NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: California stands united against chaotic and inflammatory federal takeover of California National Guard Unit

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 8, 2025

    In case you missed it, last night, President Trump – disregarding Governor Newsom – federalized California National Guard troops in Los Angeles at a time when there were no unmet law enforcement needs. In fact, local law enforcement efforts successfully de-escalated the situation in Los Angeles County prior to any of Trump’s commandeered troops being deployed on the ground.

    US Senators

    • Senator Alex Padilla: “Couldn’t agree [with the Governor] more. Using the National Guard this way is a completely inappropriate and misguided mission. The Trump Administration is just sowing more chaos and division in our communities.” [LINK]
    • Senator Adam Schiff: “The Trump Administration’s calling on the California National Guard without the authorization of the Governor is unprecedented. This action is designed to inflame tensions, sow chaos, and escalate the situation. If the Guard is needed to restore peace, the Governor will ask for it. But continuing down this path will erode trust in the National Guard and set a dangerous precedent for unilateral misuse of the Guard across the country. Violence must stop, and we need to keep the focus on protecting fundamental rights. There is nothing President Trump would like more than a violent confrontation with protestors to justify the unjustifiable — invocation of the Insurrection Act or some form of martial law.” [LINK]

    Congressional delegation

    • Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove: “The Trump Administration’s immigration policies are sowing chaos and division in our communities. Deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles will only escalate an already tense situation and put more people at risk. I strongly urge Trump and the National Guard to stand down.” [LINK]
    • Congresswoman Laura Friedman: “Helpful federal action would be to offer assistance to help de-escalate & to commit to guaranteeing every person due process and humane treatment as required by law. The federal government taking over the National Guard is escalatory and unnecessarily hostile.” [LINK]
    • Congressman Jimmy Gomez: “The Trump admin trying to take over the CA National Guard and deploy troops in LA is reckless and inflammatory. There’s no unmet need, and this will only escalate tensions and erode public trust.” [LINK]
    • Congresswoman Norma Torres: “They yell ‘invasion’ at the border—but this is the real one: Trump is seizing control of California’s National Guard and forcing 2,000 troops into our streets. Every official swears an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution. @PeteHegseth, we follow the law, not Trump’s abuse of power.” [LINK]
    • Congressman Brad Sherman: “For all the reasons Governor Newsom stated, this action is unnecessary and intentionally provocative.” [LINK]
    • Congressman Salud Carbajal: “The Trump Administration’s deployment of the CA National Guard without the Governor’s approval is an unprecedented and dangerous escalation. Turning the members of the Guard into political pawns betrays their mission, destroys public trust, and puts innocent lives at risk. I call on President Trump to rescind his order immediately.” [LINK] 
    • Congressman Dave Min: “As the LAPD is reporting, the protestors in LA are being peaceful. This is not a rebellion or an invasion. There is no legal basis, including under 10 U.S. Code § 12406, for Trump to take over California’s National Guard. Trump is trying to cross the Rubicon and take this country into tyranny.” [LINK]
    • Congresswoman Nanette Barragán: “Calling in the National Guard when the Governor has not requested assistance is an intentional move by the Trump Administration to unnecessarily escalate the situation in Los Angeles County. Now the SecDef is threatening the use of active military, Marines from Camp Pendleton. This is an abuse of power and what dictators do. It’s unnecessary and not needed.” [LINK]
    • Congressman Mark Takano: “Trump is provoking chaos to justify an illegal and violent crackdown. He wants to expand his own power, but we will not let this wanna-be dictator win. We must speak out and stay strong. We must remain defiant in the face of this naked power grab. We must uphold the rights and values that underpin our Republic.” [LINK] 
    • Congressman Gil Cisneros: “Donald Trump, who refused to call up the National Guard when the U.S. Capitol was under attack, is calling up the Guard to stop the people from exercising their 1st Amendment right to protest in Los Angeles. Trump is manufacturing chaos.” [LINK] 
    • Congressman Derek Tran: “I have full faith in our local and state law enforcement to properly and lawfully manage this situation. President Trump’s activation of the National Guard is not meant to protect public safety, it is intended to incite fear and chill free speech. I encourage all Californians to continue to remain peaceful. My first priority will always be the safety of our community.” [LINK] 
    • Congresswoman Sara Jacobs: “Deploying the National Guard to LA is an unnecessary escalation. No one wants their community to become militarized — it raises the potential for people to get hurt and erodes public trust. President Trump, don’t do this.” [LINK]
    • Congressman Mike Levin: “The State of California has not requested support from our National Guard troops — and for good reason. Our state and local authorities have the capacity to maintain order. Invoking the Insurrection Act without cause isn’t leadership, it’s authoritarian overreach. This isn’t about safety. It’s about power. And Californians will not be bullied.” [LINK]
    • Congresswoman Luz Rivas: “The Trump Administration is moving to deploy the California National Guard to Los Angeles. This misguided and inflammatory action will only create more harm, confusion, and chaos across our city.” [LINK] 

    Statewide officials

    • Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis: “Trump refused to call in the National Guard on January 6 when our democracy was under attack. But now he’s using it to intimidate immigrant communities & peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights. Deploying thousands of troops for immigration enforcement is not about public safety — it’s dangerous overreach that threatens to tear families apart, traumatize children & upend the lives of the very working people who keep California & this country running. Local officials are equipped to handle the situation. There is no justification for this kind of federal escalation. California will not stand by as our communities are targeted.” [LINK] 
    • Attorney General Rob Bonta: “We’ve been in touch with local law enforcement in LA. They have the resources they need to meet the moment, and we stand ready to assist should the need arise. There is no emergency and the President’s order calling in the National Guard is unnecessary and counterproductive.” [LINK]

    State officials

    • Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas: “Donald Trump is manufacturing chaos against Californians to justify a federal crackdown and use of military force. As citizens, we have the power – together – to withhold this from Trump by peacefully speaking out… Do not take Trump’s bait. Do not engage in violent protest. Doing so will give him what he wants.”
    • Senate Pro Tempore Mike McGuire: “This weekend’s ICE raids in LA County are indiscriminate and ruthless. The terror they’ve created does the opposite of keeping us safe. Federalizing and deploying the National Guard will only make matters much worse. It’s Un-American and reeks of fascism.”
    • Assemblymember Isaac Bryan: “This isn’t about immigration or safety and will lead to more Fed sanctioned violence against innocent people.” [LINK]
    • Senator Sasha Renée Pérez: “Trump is using militarized police to silence his dissenters. His message is clear: if you disagree, you will be arrested – American citizen or not. This isn’t Democratic. It’s Fascism.” [LINK] 
    • Assembly Rick Chavez Zbur: “The Governor is right. Trump is trying to cause unrest by mobilizing the [national] guard—without the Governor’s request or authorization—in an unprecedented power grab. Don’t play into his hand. Speak out peacefully. Never use violence. And never accept that this is normal or okay.” [LINK]
    • Senator Caroline Menjivar: “As a marine, we did not take the oath to be used as pawns in this obvious abuse of power. No one, except the President is ensuing violence and chaos on our streets, under the false pretext that they’re taking ‘criminals’. They’re kidnapping our working class neighbors.” [LINK] 

    Local officials

    • LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell: “The Trump administration taking over the National Guard is an unnecessary intimidation tactic that further hurts public trust.” [LINK]
    • LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath: “This isn’t about public safety. It’s about power. It’s about punishing immigrants and making an example out of our neighbors. The federal admin created this chaos. They instigated it. They’re taking advantage of vulnerable people—and then blaming them for the fallout.” [LINK]
    • LA Mayor Karen Bass: “This morning, President Trump deployed the National Guard into Los Angeles. Deploying federalized troops on the heels of these raids is a chaotic escalation. The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real – it’s felt in our communities and within our families and it puts our neighborhoods at risk. This is the last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful.” [LINK]

    Community leaders & organizations

    • NAACP: “Deploying troops to communities already under pressure is not leadership—it’s provocation. The Trump Administration is weaponizing fear to divide and destabilize. We will not be silent. We stand with those targeted and terrorized. We fight for justice. Always.” [LINK]
    • ACLU Southern California: “The Trump administration’s baseless deployment of the National Guard is plainly retaliation against California, a stronghold for immigrant communities, and is akin to a declaration of war on all Californians.” [LINK]

    Amnesty International: “President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests against recent ICE raids is deeply alarming. This shows the Trump administration is ready to do whatever it takes – including deploying military forces – to target and punish those who speak out in defense of human rights.” [LINK]

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 7, 2025

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement in response to speaking out peacefully on the federal government’s immigration actions: The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000…

    Jun 7, 2025

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement in response to the federal government’s intent to deploy the California National Guard: The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy…

    Jun 7, 2025

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement in response to the federal government’s immigration actions: As the federal government conducts chaotic immigration sweeps across the country, the state is deploying additional…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Body of Hamas commander M. Sinwar recovered from Gaza tunnel – IDF

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    JERUSALEM, June 8 (Xinhua) — The Israeli military said Sunday it has recovered the body of Hamas military chief Mohammed Sinwar from a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip and brought it to the Jewish state.

    The identification procedure confirmed that “the body of Mohammed Sinwar was found in an underground tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis,” the Israeli army said in a statement.

    M. Sinwar and Muhammad Shabana, the commander of the Hamas brigade in Rafah, were killed in a tunnel on May 13 by the Israeli military and the General Security Service (Shin Bet), the statement said.

    The bodies were found in the area during an operation that began on June 4 and was accompanied by intense airstrikes. The Israeli military added that the operation was still ongoing.

    “During the search along the underground tunnel route, several items belonging to M. Sinwar and M. Shabana were found, as well as additional intelligence data. These were handed over for further investigation,” the statement said. No further details were given.

    During the operation, other bodies were also found, and the identities of those killed are currently being established, the Israeli Armed Forces added.

    In late May, the Israeli army said for the first time that Sinwar had been killed in an airstrike. At least six people were killed and 40 wounded in the attack, according to Gaza health officials. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC PDS Severe Thunderstorm Watch 396

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL6

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 396
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    400 PM CDT Sun Jun 8 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southwest Oklahoma
    Western North Texas and Low Rolling Plains

    * Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 400 PM until
    1100 PM CDT.

    …THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION…

    * Primary threats include…
    Widespread damaging winds and scattered significant gusts to 105
    mph likely
    Widespread large hail likely with isolated very large hail
    events to 5 inches in diameter possible
    A few tornadoes likely

    SUMMARY…Increasing intense severe storm development is expected
    through late afternoon into evening. This will include initial
    supercells capable of very large hail with a tornado risk, but a
    prominent potential for widespread damaging winds should evolve this
    evening.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 70
    statute miles north and south of a line from 10 miles northwest of
    Lubbock TX to 40 miles southeast of Chickasha OK. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 391…WW 392…WW
    393…WW 394…WW 395…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 90 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean storm motion vector
    29035.

    …Guyer

    SEL6

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 396
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    400 PM CDT Sun Jun 8 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southwest Oklahoma
    Western North Texas and Low Rolling Plains

    * Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 400 PM until
    1100 PM CDT.

    …THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION…

    * Primary threats include…
    Widespread damaging winds and scattered significant gusts to 105
    mph likely
    Widespread large hail likely with isolated very large hail
    events to 5 inches in diameter possible
    A few tornadoes likely

    SUMMARY…Increasing intense severe storm development is expected
    through late afternoon into evening. This will include initial
    supercells capable of very large hail with a tornado risk, but a
    prominent potential for widespread damaging winds should evolve this
    evening.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 70
    statute miles north and south of a line from 10 miles northwest of
    Lubbock TX to 40 miles southeast of Chickasha OK. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 391…WW 392…WW
    393…WW 394…WW 395…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 90 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 600. Mean storm motion vector
    29035.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW6
    WW 396 SEVERE TSTM OK TX 082100Z – 090400Z
    AXIS..70 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    10NW LBB/LUBBOCK TX/ – 40SE CHK/CHICKASHA OK/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 60NM N/S /4NNW LBB – 32NNW ADM/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..90 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 600. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29035.

    LAT…LON 34790194 35709747 33689747 32750194

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU6.

    Watch 396 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    High (90%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    High (80%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    High (80%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (50%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez, Waters, Warren, Markey, and Whitehouse Unveil Bill to Support Small Business Compliance with Corporate Transparency Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced new bicameral legislation to help small businesses comply with beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and push back against the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the law. She was joined in the House by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Members of the Senate Banking and Small Business Committees; and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
     
    The FinCEN–SBA Coordination on Beneficial Ownership Registration Act would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to coordinate directly on outreach and education to help small business owners understand and meet their reporting obligations under the CTA.
     
    “The Corporate Transparency Act is still the law, and the Trump administration is wrong to stop enforcing it,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Turning a blind eye to anonymous shell companies leaves us vulnerable to fraud, corruption, and abuse. These shell companies don’t just enable white-collar crime—they hurt honest small businesses by rigging the system and exploiting programs meant for real entrepreneurs. This bill is about holding bad actors accountable while making sure small business owners have the information and support they need to follow the law.”
     
    “The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a strongly bipartisan law designed to bust the U.S. registered anonymous shell companies that are abused by fentanyl dealers, Iranian terrorists, financial scammers and more to launder and hide their illicit finances. By ignoring this intent and gutting the law, President Trump and Secretary Bessent are gifting these bad actors a free pass to continue exploiting the system, while leaving consumers, investors, and small businesses who play by the rules in harm’s way,” said Congresswoman Waters.
     
    “Anonymous shell companies hurt honest small businesses and open the door to fraud and abuse. The Trump Administration should be working with small businesses, not refusing to enforce the Corporate Transparency Act,” said Senator Warren. “Small businesses deserve a system that works for them — not for scammers and cheats – and that’s why our bill would require the Administration to work with them as part of implementing the law.”
     
    “The Trump Administration is allowing bad actors to get away with illicit activities and financial crimes, and we must make sure they do not get away with disregarding the law,” said Ranking Member Markey. “I am grateful for Ranking Member Velazquez’s partnership in introducing the Corporate Transparency Act to crack down on bad actors while giving small businesses the tools to succeed.”
     
    Originally passed with bipartisan support, the CTA was designed to crack down on shell companies used to facilitate money laundering, tax evasion, terrorism financing, and other illicit activities. But earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended enforcement for U.S. companies and proposed changes to dramatically narrow the law’s scope.
     
    The reporting requirements are minimal for the vast majority of small businesses, 82 percent of which are non-employer firms with only one beneficial owner. FinCEN has previously projected the average cost to file would be about $85, roughly equal to what many states charge to register a business. However, outreach during the initial rollout was limited, and confusion about the law remains persistent.
     
    Velázquez’s legislation would help spread awareness and increase compliance with CTA among small businesses by:
     

    1. Requiring FinCEN and the SBA to sign a formal agreement within 90 days to coordinate outreach;
    2. Distributing guidance in English, Spanish, and other commonly spoken languages;
    3. Using SBA field offices and partners to host webinars and town halls;
    4. Developing strategies to protect small businesses from scams and fraud;
    5. Submitting monthly updates to Congress on outreach and compliance.

     
    For a full copy of the bill, click here.
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating Puerto Rican Culture

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Hochul marched in the 68th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

    B-ROLL: B-Roll is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will have photos of the event here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

     Good morning, everyone. Buenos Dias. What a fabulous day to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, history and our people at the 68th annual National Puerto Rican Day parade. So proud to be the Governor of a state that has over one million people of Puerto Rican descent, especially the 600,000 right here in New York City.

    And I’m really proud to say that we’re going to continue investing in the great culture of the traditions. And I’m proud to announce $9 million of investment today, $7 million for the Hispanic Cultural Center in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. And $2 million right here in New York City for the Hispanic Library and Cultural Center. So, we are committed to continuing the great traditions that have defined this culture and how vibrant the businesses are, the people who are so hardworking, who came here for a better life, brought their families, and we are part of Puerto Rico now and forever.

    So I just want to help everyone have a great parade — looking forward to marching. Joined by many elected officials here today — our great Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Chuck Schumer joined us. We have Adriano Espaillat fighting the good fight in Washington every day and looking forward to hearing from them as well.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    On October 7 2023, more than 1,000 Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and went on a killing spree, murdering 1,200 men, women and children and abducting another 250 people to take back to Gaza. It was the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

    That day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country, “Israel is at war”. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) immediately began a military campaign to secure the release of the hostages and defeat Hamas. Since that day, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children.

    Israel has maintained its response is justified under international law, as every nation has “an inherent right to defend itself”, as Netanyahu stated in early 2024.

    This is based on the right to self-defence in international law, which is outlined in Article 51 of the 1945 United Nations Charter as follows:

    Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations[…]

    At the start of the war, many nations agreed Israel had a right to defend itself, but how it did so mattered. This would ensure its actions were consistent with international humanitarian law.

    However, 20 months after the October 7 attacks, fundamental legal issues have arisen around whether this self-defence justification still holds.

    Can Israel exercise self-defence ad infinitum? Or is it now waging a war of aggression against Palestine?

    Self-defence in the law

    Self-defence has a long history in international law.

    The modern principles of self-defence were outlined in diplomatic exchanges over an 1837 incident involving an American ship, The Caroline, after it was destroyed by British forces in Canada. Both sides agreed that an exercise of self-defence would have required the British to demonstrate their conduct was not “unreasonable or excessive”.

    The concept of self-defence was also extensively relied on by the Allies in the second world war in response to German and Japanese aggression.

    Self-defence was originally framed in the law as a right to respond to a state-based attack. However, this scope has broadened in recent decades to encompass attacks from non-state actors, such as al-Qaeda following the September 11 2001 terror attacks.

    Israel is a legitimate, recognised state in the global community and a member of the United Nations. Its right to self-defence will always remain intact when it faces attacks from its neighbours or non-state actors, such as Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    However, the right of self-defence is not unlimited. It is constrained by the principles of necessity and proportionality.

    The necessity test was met in the current war due to the extreme violence of the Hamas attack on October 7 and the taking of hostages. These were actions that could not be ignored and demanded a response, due to the threat Israel continued to face.

    The proportionality test was also met, initially. Israel’s military operation after the attack was strategic in nature, focused on the return of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas to eliminate the immediate threat the group posed.

    The legal question now is whether Israel is still legitimately exercising self-defence in response to the October 7 attacks.

    This is a live issue, especially given comments by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on May 30 that Hamas would be “annihilated” unless a proposed ceasefire deal was accepted.

    These comments and Israel’s ongoing conduct throughout the war raise the question of whether proportionality is still being met.

    A test of proportionality

    The importance of proportionality in self-defence has been endorsed in recent years by the International Court of Justice.

    Under international law, proportionality remains relevant throughout a conflict, not just in the initial response to an attack.

    While the law allows a war to continue until an aggressor surrenders, it does not legitimise the complete destruction of the territory where an aggressor is fighting.

    The principle of proportionality also provides protections for civilians. Military actions are to be directed at the foreign forces who launched the attack, not civilians.

    While Israel has targeted Hamas fighters in its attacks, including those who orchestrated the October 7 attacks, these actions have caused significant collateral deaths of Palestinian civilians.

    Therefore, taken overall, the ongoing, 20-month military assault against Hamas, with its high numbers of civilian casualties, credible reports of famine and devastation of Gazan towns and cities, suggests Israel’s exercise of self-defence has become disproportionate.

    The principle of proportionality is also part of international humanitarian law. However, Israel’s actions on this front are a separate legal issue that has been the subject of investigation by the International Criminal Court.

    My aim here is to solely assess the legal question of proportionality in self-defence and international law.

    Is rescuing hostages in self-defence?

    Israel could separately argue it is exercising legitimate self-defence to rescue the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

    However, rescuing nationals as an exercise of self-defence is legally controversial. Israel set a precedent in 1976 when the military rescued 103 Jewish hostages from Entebbe, Uganda, after their aircraft had been hijacked.

    In current international law, there are very few other examples in which this interpretation of self-defence has been adopted – and no international consensus on its use.

    In Gaza, the size, scale and duration of Israel’s war goes far beyond a hostage rescue operation. Its aim is also to eliminate Hamas.

    Given this, rescuing hostages as an act of self-defence is arguably not a suitable justification for Israel’s ongoing military operations.

    An act of aggression?

    If Israel can no longer rely on self-defence to justify its Gaza military campaign, how would its actions be characterised under international law?

    Israel could claim it is undertaking a security operation as an occupying power.

    While the International Court of Justice said in an advisory opinion last year that Israel was engaged in an illegal occupation of Gaza, the court expressly made clear it was not addressing the circumstances that had evolved since October 7.

    Israel is indeed continuing to act as an occupying power, even though it has not physically reoccupied all of Gaza. This is irrelevant given the effective control it exercises over the territory.

    However, the scale of the IDF’s operations constitute an armed conflict and well exceed the limited military operations to restore security as an occupying power.

    Absent any other legitimate basis for Israel’s current conduct in Gaza, there is a strong argument that what is occurring is an act of aggression. The UN Charter and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court prohibit acts of aggression not otherwise justified under international law.

    These include invasions or attacks by the armed forces of a state, military occupations, bombardments and blockades. All of this has occurred – and continues to occur – in Gaza.

    The international community has rightly condemned Russia’s invasion as an act of aggression in Ukraine. Will it now do the same with Israel’s conduct in Gaza?

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says – https://theconversation.com/can-israel-still-claim-self-defence-to-justify-its-gaza-war-heres-what-the-law-says-257822

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Diaz and Pocahontas

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the opening of Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in the counties of Jackson and Randolph to assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms and tornadoes occurring March 14-15 and also for those impacted by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding occurring April 2-22.

    Beginning Monday, June 9, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the DLOCs in Diaz and Pocahontas to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    JACKSON COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Diaz City Hall 
    3401 S. Main St.
    Diaz, AR  72112

    Opens at 8 a.m., Monday, June 9
    Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Closes Friday, June 20 at 4 p.m.

    RANDOLPH COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Black River Technical College, Room 101
    1410 Hwy. 304 E.
    Pocahontas, AR  72455

    Opens at 9 a.m., Monday, June 9
    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Closes Friday, June 20 at 6.p.m.

    The following DLOC locations are also open and continue to serve survivors:

    SHARP COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    City Hall – Cave City
    Conference Room
    201 S. Main St.
    Cave City, AR  72521

    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    SHARP COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center 
    Hardy Fire Station
    203 Church St.
    Hardy, AR  72542

    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

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

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

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

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage due to the March storms is July 14, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 9, 2026.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage due to the April storms is July 22, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Batesville to Relocate

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the relocation of its Batesville Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) from the Independence County Office of Emergency Management – EOC Building to the Independence County Courthouse beginning Monday, June 9 at 8:00 a.m.

    SBA opened the DLOC to provide personalized assistance to Batesville businesses affected by severe storms and tornadoes occurring March 14-15.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “At these centers, our SBA specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

    Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The Independence County Office of Emergency Management – EOC Building closed Saturday, June 7. The Independence County Courthouse will open Monday, June 9, with the location and hours of operation as indicated below.

    INDEPENDENCE COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Independence County Courthouse
    Basement Conference Room
    192 Main St.
    Batesville, AR  72501

    Opens at 8:00 a.m., Monday, June 9
    Mondays – Fridays, 8:00a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    The following DLOC locations are open and continue to serve survivors:

    SHARP COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    City Hall – Cave City
    Conference Room
    Entrance and parking at back of building
    201 S. Main St.
    Cave City, AR  72521

    Mondays – Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    Saturdays, 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

    SHARP COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Hardy Fire Station
    203 Church St.
    Hardy, AR  72542

    Mondays – Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    Saturdays, 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

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

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

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

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 14, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde Investigates the Merger Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS) 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS) related to its merger with Chart Industries, Inc. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Flowserve shareholders will own approximately 46.5% of the combined company.

    Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/flowserve-corporation/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, Raising the Standard for Gaming Handhelds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KEY POINTS

    • All-day comfort: Redesigned chassis is purpose-built to fit the hands like a real gamepad
    • Seamless software experience: New Xbox® software offers the best of Xbox and Windows PC gaming in one handheld
    • Efficiency and performance: Two new processors offer incredible AAA and indie gaming experiences

    LOS ANGELES, June 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) is proud to announce an all-new series of Ally handhelds built from the ground up with improved ergonomics and a seamless player-first user experience.

    Developed in partnership with the incredible team at Xbox, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X offer best-in-class ergonomics and a full-screen Xbox experience that marries the best of Xbox and PC gaming in one cohesive package.

    “We wanted to take our handheld to the next level, but we could not do it alone.” said Shawn Yen, Head of the Consumer product team at ASUS. “This revolutionary partnership with Microsoft allowed us to forge a brand new device with ROG muscle and the soul of Xbox.”

    The ROG Xbox Ally sports an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor with incredible power efficiency, while the ROG Xbox Ally X offers the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor for next-level gaming performance. Both launch holiday 2025 in select markets, with additional markets to follow.

    All-day comfort

    The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X feature a completely redesigned chassis. Gaming on handheld is a very personal experience, and comfort in the hand is a key pillar of a well-designed device. With years of feedback on the original Ally and Ally X, the ROG Xbox Ally series offers a more comfortable grip than ever, inspired by Xbox. With a redesigned palm rest and texturing patterns to keep gamers locked on target, the ROG Xbox Ally series truly raises the bar for comfort with a handheld gaming device.

    The ROG Xbox Ally X also features impulse triggers, improving the haptics in supported games. These triggers allow for more nuance and immersion and are a feature that Xbox gamers have come to expect with their controllers. These devices are the most comfortable and immersive handhelds ever built by ROG.

    Seamless software experience

    While the ROG Armoury Crate Special Edition software made the original Ally easy to use, ROG and Xbox aimed to make handheld gaming even more seamless on Windows 11. “We wanted to create an authentic Xbox experience in a handheld form factor,” explained Roanne Sones, CVP at Xbox. “With ROG, we made it happen on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.”

    As soon as players power on the device, they enter the full screen Xbox experience. Powered by Windows 11 underneath, this software has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally, reducing system overhead and offering easy joystick and button navigation. Quick access to settings and customizable widgets are available via Game Bar with a single press of the Xbox button. But with the full freedom of Windows 11 running under the hood, games and mods from other sources are still easily accessible. The ROG Xbox Ally series offers the power of Xbox, the craftsmanship of ROG, and the versatility of Windows, all in one cohesive device.

    Efficiency and performance

    The ROG Xbox Ally X features the new top-of-stack AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, giving it plenty of horsepower even in AAA games. Combined with software optimizations from the new Xbox experience, the ROG Xbox Ally X stands ready to provide gamers with next-gen handheld performance.

    “Battery life is paramount on handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X,” said Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD. “The Ryzen Z2 series improves efficiency over the previous generation while still offering excellent performance in modern games.”

    The ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance with its AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor. At the same time, its ultra-efficient design at low wattages and its 60Wh battery produce improved battery life. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X takes performance to greater heights, offering more room for graphical fidelity at higher framerates with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor.

    Both chips are primed to take full advantage of AMD’s latest software suite for graphics and performance improvements, including AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) frame generation, the latter of which can offer better framerates for improved smoothness.

    In a nod to the future, the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme-equipped ROG Xbox Ally X features an NPU. With these next-generation chips, the ROG Xbox Ally X will be ready to power the latest AI features as they are introduced.

    At launch this holiday, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with availability to follow for other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold today.  

    For more information, please visit https://rog.asus.com/content/rog-xbox-ally/. Users can also sign up on the page to get notified when pre-orders go live.

    SPECIFICATIONS

    ROG Xbox Ally X (2025)

    Operating System Windows 11 Home
    Comfort & input Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control

    ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU
    Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor
    Display 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9
    120Hz refresh rate
    FreeSync Premium
    Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® + Corning DXC Anti-Reflection
    Memory 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
    Storage 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade
    Network and Communication Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth® 5.4
    I/O Ports 1x USB4® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible

    1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0

    1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode)

    1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
    Battery 80Wh
    Dimensions 290.8 (W) x 121.5 (D) x 50.7 (H) mm
    Weight 715 grams
    Included ROG Xbox Ally X

    65W charger

    Stand

    ROG Xbox Ally (2025)

    Operating System Windows 11 Home
    Comfort & input Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort

    ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU
    Processor AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor
    Display 7” FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9

    120Hz refresh rate

    FreeSync Premium

    Corning® Gorilla® Glass Vitus® + Corning DXC Anti-Reflection
    Memory 16GB LPDDR5X-6400
    Storage 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade
    Network and Communication WiFi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth® 5.4
    I/O Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0

    1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC)

    1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
    Battery 60Wh
    Dimensions 290.8 (W) x 121.5 (D) x 50.7 (H) mm
    Weight 670 grams
    Included ROG Xbox Ally

    65W charger

    Stand

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusrog

    ROG X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus_rog

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

    ASUS Global Twitter: https://www.x.com/asus

    About ROG

    Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/589e47e6-72cf-472f-b58a-2d4425432efb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week

    Source: US State of Alaska Governor

    WHEREAS, the scenic mountains, meadows, rivers, and coastal bays of Alaska are prized for their diverse and abundant wild plants, fish, and wildlife, drawing more than two million visitors annually ; and

    WHEREAS, we rely on native flora and fauna, cultivated crops, and local livestock to feed our families, preserve cultural and traditional practices, sustain sectors of our economy, and support food security; and

    WHEREAS, when non-native harmful species, known as invasive species, are introduced to public and private lands and State waters, they alter the balance of healthy ecosystems by disrupting food webs, displacing and preying upon desirable indigenous species, reducing biodiversity, and altering ecosystem balance; and

    WHEREAS, invasive species cause environmental disturbances that threaten the sustainability of native species, harm the health and value of crops, fuel wildfires, interfere with recreation, and alter water systems, leading to floods and erosion, and invasive species are most often introduced to Alaska through human activity, including the transport of materials, machinery, and supplies; and

    WHEREAS, the most cost-effective, efficient, and responsible approach to protect our lands, waters, and native organisms is to prevent the spread of invasive species when possible, and when impossible to practice early detection and strategic rapid response for control and eradication; and

    WHEREAS, the Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Public Facilities work cooperatively with stakeholders to support the unique and undisturbed ecosystems of Alaska by preventing, detecting, managing, and eradicating invasive species in the many environments where they cause harm; and

    WHEREAS, the active involvement of informed Alaskans who report observations and support State government in the monitoring and management of invasive species are essential to safeguarding the sustainability of Alaska’s way of life.

    NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 8 – 14, 2025 as:

    Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week

    in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans and visitors to learn about, report, and contribute to the prevention of invasive species in our State.

    Dated: June 8, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why bystanders defend bad behaviour at work — even when they know it’s wrong

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zhanna Lyubykh, Assistant Professor, Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University

    Rather than intervening, supporting targets or reporting the misconduct, bystanders may downplay it, withdraw support or even blame the target, which ultimately reinforces the mistreatment. (Shutterstock)

    “You always mess things up. Why are you even on this project? Just quit already.” Demeaning, hostile or undermining behaviour like this is more common in the workplace and damaging than many people realize. One in three employees experience such behaviours, and almost half witness them.

    Rather than intervening, supporting targets or reporting the misconduct, research shows bystanders may downplay it, withdraw support or even blame the target, which ultimately reinforces the mistreatment.

    As our recent study shows, this is largely because when mistreatment seems inevitable or commonplace, bystanders are psychologically motivated to justify it rather than challenge it.

    Why do bystanders rationalize mistreatment?

    Humans are hardwired to see mistreatment as wrong. Most of us value fairness and want to punish wrongdoing. But if this is the case, why do bystanders so often fail to act when they witness mistreatment?

    Our recent research explores this question drawing on system justification theory — the idea that people are motivated to see the systems they live and work in as fair, legitimate and stable.

    When mistreatment seems inevitable — when people think “that’s just how things work around here” — bystanders face a psychological dilemma. They can either challenge the behaviour and risk conflict, exclusion or backlash, or they can rationalize it as normal or deserved.

    Most people, often without realizing it, choose the latter. This mental shortcut allows them to preserve the comforting belief that the system is fair and people get what they deserve.

    One in three employees experience demeaning, hostile or undermining behaviour in the workplace, and almost half witness them.
    (Shutterstock)

    Witnessing workplace mistreatment

    We interviewed 554 employees who had witnessed workplace mistreatment within the past two weeks at the time the survey was conducted. They shared their thoughts on how inevitable they believed the mistreatment incident was, and how tolerant they felt their organization was toward such behaviour.

    In a follow-up survey, we asked these employees whether they felt the incident they witnessed was justifiable and the target as deserving. A week later, in a third survey, we asked these bystanders to report how they behaved toward the target, and whether they tried to address or minimize the incident.

    We found that when bystanders perceived mistreatment as inevitable, they were more likely to see the incident as justified and targets as deserving of that treatment. These bystanders were more likely to socially distance themselves from the target, engage in negative gossip about them and were less willing to offer help.

    Bystander inaction wasn’t due to cowardice or callousness, but was often a defence mechanism. Rationalizing mistreatment allowed bystanders to preserve the belief that their workplace was just. But this coping strategy can deepen harm for those who experience mistreatment, who may be further marginalized, isolated or discredited.

    How mistreatment is normalized

    Workplace climates play a key role in the normalization of mistreatment. Our findings indicate when employees believed their workplace tolerated mistreatment, they were more likely to rationalize it and less likely to support the person being mistreated.

    In these contexts, mistreatment isn’t just ignored, but is quietly accepted. Tacit acceptance sends a powerful message: this is normal, this is deserved, this is not worth challenging.

    What does a toxic, permissive workplace look like? Warning signs include staff who feel anxious about coming to work and leaders who publicly criticize employees or tell them to “toughen up” or “not take it personally.”

    If negative gossip is tolerated, or reports of mistreatment are ignored or delayed, these are also strong indicators that mistreatment has been normalized.

    Organizations may fail to acknowledge these patterns for a variety of reasons, including resistance, denial or a lack of readiness. But surfacing these issues is a strength, not a weakness. It allows organizations to address root causes, retain valuable employees, and foster a more respectful environment.

    When mistreatment is ignored in the workplace, it sends a message to employees that it is normal, deserved and not worth challenging.
    (Unsplash/Borja Verbena)

    4 ways to create positive change

    Even in workplaces where mistreatment has become normalized, positive change is possible. Research shows that effectively managing everyday incidents can create bottom-up effects that support broader positive change within the workplace, ultimately improving workplace climate.

    Managers have a particularly pivotal role to play. When they respond quickly, support targets openly and hold perpetrators accountable, they challenge the perception that mistreatment is inevitable. They also send a broader message about what behaviours are and aren’t acceptable in the workplace.

    Here are four evidence-based strategies that can help disrupt the bystander dynamic and improve workplace culture:

    1. Challenge the narrative of inevitability

    Organizations should clearly signal that mistreatment will not be tolerated in their workplace. This includes explicitly communicating behavioural expectations, investigating reports quickly and transparently, and ensuring senior leaders model respectful behaviour. These small but visible actions disrupt the sense that mistreatment is “just how things work.”

    2. Reduce ambiguity

    When organizations don’t define behavioural norms clearly, bystanders are more likely to rationalize mistreatment. Organizations should define what mistreatment includes, such as exclusion and sarcastic comments, and distinguish it from tough feedback or constructive conflict. Training can help employees recognize subtle forms of harm and reflect on how their reactions would appear to someone they respect.

    3. Enforce consequences consistently

    When policies exist but aren’t enforced, bystanders learn that mistreatment carries no cost. Organizations need to follow through on mistreatment policies, protect those who report it and make it clear that retaliation is unacceptable. Visibility matters: people need to see that action is taken.

    4. Support targets openly and meaningfully

    System justification often works by undermining the credibility of those being mistreated. Managers can counteract this by affirming the value of a person targeted, encouraging reintegration and monitoring their teams for subtle social exclusion. When targets are supported by respected leaders, bystanders are more likely to follow suit because people tend to look to leader behaviour towards employees as a sign of their value to the group.

    When targets are supported by respected leaders, bystanders are more likely to follow suit.
    (Shutterstock)

    Why this matters

    Much of the existing research on workplace mistreatment has focused on the importance of bystander and leader intervention. Our research adds a deeper layer by illustrating that bystanders may not intervene because they are subconsciously defending their belief in a fair and legitimate system.

    This defence mechanism is especially dangerous when mistreatment is common, creating a cycle in which the most vulnerable employees are harmed twice: first by the perpetrator, and then by those who fail to stand by them.

    Breaking this cycle requires more than training videos or one-off statements. It requires reshaping the climate that makes mistreatment seem normal, inevitable or trivial.

    The encouraging news is that even small, consistent actions can begin to shift these dynamics. Research has shown that incivility training that teaches people how to engage in civil ways, for example, has lasting effects on employee well-being and relationships. When these harmful dynamics are shifted, it improves the workplace for everyone.

    Zhanna Lyubykh receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Laurie J. Barclay receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the University of Guelph’s Research Leader Award.

    Nick Turner receives research funding from Cenovus Energy Inc., Haskayne School of Business’s Future Fund, Mitacs, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    Sandy Hershcovis receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Why bystanders defend bad behaviour at work — even when they know it’s wrong – https://theconversation.com/why-bystanders-defend-bad-behaviour-at-work-even-when-they-know-its-wrong-257941

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada officials to hold technical briefing on defence and security priorities

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 8, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Government of Canada officials will hold a virtual technical briefing for media to provide information and answer questions, under embargo, related to Canada’s defence and security priorities.

    Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
    Time: 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT

    Media interested in attending the event are asked to contact National Defence’s media relations office at mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca to confirm their attendance. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Monday, June 9, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Toronto, Ontario

    Note: All times local

    10:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will make an announcement on defence and security priorities.

    Note for media:

    • Open coverage

    12:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will tour a military facility.

    Note for media:

    • Pooled photo opportunity

    1:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.

    Notes for media:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Investing in New York’s Puerto Rican Communities

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced new investments into nonprofit organizations whose missions are to advance and promote Puerto Rican culture, arts and education statewide. Puerto Rican culture is firmly grounded in New York State and across the country and Governor Hochul’s administration is committed to supporting the Puerto Rican community that calls New York home. The Governor made the announcement at the 68th National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

    “New Yorkers of Puerto Rican heritage have been an integral part of our state’s cultural fabric for generations,” Governor Hochul said. “We are honored to make bold investments that will empower organizations to expand and thrive, ensuring that the vibrant presence of Puerto Rican culture in New York State remains a cherished aspect of our state’s identity.”

    In this year’s FY26 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured two major capital funding investments:

    • $7 million to complete construction of The Hispanic Heritage Council’s Cultural Institute
    • $2 million infrastructure and equity investment toward the Hispanic Society Museum and Library (HSML)

    $7 Million To Complete Construction of the Hispanic Heritage Council’s Cultural Institute
    As New Yorkers gather today to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rican culture at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted her administration’s crucial, “gap-filling” investments for Phase 2 of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute (HHCI) in Buffalo. These strategic funds are propelling the landmark project towards its full completion, solidifying its future as a premier destination for Hispanic arts, history and community in Western New York.

    Governor Hochul has been a steadfast champion of the HHCI since breaking ground on the $30 million, 37,000-square-foot facility in September 2023, coinciding with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. Her administration’s ongoing commitment includes a pivotal $5 million grant through Empire State Development, alongside other critical funding, directly addressing the remaining financial needs to ensure the seamless progression to Phase 2 and the eventual grand opening. This targeted investment underscores New York State’s unwavering dedication to fostering cultural understanding and driving economic growth in diverse communities.

    The HHCI, developed by the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, is rapidly approaching its full vision, which includes a museum, a 150-seat performing arts theater, state-of-the-art event spaces, a vibrant café, a cutting-edge media center and expansive learning labs. Upon completion, it will serve as a central gathering place, showcasing the diverse arts and cultures of the region’s expansive Hispanic population, which includes communities from nearly two dozen Latin American countries. This targeted investment is a testament to Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural institutions and empower communities across New York by seeing projects through to their successful completion.

    $2 Million for the Hispanic Society Museum and Library
    Additionally, the Governor included a $2 million infrastructure and equity investment in this year’s Budget that will go toward the Hispanic Society Museum and Library (HSML) located in New York City. Its vast collection of over 750,000 objects and inclusive programming reflect a bold commitment to cultural equity and local engagement. The museum highlights significant Latino art work both globally and locally, however, the deteriorating condition of the Landmark Audubon Terrace, including the closure of the Lower Terrace due to safety concerns, limits access to this important resource. This funding will stabilize structural elements, improve infrastructure and install an ADA-compliant bridge — improvements that are essential to reopening public space and ensuring safe, inclusive access to exhibitions and educational programming. These upgrades will allow HSML to fully serve the surrounding Latino and immigrant communities, while enhancing New York’s cultural landscape for all. As the only institution in New York solely dedicated to the arts and cultures of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world, the Hispanic Society is a globally significant yet deeply rooted community anchor.

    Representative Adriano Espaillat said, “I commend Governor Hochul on this latest investment to support arts, cultural, and educational programs that work to uplift Latino families throughout New York communities. This weekend, as we continue to celebrate the significant contributions of Puerto Ricans to our state and the nation, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening cultural institutions and programs that create opportunities to help Latino families thrive.”

    State Senator Robert Jackson said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to uplifting Hispanic heritage through meaningful investments in programs and institutions that celebrate our culture and contributions. By supporting the rich history and vibrant voices of the Puerto Rican, Dominican, and broader Hispanic diaspora, we’re not just honoring the past — we’re affirming their and our place in New York’s future.”

    State Senator Sean Ryan said, “Buffalo’s Puerto Rican and Hispanic community is vibrant, diverse, and a significant part of what makes Buffalo the city we know and love. The Hispanic Heritage Council’s Cultural Institute, led by the vision of Cas Rodriguez and the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY, will be a celebration of Hispanic culture that is unprecedented in New York, and I am thrilled that Buffalo is leading the way. I was proud to work with my colleagues and Governor Hochul to secure significant state funding for this transformational project.”

    State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “I grew up in the heart of Buffalo’s West Side. For years, the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Center has been a vision of both our local Latino leaders and our cultural and arts industries. It warms my heart that Governor Hochul has prioritized more funding to help close the gap for this much needed asset. I’m thankful to the governor and her team; congratulations to Casimiro Rodriguez, Jr. and all of Buffalo’s Latino community leaders on this monumental achievement. I look forward to the unveiling of this unique cultural center, the new home to Latino arts, cuisine, culture, and history for decades to come.”

    Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera said, “In 2021, I was joined at the corner of Niagara and Hudson streets by NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and community leaders throughout our city to announce $3.8 million in state funding for the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute of WNY project. Since then, all along the way the Governor, her team, the Hispanic Heritage Council and I have worked tirelessly to bring more resources to this transformational project. Throughout the process everyone involved embodied the cornerstone qualities of Hispanic culture – resiliency, faith and determination. Governor Kathy Hochul sees the potential of what this project can bring and that’s why she’s made this additional and especially powerful investment into the Latino community we love and call home. When this project is complete, the region will for the first time have a dedicated space to collect and to share those stories, and to preserve Hispanic culture for future generations of Western New Yorkers.”

    Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos said, “The Puerto Rican Day Parade reminds us of the deep roots and enduring contributions of the Puerto Rican community in New York. I applaud Governor Hochul’s $9 million investment in preserving this powerful legacy. I stand in celebration and solidarity because in unity, there is strength.”

    The 2025 parade theme, “Plantando Bandera” (Planting Roots), honors the deep roots and positive contributions of Puerto Rican communities across the diaspora. This parade, now in its 68th year, is the largest demonstration of cultural pride in the nation. Held annually from 44th Street to 79th Street along 5th Avenue in Manhattan, the parade celebrates the 3.5 million inhabitants of Puerto Rico and the over 5 million people residing in the United States.

    Reestablished in 2014, the organization’s programs and events focus on promoting Culture, Arts and Education. They pay special tributes to prominent historical figures and launch campaigns to raise awareness of important community issues. Additionally, they are committed to advancing higher education by awarding scholarships to students of Puerto Rican descent.

    Since taking office, Governor Hochul has significantly strengthened the ties between New York and Puerto Rico, and has been a steadfast supporter of the Puerto Ricans that reside in New York. Last year, Governor Hochul made a groundbreaking announcement by establishing the New York State-Puerto Rico Economic Opportunity Advisory Council. This council comprises a group of dedicated Administration officials who are committed to advancing our shared economic objectives. Furthermore, Governor Hochul collaborated closely with Congressional and Puerto Rican leaders to establish a New York Office of the Puerto Rican Federal Affairs Administration. This office will serve as a valuable resource for Puerto Ricans residing in New York and neighboring states, facilitating the easy acquisition of essential documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and other vital records. These records are crucial for accessing basic government benefits and services.

    Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc. President & Founder Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr. said, “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her unwavering support of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute. This historic investment is not just a milestone for the Buffalo Hispanic community—it’s a gift to all of Western New York. As the first of its kind, this institute will serve as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, education, and heritage, drawing visitors from near and far, including our Canadian neighbors. It will enrich our region’s cultural landscape and strengthen our identity as a welcoming and diverse community. The future is bright, and we are filled with hope and gratitude as we take this giant step forward together.”

    Hispanic Society Museum and Library Trustee James Blanco said, “Today’s grant from Governor Hochul furthers our mission to promote Hispanic arts and literature, both here in New York City and across the country. We are grateful for this investment to create a space in our community where we can recognize the vital role Hispanic culture plays in our shared story.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quiet Professionals

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Story and photos by A1C Michael Swingen

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Every day, people flip on a light switch, run hot water, and turn up the A/C without giving it a second thought. Phones charge. Toilets flush. Stormwater drains away. Every day, people drive on smooth, paved roads and work in buildings that stay upright with silent beams and pillars.

    Although oftentimes invisible in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, even the smallest part of the built environment is a testament to the civil engineers who make the world a hospitable place. Although they work in plain sight, they are quiet professionals who do not seek recognition or praise.

    They just want the lights to come on.

    The Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron recently returned from a weeklong trip to the North Carolina Air National Guard Regional Training Site, where they all received hands-on training in their respective trades and crafts. The trip also included 15 Airmen from the 90th Civil Engineering Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

    Specialists in Heavy Construction Operation, Structural, Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, or HVAC/R, Electrical Power Production, Electrical Systems, and Engineer’s Assistants all do their part in the world of civil engineering.

    And while working in the Wyoming Air National Guard, they do their part in a unique context, too.

    “We build bases,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Christian Lowe, who helps lead the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron. “You take a patch of dirt somewhere in the world and the Air Force says, ‘Dibs,’ and it’s flattened. Then there’s tents, air traffic control towers, and a runway. All these things are built up. It’s tangible, it’s palpable, it’s touchable. And for the right-minded person, it’s hugely gratifying.”

    In the Air National Guard, civil engineering is divided into two specialized units with distinct but overlapping missions. One unit is the Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer, also known as RED HORSE. They are a highly mobile, rapidly deployable response force that builds bases in combat zones. The other specialized unit is Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force, or Prime BEEF, which focuses on maintaining bases and their utility systems, whether at home or abroad.

    The Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron is a Prime BEEF squadron.

    During the weeklong training exercise, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vinny Wagoner, who is an Engineer’s Assistant, peered through a surveying instrument while measuring the 3,500 feet long airstrip at the North Carolina Air National Guard Regional Training Site.

    Resting at a cross-section of theory and application, an Engineer’s Assistant uses a lot of math, maps, and rulers.

    “The thing I enjoy about the job is you get a lot of updated toys, like state-of-the-art surveying equipment,” Wagoner said. “You have to keep up with the times.”

    An Engineer’s Assistant resembles a superhero with a day job, like Clark Kent, with his two distinct wardrobes. Indoors, Wagoner sports business casual while plotting an airstrip from scratch on the geospatial software program GeoExPT. Outdoors, Wagoner dons a hard hat while making onsite inspections, muddying his steel-toe boots in a construction zone.

    They also help if an airstrip gets bombed.

    The system the U.S. Air Force uses to repair a cratered airstrip is called Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery, or RADR.

    After an attack, damage assessment teams glass the airstrip with binoculars, collecting information. Drones sweep overhead. Towers detect. Together, they identify the debris, unexploded ordinance, craters and camouflets, and spall damage from an attack. The information is fed into GeoExPT, which creates a real-time map of the pockmarked airstrip.

    Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD, are the first personnel on the airstrip, combing it for munitions that failed to detonate on impact. They neutralize them through a variety of means. For example, they carry out Blow & Go Operations, placing pre-made charges near the munitions and detonating them. They carry out Standoff Munitions Disruptions, employing small arms from a distance. Sometimes they unwire the unexploded munitions.

    Once bulldozers broom off all the shells and debris, the craters must be filled. Each step in the process has a dedicated crew that performs their tasks with assembly line execution.

    First, the Engineer’s Assistant measures the lip of the crater’s edge, homing in on the entire patch of airstrip that has bulged, even to the slightest degree. For safety and functionality purposes, it is imperative the runway remain level.

    Another crew attaches a wheel saw to a compact track loader, or CTL, to cut out the cratered patch of airstrip. The wheel saw looks like a giant steel pizza cutter that is 45-inches or 60-inches in diameter, respectively. The six-person crew divides into two sub-crews, each with two CTL operators and a spotter. Two CTLs face each other on parallel sides of a crater, cutting through concrete at approximately one foot per minute. The whirl of the wheel saw is shrill.

    The next step removes the crater and the surrounding upheaval. An excavator with an impactor pounds the cut-out block of concrete, pulverizing it. An excavator with a bucket scoops out the rubble, leaving behind a precise square hole in the ground. It is two feet deep.

    The Slash and Splash technique is a method used to backfill the excavated area. A 3,000-pound sack of flowable-fill material is suspended over the square hole on the fork of an excavator. A spotter slashes the bag, pouring out the material until it reaches ten inches to the top. The remaining inches are capped with rapid-setting concrete or asphalt poured from a volumetric mixer. Finally, the new patch of airstrip is rolled and raked smooth.

    After an attack, one team can repair up to 18 craters in less than seven hours.

    “Muscle memory gets built into all these pieces of equipment,” Lowe said. “That’s why we have our guys practice going out there, finding a crater, and getting it back to where we are launching planes off that runway again.”

    In addition to ensuring operational readiness after an attack, the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron put their skills to work in a variety of other contexts and scenarios during their weeklong training exercise.

    All week long, the Dirt Boys reared in their heavy machinery, kicking up dust all around them. Before the dust settled, the black silhouette of the bulldozer resembled an apex predator on the savannah. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas Cardillo and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Levi Phillips, who are both specialists in Heavy Construction Operation, wore mirrored sunglasses that reflected the glare of day as they worked late into the afternoon.

    Before enlisting, Phillips worked construction in the private sector before realizing he wanted to do it in a more challenging context. Navedo came from a military family and knew he wanted to serve but wasn’t sure how. They both landed in the 90th Civil Engineering Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base and haven’t looked back.

    “Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to get behind a piece of equipment or drive a truck,” Phillips said. “For my job, we grade roads. Then we drive on it two weeks later, and you’re like, ‘Oh, I did that.’ I just think it’s cool.”

    Cardillo agreed. “It’s fun,’” he said. “You always have something different going on. And then you get to see the work you’ve put in. You get to see it pay off. There’s so many things we drive by right now that we had a hand in building. That part of it is really cool.” 

    Neither of them had operated a crane until North Carolina. They took turns in the cab with the joystick, feeling the flow of the boom as it swung across the sky. The test weight they used was a 900-pound drum. Cardillo dropped anchor and hooked the drum. 

    “It seemed easy at first when you were dropping the claw,” Cardillo said. “But when you put weight on it and you start moving back and forth, it really starts swinging. It took me some time to get used to that and figure out how to catch the load swing.”

    Once he began to operate the joystick with just the tips of his fingers, the movements became smoother.   

    Over the course of the training, Phillips discovered a passion for crane operation. “That crane really put something in me,” he said. “With the crane, you boom out, stick up, pick the boom up, and lower your winch all at the same time. There’s always something going on. It’s just very cool.” 

    Thanks to their training in the military, Cardillo and Phillips are certified in dozers, excavators, jackhammers, rollers, loaders, graders, sweepers, water truck, dump truck, asphalt, concrete, and more. Phillips wants to get certified in crane operation now. All this is training is provided by the U.S. Air Force.

    The training in Civil Engineering is always cutting-edge. Back home, the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron partners with the local Laramie County Community College, sending shops to get trained with staff and instructors at the school.

    “All our training is in line with the industry standard in the private sector,” Lowe said. “If you’re going through an electrician’s course, for example, you’re training to the National Electrical Code. You’re getting exposed to everything you would see on the civilian side and getting qualified for it.”

    U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Luis Navedo did his research before signing on to be a specialist in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, or HVAC/R. “I have my universal license through my Air Force training, and that’s for life,” he said. “Once I get out after four years, I can buy and sell refrigerant anywhere.”

    Also, Navedo is proud to be a specialist in HVAC/R for the military. “Think of a base like Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada,” he said. “It’s like 115 degrees there every day. Let’s say there’s no HVAC, all the servers would melt. Then the mission is impacted, and everyone starts losing their head. Cooling and heating is essential.”

    During the weeklong training exercise, the instructors at the North Carolina Air National Guard Regional Training Site marveled at the work ethic that was on display by the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron. “They were phenomenal,” U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Tyler Nadeau, who is an Electrical Cadre, said. “They were proactive. They asked questions.”

    Other equipment the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron trained on during the week included the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS), the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit (ROWPU), the BEAR Distribution System (BDS), and the Expeditionary Airfield Lighting System (EALS).

    “On Monday, they had no clue about a new piece of equipment,” Nadeau said. “On Friday, they could teach it.”

    Soon it was time to go back home. The 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron packed up and headed to the airstrip, waiting for a lift.

    After a while, a shimmering trace appeared in the sky, magnifying into a C-130 Hercules in its final descent. It thundered down at around 100 knots, roaring by the cheering 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron. The buzzing propellers still whirled ferociously as the aircraft turned around and taxied back to the passengers before coming to a full stop.

    The rear cargo door lowered, settling into the baked airstrip. A loadmaster in a flight suit approached the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron. An officer broke from the group and met him at the edge of the airstrip, shaking hands.

    With cargo bags hoisted over their shoulders, the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron filed onto the rear ramp of the C-130 Hercules, locating their seats. They buckled in and grabbed a fistful of red netting. The loadmasters worked in a whirl of straps, winches, and staticky headset communication. Soon the rear cargo door raised again, pinching off the North Carolina daylight.

    A few remaining Airmen watched as the aircraft peeled off the runway and shrank soundlessly into the sky, bringing everyone back home. The takeoff and landing of a C-130 Hercules would not be possible without the 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron at the Wyoming Air National Guard and people like them. But they do not seek glory or praise. They are the quiet professionals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wilson, Nadler Reintroduce Bill Providing a Tax Credit to Living Organ Donors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY) reintroduced the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. The bill will provide a $5,000, one-time, refundable tax credit to living organ donors who were not reimbursed for the costs of organ donation by the National Living Organ Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC), or any other entity.

         Our nation’s transplant shortage is dire. Seventeen people die every day waiting for a viable organ, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Currently, there are around 93,000 Americans on the kidney transplant waitlist, with some having to wait as long as six years to receive a transplant, according to UNOS. Patients waiting for a transplant on average cost the U.S. government at least $77,000 a year for dialysis, which adds up to more than $20 billion a year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Removing the barriers to organ donation will not only increase the number of living donors, therefore saving lives, but also will save the taxpayers money. This tax credit would apply to living kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, and bone marrow donors, as well as any other viable living organ donation.

         “The gift of living donation is truly priceless. The donors who choose the selfless act of giving a lifesaving organ are making a major life decision, whether gifting to a stranger or a loved one. That lifechanging decision should not be burdened by the costs of donation, and this bill will remove that disincentive to ensure that everyone is able to donate an organ if they choose to, regardless of their financial situation,” said Rep. Wilson. “My predecessor, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Floyd Spence, miraculously received a double lung transplant as the thirtieth in the world to receive the experimental procedure, living an additional 13 years serving America. We are grateful for Dr. Sesshadri Raju at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi for performing the procedure in 1988. I previously worked in the South Carolina State Senate to add a red heart for organ donors to South Carolina Driver’s Licenses at the time of registration. Today, I am grateful to expand this piece of Floyd Spence’s legacy.”

         “When an organ donor decides to donate one of their organs to someone else, they aren’t just saving someone’s life—they’re making one of the most selfless, difficult decisions anyone could ever make. However, donors can face tremendous and often prohibitive costs associated with surgery, including the cost of travel, lodging, follow up care, and lost wages in connection to transplantation. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Wilson and continue my work to remove roadblocks to organ donation.” said Rep. Nadler.

         The bill has been endorsed by the American Association of Kidney Patients, American Kidney Fund (AKF), American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN), American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), American Society of Transplantation (AST), Coalition to Modify NOTA, National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation, Renal Support Network (RSN), and Waitlist Zero.  

         “We need better public policy to increase living organ donation. The Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2025 represents a positive step forward in helping people who selflessly decide to give the gift of life by donating a kidney by providing a refundable tax credit for associated costs of live organ donation such as lost wages, travel or childcare. People with limited resources should have every opportunity to help save a life.” LaVarne Burton, president and CEO of the American Kidney Fund.

         “The American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN) applauds the reintroduction of the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY).  Rates of living kidney donation are declining in the US in both the pediatric and adult populations. This decline persists despite the fact that living donor kidney transplant is well established as the optimal treatment for children and adults with end stage kidney disease due to superior graft and patient survival. This important legislation will encourage living donors and we urge its swift passage,” said President Meredith Atkinson of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN). 

         “On behalf of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), representing a majority of the nation’s transplant professionals, our Society strongly applauds and endorses the re-introduction of the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. AST is grateful for the steadfast leadership of Congressmen Wilson (R-SC) and Nadler (D-NY) to protect and support living donation. The Living Donor Tax Credit Act is a patient-focused bill seeking to address financial and policy barriers that might otherwise prevent an individual from providing a lifesaving donor organ.  AST greatly appreciates this bipartisan and patient centric legislation. We look forward to working with you to advance this key legislation in this 119th Congress,” said Dr. Jon Kobashigawa, President of the American Society of Transplantation (AST). 

         “The National Kidney Foundation strongly supports the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act as an important step toward removing financial barriers to living donation. This legislation provides tax relief solely for documented, unreimbursed expenses actually incurred by the donor—costs like child/elder care, travel, and lost income. Living donors often face unexpected costs that can reach thousands of dollars, and these expenses should never prevent someone from saving a life. By allowing tax credits for legitimate expenses while maintaining strict documentation requirements, this bill supports donors without compromising the altruistic foundation of organ donation that the National Kidney Foundation has always championed. We applaud Reps. Wilson and Nadler for their leadership and urge Congress to pass this measure that will help save lives while preserving the integrity of our transplant system,” said Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation and a transplant recipient.

         “There’s currently no cure for PKD, and while we await scientific breakthroughs, organ donation remains the most effective long-term treatment,” said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation. “This common-sense, compassionate, and cost-effective policy to reimburse living donors for some of the costs of donation will help to remove needless financial barriers, save more lives, and reduce the burden on our federal health system by decreasing reliance on costly, time-consuming, and often unpleasant dialysis treatments. The PKD Foundation is deeply grateful for the longtime leadership of Representatives Wilson and Nadler in championing living donation,” said Susan Bushnell, PKDF’s President & CEO. 

         “Living donors are true heroes who should not incur financial losses for the life-saving gift they provide. A tax credit is a straightforward method to acknowledge their generosity while simplifying the reimbursement process,” said Lori Hartwell, President & Founder of RSN and kidney transplant recipient.

         “Why should donors go into debt to give the gift of life? Representative Wilson and Representative Nadler’s Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act will ease the financial strain and empower more people to say yes to donation. For the past 25 years, the number of living kidney donors has remained stagnant. Waitlist Zero proudly supports this crucial bill,” said Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero and President of the Coalition to Modify NOTA.

         A copy of the legislation can be found here. 

    # # # 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wilson Announces Commemorative Tree Dedication to Honor the late Congressman Floyd Spence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

    **MEDIA ADVISORY**

    Wilson Announces Commemorative Tree Dedication to Honor the late Congressman Floyd Spence

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) will host the Dedication Ceremony for the Commemorative Tree to honor the life and legacy of the late Congressman Floyd Spence. 

         Congressman Spence served as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from 1995 until 2001 and served as Congressman for South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District from 1971 until his passing in 2001. 

    June 9th

    1:00-1:30 PM

    Southwest Lawn, U.S. Capitol 

    Washington, D.C. 20515

    Media interested in attending please RSVP to David Snider at david.snider@mail.house.gov.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Korea Caucus Congratulating President-Elect Lee Jae-myung

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)*** Co-Chairs of the Congressional Korea Caucus, released a statement on the election of Lee Jae-myung as President of the Republic of Korea:

    “We extend our sincere congratulations to President-Elect Lee Jae-myung and wish him and his administration well as they prepare to lead the Republic of Korea – a key and indispensable U.S. ally – through the many challenges facing the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

    “As Co-Chairs of the Korea Caucus, we remain steadfastly committed to defending, strengthening and enlarging the ironclad U.S.-Korea alliance. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War where our relationship was forged on the battlefield and now forms the linchpin of U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region. Through our shared values, unshakable bond and common future together, we will continue to ensure peace and prosperity on the Peninsula and in the region.

    “We look forward to working together with President-Elect Lee Jae-myung and his administration during this critical time for the alliance. We also wish to recognize the estimated two million Korean Americans throughout the United States who play a vital role in maintaining our strong bilateral relationship.” 

    ***Note: U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) has assumed the role of Co-Chair following the passing of the Late Honorable Gerald E. Connolly of Virginia. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Reflects on History of the AIDS Crisis: “That’s Why I Came Here. I Came to Fight.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C. – During World Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi paid a solemn visit to the AIDS Memorial Quilt display at St. Thomas’ Parish in Dupont Circle. The exhibit honors members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. who died of AIDS in the 1980s and ’90s.

    Pelosi, a lifelong champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS, viewed panels created in memory of more than 30 chorus members, many lovingly sewn by grieving friends and family during the height of the epidemic.

    “At first, I thought a quilt was a bad idea. But I was wrong,” Speaker Emerita Pelosi said. “The art became the most unifying thing. You see someone’s story laid out before you—their grief, their joy, their love—and suddenly, you understand. That is the power of this movement.”

    Pelosi reflected on her decades-long advocacy, recalling her first speech on the House Floor about HIV/AIDS and the initial resistance she faced. “People said, ‘Why would you lead with that?’ And I said, ‘Because that’s why I came here. I came to fight.’”

    Read coverage of the visit below:

    The Advocate: Nancy Pelosi visits AIDS Quilt exhibit during WorldPride

    [John Casey, 6/8/25]

    In the hushed sanctuary of St. Thomas’ Parish in Dupont Circle, there is a sacred memorial in fabric and thread. During WorldPride, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., in partnership with St. Thomas’ and the National AIDS Memorial, unveiled a deeply personal display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt that includes panels for chorus members who were lost to the epidemic in the 1980s and ’90s.

    The exhibit features full quilt blocks and a companion photo display, honoring dozens of chorus members who died of AIDS complications. Some panels are decades-old, sewn by grieving loved ones at the height of the crisis. One in particular, the first made by and for chorus members, holds special meaning.

    “For us, this is not just history. These are our people,” said Michael Hughes, the chorus’s outreach manager, who has sung with the group for more than 20 years. “We estimate that about 100 members of our chorus died of AIDS. A hundred voices silenced.”

    The idea for the exhibit was sparked earlier this year after chorus members visited a local high school class reading Angels in America. “The students had no context for what life was like in the ’80s and ’90s,” Hughes explained. “We told them about the fear, about watching friends die, and about the quilt.”

    After that visit, chorus member Larry Cohen emailed Hughes with an idea and a question: What if they searched for quilt panels made in honor of their fallen members?

    “So we spent two and a half months digging into the National AIDS Memorial database, the Names Project records, and the digitized archives in the Library of Congress,” Hughes said. “We were able to confirm 33 individual chorus members who had panels made. Some we remembered personally.”

    The setting of St. Thomas’ Parish is itself part of the story. “During the AIDS crisis, only two or three churches in the city would even hold funerals for someone who had died of AIDS,” Hughes said. “St. Thomas’ was one of them.”

    On Friday night, the exhibit drew a special guest, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a longtime and fierce advocate in the fight against AIDS. Pelosi spent time with chorus members and viewed the panels while the group performed two songs in honor of her visit under the direction of Artistic Director Thea Kano.

    Addressing the chorus members, Pelosi recalled her own early skepticism about the quilt’s power. “At first, I thought a quilt was a bad idea,” she said. “But I was wrong. The beauty was in the art. And the art became the most unifying thing.”

    “People who may not think they have anything in common suddenly find that they do through these panels,” Pelosi continued. “You see someone’s story laid out before you, and the love they had in their lives. The grief, the anger, the joy, all of it. And it moves you.”

    Pelosi also reflected on the political and cultural battles of the time, and how vital the LGBTQ+ community’s activism was to making change.

    “When I made my first speech in Congress about HIV/AIDS, people said, ‘Why would you talk about that? Why would you lead with that?’” Pelosi recounted. “I said, because that’s why I came here. I came to fight.”

    “Yes, we worked to change policies, pass laws, allocate resources,” she said. “But the real miracle was the outside mobilization of the LGBTQ+ community who refused to be silent. That’s what made the difference. That’s what changed the world.”

    As Pride Month unfolds, the quilt serves as a memorial, a call to action, and a loving and prophetic testament to the quilt’s ability to humanize loss, to transform mourning into music.

    The AIDS Memorial Quilt exhibit is open to the public through Sunday at St. Thomas’ Parish. Daily visiting hours and more information are available at GMCW.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICE Captures Worst of the Worst Illegal Alien Criminals in Los Angeles Including Murderers, Sex Offenders, and Other Violent Criminals

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    California politicians and rioters are defending heinous illegal alien criminals at the expense of Americans safety

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published additional information about some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested during Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Los Angeles operation.

    “Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens?” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets. Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”

    Below are just a few of the worst of the worst ICE arrested this week in Los Angeles:

    Cuong Chanh Phan

    ICE arrested Cuong Chanh Phan, a 49-year-old illegal alien from Vietnam. His criminal history includes a conviction for second degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life.

    Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez

    ICE arrested Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez, a 55-year-old illegal alien from the Philippines. His criminal history includes burglary in Ontario, CA with a sentence of four years in prison, sexual penetration with a foreign object with force and assault with intent to commit rape in Pomona, CA with a sentence of 37 years in prison. 

    Lionel Sanchez-Laguna

    ICE Los Angeles Lionel Sanchez-Laguna, a 55-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Sanchez-Laguna’s criminal history includes discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling and vehicle in Orange, CA with a sentence of 365 days in jail, battery on spouse or cohabitant in Orange, CA with a sentence of four years of probation, willful cruelty to child in Orange, CA with a sentence of four years of probation, driving under the influence in Orange, CA with a sentence of ten days in jail, assault with semi-automatic firearm in Orange, CA with a sentence of three years in prison, and personal use of a firearm in Orange, CA with a sentence of three years in prison.

    Armando Ordaz

    ICE arrested Armando Ordaz, a 44-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Ordaz’s criminal history includes sexual battery in Los Angeles, CA with a sentence of 135 days of jail and five years of probation, receiving known or stolen property in Norwalk, CA with a sentence of 90 days in jail and three years of probation, and petty theft in Los Angeles, CA with a sentence of 365 days in jail and four years of probation.

    Francisco Sanchez-Arguello

    ICE arrested Francisco Sanchez-Arguello, a 38-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Sanchez-Arguello’s criminal history that includes arrests for grand theft larceny and possession of a prohibited weapon.

    Jose Gregorio Medranda Ortiz

    ICE arrested Jose Gregorio Medranda Ortiz, a 42-year-old illegal alien from Ecuador. Medranda Ortiz’s criminal history includes conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more cocaine while on board a vessel in Tampa, FL with a sentence of 135 months in prison.

    Victor Mendoza-Aguilar

    ICE arrested Victor Mendoza-Aguilar, a 32-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes a conviction for possessing unlawful paraphernalia in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of 112 days jail, possessing controlled substances in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of 16 months in jail, assault with a deadly weapon: not firearm in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of four years in prison; obstructing a public officer in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of 364 days in jail.

    Delfino Aguilar-Martinez

    ICE arrested Delfino Aguilar-Martinez, a 51-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Aguilar-Martinez’s criminal history includes assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury in Los Angeles, CA with a sentence of 365 days in jail. 

    Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron

    ICE arrested Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron, 43-year-old illegal alien from Peru. Hernandez-Buitron’s criminal history that includes a conviction for robbery that resulted in a 10-year sentence.

    Jordan Mauricio Meza-Esquibel

    ICE arrested Jordan Mauricio Meza-Esquibel, 32-year-old illegal alien from Honduras. Meza-Esquibel’s criminal history that includes arrests for distribution of heroin and cocaine and domestic violence.

    Jesus Alan Hernandez-Morales

    ICE arrested Jesus Alan Hernandez-Morales, a 26-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes conspiracy to transport an illegal alien in Las Cruces, NM with a sentence of 239 days in jail. 

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 392

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 392
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    225 PM EDT Sun Jun 8 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    District Of Columbia
    Maryland
    Northern and Central Virginia
    Far Eastern West Virginia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 225 PM until
    1000 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 65 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop and
    further increase through late afternoon and evening, with damaging
    winds, hail, and tornadoes possible, especially near a warm front.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 20 miles north of Martinsburg WV to 20
    miles southeast of Richmond VA. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 390…WW 391…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 55 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 25025.

    …Guyer

    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 392
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    225 PM EDT Sun Jun 8 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    District Of Columbia
    Maryland
    Northern and Central Virginia
    Far Eastern West Virginia
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Sunday afternoon and evening from 225 PM until
    1000 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 65 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop and
    further increase through late afternoon and evening, with damaging
    winds, hail, and tornadoes possible, especially near a warm front.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 20 miles north of Martinsburg WV to 20
    miles southeast of Richmond VA. For a complete depiction of the
    watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 390…WW 391…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 55 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 25025.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW2
    WW 392 TORNADO DC MD VA WV CW 081825Z – 090200Z
    AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    20N MRB/MARTINSBURG WV/ – 20SE RIC/RICHMOND VA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM E/W /48WNW EMI – 18SE RIC/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..55 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25025.

    LAT…LON 39687657 37297569 37297842 39687939

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU2.

    Watch 392 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (30%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (10%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Freedom Caucus Board: We Stand Firm – No Senate Rollbacks of Conservative Wins

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Freedom Caucus Board of Directors released the following statement: 

    “The House Freedom Caucus delivered real victories for the American people in the One Big Beautiful Bill. We want to be crystal clear: if the Senate attempts to water down, strip out, or walk back the hard-fought spending reductions and IRA Green New Scam rollbacks achieved in this legislation, we will not accept it. The House Freedom Caucus Board will stand united holding the line. The American people didn’t send us here to cave to the swamp — they sent us here to change it.”

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kustoff, Pfluger, Cassidy Introduce Bill to Expand Health Care Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and August Pfluger (R-TX), as well as U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), introduced the Small Biotech Innovation Act to exempt research and development-intensive small biotech manufacturers from the Medicare drug price negotiation program.

    “It is critical that the United States remains at the forefront of developing new medical technologies, treatments, and drugs,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Small Biotech Innovation Act will help smaller companies invest in research and development by alleviating the excessive Biden-era regulations placed on them. This legislation is an important step in boosting innovation and helping find new cures for patients across the globe.”

    “The Inflation Reduction Act has proven to fall short in several areas, including its small biotech exemption that disincentivizes companies from investing in R&D and hinders the development of innovative therapies. By tying eligibility to R&D spending, we can better incentivize companies to develop new treatments that will benefit patients nationwide,” said Congressman Pfluger. “The bicameral Small Biotech Innovation Act is a forward-thinking approach that will strengthen America’s leadership in life-saving science by modernizing the small biotech exemption to reward real innovation and research investment, and ultimately protect these innovative small biotech companies.”

    “When the federal government stands in the way of developing better care, there’s a problem. The cures developed through small biotech innovation change the future for many patients. Instead of limiting it, we should encourage it,” said Dr. Cassidy.

    The Small Biotech Innovation Act would counter the negative impact that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will have on innovation and drug development by providing any small biotech that spends a certain amount of money on research and development with the ability to delay one of their drugs for IRA negotiation for a year. The bill also prohibits any company that is owned by a foreign adversary from being eligible for the delay.
     

    Click here for the full text of the bill.  

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI LEADS CA COLLEAGUES IN OPPOSING AI MORATORIUM IN RECONCILIATION BILL

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a group of her California colleagues in sending a letter to Senate leadership, strongly objecting to the section of H.R. 1 that would impose a ten-year moratorium on state and local enforcement of their own artificial intelligence laws and regulations. 

    “This moratorium’s assumption—that the United States will be unable to lead the world in AI if states identify and implement measures to protect their citizens from potential AI harms—is misguided,” wrote the lawmakers. “It wrongly accepts the premise that identifying and addressing AI-specific risks and harms and imposing guardrails is counterproductive to being the world’s AI leader. Nothing is further from the truth. Common sense AI guardrails can propel innovation by building trust with consumers and future users, while promoting a fair, open, and competitive playing field.” 

    In the absence of a federal AI regulatory framework, California and other states across the nation are embracing common-sense safeguards that ensure innovation and competition can continue to thrive. As AI tools grow more sophisticated and more widely deployed, these state measures are crucial to promote safety and trust with consumers. The House-passed moratorium, spearheaded by Republicans, would strip states of their authority to respond to new and evolving AI risks—freezing vital consumer protections for a full decade.

    “We should not place consumers in harm’s way by pausing for a decade the good work that states have done and will continue to do,” the lawmakers continued. “Instead, let us work together in a bicameral, bipartisan fashion to create smart, tailored, and consensus-driven legislative solutions that empower Americans’ use of AI and automated decision systems.”

    Full text of the letter can be found below or HERE. 

    Dear Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Cruz, and Ranking Member Cantwell:

    We are writing to express our strong objections to the section of H.R. 1 that would impose a sweeping ten-year moratorium on state and local enforcement of their own artificial intelligence (AI) laws and regulations.  

    As part of being the global AI leader, the United States must take the lead on identifying and setting common sense guardrails for responsible and safe AI development and deployment. To prevent states, including our state of California, from enforcing state AI regulations that provide such guardrails—particularly without any meaningful federal alternative—is inconsistent with the goal of AI leadership. This moratorium’s assumption—that the United States will be unable to lead the world in AI if states identify and implement measures to protect their citizens from potential AI harms—is misguided.  It wrongly accepts the premise that identifying and addressing AI-specific risks and harms and imposing guardrails is counterproductive to being the world’s AI leader. Nothing is further from the truth. Common sense AI guardrails can propel innovation by building trust with consumers and future users, while promoting a fair, open, and competitive playing field. 

    California is the fourth largest economy in the world in part because innovative technology companies, including 32 of the world’s 50 leading AI companies, call the state home. As a hub of AI activity, our state has been a national leader in ensuring that innovation and competition thrive alongside common-sense safeguards, starting with transparency. In our increasingly digital world, AI and other emerging technologies are rapid disruptors. To place a ten-year hold on state and local enforcement of their own AI laws, especially without federal alternatives, exposes Americans to a growing list of harms as AI technologies are adopted across sectors from healthcare to education, housing, and transportation. The resulting regulatory gap created by the AI moratorium in H.R. 1 would decimate the good work that California and other states, led by both Democrats and Republicans, have done, such as:

    • requiring transparency regarding training data or the use of AI to communicate with patients in medical settings
    • giving performers and their families rights over digital replicas of their likenesses
    • protecting American artists’ voice and likeness from unauthorized AI impersonations,
    • requiring employers to ensure AI-enabled employment decisions comply with civil rights laws,  and
    • requiring mental health platforms to disclose to users that they are interacting with an AI mental health chatbot, not a human therapist. 

    These examples and other proposed state legislation exemplify the mounting desire among AI experts and the American public to provide guardrails to promote AI safety, trust, and transparency.  This is an extension of bipartisan concerns over online safety and manipulative algorithms—issues that, if left unchecked, leaves Americans vulnerable to harms impacting their health, their jobs, their education, and ultimately, their lives. Now is the time for Congress to work on bipartisan legislation to address these harms. The House Republican ten-year moratorium, by contrast, would gut protections for the very people we represent. 

    This bill provision isn’t limited to state laws and regulations of new and emerging AI. It imposes a ten-year moratorium on laws and regulations regulating “automated decision making systems” which arguably covers any computer processing.  

    Furthermore, the provision covers state and local regulations of their own use of AI and of automated decision making systems, which will mean states and localities cannot impose procurement requirements on AI and computer systems that are different than those imposed on other technologies. Under this provision, they would not be allowed, for example, to adopt regulations imposing safeguards on education technology to be used in public schools or on AI systems that they want to use to improve the provision of government services.  That makes no sense at all.

    Late in the process, House Republicans added an exception to the ten-year moratorium for state and local laws to the extent they impose criminal penalties.  But that exception only underscores the absurd breadth of the 10-year moratorium.  Why should the federal government incentivize states and localities to adopt criminal penalties to deal with harms from AI models and systems, and automated decision-making systems, in instances where a civil penalty, breach of contract claim, injunctive relief or some other non-criminal remedy is more appropriate to address the problem at hand?

    We have already seen an outpouring of opposition to this moratorium, including bipartisan opposition from state attorneys general, state legislators, voters, and over 140 consumer advocacy, online safety, and civil rights groups.  The House Bipartisan AI Taskforce last Congress acknowledged the “risks” of enacting an AI moratorium on state activity and, instead, recommended that Congress “commission a study to analyze the applicable federal and state regulations and laws that affect the development and use of AI systems across sectors.” We should not place consumers in harm’s way by pausing for a decade the good work that states have done and will continue to do. We must learn from them. After all, we have had the opportunity to learn from five years’ worth of several state efforts to criminalize the sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery, real and AI-generated, to produce the TAKE IT DOWN Act that President Trump recently signed into law. Now is not the time to deny Congress the critical insight our states provide as laboratories of democracy. 

    Additionally, this moratorium is procedurally deficient, as it bears no relationship to the federal budget. House Republicans stretch credulity beyond its breaking point when claiming this moratorium is necessary to effectuate their reconciliation bill’s $500 million for the Department of Commerce to update its IT and cybersecurity systems. Under the Supremacy Clause, states cannot pass laws that restrict or impose obligations on the federal government, including the Department of Commerce and federal procurement rules governing agency IT systems.  Consequently, the moratorium does not impact the federal budget and must fall out as an “extraneous matter” prohibited, under the Senate Byrd Rule, from inclusion in a reconciliation bill. 

     

    As you take up the House Republicans’ reconciliation bill for consideration, we urge you to remove the AI moratorium provision. Instead, let us work together in a bicameral, bipartisan fashion to create smart, tailored, and consensus-driven legislative solutions that empower Americans’ use of AI and automated decision systems. We can learn from what the states—like California, New York, Tennessee, Utah, and many others—are doing to leverage the benefits of AI technologies while protecting consumers from their harms.

                                                    

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI, COSTA, AND COLLEAGUES CALL FOR TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO HALT EFFORTS TO GUT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) led a group of 23 lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Howard Lutnick and Acting National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Laura Grimm, demanding that the Trump Administration restore 24/7 operations at the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Sacramento and Hanford Forecast Offices. 

    It was recently reported that the NWS Sacramento and Hanford Weather Forecast Offices are unable to maintain 24/7 operations due to severe staffing shortages, following layoffs, resignations, and a hiring freeze by the Trump Administration.

    “These service reductions represent the beginning of a public safety crisis with potentially catastrophic consequences if the NWS is unable to retain the staff necessary to maintain around-the-clock weather monitoring in California,” wrote the lawmakers. “Across the state’s airports, highways, farms, and reservoirs, accurate, reliable, and timely weather forecasting is critical for every Californian.” 

    From hurricanes and tornadoes to atmospheric rivers, NWS provides the forecasting necessary to keep Americans safe and prepared for natural disasters. In California, NWS experts are critical for wildfire prediction and water management. NWS also delivers critical services for our farmers, our military, and our critical infrastructure. However, since the Trump Administration took office, over 500 NWS employees have been laid off or pushed into early retirement. Those cuts mean that nearly half of NWS offices have staffing vacancy rates of 20 percent or higher.

    “The National Weather Service is a public safety lifeline and an essential public good. This is not waste or fraud. Americans depend on accurate and timely weather forecasts and alerts not just to plan their day, but to prepare for, and survive, deadly natural disasters,” the lawmakers concluded. “We demand that you immediately reinstate all terminated workers at these offices, lift the federal hiring freeze for NWS, and ensure that the Sacramento and Hanford weather forecast offices are adequately staffed to maintain 24/7 operations.”

    Full text of the letter can be found below or HERE.

    Dear Secretary Lutnick and Acting Administrator Grimm,

    Due to terminations, hiring freezes, and vacancies, the National Weather Service (NWS) recently announced that it would cease 24-hour 7-day-a-week operations at the Sacramento and Hanford Weather Forecast Offices. These service reductions represent the beginning of a public safety crisis with potentially catastrophic consequences if the NWS is unable to retain the staff necessary to maintain around-the-clock weather monitoring in California. Across the state’s airports, highways, farms, and reservoirs, accurate, reliable, and timely weather forecasting is critical for every Californian. We urge immediate action to halt any service interruptions at the Sacramento and Hanford Weather Forecast Offices by reinstating terminated workers and lifting the federal hiring freeze for NWS.

    Across NWS, reports have recently stated that as many as 500 employees have been terminated or taken an early retirement, representing a 12% reduction in staffing since President Trump took office. A recent internal assessment by NWS employees found that nearly half of NWS Weather Forecast Offices had vacancy rates of 20% or higher, a level that represents “critical understaffing.” The Sacramento office currently has seven vacancies for meteorologists, out of 16 positions, while the Hanford office has eight vacancies out of 13 positions—leaving both offices operating at half strength as we approach the peak of wildfire season. Slashing staffing in half at the offices responsible for predicting wildfires, atmospheric rivers, and natural disasters is unacceptable, puts thousands of lives at risk, and does nothing to increase government efficiency.

    Recent years have demonstrated that wildfire season in California is now year-round. In 2024, California saw 8,018 wildfires, burning a total of 1,049,963 acres.4 Since 2013, an average of 1,029,049 acres have burned annually.5 NWS fire weather forecasting plays a critical role in predicting wildfire and protecting the lives of millions of Californians who live in fire prone areas. Incident meteorologists at NWS are often at the frontline to provide information to wildfire managers and first responders to safely contain wildfires.

    The Office of Water Prediction and the National Water Prediction Service also play a critical role in hydrological predictions, in concert with NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. Water managers in California rely on the forecasting expertise of these federal agencies to make reservoir operating decisions. Without the NWS’s expert hydrological forecasters, water managers in California are left blindly guessing and forced to make life-or-death decisions amid the state’s swings between crippling drought and catastrophic flooding.

    The National Weather Service is a public safety lifeline and an essential public good. This is not waste or fraud. Americans depend on accurate and timely weather forecasts and alerts not just to plan their day, but to prepare for, and survive, deadly natural disasters. If the NWS weather forecast offices in Sacramento and Hanford, together covering the entire Central Valley, cannot monitor overnight conditions, that puts our constituents in danger. This is a reckless and unnecessary risk that offers no benefit to the American public. We demand that you immediately reinstate all terminated workers at these offices, lift the federal hiring freeze for NWS, and ensure that the Sacramento and Hanford weather forecast offices are adequately staffed to maintain 24/7 operations. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

                                                    

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI SLAMS NEW BEAD GUIDANCE FROM DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, released the following statement after the Department of Commerce released new guidance regarding the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. 

    “The result of today’s announcement is simple: the Trump administration is delaying once-in-a-generation investments, blocking states from closing the digital divide and getting Americans online,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Congress was thoughtful and bipartisan when hammering out the details for BEAD, because we realize the stakes for getting connectivity right are sky high. We empowered our states and local communities to use their on-the-ground knowledge to ensure BEAD dollars go where they’re most needed. We have worked hard to ensure access, affordability, and adoption go hand in hand. This is a matter of necessity for our constituents. Reliable, high speed internet access dictates who succeeds and who is left behind in the modern economy.”

    “These new changes undo the states’ hard work, punt the broadband deployment timeline further down the line, and ultimately, drive up costs for consumers,” Matsui continued. “This delay is unacceptable. Americans, especially those in rural and underserved areas, are counting on this funding. The Trump Administration is clearly willing to leave everyday Americans behind – but I will continue to fight to ensure we deliver on our promises to close the digital divide.”

    Background:

    The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs in all 50 states. In California, the BEAD program is being implemented by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). California was allocated over $1.8 billion to deploy or upgrade high-speed internet networks and close the digital divide. California is currently selecting the service providers that would deploy last mile broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved communities. 

    Today, the Department of Commerce released new guidelines that would substantially delay broadband projects and increase costs to states by forcing all states to conduct at least another round of applications, rescinding all their preliminary and provisional awards. The new guidelines also would impose burdensome scoring requirements that would hamstring states’ flexibility to choose the right mix of technologies to provide the most reliable, scalable, and future-proof internet service available to a location. Additionally, the Trump administration’s changes would weaken or eliminate protections for affordability, good-paying jobs, climate-resilient networks, and a free and open internet. These changes will drive up costs for consumers while driving down the quality of service.

    For a more detailed breakdown of the entire BEAD process in California, click HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI, SOTO, CASTOR, TONKO, AND COLLEAGUES DEMAND TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RELEASE ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) led a group of 33 lawmakers in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Executive Director Gloria Shepherd, demanding that they immediately release National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding, following the Government Accountability Office’s finding that the funding freeze is illegal. 

    The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program provides funding to states to build a nationwide network of publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers along major highways across the country. Congress authorized $5 billion for the NEVI program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program has already had a transformative effect, creating jobs and catalyzing private investment throughout America. However, on February 6, the Trump Administration notified states that they were suspending the program and freezing states’ funding. This has left hundreds of projects and thousands of workers across the country in limbo.

    On May 22, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that these actions by the Trump Administration violated the Impoundment Control Act by illegally withholding funds that had been authorized by Congress. Despite this clear and unambiguous finding by Congress’s nonpartisan watchdog, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget instructed DOT on Wednesday to disregard the GAO ruling. 

    In response,the lawmakers wrote, “Congress did not give the Executive Branch the authority to withhold or rescind NEVI funding that has been made available to the states, and Congress clearly did not intend for the Administration to retroactively disapprove or suspend approval of state plans.” 

    “The Trump Administration’s continued attacks on the U.S. automobile industry are not only unamerican but also illegal,” the lawmakers concluded.  “As such, we request that FHWA immediately rescind the memo issued on February 6th and enable states to begin spending NEVI funds without delay.” 

    Full text of the letter can be found below or HERE. 

    Dear Secretary Duffy and Director Shepherd,

    We write to express our continued alarm and opposition to the Trump Administration’s illegal impoundment of formula funds under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI). The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) has confirmed in a recent legal opinion that the Trump Administration’s actions withholding NEVI funding from expenditure violate the Impoundment Control Act, reaffirming what 52 Members of Congress have previously stated: this funding pause is not only harmful but illegal. Contrary to views expressed by the Office of Management and Budget,  the Administration’s actions clearly do not align with Congressional intent. The Trump Administration must immediately rescind the February 06, 2025, memorandum issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which suspended state electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plans and rescinded related guidance. States must be allowed to spend the funds to which they are legally entitled.  

    Congress authorized $5 billion for FY22 through FY26 in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states to deploy EV charging infrastructure. Every state, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico submitted plans in accordance with the statute, and many have awarded contracts and deployed active charging stations. According to the GAO opinion, the $3,270,000,000 made available to states from FY22-FY25 constitutes an obligation and states are entitled to proceed with their programs. Congress did not give the Executive Branch the authority to withhold or rescind NEVI funding that has been made available to the states, and Congress clearly did not intend for the Administration to retroactively disapprove or suspend approval of state plans. The Trump Administration’s actions are therefore plainly counter to Congressional intent and illegal under the Impoundment Control Act.     

    NEVI is a critical investment in American infrastructure and innovation and is key to the long-term competitiveness of the American automobile industry. It is designed to increase accessibility and address range anxiety for Americans who choose to drive EVs. The program has already catalyzed significant private investment, and over 13,000 potential jobs could be at risk if the Administration does not release the NEVI funding.  Continued delay could lead to stranded assets and wasted expenditures. Importantly, a 2024 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory projected that the U.S. would need 182,000 publicly accessible direct current fast chargers (DCFC) to accommodate the growing EV market, nearly triple the current capacity of around 55,000 charging ports. 

    The Trump Administration’s continued attacks on the U.S. automobile industry are not only unamerican but also illegal. As such, we request that FHWA immediately rescind the memo issued on February 6th and enable states to begin spending NEVI funds without delay. Inaction on this request may very well be unconstitutional.  

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cleaver Joins 199 Lawmakers in Bipartisan Effort to Save Job Corps

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

    (Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined Congressmen Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and nearly 200 other congressional lawmakers in urging the Department of Labor to continue the Job Corps program. In a letter to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Cleaver and the bipartisan cohort of lawmakers highlighted the benefits of the program and reiterated its importance to young workers and small businesses across the nation. 

    “Nearly 20,000 young people utilize Job Corps to learn skills for in-demand vocational and technical job training,” the lawmakers wrote. “Job Corps is one of the few national programs that specifically targets the 16-24-year-old population that is neither working, nor in school, and provides them with a direct pathway into employment openings in industries such as manufacturing and shipbuilding. The program also connects these young Americans with apprenticeships, higher education opportunities, or the military.”

    “As companies continue to onshore and invest in the men and women of our country, a steady stream of skilled laborers will be required to meet the growing workforce demand,” the lawmakers continued. “The Job Corps program is uniquely positioned to fill that role and provide these hardworking young Americans with the vocational and technical job training that will set them and our country up for success.”

    “There is no one more capable than the American worker when given a chance at success. We urge you to support our request so that local Job Corps Centers can continue connecting young Americans with careers and opportunities available to them. We are confident that, in collaboration with the Administration and Job Corps Centers in our communities, we can strengthen this program, continuing to develop a highly skilled and competitive labor force,” the lawmakers concluded.

    On May 29, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a notice that it will begin a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers across the country. Job Corps is a national program with over 120 centers nationwide. Job Corps offers at-risk youth varied academic opportunities and career pathways in business and industry.

    Congressman Cleaver has been a longtime supporter of Job Corps and the benefits it provides to young workers across Missouri, requesting Congress to provide adequate funding for the program and Job Corp Centers throughout the Show Me State.

    The official letter from lawmakers is available here.

     

    Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaMalfa Reintroduces the Protecting Children from Experimentation Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—This week, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) reintroduced the Protecting Children from Experimentation Act, legislation that prohibits doctors from performing gender reassignment procedures on minors. The bill is designed to protect children from irreversible medical interventions that carry serious, lifelong consequences.

    “Vulnerable kids are being deceived into surgeries or life-altering drugs they shouldn’t even have to contemplate,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Minors shouldn’t be making permanent decisions to alter their bodies, and adults, especially in the medical field, have no business coercing them into it. Let kids be kids. This isn’t compassionate care, it’s irreversible harm. When adults lead children down this path, that’s not medicine. It’s abuse, and they should be held accountable.”

    Under the bill, doctors who knowingly perform gender reassignment procedures on minors would face civil and criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. Additionally, the person who underwent the procedure as a minor would have the right to bring civil action against the provider. The legislation includes clear exceptions for children born with medically verifiable sex development disorders.

    The Protecting Children from Experimentation Act was previously introduced in both the 117th and 118th Congress and continues to build on growing concerns among parents, medical professionals, and lawmakers about the long-term harms of subjecting minors to unproven and irreversible procedures.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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    MIL OSI USA News –