NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Virtual Guests to SpaceX Crew-11 Mission Launch

    Source: NASA

    NASA invites the public to participate as virtual guests in the launch of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.
    NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the orbiting laboratory. This is the first spaceflight for Cardman and Platonov, the fourth for Fincke, and the second for Yui.
    NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 12:09 p.m. EDT, Thursday, July 31, for launch on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. Virtual guests will receive curated resources, interactive opportunities, mission updates, and a mission-specific collectible stamp for their virtual guest passport after liftoff.
    Discover an exciting new way to collect and share passport stamps. Print one for your virtual guest passport and get an extra one, perfect for sharing or digital collecting. Don’t have a passport yet? Print one from the agency’s website and add Crew-11 to your collection.
    For more information about the Crew-11 mission, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Last Day to Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Last Day to Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Flooding

    Last Day to Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Flooding

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – Kentucky homeowners and renters who experienced damage or loss caused by the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides have until 11:59 p

    m

    today to apply for federal disaster assistance

     The deadline to apply is today

    How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceThere are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Visit any Disaster Recovery Center

    To find a center close to you, visit fema

    gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    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

    FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis

    FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs

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

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

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

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

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

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

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

     For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Fri, 07/25/2025 – 12:25

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disposable Surgical Stapler Cartridge Correction: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC Issues Correction for Endopath Echelon to Address Inadvertent Lockout During Surgical Procedures

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    This recall involve correcting certain devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction.
    Affected Product

    Product Names: Endopath Echelon Vascular White Reload for Advanced Placement Tip (35mm, 4 row); Product code VASECR35
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model: 10705036014591
    Affected Lots: 917C65, 895C93, 918C15, 938C92, 936C69, 929C38, 948C78, 990C81, 979C81, 400D82, 962C74, 506D29, 379D80, 413D56, 418D41, 419D47, 415D43, 427D07, 434D35, 442D78, 442D83, 444D96, 456D87, 455D03, 493D27, 468D88, 482D30, 502D90, 489D62, 134D80, 112D03, 155D33, 159D49, 181D11, 194D77, 125D04, 167D13, 223D59, 175D72, 234D11, 238D70, 261D10, 270D69, 317D74, 194D76, 349D54, 347D73, 317D73, 356D54, 326D66, 319D76, 338D99, 336D39, 356D53, 367D26, 378D04, 214D1

    What to Do
    Confirm that all personnel using Endopath Echelon Vascular White Reload for Advanced Placement Tip (35 mm, 4 Row), product code VASECR35, understand the Instructions for Use (IFU) for the Echelon Flex Powered Vascular Stapler (product code PVE35A).
    Scan the QR Code below or follow the link provided for a video demonstration on how to manage a device lockout. Note: Technical support can be accessed 24/7 by calling 1-877-ETHICON (1-877-384-4266) option 4.

    Watch on YouTube
    On April 22, 2025, Ethicon sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter recommending the following actions:

    Share the notification with all users of Endopath Echelon Vascular White Reload for Advanced Placement Tip (35 mm, 4 Row), product code VASECR35.
    Post a copy of this communication.
    If any subject product has been forwarded to another facility, contact that facility to share this information. 
    Complete the Business Reply Form confirming receipt of this notice within three business days.

    Reason for Correction
    Ethicon Endo-Surgery is correcting this product due to an inadvertent lockout during surgical procedures. The device will momentarily activate but will not cut or staple tissue. Additional steps will be required to open it and remove it from tissue. The device has been designed such that an instrument lockout event should not lead to patient harm. During a lockout, the device may briefly activate but will not cut or staple tissue, requiring additional steps to release and remove it safely. The knife does not advance far enough to cut, staples remain below the tissue contact surface, and a built-in gap between the anvil and staple cartridge face helps prevent vessel injury during clamping and unclamping.  
    A representative from Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC will be contacting customers to ensure familiarity with all aspects of the Echelon Flex Powered Vascular Stapler instructions for use.
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including life-threatening hemorrhage, surgical delay, and death.
    There has been one reported death and one injury related to this issue.
    Device Use 
    The Echelon Flex Powered Vascular Stapler with Advanced Placement Tip and Endopath Echelon Vascular White Reload for Advanced Placement Tip (35mm, 4 Row) reloads are sterile, single patient use devices that simultaneously cut and staple tissue. There are four staggered rows of staples, two on either side of the cut line.
    This reload is used exclusively with the Echelon Flex Powered Vascular Stapler, product code PVE35A. The instrument’s lockout feature is designed to prevent a used or improperly installed reload from being fired, or an instrument from being fired without a reload.
    Contact Information
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact the Ethicon Resource Department at 1-877-ETHICON (1-877-384-4266).
    Additional FDA Resources:

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    07/25/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Money Is Available for Personal Property Losses, Including Musical Instruments

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    ennesseans love their music! So, it is good news that musicians and other residents who had damage or losses from April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding, may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties are encouraged to apply by the Aug. 19 deadline.
    Insurance is the best means to recover after a natural disaster. FEMA assistance covers basic needs, it does not restore all disaster-related property loss. However, FEMA assistance may repair or replace disaster-damaged property if conditions meet the eligibility requirements, and the item(s) fall within any of these categories:

    Appliances: includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
    Clothing: essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination.
    Furniture: basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room.
    Tools: tools and equipment (including musical instruments) required for your job and items required as a condition of an applicant’s or household member’s education. This assistance also applies to self-employed individuals.
    Computer: funds to cover replacement of one personal or family computer. Funds for additional computers required for work or school may be approved.
    Accessibility: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property required for qualified applicants with disabilities.

    How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).
    Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance | ASL | Spanish
    Video: Next Steps After Applying for FEMA Assistance  | ASL | Spanish
    Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.
    FEMA is committed to providing equal access to federal assistance for Tennesseans who were affected by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. Anyone with an accessibility need who is applying for FEMA assistance should let FEMA know by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hubble Spies Swirling Spiral

    Source: NASA

    The swirling spiral galaxy in this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image is NGC 3285B, which resides 137 million light-years away in the constellation Hydra (the Water Snake). Hydra has the largest area of the 88 constellations that cover the entire sky in a celestial patchwork. It’s also the longest constellation, stretching 100 degrees across the sky. It would take nearly 200 full Moons, placed side by side, to reach from one side of the constellation to the other.
    NGC 3285B is a member of the Hydra I cluster, one of the largest galaxy clusters in the nearby universe. Galaxy clusters are collections of hundreds to thousands of galaxies bound to one another by gravity. The Hydra I cluster is anchored by two giant elliptical galaxies at its center. Each of these galaxies is about 150,000 light-years across, making them about 50% larger than our home galaxy, the Milky Way.
    NGC 3285B sits on the outskirts of its home cluster, far from the massive galaxies at the center. This galaxy drew Hubble’s attention because it hosted a Type Ia supernova in 2023. Type Ia supernovae happen when a type of condensed stellar core called a white dwarf detonates, igniting a sudden burst of nuclear fusion that briefly shines about 5 billion times brighter than the Sun. The supernova, named SN 2023xqm, is visible here as a blueish dot on the left edge of the galaxy’s disk.
    Hubble observed NGC 3285B as part of an observing program that targeted 100 Type Ia supernovae. By viewing each of these supernovae in ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared light, researchers aim to disentangle the effects of distance and dust, both of which can make a supernova appear redder than it actually is. This program will help refine cosmic distance measurements that rely on observations of Type Ia supernovae.
    Text Credit: ESA/Hubble

    Media Contact:
    Claire Andreoli (claire.andreoli@nasa.gov)NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $1.8M to help workers affected by layoffs at Georgia-Pacific

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $1.8 million to the Technical College System of Georgia to support employment and training services for people affected by layoffs at Georgia-Pacific LLC. 

    On May 14, 2025, Georgia-Pacific announced the permanent closure of their Cedar Springs containerboard processing mill, which will result in a mass layoff that is expected to begin Aug. 1, 2025. Georgia-Pacific estimates that 535 individuals will be impacted by the closure.

    Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, this National Dislocated Worker Grant will allow the Technical College System of Georgia to provide retraining and skills development services for dislocated workers seeking assistance in Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth counties. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $1M to support employment, assistance, for Arkansas residents affected by severe storms, flooding

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $1 million in grant funding to Arkansas for cleanup and recovery activities after severe storms caused extensive damage and flooding in April. 

    Between April 2-22, 2025, a strong weather system struck Arkansas, bringing severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding. The storm caused widespread devastation, destroying homes and businesses, displacing residents, causing utility outages, and disrupting critical public services throughout the state.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration on May 21, 2025, enabling Arkansas to request this funding. This award will assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in Dallas, Hempstead, Izard, Lafayette, Little River, Marion, Miller, Nevada, Pulaski, Searcy, and Sevier counties, and will be spread across four local workforce development areas. 

    This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services to provide residents with temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as offer employment and training services to eligible participants in affected communities.

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Nearly $2 Million Settlement with Janitorial Franchising Companies Barring Use of Franchising to Misclassify Workers

    Source: US State of California

    Settlement includes $1,700,000 in restitution for underpaid CleanNet janitorial workers 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a nearly $2 million settlement with CleanNet USA, Inc. and its four California Area Operators resolving an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office, which found that some of CleanNet’s janitorial franchisees were misclassified as independent contractors under CleanNet’s franchising model in violation of state law. CleanNet USA is a nationwide company that provides janitorial franchising and commercial cleaning services under the “CleanNet” brand name and grants franchising rights to its California Area Operators, who sell CleanNet unit franchises to individuals and entities in California and enter into franchise contracts with these unit franchisees. After the payment of an initial franchise fee, CleanNet assigns cleaning services contracts to unit franchisees, who then provide cleaning services for CleanNet’s customers. As a result of CleanNet’s unlawful misclassification of certain individual franchisees who personally performed cleaning work, these workers were denied the protections of California’s employment laws, such as the right to minimum and overtime wages, regular meal and rest periods, reimbursement of business expenses, and accurate and itemized wage statements, and were further subjected to unlawful deductions from their wages. Under the settlement, CleanNet will pay $1,700,000 in restitution and $150,000 in civil penalties and comply with injunctive terms requiring it to cease its misclassification of certain cleaners, notify all former and current workers of the settlement, and undergo monitoring for three years, among other terms. 

    “Too often, franchising is used by predatory businesses to misclassify vulnerable workers and avoid paying a fair wage and other employee benefits,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I hope this settlement sends a strong message to others in the janitorial or other sectors who might consider skirting the law to save a quick buck. My office is watching, and we won’t hesitate to enforce our employment laws.”

    Misclassification of workers occurs when an employer improperly classifies their employees as independent contractors so that they do not have to pay payroll taxes, minimum wage or overtime, or comply with other wage and hour law requirements such as providing meal periods and rest breaks. “Employees,” unlike “independent contractors,” are entitled to a wide range of rights, benefits, and protections under California law, including workers’ compensation coverage if injured on the job, the right to family leave, unemployment insurance, the legal right to organize or join a union, and protection against employer retaliation. As courts across the country have found, the use of a franchising business model does not shield companies who use these models to misclassify their workers from liability.

    Under the settlement, CleanNet USA and its four California area operators, CleanNet of Southern California, Inc. (DBA CleanNet of Southern California), D&G Enterprises, Inc. (DBA CleanNet of the Bay Area), Paqnet, Inc. (DBA CleanNet of San Diego), and FCDK, Inc. (DBA CleanNet of Sacramento), (collectively, CleanNet) will change their franchising business model, pay civil penalties, and provide restitution to their cleaners for the losses the cleaners incurred due to their unlawful deductions, failure to reimburse cleaners for their supplies, and failure to pay at least the minimum wage for all hours worked. All current and former cleaners will be notified by CleanNet with next steps to claim restitution.

    Additionally, CleanNet will preserve all documents and records necessary to demonstrate its compliance with the terms of the stipulated judgment and make those records available to the California Department of Justice for at least three years. CleanNet will also provide training to all current and future cleaners as part of a mandatory initial certification program to ensure that all cleaners understand their duties as employers when they hire other workers to perform cleaning work for CleanNet’s customers, and that they are aware of the liabilities and risks associated with misclassifying their own employees as independent contractors. The franchise will also remove a clause from its template customer service agreement that restrains employee mobility.

    Attorney General Bonta is dedicated to upholding workers’ rights and combating unfair labor practices. In 2024, Attorney General Bonta filed 31 criminal charges against US Framing for wage theft and tax evasion; defended wages and overtime owed in the West Coast Drywall lawsuit; and secured a settlement with Amalfi Stone & Masonry Company, Inc., resolving allegations of unfair competition, payroll tax, and labor violations. In 2023, Attorney General Bonta launched a historic investigation into gender discrimination in the National Football League; joined 17 attorneys general in supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rule limiting non-compete agreements; launched a legal fight for in-home-healthcare workers; and fought for the rights of transportation workers and immigrant children.

    A copy of the complaint and stipulated judgment, which is subject to court approval, is available here and here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Ciscomani Backs Legislation Advancing Tax Relief, Border Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, otherwise known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”:

    “Today’s vote for H.R. 1, the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ funds border security, strengthens our national defense, and stops the largest tax hike in U.S. history while instead delivering real tax relief for working families — including expanding the child tax credit, eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and tax relief for seniors, and giving families more flexibility to save for college and healthcare. It cracks down on fraud and abuse in Medicaid through common-sense work requirements and better eligibility checks, with no cuts to FMAP which would have endangered the access to care for many in need. These steps help ensure that we protect Medicaid’s solvency so that it continues to serve our most vulnerable. And while there was a change regarding provider taxes, our rural and urban low-income serving hospitals will now have access to a new $50 billion hospital fund. 
     
    “I am grateful to the many stakeholders across our district who shared their expertise, personal stories, and insights over the last few months as we worked through the reconciliation process. H.R. 1 is not perfect – no bill ever is. But it includes many provisions that I know my constituents in southeastern Arizona support. There is more work to do, and I look forward to continuing to work together for our district and community.”

    Background
    The following are key provisions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act:

    TAX CUTS

    • H.R. 1 delivers the largest middle- and working-class tax cut in U.S. history by extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. If the 2017 Tax Cuts were left to expire:
      • The average taxpayer in AZ-06 would see a 24% tax hike
      • A family of 4 making $73,464, the median income in AZ-06, would see a $1,480 tax increase
      • 80,270 AZ-06 families would see their household’s child tax credits cut in half
      • 89% of AZ-06 taxpayers would see their Guaranteed Deduction slashed in half
      • 81,320 small businesses in AZ-06 would be hit with a 43.4% tax rate if the 199A Small Business Deduction expires
      • 8,216 AZ-06 taxpayers would be impacted by the return of the Alternative Minimum Tax
      • 1,545 family-owned farms in AZ-06 would have their Death Tax Exemption slashed in half next year
    • The bill also provides additional tax relief to American families, seniors, small businesses, and workers through:
      • No tax on tips
      • No tax on overtime
      • No tax on car loan interests for American made cars
      • Ensuring 88% of all seniors who receive Social Security will pay NO TAX on their Social Security benefits
      • Repealing the unpopular 1099-K reporting requirement that all Venmo, PayPal, and gig transactions over $600 be reported to the IRS
      • Incentivizing businesses to produce their goods in the U.S.

    BORDER SECURITY

    • The bill makes historic investments in border security through the following provisions:
      Adds 3,000 new U.S. Border Patrol agents, 5,000 new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers, and 200 new Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents, and 290 support staff
    • Allocates more than $46 billion to construct and complete the border barrier system by building 701 miles of primary wall, 900 miles of river barriers, 629 miles of secondary barriers, as well as replacing 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers
    • Includes more than $6 billion to help CBP interdict more fentanyl, deploy more border-surveillance technology, enhance AMO’s surveillance capabilities, and increase CBP’s use of the biometric entry and exit system

    NATIONAL SECURITY

    • Additionally, the bill invests $150 billion into our national security by restoring American deterrence, revitalizing our defense industrial base, and modernizing our military through provisions like:
      Jump starting the Golden Dome initiative by investing $25 million in a layered missile defense shield.
    • Provides critical resources to the Department of Defense to support securing the southern border, because border security is national security
    • Investing $9 billion to improve the quality of life for our troops by increasing allowances and special pays, and to renovate aging, moldy barracks and dorms.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HARSHBARGER: President Trump is Proving Nay Sayers Wrong AGAIN

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01) issued the following statement applauding President Donald J. Trump for securing two groundbreaking trade agreements with Indonesia and Japan yesterday: 

    “President Trump just delivered two major trade victories for America. While Democrats have been sowing discord crying about economic disaster, President Trump was doing what he does best, negotiating from strength and putting America first. These deals with Japan and Indonesia are just the beginning of America’s comeback to supercharge our economy and create new jobs. From farmers and cattle producers to auto suppliers and manufacturers, this is the kind of bold, America-first policy that makes a real difference in places like East Tennessee.” – Congresswoman Harshbarger

    BACKGROUND:

    Under these agreements, Indonesia will eliminate 99% of its tariffs on American industrial, tech, and agricultural goods, while Japan is investing $550 billion into the U.S. economy, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. American-made cars, trucks, rice, beef, critical minerals, and energy will now compete on a level playing field in Indonesia and Japan.

     Tennessee’s First Congressional District is uniquely positioned to benefit from these historic agreements. With a strong base of advanced manufacturing, agricultural production, and exports, the region is now better positioned to reach high-demand markets abroad. Local manufacturers will see new opportunities to export auto parts and precision equipment as barriers come down in Indonesia’s rapidly growing economy.

    At the same time, Northeast Tennessee’s agriculture industry will gain access to tens of millions of new consumers in both Japan and Indonesia thanks to reduced tariffs and expanded agricultural quotas. Japan’s $550 billion investment in the U.S. and Indonesia’s new mineral supply agreements also means long-term growth for Tennessee’s industrial sector and supply chains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: USNS Comfort Arrives in Limón, Costa Rica for CP25

    Source: United States Navy

    LIMÓN, Costa Rica – The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Limón, Costa Rica, July 24, 2025, for the fifth mission stop of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25). This visit marks the sixth CP mission stop to Costa Rica since its inception in 2007, and the third visit aboard Comfort in support of CP.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to participate in a site visit at Algoma Steel

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 24, 2025 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will be participating in a site visit at Algoma Steel.

    Date: Monday, July 28, 2025

    Time: 9:00 a.m. (ET) tour

    Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

    Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Markey Reintroduce Freedom to Move Act, Legislation to Enact Fare-Free Transit, Close Transit Equity Gap

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Bill Builds Upon Successful Pilot Programs in Massachusetts, Supports State and Local Implementation of Fare-Free Public Transit

    Bill Text

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) announced the reintroduction of the Freedom to Move Act, legislation to support state and local efforts to establish public transportation as a public good through fare-free services. The legislation builds upon successful fare-free pilot programs in Boston and with leadership from Regional Transit Authorities across the Commonwealth. In particular, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority and the Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) have among the longest-running and most successful fare-free transit programs in the country.

    “Fare free transit is an economic, racial, and climate justice issue, and it’s high time we invest in public transit as the public good that it is,” said Rep Pressley. “Making our transit infrastructure fare free will help folks access essential resources like jobs, school, child care, the grocery store, and the hospital while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making our communities more connected. Our bill would build on the success of fare-free pilot programs in Boston and across the Commonwealth by making robust investments to provide safe, high-quality, and fare-free rides for all. I’m grateful to Senator Markey, Mayor Wu, and our transit justice advocates for their ongoing partnership.”

    “All across Massachusetts and the country, more communities are joining the fare free revolution,” said Senator Markey. “By making public transit free, we can alleviate the high burden of transportation costs on working families while building a system that is more accessible and efficient. Free buses and trains also mean less traffic congestion, cleaner air, and a safer work environment for transit workers. That is why I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Pressley to deliver resources that will make our communities more affordable and connected.”

    “Fare-free transit is an investment in the public good and in our economy and communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston’s fare-free bus routes have had the highest ridership of the entire bus system, and we’ve seen improved service from buses being able to load faster at each stop. Most of all, commuters no longer have to ration trips to connect all the pieces of their lives—getting to work and school, or to shop at our local businesses or enjoy a meal, or to access critical healthcare to take care of their families. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Markey for their leadership and continued advocacy.”

    Full text of the Freedom to Move Act is available here.

    Low-income families have faced the biggest financial burden by spending nearly 30 percent of their household income on transportation expenses. Traffic congestion has also worsened greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, exacerbating climate change and contributing to health disparities like asthma and lung cancer in marginalized communities.

    Increasing access to free, safe, reliable, and accessible public transit systems will help improve community livability and mobility, increase connectivity to critical services—particularly for low-income workers and families, people of color, students, seniors, and people with disabilities—and address many of our nation’s most severe inequities.

    The Freedom to Move Act would support state and local efforts to promote public transportation as a public good for all by:

    • Establishing a $5 billion competitive grant program per year to support state and local efforts to implement fare-free public transportation systems;
    • Investing in efforts to improve the safety and quality of public transportation services, particularly in low-income and historically underserved communities; and
    • Ensuring grantees use funds to address and close equity gaps in current transit systems.

    Co-sponsors of the Freedom to Move Act include Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representatives Alma Adams, Joyce Beatty, Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Shontel M. Brown, André Carson, Emanuel Cleaver, James Clyburn, Jasmine Crockett, Danny K. Davis, Cleo Fields, Jonathan Jackson, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Summer L. Lee, LaMonica McIver, Gwen Moore, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ilhan Omar, Delia Ramirez, Lateefah Simon, Rashida Tlaib, and Nikema Williams.

    Rep. Pressley and Sen. Markey originally introduced the Freedom to Move Act in June 2020. Following the bill’s introduction, Senator Markey, Congresswoman Pressley, and then-Councilor Michelle Wu published an op-ed that discussed the bill and the need to fund public transportation as a public good.

    In July 2020, the House of Representatives passed the Moving Forward Act that included a fare-free pilot program modeled after the two lawmakers Freedom to Move Act.

    In March 2021, Senator Markey and Congresswoman Pressley reintroduced the Freedom to Move Act.

    In August 2021, Rep. Pressley and Senator Markey called on the MBTA to make the entire T fare-free for the duration of the Orange Line’s shutdown.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: L-105 raises $10,000 for local hospice

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    This year, we were fortunate enough to give Hospice a donation of $10,000, the largest donation we have ever given them. We are very thankful for everyone involved with this event and hope to keep it going for many years to come.

    Joseph Ledford, L-105 BM-ST

    Local 105 (Chillicothe, Ohio) raised $10,000 for Southern Ohio Medical Center Hospice in the lodge’s 30th annual golf tournament on May 24.

    The 25 teams participated in the outing hosted at the Elk’s Country Club in McDermott, Ohio. 

    “This year, we were fortunate enough to give Hospice a donation of $10,000, the largest donation we have ever given them. We are very thankful for everyone involved with this event and hope to keep it going for many years to come,” said L-105 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Ledford.

    The donation, raised by the tournament and through the generosity of sponsors and volunteers, supports the vital work of SOMC Hospice in providing care to patients and their loved ones throughout Southern Ohio.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Buffalo arrests Salvadoran national, convicted child predator

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Buffalo arrested Salvadoran national Jacobo Argueta Fuentes pursuant to a warrant of deportation upon his release from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision July 23 in Ossining.

    This 33-year-old illegal alien and child sexual predator has been convicted of seven counts of rape; two counts of using a child in a sexual performance; four counts of sexual abuse; two counts of promoting prostitution; criminal sex act and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

    “This criminal alien is a vile human who depravedly victimized and sexually exploited innocent children in the state of New York,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Buffalo Deputy Field Office Director Joseph Freden. “ICE will not tolerate those who engage in this despicable and horrific behavior against children. We will pursue these loathsome criminals and seek their removal from the United States with the utmost urgency.”

    Argueta illegally entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location without inspection or admission by an immigration official. On March 1, 2019, immigration officers encountered Argueta at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Suffolk County, where he admitted he entered the U.S. by illegally crossing the international U.S.-Mexico land border around 2011. The New York State county court convicted Argueta Jan. 9, 2020, and sentenced him to six years in prison.   

    ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision May 16, 2023, against Argueta’s release from custody. An immigration judge ordered him removed from the U.S. Dec. 17, 2024. He is in ICE custody pending execution of that order.

    Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to preserve public safety on X at @EROBuffalo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 580, Combating CCP Labor Abuses Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 580 would require the Department of Commerce to periodically train employees who provide counseling services to businesses engaged in interstate commerce or foreign direct investment on global human rights abuses perpetrated against the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities by the government of the People’s Republic of China. The bill also would direct the agency to provide guidance to such businesses, including ways to avoid doing business with countries implicated in human rights abuses.

    CBO expects that the department would conduct training and update guidance once every three years starting in 2026. Using information from the department, CBO estimates that implementing S. 580 would cost $2 million over the 2025-2030 period for temporary staff, contracts for online courses, and printed guides. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Margot Berman. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Four Gubernatorial Appointments

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JULY 25, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced three appointments to various boards and one commission.

    Edward C. Clausen, of Centertown, was appointed to the Conservation Commission.

    Mr. Clausen is a partner at Newman, Comley and Ruth P.C., specializing in defending medical malpractice claims. Clausen is an active member of several organizations, including the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He previously served on the board of directors for the Friends of the Eleven Point River. Clausen earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

    Belinda Farrington, of Saint Charles, was appointed to the Lincoln University Board of Curators.

    Ms. Farrington is currently a human resources leader at Friendly Temple Church in St. Louis. For over 30 years, Farrington has helped establish comprehensive learning and development programs within St. Louis County departments and divisions. She sits on several boards, including Friendly Village Senior Housing, Robert Fulton Development Corporation, and the Lincoln University Alumni Association. Farrington earned her master’s degree in human resources development from Webster University.

    Colonel Mark McCarter, of Wardsville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

    Colonel McCarter is a retired U.S. Army veteran and currently works as a consequence management consultant for M2 Solutions. With almost 30 years of military service, McCarter served in several leadership positions, most recently as the director of plans, operations, training, and readiness before retiring from the Missouri National Guard. McCarter volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Jefferson City and is a member of the Jefferson City Kiwanis Club. McCarter earned a master’s degree in national security from the National War College in Washington, D.C.

    Lyle Rosburg, CPA, of Lohman, was appointed to the Missouri Health Facilities Review Board.

    Mr. Rosburg is the chief financial officer for Williams-Keepers, LLC. He previously served in the same position at Jefferson City Medical Group. Rosburg volunteers for and is an active member of several organizations, including the Mizzou Alumni Association, Jefferson City Host Lions Club, and the Cole County Sheriff’s Department. Rosburg earned a master’s degree in business administration from William Woods University.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New report shows Cap-and-Invest dollars are improving air quality in California’s most polluted communities

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 25, 2025

    What you need to know: With support from California’s Cap-and-Invest Program, also known as Cap-and-Trade, the state is funding air protection efforts in 19 communities with some of the highest levels of air pollution in the state. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that thanks to California’s Community Air Protection Program, more than four million Californians living in some of the state’s most polluted communities are seeing air quality improvements. A new progress report from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) highlights how community-led solutions are cutting emissions, strengthening enforcement of clean air policies, and delivering cleaner, healthier air around the state. 

    More than $600 million has gone to over 9,000 projects cleaning the air since 2017, funded by the state’s Cap-and-Invest program, also known as Cap-and-Trade.

    “We’re cutting harmful pollution across California with a special focus on communities that have some of the dirtiest air in our state. Thanks to Cap-and-Invest, we’ve invested hundreds of millions of dollars in projects that are proven to clean the air. In the face of a federal government hostile to clean air, we can’t let up now – that’s why we’re working to extend Cap-and-Invest this year.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    As Governor Newsom and legislative leaders continue to work on extending the Cap-and-Invest program, recent reports highlight how critical the program is to the state’s economic future, and how uncertainty is costing the state billions. 

    Turning Cap-and-Invest revenues into lasting air quality gains

    Established in 2017 by Assembly Bill 617 and supported by Cap-and-Invest revenue, the Community Air Protection Program places community voices at the center of efforts to reduce air pollution and protect public health in the state’s most impacted areas.

    In each of the 19 communities the program supports, CARB and the local air districts have established partnerships to develop plans addressing local pollution problems.

    Funded through California’s Cap-and-Invest Program, CARB has directed $632 million to more than 9,000 incentive projects since 2017, with 85% of the funding reaching disadvantaged and low-income communities.

    The projects vary widely across the state based on community priorities including:

    • Swapping out thousands of dirty old lawnmowers with clean electric replacements throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
    • Reducing dust exposure by funding paving of school parking lots, urban greening projects, and installing air filtration systems in schools in the Imperial Valley.
    • Helping fund a first-in-the-nation electric tugboat in the Port of San Diego, which will reduce 30,000 gallons of diesel pollution per year.

    The projects are producing permanent, enforceable reductions in harmful air pollutants, including reducing:

    • 23,000+ tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx)— equivalent to removing about 22.5 million cars from the road for an entire year. 
    • 950 tons of diesel particulate matter — equivalent to annual emissions from up to two million heavy-duty trucks. 
    • 282,600 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions — equivalent to emissions from driving a gasoline-powered car nearly 872 million miles.  

    Expanding the program’s reach

    Adopted in 2023, CARB’s Blueprint 2.0 expands the Community Air Protection Program to 64 communities that continue to experience high pollution burdens. This next phase focuses on:

    • Supporting community-based capacity building and local emissions reduction plan development with grant funding; 48 grants have been awarded in these communities. 
    • Implementing community-focused enforcement strategies.
    • Increasing funding flexibility and efficiency to respond to local needs, such as urban greening projects and indoor air filtration projects.

    To support these communities, the Statewide Mobile Monitoring Initiative (SMMI) was launched in June. The $27 million pilot project uses specially equipped vehicles to collect block-by-block pollution data to support actions to protect public health.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is celebrating the fourth anniversary of the California Cradle-to-Career Data System, which connects datasets from multiple state entities to deliver information on education and workforce outcomes and help students reach their…

    Jul 24, 2025

    News Governor Newsom praises the State Water Board for incorporating the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program into the Bay-Delta Plan What you need to know: The Newsom Administration’s innovative Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, which improves environmental…

    Jul 24, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit striking down California’s ammunition background check law, which was passed by voters in 2016: Strong…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: Argentina

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Argentina has adopted several governance structures to address the impacts of extreme heat, focusing on integrating efforts into broader climate adaptation and disaster management frameworks.

    The National Weather Service (SMN) first introduced an early warning system for extreme heat in Buenos Aires in 2009, which has now expanded to cover 71 meteorological stations for country-wide alerts issued year-round due to changing climate patterns. These alerts are disseminated through various channels, including email systems and media partnerships, ensuring broad coverage across regions.

    The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with SMN, leads public health campaigns and has developed a sentinel surveillance system to monitor heat-related morbidity, tracking the health impacts of extreme temperatures across provinces. Argentina also involves provincial and local governments in implementing heat action plans and managing hospital responses during heatwave alerts, with emergency services playing a critical role in the outreach and protection of vulnerable populations.

    Early warning systems are further integrated into workplace regulations, adapting work hours and hydration protocols during extreme heat events, particularly in sectors like construction and agriculture, where workers are at higher risk. While not formalized, coordination with the energy and agricultural sectors helps manage the impacts of blackouts and other heat-related disruptions.

    Public-private partnerships play an increasing role in Argentina’s heat resilience efforts, including collaborations with organizations like the Argentine Red Cross and professional medical associations to improve emergency care and healthcare system capacity.

    Partnerships are also emerging in urban planning and energy sectors, including projects to develop green spaces and cool roofs to mitigate the urban heat island effect in low-income areas, such as the Cool Roofs Initiative, which targets temperature reduction in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

    An important actor in these efforts is the Centre for the Implementation of Public Policies for Equity and Growth (CIPPEC), an independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to policy innovation. Through its “Cities” Programme, CIPPEC conducted dialogues on urban heat resilience to support climate adaptation at the municipal level and was instrumental in presenting a forthcoming project with Wellcome Trust, which aims to enhance Argentina’s heat resilience framework through strengthened municipal engagement.

    Argentina’s key achievements include expanding the early warning system to cover the entire population, developing the sentinel surveillance project to improve data on heat-related health impacts, and leveraging international funding for research.

    Additionally, Argentina’s public-private partnerships have enhanced its ability to respond to heat risks, and collaborations with international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, continue to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage extreme heat effectively. Argentina has also begun discussions around integrating heat resilience measures into long-term urban development plans, aiming to create a sustainable framework for heat adaptation in the years to come.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: Ecuador

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Ecuador has integrated measures to address extreme heat within its broader climate change adaptation and disaster risk management frameworks.

    Key national strategies include the National Climate Change Strategy (ENCC), which outlines resilience building across sectors like agriculture, health, and urban planning, and the National Plan for Good Living, which incorporates environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The National Adaptation Plan(NAP) focuses on adapting to climate change impacts, including extreme weather events like heat waves, by enhancing early warning systems and promoting public awareness.

    The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE) leads climate policy development, while the National Risk and Emergency Management Service (SNGRE) manages disaster risk, including preparedness and response to extreme heat. Local initiatives, especially in cities like Quito and Guayaquil, include municipal climate action plans aimed at mitigating the urban heat island effect through green spaces and improved urban planning. Community-based adaptation programmes, supported by NGOs and international organizations, focus on local resilience through education and infrastructure improvements.

    Public private partnerships (PPPs) do play a role in Ecuador, though perhaps not as robust as in other case study nations. For example, in Guayaquil, the local government partners with construction companies and paint manufacturers to promote the installation of cool roofs in residential and commercial buildings. These roofs use reflective materials to reduce indoor temperatures and energy consumption.

    In addition, utility companies in Ecuador, in partnership with local governments and international organizations, promote energy efficiency programmes that help residents and businesses reduce their energy consumption during heatwaves. These programmes include incentives for installing energy-efficient cooling systems and improving building insulation. And, the Ministry of Agriculture works with agribusinesses and NGOs to promote sustainable farming practices that can withstand extreme heat. This includes the development and distribution of heat-resistant crop varieties and the implementation of water-efficient irrigation systems.

    Key measures include developing early warning systems, conducting public awareness campaigns, and incorporating green infrastructure in urban planning. The healthcare sector is being strengthened to handle heat-related illnesses through training and improved infrastructure. Ecuador collaborates with international organizations like the UNDP and the World Bank for technical assistance and funding and conducts research to better understand and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.

    These integrated efforts aim to build resilience against the impacts of extreme heat in Ecuador.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: Canada

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Canada has adopted comprehensive governance structures to address extreme heat, involving national strategies, institutional frameworks, provincial and local government initiatives, and public-private partnerships.

    At the national level, the National Adaptation Strategy and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change outline measures to build resilience against extreme heat. The Health and well-being system in the National Adaptation Strategy particularly emphasizes protecting Canadians from climate-related health risks, including extreme heat.

    Health Canada plays a pivotal role by providing evidence-based guidance, heat health science, and best practices for provincial and local authorities to implement Heat Alert and Response Systems (HARS). It also collaborates with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to inform heat-related weather warnings. Provincial and territorial governments lead the response to heat health risks, with the Federal Government supporting local-level adaptation.

    Provincial heat action plans in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, along with municipal heat response plans in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, outline specific measures such as establishing cooling centres, disseminating heat health messages, and modifying urban design to reduce heat risks. These efforts are also extended to Indigenous communities, where culturally appropriate response planning is underway.

    Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a significant role in enhancing heat resilience. In Toronto, PPPs have focused on retrofitting buildings with energy-efficient cooling systems, creating green roofs, and expanding urban parks to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Similarly, Hydro-Québec collaborates with businesses to promote energy-saving technologies that reduce electricity demand during heatwaves.

    Key achievements include the widespread implementation of HARS, public education campaigns, and strengthened health sector preparedness to manage heat-related illnesses. Canada also collaborates with international organizations to share best practices, filling knowledge gaps and advancing research, such as addressing indoor heat health risks. These coordinated efforts aim to protect public health, enhance urban resilience, and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat across Canada.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Flying Dust First Nation and Canada reach settlement agreement

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 25, 2025 — Flying Dust First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Flying Dust First Nation

    Today, Chief Tyson Bear of Flying Dust First Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement to resolve a land-related claim between Canada and the First Nation.

    Canada will provide more than $55 million in compensation to the Flying Dust First Nation for the improper transfer of 214.81 acres of treaty land in 1932 to the Canadian Pacific Railway which denied the First Nation its use for generations.

    Since then, about 200.8 acres have been returned, including two pieces of land held by Canada for a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment. The RCMP and the First Nation signed a lease, and on November 7, 2024, the land was formally transferred back to reserve status. The remaining land, once owned by the railway company, was remediated through cooperation between Canada, the Canadian National Railway (successor to the Canadian Pacific Railway) and the community.

    As part of the agreement, the First Nation may also add nearly 14 acres to its reserve through Canada’s Additions to Reserve process.

    The Flying Dust First Nation has always recognized the Railway lands as reserve land. The story of how it it was expropriated in the early 1930s is part of the oral history of leadership. The story of the land has been passed down the years to ensure the people didn’t forget. From Chief to Chief, from Council to Council, the Flying Dust First Nation always committed to have the railway lands returned home.

    A plan was made in 1992 when Chief Richard Gladue placed a caveat on the lands and launched the lawsuit. In the 30 years that followed, every Chief and Council joined the team and pushed the file forward. The most recent leadership team, Chief Tyson Bear, Council Calvin Bear, Marie Gladue, Nick Derocher, Charmaine Mirasty, were the ones who got to see the claim to its fruition.

    The vision of reacquiring the Railway Lands has always been seen as a certainty. As such, plans for development of the property has been ongoing for almost 20 years.  Flying Dust has always had a vision of what the land could be and what it would mean for the people of Flying Dust, Meadow Lake and the surrounding communities.

    Settlements like this provide funding that First Nations can use to buy land and create new opportunities for their communities and economies. Settling specific claims is one way Canada is working to rebuild trust and strengthen its relationships with First Nations. By providing fair compensation when promises haven’t been kept, Canada is taking responsibility for the past and working toward a more respectful future. These efforts are guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C., Canada strengthen support for farmers dealing with unexpected losses

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The governments of B.C. and Canada are making changes to the AgriStability program to provide more financial support to B.C. farmers, following a virtual meeting of the federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture.

    “Now is the time for unity, and we’re working together to deliver for producers right across the country to make sure our programs work for them,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “That’s why, at our meeting last week, we agreed to make changes to AgriStability so that producers facing trade uncertainty and dry conditions have more protection.”

    Effective Friday, July 25, 2025, there are several enhancements for the 2025 AgriStability program year, including:

    • increasing the compensation rate from 80% to 90%, meaning producers will receive 90 cents for every dollar of eligible income decline;
    • doubling the compensation cap from $3 million to $6 million to offer more equitable protection for larger farms and ranches; and
    • advancing interest-free payments to farmers for up to 75% of their anticipated final claim.

    B.C. farmers have until Thursday, July 31, 2025, to enrol in AgriStability for the 2025 program year. Application details are available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agriculture-insurance-and-income-protection-programs/agristability

    “We raised concerns we have been hearing from farmers here in B.C. at a national level, and our advocacy is resulting in improvements to AgriStability so B.C. farmers can continue to produce high-quality local food,” said Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food. “B.C. led the way on this initiative, making these very same changes to our program last year. It’s great to have the federal government partner with us this year to continue to support farmers.”

    These changes respond to international trade concerns and will help many B.C. farmers who are enrolled in the AgriStability program and have suffered income losses from occurences such as extreme weather damage.  

    “B.C. Agriculture Council welcomes these enhancements to the AgriStability program, which plays a critical role in supporting agricultural producers navigate uncertainty,” said Jennifer Woike, president, B.C. Agriculture Council (BCAC). “The improvements take into account the practical considerations that producers must apply to their operations as they respond to market and environmental challenges. BCAC remains committed to working with all levels of government on important program enhancements that support food security and sustainable practices to ensure the economic viability of farms.”

    AgriStability is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and helps protect farmers from large drops in income due to factors such as poor yields, rising costs or market changes.

    Quick Facts:

    • AgriStability offers personalized coverage for each farm based on income tax and production information.
    • AgriStability is a whole-farm, low-cost business risk-management program that helps farm operations manage large declines in net farming income.
    • Almost 2,500 farmers are enrolled in B.C.’s AgriStability program.
    • Program costs are shared 60% by Canada, 40% by British Columbia.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian National Indicted for Selling Nearly a Dozen Firearms

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Marlborough was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for trafficking firearms.

    Guilherme Fernandes-Tavares, 31, was indicted on one count of dealing firearms without a license. He will be arraigned in federal court on July 30, 2025. Fernandes-Tavares was previously charged by criminal complaint on March 7, 2025.

    According to the charging documents, between December 2023 and May 2024, Fernandes-Tavares sold 11 firearms and ammunition across 10 different dates and offered others for sale. It is alleged that the firearms sold were pistols, some of which were privately manufactured firearms without serial numbers and one of which had an obliterated serial number. It is further alleged that one of the firearms was sold with a large capacity magazine that could hold 28 rounds of ammunition. In addition, a package intended for Fernandes-Tavares sent from Florida was intercepted and allegedly found to contain an additional firearm.

    The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; and the Westborough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S.1731, Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1731 would require the Administration to take the following actions in response to efforts by the People’s Republic of China to establish military bases outside of its borders:

    • Develop a strategy to counter China’s efforts to establish such bases,
    • Establish an interagency task force to coordinate the implementation of that strategy,
    • Submit an intelligence assessment on the risks posed to the United States by China’s efforts to establish overseas bases, and
    • Submit quadrennial reports to the Congress on the Administration’s actions to counter China’s efforts to establish bases in other countries.

    On the basis of information about the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that preparing the reports and operating the task force would cost less than $500,000 annually and total $1 million over the 2025-2030 period. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Christopher Mann. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Langworthy Announces $2 Million EPA Grant for Town of Friendship Water Infrastructure

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $2 million to the Town of Friendship for drinking water system improvements as a part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (STAG). 

     

    “I’m proud to deliver this $2 million federal investment to the Town of Friendship to replace outdated, failing water infrastructure,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Since securing the earmark last year, I’ve been pushing to get this grant across the finish line — and now it’s happening. This funding will allow Friendship to replace leaking, undersized water mains and build a new storage tank, giving residents access to clean, dependable drinking water for generations. This is exactly the kind of smart federal investment our rural communities need and deserve.”

     

    This funding was secured in H. Res. 4366, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which was signed into law in March 2024. 

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Announces Town Hall in San Angelo

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Announces Town Hall in San Angelo

    San Angelo, Texas, July 25, 2025

    SAN ANGELO, TX — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced that he will be hosting a town hall on Monday, July 28th, at 12:00 pm CT at the Tom Green County Commissioners’ Court Meeting Room. At the town hall, Congressman Pfluger will give an update on the 119th Congress, provide flood assistance resource materials, and take questions from those in attendance.

    “Representing the incredible people of Texas’s 11th Congressional District is the honor of a lifetime. Hearing from my constituents face-to-face through town halls will always be a top priority of mine, and I encourage everyone to attend and make their voices heard. I say it often because I believe it deeply: Texas is the best place to live, raise a family, and own a business. I am committed to keeping it that way, and these town halls help me do just that by bringing your voices to Washington,” said Rep. Pfluger.

    The following image is available for broadcast and distribution with details for the town hall:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: National Whistleblower Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: What’s your most recent work to strengthen whistleblower protections?

    A: Estimates show federal contractors outnumber roughly two million civilian employees in the federal workforce. In July I introduced bipartisan legislation to address gaps in existing federal law that leave millions of people who work as federal contractors vulnerable to reprisal if they report waste, fraud and abuse in federal agencies. As a longtime champion for whistleblowers, I’m pushing to close this loophole with Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan. Our Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act is another step we can take to empower the millions of contractors who work for federal agencies to be the eyes and ears on behalf of the taxpayer. Whistleblowers provide a crucial layer of protection for the American public to ferret out fraud and mismanagement, from tax evasion, to securities law violations and patient safety. As a co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to support and encourage people to come forward with credible information to root out wrongdoing and help ensure the government works on behalf of the American people, not the other way around. Whistleblowers put their jobs and reputations on the line to tell the truth.

    Earlier this year, I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure whistleblower protections keep pace with the fast-growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. The rapid growth in AI would benefit from disclosures of wrongdoing brought forward by whistleblowers to hold the industry accountable and protect national security, public health, privacy and public safety. Employees working within the AI sector deserve whistleblower protections that would empower those helping to develop this new frontier of technology to report wrongdoing. AI has the potential to reshape daily life, our economy and the geopolitical landscape. My Artificial Intelligence Whistleblower Protection Act would provide explicit whistleblower protections for those developing and deploying AI across the economy. To date AI companies have fostered a chilling effect on current and former employees looking to make whistleblower disclosures to the federal government, including Congress. My bipartisan legislation strengthens federal laws to shield the communications of current and former employees who make disclosures. It also would provide relief for AI whistleblowers who suffer retaliation, including reinstatement, back pay and compensation for damages.

    Q: How did your advocacy for whistleblowers get started?

    A: For nearly five decades, I’ve led efforts on Capitol Hill to protect those who come forward to tell the truth. My oversight work digging under the hood of the Pentagon’s financial mess was prompted by civilian employees who blew the whistle on defense contractor fraud. That includes a staff analyst at the Department of Defense named Chuck Spinney who graced the cover of Time magazine in 1983 for blowing the whistle on billions of dollars of wasteful spending at the Pentagon and the practice of keeping two sets of books. He exposed the $750 billion dollar mismatch between the Pentagon’s Five Year Defense Program (FYDP) and budget. The bureaucrats were trying to squeeze ten pounds of manure into a five pound bag and got caught. I’ve been doggedly working to tighten the Pentagon’s fiscal leash ever since. Whistleblowers from across the federal bureaucracy who step forward to “commit the truth” – like Chuck Spinney and Ernie Fitzgerald – help hold government accountable to the American people. Since my first term in the Senate, my door is open to whistleblowers as part of my congressional oversight work. It also prompted me to write bipartisan landmark amendments in 1986 to beef up the False Claims Act, a tool deployed by President Abraham Lincoln to root out fraudsters during the Civil War. The qui tam amendments are the federal government’s #1 anti-fraud tool in its arsenal. To date, it’s helped recover more than $78 billion in fraud and deterred the loss of untold billions more over the last four decades. Last year, I wrote all 74 federal inspectors general to strengthen their whistleblower protections and stop using unlawful non-disclosure policies that stymie employees from reporting wrongdoing. I also recently wrote to President Trump urging that he protect whistleblowers while cutting federal waste, fraud, and abuse. Simply put, the work of whistleblowers is invaluable to American society. They are heroes among us who identify violations of law, gross mismanagement, negligence and threats to public health and safety. Whistleblowers who have the guts to stick their necks out to tell the truth – while putting their livelihoods and careers on the line – merit support and incentives under federal law for their bravery. Every year since the Reagan administration, I’ve called upon the president to hold a Rose Garden ceremony on Whistleblower Appreciation Day. Our nation owes these patriots a debt of gratitude. It also would send a clear message that retaliation for telling the truth will not be tolerated.

    National Whistleblower Day is July 30. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Heinrich, Miller-Meeks, Pingree Reintroduce Bill to Explore Agricultural, Environmental Benefits of Biochar

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong farmer and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), along with Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), reintroduced legislation to study the effectiveness of biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass.

    The bipartisan Biochar Research Network Act would establish a National Biochar Research Network to test the impact of biochar across various soil types, application methods and climates to learn more about its capacity to benefit farmers and the environment.

    “Farmers rely on the latest advances in science and innovation to increase their crop productivity and advance soil health. Biochar presents an exciting opportunity for farmers looking for a low-cost way to improve soil quality while sequestering carbon. More information is needed to understand the benefits biochar could provide, and my legislation will facilitate much needed research into this potentially transformative tool,” Grassley said.

    “By investing in soil health research, we can help farmers, foresters, and producers make their working lands more resilient,” Heinrich said. “Our bipartisan legislation accomplishes this by directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research the potential of biochar to enhance crop production, conservation, and soil carbon sequestration in varying soils and circumstances. This will allow producers to build more resilience into their operations and increase crop growth and yield.”

    “We can all agree that we want to leave a cleaner, healthier planet for our children and grandchildren. Our agricultural sector in Iowa is vital to our economy and biochar sits at the intersection of smart agriculture, environment, and energy practices,” Miller-Meeks said. “Biochar has the incredible potential to help sequester carbon in our agriculture communities and we must ensure that we are using every resource at our fingertips to promote this innovative tool. The benefits of biochar are not yet fully recognized, and this bill would promote research and provide us the information we need to fully utilize biochar in a variety of types of soil and methods.”

    “Biochar holds incredible promise for our farmers, our forests, and our fight against climate change. In Maine, we’ve seen how biochar can improve soil health, sequester carbon, and the potential to help clean up PFAS contamination. But there’s still a lot we don’t know,” Pingree said. “The Biochar Research Network Act gives scientists, farmers, and foresters the data they need to unlock the full potential of this climate-smart tool. As we work on the next Farm Bill, we must ensure that investments in biochar research are part of our broader strategy to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.”

    Under the legislation, the proposed National Biochar Research Network would work to:

    • Understand productive uses for biochar to help with crop production and climate mitigation;
    • Assess biochar’s potential for soil carbon sequestration; and
    • Deliver cost-effective and practical information to farmers on sustainable biochar production and application.

    The full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Seek Answers On So-Called One Big Beautiful Bill’s Impact On Hospitals In Illinois

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 25, 2025

    In a letter that was sent to every hospital in Illinois, Durbin and Duckworth request information about how each hospital anticipates to be impacted by the Republicans’ so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill”

    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sent a letter to every hospital in Illinois requesting information about the projected impact analysis of the Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts $1 trillion in Medicaid funding and $300 billion in Affordable Care Act funding over the next decade. As a result of the legislation, 15 million Americans are projected to lose health insurance coverage, including approximately half a million people in Illinois, and hospitals that rely on Medicaid funding, especially those in rural areas, face risk of closure. Further, it’s estimated that 30,000 health care jobs will be lost over the next decade as a result of the bill.

    “Earlier this month, Congressional Republicans passed and President Trump signed into law the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21). We voted against the measure. We write to request information about how this Republican-passed law will affect your hospital, health care workforce, and the patients you serve across Illinois,” the Senators began their letter.

    “The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that federal Medicaid spending for Illinois will be reduced by 19 percent. These cuts include freezing and reducing provider taxes and state directed payments that hospitals across Illinois depend on to help finance the Medicaid system and make up for low reimbursement rates. The Republican-passed law also will raise uncompensated care costs for hospitals by restricting eligibility and raising out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act beneficiaries,” the Senators continued. “Based upon the estimated 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding, and increased uncompensated care costs from deep insurance coverage losses, we worry that hospitals will face severe financial hardship, and patients will suffer.

    Durbin and Duckworth closed their letter by requesting detailed information about the impacts of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act on each hospital, including if patients can expect critical services like obstetrics to be eliminated, how many health care jobs may be lost, and how hospital uncompensated care costs will increase as Illinoisans lose access to their insurance.

    “To help inform legislative efforts to improve health care and strengthen hospitals across Illinois, we request the following information and analysis from your hospital about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by August 22, 2025,” the Senators requested.

    “If faced with a 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding as a result of this law, what changes would your hospital be forced to make to maintain viability?” the Senators asked as they concluded their letter.

    A copy of the letter is available here and below:

    July 25, 2025

    Dear Hospital Administrator:

    Earlier this month, Congressional Republicans passed and President Trump signed into law the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21). We voted against the measure. We write to request information about how this Republican-passed law will affect your hospital, health care workforce, and the patients you serve across Illinois.

    Republicans in Congress voted for legislation that cuts $1 trillion in Medicaid funding and $300 billion in Affordable Care Act funding over the next decade. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that federal Medicaid spending for Illinois will be reduced by 19 percent. These cuts include freezing and reducing provider taxes and state directed payments that hospitals across Illinois depend on to help finance the Medicaid system and make up for low reimbursement rates. The Republican-passed law also will raise uncompensated care costs for hospitals by restricting eligibility and raising out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act beneficiaries.

    Fifteen million Americans are projected to lose health insurance coverage, including approximately half a million people in Illinois—impacting children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across rural and urban areas. In Illinois, it is estimated that 30,000 health care jobs will be lost over the next decade as a result of this legislation. For rural hospitals that are often the largest employers in a community, this could be devastating.

    Hospitals, like any business, must make forecasts and plan their budgets months and years in advance to ensure proper resource allocation and capacity. Based upon the estimated 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding, and increased uncompensated care costs from deep insurance coverage losses, we worry that hospitals will face severe financial hardship, and patients will suffer.

    In addition to opposing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we have worked on bipartisan legislation to strengthen the health care system, including bills to: bolster the pipeline and recruitment of physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers and dentists; increase funding for rural ambulance services; save rural hospitals facing financial hardship, address maternal mortality and chronic disease; and lower prescription drug costs.

    To help inform legislative efforts to improve health care and strengthen hospitals across Illinois, we request the following information and analysis from your hospital about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by August 22, 2025.

    1. What percent of your inpatient and outpatient services are paid for by Medicaid, and what percent of such patients are covered by the program?
    1. What is your hospital’s current operating margin, and, as a result of this law, what do you anticipate it to be in 2028, 2031, and 2034?
    1. What is the projected annual financial loss to your hospital as a result of this law?
    1. What is the projected increase in annual uncompensated care provided by your hospital as a result of this law?
    1. If faced with a 19 percent cut to Medicaid funding as a result of this law, what changes would your hospital be forced to make to maintain viability?
      1. Please identify which service lines would be the most likely or first to face reductions or termination.
    1. If your hospital currently offers obstetrics/labor and delivery services, do you anticipate continuing to do so in the same manner by 2030?
    1. How do you project emergency room wait times will be impacted by this law?
    1. How do you expect your projected financial losses to affect the economy of your local communities?
    1. If Congressional Republicans attempt to implement additional Medicaid or Affordable Care Act cuts this Congress, including by reducing or eliminating the 90 percent federal cost-share for Medicaid expansion states, how do you expect this would affect your finances?

    Thank you for your attention to this matter, we look forward to your response. Please contact our offices with any questions and to transmit your response.

    Sincerely,

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –