing President Donald Trump’s barrage of executive orders and policy statements. Some of his actions have been put on hold by the federal courts, at least temporarily.

    As a scholar of the federal courts, however, I expect the courts will be of limited help in navigating through this complicated new political landscape.

    One problem is that the U.S. Supreme Court in recent years has moved sharply to the right and has approved of past efforts to expand the powers of the presidency. But the problem with relying on the courts for help goes beyond ideology and right-leaning justices going along with a right-leaning president, as happened in Trump’s first term.

    One challenge is speed: The Trump administration is moving much faster than courts do, or even can. The other is authority: The courts’ ability to compel government action is limited, and also slow.

    And that doesn’t even factor in statements by Trump, Vice President JD Vance and “special government employee” multibillionaire Elon Musk. All three have indicated that they are open to ignoring court rulings and have even threatened to seek the impeachment of judges who rule in ways they don’t like.

    President Donald Trump and multibillionaire Elon Musk are working together to restructure the U.S. government.
    Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    Speed

    Musk has been put in charge of White House efforts to cut government services, both in spending amount and reach.

    Constitutional law is clear: The executive branch cannot, on its own, close or shut down a federal agency that has been established by Congress. That is Congress’ job. But Trump and Musk are trying to do so anyway, including declaring that the congressionally established U.S. Agency for International Development will be shut down and turning employees away from the agency’s offices in Washington, D.C.

    The administration’s strategy, it seems, is the longstanding tech-company mantra: “move fast and break things.” The U.S. courts do not – and by design cannot – move equally quickly.

    It can take years for a case to wind its way through the lower courts to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. This is by design.

    Courts are deliberative in nature. They take into account multiple factors and can engage in multiple rounds of deliberation and fact-finding before reaching a final ruling. At every stage, lawyers on both sides are given time to make their cases. Even when a case does get to the Supreme Court – as many of these lawsuits likely will – it can take months to be fully resolved.

    By contrast, Trump’s and Musk’s actions are happening in a matter of days. By the time a court finally resolves an issue that happened in late January or early February 2025, the situation may have changed substantially.

    Volunteers hand out USAID flour at the Zanzalima Camp in Ethiopia in 2021.
    J. Countess/Getty Images

    For an example, consider the effort to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development. In the space of a week, the Trump administration put most of USAID’s workers on administrative leave and halted USAID’s overseas medical trials, which included pausing potentially lifesaving treatments.

    As of this writing, a district judge has temporarily blocked the order putting USAID workers on leave. But even if the courts ultimately conclude several months from now that the Trump administration’s actions regarding USAID were unlawful, it might be impossible to reconstitute the agency the way it used to be.

    For instance, many workers may have been demoralized and sought other employment. New personnel would have to be recruited and trained to replace them. Contracts that were terminated or invalidated or expired would have to be renegotiated. And the countries and communities that had received help from USAID might be less committed to the renewed programs, because of concerns services could be cut off again.

    Breadth

    When Republicans disagreed with any of Joe Biden’s executive actions – for example, his student debt forgiveness plan – they went to federal court to obtain nationwide injunctions stopping the implementation of the plan.

    But injunctions will not be as helpful given Trump’s recent playbook. A court blocking one order isn’t enough to stop the administration from trying different tactics. In 2017, courts blocked the first two versions of Trump’s ban on travel to the U.S. from majority-Muslim countries – but ultimately allowed a third version to take effect. And if an attack on one agency is blocked, the administration can try similar – or different – tactics against other agencies.

    The strategy of moving fast and breaking things is successful if the other side – or even the process of repair – can’t keep up with all the different strategies. Courts can be part of the strategy to preserve the Constitution, but they cannot be its only defenders.

    Authority

    John Marshall served as the nation’s fourth chief justice, from 1801 to 1835.
    Painted by Henry Inman, via Wikimedia Commons

    Researchers have argued that court-issued injunctions mostly work to stop the government from doing something, not to compel the government into doing something. Judges are already expressing concern that the Trump administration may fail to comply with orders to stop funding freezes.

    For instance, a federal district judge in Massachusetts has ordered the government not only to refrain from implementing changes to federal research grant funding but to provide evidence to the court that it was complying with the court’s order, immediately and every two weeks until the case is decided.

    Another federal judge has already found the administration failed to abide by a court order – but so far has not imposed any consequences on Trump, the administration or other officials.

    It’s unclear whether Trump would obey Supreme Court rulings against him, either. On the campaign trail, Trump’s running mate JD Vance said, “When the courts stop you, stand before the country like Andrew Jackson did and say, ‘The chief justice has made his ruling, now let him enforce it.’” He also recently remarked that “Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power,” hinting at strong opposition to rulings the administration disagrees with.

    All this doesn’t mean the courts are useless, nor that people shouldn’t sue to challenge actions they deem illegal or unconstitutional. The courts – and the Supreme Court in particular – exist in part to arbitrate power disputes between Congress and the presidency. As Chief Justice John Marshall said in his landmark 1803 Marbury v. Madison ruling, “It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.”

    But the courts alone will not be sufficient. The courts are like an antibiotic on a cut, helping healing and staving off further infection. They cannot keep a grievously wounded patient alive. For this, a robust political strategy is necessary. It is in all Americans’ hands collectively to make sure that the constitutional structure is not just enforced, but also sustained.

    Maya Sen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why federal courts are unlikely to save democracy from Trump’s and Musk’s attacks – https://theconversation.com/why-federal-courts-are-unlikely-to-save-democracy-from-trumps-and-musks-attacks-249533

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Introduces Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill, Secures Wins for WA Environment & Tribes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.12.25
    Cantwell Introduces Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill, Secures Wins for WA Environment & Tribes
    Bill would authorize USCG “Whale Desk” for additional 2 years to help ships steer clear of Puget Sound Orcas and other whales
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 that would reauthorize $30.45 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
    “This legislation prioritizes the Coast Guard’s most important asset—the men and women of the Coast Guard, and their families,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The bill drives much needed reforms that will help prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment throughout the Coast Guard, including establishing confidential reporting, strengthening protective orders, expanding access to care for victims, and stronger accountability for leadership. Admiral Fagan made great progress during her term, and the next Commandant will need to continue to be a steady force that stands up for service members.
    “The bill also establishes a new Vice Admiral dedicated to improving recruitment, health care and child care for members. The bill also increases funding for core Coast Guard missions such as shipbuilding and cracking down on illegal fishing and drug smuggling.”
    Among many important provisions, the legislation includes historic protections for sexual assault and harassment, boosts workforce development programs and availability of affordable housing, increases funding to help U.S. Coast Guard deliver on critical priorities such as icebreakers and 52-foot heavy-weather lifeboats, raises penalties for abandoned and derelict vessels, and encourages more collaboration with Tribes.
    The legislation authorizes $14.93 billion for FY25 and $15.51 billion for FY26. The full bill text of the bipartisan U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is available HERE. 
    Sen. Cantwell secured language for programs critical to Washington state in the legislation. Among those provisions, her bipartisan legislation:
    Expands Affordable Housing Opportunities: Allows the Coast Guard to acquire housing that is available both on the market and in new housing construction programs. This is particularly important in coastal areas — like Cape Disappointment, Grays Harbor, and Port Angeles — where Coast Guard families face a difficult time accessing affordable, quality housing due to competition with seasonal rentals and other challenges associated with remote units. This bill also expands the Coast Guard’s ability to enter into long-term leases for medical facilities, child development centers, and training facilities to expand access to services for Coast Guard families while reducing administrative overhead expenses and allowing for additional improvements to these facilities.
    Increases Federal Funding to Deliver on Icebreakers and Heavy Weather Lifeboats: The legislation increases authorized funding by 30% compared to 2024 appropriated funding levels, which will help the Coast Guard deliver on critical priorities such as polar icebreakers, 52-foot heavy-weather lifeboats, and other priority acquisition programs.
    Seattle will be home for the Coast Guard’s fleet of 3 polar icebreakers.
    Sen. Cantwell recently toured U.S. Coast Guard Station Disappointment, where the future fleet of heavy-weather lifeboats will be homeported to support search and rescue missions, which is critical to safety of people working in the fishing and maritime sector in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. In 2023, Sen. Cantwell secured a downpayment of $12 million to replace the heavy-weather boats in the 2023 Appropriations Act.
    Creates the First-Ever Tribal Advisor: Creates a new senior position within the Coast Guard to advise the Commandant and other Coast Guard leaders on how the Coast Guard can work more closely with Tribes. The new Special Advisor would also be charged with ensuring the Coast Guard upholds trust responsibilities to tribal governments, improving tribal engagement and consultation activities, and ensuring that Tribes have a voice on Coast Guard programs that impact tribes including oil spill preparedness and response, fisheries oversight, and the protection of natural resources.
    Boosts Local Tribal Partnerships to Improve Conservation: Provides the Coast Guard with new authorities to support habitat conservation and other resilience projects with state, local, and tribal governments. This important new authority would ensure tribes and other organizations can partner with the Coast Guard to protect treaty fishing rights and maintain access to cultural and natural resources.
    Reauthorizes the Whale Desk: Extends the Whale Desk at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound by two years, through FY2028. Authored by Senator Cantwell in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2022, the “Whale Desk” at Sector Puget Sound gives vessel operators and mariners near real-time data about the location of whales to reduce encounters that disturb whales, including noise pollution and ship strikes. The pilot program also includes a “hotline” where callers can report whale sightings in real time. The data collected will be valuable for researchers who track whale migration patterns.
    According to the Coast Guard, 75 whale sightings have been reported to the Sector Puget Sound Whale Desk since its opening in December 2023.
    Sen. Cantwell helped celebrate the launch of the Whale Desk in February 2024. Photos and videos are available HERE and HERE.
    Supports the Commercial Fishing and Maritime Industries: Continues to authorize the use of a satellite tracking system to mark fishing gear locations, which ensures gear is not lost and avoids potential damage by derelict gear. It also supports fishing vessels engaging in temporary towing operations as part of salmon hatchery development in Alaska.  The bill also creates new training and credentialing opportunities for qualified mariners, veterans, and the general public seeking to become mariners. It also expedites processing times for merchant mariner licensing documents to help close this critical workforce gap.
    Maps Arctic Maritime Routes: The Bering Sea is expected to see increased fishing, commercial, and other vessel traffic over the coming decades. As a key international trade and maritime route, this bill requires an analysis of projected traffic in the Bering Strait, and the emergency response capabilities and infrastructure needed to support this increased vessel traffic and prevent oil spills in the Bering Sea and the Arctic.
    Boosts International Pacific Cooperation: Requires the Coast Guard to develop a plan to increase international training opportunities in the Pacific, including with the Taiwan Coast Guard. This coordination will strengthen American relations, combat illegal fishing, and boost international security in the Pacific.
    Cracks Down on Abandoned Vessels: Improves oversight of derelict and abandoned vessels by requiring the Coast Guard to develop and maintain an inventory list of these vessels to improve tracking, management, and coordination between federal, state, tribal, and other relevant entities. It authorizes a new federal penalty of $500 a day for abandoning vessels.
    Abandoned and derelict vessels pose unique and costly threats to coastal communities and ecosystems by leaking pollutants and imperiling marine traffic. According to the WA Department of Natural Resources, DNR removed 319 derelict and abandoned boats from Washington state waterways 2021-2023.
    Protects Personnel from Illicit Drug/Fentanyl Exposure: As the Coast Guard carries out important drug interdiction missions to stop the flow of illegal drugs, this bill requires all installations to maintain a supply of naloxone or similar medication to treat opioid or fentanyl overdoses or exposure by Coast Guard members and the public in search and rescue or response calls.
    Require Stronger Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention and Response: The bill would establish or update numerous Coast Guard and Academy authorities and programs to improve reporting, oversight, prevention, and accountability related to sexual misconduct. These provisions were drafted in response to Operation Fouled Anchor, which revealed gross mishandling of sexual assault and sexual harassment cases of U.S. Coast Guard personnel.
    A full breakdown of these protections is available HERE.
    Supporting Coast Guard Families Stationed in Washington:
    Creates the First Vice Admiral of Personnel: To support the more than 40,000 active service members, the bill establishes a new Vice Admiral leadership position solely focused on supporting the needs of personnel and their families, from housing to health care, investments in childcare, and improving recruitment and training programs.
    Jump Starts Hiring of Health and Family Service Providers Across Entire Service: Provides direct hiring authority to swiftly fill more than a hundred vacancies, including behavioral and mental health professionals, medical specialists, childcare service providers, housing supervisors, criminal investigators, and other positions to protect the health and wellbeing of Coast Guard members and their families. It also adds two new telemedicine rooms at the Coast Guard Academy.
    Improves College-to-Service Career Pathways: Updates the College Student Pre-Commissioning Program to allow more colleges and universities to participate and to increase recruitment of students interested in commissioning into a Coast Guard career. 
    Prepares Tsunami Evacuation Plans: Requires the development of tsunami evacuation and preparedness plans for Coast Guard units in tsunami zones, including across the West Coast and Pacific Northwest. It also requires the Coast Guard to consider vertical evacuation as a lifesaving option for Coast Guard members.
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    Supports NOAA Corps Officers: To support the hundreds of NOAA’s commissioned officers, the bill makes improvements to personnel management, education assistance programs, pilot recruitment programs, and more. NOAA Corps members help manage maritime research, support disaster response, and monitor weather forecasting including hurricanes and atmospheric rivers, as well as performing other cutting-edge weather forecast and research needs.
    Modernizes NOAA Vessel Fleet: Authorizes replacement and modernization of the NOAA research vessel fleet and improves oversight of the fleet, which helps maintain our nation’s weather and scientific buoy network, conducts fisheries research, maps the ocean floor including in the Arctic, and supports other important oceanographic and conservation priorities.
    Removes Aging NOAA Vessels: Allows NOAA to use the proceeds of obsolete vessel sales to support the acquisition or repair of other NOAA vessels to help make the fleet more resilient in the future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular – RC-B10-0126/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    pursuant to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10‑0126/2025 (PPE)
    B10‑0128/2025 (Verts/ALE)
    B10‑0131/2025 (Renew)
    B10‑0134/2025 (S&D)
    B10‑0135/2024 (ECR)

    Sebastião Bugalho, Željana Zovko, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Gabriel Mato, David McAllister, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Leire Pajín
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Carlo Fidanza, Alberico Gambino, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Assita Kanko, Mariusz Kamiński, Marlena Maląg, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ivaylo Valchev, Jadwiga Wiśniewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bernard Guetta, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Document selected :  

    RC-B10-0126/2025

    Texts tabled :

    RC-B10-0126/2025

    Texts adopted :

    European Parliament resolution on repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    (2025/2547(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Nicaragua,

    – having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas since 2018, the Nicaraguan regime has systematically, repeatedly and arbitrarily persecuted human rights defenders (HRDs), opposition and religious representatives, among others; whereas over 5 600 NGOs have been dissolved, including religious groups – mainly Catholic – and their assets confiscated;

    B. whereas imprisoned political opponents, along with HRDs, have been expelled from the country, stripped of their nationality and deprived of their political rights; whereas since 2018, 245 members of the clergy have been arbitrarily arrested or expelled, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez, Sakharov Prize finalist;

    C. whereas in January 2025, the regime passed a constitutional reform that eliminates the separation of powers and political pluralism, establishing an Ortega-Murillo co-presidency that controls all branches of government, independent institutions and the media, and ignores adherence to international human rights conventions and treaties;

    1. Strongly condemns the Ortega-Murillo regime’s widespread, systemic human rights violations against its population, democratic opposition, students, civil society organisations (CSOs) and its persecution of religious leaders, primarily Catholic; urges the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, and the restoration of the rule of law and the legal status of all organisations, freedoms and the rights of exiled individuals, including their safe return; insists that these are essential conditions for any prospect of meaningful dialogue;

    2. Denounces the use of statelessness and exile as a weapon against dissenting voices; reiterates the need to end restrictions on civic space and to respect the right to dissent;

    3. Calls on the Ortega-Murillo regime to reverse its constitutional reform and all repressive laws institutionalising totalitarianism, to fully respect its international human rights obligations, and to implement the recommendations made by the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua; calls for its mandate to be extended;

    4. Calls for the EU to include specific guarantees of human rights compliance when allocating EU funds, including through multilateral and financial institutions, and to ensure that the funds do not contribute to strengthening the Ortega-Murillo regime;

    5. Highlights the key role played by CSOs, HRDs, the Catholic Church and journalists in Nicaragua; calls for the EU to reinforce its regular dialogue with them, including those in exile, to support their vital work, as well as countries receiving migrants fleeing Nicaragua, such as Costa Rica;

    6. Calls on the Member States, in accordance with the Rome Statute, to open investigations through the International Criminal Court into the Ortega-Murillo regime for crimes against humanity;

    7. Reiterates its demand that the democratic clause of the EU Association Agreement be triggered; rejects any prospect of holding any parliamentary dialogue with members of Nicaragua’s regime-controlled National Assembly;

    8. Reiterates its call to expand the list of sanctioned individuals to include Ortega, Rosario Murillo and their inner circle;

    9. Calls for the immediate extradition of Alessio Casimirri to Italy;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission, the VP/HR, the Member States and the Nicaraguan authorities.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 18 February – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Meeting of the DEVE Committee 18 February | Highlights | Home | DEVE | Committees | European Parliament

    Debates:

    • Exchange of views with Jakub Wiśniewski, Undersecretary of State on the priorities of the Polish Presidency;
    • Consideration of the draft report on Financing for development – ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville;
    • Consideration of draft opinion and exchange of views on BUDG draft report on a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world;
    • Exchange of views with David Miliband CEO of the International Rescue Committee’s 2025 Emergency Watchlist;
    • Exchange of views with UNDP on the State of play of the implementation of the SDGs;
    • Exchange of views with the UN Resident Coordinator, UNODC and Human Rights Watch (HRW) on the humanitarian, security and development situation in Haiti, jointly with the Subcommittee on Human Rights and in association with the Delegation to the Caribbean-EU Parliamentary Assembly.

    Votes:

    • DEVE opinion on the 2023 discharge of the general budget of the EU related to the Commission

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Delivers Opening Remarks at HFAC Roundtable with Families of Hostages Held by Hamas

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast delivered opening remarks at a bipartisan roundtable with family members of hostages being held by Hamas following the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel.

    WATCH HERE

    -Remarks as delivered –

    Good morning. Thank you for taking the time to be with us today.

    I have some formal remarks to give, but I think – given what occurred yesterday with the return of Marc Fogel and what will occur today – I think it puts us all in a little bit more hopeful light. We know that we are in a different time, a different place, and a different commitment on behalf of the United States of America than what we’ve experienced in the past. I think that’s something that gives every single one of us hope. It should give us all hope. It gives me more hope because I do know the commitment of President Trump, and his commitment is that we don’t leave our men behind.

    I want to thank you all for being here today. And, formally, I do want to congratulate President Trump for securing the release of Marc Fogel from Russian captivity. As I just stated, President Trump has a commitment of leaving no man behind. It’s important to reflect on that. President Trump is showing that when an Americans are being wrongfully detained abroad, the U.S. government will move Heaven and Earth to get them back. That is a stark difference from what Marc had experienced before that.  

    We know that we have Americans and our allies being detained abroad by Hamas in Gaza. I welcome you families who have come here to D.C. to share your stories with us.

    I think we all know that there was a bit of a blizzard that took place last night here in Washington and there were questions by a number of individuals – shouldn’t we cancel this roundtable? How can we expect people to come in for this with the snow on the ground? And the response to everybody that had a question was simple: How could we say to any one of you that have individuals being detained in unfathomable conditions that we can’t do something simply because of a little white powder on the ground? And I thought it was just a interesting place to really put in to perspective how we take things for granted in our First World situation that we live in each and every day, that are nothing, nothing compared to what your families have had to go through.  

    I can only imagine the pain that you and your loved ones, who are held hostage, are experiencing. I can’t put myself into that situation and I pray to God I never have to.

    Sixteen months after the brutal October 7 massacre, Hamas still holds dozens of innocent people hostage in Gaza, including six Americans.

    We remember each one of them, and we will not rest until they are all safely brought home and Hamas is eradicated.

    Today, we will have the opportunity to hear from the family members of six hostages being held by Hamas.

    We have Ronen Neutra with us – Orna Neutra, Ilana Gritzewsky, Moshe Lavi, Daniel Lifshitz, Gal Dalal, and Ilay David. Thank you all for being with us today. And you will all have the opportunity to introduce yourselves more thoroughly.

    Congress and the world must hear from each of you because there are individuals in Washington and across the globe who will deny, and they will whitewash, and they will simply ignore what has taken place. It’s up to us to make sure that does not take place.

    They will make excuses for the terrorists who raped and slaughtered 1,200 innocent Israelis and Americans on October 7th. They will make excuses for the animals who continue to hold Americans hostages in Gaza right now as we speak.

     There is no path to ending this conflict without the release of hostages. The purpose of our meeting today is to keep their freedom at the top of the agenda. We need to bring them home now.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Phil Scott Announces Departure of Tax Commissioner Craig Bolio, Appoints Bill Shouldice as Tax Commissioner

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt – Governor Phil Scott today announced Commissioner Craig Bolio will be leaving his role leading the Department of Taxes at the end of the week and has named Bill Shouldice as the new commissioner of the Department of Taxes.

    Bolio joined the Tax Department in 2011 and was appointed commissioner in 2019. During his time at the Department of Taxes, Bolio prioritized improving accessibility and outcomes for Vermonters when interfacing with the Department.

    “Craig has been an effective leader at the Department of Taxes and a valuable member of my team,” said Governor Phil Scott. “As commissioner, he has helped us navigate through many challenges we’ve faced as a state. I’m appreciative of his service to the Tax Department and wish him well.”

    “My 14 years with the Vermont Department of Taxes has been an immensely rewarding and fulfilling experience. I’ve had the luxury of being able to serve in a number of different roles at Tax, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the last five as Commissioner,” said Commissioner Bolio. “I thank Governor Scott for his trust in me and our Department to help Vermonters navigate the frequently complicated, sometimes scary, but ultimately necessary world of taxes. I know the team at Tax will continue to thrive as they move forward.”

    Bill Shouldice IV, a lifelong Vermonter, will serve as the next commissioner of the Department of Taxes. Shouldice most recently served as President and CEO of The Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Prior to that, Shouldice served as the president and CEO of The Vermont Country Store. He also served as secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development under Governor Howard Dean. Shouldice’s first job was working at his mother’s business, The Country Store, which was located for many years on Main Street in Montpelier before closing its doors in the early 2000s.

    “Bill has a strong background in leadership both in the private sector and in government as well,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I believe his experience will be an asset to the Tax Department as we continue our efforts to make Vermont more affordable.”

    “It is an honor to serve the great state of Vermont. I am fortunate to take over a department that has been well run by dedicated employees.  That allows me, my team and the rest of Governor Scott’s cabinet to focus on what matters most to Vermonters: a stable and predictable state that is affordable for this and future generations,” said Shouldice.

    Shouldice earned his Bachelor of Science in political science from Merrimack College. He also attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University. His appointment is effective February 18, 2025.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Clearcover Launches Reciprocal Insurance Exchange to Expand Non-Standard Auto Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clearcover, a next-generation insurance company, announces the launch of Clearcover Inter-Insurance Exchange (CIX), a reciprocal exchange designed to extend the company’s reach into the non-standard auto market.

    CIX represents a groundbreaking step in Clearcover’s strategy to enhance profitability, drive growth, and redefine the auto insurance experience. Initially launching in Illinois, the exchange is set to scale its operations to additional markets in the near future.

    “Launching CIX marks a turning point as we continue to redefine auto insurance,” said Clearcover CEO and Co-founder Kyle Nakatsuji. “By broadening our market focus and harnessing our tech-driven platform, we’re empowering more customers and agents while delivering unmatched efficiency and competitive pricing.”

    The company recently began expanding its appetite to provide insurance solutions to a broader range of customers in Texas through Clearcover General Agency (CGA). Together, these initiatives highlight Clearcover’s drive to create flexible, customer-centric offerings that align with evolving market needs.

    Key Benefits Include:

    1. Expanded Reach

    • Agents can serve a broader range of customers, including those with inconsistent insurance histories, foreign licenses, or fewer than three years of driving experience.

    2. Maximized Earnings

    • Competitive commission structures enable agents to grow their sales pipelines by connecting more drivers to affordable and personalized insurance solutions.

    3. Advanced Technology

    • AI-powered tools are designed to empower customers with seamless self-service capabilities and streamline agent workflows.

    Delivering Value Through Subscriber Participation

    CIX is structured as a reciprocal exchange, providing enhanced value to its policyholders, known as ‘subscribers.’ As a reciprocal exchange, subscribers participate in forming and owning part of CIX, which in turn may keep premiums lower as member contributions accrue and offset operating expenses.

    A Strategic Path to Sustainable Growth

    With the launch of CIX and the Texas-based MGA, Clearcover unlocks new revenue streams while strengthening its commitment to innovation in a competitive and evolving industry.

    For more information about Clearcover, visit Clearcover.com.

    About Clearcover
    Clearcover is a next-generation insurance company that provides customers with market-leading technology solutions needed to confidently make smart decisions at every step. Clearcover challenges the status quo with hassle-free products and services that redefine what it means to put the customer first, delivering affordable car insurance with one of the industry’s fastest claims experiences. Founded in 2016 by Kyle Nakatsuji and Derek Brigham, Clearcover includes: Clearcover Insurance Company, Clearcover Insurance Agency and Clearcover General Agency. In 2025, Clearcover began operating a reciprocal exchange, Clearcover Inter-Insurance Exchange (“CIX”). Ranked on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies list and the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list, Clearcover has raised more than $560 million in funding to date. The company was featured on Insurance Business America’s 2024 Top Insurance Employers list, CNBC’s 2024 World’s Top Insurtech Companies and Forbes’ 2025 America’s Best Insurance Companies. For more information, visit Clearcover.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A new report card shows inequality in Australia isn’t as bad as in the US – but we’re headed in the wrong direction

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Allen, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University

    Shutterstock

    It’s hard to remember a time the United States seemed as tense and divided as it does today. That should serve as a stark reminder of just how important it is to monitor the health of our own nation.

    Today, our new report card on Australia’s progress will be launched in Canberra. It assesses progress on 80 economic, social and environmental targets and models a range of policy shifts that could boost progress.

    We find that progress on more than half of these targets has either stagnated or is going backwards. And growing inequalities threaten the wellbeing of many Australians.

    Our report comes on the heels of America’s own State of the Nation report, which puts the US near the bottom of global rankings on inequality, violence, trust and polarisation.

    The situation in Australia is not yet as dire. However, our results signal a need to start thinking long-term and take bold action on inequality to avoid a similar fate.

    Not an A+ student overall

    Our report draws on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to select a broad and balanced set of 80 economic, social and environmental indicators.

    Each of our indicators can be grouped under one of these 17 goals and includes a 2030 target. We use this target to evaluate progress and allocate “traffic lights” that tell us about the direction in which the country is moving.

    We also benchmark Australia against peer nations from the OECD, including the US.

    The overall outlook for Australia is mixed. We aren’t completely on track to meet any of the 17 SDGs. And on some indicators, Australia is actually going backwards, away from the target.

    Many areas of concern centre on increasing inequality. These include:

    • a 30% decline in the share of wealth held by the bottom 40% of Australians since 2004
    • almost 20% of Australians living in financial stress
    • over 40% of lower-income renter households living in housing stress
    • household debt levels now exceed Australia’s annual gross domestic product (GDP).

    There are also some broader economic concerns. Australia’s level of investment in innovation is nearly 40% below OECD averages. Economic complexity – which measures the sophistication and diversity of what our economy produces – has fallen behind Honduras, Armenia and Uganda.

    And there’s been a rapid decline in education outcomes for students from lower socio-economic groups.

    Shining in some areas

    On the other hand, Australia is on track and actually leading our peers in life expectancy, road fatalities, tertiary education, water efficiency and government debt.

    We’re also above average on closing gender gaps in both income and political representation. Australia also has very low homicide rates and high feelings of safety and trust compared to our peers.

    Australia has made some progress on gender equality.
    Andrii Zastrozhnov/Shutterstock

    In some key areas, Australia is actually trending rapidly towards SDG targets.

    The gender gap in superannuation, for example, has fallen from 53% in 2014 to 21% in 2021.

    The share of renewable electricity in our national energy grid has climbed to 35% and greenhouse gas emissions are steadily falling.

    And rates of unemployment, underemployment and youth unemployment have all declined to within or closer to SDG target levels of below 5-6%.

    How does the US compare?

    America’s State of the Nation report, which tracks progress on a range of similar measures to our report, paints a bleak picture.

    There are only four measures where the US performs in the top 20% of high-income countries – economic output, productivity, years of education and long-term unemployment.

    Compared to Australia, the US outperforms us on average per-capita income, investments in research and development and knowledge-based capital, economic complexity, household debt and broadband connection speeds.

    But despite their apparent economic success, mental health and life satisfaction have deteriorated. Social connections are fraying with increased social isolation, polarisation and eroding trust.

    Tragically, suicide rates, fatal overdoses and shootings have increased.

    Far worse on some measures

    In areas where Australia is also trending backwards, things in the US are often far worse.

    Income and wealth inequality, for example, are much higher in the US. The top 1% of Americans hold around 35% of wealth – compared to 24% for the top 1% of Australians.

    US welfare payments are almost 90% below the poverty line and the poverty rate is 30% higher than in Australia. Yet US government debt as a share of GDP is almost double that of Australia.

    This stark contrast suggests America’s approach to pursuing material prosperity is undermining social wellbeing, with rising inequalities fuelling social tensions and polarisation.

    Bold action needed

    For the first time, our new report models two future scenarios for Australia, exploring policies that reverse negative trends and accelerate progress towards SDG targets by 2050.

    Our modelling shows that with increased policy ambition, Australia can halve poverty and reduce income inequality by a third. We can also boost health, education and productivity, improve biodiversity, and deliver net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

    To do it, we’d need to increase public investment by around 7% a year over 10 years in key areas such as education and health, disaster resilience, sustainable food, energy and urban systems and the natural environment.

    Our modelling shows that with these measures, Australia could achieve 90% of our Sustainable Development Goal targets by 2050.

    Without them, our future prosperity is projected to stagnate and decline by 2050, reaching just 55% progress towards our targets and with GDP around A$300 billion lower than our more ambitious scenario.

    There’s a famous aphorism that in the long run, economic productivity is almost everything. The social fissures in the US despite a strong economy would suggest otherwise.

    Australia should take note and take action to ensure the long-term sustainable prosperity of our nation.

    Cameron Allen receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    John Thwaites is Chair of Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Climateworks Centre which receive funding for research, education and action projects from the Commonwealth and state governments as well as from philanthropy and industry. He is a former Deputy Premier of Victoria (1999 – 2007)

    – ref. A new report card shows inequality in Australia isn’t as bad as in the US – but we’re headed in the wrong direction – https://theconversation.com/a-new-report-card-shows-inequality-in-australia-isnt-as-bad-as-in-the-us-but-were-headed-in-the-wrong-direction-249579

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Why Does the Moon Look Larger at the Horizon? We Asked a NASA Expert

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

    Ever noticed how the Moon seems HUGE when it’s near the horizon but smaller when it’s overhead? Trick of the eye or something more? Scientists have debated this for 2,000+ years, and we still don’t have a definitive answer! Find out what we do know and learn more about the Moon illusion: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/the-moon-illusion-why-does-the-moon-look-so-big-sometimes/

    Link to download this video: coming soon

    Scott Bednar, Pedro Cota, Jessica Wilde
    Editor: James Lucas

    Credit: NASA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuxWyIe8TIc

    MIL OSI Video –