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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Plastics Dialogue sharpens focus on transparency and standards

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Plastics Dialogue sharpens focus on transparency and standards

    Barbados and Morocco delivered opening remarks on behalf of the co-coordinators. They highlighted the successful midterm review in April of the DPP’s work in 2025 and underscored the importance of delving deeper into each focus area to advance potential outcomes. They noted co-sponsors’ interest in the ongoing global efforts to reduce plastics pollution, particularly the negotiations led by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee under the United Nations, which is scheduled to hold its next round of talks in August 2025 in Geneva.
    The co-coordinators reported on the productive discussions held during a workshop for Latin America and the Caribbean on 16 May, highlighting the DPP initiative’s continued efforts to incorporate regional perspectives and to hear from smaller delegations. The first region-focused workshop, held alongside the April DPP meeting, had centred on Africa.
    They noted that regional experts underscored the importance of boosting trade and strengthening institutional regulatory capacities to address plastics pollution. The workshop emphasized strong support for small businesses, calling for technical assistance and financial incentives to help them participate in a more sustainable economy.
    Participants also highlighted the need to promote locally sourced, sustainable substitutes — such as banana peel, bamboo and sugarcane byproducts — alongside green finance mechanisms, while considering consumer awareness of non-plastic substitutes and cultural preferences for certain alternative materials. The discussion further stressed the value of enhanced regional cooperation and a unified regulatory approach to single-use plastics, with platforms such as Mercosur (Southern Common Market) and ALADI (Latin American Integration Association) identified as key avenues for regulatory cooperation and aligning standards. 
    Switzerland and China facilitated thematic discussions on the two focus areas. On the first topic — enhancing cooperation on applicable standards for non-plastic substitutes and alternatives — members heard from a diverse range of institutions and companies. The Codex Alimentarius Committee under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization presented its work on food packaging standards for traded goods, with a focus on food safety.
    Representatives from companies and associations in Peru, the Philippines and the Netherlands shared their experiences and challenges in navigating domestic and international regulations while using nature-compatible and biodegradable materials to replace single-use plastics. The United States also provided a debrief on recent discussions in the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, which explored domestic practices and the potential negative impacts of changes to food packaging regulations. The importance of cross-committee collaboration between the DPP and other WTO bodies was underscored.
    Participants expressed a shared commitment to addressing plastics pollution through the DPP, while cautioning against duplicating the work of existing WTO committees and international standard-setting organizations. Several emphasized the importance of the DPP focusing on its unique contributions — such as facilitating information exchange, sharing domestic experiences, and examining the commercial, environmental and safety dimensions of non-plastic alternatives. Many also underscored the need for international cooperation, the harmonization of standards and certification schemes, and equitable access to sustainable solutions, particularly for developing economies.
    On the second topic — enhancing transparency of trade flows of plastics — members received an update from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), which presented its work on developing statistical guidelines for measuring plastic flows throughout the life cycle. The European Union’s Joint Research Centre also gave a presentation on the bloc’s evolving policy landscape and its strengthened measures to track material flows of plastics across its value chain.
    Participants welcomed the guidelines as useful tools for monitoring the trade flow of goods with embedded plastics, as well as single-use plastic items. They encouraged broader knowledge sharing to include guidelines developed by other organizations and called for greater support to developing and least-developed members in building capacity for data collection.
    In conclusion, Australia thanked members and stakeholders for their inputs, emphasizing that transparency is a critical step toward effective policy design. It noted that the discussions underscored the potential of non-plastic substitutes and alternative materials, while also acknowledging the remaining challenges.
    Co-coordinators will provide updates on the next steps following further consultations.
    More
    DPP co-sponsors have identified eight areas for achieving possible outcomes at MC14. The remaining six areas include: supporting ongoing multilateral negotiations under the United Nations to reduce plastics pollution; exploring strategies to harmonize trade-related measures for single-use plastics; identifying best practices; improving access to relevant technologies and services; building capacity for developing members; and considering the potential development of domestic inventories of trade-related plastic measures.
    Launched in November 2020 by a group of WTO members, the Dialogue on Plastics Pollution currently consists of 83 co-sponsors, representing almost 90 per cent of global trade in plastics.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fish Fund Steering Committee advances work on Call for Proposals, welcomes new members

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The agreement on next steps brings the Steering Committee closer to opening its first Call for Proposals. The Fund will receive funding requests for project grants that will support developing and least developed country (LDC) members to implement the Agreement provided they have ratified it.

    The Committee welcomed Barbados, The Gambia, Haiti, Mauritius, Peru, the Philippines, Seychelles, and Sierra Leone as new members to represent beneficiary members while acknowledging the contributions of Djibouti, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Peru, Saint Lucia, and Senegal, who served on the Committee since January 2024.

    Donor representatives to the Fish Fund will rotate at a later stage. Both donors and beneficiaries may rotate their delegates at any time, provided that at least two LDC members remain on the Committee. All Steering Committee members are required to serve a minimum term of one year.

    Eligible and interested members will be able to submit calls for proposals when 101 WTO members have deposited their instruments of ratification. Currently, 99 WTO members have deposited their instruments. After the Call for Proposals is launched, the Secretariat of the Fish Fund will receive proposals for a period of approximately three months, after which all applications will be reviewed and submitted to the Steering Committee.

    Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard said:

    “It is a pleasure to open today’s meeting and see the tremendous progress made as we near entry into force. Everyone’s hard work – donors, beneficiaries, and partners – has paid off.

    The Fund is ready to support the members that have deposited their instruments of ratification and, in so doing, committed to a more environmentally and economically sustainable future and healthier oceans.”

    The Steering Committee also approved the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework for the Fish Fund, a key tool to support the effective implementation of future projects.

    Known as the Fish Fund, the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Funding Mechanism was established under Article 7 of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022. Developing and LDC members that have ratified the Agreement are eligible to submit projects supporting implementation of the Agreement. The Fish Fund will operate in cooperation with relevant international organizations, such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Bank.

    This was the Steering Committee’s fifth meeting since the Fish Fund became ready to accept voluntary contributions from WTO members in November 2022. The contributing members thus far are Australia, Canada, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

    A total of 111 ratifications from WTO members are needed for the Agreement to enter into force. So far,99 instruments of acceptance of the Agreement have been received. The full list is available here.

    More information on the Fish Fund is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members discuss possible cotton breakthrough ahead of MC14, World Cotton Day 2025

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members discuss possible cotton breakthrough ahead of MC14, World Cotton Day 2025

    Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam, who chaired the 43rd Round of Consultations of the Director-General’s Consultative Framework Mechanism for Cotton (DGCFMC), drew members’ attention to the latest meeting of the Steering Committee of the “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative, which built on a series of national consultations held last year in the Cotton 4+ countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire).
    The meeting took place at the headquarters of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Cairo on 28-29 April. Important suggestions were made regarding advancing the cotton development agenda in the C-4+ countries, and there was productive discussion on available financing options, including concrete proposals to support the cotton-textile-clothing value chain.
    DDG Paugam stressed that, while it has been projected that US$ 5 billion could be unlocked over the next 10 years under the framework of the “Partenariat pour le Coton”, this would require the C-4+ to act as the driving force and to adopt a regional approach to attract and sustain investment.
    A study published in June 2024 highlights the potential of processing 25 per cent of C4+ cotton locally. Although this would require an investment of around US$ 5 billion in facilities and workforce training, it could create 500,000 jobs, especially for women and youth, and would significantly enhance value addition within the region.
    Acknowledging previous concerns about implementation, transparency, and commitment to the Evolving Table on Cotton Development Assistance, DDG Paugam called for a dedicated meeting with donors to explore ways to enhance the effectiveness and impact of this tool. The Evolving Table contains project updates by a number of WTO members and by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
    Chad, the FAO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) jointly announced that the 2025 World Cotton Day will take place on 7 October in Rome, which will coincide with the 80th anniversary of the FAO. The event aims to boost visibility and promote investment in African cotton through the work of the “Partenariat pour le Coton”, as well as to encourage discussion of climate challenges to cotton.
    Afreximbank reiterated the importance of a harmonized project submission template for standardization, transparency, collaboration and monitoring of C4+ cotton projects and proposed joint financing initiatives, shared knowledge platforms, capacity-building, risk mitigation strategies and policy advocacy.
    Members took the floor to share their experiences of activities within the framework of South-South cooperation. They also expressed support for the cotton industry, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, de-risking investments, tailored cooperation, regional strategies and enabling environments. Delegations also discussed industrialization, global value chain integration, investment clarity and progress on regional development projects in the context of the cotton industry.
    On emerging challenges, members learned about the latest developments in cotton-producing countries, as well as new challenges facing the cotton sector in C-4+ countries. The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) shared a presentation about water use in cotton cultivation, which explained that it is a misconception that cotton – a semi-desert crop – requires large quantities of water for cultivation. Nevertheless, ICAC cautioned that climate change is affecting rainfall patterns, and that this is a matter of concern for cotton cultivation.
    The DGCFMC also outlined key next steps. A technical online seminar on second-hand and recycling of clothing by Côte d’Ivoire is scheduled for 19 June. Other members were encouraged to coordinate with the WTO Secretariat to propose similar initiatives. A harmonized “Partenariat pour le Coton” project submission template will be created to enable C-4+ countries to present priority projects at an upcoming technical workshop. The WTO will support monitoring, evaluation and engagement with development agencies. Meanwhile, FIFA’s Football for Schools programme will encourage the use of C-4+ cotton for apparel, to produce T-shirts and polo shirts in West Africa and distribute these items globally by the end of 2025.
    In conclusion, DDG Paugam underscored the need to sustain and build on the current momentum surrounding cotton, especially given that MC14 is approaching. Progress made, consolidated synergies and promising prospects ahead call for redoubling efforts, he said.
    Ambassador Hussain, who facilitated the discussion on addressing the trade aspects of cotton, gave an update on his consultations with members on the way forward for agriculture negotiations, focusing on cotton.
    He noted that the C-4+ countries and other members had stressed the importance of cotton within the agricultural negotiations, and that members had highlighted the need to make significant progress on this issue at MC14, as this would resonate positively in Africa and benefit the WTO as a whole.
    The C-4+ Group also suggested the possibility of decoupling cotton negotiations from the broader agriculture package to facilitate reaching a standalone decision on cotton at MC14. The Group, along with several other developing members, emphasized the importance of adhering to past ministerial decisions and called for progress to be made to reduce cotton-specific trade-distorting domestic support.
    Ambassador Hussain urged members to engage actively in open dialogue, express their concerns clearly, and work together to bridge differences. He proposed to convene a “cotton quad plus” meeting in the coming weeks to facilitate honest and concrete discussions. The “cotton quad plus” forum involves the C-4+ countries and several major cotton players, including Australia, China, Brazil, the European Union, India, Pakistan and the United States.
    The ICAC also provided an overview of the global cotton market for the 2024-25 season, forecasting a production increase of approximately 7 per cent compared to the previous season. World cotton consumption is anticipated to rise by 2 per cent in 2024-25, although trade projections have been revised downward to 9.45 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season. This adjustment reflects a decrease from the previous forecast of 9.94 million tonnes, as reported in April 2024. The ICAC also presented findings from a recent analysis on specialty cotton, which grows annually and currently accounts for about 31 per cent of total global cotton lint production. Specialty cotton, as defined by the ICAC, includes any long or extra-long staple varieties, as well as cotton from specific identity programmes encompassing various certification initiatives worldwide, such as “Better Cotton” and “Cotton Made in Africa”.
    The International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on the ITC Cotton Portal, a joint initiative with the WTO to consolidate cotton-related information. The portal, launched at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017, features three main modules: trade statistics, market information and learning. The ITC reported that the portal has around 3,000-4,000 users annually. Planned improvements include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), additional languages, and better data on e-commerce and logistics.
    The ITC Cotton Portal aggregates cotton-related information from the ICAC, ITC and WTO, as well as other sources. For instance, it features a live data feed from ICAC on cotton production, as well as direct links to essential tools that facilitate cotton trade, such as the Export Potential Map.
    The C-4+ agreed concerning the relevance of this tool in contributing to a more efficient cotton trading system by improving transparency and accessibility of trade-related information relevant for cotton producers, traders and policymakers. They called for more training to raise awareness of the platform in Africa and to increase its utilization, as this could help governments in making informed policy decisions. The ITC and the WTO expressed their readiness to pursue discussions with the C-4+ concerning ways to make the portal more accessible and as relevant as possible in developing economies, and especially in Africa.
    The WTO Secretariat introduced a revised background paper compiling all cotton-related information available at the WTO, including members’ notifications, replies to a questionnaire on cotton policy developments and information on tariff and non-tariff measures.
    As part of Cotton Day at the WTO members attended  the opening of an exhibition featuring a data visualization structure that consolidated and presented information on cotton-related activities, telling the story of cotton through interactive maps, infographics, images and dynamic graphics. The exhibition concluded with a reception hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at WTO headquarters.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Baldwin Introduce Bill Protecting Older Workers from Workplace Discrimination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the Protecting Older Workers from Age Discrimination (POWADA) Act to level the playing field for older workers and protect Americans from age discrimination in the workplace.  
    “Americans of all ages can offer valuable contributions to our society and economy, including older Americans. They deserve to be protected from workplace discrimination like other Americans. The Supreme Court’s decision involving Iowan Jack Gross impacted employment discrimination litigation across the nation, sending a wrong message to employers that age discrimination is okay. It’s long past time for us to clarify the intent of Congress so Americans don’t face job discrimination due to age,” Grassley said. 
    “Every Wisconsin worker deserves to feel respected and protected in the workplace. We need to ensure this is true for older workers, so they have equal footing and are treated with the dignity they deserve,” Baldwin said.  
    Background:
    In 2004, Jack Gross of Des Moines sued FBL Financial Group, where he had been working as a vice president, citing age discrimination. Despite superior annual reviews for 13 consecutive years, Gross was demoted when the company announced staffing changes. According to Gross, his replacement lacked breadth of experience and skills for the job. While Gross found success in lower courts, the Supreme Court in 2009 ruled in Gross v. FBL Financial Services that workers who face age discrimination must meet a higher burden of proof than workers who face discrimination based on other characteristics like race, sex, national origin or religion. 
    For decades, a worker only needed to prove discrimination was a factor in an adverse employment decision to make an age discrimination claim. In this case, the court decided a worker needs to prove age was the deciding factor in that decision. This significantly weakened the protections of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and telegraphed to employers: some age discrimination is perfectly fine. 
    A survey conducted by AARP in 2018 found more than three in five workers ages 45 and above reported seeing or experiencing age discrimination in the workplace. The survey also found three quarters of these workers cited age discrimination as a reason for their lack of confidence in being able to find a new job.  
    POWADA would amend the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the retaliation provision in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to level the playing field for older workers. The bill would restore the pre-Gross standard, once again recognizing the legitimacy of so-called “mixed-motive” claims in which discrimination is a — if not the — deciding factor. It would also reaffirm workers may use any type of admissible evidence to prove their claims. 
    A summary of the bill can be found HERE. 
    Full text of this legislation can be found HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Assistance payments will continue during Canada Post strike

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is taking the necessary steps to ensure people continue to receive provincial disability and income assistance in the event of a labour dispute at Canada Post.

    The contract between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is expiring. CUPW has issued a 72-hour notice to begin strike activity on Friday, May 23, 2025, at midnight.

    In preparation for the May 2025 cheque issue, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is working to ensure the distribution of payments is done in a timely manner and is incorporating lessons learned during the November-December 2024 strike. Despite the mail service disruptions during the 2024 strike, the ministry distributed 98% of monthly payments, aligning with normal distribution rates.

    Income and disability assistance

    It is vital that people receive their provincial income and disability assistance in a timely manner and the updated distribution plan ensures financial supports will be distributed.

    All monthly cheques that are set to be mailed to clients and service providers will instead be sent directly to ministry offices for distribution.

    Ministry clients and service providers who are unable to attend the ministry office to pick up their cheque can contact the ministry to make alternative distribution arrangements. 

    Approximately 88% of people will receive their payments by direct deposit, despite any potential Canada Post service disruption. For those who have not signed up for direct deposit, alternative options are available:

    • Sign up for direct deposit by providing their bank account information by contacting the ministry:
      • through a toll-free phone call: 1 866 866-0800;
      • online: MySelfServe.gov.bc.ca; and
      • in person by attending a ministry office
    • Pick up at the nearest ministry office or Service BC office that provides ministry services.
    • Provide a written letter with your signature to allow for someone else to pick up the cheque on your behalf.

    Senior’s Supplement

    For seniors, primary financial supports are provided by the federal government through programs such as Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Any questions about delivery of these supports should be directed to the federal government through Service Canada at 1 800 277-9914

    Through the provincial Senior’s Supplement, the B.C. government tops up federal assistance amounts for seniors with low incomes. The Senior’s Supplement ranges from $1 to $100 for singles and $2 to $220.50 for couples.

    The provincial Senior’s Supplement, if paid by mailed cheques, will be delivered by Canada Post volunteers as part of the Socio-Economic Cheque Delivery program. This program prioritizes delivery to ensure essential benefits reach seniors who rely on them.

    Concerns and contact information

    Anyone concerned about not receiving their assistance cheque or Senior’s Supplement, or who has questions, is encouraged to contact the ministry at 1 866 866-0800 to discuss options. To make other arrangements for the Senior’s Supplement, recipients can also email: FASBSENI@gov.bc.ca

    Learn More:

    Locations and office hours of Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction offices and Service BC offices offering ministry services are available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=5658DF77EF6645308225C98B39112198

    For more information about income assistance, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=618B0DF0FFF4468AA591F48F27E86D10

    For more information about disability assistance, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=F0457B051B5346D284B1C586374CF2E1

    For more information about the provincial Senior’s Supplement, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/financial-legal-matters/income-security-programs/seniors-supplement

    For more information about the federal assistance for seniors, such as OAS and GIS, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/seniors.html

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Traffic-pattern change coming for Highway 1 near 264th Street

    Drivers are advised of upcoming traffic-pattern changes on Highway 1, affecting westbound and eastbound lanes, near the 264th Street interchange.

    Effective as early as Friday, May 23, 2025, weather permitting, westbound drivers exiting Highway 1 at 264th Street will be redirected to a new off-ramp that leads to a new signalized intersection, allowing drivers to turn left or right onto 264th Street.

    As early as June 13, 2025, eastbound drivers exiting Highway 1 at 264th Street will also begin using a new off-ramp connecting to the new signalized intersection that will allow drivers to turn left or right onto 56th Avenue. Drivers continuing onto 264th Street will need to turn left onto 56th Avenue, then proceed to the signalized intersection at 56th Avenue and 264th Street to turn left or right.

    The existing off-ramps for 264th Street will be permanently closed. Drivers will exit the highway approximately 300 metres (westbound) and 500 metres (eastbound) sooner than before.

    These changes are needed for the construction of the 264th Street interchange and will be in effect until the new interchange opens, advancing the widening of Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley.

    Drivers are reminded to obey all signs and posted speed limits.

    For the most up-to-date traffic information, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Issues Determination of Reasonable Indication of Injury— Polyethylene Terephthalate from China and Pakistan 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, Ontario, May 20, 2025—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today determined that there is a reasonable indication that the dumping and subsidizing of polyethylene terephthalate originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have caused injury to the domestic industry.

    The Tribunal’s inquiry was conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act as a result of the initiation of dumping and subsidizing investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA will continue its investigations and, by June 17, 2025, will issue preliminary determinations.

    The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Norcross Announces $650,000 EPA Brownfield Grant to Improve Quality of Life in Camden

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that a $650,000 grant from the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program was awarded to the Camden Redevelopment Agency in New Jersey. The grant was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Norcross voted to help pass into law.

    “I voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create jobs, bolster public health outcomes, and improve the quality of life for residents in South Jersey,” Congressman Donald Norcross. “Brownfield grants have been transformational across our region and especially in Camden City. Protecting our communities from harmful waste and repurposing these sites into valuable community assets for our neighborhoods has been a top priority for me. In Congress, I will continue to fight alongside local organizations to ensure the health and safety of South Jersey families.”

    “I am grateful to Congressman Donald Norcross for continuing to fight for Camden and for supporting environmental reclamation in urban communities,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “Camden has worked hard for decades to cleanup brownfields and transition these sites into positive uses. This critical funding will not only result in the remediation and reuse of underutilized properties but will also help to improve the quality of life citywide.”

    This funding is provided in addition to the $5,324,999 already awarded. Camden’s Brownfield program has successfully facilitated loans or subgrants for 11 cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress. Notable projects for the use of the new funding include Elijah Perry Park, the Knox Gelatin property, Judge Johnson Park, and the former West Jersey Paper Manufacturing site.

    The Brownfield grant funding will be used to support locally driven redevelopment, create jobs, and improve public health outcomes in communities in New Jersey. These investments will keep critical momentum going in communities already benefiting from Brownfield investments, ensuring continued progress toward safe and reusable land.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal, Brownley Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Oil Pipeline Safety Regulations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    On the anniversary of the Refugio Beach oil spill, U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) reintroduced legislation to expand safety regulations on U.S. oil and gas pipelines to prevent devastating spills like the Refugio Beach disaster, which spilled over 100,000 gallons of oil on the Central Coast of California in 2015.

    The Valve Safety Fairness Act, would restore the requirement for Type A gas gathering line operators to install these safety technologies in compliance with the 2022 PHMSA rule. Operators would be required to install automatic shut-off valves and rupture detection technologies.

    “Following the 2015 Refugio oil spill, my constituents have been calling for stronger safeguards to prevent future environmental disasters from happening,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Valve Safety Fairness Act is a common-sense solution that will help protect our coastal communities from new spills by upgrading oil pipelines with more advanced safety technology.”

    “Residents along California’s Central Coast know the dangerous impacts of oil spills all too well. That is why we must ensure that pipeline owners and operators are using the most advanced technology available to prevent leaks or spills. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have worked to improve federal pipeline safety and oversight, and I look forward to continuing this work with Congressman Carbajal to advance critical legislation to close a safety loophole,” said Rep. Brownley.

    Both Carbajal and Brownley serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

    In March 2022, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) followed through on a longtime push by California lawmakers to mandate these safety features on new and entirely replaced gas transmission lines, Type A gas gathering, and hazardous liquid (including carbon dioxide) pipelines.

    In May 2023, however, a U.S. district court limited application of this rule by striking down the safety feature requirements applying to Type A gas gathering lines–the pipelines that transport gas from a production facility or refinery to a transmission line or gas main.

    In 2015, the source of Plains All American Pipeline’s oil spill near Refugio Beach in Santa Barbara, which spilled over 100,000 gallons of crude oil into Central Coast beaches and ecosystems, took more than two hours to detect.

    Following his election to Congress, the devastating Refugio oil spill along California’s Central Coast spurred Congressman Carbajal to champion stronger federal safety regulations for oil and gas pipelines. His leadership began with a bipartisan measure—unanimously passed by the House in September 2017—that called for automatic shut-off valves and improved leak detection standards. He later joined forces with Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to press the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) directly for action.

    PHMSA issued new rules in March 2022 mandating the installation of automatic and remote-control shut-off valves and leak detection technology for new pipelines.

    Congressman Carbajal has previously advocated for his colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to support legislation that would expand the 2022 PHMSA rule to include all existing oil and gas pipelines.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: $XDX Presale Heats Up as XenDex Readies First Audit and Platform Design Reveal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With XRP rapidly regaining its dominance across the global crypto market, XenDex is solidifying its position as the most promising decentralized exchange being built on the XRP Ledger. And with the $XDX presale entering its final stretch, urgency is building fast.

    The soft cap is already filled, and with the hard cap now almost fully reached, only a limited number of $XDX tokens remain before the presale closes. As investor excitement surges, XenDex has officially announced two major milestones this week:

    Buy $XDX Before Exchange Listing

    1. A full mockup design of the XenDex platform will be unveiled showcasing its clean, intuitive user interface and how all major features will operate.
    2. XenDex will undergo its first third-party security audit, reinforcing its commitment to safety, smart contract integrity, and long-term trust.

    What Is XenDex?

    XenDex is building the first all-in-one decentralized finance platform for XRPL, combining the most in-demand tools into a single seamless platform:

    • AI-Powered Copy Trading
    • Non-Custodial Lending & Borrowing
    • Cross-Chain Trading (with BNB, Ethereum, and Solana)

    Purchase $XDX At A low Price

    Only $XDX presale buyers will receive early access to Version 1 of the platform.

    Why Is XRP Surging?

    XRP’s bullish momentum follows several landmark events:

    • SEC lawsuit officially withdrawn
    • Judge Torres’ rulings in Ripple’s favor
    • Approval of ProShares’ XRP Futures ETF
    • Brazil’s first XRP Spot ETF launch

    With rising institutional interest, analysts are now forecasting long-term XRP price targets as high as $1,000 and XenDex is launching at the perfect moment to ride that wave.

    $XDX Presale Details

    • Soft Cap: Filled
    • Price: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
    • Minimum Buy: 150 XRP

    Buy XDX on XenDex

    Major Listings Confirmed

    Post-presale, $XDX will be listed on:

    • Binance
    • Gate.io
    • MEXC
    • BitMart
    • FirstLedger
    • MagneticX

    Join the XenDex Community

    Buy $XDX – xendex.net/presale
    Telegram – t.me/xendexcommunity
    X (Twitter) – x.com/xendex_xrp
    XenDex Docs – xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/520da55d-69bd-4670-ba05-f4ba3e6c93d8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch to Demand Senate Pass his Resolution Decrying Two-Month Blockade on Food and Medicine in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today at 3:45PM, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will demand the Senate pass his resolution calling on the Trump Administration to use all diplomatic tools at its disposal to bring an end to the blockade of food and lifesaving humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. In the resolution, Senators express grave concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the imminent starvation of tens of thousands of children.
    This morning, Senator Welch joined NPR to discuss the humanitarian catastrophe, and said, “I want aid to flow. It’s really very, very simple…The United States has a role to play here, and Congress has a role to play. The idea that we’re accepting this, we’re turning our head the other way as if this is not happening, is wrong.”
    S.Res.224 is now cosponsored by 44 Democrats and two Independents.
    The United Nations warned today that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of death within the next 48 hours if humanitarian aid and care is not delivered. After an 11-week blockade, five trucks entered Gaza yesterday and around 100 are expected to enter today—which is not nearly enough to help starving children and families.
    Watch a livestream of the Senate floor via C-SPAN.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Discusses Communist China, Threats to American Way of Life with Secretary Rubio

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed Communist China’s threats to the American way of life and the importance of maintaining peace through strength. Ricketts underscored that Communist China is the greatest external threat we face as a nation.
    “We need an all-of-government and all-of-society approach on how we face Communist China,” said Ricketts. “This was illustrated in a recent tabletop exercise that we did with Senator Coons and others, talking about a contingency where Beijing tries to do an energy quarantine on Taiwan to force capitulation. Obviously, unlocking America’s energy is one of the ways we can help counter this with LNG and biofuels which are some of our strongest tools to help our allies and partners. Cutting red tape, unleashing American energy in the private sector, we’re positioned to be an energy supplier of choice. But we need the infrastructure in place and that includes a West Coast LNG terminal.”
    Ricketts also stressed the need for complete nuclear disarmament in Iran.
    “Iran is a theocracy with brutal mullahs and corrupt military: They chant ‘death to America’ and ‘death to Israel,’” said Ricketts. “I think you framed it best Secretary Rubio, when you said earlier this month that they have to walk away from sponsoring terrorists, they have to walk away from helping the Houthis, they have to walk away from building long-range missiles which have no purpose other than use for nuclear weapons. And they have to walk away from enrichment.”
    Ricketts’ comments were made in a hearing of the Committee on Foreign Relations: “Review of the FY26 State Department Budget Request.” The witness was Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
    BACKGROUND:
    Last month, Senator Ricketts led a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to Taiwan and the Philippines with Senators Coons and Ted Budd (R-NC). During the trip, the three senators met with senior Taiwanese officials including President Lai and Vice President Hsaio. Senators Ricketts and Coons are working as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia Subcommittee to support our allies and partners in the region against Communist China’s aggression, including conducting a recent tabletop exercise and introductions of the PORCUPINE Act and COUNTER Act.
    Last week, Senator Ricketts led a letter to President Trump regarding the administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran. The letter supports the Trump administration’s efforts to secure a deal that results in the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, including permanently ending the regime’s capacity to enrich uranium. The letter was signed by 52 Senate Republicans.
    Watch the hearing HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Maritime Security, Pandemic Agreement & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    ———————————

    Highlights:

    Security Council
    ECOSOC
    World Health Organization
    Cyprus
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Lebanon/Israel
    Yemen
    Libya
    Chad
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Haiti
    Afghanistan
    International Labour Organization
    World Bee Day

    ———————————
    SECURITY COUNCIL
    This morning, the Security Council held a meeting on Maintenance of international peace and security: Strengthening maritime security through international cooperation for global stability. Briefing Council members, the Secretary-General noted that today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact: Without maritime security, there can be no global security. But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain, he said, from both traditional threats and emerging dangers, adding that no region is spared and that the problem is getting worse.
    The Secretary-General said that looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas. First — respect for international law, second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity, and third — throughout, we need partnerships, involving everyone with a stake in maritime spaces.
    He called on all to take action to support and secure maritime spaces, and the communities and people counting on them.

    ECOSOC
    The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Operational Activities for Development Segment opens today. The three-day meeting will focus on activities of the United Nations development system (UNDS) and will include a high-level dialogue with the Secretary-General at 3 pm today. We’ll share his remarks with you.
    Tomorrow morning, the Deputy Secretary-General will present the annual report on the work of the Development Coordination Office and the Resident Coordinator system. The report highlights the critical role of the revitalized Resident Coordinator system in making the UN development system more effective, efficient and responsive, to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The full report and its interactive version are available on the UNSDG website (unsdg.un.org) and the meeting will be webcast on UN Web TV.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=20%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A1ycNx0Cb4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: VA News | May 20, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This week’s VA News focuses on your prescriptions from VA’s mobile app to your mailbox, 1-on-1 assistance from VA, and honoring Memorial Day with National Partners.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIZkdtoM6lg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Duffy holds Press Conference in Austin, TX

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Secretary Duffy holds Press Conference in Austin, TX

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsIimJC_x08

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Introduction to the Veterans Wellness Path app

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Veterans Wellness Path is a free and publicly available mobile app designed to support American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans. It was created by the National Center for PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs, and supports the transition from military service to home, and encourages balance and connection with self, family, community, and environment. Through the app, Native Veterans can complete daily check-ins, browse tips for strengthening relationships, and try exercises to heal the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

    This app is not a replacement for treatment with a healthcare professional, but it can be used by people who are in treatment as well as those who are not.

    Download Veterans Wellness Path – Mobile App (iOS/Android):
    https://mobile.va.gov/app/veterans-wellness-path

    #mhealth #mentalhealth #nativeveterans #nativeamerican #alaskanative

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXjEG0SlkiI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sec. Kennedy to the World Health Assembly: The United States Is Holding the WHO Accountable

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    “Like many legacy institutions, the WHO has become mired in bureaucratic bloat, entrenched paradigms, conflicts of interest, and international power politics. While the United States has provided the lion’s share of the organization’s funding historically, other countries such as China have exerted undue influence over its operations in ways that serve their own interests and not particularly the interests of the global public.” – Sec. Kennedy

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImLFYh5VXI0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Reintroduced to Protect Older Workers from Age Discrimination

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

    WASHINGTON – Today, a bipartisan and bicameral group of Members reintroduced the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act(POWADA), a proposal to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for older workers.

     

    In the House, the bill is led by Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Ranking Member Alma Adams (D-NC-12), and Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02). 

     

    In the Senate, the bill is led by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). 

     

    “Everyone—regardless of their age—should be able to go to work every day knowing that they are protected from discrimination.  Unfortunately, age discrimination in the workplace is depriving older workers of opportunities and exposing them to long-term unemployment and severe financial hardship.  More than a decade ago, the Supreme Court undermined protections for older workers by setting an unreasonable burden of proof for age discrimination claims.  The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a bipartisan bill that would finally restore the legal rights of older workers by ensuring that the burdens of proof in age discrimination claims are treated in the same manner as other discrimination claims,”said Ranking Member Scott.

     

    “Age discrimination is one of the most prevalent issues affecting an entire generation of older Americans,” said Representative Grothman.  “The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a crucial initiative that aims to restore legal safeguards for older Americans by ensuring that age discrimination claims receive just as much credibility as any other form of workplace discrimination.  Age discrimination is often overlooked, but it is one of the most egregious forms of discrimination hurting Americans.  Older workers deserve to work without facing unnecessary burdens.” 

     

    “Older workers have a wealth of experience to offer and should not have to overcome age discrimination, or any other form of discrimination, to find a job or fulfill their role in a workplace,”said ECESE Ranking Member Bonamici.  “We must hold employers accountable for age discrimination and restore protections for older workers.  I’m grateful to lead this legislation with a group of bipartisan colleagues.” 

     

    “Discrimination has no place in the American workforce, and no one should lose opportunity, dignity, or legal protection simply because of their age. Our bipartisan, bicameral bill restores a core standard of fairness, ensuring our older workers are valued for their contributions and protected from unjust treatment—just like every hardworking American,” said Representative Fitzpatrick.

     

    “Older Americans have spent their careers bettering our country which is why I’m proud to reintroduce POWADA to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for our senior workers,”said HEWD Ranking Member Adams.  “Far too often, older workers face age discrimination in the workplace, with two-thirds of workers over 50 seeing or experiencing age discrimination at work. POWADA will ensure that older workers are treated fairly in the job market, improve age discrimination protections, and make sure they can continue to work with the dignity they’re owed. There is no place for mistreatment in the workforce.”

     

    “In a truly free and fair America, equal opportunity must be a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of age,” said Representative Van Drew.  “Unfortunately, age discrimination continues to deny older workers the opportunities they deserve, despite their years of dedication and contributions to our society.  This is unacceptable.  That is why I am proud to support the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2025 to restore legal protections, uphold the dignity of older Americans, and ensure fairness for all.”

     

    “Every Wisconsin worker deserves to feel respected and protected in the workplace.  We need to ensure this is true for older workers, so they have equal footing and are treated with the dignity they deserve,”said Senator Baldwin.

     

    “Americans of all ages can offer valuable contributions to our society and economy, including older Americans.  They deserve to be protected from workplace discrimination like other Americans.  The Supreme Court’s decision involving Iowan Jack Gross impacted employment discrimination litigation across the nation, sending a wrong message to employers that age discrimination is okay.  It’s long past time for us to clarify the intent of Congress so Americans don’t face job discrimination due to age,”said Senator Grassley.

     

    In 2009, the Supreme Court’s decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc. weakened protections against age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).  Under Gross, plaintiffs seeking to prove age discrimination in employment are required to demonstrate that age was the decisive motivating factor for the employer’s adverse action.

     

    POWADA returns the legal standard for age discrimination claims to the pre-2009 evidentiary threshold, aligning the burden of proof with the same standards for proving discrimination based on based on race and national origin.

     

    POWADAamends four laws—the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.  A similar version of the bill was passed in the House with bipartisan support during the 117th Congress.

     

    Read the bill text for the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

     

    Read the fact sheet for the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

     

    Read the section-by-section summary of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.

     

    The following organizations support the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Aging Life Care Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, Elder Justice Coalition, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), The National Council on Aging, and USAging.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Pressley Calls for True Baby Bonds, Calls Out “MAGA Accounts”

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

    “Republicans are stealing a good idea and twisting it.”

    Baby Bonds Championed by Pressley & Booker Would Address Wealth Gap, End Cycles of Poverty, Help 18 Year-Olds Pay for College, Home, or Starting a Business

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a floor speech in which she slammed the so-called “MAGA Accounts” proposal in Republicans’ reconciliation bill. Rather than support this regressive proposal, Congresswoman Pressley urged her colleagues to support Baby Bonds, her bicameral legislation with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to close the racial wealth gap, disrupt cycles of intergenerational poverty, and make economic opportunity a birthright for every child.

    A transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks, as delivered, is available below, and the full video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley Calls for True Baby Bonds, Calls Out “MAGA Accounts”

    House of Representatives

    May 19, 2025

    Mr. Speaker,

    I rise in support of investing in every child’s future.

    Six years ago, I joined Senator Booker to introduce Baby Bonds legislation to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty, close the racial wealth gap, and ensure every 18-year-old has the financial opportunity to go to college, to buy a home, or to start a business.

    Now, Republicans are stealing a good idea and twisting it.

    The so-called ‘MAGA Accounts’ in their reconciliation bill are intentionally designed to help the rich get richer, while poor children are left further and further behind.

    Their proposal would weaponize the tax code to exacerbate wealth inequality, ignore the expertise of economists, and penalize states and non-profits that try to help low-income families.

    In America, a child born into poverty is likely to stay there through their adult lives.

    That is a policy choice – and a violent one.

    Our babies deserve better. Our babies deserve opportunity.

    I urge my colleagues to reject this regressive proposal and support true Baby Bonds.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sunset on Mars

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Spirit captured this stunning view as the Sun sank below the rim of Gusev crater on Mars 20 years ago. In this image, the bluish glow in the sky above the Sun would be visible to us if we were there, but an artifact of the panoramic camera’s infrared imaging capabilities is that with this filter combination, the redness of the sky farther from the sunset is exaggerated compared to the daytime colors of the Martian sky.
    Read more about this photo.
    Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Texas A&M/Cornell

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Makes $360 Million Available to Communities to Increase Number of Trained Firefighters and Keep Communities Safe

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Makes $360 Million Available to Communities to Increase Number of Trained Firefighters and Keep Communities Safe

    DHS Makes $360 Million Available to Communities to Increase Number of Trained Firefighters and Keep Communities Safe

    Additional $36 Million to be Made Available for Research to Improve Firefighter Health and SafetyWASHINGTON – Under the leadership of President Trump, states and localities will be empowered to manage disasters and emergencies

    These fire grant programs align with that vision by helping communities build the response capabilities they need to keep their citizens and communities safe

    Today, FEMA announced that $360 million in funding are available to help keep communities and firefighters safe through the Fiscal Year 2024 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program

    FEMA will award SAFER grants directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations across the country to help them increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters available in their communities

     FEMA also announced that applications will be accepted for $36 million available through the FY 2024 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant program

    These funds help strengthen community fire prevention programs and support scientific research on innovations that improve firefighter safety, health and well-being

     In 2024, there were approximately 4,200 home fire fatalities in the United States, including 61 firefighters

    To help keep communities and firefighters safer, FEMA will award SAFER funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to assist in increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing, provide adequate fire protection from fire and fire-related hazards and fulfill traditional missions of fire departments

    The purpose of the FP&S grant program is to award grants directly to fire departments, national, regional, state, local, Tribal Nation and non-profit organizations such as academic (e

    g

    , universities), research foundations, public safety institutes, public health, occupational health and injury prevention institutions for fire prevention programs and to support firefighter health and safety research and development such as clinical studies that address behavioral, social science and cultural research

    The application period for both the FY24 SAFER and FP&S programs will open at 9 a

    m

    ET on May 23, 2025, and close on July 3, 2025, at 5 p

    m

    ET

    Over the years, SAFER funds have had a big impact in communities around the nation

    The Medway (Massachusetts) Fire Department received $741,443 in SAFER funds to hire four new firefighters

    Chief Jeff Lynch said the award had measurable impacts on the department’s staffing levels and response times

    For example, because of the presence of a firefighter hired using SAFER funds, the department was able to respond with extra personnel to a house fire on March 20, 2019

    The firefighters rescued the family’s pet dog and stopped the fire in time to save their house and belongings

    The FP&S grant program has also made a difference for the fire service

    The Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association (CVVFA) advocates for all fire service in their region, which includes departments in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia

    The group has received more than $3

    5 million in FP&S funding since 2016, spread out over eight awards

    CVVFA used that funding to build ResponderSafety

    com and the Responder Safety Learning Network (RSLN

    org), their resources and programming

    The grant funds have also supported nationwide outreach and education

    Products include 48 online training modules on roadway incident response safety for firefighters; multiple training videos in topics like safe backing up of apparatus and high visibility; and public service announcements featuring emergency services personnel who survived being struck on the roadway and family members of responders who were struck and killed in the line-of-duty

    Since 2005, the SAFER program has awarded approximately $5

    2 billion in grant funding and the FP&S grant program has awarded nearly $900 million since its inception in 2002

     The FY 2024 SAFER and FP&S Notices of Funding opportunity and technical assistance documents for both programs are available at www

    grants

    gov and on the FEMA website here: SAFER and FP&S

    Additional information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants is also available on the FEMA website

    joy

    li
    Tue, 05/20/2025 – 16:45

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Sets Coverage for 32nd SpaceX Resupply Mission Departure

    Source: NASA

    NASA and its international partners will soon receive scientific research samples and hardware after a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft departs the International Space Station on Thursday, May 22, for its return to Earth.
    Live coverage of undocking and departure begins at 11:45 a.m. EDT on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    The Dragon spacecraft will undock from the zenith, or space-facing, port of the station’s Harmony module at 12:05 p.m. and fire its thrusters to move a safe distance away from the station under command by SpaceX’s Mission Control in Hawthorne, California.
    After re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will splash down on Friday, May 23, off the coast of California. NASA will post updates on the agency’s space station blog. There is no livestream video of the splashdown.
    Filled with nearly 6,700 pounds of supplies, science investigations, equipment, and food, the spacecraft arrived at the space station on April 22 after launching April 21 on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the agency’s SpaceX 32nd commercial resupply services mission.
    Some of the scientific hardware and samples Dragon will return to Earth include MISSE-20 (Multipurpose International Space Station Experiment), which exposed various materials to space, including radiation shielding and detection materials, solar sails and reflective coatings, ceramic composites for reentry spacecraft studies, and resins for potential use in heat shields. Samples were retrieved on the exterior of the station and can improve knowledge of how these materials respond to ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, charged particles, thermal cycling, and other factors.
    Additionally, Astrobee-REACCH (Responsive Engaging Arms for Captive Care and Handling) is returning to Earth after successfully demonstrating grasping and relocating capabilities on the space station. The REACCH demonstration used Astrobee robots to capture space objects of different geometries or surface materials using tentacle-like arms and adhesive pads. Testing a way to safely capture and relocate debris and other objects in orbit could help address end-of-life satellite servicing, orbit change maneuvers, and orbital debris removal. These capabilities maximize satellite lifespan and protect satellites and spacecraft in low Earth orbit that provide services to people on Earth.
    Books from the Story Time from Space project also will return. Crew members aboard the space station read five science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related children’s books in orbit and videotaped themselves completing science experiments. Video and data collected during the readings and demonstrations were downlinked to Earth and were posted in a video library with accompanying educational materials.
    Hardware and data from a one-year technology demonstration called OPTICA (Onboard Programmable Technology for Image Compression and Analysis) also will return to Earth. The OPTICA technology was designed to advance transmission of real-time, ultra-high-resolution hyperspectral imagery from space to Earth, and it provided valuable insights for data compression and processing that could reduce the bandwidth required for communication, lowering the cost of acquiring data from space-based imaging systems without reducing the volume of data. This technology also could improve services, such as disaster response, that rely on Earth observations.
    For more than 24 years, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge, and conducting critical research for the benefit of humanity and our home planet. Space station research supports the future of human spaceflight as NASA looks toward deep space missions to the Moon under the Artemis campaign and in preparation for future human missions to Mars, as well as expanding commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit and beyond.
    Learn more about the International Space Station at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station
    -end-
    Julian Coltre / Josh FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600julian.n.coltre@nasa.gov / joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
    Sandra Jones / Joseph ZakrzewskiJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov / joseph.a.zakrzewski@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Welcome Expedition 72 Astronauts Home at Space Center Houston 

    Source: NASA

    Four NASA astronauts will participate in a welcome home ceremony at Space Center Houston after recently returning from missions aboard the International Space Station.
    NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit will share highlights from their missions at 6 p.m. CDT Thursday, May 22, during a free, public event at NASA Johnson Space Center’s visitor center. The astronauts also will recognize key mission contributors during an awards ceremony after their presentation.
    Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on June 5, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 41 as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. The duo arrived at the space station on June 6. In August, NASA announced the uncrewed return of Starliner to Earth and integrated Wilmore and Williams with the Expedition 71/72 crew and a return on Crew-9.
    Hague launched Sept. 28, 2024, with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. The next day, they docked to the forward-facing port of the station’s Harmony module.
    Hague, Gorbunov, Wilmore, and Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, splashing down safely off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, in the Gulf of America.
    Williams and Wilmore traveled 121,347,491 miles during their mission, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 orbits around Earth. Hague and Gorbunov traveled 72,553,920 miles during their mission, spent 171 days in space, and completed 2,736 orbits around Earth. Hague has logged 374 days in space during two missions. It was the third spaceflight for both Williams and Wilmore. Williams has logged 608 total days in space, and Wilmore has logged 464 days.
    Pettit launched aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft on Sept. 11, 2024, alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. The seven-month research mission as an Expedition 72 flight engineer was the fourth spaceflight of Pettit’s career, completing 3,520 orbits of the Earth and a journey of 93.3 million miles. He has logged a total of 590 days in orbit. Pettit and his crewmembers safely landed in Kazakhstan on April 19, 2025 (April 20, 2025, Kazakhstan time).
    The Expedition 72 crew dedicated more than 1,000 combined hours to scientific research and technology demonstrations aboard the International Space Station. Their work included enhancing metal 3D printing capabilities in orbit, exploring the potential of stem cell technology for treating diseases, preparing the first wooden satellite for deployment, and collecting samples from the station’s exterior to examine whether microorganisms can survive in the harsh environment of space. They also conducted studies on plant growth and quality, investigated how fire behaves in microgravity, and advanced life support systems, all aimed at improving the health, safety, and sustainability of future space missions. Pettit also used his spare time and surroundings aboard station to conduct unique experiments and captivate the public with his photography. Expedition 72 captured a record one million photos during the mission, showcasing the unique research and views aboard the orbiting laboratory through astronauts’ eyes.
    For more than 24 years, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge, and conducting critical research for the benefit of humanity and our home planet. Space station research supports the future of human spaceflight as NASA looks toward deep space missions to the Moon under the Artemis campaign and in preparation for future human missions to Mars, as well as expanding commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit and beyond.
    Learn more about the International Space Station at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/station
    -end-
    Jaden JenningsJohnson Space Center, Houston713-281-0984jaden.r.jennings@nasa.gov
    Dana DavisJohnson Space Center, Houston281-244-0933dana.l.davis@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unearthly Plumbing Required for Plant Watering in Space

    Source: NASA

    NASA is demonstrating new microgravity fluids technologies to enable advanced “no-moving-parts” plant-watering methods aboard spacecraft.

    Crop production in microgravity will be important to provide whole food nutrition, dietary variety, and psychological benefits to astronauts exploring deep space. Unfortunately, even the simplest terrestrial plant watering methods face significant challenges when applied aboard spacecraft due to rogue bubbles, ingested gases, ejected droplets, and myriad unstable liquid jets, rivulets, and interface configurations that arise in microgravity environments.
    In the weightlessness of space, bubbles do not rise, and droplets do not fall, resulting in a plethora of unearthly fluid flow challenges. To tackle such complex dynamics, NASA initiated a series of Plant Water Management (PWM) experiments to test capillary hydroponics aboard the International Space Station in 2021. The series of experiments continue to this day, opening the door not only to supporting our astronauts in space with the possibility of fresh vegetables, but also to address a host of challenges in space, such as liquid fuel management, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and even urine collection.
    The latest PWM hardware (PWM-5 and -6) involves three test units, each consisting of a variable-speed pump, tubing harness, assorted valves and syringes, and either one serial or two parallel hydroponic channels. This latest setup enables a wider range of parameters to be tested—e.g., gas and liquid flow rates, fill levels, inlet/outlet configurations, new bubble separation methods, serial and parallel flows, and new plant root types, numbers, and orders.
    Most of the PWM equipment shipped to the space station consists of 3-D printed, flight-certified materials. The crew assembles the various system configurations on a workbench in the open cabin of the station and then executes the experiments, including routine communication with the PWM research team on the ground. All the quantitative data is collected via a single high-definition video camera.
    The PWM hardware and procedures are designed to incrementally test the system’s capabilities for hydroponic and ebb and flow, and to repeatedly demonstrate priming, draining, serial/parallel channel operation, passive bubble management, limits of operation, stability during perturbations, start-up, shut-down, and myriad clean plant-insertion, saturation, stable flow, and plant-removal steps.

    The recent results of the PWM-5 and -6 technology demonstrations aboard the space station have significantly advanced the technology used for passive plant watering in space. These quantitative demonstrations established hydroponic and ebb and flow watering processes as functions of serial and parallel channel fill levels, various types of engineered plant root models, and pump flow rates—including single-phase liquid flows and gas-liquid two-phase flows.
    Critical PWM plumbing elements perform the role of passive gas-liquid separation (i.e., the elimination of bubbles from liquid and vice versa), which routinely occurs on Earth due to gravitational effects. The PWM-5 and -6 hardware in effect replaces the passive role of gravity with the passive roles of surface tension, wetting, and system geometry. In doing so, highly reliable “no-moving-parts” plumbing devices act to restore the illusive sense of up and down in space. For example,

    hundreds of thousands of oxygenating bubbles generated by a passive aerator are 100% separated by the PWM bubble separator providing single-phase liquid flow to the hydroponic channel,
    100% of the inadvertent liquid carry-over is captured in the passive water trap, and
    all of the bubbles reaching the bubble diverter are directed to the upper inlet of the hydroponic channel where they are driven ever-upward by the channel geometry, confined by the first plant root, and coalesce leaving the liquid flow as a third, redundant, 100% passive phase-separating mechanism.

    The demonstrated successes of PWM-5 and -6 offer a variety of ready plug-and-play solutions for effective plant watering in low- and variable-gravity environments, despite the challenging wetting properties of the water-based nutrient solutions used to water plants. Though a variety of root models are demonstrated by PWM-5 and -6, the remaining unknown is the role that real growing plants will play in such systems. Acquiring such knowledge may only be a matter of time.

    Project Lead: Dr. Mark Weislogel, IRPI LLC
    Sponsoring Organization: Biological and Physical Sciences Division

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What Is the International Space Station? (Grades 5-8)

    Source: NASA

    This article is for students grades 5-8.
    The International Space Station is a large spacecraft in orbit around Earth. It serves as a home where crews of astronauts and cosmonauts live. The space station is also a unique science laboratory. Several nations worked together to build and use the space station. The space station is made of parts that were assembled in space by astronauts. It orbits Earth at an average altitude of approximately 250 miles. It travels at 17,500 mph. This means it orbits Earth every 90 minutes. NASA is using the space station to learn more about living and working in space. These lessons will make it possible to send humans farther into space than ever before.

    The first piece of the International Space Station was launched in November 1998. A Russian rocket launched the Russian Zarya (zar EE uh) control module. About two weeks later, the space shuttle Endeavour met Zarya in orbit. The space shuttle was carrying the U.S. Unity node. The crew attached the Unity node to Zarya.
    More pieces were added over the next two years before the station was ready for people to live there. The first crew arrived on Nov. 2, 2000. People have lived on the space station ever since. More pieces have been added over time. NASA and its partners from around the world completed construction of the space station in 2011.

    ______________________________________________________________________
    Words to Know
    Airlock: an air-tight chamber that can be pressurized and depressurized to allow access between spaces with different air pressure.
    Microgravity: a condition, especially in space orbit, where the force of gravity is so weak that weightlessness occurs.
    Module: an individual, self-contained segment of a spacecraft that is designed to perform a particular task.
    Truss: a structural frame based on the strong structural shape of the triangle; functions as a beam to support and connect various components.
    ______________________________________________________________________

    The space station has the volume of a six-bedroom house with six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym, and a 360-degree view bay window. It is able to support a crew of seven people, plus visitors. On Earth, the space station would weigh almost one million pounds. Measured from the edges of its solar arrays, the station covers the area of a football field including the end zones. It includes laboratory modules from the United States, Russia, Japan, and Europe.

    In addition to the laboratories where astronauts conduct science research, the space station has many other parts. The first Russian modules included basic systems needed for the space station to function. They also provided living areas for crew members. Modules called “nodes” connect parts of the station to each other.
    Stretching out to the sides of the space station are the solar arrays. These arrays collect energy from the sun to provide electrical power. The arrays are connected to the station with a long truss. On the truss are radiators that control the space station’s temperature.
    Robotic arms are mounted outside the space station. The robot arms were used to help build the space station. Those arms also can move astronauts around when they go on spacewalks outside. Other arms operate science experiments.
    Astronauts can go on spacewalks through airlocks that open to the outside. Docking ports allow other spacecraft to connect to the space station. New crews and visitors arrive through the ports. Astronauts fly to the space station on SpaceX Dragon and Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Robotic spacecraft use the docking ports to deliver supplies

    The space station has made it possible for people to have an ongoing presence in space. Human beings have been living in space every day since the first crew arrived. The space station’s laboratories allow crew members to do research that could not be done anywhere else. This scientific research benefits people on Earth. Space research is even used in everyday life. The results are products called “spinoffs.” Scientists also study what happens to the body when people live in microgravity for a long time. NASA and its partners have learned how to keep a spacecraft working well. All of these lessons will be important for future space exploration.
    NASA currently is working on a plan to explore other worlds. The space station is one of the first steps. NASA will use lessons learned on the space station to prepare for human missions that reach farther into space than ever before.

    Are you interested in a career that is related to living and working in space? Many different types of jobs make the space station a success. Here are a few examples:
    Astronaut: These explorers come from a wide variety of backgrounds including military service, the medical field, science research, and engineering design. Astronauts must have skills in leadership, teamwork, and communications. They spend two years training before they are eligible to be assigned to spaceflight missions.
    Microgravity Plant Scientist: These scientists study ways to grow plants in the microgravity environment of space. Growing plants on future space missions could provide food and oxygen. Plant scientists design experiments to be conducted by astronauts on the space station. These test new techniques for maximizing plant growth.
    Fitness Trainer: Spending months on the space station takes a toll on astronauts’ bodies. Fitness trainers work with astronauts before, during, and after their space station missions to help keep them strong and healthy. This includes creating workout plans for while they’re living and working in space.

    International Space Station Home Page
    Spot the Station
    Video: #AskNASA What Is the International Space Station?
    Read What Is the International Space Station? (Grades K-4)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ohio County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ohio County

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Ohio County

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Ohio County to offer in-person support to Kentucky survivors who experienced loss as the result of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides

    The new Disaster Recovery Center in Ohio County is located at: Ohio County Community Center, 130 E

    Washington St

    , Hartford, KY 42347 Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Central Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 – 7 p

    m

    Central Time, Sunday

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

     FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the April storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is June 25

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

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

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

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

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

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

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 05/20/2025 – 13:25

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Webster County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Webster County

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Webster County

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in Webster County to offer in-person support to Kentucky survivors who experienced loss as the result of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides

    The new Disaster Recovery Center in Webster County is located at: Onton United Methodist Church, 15 Wrightsburg Road, Sebree, KY 42455 Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Central Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 – 7 p

    m

    Central Time, Sunday

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

     FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the April storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is June 25

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

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

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

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

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

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

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 05/20/2025 – 13:26

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers in 6 Kentucky Counties To Permanently Close, Help Is Still Available

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers in 6 Kentucky Counties To Permanently Close, Help Is Still Available

    Disaster Recovery Centers in 6 Kentucky Counties To Permanently Close, Help Is Still Available

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –Disaster Recovery Centers in 6 Kentucky counties will close permanently this weekend

    The center in Leslie County will close at 7 p

    m

    May 23

    The center in Leslie County is located at:911 Dispatch Center, 24770 Highway 421, Hyden, KY 41749 Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Monday through Friday May 23

    The centers in Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, Martin and the Belfry Public Library location in Pike County will close at 7 p

    m

    May 24

    The centers are located at: Breathitt County, Breathitt County Library, 1024 College Avenue, Jackson, KY 41339Knott County, Knott County Sports Complex, 450 Kennedy Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831Letcher County, Letcher County Recreation Center, 1505 Jenkins Road, Whitesburg, KY 41858Martin County, Martin County Public Library, 180 E

    Main St

    , Inez, KY 41224Pike County, Belfry Public Library, 24371 US-119 North, Belfry, KY 41514Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday May 24

    The centers in Floyd and Perry counties and the Pikeville location in Pike County are scheduled to remain open

    These centers are located at:Floyd County, Floyd County Board of Education, 442 KY-550, Eastern, KY 41622Perry County, Hazard Community College, 1 Old Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701Pike County, Pike County Public Library, 126 Lee Avenue, Pikeville, KY 41514Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday, and closed Sundays

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

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

    FEMA is urging Kentuckians affected by the February storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is May 25

    Kentuckians affected by the April storms have until June 25 to apply for federal disaster assistance

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 05/20/2025 – 13:28

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaRue County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaRue County

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in LaRue County

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – A Disaster Recovery Center has opened in LaRue County to offer in-person support to Kentucky survivors who experienced loss as the result of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides

    The new Disaster Recovery Center in LaRue County is located at: Emergency Medical Services Classroom, 924 South Lincoln Blvd

    , Hodgenville, KY 42748 Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 – 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Sunday

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

     FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the April storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is June 25

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

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

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

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

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

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

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 05/20/2025 – 13:23

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hubble Images Galaxies Near and Far

    Source: NASA

    This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image offers us the chance to see a distant galaxy now some 19.5 billion light-years from Earth (but appearing as it did around 11 billion years ago, when the galaxy was 5.5 billion light-years away and began its trek to us through expanding space). Known as HerS 020941.1+001557, this remote galaxy appears as a red arc partially encircling a foreground elliptical galaxy located some 2.7 billion light-years away. Called SDSS J020941.27+001558.4, the elliptical galaxy appears as a bright dot at the center of the image with a broad haze of stars outward from its core. A third galaxy, called SDSS J020941.23+001600.7, seems to be intersecting part of the curving, red crescent of light created by the distant galaxy.
    The alignment of this trio of galaxies creates a type of gravitational lens called an Einstein ring. Gravitational lenses occur when light from a very distant object bends (or is ‘lensed’) around a massive (or ‘lensing’) object located between us and the distant lensed galaxy. When the lensed object and the lensing object align, they create an Einstein ring. Einstein rings can appear as a full or partial circle of light around the foreground lensing object, depending on how precise the alignment is. The effects of this phenomenon are much too subtle to see on a local level but can become clearly observable when dealing with curvatures of light on enormous, astronomical scales.
    Gravitational lenses not only bend and distort light from distant objects but magnify it as well. Here we see light from a distant galaxy following the curve of spacetime created by the elliptical galaxy’s mass. As the distant galaxy’s light passes through the gravitational lens, it is magnified and bent into a partial ring around the foreground galaxy, creating a distinctive Einstein ring shape.
    The partial Einstein ring in this image is not only beautiful, but noteworthy. A citizen scientist identified this Einstein ring as part of the SPACE WARPS project that asked citizen scientists to search for gravitational lenses in images.
    Text Credit: ESA/Hubble

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

    MIL OSI USA News –