NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: The 1925 Patent of the Norwegian Ostehøvel (Cheese Slicer)

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    This weekend marked the national day of Norway, Syttende Mai. I have previously written about the celebrations connected to the national day, including the rules pertaining to the national (Bunad) dresses. Today, I describe the patent act that was in force when the Scandinavian Cheese Slicer (Ostehøvel) first got patented in 1925, 100 years ago this year.

    In 1925, the 1910 Patent Act (Lov om patenter (LOV-1910-07-02-4) was in force. The law can be located either in the Norsk Lovtidende Avd. 1 for the year 1910 or in the Almindelig Norsk Lovsamling. The amendments made in 1920 can be found in Norsk Lovtidende Avd. 1 1920. (Lov om midlertidig tillegg til lovene om patenter av 16. juni 1885 og 2. juli 1910 (LOV-1920-07-16-9).)

    Section 1 of the 1910 Patent Act provides that:

    A patent protects, in accordance with this law, new inventions, which can be utilized in industry.

    However, the following are excluded:

    a) Inventions, the exercise of which would be contrary to law, morality or public order;

    b) Inventions, the object of which is a nutritional, recreational or medicinal product or a chemical compound; however, a patent may be granted on the special manufacturing process.

    In order to obtain a patent for an invention, a patent claim must be submitted to the Styret for det Industrielle Retsvern [literally Board of Industrial Legal Protection] in accordance with the provisions of this Act. (Chapter 1 § 1 Lov om Patenter. Translation by author.)

    The law provided protection against the production and use of a patented product (§ 4) but also allowed for the use by the public, subject to compensation. (§ 8.) A patent holder that had not started production of a product within three years was required to allow others to produce the patented product. (§ 9.)

    The Ostehøvel

    Thor Bjørklund applied for a patent for his cheese slicer (ostehøvel) after being inspired by the plane (høvel) he used in his woodshop, as a better way to cut the cheese economically. The slicer was specialized to cut cheese thin and straight. The cheese slicer was introduced at a time in Norway when the population was poorer than today and cheese needed to last longer. A video on how to use it can be viewed here. A memorial book was published in 2000, Skjær pent av osten, (literally “carefully cut off the cheese”) inspired by a 1971 interview with Thor Bjørklund.

    The patent was published in the Norsk tidende for det industrielle retsvern (1926) in no. 48, p. 234.  The patent entered into force on February 27, 1925.

    Patent application number 43377. Screenshot of Norsk Tidende for Det Industrielle Retsvern, p. 234, made available by the National Library of Norway (Nasjonalbiblioteket) at https://www.nb.no/items/bad74105002005ed8d2f8a1e8645c01a?page=7

    The patent itself is also made available at Stiftelsen Lillehammer Museum with both the 1925 patent announcement and patent text. An additional patent for changes to the cheese slicer was awarded in 1928.

    The 1925 patent text specifically describes the invention in relation to a planer as:

    “This invention relates to a knife for cutting cheese etc. of the type that acts like a planer, where the cutting edge is formed by cutting out and bending down a platform-shaped part or is characterized mainly in that the portions of the plate-shaped part that are located at both ends are cut, are elastic and flexible so that the cheese, even if the angle of the blade in relation to the cheese surface changes during cutting.

    A characteristic feature of the invention further consists in that the thickness of the cheese slice is regulated in a manner known during cutting by bending the plate-shaped part.” (Translation by author.)

    The ostehøvel has become one of the most loved Norwegian inventions.

    Norwegian Patent Law Today

    Today, Norway regulates patent law in Lov om patenter (patentloven)(LOV-1967-12-15-9) (the Patent Act). An unofficial English translation of the Patent Act is published on the Norwegian Industrial Property Office website. Norway is a party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1885), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PTC)(1980), and the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (1977). Norway has ratified the European Patent Convention (EPC) and is a member of the European Patent Office (EPO).

    Today, a patent application can be made by presenting an application to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office and paying the applicable fee. Applications can be made as an EPC application or a Norwegian application. If the patent is awarded, there is an annual fee to maintain the patent.

    Examples of Law Library holdings related to Norwegian Patent Law:

    Additional Law Library of Congress Online Resources on Norwegian Law:

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unlocking Albany’s Potential Through Revitalization

    Source: US State of New York

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    The comprehensive approach to the CAP Initiative also includes up to $150 million to transform cultural experiences in and around Albany’s Downtown, such as renovating the New York State Museum and upgrading the exhibits to be more inviting to Albany families and tourists alike. It also includes funding to invest in improvements at the Empire State Plaza to strengthen connections with the surrounding community and make the space a vibrant and inviting part of the fabric of downtown Albany.

    Additionally, Governor Hochul has committed up to $40 million to advance plans to reimagine I-787 which would include reconnecting Albany and surrounding communities and enhancing access to the Hudson River waterfront. This summer, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will release a Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study on potential ways to reimagine I-787, a travel corridor in the Capital Region that provides high speed access to the City of Albany and other communities along the river, including Green Island, Watervliet and Menands. Building upon the work completed under the PEL study, up to $40 million will be utilized by NYSDOT to begin an Environmental Impact Statement, which will lay the groundwork for a future project along the I-787 corridor. The environmental review will examine ways to enhance waterfront access along the Hudson River for all users of the road, connect neighborhoods and key destinations in communities along the corridor, and address the infrastructure of I-787, the South Mall Expressway, the Dunn Memorial Bridge, and additional infrastructure along the study area.

    Governor Hochul previously announced $19.5 million in State investments to improve public safety in Albany, which included a $1 million commitment to the City of Albany Police Department and $500,000 for the Albany County Sheriff’s Office. These investments reflect a record level of State funding for public safety in the City of Albany and Capital Region. These resources are delivered through a series of nation-leading programs supported by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), including the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, the SNUG Street Outreach and Social Work Program and Project RISE (Respond, Invest, Sustain and Empower). Working together, these efforts have helped reduce violence and improve community safety.

    Albany is not only our great state’s capital city, it’s also a place I call home. This investment isn’t just about dollars and cents, it’s about jobs, innovation and a brighter future for our community.

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    Informed by input from local stakeholders and the community, the CAP Initiative will unfold through a comprehensive public engagement process to identify key opportunities to promote business development, bolster public safety, encourage housing, attract visitors and enhance affordability.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Since Governor Hochul first proposed the Championing Albany’s Potential initiative in her State of the State, ESD has been working to establish the foundation upon which this historic investment in our Capital City will build. Working together, we will utilize this generational funding to support transformational projects that reflect the needs of those who live, work and visit the city, and encourage even more people to experience and explore Downtown Albany.”

    New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The historic investment Governor Hochul is making through the Championing Albany’s Potential initiative will help revitalize our capital city. It will also strengthen the ties between state government and our neighbors living and working in the communities surrounding the Capitol and Empire State Plaza. CAP is a sustainable plan for long-term growth that will spur public-private partnerships, build a thriving city center, and create a vibrant downtown for residents and visitors alike.”

    New York State Homes & Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Albany deserves a downtown that is a place people want to visit, live, work, connect, and celebrate. It’s a place rich with history that has been wounded by planning decisions that negatively impacted entire neighborhoods. This $400 million investment will directly boost the city’s potential as an attractive destination by unwinding past mistakes and disinvestment. We’ve made strides recently in Governor Hochul’s administration, investing in upgrading affordable housing and reclaiming vacant land and buildings for development. Now, through CAP, there’s real momentum to rebuild, replan holistically with community involvement and revive our beautiful Capital City for those who live and work here now and for those who will enjoy its future.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Hudson River is one of the Capital Region’s greatest natural assets, and over the past few years the Department of Transportation has made key investments to reconnect residents and visitors with the waterfront, including projects like the Albany Skyway – a linear park; building the Empire State Trail and today, the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge, which is currently in construction. The I-787 corridor is a vital piece in reimagining the City of Albany and its waterfront, which is why the Governor’s investment in the next stage of this project is so important. For a number of years now, the project team at NYSDOT has engaged with communities all along the Hudson River to gather ideas and feedback and most importantly, listen to local residents – the people who work and live here, on the future of this corridor. The funding for the next stage of this project – an Environmental Impact Statement – was included in this year’s budget and brings us one step closer to advancing from the ideation stage to the preliminary design and eventual construction phase, as we work to study the real potential this corridor offers for travel, recreation and tourism as well as economic growth throughout the Capital Region.”

    New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Through Governor Hochul’s unparalleled leadership on public safety, cities across New York State are receiving record resources to ensure safer and stronger communities. These investments and initiatives – spanning evidence-based policing strategies, crime analysis center support, community violence interventions, and neighborhood empowerment programs – help keep New Yorkers safe, ensure a fair and effective justice system, and build opportunities for young people and families. Here in the Capital Region, DCJS is proud to support dozens of our law enforcement and community-based partners as they continue to drive down gun violence and crime.”

    State Senator Patricia Fahy said. “I’m incredibly proud that the core of our Capital Region and the 46th District, downtown Albany, will receive $400 million in transformative, once-in-a-generation funding. For years, I’ve engaged with our community to chart a new path forward for Albany that includes Reimagining I-787, making the State Museum a 21st Century destination-location, expanding the core of our Capital Region: downtown Albany, and so much more. That’s why I’m so proud this year’s budget includes $200 million for downtown revitalization, $150 million for upgrading the New York State Museum, $40 million for the next phase of the reimagining I-787 study, and $1 million for addressing public safety in our neighborhoods. Now, the hard work begins in earnest. I look forward to engaging our community, stakeholders, and residents as we move forward with this funding. Make no mistake: together, these initiatives will usher in a new day for the Capital Region, the impacts of which will be felt for years, if not generations to come—if we get it right. I want to thank my legislative colleagues and the Governor for recognizing the value of investing in our Capital City’s success, and for helping deliver this funding in this year’s state budget.”

    Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said “This historic funding is incredible news for the City of Albany and the entire Capital Region. The revitalization of the New York State Museum, the reimagining of I-787, much-needed improvements to the Empire State Plaza and other investments are transformative projects that will enhance connectivity, celebrate our history, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. These efforts reflect years of advocacy and collaboration, and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to supporting the City of Albany and strengthening the Capital Region as a whole.”

    Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “These investments truly are an investment in Albany’s potential and in making it a city all New Yorkers can be proud to call our capital. Revitalizing downtown, strengthening small business, expanding affordable housing – these are all valuable steps to uplift Albany. I thank the Governor for her leadership in championing this historic investment and Championing Albany’s Potential.”

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    Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Governor Hochul’s Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative has the potential to be transformational. It’s a historic commitment to the heart of Albany County that will bring new housing, new business, and new life into downtown. A reimagined Albany is exactly what we need, and I’m proud to stand with the governor in this effort.”

    Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “This $400 million investment is a testament to the hard work of the City of Albany over the last 12 years to be ready to write the next great chapter in the history of New York’s Capital City. The pandemic taught us that we need to reimagine our downtowns to get more feet on the street by creating more housing, supporting our small businesses, enhancing public safety, and attracting world-class amenities, and this transformative investment will do just that and more. To steal a phrase from President Biden, this is truly a ‘big effing deal.’ My sincere thanks and appreciation to Governor Hochul for seeing what we all see in the City of Albany: a city that’s full of pride and potential and ready to soar to even greater heights. I also want to thank Senator Fahy, Assemblymember Romero, and Assemblymember McDonald, as well as the entire State Legislature for making this critical investment in their home away from home.”

    Advance Albany County Alliance CEO Kevin O’Connor said, “The Advance Albany County Alliance thanks Governor Hochul for her thoughtful leadership and timely commitment to revitalizing New York’s Capital City. The City of Albany is not only the front door of state government, it is the heartbeat of Upstate New York’s fastest-growing county and the springboard for the local economy. The Governor’s disciplined approach through the CAP Initiative will ensure that state funding achieves the greatest possible positive impact. Through this partnership, we will supercharge our placemaking efforts, improve public spaces, secure a safe and welcoming downtown environment, and stimulate the central corridor of the Capital Region.”

    Capitalize Albany Corporation President Ashley Mohl said, “With Governor Hochul’s focus and support fueled by this historic more than $400 million investment, New York’s capital city stands on the brink of transformative growth. Our board and staff look forward to working with ESD and MIG alongside our many local and other state economic development partners to maximize this funding and seize this incredible opportunity. To build on the Governor’s CAP Initiative, Capitalize Albany is looking forward to advancing its planned solicitation for qualified development teams interested in acquisition and redevelopment of the Liberty Park site. Our RFP will engage the market directly with the aim to attract strong interest and a range of RFP responses. If you’re a developer or team with a project for the Liberty Park site, we welcome your response.”

    Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens said, “In my 25 years of doing economic development in Downtown Albany, this is the largest investment we’ve ever seen. On behalf of nearly 200 property owners and over 120 restaurants and retail-related businesses, I want to express my profound gratitude to Governor Hochul and the Legislature for their commitment to Albany. We are already seeing the effects of the CAP initiative, with a renewed wave of investment interest in Downtown Albany beginning to percolate. The future of our city’s core is incredibly bright thanks to the Governor’s investment, and I look forward to working together to make Downtown a stronger and more vibrant place to live, work, and experience.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Shaheen Lead 20 Colleagues in Call to Protect ENERGY STAR 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in leading 20 of their colleagues urging the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course on its plan to illegally and unilaterally terminate the ENERGY STAR program. In their letter, the Senators highlight the cost-saving benefits of the program, which is projected to save the average American household $450 on utility bills each year simply by choosing ENERGY STAR certified products.  
    Since 1992, ENERGY STAR has reduced energy costs for American families and businesses by $500 billion, including $42 billion worth of savings in 2020 alone. For every federal dollar spent on ENERGY STAR, Americans have enjoyed $350 in savings. 
    “For over three decades, the ENERGY STAR program has lowered Americans’ energy bills by informing consumers about energy efficient products. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support since its creation under authority of Section 103 of the Clean Air Act, most recently receiving $35.7 million in fiscal year 2025 appropriations,” wrote the Senators. “Reporting has indicated, however, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to eliminate ENERGY STAR without Congressional approval. Not only is the program protected under federal statute and thus illegal for the Administration to terminate unilaterally, but this decision also lacks basic economic sense. We write to urge you to immediately reverse course.” 
    The Senators continued: “ENERGY STAR is the epitome of an effective public-private partnership. As the program’s administrators, EPA and the Department of Energy set qualifying energy efficiency standards for products. EPA also protects the integrity of the ENERGY STAR brand, ensuring it remains well-known, trusted, and indicative of a quality product. Appliance manufacturers then voluntarily display the ENERGY STAR label, notifying consumers that a product will reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills. The program strengthens consumer choice by sharing critical product information.” 
    “Eliminating the ENERGY STAR program will not only raise energy costs for American families and businesses, but also inflict far-reaching economic harms, threatening industry jobs and the reliability of the grid at a time of growing demand. We again urge you to immediately reconsider eliminating this popular and effective Congressionally authorized program,” the Senators concluded. 
    Administered by the EPA and Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary, market-based program that has saved consumers billions of dollars annually. The ENERGY STAR program has cumulatively reduced four billion metric tons of harmful emissions and currently supports more than 790,000 American jobs manufacturing and installing ENERGY STAR products.  
    ENERGY STAR is strongly supported by a wide array of manufacturers, homebuilders, housing organizations, building owners, small businesses, and other organizations. In April, the U.S. Real Estate Industry sent a letter to the Trump Administration expressing its strong support for the ENERGY STAR program. Additionally, the U.S. Green Buildings Council partnered with the Alliance to Save Energy in leading over 1,000 organizations in urging the Trump Administration to protect the program and maintain full funding and staffing levels. 
    In addition to Senators Welch and Shaheen, the letter was signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). 
    Read and download the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Reaffirming U.S.-Canada Partnership 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch today joined Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Angus King (I-Maine) in introducing a resolution to recognize the U.S.-Canada partnership and its shared interests in economic, energy and critical minerals, and national security. The United States and Canada share three oceans and the world’s longest border. About 400,000 people and more than $2.5 billion worth of goods and services move across the U.S.-Canada border each day. 
    Canada is the largest trading partner for 34 U.S. states, including Vermont. In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada and sells more goods to Canada than the next six largest foreign markets combined. In 2023, Vermont exported $150 million just in food and agricultural products to Canada. 
    “Canada is Vermont’s biggest trading partner and one of our most important allies—but first and foremost, they’re our friend. That friendship is based on centuries of trust and mutual respect, and the success of our northern neighbors directly impacts the success of hardworking families, businesses, farms, and manufacturers here in the United States. This administration is challenging that relationship,” said Senator Welch. “Attacks on Canada—whether through rhetoric or reckless trade policy—are eroding the bond between our two countries. Staying rooted in the values that have defined our relationship over time–respect, trust, and friendship–are vital to strengthening our alliance now and in the future.” 
    “Representing a Northern border state, I recognize the importance of the unique partnership between the United States and Canada,” said Senator Cramer. “Not only are our neighbors to the north crucial economic and national security partners, but they are literally our closest ally. This resolution celebrates our closeness and is a testament to the enduring strength, friendship, and importance of the U.S.-Canada alliance across the country and the globe.” 
    “The United States and Canada have always been closely tied; we share our economies, cultures, military interests and more. In fact, in Maine, even our next door neighbor lives right across the border,” said Senator King. “I continue to be proud of the work we have achieved under the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus alongside my Senate Co-Chair Kevin Cramer, but know that the current situation presents many unfortunate challenges. While I am excited to reintroduce this resolution to reaffirm our two nations’ commitment to one another, we must acknowledge the close ties between our countries to resolve and mitigate any potential disruptions to our intertwined interests. As close trade partners and allies, I look forward to strengthening this close alliance to tackle these shared challenges and seize new opportunities.” 
    Among other provisions, the resolution recognizes the relationship between the United States and Canada is critical to promoting peace, expanding global economic opportunity, and being prepared to respond to unforeseen events. It also reaffirms the bilateral and international alliance between the two countries, which allows both countries to face common threats together and uphold common values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. 
    Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the shared defense and security commitments between the two nations, including the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), joint border security initiatives, and cooperation in combating transnational threats such as illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking. 
    In addition to Senators Welch, Cramer, and King, the resolution is supported by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). A similar resolution was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV-02). 
    Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Torres and Rep. Calvert Bill Establishing an Eastvale Zip Code Advances House Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    May 21, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) and Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) praised the advancement of H.R. 672 by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for the city of Eastvale, in addition to other communities across the country. Reps. Torres and Calvert both represent portions of the city of Eastvale in the House of Representatives.

    “For too long, Eastvale has faced unnecessary challenges due to the lack of a single, unique ZIP Code. I’m proud to work with Congressman Calvert as we push for a bipartisan solution that meets the needs of Eastvale’s growing community,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This bill is about more than numbers-it’s about ensuring every resident, small business, and neighborhood is accurately represented and properly served. Today’s vote in committee is a big step forward for fairness- and we will continue to push for passage through the full House of Representatives.”

    “Eastvale residents and small businesses are one step closer to having the single, unique ZIP Code they have been seeking since incorporating as a city,” said Rep. Calvert. “As we have heard, establishing a single, unique ZIP Code for Eastvale is important for the city’s identity, GPS directions, insurance rates, the collection of sales taxes, and other factors. I’m thankful for the support of Rep. Torres and my House colleagues who have supported this legislation.”

    Earlier this year, Reps. Torres and Calvert reintroduced legislation, H.R. 1225, to establish a unique ZIP Code for the city of Eastvale. That bill was incorporated into H.R. 672, an omnibus ZIP Code bill introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26). 

    Currently, the city of Eastvale is split between two ZIP codes, 91752 and 92880. The 91752 ZIP code is shared between Eastvale and the city of Jurupa Valley. The City of Eastvale was incorporated in 2010 and has a population of approximately 70,000.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Fights to Improve Central Valley Roads

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) led Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Vince Fong (CA-20), and Jim Costa (CA-21) in reintroducing the Farm to Market Road Improvement Act. In major agricultural regions like the Central Valley, local roads and bridges are traveled often by heavy trucks hauling up to 80,000 pounds of agricultural freight. This constant strain leads to serious wear and tear, and it’s often local governments left footing the bill. This bipartisan bill would make additional federal resources available to help repair and maintain the infrastructure that keeps America’s food supply chain moving.

    Congressman Valadao introduced the Farm to Market Road Improvement Act in the 118th Congress.

    “The Central Valley is the backbone of our nation’s food supply, but after years of wear and tear from heavy trucks, many of our rural roads are in desperate need of repair,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill gives our communities access to the federal resources needed to repair and strengthen critical infrastructure, and I’m proud to lead this effort to support our farmers, grow our economy, and keep America’s food supply chain moving.”

    “Farmers in the Glades rely on safe, drivable roads that allow them to feed families across both our state and nation,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan piece of legislation to protect our agricultural backbone, repair local infrastructure, and strengthen our supply chains.”

    “My district is one of the top agricultural producing regions in the nation, and I’m proud to partner with Congressman Valadao to create another resource to improve roadways in the Central Valley,” said Congressman Fong. “By investing in our rural infrastructure we’re supporting the hardworking farmers who feed America and strengthening the supply chain that keeps our economy moving.”

    “Our farmers grow the food that feeds the nation, but they can’t do it without reliable roads to get their goods to market. The Farm to Market Roads Improvement Act ensures that rural communities like those in the San Joaquin Valley aren’t left behind,” said Congressman Costa. “By setting aside dedicated funding for farm-to-market road projects, we’re investing in the backbone of America’s agricultural economy and strengthening our rural infrastructure.” 

    “Reps. Valadao, Cherfilus-McCormick, Fong, and Costa’s legislation directs more federal transportation funding to communities like Tulare County,” said Tulare County Association of Governments Chairman Rudy Mendoza. “Our roads are used not only by residents traveling to work, but by agricultural goods on their way to markets across the world. This bill recognizes the national economic impact of our region and we appreciate our Congressional delegation’s continued support.”

    “Our local economy depends on safe, reliable infrastructure to move agricultural goods efficiently from the fields to the market,” said Kings County Supervisor Doug Verboon. “Farm-to-market roads are vital for connecting growers to processors, distributors, and markets across the region. The Farm to Market Road Improvement Act recognizes the unique transportation needs of rural farming communities and delivers the kind of targeted federal investment needed to maintain and modernize these critical routes.”

    “We welcome Rep. Valadao’s attention on this issue, particularly at a time when investments in our nation’s rural infrastructure continues to lag behind our more urban areas,” said Shannon Douglass, President, California Farm Bureau. “As we like to say—food security is national security—and this legislation would help provide a much-needed boost towards protecting our critical food supply chains.” 

    “Palm Beach County, Florida supports resources to agricultural and rural communities to assist in repairing Farm to Market roads as efficiently as possible, so that agricultural products can be transported safely and quickly from farms to consumers,” said Maria G. Marino, Mayor, Palm Beach County, FL. “We support the legislative efforts of Reps. Valadao, Cherfilus-McCormick, Fong and Costa to define Farm-to-Market Roads in eligible counties, ensuring that 10% of the Rural Transportation Grant Program is directed to these crucial agricultural roadways.”

    Background:

    The Farm to Market Road Improvement Act would create a 10 percent set aside in the Rural Surface Grant Transportation Program for farm to market roads. Farm to market roads would be defined by this legislation as roads within a county that have an annual gross ag production value of at least $1 billion and ag production of at least $500,000 per square mile. Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties all qualify under these criteria. The DOT and USDA would be required to create, and annually update, a list of covered counties.

    Read the full bill here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Mobile Tracking & Monitoring App 2025: mSpy Review – Top Mobile Spy App for Hidden Phone Surveillance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the contemporary era of digitization, the ubiquity of smartphones has redefined our modes of communication and global connectivity.

    Concomitant with this technological progress, the surge of phone surveillance applications has emerged, granting a window into the undertakings and engagements transpiring on these gadgets.

    Track Instantly with the Best Mobile Tracking App – Try mSpy Before It’s Too Late!

    While phone surveillance software wields considerable potential within certain contexts, it is imperative to undertake their employment with a discerning consciousness of accountability and ethical considerations.

    Observing the current landscape, it becomes evident that social media platforms and mobile devices have assumed roles of paramount significance in the contemporary child’s life. Per findings unveiled by the Common Sense Census, a notable 84% of American adolescents within the age cohort of 13 to 18 acquired their initial smartphone during the year 2019. Subsequently, these youths dedicated an average of precisely 7 hours and 22 minutes daily, exclusively engrossed in social media applications and websites.

    ✅ Top Pick: mSpy – Best Mobile Spy & Monitoring App for Hidden Phone Surveillance this year.

    While the internet undeniably furnishes global youngsters with a commendable avenue for unfettered education and communication, it has concurrently engendered a milieu wherein they engage with individuals entirely unfamiliar to them. This virtual realm’s essence necessitates an appraisal of the electronic safety quotient. Young minds stand perpetually exposed to online perils, ranging from cyberbullying and harassment to the insidious realm of sextortion. Beyond this, extensive social media usage harbors the potential to precipitate internet dependency, potentially culminating in social interaction deficits amongst the youthful demographic.

    Don’t Settle for Less: Get the Best Mobile Spy App of 2025 – mSpy Is All You Need

    Advancements in technology are progressing rapidly, and the pervasive presence of smartphones is evident across diverse age groups. People spanning from children to adults rely on various applications and mobile services to facilitate their daily routines. The desire to ensure your children’s well-being in the digital realm, gather pertinent information from your spouse’s mobile device, or optimize workforce efficiency might lead to the inclination of discreetly and autonomously monitoring a specific individual’s Android device.

    However, not all of these options prove to be efficient and valuable. Among the array of spy applications we evaluated, mSpy emerged as our paramount selection after meticulous scrutiny. 

    Why Mobile Tracking Apps Are in High Demand in 2025
    The need for mobile tracking and monitoring apps has surged in 2025. With nearly everyone relying on smartphones for work, social interaction, and entertainment, concerns around digital safety, accountability, and privacy breaches have grown. Parents are more cautious than ever about their children’s online activity. Employers are seeking better ways to monitor company-issued devices. Even individuals in relationships are using tracking apps to rebuild trust or stay informed.
    Monitor Any Device in Stealth Mode – mSpy Is the Best Mobile Tracking App Trusted Worldwide
    Cyberbullying, online predators, screen addiction, and unauthorized data sharing are just a few reasons why mobile tracking solutions are in high demand. At the same time, the rise of remote workforces has made employee monitoring essential for business owners to prevent misuse of company time and resources.
    Apps like mSpy have emerged as tools that provide peace of mind. They offer insight into text messages, GPS locations, app usage, and more—without requiring direct access to the device in real time. These tools are becoming an integral part of modern digital life, helping people feel more secure in a hyper-connected world.
    What to Look For in a Mobile Spy App
    Not all mobile tracking apps are created equal. Some offer advanced features but lack ease of use; others are stealthy but limited in scope. If you’re looking for a phone spy app in 2025, there are several key features to prioritize.
    First, compatibility is crucial—make sure the app works on both Android and iOS devices. Look for real-time GPS tracking, call and SMS logs, social media monitoring, and browsing history access. The app should run discreetly in the background to avoid detection and provide a user-friendly dashboard for accessing tracked data.
    Security is equally important. Top-tier apps use encrypted data channels to ensure privacy, both for the person being monitored and the one viewing the information. Reliable customer support, frequent updates, and clear installation guides also add to a tool’s credibility.
    When evaluating mobile monitoring software, features like geofencing, app usage limits, and screen time analysis can add extra value—especially for parental use. A well-rounded app like mSpy offers all of these while keeping the setup process simple and discreet.
    Full Access. Zero Detection. mSpy Is the Best Mobile Spy App for Hidden Surveillance
    Is Phone Spying Safe & Ethical?
    Phone tracking, when used ethically, can serve as a protective tool. But misuse can raise serious privacy concerns. The line between security and surveillance often comes down to intent—and legality.
    In many countries, it’s legal for parents to monitor the phones of their minor children without consent. Employers may also monitor company-owned devices provided they disclose it in their policies. However, using a spy app to monitor a partner or adult without consent can cross legal and ethical boundaries.
    Apps like mSpy are designed for legitimate use cases, particularly child safety and employee productivity. The app clearly states that users must comply with local laws and have proper authorization. If used responsibly, mSpy can empower users to stay informed and make proactive decisions without violating trust.
    Understanding the ethical framework before using any mobile spy app is critical. When used as intended—for safety, protection, and responsible oversight—it becomes a digital ally rather than an invasion of privacy.

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    What Is mSpy?

    mSpy is a mobile tracking and monitoring application designed to give users discreet access to key data from smartphones and tablets. Introduced to the market in 2010, the spy application tailored for smartphones provides the capability to clandestinely observe individuals employing the designated device. It seamlessly integrates into employee phones or the devices of your progeny, facilitating real-time oversight of their whereabouts and engagements on the device.
    Leveraging mSpy’s free version, you can meticulously monitor diverse activities, encompassing geographic movements, social media interactions, phone conversations, as well as the dispatch and receipt of messages.

    The apex attribute of this application resides in its inconspicuous functionality, evading detection by the party under scrutiny. It discreetly operates in the backdrop, diligently acquiring information without arousing their awareness.

    Over the course of time, this technology has undergone refinement, with mSpy presently standing as the preeminent application of its genre. Its ascendancy is corroborated by a substantial user base exceeding one million parents who employ it as a means to oversee their children’s pursuits. Furthermore, it proves instrumental for spouses and employers who harbor the intent to gain insights into the activities of their target individuals.

    mSpy encompasses these pivotal features for parental supervision:

    • Online and application filtering — Dictate the permissible applications for your children and the websites they are permitted to access. It’s worth noting that mSpy’s capacity for website filtering is limited to specific blacklisting, without the option to categorically filter websites.
    • Location tracing — Maintain tabs on your child’s whereabouts and their historical movements.
    • Activity summaries — Consolidates and presents insights regarding your child’s device utilization, encompassing their most frequent contacts for messaging and calling, prevalent websites visited, and more.

    In addition to the aforementioned, mSpy boasts an array of supplementary functionalities, inclusive of call and SMS tracking, surveillance of social media applications, a keylogger, and screen recording capabilities.

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    How does mSpy work?

    As previously indicated, subsequent to a successful installation of mSpy on the designated mobile device, it will seamlessly operate in the device’s background. It diligently assembles a wide spectrum of data from the said device, encompassing call logs, text messages, instant messaging dialogues, geographic positioning, among others, subsequently transmitting this data to your designated mSpy account.

    Subsequently, accessing your account is a streamlined process. You can effortlessly log into your account utilizing any web browser accessible through diverse devices such as mobile phones, desktops, and laptops, thus facilitating a thorough perusal of the accumulated information as per your convenience.
    Simplified Monitoring in Three Effortless Phases
    To initiate monitoring, you can effortlessly adhere to the ensuing three uncomplicated stages, commencing your child’s device oversight seamlessly.

    First Step: Select a Subscription
    Embark upon your journey by selecting an appropriate subscription plan from the mSpy website, catering to your precise software attribute prerequisites. Subsequently, finalize the purchase by inputting your payment particulars. Following this, an email confirming your transaction will be dispatched to your inbox.

    Second Step: Deploy mSpy onto the Target Device
    Contained within the welcome email is an installation manual, meticulously guiding you through the process of establishing the mSpy application upon the targeted device.

    Third Step: Initiate Surveillance
    With the successful implementation of mSpy upon the designated device, you can seamlessly access your control panel on the mSpy website, thereby commencing an effortless exploration of the acquired data through an intuitively designed dashboard.

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    Primary Features of mSpy

    mSpy has several unique features and we are explaining a few of them that piqued our interest.

    • Supervision and Site Limitation: Embedded within mSpy’s array of functionalities is the capacity to oversee the websites frequented by your child or designated individual, encompassing even bookmarked pages. Moreover, the application stands poised to furnish prompt notifications when particular keywords are inputted into the mobile device. This dynamic attribute can prove notably advantageous for parents, enabling them to attain heightened insights into their children’s online explorations and content consumption.
    • Moreover, an ancillary capability affords you the prerogative to restrict access to specific websites. This provision holds true on the premise that the monitored entity employs any of the prevalent web browsers such as Safari, Chrome, or a native Android browser. 
    • Procure Requisite Insights: The entirety of the data gleaned from the targeted device orchestrates its voyage to your dedicated dashboard on mSpy.com. This hub offers a comprehensive glimpse into the targeted phone’s operating system, memory utilization, as well as particulars regarding the cell provider and installed software version. The dashboard even presents real-time indications of the remaining battery charge. Furthermore, it extends visibility into the habitual usage patterns and synchronization status of the targeted phone.
    • From this vantage point, you wield the authority to either reactivate or entirely disable the software. Additional functionalities encompass log extraction, device locking, log removal, disconnection from the application, data preservation measures in the event of device loss, and the capacity to initiate a device reboot. mSpy endows you with a formidable realm of control, resting at your disposal.
    • Text Communication Surveillance: Beyond telephonic conversations, the mSpy tracking tool extends its reach to encompass transmitted, received, and erased text messages. This capacity affords the means to ascertain whether your child engages in the dissemination of unsuitable content or confidential details, or if such interactions transpire reciprocally.
    • Vigilance Over Virtual Networks: Resonating with akin surveillance solutions like WebWatcher, mSpy facilitates oversight of diverse messaging platforms and social media applications. To avail this elevated functionality, opting for the Premium or Family Kit subscription is a requisite. Additionally, there might be a need to undertake jailbreaking or rooting of the device to unlock this advanced layer of surveillance capability.
    • Contact and Schedule Examination: Employing mSpy empowers you to peruse the compilation of contact identities, email addresses, telephone digits, as well as the tangible address entries, meticulously archived within the target mobile device. Furthermore, you gain the prerogative to scrutinize the calendar itinerary featured on the target device. This extends the capability to remain attuned to scheduled engagements, calendar annotations, and any foreordained appointments.
    • App & Screen Activity: See which apps are installed and how frequently they’re used. You can also block specific apps from running if necessary.
    • Location Surveillance via GPS: Within the realm of parental surveillance, mSpy empowers you to virtually shadow your offspring. The application offers the prowess to trail your child’s spatial trajectory, revealing an encapsulated chronicle of their route history over a designated time span. This granular information encompasses specific addresses and coordinates, affording an exhaustive retrospective and contemporary snapshot of locations traversed.
    • Boundary Delimitation: An innovative facet encompassed within mSpy’s repertoire is the introduction of geofencing. This progressive attribute empowers you to demarcate regions of safety and restraint. As your child enters or departs these predefined zones, you are promptly apprised via email notifications. A supplementary benefit is the integrated mapping feature, which adeptly illustrates the historical trajectory of your child’s movements.
    • Keylogger: mSpy includes a built-in keylogger that records every keystroke made on the device. This is especially helpful for uncovering hidden logins, searches, or messages typed across apps.

    Parental Control? Employee Oversight? mSpy Is the Best Phone Monitoring App for You

    mSpy Pros and Cons

    ✅ Pros:

    • Stealth Mode: Operates invisibly in the background without user detection.
    • Multi-App Monitoring: Tracks major social media platforms.
    • Geofencing & Real-Time Alerts: Great for parents and employers.
    • User-Friendly Dashboard: Clean interface with easy navigation.
    • Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with Android and iPhone.

    ❌ Cons:

    • Some Features Require Rooting or Jailbreaking: Advanced tools need extra steps.
    • Pricing Is Subscription-Based: No one-time purchase option.
    • No Live Call Recording: Restricted due to privacy laws in many regions.

    Despite these limitations, mSpy remains one of the most balanced spy apps for those seeking depth without unnecessary complexity.

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    Compatibility of mSpy application Across Mobile Devices

    mSpy extends its compatibility umbrella over an extensive array of mobile phones and tablets, encompassing the following:

    • iOS 7 through 9.1 for mSpy with jailbreak. In scenarios where the targeted iPhone remains unjailbroken, data transfer is routed through iCloud storage, facilitating mSpy functionality on any phone with iOS 7 or higher.
    • Android 4 or subsequent iterations, although certain advanced facets of the application may solely be accessible on rooted Android devices.
    • Mac OS X variants encompassing 10.9 Mavericks, 10.8 Mountain Lion, 10.7 Lion, 10.11 El Capitan, and 10.10 Yosemite.

    Costing of mSpy
    Outlined below is the cost framework for mSpy’s mobile phone monitoring services:

    mSpy Basic Plan
    1-month subscription: $39.99 3 

    mSpy Premium Plan
    1-month subscription: $59.99 3-month subscription:

    mSpy Family Kit
    Moreover, the company introduces the Family Kit, facilitating concurrent oversight of 3 devices. This package is available at the ensuing rates: 12-month subscription: $199.99

    mSpy Refund Policy: What You Need to Know

    mSpy offers a 14-day refund window for first-time subscribers, but only under specific conditions.

    ✅ Eligible for Refund:

    • You experience technical issues that mSpy’s support team cannot resolve.
    • Your refund request is submitted within 14 days of purchase.
    • The request pertains to your initial subscription (not renewals or additional purchases). 

    ❌ Not Eligible for Refund:

    • You change your mind or make an accidental purchase.
    • The target device is incompatible, lacks internet access, or has been reset.
    • You refuse to follow installation instructions or decline technical assistance.
    • You lack physical access to the target device or cannot unlock it.
    • You fail to reinstall mSpy after an OS update or factory reset.
    • You lose your private encryption key, resulting in data loss.
    • You attempt to use mSpy on unsupported operating systems (e.g., Symbian, Windows Phone, BlackBerry 10).

    How to Request a Refund:

    • Email your request to refund@mspy.com.
    • Include your order details and the reason for the refund.
    • Note: Refund requests are not accepted via live chat or phone. 

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    mSpy Installation Guide: Step-by-Step

    For Android Devices:

    1. Purchase your mSpy plan
    2. Access installation guide in your dashboard
    3. Enable app installation from unknown sources
    4. Install the app on the target device
    5. Hide the app icon (automatic)
    6. Start monitoring via your web account

    For iPhones:

    1. Buy mSpy and log in to your account
    2. Enter iCloud credentials of the target phone
    3. Enable backup sync (2FA must be off)
    4. Start tracking through your dashboard

    Total setup time: Under 10 minutes in most cases
    No ongoing access required once installed
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    Exploring the mSpy Free Trial 

    Embark on a 7-day exploration of the mSpy free trial to ascertain its potential merits. Upon initiation, you will be granted unrestricted access to all functionalities, acquainting yourself with the benefits it bestows.

    This trial stint is instrumental in unveiling the capacity to invisibly and remotely oversee any mobile device. The process is straightforward: navigate to mSpy.com, select an appropriate subscription plan, and opt for the free trial alternative.

    Following a week of experiential utilization, you possess the liberty to either perpetuate the subscription or opt for its termination. Should you aspire to delve into its efficacy sans financial commitment, the avenue of this complimentary trial beckons.

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    Is mSpy Legal to Use?

    The legality of mobile tracking apps depends on how they’re used:

    • ✅ Legal for Parental Monitoring: Parents can track their minor children’s phones.
    • ✅ Legal on Company Devices: Employers can monitor work-issued devices with employee consent or policy documentation.
    • ❌ Illegal Without Consent: It’s unlawful in many regions to spy on a spouse, adult, or partner without permission.

    mSpy emphasizes responsible usage. Users must confirm that they own the device or have legal permission before installing the software. The platform clearly disclaims liability for misuse.
    If used within the bounds of law and intent, mSpy is a powerful and compliant solution for modern digital monitoring.
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    mSpy vs Competitors

    mSpy vs FlexiSPY

    FlexiSPY offers live call interception and ambient recording—features mSpy avoids for legal reasons. However, mSpy wins on ease of use, stealth, and customer support.

    mSpy vs uMobix

    uMobix has strong social media tracking, but its dashboard is less intuitive. mSpy provides a better overall user experience and is more stable on iOS.

    mSpy vs Cocospy

    Cocospy is beginner-friendly but lacks depth. mSpy offers more advanced features, such as keyword alerts, geofencing, and in-depth logs.
    In side-by-side comparisons, mSpy consistently delivers the best combination of reliability, discretion, and monitoring power.

    Why mSpy Earns Its Reputation as a Premier Mobile Surveillance App

    • Budget-Friendly Vigilance: mSpy emerges as a cost-effective avenue, facilitating the scrutiny of your child’s digital interactions or mobile pursuits for a mere fraction of a dollar per day.
    • Effortless Deployment: Installation proves a straightforward endeavor, requiring less than 10 minutes for comprehensive setup completion.
    • Concealed Operation: The application seamlessly functions in a concealed background mode, rendering it entirely imperceptible to the marked user.
    • Timely Updates: The flow of updated information from the target device remains uninterrupted, with data refresh cycles occurring every 5 minutes.
    • Comprehensive Assistance: A robust network of 24/7 multilingual support ensures that you receive the requisite guidance and aid throughout your journey with mSpy.
    • Unwavering Dependability and Security: mSpy embodies an unwavering commitment to reliability and security. All procured data undergoes encryption and safeguards, rendering it a steadfast and secure mobile monitoring solution.

    Track Smarter in 2025 – mSpy Is the Best Mobile Tracking App for Safe, Legal Use

    FAQs About mSpy Apps

    Q1: Is mSpy visible on the phone?
    No, once installed, mSpy runs in stealth mode and is not visible to the device user.
    Q2: Does mSpy work with the latest iOS and Android versions?
    Yes. mSpy supports Android 13/14 and iOS 17, with ongoing updates to maintain compatibility.
    Q3: What happens if the phone restarts or updates?
    The app auto-restarts in most cases and continues tracking unless uninstalled.
    Q4: Can I install mSpy without touching the phone?
    Only on iPhones with iCloud backup enabled and no 2FA. Android phones require brief physical access.
    Q5: What are people saying on Reddit or forums?
    Reddit users generally report that mSpy is dependable, especially for parental control. Some voice privacy concerns, but these are tied to misuse rather than flaws in the app.

    Click Here to Get mSpy From Its Official website

    mSpy Real User Reviews

    Jenna T. – Dallas, TX (Parent)

    “I needed a way to monitor my teenage son’s online behavior after some late-night messages raised concerns. mSpy helped me keep track of his activity without making him feel violated. It’s been a life-saver.”
    Raj M. – San Jose, CA (Employer)
    “We issued company phones last year and suspected misuse. mSpy provided the visibility we needed without disrupting work. The dashboard is intuitive, and the alerts help us spot problems early.”
    Carla R. – Atlanta, GA (Concerned Spouse)
    “mSpy gave me the peace of mind I was looking for. I had suspicions, and while it wasn’t easy, the clarity helped us have an honest conversation. It’s discreet and effective.”
    Peter N. – Chicago, IL (Tech Blogger)
    “As someone who tests monitoring tools, mSpy stands out for its reliability and feature richness. It’s not the cheapest, but it delivers value, especially for less tech-savvy users.”
    See Their Calls, Chats & GPS – All From Your Dashboard with the Best Mobile Tracking App

    How mSpy Helps Prevent Digital Dangers

    The digital world is filled with unseen threats, especially for children and vulnerable users. mSpy plays a preventive role by giving parents and guardians real-time insights into mobile behavior—often before something harmful occurs.
    For example, cyberbullying often starts subtly, through text messages or social media. With mSpy’s keyword alert system and message monitoring, red flags can be detected early. Parents can intervene before emotional damage is done.
    Online predators are another concern. They typically engage victims through apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp. mSpy allows guardians to review conversations across these platforms, revealing inappropriate behavior or grooming tactics.
    Screen addiction is also on the rise. With app usage tracking, parents can understand where time is being spent and set digital boundaries. For employers, mSpy prevents productivity loss by identifying inappropriate device use during work hours.
    By offering visibility and early intervention tools, mSpy becomes more than just a spy app—it becomes a layer of digital protection.

    Can You Trust Spy Apps? Reputation Check & Scam Warning Signs

    The spy app industry is filled with copycats, scams, and malware-laced programs. Knowing who to trust is essential—and mSpy stands out for good reason.
    What Makes a Spy App Trustworthy?

    • Official website distribution only
    • Transparent pricing and feature lists
    • Clear legal use policy
    • Regular updates and live customer support

    mSpy checks every box. It’s not found on suspicious third-party app stores or fake marketplaces. The company has been in operation for over 10 years, with a verifiable user base and global presence.
    Red Flags to Avoid

    • Apps offering “undetectable call recording” without any legal disclaimer
    • Download links through sketchy APK sites
    • No refund policy or support contact

    Before installing any tracking tool, check reviews, legal policies, and trust ratings. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

    Best Mobile Spy App for Parents, Employers & Partners – Get mSpy Now
    Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If mSpy Stops Working
    Even reliable apps can run into issues—especially after OS updates or permission resets. If mSpy stops syncing or collecting data, here’s what to do:
    Step 1: Check Internet Connection
    The app needs internet access to sync data. Ensure the target phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
    Step 2: Revisit Permissions
    Go to the phone’s settings and ensure permissions like GPS, contacts, and storage are still enabled for mSpy.
    Step 3: Confirm App Visibility
    Make sure the app hasn’t been removed or flagged by antivirus software. If necessary, reinstall following the original setup guide.
    Step 4: Contact Support
    mSpy has 24/7 live chat support. Log in to your dashboard and connect with their team for personalized assistance.
    With the right response, most issues can be resolved within minutes—and your monitoring resumes without disruption.
    Best Mobile Spy App for Android & iPhone – Track Without Being Detected with mSpy
    The Final Conclusion

    After conducting a comprehensive exploration, juxtaposing the positives and negatives, we have arrived at a definitive conclusion. The pivotal question emerges: Does mSpy stand as a prudent investment, or is it best to avert its usage?

    Our exhaustive analysis of mSpy customer feedback resoundingly echoes the sentiment of admiration. This accord resonates with our own assessment, solidifying the stance that mSpy represents a high-value proposition, replete with an array of commendable attributes and exceptional customer assistance. It is our conviction that mSpy reigns as the preeminent tracking application, proficiently catering to the needs of those seeking to discreetly oversee the actions of their employees, children, or other individuals. It stands as a potent conduit to discreetly peruse incoming calls and dispatched messages, all while evading the awareness of the subject under observation.

    The stalwart customer support infrastructure, coupled with the seamless integration of routine updates to ensure a user-friendly experience, fuels our belief that mSpy’s enduring value will persist in the foreseeable future. Notably, mSpy extends a suite of preeminent monitoring features, further enhancing its allure.

    The Phone Monitoring App You Can Trust – Try mSpy Risk-Free

    Project name: mSpy
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    Czech Republic
    Media Contact:
    Company website: https://www.mspy.com/
    email: support@mspy.com
    USA (toll-free): +1 855 896 00 41

    Disclosure: The claim “#1 Choice in the United States” reflects our personal opinion and is not supported by independent market research.
    mSpy is intended strictly for legal use only. Installing monitoring software on a device you do not own, or without proper consent, may violate local laws. In most jurisdictions, you are required to notify the device owner before installation.
    Unauthorized use could lead to civil or criminal penalties. You are fully responsible for ensuring lawful use of the software.
    We strongly recommend consulting a licensed legal advisor before installing or using mSpy on any device.
    All trademarks, logos, and brand names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. References to third-party products or services are for identification purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.
    Always refer to the official website of the loan provider for the most accurate and up-to-date product terms, pricing, and eligibility requirements.

    Content Accuracy Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.

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    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Defends Trump Policy Upholding Biological Truth and Protecting Women

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Defends Trump Policy Upholding Biological Truth and Protecting Women

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador led a 26-state coalition, along with Indiana, in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit supporting the federal government’s appeal in Doe v. Bondi. The appeal challenges a lower court’s preliminary injunction against a Trump Administration policy that protects the dignity, safety, and privacy of female inmates by requiring federal prison housing assignments based on biological sex. The policy also prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for sex-change procedures in federal prisons.
    “Truth matters—and it’s under attack in our culture today,” said Attorney General Labrador. “We’re standing up for biological reality, lawful executive authority, and the dignity and safety of women. If government policy or court rulings deny basic truth, it threatens both public trust and the rights of individuals.”
    In January 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. Among its provisions, the Order directed the Bureau of Prisons to house inmates according to their biological sex. It also prohibited federal funding for sex reassignment surgeries and related procedures in prisons and immigration detention centers.
    Shortly after the policy was issued, a lawsuit was filed in federal court seeking to block the housing provisions and the restriction on taxpayer-funded procedures. The plaintiffs aim to compel federal prison officials to place biologically male inmates in female correctional facilities and to provide sex-change operations at public expense.
    In response, Idaho is leading a multistate amicus brief urging the D.C. Circuit to defer to the Executive Order that directs federal prisons to house inmates according to their biological sex and bars federal funding for sex-change drugs and surgeries. The States argue that prison officials must be free to manage housing and medical decisions because they alone have the expertise to balance competing safety, privacy, and medical risks in a dangerous prison environment, and because placing biological males in women’s units jeopardizes female inmates’ privacy, safety, and dignity. 
    The case, Doe v. Bondi, is currently pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Idaho’s brief supports the federal government’s appeal and the Administration’s authority to enforce policies that prioritize safety and biological reality in federal custody.
    Read the amicus brief here.
    Read more from the Daily Wire here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Guard hosts Tunisian NCO development exchange to strengthen military partnership

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    By Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming National Guard hosted a delegation from the Tunisian Armed Forces for a weeklong noncommissioned officer (NCO) development exchange, strengthening a long-standing partnership through the State Partnership Program.

    Staff Sgt. Eric Wenner, a civil affairs senior sergeant currently assigned to U.S. Africa Command’s Office of Security Cooperation Tunisia, said the visit aimed to showcase the U.S. Army’s approach to empowering NCOs and building leadership capacity at every level.

    “Although the Tunisian military is a robust force by African standards, we still like to show them how the U.S. Army uses its NCO Corps to grow and strengthen their force,” Wenner said. “It’s about giving them tools to develop their own NCOs and increase overall capability in a way that mirrors what we’ve done in the U.S.”

    One of the key challenges for Tunisia’s military, Wenner noted, is a lack of funding and access to modern facilities. The exchange provides an opportunity for Tunisian leaders to observe U.S. processes and infrastructure, sparking ideas on how to improve efficiency with limited resources.

    “This visit is about giving them better ideas on how to maximize what they have,” Wenner explained. “Through the State Partnership Program, they can see firsthand how we organize and train and adapt those lessons back home.”

    The visit included tours of Wyoming National Guard facilities, NCO-led workshops, and opportunities for Tunisian soldiers to engage directly with their American counterparts. The focus was not only on military tactics but also on leadership philosophy, mentorship, and the role of the NCO in mission success.

    From a civil affairs perspective, Wenner emphasized the importance of NCO empowerment and independent decision-making. In civil affairs teams, where small team sizes require flexibility, enlisted Soldiers are often expected to take on responsibilities typically reserved for officers.

    “We’d like to share that same concept with Tunisia—training their enlisted soldiers to operate independently without always needing direct orders,” he said. “This creates a more capable and ready force while reducing the need for constant oversight.”

    Wenner highlighted that Tunisia’s armed forces have been making steady progress in professionalizing their NCO Corps, but exchanges like these provide practical examples and firsthand experiences that can’t be replicated through briefings alone.

    “Being here, seeing how we do things, asking questions face-to-face—that makes a huge difference,” he said. “It’s about more than showing equipment or processes; it’s about building trust, sharing lessons learned, and growing together.”

    Beyond the tactical and operational lessons, the exchange also serves a larger purpose of fostering military-to-military and civil-military relationships. Wenner said civil affairs focuses heavily on integration, partnership, and sharing lessons learned.

    “The goal here is to grow the partnership and strengthen our relationship through a better understanding of each military’s capabilities,” Wenner said. “It’s about progressing together in an efficient and cooperative manner.”

    The Wyoming National Guard and the Tunisian Armed Forces have been partners through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP) since 2004. The SPP connects U.S. states with foreign military partners to build long-term relationships, enhance regional security, and promote shared values.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Training on Camp Guernsey will close Emigrant Hill Road temporarily for training

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    CAMP GUERNSEY JOINT TRAINING CENTER, Wyo. – Training at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center’s North Training Area will cause traffic delays on Emigrant Hill Road and significant noise hazards for the surrounding community June 4 to 11, 2025, Guernsey, Wyoming, due to indirect artillery firing over the road.

    The Wyoming National Guard thanks the community for their continued support.
    For more information, please call Lt. Col. LaQuendin Counts at 307-836-7638 or Wyoming National Guard at 307-772-5309 or look for updates on the Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center Facebook page, found here: https://www.facebook.com/CampGuernseyJTC/ .

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Barrasso introduce bipartisan bill to expand access to mental health services for seniors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act. The bill would improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to licensed clinical social workers. By providing these mental health professionals with the opportunity to participate in the Medicare program when delivering services in skilled nursing facilities, this bill expands the number of mental health providers available to Delaware’s seniors.  
    “Increasing access to clinical social workers improves seniors’ mental health and gives them hope no matter where they live,” said Senator Coons. “Unfortunately, outdated Medicare rules prevent too many older Americans from receiving support from social workers in skilled nursing facilities. The bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act fixes these rules and expands Medicare coverage to allow social workers to provide the best care to seniors when they need it most.”
    “As a doctor, I know how vital it is for seniors to have access to mental health services,” said Senator Barrasso. “In particular, for those living in rural communities, finding a mental health provider is challenging. This is why I am proud to support bipartisan solutions that help more patients get the care they need.”
    “On behalf of the National Association of Social Workers?–?Delaware Chapter, we thank Senator?Chris?Coons for championing the bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act,” said Molly?J.?Arbogast, Executive Director of NASW Delaware. “Delaware’s social workers are eager to meet our neighbors where they are, whether that is in a skilled-nursing facility, a community clinic, or their own living rooms, but outdated Medicare rules keep too many people waiting. This bill cuts red tape, recognizes the full value of clinical social work, and gives older adults and people with disabilities quicker access to the evidence-based care they deserve.”
    “We strongly support the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act and applaud Senators Coons and Barrasso for prioritizing nursing home residents’ mental health through expanded Medicare coverage of these essential services in long term and post-acute care settings. This bill also helps short-term patients at skilled nursing facilities maintain trusted relationships with their preferred clinical social workers—promoting continuity of care as well as safer, more successful transitions back to the community. Enabling seniors to access these services is a vital step in addressing the growing mental and behavioral health needs of older adults,” said Cheryl Heiks, Executive Director of Delaware Health Care Facilities Association.
    “On behalf of the National Association of Social Workers—Wyoming Chapter, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator John Barrasso for his leadership on the bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act,” said Nathan Stahley, Executive Director of NASW Wyoming. “Modernizing outdated Medicare regulations is essential to expanding access to mental health services for individuals in Wyoming and across the country. This vital legislation cuts through unnecessary red tape, elevates the role of clinical social workers, and ensures that older adults and people with disabilities can receive the timely, evidence-based care they need and deserve.”
    “The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) applauds Senators John Barrasso and Chris Coons for introducing the bipartisan Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act. Passage of this legislation is critical to the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries, for our nation and the social work profession,” said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C. “It will help Medicare beneficiaries access desperately needed, high-quality mental health services clinical social workers are authorized to perform under state law, and it will remove a significant barrier to mental health care provided by independent clinical social workers to older adults and people with disabilities in skilled nursing facilities.”
    The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act ensures clinical social workers can provide psychosocial services to patients in nursing homes, and the full range of Health and Behavior Assessment and Intervention (HBAI) services within their scope of practice.
    The text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on President Biden’s cancer diagnosis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to news that President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer:
    “Annie and I are praying for Joe and Jill as they confront this diagnosis. Over his decades of public service, Joe comforted so many of us in tough times and contributed so much to fighting cancer. Now we need to support and encourage him. Joe Biden has always been a fighter, and I know that won’t change as he confronts this disease head-on. Joe’s faith and family have brought him through tough challenges before and will again. Our prayers are with him and his family as he begins treatment.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Cornyn welcome new members to the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, celebrated the caucus’ new members for the 119th Congress during National Police Week, which started on May 11 and ended May 17.
    Senator Coons and Cornyn welcome U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.).
    Senator Coons launched the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus over a decade ago with former Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). Since then, the caucus has held briefings on policing issues like recruitment and retention, emerging threats such as generative AI’s impact on children, and best practices shared by law enforcement officials working on the ground.
    The caucus is more committed than ever to supporting law enforcement, protecting families, and strengthening communities across the country.
    A full member list can be found on the Senate Law Enforcement website and below:
    U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Budd Meets with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) met with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government today. They discussed recent energy agreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government and United States energy companies, as well as ways to strengthen security cooperation between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
    Following the meeting, Senator Budd released the following statement of support:
     “I’d like to thank Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for his hospitality when I met with him in Erbil last year. Today, I was glad to host the Prime Minister in my office to discuss United States commercial investments in the Iraqi Kurdistan region and ongoing security cooperation. The gas field development deals announced this week will strengthen shared bonds between the American and Kurdish people, but also result in much needed energy independence for Iraq.
    “In the meeting, I also received updates on security cooperation between the Department of Defense and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. Following our discussion, I am increasingly concerned by reported delays in the delivery of U.S. provided defense equipment to the Peshmerga,” said Senator Budd.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst on Revitalizing Manufacturing in the Heartland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – Today, Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) welcomed Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to continue their “Made in America” initiative fueling the great American manufacturing comeback.
    Watch Chair Ernst’s remarks here.
    Ernst’s full remarks:
    “We are here today to discuss how the Small Business Administration (SBA) can expand and support investment in our nation’s small manufacturers.
    “Last week, the Committee examined how the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program could help channel more private capital into American manufacturing.
    “To better understand the urgency of this situation, we need to take a closer look at the numbers. And let me tell you folks, this is staggering. 
    “Over the past 40 years, we did not simply lose manufacturing jobs. We witnessed the steady erosion of our industrial sector to China’s delight and advantage. 
    “Over the last 25 years in Iowa alone, we have lost nearly one in six manufacturing jobs. American manufacturing employment has fared even worse over the last forty years, falling by 28 percent and reaching depths we haven’t seen since 1946.
    “Only 3.7 percent of Americans are employed in manufacturing today – half the share we had forty years ago, and barely a third of our peak in the late ‘60s.
    “To put that in perspective, there are nearly twice as many people working in state and local governments than on the factory floor.
    “This is not simply an economic decline – it is a hollowing out.
    “The steady loss of skills, infrastructure, and investment in manufacturing undermines our ability to innovate and scale new technologies, leaving our homeland weakened and vulnerable.
    “The reason for this is not a mystery: government policies that encouraged offshoring production without regard for the long-term damage done to our domestic productive capacity.
    “Today, the consequences are visible in every corner of America.
    “Shuttered plants, decaying factories, and empty parking lots stand as monuments to the multi-generational disintegration of hard-earned knowledge, talent, and tradition that once formed the bedrock of our nation.    
    “But here is the good news: we have a President and SBA Administrator who understand what is at stake.
    “They recognize the size and complexity of the work needed to revitalize American manufacturing and are committed to rebuilding our industrial strength, from the ground up.
    “As we discussed during last week’s hearing, the SBIC program will continue to play its vital role in expanding our productive capacity by facilitating private investment and through federal partnerships like that between the SBA and the Department of Defense’s newly established Office of Strategic Capital – something I championed in the annual defense bill.
    “But that is only the beginning; we must do more.
    “Today, we welcome Administrator Loeffler to discuss the SBA’s ‘Made in America Manufacturing Initiative’ and the efforts underway to support the small businesses that make up 98 percent of our nation’s manufacturing base.
    “Part of that effort involves the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act, which I was proud to introduce last month alongside Senator Coons.
    “This bipartisan legislation would double the SBA-backed loan limit from $5 million to $10 million for small manufacturers who need that capital to modernize, grow, and train the next generation of American workers.
    “That investment will have a meaningful impact across the entire supply chain. Because the smallest startups to the largest firms all rely on small manufacturers to get the job done.  
    “Revitalizing our industrial base and reclaiming our ability to make things in America starts with small businesses. We must ensure that cutting edge innovation and high-speed, high-quality production happens right here, at home – not overseas. 
    “If we are serious about competing with and beating China, creating good-paying jobs, and restoring economic resilience, we must empower our small manufacturers to lead the way.
    “This bipartisan legislation takes a bold step in that direction. 
    “I am grateful that we’re joined today by Administrator Loeffler, and I look forward to hearing from her how Congress can better equip the SBA to invest in the industrial revitalization of America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Keeps Up Pressure for Sioux City Airfield Upgrades

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – During a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), secured a key commitment from the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General David Allvin, to upgrade the runway used by the Iowa National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City.
    Ernst, who served in the Iowa National Guard, pointed out the critical role the unit plays in defending the homeland and the Air Force’s previous commitments to it. Following her questioning, Allvin noted that design work progress is removing obstacles to be able to finish the runway upgrades.
    Click here for her full line of questioning.
    “Let me talk to you about Sioux City, those units there, and how proud we are of those units that have occupied this airfield,” Ernst said.
    She reminded the committee that the airfield is named after Colonel Bud Day, a Sioux City native who was awarded the Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross.
    Background:
    Ernst is dedicated to supporting servicemembers and their families in Iowa. For years, she has pushed the Air Force to honor its promises to Siouxlanders. Earlier this month, Ernst reaffirmed her resolve to continue fighting.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 21 May 2025 Note for Media Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 21 May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    A “health financing emergency” must drive country-led, data-driven solutions

    Ministers from multiple countries hit by the abrupt cuts in external funding for health agreed on the urgent need for country-owned and implemented strategies – and a laser-sharp focus on health data – at a ministerial dialogue co-hosted by WHO and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly.

    Opening remarks by Professor Senait Fisseha, Vice President of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, set the tone by noting that the crisis presents an opportunity for a turnaround in how health financing policies and health data systems are built and operated.

    Specifically, this is a time for countries to reduce their reliance on external health information systems and external financing; build out their domestic data infrastructure, from vital statistics to downstream impact and return-on-investment; and establish resilient systems designed to withstand shocks, so that access to essential services is protected.

    Professor Fisseha called on countries “to use this moment to rethink data and financing in a way that best meets your needs and the needs of your people […] For countries to truly lead and for funders and development partners to start to learn how to follow. Data and financing are a natural place to start because that is where ministers are telling us to start.”

    Dr Tedros said, “From expanding domestic financing to pioneering real-time data systems, many of you are advancing solutions that are scalable, sustainable and rooted in equity. Data and sustainable financing are not just technical matters. They are political choices. They shape who is reached, how quickly, and with what quality of care. And they determine whether we progress or fall behind.”

    Ministers from Barbados, Central African Republic, Egypt, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and representatives from the African Union and the World Bank, among others, shared experiences and advice on concrete actions to strengthen data systems, health financing and planning – urging intensified collaboration in the future. They also spoke of the need to leverage the digital transformation and thereby increase transparency and accountability.

    Also discussed: strategies to improve domestic financing capacity while maximizing impact include: strengthening tax administration; exploring revenue sources such as taxes on such items as food, alcohol and tobacco; setting up population-wide mandatory health coverage schemes, coupled with subsidies for low-income households and vulnerable population groups; promoting strategic purchasing of health supplies; prioritizing health in public spending; and integrating externally-funded programmes into domestic financing systems and priorities. 

    Later this week the Assembly will take up the proposed WHA Health Financing Resolution. 

    Related links

    WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the Strategic Roundtable: Data and Sustainable Financing: Twin Foundations to Accelerate UHC – 21 May 2025

    Report on the health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan

    On 21 May 2025, the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly noted a report from the Director-General, outlining WHO’s humanitarian and emergency health response in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, from January 2024 to February 2025.

    A report on the health conditions in the occupied Syrian Golan couldn’t be provided this year again due to the ongoing situation and the lack of disaggregated health data on the Syrian population. Member States were invited to provide guidance on how to support WHO and partners to restore essential health services across Syria and enable a WHO field-assessment mission to the occupied Syrian Golan.   

    Member States expressed grave concerns over the deterioration of the health system in Gaza, including forced displacement, overcrowding and deteriorating sanitation, and attacks on health, stressing the need for concerted action to address the dire health needs.

    A number of Member States presented draft decisions asking the Director-General to continue reporting on the health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, and more specifically on food insecurity and malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, and to continue supporting the Palestinian and Syrian health systems. The decision was adopted.

    Related documents

    A78/16: Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan

    A78/B/CONF./1: Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan

    A78/B/CONF./1 Add.1: Financial and administrative implications for the Secretariat of decisions proposed for adoption by the Health Assembly

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton Introduces Bill to Make Food Inspection Safe and More Efficient

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    May 21, 2025

    Cotton Introduces Bill to Make Food Inspection Safe and More Efficient

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Study And Framework for Efficiency in Food Oversight and Organizational Design (SAFE FOOD) Act, legislation that would direct the Department of Agriculture to conduct a study on the consolidation of federal agencies that have a primary role in ensuring food safety into a single agency.

    “Current food safety oversight is spread across multiple federal, state, and local agencies which decreases efficacy, creates gaps, and slows response times to potential public health risks. My bill is a commonsense step to expanding government efficiency and enhancing public health protection by unifying our food safety agencies,” said Senator Cotton.

     Full text of the bill may be found here.

    The SAFE FOOD Act would:

    • Direct the USDA to conduct a study on the consolidation of federal food safety agencies into a single agency.
    • Restructure the federal food safety system to enhance public health protections through a more unified and efficient system.
    • Provide Congress necessary recommendations to improve American food safety.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin Tells Hannity: “Trump is putting a cast together that is going to Make America Great Again.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin Tells Hannity: “Trump is putting a cast together that is going to Make America Great Again.”

    “The good thing is we got a leader in President Trump that has truly put a cabinet in place that not only can deliver what the American people want, they can also defend themselves along the way.”

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Fox News’s Sean Hannity on Hannity to discuss the Trump administration’s efforts to slash government waste, fraud, and abuse, and the recent liberal tirades against Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, in congressional hearings. Highlights below.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.

    On how department secretaries are cutting absurd amounts of government spending:

    “The State Department’s budget has doubled in the last four years. Literally, it was $41 billion it’s nearly $82 billion today. And is the country and the world safer because we invested in DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion]? Because $73 million through that budget went directly to DEI stuff. And so, if you’re going to really try to defend what you spent your money on, you can’t…

    “That’s why they were upset, because Marco Rubio and JFK [sic] are trying to truly cut spending, and that’s what—or RFK I’m sorry—they’re truly trying to cut spending, and they are going to do it. You just talk about HHS, where Bobby’s trying to actually cut spending too, their budget is $1.67 trillion. Now that is more than the sixth largest country in the world. That’s bigger than their entire budget $1.67 trillion and what have we got? An increase in the last four years by 38% and we are no closer to solving any chronic diseases than we were four years ago, and this is what they’re pushing back on.”

    On how Democrats are losing their minds at the idea of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse:

    “The Democrats are truly losing their ever-loving mind over it and saying that we’re making children sicker, and that we’re killing children around the world because we’re cutting DEI funding. It’s indefensible by the Democrats and I’m glad to see RFK and Marco go right back at them and put them in their place.”

    On the all-star team of cabinet officials President Trump has built:

    “The good thing is we got a leader in President Trump that has truly put a cabinet in place that not only can deliver what the American people want, they can also defend themselves along the way. And this is why President Trump said he’s putting a cast together that is going to Make America Great Again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Weber Announces $138 Million in Army Corps Funding for Southeast Texas Projects

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

    Rep. Weber Announces $138 Million in Army Corps Funding for Southeast Texas Projects

    Washington, May 16, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that Southeast Texas waterway projects will receive $138,380,000 in funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FY 2025 Army Civil Work Plan.

    “This is great news for Southeast Texas, America’s energy capital,” said Rep. Weber. “Our ports and waterways are the lifeblood of our economy and keeping them well-maintained is critical to preserving our nation’s leadership in commerce and energy. I’m grateful the Trump administration recognizes the strategic importance of our region. I will continue fighting for the infrastructure investments our communities deserve.:

    Operation & Maintenance projects in Texas’ 14th District were awarded:

    • $900,000 for the Channel to Port Bolivar. The Channel to Port Bolivar shallow-draft navigation project consists of a 14-foot deep by 200-foot wide channel that is 950 feet long. It extends from the entrance to Galveston Bay (Bolivar Roads) northward to the west point of Bolivar Island. The channel is heavily utilized by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Galveston-to-Port Bolivar Ferry System.
    • $13,150,000 for Freeport Harbor. The Freeport Harbor deep-draft navigation project consists of a 45-foot deep by 400-foot wide channel that is 8.5 miles long, extending from the Gulf of America, through a jetty-protected inlet, to a turning basin at the Freeport port facilities. The project also includes two rock jetties, 1.46 and 1.64 miles in length.
    • $47,975,000 for Galveston Harbor and Channel. The Galveston Entrance Channel is the main entrance for Galveston, Texas City, and the Houston Ship Channel. This deep-draft project includes a 45-foot deep by 800-foot wide channel that is 23.9 miles long, stretching from the Gulf of America through a jetty-protected inlet into Galveston Bay, to the port facilities at Galveston Harbor.
    • $50,000 for Chocolate Bayou. The Chocolate Bayou navigation project is a shallow-draft waterway, 13 feet deep by 125 feet wide and approximately 8.2 miles long. It extends from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) at Mile Marker 376 through Chocolate Bay and Chocolate Bayou to port facilities located between Galveston and Freeport in Brazoria County, Texas.
    • $40,550,000 for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The Texas portion of the GIWW extends from the Sabine River to Port Isabel, Texas, and includes several tributary channels. It features a 12-foot deep by 125-foot wide, shallow-draft channel stretching 423 miles along the Texas Coast. The GIWW includes flood gates at the Brazos River and navigation locks at the Colorado River, along with mooring basins and buoys at 11 locations supporting heavy barge traffic.
    • $25,075,000 for the Sabine-Neches Waterway. The Sabine-Neches Waterway (SNWW) is a federally constructed deep-draft navigation project serving the Ports of Port Arthur, Beaumont, and Orange in Jefferson and Orange Counties, Texas, and Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes, Louisiana. The waterway includes 97 miles of navigation channels in three main segments: a jetty-protected entrance channel 42 feet deep and 500 to 800 feet wide; a 40-foot deep, 400-foot wide channel to Beaumont via the Neches River; and a 30-foot deep, 200-foot wide channel to Orange via the Sabine River.
    • $10,680,000 for the Texas City Ship Channel. The Texas City Ship Channel deep-draft navigation project includes a 45-foot deep by 400-foot wide and 9.4-mile-long channel, extending from the intersection of Galveston Harbor and the Houston Ship Channel to a turning basin and Industrial Canal at the Port of Texas City.

    Rep. Weber added: “This is not just about dredging or infrastructure—it’s about jobs, national security, and Texas leading the way. I will always stand up for the hardworking men and women who rely on these waterways to fuel our economy and keep America strong.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Huffman, Raskin Statement on Republicans’ Push to Divert Billions in Federal Funding to Private, Religious Schools

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    May 21, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement regarding House Republicans’ plan to divert billions of dollars in public funds to private, religious schools through a voucher tax giveaway in the new reconciliation package:

    “Republicans once again are showing the American people where their priorities lie: with the wealthy and well-connected, rather than with working families —especially rural families. Buried in their reconciliation package is a deeply harmful proposal— the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA)—which would create a completely new dollar-for-dollar tax credit and corporate stock windfall scheme—for individuals and corporations that funnel money to organizations providing scholarships or vouchers for private or religious K-12 schools.

    “Pulled directly from the Project 2025 playbook, this policy move is a billion-dollar backdoor scheme to drain public resources from neighborhood schools to fund private institutions that aren’t required to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students. This bill would send federal funds to private and parochial institutions that are not required to follow basic standards of accountability, transparency, and nondiscrimination. These institutions can—and often do—exclude students, families, and staff based on religion, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Using public dollars to support such discriminatory practices and sectarian instruction is a clear violation of the separation of church and state. It’s a gift-wrapped tax break for the wealthy masqueraded as education policy.

    “When given the opportunity to vote on these schemes, voters from Colorado and Kentucky to ruby-red Nebraska rejected voucher programs. Voucher programs do not improve students’ academic achievement, and they don’t offer real options for low-income or rural families who lack access to private schools. Taxpayer funds should serve the public good—not subsidize private institutions that serve only a select few.”

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Rolls Out Aggressive Strategy to Enhance and Accelerate Medicare Advantage Audits

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    Agency Will Begin Auditing All Eligible Medicare Advantage Contracts Each Payment Year and Add Resources to Expedite Completion of 2018 to 2024 Audits

    Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a significant expansion of its auditing efforts for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Beginning immediately, CMS will audit all eligible MA contracts for each payment year in all newly initiated audits and invest additional resources to expedite the completion of audits for payment years 2018 through 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Veterans Commission wraps up first-ever Veteran Services Symposium in Casper

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    By Joseph Coslett Jr.

     CASPER, Wyo.  — The Wyoming Veterans Commission concluded its inaugural Veteran Services Symposium at Casper College, Casper, Wyoming, bringing together more than 150 service providers, advocates and leaders from across the state to strengthen the network of care for Wyoming’s veterans.

    The event centered on working together and capacity-building, providing attendees with tools to better serve veterans and their families. The two-day agenda featured keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions on topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury, grant writing, veteran caregiving, personality types in team dynamics, and even emerging risks related to artificial intelligence scams.

    Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon joined the event to present six peer-nominated individuals and organizations with the prestigious “Excellence in Service to Veterans” award. The award recipients are as follows: Tami Dietz, Wyoming Military Department Soldier and Family Readiness; Todd Bray, DownRange Warriors; Scott O’Hare, Volunteers of America Northern Rockies; Darrell Haugen, Veterans’ Rock; Charlie & Jennifer Wilson,  Soldiers House of Fremont County; Dr. John R. McPherson, D.D.S., P.C & Staff, McPherson Dental.

    “These awards are about more than recognition—they’re a testament to the dedication of those who choose to stand beside our veterans every day,” Gordon said. “Wyoming owes a great debt to those who have served, and events like this are how we make sure we’re doing everything possible to support them.”

    Sandy McFarland, Deputy Director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission and lead organizer of the event, said the symposium exceeded expectations and highlighted the collective will across Wyoming to do better for its veterans.

    “This event was about moving from isolated effort to coordinated impact,” McFarland said. “We want to empower the people who serve veterans—whether they work for the VA, a nonprofit, or in a local community—to build partnerships that truly change lives.”

    Among the sessions were presentations from Val Burgess, who shared the preserved voices and stories of World War II POWs from Stalag Luft III, and a workshop hosted by Ben Patton, founder of the Patton Veterans Project, which uses filmmaking as a method to reduce isolation for veterans coping with PTSD.

    “The strength of this symposium was in the real stories,” said Tim Shepherd, Director of the Veterans Commission. “You couldn’t walk away from those sessions without a deeper understanding of what our veterans have endured—and how we can meet them where they are.”

    The symposium concluded with a Veteran Resource Fair, where federal, state, and nonprofit partners came together for a one-stop-shop event providing VA benefit support, legal resources, mental health access and more.

    Looking ahead, the Wyoming Veterans Commission intends to build on this momentum, making the Veteran Services Symposium an annual event.

    “This is just the beginning,” McFarland added. “We are building a statewide movement rooted in empathy, coordination, and results. Veterans deserve nothing less.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “We will never let that happen again” — Wyoming honors its veterans across the state 

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard 

    By Joseph Coslett Jr. 

     CHEYENNE, Wyo. – On May 10, 2025, the State of Wyoming paid tribute to its Veterans in a series of ceremonies as part of the annual Veterans Welcome Home Day.  

    Gov. Mark Gordon, U.S. Senator John Barrasso and U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman joined leaders from the Wyoming Military Department and the Wyoming Veterans Commission, traveled across the state to thank those who served—especially Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars who were never properly welcomed home. 

    The daylong journey began at sunrise in Cheyenne and included four official ceremonies in Afton, Riverton, Sheridan and concluded in Wheatland. At each stop, the Governor, First Lady Jennie Gordon, Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Adjutant General of Wyoming, and other dignitaries met with Veterans and their families, delivering remarks and expressing gratitude for their service. 

    Speaking to a room filled with Veterans and their loved ones, Porter reflected on the significance of the moment by connecting it to the broader legacy of American service. He reminded attendees that just weeks earlier, on April 19, the nation had observed the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world” at Lexington and Concord—an event that began a long lineage of Americans willing to fight for freedom. 

    “Over that time, America’s done a pretty good job of bringing its [servicemembers] home—with two exceptions: the Korean War and the Vietnam War,” Porter said. “Our Vietnam Veterans faced a far different return. They probably wished for an apathetic return. They faced derision, sarcasm, and hate in some cases—certainly disrespect. The purpose of these Welcome Home ceremonies is to take a moment to pause and recommit that we will never let that happen again as a nation.” 

    Gordon echoed that message, “This day is about saying, ‘Thank you for your service—welcome home.’ That gratitude extends to the families, too. Our Veterans carry a legacy that began with citizens who marched barefoot through snow because they believed in what this country stood for. In the military, we never leave anyone behind. As a nation, we should never leave a Veteran behind.” 

    As part of the ceremony, the official proclamation was read declaring March 30, 2025, as Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day, recognizing the moment in history when U.S. troops completed their withdrawal from Vietnam in 1973. The proclamation recounts how many Veterans returned to a country divided by politics and conflict, and how they were met not with honor—but with silence, scorn or worse. 

    “Members of the United States armed forces who served bravely and faithfully for the United States were caught in the crossfire of public debate about the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War, and many were met with such disrespect that military leaders recommended Soldiers not wear their military uniforms as they returned home.”

    The proclamation goes on to honor all Veterans, particularly those from the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and urges citizens to recognize their service “not just today but every day.” 

    After the speeches concluded, Governor Gordon took time to greet each Veteran in attendance, shaking hands and presenting a personalized challenge coin as a token of thanks.  

    Also present were Wyoming Veterans Commission Chairman Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Ken Persson, Sr., and Director Col. (Ret.) Tim Sheppard, both of whom played key roles in organizing the day’s events and honoring those who once returned home without recognition. 

    As the day came to a close, the message that echoed from community to community was simple but profound: Wyoming remembers. Wyoming is grateful. And Wyoming will never forget. 

    For more information on Veterans Welcome Home Day or to learn about available resources for Veterans, contact the Wyoming Veterans Commission at (307) 777-8152. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smoky Zabaykal’skiy

    Source: NASA

    As soon as snow melted from Russia’s Zabaykal’skiy Kray in mid-March 2025, satellites began detecting large numbers of wildland fires burning in the grasslands and forests surrounding Chita, the territory’s capital. Two months later, fires continued to rage around the city.
    The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image of smoke streaming from multiple fires near Chita on May 19, 2025. The city, a stop along the Trans-Siberian Railway, has a population of about 350,000. News reports indicate that fires were active on the city’s outskirts on May 20 and were edging closer to the city center as firefighters worked amid dry, windy conditions.
    On May 20, 2025, Russia’s Aerial Protection Service reported 49 fires burning across nearly 700,000 hectares (2,700 square miles) in six regions of the country. Thirty-three fires were in Zabaykal’skiy (also called Transbaikal) and nine in Buryatiya, both of which border Mongolia. Russian officials reported deploying 2,700 personnel and 13 aircraft to fight the fires, including more than 1,000 paratroopers and airborne troops in Zabaykal’skiy.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Knows: What is Lunar Regolith? (Grades 5-8)

    Source: NASA

    This article is for students grades 5-8.
    The surface of the Moon is covered in a thick layer of boulders, rocks, and dust. This dusty, rocky layer is called lunar regolith.  It was created a long time ago when meteorites crashed into the Moon and broke up the ground. NASA scientists study the regolith to learn more about the Moon’s history. But the smallest parts of the regolith make exploring the Moon very hard! That is why scientists are working to understand it better and to keep astronauts safe during future lunar missions.

    Lunar regolith is full of tiny, sharp pieces that can act like little bits of broken glass. Unlike the dust and soil on Earth, the smallest pieces of regolith have not been worn down by wind or rain. These bits are rough, jagged, and cling to everything they touch – boots, gloves, tools, and even spacecraft!  In pictures it might look like soft, harmless gray powder, but it is actually scratchy and can damage lunar landers, spacesuits, and robots. This makes working on the Moon a lot harder than it looks!

    The small parts of lunar regolith get stuck on spacesuits and can be brought inside the spacecraft. Once it is inside, it can cause some serious problems. The tiny, sharp pieces can make astronauts’ skin itchy, irritate their eyes, and even make them cough. If it gets into their lungs, it can make them sick. Scientists worry the damage from breathing in lunar regolith could keep bothering astronauts for a long time, even after they are back on Earth. That is why NASA scientists and technologists are working hard to find smart ways to deal with regolith and protect astronauts!

    Regolith doesn’t just cause trouble for astronauts. It can also damage important machines! It can scratch tools and cover up solar panels, causing them to stop working. It can also clog radiators, which are used to keep machines cool. The small bits of regolith can make surfaces slippery and hard to walk on. It can even make it tough for robots to move around. Unlike Earth’s soil, the Moon’s regolith isn’t packed down. Any time we move things around on the Moon’s surface, we spread the rough, dusty particles around. Can you imagine what a mess launching and landing a spacecraft would make?
    All of this can make exploring the Moon much more difficult and even dangerous!

    NASA is building many cool technologies to help deal with the harm regolith can cause. One of the tools technologists have already developed is call an Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS). It uses electricity to create a kind of force field that pushes the small particles away from tools on the Moon!
    There are many ways NASA is working to understand lunar regolith. One interesting way is by using special cameras and lasers on landers to watch how the regolith moves when a spacecraft lands. This system is called SCALPPS, which stands for Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies. SCALPSS helps scientists see how the lunar regolith gets blown around during landings. It helps scientists to measure the size of the regolith pieces and the amount that flies up into the air during landing.
    The more NASA knows about how regolith behaves, the better they can plan for safe missions!

    Many types of scientists and engineers work together to understand lunar regolith. If you want to study space, here are some cool jobs you could have!
    Planetary Geologist: These scientists are like detectives. They study how the things in space were formed, how they have changed, and what they can tell us about the rest of the solar system. Their work helps us understand what is in space.
    Chemist: Chemists look at space rocks and space dust. They want to know what these materials are made of and how they were created.
    Astrobiologist: Astrobiologists are studying to find clues of life beyond Earth. They study space to find out if life ever existed – or could exist – somewhere else in the universe.
    Planetary Scientist: These scientists use pictures, data from spacecraft, and even samples from rocks and dust to learn about other worlds. They explore space without ever leaving Earth!
    Remote Sensing Scientist: These scientists use satellites, drones, and special cameras to study planets from far away. It is like being a space spy who looks for clues from above.
    Engineers: Engineers solve problems! Civil engineers, materials engineers, and geotechnical engineers work together to understand how regolith can best be used for building materials and get useful resources on the Moon.

    Making Regolith Activity
    Watch: Mitigating Lunar Dust
    Watch: NASA SCALPSS
    Watch: Surprisingly STEM: Exploration Geologist Surprisingly STEM: Moon Rock Processors

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers to Permanently Close May 31; Resources Transitioning to New Locations

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>LOS ANGELES – The two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) for the Los Angeles Wildfires are permanently closing Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. and federal resources will be transitioning to new locations.
    Current DRC Locations and Hours
    UCLA Research Park West 10850 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Altadena Disaster Recovery Center540 West Woodbury Rd. Altadena, CA 91001 Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) will be transitioning from the current DRC locations to county and city run facilities. Federal resources will be available at their new locations beginning Monday, June 2, 2025.
    Services Will Continue at:
    One Stop Rebuilding Center1828 Sawtelle Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90025 Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed weekends.
    Altadena Community Center730 E. Altadena Dr.Altadena, CA 91001Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed weekends.
    If you applied for FEMA assistance, it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA to track and update your application should you receive an insurance settlement or denial and as your situation changes to work through any approval processes. FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs and help you with resources for your recovery needs.
    Rental Assistance is available for eligible individuals and families who were displaced by the wildfires. If you were displaced and need assistance covering housing costs, you should contact FEMA to determine your eligibility for this program. 
    SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are available at the Centers to answer questions, help applicants complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.
    Additional Resources

    California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)Resources offered by State agencies are available online and at some existing field offices. Survivors can find a complete list of recovery related services on the CA.gov/LAfires Recovery Services Finder page, including how to contact each agency and their office locations.
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)For help answering questions regarding debris removal, please call: 213-308-8305. The call center is available daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, you can also visit the USACE Los Angeles County Wildfire Debris Removal Mission.
    One-Stop Permitting CentersFor unincorporated LA County communities, One-Stop Permit Centers are also available in Calabasas and Altadena for residents impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. LA County permitting agencies, including Fire Department, Regional Planning, Public Health, Public Works Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Division and Public Works Building and Safety, are available to guide owners and their representatives through the rebuild process and answer any questions they may have. Walk-ins are welcome and consultation appointments can be scheduled. More information including days and hours of operation, can be found here: recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/one-stop-permit-centers. 

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account. For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready.gov, on Instagram @Ready.gov or on the Ready Facebook page.

    California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA-French Satellite Spots Large-Scale River Waves for First Time

    Source: NASA

    In a first, researchers from NASA and Virginia Tech used satellite data to measure the height and speed of potentially hazardous flood waves traveling down U.S. rivers. The three waves they tracked were likely caused by extreme rainfall and by a loosened ice jam. While there is currently no database that compiles satellite data on river flood waves, the new study highlights the potential of space-based observations to aid hydrologists and engineers, especially those working in communities along river networks with limited flood control structures such as levees and flood gates.
    Unlike ocean waves, which are ordinarily driven by wind and tides, and roll to shore at a steady clip, river waves (also called flood or flow waves) are temporary surges stretching tens to hundreds of miles. Typically caused by rainfall or seasonal snowmelt, they are essential to shuttling nutrients and organisms down a river. But they can also pose hazards: Extreme river waves triggered by a prolonged downpour or dam break can produce floods.
    “Ocean waves are well known from surfing and sailing, but rivers are the arteries of the planet. We want to understand their dynamics,” said Cedric David, a hydrologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and a coauthor of a new study published May 14 in Geophysical Research Letters.

    Measuring Speed and Size
    To search for river waves for her doctoral research, lead author Hana Thurman of Virginia Tech turned to a spacecraft launched in 2022. The SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite is a collaboration between NASA and the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales). It is surveying the height of nearly all of Earth’s surface waters, both fresh and salty, using its sensitive Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn). The instrument maps the elevation and width of water bodies by bouncing microwaves off the surface and timing how long the signal takes to return.
    “In addition to monitoring total storage of waters in lakes and rivers, we zoom in on dynamics and impacts of water movement and change,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, SWOT program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
    Thurman knew that SWOT has helped scientists track rising sea levels near the coast, spot tsunami slosh, and map the seafloor, but could she identify river height anomalies in the data indicating a wave on the move?
    She found that the mission had caught three clear examples of river waves, including one that arose abruptly on the Yellowstone River in Montana in April 2023. As the satellite passed overhead, it observed a 9.1-foot-tall (2.8-meter-tall) crest flowing toward the Missouri River in North Dakota. It was divided into a dramatic 6.8-mile-long (11-kilometer-long) peak followed by a more drawn‐out tail. These details are exciting to see from orbit and illustrate the KaRIn instrument’s uniquely high spatial resolution, Thurman said.
    Sleuthing through optical Sentinel-2 imagery of the area, she determined that the wave likely resulted from an ice jam breaking apart upstream and releasing pent-up water.
    The other two river waves that Thurman and the team found were triggered by rainfall runoff. One, spotted by SWOT starting on Jan. 25, 2024, on the Colorado River south of Austin, Texas, was associated with the largest flood of the year on that section of river. Measuring over 30 feet (9 meters) tall and 166 miles (267 kilometers) long, it traveled around 3.5 feet (1.07 meters) per second for over 250 miles (400 kilometers) before discharging into Matagorda Bay.
    The other wave originated on the Ocmulgee River near Macon, Georgia, in March 2024. Measuring over 20 feet (6 meters) tall and extending more than 100 miles (165 kilometers), it traveled about a foot (0.33 meters) per second for more than 124 miles (200 kilometers).
    “We’re learning more about the shape and speed of flow waves, and how they change along long stretches of river,” Thurman said. “That could help us answer questions like, how fast could a flood get here and is infrastructure at risk?”
    Complementary Observations
    Engineers and water managers measuring river waves have long relied on stream gauges, which record water height and estimate discharge at fixed points along a river. In the United States, stream gauge networks are maintained by agencies including the U.S. Geological Survey. They are sparser in other parts of the world.
    “Satellite data is complementary because it can help fill in the gaps,” said study supervisor George Allen, a hydrologist and remote sensing expert at Virginia Tech.
    If stream gauges are like toll booths clocking cars as they pass, SWOT is like a traffic helicopter taking snapshots of the highway.
    The wave speeds that SWOT helped determine were similar to those calculated using gauge data alone, Allen said, showing how the satellite could help monitor waves in river basins without gauges. Knowing where and why river waves develop can help scientists tracking changing flood patterns around the world.
    Orbiting Earth multiple times each day, SWOT is expected to observe some 55% of large-scale floods at some stage in their life cycle. “If we see something in the data, we can say something,” David said of SWOT’s potential to flag dangerous floods in the making. “For a long time, we’ve stood on the banks of our rivers, but we’ve never seen them like we are now.”
    More About SWOT
    The SWOT satellite was jointly developed by NASA and CNES, with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed for the agency by Caltech in Pasadena, California, leads the U.S. component of the project. For the flight system payload, NASA provided the Ka-band radar interferometer (KaRIn) instrument, a GPS science receiver, a laser retroreflector, a two-beam microwave radiometer, and NASA instrument operations. The Doppler Orbitography and Radioposition Integrated by Satellite system, the dual frequency Poseidon altimeter (developed by Thales Alenia Space), the KaRIn radio-frequency subsystem (together with Thales Alenia Space and with support from the UK Space Agency), the satellite platform, and ground operations were provided by CNES. The KaRIn high-power transmitter assembly was provided by CSA.
    News Media Contacts
    Jane J. Lee / Andrew WangJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874Written by Sally Younger2025-074

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Another Milestone for X-59

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft successfully completed a critical series of tests in which the airplane was put through its paces for cruising high above the California desert – all without ever leaving the ground. The goal of ground-based simulation testing was to make sure the hardware and software that will allow the X-59 to fly safely are properly working together and able to handle any unexpected problems.
    Learn more about this series of exercies, dubbed “aluminum bird” testing by engineers.
    Image credit: Lockheed Martin/Garry Tice

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How Big is Space? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode: 61

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]

    How big is space?
    Space is really big. Thinking about our solar system, let’s imagine you could get in a car and drive to Pluto at highway speeds. It would take you about 6,000 years to get there.
    When we start to think about other stars outside of our solar system, we need to think about
    another unit of distance. This is why astronomers use the unit light-years.
    Light travels at 186,000 miles per second. One light year is about 6 trillion miles. The closest star to our Sun is about four light years away.
    Our own Milky Way galaxy is about 100,000 light-years across.
    We know from deep field images of the universe that there are hundreds of billions, perhaps a trillion other galaxies.
    Using some of the deepest images yet from the James Webb Space Telescope, we’ve been able to see galaxies that emitted their light about 13 and a half billion years ago.
    Now, here’s a really important thing. Because the universe is expanding, those most distant galaxies are actually much further away than 13 and a half billion light years.
    I’m glossing over some math here, but we can estimate that the observable universe is about 92 billion light-years across. But we’re pretty sure that the universe is even bigger than what we can see.
    And here’s where things get really weird, we don’t actually know if the universe is finite or infinite.
    As much as we’ve learned about the universe, science has no reliable estimate of the actual size of the entire universe.
    [END VIDEO TRANSCRIPT]
    Full Episode List
    Full YouTube Playlist

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