NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: Narcotics Trafficker Who Brokered Cross-Country Fentanyl Sales Sentenced to 75 Months in Federal Prison

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

                WASHINGTON – Melvin Edward Allen, Jr., 39, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 75 months in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy which distributed hundreds of thousands of lethal fentanyl-laced pills from Southern California to destinations throughout the United States, including Washington D.C. Allen was one of 24 co-defendants arrested over the course of 2023 in D.C., Virginia, Maryland, San Diego, and Los Angeles and charged in the conspiracy.

                The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Allen, aka “21,” pleaded guilty on December 18, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of fentanyl. In addition to the 75-month prison term, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Allen to serve five years of supervised release.

                According to court documents, Allen entered into the conspiracy after he was introduced to a Los Angeles-based drug trafficker, co-defendant Hector David Valdez, who was a distributor of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. Allen was introduced to Valdez by D.C.-based fentanyl traffickers who were co-conspirators of Allen.

                Allen’s role was to travel to Southern California in order to facilitate the sale of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills from the wholesaler to D.C.-based fentanyl redistributors. Allen most frequently brokered the purchase of the pills in person, taking approximately 65 flights from the DMV to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Allen used his commissions from the sales he brokered to fund a lavish lifestyle and routinely boasted of his spending habits and wealth on social media.

                The impetus for the investigation was the overdose death of Diamond Lynch, a young mother in Southeast D.C. In addition to investigating and prosecuting the death resulting case, law enforcement followed the evidence and uncovered a vast network of traffickers who transported fentanyl from Mexico to Los Angeles to the District of Columbia. Since then, investigators have seized more than 450,000 fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms.

                This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

               The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the DEA Washington Division and the USPIS Washington Division in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional support from the DEA Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland.

               The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Solomon S. Eppel, and Iris McCranie, of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Trafficking Division.

    DEFENDANT

    AGE

    LOCATION

    CHARGES/SENTENCE

    Hector David Valdez,

    aka “Curl”

     

    27

    		 Santa Fe Springs, California

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl;

    conspiracy to commit international money laundering.

    Craig Eastman

     

    21

    		 Washington, D.C. Sentenced Feb. 6, 2025, to 165 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
    Charles Jeffrey Taylor

    21

    		 Washington, D.C. Pleaded guilty Feb. 28, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Raymond Nava, Jr.

    21

    Bell Gardens,

    California

    		 Sentenced Sept. 17, 2024, to 14 years for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Ulises Aldaz

    28

    Bell Gardens,

    California

    		 Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 95 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Max Alexander Carias Torres

    27

    Bell Gardens,

    California

    		 Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; conspiracy to commit international money laundering.
    Teron Deandre McNeil, aka “Wild Boy”

    35

    		 Washington, D.C. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    Marvin Anthony Bussie,

    aka “Money Marr”

    22

    		 Washington, D.C. Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Marcus Orlando Brown

    29

    		 Washington, D.C. Sentenced Oct. 3, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Columbian Thomas, aka “Cruddy Murda”

    27

    		 Washington, D.C. Sentenced Oct. 22, 2024, to 160 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Wayne Rodell Carr-Maiden

    35

    		 Washington, D.C. Sentenced April 29, 2024, to 45 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

    Andre Malik Edmond,

    aka “Draco”

    23

    		 Temple Hills, Maryland Sentenced July 22, 2024, to 130 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

    Treyveon James Johnson,

    aka “Treyski”

    21

    		 Alexandria, Virginia Sentenced Sept. 5, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

    Karon Olufemi Blalock,

    aka “Fat Bags”

    30

    		 Alexandria, Virginia Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; conspiracy to commit wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    Ronte Ricardo Greene,

    aka “Cardiddy”

    29

    		 Washington, D.C. Pleaded guilty Feb. 27, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Melvin Edward Allen, Jr., aka “21”

    39

    		 Washington, D.C. Sentenced June 20, 2025, to 75 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

    Darius Quincy Hodges,

    aka “Brick”

    34

    		 Glen Allen, Virginia Conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

    Lamin Sesay,

    aka “Rock Star”

    28

    		 Alexandria, Virginia Sentenced May 30, 2025, to 110 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Paul Alejandro Felix

    26

    Glendale,

    California

    		 Sentenced Nov. 12, 2024, to 164 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

    Omar Arana,

    aka “Frogs”

    27

    Cudahy,

    California

    		 Sentenced May 2, 2025, to 93 months, for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Edgar Balderas, Jr., aka “Nano”

    27

    San Diego,

    California

    		 Sentenced May 8, 2025, to 148 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Raul Pacheco Ramirez

    31

    Long Beach,

    California

    		 Sentenced Nov. 26, 2024, to 95 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Giovani Alejandro Briones

    31

    		 Victorville, California Sentenced Feb. 20, 2025, to 90 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
    Alfredo Rodriguez Gonzalez

    26

    		 Rosarito, Mexico

    Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl;

    conspiracy to commit international money laundering.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hillsborough County High School Teacher Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Provide Firearms To Trinidad-Based Transnational Criminal Organization

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

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Shannon Lee Samlalsingh (46, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to making false statements to a firearms dealer on June 20, 2025. Samlalsingh faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, in 2020 and 2021, Samlalsingh purchased several firearms and firearms components from federally licensed firearms dealers in Hillsborough County and Miami-Dade County where she falsely stated on ATF 4473 forms that she was the actual transferee or buyer of said firearms. In reality, Samlalsingh had received money via international wire transfers from members of a Trinidadian transnational criminal organization with instructions to purchase specific model firearms and firearms components, then transfer them to other members of the transnational criminal organization already in Florida, to smuggle them back to Trinidad. Samlalsingh kept a percentage of the wire transfer funds as compensation. The firearms were smuggled back to Trinidad and Tobago by concealing them in a large wireless speaker and punching bags.

    On or about April 21, 2021, authorities at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago seized a shipment from the United States containing two punching bags and other goods. Concealed within the two punching bags were approximately eleven 9mm pistols, two .38 caliber special revolvers, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three AR-15 barrel foregrips, 19 lower pistol grip assemblies, 11 forearm bolt assemblies, three AR-15-style barrels with forearm grips, 32 AR-15 magazines, one AR-15 drum magazine, 470 rounds of AR-15 ammunition, 34 9mm magazines, three 9mm drum magazines, 284 9mm rounds, fifteen .38 caliber rounds, 36 shells, six magazine couplers, and two shotgun chokes.  Specifically, Samlalsingh purchased a SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Ruger-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol which were all traced to the April 21, 2021, seizure in Trinidad and Tobago.   

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of National Security (Transnational Organized Crime Unit) and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Special Investigations Unit), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Trump Attacks on TPS, Cortez Masto, Van Hollen Put Forward Bill to Protect TPS and DED Recipients

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 29 of her Senate colleagues in putting forward legislation to provide qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients a path to legal permanent residency. The Senators’ introduction of the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act comes as the Trump Administration and the Supreme Court undermine TPS, a program that has for years provided refuge to those living in America who have fled natural disasters, violence, and political insecurity.

    “After escaping horrific violence and persecution in their home countries, TPS and DED recipients come to this country in search of a better life,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These hardworking men and women have been living in and contributing to our communities for years, and it’s common sense to give them the certainty they need to fulfill the American Dream.” 

    The Trump Administration has revoked TPS for an estimated 563,000 recipients from five countries – Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Nepal – and while there have been legal challenges filed against this action, the Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the revocation to stand – putting hundreds of thousands at risk of deportation to their home countries where they would face serious danger.

    The SECURE Act will provide long-term stability for these individuals and their communities by giving them the ability to apply for legal permanent residency. Under the bill, all TPS recipients – current and past – and TPS and DED eligible individuals who have been continuously present in the United States for at least three years would be eligible to apply for legal permanent residency.

    Additionally, under the SECURE Act:

    • A spouse, domestic partner, child, or unmarried child of a qualifying non-citizen would be eligible to obtain permanent resident status (upon meeting certain requirements).
    • Individuals with a pending TPS application will receive work authorization and be eligible for travel authorization.
    • Non-citizens who have a pending application or is prima facie eligible for permanent status under the bill and intends to apply are shielded from deportation.
    • Information from an applicant’s application may not be shared or used for immigration enforcement purposes, with limited exceptions, such as for the identification of fraudulent claims.
    • DHS must report to Congress when terminating a country’s TPS designation with an explanation to justify the termination.

    The first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both administrations to protect TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system. She has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Fetterman Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Making Tax Filing Easier for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.),John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced the Survivors Assistance for Fear-free and Easy (SAFE) Tax Filing Act. This bipartisan bill would work to end economic coercion in abusive marriages by making it easier for survivors of spousal abuse or abandonment to file their taxes.
    “Survivors of domestic violence should not have to worry about contacting their abuser – putting themselves and their children at risk of serious physical harm – just to file their taxes,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will help keep Nevada families safe and help survivors on the road to recovery.”
    The SAFE Tax Filing Act allows spousal abuse survivors to file their taxes as if they are unmarried. Currently, laws require survivors to either file their taxes jointly with their abuser or to file as Married Filing Separately, a disadvantageous status that could reduce their tax refund. This bill ends the requirement that survivors must contact their abusers to get the biggest tax refund they’re eligible for to support themselves and their families.
    “The SAFE Tax Filing Act of 2025 is more than tax reform—it’s a lifeline,” said Pamela Jacobs, JD, CEO, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. “It recognizes that survivors of abuse deserve safety, autonomy, and freedom from financial entanglement with those who’ve harmed them. This legislation honors the reality of survivors’ lives and removes another barrier on their path to healing and independence.”
    “There is no safety without economic security. Survivors of domestic violence often face substantial tax liability as a result of their abusive partner, and the act of filing taxes can expose survivors to further risk to their physical safety,” said Erika Sussman, Founder & Executive Director, Center for Survivor Agency and Justice. “The SAFE Tax Filing Act will lift that burden by providing survivors with the chance to attend to their tax responsibilities without subjecting themselves to further economic and physical harm. We owe this to survivors.”
    The SAFE Tax Filing Act is endorsed by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice, Futures Without Violence, and Just Solutions.
    The full bill text is available here.
    Senator Cortez Masto is an outspoken advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She was a cosponsor and vocal supporter of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act to help address gender-based violence and provide services and protections for survivors. The reauthorization included Cortez Masto’s bipartisan Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors Act to require state programs to allow sexual assault victims to file for compensation without being unfairly penalized for delays due to rape kit backlogs. She helped pass the bipartisan Safer Communities Act to narrow the “dating partner” loophole and prevent convicted domestic violence abusers from purchasing and possessing firearms. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Maintain Law and Order Amid Riots

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Safe and Open Streets Act to make it a federal crime to purposely obstruct, delay, or affect commerce by blocking a public road or highway.
    “In America, people have the right to peacefully gather and make their voices heard. They do not have the right to obstruct roads, riot, and undermine people’s livelihoods,”said Dr. Cassidy.
    “The emerging tactic of radical protestors blocking roads and stopping commerce is not only obnoxious to innocent commuters, but it’s also dangerous and will eventually get people killed. It needs to be a crime throughout the country,”said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to introduce the Safe and Open Streets Act so that radical activists who resort to these reckless and dangerous tactics are held accountable under the full weight of the law for endangering public safety.”
    “Blocking major roads to stop traffic flows is nothing short of lawlessness that should not be tolerated,” said Senator Blackburn. “These activists are not only intentionally creating a dangerous situation for themselves, but perhaps for a citizen who is awaiting an ambulance or a hard worker who will lose their job for being late. The Safe and Open Streets Act is critical to stopping this reckless behavior, particularly by Hamas sympathizers, in our U.S. cities.”“For nearly a week, we watched as domestic terrorists assaulted ICE and law enforcement officers, set fire to cop cars, and blocked the streets of Los Angeles—all while Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass sat on their tails and did nothing,” said Senator Tuberville. “This is a prime example of what happens when lawlessness goes unpunished. The First Amendment gives us the right to freedom of assembly, but it doesn’t give the right to block our streets and put American lives at risk. I’m proud to join the Safe and Open Streets Act that penalizes and holds radical protestors accountable who put citizens in danger by purposely blocking our roadways.”
    “Protestors who willfully block traffic pose a serious threat to public safety by impacting the flow of emergency vehicles and personnel,”said Senator Budd. “They can also significantly inconvenience Americans trying to get to and from work, school, or important personal business. The First Amendment protects the right to assemble and protest peacefully, but it does not permit such behavior. I’m proud to join Sen. Tillis and our colleagues in ensuring America’s streets are kept clear for everyone.”
    The Safe and Open Streets Act is in direct response to radical tactics of anti-ICE protestors who have intentionally blocked roads and highways across the country, including in Los Angeles, stranding drivers and compromising the free flow of commerce. The Safe and Open Streets Act would penalize lawbreakers through fines or up to five years of imprisonment. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Wyden Demand Information on Government’s Use of AI and Other Technology to Label People as National Security Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    State/DHS Letter Text (PDF) | GAO Letter Text (PDF)
    Washington (June 20, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today led their colleagues in two letters about the government’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to determine whether an individual poses a national security risk. 
    The lawmakers write to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, urging the Trump administration to reverse its decision to expand its social media screening of visa applicants. Those policy changes appear intended to chill dissent, discriminate against particular viewpoints, and punish individuals for speech the Administration finds objectionable. In another letter, the lawmakers wrote to the Government Accountability Office, requesting that it investigate how the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice are using AI technologies to label individuals as potential threats to the public, including automated analysis of content people post online. The letters were also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
    In their letter to Secretaries Rubio and Noem, the lawmakers write, “Although the national security benefits of social media screening may be unproven, the costs are very real. The wide-scale collection of social media information violates the free expression rights of foreigners and American citizens, infringes on applicants’ personal privacy, creates unnecessary processing delays, and creates risks of abuse and discrimination…Even in an administration intending to conduct social media screening in a fair and unbiased manner, the risks of mistakes are high. In an administration with malign intentions, these social media screening tools guarantee abuse.”
    The lawmakers continued, “We are deeply concerned that State and DHS’s respective new policies around social media screening are a thinly veiled effort to discriminate against visa applicants and other noncitizens seeking to pursue their studies or obtain asylum or lawful residence in the United States.”
    The lawmakers request answers by July 9, 2025, to questions including:
    Please provide any studies, analyses, audits, or other examination of the social media collection, screening, and vetting programs at State or DHS conducted between December 15, 2015, and the date of this letter.
    Is the State Department or DHS using artificial intelligence (AI) or any other automated system to collect, process, analyze, or otherwise review information collected from social media accounts of visa applicants and applicants for an immigration benefit?
    How many visa applicants or individuals seeking an immigration benefit have had their application denied solely or primarily due to the social media screening and vetting process, including those denied for failing to provide a social media identifier? 
    Please provide any State Department and DHS memos, guidance documents, or other written policies intended to guide career staff in interpreting social media indicia for a visa applicant or applicant for an immigration benefit.
    Has the State Department, DHS, or any other agency or component conducted any legal analysis or First Amendment review of the March 25 State Department memo or the April 9 DHS announcement?
    What safeguards, if any, are in place to ensure that personal bias, political viewpoints, or cultural misunderstandings do not influence visa adjudications or immigration benefit decisions based on social media content?
    Did the State Department’s Office of Civil Rights or DHS’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties or Privacy Office review the respective policies before their implementation?
    In their letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the lawmakers raise serious concerns about DHS and DOJ’s use of “technologies that make dubious automated inferences about individuals’ emotions, attitudes, and intentions,” including the administration’s deployment of “AI to scan the social media accounts of tens of thousands of student visa holders and flag some as supposedly supporting terrorist organizations.”
    The GAO letter is also cosigned by Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash).
    The lawmakers write: “It is particularly dangerous to use AI for inferring mental states in law enforcement contexts, where false positives can subject individuals to baseless investigation and detention. Furthermore, since many criminal statutes require proof of intent or other state of mind, using AI in this way could lead prosecutors to bring more severe charges against individuals on the basis of pseudoscientific evidence. This technology is also ripe for deliberate abuse, providing a pretext for government officials to target groups they disfavor.”
    The lawmakers request that GAO produce a report that addresses questions including the following:
    How many people have been the subject of an automated analysis conducted by DOJ or DHS personnel using AI technologies that infer people’s emotions, attitudes, or intentions?
    What kinds of law enforcement actions have been guided by DOJ and DHS personnel’s use of these technologies?
    What tests of these technologies did DOJ and DHS conduct before using them for law enforcement purposes?
    What DOJ and DHS policies govern the uses of these AI technologies to prevent violations of due process, freedom of expression, equal protection, and other constitutional rights?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Duckworth, and Booker Applaud Federal Court’s Ruling to Vacate EPA Environmental Justice Grant Terminations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (June 20, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), co-chairs of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, today issued the following statement applauding the U.S. District Court of Maryland’s decision vacating the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s termination of grants awarded under the Thriving Communities Grantmaker (TCGM) Program. The court ruled that the EPA violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in terminating funds that Congress appropriated for environmental justice programs.
    “Wednesday’s court decision is vindication not just for environmental justice grantees, but for the communities they work with every day in pursuit of a livable future for all,” said the Senators. “Environmental justice grants, such as the TCGM Program, improve the health and well-being of communities in red and blue states that for generations have been last in line for federal investment. This administration’s vendetta against environmental justice, which Congressional Republicans have doubled down on in their Big Billionaire Boondoggle budget reconciliation bill, will only extend these legacies of harm and neglect. We urge Administrator Zeldin to follow the court’s order to reverse these grant terminations and resume funding reimbursements immediately.”
    When Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, it statutorily authorized the creation of environmental justice grants, including the TCGM Program, and directed the EPA to administer the grants. Despite this mandate, the Trump administration’s EPA has fueled chaos and uncertainty for environmental justice grantees, blindsiding these organizations with illegal and baseless terminations, freezes, and lock outs. As a result, grantees have been forced to pay for project costs out of pocket or cancel grantmaking projects altogether. In addition to cutting funding, the EPA terminated agency staff responsible for administering the funds, shutting off grantees’ access to information regarding the status of their awards. The judge’s decision included the following statement: “EPA contends that it has authority to thumb its nose at Congress and refuse to comply with its directives. That constitutes a clear example of an agency acting ‘in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations, or short of statutory right,’ and thereby violating the APA.”
    The Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program was created under the Inflation Reduction Act to break down barriers that small, under-resourced community organizations face in securing federal funding. The program selected 11 regional grantmaking organizations to administer funds to thousands of projects that address environmental and climate justice challenges in their communities, including projects that enable fenceline air quality monitoring, water quality sampling, residential energy and water use efficiency upgrades, and lead and asbestos remediation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Joins Ranking Member Shaheen, Representative Lieu in Introducing Resolution to Recognize World Refugee Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (June 20, 2025) — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA-36) to introduce the “World Refugee Day Resolution” to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting the safety, health and welfare of refugees and forcibly displaced persons worldwide as they flee persecution, conflict and violence. The resolution was cosponsored by 23 Senators and 49 Representatives.
    “On World Refugee Day, I am reminded of our nation’s history of welcoming those who have been forced to flee from violence, persecution, disease, famine, and climate disaster,” said Senator Markey. “The United States must honor that history and remain a beacon of hope and safety. It is unconscionable that the Trump administration has turned its back on refugees and halted funding to resettlement agencies. Due to these cruel actions, refugees who have been rigorously vetted are being denied entry into the United States and forced to remain in dangerous conditions. While the world is dealing with the growing threats of climate change and ongoing conflicts, the United States mut remain a beacon of hope and safety. I am calling on the Trump administration to resume the resettlement of refugees without any further delays. Today and every day, we must say loudly and clearly that refugees are welcome here.”
    “Conflict, persecution and violence continue to force millions of people from their homes – with more than 123 million people forcibly displaced at the end of 2024, including Afghans, Burmese Rohingya and Sudanese,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “The United States has long been a leader in supporting refugees overseas and welcoming the most vulnerable, promoting stability around the world and boosting the U.S. economy through refugees’ contributions. Yet the Trump Administration is turning its back on this bipartisan legacy of support, slashing U.S. foreign aid programs that help refugees and host communities and indefinitely suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. On this World Refugee Day, our resolution honors the resilient spirit of forcibly displaced persons globally and calls on the Trump Administration to recommit to supporting refugees and displaced persons.” 
    “There used to be more consensus among Democrats and Republicans that the world’s wealthiest nation has an obligation to help those seeking refuge from violence, persecution, human rights abuses, and other dangers,” said Representative Lieu. “A strong U.S. foreign aid program was once considered both morally correct policy, and a smart return on investment that engendered good will and protected our national security. Now, Trump has turned his back on the world’s most vulnerable people by banning refugees and pulling funding for foreign aid programs. This is a terrible abdication of our duty to help those who need it the most. On World Refugee Day, those of us who want the world to be a more peaceful, prosperous place for everyone reiterate our call to help refugees who are fleeing unimaginable circumstances. Everyone deserves to live freely and safely.”
    “With an ongoing refugee ban leaving so many with no path to protection – it is imperative we take this opportunity to stand in solidarity with all those forced to flee their homes around the world,” said Erol Kekic, Chief Strategy Officer at Church World Service. “CWS thanks Senator Shaheen and Representative Lieu for honoring refugees and leading this year’s congressional World Refugee Day resolution. From 80 years of walking alongside newcomers, CWS knows that refugees and immigrants enrich our communities – culturally, artistically, religiously, and economically. They are our neighbors and friends. They are mothers and fathers working to build better futures for their children.” 
    “Today, more than 123 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes—the highest number in recorded history,” said Myal Greene, President and CEO of World Relief. “On World Refugee Day, we remember that behind every statistic is a person made in the image of God, longing for safety, stability, and hope. This crisis should stir the conscience of lawmakers and citizens alike–particularly those, like me, motivated by the Christian faith. We urge Congress to champion policies that protect the persecuted, restore dignity, and uphold America’s long legacy of welcoming those fleeing violence and oppression.” 
    “On World Refugee Day, we are reminded that the right to seek safety is both a legal commitment and a moral imperative,” said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “The United States has the capacity, and the obligation, to uphold its commitments to refugees and asylum seekers. Yet today, tens of thousands of people who were promised protection under the U.S. resettlement program remain stranded due to unlawful and discriminatory policies. We commend this resolution for reaffirming the values enshrined in our Constitution and refugee laws and urge our leaders to restore U.S. leadership in protecting the rights and dignity of those forced to flee.” 
    “There has never been a more urgent moment for Congress to reaffirm America’s support for refugees, both at home and abroad,” said Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International. “On World Refugee Day, we must renew our pledge to advance refugee protection, including by ensuring refugees have a role in shaping policy; to uphold the right to seek asylum; and to generously welcome those who seek safety and the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and opportunity.” 
    “RCUSA reminds the Trump administration of the incredible contributions that refugees have made in the 45-year history of the refugee resettlement program,” said John Slocum, Executive Director of Refugee Council USA. “We stand in solidarity with those forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution – families and individuals continue to seek safety, dignity, freedom, and opportunity in the face of unimaginable hardship. As global displacement reaches historic highs, the United States must lead with compassion and courage. That means rejecting fear-based policies and recommitting to a system that upholds the rights of all people to seek safety. Congress must invest in our nation’s capacity to welcome refugees and asylum seekers — and safeguard the use of public resources in good faith. RCUSA calls on all people of conscience to stand with refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, not only today but every day. Our work is far from over.” 
    The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).  
    The House resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-D), Yassmin Ansari (AZ-D), Becca Balint (VT-D), Joyce Beatty (OH-D), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-D), Judy Chu (CA-D), Gil Cisneros (CA-D), Steve Cohen (TN-D), Danny Davis (IL-D), Diana Degette (CO-D), Suzan DelBene (WA-D), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-D), Adriano Espaillat (NY-D), Chuy Garcia (IL-D), Robert Garcia (CA-D), Sylvia Garcia (TX-D), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-D), Pramila Jayapal (WA-D), Hank Johnson (GA-D), Ro Khanna (CA-D), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-D), Summer Lee (PA-D), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-D), Stephen Lynch (MA-D), Jennifer McClellan (VA-D), Betty McCollum (MN-D), Jim McGovern (MA-D), Robert Menendez (NJ-D), Gwen Moore (WI-D), Seth Moulton (MA-D), Kevin Mullin (CA-D), Jerrold Nadler (NY-D), Eleanor Norton (DC-D), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-D), Ilhan Omar (MN-D), Nancy Pelosi (CA-D), Mark Pocan (WI-D), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (IL-D), Darren Soto (FL-D), Shri Thanedar (MI-D), Dina Titus (NV-D), Rashida Tlaib (MI-D), Jill Tokuda (HI-D), Paul Tonko (NY-D), Derek Tran (CA-D), Nydia Velazquez (NY-D), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-D) and Nikema Williams (GA-D).
    The resolution is supported by the following organizations: Church World Service, Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, Center for Victims of Torture, Climate Refugees, Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, Franciscan Action Network, Friends Committee on National Legislation, HIAS, International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), Just Neighbors, National Partnership for New Americans, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, Refugee Advocacy Lab, Refugee Council USA, Refugee Congress, Refugees International, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, United Church of Christ, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), World Relief and Women’s Refugee Commission.
    Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Dallas removes foreign fugitive wanted by Mexican law enforcement for homicide

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DALLAS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removes foreign fugitive wanted by Mexican law enforcement for homicide.

    ICE Dallas removed Joaquin Gallegos, a 33-year-old citizen of Mexico June 18 back to his country of origin. Gallegos is a foreign fugitive sought by the international extraditions office of Mexico for his alleged role in a homicide.

    On March 25, Enforcement Removal Operations Dallas Fugitive Operations Team arrested Gallegos during a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Carlsbad, Texas, serving him an expedited removal order pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act.

    “This foreign fugitive has been returned to his home country to face accountability for very serious crimes,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas acting Field Office Director Josh Johnson. “Let it be known that the communities of North Texas and Oklahoma will not be a haven for foreign fugitives evading law enforcement. ERO Dallas will seek out and find those hiding in the U.S and turn them over to our international law enforcement partners.”

    On Dec. 17, 2024, law enforcement officials from Zacatecas, Mexico issued an arrest warrant for Gallegos for homicide.

    On Nov. 19, 2020, Gallegos illegally entered the U.S. near Laredo, Texas without an immigration inspection, admission, or parole. On the same date, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested Gallegos near Laredo, Texas, returning him to Mexico.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @ERODallas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man and Chinese National Charged with Running Scams That Took Thousands From Elderly Victims in Ohio

    Source: US FBI

    CLEVELAND – A federal grand jury has returned a 10-count indictment charging two men with defrauding elderly victims in Northeast Ohio out of thousands of dollars. The victims affected reside in Cleveland Heights, Willoughby, Canton, and Warren.

    According to a recently unsealed indictment, Jinrong Shi, 28, of New York, New York, and Jiyang Zhong, 27, a Chinese national residing in Little Neck, New York, were part of a criminal network that targeted senior citizens in Ohio, and elsewhere, with either a “grandparent” or “tech support” scam in May and June 2024.

    In tech support scams, victims are led to believe that their electronic devices, or online account, has been compromised. Unsuspecting victims are then persuaded to pay for assistance to resolve the fabricated issues. In grandparent scams, perpetrators impersonate law enforcement, or other authority figures, to convince elderly victims that their grandchildren are in trouble with the law. The victims are told that they must provide immediate financial assistance to help their grandchild out of the legal bind.

    The indictment further alleges that once the scam victims were persuaded to withdraw cash from their bank accounts, Shi and Zhong collaborated with a network of co-conspirators to collect it. The defendants used “fraud callers” to speak with victims and gather their addresses and other information. These details were then given to “fraud couriers,” who were tasked with meeting victims to pick up cash, or other items of value, at or near their homes. In an effort to further gain victims’ trust, the fraudulent callers would give them a password and told that a courier they would meet would provide this same password to confirm the validity of the transaction. In other instances, victims were instructed to mail cash to locations which the members of the conspiracy controlled. In total, more than $201,000 was taken from victims in Ohio.

    The ill-gotten proceeds from these fraudulent activities were allegedly laundered across state lines through various methods. In attempts to conceal the origins of the funds, conspirators also routed proceeds through cryptocurrency account holders based in China.

    Shi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and concealment of money laundering and faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Zhong has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in prison.

    If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, their roles in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio. The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cleveland Heights Police Department for their cooperation with this matter.

    The investigation and prosecution of this case is in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nation’s elderly population.

    To bring awareness to the financial abuse of senior citizens, the USAO recently issued an announcement warning of scams that target the elderly. Click here to read more about Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

    To submit a report of suspected elder financial abuse, visit tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How to protect your favourite urban trees from increasing danger

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lucy Grace, PhD Candidate, Climate Change and Literature, Nottingham Trent University

    Whether your favourite tree is in a private garden, on wasteland, in a school playground or on the street, your emotional response may be admiration, relaxation, rejuvenation or awareness of the seasons passing. But so many special trees are experiencing a combination of threats.

    According to a new report from environmental charity the Tree Council and government-funded agency Forest Research, introduced pests and diseases, pollution, extreme weather and infrastructure development are all on the increase, which could be a disaster for the UK’s trees. These affect trees’ condition, resilience and capacity to mitigate the climate and nature crises.

    Not only do trees play ecological roles in nature, such as shelter for wildlife and protection from floods, many people have long-standing connections to trees. A report from the Tree Council highlights the role of trees as an important part of the “fabric of human cultures and societies”.

    This demonstrates a move away from appreciating only the ecological benefits provided by urban trees and towards the social and cultural importance they hold for local populations.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The ecological and biodiversity values of trees are well-documented. Trees offer homes and food for birds, insects and wildlife. They prevent rainwater reaching the ground by as much as 45%. When combined with grass, surface water flooding is reduced by 99% compared with tarmac. Urban trees reduce air pollution, quieten noise and keep cities shaded and cool.

    Thousands of people cast votes for their favourite trees in the UK and Europe. In a recent study, over half of 1,800 adults surveyed said they had a favourite tree and 74% felt that urban development is the greatest threat to our trees.

    That’s not the only threat, though. Single species planting of street trees, for example, leaves the trees vulnerable to diseases (such as Dutch elm or ash dieback). Rising temperatures and water scarcity leaves trees competing for resources.

    But what does that mean for our urban trees? Approximately 30% of tree cover in England exists outside forest and woodland. Such trees form an essential habitat in urban areas where 83% of the UK’s population live, yet more than ever before our urban trees are facing threats from a deadly combination of environmental change and human development. In Wales, for example, 7,000 mature trees in towns and cities were lost between 2006 and 2013.

    To try to address this growing crisis, woodland charity Forest Research have released a new, national free to use “trees outside woodland” map. This refers to any trees found in settings such as parks, open countryside and farmland, gardens and estates, or beside roads and paths.

    These can be on a street corner, beside a railway track or in a market square and includes very old trees like those listed on the ancient tree inventory plus otherwise unremarkable trees growing in unusual settings, such as the vandalised 200-year-old Sycamore Gap tree.

    Why we love trees

    England is dawdling behind many other countries when it comes to protecting important trees. Forest Research found that trees outside woodland share many of the social and cultural values associated with trees in woodlands, however people make specific relationships with these urban trees and they are more likely to be considered unique and irreplaceable.

    Trees in urban areas have huge social benefits too.
    Karo Martu/Shutterstock

    They can be recognised for their grace and beauty or for their associations with customs, beliefs and rituals. They can be a place to rest and play and symbols of community belonging. They can give a sense of continuity, connecting people’s lifespans with reflections about the natural world and everything beyond.

    Many countries give clear titles to their important trees. In Poland, they are called natural monuments, in Germany they are living monuments. Spain, Belgium, Greece, Mexico and Finland use the term “monumental trees”. In New Zealand, special urban trees are referred to as national living landmarks. Currently England falls behind in designating trees for protection based on their historical or aesthetic importance.

    Trees for everyone

    A common feature across many countries is the opportunity for anyone, including members of the public, to recommend a tree for protection. Tree equity is the idea that everyone should have access to the benefits of trees. It includes prioritising and deploying resources in the areas where people have least access to them.

    Tree inequity exists in most UK towns and cities. On average, the most economically and socially deprived and most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods have half the tree canopy cover compared to the least deprived and least diverse.

    Canopy cover ranges from 1–2% in parts of north-east England to 36% in Hampstead, north London. Even within London there are wide variations.

    So ensure your favourite tree can be appreciated and celebrated by your community as a living monument, make sure it is on the Trees Outside Woodland map. And check if it needs a drink.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Lucy Grace receives funding from AHRC for her PhD through the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.

    – ref. How to protect your favourite urban trees from increasing danger – https://theconversation.com/how-to-protect-your-favourite-urban-trees-from-increasing-danger-258227

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How to protect your favourite urban trees from increasing danger

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lucy Grace, PhD Candidate, Climate Change and Literature, Nottingham Trent University

    Whether your favourite tree is in a private garden, on wasteland, in a school playground or on the street, your emotional response may be admiration, relaxation, rejuvenation or awareness of the seasons passing. But so many special trees are experiencing a combination of threats.

    According to a new report from environmental charity the Tree Council and government-funded agency Forest Research, introduced pests and diseases, pollution, extreme weather and infrastructure development are all on the increase, which could be a disaster for the UK’s trees. These affect trees’ condition, resilience and capacity to mitigate the climate and nature crises.

    Not only do trees play ecological roles in nature, such as shelter for wildlife and protection from floods, many people have long-standing connections to trees. A report from the Tree Council highlights the role of trees as an important part of the “fabric of human cultures and societies”.

    This demonstrates a move away from appreciating only the ecological benefits provided by urban trees and towards the social and cultural importance they hold for local populations.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The ecological and biodiversity values of trees are well-documented. Trees offer homes and food for birds, insects and wildlife. They prevent rainwater reaching the ground by as much as 45%. When combined with grass, surface water flooding is reduced by 99% compared with tarmac. Urban trees reduce air pollution, quieten noise and keep cities shaded and cool.

    Thousands of people cast votes for their favourite trees in the UK and Europe. In a recent study, over half of 1,800 adults surveyed said they had a favourite tree and 74% felt that urban development is the greatest threat to our trees.

    That’s not the only threat, though. Single species planting of street trees, for example, leaves the trees vulnerable to diseases (such as Dutch elm or ash dieback). Rising temperatures and water scarcity leaves trees competing for resources.

    But what does that mean for our urban trees? Approximately 30% of tree cover in England exists outside forest and woodland. Such trees form an essential habitat in urban areas where 83% of the UK’s population live, yet more than ever before our urban trees are facing threats from a deadly combination of environmental change and human development. In Wales, for example, 7,000 mature trees in towns and cities were lost between 2006 and 2013.

    To try to address this growing crisis, woodland charity Forest Research have released a new, national free to use “trees outside woodland” map. This refers to any trees found in settings such as parks, open countryside and farmland, gardens and estates, or beside roads and paths.

    These can be on a street corner, beside a railway track or in a market square and includes very old trees like those listed on the ancient tree inventory plus otherwise unremarkable trees growing in unusual settings, such as the vandalised 200-year-old Sycamore Gap tree.

    Why we love trees

    England is dawdling behind many other countries when it comes to protecting important trees. Forest Research found that trees outside woodland share many of the social and cultural values associated with trees in woodlands, however people make specific relationships with these urban trees and they are more likely to be considered unique and irreplaceable.

    Trees in urban areas have huge social benefits too.
    Karo Martu/Shutterstock

    They can be recognised for their grace and beauty or for their associations with customs, beliefs and rituals. They can be a place to rest and play and symbols of community belonging. They can give a sense of continuity, connecting people’s lifespans with reflections about the natural world and everything beyond.

    Many countries give clear titles to their important trees. In Poland, they are called natural monuments, in Germany they are living monuments. Spain, Belgium, Greece, Mexico and Finland use the term “monumental trees”. In New Zealand, special urban trees are referred to as national living landmarks. Currently England falls behind in designating trees for protection based on their historical or aesthetic importance.

    Trees for everyone

    A common feature across many countries is the opportunity for anyone, including members of the public, to recommend a tree for protection. Tree equity is the idea that everyone should have access to the benefits of trees. It includes prioritising and deploying resources in the areas where people have least access to them.

    Tree inequity exists in most UK towns and cities. On average, the most economically and socially deprived and most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods have half the tree canopy cover compared to the least deprived and least diverse.

    Canopy cover ranges from 1–2% in parts of north-east England to 36% in Hampstead, north London. Even within London there are wide variations.

    So ensure your favourite tree can be appreciated and celebrated by your community as a living monument, make sure it is on the Trees Outside Woodland map. And check if it needs a drink.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Lucy Grace receives funding from AHRC for her PhD through the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.

    – ref. How to protect your favourite urban trees from increasing danger – https://theconversation.com/how-to-protect-your-favourite-urban-trees-from-increasing-danger-258227

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Global: At June’s Nato summit, just keeping Donald Trump in the room will be seen as a victory

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    Gints Ivuskans/Shutterstock

    When Nato leaders meet for their annual summit in The Hague on Wednesday June 25, all eyes will be on Donald Trump. Not only is the 47th president of the United States less committed to the alliance than any of his predecessors in Nato’s 76-year history. But he has also just joined Israel’s war with Iran and seems to have given up his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

    Leaders of Nato’s 32 member states should therefore have had a packed agenda. Although there are several meetings and a dinner planned for June 24, the actual summit – which has tended usually to stretch out over several days – has been reduced to a single session and a single agenda item. All of this has been done to accommodate the US president.

    A single session reduces the risk of Trump walking away from the summit early, as he did at the G7 leaders meeting in Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16.

    The single item remaining on the agenda is Nato members’ new commitment to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This is meant to placate Trump who demanded such an increase even before his inauguration in January 2025.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Trump has frequently complained, and not without justification, that European members of the alliance invested too little in their defence and were over-reliant on the US. A draft summit declaration confirming the new spending target has now been approved after Spain secured an opt-out.

    Even accounting for Trump’s notorious unpredictability, this should ensure that Nato will survive the Hague summit intact. What is less clear is whether Nato’s members can rise to the unprecedented challenges that the alliance is facing.

    These challenges look different from each of the member states’ 32 capitals. But, for 31 of them, the continued survival of the alliance as an effective security provider is an existential question. Put simply, they need the US, while the US doesn’t necessarily need to be part of the alliance.

    The capability deficit that Canada and European member states have compared to the US was thrown into stark relief by Washington’s airstrikes against Iran over the weekend. This is not simply a question of increasing manpower and to equip troops to fight. European states also lack most of the so-called critical enablers, the military hardware and technology required to prevail in a potential war with Russia.

    This includes, among other things, intelligence capabilities, heavy-lift aircraft to quickly move troops and equipment and command and control structures that have traditionally been provided by US forces. These will take significant time and resources to replace.

    For now, Russia is tied down in Ukraine, which will buy time. And the 5%-commitment – even if not all member states will get there quickly or at all – is likely to go some way towards to mobilise the necessary resources for beefing up Europe’s defences. But time and resources are not limitless. And is not yet clear what the American commitment to Europe will be in the future and when and how it will be reduced.

    A new type of war

    Nor is it completely obvious what kind of war Europe should prepare for. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is both a very traditional war of attrition and a very modern technological showdown.

    A future confrontation with the Kremlin is initially likely to take the form of a “grey-zone” conflict, a state of affairs between war and peace in which acts of aggression happen but are difficult to attribute unambiguously and to respond to proportionately.

    This has arguably already started with Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. And as the example of Ukraine illustrates, grey-zone conflicts have the potential to escalate to conventional war.

    In February 2022, Russia saw an opportunity to pull Ukraine back into its zone of influence by brute force after and launched a full-scale invasion, hoping to capture Kyiv in a matter of a few days. This turned out to be a gross misjudgement on the Kremlin’s part. And three years on from that, if frequent Russian threats are to be believed, the possibility of a nuclear escalation can no longer be ruled out either.

    Key members of the alliance are unequivocal in their assessment of Russia as an existential threat to Europe. This much has been made clear in both the UK’s strategic defence review and the recent strategy paper for the German armed forces.

    Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, the former prime minister of The Netherlands, gives a press conference before the Nato summit.

    Yet, this is not a view unanimously shared. Trump’s pro-Putin leanings date back to their now infamous meeting in Helsinki when he sided with the Russian president against his own intelligence services.

    In Europe, long-term Putin supporters Victor OrbanOrbán and Robert Fico, the prime ministers of EU and Nato members Hungary and Slovakia, have just announced that they will not support additional EU sanctions against Russia.

    Hungary and Slovakia are hardly defence heavyweights, but they wield outsized institutional power. Their ability to veto decisions can disrupt nascent European efforts both within the EU and Nato to rise to dual challenge of an increasingly existential threat to Europe from Russia and American retrenchment from its 80-year commitment to securing Europe against just that threat.

    What will, and more importantly what will not, happen at the Nato summit in The Hague will probably be looked back on as another chapter in the remaking of the international order and the European security architecture. A Nato agreement on increased defence spending should be enough to give the organisation another lease of life. But the implicit inability to agree on what is the main threat the alliance needs to defend itself against is likely to put a short expiration date on that.



    Read more:
    US joins Israel in attack on Iran and ushers in a new era of impunity

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. At June’s Nato summit, just keeping Donald Trump in the room will be seen as a victory – https://theconversation.com/at-junes-nato-summit-just-keeping-donald-trump-in-the-room-will-be-seen-as-a-victory-259585

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Marshall Highlights Major Wins for Kansans in the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    WASHINGTON – On Monday, Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released the following video to highlight the major wins in the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill.’ This legislation will touch every single Kansas family by preventing the largest tax increase in American history, expanding the Child Tax Credit, supporting small businesses, reducing the national debt, and achieving many other benefits.
    The reconciliation bill passed the House last month before coming to the Senate, where lawmakers have found additional ways to improve the bill and save the American taxpayer more money. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill this week.
    Click HERE to watch and download the video.
    Please reach out if you’d like to set up an additional interview with Senator Marshall to discuss the reconciliation bill.
    Full video transcript below:
    Hi, Kansas! I’m here to talk about the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ – a game changer for hard-working folks like you, middle-income families who keep our state strong. This bill, passed by the House and improved by the Senate, puts you first. And I want to share how it delivers for Kansans.
    What does this bill do? Let me break down the top ways it supports our families, our farms, our businesses, and our futures.
    First and foremost, the One Big, Beautiful Bill prevents the largest tax increase in American history. Let me say that again – it stops a massive $4 trillion tax hike by keeping taxes low and supercharging our economy. It puts an extra $1,000 a month back in your pocket – now that’s money for groceries, for gas, or your kids’ school supplies. Plus, it makes the 2017 Trump tax cut rates in the standard deductions permanent.
    Second, it boosts your children’s future for every child born after January 1, 2024, that is, last year – the bill gives a $1,000 federal deposit in a savings account to grow for their future. Think College, a first home, starting a business right here in Kansas, and it expands the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child, up from $1,000, so you can keep more of your hard-earned money to raise your family.
    Third, it cuts taxes on your hard work. True to President Trump’s promises, we’re eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay – whether you’re a server in Topeka or a factory worker in Wichita pulling an extra shift, that’s more cash in your paycheck, which supports family and small business dreams.
    We’re extending the paid family and medical leave tax credit so that you can care for a newborn or sick loved one without losing your paycheck. For small business owners – our Kansas backbone – we’re permanently increasing the tax deduction for your income, giving you certainty to grow higher. And for our seniors, we’re letting you write off Social Security income because you’ve earned it.
    We don’t touch Medicare. For Medicaid, we strengthen it and preserve it for those who need it the most, including seniors in nursing homes and those on disabilities. And we increase spending on Medicaid more than the rate of inflation.
    Finally, this ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ tackles our national debt, $36 trillion and counting, which worries Kansans like us. This bill slashes $2 trillion in federal spending over the next 10 years, showing fiscal responsibility. It also funds border security, removes violent illegal immigrants, and gives our military pay raises and modern equipment, keeping our communities safe and strong.
    Now, is this bill perfect? Of course, not. But as President Reagan told a senator once, “If you get 80% of what you want, take it.” In fact, this bill delivers more than 90% for Kansas, lower taxes, more money for your family, and a stronger future. It’s good policy that puts you, the hard-working men and women of Kansas, first and restores the American dream.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highland Valley Copper extension gets provincial permits

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province has fully permitted the Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension (HVC MLE) project west of Logan Lake.

    The extension was identified by Premier David Eby as a priority project to expedite as part of British Columbia’s efforts to diversify exports and strengthen the economy.

    The permits issued under the Mines Act, the Environmental Management Act, and the Water Sustainability Act follow the June 17, 2025, issuance of the Environmental Assessment Certificate by the ministers of mining and critical minerals, and environment and parks, and clears the way for the project to proceed.

    “British Columbia will be the economic engine to drive our whole country forward in a rapidly changing global economy. Part of our advantage is abundant resources like copper, resources in demand, everywhere,” Premier Eby said. “By accelerating approvals for Highland Valley Copper’s extension as a provincial priority, we are growing the provincial economy and creating good jobs, while doing our part to help Canada stand strong.”

    The permits build on the 17 conditions attached to the Environmental Assessment Certificate, balancing the economic benefits provided by the mine with strong protections for the environment and measures to mitigate impacts to First Nations and local communities.

    “Our government is committed to making B.C. the economic engine of Canada, and the review and approval of the HVC Mine Life Extension project shows we are making decisions and enabling economic development,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. “Whether it’s major mine expansions like this or exploration drilling, we are taking action to develop the critical minerals the world needs while creating good family-supporting jobs here in B.C.”

    HVC is an open-pit copper mine owned by Teck Resources Ltd. approximately 17 kilometres west of Logan Lake.

    The HVC MLE will extend the life of the mine into the mid-2040s, producing an additional 900 million tonnes of ore. The expansion will also add an additional 200 jobs, bringing the workforce to more than 1,500 people.

    “Receiving regulatory approvals from the Government of B.C. is a further step forward in extending the life of Canada’s largest copper mine, supporting jobs and generating economic activity,” said Jonathan Price, president and CEO, Teck Resources. “I want to thank Indigenous governments and organizations for their meaningful participation, deep contributions and individual assessments as part of this comprehensive process, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with them. These positive permitting decisions position the project for a final construction sanction decision in the near term that will allow for the continuation of the social and economic benefits of HVC, including approximately 1,500 direct jobs and $500 million in annual GDP.”

    The Province carried out a combined environmental assessment and permitting process for the HVC MLE project that included a technical review table for all parties involved. Through this co-operative approach, Teck was able to submit one application that met the information requirements of all provincial regulators, providing a streamlined review. As a result, permit decisions were made almost immediately following the certificate decision, demonstrating the Province supports robust reviews that uphold environmental values, and health and safety, while providing an efficient process.

    “This decision is good news for our members at Highland Valley Copper and for workers across the region who rely on stable, family-supporting jobs,” said Scott Lunny, director, District 3, United Steelworkers union (USW). “Extending the life of this mine means increased economic certainty for hundreds of union families and their communities. We welcome the Province’s commitment to getting critical mineral projects like this across the line while maintaining Indigenous engagement and strong environmental and community standards. Our union will continue working to ensure that workers’ voices are heard as this project moves forward.”

    The project is now approved to start construction, pending a final construction decision by Teck’s board of directors.

    Quotes:

    Christine Walkem, chair of Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, and Chief of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band – 

    “The Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the voices, values and laws of the nłeʔképmx people continue to guide the implementation of the Highland Valley Copper Mine life extension project. As the project moves into the construction phase, and through the many years that remain in its extended life and into closure, we expect continued accountability, respect and collaboration from all parties. Our work through the nłeʔképmx impact assessment set a new precedent for Indigenous leadership in environmental governance, shaping the future of major developments in nłeʔképmx territory. It lays the foundation for new decision-making frameworks grounded in Indigenous laws and principles, and it creates a pathway for future generations to carry this leadership forward.”

    Kyle Wolff, president, USW local 7619 – 

    “Our members have been proud to power B.C.’s economy through their hard work at Highland Valley Copper for decades and the HVC extension project brings long-term stability and reassurance to workers, their families and the surrounding communities. We’re ready to keep doing what we do best by delivering the critical minerals that B.C. and the world depend on, and we’ll continue to make sure our members’ rights, safety and livelihoods remain a top priority as the project moves forward.”

    Michael Goehring, president and CEO, Mining Association of B.C. –

    “We are very pleased Teck Resources has received permits and authorizations required for the Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension project to proceed. As Canada’s largest copper mine, HVC will continue to sustain workers, suppliers and contractors in the southern Interior and across the province over the next couple of decades. This is great news in these challenging economic times.”

    Quick Facts:

    • HVC produces copper and molybdenum, both critical minerals as identified by the Government of Canada.
    • The estimated cost of the project is at least $1.5 billion.
    • Teck is now approved to modify the existing mine to continue operations until the mid-2040s, from previous production limits that would have been reached in 2028.
    • HVC MLE is expected to create approximately 2,900 jobs during the construction phase of the project.
    • The project will involve an extension of the existing open pit, as well as upgrades and modifications to some mine site infrastructure and processing facilities to support the increased production capacity, resulting in 1,526 hectares of new land disturbance.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investor Alert: Quantum Ai, Galaxy Trading Analytics (GTA), Rapliplen and London Group Are Not Registered

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 23, 2025

    The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) warns investors of the online entities known as Quantum Ai, Galaxy Trading Analytics (GTA), Rapliplen and London Group.

    “The FCAA recommends Saskatchewan residents to always check an entity’s registration status at aretheyregistered.ca before making an investment,” FCAA Securities Division Executive Director Dean Murrison said. “This is an easy way to protect yourself and keep your investments safe.”

    These entities claim to offer Saskatchewan residents the following trading opportunities:

    • Quantum Ai: cryptocurrencies and contracts for differences (CFDs).
    • Galaxy Trading Analytics: cryptocurrencies, forex and commodities.
    • Raliplen: stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
    • London Group: commodities in the form of precious metals traded as futures or option contracts, as well as exchange traded funds (ETFs).

    This alert applies to the online entities using “quantum-ai ca”, “gtatrade com”, “raliplen com” and “londongrp com” (these URLs have been manually altered so as not to be interactive).

    Quantum Ai, Galaxy Trading Analytics (GTA), Rapliplen and London Group are not registered with the FCAA to trade or sell securities or derivatives in Saskatchewan. The FCAA cautions investors and consumers not to send money to companies that are not registered in Saskatchewan, as they may not be legitimate businesses. 

    If you have invested with Quantum Ai, Galaxy Trading Analytics (GTA), Rapliplen, London Group or anyone claiming to be acting on their behalf, contact the FCAA’s Securities Division at 306-787-5936.

    In Saskatchewan, individuals or companies need to be registered with the FCAA to trade or sell securities or derivatives. The registration provisions of The Securities Act, 1988, and accompanying regulations are intended to ensure that only honest and knowledgeable people are registered to sell securities and derivatives and that their businesses are financially stable.

    Tips to protect yourself:

    • Always verify that the person or company is registered in Saskatchewan to sell or advise about securities or derivatives. To check registration, visit The Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registration Search at aretheyregistered.ca.
    • Know exactly what you are investing in. Make sure you understand how the investment, product, or service works.
    • Get a second opinion and seek professional advice about the investment.
    • Do not allow unknown or unverified individuals to remotely access your computer.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada’s Ongoing Efforts to Improve HR and Pay and Support Federal Public Servants

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 23, 2025 – Public Services and Procurement Canada

    The Government of Canada is committed to supporting employees and resolving outstanding pay issues for federal public servants, while working to improve their overall human resources (HR) and pay experience.

    Today, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) published the fourth quarterly progress report, which provides updates on progress related to HR and pay in the federal public service. Since last fall, PSPC and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) have been working together on various projects to better support employees, while also improving current operations and continuing to explore a new HR and pay solution. The report includes details on:

    • new Unified Actions for Pay
    • the findings of the Dayforce Feasibility Report
    • the growing social media presence related to Government of Canada Pay and Benefits

    In addition to the release of the quarterly report, PSPC today unveiled 8 new commitments for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and will continue to provide regular updates on its website.

    PSPC and TBS remain dedicated to enhancing operations to better support federal public servants, while seeking solutions to address HR and pay challenges. Our top priority is ensuring timely and accurate compensation, and we are committed to building a system that meets the needs of the public service today and in the future.

    The Government of Canada will continue engaging with employees and stakeholders while working on various initiatives to support its employees, resolve HR and pay issues, and make progress on replacing the Phoenix pay system. Quarterly updates on the progress of HR and pay projects will continue to be provided.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Quebec City

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Quebec City (Québec), June 23, 2025 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec-Centre, Steeve Lavoie, Member of Parliament for Beauport-Limoilou, Moctar Sidibé, director for The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated and Maude Mercier-Larouche, City Councillor for Québec City.

    Date:
    Wednesday, June 25 2025

    Time:
    10:30 a.m. EDT

    Location:
    Quai des Cageux
    2795 Champlain Boulevard
    Quebec City (Québec), G1W 2J3

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Statement On Trump’s Strikes on Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement following Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran: 

    “I am grateful to learn of reports that no U.S. service members were harmed during tonight’s operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon and its support for terrorism across the region poses a grave threat to the United States, our ally Israel, and our partners throughout the Middle East.

    “However, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to order these strikes tonight without first seeking legal authorization from Congress, as required by the Constitution. This constitutional requirement ensures Congress has the ability to weigh the proposed plan, the potential cost and danger to service members, and whether it is the best path forward to achieve our long-term goals. This is especially important given the poor decision making that led to twenty years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan without advancing the goals of the United States and our allies. 

    “I urge all sides to return to the negotiating table, stop this conflict, and diplomatically ensure that Iran will not be able to acquire a nuclear weapon.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Lois Frankel Responds to U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Washington, D.C. – Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Ranking Member of the House National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee released the following statement today after the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

    “Here’s what’s not up for debate: For decades, the Iranian regime has threatened Israel’s very existence, armed terrorist proxies, and relentlessly pursued nuclear weapons, all while chanting “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.” It has American blood on its hands, both directly and through its network of terror proxies. Most alarmingly, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile arsenal, and genocidal rhetoric pose an existential threat to Israel and a grave danger to global security,” said Rep. Frankel.

    “As we move forward, President Trump must abide by the Constitutional authority of Congress and engage in constructive, bipartisan cooperation to advance peace and stability in the region, and to ensure that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. The safety and security of Israel, our allies, and the United States depend on it.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Drought Watch Continues for 8 Pennsylvania Counties

    Source: US Geological Survey

    USGS groundwater and surface water monitoring data contributed to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (PaDEP) June 9, 2025, continuation of drought watches for seven Pennsylvania counties. Watches were lifted for 21 counties. Berks County’s status improved from drought warning to watch status.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Causes and Consequences of Flooding in California’s Central Valley

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Causes and Consequences of Flooding in California’s Central Valley

    USGS researchers are leveraging advances in satellite-based monitoring to better characterize and predict flood inundation, which is essential for effective emergency response and water management planning.

    Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are long corridors of water vapor transport that extend from the tropics to mid-latitudes. These meteorological phenomena can bring large amounts of rain or snow to the western United States each year. In locations like California, AR storms are responsible for the largest magnitude floods in the state.

    Emergency responders, water managers and planners need to be able to predict where flood inundation will occur due to an AR storm. But the complex connection between AR precipitation and flooding – which is needed for these predictions – is only partially understood.

    How remote sensing is helping complete the picture

    Fortunately, advances in satellite-based monitoring enabled USGS researchers to create long-term map records of surface water dynamics (including flooding) from 20 years of MODIS satellite imagery. These new records are high frequency (monthly) and cover the entire year. The winter-time record is especially valuable; previous research using Landsat excluded this time period due to wintertime cloud cover limitations in the satellite image record.

    This pair of images shows flooding in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley region inland of San Francisco Bay. The image on the left was captured by the MODIS Aqua satellite on December 10, 2005, and the image at right was captured on January 4, 2006. Water is dark blue/black, vegetation is green, bare land is brown, and clouds are white.

    In collaboration with the Desert Research Institute and other federal and academic partners, USGS scientists used these map products to investigate the connection between ARs and wintertime flooding in California’s Central Valley. Their study was recently published in the Journal of Flood Risk Management. The researchers compared spatially explicit locations of winter inundation to a chronology of atmospheric river landfalls, the corresponding integrated vapor transport associated with each storm (a measure of the total amount of precipitation passing over a specific area), and surface conditions (i.e., antecedent soil moisture).

    They found significant relationships between inundation patterns and climatic factors, helping identify specific locations and conditions under which flooding occurs in relation to ARs. The findings also indicate areas where surface water frequently occurs outside of designated flood boundaries.

    Actionable science

    By revealing the relationship between AR storms and winter inundation patterns, the scientists were able to assess infrastructure flood exposure and identify possible floodwater management strategies, specifically the opportunity to use floodwaters for aquifer recharge. This knowledge can help inform land use planning, like infrastructure development and cropland distribution. The findings also highlight where AR-driven flooding occurs, driving home the importance of revising flood boundary maps and management strategies. Overall, remote sending products are a valuable decision-support tool for enhancing flood risk mitigation and groundwater recharge efforts in the region and beyond.

    Related

    Patterns in the Landscape – Analyses of Cause and Effect

    Understanding the rates and causes of land-use/land-cover (LULC) change helps answer questions about what, where, how, and why the Earth’s surface is changing. Land-surface change results from human activities or natural processes like floods, droughts, and wildfires, and many of these change processes are observable in satellite imagery. The growing historical catalog of satellite images allows…

    Understanding the rates and causes of land-use/land-cover (LULC) change helps answer questions about what, where, how, and why the Earth’s surface is changing. Land-surface change results from human activities or natural processes like floods, droughts, and wildfires, and many of these change processes are observable in satellite imagery. The growing historical catalog of satellite images allows…

    Learn More

    Assessing causes and consequences of winter surface water dynamics in California’s Central Valley using satellite remote sensing Assessing causes and consequences of winter surface water dynamics in California’s Central Valley using satellite remote sensing

    California’s Central Valley is increasingly vulnerable to winter floods. A comprehensive spatial baseline of flood extents is critical for inundation analyses that can enhance future flood predictions, but cloud cover has prevented the regular observation of surface water extents with optical satellite imagery. In this study, we leveraged the daily resolution of Moderate Resolution…

    Authors

    Christine M. Albano, Christopher E. Soulard, Blake A. Minor, Jessica J. Walker, Britt Windsor Smith, Eric K. Waller, Michael D. Bartles, Tom Corringham, Anthony T. O’Geen, Melissa M. Rohde, Anne Wein

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Consortium of Privacy Regulators Strongly Oppose Ban on State AI Regulation

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Sunday, June 22, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Ban would leave Americans unprotected from current AI-related harms

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of the Consortium of Privacy Regulators (Consortium), today sent a letter to U.S. Senate leaders urging lawmakers to remove a provision in the federal budget reconciliation bill that establishes a 10-year ban on states from enforcing any state law or regulation addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems. In the letter, the Consortium explains that the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology demands the flexibility and responsiveness that states can provide and asks lawmakers to remove the provision and ensure that states retain their essential role in protecting their residents from privacy harms. Last month, Attorney General Bonta joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general in sending a similar letter voicing nationwide concern and opposition over the ban. 

    “Leaders nationwide — across both sides of the aisle — are sounding the alarm: a ban on state AI regulation could rob millions of Americans of rights they already enjoy and end states’ ability to swiftly respond to emerging and evolving privacy challenges spurred by AI technology,” said Attorney General Bonta. “States are often on the front lines of developing strong privacy and technology protections for their residents — I urge lawmakers to remove the 10-year AI regulation ban provision on states and allow this important work to continue.”

    AI systems affect nearly all aspects of everyday life. The promise of AI raises exciting and important possibilities. But, like any emerging technology, there are risks to adoption without responsible, appropriate, and thoughtful oversight. States have played a leading role in developing strong privacy and technology protections to address a wide range of harms associated with AI and automated decision-making. State privacy authorities are often the first to receive consumer complaints and identify problematic practices and have the proximity and agility to identify emerging threats and implement innovative solutions. In the letter, the Consortium explains that state privacy laws already address substantial privacy harms posed by AI, and provide consumers with transparency about how their personal information is used. The ban threatens these important protections, creating legal uncertainty, undermining years of regulatory development, and creating a regulatory vacuum that threatens the privacy rights of Americans nationwide. 

    In April, Attorney General Bonta announced an agreement of formal collaboration between seven states and the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) to promote collaboration and information sharing in the bipartisan effort to safeguard the privacy rights of consumers. Known as the Consortium of Privacy Regulators, the group regularly discusses developments in privacy law, shared priorities, and coordinates enforcement, as appropriate, based on the members’ common interest. 

    In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the CCPA and the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont. 

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Resolution to Designate June as National Dairy Month

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Resolution to Designate June as National Dairy Month

    Washington, June 23, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored a resolution to designate June as National Dairy Month. This resolution is sponsored by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY).
    “With Idaho being the third-largest dairy-producing state, the dairy industry plays a significant role in our economy. Designating June as National Dairy Month recognizes the substantial economic impact and honors those who work tirelessly to keep our fridges stocked and bring nutritious dairy products to kitchen tables across the nation. It is an honor to represent one of the most productive dairy districts in the country, and I will continue advocating for Idaho’s hardworking farmers who produce milk, cheese, and other nourishing dairy products,” said Rep. Simpson.
    Congressman Simpson is an original cosponsor of this important resolution. The full text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI is consuming more power than the grid can handle — nuclear might be the answer

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Goran Calic, Associate Profesor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Leadership Chair, McMaster University

    New partnerships are forming between tech companies and power operators — ones that could reshape decades of misconceptions about nuclear energy.

    Last year, Meta (Facebook’s parent company) put out a call for nuclear proposals, Google agreed to buy new nuclear reactors from Kairos Power, Amazon partnered with Energy Northwest and Dominion Energy to develop nuclear energy and Microsoft committed to a 20-year deal to restart Unit 1 of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant.

    At the centre of these partnerships is artificial intelligence’s voracious appetite for electricity. One Google search uses about as much electricity as turning on a household light for 17 seconds. Asking a Generative AI model like ChatGPT a single question is equivalent to leaving that light on for 20 minutes.



    Read more:
    AI is bad for the environment, and the problem is bigger than energy consumption

    Having GenAI generate an image can draw about 6,250 times more electricity, roughly the energy of fully charging a smartphone, or enough to keep the same light bulb on for 87 consecutive days.

    The hundreds of millions of people now using AI have effectively added the equivalent of millions of new homes to the power grid. And demand is only growing. The challenge for tech companies is that few sources of electricity are well-suited to AI.

    The grid wasn’t ready for AI

    AI requires vast amounts of computational power running around the clock, often housed in energy-intensive data centres.

    Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind provide intermittent energy, meaning they don’t guarantee the constant power supply these data centres require. These centres must be online 24/7, even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.

    Fossil fuels can run continuously, but they carry their own risks. They have significant environmental impacts. Fuel prices can be unpredictable, as exemplified by the gas price spikes due to the war in Ukraine, and the long-term availability of fossil fuels is uncertain.

    Major tech companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft say they are committed to eliminating CO2 emissions, making fossil fuels a poor long-term fit for them.

    This has pushed nuclear energy back into the conversation. Nuclear energy is a good fit because it provides electricity around the clock, maximizing the use of expensive data centres. It’s also clean, allowing tech companies to meet their low CO2 commitments. Lastly, nuclear energy has very low fuel costs, which allows tech companies to plan their costs far into the future.

    However, nuclear energy has its own set of problems that have historically been hard to solve — problems that tech companies may now be uniquely positioned to overcome.

    Is nuclear energy making a comeback?

    Nuclear power has long been considered too costly and too slow to build. The estimated cost of a 1.1 gigawatt nuclear power facility is about US$7.77 billion, but can run higher. The recently completed Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in the state of Georgia, for example, cost US$36.8 billion combined.

    Historically, nuclear energy projects have been hard to justify because of their high upfront costs. Like solar and wind power, nuclear energy has relatively low operating costs once a plant is up and running. The key difference is scale: unlike solar panels, which can be installed on individual rooftops, the kind of nuclear reactors tech companies require can’t be built small.

    Yet this cost is now more palatable when compared to the expense of AI data centres, which are both more costly and entirely useless without electricity. The first phase of OpenAI and SoftBank’s Stargate AI project will cost US$100 billion and could be entirely powered by a single nuclear plant.

    Nuclear power plants also take a long time to build. A 1.1 gigawatt reactor takes, on average, 7.5 years in the U.S. and 6.3 years globally. Projects with such long timelines require confidence in long-term electricity demand, something traditional utilities struggle to predict.

    To solve the problem of long-range forecasting, tech companies are incentivizing power providers by guaranteeing they’ll purchase electricity far into the future.

    These companies are also literally and financially moving closer to nuclear power, either by acquiring nuclear energy companies or locating their data centres next to nuclear power plants.

    Destigmatizing nuclear energy

    One of the biggest challenges facing nuclear energy is the perception that it’s dangerous and dirty. Per gigawatt-hour of electricity, nuclear produces only six tonnes of CO2. In comparison, coal produces 970, natural gas 720 and hydropower 24. Nuclear even has lower emissions than wind and solar, which produce 11 and 53 tonnes of CO2, respectively.

    Nuclear energy is also among the safest energy sources. Per gigawatt-hour, it causes 820 times fewer deaths than coal, 43 times fewer than hydropower and roughly the same as wind and solar.

    Still, nuclear energy remains stigmatized, largely because of persistent misconceptions and outdated beliefs about nuclear waste and disasters. For instance, while many public concerns remain about nuclear waste, existing storage solutions have been used safely for decades and are supported by a strong track record and scientific consensus.

    Similarly, while the Fukushima disaster in Japan displaced thousands of people and was extremely costly (total costs of the disaster are expected at about US$188 billion), not a single person died of radiation exposure after the accident, a United Nations Scientific Committee of 80 international experts found.



    Read more:
    With nuclear power on the rise, reducing conspiracies and increasing public education is key

    For decades, there was little effort to correct public perceptions about nuclear fears because it wasn’t seen as necessary or profitable. Coal, gas and renewables were sufficient to meet the demand required of them. But that’s now changing.

    With AI’s energy needs soaring, Big Tech has classified nuclear energy as green and the World Bank has agreed to lift its longstanding ban on financing nuclear projects.

    Big Tech’s billion-dollar bet on nuclear

    The world has long lived with two nuclear dilemmas. The first is that, despite being one the safest and cleanest form of energy, nuclear was perceived as one the most dangerous and dirtiest.

    The second is that upgrading the power grid requires large-scale investments, yet money had been funnelled into small, distributed sources like solar and wind, or dirty ones like coal and natural gas.

    Now tech companies are making hundred-billion-dollar strategic bets that they can solve both nuclear dilemmas. They are betting that nuclear can offer the kind of steady, clean power their AI ambitions require.

    This could be an unexpected positive consequence of AI: the revitalization of one of the safest and cleanest energy sources available to humankind.

    Michael Tadrous, an undergraduate student and research assistant at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, co-authored this article.

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

    – ref. AI is consuming more power than the grid can handle — nuclear might be the answer – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-consuming-more-power-than-the-grid-can-handle-nuclear-might-be-the-answer-258677

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Statement on President Trump’s Strikes on Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s order of U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities:

    “The Islamic Republic Guard (IRG) of Iran must be stopped in its quest for nuclear weapons. They are the most prolific state sponsor of terrorism – supporting and funding Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. For the 40+ years the IRG has ruled Iran, they have abused and terrorized their own people, and stated that they seek to destroy Israel and the United States.

    Peace and stability in the region must now be the priority through multinational diplomacy and thoughtful negotiations. President Trump’s action on Iran has dangerously escalated tensions and put American lives at risk.

    As we continue to learn more about the aftermath of this action in the coming days, I want to thank our U.S. troops and join all Americans as we pray for their safety and security.”

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Releases New Data from Joint Committee on Taxation Revealing That “Pass Through Deduction” is a Giveaway to Millionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 23, 2025

    JCT Report on 199A (PDF) | JCT Response on Millionaires Claiming 199A (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released new data from the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), a nonpartisan Congressional committee dedicated to analyzing tax legislation, revealing that the majority of the benefit from the 199A tax deduction goes to millionaires. 

    The 199A tax deduction was created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, with Congressional Republicans claiming it would support small business owners by allowing them to deduct up to 20 percent of their business’s qualified income from their personal income taxes. 

    JCT’s responses provided a breakdown, by income level, of who claims the 199A deduction, in addition to other key information about who the deduction benefits. Key findings include:

    • More than 50% of the benefit of the 199A deduction goes to millionaires. 
    • The top 10% of taxpayers claimed 87% of the benefit of 199A, while the bottom 20% claimed no benefit whatsoever.
    • 84% of the businesses through which individuals claimed the 199A deduction had no employees.
    • More than two-thirds of the 199A deduction goes to individuals above the deduction’s phase-out thresholds, demonstrating that the law’s guardrails to prevent wealthy individuals from taking the benefit are ineffective.
    • The proportion of 199A benefits claimed by millionaires increased over time from 2018 to 2022.

    The House version of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” now under consideration by the Senate, includes an expansion of the 199A deduction from a 20 percent deduction to a 23 percent deduction.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India to conduct first comprehensive household income survey in 2026

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a landmark step to bridge critical data gaps in the Indian economy, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced that the National Sample Survey (NSS) will undertake its first full-fledged Household Income Survey in 2026. The initiative, announced today, aims to generate detailed insights into income distribution and assess the impact of structural changes in the Indian economy over the last 75 years.

    Since its inception in 1950, the NSS has built a global reputation for its wide-ranging and methodically rigorous household surveys, conducted on an annual and quarterly basis. However, despite this legacy, the NSS has yet to implement a nationwide survey focused solely on income distribution. Past attempts, including pilot surveys and efforts in the 9th and 14th rounds in the 1950s, and more structured surveys on receipts and disbursements in the 19th and 24th rounds during the 1960s and 70s, failed to yield reliable data. The key issue was the consistent underreporting of income compared to household consumption and savings.

    Recognizing the growing importance of understanding household income for policy design and economic planning, the Ministry has now resolved to address these long-standing limitations. This survey forms part of a broader initiative by MoSPI to strengthen India’s statistical infrastructure, which has recently included annual surveys on the unincorporated and services sectors, private capital expenditure, and domestic travel and tourism.

    To guide the successful execution of this ambitious survey, MoSPI has constituted a Technical Expert Group (TEG) under the chairmanship of Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla, former Executive Director for India at the International Monetary Fund. Drawing from international best practices adopted in countries such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and South Africa, the TEG will oversee the conceptual framework, survey methodology, sampling design, and estimation techniques. It will also guide the integration of digital technology in measuring wage and income impacts.

    The group is empowered to co-opt additional subject matter experts and invite special invitees to its meetings as needed, ensuring a robust and inclusive consultation process.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Businesses in Sask Parks Enhance Visitor Experience

    Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are working to minimize the impacts of the postal service disruption.

    Les ministères, les sociétés d’État et les organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan travaillent à réduire au minimum les répercussions de l’interruption des services postaux.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Bombing of Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    Tonko Statement on Trump’s Unconstitutional Bombing of Iran

    Amsterdam, June 22, 2025

    Amsterdam, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko released the following statement:

    “President Trump committed an illegal and unauthorized act of war against Iran, which will lead to untold consequences.

    The American people don’t want another war of choice in the Middle East.

    Congress must reconvene immediately and vote on the Iran War Powers Act resolution to contain the fallout and prevent further dangerous escalation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –