NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter: How Idaho is Fighting for Constitutional Rights Nationwide

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: How Idaho is Fighting for Constitutional Rights Nationwide

    Dear Friends,
    Most people don’t spend their days reading court filings or coalition letters from attorneys general—and I don’t blame them. But behind those filings is where we do some of our most important work defending Idaho’s values, protecting our freedoms, and standing up to overreach. So in this week’s Labrador Letter, I want to take a moment to explain how this work happens, what we’ve been doing, and why it matters for Idaho.
    One of the tools we use as attorneys general is the amicus brief—a legal document filed in a court case where a state isn’t directly involved, but where the outcome affects our rights or our laws. “Amicus” means “friend” in Latin, and these briefs allow us to stand up as a “friend of the court”—and more importantly, a friend of the people—on issues that matter beyond just Idaho’s border.
    We also join coalition letters with other attorneys general to demand accountability, warn of legal consequences, and push back on policies that overstep constitutional boundaries. These aren’t just symbolic gestures. They are the united voice of states, telling corporations, federal agencies, and international bodies that we will not be silent—or that we’re prepared to fight back against unlawful policies.
    In the past few months, we’ve used both of these tools to defend parental rights, merit-based hiring, Second Amendment freedoms, veteran’s benefits, and the rule of law.
    Some of the clearest examples of this work are playing out in the business and financial sectors—where the push for political conformity is increasingly replacing accountability, and sometimes, the law. We recently joined a 15-state coalition urging the Business Roundtable—an organization made up of CEOs from some of the most powerful companies in America—to abandon discriminatory DEI mandates. These race-based hiring quotas and ideological trainings violate both state and federal law, replacing merit with identity politics. We joined this effort because Idahoans deserve to compete and be hired based on ability, not immutable characteristics.
    At the same time, we also joined a coalition letter asking major Wall Street firms like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and others about their investments in Chinese companies tied to forced labor, genocide, and the Chinese Communist Party. These asset managers handle trillions of dollars on behalf of pensioners, retirees, and working Americans. When they hide the risks of investing in an adversarial regime, it’s not just bad business—it may be fraud. Idaho public employees, retirees, and private investors have a right to know whether their money is being funneled into unstable or unethical markets, especially when those markets are propped up by a hostile foreign government.
    We’re also confronting another ideological push—this one coming from within our own institutions and aimed squarely at the foundations of biology, parental rights, and public spending. We’re pushing back against one of the most troubling trends in our country today: the effort to force radical gender ideology into every institution—including our prison system. I recently co-led a 24-state amicus brief in support of a Trump-era executive order that prohibits taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries and hormone treatments for inmates in federal custody. The case, Kingdom v. Trump, asks whether prisoners can claim a constitutional right under the Eighth Amendment to receive these procedures at public expense. Our brief makes clear: denying elective, irreversible procedures is not cruel or unusual punishment. These decisions about medical care in prisons should be made by elected policymakers—not imposed by courts. Idahoans should not be forced to subsidize medical practices are experimental and go against basic biology. This case is about protecting taxpayers and restoring common sense to public policy.
    We’re seeing the same kind of overreach in states attempting to rewrite the Second Amendment—and Idaho is fighting back. This past September, I led a multistate amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Maryland’s unconstitutional ban on commonly owned semiautomatic rifles. These firearms are used by law-abiding Americans every day for self-defense, sport, and tradition. Our brief stated that Maryland’s law violates the Second Amendment and defies Supreme Court precedent. Idahoans value their freedom—and when another state tries to criminalize the exercise of a constitutional right, we will lead the charge to stop it. The case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, and we are awaiting a decision on whether the justices will take it up.
    That same commitment to defending what’s right applies to how we treat those who served our country. In March, our office joined every state in the country in a bipartisan amicus brief defending the earned benefits of two decorated servicemembers denied their full GI Bill education benefits. The VA took a narrow view of the law, even after the U.S. Supreme Court made clear in Rudisill v. McDonough that these benefits are owed. This wasn’t a partisan issue. It was a failure by a federal agency to keep its word to our veterans. That’s why we stepped in. Veterans in Idaho and across America deserve every benefit they were promised.
    Just as we fight for our veterans, we’re also working to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis that has harmed communities across America. We recently helped secure up to $335 million in a bipartisan, multistate settlement with Mylan Pharmaceuticals. The company marketed opioid products, including fentanyl patches, while minimizing known risks of abuse. These practices contributed to a crisis that has touched nearly every state—including Idaho. While no settlement can undo the damage, these funds will support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in communities across our state.
    All of this is more than just legal action—it’s a commitment to protecting Idaho’s future and pushing back against those who would undermine it. We don’t wait for permission to defend our values, and we won’t stay quiet while others try to dictate the direction of this country. Whether it’s Wall Street, Washington, or states trying to export their failed policies nationwide, Idaho will continue to lead—fighting in the courts, building strong coalitions, and standing firm for the rule of law. We will protect our rights, our sovereignty, and our way of life—no matter who tries to take them.
    Best regards,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Helps Introduce Bill to Ban Assault Weapons, Protect Nevada Communities from Gun Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce a bill to ban the sale of assault weapons and protect Nevada communities. The bill would ban the sale, transfer, manufacture, and import of military-style assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and other high-capacity ammunition feeding devices that have repeatedly been used in mass shootings across the nation. While the 1994 assault weapons ban was in place, the United States saw gun massacres decline by 37%, and mass shooting fatalities were 70% less likely. When the ban expired in 2005, gun deaths rose 239%.
    “Senseless acts of gun violence have destroyed communities and torn families apart in Nevada and all across our nation,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to help introduce this bill to ban the sale of assault weapons and take commonsense steps to get weapons of war off of our streets. I will continue taking action to end gun violence while respecting the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners.”
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in the fight against gun violence. Earlier this year, Rosen helped introduce commonsense, bipartisan legislation to ban bump stocks and other devices or modifications that allow semi-automatic firearms to increase their rate of fire and effectively operate as fully automatic weapons. Bump stocks were used in the 1 October shooting in Las Vegas. Last Congress, Rosen helped pass the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to enhance background checks on firearm purchases for individuals under 21, fund the implementation of red flag laws, combat firearms trafficking, and invest in school safety and mental health programs. Rosen also helped introduce the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act to provide all victims of gun violence and their loved ones with the resources to help meet medical, legal, financial, and other needs. Senator Rosen also helped introduce the Background Check Expansion Act to expand federal background checks to all commercial gun sales, including those made online and at gun shows. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Committee Leaders Demand Answers After NOAA Complaints Reveal Firings Decisions Came from Outside of NOAA Leadership

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    (Washington, DC) – Yesterday, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Members Lofgren (CA-18), Sykes (OH-13), and Amo (RI-1) sent a letter to NOAA Acting Administrator Grimm demanding answers on who exactly is in charge at NOAA after a document reviewed by the Committee has raised questions on where authority lies at the agency.

    According to a document obtained by the Committee, Vice Admiral Nancy Hann submitted responses to a series of questions posed to her by the NOAA OCR as a part of the process related to the firing of a probationary employee. At the time of the probationary firings, Vice Admiral Hann was the NOAA Acting Administrator. In the NOAA OCR questionnaires, Hann admitted that she was “directed” to fire probationary employees from “a list provided to me” by unnamed individuals.

    “This is an extremely troubling situation with disturbing implications for NOAA,” the Members wrote in the letter. “If the agency’s own leaders are not in charge – if they lack discretion, lack authority, and merely serve as figureheads to implement decisions based on lists provided to them by others – the agency itself is made vulnerable to poorly conceived, ill-informed decisions by outsiders who lack technical expertise related to NOAA’s work and who may know nothing about NOAA’s mission, organization, and workforce. The disastrous consequences of the probationary firings demonstrate precisely why this is so harmful to the agency. And if the agency’s leaders are simply following orders from undisclosed outsiders, the agency lacks accountability to Congress and to the American people. How do we know where true authority lies? It may very well be the case that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) prepared the list of NOAA probationary employees to be fired as a part of its destructive rampage through the federal government and then forced NOAA leadership to submit to its commands. DOGE’s ignorance knows no bounds, and we can think of few things more alarming for NOAA’s future than to give DOGE the power to dictate its fate.”

    The Members continued, “The stakes could not be higher. As the Trump Administration weighs drastic budget cuts at NOAA and a sweeping Reduction in Force (RIF) plan for the agency, the country has a right to know who will be making these decisions and whether the leaders who know the agency best – and who have been charged with leading it – will possess the authority to advocate for its best interests.”

    The letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Atlanta host press conference on combatting firearms trafficking to Mexico

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ATLANTA – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Atlanta Field Division hosted a joint press conference with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico.

    “Firearms trafficking and the illegal activity associated with it continues to threaten the safety of the general public throughout our communities,” said ATF Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “We are working closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to illegally move firearms between the United States and Mexico. Extensive time in a federal prison awaits those who think they can endanger our communities and get away with it.”

    “Homeland Security Investigations is steadfast in our mission to combat international firearms trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal networks that threaten public safety on both sides of the border,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “By targeting those who illegally purchase and smuggle weapons into Mexico, we are cutting off a vital lifeline to cartel members and terrorist-designated organizations, while upholding our duty to protect communities at home and abroad. HSI will continue to work relentlessly to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice those fueling this dangerous trade.”

    In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with federal and local partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

    Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within many local communities. They have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out illicit activities including fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

    Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

    Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. From January 20 to May 1, 2025, ATF agents nationwide initiated 8,501 violent crime cases, arrested 1,912 criminals, seized a total of 10,592 firearms, 655,388 rounds of ammunition, 8,722 firearm parts, and 6,335 assorted explosives.

    ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

    ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis in alignment with President Trump’s proclamation ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from sunrise to sunset. 

    “This is a time to reflect and remember those and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities in the face of devastating events. In Colorado, we value the hard work and dedication of our firefighters to make sure communities are prepared, protected, and informed during emergencies. We honor our fallen firefighters by ensuring their legacies and loved ones are cared for here in Colorado, ” said Governor Polis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Proclaims Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, Orders Flags Flown at Half Staff

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Governor Tim Walz today proclaimed May 3 through May 4 as Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in honor of firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty. The Governor has directed all United States and Minnesota flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 216

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL6

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 216
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    535 PM EDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Northwest Georgia

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 535 PM until
    1100 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 65 mph possible
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Clusters of storms will spread eastward from northern
    Alabama into northwest Georgia through late evening with the
    potential to produce occasional damaging gusts up to 65 mph and
    large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 35
    statute miles east and west of a line from 45 miles north northeast
    of Rome GA to 30 miles southeast of Rome GA. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…WW 213…WW 214…WW 215…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 55 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27025.

    …Thompson

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW6
    WW 216 SEVERE TSTM GA 022135Z – 030300Z
    AXIS..35 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    45NNE RMG/ROME GA/ – 30SE RMG/ROME GA/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 30NM E/W /14E GQO – 31NW ATL/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..55 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27025.

    LAT…LON 34958425 34048419 34048541 34958548

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU6.

    Watch 216 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE operation in Northern Virginia nets 3 alien offenders

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Department of Justice Diplomatic Security Service, arrested three illegal aliens during routine daily operations April 21 in Northern Virginia.

    Among those arrested were an illegally present Salvadoran national with prior drug convictions and an illegally present Liberian national wanted in his home country for documents fraud. Authorities also apprehended an additional illegally present Salvadoran alien.

    “ICE Washington, D.C. takes our commitment to public safety very seriously,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “Our brave officers are out on the streets every day enforcing U.S. immigration laws and ensuring the safety of our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities. We will continue our mission to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”

    ICE officers and agents from DEA, ATF, and DSS arrested:

    • Camilo Cesar Gonzales-Encalada, 23, an illegally present Spanish national and member of the Sureños gang whose criminal history includes convictions for assault, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Officers with ICE New York arrested Gonzales April 6.

    • Eric Sumo, 51, illegal Liberian alien wanted for documents fraud to include fraudulently possessing/manufacturing U.S. visas.

    • An illegal Salvadoran national who is in removal proceedings.

    Officers with ICE Washington, D.C. and agents with DEA Washington, D.C.; ATF Washington, D.C.; and DSS Washington, D.C. arrested Reyes and the other Salvadoran alien in Annandale. They apprehended Sumo in Alexandria April 21. All three aliens remain in ICE custody.

    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: @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 124 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 124 border-related cases this week, including charges of assault on a federal officer, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week:

    • On April 28, Jose Maria Murillo Estrada, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Officers and reentry after deportation. According to a complaint, the assault happened after Murillo attempted to make entry into the United States from Mexico through the San Ysidro Port of Entry by running through vehicle primary lanes and was intercepted by officers.
    • On April 27, Emma Alejandra Medina, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Attempted Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Medina was captain of a boat that was transporting eight undocumented immigrants on San Diego Bay.
    • On April 26, Jorge Alexandro Tellez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Tellez was taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection officers after he attempted to cross the border in his vehicle in the San Ysidro Port of Entry’s SENTRI lane with 286 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in all four doors, the seats, the spare tire, the tailgate, and in multiple tool bags located inside the vehicle.

    Also this week, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are a few of those cases:

    • On May 1, Juan Morales-Lopez, a Mexican national who was last deported in November 2024 and immediately returned on December 10th, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months in custody consecutive to 12 months custody for violating the terms of his supervised released for his earlier illegal entry conviction, for a total of 30 months in custody. Morales-Lopez has 10 illegal entry felony convictions in total and has been removed from the United States a total of 35 times.
    • On May 1, Jose Ramon Ochoa-Monteverde, a Mexican national living in the United States on a Visa, was sentenced in federal court to 84 months in custody for his role as a coordinator and courier for a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico, Imperial Valley, and the Central District of California. In one instance, Ochoa-Monteverde loaded a tractor trailer with duffel bags containing 106.38 kilograms of methamphetamine at a truck stop in Brawley, CA.
    • On April 28, Alejandro Gutierrez-Aguilar, who was previously convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute in 2014, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in custody for again entering the U.S illegally.

    Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Increase Resiliency, Strengthen Louisiana Power Grids

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Preventing Power Outages Act to strengthen power grids resiliency across the country by reauthorizing two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant programs that help states and utilities invest in modernizing their grid infrastructure. The bill would update these programs to ensure sufficient funding goes toward states whose grids are least reliable and require the most investment, helping the power stay on in the face of extreme weather and natural disasters.
    “I was at an event this week where President Trump emphasized the need for growth and power generation to fuel our future economy. He specifically spoke of the problems with our grid,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is one more step in addressing those problems that President Trump was speaking of.”
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) in introducing the legislation.
    Louisiana needs long-term, strategic investment to improve the resiliency of its grid infrastructure and deliver reliable power to households and businesses. However, without federal assistance, grid repair costs often ultimately fall to the very consumers that are being impacted by rising energy rates, poor reliability, and long service restoration times.
    The Preventing Power Outages Act would reauthorize and update DOE’s Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grants Program and Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants Program, which have spurred historic investment in much-needed grid improvements in recent years but are set to expire in 2026. Funding from these programs can be used for underground electrical equipment, utility pole management, relocating power lines, and more. It can also be used to acquire innovative technologies, including weatherization equipment, fire-resistant technologies, and fire prevention systems. Without reauthorization, states that require significant grid upgrades could go without the necessary investments to address ongoing challenges. The senators’ legislation aims to protect these critical federal resources and ensure Americans across the country have access to safe, reliable, and affordable power. 
    Background
    Cassidy worked to secure increased funding for grid hardening when negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Louisiana has already received $929,157,661.00 from IIJA to improve and strengthen the state’s electric grid thanks to Cassidy’s leadership.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Huffman Statement on Natural Resources Budget Reconciliation Bill

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

    “The most destructive environmental bill in American history”

    May 02, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) released the following statement on House Natural Resources Committee Republicans’ Budget Reconciliation bill: 
     
    “If Big Oil, Wall Street, and MAGA cultists locked themselves in a room to write a wish list, this bill would be it. The Republican budget is the most destructive environmental bill in American history. It torches clean air and water protections, hands over our public lands to polluters at fire-sale prices, and rigs the rules so oil executives can rubber-stamp their own permits in secret.
     
    “The Trump Tax Scam forces oil and gas lease sales—no matter the cost—even on lands tribes, ranchers, and local communities have fought to protect. With wildfires, droughts, and deadly storms becoming more extreme, this budget makes it worse: fueling the climate crisis while clawing back the very funding Americans will need to prepare for it. It slashes royalties so Big Oil can wring every last dollar from the lands and waters that belong to the American people. And if you dare speak up, they’ll charge you hundreds of dollars for filing forms to be allowed to protest.

    “And just like Trump’s so-called ‘skinny budget,’ they’re taking away millions of Americans’ health care to pay for it. Let’s be clear: Republicans are ripping coverage and protections from working families to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires and fossil fuel CEOs.
     
    “This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s corruption in broad daylight. Democrats are ready for this fight, because this fight is about protecting our public lands, our health, and stopping a government hijacked by polluters. Our future is non-negotiable.”
     

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 215

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 215
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    310 PM CDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    West Central Texas

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 310 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Widely scattered supercell thunderstorms are expected to
    develop this afternoon across the watch area. These storms will
    drift southeastward through the early evening, posing a risk of very
    large hail and damaging winds. A tornado is also possible.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 65
    statute miles east and west of a line from 80 miles north of Del Rio
    TX to 15 miles west southwest of Cotulla TX. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…WW 213…WW 214…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    28025.

    …Hart

    SEL5

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 215
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    310 PM CDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    West Central Texas

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 310 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    A tornado or two possible

    SUMMARY…Widely scattered supercell thunderstorms are expected to
    develop this afternoon across the watch area. These storms will
    drift southeastward through the early evening, posing a risk of very
    large hail and damaging winds. A tornado is also possible.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 65
    statute miles east and west of a line from 80 miles north of Del Rio
    TX to 15 miles west southwest of Cotulla TX. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…WW 213…WW 214…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    28025.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW5
    WW 215 SEVERE TSTM TX 022010Z – 030300Z
    AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    80N DRT/DEL RIO TX/ – 15WSW COT/COTULLA TX/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM E/W /56SSW SJT – 53N LRD/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 28025.

    LAT…LON 30529983 28369838 28360052 30520201

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU5.

    Watch 215 Status Report Messages:

    STATUS REPORT #1 ON WW 215

    VALID 022025Z – 022140Z

    THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES ACROSS THE ENTIRE WATCH AREA.

    ..LYONS..05/02/25

    ATTN…WFO…EWX…SJT…

    &&

    STATUS REPORT FOR WS 215

    SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

    TXC013-019-105-127-137-163-265-267-271-323-325-385-435-463-465-
    507-022140-

    TX
    . TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    ATASCOSA BANDERA CROCKETT
    DIMMIT EDWARDS FRIO
    KERR KIMBLE KINNEY
    MAVERICK MEDINA REAL
    SUTTON UVALDE VAL VERDE
    ZAVALA
    $$

    THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE
    REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL
    INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES
    CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES.
    $$

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Unlicensed D.C. Row House Sentenced in the Deaths of Two People in Fatal Kennedy Street Fire

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – James G. Walker, 67, of the District, was sentenced today to more than 35 years in prison for the Aug. 2019 row house fire that caused the deaths of Fitsum Kebede and Yafet Solomen. This case was jointly tried by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Brian L. Schwalb, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division Anthony Spotswood, Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr.

    Walker was found guilty of second-degree murder and multiple criminal building code violations on Feb. 20, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelmen sentenced Walker to five years of supervised release.

    According to the government’s evidence, Walker owned commercial property located at 708 Kennedy St., NW.  Walker did not have a certificate of occupancy for the building and the structure was in violation of several fire safety codes. Walker operated the building as an illegal “rooming house.” Some of the building’s rooms were too small to be considered habitable space, some had no windows, and the defendant failed to install or maintain functional smoke alarms throughout the building, including the basement. The most egregious violation, however, was the failure to provide an unobstructed means to escape the property, which included erecting multiple security gates that required keys from both sides, the worst offense being a double-keyed security gate installed within the property that blocked access from the kitchen to the front door. Importantly, the defendant had received specific warnings on March 21, 2019, from the Metropolitan Police Department, that the building was in violation of several building codes specifically related to fire safety and hazardous conditions. He was instructed to correct the conditions and have the building inspected for residential use but did nothing.  

    On the morning of Aug. 18, 2019, a fire erupted in the basement of 708 Kennedy St. Three tenants were present at the time of the fire. Fitsum Kebede, 40, and Yafet Solomen, 10, were in the basement and were unable to exit the premises. They subsequently died from thermal burns and smoke inhalation. The government’s evidence was that the defendant’s knowledge of the danger posed by the conditions of the property and his conscious disregard of the extreme risk that death or serious bodily injury could occur were the but-for cause of the deaths of the decedents.   

    In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin, D.C. Attorney General Schwalb, ATF Special Agent in Charge Spotswood, MPD Chief Smith, and Fire and EMS Chief Donnelly, commended the work of the ATF Arson and Explosives Task Force that investigated the case, including MPD, ATF, and Fire and EMS. They also credited the work of Homicide Section Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nebiyu Feleke, Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Victim/Witness Program Specialist Yvonne Bryant, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Supervisory IT Specialists Leif Hickling and Charlie Bruce, IT Project Manager Deon Williams, Supervisory IT Specialist Giovanni Harrison, Support Services Supervisor Alvon Brown, and Legal Assistant Patricia Wills Gonzalez. In addition, they congratulated and thanked DC Fire Department Battalion Chief Stephen Faulkner; Habtom Tekle and Jimmie Drummond of Drummond Projects.

    Additionally, they thanked the Office of the Attorney General team of Elizabeth Wieser, Peter Saba, Jose Marrero, and John Roberts for their support in this joint trial. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant United States Attorney Vinet Bryant, Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Cargill and Assistant Attorney General Keith Ingram who prosecuted the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six, including Twins and their Grandma, Sentenced for Trafficking Hundreds of Kilos of Meth in the Upstate

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Six individuals, including a set of twins and their grandmother, from the Upstate were sentenced to a total of 813 months in federal prison after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Biggerstaff additionally pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    • Mikayluh Walker, 26, of Gaffney
    • Mikenzi Walker, 26, of Gaffney
    • Christopher Biggerstaff, 42, of Chesnee
    • Brenda Mincey, 34, of Gaffney
    • Aa’lyah Maulana Tukes, 29, of Simpsonville
    • Sondra Walker, 67, of Gaffney

    Evidence presented to the court showed that since at least 2022, Mikayluh and Mikenzi Walker (the Walker twins) were distributing drugs in the Upstate of South Carolina. In at least 2023, the Walker twins were making trips to obtain methamphetamine from Atlanta, Georgia, a source city for drugs. The Walker twins utilized two stash houses during the conspiracy, one where they lived with their grandmother and co-defendant, Sondra Walker, and the other rented by Mikayluh’s girlfriend, Aa’lyah Tukes. In addition to letting the twins use the residence as a storage and distribution point for methamphetamine, Sondra Walker also distributed methamphetamine herself. During the conspiracy, Mikayluh Walker was responsible for distributing 250 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 600 grams of fentanyl and possessing multiple firearms in the course of the drug trafficking conspiracy.  Mikenzi Walker was responsible for distributing 86 pounds of methamphetamine and 10 grams of fentanyl.

    Evidence demonstrated that in July of 2023, officers arrested Brenda Mincey with methamphetamine and over 100 blue pills containing fentanyl. Investigative efforts determined that the drugs were sourced through the Walker twins and another defendant Jonathan Adam Sarratt.

    On Jan. 10, 2024, law enforcement conducted surveillance on one of the Walker twins’ stash houses and observed Biggerstaff appear to pick up drugs from the location. Local law enforcement stopped Biggerstaff’s car and searched him, locating 421 grams of methamphetamine and two .45 caliber pistols. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Biggerstaff distributed over 26 kilograms of drugs that were supplied by the Walker twins and that he additionally carried a 9mm pistol during the conspiracy. Biggerstaff had a lengthy criminal history at the time of his offense.

    On April 12, 2024, a search warrant was conducted on Sondra Walker’s residence, where Mikayluh Walker was living and using as a stash house. Law enforcement recovered approximately 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, 5,000 fentanyl pills, and a 12-gauge pistol grip shotgun. The same day, law enforcement conducted surveillance on and searched the car of Aa’lyah Tukes, Mikayluh’s girlfriend, and found Tukes with over $129,000 of drug proceeds. A search warrant was conducted on Tukes’ apartment, and law enforcement located an additional $21,000 of drug proceeds. 

    United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Mikayluh Walker to 276 months to be followed by a five-year term of court ordered supervision; Mikenzi Walker to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervision, Christopher Biggerstaff to 192 months, followed by five years of supervision; Brenda Mincey to 85 months, to be followed by three years of supervision, Aa’lyah Tukes to 32 months, followed by three years of supervision, and Sondra Walker to 48 months of home incarceration, followed by two years of supervision. Sarratt is awaiting sentencing.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations– Border Enforcement Security Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Schoen is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Columbus host press conference on combatting firearms trafficking to Mexico

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Columbus Field Division hosted a press conference to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico.

    “ATF is committed to disrupting firearms violence, which includes investigating and arresting those individuals who are providing violent criminals with the means to terrorize our communities,” stated Thomas Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “We remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to follow the trail of guns and disrupt the flow of firearms to criminals.”

    In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with federal and local partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

    Over the past four years, Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within our communities. These Cartels have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out their illicit activities such as, fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

    Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

    Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. From January 20 to May 1, 2025, ATF agents nationwide initiated 8,501 violent crime cases, arrested 1,912 criminals, seized a total of 10,592 firearms, 655,388 rounds of ammunition, 8,722 firearm parts, and 6,335 assorted explosives.

    ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

    ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eden Lake — Multi-agency search underway for youth kayaker in Pictou County

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A multi-agency search is underway for a youth kayaker in Pictou County.

    On May 1, at approximately 5 p.m., Pictou County District RCMP, fire services and EHS were dispatched to a report of an overturned kayaker on Eden Lake. RCMP officers learned that two youths, known to one another, were paddling on the lake in separate kayaks when one of them overturned, submerging the kayaker.

    Fire services, Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams (Halifax GSAR, Pictou County GSAR, Strait Area GSAR, Inverness County GSAR, Colchester GSAR), a Department of Natural Resources helicopter, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), RCMP Air Services and the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team have been engaged in the search which remains ongoing.

    Residents are asked to avoid the area.

    Our thoughts are with the youth’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    File #: 2025-580096

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Fire In The Hole 💥

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    —————
    @marineswith the @MarineForcesReservefire a FGM-148 Javelin at @fortmccoy. #DYK The blast radius for the Javelin is 2,500 meters, but it can be tested at up to 4,750 meters. #military #marines #usa

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The White House Office of Management and Budget Releases the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Skinny Budget

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Washington, D.C.–Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sent President Trump’s topline discretionary Budget request for fiscal year 2026 to the U.S. Congress.
    The Budget, which reduces non-defense discretionary by $163 billion or 23 percent from the 2025 enacted level, guts a weaponized deep state while providing historic increases for defense and border security.  The Budget also provides support for air and rail safety as well as key infrastructure and our Nation’s veterans and law enforcement.
    This is the lowest non-defense spending level since 2017.  Savings come from eliminating radical diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and critical race theory programs, Green New Scam funding, large swaths of the Federal Government weaponized against the American people, and moving programs that are better suited for States and localities to provide. 
    Defense spending would increase by 13 percent, and appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security would increase by nearly 65 percent, to ensure that our military and other agencies repelling the invasion of our border have the resources they need to complete the mission.  These increases will be made possible through the passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which will be enacted with a simple majority in the Congress, and not be held hostage by Democrats for wasteful spending increases that have been the status quo in Washington.
    “For decades, the biggest complaint about the Federal Budget was wasteful spending and bloated bureaucracy.  But over the last four years, Government spending aggressively turned against the American people and trillions of our dollars were used to fund cultural Marxism, radical Green New Scams, and even our own invasion.  No agency was spared in the Left’s taxpayer-funded cultural revolution.  At this critical moment, we need a historic Budget—one that ends the funding of our decline, puts Americans first, and delivers unprecedented support to our military and homeland security.  The President’s Budget does all of that,” said Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
    Highlights of the President’s key priorities include the following:
    End Weaponization and Reduce Violent Crime.  The Budget ends the previous Administration’s weaponization of the Government by eliminating programs like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s disinformation offices that targeted and censored Americans, eliminating so-called Fair Housing programs that waged war on America’s suburbs, ending the Environmental Protection Agency’s unfair harassment of citizens over “environmental justice” directives, and halting the ATF’s criminalizing of gun-owning Americans and instead, focusing on stopping illegal firearms traffickers and violent gang members.
    The Budget prioritizes Department of Justice (DOJ) key functions—restoring law and order to America’s communities, fighting crime, and supporting America’s men and women in Blue.  To that end, the Budget proposes to eliminate more than 40 DOJ grant programs that fund things like a “feminist, culturally specific nonprofit” to address “structural racism and toxic masculinities” and training Fa’afafine advocates—an organization of biological men that describes themselves as a “third-gender” in Samoa.  The Budget also reflects the President’s priority of reducing violent crime in American cities and protecting national security by getting Federal Bureau of Investigation agents into the field. 
    Defund the Harmful Woke, Marxist Agenda.  Every single agency across the Federal Government was engaged in funding and advancing DEI and other radical, harmful ideologies such as:  $315 million for grant programs to push “intersectionality,” “racial equity,” and LGBTQIA+ programming for preschoolers; housing grants that funded activities such as an “Equity Audit” to reverse “land use patterns that have roots in systemically racist policies in L.A. County; and “addressing White Supremacy in the STEM profession.”  The Budget ends all of that.
    Secure the Border.  The Budget request empowers the Department of Homeland Security to implement the President’s mass removal campaign and secure the border.  This funding is in addition to historic investments in border security the Administration proposes to provide through mandatory funding, as part of the congressional Budget reconciliation process.  The discretionary request includes an additional $500 million for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to expedite the removal of illegal aliens through the support of 50,000 detention beds, $766 million to procure cutting-edge border security technology funding, and funding to maintain 22,000 Border Patrol Agents and hire additional Customs and Border Protection officers for a total of 26,383 officers.  The Budget also cuts off the flow of taxpayer funds that have been abused to facilitate migrant caravan invasions.  Departments whose task it was to prevent those invasions allocated billions in funding to non-governmental organizations running “border aid stations” and legal services to criminal aliens—all of which will be eliminated under this new budget.
    Realign Foreign Aid.  The Budget ensures that foreign aid spending is efficient and consistent with U.S. foreign policy under the America First agenda.  The Budget reorganizes the U.S. Agency for International Development into the Department of State to meet current needs and eliminates non-essential staff that were hired based on DEI and preferencing practices.  The Budget also expands the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support U.S. national security and American interests—generating returns to the taxpayer and reducing reliance on foreign aid.  This includes $3 billion for a new revolving fund to allow DFC to recycle any realized returns from its initial investments.
    Rebuild our Nation’s Military.  The Budget request for the Department of Defense builds on the President’s promise to achieve peace through strength by providing the resources to rebuild our military, re-establish deterrence, and revive the warrior ethos of our Armed Forces.  In combination with $119 billion in mandatory funding, the Budget increases Defense spending by 13 percent, and prioritizes investments to strengthen the safety, security, and sovereignty of the homeland, deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and revitalize our defense industrial base. 
    Achieve American Energy Dominance.  The Budget supports the President’s commitment to unleash America’s affordable and reliable energy and natural resources.  The Budget cancels over $15 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Green New Scam funds provided to the Department of Energy for unreliable renewable energy, removing carbon dioxide from the air, and other costly technologies that burden ratepayers and consumers.  The Budget reorients Department of Energy funding toward research and development of technologies that could produce an abundance of domestic fossil energy and critical minerals, innovative concepts for nuclear reactors and advanced nuclear fuels, and technologies that promote firm baseload power.  The Budget also cancels an additional $5.7 billion in IIJA funding provided to the Department of Transportation for failed electric vehicle charger grant programs.
    Make America Healthy Again (MAHA).  The Budget request builds on the President’s MAHA Commission.  The Budget provides resources to the Department of Health and Human Services that would allow the Secretary to tackle issues related to nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyles, over-reliance on medication and treatments, the effects of new technological habits, environmental impacts, and food and drug quality and safety.  The Budget also supports the creation of MAHA food boxes, that would be filled with commodities sourced from domestic farmers and given directly to American households.  The Budget includes resources to ensure food safety nationwide, including support for increased production and demand for services.
    Support Our Veterans.  The Budget provides increased funding for healthcare services tailored to U.S. veterans’ needs, both at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and in the community.  Combined with $50 billion in mandatory funding from the Toxic Exposures Fund, the Budget ensures that the Nation’s veterans are provided with the world-class healthcare that they deserve.  In addition, veterans who qualify for access to care with local community providers would be empowered to make the choice to see them, rather than having to drive in some cases hours to access the nearest VA facility.  The Budget includes $1.1 billion in new VA funding to make a down payment on President Trump’s commitment to eradicate veterans’ homelessness, the largest funding increase in the last decade.
    Preserve Social Security.  The Budget supports the President’s promise to not touch Social Security benefits.  It also includes sufficient resources for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to improve customer service by expanding and improving online services, and reducing customer wait times in field offices and on the phone.  The Budget also includes investments in program integrity, to reduce fraud and abuse in Social Security programs, and in investments in artificial intelligence to increase employee productivity and automate routine workloads.  These efforts would help ensure that SSA delivers timely and accurate Social Security services to the public.
    Streamline K-12 Education Funding and Promote Parental Choice.  The Budget continues the process of shutting down the Department of Education.  The Budget maintains full funding for Title I, that provides Federal financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families, and special education funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  To limit the Federal role in education, and provide States with more flexibility, the Budget creates a new K-12 Simplified Funding Program that consolidates 18 competitive and formula grant programs into a new formula grant, and a Special Education Simplified Funding Program that consolidates seven IDEA programs into a single grant.  The Budget also invests $500 million, a $60 million increase, to expand the number of high-quality charter schools, that have a proven track record of improving students’ academic achievement and giving parents more choice in the education of their children.
    Make America Skilled Again (MASA).  The Budget proposes to give States and localities the flexibility to spend Federal workforce dollars to best support their workers and economies, instead of funneling taxpayer dollars to progressive non-profits finding work for illegal immigrants or focusing on DEI.  Under this proposal, States would now have more control and flexibility to coordinate with employers and would have to spend at least 10 percent of their MASA grant on apprenticeship, a proven model that trains workers while they earn a paycheck and offers a valuable alternative to college. 
    Support Space Flight.  The Budget refocuses the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funding on beating China back to the Moon and on putting the first human on Mars.  By allocating over $7 billion for lunar exploration and introducing $1 billion in new investments for Mars-focused programs, it ensures that America’s human space exploration efforts remain unparalleled, innovative, and efficient.  To achieve these objectives, the Budget would streamline the NASA workforce, IT services, NASA Center operations, facility maintenance, and construction and environmental compliance activities.  The Budget also eliminates “green aviation” and other climate scam programs as well as failing space propulsion projects.
    Maintain Support for Tribal Nations.  The Budget preserves Federal funding for the Indian Health Service and supports core programs at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, sustaining the Federal Government’s support for core programs that benefit tribal communities.  The Budget also weeds out radical woke grants and programs and streamlines other programs for tribal communities that were ineffective.
    Address Drug Abuse.  The Administration is committed to combatting the scourge of deadly drugs that have ravaged American communities.  The Budget prioritizes Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) resources on traffickers of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that are driving America’s overdose crisis.  This includes redirecting DEA’s foreign spending to regions with criminal organizations that traffic significant quantities of deadly drugs into the United States—Mexico, Central America, South America, and China. 
    Support Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Research.  The Budget amply funds research in artificial intelligence and quantum information science at key agencies to ensure the United States remains on the cutting edge of these critical technologies’ development and responsible use.
    Improve Wildland Firefighting.  Federal wildfire responsibilities currently are split across five agencies in two departments.  The Budget would consolidate firefighting responsibilities into a new Federal Wildland Fire Service at the Department of the Interior that would coordinate with non-Federal partners to combat the wildfire crisis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar, Colleagues to Trump Admin: No Refunds for January 6 Insurrectionists

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Durbin, Klobuchar, Colleagues to Trump Admin: No Refunds for January 6 Insurrectionists

    Senators to Attorney General Bondi: “To take the position that January 6 insurrectionists should now receive refunds is unacceptable”
    “The Department should direct Interim U.S. Attorney Martin to change course”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led six of their Senate colleagues in strongly objecting to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) misguided position that the federal government should refund restitution payments made by convicted January 6 insurrectionists for damage they caused to the Capitol building. In their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators urged her to direct Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin to reverse course.
    “We write to strongly object to the Department of Justice’s argument in an April 8 court filing that the federal government should refund restitution payments made by some of the convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The arguments advanced by the government in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Interim U.S. Attorney Edward Martin’s leadership are both insulting to the American people and inconsistent with separation of powers principles,” wrote the Senators.
    The violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 attempting to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results caused roughly $3 million in damages to the Capitol building, injured more than 100 law enforcement officers, and threatened members and their staff. Damage to the building included widespread vandalism, ruined furniture, shattered glass, broken doors, defaced artwork, and the desecration of the halls of Congress. Convicted January 6 insurrectionists paid about $400,000 in court-ordered restitution to cover the damages they caused, which has since been transferred to the Treasury Department, from where they can only be withdrawn by Congress.
    The DOJ argued in an April 8, 2025 court filing that the federal government should refund a convicted January 6 insurrectionist who paid $570 in restitution for his role in the insurrection after his case was vacated on appeal because of President Trump’s sweeping pardon of convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The Senators expressed serious policy and legal concerns with this position, including that it would violate the fundamental U.S. principle of separation of powers and that it would fully shift the cost of January 6-related repairs from the convicted insurrectionists to taxpayers.
    “The Department should direct Interim U.S. Attorney Martin to change course and forgo any attempt to use the pardon power as a basis to usurp the United States’ right to the January 6 restitution payments and impair Congress’ ability to use these funds to offset the cost to taxpayers of repairs from the January 6 insurrection,” continued the Senators.
    “We condemn the Justice Department’s position that the federal government should financially reward January 6 insurrectionists who ransacked the Capitol, attacked law enforcement officers, and threatened the lives of those who serve here,” concluded the Senators. “The roughly $400,000 received in restitution is little justice for the $3 million’s worth of damage done to the Capitol, the injuries sustained by Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers serving on that day, and the terror inflicted on those trapped inside during the attack. To take the position that January 6 insurrectionists should now receive refunds is unacceptable.”
    In addition to Padilla, Durbin, and Klobuchar, the letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    Senator Padilla has repeatedly condemned the deadly January 6 Capitol insurrection and helped pass legislation to prevent similar attacks from threatening our democracy. He previously cosponsored and applauded the passage of the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, which modernized the outdated Electoral Count Act of 1887 to ensure the electoral votes tallied by Congress accurately reflect each state’s vote for president.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write to strongly object to the Department of Justice’s argument in an April 8 court filing that the federal government should refund restitution payments made by some of the convicted January 6 insurrectionists. The arguments advanced by the government in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Interim U.S. Attorney Edward Martin’s leadership are both insulting to the American people and inconsistent with separation of powers principles.
    On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, attacking and injuring more than 100 law enforcement officers, causing nearly $3 million in damages, and threatening the lives of those who serve here. After violently overpowering law enforcement to illegally enter the Capitol, insurrectionists desecrated the halls of Congress by graffitiing the building, smashing windows and doors, damaging artwork, and destroying furniture, in an attempt to disrupt Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election.
    While we can never undo the harm these insurrectionists caused to our nation and our Capitol, many of those convicted for their crimes were ordered to pay restitution to cover some of the physical damage they inflicted. Hundreds of individuals were convicted for their roles in the January 6 attack and paid about $400,000 in court-ordered restitution. The Justice Department’s assertion that the government should now offer refunds to insurrectionists and instead have the American taxpayer pay the full cost for the damage these offenders caused is offensive and flies in the face of legal precedent limiting the pardon power.
    As the Justice Department acknowledged in its April 8 court filing, a pardon does not affect the vested rights of others, and the United States’ right to restitution vests when the restitution has been sent to the Treasury Department. Once these funds are in the Treasury, only Congress has the power to withdraw the funds; the President cannot use his pardon power to do so. The Department should direct Interim U.S. Attorney Martin to change course and forgo any attempt to use the pardon power as a basis to usurp the United States’ right to the January 6 restitution payments and impair Congress’ ability to use these funds to offset the cost to taxpayers of repairs from the January 6 insurrection.
    We condemn the Justice Department’s position that the federal government should financially reward January 6 insurrectionists who ransacked the Capitol, attacked law enforcement officers, and threatened the lives of those who serve here. The roughly $400,000 received in restitution is little justice for the $3 million’s worth of damage done to the Capitol, the injuries sustained by Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers serving on that day, and the terror inflicted on those trapped inside during the attack. To take the position that January 6 insurrectionists should now receive refunds is unacceptable.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Torres Slam DHS Immigration Enforcement in Pomona Harming Economy, CA Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Torres Slam DHS Immigration Enforcement in Pomona Harming Economy, CA Communities

    Lawmakers urge DHS to “focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Representative Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35) condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) indiscriminate immigration enforcement raids in Pomona, California as part of President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda that are terrorizing California communities and harming the economy. The lawmakers demanded answers on recent egregious DHS enforcement actions — without notice or coordination — including the arrest of at least 10 day laborers outside of a Home Depot, the detainment of a small business owner at gunpoint outside of his barbershop, and an enforcement raid at a Pomona auto body shop conducted with the Riverside County Sherriff’s department.
    Padilla, Schiff, and Torres underscored the deep distrust and economic chaos these enforcement raids foster, hurting entire communities and national supply chains and keeping consumers at home out of fear.
    “We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement,” wrote the lawmakers.
    “Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona,” continued the lawmakers. “Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work.”
    The lawmakers highlighted that California’s economy — now the fourth largest in the world — relies on the contributions of immigrant labor, as immigrants and their children make up the majority (55 percent) of California’s workforce, with immigrants alone comprising 34 percent of the state’s population. Last year, undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income, $66 billion in spending power, $50 billion to Social Security, and $14 billion to Medicare. They emphasized that immigrant workers make up a significant portion of California’s leading agriculture, health care, and construction sectors. Immigrant construction workers comprise over 40 percent of California’s construction workforce, and are already doing essential work to help Los Angeles County rebuild from the devastating wildfires earlier this year.
    The lawmakers stressed that rather than indiscriminately targeting long-term residents with no criminal records, DHS should work with Congress to help provide these immigrants with a pathway to citizenship. Senator Padilla previously introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, including Dreamers, as his first bill in Congress.
    “While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades,” added the lawmakers. “These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.”
    The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding information on the raids, including why local officials were not notified and what steps DHS is taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities.
    “We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation,” concluded the lawmakers.
    Senator Padilla blasted the Pomona immigration raids last week, emphasizing that indiscriminate immigrant enforcement hurts our communities and economy.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Noem,
    We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement.
    According to press reports, the City of Pomona in our home state of California has been at the epicenter of recent immigration enforcement activity, much of which has been conducted without giving notice to local officials:
    On Tuesday, April 22, Martin Majin-Leon, a long-time resident and small business owner, was detained at gunpoint in front of his barbershop, terrorizing his family and community. He was released after 30 hours, but the trauma persists. Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval expressed frustration, commenting to federal officials that they were “terrorizing our community.” Reports suggest DMV records may have played a role in his targeting, raising concerns about data-sharing between state agencies and federal immigration authorities.
    Meanwhile, that same day, federal immigration enforcement agents detained as many as 20 day laborers outside a Home Depot in Pomona, where witnesses saw agents arrive in marked and unmarked vehicles around 8 a.m. The Pomona Police Department had no prior knowledge of the operation, and conflicting reports have persisted regarding whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or other federal law enforcement entities were responsible for the detentions.
    Later that week, on Friday, April 25, another major enforcement action occurred at Moon Auto Collision in Pomona, executed jointly by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies and Homeland Security Special Response Teams under the auspices of a narcotics warrant. Pomona city officials, including Mayor Tim Sandoval, were given no prior notice. Mayor Sandoval, upon visiting the scene, underscored the devastating impact these operations have had on community trust and the economic health of local businesses.
    Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona. Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work. One local business owner told reporters, “Customers are scared. They are not coming to buy anything. They are not coming to get repairs done.”
    While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades. These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.
    California’s economy – now the fourth largest in the world – demonstrates the strength and contributions of immigrant labor. Immigrants and their children comprise 55 percent of California’s workforce. Immigrants alone account for 34 percent of the state’s population and paid $168 billion in taxes last year, while generating over $400 billion in spending power. Undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income and $66 billion in spending power, alongside $50 billion to Social Security and $14 billion to Medicare.
    Additionally, in the wake of the destructive wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County earlier this year, immigrant construction workers—who make up more than 40 percent of the workforce in California—are essential to the community’s ability to rebuild and recover. Put simply, in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, and health care, immigrant workers are indispensable to our community.
    Accordingly, we respectfully request answers to the following:
    1. Why weren’t local officials in Pomona notified about recent enforcement actions?
    2. Which federal law enforcement entities were involved in or aware of these enforcement actions?
    3. Has DHS responded to local law enforcement’s request for answers?
    4. What protocols exist to coordinate with local law enforcement and elected officials before conducting large-scale enforcement actions?
    5. How does DHS plan to comply with the April 29, 2025 court order from the Eastern District of California barring Border Patrol agents from detaining or arresting individuals without reasonable suspicion of illegal presence, as required by the Fourth Amendment?
    6. Was California Department of Motor Vehicles data accessed in the case of Martin Majin-Leon?
    7. What safeguards exist to prevent improper use of state data for immigration enforcement purposes?
    8. What steps is DHS taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities that have been traumatized by these events?
    We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation.
    Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten Blasts Trump’s Stoppage of the National Climate Assessment

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

    May 02, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding reports that the Trump Administration has effectively halted the National Climate Assessment (NCA), a congressionally mandated report on the impacts of climate change on the United States:

    “The president can attempt to change the laws of the United States, but he cannot change the laws of physics. Climate change is real. It is impacting our health, economy, and national security. It is fueling extreme wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, and flooding, bringing home insurance markets around the country to the brink of collapse. Pretending otherwise isn’t just foolish, it’s dangerous and puts American lives at risk.

    “To effectively stop the work of the National Climate Assessment is to strip federal, state, and local governments of the insights necessary to implement targeted solutions that mitigate the climate crisis. The NCA provides an essential, comprehensive look at how climate change affects American communities, economies, and ecosystems. Gutting the NCA also harms US national security, limiting information available to the Department of Defense as to how climate change impacts military readiness, infrastructure, supply chain, and global stability. 

    “Cutting the nation’s premier tool for understanding the current and future impacts of a changing climate is like smashing the radar on a ship navigating into a growing storm—reckless, disorienting, and leaving everyone on board to navigate blind. This is among the most damaging actions the Trump Administration has taken against climate science to date.”

    The NCA is a congressionally mandated report under the Global Change Research Act, issued every four years. It’s coordinated by NASA and draws on contributions from 14 federal agencies and hundreds of academic, economic, and scientific experts. It provides:

    • High-resolution, county-level climate projections
    • Physical climate risk data essential to real estate, financial, and infrastructure planning
    • Sector-specific and economic impact assessments across a wide range of modeled futures

    Unlike the IPCC reports, which consider the global impacts of climate change, the NCA offers the most granular and policy-relevant science specific to the U.S.. Without it, policymakers lose a foundational tool for climate adaptation, planning, and economic risk assessment.

    On April 9th, 2025, the administration defunded the NCA and gutted the NASA team supporting it. This week, reports indicate the Trump Administration has dismissed all remaining non-governmental volunteers, putting the 2028 report in jeopardy.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Partner Siebel Newsom celebrates Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day in Southern California and the Bay Area

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 1, 2025

    LOS ANGELES — California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, mental health professionals, and athletes at two schools in Pasadena and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula’s East Palo Alto Clubhouse to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day. The events were hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, which the First Partner co-chairs alongside NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, and provided families with interactive ways to explore the connection between movement, mindfulness, and overall health.

    Concurrent Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day events were hosted by community organizations in Sacramento County, Stanislaus County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Fresno County.

    “Our mental health is as essential to our overall well-being as our physical health, and the two are deeply connected. Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day is a reminder to all Californians that even the simplest of daily movement and mindfulness practices will make a meaningful difference in one’s long- term health, guiding kids towards establishing healthy habits at the earliest of ages.”

    First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco: “We are grateful for the support for the well-being of our students, which is especially important as they recover from the Eaton Fire. When students feel healthy, supported, and valued, they can learn and succeed.” 

    Jennifer Hall Lee, PUSD Board of Education President: “We’ve created caring, inclusive spaces where students can feel safe again and heal after the Eaton Fire. Supporting the whole child is how we can help them move forward with hope.”

    Jenny Obiaya, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula: “At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, our wraparound services for youth include many opportunities for free sports and physical fitness activities, as well as free mental health services. That’s why we are so proud to host this important event as part of Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day. Our students had so much fun celebrating alongside and learning from leaders like First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Brandi Chastain, an iconic World Cup and Olympic soccer star.” 

    The First Partner kicked off the day at Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, which suffered significant damage in the Eaton Fire and is co-locating at McKinley School in Pasadena. More than 600 students from both schools gathered in the auditorium for a fun-filled morning of yoga, meditation, dancing, and drumboxing. 

    Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day continued in East Palo Alto where the First Partner teamed up with Olympic and World Cup Champion Brandi Chastain at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. More than 250 kids Zumba danced and played pickleball and soccer, and participated in mindfulness activities such as crafts, cooking, and yoga.

    Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind was launched in 2023 by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, the California Department of Health Care Services, and the California Department of Public Health. Learn more at www.moveyourbodycalmyourmind.org.

    Photos of the Pasadena event available here. Additional photos available upon request. 

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    May 1, 2025

    LOS ANGELES — California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, mental health professionals, and athletes at two schools in Pasadena and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula’s East Palo Alto Clubhouse to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day. The events were hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, which the First Partner co-chairs alongside NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, and provided families with interactive ways to explore the connection between movement, mindfulness, and overall health.

    Concurrent Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day events were hosted by community organizations in Sacramento County, Stanislaus County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Fresno County.

    “Our mental health is as essential to our overall well-being as our physical health, and the two are deeply connected. Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day is a reminder to all Californians that even the simplest of daily movement and mindfulness practices will make a meaningful difference in one’s long- term health, guiding kids towards establishing healthy habits at the earliest of ages.”

    First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

    LOS ANGELES — California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, mental health professionals, and athletes at two schools in Pasadena and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula’s East Palo Alto Clubhouse to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day. The events were hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, which the First Partner co-chairs alongside NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, and provided families with interactive ways to explore the connection between movement, mindfulness, and overall health.

    Concurrent Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day events were hosted by community organizations in Sacramento County, Stanislaus County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Fresno County.

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    What they’re saying:

    • Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, original author of the Mental Health Services Act: “Twenty years ago, I never could have dreamed that we would have the strong leadership we have today, committing billions and making courageous policy changes that question the conventional wisdom on mental health. Now, with the passage of Proposition 1. California is delivering on decades old promises to help people living with brain-based illnesses, to live better lives, to live independently and to live with dignity in our communities. This is a historic moment and the hard work is ahead of us.“
    • Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), author of Senate Bill 326: “Today marks a day of hope for thousands of Californians who are struggling with mental illness – many of whom are living unhoused. I am tremendously grateful to my fellow Californian’s for passing this important measure.  And I am very appreciative of this Governor’s leadership to transform our behavioral health care system!”
    • Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of Assembly Bill 531: “This started as an audacious proposal to address the root cause of homelessness and today, Californians can be proud to know that they did the right thing by passing Proposition 1. Now, it’s time for all of us to get to work, and make sure these reforms are implemented and that we see results.”

    Bigger picture: Transforming the Mental Health Services Act into the Behavioral Health Services Act and building more community mental health treatment sites and supportive housing is the last main pillar of Governor Newsom’s Mental Health Movement – pulling together significant recent reforms like 988 crisis line, CalHOPE, CARE Court, conservatorship reform, CalAIM behavioral health expansion (including mobile crisis care and telehealth), Medi-Cal expansion to all low-income Californians, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (including expanding services in schools and on-line), Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, Veterans Mental Health Initiative, Behavioral Health Community Infrastructure Program, Behavioral Health Bridge Housing, Health Care Workforce for All and more.

    More details on next step here

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Indicted For Selling Drugs And Unlawful Possession Of Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – Two foreign nationals unlawfully residing in the United States made their initial court appearances Wednesday to face a 12-count indictment in connection to an alleged drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, and unlawful possession of firearms, including a privately made firearm, in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes.

    According to allegations contained in court documents, from September 2024 to March 27, 2025, Jose Luis Castillo-Alvarez, also known as “Celso Ramses Ibarra-Angulo” and “Oscar,” and Kevin Omar Cruz-Lima, also known as “Kevin Omar Lima-Cruz” and “Cesar,” conspired with each other to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; 10 grams or more of fentanyl; and cocaine. Furthermore, on March 27, 2025, Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima allegedly possessed an AM15 5.56x45mm semiautomatic rifle and a privately made 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes. Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima were unlawfully in the United States at the time of the alleged crimes. Castillo-Alvarez had been previously deported from the United States.

    Heroin is a Schedule I controlled substance; and methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine are Schedule II controlled substances.

    Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; two counts of distribution of heroin; one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm; and two counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

    Additionally, Castillo-Alvarez is charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Castillo-Alvarez was previously deported and removed from the United States on April 20, 2020, and reentered the country illegally. Cruz-Lima is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

    United States Magistrate Judge Youchah scheduled a jury trial before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to begin on June 30, 2025.

    If convicted, both Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima face the total maximum statutory penalty of confinement for life.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by ATF, the ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig and Special Assistant United States Attorney Clay Plummer are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: D.C. Felon Indicted After Officers Find Firearm in Vehicle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Charged as Part of Make D.C. Safe Again Initiative

    WASHINGTON – Jerone D. Robinson, 48, a resident of the District of Columbia, has been indicted on a federal firearms charge as part of the Make D.C. Safe Again initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

    Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. The initiative prioritizes federal firearms violations, seeks tougher penalties for offenders, and aims to detain dangerous individuals facing federal firearms charges.

    Robinson is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 18, 2024, MPD officers were conducting proactive patrols on Benning Road NE when they observed an unattended, running vehicle. Officers noted a sole occupant, later identified as Robinson, sitting in the driver’s seat. Through the windshield, an officer spotted a firearm on the floorboard in front of the driver’s seat.

    Robinson was detained without incident. Officers secured the firearm, which was identified as a loaded, Glock-style semi-automatic handgun.

    Officers also observed a Styrofoam cup containing a yellow liquid with the odor of alcohol in the center console. When questioned, Robinson admitted it was “a mixed drink.” He was arrested and transported to the Fifth District Station.

    A background check confirmed the firearm was not legally registered, that Robinson lacked a license to carry, and that he is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.

    This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven B. Wasserman is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Louisville host press conference on combatting firearms trafficking to Mexico

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Louisville Field Division hosted a joint press conference to showcase recent efforts to combat the trafficking of firearms to Mexico. ATF was also joined by the IRS, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Louisville Metro Police Department and Jeffersontown Police Department.

    “ATF is on the frontline in the fight against gun-related violence associated with organized gangs and drug trafficking organizations,” said ATF Louisville Field Division Special Agent in Charge John Nokes. “These crimes present a grave threat to public safety, and our law enforcement partnerships are critical as we work together to stop firearms trafficking by criminal groups.”

    In response to the growing threat posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations and the administration’s emphasis on combating them, ATF has been working swiftly and diligently with partners to effectively combat the flow of illegal firearms trafficked to Mexico.

    Over the past four years, Cartels have infiltrated the United States through the southern border and are operating within our communities. These Cartels have established and expanded their networks throughout the United States to carry out their illicit activities such as, fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

    Cartels rely on specific firearms to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, including large caliber and/or belt fed rifles such as, the Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle.

    Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, ATF has prevented nearly 9,700 firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals or terrorist. In Fiscal Year to Date 2025, ATF initiated 15,825 violent crime cases and seized 18,286 firearms, 13,031 firearms parts and accessories, 1,161,501 rounds of ammunition and 13,304 assorted explosives.

    ATF is the only federal law enforcement agency whose mission is to reduce violent crime. While our mission is clear and concise, it is also immense and dangerous. And, as a small agency with just about 5,000 employees, we can only succeed with our local, state, and federal partners. These partnerships, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), other government agencies, state and local law enforcement, help to stem the flow of illegal firearms being trafficked to Mexico.

    ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating firearms, fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform Initiative focuses on key areas of 2025 workplan

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand, coordinator of the FFSR Initiative, briefed participants on the outcomes of an informal planning meeting of co-sponsors in March, which had taken stock of progress made in 2024 and developed a plan to guide work across the three pillars in 2025.

    Under the third pillar — “identifying and addressing harmful fossil fuel subsidies” — dedicated sessions have been planned to deepen understanding of specific subsidy categories and to facilitate experience-sharing among members on practical reform pathways. In that context, one of the dedicated sessions, which followed on from an initial discussion in 2024, aimed to further examine the different types of production subsidies in order to explore their environmental and trade impacts.

    As part of this dedicated session, the Asian Development Bank presented its Energy Transition Mechanism and outlined efforts to support the accelerated retirement of coal-fired power plants in the Asia-Pacific region. Carbon Tracker, an independent financial think tank, provided an analysis of the impact of climate change on capital markets and fossil fuel investments and highlighted the risks and opportunities, as well as the potential pathways toward a low-carbon future. The non-governmental organization Beyond Fossil Fuels shared insights on Europe’s coal exit strategies.

    Under the first pillar — “enhanced transparency” — the WTO Secretariat provided an update on efforts to use the Trade Policy Review Mechanism to increase transparency with regard to fossil fuel subsidies and their reform, having documented an increase in questions about fossil fuel subsidies and their reform during 2024, with more than 46 questions asked during 15 trade policy reviews (TPRs). This clearly led to an increase in the extent of information being provided on this topic in TPRs. Additional WTO avenues for further stakeholder engagement are also being explored.

    Co-sponsors expressed support for the systematic inclusion of fossil fuel subsidy–related questions in the TPR process. They emphasized the value of transparency and of collecting a fuller and more comparable information base across a broader group of WTO members.

    Under the second pillar — “crisis support measures” — co-sponsors continued to share experiences concerning the design, adjustment and phase-out of temporary fossil fuel subsidies introduced in response to recent energy crises. Co-sponsors also continued to develop draft guidelines aimed at ensuring that such measures remain targeted, transparent and temporary.

    In addition to this work, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) presented a recent publication titled “Options for International Agreements on Fossil Fuel Subsidies”.

    In concluding, Ambassador Kelly noted that the next FFSR meeting, scheduled for 11 July 2025, will continue to facilitate experience-sharing and to deepen discussions on other categories of fossil fuel subsidies, in line with WTO members’ interests. She thanked participants for their engagement and encouraged continued collaboration in the lead-up to the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), to be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2026.

    The FFSR initiative seeks to achieve the rationalization, phasing-out or elimination of harmful fossil fuel subsidies through the use of existing mechanisms or the development of new pathways to reform, and encourages WTO members to share information and experiences to advance discussions at the WTO. More information about the FFSR initiative is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Two months of humanitarian aid ban in Gaza is ‘genocide in action’ – harrowing testimonies from residents

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Israel’s ban on aid and goods into Gaza has now entered its second month

    Starvation and denial of life-saving essentials are being used as weapons of war

    ‘You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag. Every day is like this here’ – Gaza resident

    ‘Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    Israel must immediately end its devastating siege on the occupied Gaza Strip which constitutes a genocidal act, a blatant form of unlawful collective punishment, and the war crime of using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, said Amnesty International.

    By blocking the entry of supplies critical for the survival of the population, Israel continues its policy of deliberately imposing conditions of life on Palestinians in Gaza calculated to bring about their physical destruction; this constitutes an act of genocide.  

    Harrowing new testimonies, gathered by Amnesty throughout April, reveal the catastrophic human cost of Israel’s two-month long total siege, where starvation and denial of life-saving essentials are being used as weapons of war in flagrant violation of international law. 

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns, said:

    “The extent of human suffering in Gaza for the past 19 months has been unimaginable, and it is a direct consequence of Israel’s ongoing genocide. Apart from a brief respite during the temporary truce, Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction.

    “For the past two months, Israel has completely cut off the supply of humanitarian aid and other items indispensable to the survival of civilians in a clear and calculated effort to collectively punish over two million civilians and to make Gaza unliveable. This is genocide in action.  

    “The international community must not continue to stand by as Israel perpetrates these atrocities with impunity. Governments, especially Israel’s allies, must act now and take concrete measures to pressure Israel into immediately lifting its total siege and allowing the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid and its safe distribution across all of Gaza. A sustained ceasefire is essential to ensure that can happen.” 

    Testimonies from residents and internally displaced people

    Amnesty conducted interviews with 35 internally displaced people seeking shelter in Gaza City and six residents of Beit Lahia, which paint a grim picture of a population teetering on the brink of survival.  

    In addition to blocking entry of all aid, Israel’s decision to cut power to Gaza’s main desalination plant on 9 March has further crippled access to clean water. The plant was the only facility in Gaza reconnected to Israel’s electricity grid in November 2024, after a full electricity blackout had been imposed since 11 October 2023.  

    The collapse of the truce with Israel’s resumption of attacks on 18 March, which have killed at least 2,325 people, including 820 children, shattered any semblance of hope for Palestinians in Gaza.  

    A resident told Amnesty:

    “We thought we would finally have a chance to mourn our dead in peace, to bury those we couldn’t bury and to start life. Conditions were very tough, but at least we could start planning for something other than death.” 

    Expansive “evacuation” orders and no-go zones now engulf nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip, forcing people to abandon what is left of the scarce sources of sustenance and access to livelihoods for farmers and fishermen.  

    The consequences are irreversible damage to the Palestinian population. Basic food items -including fish and meat- have become prohibitively expensive, pushing countless families into hunger. 

    One fisherman described the deadly gamble he is forced to take due to the risk of being shot at by the Israeli military while at sea: 

    “When I go fishing, I know that the danger of not returning home to my family is great… but we have no other option. My family’s survival depends on the money we can get out of selling the fish in the market – and it may cost you your life.”  

    The severe food scarcity is being exploited and exacerbated by individuals hoarding or looting supplies, selling them at extortionate prices. Amidst a severe cash liquidity crisis, commissions to withdraw money may reach 30%. Most Palestinians in Gaza now can only rely on overcrowded community kitchens, where displaced people endure hours-long waits for minimal sustenance, often just a single meal per day.  

    A displaced parent said:

    “We don’t ask if food is nutritious or not, if it’s fresh or good; that’s a luxury, we just want to fill the stomachs of our children. I don’t want my child to die hungry.”

    Throughout the conflict, including during the truce, local authorities in Gaza have failed to take any meaningful steps to stop such exploitation and profiteering. Their apparent disregard for civilians has prompted hundreds of protesters in Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia, to take to the streets demanding the downfall of Hamas in recent weeks.   

    The crisis has had a particularly devastating impact on infants and breastfeeding and pregnant mothers. According to OCHA, 92% of infants aged 6-23 months and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are not meeting their nutrient requirements.   

    Water scarcity, an endemic problem in Gaza due to Israel’s 17 year-long blockade, has now become critical, with some resorting to drinking seawater. Damaged infrastructure and fuel shortages have severely limited access to clean water. Residents in Beit Lahia said they had no water for domestic use for five consecutive days.  

    Another resident said:

    “I woke up thirsty, not even able to speak. If we wanted to get just a few bottles of drinking water, I had to send my son to queue for water for hours and he had to walk long distances. With the relentless bombardment and danger lurking everywhere, you don’t know. You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag. Every day is like this here.” 

    The lack of cooking gas and the scarcity and unaffordability of wood are forcing people to burn hazardous materials like waste and nylon for cooking and heating, leading to widespread respiratory illnesses, particularly among women, who often are the ones making fire for cooking.   

    Gaza’s healthcare system has largely collapsed under Israel’s military attacks and denial of humanitarian aid access. Doctors at the Al-Rantissi pediatric hospital in Gaza City, which only managed to reopen during the truce, report critical shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment.  

    A doctor said:

    “We are the only hospital in Gaza dedicated to providing dialysis for children… following the siege, we’ve been having shortages, including in AV fistulas which doctors need to prepare patients for dialysis treatment. We also notice the impact of the hunger on the children who come here to receive treatment: they are fading… you recommend that the parent give the child specific attention, specific food, and you know that what you are recommending is an impossibility.” 

    Another doctor highlighted the growing number of severely malnourished children, including infants lacking baby formula, and a critical shortage of life-saving medications like insulin. 

    Amnesty opposes any attempts to weaponise aid, use it for forced displacement, or create discriminatory aid distribution zones, all of which would violate international law. 

    ICJ hearings this week

    This week in the Hague, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding public hearings to examine Israel’s obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including the provision of humanitarian assistance. Amnesty reiterates the critical urgency of allowing UNRWA, other UN agencies and humanitarian organisations, to carry out their life-saving work across the OPT without obstructions.  

    Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza also flouts repeated ICJ orders to ensure Palestinians have access to sufficient humanitarian assistance and basic services. 

    System of apartheid

    Since June 2007, Israeli authorities have imposed an illegal land, sea and air blockade on Gaza, effectively controlling the entire strip and depriving residents of their most basic rights. This blockade has isolated Palestinians in Gaza from the rest of the OPT, and helped maintain Israel’s system of apartheid. Immediately following the Hamas-led 7 October attacks, Israel imposed a full siege on Gaza for almost two weeks, but even after Israel was pressured into lifting the total siege, it has maintained suffocating restrictions on the delivery of aid into and inside Gaza.  

    Erika Guevara Rosas at Amnesty added:

    “Governments contemptible failure to live up to their legal responsibilities to prevent and bring an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, as well as their obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law throughout the OPT, is deplorable. Decades of inaction helped establish pervasive impunity for Israel’s persistent violations and it is now exacting an unprecedent toll of death, destruction and suffering on Palestinians.

    “Governments must take action to render Israel’s violations against Palestinians politically, diplomatically and economically unsustainable – the siege on Gaza must end now. They must impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel and fully support and cooperate with the International Criminal Court.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Back to Earth

    Source: NASA

    The Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft is pictured backing away from the International Space Station shortly after undocking on April 19, 2025. Three hours later, the spacecraft landed in Kazakhstan, returning astronaut Don Pettit and cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner to Earth.
    While aboard the International Space Station, Pettit conducted hundreds of hours of scientific investigations, including research to enhance on-orbit metal 3D printing capabilities, advance water sanitization technologies, explore plant growth under varying water conditions, and investigate fire behavior in microgravity, all contributing to future space missions.
    Image credit: NASA/Jonny Kim

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentucky Survivors of April Storms

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentucky Survivors of April Storms

    Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentucky Survivors of April Storms

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – In the aftermath of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides, some Kentuckians are grappling with storm-damaged vehicles

    If your insurance doesn’t cover all your storm-related vehicle damage, FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to help fill the gap

    The first step is to file a claim with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy

    This type of policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle

     Apply with FEMA even if you have insurance

    FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled

    To be eligible for FEMA assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:The vehicle was damaged during the April storms within the disaster-designated area of Kentucky, which includes Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties

    The applicant can provide proof of ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title

    The vehicle was in compliance with Kentucky’s registration and insurance requirements at the time of the disaster

    The applicant has no other usable vehicle

    Applicants with more than one storm-damaged vehicle, must write a statement explaining why the household needs more than one working vehicle

    The statement should include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle

     How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceSurvivors in the Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties who have disaster-caused damage or loss from the April storm can apply for federal disaster assistance under the major disaster declaration DR-4864 in several ways:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Visit any Disaster Recovery Center

    To find a center close to you, visit fema

    gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 7 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Eastern Time

    Help is available in many languages

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

     The deadline to apply under DR-4864-KY is June 25

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Fri, 05/02/2025 – 14:50

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Homeland Security Announces Disbursement of over $5 Million in Grant Payments to South Dakota to Support Disaster Relief and Antiterrorism

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Homeland Security Announces Disbursement of over $5 Million in Grant Payments to South Dakota to Support Disaster Relief and Antiterrorism

    ASHINGTON – Today, under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the Department of Homeland Security has distributed more than $5

    3 million in grand funding to the State of South Dakota to support disaster relief funding, antiterrorism efforts, and other key security imperatives

    These grant payments were resumed as DHS is undertaking a thorough review of all its spending to fulfill President Trump’s mandate to maximize efficiency, transparency, and save taxpayer dollars

    After determining that these grants are essential to helping South Dakota protect Americans from natural disasters and terrorism, Secretary Noem authorized their disbursement

    “I am pleased to announce that the people of South Dakota will be getting the support they need to rebuild from disasters and protect themselves from human threats like terrorism,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

    “This is what the federal government should be doing: supporting states while they take the lead in providing for their own security

    President Trump gave us a mandate to maximize efficiency and make sure that all taxpayer dollars are used for the mission at hand

    That is exactly what we are going to do

    ”
    The grant money will help the people of South Dakota recover from last year’s severe storms and flooding by rebuilding infrastructure, removing debris, repairing roads and culvers, supplying backup generators, repairing utility lines, and more

    MIL OSI USA News –