NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Agencies Support Super Bowl LIX Security

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Agencies Support Super Bowl LIX Security

    lass=”text-align-center”>Continuing a 20+ Year Partnership, More Than 690 DHS Employees Work to Protect Estimated 73,000 Fans Attending the Big Game 
    WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to New Orleans this week to observe DHS security operations for Super Bowl LIX. More than 690 employees representing 12 DHS agencies are in New Orleans, providing air security resources; venue, cyber, and infrastructure security assessments; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives detection technologies; intelligence analysis and threat assessments; intellectual property enforcement; and real-time situational awareness reporting as part of a 20-year partnership with the National Football League and state and local law enforcement.
    “Around 100,000 people will be celebrating the Super Bowl in and around the Superdome in New Orleans this weekend,” said Secretary Noem. “We will give law enforcement every resource they need to ensure a safe event. Thank you to our partners, Governor Landry, Mayor Cantrell and the New Orleans Police Department. If you see something, say something!”
    “Since day one, we have stood steadfast in our mission: to protect what matters most,” said Eric DeLaune, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Special Agent in Charge and lead federal coordinator for Super Bowl LIX. “From securing critical infrastructure to providing real-time threat analysis, we are committed to safeguarding our communities. With over 690 DHS personnel deployed, we bring cutting-edge security resources and technologies to ensure every aspect of this event is protected.” 
    DHS has assessed this year’s Super Bowl as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event. For more information, visit the SEAR Fact Sheet webpage. Although no specific, credible threats related to this year’s game have been identified, the U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment, as evidenced by the recent terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
    DHS security efforts for Super Bowl LIX include the following:

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP): Air and Marine Operations (AMO) will enforce temporary flight restrictions around Caesars Superdome, providing “eye in the sky” intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flight operations in and around key venues, including the Superdome, airport, Bourbon Street and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Additionally, CBP will provide video surveillance capabilities and non-intrusive inspections by scanning the cargo entering the stadium for contraband such as narcotics, weapons, and explosives. CBP will also work to intercept counterfeit NFL merchandise such as NFL jerseys, championship rings, T-shirts, caps and all sorts of souvenirs and memorabilia, which are often used to fund criminal organizations.
    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI): An HSI Special Response Team is standing by to provide interior stadium tactical support, and HSI’s special agents will support will also CBP, local law enforcement agencies, and other private partners in identifying an investigating any flea markets, retail outlets, street vendors and online marketplaces selling counterfeit goods during the week leading up to the Super Bowl to protect consumers, who are expected to spend over $16.5 billion nationwide. HSI will also oversee the coordination of DHS assets with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure essential public safety measures and resources are in the right place, at the right time. 
    Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): On Super Bowl Sunday, CISA will also deploy advisors and emergency communications coordinators to support local law enforcement, emergency responders, and private partners in New Orleans. Ahead of the event, the agency conducted physical and cybersecurity vulnerability assessments, planning exercises, and bomb safety workshops with state and local partners. 
    Office of Intelligence &Analysis (I&A): I&A worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assess the threat landscape leading up to the Super Bowl, including sharing timely and actionable information and intelligence with their state and local partners.
    Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD): CWMD provided surge support from its Mobile Detection Deployment Program and its BioWatch program in coordination with the City of New Orleans.
    U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): USCG Pacific Strike Team is supporting the Mobile Detection Deployment Program to bolster DHS’s ability to detect and interdict chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, and Canine Explosive Detection teams will support the safety and security of the event.
    Transportation Security Administration (TSA): A TSA Supervisory Federal Air Marshal will staff the Fusion Watch Center during the event, and will use its National Deployment Force to increase the number of transportation security officers working at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to screen the increased number of departing passengers after the Super Bowl. TSA’s explosive detection canines and Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams will also work during Super Bowl week events at key venues.
    Science & Technology Directorate (S&T): S&T will deploy easy-to assemble, expandable security barriers that can be installed quickly to provide critical asset protection and intrusion prevention.
    Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA will help keep fans safe by providing communication tools for state and local responders.
    DHS Blue Campaign: This public awareness campaign is disseminating digital and out-of-home advertising in the New Orleans area to raise human trafficking awareness among visitors, local residents, and those working in industries, such as hotels, hospitality, and transportation, where frontline employees are more likely to be in a position to identify and report human trafficking. The campaign’s Blue Lightning Initiative is also partnering with Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to raise awareness and train staff to recognize and report human trafficking.

    DHS reminds the public that “If You See Something, Say Something®” is more than a slogan. It is a call to action to report suspicious terrorism-related activity. Follow DHS’s security efforts on X: @DHSgov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Approves Additional $1.3 Million for Emergency Work Following Florida’s Hurricanes

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Approves Additional $1.3 Million for Emergency Work Following Florida’s Hurricanes

    FEMA Approves Additional $1.3 Million for Emergency Work Following Florida’s Hurricanes

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FEMA has approved an additional $1.3 million to reimburse Florida communities for emergency work after Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. This includes: $935,244 for Marion County for debris removal (Milton).$118,386 for Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for Emergency Protective Measures (Milton).$45,745 for Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for Emergency Protective Measures (Helene).$4,374 for Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc. for Emergency Protective Measures (Debby).$3,208 Dixie District School Board for debris removal (Debby).$7,698 for the City of Newberry for debris removal (Debby).$25,551 for the City of Newberry for Emergency Protective Measures (Debby).$7,377 for the Unity Church of Sarasota, Inc. for Emergency Protective Measures (Debby).$170,095 for St. Johns County for Emergency Protective Measures (Debby).To date, FEMA Public Assistance has provided $1.04 billion for Hurricane Milton, $416.1 million for Hurricane Helene and $112.6 million for Hurricane Debby. The money reimburses the state, local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures and debris removal. FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides reimbursement to local and state government agencies for the costs of emergency response, debris removal and restoration of disaster damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance.For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    despina.pappas
    Mon, 02/03/2025 – 22:04

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Combustor Facilities

    Source: NASA

    Combustion studies are conducted in this two-test position facility specifically in support of the NOx-reduction research for the High Speed Research program and the Advanced Subsonic Technology program. CE-5B-1 is large enough to test sector arrangements of injector elements to include interactions of the elements and single larger elements. The facility receives filtered combustion air from the 450-psig system. The air is heated in a 1,100°F non-vitiated heater at flows up to 20 lb/s, which can be valved to either test stand. The airflow passes through the test section, is water spray quenched, and is then discharged to the altitude exhaust system or the atmospheric exhaust system. The facility preheater consists of a heat exchanger fired by four J-47 burner cans using natural gas for a fuel and the 40-psig combustion air. The research hardware uses ASTM Jet-A, JP-5, or JP-8 as a fuel. 
    CE-5B-1 Special Features
    In addition to inlet and exit rakes and standard instrumentation, water-cooled gas sampling rakes are in the downstream section. Particulate measurements are taken at the exit of the combustion section. Optical accessibility of the combustor section allows never-before-possible nonintrusive laser-based diagnostics of the reacting and non-reacting flowfield. These include such techniques as planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) imaging, Planar Mie scattering, Phase/Doppler particle analysis (PDPA), focused Schlieren imaging, and light sheet photography. Both rigs share the gas analysis, particulate analysis, and diagnostics equipment. 
    CE-5B Facility Capabilities (typical of both rigs)

    Parameter
    Operating Value

    Inlet Air Supply Pressure
    450 psig

    Inlet Air Temperature
    100°F, preheated to 350-1,350°F

    Inlet Airflow Stand 1 Stand 2 
    20 lb/s (available) 0.5 to 12.0 pps 0.5 to 5.0 pps

    Exhaust
    Atm or 20-26 in. Hg

    Rig Pressure Without Windows Stand 1 Stand 2
    275 psig 400 psig

    Rig Pressure With Windows Stand 1 Stand 2
    250 psig 275 psig

    Rig Fuel (JP-8) Flow
    7 gpm @ 400-900 psig (three legs per stand)

    Window Cooling GN2 (4 legs)
    0.125 to 0.5 pps (each leg) 

    Cooling Water
    150 gpm @ 460 psig 250 gpm @ 395 psig 50 gpm @ 350 psig 15 gpm @ 55 psig

    CE-5B-1 System Instrumentation

    System
    Number and Type

    ESP
    96 Ports of + 500 PSID Barometric Ref

    Escort
    240 Channels 154 Available to the Customer

    Thermocouples
    156 Type K 24 Type B 12 Type W 524 Type R

    Gas Analyzers
    HC – 1,000 ppm 1% & 5% CO – 2,000 ppm 5% CO2 – 5%, 10%, 20% O2 – 25% NO – 100 ppm, 1,000 ppm 1% NOx –

    Laser
    PLIF, Raman

    CE-5B-2 is one of the two test stands in the CE-5B facility. It can be configured to study lean-premixed-prevaporized (LPP) and lean-direct-injection (LDI) concepts for developing a low-NOx combustor for high-speed research and advanced subsonic applications. The non-windowed combustion flame tube can use a 3-inch square cross section or a 3-inch-diameter round section and has six ports available for gas sampling probes. The windowed combustion flame tube takes advantage of the flat walls on a 3-inch square cross section to install optical windows for non-intrusive measurements. Tests are conducted with combustion air inlet pressure ranging from 10 to 15 atmospheres with preheater and exhaust conditions described for CE-5B-1. 
    CE-5B-2 Special Features 
    The same laser-based non-intrusive diagnostics of reacting and non-reacting flowfields described for test position CE-5B-1 are available to this test section. A typical data acquisition system is used for both test positions in CE-5B. In addition, most of the optical diagnostic instruments have their own data acquisition systems.
    CE-5B Facility Capabilities (typical of both rigs)

    Parameter
    Operating Value

    Inlet Air Supply Pressure
    450 psig

    Inlet Air Temperature
    100°F, preheated to 350-1,350°F

    Inlet Airflow Stand 1 Stand 2 
    20 lb/s (available) 0.5 to 12.0 pps 0.5 to 5.0 pps

    Exhaust
    Atm or 20-26 in. Hg

    Rig Pressure Without Windows Stand 1 Stand 2
    275 psig 400 psig

    Rig Pressure With Windows Stand 1 Stand 2
    250 psig 275 psig

    Rig Fuel (JP-8) Flow
    7 gpm @ 400-900 psig (three legs per stand)

    Window Cooling GN2 (4 legs)
    0.125 to 0.5 pps (each leg) 

    Cooling Water
    150 gpm @ 460 psig 250 gpm @ 395 psig 50 gpm @ 350 psig 15 gpm @ 55 psig

    CE-5B-2 System Instrumentation

    System
    Number and Type

    ESP
    96 Ports of + 500 PSID Barometric Ref

    Escort
    240 Channels 154 Available to the Customer

    Thermocouples
    148 Type K 24 Type B 48 Type R

    Gas Analyzers
    HC – 1,000 ppm 1% & 5% CO – 2,000 ppm 5% CO2 – 5%, 10%, 20% O2 – 25% NO – 100 ppm, 1,000 ppm 1% NOx –

    Laser
    PLIF, Raman

    Test Cell CE-13 Combustion and Dynamics Facility (CDF) is used to investigate ways to reduce NOx and particulate emissions from air-breathing aircraft engines. This low-pressure (1-5 atm) facility is used to study fuel-air injection schemes and how they affect fluid mixing, emissions, dynamics, and flame stability. Jet-A fuel is the primary fuel, but candidate alternate jet fuels and their effects are also studied. Standard measurements consist of major species and dynamic pressures. Some optical measurements available are high-speed video, standard and time-resolved 2D PIV, planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF), and chemiluminescence imaging.

    CE-13C Special Features
    Research hardware is designed to flow vertically downwards. Preheated air is fed to the inlet air stream conditioner and then to the fuel injector. Fuel at room temperature is fed separately to the injector. The mixed hot air and fuel mixture moves to the combustor where combustion can be observed via customized windows. The products of combustion flow through an emission sampling ring and choke nozzle/straight outlet pipe. The fuel system consists of a 25-gallon fuel tank, a pump, and a GN2 purge. A separate laser room operates various class 3B and 4 lasers (UV, Vis, NIR) to characterize fuel injection, combustor flow, and measure combustion species.
    CE-13C Facility Capabilities

    Parameter
    Operating Value

    Inlet Air Pressure
    Ambient to 75-psia

    Inlet Air Temperature
    Ambient to 1,000°F

    Inlet Airflow
    0.0 – 1.0 pps

    Jet Fuel Supply
    CKT 1 6.9-140 pph @ 1,000-psig CKT 2 1 – 13.1 pph @ 1,000-psig 

    Exhaust
    Atmospheric

    Peripheral H2O Cooling
    54-gpm @ 100-pisg

    Quench Cooling
    11-gpm @ 500-psig

    CE-13C System Instrumentation

    System
    Number and Type

    Labview
    64 voltage/current channels 32 temperature channels 10 voltage/current channels available to the customer 30 temperature channels available to customer

    Optical and Laser
    PLIF, Raman, PIV, droplet sizing, chemiluminescence, temperature, time-resolved imaging

    Gas Analyzers
    CO – 1,000 ppm, 5,000 ppm CO2 – 5%, 15% O2 – 25% NO – 100 ppm, 1,000 ppm NOx – 100 ppm, 1,000 ppm HC –  100 ppm, 1,000 ppm 

    The SE-5 High-Pressure Combustion Diagnostics (HPCD) laboratory is a gas- and liquid-fueled high-pressure flame tube facility with single-element fuel injection burners and emission sampling ports for advanced diagnostics development and national standard calibrations. The facility provides large-aperture optical access to the primary reaction zone (flame holding) through four UV-grade fused silica optical windows (44-mm-thick by 85-mm clear apertures located around the periphery) enabling non-intrusive optical diagnostics such as laser Raman spectroscopy or high-speed imaging to measure chemical species and temperature. The HPCD rig can operate at sustained pressures up to 30 atm (or 60 atm with limited flow rate) with a variety of gaseous fuels, liquid jet fuels, and oxidizers, including hydrogen, methane, oxygen-argon, and pure oxygen. The innovative microtube array burner or micro-radial-entry counter-swirl (MRX) burner is mounted inside the air-cooled high-temperature liner casing within the rig. The burner was designed to provide a uniform combustion product zone downstream of the flame for calibrating the laser diagnostic system. The facility is also used for bench-mark tests of emission gas and particulate matters (PM) sampling. The data from the HPCD rig enables the validation of numerical codes such as powered by advanced CFD that simulate gas turbine combustors. All aspects of the facility operation, including startup, shutdown, and automatic safety shutdowns, are controlled and monitored via an icon-based touch-screen software system and a most-updated programmable logic controller (PLC) in conjunction with a precision DEWETRON data acquisition system. The HPCD rig can also provide a pressure vessel for prototype thermal or combustion hardware of a customer’s choice.
    SE-5 Special Features
    The facility is unique because it is the only continuous-flow, hydrogen-capable 60-atm rig in the world with optical access. It will provide researchers with new insights into flame conditions that simulate the environment inside the ultra-high pressure-ratio combustion chambers of tomorrow’s advanced aircraft engines.
    SE-5 Facility Capabilities

    Parameter
    Operating Value

    Cooling Capacity
    4,000,000 BTU/hr

    Equivalence Ratio Variance
    0.2 (fuel very lean) – 4 (fuel rich)

    Fuel Flow Rate
    Limited by cooling capacity, e.g., 2 GPH of n-heptane

    Operating Pressure
    30 atm nominal, 60 atm max

    Cooling Airflow
    0.25 lbm/s max

    Quenching Airflow
    0.20 lbm/s max 

    SE-5 System Instrumentation and Diagnostics

    System
    Number and Type

    Pressure Transducers and Thermocouples
    Custom

    DEWETRON DAQ
    Custom

    Emission Gas Sampling (Exhaust)
    NO, NOx, SOx, O2, CO, CO2

    Particulates Sampling (Exhaust)
    Mass (TSI), counter (TSI), In-line sensor (GRC in-house)

    Laser Raman Spectroscopy (In Flame)
    Custom

    In-situ Soot Detection
    Extinction measurements

    The Particulate Aerosol Laboratory (PAL) studies aerosols at simulated upper atmospheric conditions with altitudes up to 55,000 feet at -135°F. Altitude chamber environment and burner settings are individually controlled, creating a multitude of test parameters and a dynamic testing environment. The PAL facility is designed around a small-scale jet exhaust nozzle and altitude chamber and takes full advantage of its reduced size for screening of various alternative fuels, additives, and other combustion concepts. This makes PAL the ideal facility for validating the advancement of such research to the next phase. 
    Combustion fuel operation capabilities include alternative fuel additive mixing in real-time mode with switching between a baseline fuel and an alternative fuel while maintaining a continuous combustion flame. Heated bypass air is available with optional external burner and associated piping heating up to 1,000°F. Additionally, PAL is enhancing its cloud simulation capability with real-time atmospheric water vapor content readings and on-demand direct liquid injector vaporizers for high purity 100% fluid vaporization.

    SE-11 Special Features 
    Particulate emission sample extraction taking at burner rear section. Chamber equipped with windows and fused silica lenses providing optical access for non-intrusive optical diagnostic Mie scattering and color video imaging. Particulate size and number density measurements are accomplished with absorption measurements and forward, back, and side scattering. Video capability of both burner flame and altitude chamber contrails. Optical measurement plane location relative to the chamber nozzle exit is adjustable.
    SE-11 Facility Capabilities

    Parameter
    Operating Value

    Burner Fuel Flow Rate
    .2 – 9.9 ml/min various liquid fuels

    Burner Air
    -Filtered and dried -Downstream heated or non-heated bypass air available to ≤1,000°F

    Burner EGT
    ≤1,000° F

    Particle Sizing Range
    2.5-1,000 nm

    Particle Size Distribution Concentration Range
    10-107 particles/cm³

    Aerosol Particle Size Range
    .75-10 nm

    Gas Composition Analyzer
    CO – CO₂ – O₂

    Optic Light Source
    300W Xenon Lamp

    Optic Video
    -32-bit Color -16-bit Monochrome, -Frame rate: 15fps

    Optic Detectors
    Selection of Various Spectrometers and Photodiodes

    NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland provides ground test facilities to industry, government, and academia. If you are considering testing in one of our facilities or would like further information about a specific facility or capability, please let us know.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Awards Contract for Airborne Science Flight Services Support

    Source: NASA

    NASA has awarded Dynamic Aviation Group Inc. of Bridgewater, Virginia, the Commercial Aviation Services contract to support the agency’s Airborne Science Program. The program provides aircraft and technology to further science and advance the use of Earth observing satellite data, making NASA data about our home planet and innovations accessible to all.
    This is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum potential value of $13.5 million. The period of performance began Friday, Jan. 31, and continues through Jan. 30, 2030. 
    Under this contract, the company will provide ground and flight crews and services using modified commercial aircraft, including a Beechcraft King Air B200 and Beechcraft King Air A90. Work will include mechanical and electrical engineering services for instrument integration and de-integration, flight planning and real-time tracking, project execution, as well as technical feasibility assessments and cost estimation. Aircraft modifications may include instrumented nosecones, viewing ports, inlets, computing systems, and satellite communications capabilities. 
    This work is essential for NASA to conduct airborne science missions, develop and validate earth system models, and support satellite payload calibration. NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley will administer the agency-wide contract on behalf of the Airborne Science Program in the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
    To learn more about NASA and agency programs, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Rachel HooverAmes Research Center, Silicon Valley, Calif.650-604-4789rachel.hoover@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Presses Forward Search for VIPER Moon Rover Partner

    Source: NASA

    To advance plans of securing a public/private partnership and land and operate NASA’s VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission on the Moon in collaboration with industry the agency announced Monday it is seeking U.S. proposals. As part of the agency’s Artemis campaign, instruments on VIPER will demonstrate U.S. industry’s ability to search for ice on the lunar surface and collect science data.
    The Announcement for Partnership Proposal contains proposal instructions and evaluation criteria for a new Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership. Responses are due Thursday, Feb. 20. After evaluating submissions, any selections by the agency will require respondents to submit a second, more detailed, proposal. NASA is expected to make a decision on the VIPER mission this summer.
    “Moving forward with a VIPER partnership offers NASA a unique opportunity to engage with the private sector,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Such a partnership provides the opportunity for NASA to collect VIPER science that could tell us more about water on the Moon, while advancing commercial lunar landing capabilities and resource prospecting possibilities.”
    This new announcement comes after NASA issued a Request for Information on Aug. 9, 2024, to seek interest from American companies and institutions in conducting a mission using the agency’s VIPER Moon rover after the program was canceled in July 2024.
    Any partnership would work under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. This type of partnership allows both NASA and an industry partner to contribute services, technology, and hardware to the collaboration.
    As part of an agreement, NASA would contribute the existing VIPER rover as-is. Potential partners would need to arrange for the integration and successful landing of the rover on the Moon, conduct a science/exploration campaign, and disseminate VIPER-generated science data. The partner may not disassemble the rover and use its instruments or parts separately from the VIPER mission. NASA’s selection approach will favor proposals that enable data from the mission’s science instruments to be shared openly with anyone who wishes to use it.
    “Being selected for the VIPER partnership would benefit any company interested in advancing their lunar landing and surface operations capabilities,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration in the Science Mission Directorate. “This solicitation seeks proposals that clearly describe what is needed to successfully land and operate the rover, and invites industry to propose their own complementary science goals and approaches. NASA is looking forward to partnering with U.S. industry to meet the challenges of performing volatiles science in the lunar environment.”
    The Moon is a cornerstone for solar system science and exoplanet studies. In addition to helping inform where ice exists on the Moon for potential future astronauts, understanding our nearest neighbor helps us understand how it has evolved and what processes shaped its surface. 
    To learn more about NASA’s lunar science, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/moon
    -end-
    Karen FoxHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100karen.fox@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Extends Application Deadline for North Carolinians Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Extends Application Deadline for North Carolinians Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    FEMA Extends Application Deadline for North Carolinians Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    HICKORY, N.C. – At the request of the state of North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene survivors now have until March 8, 2025, to apply for assistance with FEMA.With the extended deadline, FEMA still strongly urges survivors to apply as soon as possible. After the deadline of March 8, you may still submit documents, update your contact information and stay in contact with FEMA regarding your application, but you must apply before the deadline.FEMA assistance may include funds for temporary housing such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to support the repair or replacement of a primary home, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other miscellaneous items.Homeowners and renters in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with uninsured losses from Tropical Storm Helene may apply for FEMA assistance.There are several ways to apply:  Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to find the center location nearest you go to fema.gov/drc.   Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and midnight. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
    joseph.arbid
    Mon, 02/03/2025 – 20:49

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Station Science Top News: Jan. 31, 2025

    Source: NASA

    Seeds survive space

    Researchers found that plant seeds exposed to space germinated at the same rate as those kept on the ground. This finding shows that plant seeds can remain viable during long-term space travel and plants could be used for food and other uses on future missions.
    Materials International Space Station Experiment-14 exposed a variety of materials to space, including 11 types of plant seeds. The work also evaluated the performance of a new sample containment canister as a method of exposing biological samples to space while protecting their vigor.
    Examining mechanisms of immune issues in space

    Using genetic analyses, researchers identified molecular mechanisms that cause changes in mitochondrial and immune system function seen during spaceflight. The findings provide insight into how the human body adapts in space and could guide countermeasures for protecting immune function on future missions.
    International Space Station Medical Monitoring collects a variety of health data from crew members before, after, and at regular intervals during spaceflight. Evaluations fall into broad categories of medical, occupational, physical fitness, nutrition, and psychological or behavioral and include blood tests. Mitochondria are cell organelles that produce energy.
    Reducing vision changes in space

    Microgravity can cause changes in eye structure and function. Researchers found that artificial gravity may reduce these changes and could serve as a countermeasure to protect the vision of crew members on future missions.
    Previous studies provide evidence that artificial gravity may protect against or mitigate negative effects of microgravity. An investigation from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in collaboration with NASA’s Human Research and Space Biology Programs, Mouse Habitat Unit-8 looked at the long-term effects of spaceflight on gene expression patterns in mammals. More research is needed to identify the effects of other spaceflight stressors and determine what level and duration of gravitational force is needed to prevent or reduce damage to the retina or optic nerve.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stacking Artemis II

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s iconic “worm” insignia stands out in this photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025, as engineers and technicians prepared to lift the left center center booster segment for the agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. The boosters will help support the remaining rocket components and the Orion spacecraft during final assembly of the Artemis II Moon rocket and provide more than 75 percent of the total SLS thrust during liftoff from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    Get more Artemis II news.
    Image credit: NASA/Frank Michaux

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Leads All Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats IN Letters Demanding Answers From FBI, DOJ Nominees, Acting Attorney General, And Acting FBI Director On Trump Administration Forcing Out DOJ And FBI Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 03, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in letters to President Trump’s nominee to be the Attorney General of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Pam Bondi; nominee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel; nominee to be Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche; as well as the Acting Attorney General,  James McHenry; and Acting FBI Director, Brian Driscoll, about the removal or reassignment across DOJ and FBI of career law enforcement officials. Last week, the Trump Administration reportedly purged dozens of DOJ and FBI officials involved in prosecuting Donald Trump and the January 6 rioters and is now threatening additional action against thousands of employees across the country who worked on investigations related to the attack on the Capitol.

    In addition to Durbin, the letters were signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

    The Senators wrote, “We have grave concerns about the removal or reassignment across the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of senior career civil servants who have served honorably under multiple administrations, regardless of the President’s party. The removals and reassignments from their positions of a significant number of experienced, nonpartisan Department officials with invaluable national security expertise without any comparable replacements one day into the second Trump Administration presents an alarming threat to national security. As many as 20 senior Department officials were reassigned or removed, including the veteran career deputy assistant attorneys general in the Department’s National Security Division.”

    The Senators continued, “Our alarm has only grown in the past two weeks as this purge of experienced career prosecutors and agents has expanded to include the removal or forced retirement of all six Executive Assistant Directors (EADs), including the EADs who oversee the National Security Branch, Intelligence Branch, and the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch; as well as the Assistant Directors and the Special Agents in Charge of at least four major field offices. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered these actions in a January 31, 2025 memo, stating, ‘I do not believe the current leadership of the Justice Department can trust these FBI employees to assist in implementing the President’s agenda faithfully.’ Similarly, more than a dozen senior Department prosecutors were fired after receiving memos from Acting Attorney General McHenry stating: ‘Given your significant role in prosecuting the President, I do not believe that the leadership of the Department can trust you to assist in implementing the President’s agenda faithfully.’ Retaliating against these career public servants who were simply doing the work assigned to them is outrageous and unacceptable.”

    Over the weekend, thousands of FBI personnel across the country were asked to complete a questionnaire by today, Monday, February 3, at 3pm. The survey asks for their job title, whether they worked on a case related to the January 6th attack on the Capitol, “if they were involved in the arrest of a Jan. 6 suspect, if they testified at a trial, if they interviewed witnesses, if they conducted surveillance on suspects and more.” It has also been reported that the Acting FBI Director is being advised by an advisory committee comprised of partisan political operators, including an Elon Musk affiliate. This is a stark departure from the longstanding tradition that the FBI Director is the only political appointee in the Bureau.

    “As America faces a heightened threat landscape, these shocking removals and reassignments deprive DOJ and the FBI of experienced, senior leadership and decades of experience fighting violent crime, espionage, and terrorism. As the FBI Agents Association stated in response to reports about the removal of FBI officials: ‘Dismissing potentially hundreds of Agents would severely weaken the Bureau’s ability to protect the country from national security and criminal threats and will ultimately risk setting up the Bureau and its new leadership for failure,’” the Senators wrote. “Moreover, the firing of dozens of federal prosecutors and hundreds of agents will cripple FBI field offices and U.S. Attorney’s offices across the country. We can only assume these decisions are intended to prevent the Department from investigating national security and public corruption, while also serving as political retribution against the President’s perceived enemies and stoking fear among the dedicated and talented workforce in our nation’s premier law enforcement agency.”

    In the letter, the Senators state that the Senate Judiciary Committee has a constitutional obligation to perform oversight over the Department and its components, and to provide advice and consent on the nominations of officers to lead it. To that end, they request various information to be returned to the Committee in response to the removal of FBI and DOJ officials. They also request answers from these individuals about their involvement.

    The full letter to AG nominee Pam Bondi can be found here.

    The full letter to FBI Director nominee Kash Patel can be found here.

    The full letter to Deputy AG nominee Todd Blanche can be found here.

    The full letter to Acting AG McHenry and Acting FBI Director Driscoll can be found here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union: While Tariffs Pause, U.S. and Canadian Workers Should Have Seat at Table

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement following a pause of proposed U.S.-Canadian tariffs.

    “As the largest aerospace and defense labor union in the United States and Canada, the IAM Union is relieved that destructive tariffs between our two allied countries are being paused. A new path forward—one that doesn’t put U.S. and Canadian workers in a needless cycle of worrying about job loss due to tariff threats between allies—is possible. This moment offers the perfect opportunity for workers and unions from both countries to be a part of the solution moving forward. 

    “For decades, we have seen millions of good-paying, high-skilled U.S. and Canadian jobs outsourced to countries with little to no labor rights. Thanks to bad trade deals, tens of thousands of good IAM Union aerospace and defense jobs have become low-wage jobs in Mexico, while China has used forced technology offsets to create its own aerospace industry. This race-to-the-bottom model is being replicated by other bad actors across the globe – and it’s hurting all workers, as well as our shared national security. 

    “We have a chance right now to pull all stakeholders – government, business and labor – together to forge a real, comprehensive strategy to protect and grow critical manufacturing here in the United States and Canada. Workers on the both sides of the border deserve to drive policy conversations about their livelihoods, not be pawns in a larger political discussion.”  

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Stonecrop Meadows in Middlebury for Groundbreaking 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Welch nominated the project for federal funding through Congressionally Directed Spending Process 
    MIDDLEBURY, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Vermont Governor Phil Scott, community members, and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Stonecrop Meadows in Middlebury. The new housing project will provide rental and owner-occupied housing at all income levels. Senator Welch nominated Stonecrop Meadows for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 CDS process, which is currently in-progress.  
    “Ambitious initiatives like the Stonecrop Meadows project are essential to tackle our housing challenges in Vermont and across the country. I’m excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of this community-driven project, which I nominated to receive Congressionally Directed Spending. I’ll continue to fight for passage of this upcoming budget to ensure these funds make it to this critical project,” said Senator Welch. 

    The Stonecrop Meadows project is being built on 35 acres of Middlebury College-owned land off Seminary Street Extension. Phase 1, called the “Core Village” will be 80 units. At full buildout, this project will create 254 new homes. 
    Sen. Welch was joined by Vermont Governor Phil Scott; Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak; Alex Farrell, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD); Maura Collins, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA); Gus Seelig, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB); Representatives from Middlebury College; community members; and Representatives from the Offices of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Becca Balint (VT-At-Large).   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on Nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement on the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI):

    “After extensive consideration of her nomination, I will support Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence. As one of the principal authors of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that established this coordinating position, I understand the critical role the DNI plays in the Intelligence Community. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, however, has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size. In response to my questions during our discussion in my office and at the open hearing, as well as through her explanation at the closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ms. Gabbard addressed my concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden. I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins’ Statement on Pause of Canadian Import Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement on the White House’s decision to pause proposed tariffs on all Canadian imports:

    “I am pleased that the Trump Administration is pausing the tariffs on Canada to evaluate the economic impact on both our nations. In my many conversations with Administration officials over the weekend, I sought to make them aware of the potential costs of these tariffs. From home heating oil, gasoline, and petroleum products, to Maine’s paper mills, forest products businesses, and agricultural producers, the proposed tariffs on Canada would be detrimental to Maine families and our local economies. As the Administration assesses next steps, I’ll work to ensure Mainers have a seat at the table.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan about the situation in the Middle East.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and His Majesty King Abdullah II welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, the continued release of hostages, and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    The leaders spoke of the ongoing instability in the West Bank and, in discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Prime Minister thanked the King for his continued leadership in improving Palestinians’ access to aid. He also highlighted Canada’s recent commitment to providing $50 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to address the acute needs of Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank.

    The two leaders discussed the situation in Syria, following the end of the Assad regime in December. The Prime Minister welcomed Jordan’s role in providing assistance to Syria. He also emphasized Canada’s commitment to supporting the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance in Syria and the development of a stable and inclusive government for the people of Syria. The leaders expressed their shared support for an inclusive Syrian-led political governance structure for the country.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and His Majesty King Abdullah II reaffirmed the strong partnership between Canada and Jordan and agreed to remain in close contact as the situation continues to evolve.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

    Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated President Aoun on his recent election, noting it is a moment of hope and opportunity for Lebanon and its people. The two leaders discussed the importance of respecting the ceasefire along Lebanon’s southern border and of supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The leaders underscored that the people of Lebanon deserve to live in peace and security. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that Canada will always stand with the Lebanese people.

    The Prime Minister and the President highlighted the close co-operation and the strong people-to-people ties between Canada and Lebanon. They agreed that their shared values and priorities will carry forward this relationship in the years to come.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA President: America’s students would pay the price for Trump’s latest gift to billionaires

    Source: US National Education Union

    By: Eric Jotkoff

    Published: January 31, 2025

    National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement reacting to Donald Trump’s expected Executive Order pushing to end the Department of Education – his latest extreme action that hurts our students and public schools: 

    “Most of us believe every student deserves opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, the color of their skin, or how much their family earns.  

    “Congress created the Department of Education, and only Congress has the power to end it. And the vast majority of Congress – including 60 House Republicans – rejected gutting public education last session, knowing it would only hurt students and is deeply unpopular with parents and educators. 

    “Students across the country benefit from programs run by the Department of Education, especially lower-income students in rural, suburban, and urban communities, students who qualify for federal grants or loans to receive career training or attend 2- and 4-year colleges, and students with disabilities. 

    “If it became a reality, Trump’s power grab would steal resources for our most vulnerable students, explode class sizes, cut job training programs, make higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle class families, take away special education services for students with disabilities, and gut student civil rights protections. Americans did not vote for, and do not support, ending the federal government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for every child. 

    “This comes just days after an Executive Order designed to drain resources from our public schools through vouchers. The intent is clear: starve our public schools of the resources our students need and funnel these resources to discriminatory and unaccountable private schools or tax cuts for billionaires who funded his campaign.   

    “90% of American students and 95% of students with disabilities learn in our public schools. Eliminating the Department of Education is equivalent to giving up on our future. Strong public schools are essential to strong communities. Our students need more opportunities, more resources, and greater protections, not less. 

    “Educators won’t be silent as anti-public education politicians try to steal opportunities from our students, our families, and our communities across America. Together with parents and allies, we will continue to organize, advocate, and mobilize so that all students have well-resourced schools that allow every student to grow into their full brilliance.”  

    -###-

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Memphis Man Sentenced for Stealing 166 Firearms and for Possession of a “Switch”

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – Kaderion Stokes, 19, was recently sentenced to federal prison for theft of firearms and possession of a machinegun.  Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to the information presented in court, on September 9, 2023, approximately 166 firearms were stolen from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) business in Atoka, Tennessee.  An Atoka Police officer was patrolling the area when he observed a GMC Sierra pick-up truck in the parking lot of the business.  As the officer approached the truck, the truck fled at a high rate of speed.  Officers discovered that the truck was stolen and had rammed the front of the business crashing into the interior of the store.  Several items were taken from the store, including firearms.  Stokes was later developed as a suspect.  In October 2023, Stokes was arrested by local law enforcement in Memphis on unrelated charges while in possession of two of the stolen firearms from the FFL business.

    After a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Stokes, a federal arrest warrant was issued and the United States Marshals Service arrested Stokes at an apartment in Memphis.  Stokes was found in possession of a firearm with a machinegun conversion device or a “switch.”  Subsequently, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Stokes for possessing the “switch” as well as charges associated with the theft of firearms.

    On October 31, 2024, Stokes pled guilty in federal court and on January 29, 2025, Senior United States District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Stokes to 87 months of federal imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Atoka Police Department.  The United States Marshals Service and the Memphis Police Department assisted.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Marques Young and Eileen Kuo, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Raven Icaza, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated it.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures 17-Year Sentence in Child Exploitation Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo, New Mexico man was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison today for systematically sexually exploiting a minor through text messages and social media communications.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, between February 1, 2021, and April 1, 2021, Dustin Rockmen, 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, sent text and Facebook communications to a minor under the age of 18 to persuade her to engage in illegal sexual acts. Rockmen engaged in repeated sexual acts with the victim, threatened her in order to get her to continue engaging in sexual acts with Rockmen, distributed an image of the victim engaged in a sexual act with Rockmen, and sent pornographic material to the victim.

    Upon his release from prison, Rockmen will be subject to five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: TRUMP’S CHINA IMPORT TARIFFS AND MASSIVE OCEAN FREIGHT RATE INCREASES DUE TO RED SEA CONFLICT IS PERFECT STORM FOR US SHIPPERS

    Source: Xeneta

    Oslo, Norway – 3 February 2025 – A delay in tariffs on Mexico imports does little to ease the pain for US shippers still facing a 10% hike on tariffs from China in addition to massive increases in ocean container freight rates due to conflict in the Red Sea.

    Latest data from Xeneta – the ocean and air freight intelligence platform – shows average spot rates from China stand at USD 4 816 per FEU (40ft container) to the US West Coast and USD 6 264 per FEU in to the US East Coast.

    This is an increase of 196% and 157% respectively since the escalation of conflict in the Red Sea in December 2023 and is in addition to tariffs on all China imports coming into effect on 4 February.

    Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst, said: “US Shippers are being hit by wave after wave of disruption and spiralling costs to import goods.

    “They have already faced massive increases in ocean container freight costs due to conflict in the Red Sea and now they are hit with a 10% hike in tariffs on imports from China.

    “You struggle to see how a business can absorb these costs without increasing prices for the end consumer. Given more than 40% of total containerized imports into the US come direct from China, that is a lot of businesses and a lot of consumers who will be affected.

    “A delay in tariffs on Mexico is welcome news but it does nothing to ease concerns over the re-igniting of the US-China trade war, which represents risk at a different order of magnitude.”

    Sand added that shippers have very few options available to deal with the tariff threat.

    He said: “When Trump announced tariffs on China back in 2018, there was a period of time in which shippers could rush as many imports as possible and build up stock inventories before they came into effect.

    “This time Trump has imposed tariffs almost immediately so if shippers haven’t taken action by now, it’s already too late. Shippers may well look at shifting supply chains out of China into nations such as India or South East Asia, but this takes time, financial investment and deep understanding of market data and intelligence.

    “The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas raised the prospect of a better year for shippers in 2025 if a large scale return of container ships to the Red Sea sees freight rates fall. Trump’s latest move has dented those hopes because any gains a shipper makes through lower freight rates will be more than offset by a 10% increase in tariffs.

    “If China retaliates and we enter another escalating trade war, an already very bad situation will get even worse for US importers.”

    About Xeneta

    Xeneta is the leading ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform transforming the shipping and logistics industry. Xeneta’s powerful reporting and analytics platform provides liner-shipping stakeholders the data they need to understand current and historical market behavior—reporting live on market average and low/high movements for both short and long-term contracts. Xeneta’s data is comprised of +500 million contracted container and air freight rates and covers over 160,000 global ocean trade routes and over 58,000 airport-airport connections. Xeneta is a privately held company with headquarters in Oslo, Norway and regional offices in New Jersey, US and Hamburg. To learn more, please visit www.xeneta.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

    Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed the announcement last month regarding a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas, which Qatar took a leading role in negotiating. He thanked the Amir for Qatar’s leadership in mediating this deal and for its efforts toward facilitating a path toward peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to thank the Amir on behalf of Canada for Qatar’s critical work in negotiating for the safe release of Mr. David Lavery from Afghanistan.

    The leaders discussed areas of common interest and the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Qatar. They underscored the importance of working together to advance dialogue and peace across the Middle East, particularly considering the ongoing developments in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.

    Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada’s latest efforts in the region, including the recently announced $50 million in humanitarian assistance for Syria. The leaders discussed the Amir’s visit to Syria last week and the urgent humanitarian and development work required, noting their shared support for an inclusive Syrian-led political governance structure.

    The leaders reflected on the excellent bilateral relationship between Canada and Qatar and agreed to remain in contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Brown, 11 state attorneys general warn federal employees about misleading buyout offer

    Source: Washington State News

    OLYMPIA — Attorney General Nick Brown today joined a coalition of 12 state attorneys general warning federal employees about President Donald Trump’s misleading “deferred resignation” program, which purports to offer federal employees pay through Sept. 30 if they resign by Feb. 6.

    “I urge federal employees from Washington state, or those working in our state, to contact their union if they are curious about this so-called buyout offer,” Brown said. “When I was a U.S. attorney, I saw firsthand the important and needed public services that federal employees provide. These shameless attacks on our federal workforce by a lawless president must stop.”

    On Jan. 28, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to millions of federal employees detailing a new deferred resignation program. Employees were told that if they accept the offer and resign, they would continue receiving all pay and benefits, and be exempt from in-person work requirements until Sept. 30. OPM sent another email to federal employees reiterating the offer and urging them to find “higher productivity” jobs outside of government. The OPM emails instructed employees that they have until Feb. 6 to decide to remain in their position or resign under the deferred resignation program, and warned that those who did not resign were not guaranteed to keep their jobs.

    Immediately following OPM’s email, unions representing federal employees warned their members against accepting the offer. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employees union, released information for its members warning them that employees who accepted the offer were not guaranteed its benefits. The National Federation of Federal Employees similarly warned its members against accepting the offer.

    Joining Brown in strongly recommending caution to federal employees are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Vermont.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bocana Resources Corp. Announces Grant of Stock Options

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bocana Resources Corp. (TSXV: BOCA) (Frankfurt: VC1) (the “Company“) announces that it granted 1,800,000 stock options to directors and officers, with each stock option entitling the holder to purchase one common share of the Company for $0.10 on the following terms:

    Expiry date Vesting date Number of
    stock options
    January 30, 2030 January 30, 2025 1,200,000
    March 31, 2030 March 31, 2025 150,000
    June 30, 2030 June 30, 2025 150,000
    September 30, 2030 September 30, 2025 150,000
    December 31, 2030 December 31, 2025 150,000
        1,800,000
     

    About Bocana Resources Corp.

    Bocana is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in South America. Bocana, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Huiracocha International Service SRL, holds a 100% working interest in the mineral properties known as the Escala area concessions located at the Department of Potosi, Sud Lipez Province, Bolivia as awarded by Comibol.

    Contact Information
    For more information on Bocana, visit: https://bocanaresources.com.

    For more information or interview requests, please contact:
    Timothy J. Turner – Chief Executive Officer
    info@bocanaresources.com

    This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Angel Moms Send POWERFUL Message to President Trump: ‘Thank You for Listening to My Cry’

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

    “President Trump, thank you. Thank you for listening to my cry. I’m so encouraged about these next four years.” –Patty Morin (Mother of Rachel Morin)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyNuXrHNR6E

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy reintroduces bill to keep administrative state in check, ensure agency regulation oversight

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today reintroduced the Bureaucratic Limitation and Overreach Control (BLOCK) Act to establish guardrails for executive agencies’ major rulemaking.
    The bill would lower the economic impact requirements of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) for major rules from $100 million to $50 million per year. Rules that the Comptroller General predicts meet or exceed the threshold would require a joint resolution of approval by Congress before the they could go into effect. 
    “Bureaucratic rulemaking has run rampant and is burdening Americans with too many costly regulations. My BLOCK Act would make sure that Congress keeps the administrative state in check,” said Kennedy. 
    The BLOCK Act would permit a major rule to go into effect if the president determined that it is necessary for national security or disaster response but would still require congressional approval within 15 session days. The rule would become invalid if a joint resolution of approval had not passed within the timeframe.
    Six months after the bill becomes law, every federal agency would have to submit 20% of the major rules that it currently had in effect to Congress for approval. Following that six-month period, those agencies would have to submit another 20% of their major rules for congressional approval annually. Within five years of the bill’s enactment, Congress would have had the opportunity to approve or disapprove all major rules that were in effect when the BLOCK Act became law.
    The BLOCK Act would allow minor rules, which include those that the Comptroller General predicts would have an economic impact of less than $50 million, to go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register. Congress would still have the authority to pass a joint resolution of disapproval under the CRA to reverse minor rules that an agency had published.
    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Members Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Medicare Patients’ Access to Cancer Detection Technologies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Finance Committee member Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), with Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Finance Committee member Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), reintroduced the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act that would ensure Medicare beneficiaries’ access to cutting-edge tests capable of detecting multiple types of cancer before symptoms appear.  Bipartisan companion legislation (H.R. 842) was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    “Breakthroughs in early cancer detection can drive more effective treatments and higher survival rates,” said Crapo.  “By providing a Medicare coverage pathway for multi-cancer early detection screening tests, this bipartisan bill would ensure seniors can receive lifesaving preventive care, a crucial step in combating the chronic disease epidemic.  With strong support from patients and families across the country, I look forward to advancing this legislation across the finish line and to President Trump’s desk.”

    “I know from personal experience that early cancer detection can make all the difference,” said Bennet.  “This bipartisan legislation will help save lives by ensuring Medicare beneficiaries across the country have access to the latest, breakthrough screening technologies.”

    “It should go without question that if we have the opportunity to implement more life-saving technology for diseases like cancer, we should do it,” said Scott.  “I am glad to join my colleagues on this important legislation to expand Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection tests to save more lives.”

    “The first step to beating cancer is by detecting it sooner than later,” said Wyden.  “This bipartisan bill will help more seniors in Medicare get preventive screening that enables a wider range of treatment options when cancer is detected early.  I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis on any effort to promote cancer treatment and prevention, including the use of the most up-to-date technologies in the Medicare program.”  

    The MCED would:

    • Establish a coverage pathway under Medicare for certain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MCED tests, which can screen for dozens of cancer types, many of which currently lack an effective screening option;
    • Authorize the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved MCED screening tests, enabling beneficiaries to access these technologies, which currently lack a viable coverage pathway under the program;
    • Maintain CMS authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests; and
    • State that new diagnostic technologies will supplement existing screenings and will not impact existing coverage and cost-sharing.

    The MCED also has the support of leading healthcare organizations across the United States.  Find quotes from the organizations here.

    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Statement on Committee Advancing Vought’s Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement after the committee voted to advance Russ Vought’s nomination to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the floor.  
    “I was very pleased that Russ Vought was reported out of the Budget Committee unanimously by those in attendance — all Republicans. 
    “My Democratic colleagues decided to boycott, which is their right. The markup was short and pleasant. They were missed… Sort of.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Missouri Private Nonprofits Affected by November Storms and Tornadoes

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Missouri of the March 3, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms, tornadoes, straight‑line winds and flooding that occurred Nov. 3-9, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas, Washington and Wright.

    Under this disaster declaration, PNPs that provide services of a governmental nature are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans. Eligible PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. 

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements might include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by any disaster. 

    Interest rates can be as low 3.625%, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    PNPs are also eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the PNP suffered any physical property damage. 

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 3. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Oct. 1.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oregon Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Wildfires

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oregon of the March 3, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by wildfires that occurred July 10-Aug.23, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco and Wheeler.

    Under this disaster declaration, PNPs that provide services of a governmental nature are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans. Eligible PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements might include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by any disaster.  

    Interest rates can be as low 3.25%, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    PNPs are also eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the PNP suffered any physical property damage. 

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible. 

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 3. to return economic injury applications is Oct. 1.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Nebraska Private Nonprofits Affected by April Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Nebraska of the March 3, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, straight‑line winds and tornadoes that occurred April 25-27, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Boone, Douglas, Greeley, Howard, Sherman and Washington.

    Under this declaration, PNPs that provide services of a governmental nature and suffered financial losses related to the disaster are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    Interest rates can be as low as 3.25% with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 3.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas of the March 3, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, straight‑line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 24-27, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clay, Craighead, Crawford, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Izard, Johnson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Newton, Randolph, Searcy, Sharp, Stone and Washington in Arkansas as well as the counties of Barry, Dunklin, Howell, McDonald, Oregon, Ozark, Ripley and Taney in Missouri and Adair and Delaware counties in Oklahoma.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 3.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –