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  • MIL-OSI USA: SARP West 2024 Whole Air Sampling (WAS) Group

    Source: NASA

    Faculty Advisor: Dr. Donald Blake, University of California, Irvine
    Graduate Mentor: Katherine Paredero, Georgia Institute of Technology

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    Katherine Paredero, graduate student mentor for the 2024 SARP West Whole Air Sampling (WAS) group, provides an introduction for each of the group members and shares behind-the scenes moments from the internship.

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    Urban Planning Initiative: Investigation of Isoprene Emissions by Tree Species in the LA Basin
    Mikaela Vaughn, Virginia Commonwealth University
    Elevated ozone concentrations have been a concern in Southern California for decades. The interaction between volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrous oxides (𝑁𝑂!) in the presence of sunlight leads to enhanced formation of tropospheric ozone (𝑂”) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA). This can lead to increased health hazards, exposing humans to aerosols that can enter and be absorbed by the lungs, as well as a warming effect caused by ozone’s role as a greenhouse gas in the lower levels of the atmosphere. This study will focus on a VOC that is of particular interest, isoprene, which has an atmospheric lifetime of one hour, making it highly reactive in the presence of the hydroxyl radical (OH) and resulting in rapid ozone formation. Isoprene is a biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emitted by vegetation as a byproduct of photosynthesis. This BVOC has been overlooked but should be investigated further because of its potential to form large sums of ozone. In this study the reactivity of isoprene with OH dominated ozone formation as compared to other VOCs. Ambient isoprene concentrations were measured aboard NASA’s airborne science laboratory (King Air B200) along with whole air sampling canisters. Additionally, isoprene emissions of varying tree species, with one to three samples per type, were compared to propose certain trees to plant in urban areas. Results indicated that Northern Red Oaks and the Palms family emitted the most isoprene out of the nineteen species documented. The species with the lowest observed isoprene emissions was the Palo Verde and the Joshua trees. The difference in isoprene emissions between the Northern Red Oak and Joshua trees is approximately by a factor of 45. These observations show the significance of considering isoprene emissions when selecting tree species to plant in the LA Basin to combat tropospheric ozone formation.

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    VOC Composition and Ozone Formation Potential Observed Over Long Beach, California
    Joshua Lozano, Sonoma State University
    Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), when released into the atmosphere, undergo chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight that can generate tropospheric ozone, which can have various health effects. We can gauge this ozone formation by multiplying the observed mixing ratios of VOCs by their respective rate constants (with respect to OH radicals). The OH radical reacts very quickly in the atmosphere and accounts for a large sum of ozone formation from VOCs as a result, giving us an idea of the ozone formation potential (OFP) for each VOC. In this study, we investigate observed mixing ratios of VOCs in order to estimate their contribution to OFP over Long Beach, California. The observed species of VOCs with the highest mixing ratios differs from the observed species with the highest OFP, which highlights that higher mixing ratios of certain VOCs in the atmosphere do not necessarily equate to a higher contribution to ozone formation. This underscores the importance of understanding mixing ratios of VOC species and their reaction rates with OH to gauge impacts on ozone formation. In the summer there were significantly lower VOC concentrations compared to the winter, which was expected because of differences in boundary layer height within the seasons. Additionally, a decrease in average mixing ratios was observed between the summer of 2014 and the summer of 2022. A similar trend was observed in OFP, but by a much smaller factor. This may indicate that even though overall VOC emissions are decreasing in Long Beach, the species that dominate in recent years have a higher OFP. This research provides a more comprehensive view of how VOCs contribute to air quality issues across different seasons and over time, stressing the need for targeted strategies to mitigate ozone pollution based on current and accurate VOC composition and reactivity.

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    Investigating Enhanced Methane and Ethane Emissions over the Long Beach Airport
    Sean Breslin, University of Delaware
    As climate change continues to worsen, the investigation and tracking of greenhouse gas emissions has become increasingly important. Methane, the second most impactful greenhouse gas, has accounted for over 20% of planetary warming since preindustrial times. Methane emissions primarily originate from biogenic and thermogenic sources, such as dairy farms and natural gas extraction. Ethane, an abundant hydrocarbon emitted from biomass burning and natural gas, contributes to the formation of tropospheric ozone. The data for this project was collected in December 2021 and June 2022 aboard the DC-8 aircraft, where whole air samples were taken during low approaches to find potential sources of methane and ethane emissions. Analysis of these samples using gas chromatography revealed a noticeable increase in methane and ethane concentrations over Long Beach Airport, an area surrounded by numerous plugged oil and gas wells extracting crude oil and natural gas. In this study, we observe that methane and ethane concentrations were lower in the summer and higher in the winter, which can be primarily attributed to seasonal variations in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer height. Our results show that in both summer and winter campaigns, the ratio of these two gases over the airport was approximately 0.03, indicating that for every 100 methane molecules, there are 3 ethane molecules. This work identifies methane and ethane hotspots and provides a critical analysis on potential fugitive emission sources in the Long Beach area. These results emphasize a need to perform in depth analyses on potential point sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the Long Beach area.

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    Investigating Elevated Levels of Toluene during Winter in the Imperial Valley
    Katherine Skeen, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    The Imperial County in Southern California experiences pollutants that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and as a result, residents are suffering from adverse health effects. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds with a high vapor pressure at room temperature. They are readily emitted into the atmosphere and form ground level ozone. Toluene is a VOC and exposure poses significant health risks, including neurological and respiratory effects. This study aims to use airborne data to investigate areas with high toluene concentrations and investigate potential source. Flights over the Imperial Valley were conducted in the B200 King Air. Whole air canisters were used to collect ambient air samples from outside the plane. These Whole Air Canisters were put through the UCI Rowland Blake Lab’s gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, which identifies different gasses and quantifies their concentrations. Elevated values of toluene were found in the winter as compared to the summer in the Imperial Valley, with the town of Brawley having the most elevated amounts in the air. Excel and QGIS were utilized to analyze data trends. Additionally, a backward trajectory calculated using the NOAA HYSPLIT model revealed the general air flow on days exhibiting high toluene concentrations. Here we suggest Long Beach may be a source of enhanced toluene levels in Brawley. Both areas exhibited enhanced levels of toluene with slightly lower concentrations observed in Brawley. We additionally observed other VOCs commonly emitted in urban areas, and saw a similar decrease in gasses from Long Beach to Brawley. This trend may indicate transport of toluene from Long Beach to Brawley. Further research could be done to investigate the potential for other regions that may contribute to high toluene concentrations in Brawley. My study contributes valuable insights to the poor air quality in the Imperial Valley, providing a foundation for future studies on how residents are specifically being affected.

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    Characterizing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Surface Expressions of the Salton Sea Geothermal System (SSGS)
    Ella Erskine, Tufts University
    At the southeastern end of the Salton Sea, surface expressions of an active geothermal system are emitting an assemblage of potentially toxic and tropospheric ozone-forming gasses. Gas measurements were taken from ~1 to 8 ft tall mud cones, called gryphons, in the Davis-Schrimpf seep field (~50,000 ft2). The gaseous compounds emitted from the gryphons were collected using whole air sampling canisters. The canisters were then sent to the Rowland-Blake laboratory for analysis using gas chromatography techniques. Samples from June of 2022, 2023, and 2024 were utilized for a time-series analysis of VOC distribution. Originally, an emission makeup similar to petroleum was expected, as it has previously been found in some of the seeps. It is thought that hydrothermal fluid can rapidly mature organic matter into hydrothermal petroleum, so it is logical that the emission makeup could be similar. However, unexpectedly high levels of the VOC benzene were recorded, unlike concentrations generally observed in crude oil emissions. This may indicate a difference between the two sources in regard to their formation process or parent material composition. A possible cause of the elevated benzene could be its relatively high aqueous solubility compared to other hydrocarbons, which could allow it to be more readily incorporated into the hydrothermal fluid. Since the gryphons attract almost daily visitors, it is important to quantify their human health effects. Benzene harms the bone marrow, which can result in anemia. It is also a carcinogen. Additionally, benzene can react with the OH radical to form ozone, an additional health hazard. Future studies should revisit the Davis-Schrimpf field to continue the time series analysis and collect samples of the water seeps. Additionally, drone and ground studies should be conducted in the geothermal power plant adjacent to the gryphons to determine if benzene is being emitted from drilling activities.

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    Airborne and Ground-Based Analysis of Los Angeles County Landfill Gas Emissions
    Amelia Brown, Hamilton College
    California has the highest number of landfills of any individual US state. These landfills are concentrated in densely populated areas of California, especially within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Landfills produce three main byproducts: heat, leachate, and landfill gas (LFG). LFG is primarily composed of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), with small concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other trace gases. The CH4 and CO2 components of LFG are well documented, but the VOCs and trace gases in LFG remain underexplored. This study investigates the emission of trace gases from four landfills in Los Angeles County, with a particular focus on substances known to have high Ozone Depletion Potentials (ODPs) and Global Warming Potentials (GWPs). The four landfills sampled were Chiquita Canyon Landfill, Lopez Canyon Landfill, Sunshine Canyon Landfill, and Toyon Canyon Landfill. Airborne samples were taken above the four landfills and ground samples were taken at Lopez Canyon as this was the only site accessible by our research team. The substances of interest were chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and halons. Airborne CH4 and CO2 measurements over the four landfills were obtained using the Picarro instrument onboard NASA’s B-200 aircraft. Ground samples were collected using whole air sampling canisters and were analyzed to determine the concentrations of these gases. The analytical approach for the ground samples combined Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) with Flame Ionization Detection (FID) and Mass Selective Detection (MSD), providing a comprehensive profile of the emitted compounds. Findings reveal elevated levels of substances with high ODP and GWP, which were banned under the Montreal Protocol of 1987 and its subsequent amendments due to their contributions to stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change. These results underscore the importance of monitoring and mitigating landfill gas emissions, particularly for those containing potent greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances.
    Click here watch the Atmospheric Aerosols Group presentations.
    Click here watch the Terrestrial Ecology Group presentations.
    Click here watch the Ocean Group presentations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SARP West 2024 Oceans Group

    Source: NASA

    Faculty Advisor: Dr. Henry Houskeeper, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
    Graduate Mentor: Lori Berberian, University of California, Los Angeles

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    Lori Berberian graduate student mentor for the 2024 SARP West Oceans group, provides an introduction for each of the group members and shares behind-the scenes moments from the internship.

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    Leveraging High Resolution PlanetScope Imagery to Quantify oil slick Spatiotemporal Variability in the Santa Barbara Channel
    Emory Gaddis, Colgate University
    Located within the Santa Barbara Channel of California, Coal Oil Point is one of the world’s largest hydrocarbon seep fields. The area’s natural hydrocarbon seepage and oil production have sustained both scientific interest and commercial activity for decades. Historically, indigenous peoples in the region utilized the naturally occurring tar for waterproofing baskets, establishing early evidence of the natural presence of hydrocarbons long before modern oil extraction began. Gaseous hydrocarbons are released from the marine floor through the process of seeping, wherein a buildup of reservoir pressure relative to hydrostatic pressure causes bubbles, oily bubbles, and droplets to rise to the surface. This hydrocarbon seepage is a significant source of Methane CH4—a major greenhouse gas––emissions into the atmosphere. Current limitations of optical remote sensing of oil presence and absence in the ocean leverage geometrical as well as biogeochemical factors and include changes in observed sun glint, sea surface damping, and wind roughening due to changes in surface oil concentrations. We leverage high-resolution (3m) surface reflectance observations obtained from PlanetScope to construct a time series of oil slick surface area spanning 2017 to 2023 within the Coal Oil Point seep field. Our initial methods are based on manual annotations performed within ArcGIS-Pro. We assess potential relationships between wind speed and oil slick surface area to support a sensitivity analysis of our time series. Correcting for confounding outside factors (e.g., wind speed) that modify oil slick surface area improves determination of oil slick surface area and helps test for changes in natural seepage rates and whether anthropogenic activities, such as oil drilling, alter natural oil seepage. Future investigations into oil slick chemical properties and assessing how natural seepage impacts marine and atmospheric environments (e.g., surface oil releases methane into the atmosphere) can help to inform the science of optimizing oil extraction locations.

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    Investigating Airborne LiDAR Retrievals of an Emergent South African Macroalgae
    Rachel Emery, The University of Oklahoma
    Right now, the world is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, with areas of high biodiversity at the greatest risk of species extinction. One of these biodiversity hotspots, the Western Cape Province of South Africa, features one of the world’s largest unique marine ecosystems due to the extensive growth of canopy forming kelps, such as Macrocystis and Ecklonia, which provide three-dimensional structure important for fostering biodiversity and productivity. Canopy-forming kelps face increasing threats by marine heatwaves and pollution related to climate change and local water quality perturbation. Though these ecosystems can be monitored using traditional field surveying methods, remote sensing via airborne and satellite observations support improved spatial coverage and resample rates, plus extensive historical continuity for tracking multidecadal scale changes. Passive remote sensing observations—such as those derived using observations from NASA’s Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer – Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) —provide high resolution, hyperspectral imagery of oceanic environments anticipated to help characterize community dynamics and quantify macroalga physiological change. Active remote sensing observations, e.g., Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), are less understood in terms of applications to marine ecosystems, but are anticipated to support novel observations of vertical structure not supported using passive aquatic remote sensing. Here we investigate the potential to observe an emergent canopy-forming macroalgae (i.e., Ecklonia, which can extend more than a decimeter above the ocean’s surface) using NASA’s Land, Vegetation, and Ice sensor (LVIS), which confers decimeter-scale vertical resolution. We validate LVIS observations using matchup observations from AVIRIS-NG imagery to test whether LiDAR remote sensing can improve monitoring of emergent kelps in key biodiversity regions such as the Western Cape.

    Vertical structure of the aquatic light field based on half a century of oceanographic records from the southern California Current
    Brayden Lipscomb, West Virginia University
    Understanding the optical properties of marine ecosystems is crucial for improving models related to oceanic productivity. Models relating satellite observations to oceanic productivity or subsurface (e.g., benthic) light availability often suffer from uncertainties in parameterizing vertical structure and deriving columnar parameters from surface observations. The most accurate models use in situ station data, minimizing assumptions such as atmospheric optical thickness or water column structure. For example, improved accuracy of satellite primary productivity models has previously been demonstrated by incorporating information on vertical structure obtained from gliders and floats. We analyze vertical profiles in photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) obtained during routine surveys of the southern California Current system by the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigation (CalCOFI). We find that depths of 1% and 10% light availability show coherent log-linear relationships with attenuation measured near surface (i.e., within the first 10 m), despite vertical variability in water column constituent concentrations and instrumentation challenges related to sensitivity, self-shading, and ship adjacency. Our results suggest that subsurface optical properties can be more reliably parameterized from near-surface measurements than previously understood.

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    Comparing SWOT and PACE Satellite Observations to Assess Modification of Phytoplankton Biomass and Assemblage by North Atlantic Ocean Eddies
    Dominic Bentley, Pennsylvania State University
    Upwelling is the shoaling of the nutricline, thermocline, and isopycnals due to advection by eddies of the surface ocean layer. This shoaling effect leads to an increase in the productivity of algal blooms in a given body of water. Mesoscale to deformation scale eddy circulation modulates productivity based on latitude, season, direction, and other physical factors. However, many processes governing the effects of eddies on the ocean microbial environment remain unknown due to limitations in observations linking eddy strength and direction with productivity and ocean biogeochemistry. Currently, satellites are the only ocean observing system that allows for broad spatial coverage with high resample rates, albeit with limitations due to cloud obstructions (including storms that may stimulate productivity) and to observations being limited to the near-surface. A persisting knowledge gap in oceanography stems from limitations in the spatial resolution of observations resolving submesoscale dynamics. The recent launch of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission in December of 2022 supports observations of upper-ocean circulation with increased resolution relative to legacy missions (e.g. TOPEX/Poseidon, Jason-1, OSTM/Jason-2). Meanwhile, the launch of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite in February of 2024 is anticipated to improve knowledge of ocean microbial ecosystem dynamics. We match up SWOT observations of sea surface height (SSH) anomalies—informative parameters of eddy vorticity—with PACE observations of surface phytoplankton biomass and community composition to relate the distribution of phytoplankton biomass and assemblage structure to oceanic eddies in the North Atlantic. We observe higher concentrations of Chlorophyll a (Chla) within SSH minima indicating the stimulation of phytoplankton productivity by cyclonic features associated with upwelling-driven nutrient inputs.

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    Assessing EMIT observations of harmful algae in the Salton Sea
    Abigail Heiser, University of Wisconsin- Madison
    In 1905, flooding from the Colorado River gave rise to what would become California’s largest lake, the Salton Sea. Today, the majority of its inflow is sourced from agricultural runoff, which is rich in fertilizers and pollutants, leading to elevated lake nutrient levels that fuel harmful algal blooms (HAB) events. Increasingly frequent HAB events pose ecological, environmental, economic, and health risks to the region by degrading water quality and introducing environmental toxins. Using NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) imaging spectrometer we apply two hyperspectral aquatic remote sensing algorithms; cyanobacteria index (CI) and scattering line height (SLH). These algorithms detect and characterize spatiotemporal variability of cyanobacteria, a key HAB taxa. Originally designed to study atmospheric mineral dust, EMIT’s data products provide novel opportunities for detailed aquatic characterizations with both high spatial and high spectral resolution. Adding aquatic capabilities for EMIT would introduce a novel and cost-effective tool for monitoring and studying the drivers and timing of HAB onset, to improve our understanding of environmental dynamics.

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    Reassessing multidecadal trends in Water Clarity for the central and southern California Current System
    Emma Iacono, North Carolina State University
    Over the past several decades, the world has witnessed a steady rise in average global temperatures, a clear indication of the escalating effects of climate change. In 1990, Andrew Bakun hypothesized that unequal warming of sea and land surface temperatures would increase pressure gradients and lead to rising rates of alongshore upwelling within Eastern Boundary Currents, including the California Current System (CCS). An anticipated increase in upwelling-favorable winds would have profound implications for the productivity of the CCS, wherein upwelled waters supply nutrient injections that sustain and fuel coastal ocean phytoplankton stocks. Increasing upwelling, therefore, is anticipated to increase the turbidity of the upper ocean, corresponding with greater phytoplankton concentrations. Historical observations of turbidity are supported by observations obtained using a Secchi Disk, i.e., an opaque white instrument lowered into the water column. Observations of Secchi depth—or the depth at which light reflected from the Secchi Disk is no longer visible from the surface—provide a quantification of light penetration into the euphotic zone. The shoaling, or shallowing, of Secchi disk depths was previously reported for inshore, transition, and offshore waters of the central and southern CCS for historical observations spanning 1969 – 2007. Here, we reassess Secchi disk depths during the subsequent period spanning 2007 to 2021 and test for more recent changes in water clarity. Additionally, we evaluate the seasonality and spatial patterns of Secchi disk trends to test for potential changes to oceanic microbial ecology. Indications of long-term trends in some of the coastal domains assessed were found. Generally, our findings suggest a reversal of the trends previously reported. In particular, increases in water clarity likely associated with a recent marine heatwave (MHW) may be responsible for recent changes in Secchi disk depth observations, illustrating the importance of MHW events for modifying the CCS microbial ecosystem.
    Click here watch the Atmospheric Aerosols Group presentations.
    Click here watch the Terrestrial Ecology Group presentations.
    Click here watch the Whole Air Sampling (WAS) Group presentations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Announces Nearly $424 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Sudan and Others Affected by the Conflict

    Source: USAID

    Today, the United States announced nearly $424 million in additional humanitarian assistance for people in need in Sudan and in neighboring refugee-hosting countries, including more than $276 million through USAID and more than $147 million through the Department of State. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced this additional assistance at a Sudan-focused event co-hosted by the United States during the UN General Assembly High-level week to call for global action to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its impact on the region. 

    USAID’s assistance includes $175 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation, which will help to purchase, ship, and distribute nearly 81,000 metric tons of food commodities from American farmers to support more than 1.2 million people experiencing acute food insecurity in Sudan. USAID and the Department of State’s funding will also support UN and nongovernmental organization partners providing food, health, nutrition, protection, and other critical assistance to people across Sudan and neighboring countries who have been devastated by the ongoing conflict.

    This additional funding brings the total U.S. government’s humanitarian assistance in Sudan and neighboring countries since April 2023 to more than $2 billion, including more than $1.1 billion to date in Fiscal Year 2024. We call on other donors to continue their support to meet historic levels of humanitarian needs. 

    The United States continues to stand with the people of Sudan and call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to protect civilians, facilitate unhindered access so that aid can reach people in need across Sudan, and return to the negotiating table and end this war that is causing needless suffering for the Sudanese people. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Threat Actors Continue to Exploit OT/ICS through Unsophisticated Means

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    CISA continues to respond to active exploitation of internet-accessible operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) devices, including those in the Water and Wastewater Systems (WWS) Sector. Exposed and vulnerable OT/ICS systems may allow cyber threat actors to use default credentials, conduct brute force attacks, or use other unsophisticated methods to access these devices and cause harm.   

    CISA urges OT/ICS operators in critical infrastructure sectors to apply the recommendations listed in Defending OT Operations Against Ongoing Pro-Russia Hacktivist Activity to defend against this activity. To learn more about secure by design principles and practices, visit CISA’s Secure by Design webpage. For more information and guidance on protection against the most common and impactful threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures, visit CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 SARP West Atmospheric Aerosols Group

    Source: NASA

    Faculty Advisors: Dr. Andreas Beyersdorf, California State University, San Bernardino & Dr. Ann Marie Carlton, University of California
    Graduate Mentor: Madison Landi, University of California, Irvine

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    Madison Landi, graduate student mentor for the 2024 SARP Aerosols group, provides an introduction for each of the group members and shares behind-the scenes moments from the internship.

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    A Comparative Analysis of Tropospheric NO2: Evaluating TEMPO Satellite Data Against Airborne Measurements
    Maya Niyogi, Johns Hopkins University
    Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) plays a major role in atmospheric chemical reactions; the inorganic compound both contributes to tropospheric ozone production and reacts with volatile organic compounds to create health-hazardous particulate matter. The presence of NO2 in the atmosphere is largely due to anthropogenic activity, making NO2 at the forefront of policy decisions and scientific monitoring. The Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) satellite launched in 2023 with the goal of monitoring pollution across North America. The publicly-accessible data became available for use in May 2024, however parts of the data remain unvalidated and in beta, creating a need for an in situ validation of its data products. Here we analyze TEMPO’s tropospheric NO2 measurements and compare them to aloft NO2 measurements collected during the NASA Student Airborne Research Project (SARP) 2024 airborne campaign. Six of the campaign flights recording NO2 performed a vertical spiral, providing vertical column data that was adjusted to ambient conditions for comparison against the corresponding TEMPO values. Statistical analyses indicate we have reasonable evidence to conclude that TEMPO satellite data and the flight-collected data record similar values. This research fills a critical knowledge gap through the utilization of aloft NO2 measurements to validate NASA’s newly-launched TEMPO satellite. It is expected that future users of TEMPO data can apply these results to better inform project creation and research.

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    Investigating the Atmospheric Burden of Black Carbon Over the Past Decade in the Los Angeles Basin
    Benjamin Wells, San Diego State University
    Black Carbon is a primary aerosol emitted directly into the atmosphere as a result of biomass burning and incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. During the pre-industrial revolution, the main source of black carbon was natural sources whereas currently, the main source is anthropogenic activities. When black carbon is released into the atmosphere, it is a dominant absorber of solar radiation and leads to a significant warming effect on Earth’s climate. In addition to its harmful effects associated with climate change, ambient black carbon inhalation is correlated with adverse health effects such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature mortality. In this study, we analyze aloft black carbon measurements in 2016 and 2024 acquired on NASA SARP research flights and compare these concentrations to black carbon measurements taken during the 2010 CalNex field campaign. Both field campaigns flew similar flight paths over the Los Angeles basin allowing us to conduct a critical comparative analysis on vertical and spatial profiles of the atmospheric burden of black carbon over the past 14 years. During the CalNEX study, mass concentrations of black carbon ranged from 0.02 μg/m3 to 0.531 μg/m3, meanwhile 2024 SARP measurements demonstrate concentrations as elevated as 7.83 μg/m3 within the same region. Moreover, similar flight paths conducted during SARP 2024 and 2016 allow for further analysis of aloft black carbon concentrations over a period of time. The results of this study examines and analyzes the changing spatial and temporal characteristics of black carbon throughout the years, leading to an increase of adverse effects on both the climate and public health.

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    Tracking Methane and Aerosols in relation to Health Effects in the San Joaquin Valley
    Devin Keith, Mount Holyoke College
    The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) is located in central California and is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country for dairy, nuts, and berries, producing more than half of California’s $42 billion output. Due to the SJV’s close proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to the East and predominantly Easterly winds, air pollution often accumulates because it is trapped by the geography. Significant chemical constituents of trapped particulate matter are ammonium (NH4), chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO4), nitrate (NO3), black carbon, and organic carbon. The particle size measured in this study is less than 1 micron in diameter, and due to their size, can easily penetrate the respiratory tract leading to adverse health effects such as: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. We employ airborne data collected during the SARP 2024 mission onboard NASA’s P-3 research plane to observe spatial and temporal trends of NH4, Cl, SO4, NO3, and black carbon. Further, we analyze measurements from SARP 2016 flights and compare the atmospheric burden of pollution in the SJV across time. To investigate observations in the context of the public health impacts, we utilize data collected by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazards Assessment and find asthma and cardiovascular disease rates are higher in the SJV hotspots identified here. Per capita health impacts are greater than other California regions such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. The SJV exhibits higher rates of poverty than other communities, which may reveal an environmental justice issue that is difficult to explicitly quantify especially where measurements are sparse.

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    Investigating the Effects of Aerosols on Photosynthesis Using Satellite Imaging
    Lily Lyons, Brandeis University
    Aerosols in the atmosphere can affect the way sunlight travels to the ground by absorbing or scattering light. Sunlight is a critical component in plant photosynthesis, and the way light scatters affects productivity for vegetation and plant growth. When plants absorb sunlight, the chlorophyll in their leaves releases the excess energy as infrared light, which can be measured from space via satellite. To better understand how aerosol loading in the atmosphere affects plant photosynthesis, this study examines locations in Yosemite, Sequoia, Garrett, and Talladega national forests, and compares aerosol optical depth (AOD), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and solar induced fluorescence (SIF) in these areas. Yosemite and Sequoia act as proxies for the old growth sequoia grove ecosystems, and Talladega and Garrett act as proxies for the Appalachian mixed mesophytic forest ecosystem. Our results show that within 2015-2020 during July, SIF and NDVI levels are significantly greater in mixed mesophytic forests than in sequoia groves. Using linear regression plots, we determined the correlation between SIF, NDVI and AOD to be weak in the given locations. Greater SIF in mixed mesophytic forests could suggest that the presence of a prominent and biodiverse understory is positive for the overall primary productivity of an ecosystem. This study is a good starting point for analyzing diverse ecosystems using SIF, NDVI and satellite data as proxies for photosynthesis, and broadening the scope of biomes examined for their SIF. Furthermore, it highlights the need for further investigation of aerosol impact on the trajectory and amount of sunlight that reaches certain plants.

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    Validating the Performance of CMAQ in Simulating the Vertical Distribution of Trace Gases
    Ryleigh Czajkowski, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Air quality modeling simulates atmospheric processes and air pollutant transport to better understand gas-and particle-phase interactions in the atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model couples meteorological, emission, and chemical transport predictions to simulate air pollution from local to hemispheric scales. CMAQ provides scientists and regulatory agencies with important assistance in air quality management, policy enactment, atmospheric research, and creating public health advisories. Recently, a new update to CMAQ (v5.4) was released, utilizing new chemistry mechanisms and incorporating a new atmospheric chemistry model. This study evaluates the performance of the latest model update by analyzing multiple time series of vertical distributions of formaldehyde (CH2O) and methane (CH4) in the Los Angeles Basin and Central Valley regions of California. It compares data from aloft measurements taken during NASA SARP 2017 flights with model predictions to evaluate accuracy. Our study analyzes CMAQ’s capabilities in capturing the vertical dispersion of CH2O and CH4 in different regions, offering insights into the effectiveness of CMAQ for air quality management and the analysis of trace and greenhouse gas dynamics. Using NASA airborne data, this research utilizes a diversified data set to validate the model, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of its capabilities, and thus providing valuable insight into future developments of CMAQ.

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    Estimating Aerosol Optical Properties Using Mie Theory and Analyzing Their Impact on Radiative Forcing in California
    Alison Thieberg, Emory University
    Anthropogenic aerosols, unlike greenhouse gasses, provide a net cooling effect to the Earth’s surface. Particles suspended in the atmosphere have the ability to scatter incoming solar radiation, preventing that radiation from heating up the surface. These aerosols like black carbon, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and organics are byproducts of both natural and anthropogenic activities. Measuring radiative forcing as a result of these aerosols over time can provide insight on how anthropogenic industries are altering our Earth’s temperature. This study analyzes the changes in radiative forcing from aerosols in central and southern California using data collected from NASA SARP flights from 2016-2024. Aerosol size, composition, and single scattering albedo were used to estimate the aerosol characteristics and to calculate the aerosols’ radiative forcing efficiency. Our results show that aerosols are found to have less of a cooling effect over time when looking at the change in radiative forcing in California from 2016 to 2024. When narrowing in on specific geographic regions, we observe the same trends in the Central Valley with the area becoming warmer as a result of aerosols. However, more southern regions like Los Angeles and the Inland Empire have become cooler from aerosols during this time period. The overall decrease in the cooling effect of California’s aerosols could indicate that the average size of particulates is changing or that the aerosol composition could be shifting to a greater concentration of absorbing aerosols rather than scattering aerosols. This study shows how aerosols influence radiative forcing and their subsequent impacts across regions in California from multiple years.
    Click here watch the Terrestrial Ecology Group presentations.
    Click here watch the Ocean Group presentations.
    Click here watch the Whole Air Sampling (WAS) Group presentations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Announces Additional Funding to Support Displaced Persons And Host Communities in the Western Hemisphere

    Source: USAID

    Today, at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, Secretary Antony Blinken announced more than $686 million in additional humanitarian, development, economic, and security assistance to facilitate United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners’ responses to the needs of displaced persons, migrant and refugee populations, and host communities across the Western Hemisphere. 

    Today, there are unprecedented levels of forced displacement in the region, with more than 7.7 million Venezuelans displaced due to prolonged political and economic mismanagement, persecution, and violence in Venezuela. The $686 million announced today includes more than $228 million from USAID to provide emergency food assistance to Venezuelan migrants and refugees and host communities in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, as well as other forms of humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations in Venezuela. 

    The $686 million also includes more than $49 million in economic and development assistance from USAID to support the regularization and integration of migrants, as well as to promote temporary labor mobility opportunities. This support will help migrants to regularize their legal status in the region and access public services and achieve socio-economic integration so they can build new lives and contribute to their new communities. This support will also help facilitate workers’ access to safe, lawful, and temporary labor pathways in countries with demonstrated labor needs not met by the available workforce.  

    The United States government remains committed to working with partners to support displaced people in the region and to advance a safe, orderly, and humane approach to managing hemispheric migration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CISA Releases Anonymous Threat Response Guidance and Toolkit for K-12 Schools

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    New Resources Will Help K-12 Schools and Law Enforcement Entities Create Tailored Approaches to Addressing Anonymous Threats of Violence

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource to help kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools and their law enforcement and community partners create tailored approaches to addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to assess and respond to anonymous threats, better prepare for and prevent future threats, and work in coordination with law enforcement and other local partners when these threats arise. It is co-sealed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which provided expert feedback on the toolkit’s key principles and strategies.

    Social media-based and other types of anonymous threats of violence against K-12 institutions are common. These threats can erode trust that schools are safe places, contribute to losses in learning and instruction time, overwhelm school and law enforcement resources and have lasting psychological impacts on school communities.

    “K-12 schools across the country are experiencing a scourge of anonymous threats of violence. School leaders need scalable solutions to navigate these ever-evolving and burdensome threats,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance provides step-by-step approaches to help schools better assess and respond to these threats, as well as take action to mitigate future risks in coordination with their law enforcement and other community partners.”

    “Families, students and educators should not have to question whether they’re safe when they walk into a classroom,” said FBI Office of Partner Engagement Assistant Director, Robert Contee. “In the face of these ongoing school threats, the strategies the FBI and our partners at CISA put together will hopefully prepare our educators and administrators to maneuver through difficult challenges. The more parents, teachers and administrators know, the more likely we are to keep our kids safe. The FBI is dedicated to safeguarding schools and communities who are impacted by anonymous threats, but we also want to urge parents to talk with their children about the consequences that come with making these threats. We all need to work together.”

    The K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance was developed to provide K-12 stakeholders with information to both protect school communities and limit the disruption and trauma that can be caused by anonymous threats of violence. By providing guidance to inform decision-making about the urgency and credibility of individual threats, school and public safety leaders may be able to more effectively balance the full range of risks faced by K-12 organizations.

    The toolkit emphasizes six key strategies for schools to consider when addressing anonymous threats:

    • Build awareness about reporting to detect threats early and deter future threats.
    • Develop a partnership structure that will help address threats. This includes school administrators, law enforcement personnel and mental health professionals.
    • Engage law enforcement to manage threat situations and decide when to scale response actions up or down.
    • Balance initial response steps to ensure the campus is safe. Most critically, treat each threat as credible, and from there, work with necessary partners to determine how to approach an immediate response.
    • When appropriate, tap into multidisciplinary threat assessment teams to support interventions and expedite response if the subject who made the threat becomes known.
    • Take steps throughout the school year to prepare for threats. Establish a response protocol and practice other types of emergency management activities, such as training exercises for staff.

    Today’s release also includes a supplemental reference guide that provides streamlined information for K-12 stakeholders to understand and utilize some of the best practices from the full toolkit. Both products were developed to support the diverse range of K-12 school settings across the United States and are based on current practices of K-12 organizations and law enforcement agencies.

    The new toolkit and guide were announced at CISA’s 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, an annual event that brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments.

    To learn more and access the K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance, please click here. 

    ###

    About CISA 

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris administration awards $71M in grants to improve job quality, prepare workers, expand access to good jobs in critical sectors

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris administration announced the award of approximately $71 million in grants to improve job quality, expand access to good jobs in critical sectors and prepare workers for good-paying jobs being created by the administration’s Investing in America agenda. 

    Funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, Critical Sectors Job Quality Grants Program and Workforce Pathways for Youth program will support 27 organizations serving 14 states and the District of Columbia. 

    “The funding we’re announcing today advances the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of promoting worker-focused training programs that incorporate industry and worker voices,” said Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. “The grants will help enhance access to quality jobs for care workers and people in other critical sectors, broaden high-quality job training and career opportunities for youth and strengthen public-private partnerships that prepare workers for high-quality infrastructure jobs.”

    The department awarded nearly $38 million through the second round of the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program to enable 13 public-private partnerships across nine states to prepare workers for the good-paying infrastructure jobs the Biden-Harris administration is creating. The funding announced today – with the $94 million the department announced in September 2023 – is a combined investment of more than $130 million to support the growing demand for a skilled infrastructure workforce. 

    Through the Critical Sectors Job Quality grants, totaling $13 million, eight organizations will design and deploy programs in 10 states to improve job quality and increase the availability of good jobs in the care, climate resilience and hospitality industries. The round of funding announced today aligns with the Good Jobs Principles developed by the departments of Labor and Commerce and emphasizes improving job quality within the care sector. Three recipients, representing half the total funding, will specifically focus on care occupations, including childcare and direct care workers.

    The department also awarded nearly $20 million in Workforce Pathways for Youth demonstration grants to six national organizations that provide workforce development and training programs to youth after school and over the summer. The grants will help the organizations partner with state and local organizations that serve marginalized and underserved youth, ages 14 to 21, including Native American youth. Through the partnerships, these out-of-school-time organizations will provide workforce readiness programming to expand job training and workforce pathways for youth, including soft skill development, career exploration, job readiness, work-based learning opportunities and work experiences.

    As the Investing in America agenda continues to create good-paying jobs nationwide, recipients of the Workforce Pathways for Youth, Building Pathways to Infrastructure and Critical Sectors grants will help build an “opportunity infrastructure” in which workers understand what skills they need, have access to the training to develop those skills – without roadblocks or barriers – and are connected to those jobs early. 

    The recipients of Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grants are as follows:

    Recipient

    City

    		 State

    Amount
    UNITE-LA Inc. Los Angeles CA

    $2,000,000
    Contra Costa County Martinez CA

    $5,000,000
    Humanmade San Francisco CA

    $2,000,000
    City and County of Denver Denver CO

    $5,000,000
    City of Refuge Inc. Atlanta GA

    $1,944,883
    Jane Addams Resource Corporation Chicago IL

    $4,789,579
    Revolution Workshop Chicago IL

    $2,000,000
    Goodwill Industries International Inc. Rockville MD

    $5,000,000
    Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation Las Vegas NV

    $1,998,841
    Pursuit Transformation Company Inc Long Island City NY

    $2,000,000
    Philadelphia Works Inc. Philadelphia PA

    $1,999,973
    Texas A&M University College Station TX

    $1,997,570
    Workforce Solutions Alamo San Antonio TX

    $2,000,000
    Total Awarded    

    $37,730,846

    The recipients of the Critical Sectors Job Quality grants are as follows:

    Recipient City State

    Amount
    Alaska Southcentral/Southeastern Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 23 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Anchorage AK

    $2,415,709
    SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West Local 2005 Oakland CA

    $3,000,000
    National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Washington DC

    $499,890
    Charles Stewart Mott Community College Flint MI

    $2,971,060
    Workforce Development Board of Herkimer Madison and Oneida Counties Inc. Utica NY

    $398,657
    Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council Seattle WA 

    $3,000,000
    Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO Seattle WA 

    $500,000
    United Way of Dane County Inc. Madison WI

    $147,384
    Total Awarded    

    $12,932,700

    The recipients of the Workforce Pathways for Youth grants are as follows:

    Recipient City

    State

    Amount
    After-School All-Stars Los Angeles

    CA

    $3,159,034 
    STEM Next Opportunity Fund San Diego

    CA

    $3,299,928 
    Bridges From School to Work Inc. Bethesda

    MD

    $3,294,240 
    National Urban League Inc. New York

    NY

    $3,300,000 
    Jobs for America’s Graduates Alexandria

    VA

    $3,300,000 
    Phi Delta Kappa International Inc Arlington

    VA

    $3,299,998 
    Total Awarded    

    $19,653,200 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sep 25, 2024 ATU: FTA’s General Directive Regarding Assaults on Transit Workers is Long Overdue and Needs to Quickly Lead to Meaningful Changes to Save Lives

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Silver Spring, MD – Calling the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) General Directive on transit worker assault an encouraging first step, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest union representing transit workers in the U.S., calls on the agency to do more to ensure the safety of transit workers and riders. This is the first-ever General Directive issued by the agency.

    “Each day, hundreds of transit workers are assaulted on the job. ATU members have been shot, stabbed, and struck with canes, fire extinguishers, screwdrivers, hammers, and garbage cans. They have been attacked with pepper spray, burned with hot coffee, and doused in urine and spit. Bus drivers have been robbed for pocket change and operators are regularly sexually assaulted. This constitutes a regular day on the job in the transit industry,” says ATU International President John Costa. “We applaud the FTA for acknowledging for the first time that transit workers are facing hazards on a ‘national level.’ However, in order to keep operators safe, transit systems need to begin immediately the process of retrofitting all fixed route buses with quality floor-to-ceiling-to-windshield barriers to protect transit bus operators from continual vicious attacks.”

    FTA’s directive requiring transit agencies to conduct a safety risk assessment related to assaults on transit workers and to identify safety risk mitigations or strategies to improve transit worker safety using joint labor-management Safety Committees is great news for transit workers.

    The FTA’s action is a welcome contrast to the Trump Administration, which in 2019 issued a notice in the Federal Register disgracefully stating that it was “not necessary” to take any further actions to address transit worker assaults.

    “The ATU is grateful for the FTA’s step forward today,” said Costa. “The agency will soon learn what we have known for years: transit agencies across the country are not doing nearly enough to stop the constant attacks on our members.”

    “Once this information is collected, we hope the agency will then pivot immediately to requiring minimum vehicle safety standards for transit buses, as authorized by the FAST Act nine years ago,” Costa continued.

    “Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, airplane pilots have been protected in the cockpit by barriers. Now, it is time to provide bus drivers with the same level of protections. Like planes, all unauthorized persons should be blocked from gaining access to the bus operator workstation,” said Costa. “Until such infrastructure is mandated by federal regulations, we will continue to see bus operators get hijacked, punched, slapped, shot, stabbed, sexually assaulted, and spit upon. Minimum vehicle safety standards for U.S. buses are needed right now! Not One More operator needs to go through this horror!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Retirement and Economy – UP TO 25% OF RETIRED HOUSEHOLDS COULD USE HOME EQUITY TO MAKE ENDS MEET

    Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

    New research delving into home equity release products shows they could be a better alternative for older New Zealanders struggling to make ends meet instead of taking on higher-cost consumer debt.  

    Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission commissioned Motu Research to consider whether home equity release schemes provide value for money and how they might provide a suitable form of retirement income for some people.

    The research highlighted that for approximately 25% of older households who have low retirement income and savings, but high levels of equity in their home, equity release products could be more beneficial for them to use instead of high-cost personal loans or credit cards.  

    In New Zealand home equity release products are not well understood due to the complexity and costs involved. The two main products available here are reverse mortgages and home reversion (selling a stake in your house in exchange for income).

    Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission Policy Lead, Dr Michelle Reyers says while New Zealand home equity release products appear to be costlier than in larger markets, they can provide an alternative source of income less costly than other forms of consumption-based lending.

    “The key to using home equity release products is understanding the costs and benefits and seeking financial advice to see if they are right for you,” she says.

    “It’s important to understand that home equity release products have relatively high costs. For reverse mortgages it’s the interest cost. Loan balances on reverse mortgages can grow to a large amount within a short period due to the compounding effect of interest.

    “People opting for a reverse mortgage should consider only using the minimum they need to supplement their monthly income rather than larger lump sum withdrawals, as this will slow the rate at which the interest owing builds up over time.”

    An alternative for those who want to access an income stream from their home, and at the same time preserve a specific amount of equity in their home, is a home reversion scheme. In this case the main cost is that you are selling a stake in your house for a discounted amount.  

    However, despite the costs involved, home equity release products used strategically can provide an option for those that have no income beyond New Zealand Superannuation and struggle to pay larger bills but wish to remain in their homes while they can manage independently.

    “For the group of retirees relying primarily on New Zealand Super for income who have home equity but no other assets (such as KiwiSaver) to draw down, it is something to consider,” says Dr Reyers.

    She recommends:

    Thinking about retirement in stages – could you continue in paid work beyond age 65? Do you have access to other assets, such as KiwiSaver that you can draw down to help fund your expenses?

    Once these assets are depleted do you want to access the equity in your home with a home equity release product to supplement your retirement income while you continue to live independently at home? At the same time consider whether releasing the equity in your home might impact at a later stage if you want to move into a retirement village or need care.

    It is important to consider how home equity release products can affect people’s financial position in the future. Balancing whether you can afford to use some equity now but maintain the required level of equity in your home for another stage of retirement should your health or life circumstances change may require professional advice. One final consideration is if people want to preserve their home equity for future generations through bequests, home equity release products will reduce the amount that they will be able to provide.

    Notes:

    Reverse mortgages are more suited to people who do not need to preserve the equity in their home for future uses, including bequests. The no negative equity guarantee ensures that the homeowner, or their estate, will not be required to meet any shortfall that the lender incurs if the loan value exceeds the eventual sale price of the house

    The key cost of a reverse mortgage is the interest cost which is higher than the cost of a normal mortgage loan due to the added risks of this product and a less competitive market in New Zealand.

    Reverse mortgages are less costly in low interest rate environments. When house price growth is high it can partially offset the impact of interest rates on the erosion of equity.

    Home reversion avoids the compounding of interest and provides certainty to the homeowner that they will retain a specific percentage of equity in their home, so it might be more suitable in a high interest rate environment or for people who have a specific bequest motive.

    However, the cost involved is that homeowners will be selling 35% of their house at a discount as they only receive income equivalent to 25% of the initial valuation (taking into account annual fees reduces this to 22.7%).

    The purchasing power of the income received decreases over time due to inflation since the income received per year is fixed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor, Albany State University launch partnership to support veterans, enhance employment opportunities at HBCUs

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service today signed a memorandum of understanding with Albany State University designed to enhance career readiness and employment opportunities for veterans and military-affiliated students at historically Black colleges and universities.

    The memorandum of understanding marks the beginning of this unique collaboration, which will give veterans – including Albany State alumni who have served, ROTC cadets, military spouses and servicemembers currently on active duty, in the reserves or the National Guard – access to career resources and support from VETS job training programs. They also will gain access to apprenticeships, internships and employment placement services aimed at easing the transition into the civilian workforce.

    The memorandum was signed by Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez and Albany State University Interim President Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II.

    “Veterans bring a wealth of experience, leadership and skill to the workforce, and we are excited to partner with Albany State University to support their students as they matriculate and move toward civilian careers,” said Assistant Secretary Rodriguez. “This memorandum of understanding formalizes a partnership that will open doors to career development, job training and employment opportunities for veterans and military students at Albany State University and more HBCUs.” 

    The partnership is part of a larger initiative to connect the department with HBCUs nationwide, enhancing opportunities for veteran students, alumni and military-affiliated individuals. It also aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to support HBCUs and veterans, building on executive orders focused on workforce development, education and expanding career pathways for underrepresented groups.

    For more information on the services provided to veterans through VETS please visit dol.gov/vets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Respiratory health warning over Christchurch fire

    Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

    Kiwis living with a respiratory condition in central Christchurch are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to smoke, after a large blaze broke out in a commercial building.
    The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is advising people living and working near the blaze to close all windows and doors if staying inside, or wear a N95 or KN95 mask if going outside.
    Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says these steps offer the best protection against the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.
    “Inhaling smoke from fires can pose serious risks for respiratory health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
    “It can severely exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and trigger flare-ups, which can be serious and lead to hospitalisation.”
    Smoke contains tiny particles that enters the throat and lungs causing irritation, Ms Harding says.
    “That is why it is important that people with asthma or COPD keep their reliever inhaler on-hand if they start to develop symptoms.”
    It was important to stay vigilant, she says.
    “It’s crucial for everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions, to take these precautions seriously to avoid worsening symptoms or unnecessary health complications.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – Two-thirds of children interact daily online with people they don’t know despite grooming fears – report

    Source: Save the Children

    Over six in 10 children with access to the internet interact with “unknown others” daily despite concerns about online grooming, according to new research released by Save the Children and Western Sydney University that highlighted children’s demands for better online protection.
    The research team held in-depth consultations with about 600 children and young people aged 8 to 18 from Australia, Finland, the Philippines, Cambodia, Colombia, Kenya, and South Africa, who shared their views and experiences of facing inappropriate requests online for personal information or images.
    The report, ‘Protecting Children from Online Grooming’, was written by the Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, and funded by the global child online safety investment vehicle Safe Online as part of the Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund.
    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of online grooming and child sexual and financial exploitation have reached an all-time high [1], with an 82% rise in online grooming crimes against children reported in that period [2]. Online grooming practices have also transformed, with the fastest growing form of online grooming targeting young men for financial extortion [3].
    The report revealed children were more inclined to connect with strangers – or “unknown others” – online as they matured and became more social, motivated by a desire for friendship, fun and play, followed by a wish to stay informed about trends and events, and to connect over shared interests.
    The findings also showed that while children across all cultures and age groups were more suspicious of people they didn’t know online than people they knew in person, most (66%) of the study participants still interacted with “unknown others” daily online.
    Children in high-income settings were twice as likely to use privacy settings to protect themselves from unwanted contacts, compared to children from some low-income settings, but the potential to derive financial benefits was an incentive for children in middle-income countries to connect with strangers online, potentially compromising their safety.
    While children have come up with numerous ways to protect themselves, they are calling for widespread, accessible and targeted online safety education for themselves and their caregivers. In the discussions the children also made concrete suggestions about how technology platforms and governments can implement changes that will keep them safer online.
    Sonisay-, a girl aged 11-12 from rural Cambodia, said:
    “Adults should know that children interact with strangers, monitor them, and read their chats.”
    Angel- aged 15-17 from a city in the Philippines said:
    “Adults need to know about the children of today who are highly computer-savvy… To be able to support and protect the children, adults need to understand that children are comfortable with using the internet which pushes to interact with strangers.”
    Charlie- aged 14 from Australia emphasised the need to start online safety education earlier:
    “Having young children educated about the safety of technology and the dangers … adults only start this education for older kids on social media when the problem can be on video games played by young kids.”
    Children reported that it was very difficult to ascertain the intentions of strangers online. Children were also particularly worried about being asked for personal information or nude pictures, being drawn into inappropriate sexually-oriented exchanges, or exposure to criminal activities.
    The report found that children want and need better online protection, with children primarily using intuition and background checks rather than seeking help from trusted adults to manage their online interactions with people they don’t know.
    The data also showed that children distinguish people they know well both online and in person from those they only know online, with 86% approaching the latter with caution. Yet despite this wariness, children were still three times more likely to ignore or decline an inappropriate or unwanted request than they are to report or block it.
    Steve Miller, Save the Children’s Global Director of Child Protection, said:
    “Children deserve to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment – both online and offline. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the challenges and threats, including the threat of online grooming and exploitation. We need to foster a digital environment that is not only safe but also enriching, allowing children to explore, learn, and grow without fear. Policymakers need to listen to the voices and experiences of children when developing policies that protect them.”
    Professor Amanda Third, Co-Director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre, Western Sydney University, said:
    “Keeping children safe from online grooming requires a whole-of-community approach. Governments, NGOs, technology platforms, teachers, parents, caregivers, and children themselves all have an important role to play. However, to most effectively address this issue it is crucial that we listen to the views and experiences of children and young people and engage them as active partners in the research and policy design process. Children and young people are finding their own ways to tackle this issue and devise solutions but they are also calling on us to help equip them and their caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to be able to safely navigate these rapidly evolving digital environments.”
    Save the Children has launched a major global effort to support digital inclusion and empower the next generation of resilient digital citizens. Save the Children’s Safe Digital Childhood initiative is includes partnering with schools, communities and tech leaders to break down barriers to digital inclusion by making sure the children with the fewest resources can access devices and connectivity; offering targeted digital literacy and citizenship programs; helping technology industry partners embed child-centric safeguards into their platforms; and empowering children to advocate for their rights in the digital world.
    The Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University is an Australian-based, international research centre that unites young people with researchers, practitioners, innovators, and policymakers to explore the role of technology in children’s and young people’s lives and how it can be used to improve individual and community resilience across generations.
    Safe Online is the only global investment vehicle dedicated to keeping children safe in the digital world. Through investing in innovation and bringing key actors together, Safe Online helps shape a digital world that is safe and empowering for all children and young people, everywhere. The Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund, which funded the research, is a groundbreaking collaboration fuelling actionable research and bringing together the tech industry with academia and civil society in a bold alliance to end online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Privacy Commissioner – Ignoring a privacy breach only makes it worse

    Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

    Privacy Commissioner, Michael Webster says it’s always better to notify his office about a privacy breach than ignore it.
    His message comes as he names Ultimate Care Group Limited as consistently ignoring their notification requirements, after it was found that they’d lost part of a patient’s medical records.
    Mr Webster said, “My recommendation is for agencies to notify us and do it early, even if they’re not 100 percent sure a privacy breach has occurred, or don’t yet have all the details.
    “It’s always better to talk to us than ignore the problem.”
    The decision to name Ultimate Care Group was made so they could become an example for others.
    Ultimate Care had several instances where they should have made an earlier notification. They were also advised by the Capital and Coast District Health Board to report a privacy breach, but in the end, it took two years for them to formally notify OPC.
    “It is disappointing they did not identify the breach to be notifiable as required under the Privacy Act.
    “Ultimate Care is a large provider serving a vulnerable group in our population and holds a significant volume of sensitive information about the individuals in its care. A key element of providing care to these individuals is looking after their personal information, and health information in particular,” said Mr Webster.
    Mr Webster says following engagement with OPC, Ultimate Care has taken actions to strengthen privacy policies, increase privacy awareness, and improve document management practices.
    “While these changes are good and have resulted in an improvement in privacy capability in Ultimate Care, I consider the impact of the loss of the clinical file on the resident and the wider systemic issues of poor information management practices at Ultimate Care at that time to be significant,” said Mr Webster.
    Notes

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment Surveys – Cost-of-living concerns drive Kiwi workers to seek a second job

    Source: Robert Half

    • 49% of Kiwi workers are considering taking on a second job in the next 12 months 
    • 42% say a second job is necessary for them to meet their financial needs, while a further 32% say they would do so to have extra funds for discretionary spend 
    • 56% believe their employer would be supportive of them taking on a second job elsewhere.

    Auckland, 26 September 2024 – The number of New Zealand workers wanting an extra source of income amid cost-of-living concerns is on the rise, as 49% are considering taking on a second job in the next 12 months, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds.  

    The rise of working two jobs

    Independent Robert Half research on 49% of Kiwi workers considering a second job is a bellwether for this rising trend, where data from Stats NZ shows the number of multiple job holders in New Zealand has risen from 187,600 in Q1 2019 to 220,900 in Q2 2024 across all industries1.  

    With 57%, Gen X are the most likely to seek an additional source of income, followed by Gen Z (56%), and Millennials (51%). Baby Boomers (33%) are the least likely generation to be considering an extra job to meet the increased cost of living.

    The reasons why workers want a second job

    The overwhelming majority (84%) of workers who have or would consider a second job do so solely for financial reasons.  

    Those who are considering or who already have a second job cite the following reasons:

    • Necessary to meet financial needs (42%)
    • Provide extra funds for discretionary spend (32%)
    • Pursuit of a personal passion (7%)
    • A back-up job in case of layoff from the primary job (10%) 
    • To build skills in a different field/to test a new career (9%)
    • To fulfil personal goals (7%).

    “In the current economic climate with rising cost of living, more New Zealand workers are seeking additional employment to boost their earnings and strengthen their financial wellbeing,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. “However, taking on a second job requires careful consideration to balance financial needs with personal wellbeing.”

    Workers feel employers understand their needs

    When asked about how employers might react to their staff taking on a second job, more than half (56%) of workers feel their current employer would support them. One quarter (25%) believe their employer would be against them taking on an extra job.

    “Before taking on a second job, it’s vital for workers to honestly evaluate if they can manage the extra workload without jeopardising both their health and performance at their main job,” says Alexander.

    “For those considering a second job, they should opt for one that aligns with their skills and interests, while ensuing it doesn’t create a conflict of interest with their primary employer. Before committing, workers need to check what (if any) obligations they have with their current employer. A failure to comply with an employer’s policy or contractual obligations in this space could have serious implications for workers. Transparency is key.

    “As more employees seek second jobs, employers need to proactively understand their motivations and ensure their workplace culture and compensation packages are competitive enough to retain valuable talent,” concludes Alexander.

    1 StatsNZ, Infoshare, Group: Household Labour Force Survey – HLF, Table: Multiple Job Holders by Industry (Qrtly-Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec), September 2024

    Notes

    About the research

    The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in June 2024 by an independent research company, surveying 501 full-time office workers across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management and trends in the workplace.

    About Robert Half

    Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – ‘Remarkable’ marine animal forests found around Wellington’s coast

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    Marine animal forests rich in sea life have been found in the shallow waters around Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

    “Marine animal forests are habitats formed by big groups of invertebrates—creatures such as sponges, horse mussels, and brachiopods, which look a bit like clams. These remarkable communities are increasingly being recognised as biodiversity hotspots and we’ve got them on our doorstep,” said Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    The forests were located by Professor Bell and colleagues Dr Valerio Micaroni and Dr Francesca Strano while studying life in the region’s shallow waters.

    The researchers identified numerous animal forests in Wellington Harbour, many at depths of less than 15 metres. Sites were located at Eastbourne, Evans Bay, Kaiwharawhara, the Miramar Peninsula, and Petone.

    Rich animal forests were also found in shallow waters at other areas including the Kāpiti Coast and Mana Island.

    “Finding animal-dominated ecosystems in such shallow waters is surprising as these are areas that are usually dominated by seaweeds,” said lead researcher Dr Micaroni.

    Sponges were one of the common species found in the forests. They included a massive potato-shaped sponge (Suberites australiensis) that grows up to 40 centimetres in diameter and forms dense sponge beds.

    “These beds were home to a range of species, including molluscs, cnidarians, and red algae, as well as other sponges and fish. We also discovered what we think is a previously undescribed sponge species,” Dr Strano said.

    The sponge beds in the harbour comprised a total area of 120,000 m2. Researchers estimate the beds can filter between 500 million to 1 billion litres of water daily. This filtering plays an important role in transferring nutrients and food from the water column to the sea-floor, influencing overall water quality and supporting the sea-floor food chain.

    Despite the ecological importance of these shallow-water forests, they are largely unprotected and face increasing threats from climate change, fishing, sedimentation, and pollution, Professor Bell said.

    At most of the sites in Wellington Harbour, the researchers found litter on the sea-floor.

    “There was a lot of plastic items—such as bottles, packaging, and cups—as well as aluminium cans. Car parts and tyres were found at half the sites, and fishing gear was found at three locations. Concrete blocks were also common,” Professor Bell said.

    Evans Bay was the worst site for marine litter, followed by Kaiwharawhara where large amounts of gravel had been dumped on areas of the seabed. The gravel dramatically altered the habitat with animal communities significantly reduced and limited evidence they had been able to recover since the gravel was dumped.

    “This example highlights the significant effects human activities can have on marine animal forests. It also highlights the need to protect these fragile ecosystems to avoid further biodiversity loss,” said Dr Megan Melidonis, senior coastal scientist at the Greater Wellington Regional Council. The council helped fund the research as part of work to explore and map the region’s marine biodiversity.

    “These forest communities play such a key role in marine food chains and in maintaining water quality. It is incredible to find them in a harbour adjacent to a major urban area,” Dr Melidonis said.

    Results of the study are published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03140

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Vibrant regional events receive funding boost from Auckland Council

    Source: Auckland Council

    An assortment of vibrant and engaging events across Tāmaki Makaurau for Aucklanders to participate in and enjoy have been given a helping hand by Auckland Council.

    On 24 September Auckland Council’s Community Committee approved an allocation of $460,500 from the Regional Events Fund Grants Programme to 21 organisations to help with their events.

    These events deliver a range of outcomes and benefits to communities by contributing to a sense of place and connection.

    Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the Community Committee says it’s extremely important that a diverse range of events are regularly held in Auckland.

    “Regular, vibrant events play an important part in Auckland’s cultural, sporting and social calendar,” says Cr Dalton.

    “Events allow people from around Tāmaki Makaurau to come together and connect, learn and celebrate.”

    “Many of the events we are supporting will bring economic benefits to nearby local businesses and the communities hosting them.”

    A broad range of arts, sports and cultural events received funding including the Auckland International Buskers Festival, Takapuna Winter Lights, ASB Polyfest and Iwi of Origin.

    Auckland Council’s Head of Events Glynn Leggat says council staff assessed each application against regional event funding criteria.

    “A wide range of factors were considered in allocating funding including positive benefits to the community with particular emphasis on youth and Māori; how well the event is planned; community support and involvement and alignment with key dates such as Auckland Anniversary Weekend.”

    “We’d like to thank all the organisations and community groups who put in the mahi to prepare for and host these events,” says Ms Leggat.

    The Regional Event Grants Programme for 2024-25 has a total budget allocation of $600,000, of which $460,500 has been allocated in this first funding round.  The remaining unallocated budget of $139,500 is expected to be allocated in March 2025.

    To learn more about the range of regional and local grants we provide and how you can apply for them, visit the Auckland Council website.

    Regional Event Grant Programme Fund allocation for 2024/2025 – first round

     

    Applicant

    Event

    Recommended funding allocation

    Aktive

    Iwi of Origin

    $20,000

    Alan Smythe Special Events (2020) Limited

    Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

    $45,000

    Aotearoa Latin American Community Incorported (ALAC Inc)

    Family Day

    $12,500

    Athletics New Zealand Incorporated

    2025 Sir Graeme Douglas International

    $6,000

    Auckland Anniversary Regatta Incorporated

    Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

    $17,000

    Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust

    Farmers Santa Parade

    $17,000

    Auckland Pride Incorporated

    Auckland Pride March

    $27,000

    Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

    Big Gay Out 2025

    $17,000

    Crackerjack Events

    Auckland International Buskers Festival

    $40,000

    Environmental Hubs Aotearoa

    EcoFest 2025

    $25,000

    Eventing Auckland Incorporated

    Puhinui International Horse Trials

    $15,000

    Interacting

    InterACT 2025!

    $16,000

    Interesting Things

    Future Future

    $11,000

    New Zealand Eid Day Trust

    New Zealand Eid Day, Eid al Fitr 2025

    $12,000

    Ngā Kaihoe O Aotearoa (Waka Ama New Zealand Incorporated)

    2025 Takapuna Beach Cup

    $9,000

    Mahurangi Action Incorporated

    Mahurangi Regatta

    $6,000

    Show Jumping Waitemata

    Show Jumping Waitemata World Cup Festival

    $11,000

    The Polyfest Trust

    ASB Polyfest

    $75,000

    Takapuna Beach Business Association

    Takapuna Winter Lights

    $44,000

    Waiheke International Jazz Festival Limited

    Waiheke Jazz Festival 2025

    $8,000

    Westlake Boys High School

    Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga 2024

    $27,000

    Total

    $460,500

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Welcomes $4.8 Million in LWCF Grants for Four Projects

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming congressional notice from the National Park Service of federal grant funding totaling $4.8 million ($4,782,160.96) from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for four projects in American Samoa.

    “Congratulations to American Samoa Government and our Department of Parks and Recreation for these substantial federal funds, and thank you to everyone in the Department involved in the local work to qualify for and fulfill these grants,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “Thank you to the National Park Service for this focus on supporting American Samoa’s parks and recreational facilities.”

    Congresswoman Amata received notices of the following four grants, and their described projects:

    $3,285,886 for Onesosopo Park Football Field. The project entails a new football field to serve the east side of the territory, to include restrooms, locker rooms, bleachers, a snack bar, and an observation booth.

    $712,030 for Lions Park Multi Courts to include netball, pickleball, and beach volleyball to promote physical activity, fitness and health in one of the territory’s most-used park sites.

    $500,000 for Vaitogi Park Recreation and Picnic Area, to include eight traditional fale providing shade and shelter for picnics and gatherings.

    $284,244.96 LWCF Administrative Grants for implementation of the LWCF program, including grant applications and projects, site inspections, travel and trainings, vehicle, signs and supplies.

    On August 4, 2020, the landmark Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law, which Amata supported in the Natural Resources Committee, and now supplies $900 million annually for LWCF. Amata has also supported the program’s congressional reauthorization.

    The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage, and to provide recreational opportunities, while strengthening communities, preserving history, and protecting the national resource of lands and waters. This flagship conservation program is funded by royalty payments from offshore oil and gas drilling in federal waters, putting that financial support back into conservation.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Avoid a Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Avoid a Government Shutdown

    Houston, TX, September 25, 2024

    Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement after voting for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 9747, which extends government funding through December 20, 2024.

    “Keeping our government funded and functioning is a fundamental responsibility of Congress,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Today’s short-term extension of funding provides critical protections and programs that people across our community and country rely on.  While I supported this legislation, I hope that, moving forward, House Republicans will work in good faith to fund our government in a responsible manner before the December 20 deadline.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy issues statement on H.R. 9747

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after voting on H.R. 9747:

    “Today I voted against, H.R. 9747. 

    This three-month continuing resolution is the worst possible outcome the House could have chosen. It punts the expiration of government funding until right before Christmas, which almost certainly sets the stage for a massive, uniparty omnibus spending bill that will tie the hands of a potential incoming Trump administration. 

    It didn’t have to be this way. Last week, we could have passed a bill to avoid a lame duck omnibus by freezing spending for 6 months and force Senate Democrats to take action on non-citizen voting by attaching my bill, the SAVE Act (HR 8281).

    Unfortunately, the House declined to take that route, playing right into the hands of the Washington uniparty. Now, Congress is conducting more of the same reckless business as usual that the American people have rightfully come to despise. 

    This country deserves better from its representatives than that.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on Bipartisan Vote to Avoid Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025: 

    “Today, I voted to pass a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution without any extreme MAGA Republican poison pills. It will keep the government open and avoid a reckless shutdown that would have hurt my constituents and Americans across the country.

    While I’m relieved we reached an agreement to fund the government through December and rejected far-right Republican efforts to sow doubt in our elections, it’s frustrating this deal wasn’t finalized sooner. Speaker Johnson wasted valuable time trying to curry favor with the former president.

    House Democrats are continuing to govern in the minority to meet the needs of the American people and defeat MAGA extremism.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Votes to Keep the Government Open

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act:

    “Today I voted to keep our government open by supporting the continuing resolution. This legislation will ensure we fund vital services that Granite Staters rely on and includes provisions from my bipartisan legislation to safeguard VA’s ability to bury spouses and dependents who predecease service members. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass it and for the President to sign it into law so that we prevent any possibility of a government shutdown.”

    “The next step in keeping crucial government services funded will be securing a full year appropriations bill. The repeated practice of passing continuing resolutions harms our military readiness, creates uncertainty for our small businesses, jeopardizes veterans’ benefits, and fails to adequately meet the needs of Granite Staters, and it must end. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to pass a full year funding bill that advances the priorities of the American people and gives our communities the certainty they need.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Andy Kim’s Statement on the Passage of a 3 Month Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the passage of a 3 month continuing resolution.

    “New Jersey deserves a reliable government that’s working for them. Instead, Speaker Johnson has spent his time picking partisan fights rather than trying to find common ground to deliver on everyday needs. I voted for this resolution to make sure New Jerseyans don’t lose out on the services they depend on every day, and will continue to press for a funding bill that puts working families first.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING ANTI-HAITIAN RHETORIC FROM REP. CLAY HIGGINS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    September 25, 2024

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the below statement following the anti-Haitian, dangerous rhetoric Rep. Clay Higgins recently tweeted regarding the Haitian Bridge Alliance filing charges against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, for spreading false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH, were eating pets: Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance.

    “The recent tweet from the official account of Rep. Clay Higgins is vile and reprehensible. I cannot believe the Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee Chair on Border Security and Enforcement would fathom having such ill and racist words for Haitian migrants. His remarks are cruel, dehumanizing, and have been proven time and again as untrue,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Haiti Caucus Co-chair. 

    “Just when you think these MAGA extremists’ xenophobic ideologies can’t get any worse, they continue to spread dangerous falsehoods and threats – endangering the lives of people who are fleeing political persecution and a nation battered from the impacts of climate change. It is simply appalling.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins’ Tweet:

    ‘Lol. These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters… but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP.  All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th.’

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten Statement on Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    September 25, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has released the following statement regarding the continuing resolution passed by the House to keep the government open:

    “Keeping our government open and functioning is the most basic responsibility of Congress. A government shutdown would have disastrous consequences for Illinois. Troops would be forced to serve without pay, single mothers and children would have lost access to nutrition benefits, travelers would see delays at airports, and food safety inspections would have stopped.

    “For these reasons, I’m proud that House Democrats once again delivered the votes necessary to avert a shutdown and keep the government open.

    “That said, the continuing resolution passed today is not a permanent solution, and we must remain focused on passing a robust government funding package that addresses the needs of the American people. For months, House Republicans have pursued hyper-partisan funding strategies that prioritize politics over keeping the government open. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to work towards bipartisan solutions to fully and responsibly fund the government for FY2025.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree, House Democrats Once Again Step in to Avert Government Shutdown with Passage of Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the House passed a 90-day Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown:

    “Congress should be focused on full-year solutions that invest in our communities, support our veterans, and protect essential services for families and workers. But House Republicans wasted months placating Donald Trump and his extreme agenda, and once again drove us dangerously close to a government shutdown. I voted to pass this funding bill to avoid the devastating consequences of a shutdown, and while I’m relieved that the worst of the extreme MAGA agenda was kept out of this bill, we must ensure this chaos doesn’t continue in December.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amodei Votes in Favor of Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 which extends government funding at current levels through December 20, 2024:

    “I have learned from experience over the years that shutting the federal government down not only fails to force a given policy result, but also results in a significant amount of financial and operational destruction at the federal agency level,” said Rep. Mark Amodei.

    “While it may sound sexy or tough to talk of shut down, without out a plan for what specifically that policy objective is, and a plan for how reopen the shuttered federal government, it looks like a political temper tantrum. So, on balance a shutdown that negatively impacts border patrol agents from handling the crisis at our southern borders, servicemen and women from receiving the care they deserve, and communities devastated by natural disasters from receiving the relief they need to name a few, and which further would occur on the eve of a significant federal election, hardly sounds like a good idea.

    “Everyone knows there is plenty of room for improvement, but a shutdown at this point brings nothing resembling improvement.

    “On the continuing resolution — I voted yes.”

    Background

    This legislation delivers funds to strengthen Secret Service’s Presidential protection efforts, allows respective federal agencies to continue addressing the needs of our veterans and seniors, and keeps the doors open of programs that support communities who have been devastated by natural disasters:

    • Provides an additional $231 million for the Secret Service for protective operations for National Special Security Events and subjects additional money to existing funding caps.
    • Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through the duration of the CR.
    • Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to continue providing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits during the duration of the CR.
    • Extends programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans continue to receive the care and benefits they have earned.
    • Extends expiring health care programs, including priority review vouchers for rare pediatric diseases, autism support activities, and Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley(IL-05), Ranking Member on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after voting on a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through December 20, 2024:

    “With this vote, a united Democratic party helped Republicans avoid a catastrophic government shutdown. Unlike Republican’s earlier poison pill CR, this bill does what is right for the American people instead of catering to Donald Trump’s whims.

    “However, this CR still ignores pressing matters facing our nation. It lacks critical relief to help communities across the country respond to and recover from disasters and fails to extend President Biden’s ability to assist our allies abroad like Ukraine. While addressing these issues is crucial, a shutdown would only further exacerbate the problems and would have seriously damaging impacts on our nation. Ultimately, continuing resolutions are not a solution; they are a Band-Aid. They create funding uncertainties for agencies and jeopardize our national security. As responsible legislators, we must be responsive to the evolving needs of our government, especially our military, with year-long funding bills that fulfill the basic responsibilities of governing and meet the growing needs of the people we serve.

    “When Congress returns to Washington, I encourage Republicans to put an end to these political games, reach across the aisle, and pass clean, bipartisan funding bills that deliver for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter, Burgess bill reforming CBO health care scores passes House Budget Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter, Burgess bill reforming CBO health care scores passes House Budget Committee

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Budget Committee today passed the HEALTH Panel Act, led by Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), a bill strengthening congressional oversight of and statutory authority for the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) Panel of Health Advisors.


    The bill will help improve the accuracy of CBO’s scores on bills related to health care by codifying the Panel of Health Advisors, establishing congressional appointment authority, and requiring an annual report to the Budget Committees detailing the panel’s work and recommendations.


    “It’s no secret that health care is expensive. As one of the primary drivers of our nation’s runaway $35 trillion in debt, it is critical that CBO have the authority required to accurately project the budgetary impact new health care policies will have. The HEALTH Panel Act is a necessary, common-sense step to improve both cost estimates and congressional oversight of this key panel, and I hope to see it on the House floor soon,” said Rep. Carter.


    “The passage of the HEALTH Panel Act through the House Budget Committee is a major win for American patients, physicians, and the U.S. health care system,” said Congressman Burgess. “Unelected officials in the Congressional Budget Office should not have the power to influence the legislative process as it pertains to health care policies. This commonsense legislation will grant congressional authority to codify a bipartisan Panel of Health Advisors within the CBO that prioritize the needs of the patient and not their own partisan agenda. Thank you to Congressman Carter for joining me in revitalizing this panel with statutory authority.”


    Read the full bill text here.


    BACKGROUND

    The CBO Panel of Health Advisors consists of health care experts and stakeholders that advise CBO on issues pertaining to health care policy.


    The core purpose of the panel is to provide technical and functional expertise and recommendations to CBO to improve its studies, analyses, and cost estimates related to health care issues and policies.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria. 

    The Secretary-General and the President exchanged views on the implementation of the Pact for the Future as well as the situation in the Middle East, including the war in Gaza.   
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –