NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study linking nitrate in drinking water to pre-term birth rates

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A observational study published in PLOS Water looks at the link between nitrate in drinking water and premature births.

    Prof Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry, RMIT University, said:

    “The headline on this research may sound scary; however, to my mind, there are several issues with this paper. 

    “Firstly, the data are from 1970-1988 and so are not current. Secondly, the author did not perform any measurements themselves but instead used public health data and water quality data. The water quality data was self-reported and so may not be accurate, and it only comes from one place in the USA, so it does not reflect conditions elsewhere. 

    “This data was used to show a very weak possible association between estimated early prenatal nitrate exposure and birth outcomes. An association between two factors does not mean one causes the other. The apparent relationship can be due to a range of different factors that have nothing to do with the two variables being considered. I am inclined to think that this is the case here because there is a large overlap in the data and because the effect disappears above 10 mg/L, which does not make sense from a toxicological point of view. Other factors that may affect health, such as the mother’s health or diet, were not available, so could not be taken into account. This is quite important in this case since at concentrations of less than 10 mg/L, the main source of nitrate is actually food, not water. It is thus possible that the results reflect diet, not nitrate.

    “Arguing that a policy change is needed on a very well-studied compound based on a single paper that at best only found a weak statistical association from 40-year old data from one part of the USA and which shows no increased risk at the higher exposure concentrations, is, in my view, possibly a little overzealous.” 

    ‘Early prenatal nitrate exposure and birth outcomes: A study of Iowa’s public drinking water (1970-1988) by Semprini was published in PLOS Water at 19:00 UK time on Wednesday 25th June. 

    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pwat.0000329

    Declared Interests

    Prof Oliver Jones “I am a Professor of Chemistry at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. I have no direct conflicts of interest to declare; however, I have received research funding from the Water Industry and EPA Victoria for research on environmental pollution in the past.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky met with D. Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KYIV, June 25 /Xinhua/ — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague /Netherlands/ on Wednesday, the Ukrainian leader’s Telegram channel reported.

    V. Zelensky noted that “all truly significant issues” were raised at the meeting. In particular, according to him, the parties discussed ways to establish peace in Ukraine and protect Ukrainian citizens from Russian attacks.

    V. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine appreciates the attention of the United States and its readiness to help end the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: Temporary Closure of Maple Valley Road Bridge in Coventry Scheduled to Begin July 7

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Beginning, Monday morning, July 7, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is scheduled to temporarily close the Maple Valley Road Bridge in Coventry. During its closure, RIDOT will use accelerated bridge construction methods to replace the structure, reopening it by the end of this year.

    The closure only affects the portion of Maple Valley Road between Route 117 (Flat River Road) and Town Farm Road in the central Coventry area. Local traffic will be permitted on either side of the closed bridge. During the closure, RIDOT will sign recommended detour routes using Franklin Road for those approaching from the west, and Town Farm Road for those approaching from the east. A detour map is available at www.ridot.net/DetourMaps.

    The replacement of the Maple Valley Road Bridge is part of a $12.9 million project to address this bridge and two others, one on Cahoone Road and another on Nicholas Road, both in western Coventry. All three bridges are structurally deficient. While RIDOT expects to reopen the Maple Valley Road Bridge by the end of this year, the entire bridge project concludes in spring 2027.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The replacement of the Maple Valley Road Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Clyburn, And Over 40 Members of the House and Senate to the Trump Administration: Reverse Course and Fully Implement Broadband

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and over 40 of their colleagues called on Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to fully implement the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program as Congress intended to connect all Americans to high-quality, affordable internet. This letter comes as the Department of Commerce announced substantial changes to the implementation of the BEAD program. 

    “We write to express our opposition to the Department of Commerce’s recently announced BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice,” wrote the Lawmakers. “The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access. We urge you to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet these statutory objectives.” 

    “The broadband division of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law begins with this congressional finding: ‘Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States,’” the Lawmakers continued. “This fundamental reality is why the BEAD program was established to fulfill the subsequent finding that ‘the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.’”

    The letter was also signed by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) as well as Representatives Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Bishop (D-GA-02), Bynum (D-OR-05), Carson (D-IN-07), Carter (D-LA-02), Cleaver (D-MO-05),  Davis (D-IL-07), DelBene (D-WA-01), Evans (D-PA-03),  Fields (D-LA-06), Figures (D-AL-02), Garcia (D-TX-29), Goodlander (D-NH-02), Hoyle (D-OR-04), Huffman (D-CA-02), Lofgren (D-CA-18), McGovern (D-MA-02), Menendez (D-NJ-08), Mrvan (D-IN-01), Neguse (D-CO-02), Pappas (D-NH-01), Scholten (D-MI-03), Sewell (D-AL-07), Soto (D-FL-09), Thompson (D-MS-02), Titus (D-NV-01), Tlaib (D-MI-12), Tokuda (D-HI-02), Williams (D-GA-05), and Wilson (D-FL-24).  

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

    Dear Secretary Lutnick: 

    We write to express our opposition to the Department of Commerce’s recently announced BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access. We urge you to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet these statutory objectives. 

    The broadband division of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law begins with this congressional finding: “Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States.” This fundamental reality is why the BEAD program was established to fulfill the subsequent finding that “the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.” To achieve this goal, the statute states that funding recipients must “ensure coverage of broadband service to all unserved locations” before using any funds for other purposes. The restructuring notice appears to violate this requirement by allowing applicants to exclude certain unserved locations. Such an allowance would defy bipartisan congressional intent, which was predicated on the understanding that public investment was needed to achieve universal service precisely because building the infrastructure to cover many rural areas was too costly to be profitable. 

    In addition to excluding unserved, predominantly rural locations, the restructuring notice would likely result in others receiving worse service. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requires that “priority broadband projects” funded by the program be “designed to provide broadband service that meets speed, latency, reliability, consistency in quality of service, and related criteria as the Assistant Secretary shall determine; and [to] ensure that the network[s] built by the project[s] can easily scale speeds over time to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses, and support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless technologies, and other advanced services.” Of currently available technologies, fiber-optic networks are faster and more reliable and can scale speeds much more easily. We made the decision to invest larger sums now in broadband infrastructure that would be resilient and capable of meeting Americans’ growing digital demands for decades. 

    The restructuring notice also undermines the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s provisions designed to ensure that broadband service is affordable and put to good use. The new rules remove specific requirements that ensured that participating providers would provide a low-cost internet option for low-income customers as required by the statute. Additionally, while the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically allows funds to be spent on “broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices,” the notice rescinds approval of previously approved “non-deployment activities” and puts all funding for these activities on hold. For example, this provision of the notice puts on hold a South Carolina plan to use BEAD program funds for virtual primary health—equipping low-income households in rural health deserts with access to the full suite of virtual health services at no cost to the patients. If the broadband infrastructure being built by BEAD program funds isn’t put to good use, much of the investment will have been wasted. 

    As reflected in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s congressional findings, high-quality internet access is a requirement to fully participate in the world, and the BEAD program is our once-in-a century opportunity to finish closing the digital divide. We fear this opportunity would be squandered by the restructuring notice and its changes to coverage, quality, and affordability. We therefore urge you to implement the BEAD program in accordance with the best reading of the statute so we can make high-quality internet accessible and affordable for all Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Minnesota Congressional Delegation Introduces Bicameral, Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, and Condemning Political Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN), along with Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representatives Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Pete Stauber (R-MN),  Angie Craig (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Brad Finstad (R-MN) introduced a resolution to honor the life of Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and condemn political violence. 

    Full text of the resolution is available HERE and below:

    Whereas, on June 14, 2025, a gunman entered the home of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and shot and critically injured him and his wife, Yvette Hoffman;

    Whereas the gunman then entered the home of Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and assassinated her and her husband Mark Hortman;

    Whereas the gunman had documents that listed dozens of lawmakers targeted for assassination;

    Whereas the law enforcement officers of Brooklyn Park and Champlin saved additional lives by intervening with their bravery and rapid response to the attack;

    Whereas Speaker Emerita Hortman was a formidable public servant who served her community and the people of Minnesota with deep devotion, compassion, and strength;

    Whereas acts of political violence have no place in the United States and represent a grave threat;

    Whereas swift condemnation of political violence by elected officials is necessary to preserve and protect the democracy of the United States;

    Whereas, when these violent acts expose division, the people of the United States must persevere in the pursuit of democratic principles, resolving their differences through debate and civil discourse; and

    Whereas political violence not only attacks the life and liberty of the representatives of the people of the United States, it also attacks the right of the people to be represented: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate, in this moment of tragic loss—

    (1) strongly condemns and denounces the attacks on Minnesota State legislators in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota on June 14, 2025;

    (2) honors the life of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her devotion to public service and her tireless efforts to serve the people of Minnesota and the life of her husband, Mark Hortman;

    (3) honors Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, who were shot and critically injured, and wishes for their full and speedy recovery;

    (4) honors the courageous law enforcement officers who saved additional lives with their rapid response to the attack and successfully apprehended and charged the suspected perpetrator on June 15, 2025;

    (5) calls on all community leaders and elected officials to publicly and unequivocally denounce acts of political violence; and

    (6) calls on all people of the United States to unite in this moment of pain and tragedy and reaffirm the commitment of the people of the United States to a safe, civil, and peaceful democracy in which violent rhetoric and acts are not tolerated.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper Statement on Republicans’ Last-Ditch Effort to Sell Our Public Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    This week, the Senate parliamentarian struck down Senate Republicans’ initial provision to their budget to sell three million acres of public land to bankroll tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy

    WATCH: Hickenlooper also spoke in a Senate roundtable today about protecting our public lands

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement about Senate Republicans’ updated proposal in the budget reconciliation bill to sell off Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land after their previous provision was struck down by the Senate parliamentarian.

    “Republicans’ provision to sell off our American treasures is wildly unpopular in Colorado and throughout the country. It is flat out wrong.

    “We’ll keep fighting against their last-ditch efforts to sneak their provision back into their big ugly bill. Our public lands are not for sale now, or ever.”

    In an attempt to skirt the Senate parliamentarian, Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee recently released updated budget reconciliation text that focuses on the sale of BLM lands. It mandates BLM dispose of between 0.25% and 0.50% of their estate within five miles of a population center. The Wilderness Society estimates up to 1.2 million acres would be required to be put up for sale. The bill specifies that those sales will be mandated in Colorado and ten other western states.

    Hickenlooper called out how this reckless fire-sale of our public land would devastate our outdoor recreation industry and Americans’ access to public lands today at ENR Ranking Member Senator Martin Heinrich’s public lands roundtable. Watch his remarks HERE. 

    In addition to the public lands sale provision, the bill rescinds Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding for the National Park Service (NPS) and BLM, including $267 million for NPS to pay for rangers, maintenance, emergency responders, and scientists. The bill would also eliminate IRA funding for updates to the electric grid, industrial decarbonization, and tribal energy loans.

    Hickenlooper also voted against the Republican budget resolution twice, and will vote against the budget bill again. In April, Hickenlooper led a group of Western senators to introduce an amendment to the budget bill to protect public lands from being sold to pay for Republicans’ tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. He took to the Senate floor to condemn the public lands sale provision in the House version of the bill. At the end of May, Hickenlooper held a press conference in Estes Park with Congressman Neguse, public lands advocates, and local elected officials to call out the Trump administration’s threats to Colorado’s national parks and public lands – including Rocky Mountain National Park.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrest leads to federal charges for Salvadoran alien illegally residing in Massachusetts after deportation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — An ICE Boston operation led to federal charges for an illegally present 32-year-old Salvadoran alien who was unlawfully residing in Lynn after having been previously deported. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts indicted Jose Leonardo Gutierrez-Mendez June 9 on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

    Officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston arrested Gutierrez-Mendez during a targeted operation May 8.

    “Jose Leonardo Gutierrez-Mendez blatantly disregarded U.S. immigration laws and illegally took up residence in Lynn after a previous deportation,” said ICE Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We will not stand idly by and allow illegal aliens to repeatedly break our laws. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing alien offenders from our New England communities.”

    ICE removed Gutierrez-Mendez from the United States to El Salvador in August 2014. At some point after his deportation, Gutierrez-Mendez unlawfully reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without having been inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    Gutierrez-Mendez apparently resided in Lynn until officers with ICE Boston arrested him.

    If convicted, Gutierrez-Mendez faces a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Furthermore, he is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Havasupai Tribe Private Nonprofits Affected by Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the Havasupai Tribe of the July 25, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by flooding occurring Aug. 22-23, 2024.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than July 25.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Chinatown Apartment Complex Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses  and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in California of the July 25, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Chinatown Apartment Complex Fire occurring Sept. 13, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the California counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than July 25.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Celebrates Exceptional North Carolinians at Long Leaf Pine Presentation

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Celebrates Exceptional North Carolinians at Long Leaf Pine Presentation

    Governor Stein Celebrates Exceptional North Carolinians at Long Leaf Pine Presentation
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein inducted nine North Carolinians into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for their contributions to our state. 

    “I am proud to honor this group of outstanding North Carolinians who have made important contributions to our state and its people,” said Governor Stein. “They exemplify the best of North Carolina through their storied careers in government, education, and advocacy.”

    The Order of the Long Leaf Pine honorees are as follows:

    • Bobby Kimbrough – Forsyth County Sheriff
    • Maggie Kane – Founder and Executive Director, A Place at the Table
    • Karen Amspacher – Director, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center
    • Dr. Otis Smallwood – Superintendent of Bertie County Schools
    • Reuben Blackwell – Former CEO of Opportunities Industrialization Center of Rocky Mount
    • Rev. Pauli Murray – Civil rights activist and author (Posthumous)
    • Ricky Hurtado – Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and former North Carolina Representative
    • Chavi Koneru – Co-founder and Executive Director of North Carolina Asian Americans Together
    • Phil Ford, Jr. — Former UNC basketball player, NBA player, and UNC assistant coach 
    Jun 25, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Praises Positive Results of Montgomery Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit on One-Year Anniversary

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – One year after the official launch of the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, Governor Kay Ivey praised the successful combined law enforcement effort to address violent crime in the Montgomery area.

    “The results speak for themselves.  Violent crime is on the decline and more criminals are behind bars today in Montgomery thanks to this joint anti-crime effort launched a year ago,” said Governor Ivey. “The Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit’s channeling of resources toward increased criminal surveillance and enforcement has delivered positive results. The City of Montgomery recently announced violent crime in the Capital City is down by 30 percent and overall crime has declined by 19 percent. These proven anti-crime efforts will continue.”

    Over the last 12 months, MACS personnel have conducted 3,100 traffic stops. They have served 983 arrest warrants ranging from Failure to Appear on traffic charges to Capital Murder. They have made 429 arrests, including 30 juveniles. They have seized 268 illegal firearms and confiscated 164 machine gun conversion devices. And, they have recovered 69 stolen cars.

    “Preserving public safety is an essential role of government at every level and it makes sense to join the intelligence gathering and crime-fighting resources of state, federal and local agencies to tackle violent criminals and keep our communities safe. I am pleased to have supported the creation of the MACS Unit, and this legislative session, I was proud to continue funding this successful crime fighting effort.

    “I am also proud to have championed the Safe Alabama package of legislation that passed into law this session to bolster law enforcement statewide in their continuing mission to protect our streets from violent criminals. One of its chief provisions is the expansion of law enforcement civil and criminal liability protection.  Alabama proudly backs the blue in our continuing commitment to protect the public,” Governor Ivey concluded.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove, Malliotakis Launch Recommerce Caucus to Power America’s Secondhand Economy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    New Bipartisan Caucus to Champion the U.S. Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Driving the Growing Recommerce Economy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswomen Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D, CA-37) and Nicole Malliotakis (R, NY-11) announced the launch of the Recommerce Caucus, a bipartisan coalition dedicated to championing the growing recommerce economy—the buying and selling of pre-owned, refurbished, and secondhand goods.

    The caucus will prioritize empowering small sellers, expanding digital access, and strengthening sustainability through recommerce—a sector projected to reach $1.04 trillion globally by 2035.

    “As a lifelong thrifter and advocate for sustainable business practices, I’m proud to partner with Rep. Malliotakis to launch the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “Recommerce is more than a trend—it’s a growing economic engine that provides consumers with affordable, high-quality goods and gives entrepreneurs, small businesses, and resellers access to trusted, thriving marketplaces. Together, we’re committed to advancing policies that support the circular economy, reduce waste, and empower buyers and sellers nationwide.”

    “As more Americans turn to resold, refurbished, and repaired items, I’m joining my colleague, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, in launching the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus. We support the efforts of leading industry platforms to create trusted spaces for buying and selling in the growing secondhand economy,” said Rep. Malliotakis. “Supporting the growth of the recommerce market will help create new economic opportunities and benefit American small businesses and entrepreneurs.”

    “As the pioneer of online recommerce, we believe recommerce is about more than transactions—it’s about connection, sustainability, and unlocking economic opportunity. At eBay, we’re proud to support the formation of the new Recommerce Caucus and look forward to working with Congress to highlight how recommerce empowers small businesses, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts in communities across the country,” said Jamie Iannone, President and CEO of eBay, Inc.

    “Poshmark is proud to support the Recommerce Caucus, an initiative that aligns perfectly with our mission of putting people at the heart of commerce, empowering everyone to thrive. As a member of the PASS Coalition, we understand the positive impact policy can have on the secondhand market, and we look forward to collaborating with the Caucus to champion policies that support innovation and growth of entrepreneurship across the country,” said Manish Chandra, founder and CEO of Poshmark.

    “Etsy believes in the power of conscious consumerism and empowering small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs. The Recommerce Caucus is a shining example of how, by embracing the circular economy, we can champion a more sustainable future and create meaningful economic opportunities for sellers nationwide,” said Chelsea Mozen, Senior Director of Impact and Sustainability at Etsy.

    “The Recommerce Caucus supports Depop’s mission to make fashion circular. For us, this is about extending the life of clothes, empowering a new generation of creative entrepreneurs and connecting a global community that’s reshaping fashion. By advocating for policies that grow resale culture, we’re not only making desirable secondhand fashion more accessible, we’re also unlocking economic opportunities for individuals and small businesses. Together we’re shaping a more sustainable future where everyone can discover and express their style through circular fashion,” said Peter Semple, Interim CEO at Depop.

    “American Circular Textiles applauds Representatives Kamlager-Dove and Malliotakis for launching the bipartisan ReCommerce Caucus. For too long, resale, repair, and reuse have been sidelined in policy conversations, despite their critical role in reducing waste, creating jobs, and giving everyday Americans the chance to participate in the circular economy. This caucus reflects a long-overdue recognition of the entrepreneurial power and environmental impact of recommerce. At a time when consumers are price-sensitive and seeking more affordable, sustainable options, recommerce offers critical access—not only to income, but to quality goods at lower costs. We look forward to working with the caucus to support national policies and build domestic infrastructure that supports reuse at scale—from digital marketplaces facilitating global trade to local repair and resale hubs—to ensure the United States leads in circular innovation,” said Rachel Kibbe, Founder and CEO, American Circular Textiles.

    “OfferUp is proud to support the launch of the Recommerce Caucus. As a mobile-first marketplace serving communities nationwide, we know how important it is to make resale simple, trusted, and accessible—especially at the local level. Every day, our millions of users show us how local recommerce helps them earn income, find affordable goods, and keep quality items in use. We look forward to working together to ensure more Americans can benefit from the powerful economic and environmental impact of this growing movement,” said Nathan Garnett, Chief Business Officer, OfferUp.

    “Mercari strives to be a planet-positive company that contributes to solving environmental issues through our mission to help circulate all forms of value to unleash the potential in all people. We are excited to be part of the launch of the Recommerce Caucus in the United States Congress, and applaud Rep. Malliotakis and Rep. Kamlager-Dove for their innovative leadership recognizing the paradigm shift happening in retail as consumers are not simply looking to make extra money and find bargains, but also becoming more conscious about the impact shopping habits can have on the planet. We’re glad to have such thoughtful champions and are eager to work together to continue to grow the circular economy,” said Shintaro Yamada, Mercari CEO.

    The Recommerce Caucus is committed to:

    • Empowering small sellers and entrepreneurs by advocating for policies that help individuals and small businesses earn income through resale, repair, and refurbishment on digital platforms.
    • Promoting a sustainable, circular economy by supporting initiatives that extend product life cycles, cut down on landfill waste, and encourage environmentally responsible commerce.
    • Ensuring access to digital marketplaces by reducing participation barriers and promoting digital access so all Americans can fully benefit from recommerce’s economic potential.

    The caucus is endorsed by a growing coalition of leading platforms and advocates, including eBay, Etsy, Mercari, OfferUp, Pinterest, Poshmark, Red Bubble, and the PASS Coalition.

    Background:

    Recommerce—the resale, repair, and refurbishment of goods—is transforming the way Americans participate in the economy. In 2024, 58% of consumers purchased secondhand apparel, with 56% of those transactions occurring online. Platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark are lowering barriers for entrepreneurs and small sellers, while helping reduce waste and extend the life of everyday products.

    As consumers increasingly prioritize affordability and sustainability, recommerce is becoming a cornerstone of the circular economy. The Recommerce Caucus aims to ensure federal policies keep pace with this growth — supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, expanding digital access, and promoting sustainable commerce.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Reintroduces Bipartisan Flood Resiliency and Land Stewardship Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) reintroduced the bipartisan Flood Resiliency and Land Stewardship Act. This legislation will improve flood and drought mitigation through existing USDA conservation programs. 

    “Covering the devastating Flood of 2008 was one of the primary reasons I decided to get involved in public service. Even in the lowest of times, Iowans banded together to recover and rebuild in a more resilient way. At the federal level, we must pursue proactive solutions that prioritize commonsense mitigation and flood prevention efforts to help save lives and livelihoods in the event of severe weather. While we can’t predict the weather, we can ensure we are prepared. I will continue working across the aisle to deliver certainty and protect our communities, businesses, and agriculture.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

    “I’ll never forget the concern I felt for my neighbors while reporting on the massive Quad Cities flood in 2019 as I livestreamed on the ground to warn Quad citizens of the rising waters that were creeping dangerously into businesses and homes along the Mississippi River. Now, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to take action by introducing bipartisan legislation that will help our farming communities improve flood resiliency on their lands by strengthening soil health and water quality. Floods and droughts affect all Americans, and I’m glad to work across the aisle toward delivering solutions for my neighbors.” – Congressman Eric Sorensen

    “We applaud Representatives Ashley Hinson and Eric Sorensen for their bipartisan leadership to advance flood-smart agriculture policy through the Flood Resiliency and Land Stewardship Act. By making flood and drought prevention a core purpose of USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, this bill will help farmers, local communities, and other stakeholders deliver locally led flood solutions that protect both farmlands and downstream communities.” – Julie Seger, Director of Policy & Government Relations, American Flood Coalition Action

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On the 3rd Anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v Wade, Senator Hassan Speaks on Senate Floor About Reproductive Freedom

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan today delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate on the three-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned Roe v. Wade and took away a woman’s fundamental freedom to make her own health care decisions.  

    Click here to watch Senator Hassan’s remarks.

    Key quotes from Senator Hassan:

    • “What did the Dobbs decision mean? It took away a woman’s freedom to make deeply personal health decisions; the freedom to decide when and if to start a family; the freedom to get lifesaving care when a woman’s health is imperiled while pregnant. This is more than a freedom to get a specific medical procedure; in practice we’re talking about the freedom to chart one’s own future, a freedom which should be enjoyed by all free and equal citizens in a democracy.”
    • “Since the Dobbs decision we’ve become a country where a fundamental freedom can vanish once a woman crosses a state line; we’ve returned to a kind of sectionalism of bygone eras that history should have taught us to avoid; where women who are pregnant and live in states with draconian laws banning abortion know that, in the event of a dire medical emergency, they may have to make a long drive to cross state lines or run the risk of being thrown in jail for just trying to get lifesaving care.”
    • “Ultimately, behind all of this talk of laws and precedent; of state statutes and federal; behind all the medical discussions about women’s health care, the anniversary of the Supreme Court overturning Roe begs us to ask a question as simple and fundamental as they come… Do we believe that we are better off when everyone gets to chart their own future; in the land of the free do the full blessings of liberty belong to our daughters as well as our sons? And can a democracy like ours persist when, divided by state lines, half its people live half free?”
    • “So, what is it, on this anniversary, that America’s women ask for? It’s simple. They want what all Americans want; their aspiration is to be free. And so long as we wish to call ourselves the world’s greatest democracy, the President and this body would do well to remember our country’s promise and heed their call.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Office of the Investor Advocate Delivers to Congress Report on Objectives for Fiscal Year 2026

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of the Investor Advocate today delivered its Report to Congress on the office’s objectives for fiscal year 2026.

    As detailed in the report, the Investor Advocate’s priorities for fiscal year 2026 include:

    • Investor research and testing on existing and proposed disclosures to retail investors.
    • Informing SEC activities and policy priorities through data collected from nationally representative surveys.
    • Addressing and advocating for the priorities and concerns of retail investors affected by financial fraud, including through the Interagency Securities Council.
    • Private market investments in retirement accounts.
    • China-based variable interest entities listed on U.S. exchanges.

    “As detailed in this report, our office continues to research and listen to all investors’ concerns and act as a constructive liaison between those investors and the Commission,” said Cristina Martin Firvida, the SEC’s Investor Advocate.

    The Office of the Investor Advocate is an independent office that was established by Congress to: assist retail investors in resolving problems with the Commission and self-regulatory organizations (SROs); identify areas where investors would benefit from changes in SEC and SRO rules and regulations; identify investor problems with financial service providers and investment products; analyze the potential impact on investors of proposed regulations and rules of the SEC and SROs; and propose regulatory or legislative changes to the Commission and to Congress that might mitigate investor problems and promote investor interests.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Pushes for Federal Right to Repair for Farmers at Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, this week questioned witnesses about how a federal Right to Repair would boost competition and strengthen sustainability of rural agricultural economies in Vermont. 
    “One of the issues that keeps coming up in Vermont—I talk to farmers, and they want to repair their equipment, and they can’t. And if there’s anything a farmer can do, it’s fix things. It’s a way they save money and keep things going, and they can’t take the time it takes to have somebody else come in and fix it. And they’re not being allowed to do it. So, a number of us think there should be a Right to Repair—you buy the tractor, you should be able to repair it,” said Senator Welch. “If something goes wrong, why can’t you—when you are somebody who knows how to do things—fix it?” 
    In response to questioning, officials from the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice agreed with Senator Welch on the need for a federal Right to Repair. 
    Mr. Mark Meador, Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), testified: “I think it’s incredibly important. And as you alluded to, the FTC has enforcement efforts in this exact area. I think it’s critical that when a consumer buys a product they can use their own labor—or that of anyone capable—to repair and maintain that product.” 
    In response to a question about right to repair, Mr. Roger Alford, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice, testified: “The answer to your question is yes—right to repair is a critical argument that is important in antitrust enforcement.” 
    Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: 

    Read more excerpts from Senator Welch’s remarks: 

    Senator Welch: “Can you just describe how a federal Right to Repair would promote a more sustainable and competitive agricultural economy?” 

    Ms. Doha Mekki, Senior Fellow, Berkley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice, testified: “When I was the Principal Deputy and then Acting Assistant Attorney General in the Antitrust Division, it was our mantra in the front office: ‘Don’t mess with the farmers.’ We took the view that when big, rapacious companies abused farmers, that they needed to be prepared to meet the Justice Department on the other side…So, I think this is a wonderful idea because we know what happens when companies pivot from being sort of an industrial monopolist to a sort of big data monopolist and then are charging expensive subscriptions and service fees in order for you to just interact with the product that you thought you bought.” 

    Senator Welch: “Thank you. That’s very helpful, and I like your advice: ‘Don’t mess with the farmers.’” 

    ••• 
    Senator Welch has led the fight to protect consumers from corporate rip-offs and combat mounting monopolies. In April, Senator Welch called out President Trump for firing Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission and discussed the importance of a fully functioning FTC to safeguard consumers from corporate greed. 
    At a Senate Judiciary hearing in November, Senator Welch grilled Visa and Mastercard executives about their duopoly over the credit card market and the interchange fees—or swipe fees—charged to businesses in the United States and highlighted the importance of passing his bipartisan, bicameral Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) to enhance choice and competition in the credit card market and help bring down costs for small businesses.  
    Last Congress, Senator Welch led a bipartisan letter to the Biden Administration raising concerns about FanDuel and DraftKings’ conduct and slammed online sports gambling companies for exploiting the addictive nature of gambling and undermining antitrust law. Senator Welch also introduced the Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act and Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act, bills to prevent companies from using algorithms to set higher prices for consumers and crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets. 
    Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Graham Releases Updated Homeland Security Reconciliation Text

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today released the updated legislative text for the Homeland Security portion of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees’ title of the reconciliation bill. This text meets the border security funding request from President Trump and his administration.

    “As Budget Chairman, I will do my best to ensure that the President’s border security plan is fully funded because I believe it has been fully justified.

    “The President promised to secure our border. His plan fulfills that promise. The Senate must do our part and pass this bill.”

    View the full text HERE.

    View the one-pager HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global Nuclear Emergency Exercise Concludes, Testing International Response in Simulated Reactor Accident

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.

    Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

    The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.

    “The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”

    Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:

    • Enhanced regional collaboration: Recognizing the transboundary impact of severe nuclear accidents, neighbouring countries Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova coordinated protective measures to ensure harmonized responses across borders.
    • Integration of nuclear security scenarios: The simulation incorporated physical protection challenges and cyber security threats, reflecting evolving risks.
    • Advanced crisis communication testing: An expanded social media simulator was utilized to assess and improve public information strategies.
    • Deployment of international assistance missions: Expert teams from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Sweden and the United States of America conducted joint operations, including aerial and land-based radiation monitoring, under the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

    The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.

    ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Clyburn, Leger Fernández, Klobuchar, Luján Lead Effort to Press Commerce Secretary Lutnick to Reverse Harmful Broadband Policy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led a group of congressional Democrats in writing a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick addressing the Trump Administration’s recently announced Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Restructuring Policy Notice. The BEAD program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access.

    In their letter to Secretary Lutnick, the lawmakers urge the Department of Commerce to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet those statutory objectives. 

    “Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States” the Members wrote. “We therefore urge you to implement the BEAD program in accordance with the best reading of the statute so we can make high-quality internet accessible and affordable for all Americans.”

    The BEAD program, enacted into law in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $42 billion to provide high-quality internet access to millions of Americans who remain unserved, to ensure affordability, and to facilitate adoption. The bipartisan process that crafted the program was informed by the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, comprehensive broadband legislation formulated by the House Democratic Rural Broadband Task Force in conjunction with the Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Democrats.

    The letter was also signed by Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) as well as Representatives Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Bishop (D-GA-02), Bynum (D-OR-05), Carson (D-IN-07), Carter (D-LA-02), Cleaver (D-MO-05),  Davis (D-IL-07), DelBene (D-WA-01), Evans (D-PA-03),  Fields (D-LA-06), Figures (D-AL-02), Garcia (D-TX-29), Goodlander (D-NH-02), Hoyle (D-OR-04), Huffman (D-CA-02), Lofgren (D-CA-18), McGovern (D-MA-02), Menendez (D-NJ-08), Mrvan (D-IN-01), Neguse (D-CO-02), Pappas (D-NH-01), Scholten (D-MI-03), Sewell (D-AL-07), Soto (D-FL-09), Thompson (D-MS-02), Titus (D-NV-01), Tlaib (D-MI-12), Tokuda (D-HI-02), Williams (D-GA-05), and Wilson (D-FL-24).  

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

    Dear Secretary Lutnick: 

    We write to express our opposition to the Department of Commerce’s recently announced BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access. We urge you to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet these statutory objectives. 

    The broadband division of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law begins with this congressional finding: “Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States.” This fundamental reality is why the BEAD program was established to fulfill the subsequent finding that “the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.” To achieve this goal, the statute states that funding recipients must “ensure coverage of broadband service to all unserved locations” before using any funds for other purposes. The restructuring notice appears to violate this requirement by allowing applicants to exclude certain unserved locations. Such an allowance would defy bipartisan congressional intent, which was predicated on the understanding that public investment was needed to achieve universal service precisely because building the infrastructure to cover many rural areas was too costly to be profitable. 

    In addition to excluding unserved, predominantly rural locations, the restructuring notice would likely result in others receiving worse service. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requires that “priority broadband projects” funded by the program be “designed to provide broadband service that meets speed, latency, reliability, consistency in quality of service, and related criteria as the Assistant Secretary shall determine; and [to] ensure that the network[s] built by the project[s] can easily scale speeds over time to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses, and support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless technologies, and other advanced services.” Of currently available technologies, fiber-optic networks are faster and more reliable and can scale speeds much more easily. We made the decision to invest larger sums now in broadband infrastructure that would be resilient and capable of meeting Americans’ growing digital demands for decades. 

    The restructuring notice also undermines the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s provisions designed to ensure that broadband service is affordable and put to good use. The new rules remove specific requirements that ensured that participating providers would provide a low-cost internet option for low-income customers as required by the statute. Additionally, while the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically allows funds to be spent on “broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices,” the notice rescinds approval of previously approved “non-deployment activities” and puts all funding for these activities on hold. For example, this provision of the notice puts on hold a South Carolina plan to use BEAD program funds for virtual primary health—equipping low-income households in rural health deserts with access to the full suite of virtual health services at no cost to the patients. If the broadband infrastructure being built by BEAD program funds isn’t put to good use, much of the investment will have been wasted. 

    As reflected in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s congressional findings, high-quality internet access is a requirement to fully participate in the world, and the BEAD program is our once-in-a century opportunity to finish closing the digital divide. We fear this opportunity would be squandered by the restructuring notice and its changes to coverage, quality, and affordability. We therefore urge you to implement the BEAD program in accordance with the best reading of the statute so we can make high-quality internet accessible and affordable for all Americans.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Asks Supreme Court to Review Idaho’s Law Protecting Women’s Sports

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Asks Supreme Court to Review Idaho’s Law Protecting Women’s Sports

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador filed a supplemental brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to grant immediate review of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act rather than sending the case back to a lower court. The brief argues that vital constitutional questions about sex-based classifications and women’s athletic opportunities require the Court’s urgent attention.
    “While we’ve been fighting for fair and equal athletic competition, activists have been pushing an agenda that would ultimately sideline women and girls in their own sports,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Many athletic associations around the world have recognized the obvious truth that men and women are biologically different, and allowing men in women’s sports would create a dangerous, unfair environment for women to showcase their incredible talent. We’re asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold our law and ensure that women and girls get the opportunities they deserve.”
    The supplemental brief in Little v. Hecox was filed after the Court held the case pending its decision in United States v. Skrmetti. However, that recent decision did not resolve the fundamental constitutional questions at stake in Idaho’s case. The brief argues that critical circuit splits remain unresolved, including whether biological sex should be defined objectively or subjectively in equal protection cases, and whether transgender identity qualifies as a quasi-suspect classification.
    Idaho’s brief emphasizes that 27 states have now enacted laws protecting women’s sports, and both the NCAA and federal government have announced policies excluding biological males from female competitions. Despite this momentum, women and girls continue losing medals, podium spots, and athletic opportunities in jurisdictions where courts have blocked these protections.
    The brief warns that sending the case back to a lower court would only delay the inevitable resolution of these issues while continuing to harm female athletes. It notes that the Ninth Circuit’s current ruling places schools in an impossible position, requiring athletic divisions based on testosterone levels while risking federal funding loss for non-compliance with federal directives protecting women’s sports. Attorney General Labrador continues defending Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in federal court. The case represents a critical opportunity for the Supreme Court to resolve nationwide confusion and protect the integrity of women’s sports across America.
    Read the brief here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global Nuclear Emergency Exercise Concludes, Testing International Response in Simulated Reactor Accident

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.

    Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

    The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.

    “The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”

    Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:

    • Enhanced regional collaboration: Recognizing the transboundary impact of severe nuclear accidents, neighbouring countries Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova coordinated protective measures to ensure harmonized responses across borders.
    • Integration of nuclear security scenarios: The simulation incorporated physical protection challenges and cyber security threats, reflecting evolving risks.
    • Advanced crisis communication testing: An expanded social media simulator was utilized to assess and improve public information strategies.
    • Deployment of international assistance missions: Expert teams from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Sweden and the United States of America conducted joint operations, including aerial and land-based radiation monitoring, under the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

    The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.

    ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Announce $141k in Federal Funding for Decatur Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 24, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)  today announced $141,874 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Authority for Decatur Airport. The federal funding will be used to reconstruct 21,817 square yards of the existing south T-Hangar Apron pavement.

    “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this federal funding to help modernize and improve infrastructure at Decatur Airport. I will continue working to make traveling safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”

    “By improving airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability while creating jobs,” said Durbin. “This federal funding for Decatur Airport will upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and promote economic growth. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth to ensure our state’s regional airports have the necessary federal resources.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Announce $141k in Federal Funding for Decatur Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 24, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)  today announced $141,874 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Authority for Decatur Airport. The federal funding will be used to reconstruct 21,817 square yards of the existing south T-Hangar Apron pavement.

    “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this federal funding to help modernize and improve infrastructure at Decatur Airport. I will continue working to make traveling safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities are receiving the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”

    “By improving airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability while creating jobs,” said Durbin. “This federal funding for Decatur Airport will upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and promote economic growth. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth to ensure our state’s regional airports have the necessary federal resources.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Americans are Counting on Congress to Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — Yesterday, House GOP Leadership invited constituents from each of their districts to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill will benefit every industry, and every profession, in every district in America. Fox News’ Liz Elkind spoke with those constituents; read their testimonies below.

    “I believe that our tax rates in Louisiana for small businesses will jump up to around 43.4%. I mean, that’s literally half of what we’re working for,”  Louisiana resident and small business owner Toni McAllister said. “So what will we be working for to pay taxes?”

    Read the full article here or below:

    EXCLUSIVE: Toni McAllister is a prominent voice in Louisiana’s logging industry, but as she told Fox News Digital on Tuesday, she is also “a mom and a wife” from a middle-class family.

    She is one of four Americans from across the country invited by House GOP leaders to Capitol Hill to promote President Donald Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill.”

    It is a vast piece of legislation aimed at advancing Trump’s priorities on taxes, immigration, energy, defense and the national debt – which is taking Herculean political maneuvering to pass.

    On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other leaders pivoted from promoting it themselves, instead inviting their four guests to talk about their support for the bill, and what is at stake if it does not pass by the end of this year.

    “I believe that our tax rates in Louisiana for small businesses will jump up to around 43.4%. I mean, that’s literally half of what we’re working for. So what will we be working for to pay taxes?” McAllister told Fox News Digital.

    She is the executive director of the Louisiana Logger’s Association, a trade group representing loggers in the Bayou State. In addition to that, however, McAllister said she was concerned about a tax hike for her family if the bill is not passed.

    “I’m just a regular middle-class family. And in Louisiana, the average tax hike would be around $1,300. That’s a month of groceries. That’s anything extra that we can do with our kids. $1,300 is a lot of money,” she said.

    Projections released by the House GOP show that under the lower chamber’s version of the bill, an average family could see an additional $1,300 in tax relief, while a failure to pass it could lead to a $1,700 tax hike.

    Republicans are aiming to use the bill to extend Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as implement a host of new policies like eliminating taxes on tipped and overtime wages.

    Retired Sheriff James Stuart said those latter measures, which Trump campaigned on in 2024, will be critical to law enforcement recruitment in Minnesota.

    “One of the most persistent struggles of agencies across the country is retention and recruitment. No tax on overtime will increase take-home pay for our peace offices, which will boost morale and ease burdens for them and their families,” Stuart, who is also executive director of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, told Fox News Digital.

    However, Paul Danos, the head of a family-owned offshore energy service company in Gray, Louisiana, told Fox News Digital that Republicans’ energy policies are also critical for his business.

    “If this bill doesn’t pass, then we find ourselves where we were in the last administration, with that lack of predictability around lease sales,” Danos said.

    “Those multibillion-dollar investments that are creating jobs, that are providing safe and affordable energy here in the US, are jeopardized. We start having to depend on other nations for our oil and gas.”

    That, he argued, would lead to higher prices for everyone.

    Sam Palmeter, who leads engineering at Laser Marking Technologies, one of the last two laser technology companies owned and operated in America, said he and others in Michigan were “tired of brain drain,” hoping Trump’s bill could reverse that and revitalize manufacturing in the region.

    “We won’t grow, and we won’t provide as many jobs in the industrial manufacturing and engineering space,” Palmeter said.

    “And that’s sad, because there’s nothing that makes me more proud than hiring a local kid…So he’s working 13 miles from home. He doesn’t have to leave his family and everything to exercise that degree.”

    It is not yet clear if their arguments or others in favor of Trump’s bill will have any effect, however.

    The legislation has been met with Republican critics in the House and Senate, while GOP leaders have styled it as the best possible path forward for a conservative policy overhaul while they control Congress and the White House.

    While the dissent is coming from a relatively small number of Republicans, it could be enough to derail the legislation – both House and Senate GOP leaders are grappling with razor-thin margins of just a few votes.

    Trump recently ordered lawmakers to remain in Washington, D.C., until the bill is passed – despite a planned recess next week for the Fourth of July holiday.

    The bill passed the House by one vote last month, and a modified version is expected to get a Senate vote sometime this week. Both the House and Senate must pass identical products before they can be sent to Trump’s desk.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin Reintroduces Bill to Improve Public Engagement on Nuclear Safety & Waste Removal Issues

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    June 25, 2025

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and Sen. Ed Markey (MA) reintroduced the bicameral NRC Office of Public Engagement and Participation (NRC OPEP) Act to establish an Office of Public Engagement and Participation at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The Office would help the public better understand and participate in the decision-making process on nuclear energy issues. Every American should have a say when government agencies make decisions that affect our health and safety.

    The NRC considers public opinion in their nuclear regulatory decisions, but oftentimes the public does not understand how to engage with the complicated administrative processes at the Commission to offer their opinions. The proposed independent Office of Public Engagement and Participation would create opportunities for the public to be better informed and weigh in on the Commission’s work while streamlining processes for the NRC. The Office would provide educational, legal, and technical guidance and assistance to members of the public who want to comment on nuclear issues.

    “Communities across the country impacted by nuclear power, safety, and waste deserve to have their voices heard by the regulatory agency in charge of handling important nuclear safety issues. Unfortunately, too often there is no clear line of communication between the public and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. That must change,” said Rep. Levin. “This bill could not be more necessary as the Trump Administration is encroaching on the independence of the NRC and seeking to build out more nuclear power while cutting communities out of the process. I thank Senator Markey for his partnership, and I look forward to building bipartisan support for this bill.”

    “As independent agencies like the NRC come under attack by the Trump administration, we must defend open and transparent federal decision-making. The NRC should proactively and meaningfully work with communities living at the frontline of nuclear energy infrastructure and make its regulatory processes more accessible,” said Senator Markey. “The NRC OPEP Act would enable the Commission to carry out these responsibilities by creating a new, independent office dedicated to centering and uplifting community voices, while also breaking down financial barriers that limit public participation through needs-based, up-front compensation.” 

    The Trump Administration has undertaken a number of concerning actions that could compromise the safety of nuclear energy in America. The Administration’s plans to build out more nuclear power and unleash a “nuclear renaissance” are premised on “reducing unnecessary burdens” and undermining the federal government’s ability to protect public health and safety. Further, President Trump’s recent illegal firing of NRC Commissioner Christopher Hanson undermines the independence of the agency in an attempt to consolidate his power. The public must have a clear pathway to provide input on decisions related to nuclear issues in their communities in light of these actions.

    Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has fought for federal action and resources to address the challenges at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) and remove thousands of metric tons of nuclear waste out of the region. Rep. Levin has secured over $148 million to expand the DOE’s nuclear waste removal program, and continues to fight as a member of the House Appropriations Committee for resources to address spent nuclear fuel challenges.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Register now for Tradeswomen Build Nations

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    Registration is open for the 2025 Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, a popular event that grows each year. With limited seats and hotel rooms, local lodges wishing to send delegates should immediately make plans to do so and register to attend. 

    The 2025 TWBN Conference is set for Sept. 19-21 in Chicago. Register and find more information: https://tradesfutures.org/initiatives/tradeswomen-build-nations/ 

    See the Boilermakers’ recap from the 2024 event:

    https://boilermakers.org/news/2024-tradeswomen-build-nations-displays-strength-of-women-and-unionism

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California awards $15 million to support economic growth in tribal communities across the state

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 25, 2025

    What you need to know: As part of California Jobs First, the state is awarding $15 million through the Regional Investment Initiative to support California Native American tribal partners in creating jobs and developing high-paying and fulfilling careers.

    Sacramento, California – Today, Governor Newsom and the California Jobs First Council announced $15 million in grants to 14 California Native American tribes, tribal coalitions, and tribally led organizations. The grants support projects aimed at spurring economic growth, providing job training, cultivating business development, protecting the environment, and conducting research and development.

    This $15 million commitment recognizes that, since time immemorial, California tribes have been best aware of the opportunities and advantages of their regions and communities. California is proud to partner with tribes across the state to support good jobs and expand economic opportunity in a meaningful and lasting way, delivering on the promises we made years ago.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Our tribal partners are uniquely positioned to grow their local communities and economies utilizing cultural values and principles of self-determination,” said Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari. “Today’s awards promise to advance our shared goals for a stronger economy and greater opportunities for all Californians.” 

    Today’s announcement includes awards for projects spanning a range of local investments, from developing community centers to constructing a bioenergy production facility:

    • Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians was awarded $1.51 million to develop a strategic energy plan.

    • California Indian Museum and Cultural Center was awarded $587,000, and will develop a career pathway program in the health sector titled “Climate-Ready Tribal Community Health Representatives.”

    • Kashia Band of Pomo Indians were awarded $999,000 in order to conduct the pre-development activities necessary to establish the Kashia Aquaculture Center.

    • Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria was awarded $999,000, to conduct the pre-development activities necessary to establish a Resilience Hub and Multi-Functional Community Center.

    • Native Development Network was awarded $776,000 to conduct research supporting the development of career pathways in the clean economy, healthcare, and high-tech sectors.

    • Native First Lending was awarded $1 million to develop a revolving loan fund for Native American businesses in Los Angeles County.

    • Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe was awarded $744,000 to support land restoration activities on two culturally significant historical sites.

    • Owens Valley Career Development Center was awarded $1.995 million to develop career pathways in the clean economy.

    • Pit River Tribe was awarded $954,000 for a comprehensive land use assessment to identify locations for new businesses in industries such as tourism and outdoor recreation.

    • Scotts Valley Energy Corporation was awarded $1 million for a bioenergy production facility.

    • Southern California Tribal Chairperson’s Association was awarded $933,000 to develop an Innovation Ecosystem to support small businesses in the clean economy sector.

    • Table Mountain Rancheria was awarded $950,000 to conduct pre-development activities for the TMR Healthcare Center.

    • The Sierra Fund was awarded $945,000, which will provide economic and workforce development planning support for two local Tribes.

    • Tule River Economic Development Corporation was awarded $1.6 million to develop career pathways and provide training in the clean economy sector.

    “Each of these awards represents our efforts to invest in locally driven projects that will advance meaningful job creation, attraction, and access across California,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of GO-Biz and Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development. “The California Jobs First Council is honored to have the opportunity to invest in these 14 communities, and we look forward to working closely with our tribal nation partners to ensure the ongoing success of their projects.”

    See full award details here. 

    California Jobs First

    In February, Governor Newsom released the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint — a new economic vision for California’s future. The Blueprint outlines key initiatives to support regional growth throughout the state, invest in job training for the future, attract job creators, and strengthen California’s innovation economy — all to help increase access to good-paying jobs for Californians. 

    As part of California Jobs First, the state has invested $287 million since 2022 to develop viable projects that advance strategic sectors in regional economies.

    California is the fourth-largest economy in the world. With an increasing state population and recent record-high tourism spending, California is the nation’s top state for new business starts, access to venture capital funding, and manufacturing, high-tech, and agriculture.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Financial crime: South African fraud gang dismantled

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – A fraud gang suspected of swindling a US-based company out of some EUR 455,000 has been taken down in raids across Johannesburg led by investigators from the Hawks Serious Commercial Crimes Unit and US Secret Service agents, and supported by INTERPOL.

    With investigations on-going, the operation led to the arrest of seven people allegedly linked to a Nigerian organized crime syndicate that specializes in online fraud. The suspects allegedly bought luxury vehicles with the proceeds of their crimes.

    The fraud gang suspects allegedly bought luxury vehicles with the proceeds of their crimes

    The operation was part of a global initiative under the framework of INTERPOL’s Global Financial Crime Task Force (IGFCTF), where 14 countries including South Africa and the United States work closely together to tackle the global threat of cyber enabled financial crime.

    The suspects – four men and three women aged between 25 and 42 – are believed to be key figures in a global crime syndicate involved in fraud and money laundering.

    The gang is also believed to be behind romance scams, using fake online identities to lure vulnerable men and women to transfer money. Romance scams generate millions of US dollars worldwide.

    Commending the collaborative work of the multi-disciplinary team which led to the arrests, Hawks head Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya said: “Organized criminal groups should know law enforcement agencies are collaborating on an international level to dismantle criminal networks.”

    The Johannesburg operation is one of several global operations under the framework of IGFCTF where law enforcement authorities are working together to crack down on West African fraud syndicates targeting individuals and businesses worldwide.  

    The authorities involved are now working closely with INTERPOL to track the movements of the gang’s money worldwide, with investigations focusing on a worldwide criminal syndicate known as Black Axe, which allegedly used business email compromise (BEC) scams to defraud a US-based mental health institute.

    BEC scams usually target third-party vendors to gain access to business email accounts after which payments are diverted to the bank accounts of money mules.

    Michael K. Burgin of the US Secret Service said: “The fight against cyber-enabled crime knows no boundaries, and the collaborative efforts in this case show how vital it is to work collectively with our international partners to execute impactful takedowns of these highly organized transnational criminal syndicates.”

    Eight suspected Black Axe leaders were arrested in Cape Town and Johannesburg in 2021, leading to a massive drop in the group’s activities and similar crimes. They face extradition to the US, where they are charged with stealing more than EUR 6.25 million from romance scam victims there.

    “Taking advantage of globalization and digitization processes, criminals are able to commit financial crimes with increasing efficiency and sophistication,” said Rory Corcoran, Acting Director, INTERPOL Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC).

    “The Johannesburg arrests highlight the importance of international cooperation between INTERPOL and its global law enforcement partners to target and disrupt the criminal syndicates involved in all forms of financial crimes and corruption,” added Mr Corcoran.

    Since its creation in January, the Centre has helped INTERPOL member countries intercept more than EUR 4.5 million tied to BEC and romance frauds.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Global Nuclear Emergency Exercise Concludes, Testing International Response in Simulated Reactor Accident

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.

    Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

    The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.

    “The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”

    Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:

    • Enhanced regional collaboration: Recognizing the transboundary impact of severe nuclear accidents, neighbouring countries Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova coordinated protective measures to ensure harmonized responses across borders.
    • Integration of nuclear security scenarios: The simulation incorporated physical protection challenges and cyber security threats, reflecting evolving risks.
    • Advanced crisis communication testing: An expanded social media simulator was utilized to assess and improve public information strategies.
    • Deployment of international assistance missions: Expert teams from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Sweden and the United States of America conducted joint operations, including aerial and land-based radiation monitoring, under the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

    The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.

    ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Announces Over $2.6 Million Grant for Head Start Projects in Allegany County

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced that Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development has been awarded $2,698,394 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Head Start Projects.  

    “I am proud to support the over $2.6 million from HHS for Head Start projects in Allegany,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Head Start programming is essential to families in our community and this funding will ensure children have the best opportunity to learn and be nurtured. I am excited to see this program in Allegany flourish with this federal assistance.”

    Head Start is based on the premise that all children share certain needs and that children of income eligible families can benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to meet those needs. The program maximizes the strengths and unique experiences of each child. The family, which is the principal influence on the child’s development, is a direct participant in the program.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –