Category: Americas

MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Stansbury Hold Town Hall in Albuquerque on GOP Attacks on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP
US Senate News:
Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

Town Hall Follows House Vote to Gut Critical Programs New Mexicans Rely On

Albuquerque, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) held a town hall in Albuquerque on Tuesday to sound the alarm on Republican-led efforts to gut critical federal programs that New Mexicans rely on, including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP.

The town hall followed a House vote advancing legislation that would slash billions from health care and food assistance programs while delivering trillions in tax giveaways to the wealthiest Americans. New Mexicans packed the event to hear directly from Senator Luján and Representative Stansbury and to raise concerns about the devastating impact these Republican-led proposals would have on New Mexico families. Senator Luján and Representative Stansbury denounced the Republican proposal and warned that the legislation would impose the biggest cut to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in American history.

“This Republican-led bill is a total rip-off for New Mexicans – all to line the pockets of people like President Trump and Elon Musk,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “The Republicans’ priorities couldn’t be more clear: tax handouts for billionaires and massive corporations, paid for by cutting health care, food assistance, and benefits for New Mexicans. We are not backing down. In the Senate, I’m going to keep fighting for our seniors, our children, and the future of New Mexico.”

“We are in the fight of our lives for our communities, our democracy, and to make life better for our people. Every day, I am deeply honored to be in this fight for New Mexico alongside Senator Luján and our entire congressional delegation. Together we are working to defend our rights and Constitution and to tackle our biggest challenges from healthcare, housing and education to caring for our veterans and protecting our lands and waters,” said Representative Melanie Stansbury. “I am grateful to everyone who showed up to our Town Hall and who is speaking up and speaking out against the GOPs disastrous reconciliation bill which will gut Medicaid and food assistance for millions of Americans. As this bill heads to the Senate and the GOP continues to gut programs, we need you in this fight.”

Impacts of the House GOP legislation include:
- Cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, jeopardizing health care access for millions;
- Cuts to SNAP, reducing food assistance for children, families, and seniors;
- Many Americans making less than $51,000 a year will lose money;
- Delivers 65% of benefits to the wealthiest Americans;
- According to a study by Wharton, the Republicans’ plan will add $4.6 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Backs Creation of Texas Stock Exchange

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expressing his strong support for the Texas Stock Exchange’s (TXSE) application to operate as a National Securities Exchange:

“If approved, the TXSE will bolster competition in all areas of the exchange business, including listings, trading technology, market structure, market data, and market connectivity,” wrote Sen. Cornyn.

“Texas is emerging as a new global business and financial hub. The Lone Star State leads the nation in economic development, job growth, and corporate relocations. I believe that TXSE’s plan to expand the public capital markets beyond New York would complement Texas’ diverse pro-business culture,” he continued.

“The TXSE has significant potential to take the U.S. economy to new heights, providing entrepreneurs and businesses with new opportunities for advancement and increased investment,” he concluded.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

May 22, 2025

Ms. Vanessa Countryman

Secretary

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street NE

Washington, DC 20549-1091

Dear Ms. Countryman:

I am writing to express my support for the Texas Stock Exchange’s (TXSE) application for approval as a National Securities Exchange.

As a member of the United States Senate Finance Committee, I recognize the importance of creating a financial environment that fosters economic production, entrepreneurship, and job growth. During my time in the U.S. Senate, I have focused on enacting commonsense policies that enhance our nation’s business climate, strengthen our financial system, and ensure that the U.S. economy remains the strongest in the world.

Competition is the foundation of America’s capital markets. Unfortunately, the number of publicly traded companies have significantly declined over the past 25 years, limiting public investment opportunities and decreasing competition. Establishing a new exchange will give issuers more options to drive innovation and improve capital formation. If approved, the TXSE will bolster competition in all areas of the exchange business, including listings, trading technology, market structure, market data, and market connectivity.

Texas is emerging as a new global business and financial hub. The Lone Star State leads the nation in economic development, job growth, and corporate relocations. I believe that TXSE’s plan to expand the public capital markets beyond New York would complement Texas’ diverse pro-business culture. The TXSE has significant potential to take the U.S. economy to new heights, providing entrepreneurs and businesses with new opportunities for advancement and increased investment.

I am grateful for this opportunity to express my views on the TXSE’s application and encourage SEC approval.

Sincerely,

Senator John Cornyn

U.S. Senator

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Uruguay’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Interior Minister visited UK
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release

Uruguay’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Interior Minister visited UK

English

Español de América Latina

On their first official visit to London, Deputy Chief of Staff Jorge Díaz and Interior Minister Carlos Negro held meetings related to justice and security.
The main objective of the visit was to learn from experiences that will contribute to discussions on the creation of a Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Uruguay.

Between May 20 and 23, 2025, they met with government officials, academics, private sector companies, and non-governmental organizations, including two roundtables on cybersecurity and the space industry, in which more than 12 local counterparts participated. Additionally, they visited Parliament, the Supreme Court of Justice, the London Magistrates’ Court, and the Prosecutor’s Office.

Ambassador Mal Green stated:

The purpose of this invitation from the British government is to share experiences, ideas, challenges, and lessons learned to support the planning that the Uruguayan government is undertaking for the creation of its Ministry of Justice, as well as to exchange views on a priority for both countries: security.

I trust that the connections established will continue to deepen in the coming months through future virtual and in-person meetings, training, and technical cooperation.

Deputy Secretary Díaz expressed being pleasantly surprised by the level of pragmatism and professionalism with which security-related public policies and the Ministry of Justice operate in the United Kingdom, according to the official Presidency website.

The activity agenda included meetings with Lords who were involved in the formation of this Ministry, created in 2007, and its leadership, as well as with current authorities such as the Undersecretary of Justice, Lord Frederick Ponsonby. Frederick Ponsonby is a relative of John Brabazon Ponsonby, a British diplomat who played a decisive role in the independence of Uruguay in 1828.

This was the first official visit of authorities from Yamandú Orsi’s government to the United Kingdom, further strengthening the historical relationship and collaboration between both countries, which now spans nearly two centuries.

Visit our Flickr for more photos of the visit.

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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Published 28 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian Forces Provost Marshal response to Military Police Complaints Commission Public Interest Hearing

Source: Government of Canada News

May 28, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) plays a vital role in investigating Military Police (MP) interference complaints, reviewing closed and concluded public complaints led by the Military Police at the request of complainants, and leading public interest investigations and hearings. The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal (CFPM) is fully committed to, and supportive of the MPCC’s mandate, within the legislative framework afforded under Part IV of the National Defence Act.

A public complaint was received by the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal’s Office of Professional Standards related the MP response to Master Corporal Orton’s death. It was subsequently determined that the complaint was one that could be more appropriately dealt with through a criminal investigation. This is one of several reasons, laid out in the National Defence Act (NDA) s.250.27(4), regarding why a conduct complaint may not require an NDA Part IV conduct investigation by the Office of Professional Standards to appropriately address the matter.

The criminal investigation concluded on March 18, 2025. No criminal or code of service discipline charges were laid. However, a Military Police Professional Code of Conduct (MPPCC) investigation was initiated on March 18, 2025, and remains ongoing. The MPPCC is how the CFPM exercises their authority to determine whether administrative action is taken against members of the MP, which could include revocation of MP credentials.

During and following the closure of the criminal investigation and the subsequent decision to call a Public Interest Hearing (PIH), the Office of the CFPM has corresponded with the MPCC regarding their request for disclosure of relevant information to support their existing review and in light of the decision to declare a PIH into the same matter.

The Office of the CFPM will continue to support the MPCC during the course of the PIH, while ensuring that the integrity of the ongoing MPPCC investigation into this matter is maintained.

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Noem Releases Statement After ICE Arrests Illegal Alien who Threatened to Assassinate President Donald J. Trump

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Secretary Noem Releases Statement After ICE Arrests Illegal Alien who Threatened to Assassinate President Donald J

Trump

ASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released the following statement after U

S

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump

“Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

“This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination

All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric

I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump

”
On May 21, an ICE field intelligence officer received a handwritten letter in the mail from Ramon Morales Reyes, in which he promised to self-deport after he used his gun to shoot President Trump in the head at one of his rallies

On May 22, ICE arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old illegal alien from Mexico

Morales entered the U

S

illegally at least nine times between 1998-2005

His criminal record includes arrests for felony hit and run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier

He will remain in ICE custody at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending his removal proceedings

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Eccentric ‘Star’ Defies Easy Explanation, NASA’s Chandra Finds

Source: NASA

Scientists have discovered a star behaving like no other seen before, giving fresh clues about the origin of a new class of mysterious objects.
As described in our press release, a team of astronomers combined data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the SKA [Square Kilometer Array] Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope on Wajarri Country in Australia to study the antics of the discovered object, known as ASKAP J1832−0911 (ASKAP J1832 for short).
ASKAP J1832 belongs to a class of objects called “long period radio transients” discovered in 2022 that vary in radio wave intensity in a regular way over tens of minutes. This is thousands of times longer than the length of the repeated variations seen in pulsars, which are rapidly spinning neutron stars that have repeated variations multiple times a second. ASKAP J1832 cycles in radio wave intensity every 44 minutes, placing it into this category of long period radio transients.
Using Chandra, the team discovered that ASKAP J1832 is also regularly varying in X-rays every 44 minutes. This is the first time that such an X-ray signal has been found in a long period radio transient.
In this composite image, X-rays from Chandra (blue) have been combined with infrared data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope (cyan, light blue, teal and orange), and radio from LOFAR (red). An inset shows a more detailed view of the immediate area around this unusual object in X-ray and radio light.

Using Chandra and the SKA Pathfinder, a team of astronomers found that ASKAP J1832 also dropped off in X-rays and radio waves dramatically over the course of six months. This combination of the 44-minute cycle in X-rays and radio waves in addition to the months-long changes is unlike anything astronomers have seen in the Milky Way galaxy.

The research team argues that ASKAP J1832 is unlikely to be a pulsar or a neutron star pulling material from a companion star because its properties do not match the typical intensities of radio and X-ray signals of those objects. Some of ASKAP J1832’s properties could be explained by a neutron star with an extremely strong magnetic field, called a magnetar, with an age of more than half a million years. However, other features of ASKAP J1832 — such as its bright and variable radio emission — are difficult to explain for such a relatively old magnetar.
On the sky, ASKAP J1832 appears to lie within a supernova remnant, the remains of an exploded star, which often contain a neutron star formed by the supernova. However, the research team determined that the proximity is probably a coincidence and two are not associated with each other, encouraging them to consider the possibility that ASKAP J1832 does not contain a neutron star. They concluded that an isolated white dwarf does not explain the data but that a white dwarf star with a companion star might. However, it would require the strongest magnetic field ever known for a white dwarf in our galaxy.
A paper by Ziteng Wang (Curtin University in Australia) and collaborators describing these results appears in the journal Nature. Another team led by Di Li from Tsinghua University in China independently discovered this source using the DAocheng Radio Telescope and submitted their paper to the arXiv on the same day as the team led by Dr Wang. They did not report the X-ray behavior described here.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.

Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

chandra

https://chandra.si.edu
Visual Description:
This release features two composite images of a mysterious object, possibly an unusual neutron star or white dwarf, residing near the edge of a supernova remnant. The object, known as ASKAP J1832, has been intriguing astronomers from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder radio telescope with its antics and bizarre behavior.
Astronomers have discovered that ASKAP J1832 cycles in radio wave intensity every 44 minutes. This is thousands of times longer than pulsars, which are rapidly spinning neutron stars that have repeated variations multiple times a second. Using Chandra, the team discovered that the object is also regularly varying in X-rays every 44 minutes. This is the first time such an X-ray signal has been found in a long period radio transient like ASKAP J1832.
In the primary composite image of this release, the curious object is shown in the context of the supernova remnant and nearby gas clouds. Radio data is red and and X-ray sources seen with Chandra are in dark blue. The supernova remnant is the large, wispy, red oval ring occupying the lower right of the image. The curious object sits inside this ring, to our right of center; a tiny purple speck in a sea of colorful specks. The gas cloud shows infrared data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope and resembles a mottled green, teal blue, and golden orange cloud occupying our upper left half of the square image.
The second, close-up image shows a view of the immediate area around ASKAP J1832. In this composite image, infrared data from Spitzer has been removed, eliminating the mottled cloud and most of the colorful background specks. Here, near the inside edge of the hazy red ring, the curious object resembles a bright white dot with a hot pink outer edge, set against the blackness of space. Upon close inspection, the hot pink outer edge is revealed to have three faint spikes emanating from the surface.
The primary and close-up images are presented both unadorned, and with labels, including fine white circles identifying ASKAP J1832.

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: IAM Delegates Motivated At CBTU Convention in Florida

Source: US GOIAM Union

At least 20 IAM delegates joined more than 1000 union leaders from around the world at the annual Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Convention in Orlando, FL.

The post IAM Delegates Motivated At CBTU Convention in Florida appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: How Do We Do Research in Zero Gravity? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 62

Source: NASA

[embedded content]

How do we do research in zero gravity?
Actually when astronauts do experiments on the International Space Station, for instance, to environment on organisms, that environment is actually technically called microgravity. That is, things feel weightless, but we’re still under the influence of Earth’s gravity.
Now, the very microgravity that we’re trying to study up there can make experiments actually really kind of difficult for a bunch of different reasons.
First of all, stuff floats. So losing things in the ISS is a very real possibility. For example,
there was a set of tomatoes that was harvested in 2022 put it in a bag and it floated away and we couldn’t find it for eight months.
So to prevent this kind of thing from happening, we use a lot of different methods, such as using enclosed experiment spaces like glove boxes and glove bags. We use a lot of Velcro to stick stuff to.
Another issue is bubbles in liquids. So, on Earth, bubbles float up, in space they don’t float up, they’ll interfere with optical measurements or stop up your microfluidics. So space experiment equipment often includes contraptions for stopping or blocking or trapping bubbles.
A third issue is convection. So on Earth, gravity drives a process of gas mixing called convection and that helps circulate air. But without that in microgravity we worry about some of our experimental organisms and whether they’re going to get the fresh air that they need. So we might do things like adding a fan to their habitat, or if we can’t, we’ll take their habitat and put it somewhere where there might already be a fan on the ISS or in a corridor where we think they are going to be a lot of astronauts moving around and circulating the air.
Yet another issue is the fact that a lot of the laboratory instruments we use on Earth are not designed for microgravity. So to ensure that gravity doesn’t play a factor in how they work, we might do experiments on the ground where we turn them on their side or upside down, or rotate them on a rotisserie to make sure that they keep working.
So, as you can tell, for every experiment that we do on the International Space Station, there’s a whole team of scientists on the ground that has spent years developing the experiment design. And so I guess the answer to how we do research in microgravity is with a lot of practice and preparation.
[END VIDEO TRANSCRIPT]
Full Episode List
Full YouTube Playlist

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Summer Students Scan the Radio Skies with SunRISE

Source: NASA

Solar radio bursts, intense blasts of radio emission associated with solar flares, can wreak havoc on global navigation systems. Now, as part of the Ground Radio Lab campaign led by the University of Michigan and NASA’s SunRISE (Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment) mission, which is managed by the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, high school and college students across the nation are collecting, processing, and analyzing space weather data to help better understand these bursts.
Participating students have presented their findings at local science fairs and national conferences, including the Solar Heliospheric and INterplanetary Environment (SHINE) conference held in Juneau, Alaska in August 2024. These students sifted through thousands of hours of observations to identify and categorize solar radio bursts.
Participating high schools receive free, self-paced online training modules sponsored by the SunRISE mission that cover a range of topics, including radio astronomy, space physics, and science data collection and analysis. Students and teachers participate in monthly webinars with space science and astronomy experts, build radio telescopes from kits, and then use these telescopes to observe low frequency emissions from the Sun and other objects like Jupiter and the Milky Way.
Visit the Ground Radio Lab website to learn more about the new campaign and apply to participate.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

FEMA, SBA and the State of Arkansas Are Adding More Sites to Assist Survivors

LITTLE ROCK– The state of Arkansas, FEMA and U

S

Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer face-to-face help at four additional sites this week for residents affected by the March 14-15 and April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding

Homeowners and renters in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties and impacted by the March 14-15 storms and tornadoes and may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance

Assistance is also available to eligible residents living in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St

Francis and White counties impacted by the April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding

The four new locations providing survivor assistance include:CLARK COUNTYArkadelphia Recreation Center2555 Twin Rivers DriveArkadelphia, AR 71923Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

DESHA COUNTYMcGhee Municipal Complex901 Holly Street McGhee, AR 71654Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

CRITTENDEN COUNTYRoberta Jackson Neighborhood Center 1300 Polk AvenueWest Memphis, AR 72301Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

FULTON COUNTYFulton County Courthouse154 South Main StreetSalem, AR 72570Dates: Wednesday, May 28 – Saturday, May 31Hours: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

Additional locations continuing to provide survivor assistance include: GREENE COUNTY Paragould Community Center3404 Linwood DriveParagould, AR 72112Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

RANDOLPH COUNTYBlack River Technical CollegeAcademic Complex Building, Room AC 1001410 Highway 304 EastPocahontas, AR 72455Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29 Hours: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

IZARD COUNTYOzarka College – John Miller Auditorium218 College DriveMelbourne, AR 72556Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Hours: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

SALINE COUNTYSaline County Career and Technical Campus Auditorium13600 I-30 NorthBenton, AR 72019 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

JACKSON COUNTYASU-Newport Center for Fine Arts7648 Victory BoulevardNewport, AR 72112 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

SHARP COUNTY Ash Flat City Hall897 Ash Flat DriveAsh Flat, AR 72513Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

MILLER COUNTYMiller County Office of Emergency Management – Conference Room409 Hazel StreetTexarkana, AR 71854 Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31Times: 8 a

m

– 6 p

m

SHARP COUNTYCity Hall – Cave CityConference Room201 South Main StreetCave City, AR 72521*Entrance and parking at back of buildingDates: Tuesday, May 27 – Thursday, May 29Times: 9 a

m

– 6 p

m

Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including going online to DisasterAssistance

gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

Calls are accepted every day from 6 a

m

to 10 p

m

CT

Help is available in most languages

If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

For more information, visit fema

gov/disaster/4865 or fema

gov/disaster/4873

Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

com/FEMARegion6/

erika

suzuki
Wed, 05/28/2025 – 12:18

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA Helps with Progress on Vast’s Haven-1 Commercial Space Station

Source: NASA

NASA-supported commercial space station, Vast’s Haven-1, recently completed a test of a critical air filter system for keeping future astronauts healthy in orbit. Testing confirmed the system can maintain a safe and healthy atmosphere for all planned Haven-1 mission phases.
Testing of the trace contaminant control system was completed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of a reimbursable Space Act Agreement. Vast also holds an unfunded Space Act Agreement with NASA as part of the second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities initiative.

The subsystem of the environmental control and life support system is comprised of various filters designed to scrub hazardous chemicals produced by both humans and materials on the commercial station. During the test, a representative chemical environment was injected into a sealed environmental chamber, and the filtration system was turned on to verify the trace contaminant control system could maintain a healthy atmosphere.
“Testing of environmental control systems and subsystems is critical to ensure the health and safety of future commercial space station crews,” said Angela Hart, program manager for NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “Through NASA’s agreements with Vast and our other industry partners, the agency is contributing technical expertise, technologies, services, and facilities to support companies in the development of commercial stations while providing NASA important insight into the development and readiness to support future agency needs and services in low Earth orbit.”

Experts used the same environmental chamber at Marshall to test the International Space Station environmental control and life support system.
The knowledge and data gained during the recent testing will help validate Vast’s Haven-1 and support future Haven-2 development.
NASA supports the design and development of multiple commercial space stations through funded and unfunded agreements. NASA plans to procure services from one or more companies following the design and development phase as part of the agency’s strategy to become one of many customers for low Earth orbit stations.
For more information about commercial space stations, visit:
www.nasa.gov/commercialspacestations

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: S. 622, Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025
Source: US Congressional Budget Office

S. 622 would amend the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to transfer to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe tribe certain federal land located in the Chippewa National Forest in Cass County, Minnesota. The Department of Agriculture would need to transfer land that federal records show was transferred by the Department of the Interior to USDA without the unanimous consent of the rightful landowners.

S. 622 would allow USDA to substitute other National Forest System land located in Cass County for land required to be transferred under the bill for one of the following reasons:
- To avoid inholdings, that is land that is completely surrounded by public land, or
- To transfer land that is adjacent to or near existing Leech Lake trust land and land of cultural importance to the tribe.
- The bill would allow USDA to transfer land to the tribe on a rolling basis as the land is identified and surveyed.
Receipts generated from the sale of timber and minerals and the issuance of special use permits—for example, for recreational events—on federal land are recorded in the federal budget as offsetting receipts, that is, as reductions in direct spending. Under current law, some of those receipts are spent without further appropriation, which results in an offsetting increase in direct spending of a similar magnitude as the receipts.

CBO cannot determine which parcels of land would be transferred under the bill and whether those parcels would include timber and mineral rights or special use authorizations. However, CBO expects that any loss of receipts from the land transfers would increase net direct spending by a negligible amount over the 2025-2035 period.

In addition, the Secretary of Agriculture would need to provide for public engagement and comment. Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that public comment, as well as any other administrative costs for USDA to implement S. 622 would be insignificant. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

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

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force conduct SERE training

Source: US State of Wyoming

Members of the Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force conduct Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, on May 16-18, 2025. The scenario-based training prepares aviators to survive in the event of a crash, focusing on the five basic needs of survival: signaling, personal protection, health, travel techniques and sustenance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Cadet Montana Widowski, assigned to the Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force, operates a compass during Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, on May 16, 2025. The scenario-based training prepares aviators to survive in the event of a crash, focusing on the five basic needs of survival: signaling, personal protection, health, travel techniques and sustenance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Cadet Montana Widowski, assigned to the Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force, operates a compass during Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, on May 16, 2025. The scenario-based training prepares aviators to survive in the event of a crash, focusing on the five basic needs of survival: signaling, personal protection, health, travel techniques and sustenance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Sgt. Daniel Daley, assigned to the Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force, saws wood during Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, on May 17, 2025. The scenario-based training prepares aviators to survive in the event of a crash, focusing on the five basic needs of survival: signaling, personal protection, health, travel techniques and sustenance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Sgt. Keenan Wilson, assigned to the Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force, saws wood during Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, on May 17, 2025. The scenario-based training prepares aviators to survive in the event of a crash, focusing on the five basic needs of survival: signaling, personal protection, health, travel techniques and sustenance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Spc. Ian Sholders, assigned to the Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force, uses wood to create a shelter during Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, on May 17, 2025. The scenario-based training prepares aviators to survive in the event of a crash, focusing on the five basic needs of survival: signaling, personal protection, health, travel techniques and sustenance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

Sgt. Daniel Daley, assigned to the Wyoming Cowboy Aviation Task Force, uses wood to create a shelter during Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming, on May 17, 2025. The scenario-based training prepares aviators to survive in the event of a crash, focusing on the five basic needs of survival: signaling, personal protection, health, travel techniques and sustenance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Honors Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Murdered by the Sinaloa Cartel

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

President Trump and Secretary Noem are dismantling drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security released a video featuring the parents of Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who was viciously murdered by members of the Sinaloa cartel.

On October 18^th, 2024, Nicholas Quets traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico, where upon entry, he encountered a Sinaloa cartel checkpoint. These cartel members attempted to steal his pickup truck before shooting him in the back through his heart, ultimately taking his life at just 31 years old.

Watch the video.

President Trump and Secretary Noem have taken decisive action to dismantle drug cartels. On President Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation expands law enforcement and the government’s ability to crack down on cartels’ drug and sex trafficking operations in the U.S.

On what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32^nd birthday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against six individuals and seven entities allegedly involved in a money-laundering network supporting the Sinaloa cartel.

Earlier this month, HSI along with the help of the Mexican government arrested Jacobo Regalado “J3” a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. He is responsible for hundreds of homicides and smuggling illicit drugs into the U.S.

Additionally, earlier this month, Pedro Inzunza Noriega and Pedro Inzunza Coronel, key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network, were charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

“Nicholas Quets was a patriot who served our country honorably and was killed by these cartel cowards who shot him in the back. President Trump and Secretary Noem are honoring his memory by dismantling the Sinaloa cartel and other drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump’s strong leadership and these arrests and prosecutions of scum-of-the-earth cartel leaders are delivering results. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”

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MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Releases Statement After ICE Arrests Illegal Alien who Threatened to Assassinate President Donald J. Trump

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump.

“Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination. All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump.”

On May 21, an ICE field intelligence officer received a handwritten letter in the mail from Ramon Morales Reyes, in which he promised to self-deport after he used his gun to shoot President Trump in the head at one of his rallies.

On May 22, ICE arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old illegal alien from Mexico.

Morales entered the U.S. illegally at least nine times between 1998-2005. His criminal record includes arrests for felony hit and run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier.

He will remain in ICE custody at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending his removal proceedings.

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MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Do Not Travel to Venezuela

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

The State Department is warning Americans against travel to Venezuela and bordering areas for any reason. Americans who travel to Venezuela risk being wrongfully detained in prison for months or even years.

Our simple message for Americans: Do NOT travel to Venezuela.

— State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FG7sd6lj4M

MIL OSI Video –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation Calls For Answers From Navy On Proposal To Increase Training, Inert Bombings On Kaʻula Rock

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
HONOLULU – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) and Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) pressed the U.S. Navy to publicly justify its ongoing training on Ka‘ula and the proposal to more than double the number of inert bombing and gunfire training exercises conducted on Ka‘ula in Kaua‘i County. The lawmakers called on the Navy to conduct a full environmental impact statement (EIS) and provide a clear national security rationale outlining the need to conduct this type of training at Ka‘ula.
“In Hawai‘i, there is a significant level of mistrust with the Department of Defense as a whole, and the Navy in particular,” the delegation wrote. “As the Navy has now determined it would like to double the inert bombing and gunfire training it currently carries out on one of our smaller and uninhabited islands, we write to urge the Navy to provide more information about the impacts to Ka‘ula to satisfy the concerns from Kaua‘i residents and the state writ large. This additional due diligence by the Navy should include a national security justification for this expansion and explain to the public how this training is reasonable given the impacts to Ka‘ula and the surrounding community. The onus is on the Navy to demonstrate this need with proper analysis.”
The delegation added, “Too many pressing questions concerning the use of Ka‘ula remain unanswered. As part of a comprehensive EIS, the Navy must assure the public that it has an effective plan and will allocate resources to environmental remediation on Ka‘ula. This will also allow the public to fully understand the impacts of this increased bombing on Ka‘ula’s environment. In parallel to conducting a comprehensive EIS, we request that the Navy also submit a study to Congress clearly outlining the pressing national security requirements for training at Ka‘ula. Both of these efforts are necessary to provide sufficient information to the public about ongoing and proposed expanded training at Ka‘ula.”
The full text of the letter is below and available here.
Secretary Phelan,
We write with our concerns about the Navy’s proposal to expand the usage of the island of Ka‘ula for increased inert bombing and gunfire training by the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. In Hawai‘i, there is a significant level of mistrust with the Department of Defense as a whole, and the Navy in particular. As the Navy has now determined it would like to double the inert bombing and gunfire training it currently carries out on one of our smaller and uninhabited islands, we write to urge the Navy to provide more information about the impacts to Ka‘ula to satisfy the concerns from Kaua‘i residents and the state writ large. This additional due diligence by the Navy should include a national security justification for this expansion and explain to the public how this training is reasonable given the impacts to Ka‘ula and the surrounding community. The onus is on the Navy to demonstrate this need with proper analysis. To that end, we believe the Navy must conduct a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) and a study to demonstrate the national security need to retain training at Ka‘ula.
Too many pressing questions concerning the use of Ka‘ula remain unanswered. As part of a comprehensive EIS, the Navy must assure the public that it has an effective plan and will allocate resources to environmental remediation on Ka‘ula. This will also allow the public to fully understand the impacts of this increased bombing on Ka‘ula’s environment. In parallel to conducting a comprehensive EIS, we request that the Navy also submit a study to Congress clearly outlining the pressing national security requirements for training at Ka‘ula. Both of these efforts are necessary to provide sufficient information to the public about ongoing and proposed expanded training at Ka‘ula.
Doubling the amount of training at Ka?ula is a significant step that warrants more information on the environmental impacts to the island. The State’s seabird sanctuary on Ka‘ula is home to thousands of seabirds, and the island’s sea cliffs are a resting place for endangered species like monk seals. Despite these known populations of wildlife, the draft environmental assessment does not contain sufficient analysis that impacts on wildlife would be “less than significant.” The public deserves a clear, comprehensive, and evidence-based EIS to demonstrate that the Navy has done its due diligence on the environmental impacts of these trainings.
Ka‘ula is also surrounded by prime fishing waters that, should training surge from 12 to 31 times per year, would further limit Kaua‘i fishermen’s access. Kaua‘i fishermen have a right to be able to access the waters around Ka‘ula on a reasonable basis. The ongoing inert bombing activity limits fishing, which would only become more difficult with the Navy’s proposed increase in training.
As a part of the military’s study and investigation into why access to Ka‘ula has a national security requirement that outweighs potential impacts to Ka‘ula’s environment, we request that the following questions be addressed:
While any training can be justified as necessary to national security, how would a reduction or termination of access to Ka‘ula impact readiness in units operating in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility (AOR)?
Why has the Navy not already built in more redundancies to address any readiness issues due to a lack of availability of training ranges?
What is a tangible impact to readiness lost if Ka‘ula is not available for training? What specific impacts will the services experience to units and personnel who are impacted by this loss of access?
How has the Navy determined that there is an irreplaceable need for access to Ka‘ula that cannot be fulfilled by an alternative site?
Additionally, we request a separate response to the below questions no later than June 16th, 2025:
Does the Navy plan to program specific environmental remediation funding, including to address existing and future ordnance cleanup?
How does the Navy plan to protect regular and reliable access to Ka‘ula’s waters with the proposed substantial increase in trainings? What assurances can the Navy provide to the Kaua‘i public that disruptions to access would not significantly impede their right to fish?
How will the Navy effectively plan for increased environmental impacts to the southern end of Ka‘ula?
While Ka‘ula provides a unique training opportunity for sustained overwater flights with overland targets that mimic environments in the region, what gaps exist in readiness that demand doubling training activity to be combat-credible? Is there a substantive scheduling and access issue at other training ranges that uniquely warrants this substantive jump in training activity at Ka‘ula?
We look forward to your prompt response to this letter and your engagement on this issue.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: AS SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF, TRUMP’S TARIFF WAR SLAMS UPSTATE NY – CANADIAN BORDER CROSSINGS PLUNGE NEARLY 290,000 & PLUMMET A WHOPPING 22% ACROSS ALL NY PORTS OF ENTRY LAST MONTH -…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

New Data Shows Border Crossings Across Upstate NY Are Nose-Diving As Trump’s Tariffs And Ludicrous Comments On Annexing Canada Drive Away Tourists, Putting Billions For NY’s Main Streets At Risk, Jeopardizing Jobs, & Restricting The Summer Tourism Economy

Schumer Says NY House Republicans Must Stand Up For Upstate NY And The Main Street Hotels, Restaurants & Shops Across NY That Rely On Canadian Tourists And Are Seeing Major Hits To Their Bottom Lines – The House Needs To Act On The Senate-Passed Bill To End Tariff War With Canada

Schumer: Trump Tariff War & Destructive Comments Are Burning Bridges With Canada, And Blowing A Massive Hole In Upstate NY’s Tourism Economy

With summer tourism season kicking off and Canadians canceling trips to the United States at record rates because of Trump’s mistreatment of our closest ally and trading partner, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed new data on how Trump’s reckless tariff war is causing border crossings to plummet across all major land ports of entry in Upstate New York. According to Customs & Border Patrol (CBP), almost 290,000 fewer travelers crossed the Upstate New York-Canadian border last month than over the same period in 2024, a whopping 22% decrease.

“Burning bridges and ruining relationships with our closest ally and key trading partner, Canada, right when summer tourism season is arriving, is about as destructive as it gets. Upstate NY is on the frontlines of Trump’s destructive tariff war, and this shocking new data shows our tourism economy is paying the price from Buffalo to Ogdensburg,” said Leader Schumer. “Instead of lowering costs, Trump’s tariffs are raising prices for families and driving away tourists who spend billions in our shops, hotels, restaurants, and support thousands of NY jobs. If this trend of depressed tourism continues, this could be a summer in Upstate NY that no small business wants to remember.”

According to new data from CBP, Upstate NY & Canada saw approximately 1,017,500 border crossings in April, compared to 1,307,381 during the same month in 2024, a nearly 22% decrease across road and bridge crossings frequented by tourists. A breakdown bridge-by-bridge from the Bridge and Tunnel Operators Association shows just how steeply tourism is declining across all the major land ports of entry between Upstate NY and Canada:

NY-Canada Bridge	Region	April 2024 Auto Crossings	April 2025 Auto Crossings	Percentage Decline
Peace Bridge	Western NY	366,159	309,317	15.52%
Rainbow Bridge	Western NY	174,395	119,265	31.61%
Lewiston-Queenstown Bridge	Western NY	239,645	204,222	14.78%
Whirlpool Rapids Bridge	Western NY	32,211	25,377	21.22%
Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge	North Country	43,945	31,857	27.51%
Thousand Islands Bridge	North Country	147,814	117,953	20.20%
Seaway Bridge	North Country	209,524	205,518	1.91%

Schumer said this steep drop is alarming and called on NY House Republicans to stand up for their constituents and Main Street small businesses – like hotels, restaurants and shops – and take up the resolution which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless, ill-conceived and harmful trade war with Canada.

Schumer added, “This should be a bright red alarm for NY House Republicans who have stayed silent as Trump’s reckless trade war has wreaked havoc in their districts. To add insult to injury, he makes absurd declarations on annexing our neighbors to the north, which only depresses travel to the U.S. and the purchase of American products. NY House Republicans need to stand up for Upstate NY and should take up the bill which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless trade war with Canada and restore our cherished, friendly and economically dynamic relationship with our next-door neighbor.”

Across Upstate NY, businesses are already seeing the impacts of fewer Canadian tourists and are worried that it will get worse, and Upstate New York would feel the impact of this decline first and harder than nearly anywhere else in the country. In Western New York, Canadian tourism is nearly 40% of the overall tourism economy in Buffalo. In Central New York, Visit Syracuse says web traffic from Canadians is down by half this year creating major worry for the summer season, approximately 15% of tourism dollars spent in the Syracuse area come from Canadian visitors.

According to a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66% of businesses are already experiencing a dip in Canadian bookings. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. Schumer said if there were even a 10% reduction in Canadian travel, it could mean as much as $2 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses across America.

“The Peace Bridge, as a self-funded agency, is reliant on tolls generated by cross border traffic to provide service to the travelling public. We were just beginning to approach normal traffic volumes following the border restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 Pandemic,” said Ron Rienas, Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Bridge Authority. “The decline of car and truck traffic directly impacts our bottom line and that of every international crossing and hampers the ability to make investments to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce.”

“As Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh, and through ongoing discussions with leaders from other border communities on both sides, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact tariffs are having on our region. The sharp decline in Canadian visitors is hurting families, small businesses, hotels, marinas, golf courses, restaurants, and workers who depend on cross-border tourism to make a living. Beyond the economic toll, these tariffs are eroding the cultural ties that have connected our communities for generations,” said Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor. “This isn’t about politics it’s about real people and the survival of our border region. The harmful rhetoric labeling Canada as a ‘51st state’ only deepens divisions. Canada is our oldest ally and closest friend, and our economies and cultures have long been intertwined for the benefit of us all.”

Since taking office in January, Trump has damaged the United States’ relationship with Canada by threatening to annex Canada and levying 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Schumer said this new data on major reductions in bridge crossings shows Trump’s threats to annex Canada and tariff Canadian goods are directly impacting commerce between the two countries, including Canadian tourism across New York State.

Schumer said he is fighting to end this unnecessary, damaging trade war with Canada and protect tourism, small businesses, and local jobs. Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada, and Schumer said this new shocking data shows the urgency for House Republicans to take up and pass it as well. Senate Democrats are also pushing for tariff exemptions for small businesses and putting an end to Trump’s across-the-board tariffs. Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting American families from price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada.

“I am all for addressing trade imbalances, especially with adversaries like China, but these sweeping, ill-conceived tariffs are creating chaos and undermining those goals. Rather than uniting the world against China, Trump has united our allies like Canada against us. The Senate passed a resolution to end this disastrous trade war with Canada, and now it’s time for the House to follow. We need everyone, especially NY House Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing trade war that is hurting our tourism industry, New York’s Main Streets, and New Yorkers’ jobs,” concluded Schumer.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Clearest-ever images of sun’s corona captured with new optical technique

Source: US Government research organizations

Scientists remove blur caused by Earth’s atmosphere, revealing a sharp view of the sun’s explosive turbulence

Using a new optical system, scientists at the U.S. National Science Foundation National Solar Observatory and the New Jersey Institute of Technology have captured the most detailed images of the complex movements in the sun’s atmosphere, the corona. The technology will allow scientists to better understand the extreme nature of the corona and produce computer models that more accurately predict space weather and potential Earth-impacting solar flares.

The researchers developed the new coronal adaptive optics system at the NSF-funded Goode Solar Telescope in California. Similar to a camera’s “autofocus” feature, the adaptive optics system continuously adjusts to counteract the blurring effect of the Earth’s atmosphere while isolating and zooming in on dynamic coronal features. The results of the study were published in Nature Astronomy.

Plasma movement in the sun’s corona

Credit: Schmidt et al./ NJIT/ NSO/ AURA/ U.S. National Science Foundation

This time-lapse video of a solar prominence shows how plasma “dances” and twists with the sun’s magnetic field. This video was taken by the Goode Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory using the new coronal adaptive optics system Cona.

“Observing the sun’s corona requires specialized optical capabilities because details are easily overpowered by the brightness of the sun and blurred from view by Earth’s atmosphere,” says Carrie Black, program director for the NSF National Solar Observatory. “This makes coronal adaptive optics all that much more technologically miraculous, and we expect they will help us better understand the dynamics of the corona and create more accurate predictive models for space weather.”

The sun’s corona — the outermost layer of its atmosphere, visible only during a total solar eclipse — has long intrigued scientists due to its extreme temperatures and violent Earth-sized eruptions.

Coronal rain

Credit: Schmidt et al./ NJIT/ NSO/ AURA/ U.S. National Science Foundation

Coronal rain forms when hotter plasma in the sun’s corona cools down and becomes denser. Like raindrops on Earth, coronal rain is pulled down to the surface by gravity. Because the plasma is electrically charged, it follows the magnetic field lines, which make huge arches instead of falling in a straight line.

In addition to recent advancements in detailed solar magnetic field mapping, this latest technology is a major development in ground-based solar astronomy. Researchers aim to pair the adaptive optics technology with the more powerful NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii to deliver increasingly detailed coronal mapping.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Celebrate World Otter Day May 28 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Celebrate World Otter Day May 28 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Celebrate World Otter Day May 28 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
jejohnson6
Wed, 05/28/2025 – 14:53

PINE KNOLL SHORES

Guests to the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will have an opportunity to watch some exciting otter enrichment during World Otter Day on May 28 with North American river otters Eno, Pee Dee, and Rocky. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The World Otter Day celebration at the Aquarium will include some otter-inspired activities in the Discovery Classroom and a special enrichment for the three otters at 11 a.m.

“Otters have such a playful nature — the littlest thing makes them happy. They are charismatic animals and watching them always rejuvenates me. We should celebrate World Otter Day every day,” said Kristen Cook, NCAPKS otterkeeper. “Watching the otters inspires me and our guests to help protect them and their habitats.”

Otters at the N.C. Aquariums

All three N.C. Aquariums are home to different otter species that inspire guests to appreciate and conserve otters worldwide. Both N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island care for North American river otters. N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher has a family of Asian small-clawed otters.

There are 14 species of otter around the world and World Otter Day was founded by the International Otter Survival Fund to highlight and bring awareness to threats otter species are facing.

While North American river otters are listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened species, their numbers had been reduced significantly in the late 1800s due to over-trapping and habitat degradation and are still not found living in the entirety of their historic range. Their population made a comeback from the brink of extinction in the 1900s thanks to conservation and reintroduction efforts.

What can you do?

While one person can’t do everything, everyone can do something — individual actions in your community can protect local species and they can create a ripple effect that can lead to protections for species across the globe

• Keep local watersheds clean from litter and pollution.

• Join a local trash pick-up or beach clean-up event.

• Find a citizen science monitoring opportunity to help researchers and conservation gain more insight on otters.

• Buy bird-friendly coffee—it’s produced on farms with a shade cover that provides important habitat for different species, preventing deforestation and destruction of homes for animals like Asian small-clawed otters.

• Don’t ever support illegally traded wild animals as pets.

Advanced Tickets Required
Summertime is always busy at the Aquarium and otters are always a guest favorite. Seeing a special enrichment may increase interest and make the day busier than normal. For an enhanced visitor experience, get tickets online and in advance at www.ncaquariums.com/tickets-pks

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

May 28, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Nearly 2,000 Acres Adjacent to Moores Creek National Battlefield Added to N.C. Natural Heritage Areas Registry

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Nearly 2,000 Acres Adjacent to Moores Creek National Battlefield Added to N.C. Natural Heritage Areas Registry

Nearly 2,000 Acres Adjacent to Moores Creek National Battlefield Added to N.C. Natural Heritage Areas Registry
jejohnson6
Wed, 05/28/2025 – 14:41

Almost 2,000 acres of forestlands adjacent to the National Park Service’s Moores Creek National Battlefield in Pender County were recently added to the State of North Carolina’s Registry of Natural Heritage Areas. The registry is managed by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Natural Heritage Program. The newly conserved lands are on five tracts of properties owned and managed by the Clint North family.

Inclusion of properties on the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas recognizes their value as important natural areas. The registry is a voluntary pledge by landowners to remain conscientious stewards of important natural areas under their safekeeping. A registry agreement signed by the landowner declares their intention to continue to protect and manage the special biological assets and other ecological characteristics of their property.

During a May 22 meeting at the Battlefield, Charles (Chuck) Roe, the founding director of North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program, presented a certificate of recognition to the North family for their efforts to conserve these important properties.

Moores Creek National Battlefield is also on the state’s Registry of Natural Heritage Areas, as one of the early sites to be registered. At the May 22 meeting, another certificate of recognition was presented by Roe to NPS Moores Creek National Battlefield superintendent Matthew Woods, duplicating the award presented by Roe to National Park Service staff in 1986 for inclusion of the battlefield’s natural habitat areas on the state’s registry of protected natural areas.

Presentations of the Natural Heritage Areas Registry certificates were made on the fortieth anniversary of the North Carolina Nature Preserves Act, signed by Governor James Martin on May 22, 1985.

About the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas
The Registry of Natural Heritage Areas is administered by North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program, which is a unit of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Land and Water Stewardship. The property of an interested landowner is evaluated by staff of the Natural Heritage Program for the presence and condition of natural habitats and biotic resources of exceptional quality or uniqueness. For more information, please contact the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (www.ncnhp.org).

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

May 28, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: “Where’s Joey?”: A sister’s promise echoes through a Wyoming military tribute

Source: US State of Wyoming

Wyoming Veterans Commission

By Joseph Coslett Jr.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – It was May 1968. The air was warm, and the laughter of children echoed through an alley in a quiet Wyoming neighborhood. That’s when two men in uniform appeared, walking toward a family’s future, carrying with them the unbearable weight of final news.

“We got excited to see them,” the sister said, her voice trembling but sure, as she stood before the crowd gathered for the Gold Star Tribute Ceremony. “We just knew Joey would be right behind them.”

But Pfc. Joseph Padilla would not come home from Vietnam.

The sister, only nine years old at the time, shared her story as if it happened yesterday. Her voice, filled with childlike innocence and lifelong grief, painted a portrait of the moment her world changed.

“We thought maybe Joey was hiding—playing hide-and-seek like he always did,” she said.

But that game would end in a silence no child should endure.

East High School ROTC Color Guard presents the colors while the East High School Choir Abby Petri and Kourtney Keller sing the National Anthem. Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

As the ceremony unfolded, her words reached the hearts of every listener. “I remember him saying, ‘You found me,’ and I began to cry.” That memory became a promise: To never forget Joey or anyone like him.

That promise bloomed into the Joseph A. Padilla Military Tribute Project. A banner initiative honoring the fallen, created not for attention, but for remembrance. Each banner carries a name, a face, a life given in service.

With support from First Lady Jennie Gordon, Gold Star Families, and Blue Federal Credit Union, the banners now hang with solemn pride. “They welcomed us with open arms,” she said. “This is our third year. I will forever be grateful.”

Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, followed her. “Memories, unless they’re shared, can’t be passed on,” he said. “Ceremonies like this matter because they keep the stories alive.”

He reminded the audience of the quiet strength behind every Gold Star Family: the parents, siblings, children and spouses who bear the burden of remembrance. Quoting President Reagan, Porter asked the question that begins our national anthem: “Does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave?

“It’s not a certainty,” he said. “It’s a commitment. One we must all renew.”

Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s adjutant general, addresses attendees during the ceremony, encouraging all to “remember through action, not just words.” Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

That theme—commitment—ran through every speaker’s message. Retired Master Sgt. Russell Telander, with over five decades in the American Legion, read a poem written with the whispered memories of a veteran. Its lines carried both sorrow and hope:
What force inside me made me choose
to fight a war I knew I’d lose,
to seek the truth I feared to see?
What sort of demon was in me?

What force inside made me think,
in terms of hell, I would not sink?
And then, once engulfed by its ways,
who would count my remaining days?

Who picked me up when I fell flat
and said I was better than that?
And as I chose to end the fight,
who thanked me and said I was right?

Who chose the path that I would draw on,
who left when I said—when I said “gone”?
And when I knew the time was near,
who held my hand and calmed my fear?

What force inside me made me trust
that what I did was good and just,
and for the rest of life I’d see,
there was no demon inside of me.

Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

Telander invited the public to help place over 5,000 flags across five Cheyenne cemeteries to honor the silent rows of the departed.

Sheriff Brian Kozak echoed the theme of shared duty. “Nearly half of our deputies are Guard members or veterans,” he said. “When you’re in need—call us. We ride for the brand too.”

Then Nick Warren, survivor outreach service coordinator and the final speaker, came the charge to live worthy lives in the wake of sacrifice. “They gave every day,” he said. “Let us dare to be great.”

Near the ceremony’s end, silence settled as names were read. Each followed by the quiet nod of those who remembered. The Gold Star isn’t a title anyone wants. It is a mark of tragedy transformed into honor. A blue star in a window becomes gold when a life is lost. But in that gold, there is something sacred—something eternal.

East High School ROTC Color Guard presents the colors while the East High School Choir Abby Petri and Kourtney Keller sing the National Anthem. Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE conducts worksite inspections in New Orleans

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, arrested 15 illegal aliens May 27 during a targeted worksite enforcement operation at construction sites in the New Orleans area.

The multiagency operation, directed by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, led to the arrest of 15 illegal aliens from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

“Worksite enforcement investigations focus on reducing illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for the country’s lawful workforce,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “HSI New Orleans will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation.”

The main function of ICE HSI’s worksite enforcement program is to assist the field in maintaining the integrity in the U.S. immigration system, ease pressure at the borders, promote self-compliance in the business community, and protect employment opportunities for the nation’s workforce.

ICE HSI conducts investigations that target egregious worksite violators. These investigations lead to criminal, civil, or administrative judgments against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. These actions seek to deter employers who hire unauthorized workers. Investigations often uncover multiple forms of criminal activity, such as human smuggling, document fraud, human rights abuses and other violations linked to the employment of unauthorized workers.

ICE officials have continually emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

For more information about ICE HSI New Orleans and its efforts to enhance public safety in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, follow us on X at @HSINewOrleans.

Learn more about worksite enforcement by visiting ICE’s Worksite Enforcement Investigations.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SEC Publishes Data on Regulation A, Crowdfunding Offerings, and Private Fund Beneficial Ownership Concentration
Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Economic and Risk Analysis has published three new reports that provide the public with information on capital formation and beneficial ownership of qualifying private funds.

The first two papers—analyses of the Regulations A and Crowdfunding markets—provide valuable information on how capital is being raised in the United States particularly by smaller issuers. During the periods reviewed (2015 to 2024 for Regulation A and 2016 to 2024 for Regulation Crowdfunding) more than $10 billion was raised.

The third paper—an analysis of beneficial ownership concentration and fund outcomes for qualifying hedge funds (QHFs) and their advisers from 2013 to 2023—provides information on the interaction of beneficial ownership concentration, portfolio liquidity, investor liquidity, fund leverage, performance, and margins.

“Today’s reports provide key information on the capital markets,” said Robert Fisher, Acting Chief Economist and Director of the SEC’s Division of Economic and Risk Analysis. “Understanding how capital is being raised and the interaction of ownership concentration with fund outcomes for private funds informs not only the Commission but the public about essential parts of our markets.”

The three reports issued today are:
- Analysis of the Regulation A Market: A Decade of Regulation A provides statistics on the state of the Regulation A offering exemption over the past decade. It documents the level of offering activity and reported proceeds as well as the characteristics of issuers and offerings relying on this exemption. There were more than 1,400 offerings during this period seeking an aggregate of more than $28 billion in capital. Approximately $9.4 billion in proceeds was reported by more than 800 issuers. A typical Regulation A issuer was relatively small and young, and most issuers had not yet established a record of profitability.
- Analysis of Crowdfunding Under the JOBS Act provides an analysis of offering activity in the Title III securities-based crowdfunding market between May 16, 2016, (effective date of Regulation Crowdfunding) and December 31, 2024. During this period, there were more than 8,400 offerings initiated by more than 7,100 issuers, excluding withdrawn offerings. The offerings sought a total of approximately $560 million based on the target (minimum) amount. However, almost all offerings had a minimum-maximum format and accepted oversubscriptions up to a higher maximum. In the aggregate, the maximum amount sought in these offerings was approximately $8.4 billion. Based on the analysis of Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) filings during this period, there were more than 3,800 offerings where issuers reported proceeds; in total, they reported approximately $1.3 billion in proceeds. The crowdfunding exemption has continued to gain momentum over time and serves small and early-stage companies seeking access to capital, often for the first time. The median issuer had approximately $80,000 in total assets, including $13,000 in cash, $60,000 in debt, and $10,000 in revenue, and three employees.
- Beneficial Ownership Concentration and Fund Outcomes for Qualifying Hedge Funds provides statistics describing the relationship between beneficial ownership concentration and fund outcomes for QHFs and their advisers from 2013 to 2023. Over this period, concentrated funds exhibited faster growth than unconcentrated funds. Concentrated funds hold more liquid assets and offer more liquidity to investors relative to unconcentrated funds, though both portfolio and investor liquidity have declined over the sample period. In addition, the gross return of unconcentrated funds is on average 1.2% higher than concentrated funds, but their net return is only 0.1% higher indicating that, on average, the gross performance advantage of unconcentrated funds is offset by higher margins.
The Division of Economic and Risk Analysis integrates financial economics and rigorous data analytics into the SEC’s core mission. It conducts detailed, high-quality economic and statistical analyses to advise on Commission matters and helps identify and respond to issues, trends, and innovations in the marketplace.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 141-Unit Public Housing Development Completed in Troy

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the redeveloped John P. Taylor Apartments in the city of Troy. The new $67 million seven-story mixed-use building, developed by Pennrose, features 141 affordable apartments and ground floor retail space, replacing the complex’s two original towers which were demolished in 2022 after having been vacant for more than a decade. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 1,300 affordable homes in Rensselaer County. The redevelopment of the John P. Taylor Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“The completion of the John P. Taylor Apartments is another step forward in our ongoing mission to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “This complex demonstrates how important our investments are for communities like Troy. This comprehensive project delivers 141 modern, energy-efficient affordable homes and significant infrastructure improvements that support the city’s continued efforts to revitalize its downtown waterfront.”

The redevelopment of the John P. Taylor Apartments was a priority of the Revitalize Riverside component of Troy’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which was awarded by the State in 2021. The Revitalize Riverside plan was designed to enhance Troy’s South Central neighborhood and is part of a comprehensive strategy to create commercial space, add new housing, restore Troy’s downtown street grid, and improve the Congress Street Bridge which serves as an important artery to several of the region’s major roadways.

All units are supported by Project-based Section 8 vouchers issued by the Troy Housing Authority. Residents of the original John P. Taylor Apartments were given a preference for placement in the new apartments.

The new building was constructed to meet EPA Energy Star Multifamily New Construction and Enterprise Green Communities PLUS criteria. The development utilizes advanced energy efficiency features including all-electric HVAC, increased insulation, and an energy recovery ventilation system.

The John P. Taylor Apartments will offer an array of modern amenities for residents, including free Wi-Fi, washers and dryers in every apartment, and common areas such as a fitness center, community room, and outdoor patio.

State financing includes Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generate $30 million in equity and $20 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative provided $1.6 million in support. The Federal Home Loan Bank provided $1.4 million.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Replacing aging public housing stock with modern homes and amenities is one of the most impactful ways to increase quality of life and make housing more affordable for families. This $67 million project, developed by Pennrose in partnership with the Troy Housing Authority, not only provides 141 new apartments but connects people to the city and further revitalizes Troy’s historic waterfront. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR is proud to work alongside state and local partners to support efforts that are delivering thousands of affordable homes and improving affordability across New York.”

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “The new Taylor Apartments are a major step towards Governor Hochul’s efforts to make New York more affordable and to create badly needed housing throughout our state. We are incredibly proud of how the Downtown Revitalization Initiative takes a holistic approach in creating opportunities for communities to thrive and for residents to have an affordable place to call home. Congratulations on this successful project completion.”

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Every family in Troy deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to build over 140 new homes at the John P. Taylor Apartments – a redeveloped waterfront building with energy-efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I’m proud to have secured federal funding to raze the old, outdated and dilapidated Taylor towers, so that this wonderful new era at the Taylor Apartments could begin. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to affordable housing in the Capital Region and across New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to ensure that every New Yorker has a roof over their heads.”

Assemblymember John McDonald said, “The redevelopment of the John P. Taylor Apartments is a great example of what can be accomplished when state and local partners work together to meet the needs of our communities. This project not only provides high-quality, affordable housing for families in Troy, but it also strengthens the city’s economy through smart, community-focused investment. I’m proud to support initiatives like this that enhance quality of life and create new opportunities for Capital Region residents.”

Troy Mayor Carmella R. Mantello said, “The completion of the John P. Taylor Apartments marks a major milestone in our continued efforts to move Troy forward. This transformative redevelopment is made possible through the partnership of Pennrose, the Troy Housing Authority, and our city. It not only brings much-needed state of the art affordable housing to our downtown waterfront but also strengthens the connection between our neighborhoods and the Capital Region. Together, we are building a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future for all who call Troy home.”

Troy City Council President Sue Steele said, “It was a great honor for me to serve as Chair of the Troy Housing Authority Board of Commissioners during the planning, demolition and construction of Taylor 1. This project transformed our city’s downtown while also providing new, modern housing for tenants of the THA. On behalf of the board I want to thank each and everyone involved in making this a reality. I’m grateful for the combined vision of local, state and federal partners and Pennrose to step up and address a critical housing need in our city.”

Troy Housing Authority Executive Director Deborah Witkowski said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul and our federal and state partners for their investment in the City of Troy and the new Taylor I building which provides 141 units of high-end affordable housing with modern-day amenities that encourage a healthy, sustainable environment for the residents we serve. The Taylor I building is only the beginning of the overall Taylor Apartments revitalization plan that will eventually include other mixed-use, mixed-income buildings with direct access to the riverfront, recreational areas, and a connection to Troy’s downtown district.”

Pennrose Regional Vice President Dylan Salmons said, “Today’s ribbon cutting is a significant milestone in the years-long effort to revitalize the historic downtown, and we look forward to continuing the momentum with phase II. We’d especially like to thank the local community, neighborhood stakeholders, and residents of Taylor Apartments for their time, feedback, continued trust, and collaboration throughout this process.”

Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY 2026 Enacted Budget included more than $1.5 billion in new state funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. In addition, as part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Nearly 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

The FY 2025 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $750 million in discretionary funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have been certified, including Troy.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Launch of New I Love NY Summer Tourism Camapign

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of I LOVE NY’s new integrated summer tourism and travel campaign, highlighted by two new ads running through August across New York State, and in traditional drive markets including Canada. This includes advertising across broadcast, streaming and social platforms, and showcases some of the attractions and activities available. The summer campaign also includes I LOVE NY’s largest mobile marketing tour ever, and additional complementary travel industry efforts to promote visitation to the State’s 11 diverse vacation regions.

“Tourism is synonymous with New York State, thanks to all of our amazing attractions, from beaches to high peaks, from the Erie Canal to iconic museums and performing arts venues,” Governor Hochul said. “This vital industry is facing challenging new political and economic headwinds. That’s why supporting our tourism industry is more important than ever, and why we are getting out the message that no matter where you’re from, you’re always welcome in New York State.”

I LOVE NY’s multifaceted summer tourism campaign begins with two new ads featuring a new tagline – “New York State: Everything You Love.” – reflecting the depth and breadth of the world-class attractions and memory-making activities available in communities throughout the state. The new ads can be viewed here and www.iloveny.com/summer.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Tourism is crucial to New York State, supporting jobs and local economies, and we have so many incredible attractions ready to welcome visitors, from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. This summer, New York wants to extend a special invitation to travelers from across America and all around the world: this is the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to celebrate history, explore our incredible landscapes, and enjoy all that our incredible state has to offer.”

Empire State Development Division of Tourism Executive Director and Vice President Ross D. Levi said, “In addition to iconic attractions across our state’s eleven beautiful vacation regions, the next few months in New York hold special delights for travelers from near and far. Guests can look forward to special events commemorating the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, a summer of thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course headlined by the Belmont Stakes and Travers races, the Ryder Cup tournament at Bethpage golf course on Long Island, and food and fun at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. The endless variety of activities shows that there truly is everything to love in New York State.”

As part of this new campaign, I LOVE NY is extending a special invitation to international visitors – especially Canada, which represents New York’s largest inbound international market. International visitation is vital to New York State’s tourism economy. Historically, overseas visitors plan longer trips and produce more direct spending during their stays. New for this year’s campaign is a direct-to-consumer international marketing element in the United Kingdom and Australia, which includes digital billboards, plus streaming and digital advertising. I LOVE NY also continues to work with members of the travel trade industry, like tour operators and travel agents in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia through trade shows, sales missions and familiarization tours.

The summer campaign also includes I LOVE NY’s largest-ever mobile marketing tour with more than 40 stops throughout the Northeast. The mobile tour will make stops at popular events such as music festivals, street fairs and sporting events where guests can interact with fun experiences to learn more about the state’s attractions, win special I LOVE NY prizes, and take pictures with a large I LOVE NY logo sculpture.

Under Governor Hochul, tourism is New York State’s second largest industry, supporting one in 10 jobs. Recently, more than 306.3 million travelers visited New York State, generating $88 billion in direct spending and a record-high economic impact of $137 billion. Each year, tourism spending saves the average New York State household $1,400 in taxes.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Freight Forwarding Company Executive Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging Massive Scheme to Avoid Customs Duties Payments

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – The chief financial officer (CFO) at a Downtown Los Angeles-based shipping company has been arrested on a 22-count federal grand jury indictment charging him and the company’s CEO with using fraudulent documents, shell companies, bribes to public officials, and kickbacks to Mexican drug cartels to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of goods from the United States into Mexico, repeatedly lying to U.S. customs officials and defrauding Mexico out of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of duties owed, the Justice Department announced today.

Ralph Olarte, 55, of Glendale, the CFO of Sport LA Inc., was arrested late last night at Los Angeles International Airport. He is expected to make his initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Also charged in the indictment is Humberto Lopez Belmonte, 53, of Mexico City, who was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court. Lopez pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and a July 21 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered Lopez released on $100,000 bond.

Olarte and Lopez are charged with one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. Both defendants and their company, Sport LA Inc., also are charged with one count of smuggling goods from the United States, three counts of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information, five counts of wire fraud for false information submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Mexico, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and seven counts of international promotional and concealment money laundering.

Sport LA is charged with three counts of making false statements to a government agency. The other defendant companies – H&R Logistics Inc. and Olarte Transport Service Inc. – are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to the indictment returned on April 30 and unsealed Tuesday, Olarte and Lopez, from at least 2013 to the present, operated a lucrative international shipping enterprise. Through shipping companies they controlled, Olarte and Lopez smuggled billions of dollars’ worth of goods from and through the United States into Mexico. Many times, they concealed the nature of the shipped goods, some of which contained contraband.

The companies allegedly submitted millions of false and misleading statements to U.S. customs officials, used shell companies in Mexico to shield their true customers, and created and presented false documents – including sham certificates for paid Mexican import taxes. They also bribed Mexican customs officials, paid kickbacks to drug cartels – including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) – to operate the scheme and smuggled bulk cash into the U.S. to avoid reporting requirements.

Olarte and Lopez then laundered the proceeds of their scheme back from the true Mexican customers, through the shell companies, and ultimately into the companies’ U.S. bank accounts.

As a result of the conspiracy, Olarte and Lopez personally received millions of dollars in illicit proceeds.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, Olarte and Lopez would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud- and money laundering-related count, up to five years in federal prison for each smuggling- and false statements-related count, and up to two years in federal prison for each count of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), CBP, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this matter.

The cases announced today were investigated by HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California.

The Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lankford, Hyde-Smith Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Support for Families Struggling with Infertility
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

Legislation Promotes Restorative Reproductive Medicine Through Existing Federal Programs

WASHINGTON, DC – US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), chair of the Senate Values Action Team, Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), President Pro Tempore and John Cornyn (R-TX)introduced legislation to provide couples with more personalized and effective infertility treatment to help them choose how and when to grow their families.

The Reproductive Empowerment and Support through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act would build support for the 15 to 16 percent of couples in the United States affected by infertility. By utilizing current federal resources to support education, training, and access to care, the bill is designed to be cost-neutral.

“Infertility is one of the most difficult challenges couples can face, and most Americans have either faced or know someone who is facing the difficult journey to have a baby. The RESTORE Act prioritizes addressing the underlying causes of infertility through restorative reproductive medicine. This approach is specifically designed to diagnose and treat a variety of reproductive health conditions in both men and women to restore the long-term health of our families and help them bring the miracle of life into the world,” said Senator Lankford.

“So many couples of today’s childbearing-aged generations face an uphill battle with fertility struggles that are complex and unique to every woman and man. The holistic fertility policy promoted through the RESTORE Act aims to treat the root causes of infertility, many of which stem from chronic conditions and environmental factors that are the focus of President Trump’s MAHA movement,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “If we are going to truly support women and men who are ready to embrace parenthood, then we should promote substantive fertility solutions that ensure access to restorative reproductive medicine—fully healing couples and empowering them with autonomy over how they start and build their families.”

The legislation specifically aims to address reproductive health conditions that often contribute to infertility and painful menstrual cycles, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, hormone imbalances, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid conditions, and ovulation dysfunctions.

Key provisions of the RESTORE Act include:
1. Developing educational tools for women seeking information about reproductive health conditions and restorative reproductive medicine.
2. Providing training opportunities for medical professionals to learn how to diagnose and treat reproductive health conditions.
3. Directing the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health to conduct data collection and implement ongoing reports to assess the access women and men have to restorative reproductive medicine and infertility care through proper testing, diagnosis, and treatment of reproductive conditions.
4. Promoting, through existing funding opportunities in Title X and the HHS Office of Population Affairs, medical training for medical students and professionals who feel called to truly help women and men struggling with reproductive health conditions and infertility.
5. Advancing lifestyle medicine prescriptions as a method for treating male infertility.
6. Directing HHS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and all relevant panels to update the diagnostic and procedural codes related to infertility that implement the practice of restorative reproductive medicine.
The RESTORE Act works to address the fertility concerns of our childbearing-aged generations in a cost-effective manner with a holistic approach to healing infertility. First introduced in the 118th Congress, the legislation has been updated to offer more substantive solutions that focus on ensuring access to holistic fertility treatment and restorative reproductive medicine for both women and men.

The legislation is supported by the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) Action, Americans United for Life, Ethics & Public Policy Center, Heritage Action for America, and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin to Hannity: Trump Strikes when the Iron is Ripe

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
“Trump is working all angles on this. This is why Trump makes the ‘Art of the Deal’ right?”
Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Fox News’s Sean Hannity on Hannity to discuss the recent developments in the war in Ukraine and stress that Russia’s President would be a fool to underestimate President Donald J. Trump and America’s return to ‘Peace through Strength’ policies. Highlights below.

Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
On the consequences President Vladimir Putin faces if he continues down this path of killing:
“He [President Trump] is trying to clean up a mess that he didn’t start. This war would have never taken place if Trump would have been in office, but now it is. He’s been very clear from day one he wanted the killing to stop. He’s tried to work with Putin, his patience is running thin, and you and I know both know President Trump personally. When he’s done with you, he’s done. If Putin continues to push this envelope the way that he is, he’s going to give Zelensky the tools that he needs to fight back with the full-scale, full support of the United States.
On possible Russian sanctions:
“Lindsey Graham, myself, and a few other senators led this sanction bill, but we’ve been holding off because President Trump wanted time to negotiate with Russia. Because the negotiations are breaking down, I can see as soon as soon as were ready to move this bill forward, we’ll be able to pass this in the Senate, we’ll be able to pass this in the House, and President Trump will sign it. The sanctions will cripple Russia’s economy. You’ll see the ruble crash. You’ll see the way they’ve been able to benefit from it, this won’t go.”
On President Trump’s ability to protect American interests:
“Trump is working all angles on this. This is why Trump makes the ‘Art of the Deal’ right? He’s able to back people in corners and because when he’s ready, and the iron’s ripe, he’s able to strike.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Applications open for 2025 French-language funding

La Province accepte les demandes de subvention pour des projets visant à améliorer les services en français et à promouvoir la vitalité de la langue.

Le gouvernement provincial investit 250 000 $ pour subventionner les initiatives d’organismes à but non lucratif qui reflètent les besoins et les priorités des communautés francophones en Colombie-Britannique.

Administré par les Affaires francophones, ce financement a été annoncé dans le budget 2018. Depuis lors, la Province a octroyé 1,25 million $ pour subventionner 23 projets dans des domaines aussi variés que la santé, les services à la petite enfance, la prévention de la violence, la sauvegarde du patrimoine historique, l’accès aux ressources en français, le soutien des jeunes familles et le renforcement de la fondation et du patrimoine culturels africains.

« J’encourage les organisations francophones à réfléchir sur la manière d’aider leurs communautés à croître et à prospérer, notamment dans les régions moins peuplées et plus éloignées, conseille le ministre responsable des Affaires francophones, Adrian Dix. Alors que la subvention des projets réalisés dans les grands centres urbains profite aux francophones de toute la province, en 2025, nous avons réservé jusqu’à 50 000 $ pour les projets proposés par les communautés moins grandes. »

Les organismes à but non lucratif ont jusqu’au 20 juin 2025 pour présenter une demande de subvention.

Plus d’informations

Détails du programme, critères d’admissibilité et formulaire de demande : https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/intergovernmental-relations-secretariat/en-francais/affaires-francophones/possibilites-de-financement-provincial/financement-provincial-pour-les-services-en-francais

Applications are being accepted for French-language funding to support projects that enhance services and promote linguistic vitality.

The Province is investing $250,000 to support non-profit organizations in delivering initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of B.C.’s francophone communities.

Administered by Francophone Affairs, the funding was announced in Budget 2018. Since then, $1.25 million has supported 23 projects in areas such as health, early learning and child care, violence prevention, historical preservation, access to French-language resources, support for young families, and strengthening African cultural foundation and heritage.

“I encourage francophone organizations to consider how they can help their communities grow and thrive, including in smaller and more remote areas,” said Adrian Dix, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. “While funding for projects in large urban centres benefits francophones provincewide, for 2025, we are setting aside up to $50,000 specifically for proposals from smaller hubs to ensure these communities receive dedicated support.”

Non-profit organizations have until June 20, 2025, to submit their application.

Learn More:

To learn more about the program details, including eligibility criteria and the application form, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/intergovernmental-relations-secretariat/francophone/provincial-funding-opportunities/provincial-funding-for-french-language-services

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 29, 2025

Category: Americas

Uruguay’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Interior Minister visited UK

Ambassador Mal Green stated:

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