Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland, Randall Re-Launch Puget Sound Recovery Caucus

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, during the annual Puget Sound Day on the Hill, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Emily Randall (WA-06) announced the re-launch of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus for the 119th Congress.

    The Caucus, which was founded in 2013 by then-Representatives Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer, focuses on recovering Puget Sound through steps like preventing pollution from urban stormwater runoff, protecting and restoring habitat, and restoring and re-opening shellfish beds. Representative Emily Randall, who was elected in 2024, replaces Kilmer as Co-Chair.

    “The Puget Sound is a national treasure, not only because of its breathtaking beauty, but also because of how critical it is to our economy, jobs, tribal treaty rights, and the environment. We all know how vital the Puget Sound is to our fish and wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and water supply – which is all the more reason to act now. I look forward to the re-launch of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, alongside my colleague, Congresswoman Randall, to ensure that we have federal support for the Puget Sound’s recovery and revitalization,” said Strickland.

    “I am elated to join Rep. Strickland in co-leading the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus. The Puget Sound is a cornerstone of our region’s natural beauty, and a vital ecosystem whose health is inextricably linked to our communities, culture, and economy. Yet, it faces persistent and growing threats that demand urgent and sustained action,” said Rep. Emily Randall. “Through the work of this Caucus, we hope to help direct the federal government’s enduring commitment to protecting and restoring this irreplaceable resource — from revitalizing salmon populations and safeguarding critical habitats to advancing broader climate resilience. I am deeply grateful to our partners for their unwavering dedication to preserving the Puget Sound for generations to come.”

    “The Puget Sound Recovery Caucus has long been a strong advocate in Congress for the recovery and protection of Puget Sound, and we are proud to support the relaunch of this important effort,” said Larry Epstein, Deputy Director of the Puget Sound Partnership. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated leadership in our congressional delegation. Through their support, we can continue making investments that protect public health, strengthen local economies, restore vital salmon habitats, and build resilience against flooding.”

    “We welcome the continued leadership of Rep. Marilyn Strickland and fresh energy from Rep. Emily Randall as they carry on the work that Reps. Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer began when they created the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus in 2013,” said Ed Johnstone, Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. “Recovering Puget Sound is absolutely essential to the protection and continued exercise of our treaty-protected rights. The Puget Sound Recovery Caucus can help us build climate resilience and face ongoing challenges from unchecked human development and recreational impacts from an ever-expanding population.”

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Harshbarger Joins Senator Cruz to Help Americans Save

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

    WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in introducing the House companion bill of the Universal Savings Account (USA) Act.

    This legislation is an innovative tax policy reform to reduce taxes on savings and help families build their own financial security through a single, flexible savings account.

    The USA Act would be all-purpose tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to decide what to use their savings for and when, without the government micromanaging their choices.

    Congresswoman Harshbarger issued the following statement.

    “It’s an honor to partner with Senator Cruz on this commonsense legislation to empower Americans to take control of their financial futures. The Universal Savings Account Act cuts through red tape and gives every American a flexible, tax-free way to save, invest, and spend — without government interference or penalties.

    “Washington shouldn’t be in the business of micromanaging how people use their own money. This bill is a win for working families, a win for personal freedom, and a win for financial independence.”

    Senator Cruz added the following.

    “A simple and accessible incentive savings plan will provide families with a way to establish financial security and prosperity. This bill provides a straightforward solution to those challenges. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bill for the future generations of Americans.”

    Learn more about the legislation by clicking HERE.

    View the bill text HERE

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on Court Ruling Barring Trump from Using Archaic Law to Deport Immigrants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement after Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., a Trump-appointed Judge in the Southern District of Texas, ordered that the Trump Administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act is illegal. 

    “Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, an archaic wartime law, is clearly illegal — and now even judges he has appointed are agreeing. That is why I am proud to sponsor Representative Omar’s legislation to fully repeal this law.

    “The Trump Administration has been rapidly kidnapping and deporting immigrants, without due process, many of whom have no criminal record, or have even been deported in error, in the administration’s own admission. It is important that this court is standing up for the rule of law in our country, now the administration must follow.”

    Issues: Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Leads 142 Members in Demanding Answers Regarding the Revocation of Student Visas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, is leading 142 Members of Congress in demanding answers regarding the termination of students’ legal status. Despite the Trump Administration’s claim last week that it would reverse course, only Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made any policy change.  While students are no longer immediately deportable, they will be unable to return to the United States once they go home after the semester ends, as the State Department is not restoring students’ visa status. 

    “This is not about national security. It is about using immigration enforcement as a weapon to stifle political dissent, restrict due process, and enforce an exclusionary and nativist vision of America that runs counter to everything our institutions of higher learning stand for,” wrote the Members. “Across the country, students are being picked up – in some cases by masked immigration agents in unmarked cars – and being held in detention facilities with no warning and limited information as to why they are being deported.”

    According to recent reporting, more than 1,800 students and recent graduates across 280 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked. Since Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also confirmed that at least 4,736 have had their legal status terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). However, DHS does not have the authority to terminate this legal status except under very specific circumstances, none of which have been met in the vast majority of these cases.

    “Our campuses have been spaces where students and scholars from around the world come together to challenge assumptions, push the boundaries of knowledge, and foster the innovation that has made our country a global leader,” continued the Members. “But today, the Trump administration’s heavy-handed and politically motivated immigration enforcement is turning university campuses into places of fear, rather than learning, and these actions deter students from coming to study at U.S. institutions.”

    Reporting has also shown that the State Department has been using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify students to target through their social media accounts. This aspect is especially troubling as social media accounts may not feature students’ names, and AI facial recognition is often prone to mistakes, at significantly higher rates when identifying people of color.

    The full text of the letter can be read here. 

    The letter was signed by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Gerald Connolly (VA-11), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Bill Foster (IL-11), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jim Himes (CT-04), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), William Keating (MA-09), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

    It was also endorsed by AFL-CIO; American Friends of Combatants for Peace; American Friends Service Committee; Amnesty International USA; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago; Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California; Brooklyn for Peace; Center for Constitutional Rights; Center for International Policy Advocacy; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); CODEPINK; Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR); DAWN; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Habonim Dror North America; Hindus for Human Rights; HIstorians for Peace and Democracy; IfNotNow Movement ; Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; IMEU Policy Project; Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC); Indivisible; International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); J Street; Jewish Voice for Peace Action; MADRE; Minnesota Peace Project; MPower Change Action Fund; National Immigrant Justice Center; New Jewish Narrative; Nonviolence International; OneAmerica; Partners for Progressive Israel; Peace Action; Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Public Witness; Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; Reconsider; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Stop AAPI Hate; United Church of Christ.

    Issues: Arts & Education, Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan, Connolly Demand Answers on DOGE’s Alleged Privacy Act Violations and Data Risks at NLRB

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), who previously announced an effort to update the Privacy Act of 1974 to better protect Americans’ sensitive data, and House Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11) demanded information from the National Labor Relations Board regarding potential violations of federal privacy laws by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
    “We write with an urgent request for information related to the disclosure by a National Labor Relations Board whistleblower that agency officials possibly affiliated with the Department of Government Efficiency may have illegally exfiltrated multiple gigabytes of sensitive data, including the personal information of Americans who reported unfair labor practices,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are deeply concerned that these actions may constitute violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, which can carry criminal penalties, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, which requires agency heads to notify Congress of major data breaches.”
    The request follows a whistleblower at NLRB sounding the alarm about DOGE representatives removing approximately ten gigabytes of sensitive data, including the personal information of Americans who have previously reported unfair labor practices, and then attempting to cover up their actions. The data removed from the agency could also include companies’ proprietary information.
    In addition to concerns about Musk’s conflicts of interest with his company SpaceX currently fighting NLRB complaints, the unverified and unreported exfiltration of Americans’ personal data could constitute violations of both the Privacy Act of 1974, which regulates how the federal government stores and uses Americans’ sensitive data, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), which requires that federal agencies notify Congress when Americans’ data is breached.
    “Based on our understanding of the whistleblowers’ disclosure, we are concerned that NLRB officials, especially those affiliated with DOGE, may have violated both the Privacy Act and FISMA. With respect to the Privacy Act, it is overwhelmingly likely that one or more NLRB employees–and not foreign actors or criminals–perpetrated the massive data exfiltration on March 4th, violating the Act’s disclosure requirements. Moreover, it appears that these officials did so without obtaining written consent nor receiving agency approval for an ‘exception’ to the consent requirement, meaning they could be subject to criminal penalties,” the lawmakers concluded. “And with respect to FISMA, it appears that the whistleblower discovered a ‘major incident’ under any definition of the term proposed by OMB. NLRB subsequently failed to notify Congress, in apparent violation of its statutory requirements: as of writing, neither the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee nor House Education & the Workforce Committee have received notification with the required information about the incident.”
    The lawmakers are requesting answers to the following questions by May 16, 2025:

    All reports, communications, and written documentation produced during NLRB’s investigation into Mr. Berulis’s concerns that Tim Bearese, the NLRB’s acting press secretary, confirmed took place in a statement to National Public Radio (NPR).
    A signed attestation that NLRB determined the events which Mr. Berulis discovered qualify as a “major incident” under the definitions proposed by OMB or, alternatively, an explanation of why the NLRB did not make such a determination.
    Why has the NLRB failed to notify relevant Congressional committees as required by FISMA, including the House Oversight and Government Reform and House Education & the Workforce Committees?
    For each official who holds, or has previously held since January 20th, 2025, access to NLRB information technology systems:

    a.    What is the nature of that employee’s relationship with NLRB?
                                          i.        If the employee is full-time, to what other agencies are they detailed?
                                         ii.        If the employee is detailed to NLRB, from what agency are they detailed?
                                        iii.        If the employee is a contractor, what firm do they work for?
    b.    For each NLRB system that the employee previously had access to, currently has access to, or will have access to:
                                          i.        What level of access to the system does the employee currently possess?
                                         ii.        Who provided such access to the system?
                                        iii.        What was the justification for providing such access to the system, especially if no other agency official had previously been granted the same level of access?
                                       iv.        When was access to the system provided?
                                         v.        What training, including security and privacy, were provided to the employee regarding their access to the system? Did this training take place before or after access was provided?
                                       vi.        To the extent that access to the system was provided under a Privacy Act exception, what exception was invoked?
                                      vii.        What security controls were implemented, if any, as a result of your granting the employee their access to the system?
                                     viii.        Did the NLRB official who granted access to the system consider the cyber, operational, or privacy risks before doing so?
                                       ix.        Has the employee modified, copied, shared, or removed any records from the system?
                                         x.        Has the employee modified the system in any way?
                                       xi.        Has the employee granted, revoked, or otherwise modified access to the system for any other users?
    c.     Can you commit to preserving all system logs related to access, development, exfiltration consistent with the Federal Records Act?
    d.    Can you commit to otherwise documenting all critical decisions related to information technology systems at NLRB?
    A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.
    This request for information follows an effort Trahan led last month requesting an independent investigation into DOGE’s alleged mishandling of Americans’ sensitive data housed in the Treasury Department’s payment system. In March, Trahan announced that she will be introducing legislation to rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Brian Mast Commends President Trump’s Pick of Waltz for U.N. Ambassador

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s nomination of Michael Waltz to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.

    “Outside of Elise Stefanik, there is no one in Washington the unaccountable UN bureaucrats fear more than Mike Waltz. He will fight to put America First every single day at the UN,” said Chairman Mast. 

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Sentenced for COVID Loan Fraud and Tax Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Roy Lane, 44, of St. David, Arizona, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for filing false tax returns and loan applications to obtain COVID-19 disaster relief. Layne previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Wire Fraud and one count of Filing a False Claim.

    According to court documents, and evidence presented in court, to create the appearance that he was operating several businesses, Layne filed paperwork with the IRS, applied for a business license from the City of Tucson, opened business bank accounts, and filed false employment-related tax returns. In April 2020, he filed an application with the U.S. Small Business Administration, that claimed he operated a “wholesale” business with 17 employees that had revenue of more than a half million dollars a year. In 2021, he submitted a false application for a Paycheck Protection Act loan, claiming that same “wholesale” business had 31 employees and $1.2 million in revenue. Based on these and other false applications, Layne ultimately received over $300,000 in COVID-19 related loans to which he was not entitled.

    Layne also used the personal identifying information and identities of other people to file false claims for refunds with the IRS. In total, Layne claimed over $7.4 million in false refunds, of which the IRS paid over $590,000.

    In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker ordered Layne to pay $856,692.91 in restitution to the United States.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Matthew R. Hoffman of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier, District of Arizona, Tucson, prosecuted the case.

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-24-04907-TUC-JCH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-070_Layne

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Asure Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reports First Quarter 2025 Total Revenues of $34.9 million

    Recurring Revenues Grew 10% from Prior Year

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asure Software, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”, “Asure” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ASUR), a leading provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (“HCM”) software solutions, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue of $34.9 million, up 10% year over year, excluding ERTC revenue up 13% from the prior year first quarter
    • Recurring revenue of $33.2 million versus $30.3 million during the prior year first quarter
    • Net loss of $2.4 million versus a net loss of $0.3 million during the prior year first quarter
    • EBITDA(1) of $4.1 million versus $4.4 million during the prior year first quarter
    • Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $7.3 million versus $6.8 million during the prior year first quarter
    • Gross profit of $24.6 million versus $22.6 million during the prior year first quarter
    • Non-GAAP gross profit(1) of $26.3 million (Non-GAAP gross margin(1) of 75%) versus $23.8 million (and 75% in prior year first quarter)

    Recent Business Highlights

    • New Payroll Tax Management solution launched which is designed specifically for large Canadian companies and global enterprises with employees in Canada. Our ability to serve enterprise clients with international workforces with this innovative solution creates further opportunities to grow our business and the seamless integration of payroll tax services into major platforms such as Workday, Oracle, and SAP is a key benefit. The Canadian payroll tax solution addresses critical compliance needs for organizations managing cross-border payroll processes, reducing complexity and ensuring accurate, timely filing.
    • In April 2025 we entered into a credit agreement primarily with MidCap Financial Trust, whereby the Company may borrow up to $60 million. At closing, which occurred on April 10, we received $20 million of gross proceeds.

    (1)This financial measure is not calculated in accordance with GAAP and is defined on page 3 of this press release. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most applicable GAAP measure begins on page 11 of this release.

    Management Commentary

    “We are excited to be off to a great start to 2025 with healthy results for our first quarter of 2025 with our revenues increasing 10% from the prior year first quarter. Our results were driven by strong performance coming from our Payroll Tax Management and initial contribution from our recently acquired product offerings,” said Asure Chairman and CEO Pat Goepel.

    “Our team is focused on continuing to execute our growth strategy. Our revenues are now more than 95% recurring, our contracted revenue backlog sits at an all-time high, and we believe that the investments we have made in the business will continue to drive greater adoption of our broadened product suite for the remainder of 2025.”

    Second Quarter 2025 and Full Year 2025 Revenue Guidance Ranges

    The Company is providing the following guidance for the second quarter of 2025 and the full year 2025 based on the Company’s year-to-date results and recent business trends. The guidance for our second quarter of 2025 and the full year 2025 excludes any contribution from future potential acquisitions.

    Guidance for 2025

    Guidance Range   Q2-2025   FY-2025
    Revenue $ 30.0 M – 32.0 M $ 134.0 M -138.0 M
    Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 5.0 M -6.0 M   23% -24%
             

    Management uses GAAP, non-GAAP and adjusted measures when planning, monitoring, and evaluating the Company’s performance. The primary purpose of using non-GAAP and adjusted measures is to provide supplemental information that may prove useful to investors and to enable investors to evaluate the Company’s results in the same way management does.

    Management believes that supplementing GAAP disclosures with non-GAAP and adjusted disclosures provides investors with a more complete view of the Company’s operational performance and allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in the Company’s business. Further, to the extent that other companies use similar methods in calculating adjusted financial measures, the provision of supplemental non-GAAP and adjusted information can allow for a comparison of the Company’s relative performance against other companies that also report non-GAAP and adjusted operating results.

    Management has not provided a reconciliation of guidance of GAAP to non-GAAP or adjusted disclosures because management is unable to predict the nature and materiality of non-recurring expenses without unreasonable effort.

    Management’s projections are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions about the Company’s business, and the industry and the markets in which it operates; there are known and unknown risks and uncertainties associated with these projections. There can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ from the guidance set forth above. The Company assumes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, including its 2025 earnings guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please refer to the “Use of Forward-Looking Statements” disclosures on page 5 of this press release as well as the risk factors in our quarterly and annual reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission for more information about risk that affect our business and industry.

    Conference Call Details

    Asure management will host a conference call on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 3:30 pm Central (4:30 pm Eastern). Asure Chairman and CEO Pat Goepel and CFO John Pence will participate in the conference call followed by a question-and-answer session. The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay via the investor relations section of the Company’s website. Analysts may participate on the conference call by dialing 877-407-9219 or 201-689-8852.

    About Asure Software, Inc.

    Asure (Nasdaq: ASUR) provides cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software solutions that assist organizations of all sizes in streamlining their HCM processes. Asure’s suite of HCM solutions includes HR, payroll, time and attendance, benefits administration, payroll tax management, and talent management. The company’s approach to HR compliance services incorporates AI technology to enhance scalability and efficiency while prioritizing client interactions. For more information, please visit www.asuresoftware.com

    Non-GAAP and Adjusted Financial Measures

    This press release includes information about non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP sales and marketing expense, non-GAAP general and administrative expense, non-GAAP research and development expense, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin. These non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures are measurements of financial performance that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and computational methods may differ from those used by other companies. Non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures are reconciled to GAAP in the tables set forth in this release and are subject to reclassifications to conform to current period presentations.

    Non-GAAP gross profit differs from gross profit in that it excludes amortization, share-based compensation, and one-time items.

    Non-GAAP sales and marketing expense differs from sales and marketing expense in that it excludes share-based compensation and one-time items.

    Non-GAAP general and administrative expense differs from general and administrative expense in that it excludes share-based compensation and one-time items.

    Non-GAAP research and development expense differs from research and development expense in that it excludes share-based compensation and one-time items.

    EBITDA differs from net income (loss) in that it excludes items such as interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Asure is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of these exclusions without unreasonable effort.

    Adjusted EBITDA differs from EBITDA in that it excludes share-based compensation, other income (expense), net and one-time expenses. Asure is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of these exclusions without unreasonable effort.

    All adjusted and non-GAAP measures presented as “margin” are computed by dividing the applicable adjusted financial measure by total revenue.

    Specifically, as applicable to the respective financial measure, management is adjusting for the following items when calculating non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures as applicable for the periods presented. No additional adjustments have been made for potential income tax effects of the adjustments based on the Company’s current and anticipated de minimis effective federal tax rate, resulting from the Company’s continued losses for federal tax purposes and its tax net operating loss balances.

    Share-Based Compensation Expenses. The Company’s compensation strategy includes the use of share-based compensation to attract and retain employees and executives. It is principally aimed at aligning their interests with those of our stockholders and at long-term employee retention, rather than to motivate or reward operational performance for any particular period. Thus, share-based compensation expense varies for reasons that are generally unrelated to operational decisions and performance in any particular period.

    Depreciation. The Company excludes depreciation of fixed assets. Also included in the expense is the depreciation of capitalized software costs.

    Amortization of Purchased Intangibles. The Company views amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, such as the amortization of the cost associated with an acquired company’s research and development efforts, trade names, customer lists and customer relationships, and acquired lease intangibles, as items arising from pre-acquisition activities determined at the time of an acquisition. While these intangible assets are continually evaluated for impairment, amortization of the cost of purchased intangibles is a static expense, one that is not typically affected by operations during any particular period.

    Interest Expense, Net. The Company excludes accrued interest expense, the amortization of debt discounts and deferred financing costs.

    Income Taxes. The Company excludes income taxes, both at the federal and state levels.

    One-Time Expenses. The Company’s adjusted financial measures exclude the following costs to normalize comparable reporting periods, as these are generally non-recurring expenses that do not reflect the ongoing operational results. These items are typically not budgeted and are infrequent and unusual in nature.

    Settlements, Penalties and Interest. The Company excludes legal settlements, including separation agreements, penalties and interest that are generally one-time in nature and not reflective of the operational results of the business.

    Acquisition and Transaction Related Costs. The Company excludes these expenses as they are transaction costs and expenses that are generally one-time in nature and not reflective of the underlying operational results of our business. Examples of these types of expenses include legal, accounting, regulatory, other consulting services, severance and other employee costs.

    Other non-recurring Expenses. The Company excludes these as they are generally non-recurring items that are not reflective of the underlying operational results of the business and are generally not anticipated to recur. Some examples of these types of expenses, historically, have included write-offs or impairments of assets, demolition of office space and cybersecurity consultants.

    Other (Expense) Income, Net. The Company’s adjusted financial measures exclude Other (Expense) Income, Net because it includes items that are not reflective of the underlying operational results of the business, such as loan forgiveness, adjustments to contingent liabilities and credits earned as part of the CARES Act, passed by Congress in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Use of Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain statements made by management that may constitute “forward- looking” statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements about our financial results may include expected or projected U.S GAAP and other operating and non-operating results. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “projects,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of “forward-looking statements” include statements we make regarding our operating performance, future results of operations and financial position, revenue growth, earnings or other projections. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties and assumptions, over many of which we have no control. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make.

    The risks and uncertainties referred to above include—but are not limited to—risks associated with breaches of the Company’s security measures; risks related to material weaknesses; possible fluctuations in the Company’s financial and operating results; privacy concerns and laws and other regulations may limit the effectiveness of our applications; the financial and other impact of any previous and future acquisitions; domestic and international regulatory developments, including changes to or applicability to our business of privacy and data securities laws, money transmitter laws and anti-money laundering laws; regulatory pressures on economic relief enacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that change or cause different interpretations with respect to eligibility for such programs; risk of our software and solutions not functioning adequately; interruptions, delays or changes in the Company’s services or the Company’s Web hosting; may incur debt to meet future capital requirements; volatility and weakness in bank and capital markets; access to additional capital; significant costs as a result of operating as a public company; the expiration of Employee Retention Tax Credits (“ERTC”) and the impact of the Internal Revenue Service recent measures regarding ERTC claims and the corresponding cash collections of existing receivables; the inability to continue to release timely updates for changes in laws; the inability to develop new and improved versions of the Company’s services and technological developments; customer’s nonrenewal of their agreements and other similar changes could negatively impact revenue, operating results and financial conditions; the exposure of market, interest, credit and liquidity risk on client funds held int rust; the Company’s operation in highlight competitive markets; risk that our clients could have insufficient funds that could result in limitations in the ability to transmit ACH transactions; impairment of intangible assets; litigation and any related claims, negotiations and settlements, including with respect to intellectual property matters or industry-specific regulations; various financial aspects of the Company’s Software-as-a-Service model; adverse effects to our business a result of claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings; issues in the use of artificial intelligence in our HCM products and services; adverse changes to financial accounting standards to the Company; inability to maintain third-party licensed software; evolving regulation of the Internet, changes in the infrastructure underlying the Internet or interruptions in Internet; factors affecting the Company’s deferred tax assets and ability to value and utilize them; the nature of the Company’s business model; inability to adopt new or correctly interpret existing money service and money transmitter business status; the Company’s ability to hire, retain and motivate employees and manage the Company’s growth; interruptions to supply chains and extended shut down of businesses; potential enactment of adverse tax laws, regulation, political, economic and social factors; potential sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock along with its volatility; risks associate with potential equity-related transactions including dividends, rights under the stockholder plan to discourage certain actions and other impacts as a result of actions of our stockholders.

    Please review the Company’s risk factors in its annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 6, 2025.

    The forward-looking statements, including the financial guidance and 2025 outlook, contained in this press release represent the judgment of the Company as of the date of this press release, and the Company expressly disclaims any intent, obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard to these forward looking statements or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. © 2025 Asure Software, Inc. All rights reserved

     
    ASURE SOFTWARE, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
           
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
           
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,076     $ 21,425  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $6,545 and $6,328 at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively   15,800       18,154  
    Inventory   220       195  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   5,970       4,888  
    Total current assets before funds held for clients   36,066       44,662  
    Funds held for clients   257,019       192,615  
    Total current assets   293,085       237,277  
    Property and equipment, net   20,999       19,669  
    Goodwill   94,724       94,724  
    Intangible assets, net   73,003       69,114  
    Operating lease assets, net   4,403       4,041  
    Other assets, net   12,727       11,813  
    Total assets $ 498,941     $ 436,638  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERSEQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Current portion of notes payable $ 7,948     $ 7,008  
    Accounts payable   2,475       1,364  
    Accrued compensation and benefits   2,911       4,485  
    Operating lease liabilities, current   1,432       1,438  
    Other accrued liabilities   6,071       6,600  
    Deferred revenue   4,662       8,363  
    Total current liabilities before client fund obligations   25,499       29,258  
    Client fund obligations   258,586       194,378  
    Total current liabilities   284,085       223,636  
    Long-term liabilities:      
    Deferred revenue   3,321       3,430  
    Deferred tax liability   2,903       2,612  
    Notes payable, net of current portion   6,172       5,709  
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent   3,892       3,578  
    Other liabilities   905       358  
    Total long-term liabilities   17,193       15,687  
    Total liabilities   301,278       239,323  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding          
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; 44,000 shares authorized; 27,122 and 26,671 shares issued, 27,122 and 26,671 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   271       267  
    Treasury stock at cost, zero(1)at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024          
    Additional paid-in capital   507,149       504,849  
    Accumulated deficit   (309,624 )     (307,226 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (133 )     (575 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   197,663       197,315  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 498,941     $ 436,638  
    (1) The aggregate Treasury stock of prior repurchases of the Company’s own common stock was retired and subsequently issued effective January 1, 2024. See the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the impact of this transaction.
     
     
    ASURE SOFTWARE, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
      2025   2024
           
    Revenue:      
    Recurring $ 33,187     $ 30,273  
    Professional services, hardware and other   1,667       1,379  
    Total revenue   34,854       31,652  
    Cost of sales   10,246       9,045  
    Gross profit   24,608       22,607  
    Operating expenses:      
    Sales and marketing   8,386       7,767  
    General and administrative   11,900       10,063  
    Research and development   2,029       1,769  
    Amortization of intangible assets   4,308       3,449  
    Total operating expenses   26,623       23,048  
    Loss from operations   (2,015 )     (441 )
    Interest income   171       336  
    Interest expense   (451 )     (180 )
    Other income, net   188       10  
    Loss from operations before income taxes   (2,107 )     (275 )
    Income tax expense   291       33  
    Net loss   (2,398 )     (308 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss):      
    Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities   442       (244 )
    Comprehensive loss $ (1,956 )   $ (552 )
           
    Basic and diluted loss per share      
    Basic $ (0.09 )   $ (0.01 )
    Diluted $ (0.09 )   $ (0.01 )
           
    Weighted average basic and diluted shares      
    Basic   26,961       25,334  
    Diluted   26,961       25,334  
                   
     
    ASURE SOFTWARE, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended March 31,
      2025   2024
           
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net loss $ (2,398 )   $ (308 )
    Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash provided by (used in) operations:      
    Depreciation and amortization   5,972       4,860  
    Amortization of operating lease assets   374       335  
    Amortization of debt financing costs and discount   253       142  
    Non-cash interest expense   197        
    Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums on available-for-sale securities   (110 )     (78 )
    Provision for expected losses   93       46  
    Provision for deferred income taxes   291       24  
    Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities   (656 )     (652 )
    Share-based compensation   1,863       1,902  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
    Accounts receivable   2,261       (919 )
    Inventory   (24 )     (50 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   (1,049 )     (473 )
    Operating lease right-of-use assets         30  
    Accounts payable   903       (960 )
    Accrued expenses and other long-term obligations   (1,737 )     (2,665 )
    Operating lease liabilities   (427 )     (141 )
    Deferred revenue   (3,810 )     (5,040 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   1,996       (3,947 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Acquisition of intangible assets   (6,346 )     (710 )
    Purchases of property and equipment   (192 )     (240 )
    Software capitalization costs   (2,769 )     (2,435 )
    Purchases of available-for-sale securities   (6,589 )     (3,516 )
    Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities   3,266       2,406  
    Net cash used in investing activities   (12,630 )     (4,495 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Payments made on amounts due for the acquisition of intangibles   (723 )     (236 )
    Net proceeds from issuance of common stock   441       176  
    Net change in client fund obligations   64,207       21,122  
    Net cash provided by financing activities   63,925       21,062  
    Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents   53,291       12,620  
    Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of period   145,712       177,622  
    Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, end of period $ 199,003     $ 190,242  
                   
     
    ASURE SOFTWARE, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
    (in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended March 31,
      2025
      2024
           
    Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,076     $ 23,166  
    Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for clients   184,927       167,076  
    Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents $ 199,003     $ 190,242  
           
    Supplemental information:      
    Cash paid for interest $ 125     $  
           
    Non-cash investing and financing activities:      
    Acquisition of intangible assets $ 750     $ 6,345  
    Notes payable issued for acquisitions $ 1,150     $ 827  
    Shares issued for acquisitions $     $ 4,494  
                   
     
    ASURE SOFTWARE, INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP AND ADJUSTED FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (unaudited)
                     
    (in thousands) Q1-25 Q4-24 Q3-24 Q2-24 Q1-24 Q4-23 Q3-23 Q2-23
    Revenue(1) $ 34,854   $ 30,792   $ 29,304   $ 28,044   $ 31,652   $ 26,264   $ 29,334   $ 30,420  
                     
    Gross Profit to non-GAAP Gross Profit                
    Gross Profit $ 24,608   $ 20,928   $ 19,704   $ 18,868   $ 22,607   $ 17,839   $ 21,280   $ 22,018  
    Gross Margin   70.6 %   68.0 %   67.2 %   67.3 %   71.4 %   67.9 %   72.5 %   72.4 %
                     
    Share-based Compensation   44     44     44     43     40     32     28     46  
    Depreciation   1,369     1,190     1,232     1,145     1,110     921     984     1,309  
    Amortization – intangibles   50     50     50     50     50     50     50     50  
    One-time expenses                
    Settlements, penalties & interest   29     25     2     3         (6 )   8      
    Acquisition and transaction costs   167     221     367     264     39              
    Other non-recurring expenses       84                          
    Non-GAAP Gross Profit $ 26,267   $ 22,542   $ 21,399   $ 20,373   $ 23,846   $ 18,836   $ 22,350   $ 23,423  
    Non-GAAP Gross Margin   75.4 %   73.2 %   73.0 %   72.6 %   75.3 %   71.7 %   76.2 %   77.0 %
                     
    Sales and Marketing Expense to non-GAAP Sales and Marketing Expense
    Sales and Marketing Expense $ 8,386   $ 6,945   $ 6,680   $ 6,924   $ 7,767   $ 6,422   $ 6,597   $ 8,515  
                     
    Share-based Compensation   322     251     269     237     243     180     210     149  
    Depreciation   1         1         1     1          
    One-time expenses                
    Settlements, penalties & interest   51     78     (5 )   5     18     6     30     4  
    Acquisition and transaction costs   30     9     68     37     11              
    Other non-recurring expenses       52                         180  
    Non-GAAP Sales and Marketing Expense $ 7,982   $ 6,555   $ 6,347   $ 6,645   $ 7,494   $ 6,235   $ 6,357   $ 8,182  
                     
    General and Administrative Expense to non-GAAP General and Administrative Expense
    General and Administrative Expense $ 11,900   $ 9,940   $ 10,378   $ 10,118   $ 10,063   $ 9,747   $ 9,294   $ 10,336  
                     
    Share-based Compensation   1,407     1,081     1,187     1,122     1,535     980     936     1,298  
    Depreciation   244     269     264     256     251     225     200     234  
    One-time expenses                
    Settlements, penalties & interest   492     142     377     304     98     284     101     432  
    Acquisition and transaction costs   491     282     371     245     57     51          
    Other non-recurring expenses   136     220     253         86     53         453  
    Non-GAAP General and Administrative Expense $ 9,130   $ 7,946   $ 7,926   $ 8,191   $ 8,036   $ 8,154   $ 8,057   $ 7,919  
                     
    Research and Development Expense to non-GAAP Research and Development Expense
    Research and Development Expense $ 2,029   $ 2,103   $ 1,973   $ 1,962   $ 1,769   $ 1,739   $ 1,803   $ 1,325  
                     
    Share-based Compensation   90     87     90     86     85     69     76     89  
    Depreciation   1       $   $   $   $   $   $  
    One-time expenses                
    Settlements, penalties & interest   9     21         27     31              
    Acquisition and transaction costs   91     153     195     369     147              
    Other non-recurring expenses       29                          
    Non-GAAP Research and Development Expense $ 1,838   $ 1,813   $ 1,688   $ 1,480   $ 1,506   $ 1,670   $ 1,727   $ 1,236  
                     

    (1)Note that first quarters are seasonally strong as recurring year-end W2/ACA revenue is recognized in this period.

     
    ASURE SOFTWARE, INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP AND ADJUSTED FINANCIAL MEASURES (cont.)
    (unaudited)
                     
    (in thousands) Q1-25 Q4-24 Q3-24 Q2-24 Q1-24 Q4-23 Q3-23 Q2-23
    Revenue(1) $ 34,854   $ 30,792   $ 29,304   $ 28,044   $ 31,652   $ 26,264   $ 29,334   $ 30,420  
                     
    GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA
    GAAP Net Loss $ (2,398 ) $ (3,204 ) $ (3,901 ) $ (4,360 ) $ (308 ) $ (3,582 ) $ (2,206 ) $ (3,765 )
                     
    Interest expense, net   280     211     109     (53 )   (156 )   (24 )   782     1,593  
    Income taxes   291     499     170     231     33     (158 )   (123 )   627  
    Depreciation   1,614     1,460     1,497     1,402     1,361     1,148     1,185     1,542  
    Amortization – intangibles   4,358     4,482     4,345     4,096     3,499     3,743     3,384     3,343  
    EBITDA $ 4,145   $ 3,448   $ 2,220   $ 1,316   $ 4,429   $ 1,127   $ 3,022   $ 3,340  
    EBITDA Margin   11.9 %   11.2 %   7.6 %   4.7 %   14.0 %   4.3 %   10.3 %   11.0 %
                     
    Share-based Compensation   1,863     1,463     1,591     1,488     1,902     1,260     1,251     1,582  
    One Time Expenses                
    Settlements, penalties & interest   581     266     375     339     147     283     140     436  
    Acquisition and transaction costs   779     665     1,001     914     254     51          
    Other non-recurring expenses   136     385     253         86     53         633  
    Other expense (income), net   (188 )   2             (10 )   1     1,800     93  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 7,316   $ 6,229   $ 5,440   $ 4,057   $ 6,808   $ 2,775   $ 6,213   $ 6,084  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin   21.0 %   20.2 %   18.6 %   14.5 %   21.5 %   10.6 %   21.2 %   20.0 %
                                                     

    (1)Note that first quarters are seasonally strong as recurring year-end W2/ACA revenue is recognized in this period.

    Investor Relations Contact
    Patrick McKillop
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    617-335-5058
    patrick.mckillop@asuresoftware.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Applauds Vice President Vance’s South Carolina Visit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — Today, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Nucor Steel Plant in Huger, South Carolina. 
    “I am thankful that Vice President Vance took the time to visit Nucor Steel and see first-hand why South Carolina leads the nation in manufacturing. His visit today should help us demonstrate to President Trump how his goal of revitalizing American manufacturing and recognizing the industry’s hard-working men and women can be led by the job creation, innovation, and economic growth in the Palmetto State.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: ‘DOGE’ & TRUMP JUST SLASHED $26+ MILLION FOR AMERICORPS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMUNITY PROJECTS ACROSS NEW YORK, AXING 3,600 AMERICORPS NATIONAL SERVICE MEMBERS, WITH MORE DEVASTATING CUTS…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Thousands Of AmeriCorps Members Were Just Fired By ‘DOGE’ And NY Community Grants Ripped Away, Cancelling Funds To Help Build Houses, Provide Rural Health Care, Respond To Disasters, Tutor Students, And More
    Every Year Over 22,000 AmeriCorps National Service Participants Work On 1,700+ Projects In Every Corner Of NY, But Now Grants Are Being Cancelled Across The State With Even More Cuts Expected – Senator Breaks Down Impact Region By Region Thus Far And Demands Funding Be Restored
    Schumer: Calling Service-Led Community Projects ‘Government Waste’ Makes No Sense, AmeriCorps Is One Of The Best Bang For Your Buck Programs That Helps NY Communities In Need
    After Trump and ‘DOGE’ placed a majority of AmeriCorps employees on leave and terminated nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants nationally earlier this month, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed this has impacted over 3,600 NY community service members slashing over $26 million in federal funding for local community projects in every corner of New York State, and with more potential cuts on the horizon the senator broke down the impacts region by region to show just how deep these cuts go. 
    Schumer said this is the first step towards dismantling AmeriCorps entirely would devastate New York, which has over 1,700 AmeriCorps projects, and is demanding that NY House Republicans stand up to protect this vital public service and join him in his push to immediately reverse these cuts. All of these AmeriCorps programs have long-standing bipartisan support having been previously authorized by Congress and funded by the annual appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed into law, making ‘DOGE’s’ cuts unlawful.
    “AmeriCorps is one of the world’s greatest service programs, and one of the best bang for your buck federal investments in addressing community needs and in the future of our country. But across New York hundreds of AmeriCorps community service participants were just egregiously fired and had their funding ripped away halting their critical work helping the communities they serve. This is funding that provides rural healthcare in the Southern Tier, helps children learn to read in Buffalo, expands job training opportunities in Albany, and so much more to fill in the gaps by linking national service participants with opportunities to gain experience serving their country. This critical work will now cease as these members are dismissed and funding is ripped away from our communities by Trump and ‘DOGE,’” said Senator Schumer. “I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. You don’t dismiss thousands of members who have dedicated their time to public service and giving back to underserved communities – it makes no sense. These are community projects that wouldn’t happen without AmeriCorps and we need these cuts reversed NOW and for NY Republicans to stand up in opposition to eliminating funding for AmeriCorps.”
    In recent days, Trump and ‘DOGE’ cut roughly 75% of full-time AmeriCorps employees and dismissed thousands of national service participants working on projects in every corner of the country, including over 3,600 community service participants across New York and cancelling over $26 million in grant funding, meaning in many instances these projects will not continue. You can find a full list of cut projects across Upstate NY according to AmeriCorps linked HERE. Some projects cut or facing threats by the Trump administration include:
    In Buffalo, AmeriCorps members were tutoring more than 2,500 students across 4 schools in the school district through City Year, helping students improve attendance and academic performance. In addition, more AmeriCorps members were building homes through Habitat for Humanity.
    In the Southern Tier, AmeriCorps members based in Binghamton were providing health care services to rural communities across the Southern Tier through the Rural Health Network of South Central New York.
    In Rochester, AmeriCorps members were improving academic engagement and college and career readiness throughout the Rochester City School District through Monroe Community College and providing public health apprenticeships through Flower City Public Health Corps.
    In the Capital Region, AmeriCorps members were providing free support for high schoolers applying for federal student aid through SUNY and training to be dispute resolution practitioners.
    In Central NY and the North Country, AmeriCorps members were working with local children providing mentoring, nutrition, and fitness education through Oswego AmeriCorps and working supporting outdoor-based education initiatives in the Adirondacks community through the Wild Center.
    In the Hudson Valley, AmeriCorps members were working with local children through We Prosper Family Organization.
    A breakdown of dismissed volunteers and cut federal funding by region for Upstate NY can be found below:

    Region

    Federal Funding

    Capital Region

    $6,439,224

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    $2,556,668

    Western NY

    $2,285,041

    Southern Tier

    $647,910

    Central NY & North Country

    $636,020

    Hudson Valley

    $132,300

    TOTAL FOR UPSTATE NY-BASED PROJECTS

    $12,697,163

    Across New York State, there are over 22,000 national service members working on over 1,700 projects. AmeriCorps and its partners generated more than $20 million in outside resources from businesses, foundations, public agencies, and other sources in New York last year. Schumer said AmeriCorps members and communities that are impacted by these latest cuts are just the tip of the iceberg, with more cuts being announced every day that could soon hit other projects such as the Rockland Head Start program which provides child care, Interfaith Works in Syracuse which supports Central New York seniors, and Lifespan which provides services to seniors across Upstate NY such as training for part time jobs as senior companions in Central New York and health and wellness programs for seniors in the Rochester Finger-Lakes region.
    ‘There is no rhyme or reason to the project and grant terminations, other than DOGE was forcing AmeriCorps to get to a bottom-line dollar amount. The reason for eliminating over half the staff is very clear: This administration does not value the contributions of public servants who have been quietly administering an extremely efficient agency that engages Americans all across the country in service, which in addition to providing critical services, strengthens civic engagement and ties between people of all backgrounds,” said Kelly Daly, President, AFSCME Local 2027.
    “AmeriCorps gets things done by filling unmet local needs, while bolstering a sense of community,  advancing personal responsibility, and boosting the upward mobility of its participants.  We have used AmeriCorps members to build the capacity of anti-hunger organizations throughout the state. In many ways, AmeriCorps is a conservative program. You don’t get a penny unless you work, most program funding decisions are made by states rather than the federal government, and the vast majority of participants serve with nonprofit groups (not government agencies). AmeriCorps is one the most cost-effective ways to solve social problems because it harnesses the immense energy of citizen service. Thus, if conservatives were ideologically consistent, they would increase rather than gut AmeriCorps funding. We thank Leader Schumer for keeping the government running and keep many AmeriCorps projects alive as long as possible, and for taking on the fight to protect AmeriCorps,” said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, a national nonpartisan nonprofit organization headquartered in New York.
    Executive Director of PEACE, Inc., Carolyn D. Brown said, “PEACE, Inc.’s AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program allows our community’s seniors to share their time and their expertise through mentoring. Statistics show how the program improves the lives of our Foster Grandparent volunteers and both the academic performance and the social emotional skills of youth in elementary schools, Head Starts, and children’s centers. If our program was eliminated, 68 Foster Grandparent volunteers would lose their positions, and 225 vulnerable youth would lose critical interventions. These numbers would prove devastating for a city like Syracuse where nearly 1 out of 2 children live in poverty.”
    “InterFaith Works’ Senior Companion Program connects older volunteers with older adults and caregivers, for in home companionship and friendly visits. For as little as $3000 per year, vulnerable older adults stay socially connected, get help with daily activities, and age well at home – and out of costly nursing homes. Working caregivers get free in home respite for up to 40 hours per week, so they can maintain their jobs and attend to their personal needs. Senior Companion volunteers are all low-income older adults who receive a small stipend, stay active, and keep themselves healthy, too. Funding cuts would eliminate these critical and cost-effective supports for over 300 vulnerable older adults and their caregivers throughout the Central New York community,” said Lori Klivak, Director of the Center for Healthy Aging at InterFaith Works of CNY.
    “In the past five years, City Year AmeriCorps members have served in Buffalo schools to help thousands of students engage more deeply with their learning, stay on track to graduate, and reach their full potential, and these corps members receive professional development and gain skills that prepare them to enter the workforce as our region’s most in-demand employees,” said City Year Buffalo Executive Director Jacqueline Ashby. “We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast support in championing the national service program AmeriCorps that makes this important work possible, and that benefits our community, local economy, education system and workforce development here in Western New York.”
    Across the country, AmeriCorps deploys more than 200,000 Americans annually to carry out results-driven projects at over 35,000 locations. National service participants serve in hundreds of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community and faith-based organizations, in rural and urban communities throughout the country. They mentor youth, build affordable housing, help communities respond to disasters, and build the capacity of nonprofit groups to extend and improve their impact by leveraging community service participants. In exchange for their services, AmeriCorps members earn an education award to pay for college or to pay off qualified student loans. A non-partisan study showed that there are an estimated $17 in benefits returned for every taxpayer dollar spent. In addition, Schumer said AmeriCorps is a long-standing, bipartisan program and failing to use AmeriCorps funding for its intended purpose as appropriated by Congress would be a violation of the law.
    Schumer led dozens of his colleagues’ in a recent letter to the President on these devastating cuts, which can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Statement on Today’s Passage of H.J. Res 88 Effectively Killing New York State’s Radical Green New Deal Electric Vehicle Mandate

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) released a statement on the passage of H.J.Res.88 in the House of Representatives:

     

    “I am very pleased that H.J.Res. 88 passed the House today, reversing the EPA’s decision to allow California to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

    “This push to force Americans into electric vehicles is nonsensical and dangerous. Forcing our dealerships to shoulder this burden would have had dire consequences.

    “Back in February, I led a bipartisan letter to Governor Hochul urging her to reconsider New York’s EV Sales Mandate, which was directly adopted from California’s environmental extremists in power. This mandate would have left dealerships with large inventories of unsold EVs, potentially leading to layoffs and other negative economic consequences for thousands of workers employed in New York’s automotive industry.

    This legislation’s passage in the House is a huge win for our auto-industry consumers, dealerships, and workers! Now, the Senate must pass it immediately so President Trump can sign it into law as soon as possible.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Keith Self’s Office Announces the Winners of Texas District 3 Congressional Art Competition

    Source:

    The Office of Congressman Keith Self hosted the annual Congressional Art Competition at the Blue House Too Art Gallery, operated by the Allen Arts Alliance in Allen, Texas.

    “I am incredibly proud to see the creativity and artistic achievements of the students here in Texas District 3. The Congressional Art Competition is a tradition that my wife Tracy, my team, and I look forward to each year. Experiencing these students’ artistry is truly inspiring,” said Congressman Keith Self. “Congratulations to all of this year’s participants, and thank you to the students, teachers, parents, and judges who made this event possible. I can’t wait to see the winning artwork displayed in my district offices and in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.”

    Winners from First to Fourth Place:
    Katie Zhou – “Nurtured by Time” from Allen High School
    Miranda Chen – “Inertia” from the Hockaday School
    Ameya Kohil – “Virtual Reality” from Wylie High School 
    Ethan Otillio – “In Arms Reach” from Plano Senior High School

    This year’s Congressional Art Competition judges
    Brandon Adams – Greenville, TX
    Leticia Herrera – McKinney, TX
    Wendy McIntyre – Allen, TX

    Established in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition celebrates and encourages artistic achievement on a national scale. Since its founding, the competition has recognized more than 10,000 student artworks, which have been displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol—one of the most traveled corridors in the nation.

    Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Zinke Awarded Top Conservation Honors by Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

    Source:

    TRCP recognized Zinke’s extensive track record on conservation and the protection of public lands

    (WASHINGTON, DC) On Wednesday, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) awarded Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) with the James D. Range Conservation Award for his work on wildlife conservation and the protection of public lands, particularly his introduction of the Public Lands in Public Hands Act and Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act.

     

    The award is the highest honor given by TRCP and is granted to one Democrat and one Republican each year for their dedication to protecting public lands and healthy herds. Zinke was honored for his extensive track record on the protection of public access to public lands and his longtime work on mapping and conserving migration corridors for iconic big game species like elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope. 

     

    “Growing up as a Boy Scout in the Flathead, one thing was instilled in me over and over again: you pack out what you pack in, leave campsites cleaner than you found them. That lesson, combined with the North American Conservation Ethic, guides my policymaking to ensure the next generation can hunt, fish, and hike in the same magnificent landscapes we did,” said Congressman Zinke. “Hunting and fishing are the backbone of wildlife and habitat conservation. I’m honored to accept this award, and I want to thank the colleges, conservation groups, and local stakeholders who’ve offered expert advice and support throughout my conservation efforts. Protecting public lands, migration corridors, and public access aren’t red or blue issues; they are red, white, and blue issues, and we must continue to work together to preserve what makes Montana so special.”

     

    “Montana’s hunting and fishing legacy and public access is legendary,” said K.C. Walsh, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership board of directors’ member and Montana Fish & Wildlife commissioner. “Ryan Zinke has been a champion for keeping public lands in public hands and for the protection of big game migrations in Montana and the Nation.  Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Representative Zinke.”

     

    “Representative Zinke’s commitment to public lands and conservation has made him a champion of hunters and anglers,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “TRCP is thrilled to award him the James D. Range Conservation Award and we look forward to continue working with Representative Zinke to help guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish.”

     

    A national sportsmen’s organization based out of Missoula, Montana, TRCP’s mission is to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. The annual Capital Conservation Awards Gala brings together conservationists, elected officials, policymakers, and business leaders who share a commitment to our hunting and fishing traditions. It is a chance to celebrate that conservation is, and always has been, bipartisan and uniquely American.

     

    A partial list of Congressman Zinke’s work on conservation issues follows: 

     

    • Public Lands in Public Hands Act
      • (118th & 119th Congress)
        Protects public access to federal lands by prohibiting most sales/transfers unless previously authorized, requiring congressional approval for large tracts, and preserving nearly 30 million acres for public use.
    • Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act
      • (118th & 119th Congress)
        Codifies Secretarial Order 3362, the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program, and USDA’s Migratory Big Game Initiative to enhance big game migration corridors and critical wintering habitat through federal and state collaboration.
    • Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act
      • (Part of EXPLORE Act, 118th Congress)
        Creates digital access passes, promotes lesser-known recreation sites, and supports local economies, housing, and infrastructure through agency-community collaboration.
    • Wildlife Corridors on Working Lands Act
      • (118th & 119th Congress)

        directs the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide more resources and incentives for farmers and ranchers to increase habitat connectivity and wildlife movement on working lands

    • Secretarial Order 3356
      • Expanded hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting opportunities on DOI lands while advancing conservation through state, tribal, and territorial partnerships.
    • Secretarial Order 3362
      • Directed federal-state collaboration to improve big-game winter range and migration corridors in 11 western states, respecting state wildlife management and private property rights
    • Great American Outdoors Act
      • Major bipartisan conservation law that created the largest investment in public lands infrastructure in generations. The bill was first constructed by then-Secretary Zinke, originally the Restore Our Parks Act and later bundled with other bills to become GAOA, is delivering historic funding to national parks and public land maintenance.

     

     

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Preserve America’s Parks and Public Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Steve Daines (R-MT), leaders of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee, are introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen and better manage public lands across the country. The America the Beautiful Act would reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and increase its funding to address serious maintenance backlog and ensure that America’s public lands can be enjoyed for generations to come. 

    Senator King first introduced the bipartisan Restore Our Parks Act in July 2018 which established the “National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund” to reduce the maintenance backlog by allocating existing revenues the government collects from on and offshore energy development. It was passed in the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, but now requires reauthorization.

    “People travel from across the globe to experience the natural beauty of America’s public lands from Maine to Montana and across the nation,” said Senator King, Ranking Member of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee. “However, deferred repairs on aging infrastructure like roads and trails can become unsafe and diminish the visitor experience for those enjoying our public lands and National Parks. By addressing maintenance backlog and reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund, the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act will help better protect our lands and the visitor experience. This is an important step forward in creating lasting protections for our public lands and continues to demonstrate that stewardship is not partisan.”

    “When President Trump signed my Great American Outdoors Act into law in 2020, it was the greatest conservation win for Montana and the entire country in 50 years. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to strengthen that win and protect our outdoor way of life for generations to come,” said Senator Daines, Chairman of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee. “The America the Beautiful Act will fund crucial projects and address maintenance backlogs, so that people can get outside and enjoy the natural beauty we’re lucky to have here in the U.S.” 

    “America’s parks are our legacy to uphold — and bold action is essential to fulfill that promise. The National Park Foundation applauds Senators Daines and King for their leadership in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund,” said Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Since its establishment through the Great American Outdoors Act, this vital program has already delivered billions toward transformative infrastructure projects across our national parks. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, reauthorizing this investment affirms a bold democratic ideal — that every generation deserves to experience our parks as we do today. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure these magnificent landscapes and historic sites can continue welcoming visitors for generations to come.”

    “We applaud the leadership of U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) in reintroducing legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. This proven, bipartisan investment keeps national parks running. The reauthorization of this bill will allow Acadia National Park to continue to make progress against a long list of needed projects that are essential for protecting resources and elevating the visitor experience. With nearly 4 million visits to Acadia in 2024 alone, and over 330 million to national parks nationwide, continued investment to maintain park infrastructure is critical,”  said Eric Stiles, President & CEO, Friends of Acadia.

    The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes the LRF for through 2033 and increases funding to $2 billion per year to help address the maintenance backlog in national parks and public lands. Currently, the maintenance backlog for each agency is as follows:

    1. U.S. Park Service: $23.26 billion
    2. U.S. Forest Service: $8.695 billion
    3. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: $2.65 billion
    4. U.S. Bureau of Land Management: $5.72 billion
    5. U.S. Bureau of Indian Education: $804.5 million

    Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are original cosponsors of the America the Beautiful Act. The legislation is supported by over 40 public lands, conservation and recreation groups. 

    Read the bill text HERE and a one pager on the bill HERE.

    As a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for conservation. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Since the creation of the LRF, Senator King has pushed park leaders to discuss funding maintenance efforts, maintaining a sufficient NPS workforce, and managing growing park visitation.

    Senator King’s work on this legislation is the culmination of more than four decades of work on land conservation efforts in Maine, including helping to establish the Land for Maine’s Future program in 1987 and supporting extensive conservation projects during his time as Governor. Under King’s leadership in his eight years as Maine governor, he put more Maine land under conservation than in the state’s 175 year history.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Murkowski, Schatz Reintroduce Legislation to Help Veterans with Disabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    05.01.25

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Deliver for Veterans Act. This legislation expands an existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant program to allow the funds awarded to a veteran to acquire an adapted vehicle to also be used to cover the cost of shipping the vehicle to where it’s needed. 

    “Our veterans in rural Alaska, deserve the same access to the specialized grant programs and services that they would get if they lived elsewhere in the country,” said Senator Murkowski. “There is a significant financial burden associated with transporting a car to many of the rural communities around Alaska. As the state with the highest number of veterans per capita, I want those with disabilities living in Alaska to be able to benefit from the VA’s many excellent programs. Ensuring that they can affordably transport handicapped-modified vehicles to their homes is an important step.”

    “Disabled veterans deserve access to every benefit they have earned – regardless of where they live,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill is about basic fairness and will help disabled veterans in Hawai‘i and other isolated areas receive the specialized vehicles they need to go about their daily lives.”

    At present, the program provides eligible veterans with a stipend of $26,417.20 to purchase or modify accessible vehicles. However, those funds cannot be used to ship their vehicles, making it exceedingly difficult for veterans to acquire these vehicles in Alaska and Hawaii. The Deliver for Veterans Act would amend the grant program to allow coverage of these additional costs.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
    Section 1Purpose and Policy.  It shall be the policy of the executive branch to vigorously enforce the historic and robust protections for religious liberty enshrined in Federal law.  The Founders envisioned a Nation in which religious voices and views are integral to a vibrant public square and human flourishing and in which religious people and institutions are free to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or hostility from the Government.  Indeed, the roots of religious liberty stretch back to the early settlers who fled religious persecution in Europe, seeking a new world where they could choose, follow, and practice their faith without interference from the Government.  The principle of religious liberty was enshrined in American law with the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1791.  Since that time, the Constitution has protected the fundamental right to religious liberty as Americans’ first freedom.
    During my first term, I issued Executive Order 13798 of May 4, 2017 (Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty).  Pursuant to that order, the Attorney General issued a memorandum for all executive departments and agencies (agencies) titled “Federal Law Protections for Religious Liberty” on October 6, 2017.  The Supreme Court has also continued to vindicate the Founders’ commitment to religious liberty, including by giving effect to the principle that religious voices should be welcomed on an equal basis in the public square.
    In recent years, some Federal, State, and local policies have threatened America’s unique and beautiful tradition of religious liberty.  These policies attempt to infringe upon longstanding conscience protections, prevent parents from sending their children to religious schools, threaten loss of funding or denial of non-profit tax status for faith-based entities, and single out religious groups and institutions for exclusion from governmental programs.  Some opponents of religious liberty would remove religion entirely from public life.  Others characterize religious liberty as inconsistent with civil rights, despite religions’ vital roles in the abolition of slavery; the passage of Federal civil rights laws; and the provision of indispensable social, educational, and health services.
    President Ronald Reagan reminded us that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”  Americans need to be reacquainted with our Nation’s superb experiment in religious freedom in order to preserve it against emerging threats.  Therefore, the Federal Government will promote citizens’ pride in our foundational history, identify emerging threats to religious liberty, uphold Federal laws that protect all citizens’ full participation in a pluralistic democracy, and protect the free exercise of religion.

    Sec. 2Establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission.  (a)  There is hereby established the Religious Liberty Commission (Commission).
    (b)  The Commission shall function as follows:
    (i)     The Commission shall be composed of up to 14 members appointed by the President.  Members of the Commission shall include individuals chosen to serve as educated representatives of various sectors of society, including the private sector, employers, educational institutions, religious communities, and States, to offer diverse perspectives on how the Federal Government can defend religious liberty for all Americans.  The President shall designate a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among the members.  The Commission shall also include the following ex officio members or such senior officials as those members may designate:
                     (A)  the Attorney General;
                     (B)  the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and
                     (C)  the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.
    (ii)    Members appointed to the Commission shall serve one term ending on July 4, 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence.  If the term of the Commission is extended by the President beyond July 4, 2026, members shall be eligible for reappointment for a 2-year term.  Members may continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until the appointment of a successor.
    (iii) The Commission shall produce a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, the impact of religious liberty on American society, current threats to domestic religious liberty, strategies to preserve and enhance religious liberty protections for future generations, and programs to increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism. Specific topics to be considered by the Commission under these categories shall include the following areas: the First Amendment rights of pastors, religious leaders, houses of worship, faith-based institutions, and religious speakers; attacks across America on houses of worship of many religions; debanking of religious entities; the First Amendment rights of teachers, students, military chaplains, service members, employers, and employees; conscience protections in the health care field and concerning vaccine mandates; parents’ authority to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children, including the right to choose a religious education; permitting time for voluntary prayer and religious instruction at public schools; Government displays with religious imagery; and the right of all Americans to freely exercise their faith without fear or Government censorship or retaliation.
     (iv)    The Commission shall advise the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council on religious liberty policies of the United States.  Specific activities of the Commission shall include, to the extent permitted by law, recommending steps to secure domestic religious liberty by executive or legislative actions as well as identifying opportunities for the White House Faith Office to partner with the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom to further the cause of religious liberty around the world.
    (v)     Members of the Commission shall serve without any compensation for their work on the Commission.  Members of the Commission, while engaged in the work of the Commission, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, to the extent permitted by law for persons serving intermittently in Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707), consistent with the availability of funds.
    (vi)    To advise members of the Commission:
                 (A)  An Advisory Board of Religious Leaders shall be designated by the President and shall consist of not more than 15 members.  The Advisory Board of Religious Leaders shall be a subcomponent of the Commission and report to the Chairman of the Commission; 
                  (B)  An Advisory Board of Lay Leaders from religious congregations shall be designated by the President and shall consist of not more than 15 members.  The Advisory Board of Lay Leaders shall be a subcomponent of the Commission and report to the Chairman of the Commission; and
                  (C)  An Advisory Board of Legal Experts shall be designated by the President and shall consist of the Attorney General, or the Attorney General’s designee, and not more than 10 attorneys.  The Advisory Board of Legal Experts shall be a subcomponent of the Commission and report to the Chairman of the Commission.
    (vii)   The Commission shall terminate on July 4, 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence, unless extended by the President.
    (viii)  The Department of Justice shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the Commission may require, to the extent permitted by law and as authorized by existing appropriations.
    (ix)    Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act (chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code) may apply to the Commission or any of its Advisory Boards, any functions of the President under that Act, except for those in sections 1005 and 1013 of that Act, shall be performed by the Attorney General, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.

    Sec. 3.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any agency, person, or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other agencies, persons, or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        May 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney speaks with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres.

    The Secretary-General congratulated the Prime Minister on his election. Prime Minister Carney emphasized Canada’s relationship and shared history with the UN, and Canada’s continued support of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The leaders also discussed a wide range of issues, including UN reform, climate finance, the security and humanitarian crises in Haiti, and the war in Ukraine.

    The leaders agreed to strengthen this relationship and to stay in close contact.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Calls for Proposals: Strengthening Community Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Caribbean Region

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    UNDRR is the United Nations’ focal point for coordinating disaster risk reduction, working closely with countries and a wide range of partners and stakeholders to support the implementation, monitoring, and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. This work is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and other relevant instruments, with the ultimate goal of achieving multi-hazard management of disaster risk in development and significantly reducing disaster risk and losses.

    In accordance with UN Financial Regulations and Rules, UNDRR provides grants to apolitical and non-profit-making organizations to facilitate, implement, or carry out activities that align with UNDRR’s and its partners’ mandates and work programs.

    To this end, UNDRR is pleased to invite non-profit-making organizations to submit grant proposals that focus on the following project: Strengthening Community Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Caribbean Region.

    Rationale

    As an implementing partner of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Caribbean Initiative, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) recognizes the critical role that strategic partnerships play in enhancing multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) across the Caribbean. The Caribbean’s unique vulnerabilities, including its geographic isolation and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors, make community-based multi-hazard early warning systems a critical component of long-term disaster resilience. Effective multi-hazard early warnings at the community level enable timely evacuations, safeguard livelihoods, and minimize disruptions to essential services, ultimately protecting development gains. A well-funded and coordinated approach to strengthening community MHEWS will ensure that warnings are not only issued but also understood and acted upon, closing the last-mile gap in disaster risk reduction.

    Strengthening community-based MHEWS is essential to enhancing disaster resilience in the Caribbean, where vulnerable populations are often the first to experience the impacts of hydro-meteorological hazards. Community MHEWS serve as the frontline of disaster preparedness, ensuring that multi-hazard early warnings are effectively communicated to those most at risk, including marginalized groups, persons with disabilities, and remote communities. By supporting a grant that prioritizes community engagement, capacity-building, and localized risk communication strategies, UNDRR and its regional partners can bridge the gap between national multi-hazard early warning mechanisms and community action. This alignment will foster a culture of preparedness where residents have the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to respond proactively to disasters, reducing loss of life and property.

    Investing in community-driven MHEWS also strengthens the sustainability and effectiveness of broader these systems by integrating local and scientific knowledge. Traditional warning methods, such as the use of community leaders and cultural practices, can complement modern technologies, enhancing the accessibility and trustworthiness of alerts. Additionally, empowering local actors-such as community disaster committees, schools, and civil society organizations-to participate in the co-design of warning messages ensures that information is context-specific and actionable. By establishing this grant, resources can be allocated to expand risk awareness campaigns, improve response, and provide targeted training, all of which are vital to building a robust, inclusive, and people-centered multi-hazard early warning system.

    Purpose

    Establish a grant between UNDRR and an experienced (sub) regional partner to enhance existing community level disaster preparedness and response capacity including training on community vulnerability assessment.

    Outcome

    Strengthened MHEWS at the community levels within CDEMA Participating Sates through improved local level disaster risk knowledge, enhanced community disaster response team and improved local level MHEWS strategies.

    Outputs and suggested activities

    1. Improved and contextualized MHEWS guidelines for addressing vulnerabilities of specific groups in the Caribbean region.
    2. Strengthened sub-national coordination mechanisms for MHEWS through supporting the development and implementation of local strategies for disaster risk reduction.
    3. Enhanced MHEWS local coordination in the Caribbean through participatory approaches
    4. Improved understanding of community vulnerabilities and exposure.
    5. Improved community response capabilities.

    Suggested activities

    1. Output 1: Improved and contextualized MHEWS guidelines for addressing vulnerabilities of specific groups in the Caribbean region
      • Development of a regional workshop with Ministries in charge of addressing gender concerns and the needs of vulnerable groups and last-mile communities, including those with disabilities and Gender Bureaus, to discuss how MHEWS can be more inclusive, gender-responsive and transformative.
      • Development of guidelines, recommendations and commitments that will strengthen MHEWS in at least 3 countries that are inclusive, gender responsive and transformative.
    2. Output 2: Strengthened sub-national coordination mechanisms for MHEWS through supporting the development and implementation of local strategies for disaster risk reduction
      • Implementation of the MHEWS addendum of the resilience scorecard in 4 selected Caribbean local government in close coordination with UNDRR and the grantee.
      • At least four local governments have improved sub-national coordination for MHEWS through the developed local resilience plans with the implementation of the MCR2030 MHEWS Addendum and resilience scorecard
    3. Output 3: Enhanced MHEWS local coordination in the Caribbean through participatory approaches
      • Facilitate consultation between national, local stakeholders, civil society and community organizations to support the review and alignment of MHEWS strategies within the Caribbean region to improve national level coordination.
      • Develop reports on at least 4 local government areas on consultations aligning MHEWS with community resilience.
    4. Output 4: Improved understanding of community vulnerabilities and exposure
      • Facilitate regional training on Enhanced Vulnerability Capacity Assessment (eVCA) for Red Cross-National Societies and National Disaster Risk Management Offices for improved capacity for community engagement and assessment.
      • Improved risk knowledge with one regional baseline survey on knowledge and capacities of Red Cross-National Societies and National Disaster Risk Management Offices in the Caribbean.
      • Strengthened capacity of national stakeholders with one regional training on the Enhanced Vulnerability Capacity Assessment in a selected Caribbean territory with an eVCA and report.
      • A second eVCA conducted in a selected sub-national Caribbean territory with a report being developed.
    5. Output 5: Improved community response capabilities
      • Establishment, training and equipping of Community Disaster Response Teams (CDRTs) for prioritized hazards.
      • At least one in-person regional training on community early warning system.
      • Enhanced preparedness and response capacity in countries with at least four Community Disaster Response Teams established and equipped to respond to hazard impacts

    Resources

    Elements specific to the project that the grantee should know

    1. All International, (sub) regional and national non-governmental organizations that wish to be considered for partnership opportunities with UNDRR will need to register and create a profile on the United Nations Partner Portal (UNPP).
      1. Following verification of the profile information, partners will be eligible to apply to partnership opportunities with UNDRR as well as the UN Secretariat and all other participating UN Organizations.
      2. We encourage you to start the registration as soon as possible to avoid delays. Only registered organizations whose profile has been successfully verified will be considered eligible partners to apply for grant opportunities with UNDRR.
      3. For more details on registration procedures please visit the UN Section of UNPP (https://www.unpartnerportal.org/registration)
    2. Furthermore, the United Nations system requires all partners to be assessed regarding their capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. UNDRR encourages implementing partners to use the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) module in the UNPP. PSEA Module User Guide CSO Partner Members
    3. The grantee must have a proven track record in working with government authorities, both at the national and local levels with experience in risk data aggregation to improve early warning and impact-based forecasting [Mandatory].
      1. Applicant to confirm that it has expertise in disaster risk reduction and community resilience sector and to provide certificates or qualifications of persons implementing the grant.
      2. Applicant to confirm that it has a minimum 20 years’ experience in disaster risk reduction and community resilience sector, demonstrated with clear examples of at least 10 programmes/projects of similar scope.
      3. Applicant is expected to provide relevant information of their local expertise, including experience of working with regional and local key stakeholders, and established consultation and feedback mechanisms with local communities
    4. For all training, workshops, consultative meetings, etc., grantee must provide a summary outcome of the events, list of participants with disaggregate information including names, affiliation, gender, email address, city, and country of representation. All events must be accompanied by relevant reports with photos as proof of evidence. [Mandatory].

    Budget and administrative-related aspects

    The duration of the proposed project cannot exceed December 31st 2026. The maximum amount requested from UNDRR for the implementation of this project cannot exceed USD$315,000.00. The project proposal must not exceed 10 pages (attachments such as scanned copies of entity’s registration, CVs of staff etc. do not count).

    For this purpose, please fill in duly all the sections of the application form, include the required documents (scanned copy of NGO/IGO’s registration certificate, CVs of staff etc.) and budget excel sheets, and send the complete application package (application form, budget excel sheets, entity registration certificate, CVs of staff, etc.) to the following email address: [email protected] cc: [email protected] and [email protected]

    Reference: UNDRR CfP 2025/003Call for Proposals – Strengthening Community Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Caribbean Region

    Deadline for applications: May 9th 2025 midnight New York, USA EST (Eastern Standard Time). Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.

    Projects’ activities can include, amongst others, the following:

    • seminars, workshops, trainings;
    • capacity building activities;
    • institutional strengthening activities and
    • advocacy

    The following types of activity will not be covered:

    • capital expenditure, e.g. land, buildings, equipment and vehicles;
    • individual scholarships for studies or training courses;
    • supporting political parties; and
    • sub-contracting

    Due to the number of applications, only short-listed applicants will be notified.

    Please note that UNDRR may publish information about the grant agreement. Please note that the grant payment schedule will be determined with the selected grantee when finalizing the agreement. UNDRR standard practice is: not to exceed 40% of the requested amount upon signature of the grant agreement; remaining payments made based on a schedule of payments linked to production of project milestones and the final payment, 20%, will be paid after the end of the project, once final documents have been received, verified and approved by UNDRR.

    Refund of grants: UNDRR may request organizations to refund, either in part or in whole any amounts paid in respect of a grant when:

    • the project was not implemented in full or in part;
    • the grant was spent for ineligible expenditures other than those mentioned in the budget proposal submitted to, and approved by UNDRR;
    • no narrative, financial or audit report was submitted within the deadline established by the grant agreement;
    • a narrative report and/or a financial report submitted was determined to be unsatisfactory;
    • a negative evaluation of the project by UNDRR;
    • any other valid reason provided by the UNDRR.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Torres Demands Transparency from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Over Pomona Raids

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

    May 01, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres, sent a letter to Acting Commissioner Flores calling for immediate transparency and answers following a series of raids conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Pomona, California. The raids, which took place on April 22 and April 25, targeted individuals at a Home Depot and an auto body shop, raising serious concerns about due process, local law enforcement coordination, and the treatment of detainees.

    “I am profoundly outraged by the CBP’s actions in Pomona. These raids, which appear to target individuals simply trying to provide for their families, seem to disregard basic human rights and federal law– throwing out our constitution,” said Congresswoman Torres. “ The Border Patrol, escorted by the Riverside Sheriff’s Department, failed to constantly notify Pomona about their activities in the city. This lack of communication and common courtesy in informing an allied agency was a significant oversight. I demand an immediate update from CBP regarding the status of those detained, their legal grounds for detention, and most importantly, the information that would allow us to support families and ensure legal representation for our constituents. I will not tolerate the continued secrecy and lack of transparency in this operation.”

    Background: The letter from Rep. Torres addresses a range of issues with the raids, including:

    • The lack of notification to local law enforcement, as required by policy.

    • A troubling absence of information about the detained individuals, leaving their families unable to make contact or secure legal counsel.

    • Concerns regarding the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s involvement, despite Pomona being located within Los Angeles County.

    The letter highlights the immediate need for answers from CBP, including the names and locations of detained individuals, the legal basis for the raids, and an explanation of why such actions were deemed necessary. Additionally, the Congresswoman is requesting a full briefing on the operations and a commitment from CBP to provide timely and accurate information to assist families in need.

    Full letter

    ###

    La Congresista Torres Exige Transparencia a la Oficina de CBP en Relación con las Detenciones en Pomona

    Washington, D.C. – La congresista Norma Torres, envió una carta a la Comisionada Flores pidiendo transparencia y respuestas inmediatas tras una serie de detenciones llevadas a cabo por el Servicio de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza (CBP) en Pomona, California. Las operaciones, que se llevaron a cabo los días 22 y 25 de abril, tuvieron como objetivo a personas en un Home Depot y un taller de carrocería de automóviles, planteando graves preocupaciones sobre el debido proceso, la coordinación de la aplicación de la ley local, y el tratamiento de los detenidos.

    “Estoy profundamente indignada por las acciones de la CBP en Pomona. Estas detenciones, que parecen estar dirigidas a personas que simplemente tratan de mantener a sus familias, parecen hacer a un lado los derechos humanos básicos y la ley federal – tirando por la borda nuestra constitución”, dijo la congresista Torres. “La Patrulla Fronteriza, escoltada por el Departamento del Sheriff de Riverside, no notificó constantemente a Pomona sobre sus actividades en la ciudad. Esta falta de comunicación y cortesía común en informar a una agencia aliada fue un descuido significativo. Exijo una actualización inmediata de la CBP con respecto a la situación de los detenidos, sus motivos legales para la detención, y lo más importante, la información que nos permita apoyar a las familias y garantizar la representación legal de nuestros electores. No toleraré que continúe el secretismo y la falta de transparencia en esta operación.”

    Contexto: La carta del diputado Torres aborda una serie de cuestiones relacionadas con las redadas, entre ellas:

    • La falta de notificación a las fuerzas de seguridad locales, como exige la normativa.

    • La preocupante ausencia de información sobre las personas detenidas, lo que impide a sus familias ponerse en contacto con ellas o conseguir asesoramiento jurídico.

    • La preocupación por la jurisdicción del Departamento del Sheriff del condado de Riverside, a pesar de que Pomona se encuentra en el condado de Los Ángeles.

    La carta pone de relevancia la necesidad inmediata de respuestas por parte de la CBP, incluyendo los nombres y ubicaciones de las personas detenidas, la base legal de las operaciones y una explicación de por qué fueron consideradas necesarias medidas. Además, la congresista solicita un informe completo sobre las operaciones y un compromiso de la CBP para proporcionar información oportuna y precisa para ayudar a las familias.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 204

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 204
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    230 PM CDT Thu May 1 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Central Texas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 230 PM until
    900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…Isolated but intense thunderstorms are expected to form
    this afternoon in a very moist and unstable air mass. Slow-moving
    supercells capable of very large hail appear to be the main concern.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 40
    statute miles north and south of a line from 115 miles west of
    Temple TX to 65 miles east southeast of Temple TX. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 203…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24035.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 204 SEVERE TSTM TX 011930Z – 020200Z
    AXIS..40 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    115W TPL/TEMPLE TX/ – 65ESE TPL/TEMPLE TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 35NM N/S /40NE JCT – 63ENE CWK/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.

    LAT…LON 31719936 31369641 30219641 30569936

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 204 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low ( 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $4M in funding to continue disaster-relief jobs, training for North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded incremental funding of $4 million to support disaster-relief jobs and continue employment training for North Carolina residents harmed in September 2024 when Hurricane Helene brought the worst flooding in a century to the area. 

    In October 2024, the department’s Employment and Training Administration responded by awarding a National Dislocated Worker Grant of up to $10 million, with an initial award of $2 million, to assist with cleanup and recovery activities in 25 North Carolina communities affected by the storm. 

    This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions to provide people with temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as providing employment and training services to storm survivors. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: El Paso, Texas, man pleads guilty to alien smuggling, money laundering conspiracies

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – An El Paso, Texas man who led a major human smuggling operation has plead guilty to federal charges of conspiring to transport and harbor illegal aliens and to launder the proceeds of the smuggling scheme, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case.

    According to court records, between July 7, 2022, and March 21, 2023, Jose Luis Avalos, 42, the leader of the organization and the final defendant to plead in the case, along with co-conspirators and his wife, Kristina Hardin, coordinated the illegal transportation and harboring of illegal aliens throughout New Mexico. In return, Avalos and Hardin received numerous money transfers into their bank accounts as proceeds from the smuggling operation and paid others for expenses related to the conspiracy.

    In addition, from Aug. 10, 2021, through Dec. 27, 2022, Avalos conspired with Hardin and others to launder the proceeds from the smuggling activities. They deposited illicit funds into multiple bank accounts and used the money for personal and mutual benefit, intentionally concealing the source and nature of these funds to avoid detection. In his plea agreement, Avalos admitted to knowingly participating in the conspiracy and working with others for their shared benefit.

    On May 18, 2023, Avalos was indicted along with eight co-conspirators, as part of a federal investigation into a large-scale illegal alien smuggling and money laundering operation. Subsequently, Hardin pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy to launder proceeds, while Avalos’ brother, David Avalos-Solis, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens. Twin brothers Dario Rey Gamboa and Diego Rean Gamboa, along with Justin Walker, Cindy Escobar, and Adam Guerrero, also pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens. Nancy Orellana-Recinos pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting eluding examination or inspection.

    Orellana-Recinos was sentenced to time served and was provided a notice to appear for immigration proceedings. Hardin received two years of probation. Walker was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Diego Rean Gamboa, Dario Rey Gamboa, Cindy Escobar, and Adam Guerrero were each sentenced to time served.

    At sentencing, Avalos faces 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

    Assistant United States Attorney Randy M. Castellano is prosecuting the case as part of Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia.

    JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorney Offices along the Southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 320 U.S. convictions; more than 265 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Encourages Community Awareness and Support for Mental Health

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Encourages Community Awareness and Support for Mental Health

    Posted on May 1, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, M.D., MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    May 1, 2025                                                                                                    25-045

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD), Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD), the Children’s Mental Health Acceptance (CMHA) Planning Hui and community partners are joining together in May to celebrate Mental Health Month.

    “We are committed to removing barriers for those seeking help and supporting people with the resources they need to care for themselves and their families,” said Tia L. R. Hartsock, director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience, housed in the Office of the Governor. “Together with partners like CAMHD and AMHD, we’re working to create resilient communities where no one feels shame about their struggles, and we reach out when having a hard time — whether it’s talking story with a friend or professional help.”

    Mental Health Month reminds us that it is essential for us to build supportive communities that empower those in need to seek the support and treatment they deserve. Mental health is a significant public health issue for all ages:
    • One in seven youth has a mental or behavioral health disorder, and
    • One in five adults live with a mental illness.

    Mental Health in Hawaiʻi

     

    • Fewer than one out of four public middle school students (about 23%) and about one out of five high school students (about 20%) got the kind of help they needed most of the time or always (among students who reported having felt sad, empty, hopeless, angry, or anxious).
    • Of public middle school students, about 34% have felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, so they stopped doing some usual activities; about 26% have seriously thought about killing themselves.
    • Of public high school students, in the past 12 months, about 35% felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, so they stopped doing some usual activities; about 16% have seriously considered attempting suicide.

    “Too many of our keiki feel like they don’t know how to get the help they need,” said Keli Acquaro, administrator for CAMHD. “Every child deserves to feel seen, heard and supported when it comes to their mental health. Show the young people in your life that their mental health matters – listen without judgment, offer support and remind them they are not alone.”

    • More than one in three adults (37.1%) reported at least one day in the past 30 days when their mental health was not good.
    • More than one in eight adults (13.9%) have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder by a health professional.

    “Mental health challenges touch many lives in Hawaiʻi, and prioritizing mental well-being is essential for the health of our entire community,” said Dr. Gavin Takenaka, administrator for AMHD.

    Mental Health Month Events Statewide

    Help spread the word and join in sign waving on May 8. Stand alongside mental health providers, community organizations and advocates statewide and sign wave to bring awareness to the importance of mental health. For information about this and other statewide events, please visit keikimentalhealthmatters.com.

    Green is the national color of mental health acceptance, representing hope, strength, support and encouragement for people with mental health concerns. The following buildings will display green lights in support of mental health:

    Oʻahu:

    • May 1-31: Hawai‘i State Capitol, Board of Water Supply, Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), Pali Momi Medical Center, Nalu Lani Plaza (Kakaʻako), Hawaiʻi Self Storage (Kaimukī and Kapolei), Hawaiki Tower and Windward Mall
    • April 28-May 2: IBM Building
    • May 5-9: Adventist Health Castle
    • May 26-30: Honolulu Hale and Blaisdell Center Arena

    Kauaʻi:

    • May 1-31: YWCA of Kauaʻi and Wilcox Medical Center
    • May 1-15 and 22-31: Kaua‘i Veterans Center & Museum
    If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or is in need of mental health support or resources call or text 988 or visit Hawai‘i CARES 988 to connect with a locally trained counselor 24/7 who can help with linkage to behavioral health crisis services. Call Aloha United Way 211 or text, chat or email for over 4,000 local resources.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    Mobile: 808-953-9616

    Jennifer Irvine

    Public Information Specialist

    Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    Office: 808-733-9346

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California’s population increases — again

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 1, 2025

    What you need to know: For the second year in a row, California’s Department of Finance released data showing the Golden State’s population grew. In 2024, the state added more than 100,000 residents.

    SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California’s population grew by 108,000 people in calendar year 2024, reaching 39,529,000 people as of January 1st, 2025 — according to new data from the California Department of Finance.

    “People from across the nation and the globe are coming to the Golden State to pursue the California Dream, where rights are protected and people are respected. As the fourth largest economy in the world — from the Inland Empire to the Bay Area — regions throughout California are growing, strengthening local communities and boosting our state’s future. We’ll continue to cut tape, invest in people, and seek real results from government to ensure we build on this momentum – all of which are at risk with the extreme and uncertain tariffs.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This increase marks the second consecutive calendar year of population growth. Additionally, this report reflects an upward revision of California’s January 2024 population, which saw a growth of 192,219 people (year over year) — up from the previously estimated increase of 67,104 people. And an upward revision of California’s January 2023 population, which saw a growth of 48,764 people (year over year) — up from the previously estimated decrease of 53,727 people.

    Factors for growth

    • Higher 2024 K-8 enrollment by 13,890 compared to 2023.

    • An increase in the 65-and-older population of 25,298 people in 2024, up from 6,622,031 people reported last year.

    • Natural increase — the net result of births minus deaths — contributed 114,805 to overall population growth in 2024, largely in line with the growth of 105,550 in 2023.

    • More data sources to better estimate California’s share of recent increases in legal immigration to the U.S. from 2021 to 2024, showing 277,468 more immigrants to the state during this period than in the 2023 estimate. This data only includes legal immigration.

    A look at city and county data

    The report contains preliminary year-over-year January 2025 and revised January 2021 through January 2024 population data for California cities, counties, and the state. It’s important to note that these estimates are based on information as of January 1, 2025, and therefore do not include data for the Los Angeles County wildfires later that month.

    • California’s 58 counties range in size from Alpine County, with just over 1,170 residents, to Los Angeles County with 9.9 million residents. The population increased in 35 counties, with most growth in the Central Valley, the Inland Empire, and coastal counties. Population gains reflect natural increase exceeding losses in net total migration.

    • The state’s ten largest counties remain Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Alameda, Sacramento, Contra Costa, and Fresno, with each having more than one million residents. These ten counties represent 72 percent of California’s population. 

    • Nine of the ten counties with one million or more people have positive population growth, leaving Contra Costa as the only county with a very small population loss of 24 people. Los Angeles led with an increase of 28,000 persons. 

    • Population growth rates ranged from a high of 2.88 percent in Lassen County to a low of -1.58 percent in Mono County. The next five largest in percentage growth were Glenn (1.35 percent), Fresno (0.87 percent), Sutter (0.83 percent), Imperial (0.81 percent), and Tulare (0.73 percent).

    Recent Census Bureau revisions

    In addition to the report released by the Department of Finance, the U.S. Census Bureau (which measures on a fiscal calendar year versus DOF’s calendar year) released updated information showing California’s population increasing as well  — with several key revisions upwards:

    • July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, California’s population increased by more than 225,000 people.

    • July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023: California’s population increased by more than 50,000 people. NOTE: This was revised up from the originally reported 75,000+ decrease.

    • July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022: California’s population decreased by just 151 people. NOTE: This was revised up from the originally reported 100,000+ decrease.

    Busting myths

    Despite the common myth of a continually declining population, California has only saw a short period of population loss in its 174 year history — during the peak of the COVID pandemic, when it decreased by 379,544 people (which represents about 1% decrease over those two years), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

    During the same period, from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, 10 states saw larger population decreases, with Louisiana — led by a Republican Governor and legislature — seeing the largest percent decrease. And 13 states also saw population decreases from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

    California leads the way

    Building on the second year of population growth, California leads the way in tourism spending, and was just announced as the fourth largest economy, moving up from fifth, in the world by the International Monetary Fund. California is also home to the most Fortune 500 companies and most Inc. 5000 companies. And, California leads the way nationally as the #1 state for new business starts, access to venture capital funding, manufacturing, high-tech, and agriculture.

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: House Republicans used an illegal tactic to attempt to overrule California’s clean cars and trucks program that has decreased smog and protected Californians’ health. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today…

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 30, 2025, as “Apprenticeship Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below. PROCLAMATIONNational Apprenticeship Day is a nationwide celebration…

    News What you need to know: The state of California is providing LA City and County a new AI-powered e-check software free of charge to speed the pace at which local governments are approving building permits. LOS ANGELES – Leveraging the power of private sector…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom on illegal House effort to curb California’s tools for cleaning the air: ‘Making California smoggy again’

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 1, 2025

    What you need to know: House Republicans used an illegal tactic to attempt to overrule California’s clean cars and trucks program that has decreased smog and protected Californians’ health.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today in response to the House vote targeting California’s clean vehicles program.

    The Republican-controlled House illegally used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) today to attempt to repeal California’s Clean Air Act waivers, which authorize California’s clean cars and trucks program. This defies decades of precedent of these waivers not being subject to the CRA, and contradicts the non-partisan Government Accountability Office and Senate Parliamentarian, who both ruled that the CRA’s short-circuited process does not apply to the waivers.

    Trump Republicans are hellbent on making California smoggy again. Clean air didn’t used to be political. In fact, we can thank Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon for our decades-old authority to clean our air.

    The only thing that’s changed is that big polluters and the right-wing propaganda machine have succeeded in buying off the Republican Party – and now the House is using a tactic that the Senate’s own parliamentarian has said is lawless. Our vehicles program helps clean the air for all Californians, and we’ll continue defending it. Washington may want to cede our economy to China but California is standing by American innovation.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The state’s efforts to clean its air ramped up under then-Governor Ronald Reagan when he established the California Air Resources Board. California’s Clean Air Act waivers date back to the Nixon Administration – allowing the state to set standards necessary for cleaning up some of the worst air pollution in the country. 

    California’s climate leadership

    Pollution is down and the economy is up. Greenhouse gas emissions in California are down 20% since 2000 – even as the state’s GDP increased 78% in that same time period.

    The state continues to set clean energy records. Last year, California ran on 100% clean electricity for the equivalent of 51 days – with the grid running on 100% clean energy for some period two out of every three days. Since the beginning of the Newsom Administration, battery storage is up to over 13,000 megawatts – a 1,600%+ increase.

    California’s clean air authority

    Since the Clean Air Act was adopted in 1970, the U.S. EPA has granted California more than 100 waivers for its clean air and climate efforts. California has always demonstrated that its standards are feasible, and that manufacturers have enough lead time to develop the technology to meet them. It has done so for every waiver it has submitted. 

    Waivers do not expire and there is no process for revoking a waiver – which makes sense because governments and industry rely on market certainty waivers provide for years after they are granted to deliver clean vehicles and develop clean air plans. 

    Although California standards have dramatically improved air quality, the state’s unique geography means air quality goals still require continued progress on vehicle emissions. Five of the ten cities with the worst air pollution nationwide are in California. Ten million Californians in the San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles air basins currently live under what is known as “severe nonattainment” conditions for ozone. People in these areas suffer unusually high rates of asthma and cardiopulmonary disease. Zero-emission vehicles are a critical part of the plan to protect Californians.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 30, 2025, as “Apprenticeship Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below. PROCLAMATIONNational Apprenticeship Day is a nationwide celebration…

    News What you need to know: The state of California is providing LA City and County a new AI-powered e-check software free of charge to speed the pace at which local governments are approving building permits. LOS ANGELES – Leveraging the power of private sector…

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom and the Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the awards of $118.9 million in federal funding for 29 California rural and tribal communities to create more affordable housing and supportive…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jordanian National Sentenced to Six Years for Threatening to Use Explosives and Attacking an Energy Facility

    Source: US State of California

    Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, a Jordanian national residing illegally in Orlando, was sentenced today to six years in federal prison for threatening to use explosives and destruction of an energy facility. A restitution hearing will be held at a future date to address the more than $450,000 in damages Hnaihen caused.

    “Threatening to commit mass violence against American citizens and targeting businesses or institutions for destruction will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the collective fortitude of our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who engage in acts of intimidation or violence against our communities.”

    “This case highlights the strength of our partnerships and the tenacity of our investigators who are determined to protect the American people from those threatening the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor the FBI Tampa Field Office. 

    Restaurant damaged in attack with notes taped to the window.

    According to court documents, beginning around June 2024, Hnaihen targeted and attacked businesses in the Orlando area for their perceived support for Israel. Wearing a mask, under the cover of night, Hnaihen smashed the glass front doors of businesses and left behind “Warning Letters.” In his letters, which were addressed to the President of the United States and the United States government, Hnaihen laid out a series of political demands, culminating in a threat to “destroy or explode everything here in whole America. Especially the companies and factories that support the racist state of Israel.” 

    Solar panels with cracked glass.

    Hnaihen’s attacks escalated. At the end of June, as law enforcement worked to identify the masked attacker, Hnaihen broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, and spent hours systematically destroying solar panel arrays. He smashed panels, cut wires, and targeted critical electronic equipment. Hnaihen left behind two more copies of his threatening demand letter. Hnaihen’s attacks caused more than $450,000 in damage.

    Following a multiagency effort, law enforcement identified Hnaihen and arrested him on July 11, 2024, shortly after another “Warning Letter” threatening to “destroy or explode everything” was discovered at an industrial propane gas distribution depot in Orlando.

    The FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Maitland Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Ryan White and George Kraehe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Files Complaints Against Hawaii, Michigan, New York and Vermont Over Unconstitutional State Climate Actions

    Source: US State of Vermont

    WASHINGTON — The Justice Department today filed complaints against the states of New York and Vermont over their “climate superfund laws.” In separate actions, the Justice Department yesterday filed lawsuits against the states of Hawaii and Michigan to prevent each state from suing fossil fuel companies in state court to seek damages for alleged climate change harms.

    President Trump recently directed Attorney General Pamela Bondi to take action to stop the enforcement of state laws that unreasonably burden domestic energy development so that energy will once again be reliable and affordable for all Americans. These lawsuits advance President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach.

    “These burdensome and ideologically motivated laws and lawsuits threaten American energy independence and our country’s economic and national security,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice is working to ‘Unleash American Energy’ by stopping these illegitimate impediments to the production of affordable, reliable energy that Americans deserve.”

    “When states seek to regulate energy beyond their constitutional or statutory authority, they harm the country’s ability to produce energy and they aid our adversaries,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Department’s filings seek to protect Americans from unlawful state overreach that would threaten energy independence critical to the wellbeing and security of all Americans.”

    According to the complaints filed yesterday in the U.S. District Courts for the District of Hawaii and the Western District of Michigan, Hawaii and Michigan intend to sue fossil fuel companies to seek damages for alleged climate change harms.  The government alleges that these anticipated actions are preempted by the Clean Air Act and violate the Constitution. Such lawsuits burden energy production, force the American people to pay more for energy, and make the United States less able to defend itself from hostile foreign actors.

    Complaints filed today in U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of New York and for the District of Vermont challenge expropriative laws passed by New York and Vermont. These “climate superfund” laws would impose strict liability on energy companies for their worldwide activities extracting or refining fossil fuels. The laws assess penalties for those businesses’ purported contributions to harms that those states allegedly are experiencing from climate change. The New York law seeks $75 billion from energy companies, while the Vermont law seeks an unspecified amount.

    Today’s complaints allege that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act and the Vermont Climate Superfund Act are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that they violate the U.S. Constitution. The Justice Department seeks a declaration that these state laws are unconstitutional and an injunction against their enforcement.

    Complaints:

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICYMI: ICE Targets Major Human and Drug Smuggling Property In Oklahoma City

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security set the record straight regarding an April 24, 2025, execution of court-authorized search warrant at a home owned by a human smuggling suspect in Oklahoma City. This lawful operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), targeted a property that is involved in a transitional human and drug smuggling organization which trafficked illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, Central South America and China around the interior of the United States.

    Statement Attributable to Senior DHS Official:

    “The April 24 Oklahoma ICE operation was a lawful, court-authorized action explicitly targeting a property, that was a hub for human smuggling, not specific individuals, as falsely suggested by media reports. 

    “The day prior to the search warrant issuance and the day of the search warrant, HSI agents conducted surveillance, and confirmed via utility records that a member of the Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization was still paying utilities at the residence. The warrant, issued by a Federal Judge was based on an 84-page affidavit detailing probable cause that the address served as a “stash house” for human smuggling, authorizing the seizure of evidence such as electronic devices and documents, regardless of who was present. 

    The warrant targeted the property itself, not specific individuals, and its execution was not contingent on the presence of any person. HSI, with Oklahoma state police support, executed the warrant with precision, seizing electronic devices as authorized. This court-authorized search was a critical strike against a dangerous human smuggling network in furtherance of our mission to protect American communities from the chaos unleashed by the Biden administration’s open-border policies.

    This is an ongoing investigation, and we have not ruled out current occupants involvement in the smuggling ring.

    ICYMI: Get the Facts: Oklahoma home raided by ICE is owned by human smuggling suspect The indictment obtained by KOCO 5 shows eight Guatemalan nationals were the targets of the investigation.

    KEY FACTS ABOUT THE OPERATION:

    FACT: As reported by KOCO 5, the indictment against, “shows eight Guatemalan nationals were the  targets of the investigation as part of the ‘Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization.’ Their charges range from drugs, fraud, money laundering to re-entry after deportation.”

    FACT: The day prior to the search warrant issuance and the day of the search warrant, HSI agents conducted surveillance, and confirmed via utility records that known and confirmed gang members of the Lima Lopez Transnational Criminal Organization, were still paying utilities at the residence. 

    KOCO 5 reported that the owner of the home, Cidia Marleny Lima Lopez, “is allegedly a major player in the human smuggling case that agents have been working for years.”

    “Records show that she owns the home that was raided as well as another one in Oklahoma City,” KOCO added. “Eight arrests were made in that investigation, which was years in the making and not part of any new immigration enforcement.”

    FACT: The warrant, issued by a Federal Judge was based on an 84-page affidavit detailing probable cause that the address served as a “stash house” for human and drug smuggling, authorizing the seizure of evidence such as electronic devices and documents, regardless of who was present.

    FACT: The warrant targeted the property itself, not specific individuals, and its execution was not contingent on the presence of any person. HSI, with Oklahoma state police support, executed the warrant with precision, seizing electronic devices as authorized. 

    KOCO 5 reported that this investigation began “prior to any recent changes to ICE policies.”

    CONCLUSION: This court-authorized search was a critical strike against a dangerous human and drug smuggling network in furtherance of our mission to protect American communities from the chaos unleashed by the Biden administration’s open-border policies. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bringing communities and stories to life

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Chandra Diagnoses Cause of Fracture in Galactic “Bone”

    Source: NASA

    Astronomers have discovered a likely explanation for a fracture in a huge cosmic “bone” in the Milky Way galaxy, using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and radio telescopes.
    The bone appears to have been struck by a fast-moving, rapidly spinning neutron star, or pulsar. Neutron stars are the densest known stars and form from the collapse and explosion of massive stars. They often receive a powerful kick from these explosions, sending them away from the explosion’s location at high speeds.
    Enormous structures resembling bones or snakes are found near the center of the galaxy. These elongated formations are seen in radio waves and are threaded by magnetic fields running parallel to them. The radio waves are caused by energized particles spiraling along the magnetic fields.

    This new image shows one of these cosmic “bones” called G359.13142-0.20005 (G359.13 for short), with X-ray data from Chandra (colored blue) and radio data from the MeerKAT radio array in South Africa (colored gray). Researchers also refer to G359.13 as the Snake.
    Examining this image closely reveals the presence of a break, or fracture, in the otherwise continuous length of G359.13 seen in the image. The combined X-ray and radio data provides clues to the cause of this fracture.
    Astronomers have now discovered an X-ray and radio source at the location of the fracture, using the data from Chandra and MeerKAT and the National Science Foundation’s Very Large Array. A likely pulsar responsible for these radio and X-ray signals is labeled. A possible extra source of X-rays located near the pulsar may come from electrons and positrons (the anti-matter counterparts to electrons) that have been accelerated to high energies.
    The researchers think the pulsar likely caused the fracture by smashing into G359.13 at a speed between one million and two million miles per hour. This collision distorted the magnetic field in the bone, causing the radio signal to also become warped.
    At about 230 light-years long, G359.13 is one of the longest and brightest of these structures in the Milky Way. To put this into context, there are more than 800 stars within that distance from Earth. G359.13 is located about 26,000 light-years from Earth, near the center of the Milky Way.
    A paper describing these results appeared in the May 2024 issue of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and is available here. The authors of the study are Farhad Yusuf-Zadeh (Northwestern University), Jun-Hui Zhao (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian), Rick Arendt (University of Maryland, Baltimore County), Mark Wardle (Macquarie University, Australia), Craig Heinke (University of Alberta), Marc Royster (College of the Sequoias, California), Cornelia Lang (University of Iowa), and Joseph Michail (Northwestern).
    NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.

    Read more from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
    Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:

    chandra

    https://chandra.si.edu

    This release features two composite images of a long, thin, cosmic structure. With the structure’s vertical orientation, seemingly fragile dimensions, and pale grey color against the blackness of space, the images resemble medical X-rays of a long, thin, bone. The main image shows the structure in its entirety. The inset image is an annotated close-up highlighting an apparent fracture in the bone-like structure.
    The structure, called G359.13, or “The Snake”, is a Galactic Center Filament. These filament formations are threaded by parallel magnetic fields, and spiraling, energized particles. The particles cause radio waves, which can be detected by radio arrays, in this case by the MeerKAT array in South Africa.
    In the first composite image, the largely straight filament stretches from the top to the bottom of the vertical frame. At each end of the grey filament is a hazy grey cloud. The only color in the image is neon blue, found in a few specks which dot the blackness surrounding the structure. The blue represents X-rays seen by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
    In the annotated close-up, one such speck appears to be interacting with the structure itself. This is a fast-moving, rapidly spinning neutron star, otherwise known as a pulsar. Astronomers believe that this pulsar has struck the filament halfway down its length, distorting the magnetic field and radio signal.
    In both images, this distortion resembles a small break, or spur, in the bone-like filament.

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

    MIL OSI USA News